Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
‘No longer a reasonable prospect of conviction’ says Ian MacDonald’s lawyer:
The child-pornography charges against Health Sciences North nephrologist Ian MacDonald have been withdrawn. A Sudbury Court official said the charges were withdrawn Oct. 7. At the end of September, Justice Heather-Ann Mendes ruled search warrants issued following the seizure and subsequent search of MacDonald’s office computer were facially invalid. They “exceeded the authority that was intended to be granted,” Mendes wrote in her ruling. Those warrants were issued to search and seize items from MacDonald's home, two vehicles, any out buildings on his property, as well as several data centres at the hospital. MacDonald is represented by Toronto lawyer Michael Lacy. In an email statement, Lacy said the Crown made the decision to withdraw the charges following the preliminary ruling by Mendes, which found that various warrants obtained by the police were facially invalid and which also permitted the defence to cross-examine the investigating officer on another search warrant he obtained. “Had the trial proceeded, we were confident Dr. MacDonald would have been vindicated,” said the statement. “The withdrawal by the Crown also speaks to that vindication as the Crown concluded in light of the ruling there was no longer a reasonable prospect of conviction.” Get the full story here.
Sudbury man arrested for second degree murder:
A 32-year-old man wanted in connection to a fatal downtown stabbing that occurred on Oct. 14 has been arrested. Douglas Jeffries was located in Toronto and has been arrested for second degree murder. Jeffries is alleged to have stabbed a 25-year-old man during an incident near Cash Money on Elm Street on Oct. 14. The man succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 15. Jeffries will be transported back to Sudbury and is scheduled to appear in Bail Court on Oct. 17.
Sudbury's community leaders issue a public safety pledge:
Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger, Police Chief Paul Pedersen and chief public health officer Dr. Penny Sutcliffe have issued a combined public statement pledging to keep community members safe. The joint statement on community safety was released in an email by the mayor's office Friday afternoon in response to the community discussions "about the state of the downtown." Bigger said he wants to assure city residents that their safety is paramount. "I want you to know we are doing everything we can, along with our community partners, to protect you and keep you safe," said the mayor's statement. Bigger made reference to concerns about safety in the downtown area, along with the opioid crisis and homelessness. Chief Pedersen made reference to substance addictions, homeless people and those with mental health challenges, as well as the violent attack that occurred earlier this week when a man died after being stabbed with a bladed weapon on Elm Street. In her statement, Sutcliffe made reference to mental health concerns, poverty, food insecurity, housing instability, racism, homophobia and transphobia. More on this story can be found here.
Architecture firm that designed the CN Tower chosen as consultant on Junction East project:
The City of Greater Sudbury announced on Oct. 15 that world-renowned firm WZMH Architects has been chosen as the consultant for the design of Junction East, the city’s new Library/Art Gallery. A Request for Proposal was issued in November 2019, and the contract was awarded to WZMH after a thorough evaluation of 13 submissions. “We are pleased the procurement process is complete, and we look forward to working with WZMH to move this project forward,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “This brings us one step closer to creating a cultural hub in the downtown, a space where people can connect, learn and be creative. This firm has a history of designing buildings that become civic landmarks, and I’m confident our Library/Art Gallery will be no different.” WZMH has 60 years of experience in the design and delivery of large, iconic, complex projects, including landmark public libraries, art museums, skyscrapers, bridges and hotels. The firm designed the world-renowned CN Tower and the Canadian Space Agency, among many others. WZMH is leading a project team that includes local professionals in the industry. Full story here.
Guaranteed $1,000 reward: Crime Stoppers looking for tips on June explosion, fire:
Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers, in conjunction with the Greater Sudbury Police Service, are seeking the public’s assistance in providing information relating to a suspicious fire and explosion in Blezard Valley this past June. Shortly after 1 a.m. on June 23, an explosion occurred at a residence on Menard Street in Blezard Valley. As a result of the explosion, the residence became consumed by flames, causing extensive damage. No one was injured as a result of the incident. Prior to the incident, a lone suspect was observed attending the area, operating a motorized sport bike. The same suspect was observed leaving the area minutes later. Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers and the Greater Sudbury Police Service are requesting the public’s assistance in an effort to gather information about the incident and to identify the person seen attending the area at that time. Full story here.
Local OPP nab 45 speeders, one stunt driver, two impaired drivers over Thanksgiving weekend:
The Nipissing West OPP say they laid 58 traffic charges as a result of their Operation Impact enforcement initiative over the Thanksgiving long weekend. Operation Impact is an annual traffic safety initiative during which Canadian police partners target the four main behaviours that continue to cost the significant loss of life on roads every year: alcohol/drug impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding/aggressive driving, as well as failure to wear seat belts.
Sudbury telecom company Sunwire named one of Canada's fastest-growing companies:
Two Northern Ontario companies made the list of Canada's fastest-growing companies. Formerly known as the Growth 500, the list of 415 firms is put together by Canadian Business and Maclean's magazines. Those companies on the list are measured by their revenue growth over the last five years. Sunwire of Sudbury placed 75th. The Sudbury telecommunications company was founded by Jason Legault in 2009. The privately-owned company of 46 employees has achieved at five-year revenue growth of 1,225 per cent, according to the list. Sunwire's 2019 revenue was listed as $10 million to $20 million.
