Good morning, Greater Sudbury! Here are a few stories to start your day on this Monday morning.
Province moves up timetable to buy Laurentian real estate
Laurentian University said the province has moved up its timetable by a year to purchase various real estate holdings from the struggling post-secondary institution. In a news release issued late Friday, LU said the province “is confident” it can purchase designated real estate assets from the university in three years instead of four as originally intended. Back in May, it was announced that Laurentian and the provincial government had struck a deal under which Ontario would purchase $53.5 million worth of the schools real estate assets. Proceeds from the sale of the assets would be used to meet LU’s obligations to its creditors. Laurentian president Dr. Robert Hache said under the terms of the sale agreement, LU would “continue to use and occupy the real estate, land, or buildings. That would not be the case if real estate assets were sold to third parties generally.” In the Friday news release, Laurentian said the amended plan “also includes amendments previously agreed with LUFA and announced publicly, together with administrative edits.” You can review a copy of the amended plan here. It is also posted on the Monitor’s website.
Poilievre wins Conservative leadership on first ballot
Pierre Poilievre, one of the first members of Parliament elected under the Conservative party's banner, won the leadership race Saturday night. The party veteran and former cabinet minister, known for his combative style, won a resounding first-ballot victory as the results were announced before a room of Conservative faithful in Ottawa on Saturday evening. Poilievre, first elected as a member of Parliament at the age of 25, campaigned for the top job on the central rallying cry of "freedom." He embraced those who opposed getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and railed against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government spending and the toll inflation is taking on Canadians. Poilievre turned heads in the campaign when he began appearing in front of crowds that at times swelled into the thousands, which he kept up throughout the race. That prompted his campaign to say his populist message had unleashed a movement, which it galvanized to sell more than 300,000 memberships.
Family, supporters gather for first Meagan Pilon memorial walk
A handful of people gathered in the York Street parking lot across from Bell Park at 11 a.m. on Sunday morning. Most of those people were loved ones of Meagan Pilon, a Sudburian who vanished on Sept. 11, 2013 at the age of 15. She hasn’t been seen since. But that doesn’t mean people have stopped looking for her. Included among those people are Meagan’s aunts, Carol Martel and Tammy Martel, who attended the walk. Carol said what may have happened to her niece and who, if anyone, is responsible is not as important as the closure the family hopes to find when Meagan is found. “It’s hard, especially during the holidays. It’s not the same without her. I go to bed every night wondering,” she said. She said the family doesn’t care about criminality or culpability, “just lead us to where she’s at,” Carol said.
Fall tipping fee holiday starts Sept. 19
If you’re looking to clear some trash from your property, the annual fall residential tipping fee holiday at Greater Sudbury landfills and transfer stations begins Sept. 19. During this time all tipping fees at Greater Sudbury landfill and waste transfer sites will be waived until Sept. 24. Greater Sudbury residents can deliver discarded household items to local landfill sites free of charge during this week. During the tipping fee holiday, hours of operation at all sites are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. “Please sort your loads for proper disposal and recycling prior to arriving at the landfill site,” the city advised in a news release. “Examples of proper sorting categories include blue box recyclables, scrap metal and appliances, furniture, electronics, concrete, tires, leaf and yard trimmings, and regular household garbage. Prevent littering by covering trailers and truck beds when transporting waste.”
Residents give sign prohibiting left turns a failing grade
One little sign is causing quite a stir in the Stonegate Drive neighbourhood. A sign prohibiting left turns onto Beatrice Crescent from Stonegate Drive was installed earlier this summer, and a petition is now being organized asking the city to remove it immediately. The petition’s organizer, Agnes Beck, said she plans on asking either Ward 11 Coun. Bill Leduc or Mayor Brian Bigger to present it to city council during their Sept. 13 meeting. “As traffic-calming, it’s not a solution,” she said of the sign. “It does not make sense whatsoever.” Stonegate Drive is just as viable a road to access area amenities as any other, she said. “Added traffic is acceptable, but only if we all share the burden in everyone getting to their destination,” according to her petition. “Installing a no left hand turn signal from Stonegate to Beatrice creates a private street out of a taxpayer-funded road. The decision must be reversed.”
Agencies gather in Bell Park for World Suicide Prevention Day
No one likes to talk about suicide, but that is exactly what we need to do more of, the co-chair of prevention with the Suicide Safer Network. Micheline Lavallée was one of the organizers of the World Suicide Prevention Day event held in Bell Park near the Elizabeth Street gazebo on Sept. 10. The Suicide Safer Network of Sudbury and Manitoulin (SSN) is a web-based resource that brings together community members, survivors of suicide, front-line professionals, educators and organizations to connect people at risk and their loved ones to resources and supports. Lavallée said a big message the network, and all agencies that provide mental health services, want people to understand is one of the best defences against suicide is conversation. “We’re hoping to dispel the taboo about talking about suicide — talking saves lives (because) people are suffering in silence,” she said. Various agencies took part in the event, which began with opening remarks, a smudging and a song. Compass Child & Youth Mental Health Services, the Northern Initiative for Social Action (NISA) and Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services were on hand providing activities and resources as well.
Pretty good chance of thunderstorms today
Expect cloudy skies today with a 30-per-cent chance of showers in the morning and in the early afternoon, then a few showers for the rest of the afternoon. There is also a risk of a thunderstorm. Fog patches will dissipate over the morning. The forecasted high today is 21 with a humidex value of 26. The UV index today is two, or low. This evening, expect more showers and the risk of a thunderstorm. Between 15 and 25 mm of rain is expected. The wind this evening will be easterly at 20 km/h before becoming light as the evening progresses. The overnight low is 14.
