Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
No evidence of wrongdoing: Garson pedestrian death appears accidental, police say:
Greater Sudbury Police said in a tweet Tuesday afternoon that all available evidence points to the fact the collision that killed an elderly Garson man on Monday was accidental. Police said the evidence that has been gathered so far — witness statements and video footage — suggests the driver of the dump truck involved was unaware a pedestrian had been hit by vehicle. "At this stage in the investigation, there is no evidence to suggest any wrongdoing on the driver's behalf," a GSPS tweet this afternoon reads. "Charges will not be laid at this time." That said, the investigation is not at an end police said. On Tuesday morning police released a surveillance image of a dump truck and trailer they believed was involved in the June 11 fatal collision. However, Greater Sudbury Police later said the dump truck shown in the image was not the vehicle involved. In fact, police said a second dump truck and trailer was responsible. The investigation led officers to the second dump truck and its driver. After questioning the driver and examining the dump truck, police determined not to lay charges.
Councillors to decide on city hotel room tax next week:
A new four per cent tax on hotel rooms in Greater Sudbury could be implemented in September, if the recommendation is approved by the city's finance committee next week. Approved in principle in February, the new tax on the city's 2,000 hotel rooms is expected to bring in $1.7 million in 2019, half of which will be used to finance tourism initiatives, with the other half helping to pay the mortgage on the $100 million arena planned for the Kingsway. The tax should raise about $425,000 for the balance of 2018. The province approved legislation in 2017 giving cities the right to bring in the tax, and Sudbury would be the third community to do so, following Toronto and Ottawa's lead. Another eight municipalities are in the process of implementing the tax.
Theatre Cambrian pres quits, says group shouldn't receive city bailout:
The president of Theatre Cambrian's board of directors has stepped down, saying the organization is in such poor financial shape that she doesn't think city council should offer it the bailout package it's requesting. Last month, Greater Sudbury city council agreed to consider providing a bailout for Theatre Cambrian, the latest arts group forced to head to the city cap in hand looking for money. The theatre troupe is looking for a total of $150,000 ($80,000 in loans and $70,000 in grants) after struggling in its new home, a former church on Eyre Street. Councillors agreed to help the Sudbury Theatre Centre and the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra earlier this year, after both groups were hit by unexpected financial struggles. Both groups had a recovery plan in place to prevent a similar situation from happening again. The report on Theatre Cambrian, and the recommendation on whether to bail them out, will ready in a few months. Find the full story here.
Union blames privatization for layoffs at Sudbury Downs:
Gateway Casinos Sudbury announced Monday that seven of its 40 unionized workers will be laid off at Sudbury Downs, and Unifor, the union representing those workers, said in a news release the job loss is the direct result of privatization in Ontario gaming operations. In response, the company said the job cuts are a result of automation – new security cameras and automated payouts, for example – as well as their decision to reduce operating hours. The currently employ about 150 in total. Instead of operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Slots facility will be open 9 a.m.-1 a.m. from Monday to Thursday, and 9 a.m.-3 a.m. Friday to Sunday. In their news release, Unifor said the job cuts was the reason the union opposed privatization. Find the full story here.
Early morning fire on Ramsey View Court:
The Greater Sudbury Fire Department responded to a fire in an apartment building on Ramsey View Court early Tuesday morning. The fire started in a tenant's bedroom and was contained quickly once firefighters received the call around 4 a.m. However, when the tenant left her apartment, she left the door open, leading to smoke damage in the hallway. Damage to the large apartment building is estimated at $10,000. Smoke damage was contained to the unit where the fire started and in the hallway. Firefighters remind residents that when fleeing a fire, closing doors behind you can help limit the damage, particularly smoke damage.
Vale snags trio of awards at Ontario Mine Rescue Competition:
Sudbury's mine rescue teams had a strong showing at the 2018 Ontario Mine Rescue Competition, taking home multiple awards. Vale Canada East Mines was the overall runner-up in the seven-team competition, while taking home first place in both the team firefighting and team first aid categories. Mine rescue volunteers from Tahoe Canada Timmins West & Bell Creek Mines did not earn the most silverware, but they did earn gold hard hats as the overall winners of the 69th annual provincial competition in Matachewan, near Kirkland Lake. Simone Hensher of Glencore Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operation took first place in the technician category and Jean-Yves Dorion took third.
The Grotto: Summer religious services at Sudbury's best hidden gem:
Last summer, Sudbury.com readers voted The Grotto Sudbury's best hidden gem. There are a surprising number of Sudburians who still don't know the Grotto even exists. With its panoramic view of the city, 16-foot fountain and peaceful walking paths, it's no wonder The Grotto received this distinction. If you're so inclined, you can check out this venue during the summer at a number of upcoming religious events. Father Gérald Lajeunesse will conduct mass July 2 in celebration of Canada Day. Another priest (yet to be determined) will conduct mass to celebrate the Feast of Saint Anne July 26. And on Aug. 15, Bishop Marcel Damphousse will conduct mass to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. All three events start at The Grotto at 6:30 p.m. with the rosary (or the Way of the Cross in the case of the Aug. 15 event), followed by mass at 7 p.m.
Wednesday Weather:
Showers expected throughout the day today with a risk of a thunderstorm late in the morning and early afternoon. Wednesday's high will get up to 22. A few showers ending in the evening then clearing overnight. Low will sit around 12 this evening.For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
