Good morning, Greater Sudbury! Here are a few stories to start your day on this Friday morning.
City cycling advocate pushing for year-round lane maintenance
Year-round cyclist Andrew Way is putting pressure on city council to better maintain and expand cycling infrastructure throughout the municipality. There are numerous gaps in the city’s active transportation network, and bicycle lanes are not maintained during the winter months, when snow makes them impossible to navigate. “There are snow banks taller than me,” he told Sudbury.com this week of typical winter conditions. “Even the first snowfall earlier this week, all the snow got thrown onto them.” Way has epilepsy, with seizures making him unable to drive. He navigates the city on a bicycle year-round, with his large fat bike tires helping him roll through snow during the winter. Although he cycles out of necessity, Way said that between the cost of vehicles, insurance, gasoline and parking, there’s a strong case to be made for people using bicycles to navigate Greater Sudbury’s roads.
Chelmsford resident charged in fatal Hwy. 144 crash
A 32-year-old from Chelmsford has been charged with dangerous operation causing death following a fatal crash on Hwy. 144 Sept. 30. Provincial police report they responded to the two-vehicle collision near Dowling shortly after 5 p.m. that day. One of the involved drivers, a 45-year-old from Rayside-Balfour, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The highway was closed for around 10 hours while the OPP investigated. The accused in this case has been released and is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 27 in Sudbury.
Single-family home sales up 6.4% over last year in Sudbury
Prices for three leading real estate categories fell in October compared to September, data released Wednesday by the Canadian Real Estate Association shows. Average single-family homes in Ontario fell from $995,500 to $981,700, condos fell from $655,100 to $644,100 and townhouses fell from $737,200 to $724,700. Compared to October of 2022, the picture is more mixed: single-family homes and townhouses are up about one per cent, using seasonally adjusted data, while condos fell about one per cent. “We’re only in November, but it appears many would-be home buyers have already gone into hibernation,” CREA chair Larry Cerqua said in a release today. "The October numbers also revealed some sellers may be shelving their plans until next spring."
Science North beaver ‘Kash’ moving to another facility
Later this month, Science North will permanently relocate one of the science centre’s most recognized animal ambassadors. Kash (Kashkuanashku-Innu for “it is foggy/cloudy”) the beaver will move to a CAZA (Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums) facility where he will join other beavers under human care. Kash came to Science North in 2016, born under human care at Le Zoo Sauvage de St. Félicien. The decision to relocate Kash to a new home where he could join a social group of fellow beavers in a more expansive environment was driven by the evolving social needs he experienced while transitioning into his adult life stage. Science North has had the privilege of being a part of Kash’s development since he joined Science North’s Animal Ambassadors as a four-month-old kit.
Legend Boats again ranks in top 20 of North American dealers
Legend Boats of Greater Sudbury has done it again. For the 10 consecutive year, the local boat manufacturer and seller has been ranked by Boating Industry among the top 100 dealers in North America. This year, Legend is ranked 15th out of the continent’s best, the fourth consecutive year the dealer has been in the top 20. "A decade on the Top 100 Dealers list is more than an achievement; it's a testament to the enduring legacy and forward momentum of Legend Boats,” said Marc Duhamel, president and co-CEO of Legend Boats, in a news release. “Our consistent presence, especially within the Top 20 for the past three years, mirrors our rapid ascension in the industry and our unwavering commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction." Being among the top ranked is all about pushing boundaries and setting new goals, said co-CEO Jamie Dewar.
Salvation Army Kettle Campaign kicks off Nov. 17
The Salvation Army in Sudbury annual Christmas Kettle Campaign kicks off Nov. 17. This year’s fundraising target is $250,000. “Everything is costing more and more, and people are struggling to make ends meet,” said Lt. Jeff Robertson, Corps and Community Ministries Officer in Sudbury, in a news release. “This is not new information, but the concern is real, the need is real, and we are seeing the struggle on the faces of those coming to The Salvation Army for help.” Proceeds from the campaign support the charity work of the Salvation Army. “Reaching our kettle campaign goal, with the support of our Army of Givers, allows us to keep our food bank running, offer practical support, and to discover and meet the emerging needs of the most vulnerable in our community head-on,” Robertson said. Kettles will be located at various retail locations throughout the city. You can pay by cash, but for the past few years many kettles are equipped with devices that allow people to donate using credit and debit cards. Donations can also be made online at SalvationArmy.ca/Sudbury.
