Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
After decades of waiting, MR35 expansion about to begin:
When Greater Sudbury was created at the turn of the century, the municipality that stood to lose the most was Rayside-Balfour. In the late 1990s, when the NDP government introduced gambling facilities to the province, Rayside Mayor Lionel Lalonde jumped at the chance, while other municipalities in the former Region of Sudbury turned up their nose at the idea. The municipality's share of revenue from the Slots at Sudbury Downs was more than $1 million a year, and the community planned to use the money to improve MR35, the roadway that connects Azilda and Chelmsford to Sudbury. Then amalgamation happened, and despite commitments to fix the road, the revenue from the slots (currently around $2 million a year) went into general revenue. Ward 3 Coun. Gerry Montpellier says he ran for office specifically to get the four-laning of MR35 done. On Tuesday, he said the community's decades-long wait was over: construction signs are going up along the route, with completion of the $34 million project expected late in 2019 or in early 2020. Find more on this story here.
New home for St. John Ambulance:
A building that has hosted more than 10,000 events — from birthdays to bridal showers to funerals — is now the official home of St. John Ambulance in Greater Sudbury. On Aug. 29, the Lougheed family passed the keys to the former St. Clements Church to St. John Ambulance, where it will administer training and community services. Now named the St. John Ambulance Lougheed Centre, it will carry on a history that dates back to the 1950s. “Today is a celebration,” said Geoffrey Lougheed, chancellor of St. John Ambulance Canada. “It's great that St. John has a new centre, but from a Lougheed family perspective, it's wonderful that they have a home that will continue a legacy of giving and of serving in the community.” The relationship between the Lougheed family and St. John Ambulance spans decades. Family patriarch Gerry Sr. was the first ambulance operator to say people in his position should be trained, and that they should have basic CPR skills. More on this story can be found here.
Sudbury Five's first two players sign on the dotted line:
The Sudbury Five made a pair of announcements Wednesday morning, introducing their first two players at the team's new home for practices. Cambrian College will be the Five's home for practices and training, as the school and the Sudbury Wolves Sports and Entertainment (SWSE) have entered into a partnership. With their home court at the Sudbury Arena and a practice facility at Cambrian College, the Five introduced a pair of players who will be taking to the hardwood this fall. The first two players signed in franchise history are Marcus Lewis and Kadeem Green, who is also the first Canadian to be signed by the team. The signings come hot on the heels of the team picking up a trio of players at the NBL combine over the weekend. Find the full story here.
Candidate angered over theft of 30 election signs:
A Greater Sudbury council candidate is frustrated by the number of his election signs that have gone missing, and police are warning members of the public that theft or vandalism of election signs is a crime. Ward 1 candidate Bob Johnston reached out to Sudbury.com after discovering 30 of his election signs had gone missing. “(I) would like to inform the people of Sudbury that taking election signs is a theft,” Johnston said. “As of today, (I) am missing 30 signs across Ward 1. I would recommend that all candidates for council be aware and work together on this matter. For me personally, it's double the work as I suffer from a lower left leg amputation.” North Bay Police Const. John Shultz says in Canada, it is an offence to cause damage to property you do not own. For election signs, the charge would be Mischief Under $5,000.
You may notice some odd coloured water on the Wanapitei River on Thursday:
Ontario Power Generation crews will be performing dye testing at Stinson Generating Station on the Wanapitei River as part of OPG’s maintenance program on Aug. 30. The Stinson Generating Station is in good condition and has been safely generating low cost, clean, renewable hydropower since 1925. The yellow/green dye solution used to perform the test may be seen in the downstream waterway. This product is not classified as environmentally hazardous, which means that it is safe to use in rivers, lakes and other public waterways.
Blue-green algal bloom reported in Red Deer Lake:
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has advised Public Health Sudbury & Districts that results from samples taken Aug. 23 from Red Deer Lake are positive for blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). The samples contained a species of cyanobacteria that can produce toxins. Blue-green algal blooms could also appear in other parts of the lake. Because blooms are not anchored, they can move from one location to another through wind and water action. New blooms can also form. All residents on lakes should look for blooms in their area. Blue-green algal blooms have an unsightly pea soup appearance and foul smell, and can produce toxins. Residents should avoid using or drinking water from areas where blooms are visible.
Wanted Wednesday: Cory Bebonang allegedly stole from four Sudbury stores:
Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest of 29-year-old Cory Bebonang, who is wanted for several counts of theft. Between July 6 and July 29, Bebonang allegedly stole from four retail stores in Greater Sudbury. He is wanted for four counts each of theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime. He is believed to be in Greater Sudbury, but has ties to the community of M’Chigeeng on Manitoulin Island. Bebonang is described as 6-0, 170 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. If you know this person and where he is presently located, you are urged to call the Crime Stoppers tip line toll-free at 705-222-TIPS (8477) or if long distance: 1-800-222-TIPS. You must call this number to be eligible for a cash reward. Tips can also be submitted online at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com.
Three Sudburians share their lived experiences of losing loved ones during Overdose Awareness Week:
Mayor Brian Bigger declared Aug. 27 - Sept. 2 Overdose Awareness Week at a community event hosted by Réseau ACCESS Network on Monday.Northwood Recovery, OAHAS, N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre, Monarch Recovery Services, Sudbury Action Centre for Youth, the Canadian Mental Health Association and Public Health Sudbury and Districts were in attendance and all agreed that drug misuse in the city requires a collaborative community response. Much is being done through Sudbury's Community Access Strategy, headed by Sudbury and Districts Public Health. The strategy has support from nearly 50 community partners and is endorsed by city council, the health unit and Greater Sudbury Police Services. Together, all seek to increase safety, improve outcomes and provide a range of services including treatment and harm reduction. The lived experiences of city residents whose lives have been touched by drug overdose remind us why these efforts are important and necessary. Check out video of their stories here.
Thursday Weather:
Mainly sunny Thursday with some fog patches early this morning. Today's high will be 19. A few clouds overhead this evening with the low getting down to 10. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
