Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Spring residential tipping fee holiday postponed:
Due to the ongoing provincial and local state of emergencies, the residential tipping fee holiday scheduled for the week of May 11 has been postponed. Landfills remain closed to the public to support physical distancing. Landfills are open to commercial, industrial and municipal vehicles during regular operating hours. Please monitor the city’s website at www.greatersudbury.ca/covid, and social media accounts at www.facebook.com/GreaterSudbury or www.twitter.com/GreaterSudbury for updates. The City of Greater Sudbury, through decisions of city council, and with guidance from Public Health Sudbury & Districts, continues to take additional steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
City temporarily closes all municipal boat launches:
To protect residents and slow the potential spread of COVID-19 in the community, all municipal boat launches within the City of Greater Sudbury will be temporarily closed to the public, effective immediately. On March 30, the Province of Ontario issued an emergency order to close all outdoor recreational amenities, including boat launches and private marinas. These measures align with the city’s efforts to minimize travel, keep people home and avoid gatherings in public settings. “This was another difficult decision, but one that was made in the best interest of the people in our community, and with advice and support from Public Health,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “Greater Sudbury is home to more than 300 lakes, and we are coming up on the time of year when people begin to get back out on the water. I understand the impact these boat launch closures will have on residents, but they are necessary to keep everyone at home and safe.” Boat launches will be closed to the public, except to residents with previous arrangements from the city to attend their water-access only properties. These residents can call 311 or email [email protected] for information about alternate arrangements.
Two more cases of COVID-19 reported Tuesday, including resident at St. Joseph's Villa:
Public Health Sudbury & Districts reported to more cases of COVID-19 on April 21. These cases represented the 45th and 46th positive cases in Greater Sudbury. The 45th case is a woman in her 50s whose status has been defined as resolved. The woman was tested on April 12, and she had no travel history or contact with a known case. Greater Sudbury now has 34 resolved cases of COVID-19. The 46th case is a woman in her 80s who is a resident at St. Joseph's Villa. On April 19, an outbreak was declared at St. Joseph’s Villa after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. On April 21, Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reporting a new COVID-19 case in a St. Joseph’s Villa resident in her 80s, bringing the total confirmed cases in the Public Health service area to 46. “I am pleased to report that the resident is doing well and has no symptoms. She remains in self-isolation,” said Jo-Anne Palkovits, President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health Centre. “We understand this is very worrisome news to hear; however, we want to reassure our staff, residents and their families that the risk of infection throughout our facility remains low. The safety of our residents, and staff, remains our number one priority."
'Huge challenge': Sudbury charities left scrambling after COVID-19 interferes with fundraisers:
Spring typically kicks off the yearly cycle of local outdoor fundraising events in Greater Sudbury, but the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a flurry of cancellations and postponements of charity walkathons, runs and similar events. How are local charitable organizations dealing with the situation? We spoke to some of the people involved in a few major Greater Sudbury fundraisers that were supposed to happen over the next few weeks. The Sudbury Credit Union Hike for Hospice, which supports the Maison McCulloch Hospice, was supposed to take place May 3. Gerry Lougheed Jr., the chair of the hospice's board of directors, said the event is now postponed to the Thanksgiving weekend. Last year, the event raised $175,000 for the hospice. That money is crucial, as hospices in Ontario must raise 34 per cent of their funding in the community — the other 66 per cent is provided by the government, Lougheed said. Full story here.
Ontario investing $11M to support province's most vulnerable citizens:
The Ontario government is delivering support to Ontario's most vulnerable citizens, including seniors and persons with disabilities, during the outbreak of COVID-19. The province is investing $11 million to help deliver meals, medicines and other essentials to those in need and doubling the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) payments. Tuesday's announcement was made by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care, and Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. The province is working with the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) to launch a new Ontario Community Support Program to expand existing Meals on Wheels services to reach low-income seniors and people with disabilities and chronic medical conditions across Ontario. The program will also develop the capacity of community organizations and others to help deliver medication and other essentials. Watch Tuesday's press conference here.
Airline passengers now required to wear face masks:
As of noon on April 20, Canadian airline passengers must wear a non-medical face mask covering their mouth and nose while travelling. The directive, designed to limit the spread of COVID-19, was announced by Transport Canada on April 17. “Canadians should continue to follow public health advice and stay at home if possible,” Transport Minister Marc Garneau said in a news release. “However, if you need to travel, wearing a face covering is an additional measure you can take to protect others around you, especially in situations where physical distancing guidelines cannot be maintained. “Transport Canada will continue to ensure various transportation systems adapt to the most effective, preventive measures to protect Canadians.” Passengers will have to cover their mouth and nose while at Canadian airport screening checkpoints, or as directed by airline employees or public health officials. Canadian fliers on all departing or arriving flights will have to demonstrate they have the necessary mask or they won’t be permitted to continue their journey. In Northern Ontario, this directive will apply to passengers flying on Bearskin Airlines and Air Canada flights, as well as North Star Air, Wasaya, Thunder Airlines, and other airline providers.
City extends park security contract with Commissionaires:
Greater Sudbury's parks may be closed for the time being, but the city's finance and administration committee voted April 14 to extend their parks security contract with the firm Commissionaires for one more year. The city's contract for parks security services had expired with no extension or renewal terms available, and the finance and admin committee approved staff's recommendation of a single source purchase with their existing provider for the 2020 season. The 2020 budget for parks security services is $176,460. The estimated cost will be covered within the existing budget and any overexpenditures will be funded within the parks operating budget. While the decision to extend the contract with Commissionaires was fairly cut and dry, city staff is looking to develop a comprehensive corporate-wide procurement for security services in the future. More on this story here.
Wednesday Weather:
The sun will be out today, but it's not bringing the warm weather with it just yet. Wednesday's high is only expected to get up to one. A few clouds overheard this evening with chilly temperatures. Overnight low will dip to -11, feeling like -14. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
