Latest news with #GreaterSudbury
CTV News
a day ago
- Business
- CTV News
Ontario ‘scales up' Critical Minerals Innovation Fund to strengthen mining supply chain
Ontario boosts its Critical Minerals Innovation Fund with $7 million to cut the industry's reliance on the U.S. by supporting mining supply chains. The provincial government is providing $7 million for a new round of the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF). It's meant to help strengthen and secure mining supply chains so they're not so dependent on the United States. Politicians and stakeholders were at Science North in Greater Sudbury on Wednesday when Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, announced the launch of the new intake for private sector businesses. Leece said it will help stimulate investment in critical minerals exploration, mining development, production and processing of domestically sources critical minerals. 'Our idea is to scale up which is why we're adding additional funding and making a commitment to maintain this program, not just for this year but for the year to come,' said Lecce. 'We're doing that because ultimately innovation is what's going to drive down cost, it's going to increase competitiveness and the productivity of our mines,' he added. Lecce said the province wants to strengthen a made-in-Canada supply chain that attracts investment and creates good-paying jobs at home, which will in turn reduce reliance on the U.S. He added, that to do that, the province needs to embrace innovation and technologies. The Mirarco Mining Innovation is a past recipient of the critical mineral funding, which Nadia Mykytczuk, the company's president and CEO, said allowed them to unlock value from mine waste that can drive battery metal production. Nadia Mykytczuk Nadia Mykytczuk, the president and CEO of Mirarco Mining Innovation, talks at a press event at Science North in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 23, 2025, about the Ontario Critical Minerals Innovation Fund. (Angela Gemmill/CTV News Northern Ontario) She added the future of the mining industry depends not only on what Ontario extracts, but how it innovates. 'Together we can pilot technologies moving them from the lab and into mine sites,' she said. 'These collaborations, backed by strong government support like the CMIF are what make progress possible.' 'If not us then really who?' said Chris Scott, parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Energy and Mines, and the MPP for Sault Ste. Marie. 'Global demand for these critical minerals is only going up. With recent developments such as the rising U.S. tariffs and increasing pressures on international supply chains. Ontario's role in securing a stable domestic supply has never been more important,' Scott added. 'Ensuring that the future such as batteries, semi-conductors, clean energy technologies and so much more depends on the minerals we have right here in Northern Ontario and the know-how we have in Greater Sudbury,' said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. Leece announcement at SN Leaders, politicians and industry stakeholders at a press event at Science North in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 23, 2025, where Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, announced $7 million for the province's Critical Minerals Innovation Fund. (Angela Gemmill/CTV News Northern Ontario) The fund contributes a maximum of 50 per cent of eligible project costs up to $500,000 per project. Applications will be accepted until Oct 1. When the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund first launched in 2022, 20 Ontario-based projects were funded. Lecce said those are making a difference. He said he suspects, given the trade dispute with the U.S., the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund will attract a lot of interest from applicants all across Ontario.
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
Homeless advocate questions locked washrooms in Sudbury park
Northern Ontario Watch Advocates question why Greater Sudbury's Memorial Park washrooms, which are co-owned by the city, remain locked this summer. The City cites safety issues and vandalism, but says repairs are pending. Homeless individuals say the closures worsen public sanitation problems. Alana Everson has the latest.
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
Sudbury arson probe underway after 2nd fire at vacant Whittaker Street building
An arson probe is underway in Greater Sudbury after Tuesday's fire at a vacant rooming house on Whittaker Street. The building was also ablaze in April. Police are seeking witnesses of video footage from the incident.
CTV News
2 days ago
- General
- CTV News
2nd fire at vacant Sudbury rooming house deemed arson
Firefighters battled a house fire on Whittaker Street in Greater Sudbury Tuesday morning. The blazed caused $500,000 in damage but officials say no was was hurt Greater Sudbury firefighters responded to a blaze at a vacant rooming house on Whittaker Street early Tuesday morning, marking the second fire at the property in less than four months. The Greater Sudbury Police Service announced Wednesday that the blaze 'has been deemed an arson.' Whittaker Street - burnt rooming house A vacant rooming house on Whittaker Street in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 22, 2025. The building has suffered two fires in less than four months. (Madison Marier/CTV News Northern Ontario) Fire quickly contained, no injuries reported The fire, reported shortly after 8:30 a.m., caused significant smoke, fire and water damage to the boarded-up structure in the 0-100 block of Whittaker Street, which had been unoccupied since an April 4 fire that forced tenants to evacuate. Acting Deputy Fire Chief Craig Lawrence, in an email to CTV News, said crews arrived within four minutes and contained the flames within an hour, preventing further spread. Whittaker rooming house fire Greater Sudbury Fires Services battle a fire at a vacant rooming house on Whittaker Street in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 22, 2025. (Madison Marier/CTV News Northern Ontario) 'Crews performed primary and secondary searches of the entire structure – no one was found,' Lawrence said. 'One neighbouring property had heat damage, but there was no fire extension.' Whittaker rooming house fire Greater Sudbury Fires Services battle a fire at a vacant rooming house on Whittaker Street in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 22, 2025. (Madison Marier/CTV News Northern Ontario) First responders said there are no injuries to report as a result of Tuesday's incident. Cause under investigation Authorities estimate damages at approximately $500,000. The fire, which originated on the top floor, was deemed suspicious by the fire department. Fire officials turned the scene over to Greater Sudbury police, who have since released it. Police investigators have canvassed the area for video surveillance footage and potential witnesses. '(The) Ontario Fire Marshal will not be attending as the building was abandoned and vacant at the time of the fire,' said Dunn. Previous fire also raised concerns The brick rooming house had been vacant since the April incident, which also required a multi-fire unit response. While no injuries occurred in either incident, the recurrence has heightened neighbourhood scrutiny of the property. Authorities urge anyone with information about either fire to contact Greater Sudbury police at 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers anonymously. With files from journalist Madison Marier
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
SIU clears Sudbury police in raid where man jumped from window
Northern Ontario Watch Ontario's police watchdog ends probe into Greater Sudbury Police Services raid where man jumped from a window.
