Snowfall and Wind Warnings out there this morning
The Timmins region remains under a snowfall warning this morning, with total amounts of about 15 cm expected. In addition, strong and gusty northwesterly winds may cause occasional low visibility from blowing snow in exposed areas this morning. The snow will taper off to scattered flurries this afternoon.
Elsewhere a snow squall warning and wind warning remain in effect for Sault Ste. Marie – St. Joseph Island, Searchmont – Montreal River Harbour – Batchawana Bay. Snow squalls are expected to continue today before slowly weakening tonight. There is potential for local snowfall amounts of 15 cm or more. Very strong northwesterly winds will also whip up freshly fallen snow and cause sudden near-zero visibility from blowing snow in exposed areas at times.
The MTO says Highway 17 North is closed at Batchawana Bay due to winter weather conditions. The highway is closed to all traffic in both directions between Batchawana Bay and Marathon. According to Environment Canada, heavy snow, icy conditions and gusty winds were expected to continue through the region overnight
Multiple COVID-19 exposures and outbreak
Algoma Public Health says a COVID-19 exposure warning has been given for the Bel-Air Motel. This is where a number of those in need of a place to stay are being temporarily housed as preparation continues at the new homeless shelter in the city’s west end.
Algoma Public Health is letting travellers know of two potential exposures to COVID-19. The first, a high-risk exposure, is from Ait Canada flight 8201, which departed Toronto Pearson International airport on Nov.14 at 4:15p.m. and arrived at the Sault Ste. Marie airport at 5:30 p.m. Those in rows 10-14 should contact the health unit.
A COVID-19 school outbreak is being reported by the Porcupine Health Unit. The outbreak is at Pope Francis Elementary School in Timmins. The announcement does not say how many cases are currently at the Northeastern Catholic District School Board (NCDSB) school. The health unit has also contacted families at O’Gorman High School about a positive case there. One class is expected to be in isolation.
The second potential public exposure at the John Rhodes Community Centre Pool has been deemed ‘low-risk by health officials. Anyone who attended the community centre on November 17, 2021, between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. is asked to self-monitor for symptoms.
A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at the Young-Davidson Mine near Matachewan. Declared over the weekend by the Timiskaming Health Unit, it is not known how many cases are at the mine itself. A workplace outbreak is declared when two or more cases could have been acquired in the workplace.
Fire in Elliot Lake under investigation
A suspicious fire is under investigation in Elliot Lake. It happened just ahead of the weekend, on Lisbon Road in the former Bois Joli School building. Upon arrival on the scene, the fire department crew reported smoke and flames showing. The crews were able to get the fire under control, but the building received heavy damage.
Canadore and Nipissing U getting mental health funding
Canadore and Nipissing University is getting another boost when it comes to mental health supports. Just over $300,000 is coming from an overall $8.7 million for postsecondary institutions from the Province Government. The hope is that students will receive support in their studies and future career goals. The money will be split, nearly down the middle.
Get in an accident? You have to stay on the scene, say Police
Drivers in Timmins are being reminded, that should you get into an accident, you have to stay on the scene. Timmins police officials are noticing an increase in the number of drivers who flee a motor vehicle collision scene. Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, there were 617 motor vehicle collisions in the city and in those, 73 drivers failed to remain at the scene.
New project coming to Junction Creek in Greater Sudbury
The Junction Creek Stewardship Committee in Greater Sudbury and Early Childhood Creative Collaborations have struck up a partnership. It’s all to create what they’re calling The “Tiny Traces along the Junction Creek project”. The project hopes to engage families and teachers with educational opportunities along the creek trails. Creativity Boxes filled with art materials, inquiry guides and other materials will be installed along the creek, near participating childcare centres and schools.
