Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
This is Prof. Pavement. He might have found a way to make roads nearly pothole-free:
After decades of roadblocks, a Carleton University professor is finally making inroads with his innovative road-paving method, a process he says will drastically reduce potholes and extend the life of roadways everywhere. Dr. Abd El Halim, professor of transportation engineering, has gotten a lot of attention recently for his Asphalt Multi-Integrated Roller – AMIR for short, named after Halim's son. Rather than using multiple rollers to compact the asphalt directly, the AMIR method uses a wide rubber belt, similar to a snow machine. The current technology, Halim said, hasn't really changed — ever. Find the full story here.
Rally: Unions tired of being 'disrespected' by Ontario Hospital Assoc.
A few dozen Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) local 1623 members gathered outside of Health Sciences North on April 18, in a rally to push Ontario hospitals to treat the hospital workers they represent with respect at the bargaining table. Union members in Sudbury were among thousands from around the province who rallied Wednesday in alliance with SEIU Healthcare and Unifor as they push for a new contract. The unions have been without a contract since Sept. 29, 2017 and CUPE 1623 president Dave Shelefontiuk says that his members have been disrespected by the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA). "The central bargaining team of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions have been to the table with the OHA, along with the SEIU and Unifor around the exact same time and we were all treated the exact same way ... disrespectful," said Shelfontiuk. "The OHA had numerous concessions to the benefits, to the sick time ... all they wanted to do was take stuff away and they offer nothing so of course all three unions walked from the table." More on this story can be found here.
Thibeault 'disappointed' with HSN job cut threats:
Glenn Thibeault, Sudbury MPP and Ontario's Minister of Energy, issued a statement Tuesday expressing his “disappointment” with Health Sciences North's public statements on proposed job cuts. HSN’s board recently passed a $505 million budget with a $4.9-million deficit, trimming 113 jobs from the payroll, reducing $6.9 million in program expenses outside clinical departments and cutting HSN’s capital budget for renovations, equipment and information technology by 23 per cent. In his statement, Thibeault said he's received numerous calls from residents worried about what will happen to the hospital. “I am extremely disappointed that HSN has decided to move ahead with an announcement stating its desire to cut jobs and services in our community,” Thibeault said. “I can assure you that I will continue to work with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the North East LHIN to save these jobs at HSN and to maintain current hospital service levels. “It has always been my intention to try get HSN the help it needs, and to protect all of these good jobs at the hospital.” Full story here.
Sudburians invited to sign book of condolences for Humboldt tragedy:
Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger and city council invite residents to sign a book of condolences for those affected by the Humboldt Broncos tragedy. “The tragedy involving the Humboldt Broncos hockey team is heartbreaking and the hearts of all residents of Greater Sudbury go out to all those impacted,” Bigger said. “As we stand united with Humboldt during these difficult times, I want to thank the many residents who participated in Sunday's vigil and encourage all residents to share their condolences with the Humboldt community by signing one of the many books of condolences that will be made available.” The books of condolences will be available for signing in the main foyer of Tom Davies Square and at all Citizen Service Centres during regular business hours. It will remain available for signing until Friday, April 27 and will then be given to families of the Humboldt Broncos. Residents may also send their messages via the online book of condolence at www.greatersudbury.ca/inmemoriam.
Police release names of the two people who died in Hwy. 17 collisions Tuesday:
The OPP have released the names of the two people who died in two separate fatal crashes on Highway 17 in the Sudbury area April 17. Thirty-three-year-old Jennifer Bastasich of Cornwall was pronounced dead at the scene after a single-vehicle collision involving a transport truck crashing into a rock cut on Highway 17 in the Walden area at around 6:19 a.m. Tuesday. She was a passenger in the truck. The truck's driver, Kimberly-Ann Warden, also from Cornwall, was charged with careless driving. As well, 65-year-old Lise Myre of Sudbury died after a collision between a SUV and a transport truck on Highway 17 east of Markstay at around 10:20 a.m. Tuesday. Myre was the driver of the SUV. The transport truck's driver sustained minor injuries. No charges are being laid in this case. The OPP says road and weather conditions were not a factor in either crash.
Batman sends a big Dark Knight thank you for Sudbury's warm greetings:
When the Dark Knight himself, Batman, appeared seemingly out of nowhere in Lively yesterday, social media went wild in Sudbury. Batman (or more accurately Brampton Batman, a.k.a. Stephen Lawrence, was on his way to the City with the Heart of Gold for the Timmins Comic Con when he stopped in Lively to fill up his gas tank — the gas tank of the Batmobile, no less. Sudbury.com reached out to the Batman about his stop in the Nickel City. The Dark Knight said he very much enjoyed his visit, as brief as it was. "I was in Sudbury, enjoyed it. Landed in Lively, was greeted warmly," Batman said.
Meet your Telus Cup Wolves: It's a between-the-pipes rapid fire with goalie Deric Rivet:
In the run-up to the Telus Cup, which kicks off April 23, Sudbury.com is helping you learn a little more about the local players who will be representing the Nickel City at the national event. Every week day around noon, check with us for a new Rapid Fire spotlight on a Nickel Capital Wolves players. On Wednesday, we introduced you to netminder Deric Rivet. Watch as he shares his biggest on-the-ice influence and his pre-game ritual. Check out the video here.
Thursday Weather:
Mainly cloudy today, but there's a chance we'll see some sunshine. Thursday will bring a 30 per cent chance of flurries and a high of 2. Partly cloudy this evening and clearing overnight with a low of around -7. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
