Two LTC residents pass away due to COVID-19
Two more residents have passed away due to COVID-19 at Extendicare Kapuskasing. The outbreak at Extendicare Kapuskasing was declared Jan. 7. About 70 staff and residents have tested positive. There are currently 13 residents and 14 staff with active cases.
In new cases…
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is reporting one new case of COVID-19. The case is part of the ongoing outbreak at the Lancelot Apartment building in North Bay. It is a person between the ages of 60 and 79.
With vaccinations…
Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reporting an important milestone. All consenting residents of area long-term care and high-risk retirement homes have now been vaccinated with their first dose of COVID-19. In addition to residents and staff of Elders’ lodges have now been vaccinated which means the health unit has met the provincial target date of Feb. 10
$300k for three-years approved for St. Joseph’s Villa
Sudbury city council has passed a motion that ask staff to prepare a business case aiming to provide support for St. Joseph’s Villa. $300,000 a year for the next three years. Members of the St. Joseph’s Villa Foundation capital campaign team made a presentation to council on Jan. 26, outlining their $4.6-million retrofit program for some much-needed repairs.
New funding sent to aid two legions
The Royal Canadian Legion branches in Cobalt and Mattawa are receiving funding from Ottawa. Branch 44 in Cobalt and Branch 254 in Mattawa will each get just over $10,800 from the Veterans Organization Emergency Support Fund. All to help the Legions get through the COVID-19 pandemic, it was announced by Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota and Minister of Veterans Affairs & Associate Minister of National Defense.
Timmins City budget approved at 1.46% increase
The city of Timmins has approved a $43.83 million net expenditure for 2021, a 1.46 per cent increase over last year. That increase does not include budget increases from the agencies, boards and commissions that were also approved last this week. The 2021 water and sewer rate hike was approved earlier this year and will see the average rate (based on a five-room house) increase $50 — $21 for water and $29 for sewer.
Two Ski Hills announce reopening
The Adanac Ski Hill says they will open in the coming weeks. While it will be for a shortened season, it’s in antioption of the lessened restrictions in the coming week. The ski hill says that Downhill ski operations will be permitted as of next Tuesday, with COVID-19 safety precautions in effect in all colour zones.
Meanwhile
In Timmins, Mount Jamieson says they’ll be back in business on Saturday, February 20th. They have made a point of confirming that all skiers and snowboarders must adhere to the COVID-19 protocols. There will be a zero-tolerance policy in place.
Drivers told to watch for highway debris
Drivers between North Bay and Ottawa are encouraged to keep a look out on Highway E. This is after someone has been deliberately leaving debris on the roadway near Pembroke. Thus far a hot water tank and water softener tank that were both found on the shoulder of the highway. Police have also found rocks and vehicle rims.
Also…
Extreme cold Windchill’s announced in Timmins
Those out an about in Timmins will need to remember to scarf, and extra socks. Environment Canada says a multi-day episode of very cold wind chills is expected with extreme wind chill values near minus 40. They are expected this morning and tonight into Friday morning. Residents are asked to give vulnerable family and friends a courtesy call.
OPP Confirm Highway 17 North is Open
Sault Ste Marie OPP confirm that Highway 17 north between Batchewana and Wawa is now open. Those heading North out of the Soo, should be ready to respond to adverse and rapidly-changing weather/driving conditions by reducing their speed and leaving extra space.
