Local dignitaries and company executives attend the ceremonial groundbreaking of Abatement Technologies’ new state-of-the-art 100,000 sq. ft. facility in Fort Erie. From left to right: MP for Niagara Falls Tony Baldinelli, MPP for Niagara Falls Wayne Gates, Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley, CEO of Abatement Technologies Andrew Harber, President Blair Harber, and Mayor of Fort Erie Wayne Redekop. Photo credit: Abatement Technologies
Globally recognized Fort Erie manufacturer to significantly expand local operations
Last Friday, Niagara-based Abatement Technologies announced the construction of its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehousing facility in Fort Erie that will serve as the company’s global headquarters. The 100,000 sq. ft. space will leverage innovative manufacturing and production processes in a purpose-built facility designed to support the company’s strategic long-term growth plans.
“It was just over two years ago that we began planning this expansion to support our company’s long-term strategic growth objectives,” said company CEO Andrew Harber. “Through the planning process we were so happy to be able to find a suitable parcel of land allowing us to stay in the Fort Erie community.”
Abatement Technologies is a leading manufacturer of HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration and construction containment equipment for critical environments such as healthcare facilities, asbestos abatement, and disaster restoration sites. The company currently has 12 sites across Canada and one in the U.S., with products sold in over 50 countries around the world.
Niagara Health makes vaccination mandatory for all new hires
On Wednesday, Niagara Health announced that any incoming employees of the organization will have to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The new stipulation comes after last week’s announcement that Niagara Health will be implementing a mandatory vaccination policy by September 7, per provincial directive.
The program will require staff, physicians, contractors, learners/students, and volunteers to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or written proof of a medical reason for not being fully vaccinated or to participate in mandatory education about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination.
“As of Aug. 20, 84 per cent of our staff and physicians have been fully vaccinated,” said Flo Paladino, Executive Vice President, People and Organizational Development. “Our goal is 100% vaccination of everyone eligible at Niagara Health. Planning is underway to achieve this through our new vaccination policy and we will be sharing more details on the program in the coming weeks.”
Local doctor wins distinguished award for work with vulnerable population
The Niagara Region’s Medical Director of Regional Essential Access to Connected Healthcare (REACH), Dr. Karl Stobbe, recently won the Community Leader Award for Ontario as part of the Canada Volunteer Awards (CVA) program.
Dr. Stobbe was recognized for his work throughout the pandemic providing vital medical services to the region’s homeless population.
The CVA program recognizes the outstanding contributions of volunteers, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations in improving the well-being of people and communities. Twenty-one awards are given every year, consisting of one national award and 20 regional awards.
“We are incredibly grateful for his [Dr. Stobbe’s] service, partnership, compassion and leadership as he provides vital healthcare services for some of the most vulnerable residents in our community,” said Commissioner of Community Services Adrienne Jugley. “We thank you as a champion for those we serve and look forward to the continued service partnership that is planned for the days ahead.”
U.S. extends border restrictions another month
A day before current restrictions barring Canadians from non-essential travel into the U.S. from land and ferry crossings was set to expire, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) informed hopeful travellers that the restrictions would be extended until September 21.
According to the DHS, the extension was made in order to “minimize the spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant.”
Canada opened its land crossings to fully vaccinated Americans on August 9. There’s no word yet as to when exactly Canadians will be allowed to travel via land once again into the U.S. for discretionary purposes.
Liberal minister refers to Taliban as “our brothers”
Just over a week after foreign affairs minister Marc Garneau told the CBC, “it’s too early” to say whether the Liberals would recognize the Taliban as a legitimate government, another one of Justin Trudeau’s cabinet ministers endearingly referred to the group as “our brothers”.
In a virtual press conference on Wednesday, Maryam Monsef, Canada’s minister responsible for women and gender equality, made a personal plea to the Taliban to stop the “violence” and “destruction” in Afghanistan, a plea she began by saying: “I want to take this opportunity to speak to our brothers, the Taliban.”
When pressed by reporters about her remark, Monsef explained away the reference as “cultural” and refused to walk back the statement.
This Weekend Around the Region
Friday Night Freight Ghost Tour at Old Fort Erie
Travel to the edge of the Niagara River in Fort Erie to discover the hallowed history of this War of 1812 National Historic Site. You’ll explore the grounds with a costumed interpreter, whose haunting tales will echo off the walls of the old stone fort on this intimate guided tour.
Old Fort Erie is the site of Canada’s bloodiest battlefield, so what better place to experience a chilling ghost tour?
Tours are limited to 20 people per tour to ensure adequate social distancing. Four sessions available every 15 minutes starting at 7:30pm.
Where: Old Fort Erie, Fort Erie
When: Friday, August 27. First session starts at 7:30pm.
To purchase tickets, head to the Niagara Parks website here.
The Big Food Boost Food Drive
Food banks have struggled throughout the pandemic, reporting an average 20 per cent increase in the need for their services and up to a 50 per cent decline in donations. In response to this, CAA Niagara has launched The Big Food Boost, which calls for the Niagara community to come together to provide non-perishable food items to our local food agencies.
This Saturday, CAA Niagara volunteers will travel across the region to pick up food donations left on donors’ doorsteps. These donations will be divided among nine local food agencies.
Where: All of Niagara (your front door!)
When: Saturday, August 28
To register to donate and see a list of recommended items, go to CAA Niagara’s website here.
Sip While You Shop Craft Show
Come out to Hernder Estate Wines in St. Catharines for a day of wine, food, shopping, and song! In lieu of admission, organizers are asking for donations. All proceeds go directly to helping Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Niagara run its numerous mentoring programs around the region. The event is outdoors and will take place rain or shine.
Where: Hernder Estate Wines, St. Catharines
When: Sunday, August 29, 12:00-6:00pm
For more information, please visit the venue website here.
