Downtown security program extended for an additional year
Greater Sudbury city council has voted to extend the downtown security pilot program. It will now run to the end of next year, as the city investigates the possibility of making it a permanent service. The pilot program was agreed to in December 2019 and launched a year later.
West Nipissing Council adopts municipal COVID-19 policy
West Nipissing council has adopted a municipal Covid-19 vaccination policy. It indicates all municipal staff must have their first vaccination by November 19 and must have their second dose by December 17, of this year. They’re requiring all employees and contractors who work with us to show proof of vaccination, with the understand some may have a medical exemption.
Timmins police gives the “all clear” following bomb threat
Timmins Police have given the all-clear after a bomb threat was made at the 101 Mall. The mall was able to reopen at around the noon hour. In addition to retail stores, the mall also holds a bank and a courthouse on the upper level. The criminal investigation division is investigating the incident.
Input being sought by Sault Ste Marie residents on 20-year-plan
The city of Sault Ste. Marie is asking its residents for input on a vision for the next 20 years. The current vision includes a projection that the city’s population will grow by about 10,000 people and 6,000 new jobs will be created. The comprehensive background report into the plan was released in early fall. The plan can be found on the city’s website.
MPP asking for action for section of highway 144
Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas is asking the MTO to create a safety plan for Highway 144. Specifically near Onaping. The area has proven to be fatal when it comes to accidents in previous years. Gélinas says she has kept up to date by the MTO on their progress, but she indicates it’s slow going.
Garbage clean-up moving forward at Memorial Park
Garbage clean-up is on in Sudbury’s Memorial Park. The city’s manager of corporate security and bylaw services, says they’ve been waiting for directions from city council on how to proceed with cleanup in the park, which has been home to a tent encampment. City staff are now clear to work with the people in the encampment and help clean it up. A city crew was there yesterday and is scheduled to return again on Nov. 10.
Smooth Rock Falls growing in numbers
Smooth Rock Falls says they’re continuing to sell land at what they call “rock-bottom prices” It started in 2017. The hope was to breathe new life into the town’s economy, while offering much-needed affordable housing. As a result, they’re now seeing a rise in population. After the town announced it was offering land for $500, it received over a thousand inquiries. The bold move attracted newcomers from as far away as British Columbia. As a result of the initiative, there are 60 new families living in the town.
