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Good morning, Greater Sudbury! Here are a few stories to start you day on this Wednesday morning.
Mayoral candidate Bob Johnston may have already disqualified himself
Bob Johnston’s political aspirations might be short-lived, with a breach of the Municipal Elections Act potentially making him ineligible to seek the mayor’s chair. At issue is a decal posted to the side of his vehicle featuring a photograph of Johnston and the words “Not Bigger, but Better / Mayor / Vote Bob Johnston 2022.” A Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing spokesperson clarified in emailed correspondence with Sudbury.com that “candidates cannot spend money, including their own money, on their campaign before the clerk receives their nomination form.” The nomination period doesn’t open until May 1. The City of Greater Sudbury offered the same interpretation of the Municipal Elections Act and clarified that upon conviction, those found in breach of the act could face fines, imprisonment, forfeiture of office or ineligibility to run for office in the future.
Attempt to thaw frozen pipes likely cause of house fire on Voyageur Street
Greater Sudbury Fire Services is urging residents to exercise caution in these extreme temperatures as they attempt to keep water pipes from freezing. Deputy Fire Chief Jesse Oshell said three stations responded to a house fire on Voyageur Street this morning. It was the elderly occupants of the home who called in and reported smoke, said Oshell. Firefighters were “quick to arrive” on scene. They helped evacuate the residents with help from neighbours. One of the home’s residents was taken to Health Sciences North with minor, non-life-threatening injuries. Oshell said damage estimates are between $25,000 and $50,000.
Charges withdrawn against GSPS officer after she completes court-approved program
Charges against Greater Sudbury Police constable Melisa Rancourt have now been withdrawn and she will avoid having a criminal record after being charged for resisting arrest and trespassing, stemming from an incident at the Espanola Recreation Centre on Sept. 26. Rancourt’s attorney Len Walker made an appearance in Espanola provincial court briefly on her behalf on Jan. 10 to update the court on Rancourt’s progress in the Direct Accountability program, which is administered by the John Howard Society. Because she has completed the program’s requirements, which include admitting to the crimes, the two charges against Rancourt have now been officially withdrawn. Rancourt, a Greater Sudbury Police constable, has been assigned administrative duties while her case worked its way through the court. The charges stem from Rancourt’s arrest on Sept. 26 when she refused to provide proof of vaccination to attend her child’s hockey game at the Espanola Recreation Centre. Witness told Sudbury.com Rancourt yelled and screamed, called bystanders “nazis” and kicked a door while arguing with an OPP officer called by rec centre staff after the GSPS officer refused to show proof of vaccination.
Wolves trade captain Jack Thompson for pair of Greyhounds
The Sudbury Wolves have traded their captain for Dallas Stars defensive prospect Jacob Holmes, left-winger Marc Boudreau and the Hamilton Bulldogs’ 2nd round 2022 draft selection. Jack Thompson has been a “tremendous” captain for the club, said Wolves VP and general manager Rob Papineau in a news release. The Wolves also announced this week the team has acquired former Hamilton Bulldogs 2021 first-round OHL draft pick and Sudbury native Alex Pharand from the Peterborough Petes. The Wolves have also acquired Sarnia’s second-round draft pick in 2022, Niagara’s second-round pick in 2024, Kitchener’s third-round pick in 2023, Owen Sound’s third round pick in 2023 and Hamilton’s third round pick in 2024. In exchange, the Petes receive New Jersey Devil’s prospect Chase Stillman.
Ontario New Democrats want free PCR testing available for children under five
Ontario's New Democrats believe children under age five should qualify for PCR COVID testing to help make "child care safer," according to a news release from official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and Child Care critic Bhutila Karpoche. “Premier Doug Ford’s choice to block access to COVID tests for most Ontarians is wrong, and for parents of little ones who cannot be vaccinated, it’s been especially awful,” said Horwath. “Families with kids in child care have been left to agonize over each exposure and every tummy ache — or shell out hundreds of dollars to buy a test. Some families have taken their kids right out of daycare because they don’t feel safe anymore. With free PCR COVID tests, we can make little ones and child care workers safer, and help parents get back to work after false alarms.” It was on December 30 that Ontario changed procedures so that only the most vulnerable residents would be able to qualify for PCR testing. The province also said that children under age 12 who show COVID-19 symptoms would be required to be isolated for five days. Their in-home contacts would also be required to isolate, said the provincial directive.
Charges continue to mount for Lively resident in connection with sex assault investigation
Charges continue to mount for a 29-year-old Lively man in connection with a sexual assault investigation that started Dec. 28. Provincial police said Michael Laplante is now charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, using an imitation firearm while committing an offence, carrying a concealed weapon, invitation of sexual touching under 16 years of age and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. Laplante will answer to those charges on Jan. 13. There are three victims in this case, said the Ontario Provincial Police. On Dec. 28, at about 11:55 p.m., officers responded to a report of someone who had sexually assaulted and threatened several people at a home on West Branch Road in Massey. Police attended the location and arrested Laplante, who is charged with sexual assault of a person under the age of 16, as well as two counts of sexual interference, three counts of forcible confinement and assault with a weapon. On Jan. 3, he was further charged with three counts of kidnapping and three counts of committing an indecent act in public.
Expect a more bearable wind chill today
Well the bitter wind chill of the past few days will be more bearable today. Expect periods of light now to end late in the morning, but the skies will stay cloudy. About two centimetres of snow is expected. The wind will be out of the north at 20 km/h in the morning before becoming light in the afternoon. The temperature will stay steady at -7, but the wind will mean a -11 wind chill in the morning and a -17 wind chill in the afternoon. Tonight, expect cloudy periods and a low of -17.
