Construction Company Charged In Barrie Crash That Left 6 Young People Dead
Barrie police have charged a construction company in connection with a crash last summer that left six young people dead. Police announced Thursday that Con-Drain Company Ltd. is facing six counts of criminal negligence causing death. On August 28th, 2022, police, who were conducting a missing persons investigation, located a crash scene on McKay Road, east of County Road 27, and found six people dead. The victims were identified as Curtis King, 22; River Wells, 23; Jason Ono-O’Connor, 22; Luke West, 22; Jersey Mitchell, 20; and Haley Marin, 21.
Police later confirmed that the crash occurred the day before at around 6 a.m. as the six victims were travelling to a nearby casino. Their vehicle plunged into a deep concrete pit in the area. At the time of the crash, the road was an active construction site, and the intersection had been closed since the spring.
Police say the charges are a result of a “thorough investigation and review of all the available material” but no further information will be released.
The company is scheduled to appear in court next month.
Moose Rescued After Falling Through Broken Ice
Moose rescue! Superior East OPP was assisted by the Ministry Of Natural Resources and a local resident after a moose fell through the ice on Catfish Creek, north of Wawa. Milder temperatures, combined with moving water, weakens ice, and makes it unpredictable.
(IMAGES COURTESY OF OPP NORTH EAST REGION)
North Bay Council Appoints Interim CAO
North Bay city council has appointed John Severino to the position of interim chief administrative officer following a special Jan. 9 council meeting. Severino, who already serves as city engineer overseeing the infrastructure and operations business unit, will lead the city’s administration while a recruitment process is underway for a permanent replacement for former CAO David Euler, who has accepted an early retirement package. Severino has more than 20 years of experience in management roles and has been a member of the City of North Bay’s management team for more than 13 years.
OUTLoud North Bay Offering Jam Space To Young Musicians
OUTLoud North Bay supports the health and well-being of the 2SLGBTQA+ youth and allies of North Bay and surrounding communities, through workshops, professional services, collaborations, and a safe space. They’re offering high school bands and musicians the opportunity to take advantage of their full stage loaded with instruments to jam! For more info contact Seth Compton at outloudnorthbay@gmail.com.
Parry Sound Chamber of Commerce Hosting Brainstorming & Information Social
The Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association and The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound, will be hosting a brainstorming and information social at Trestle Brewing Company on Tuesday February 28th from 4-6pm. This free event is open to all local businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations! You must register to guarantee your spot. Space is limited to first 60 registrants.
To register go to: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/business-after-hours-at-trestle-brewing-company-tickets-514194177627?fbclid=IwAR3kPsZal9rK66dJVVEy9V52GsYAgGFSzc3R_2Sg8lZ5Co9Vs8fHEs1wFnM
Immigrant Attraction Program Extended In Thunder Bay
A pilot program to attract newcomers to Thunder Bay has been extended by two years. Originally slated to run between 2019 and 2022, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program has been given the green light to run until 2024 under the guidance of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission. Under the extension, the program’s catchment area will expand to include Thunder Bay’s surrounding communities. In 2022, the CEDC selected 281 foreign skilled workers for permanent residents, who secured full-time, permanent positions with 144 businesses and organizations. That well surpasses the commission’s initial goal of selecting 250 workers. The commission said top sectors included food services, retail, and health care, noting that most candidates were already living in the community. In total, the Thunder Bay CEDC has assisted 213 eligible employers to recruit or retain more than 500 skilled workers, resulting in more than 700 newcomers to the area, a number that includes the successful applicants and their accompanying family members.
