Barrie: OPP charge individual after early morning collision result in blood alcohol concentration three times the legal limit
A member of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police arrested and charged a driver after an early morning collision in Oro-Medonte. On August 31, 2023, shortly after 3:00 a.m., officers from the Orillia detachment of the OPP along with Simcoe County Paramedic Services and Rama First Nations Police Service responded to a motor vehicle collision on Line 6 North in the Township of Oro-Medonte. Officers arrived on scene to a single motor vehicle upside down in the ditch. No injuries were sustained, and the officers entered an impaired driving investigation. The driver was determined to be three times the legal limit of alcohol.
As a result, Ryan CRAIG; 33-year-old, from Coldwater has been subsequently charged with:
Adult fail to report accident
Adult fail to remain
Operation while impaired – alcohol
Operation while impaired – blood alcohol 80 plus
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia, to answer to the charges on October 17, 2023 their vehicle was impounded for 45 days.
Members of Orillia OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you suspect someone is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol call 9-1-1. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.
Bracebridge: Improving transit service delivery and customer service
Starting today (September 1st), Bracebridge Transit and Bracebridge Mobility will be fully operated by Hammond Transportation Ltd. This multi-year service agreement will ensure that riders continue to receive the service they rely on and aligns with the Bracebridge Transit and Mobility 5-Year Plan and the Transit Long Term Business Plan. As ridership and demand increases, the Town will continue to review options that will improve the overall rider experience.
What this means for riders: Bracebridge Transit and Bracebridge Mobility will continue to operate seamlessly with the same route, schedule and fare payment system already in place. Hammond Transportation Ltd. will now provide all aspects of transit service, including:
Customer service. Riders can now contact Hammond with questions regarding fares, service, schedules and more at 705-645-8444
Fares. Customers can continue to purchase their waveCARD and easyPass at the Bracebridge Sportsplex, Municipal Office and Bracebridge Library. All inquiries regarding payment options, lost cards, and fees can be directed to Hammond.
Daily operation. Hammond will oversee all aspects of service delivery.
The Town of Bracebridge will continue to review service and long-term planning to ensure services align with demand now and into the future. All information regarding Bracebridge Transit and Bracebridge Mobility will continue to be located on the Town’s website at bracebridgetransit.ca.
About Bracebridge Transit: Bracebridge Transit provides an affordable, environmentally-friendly way to get you where you need to be. The 60-minute route frequency provides service to the entire urban area of Bracebridge with 45 bus stops located at all schools, employment areas and attractions in town. Transit service operates Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday’s from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Service does not operate on Sundays or holidays.
For specialized services, Bracebridge Mobility is a shared-ride experience that provides door-to-door service for eligible riders in the urban service area of town. Applications for mobility service can be submitted to transit@bracebridge.ca.
To learn more about Bracebridge Transit and Bracebridge Mobility, visit bracebridgetransit.ca.
“Providing an effective transit service helps improve community health, economic development, and environmental stewardship, all of which align with our term of Council priorities. This multi-year partnership with Hammond Transportation Ltd. will ensure we can continue to provide the reliable transit service our community relies on and deliver on our long-term business plan priorities and vision for transit in Bracebridge.”
– Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge
Bracebridge: The Bracebridge Sportsplex pool and climbing wall will be closed for annual maintenance from Friday, September 1 at 4:30 pm to Monday, September 25 at 6:30 a.m.
Facility maintenance improvements include:
Draining the lap pool to replace broken tiles and main drain covers as well as undertake pool mechanical repairs;
Repairing pool deck tiles and regrouting high traffic areas;
Cleaning of air ducts;
Refurbishing pool viewing benches;
Deep facility cleaning, waxing floors and painting walls; and
A thorough cleaning of the pool deck and change rooms.
Climbing wall improvements include:
A thorough cleaning of all holds, climbing wall panels, equipment, harnesses, helmets and ropes;
Re-setting the holds for future climbers to enjoy new paths and challenges.
The Sportsplex will remain open during this time. Patrons can still access the indoor walking track, land fitness classes, weight room, auditorium, conference and activity rooms. Scheduled programming will also take place.
We are pleased to partner with the Town of Huntsville during the pool closure to offer members and pass holders access to participate in their pre-registered drop-in aquatics programs, including lane swims, aquafit, and recreational swims, free of charge. Interested patrons must make arrangements with Bracebridge Recreation Services prior to participating in any of Huntsville’s programming by emailing recoffice@bracebridge.ca, phoning 705-645-3037, or in person at the customer service counter at the Sportsplex.
For more information on available programming, visit bracebridge.ca/BeActive or call 705-645-3037.
Commanda: Commanda Community Yard Sale
Commanda Community Centre at #4009, Highway 522, Commanda
Commanda.Community.Centre@gmail.com
Gravenhurst: Our new hockey boards are now in place at the outdoor rink at Wharf Sports Field. This is one of the capital projects approved in the 2023 budget. Through this $82,000 investment, we have replaced a set of boards that were about 20 years old and at the end of their lifespan.
Huntsville: The Town of Huntsville has launched the fall edition of the digital Art, Culture & Recreation Guide, outlining all the great ways to keep busy this autumn in Huntsville. For registered programs, online and in-person registration opens on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 8:30 am. Registration for programs through the Huntsville Public Library opens on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 8:30 am.
Fall Program Highlights
Immerse yourself in Huntsville’s vibrant arts and culture scene with the fall lineup at Algonquin Theatre. Some of the anticipated shows include We Walk the Line – Tribute to Johnny Cash on October 14, Hawksley Workman on October 26, and Abbamania and Special Guests on November 25.
Looking for some spooky Hallowe’en plans? Visit the Canada Summit Centre on October 28 for a Little Monsters Hallowe’en Craft; costumes are encouraged! On October 31, walk The Great Pumpkin Trail at Muskoka Heritage Place! This event is fun for the whole family, providing a safe and traffic-free trick-or-treat experience.
Join the Orange Shirt Day March and Gathering on September 30, the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, in honour of the victims and survivors of residential schools. Sacred Strength: Indigenous Ribbon Skirts Exhibit, curated by Hope Arises, is an Indigenous-led exhibit featured in the Art Atrium at the Canada Summit Centre until October 2. The Huntsville Public Library is hosting a workshop on ribbon skirts called Sewing the Indigenous Way on October 5, as well as an Author Talk with Waubgeshig Rice on November 23.
Make the best of good weather this autumn and try Town of Huntsville Tennis at Meadow Park or join the Huntsville Muskoka Pickleball Club at McCulley Robertson Recreation Park. For indoor activities to keep you active, register for one of the classes of the newly expanded dance, fitness, and music programs at the Active Living Centre. With four yoga programs and nine fitness programs being offered this fall, there’s a class for every fitness level. For the musically inclined, check out Ukulele 1 & 2 Line Dancing, or our Drop-in Jam Session on Friday mornings.
Get laced up for the start-up of skating and shinny programs this fall. Public Skate, Parent & Tot, and Family Stick & Puck are great programs for the whole family. For some friendly on-ice competition, the Town of Huntsville offers Adult Shinny, Shinny For 55+, 65+, & 70+, and Women’s Shinny. Visit the guide for the full list of skating programs and ice schedules.
With the support of Mind-Aid, the Town of Huntsville is offering a two-day accredited Mental Health First Aid course for adults who interact with youth. The session is aimed at learning to recognize signs that someone is struggling and how to support youth mental health.
Peterborough: The Ontario government is investing over $4.3 million in up to 80 projects across the province through the latest intake of the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program. The RED program supports projects that diversify rural economies, retain skilled workers, and create jobs in local communities.
“Our government values rural communities throughout the province, and this program provides municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profits with the funding they need for projects that contribute to local economic vitality,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “The Rural Economic Development program is another example of how our government is ensuring small towns and communities across Ontario continue to share in the province’s growth and economic prosperity.”
In Peterborough, the Innovation Cluster is receiving up to $73,750 for the launch of a new program that will support:
The hiring of a project coordinator, as well as experts to train, consult, and advise entrepreneurs throughout the program
The purchase or software subscriptions for virtual platform programming
Hosting project events and workshops for the innovation and technology program
The development and implementation of a marketing and promotional campaign with advertising to help support the innovation and technology program
Creating opportunities to further facilitate the growth of entrepreneurs through networking events.
The project will positively impact rural Ontario by supporting entrepreneurship in the region, strengthening the skills of community members, preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs, and strengthening partnerships among the economic development community.
“The Agri-food industry has been a key innovator in so many technologies that we take for granted in our everyday lives,” said Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha. “Good things grow in Ontario when we nurture local entrepreneurs and give them the tools they need to collaborate and innovate.”
The RED program provides cost-share funding support towards activities that create strong rural communities. This includes funding assistance to build local capacity and improve job prospects. The program aligns with the government’s priorities of removing barriers to investment, opening doors to rural economic development, and creating good jobs across the province.
Quick Facts
The latest intake of the RED program opened on January 23, 2023, and closed on February 23, 2023.
Since 2019, the RED program has invested more than $21.6 million to fund more than 380 projects that are helping to attract investment, create jobs, and boost economic development in rural communities across the province.
Peterborough County: Grenade Recovered At Selwyn Residence
A grenade was located at a residence in Selwyn Township and was safely disposed of by members of the Military. On August 31, 2023, just prior to 8:00pm, the Peterborough County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call advising that while cleaning out their deceased fathers’ residence, the complainant located what appeared to be a live grenade in a locked firearms safe. The complainant immediately stepped away from the safe and contacted the OPP. OPP officers were dispatched to the location and ensured that no one made any attempt to handle the grenade.
OPP Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) was contacted in turn consulted with the Department of National Defence. A Bomb Tech from Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden attended, safely removed the grenade, and took it for disposal.
The Peterborough County OPP wants to remind community members that if ever in a similar situation where weapons or explosives are located, do not attempt to dispose of them themselves. Contact the OPP immediately, move to a safe location, and ensure that no one else gets close. EDU members are trained in the safe handling and disposal of explosives to ensure public safety.
Sudbury: Municipal service schedule for Labour Day (Monday, September 4th)
There is no change to household waste collection.
Landfills and transfer sites will be closed.
The Recycling Centre will be open.
GOVA Transit will follow holiday routes and schedules on Monday, September 4, 2023.
Libraries, Citizen Service Centres, Tom Davies Square and the Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter will be closed.
Greater Sudbury pools and fitness facilities will be closed.
311 and Live Web Chat (311.greatersudbury.ca) will not be available. Call 311 for urgent public works or animal control services. Register to submit service requests any time on the Customer Service Portal at 311.greatersudbury.ca or email 311@greatersudbury.ca.
For more information about municipal services, visit www.greatersudbury.ca or contact 311.
Sudbury: Road Surface Recycling Hot In-Place Recycling Contract
The City of Greater Sudbury has received the report describing the results of all third-party testing related to the Hot In-Place Recycling (HIR) contract with Road Surface Recycling Ltd. (RSR).
Testing was done in seven different categories, with multiple tests completed within each category. Based on field observations and laboratory testing, the report shows the work completed to date frequently did not meet the specification requirements under contract ENG21-38. The deficiencies described in the report will cause premature distresses and may reduce the expected service life of the HIR material by approximately 30 to 60 per cent, leading to increased maintenance costs.
The report has been provided to RSR, and the City will work with them to determine next steps.
The full report is available here: http://www.greatersudbury.ca/live/transportation-parking-and-roads/construction-projects/ongoing-projects/hot-in-place-asphalt-recycling5/kingsway-hir-report/
Sudbury: Asphalt restoration will close one lane on Regent Street across from Este Drive from September 1 at 9 a.m. to September 5 at 5 p.m.
Sudbury: Watermain work will close one lane on Brennan Road from Byng Street to the end of Brennan Road on August 30 until October 27 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A sewer installation will close Cam Street from August 30 until September 1. A storm pipe repair will close Elderwood Drive near Greenbriar Drive on August 30 from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Thunder Bay: Closing Dates Set for Splash Pads
With fall quickly approaching, the City will soon start closing local splash pads for the season. The splash pads at Franklin Street Park and North End Park will close Monday, Sept. 4 (Labour Day) at 8 pm. The splash pads at County Park, Northwood Playfield and Prince Arthur’s Landing will remain open until mid-month, closing for the season on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 8 pm. City staff will perform maintenance on these amenities in the off-season to prepare them for next year.
Contacts: Cory Halvorsen, Manager of Parks & Open Spaces, 807-625-2355
Paul Burke, Sport & Community Development Supervisor, 807-625-2305
Thunder Bay: City Seeks Input on New Culture Plan to Enhance Local Arts, Culture & Heritage
The City of Thunder Bay has begun the process of developing a new municipal Culture Plan. This Plan will replace the Inspire Thunder Bay Culture Plan that was adopted by the City in 2011, and will identify current priorities, provide direction, and anticipate challenges ahead to ensure community access to, and necessary support for, the arts, culture and heritage sector to thrive in Thunder Bay over the next decade.
“Arts, culture and heritage are vital to our community,” said Louisa Costanzo, Supervisor of Cultural Development, Community Programming and Events. “They help foster a sense of community and place and contribute to our economy in many ways, including employment, tourism, and more. The new Plan will help the City and sector partners focus work and resources where they are needed to make sure our community remains a vibrant and unique place to live, work and visit.”
The City is working with Nordicity, a consulting firm that specializes in arts, heritage and culture development. To take part in the online survey, please visit www.thunderbay.ca/getinvolved. The survey will be available until September 27. For general information about the Culture Plan, visit www.thunderbay.ca/cultureplan.
Thunder Bay: Thunder Bay’s 10th Annual Rockin’ Recovery
Join us for an inspiring evening of storytelling and music as we come together to celebrate Rockin’ Recovery on September 6th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The event will be held at Marina Park –Festival Area located at Prince Arthur’s Landing, Thunder Bay, ON.
Event Highlights:
– Courageous recovery stories of overcoming addiction
– Live entertainment by MC Ron Kanutski, V3nom, and Craig Cardiff
– Opportunity to connect with community resources and support networks
– Interactive activities and games for all ages
Date: Sept. 6
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Marina Park- Festival Area, Prince Arthur’s Landing, Thunder Bay, ON
Township of Tiny: Municipal water users are advised that the Township of Tiny will begin flushing water mains throughout the Fall season starting on September 5, 2023. To view the 2023 Fall water main flushing schedule or for more info, please visit our website at http://tiny.ca/drinkingwater.
Wasaga Beach: OPP Central Region – Obstructing the police, refusing to provide a breath sample, resisting arrest, having open liquor, driving while suspended, and having expired plates… #HurWOPP will arrest you and impound your vehicle. #wasagabeach @WasagaBeachPP