Latest news with #GreaterSudbury
CTV News
a day ago
- Health
- CTV News
Five survivors from Sudbury, Ont., rescued in human trafficking investigation
Angels of Hope teams up with Sudbury Airport to educate staff and passengers about human trafficking and signs for help. Six people have been charged in a provincial human trafficking investigation that identified five survivors from Greater Sudbury. 'Project Uptown,' launched in October 2022, resulted in 81 charges against six suspects, Ontario Provincial Police said. The five female victims were between the ages of 16 and 25, and three were underage when they were being trafficked, OPP spokesperson Andrew Taylor said in an email Thursday afternoon. 'Notably, during the investigation, investigators discovered a female victim had been trafficked throughout Ontario by eight separate male parties since 2014,' OPP said in a news release. 'Each accused employed different methods of exploitation and has been charged with additional crimes beyond human trafficking.' The six suspects range in age from 34 to 45, including one woman. They were arrested in Burlington, Missisauga, Ottawa, Penetanguishene and St. Catharines. Four of the accused are from Brampton while two others are from unknown addresses. In addition to human trafficking-related charges, assault and online child sexual abuse material-related offences were also laid against two men in their 40s. 'Victims have been referred to dedicated victim services to ensure they receive continued support,' OPP said. 'The success of Project Uptown underscores the critical importance of cooperation among law enforcement partners in combating human trafficking.' Police also seized more than 30 grams of various drugs, one firearm and $1,100 in cash during the operation. More than a dozen local police agencies were involved in the investigation, including Anishinabek and Greater Sudbury police services, along with the OPP victim-centred approach team, digital forensics and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada. 'North Simcoe Victim Services and Sudbury & Area Victim Services provided victim support and education,' OPP said. 'If you or someone you know is being trafficked, call your local police. The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking has resources available for victims and survivors of human trafficking on their website. A national hotline is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-833-900-1010."
CTV News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Student art exhibit part of Sudbury's St. Jean festivities
French arts students in Greater Sudbury are honoured as their work is displayed during St. Jean festivities in a joint exhibition from the local French school boards at Centre de santé communautaire. The exhibition features students from Grades 9-12 from five local high schools, with a larger showcase planned at Place des Arts later this month.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Couple wins record-shattering hospital 50-50 draw
A couple from the Greater Sudbury community of Hanmer has won more than $6.4 million in Canada's largest hospital 50-50 draw ever.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Sudbury marks Italian Heritage Month
Greater Sudbury proclaimed June Italian Heritage Month on Friday, marking the occasion with a proclamation, a performance of the Italian anthem and a flag-raising at Tom Davies Square, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony and lunch at the Caruso Club.
CTV News
6 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Sudbury ties Azilda housing project to pool plan after council vote
The exterior of the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre in the Greater Sudbury community of Azilda on May 28, 2025. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News Northern Ontario) City council voted Tuesday night to reconsider plans for vacant land at Azilda's Lionel E. Lalonde Centre, approving a motion that will add a portion of the property to the city's affordable housing land bank – but only after construction begins on a long-awaited aquatic facility. The decision came after residents raised concerns about losing green space when the rezoning was first proposed. Ward 4 Coun. Pauline Fortin, who brought forward the motion, acknowledged those worries. 'The community didn't want it. And it wasn't just the 'NIMBYism' … It was right through Rayside about concern over losing the green space, and I understand – and I agree,' Fortin said. The amended motion stipulates that the site will only be designated for affordable housing once the city's aquatic review plan is confirmed, funded, and construction has started on a new pool. Fortin said the proposal includes renovating the existing centre to add a 25-metre pool and warm-water tank for seniors, while a portion of the adjacent field would be used for housing. Councillor Fortin - Sudbury Ward 4 An undated profile photo of Greater Sudbury Ward 4 councilor Pauline Fortin. (File photo/City of Greater Sudbury) 'This situation is quite different than council or any other council has dealt with before,' she said. Balancing housing and recreation needs The compromise aims to address both Greater Sudbury's housing shortage and a decades-long push for a pool in Azilda. Fortin noted the project has been discussed since before municipal amalgamation. LIONEL E. LALONDE CENTRE The exterior of the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre in the Greater Sudbury community of Azilda on May 28, 2025. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News Northern Ontario) 'When seniors can't stay in their home anymore… they want to stay in the community, but there is no place to go. If we can make affordable housing for them and at the same time get a pool and turn it into a full recreational park – that's a win right across the board,' she said. However, the decision faced opposition from some councillors, including Ward 9's Deb McIntosh, who argued housing should take priority. Councillor McIntosh - Sudbury Ward 9 An undated profile photo of Greater Sudbury Ward 9 councilor Deb McIntosh. (File photo/City of Greater Sudbury) 'Who knows when the pool will happen? We need housing now. We don't need a pool right now, but we do need housing,' she said. Mayor Paul Lefebvre defended the decision, emphasizing that the land remains in the city's affordable housing reserve while addressing community concerns. Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre An undated profile photo of Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. (File photo/City of Greater Sudbury) 'The city will not be the one developing it… but at the end of the day, it needs to be affordable housing,' he said, clarifying that such projects are priced at 80 per cent of market rent and differ from supportive housing. Next steps and feasibility study Fortin said a feasibility study, expected by the end of June, will determine costs and site suitability. Early estimates suggest the pool could cost around $30 million, with $5 million currently allocated. 'There's a ways to go,' she said, noting funding from higher levels of government will be needed. 'But this is definitely on the right track.' Lefebvre stressed the land bank's role in enabling partnerships with developers. 'We've seen great projects in Coniston and want to recreate that success,' he said. While some residents remain wary of losing green space, Fortin said Azilda's current ratio of seven hectares per 1,000 residents exceeds the municipal standard of four. She pledged to address tree canopy deficits through planting initiatives. The motion's approval marks a rare reconsideration of a prior council decision. Fortin called it a 'beautiful outcome' but acknowledged challenges ahead before shovels hit the ground.
