John Counter Overpass

The city is holding an information session for the public about the John Counter Boulevard Overpass.

Work is set to begin, and the contractor will be giving an update on what neighbourhood businesses can expect, as well as answer questions.

The bridge and new roadway will include new pedestrian and cycling facilities, a new entrance to the VIA Rail station, and intersection improvements along John Counter Boulevard.

The Open House will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 on July 25 at the Ambassador Hotel

The work is expected to be completed in 2021.

 

Millhaven – Death of an Inmate

Millhaven Institution is reporting the death of an inmate in their custody.

64 year old Winston Malcolm reportedly passed away on July 17th.

He had been serving an indeterminate sentence for second degree murder since 1997.

There is no word on the cause of death, but the Correctional Service of Canada is reviewing the circumstances…as they do in all cases.

 

Scheer – Food Guide (Canadian Press)

Federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer is facing criticism from nutrition experts after saying he would review the new Canada Food Guide if he wins the fall election.

Scheer says the process to craft the new version of the guide was flawed, and his party wants to ensure it reflects proper science.

The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation says Scheer’s comments were not backed up or founded by any scientific data, adding it supports the current direction of the guide.

The overhauled Food Guide focuses on broader guidelines including eating more plant-based protein and drinking more water.

 

Trudeau – Oil (Canadian Press)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says selling Canadian oil to American markets at a discount won’t help the environment, but redirecting some of the profits from the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion will.

Trudeau made the comments in Victoria after joining Premier John Horgan to announce funding for 118 new buses in B-C.

He says Canadians generally understand that there doesn’t have to be a choice between growing the economy and protecting the environment, even though there will always be people on one side of the debate who speak very loudly.

 

Heat Warning

KFL and A Public Health and environment Canada have issued a heat warning for the region through Sunday, warning of extreme temperatures.

They say the hot weather will start today, and continue until Sunday, with daytime temperatures reaching the mid-thirties, or low-forties with the humidex.

They remind everyone to stay hydrated with water, avoid direct sun exposure, and reschedule outdoor activities to cooler parts of the day.

The agencies also encourage everyone to visit vulnerable neighbours, friends, and family members frequently to make sure they are staying cool and hydrated.

 

Federal Government Sex Assault (Canadian Press)

The federal government says it hopes to bring closure and healing to survivors of sexual assault, harrassment, and gender discrimination in the military with a 900-million-dollar settlement.

The settlement involving multiple lawsuits provides 800-million-dollars for members of the Canadian Armed Forces and 100-million for another class of employees of the Department of National Defence.

Class members will mostly be eligible for between five- and 55-thousand dollars, with those subjected to exceptional harm and denied disability benefits related to that harm possibly receiving up to 155-thousand dollars.