Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex, sports fields reopening:
After monitoring local developments and consulting with Public Health Sudbury & Districts, the City of Greater Sudbury has re-opened the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex as of Aug. 11 , with some sports fields available for booking on Friday. “We have been working closely with Public Health Sudbury & Districts to keep an eye on the numbers, and it is encouraging to see them once again moving in the right direction,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. As part of Stage 3 of the province’s COVID-19 restart plans, the arena was originally scheduled to reopen on Aug. 3. One ice pad is now open, with the second opening on Aug. 17. The facility will be open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight. For the time being, it will remain closed on weekends. More on this story here.
Greater Sudbury to receive more than $12 million in emergency funding:
Greater Sudbury will receive more than $12 million from the province's phase 1 safe restart funding agreement. Mayor Brian Bigger issued a statement on Wednesday, following the province's announcement that they will be providing Ontario municipalities with $1.6 billion in the first round of emergency funding. “Today's announcement is amazing news for our city. The financial pressure we face as a Council is substantial and today's news that we are receiving more than $12 million is proof that our advocacy has been effective both on the provincial and federal levels," said Bigger in his statement. "I'd like to thank the Premier and the Prime Minister for their commitment to Greater Sudbury and once again reiterate our thanks for this much needed support.”
Province providing municipalities with $1.6 billion in first round of emergency funding:
The Ontario government, in partnership with the federal government, is delivering on its commitment to provide up to $4 billion in urgently needed one-time assistance to Ontario's 444 municipalities. Municipalities will be provided with up to $1.6 billion as part of the first round of emergency funding under the Safe Restart Agreement. This funding will help municipalities protect the health and well-being of the people of Ontario, while continuing to deliver critical public services, such as public transit and shelters, as the province continues down the path of renewal, growth and economic recovery. Through the Safe Restart Agreement with the federal government, $695 million will help municipalities address operating pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic through the first round of emergency funding, and over $660 million will support transit systems. The province is also providing an additional $212 million through the Social Services Relief Fund to help vulnerable people find shelter. Full story can be found here.
Third blacklegged tick tests positive for Lyme disease bacteria:
Another blacklegged tick turned into Public Health Sudbury & Districts for testing has been found to be positive for a bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Public Health made the announcement in an Aug. 11 press release. This is the third positive tick reported in the Public Health Sudbury & Districts service area this year. With this third positive test, Public Health is reminding people of “the importance of taking precautions to protect themselves and those in their care” from Lyme disease. If you do find a tick attached to you or someone else, remove it using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick close to the skin and gently pull straight up. Then, wash the area with soap and water. Public Health asks that you put the tick in a dry container and bring it to the health unit to be sent for testing. More on this story here.
UTV stolen from home in Field:
The Nipissing West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is seeking the public's assistance with a theft investigation. Sometime between 9 a.m. on Aug. 1 and 4 p.m. on Aug. 3, unknown person(s) stole a 2014 green Arctic Cat, Wildcat Trail, utility-terrain vehicle (UTV) from a residential property located on Highway 64 in the Municipality of West Nipissing (Field). This investigation is continuing. Anyone with information regarding this theft is urged to contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or their nearest police authority. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at www.p3tips.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Wolves' HSN Foundation games raised $3,000 for MRI campaign:
The Sudbury Wolves announced Wednesday that last season’s Health Sciences North Foundation game, which took place on Jan. 10 in support of the MRI Campaign, raised $3,000 for the initiative. The money was raised from the silent and online auctions of the Wolves’ physician-themed jerseys as well as through t-shirt sales and ticket sales at the hospital. “Last season we had the pleasure of working closely with the Health Sciences North Foundation on this special charity game and were able to help shine a light on a campaign that is going to benefit so many different people in Northeastern Ontario,” said Miranda Swain-Boivin, SWSE marketing manager. Anthony Keating, president and chief development officer, foundations and volunteer groups at HSN, expressed his gratitude for the donation in a press release. “We are thankful to the Sudbury Wolves for hosting the Physician Themed Jersey Day in support of Health Sciences North Foundation,” Keating said. “It is inspiring to watch our community come together to support priority health care needs for people across northeastern Ontario. The themed jerseys were a fun addition to an exciting hockey game.” More on this story here.
Thursday Weather:
Mix of sun and cloud for Thursday with more hot weather in the forecast. Today's high will be getting up to 28, feeling like 31. A few clouds overhead tonight but no rain in sight. Overnight low will be sitting at around 15. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
