413 new cases of COVID-19 reported
Public Health Ontario says 413 new cases of COVID-19 were reported yesterday, a 1.7 per cent increase in the total number of cases confirmed in the province. Among the numbers, another 310 people considered recovered.
Construction on the new casino a no-go for now
Construction on the North Bay Casino has stopped. Gateway Casinos’ says there’s no word as to when they’re starting up again, as the primary focus is reopening our 12 existing sites across the province.
Sudbury looking at reopening rec facilities
Greater Sudbury is looking at the re-opening of public facilities and services, and in line with the first stage of the province’s framework. That means outdoor rec facilities and dog parks. It’s all expected in the coming days.
New forest fire in Sault Ste Marie area
The first forest fire of the season for Sault Ste Marie has started up. Sault Ste. Marie 1 is not under control at 0.1 of a hectare. It’s one of five new fires discovered in the North East by mid-afternoon yesterday.
More programs going online… others stay on campus
Post-secondary schools in Greater Sudbury are looking into what programs will need campus access this fall. While many programs will be going online, Nursing, midwifery, and some engineering students will need access to onsite learning.
Air Canada still not flying to North Bay
North Bay’s Jack Garland Airport was hit with another flight delay this week, from Air Canada. The airline will not lift its suspension of flights from Toronto to this city until at least Sept. 7. The first suspension was supposed to end March 23rd.
Also…
Algoma U approves a balanced budget
The Algoma University Board of Governors has approved a balanced $43.3 million operating budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Approval of the budget was deferred from late April to allow for further analysis of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meals on Wheels rolling forward in Greater Sudbury
Meals on Wheels in Greater Sudbury has organized a new initiative to deliver groceries to vulnerable populations during COVID-19. It’s a touchless service and partnering with a number of grocery stores in the area.
Fuel reduction reported by GSP
Among those turning more and more online, Greater Sudbury Police has seen a decrease in fuel-consumption costs. Some of that has been due to a drop in travel expenses for out-of-town training. The police service has a budget of $62.7 million for 2020, up from $59.987 million in 2019.
Another boost in Bear Sightings
Residents in some northeastern Ontario communities are reporting an increase in bear sightings. Across the region, the ministry has received 214 calls so far this year about nuisance bears. Last year during the same time period, that number was 143 calls.
Timmins Police respond to a UTV collision
The Timmins Police Service is currently investigating a single-vehicle MVC involving a “side by side” UTV. The single-vehicle collision occurred during the late afternoon behind the Your Independent Grocer’s building, off of Hwy 655.
Forest fire season heats up
Six new forest fires have been discovered burning in the northeast since yesterday, bringing the number of active fires to 10. Meanwhile, the fire hazard is high across the region.
Also… Forest Fire crews have contained a small forest fire burning just off Hwy. 655, northwest of Big Water Lake just north of Timmins. It is 2.5-hectares in size but is not expected to spread further.
Tractor Trailer collides with train
Thankfully there were no serious injuries after a tractor-trailer collided with a train in Greater Sudbury this morning. It left Highway 144 blocked south of Levack into the early afternoon. The Tractor-trailer driver suffered minor injuries.
Memorial closed this weekend
This weekend, once again… Memorial Drive in North Bay is closing down. It’s all to assist with physical distancing requirements as many continue to get out with the families.