Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
12 Days of Kindness hits lucky day number seven:
Like a great neighbour, Karen Lindquist is kind and considerate, but it’s her giving spirit that makes her an extraordinary friend. Described as a saint who never asks for anything in return, Karen and her beloved doggy, Kalin, take care of everyone who lives on McNeil Boulevard. Be sure to check back with us and watch as we surprise Karen after Kalin's appointment at the Chelmsford Animal Hospital in today's episode of 12 Days of Kindness.
Rainbow mall owners promote library/art gallery plan:
The owners of the Rainbow Centre made their pitch Thursday for using the mall to house a new art gallery and library, a project they say would be 75 per cent cheaper than building new. Amin Visram, CEO of Vista Hospitality, said the mall takes up about one-fifth of downtown Sudbury, and his company has been working hard since buying the building in 2001 to revive it. They have spent $30 million on facade improvement, and that doesn't include $12 million being spent restoring the garage. Having the library and art gallery would be a major step toward in boosting the mall, said Visram. More on this story here.
Brewer Lofts developer blasts city for rejecting funding application:
The man behind plans to redevelop the former Northern Breweries building on Lorne Street into condominiums is unhappy — to say the least — that his application for support from the city died at budget time. In an interview, Greg Oldenburg said the fact his business case wasn't even discussed before falling to the wayside borders on “contempt” for private developers like him who spend a lot of money and time preparing the proposals. Oldenburg has been working the last few years to turn the old building into the Brewer Lofts, a 50-unit condominium development. He sought $9.5 million through a mixture of grants and tax exemptions using programs designed to encourage downtown development and the city's brownfield strategy, as well as a personal loan. While his request far exceeded the budgets for the programs, he argued his project would accomplish the goals of the programs for several years. And he said the loan would only become a reality once construction started, and would be repaid within a year of the building's completion. More on this story here.
You could be eligible for a $75 credit on your electricity bills:
Greater Sudbury Hydro is asking for Sudburians to spread the word about the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP). The OESP is a provincial program that helps lower-income customers with their electricity bills. The OESP provides monthly on-bill credits to eligible customers based on household income and household size. Even though the OESP has been around for a while, there are still people who have not yet applied to receive the on-bill credit. Find more on this story here.
Tesla plugs into Sudbury:
Sudbury is home to a new Tesla electric vehicle (EV) charging station, and at least one local EV advocate is optimistic the infrastructure’s arrival in the city will spur more people to embrace the technology. Installation on the Tesla SuperCharger, which has stalls to charge eight vehicles at one time, was completed in December in the parking lot of a SmartCentre retail area in the city’s south end. While the proprietary technology only works for Tesla vehicles, Devin Arthur said the luxury brand name brings with it a certain cachet that could attract more users to the technology, increasing demand and prompting other companies to set up shop. Full story can be found here.
Police report possible meteor landing in Thunder Bay:
Police in northern Ontario say a meteor may be responsible for a loud explosion that shook houses in a Thunder Bay neighbourhood earlier this week. Thunder Bay police say officers were dispatched to the area at about 11 p.m. Wednesday to investigate reports of the loud explosion. They say officers found a hole in the snow about 75 centimetres wide on the side of the road, with a pile of what appeared to be rock-like material. Officials say the area was checked and no footprints or vehicle tracks were found. Thunder Bay police say they have been in contact with Lakehead University and a professor from the geology department to examine the area. The force says it is believed it was a meteor from the Geminid Meteor shower, which peaked late Wednesday night until early Thursday morning.
Sault Area Hospital puts restrictions on Christmas decorations:
Sault Area Hospital (SAH) management has put restrictions on Christmas decorations at the Great Northern Road healthcare facility. “To ensure that we are providing a safe and welcoming space for all members of our community, Sault Area Hospital limits the use of decorations intended to celebrate various events or holidays in common areas of the hospital frequented by the general public,” stated Brandy Sharp Young, SAH manager of communications and volunteer resources, in an email to SooToday. "Exceptions to this requirement, such as volunteer/patient activities or Sault Area Hospital Foundation (SAHF) holiday-themed fundraising activity, may be approved by the Vice President of Transformation and Chief Human Resources Officer. Holiday decor in inpatient units and areas not frequented by the general public may be approved by the Department Manager. The Manager must ensure inclusive representation and an approach that respects the diversity of staff, patients, families, physicians, and volunteers,” Sharp Young wrote. Hospital management has approved exceptions.
Friday weather:
Mainly cloudy for Friday with periods of snow beginning early in the morning. Up to 4 cm of snow today with a high near -9. Periods of snow possible this evening with a low of -20. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
