Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Record-breaking snowfall: 29.2 centimetres of the white stuff fell on Greater Sudbury Wednesday:
Wednesday's snowfall, which Environment Canada says measured at 29.2 centimetres, was record-breaking. Previously, the largest recorded amount of snow to fall in Sudbury on Nov. 27 was 16.8 centimetres, which happened in both 2001 and 1976. All of that white stuff came with headaches for Sudburians. That included numerous power outages throughout the city Wednesday and stretching into Thursday. Greater Sudbury Hydro said in an email at 8:40 a.m. Thursday morning that over the course of the storm, just under 6,000 customers were affected by outages.
Wet snow, downed trees and power lines delaying snow removal:
Wednesday's record-setting snowfall – 29.2 cm – is taking longer to clear, Greater Sudbury said Thursday, because the heavy, wet snow took down tree branches and power lines, blocking plows from doing their work. Randy Halverson, the city's manager of operations, said class 1-3 roads in the city – the busiest roads – have largely been completed, but class 4-6 roads – largely less busy residential roads – in some parts of the city still need to be addressed. “So that means we've moved all of that equipment into the class 4-6 roads,” Halverson said. “It was very wet, dense snow, so that's made it extremely challenging for our crews. We're having to do some additional work to get the snow plowed.” Downed power lines and broken or low-leaning tree branches have blocked some streets, and crews have to clear the area before plowing can be completed. Full story here.
AOK is back! We surprise Sudburians with SSO family matinée tix:
The Sudbury Symphony Orchestra continues its 44th season with two performances on Dec. 7. The Holiday Family Matinée concert, sponsored by Sudbury Living Magazine, is child friendly and will feature pre-concert activities including a photoshoot with the Sugar Plum Fairy, an instrument petting zoo and games. With the holidays just around the corner, Sudbury.com headed out to spread some Christmas cheer by performing random acts of kindness for unsuspecting Greater Sudbury residents with free tickets to the matinée. The Holiday Family Matinée concert will take place at 2 p.m., with kid activities beginning prior to the show at 1 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Fraser Auditorium at Laurentian University. Check out this week's AOK here.
After attacks on drivers, report recommends new GOVA buses have protective barriers:
While some transit drivers said they hampered their communication with riders, a pilot project testing protective barriers on buses was well received, says a report headed to the community services committee next week. Launched in February 2018, added protection for GOVA drivers was prompted by concerns over periodic attacks, particularly one in May 2017. Steven Blondin received 20 stitches when a distressed man attacked him. The incident highlighted the danger bus drivers face and prompted a review of their security. Barriers had been considered in the past after attacks, but the drivers themselves resisted having them installed. Even Blondin said in 2017 he wasn't sure they were a good idea. “That's a double sided coin,” Blondin said, when asked his thoughts on the barriers. “Yes, it would have stopped the situation altogether. But also, it keeps us away from the passengers. It eliminates that friendliness that we have. So there's pros and cons." Get the full story here.
Sudbury loves SkipTheDishes … and bacon cheeseburgers:
The trend of ordering food delivery online has grown in leaps and bounds over the past year, and apps like SkipTheDishes have reaped the benefits. Sudbury has not been immune to the trend and saw an increase of 185 per cent in ordering food through SkipTheDishes from 2018 to 2019. "Canada-wide, the food delivery industry is about a $4.1 billion industry and it's expected to grow 15 per cent every year, it's growing really fast," said Shanae Blaquiere, spokesperson for SkipTheDishes. "We served 25 per cent more customers in 2019 than we did in 2018, so there's a big uptick in consumer demand." The Nickel City veers from the crowd however when it comes to its favourite foods to order, with the top three national favourites being butter chicken, poutine and dynamite rolls (sushi). Sudbury certainly loves its burgers, and bacon cheeseburgers were the number one most ordered item on SkipTheDishes, with more than 8,500 orders. More on this story here.
CP Holiday Train rolls into Sudbury on Friday:
The holiday season is around the corner, and so too is the CP Holiday Train, which is making a stop in Sudbury this Friday, Nov. 29. The Canadian Holiday Train departed from Montreal on Nov. 26 and will make its way across Canada, wrapping up its journey in Vancouver on Dec. 17. Performing free concerts from Montreal to Calgary are Toronto singer-songwriter Scott Helman and British Columbia country musician Madeline Merlo. CP Holiday Train favourite Terri Clark will join the train in Calgary. The Holiday Train has raised more than $15.8 million and collected 4.5 million pounds of food since its inaugural journey back in 1999. The train is expected to pull into the VIA Rail train station on Elgin Street in Downtown Sudbury at around 8:50 p.m. on Nov. 29, with performances starting at around 9:15 p.m. Shows are free, but those planning on attending should head downtown early, as the Sudbury Wolves play at home Friday evening and parking will be at a premium.
First case of influenza A confirmed in Greater Sudbury:
The first case of the influenza A virus has been confirmed in this area, Public Health Sudbury and Districts announced Wednesday. "Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause fever, cough, muscle aches, and fatigue,” the release said. “Most people will recover from influenza infection within a week to 10 days, but some are at greater risk of developing more severe complications such as pneumonia. Children can also have mild stomach upset due to influenza. The most common symptoms usually include fever, runny nose and cough.” The health unit is reminding residents the influenza vaccine is offered free in Ontario for anyone aged six months or older and remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza. The vaccine is particularly recommended for people with medical conditions who are at risk of developing complications from an influenza infection.
Wolves look to snap out of slump as they return home:
The Sudbury Wolves have stumbled of late and have dropped their last four games, picking up just a single point in an overtime loss to the Hamilton Bulldogs. The team's losing skid hit a miserable low on Sunday, as the Oshawa Generals pummelled the Pack to the tune of 7-0. Despite their recent struggles, the Wolves remain atop the OHL's Central Division and will take on a pair of division rivals this weekend at the Sudbury Arena. On Friday night, the Wolves host the Barrie Colts at 7:05 p.m., before wrapping up the weekend on Sunday afternoon against the Mississauga Steelheads at 2:05 p.m.
Friday Weather:
A mix of sun and cloud Friday with some chilly temperatures on the way. Today's high will only get up to -6, feeling like -10 with the wind chill. Partly cloudy this evening with the low dipping to -13. It's going to feel like -18 with the wind chill tonight. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
