Volume 1 Issue 5 | June/July 2019
|
|
Well, it didn’t take long for summer to arrive and the hot weather to finally catch up to it. After record snowfalls and what seemed like a winter that wouldn’t end, I do hope everyone in Greater Sudbury takes time this season to get out, enjoy and explore everything our City has to offer. Whether it is attending one of our many festivals, cooling off at one of the City’s splash pads or relaxing on our public beaches – I encourage you all to enjoy and appreciate everything we offer – right here at home.
With that sentiment, I also ask that you stay safe. Our lakes are beautiful, but deep and water safety is of the utmost importance and a priority for everyone. And if you are operating a boat on one of our more than 300 local lakes, keep the drinks on the dock and always wear a life jacket.
Before we know it, the leaves will be turning and the days getting shorter – so until then, please have a great, safe and sensational summer in Greater Sudbury.
Sincerely,
|
|
More than $80 million will be spent on construction projects this year.
|
|
Construction isn’t just about roads, it’s about improving City infrastructure above and below the ground. These projects include road widening, reconstruction and asphalt resurfacing, but also water main and sewer lining, bridge repairs, culvert replacements and active transportation initiatives like bike lanes.
|
|
|
|
Council recently approved $10 million from the Federal Gas Tax Fund to be used toward additional road resurfacing projects on Barry Downe Road, from Westmount Avenue to Hawthorne Drive, the Kingsway, from Bancroft Drive to Silver Hills Drive, and Regent Street, from Walford Road to York Street.
|
|
It’s going to be a busy season and we thank you for your patience while we work to make these improvements in our community.
|
|
|
|
With all these construction projects, it might be a good idea to plan ahead to avoid traffic delays. You can do this through the City’s web-based, mobile friendly traffic app. It gives you up to date information on where road and traffic restrictions are happening throughout our community.
|
|
The Road and Traffic Restrictions (RATR) app allows residents and local businesses to find areas where road work is being done by the City, contractors, utility companies, rail companies, private companies and more. RATR isn’t just for drivers; pedestrians and cyclists can also plan the best route, according to where delays are found. RATR will also offer you suggested detours.
Other features of RATR include information on City capital projects and future road projects, proposed subdivision developments (as well as those currently under construction) and locations where businesses with permits for sidewalk cafés/outdoor patios can be found.
|
|
The City posts regular traffic updates on Twitter and Facebook.
Follow us to find out about traffic disruptions near your home,
your business or along your commute!
|
|
New Transit Fares Have Something for Everyone
|
|
A new fare structure rewards frequent riders and encourages more residents to make public transit their choice for local transportation.
|
|
Over the last two years, we've been making improvements to Greater Sudbury Transit. Throughout March and April, as part of the Transit Action Plan, we asked you to tell us what you thought about proposed changes to routes and schedules. Close to 400 of you shared your feedback with us! It's important for you to be involved in the process because you use this valuable service to get around our community.
|
|
Run your errands then re-board the bus at no additional charge: Transfers will now be valid for 90 minutes, and will be accepted on any route.
Travel with your children and grandchildren: Up to four youth age 12 and under can ride free when accompanied by an adult or senior with a 31-Day Pass.
Save with the purchase of an adult or student 31-Day Pass: The cost of a 31-Day Pass for adults is reduced to $88, and the cost of a 31-Day Pass for students is reduced to $75. Ride as often as you’d like for 31 days.
Take advantage of seniors’ discounts: The cost of a 31-Day Pass for seniors age 65 plus, and for individuals in receipt of a disability pension will remain available at a discount rate of $56.
|
|
|
|
Thank you for your feedback!
Close to 400 residents participated in a recent survey to gather feedback about proposed revisions to the Greater Sudbury Transit route network. Comments will be used to finalize new routes and schedules where possible before the launch of the new transit service on August 26, 2019, which includes the launch of the new GOVA brand! Stay tuned for more details!
|
|
Celebrate and Renew Municipal Playgrounds
|
|
27 And Counting: That's the number of municipal playgrounds across the community that have either undergone or are scheduled for new play structures, landscaping and functional enhancements this year.
|
|
Municipal outdoor playgrounds are safe, accessible and free of charge for every resident of our community.
The City of Greater Sudbury has selected 15 municipal playgrounds for investment in 2019.
Thank you to everyone who recently participated in open houses and opening celebrations at each location.
Feedback received online and in person for new structures, themes and landscaping will be used to design new playgrounds that reflect the unique character of each neighbourhood.
|
|
Another Way to Pay at the Meter
|
|
In addition to being able to pay at the metre with cash/coins, drivers parking downtown now have the option to pay for parking through a mobile app.
HotSpot Parking has officially launched in downtown Greater Sudbury. It's available for download through the app store on your mobile device. Signup only takes a few minutes.
For a small convenience fee users will benefit from a number of features including:
- 30 minutes of free parking just for signing up;
- top-up parking remotely from your phone instead of running back to the meter;
- if you end a parking session early, unused time can be refunded to your account and used for future parking sessions; and
- receive a notification when your meter is close to expiring.
Parking metres will remain in place and cash payment will still be accepted, just like it is now. There is no change to parking in municipal parking lots.
|
|
What's Going on in Your Community
|
|
|
|
Pride Month 2019
The month of June was chosen for LGBT pride month to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969 in New York City. As a result, many pride events are held in June to recognize the impact of LGBT people in the world. The City of Greater Sudbury is proud to recognize June as pride month and encourages the community to celebrate with us and Fierté Sudbury Pride.
|
|
|
|
The Market
Do you love local fresh foods and one-of-a-kind products?
It is Greater Sudbury’s destination for local producers, crafters, artisans, food vendors and entertainers! The Market is open rain or shine, so don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to help support local vendors.
|
|
|
|
Franco Flag Raising
Each year, the City of Greater Sudbury raises a permanent Franco-Ontarian flag at a different City facility, in celebration of la Saint-Jean, as well as
Franco-Ontarian history and culture.
The flag was created by local Laurentian University Professor Gaétan Gervais and student Michel Dupuis and flown for the first time in our community.
This year’s flag was raised in the Courtyard of Tom Davies Square
.
|
|
|
|
Welcoming Francophone Community
The City of Greater Sudbury has been recognized as a Welcoming Francophone Community through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Francophone Welcoming Initiative. Greater Sudbury is one of 14 communities receiving funding to create programs and support French-speaking immigrants so they feel welcomed and integrated into the community. The three-year initiative is part of the federal government’s francophone immigration strategy.
|
|
|
|
The Peter Schneider Concert Series
is back again this summer in beautiful Bell Park. The concert series is held every Sunday evening from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Concerts are held at the William Bell Gazebo (next to the Bell Park Main Beach), the Katherine Bell Gazebo (on the boardwalk) and at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre.
|
|
|
|
Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment
Greater Sudbury Fire Services is now accepting applications for volunteer firefighters in the areas of Copper Cliff, Lively, Whitefish, Beaver Lake, Azilda, Chelmsford, Dowling, Vermillion Lake, Levack, Val Caron, Val Therese, Hanmer, Capreol, Garson, Falconbridge, Skead, Coniston, Wahnapitae and Red Deer Lake. Learn more about volunteer firefighting in Greater Sudbury and how you can get involved!
|
|
|
|
Lifeguards Reporting for Duty
The City of Greater Sudbury owns and operates seven supervised beaches across the community.
Lifeguards are on duty seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. between June 15 and August 18, 2019.
|
|
In the unfortunate event your pet gets lost, our staff want to help the two of you reunite as soon as possible. The best way to ensure we can do that is to make sure your pet is licensed and wearing its tag at all times.
|
|
|
|
If one of our officers picks up your pet while it’s wearing its tag, they can arrange to meet you at home rather than bringing your pet to the animal shelter. If your pet is brought to the shelter by a member of the public, shelter staff will be able to contact you immediately based on the information on their tag.
If your pet is lost, make sure to call 311 to file a lost pet report. Provide a description of the pet, pet tag number and microchip number if applicable.
|
Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter
705-694-PETS (7387)
Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
|
|
In 2018, more than 5,600 dogs and cats were licensed in Greater Sudbury.
So far this year, more than 3,000 licences have been issued.
|
|
Celebrating Success was the theme of this year's Paramedic Week. The week celebrates and showcases the important role paramedics serve in our community. Events were held throughout the week, including the reading of the proclamation by Mayor Brian Bigger.
|
|
Paramedic Jake and Bearamedic visit the YMCA to talk about the importance of learning CPR.
|
|
Paramedic Heather and Bearamedic present to students at Adamsdale Public School.
|
|
May 26 to June 1 was National AccessAbility Week in Greater Sudbury. A number of events were held throughout the community to recognize progress, inspire change and promote inclusion and accessibility.
|
|
Mayor Bigger read the proclamation for the week and invited residents to see what accessible options are available at Bell Park.
|
|
Staff and community partners joined the Independent Living Sudbury and Rainbow Routes to host an accessible walk at Kivi Park.
|
|
On July 4, Community Partners joined together for the official grand opening for the new artificial turf at Terry Fox Sports Complex. The Fabio Belli Foundation was the recipient of a grant from the Jays Care Foundation. The new turf, previously used at Rogers Centre, was donated by the Toronto Blue Jays.
|
|
Mayor Bigger is joined by Councillors Sizer, McCausland and Leduc, along with community partners from the Fabio Belli Foundation and Jays Care Foundation for the official ribbon cutting.
|
|
Parks crews were on hand for the celebration. Our Parks staff spends countless hours keeping our grounds in tip top shape! Thank you for all your hard work Pam, James, John, Pierre, Jason and Ron!
|
|
On May 21, the Federal Government announced $169 million for work on Highway 69. This is the largest infrastructure investment in northern Ontario.
|
|
On June 13, city staff raised money for the United Way by showing their "We the North" pride! Go Raptors!!
|
|
The new and improved Place Hurtubise Playground was officially opened on July 3. Mayor Bigger was joined by Councillor Al Sizer and community partners for the festivities.
|
|
Mayor Bigger, Councillor Fern Cormier and Councillor Michael Vagnini help celebrate Pride Week in Greater Sudbury with the raising of the Pride Flag in the courtyard of Tom Davies Square.
|
|
Here's an overview of some of the current projects we have on the go throughout our community.
|
|
|
|
New Preferred Site for the Library/Art Gallery
On Tuesday, May 28, City Council selected the Shaughnessy Street East municipal parking lot (beside the Sudbury Theatre Centre) as the new preferred site for the Library/Art Gallery. This highly visible site along Paris Street is available immediately, aligns with the Downtown Master Plan, and maintains a linkage to the convention and performance centre, as envisioned.
|
|
Recreational cannabis became legal in Canada on October 17, 2018. The City has since updated its Smoking By-law to include cannabis. Here's what you need to know:
|
|
As of May 1, 2019, the City’s Smoking By-Law includes cannabis in its definition of smoking and restricts smoking or vaping within nine metres of a building entranceway. This means you need to be at least nine metres away from an entrance or air intake and applies to all municipal and public
buildings within Greater Sudbury.
Municipal buildings and parks, including library and transit terminal properties, are now fully smoke free.
|
|
The Outdoor Watering By-law is in effect from
June 1 to September 30.
If your address ends in an odd number,
you can water on
odd numbered
days of the month.
If your address ends in an even number,
you can water on
even numbered
days of the month.
|
|
311: You Asked, We Answered
|
|
Each day, we receive more than 800 calls to 311 about a variety of topics. These are the most common questions asked by you in the last month, and the answers.
|
|
I heard about something called a Mobi-chair. What is it and how can I access it for my loved one with a disability?
|
|
A
Mobi-chair
is a floating wheelchair that allows people with a disability to enjoy the beach. It's available to both adults and children during the summer season while lifeguards are on duty at Bell Park Main Beach. The Mobi-chair is free to use but reservations are encouraged. When you reserve Mobi-chair you also get access to a specially modified change room at Main Beach where you can store mobility aids and personal belongings. The change room has accessible washrooms and a lift to get you in and out of the chair.
|
|
|
I received a notice saying the City would be planting a tree on the municipal portion of my property. I don't want the tree. Can I opt out?
|
|
You cannot opt out but you can choose the type of tree you want planted. We know trees can sometimes create challenges with falling leaves or branches, but they do much more good than harm because they filter toxins, create shade and add to the overall beauty of our neighbourhoods. Trees are the gift that grows! You’re welcome!
|
|
|
I heard we’re going down to one garbage bag every week. When does that start and how am I going to be able to do that with kids in diapers?
|
|
Good question! One bag limit begins October 1, 2019, so now would be a good time to start practising. We know a lot of people are skeptical about being able to get down to one bag, especially those with large families, but here’s the thing… most garbage that gets thrown out every week, isn’t actually garbage. Most products can be redirected to the Blue Box and Green Cart and you CAN do it!
|
|
|
It just takes a bit of change in your routine. For those of you with little ones, we have programs for you that will exempt diapers from the allotted one bag. We know change is difficult, but if we all do a little, we can make a big difference.
Find out more about diaper exemptions and other programs for cloth diapers, medical and pet waste.
|
|
Cora Babij
311 Customer Relations Coordinator
Cora has been with the City for 17 years. She grew up in Onaping. As a kid, she could be found dirt biking around Windy Lake or helping out at the family restaurant in Levack. She got her start in Public Works with the former Town of Onaping.
What do you do at the City?
I've held a number of positions with the municipality over the years. I'm currently the 311 Customer Relations Coordinator. I work with our phone operators and department staff to help you get the information you're looking for when you call 311 and find solutions to the more complex cases. I also work to streamline our processes so our operators have the best tools possible to address your questions.
What's the best part about what you do?
I like the people part of my job and enjoy daily interaction with residents and staff in the many different service areas we provide to our community. We get calls in all service areas in a day which means I could be talking to a number of different people to try to find a solution. Over the course of a day, I could be talking to roads foremen, water supervisors, parks staff, construction services, forestry crews, by-law officers and communications staff.
What can you be found doing outside of work hours?
I'm never really in one place long! I've been involved in a number of sports over the years, as a player, coach and board member. My loves are hockey and softball, and I've been a part of some amazing competitive teams including the Sudbury Girls Hockey Association's Sudbury Lady Wolves. This past April, I took on the role of Co-Chair, working with Hockey Canada and the Ontario Women's Hockey Association, to host the Esso Cup National Championship here in our community.
Editors Note: Cora was recently recognized by the Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame, receiving the 2019 Volunteer of the Year award. Congratulations Cora! We're so proud of you!
For questions, complaints or help finding municipal services, call 311 or email
311@greatersudbury.ca
, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
|
|
Community Action Networks (CAN)
|
|
Community Action Networks, CANs for short, aim to bring people together to build a strong and vibrant community.
|
|
Last month, several Community Action Networks participated in community clean up efforts. The Capreol CAN, Donovan Elm West CAN, Flour Mill CAN, Uptown CAN and Ward 8 CAN all took part in efforts to cleanup public spaces and help keep our city clean and green. Thank you to all the volunteers across Greater Sudbury who took part in clean up efforts with a special shout out to Uptown CAN members who collected 49 bags of garbage!
|
|
The New Sudbury Historical Society is looking to add to their complement of sign toppers throughout New Sudbury, in Wards 8, 11 and 12. The group is looking to add 49 sign toppers, which aim to create awareness about the unique farming history of the area. Those interested in providing feedback are encouraged to contact Arthemise Camirand-Peterson by phone at
705-524-9436
or via email at
artpet@fibreop.ca
. Feedback will be received until August 2.
|
|
Do you have a vision for your community?
|
|
Affordable family fun for everyone!
|
|
Performance Dashboard: Working for You
|
|
Each month, we offer a collection of statistics to help assess and measure performance over time and across service areas.
|
|
This month:
Road Maintenance
|
|
This month we feature our road maintenance services and in particular, winter maintenance and the thaw that follows. We had an unusually snowy season to deal with that saw its first flakes in October and didn’t let up until May. These numbers reflect that snow, the cold and what it takes to get through it.
|
|
Over To You Greater Sudbury
|
|
We want to connect you with information about your city and engagement opportunities on the things that matter most to you! Share your ideas for making Greater Sudbury a better place to live, work and play.
|
|
|
|
Official Plan Review
Open now
MR 35 Road Widening and Infrastructure Improvements
Open now
New Sudbury Street Sign Toppers
Open until August 2
|
|
Take A Look at New Routes and Schedules for Greater Sudbury Transit
Open until August 26
|
|
|
|
Peter Schneider Concert Series: Nadjiwan at 7 p.m. at Grace Hartman Amphitheatre
Admission: Free
|
|
|
|
Planning Committee in Council Chamber*
Operations Committee in Council Chamber*
Community Services Committee in Council Chamber*
*Meeting times to be determined
|
|
|
|
Finance and Administration Committee in Council Chamber*
City Council in Council Chamber*
*Meeting times to be determined
|
|
|
|
Hearing Committee in Council Chamber*
*Meeting times to be determined
|
|
|
|
Lifeguard supervision at municipal beaches ends
|
|
Please note: all City Council and Committee meetings take place at Tom Davies Square, 200 Brady St., Sudbury
|
|
Until next time, stay connected Greater Sudbury!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
