The LocalSKIM for Monday, October 4
- A group is holding an online fundraiser in the hopes of raising $10,000 to create banners that can be displayed in the community to honour 20 men from Port Dalhousie who died in the two Great World Wars. (610 CKTB)
- Jeffrey and Lynn Henderson have donated $500,000 for the renovation of the CT Simulator Suite at the Walker Family Cancer Centre. A CT Simulator is used on patients prior to being treated with radiation. (610 CKTB)
- A group of protesters were at Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff’s office on Monday advocating for better long-term-care homes and an end to for-profit care. (Niagara this Week)
Compost event to support local charities
- From Oct. 18 – 23, Niagara Region residents can collect bags of compost during regular business hours (while quantities last).
- In exchange for the compost, residents are required to donate non-perishable food items or cash in support of a number of local charities.
- The attendants will use their discretion to determine the number of compost bags given to each resident in exchange for their donation to a maximum of three bags per vehicle per day.
- Click here for the times and locations where compost will be available.
The LocalSKIM for Thursday, September 30
- Hundreds of people attended a ceremony for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at St. Catharines city hall. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was approved as a federal statutory holiday in June and honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. (Niagara this Week)
- A 330 pound bronze statue of Lieutenant General Drummond has been stolen from the Drummond Hill Cemetery on Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls. As well, there was vandalism found on the cemetery grounds. (Thorold News)
- A COVID-19 outbreak was declared at a Brock University classroom on Monday but was resolved on Thursday after infecting only two people. There are currently 11 active outbreaks in Niagara. (St. Catharines Standard)
- Niagara’s municipal bylaw officers have been visiting Niagara businesses to ensure they are complying with COVID-19 vaccine certificate rules. So far, all of the visits have been education focused. (St. Catharines Standard)
The LocalSKIM for Wednesday, September 29
- Niagara’s public health department and the two school boards are reviewing COVID-19 safety policies as 100 positive COVID-19 cases have been reported so far in September at Niagara schools and early childhood education centres. Some parents have expressed concern regarding students not wearing masks. (St. Catharines Standard)
- It is expected to cost the city of St. Catharines $20,000 a week on security and staff at city facilities to check all visitors for proof of vaccination before entering the facilities. (St. Catharines Standard)
- Ontario is now recommending that those aged 18 to 24 receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine instead of Moderna after an increase in a rare heart condition in young adults who had received the Moderna vaccine was observed. The province noted that the side-effect is rare and the majority of cases are considered mild. (CTV News)
Photo: Vantage Point - Freerange StockNiagara health care receives $56 million in funding
- Today, Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, along with Robin Martin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health, announced $53,383,900 for Niagara Health to help cover historic working funds deficits.
- In addition, Niagara Health will receive $1,411,837, while Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre will receive $1,208,524 in the 21-22 fiscal year through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund.
- This funding will support critical upgrades, repairs and maintenance at both hospital sites.
Ron Tripp named Niagara Region’s Chief Administrative Officer
- Niagara Regional Council has appointed Ron Tripp to the role of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
- Tripp has more than 20 years of municipal experience, formerly holding senior roles with the City of St. Catharines and the Town of Fort Erie.
- Most recently, Tripp has been serving as Niagara Region’s Acting CAO since December of 2018.
- Tripp will move into his permanent role starting Oct. 4, 2021.