Good morning, Greater Sudbury! Here are a few stories to start your day on this Saturday morning.
Average residential property tax bill could jump by $176
This year’s average residential property tax bill could jump by $176, if city council follows through with administration's tax implementation plan. City administration tabled a report on implementing 2023 budget decisions, which the finance and administration committee of city council will consider during their May 16 meeting. Factoring in both municipal and education taxes, residential properties are slated to see their taxes jump by an average of 4.5 per cent, commercial properties face a 3.4-per-cent tax increase, and industrial property taxes will go up by 2.3 per cent. Frozen education taxes helped bump the rates a bit lower than they would have otherwise been, with the municipal portion ending up coming to a five-per-cent increase for residential, 4.5-per-cent increase for commercial and 2.7-per-cent increase for industrial. This, against an overall tax levy increase of 4.6 per cent approved by city council at the close of 2023 budget deliberations in February, at which point they settled on a $708-million budget.
Fact Check Friday: Will fire station changes affect insurance?
Claim: The city’s proposed changes to emergency services infrastructure will result in higher home insurance rates The city’s push to consolidate rural fire stations throughout Greater Sudbury has sparked public concern that home insurance rates will spike. The proposed plan would see the number of fire stations drop from 23 to 14, meaning various properties will be positioned farther from fire stations. Most insurance underwriters require residential properties to be at least eight to 13 kilometres from fire stations in order to be considered protected. Various numbers have been bandied about by residents when it comes to potential impacts to insurance rates, with some people saying the amount they pay will skyrocket. Central to the discussion is the fact that understaffed fire stations do little to combat fires — a point Fire Underwriters Survey factored into their findings, which affect insurance rates issued by the approximately 85 per cent of insurance companies in Canada that use their data.Fact Check Friday has been created as part of an ongoing effort by Sudbury.com to clarify information being shared with the public.
GSPS release images of second suspect in Overtime shooting
Police have released the image of a second suspect wanted in connection with the homicide at Overtime Sports Bar on April 23. GSPS are requesting assistance in locating 19-year-old Noah Singh, who is wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant. Singh is charged with first degree murder, possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition and conspiracy to commit murder. Additionally, he is being charged with Uttering Threats, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, Possession of Firearm Knowing Serial Number has been Tampered With, Carrying Concealed Weapon, Unauthorized Possession of Restricted Firearm, Breach Probation, Unauthorized Possession of Weapon and Possession of Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order, two counts. Anyone with information related to the whereabouts of Noah Singh is asked to contact police at 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 705-222-8477.
GSPS plans a full lineup of events for Police Week, May 14-20
A number of community events will be held from May 14-20 to celebrate Police Week in Sudbury. Police week is celebrated annually during the third week of May and is a chance for the public to learn more about the services provided by Greater Sudbury Police, and to highlight local initiatives and partnerships. This year’s theme is Building Bridges: Celebrating Police-Community Relationships. The theme highlights the role police officers and personnel play in community safety, “and the vital relationships police have with their communities” reads a release from GSPS. On Sunday, May 14, a motorcycle demonstration will be held at A&W Canada at 1099 Marcus Drive between 6-7 p.m. Police will demonstrate their motorcycle skills, give the community a chance to check out their Traffic Management Unit vehicles and ask questions about the Highway Traffic Act, motorcycle safety and community policing.
Inspire: Manitoulin student earns incredible scholarship
The Loran Award, the largest undergraduate merit scholarship in Canada, is a big deal. Jocelyn Kuntsi, a student and student trustee of Manitoulin Secondary School, is the Rainbow District School Board’s 2023 Loran Scholar. She is one of only 36 students from across Canada to earn a Loran Award. The award is a comprehensive four-year enrichment program, offering an annual living stipend, summer work experiences, mentorship, scholar gatherings, and a tuition waiver at one of 25 university partners. “It’s quite an accomplishment to be selected from 4,800 applicants from across Canada,” said Bruce Bourget, the Rainbow Board’s director of education. “It’s equally as impressive to have earned a scholarship with a value of more than $100,000 for post-secondary studies.”
Water safety warnings issued in light of the warmer weather
Despite the beautiful, warmer weather, the lakes and rivers around Sudbury are still freezing cold and water is still running high in many local areas. That has prompted Conservation Sudbury and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to issue safety warnings. Conservation Sudbury said most local watercourses are still running high, although many water levels have peaked and are now dropping. The agency is advising residents living near rivers and lakes to be aware that water levels do not drop quickly and to closely monitor all water courses — especially those living in Wahnapitae and Wanup areas — where overland flooding could still occur. "Anyone trying to clear debris or clean up properties are advised to work safely around the cold, fast-moving waters. Stream banks and shorelines may be unsafe after a high water event and must be avoided if possible," said a statement from the conservation authority. The warning also mentioned that young children seem to be attracted to playing at the water's edge and should be warned accordingly.
Nice weekend in store, bit of frost tonight
Expect a sunny Saturday with a high of 17. The wind will be northerly at 20 km/h, gusting to 40. The UV index today is seven, or high. For tonight, the skies will be clear with the wind becoming light in the evening. The overnight low is 3, with a risk of frost. For Sunday, expect more sun and a high of 20. For tonight, expect clear skies and a low of 7.
