PUC news release…

Final Update
This is the final update from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to all consumers of municipal drinking water within the City of Sault Ste. Marie and Rankin Reserve on the status of conversion to free chlorine disinfection in the distribution system.
Conversion to free chlorine disinfection is now complete. Over the next several weeks and months, PUC will continue to monitor distribution system chlorine residuals and adjust dosage levels in order to optimize chlorine concentrations in the distribution system and to meet all regulatory requirements.
Any consumers that might still encounter taste or odour concerns after flushing their taps for more than 5 to 10 minutes should call PUC at 705-759-6522 Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 16:30 or 705-759-6555 at all other times.
We wish to thank all our customers for their understanding and cooperation throughout this process.
We would also like to thank all the many people that helped make this endeavour a success.
Thank you to the Ministry of Environment, both local and Toronto offices, and Algoma Public Health for their support and expertise in planning and preparing for the conversion.
Many thanks to Stantec, our consultant on this project, who provided invaluable expertise and guidance in researching, advising and planning for the conversion.
We wish to especially thank the many PUC staff that worked many long hours and days in planning, preparing and carrying out the work. It is only through their dedication, significant efforts and attention to detail that this conversion has been successfully completed.

OPP news release…

THEFT AND RECOVERY OF MINI VAN
Charges Laid

(CHAPLEAU, ON.) – The Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Chapleau Detachment received a report of a theft of a mini van from Lansdowne St. South in Chapleau. The van was located a short time later with damage to the driver’s side mirror. As a result of OPP investigation 22-year-old Michael MCAULEY of Chapleau was charged with Theft Over $5,000 and he is to appear in Chapleau Court in December 2011 to answer to the charge.

ASSAULT AT LOCAL LIQUOR ESTABLISHMENT

(WAWA, ON.) – Early on October 30th, 2011 the Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Wawa Detachment were called to a local liquor establishment in regards to an assault that had occurred to an employee. As a result of the OPP investigation 43 year old Ryan OLEARY of Wawa was charged with assault. He is to appear in Wawa court on December 12th, 2011. Investigation is continuing and OPP are looking for a female who was involved in the altercation. Anyone with any information is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers.

MULTIPLE BREAK AND ENTERS TO LOCAL CAMPS

(WAWA, ON.) – Between October 14th and the 27th, 2011 two break and enters occurred to local seasonal camps in the Superior East Wawa Detachment area. The Ontario Provincial Police received a third break and enter report on October 28th, 2011 to a home in the same location. All properties affected are located on Twin Lakes on Highway 101 in Esquega Township.

Items stolen from the seasonal camps include 2 firearms, a .22 calibre rifle and a .32 calibre rifle and 3 hunting knives. Entry was gained by forcing the front door open using physical force.

From the permanent residence the items stolen were a Toshiba laptop computer and 40″ Sony LCD television. Entry was gained using a firearm to break the door lock. OPP investigation into these matters is continuing at this time. Anyone with any information is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers.

“If you have any information regarding any criminal activity, call 705-942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS); submit an e-tip from The Crime Stopper’s web-site at www.saultcrimestoppers.com or send a text to keyword SSM to the short code number 274637.

Orazietti news release…

Province Contributes $1.5 Million to Local Road Infrastructure Improvement Project

Sault Ste. Marie – David Orazietti, MPP was joined by Mayor Debbie Amaroso to officially mark the opening of the McNabb Street and South Market Street intersection following significant road improvements.

“This investment helps to ensure that our roads and transportation routes are properly maintained and improved for the safety of all residents,” said Orazietti. Provincial funding for the reconstruction of the McNabb Street and South Market Street intersection, as well as $3.3 million toward the recent opening of the Third Line extension, which increases access to the new Sault Area Hospital, is part of our commitment to provide the infrastructure needed to keep our city moving forward.”

Funding for the reconstruction project was provided by the governments Ontario and Canada and the City of Sault Ste. Marie through the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF).

COMRIF is $900-million initiative that responds to local needs through infrastructure upgrades to provide clean, safe drinking water, better sewage systems, improved waste management processes, safer local roads and bridges, as well as other health and safety priorities. Under COMRIF, the governments of Canada and Ontario are working together with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and local partners to improve public infrastructure and quality of life for local residents in small urban and rural communities.

Since 2003, the province has invested over $25 million in local road and bridge improvements that include:

o McNabb Street

o South Market Reconstruction

o Shannon Road

o Third Line East Extension

o Turn lane at Second line – Great Northern Road

o Great Northern Road

o Trunk Road

o Wellington Street East

o Wellington Street West

o Cathcart Street

o Huron Street

o Bay Street

o Lyons Avenue

o Korah Road

o Second Line West

o Queen Street East

o Church Street

o Carmen’s Way

o North and South Root River Bridges

FedNor news release…

NORTH BAY, Ontario, October 31, 2011 –- The Government of Canada is helping to bolster
Northern Ontario’s agriculture, agri-food and equine industry by supporting the popular Northern
Ontario Agri-food Pavilion at this year’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, November 4 to
13, 2011.
The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor, today announced the roster of over 40
agricultural and equine businesses and organizations from across Northern Ontario that will
comprise the 6,000 square foot exhibit at Canada’s largest indoor agricultural exposition. The
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair attracts over 350,000 visitors each year.
“For every project FedNor supports, our goal is to ensure the continued growth, development
and diversification of Northern Ontario’s economy,” stated Minister Clement. “Supporting a
major exhibit at The Royal Winter Fair enables Northern equine, agricultural organizations and
food operations to become better known by presenting their products and services to
consumers, industry representatives and potential investors.”
Last July, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $363,908 in the NECO
Community Futures Development Corporation in support of the Northern Ontario Pavilion at the
2011 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
“Over the years, the Northern Ontario Pavilion at the Royal Winter Fair has created countless
opportunities for local producers to establish industry contacts in Southern Ontario markets,”
added Minister Clement. “In turn, this leads to increased sales and creates consumer
awareness about their unique products and services.”
Funding for this project was provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program
which helps strengthen community economic development, enhance business development and
growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
To find out more about FedNor or for a complete list of exhibitors at the Northern Ontario Agrifood
Pavilion, visit us at fednor.gc.ca

City Police news release…

Bear and Halloween Safety:

Overnight and throughout the weekend, the Sault Ste. Marie City Police Service continued to receive several more complaints of close encounters with a large black bear in the North end and P-Patch area. During these encounters the bear has not been easily scared away by human presence. This is a sign the bear is very comfortable in the area. Additional officers were assigned to patrol these locations due to the high number of calls.

With Halloween being this evening, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service will continue to patrol the area and reminds the public that the bear is still at large and may be attracted to available food or garbage that is left out by some of the homeowners. If you wish to assist the Sault Ste. Marie City Police and the Ministry of Natural Resources remove any food sources and please put your garbage in secure locations such as a garages, sheds, or indoors. As a reminder, in over 90 percent of the complaints there were unsecured garbage containers found on site. The public is urged to continue to report sightings of the bear.

The following are some suggestions to keep you and your children safe:

“Parents should accompany their children
“Travel in groups
“Start early and finish early
“Carry a cell phone and contact police immediately upon any bear sightings
“Stay on sidewalks and in well lit areas (carry a flashlight)
“Keep out of back yards and bush areas.
“Homeowners are reminded to refrain from putting out their garbage this evening.
“You may wish to carry a whistle or other noise making device. Bears will typically avoid noisy areas and are less likely to be startled (a startled bear can react in a dangerous manner)

If you encounter a bear:

Remain calm. Often the bear is just passing through and, if it finds no food source, will simply move on. Residences may be located in or near natural bear habitat.
If a bear is in a tree, leave it alone. Remove people and dogs from the area. The bear will come down and leave when it feels safe. This is usually after dark.
Keep away from the bear, do not block its exit and warn others to keep away. Bring children and pets into the house.
If near a building or car, get inside as a precaution. If the bear was attracted to food or garbage, make sure to remove these items after the bear leaves to discourage the bear from returning.
Keep dogs away from bears. Uncontrolled dogs can lead bears back to people.
If you have a problem with a bear, call the Bear Wise line toll-free at 1-866-514-2327. You will be connected directly with a live operator during bear season (April 1-November 30).
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local police.

If a bear approaches you:

Slowly back away, watching the bear.
If the bear tries to approach you, stop. Be aggressive and make yourself appear as big as possible. Yell and throw rocks or sticks. Never turn and run!
Carry a noise-making device such as a whistle or air horn, and use it!
If the bear continues to approach you, keep backing away slowly while acting aggressively towards the bear.
If you are carrying bear repellent, use it only if the bear is attacking you or is extremely close to you (make sure you are familiar with the product and how to use it beforehand).
Black bear attacks are very rare. If a black bear attacks, do not play dead – except in the rare instance of when you are sure a mother bear is attacking you in defense of cubs. Fighting back is the best chance of persuading a black bear to stop its attack. Use a large stick, a rock or anything else that you can to deter the bear.

Quick Facts:
Call the Ministry of Natural Resources Bear Wise reporting line toll-free at 1-866-514-2327; Hearing Impaired (TTY) 1-705-945-7641. You will be connected directly with a live operator during bear season (April 1-November 30).
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local police 705-949-6300
Visit ontario.ca/bearwise for more information on bears and what you can do to keep them out of your neighbourhood

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to once again bring the public’s attention to the urban bear issue ongoing in the city’s north end. There have been increasing reports to police recently about a bear in the “P-Patch” area of the city which is predominantly a residential neighbourhood backed by some woodland. With Halloween approaching, the Police Service is aware of the number of children that will be in the area while the bear remains at large attracted to available food in garbage left out by homeowners. The public is urged to continue to report sightings of the animal. The Police Service in cooperation with the Ministry of Natural Resources will respond to calls or sightings of the bear and reminds the public of the following necessary steps to help avoid attracting black bears into populated areas:

* Putting garbage out only on the morning of collection.
* Storing garbage in waste containers with tight-fitting lids.
* Put away bird feeders and suet
* Clean and put away outdoor grills after use, including the grease trap underneath.

After months of waiting, the South Market Street extension to McNabb Street will officially open to traffic on Monday. A ceremony is scheduled to take place at 11:30 a.m. on South Market and McNabb at the railroad tracks. The ceremony will include city representatives and Sault MPP David Orazietti.

A flag raising ceremony is scheduled for Sunday afternoon across from the entrance of the Civic Centre. The event will include the Royal Sovereign Sea Cadets, who will lead in the singing of the national anthem. The flags of seven additional nations will be raised at 2:00 p.m. among those already flying — including Argentina, China, Denmark, France, India, South Korea at the United Kingdom.

He is known for his interviews with major Middle East figures. Now, Jerusalem Post political correspondent and analyst Gil Hoffman will discuss hopes for democracy and peace in the region Sunday night at 7:00 p.m. at Congregration Beth Jacob on Bruce Street.

The Sault Police Service are teaming with Shaw Cable and the Twin Soo Radio Club for a joint safety campaign on Sunday evening and Monday evening — the latter being Hallowe’en night. Volunteers with the Radio Club will be out to assist the police in making sure the public has a safe and crime free time. Club members will be in their own vehicles and will notify police of any criminal activities they see while on patrol. Shaw Cable will also have vans out on their ‘Pumpkin Night’ from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday night. If your child requires assistance they can approach the Shaw van for help. City Police also remind anyone who is caught pranking, throwing eggs or commiting other mischief that any pranks during this time will be considered criminal offences and charges could be laid.