Good morning, Greater Sudbury! Here are a few stories to get you started on this Friday morning.
Laurentian’s first-day-of-class headcount down almost 13% overall
Preliminary enrolment figures revealed by Laurentian University president Robert Haché Sept. 21 unsurprisingly show the headcount at the university is down as the new school year starts with the university still under creditor protection. Haché provided the information to members of the Laurentian senate during their September meeting Tuesday. Laurentian University declared insolvency in February, and applied for creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). As part of its insolvency restructuring, Laurentian axed 69 programs in the spring. The university laid off 194 full-time workers at that time, including 116 full-time faculty positions, 41 unionized staff and 37 non-union jobs (24 of which were in management and executive positions). Haché said first-day-of-class enrolments this September represent a decline in headcount of 12.9 per cent over the same time last year. More specifically, the headcounts are down 13.6 per cent for English programs, and 10 per cent for French programs. He said in past years, first-day-of-class enrolments have represented between 95 and 96 per cent of final headcount numbers. Final registration numbers will come out as of Nov. 1, and will be communicated following reporting to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. Learn more here.
It’s unclear how many lead pipes carry drinking water in Greater Sudbury
In an effort to remove financial barriers that prevent some people from getting lead water pipes replaced, the City of Greater Sudbury is poised to look at opportunities to help get the lead out. Earlier this week, the city’s operations committee resolved to request a business case from city staff for the creation of a subsidy and loan program to replace private-side lead pipes. Their unanimous approval means it’s likely city council will ratify the decision at an upcoming meeting and a business case will be drafted for future consideration. The proposed program would include a grant of up to $3,000, an interest-free loan of up to $10,000 to be paid back over 10 years and provisions for water filters for homes built in 1960 and prior with confirmed lead water service. Read more on the Sudbury.com home page.
PHSD: Low-risk COVID exposure at Lot 88 restaurant in Sudbury
Public Health Sudbury & Districts has issued a notice about a low-risk exposure to COVID-19 at a local restaurant. The health unit advises anyone who dined indoors at Lot 88 Steakhouse & Bar (1070 Kingsway) in Greater Sudbury between 8 and 10 p.m. Sept. 18 of a potential low-risk exposure to COVID-19. This potential exposure notice does not apply to patrons who dined in the outdoor patio section of the restaurant. Read the full story.
‘It’s gotta be done’: Sudbury businesses adapting to vaccine passport system
Ontario’s COVID-19 passport system kicked in on Wednesday, and local businesses are still in the process of adapting to the change. Under the new rules, people will be required to show proof of vaccination to access a number of non-essential services across the province, including restaurants, bars, gyms, theatres, and casinos.The passport is meant to add another layer of protection against the spread of COVID-19 and to protect those who are not eligible to receive the vaccine, said Sudbury’s health unit. Some businesses got a head start on implementing the new system days earlier, while others have had to adjust to accommodate the new mandate. Read more here.
Sudbury’s francophone community celebrates Franco-Ontarian Day Sept. 25
For Franco-Ontarians, the largest francophone population outside of Quebec, September 25 is a special day. And though most events will be virtual this year, the Franco-Ontarian flag will fly proudly over Sudbury, the place of its birth. The flag itself was designed by Gaétan Gervais, professor of history at Laurentian University and Michel Dupuis, one of Gervais’ students, conceived the project with a group of students including Jacqueline England, who sewed the flag, Yves Tassé, Normand Rainville and Don Obonsawin. It was raised for the first time on September 25, 1975 at the University of Sudbury and officially recognized by the Government of Ontario as the symbol of the Francophone community in 2001. Read the full story on the Sudbury.com home page.
STC releases 50th anniversary season lineup
Sudbury Theatre Centre is ready to welcome patrons back face-to-face as it announces its 2021-2022 50th anniversary season. “This is a significant milestone for us,” said John McHenry, STC’s Artistic Director. “50 years is significant for any theatre company to achieve but it’s especially gratifying for STC to be celebrating it.” The season opens with Quiet! I’m Talking by Vince Grittani (Oct. 14-30). Grittani has created a marvelous character in Bunny Bevington-Smythe, a wealthy heiress in her ninth decade. Bunny has written a biography and has invited the media to her Muskoka cottage to regale them with her passions, philosophies and opinions on love, life and liquor. A straight shooter, she’s magnificent, hilarious and a hoot. Mary Pitt stars in this one-actor tour de force. She has performed across Canada including the Stratford and Shaw festivals and is making her STC debut. Learn about STC's full season lineup on the Sudbury.com home page.
Friday weather:
Friday will be cloudy. Forty per cent chance of drizzle changing to 40 per cent chance of showers in the afternoon. Fog patches dissipating in the morning. Wind becoming southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 early in the afternoon. High of 14 C. UV index 3 or moderate. Friday night will be clear with a low of 10 C.
