Good morning, Greater Sudbury! Here are a few stories to start your day on this Saturday morning.
Pandemic restrictions take a toll on kids’ physical fitness
Children are not getting enough exercise. That is one of the "unintended consequences” of the various lockdowns connected to the COVID-19 pandemic according to Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, the Medical Officer of Health for Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD). Sutcliffe's position was outlined in a briefing note (see page 59) that is to be presented this week to the regular monthly meeting of the PHSD Board of Health. In her report, Sutcliffe wrote that the stay-at-home orders and restrictions placed on indoor and outdoor spaces resulted in a reduction of physical activity levels in all age groups. She said the percentage of young people meeting physical activity recommendations fell from roughly 51 per cent in 2018 to 37 per cent in 2020. "Although the development of physical literacy in children and youth was a growing concern prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue has become more pressing given the long-term health implications of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviours," she said. Sutcliffe's brief to the board of health also quoted a ParticipACTION’s Report Card on Physical Activity for children and youth (2021), which reported that only 36 per cent of children aged 8-12 years met or exceeded the minimum level recommended for physical literacy.
Junction East Cultural Hub: Here’s where the candidates stand
The proposed Junction East Cultural Hub library/art gallery project planned for downtown Sudbury has become a significant point of contention on the municipal campaign trail. Candidates appear divided on the issue, with those seeking re-election far more likely to advocate for the project than political newcomers. While city council voted 11-2 in favour of moving forward with the $98.5-million project in June, a much smaller portion of candidates presently not on city council appear to support moving forward with the project. Ground preparation work has been taking place in recent weeks, including relocating an Enbridge gas line and a geotechnical investigation at the site of a proposed parking lot for the project. The building is expected to open in 2025. Sudbury.com reached out to all mayoral and city council candidates (unless otherwise noted) with an emailed inquiry on Monday, at which time a 12 p.m. Thursday deadline to respond was noted. A follow-up email was sent on Wednesday as a reminder, which reaffirmed the deadline. Candidates were asked: Should the city proceed with the Junction East Cultural Hub city council approved in June? Why/why not? What do you pledge to do as a member of Greater Sudbury city council?
Click here to read their responses.
Sudbury Art Club presents its Fall Show and Sale this weekend
The Sudbury Art Club presents its Fall Show and Sale this weekend. The event takes place at the Carmichael Community Centre (1388 Bellevue) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 and 23. More than 30 artists will be exhibiting. Come and meet the artists and talk about your interest. There will be free door prizes. Admission and parking is free. This is a great opportunity to buy original art from local artists and talk to the artists in Sudbury. Artists accept credit, cheque, debit and cash payments.
Sudbury’s Localicious and Delicious hospice fundraiser is now on
Sudbury's popular SHARE restaurant initiative is now underway and Maison McCulloch Hospice is the beneficiary of all that good taste and generosity. The motto of the fundraising drive is Localicious is Delicious. “We know that share rhymes with care and that the local SHARE restaurants are showing their caring by again rhyming delicious with localicious,” said Gerry Lougheed, Sudbury Hospice Foundation board member. SHARE is the Sudbury Hospitality Association of Restaurant Entrepreneurs group that was formed in 2014 by several local restaurant owners as a way to promote and support local eateries and local business as well as helping out local charities. SHARE said each of the local restaurants brings their own unique taste and style to the organization. From now until Oct. 30, the nine local SHARE restaurants - Bela Vita Cucina, Di Gusto, Hardrock 42 Gastropub, JD's Southern Smokehouse, M.I.C. Canadian Eatery & Whisky Pub, Mr. Prime Rib, The Kouzzina, Tony V’s Pizza and Restaurant and Ristorante Verdicchio - will be donating a portion of their Localicious proceeds to the Hospice, said a news release. This includes meals that are for dining in, or meals for takeout.
Union blames city for volunteer firefighter shortfall
The union representing Greater Sudbury’s volunteer firefighters took to the streets to blame the city for their dwindling numbers on Thursday by protesting outside of Tom Davies Square. In response, Fire Chief Joseph Nicholls told Sudbury.com the city is doing its best to roll out new provincially mandated training requirements and that volunteerism is down across the nation. There are currently 214 volunteer firefighters operating out of the city’s 18 volunteer fire stations. During a media conference on Thursday pre-empting the afternoon’s protest, Christian Labour Association of Canada provincial representative Matthew Walchuk said the city has been allocated to have 350 volunteer firefighters. Nicholls countered that the 350-member figure has been bandied about in past documents, but that they’ve only ever reached a peak of approximately 270.
Shining a light on elusive municipal election campaigns
Although there are 50 Greater Sudbury municipal candidates in this year’s civic election, you won’t necessarily have heard from all of them. Not everyone is using lawn signs, some have websites and social media while others don’t, and some aren’t using traditional media or responding to organizations (whether news organizations or community groups) seeking their insights. With some candidates less visible than others, Sudbury.com reached out to the election cycle’s most elusive candidates to learn the status of their campaigns. This excludes Mayor Brian Bigger. Although an active participant earlier on, Bigger ceased campaigning after announcing on Oct. 4 he intended to withdraw himself from the race, though his name will still appear on the ballot. Ward 9 candidate Keith Clarkson has similarly announced that he is no longer seeking election, citing personal reasons.
Forecast promises a gorgeous weekend
The forecast promises an absolutely gorgeous weekend. Expect a mainly sunny day today with a high of 17. Fog patches will dissipate over the morning. The wind will be out of the south at 20 km/h early in the afternoon. The UV index today is three or moderate. Tonight, expect clear skies and a low of 9. For Sunday, expect a high of 18 under sunny skies. Sunday night, the skies will be clear with a low of 8.
