4-way stop removal, revamped diabetes centre, Green Ontario Fund

Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall

Weather forecast for Thursday, August 31, 2017

Today – Cloudy with 30 percent chance of showers early this morning then a mix of sun and cloud. Wind north 20 km/h gusting to 40. High 20. UV index 7 or high.

Tonight – Clear. Wind north 20 km/h gusting to 40. Low 8.

4-way stop being removed in Wallaceburg tomorrow

The 4-way stop at the Murray Street and Reaume Avenue intersection is set to be removed tomorrow, Friday, September 1.

Municipal officials say the activation of the pedestrian crossover (PXO) at the intersection is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 1, 2017.

“During this time, the stop signs on Murray Street at Reaume Avenue will be removed and the stop signs on Reaume Avenue at Murray Street will remain in place,” Municipal officials said in a press release.

“This intersection will no longer be an all-way stop.”

Chatham-Kent officials said a PXO is a new way for pedestrians to easily and safely cross the road.

“Drivers and cyclists must stop and yield to pedestrians intending to cross the road, and wait for them to completely reach the other side before driving through,” Municipal officials stated.

Steps on how to use a PXO are as follows:

– Press the crossing/push button to activate the flashing lights.

– Indicate your intention to cross to drivers and cyclists on the road and make eye contact before you enter the roadway.

– Proceed with crossing when you feel it is safe to do so.

Chatham-Kent council had originally approved the move back in August of last year.

Newly renovated location for CKHA Diabetes Education Centre

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) officials say the Diabetes Education Centre will continue to provide high quality diabetes care and education in a new location at the Chatham Campus.

As of September 1, 2017, the Diabetes Education Centre will offer its services at 47 Emma Street – located on the corner of Emma Street and Ursuline Avenue on the east side of CKHA’s Chatham Campus.

“This newly renovated space gives us the opportunity to offer an accessible and welcoming environment to clients of our Diabetes Education Centre,” stated Shane Helgerman, Director, Medicine, Critical Care, Chronic Disease Management, Indigenous, Rural and Seniors Health Programs, in a press release.

Diabetes Education Centre (CKHA)

“Our patients and their families will continue to receive high quality diabetes care and education from our dedicated inter-professional team.”

The new space offers a separate waiting room for patients upon entrance and boasts a modern look and feel, CKHA officials say.

The client entrance will be located on the west side of the building at 47 Emma Street and can be accessed by stairs or an accompanying accessibility ramp.

Patients who currently attend the clinic will be given directions to the new location when they receive their next appointment reminder.

A map of the new location will also be posted in the previous Diabetes Education Centre located in the Public General Hospital wing of CKHA’s Chatham Campus to notify patients of the move.

Gated parking will be available for clients at 47 Emma Street.

Municipal parking is also situated on and around the property.

CKHA’s Diabetes Education Centre offers supports for people living with prediabetes or diabetes.

Services include one-on-one or group consultation on monitoring blood sugar levels, medications, healthy eating, exercise, and other lifestyle choices.

“Diabetes is very prevalent in Chatham-Kent and can result in a number of major health issues,” stated Dr. Linda Sinnaeve, Endocrinologist.

“Individuals with diabetes require ongoing guidance and support to help them manage this disease. In this modern and updated environment, the dedicated and talented staff of the Diabetes Education Centre will continue to provide high quality, patient-focused care.”

The Chatham-Kent Diabetes Outreach and Mental Health Diabetes Outreach Clinics will continue to operate out of their current locations.

CKHA’s Diabetes Education Centre can be reached at 519-437-6086, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The new location at 47 Emma Street will officially open to patients on Friday, September 1, 2017 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for Monday, September 11, 2017.

For more information on diabetes services within Chatham-Kent visit: www.eriestclairhealthline.ca

Construction set to begin at GLSS in Sarnia

Construction at the Great Lakes Secondary School (GLSS) permanent site is expected to begin this fall, following the Lambton-Kent District School Board’s (LKDSB) Aug. 29 decision to award the tender to Jasper Construction Corp., of Concord, Ontario, to complete the second phase of the renovation and addition at the school.

The renovation and addition is expected to cost $23.4 million, for which the LKDSB received a $10.3 million capital investment from the Ministry of Education. The LKDSB will also provide $13.1 million in School Condition Improvement funds for this phase of the project.

The total project is estimated to cost $24.5 million (including the Phase 1 demolition).

Rising costs of construction materials and the limited availability of skilled trades workers has contributed to the increase cost expenditures for the Phase 2 addition and renovation.

“Variabilities within the construction industry are difficult to predict, such as increased material costs
and the availability of skilled tradespersons,” stated Jim Costello, Director of Education, in a press release.

“While the overall cost of the project has increased, our focus remains on creating an innovative learning environment that meets the needs of current and future GLSS students.”

Students and staff worked together with Senior Administration to provide input into the overall design for GLSS, which will house a new auditorium, Indigenous community room, updated classrooms and accessibility improvements.

Demolition at the permanent site for GLSS is currently underway and is expected to be completed in September.

The LKDSB will submit the project budget to the Ministry of Education for final approval. It is expected that construction will start in early fall, with students scheduled to attend the GLSS permanent site in
September 2018.

Photo of the day – Green Ontario Fund launched to help people save money and fight climate change

(Province of Ontario)

Ontario is helping people across the province save money and fight climate change through the Green Ontario Fund – a new not-for-profit provincial agency that will deliver programs and rebates to help reduce energy costs in homes and businesses.

The agency is part of Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan and is funded by proceeds from the province’s cap on pollution and carbon market.

Chris Ballard, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, made the announcement this and encouraged people to visit GreenON.ca to find out how small changes can help homes and businesses save money while reducing greenhouse gas pollution.

“Taking strong action on climate change means making it as easy as possible for people and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at home and work, while also saving money,” Ballard said in a press release.

“That’s why our government created the Green Ontario Fund, which will give homeowners and small and medium-sized businesses improved access to low-carbon technologies and services.”

This includes the new GreenON Installations program, which opened early registration this week.

Interested and eligible households can register to have a Green Ontario Fund-trained technician visit and install a smart thermostat at no cost, government officials stated.

The technician will also provide advice and tips as well as personalized suggestions for additional energy-saving upgrades.

More GreenON programs for residents, businesses and industry will be announced in the coming months.

More details:

– Ontario is investing $377 million in proceeds from its carbon market to establish the Green Ontario Fund.

– Owners and renters of detached, semi-detached, town and row homes can register for the GreenON Installations program through the Green Ontario Fund website. Renters must have their landlords’ permission to register.

– The province has also appointed a new board of directors for the Green Ontario Fund.

– Other Climate Change Action Plan measures funded by carbon market proceeds include new electric vehicle incentives, charging stations and infrastructure, energy retrofits for homes, multi-residential buildings, social housing, targeted greenhouse gas emission reduction programs for large industries, small and medium-sized businesses and support for Indigenous communities to fight climate change.

World news

If you have a suggestion, story idea, column idea, or if you want to say hello… drop me an e-mail at aaron@sydenhamcurrent.ca.

- Advertisment -