Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Councillors considering debt financing for big projects:
With so many big projects in the works, and with upper levels of government flush with infrastructure money, Greater Sudbury city council will get an overview Tuesday on debt financing. In a move that would spell the end of the decades old pay-as-you-go policy, city councillors are considering ways to fund some of the projects to take advantage of the infrastructure funds and historically low interest rates. Read the full story here.
Wolves playoff hockey returns to Sudbury Arena tonight:
The Sudbury Wolves earned a split on the road in their first round playoff series with the Oshawa Generals and return home for game three tonight. The Wolves took game one of the series by a score of 5-2. The Generals answered back with a 5-1 win Sunday night in game two. The teams will face off in game three tonight at the Sudbury Arena with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. Be sure to check back with Sudbury.com for a full game recap this evening.
Coroner's inquest into the death of inmate at Sudbury Jail:
The regional coroner has announced an inquest into the death of an inmate at the Sudbury Jail three years ago. Dr. David Cameron, regional supervising coroner for the north region, announced Monday an inquest will be held into the death of Neil Richard Lacelle, 28. He died June 5, 2014, at the Health Sciences North following his transfer from the Sudbury Jail, Cameron's office said in a news release. An inquest is mandatory under the Coroners Act. The inquest will begin at 9:30 a.m. May 1 at the Sudbury Courthouse, 155 Elm St.
Police looking for witnesses to Saturday morning stabbing:
Greater Sudbury Police continue to seek information into an early morning stabbing that sent a man to hospital on Saturday. GSPS have been able to determine where the stabbing took place. The incident occurred at around 5:30 a.m. on March 25 in a parking lot at 675 Bruce Avenue in the Flour Mill. That’s the site of Lighthouse Non-Profit Homes. The victim of the stabbing was transported to hospital by someone driving a 2016 Ford Expedition coloured grey, licence plate number CANW 027. The 32-year-old man, whose name hasn’t been released, remains in critical, but stable condition at Health Sciences North. Police are still gathering information on the stabbing itself and are asking anyone who may have witnessed the event or who may have been in the vicinity at the time of the crime to contact GSPS.
Fleeing inmate may be headed to Alberta:
A federal inmate serving time for criminal harassment is on the run and may be headed from southern Ontario to Alberta. The OPP’s Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement Squad (or ROPE) is hoping the public can help locate a federal offender wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for breach of his long-term supervision order. Ryan Hamelin is serving a one-month, 29-day sentence for criminal harrassment. The 36-year-old white male stands 5-8 and weighs 170 lbs. He has hazel eyes and brown hair. Although known to frequent Barrie and the Greater Toronto Area, Hamelin may attempt to flee to Alberta, the OPP said. Anyone with information about Ryan Hamelin should contact the ROPE Squad toll free at 1-866-870-ROPE (7673), Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or call 9-1-1.
Feds expected to announce marijuana will be legal by Canada Day next year:
The Liberal government is expected to introduce legislation next month that will make marijuana legal for recreational use across Canada by July 1, 2018. According to media reports, the federal government will oversee the country's marijuana supply and Ottawa will license producers. Similar to the purchase of alcohol and tobacco products, there will be a minimum age to purchase marijuana, with the age set at 18 nationally, but provinces will be able to set higher age restrictions. Provinces will also be able to control prices, along with how marijuana is purchased and sold. Canadians who want to grow their own marijuana will be allowed to do so, with a limit of four plants per household. More on this story can be found here.
Cougar carcass found in Thunder Bay area:
A unique find in the region has a local outdoor organization excited, as it finally answers the question surrounding an elusive, and rarely seen predator. The Northwestern Ontario Sportsman’s Alliance shared images of a mountain lion carcass on social media. The frozen mountain lion carcass was found by Mandi Weist near the Boreal Road on Saturday. The cougar found by Weist appeared to have died from natural causes, according to a taxidermist. It was very emaciated and looks to have had a run in with a porcupine. Kaplanis said Northwestern Ontario is not typically the habitat where cougars are found, but a growing deer population could be bringing the predators to the area. Full story can be found here.
For Sudbury's Hannah Morningstar, a basket is more than just a basket:
Hannah Morningstar, her grandfather and her prized possession — a basket — are headed to Toronto next week. She made it to the top 10 in the Imagine a Canada contest, put on by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. The Grade 10 St. Charles College student learned how to make split ash baskets last summer with the help of her grandfather. She leaves Monday for Queen’s Park, where she will meet Ontario Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell and sit on a round table discussion on reconciliation to share the meaning of her work.
Tuesday weather:
Some spring weather is finally headed our way. Tuesday will see a mix of sun and cloud with a daytime high of around 8. A few clouds this evening with temeratures dropping to -6. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
