The LocalSKIM for Tuesday, July 20
- 11 projects across Niagara will be receiving more than $3 million in funding, with the Federal Government investing over $2.4 million towards the projects and the Government of Ontario contributing about $600,000. (610 CKTB)
- Ontario is imposing new restrictions on mining, rail, construction and transportation industries in the province’s northwest to reduce the likelihood of human-caused wildfires. Northern Ontario currently has 107 active wildfires with 32 of those fires not under control. (CP24)
- Large COVID-19 vaccination clinics, including the St. Catharines clinic at the 4-pad arena, are expected to be phased out by the end of summer and will be replaced by smaller clinics in less-populated communities, pop-up clinics and vaccinations at pharmacies and primary care. (St. Catharines Standard)
The LocalSKIM for Monday, July 20
- The investigation into the massive fire of the Welland House in downtown St. Catharines is proving to be difficult although investigators believe the fire started on the 3rd floor and know that the building did not have any running electricity. (610 CKTB)
- St. Catharines city council is considering 3 options for the future of its indoor and outdoor pools with a decision expected at the August 9 council meeting. (St. Catharines Standard)
- In response to a petition with 20,000 signatures asking for Niagara Regional Council to revoke the licenses that allow for horse-drawn carriages in Niagara-on-the-Lake, another group has launched a petition in support of horse-drawn carriages in the town. (Niagara this Week)
Air quality alerts issued for Niagara
- Niagara residents may have noticed the sun and moon on Monday had a hazy orange tint.
- Smoke from active forest fires in northwestern Ontario has moved over southern Ontario and is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility.
- High levels of air pollution due to smoke from ongoing forest fires are possible.
- Conditions are expected to improve Tuesday with the passage of a cold front.
Marineland ordered to fix water system after animals found in distress
- While an inspection launched earlier this year is still ongoing, Marineland has been ordered to repair the water system in the pools that house beluga whales, dolphins, walruses, sea lions and one killer whale.
- According to The Canadian Press, the inspection was performed by Animal Welfare Services and found that marine mammals were in distress due to poor water quality.