Latest news with #Public
Hamilton Spectator
2 hours ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Stouffville's New Sugar Maple Park Shows Tree Preservation in Action
● Sugar Maple Park officially opened on June 17 at 401 Baker Hill Blvd. ● The park's name was selected based on a review of the area's top 10 native tree and wildlife species. ● A mature sugar maple tree slated for removal due to development in the Cam Fella neighbourhood was transplanted to the park. ● Town Staff say such transplanting efforts reflect Stouffville's broader goals to preserve its tree canopy. ● A future development north of Sugar Maple Park will add an additional 0.28-hectare park block. ● The two sites will be connected through a trail system to form a larger programmable public space. Stouffville formally opened its newest community park at 401 Baker Hill Boulevard on Tuesday, June 17. Officially named Sugar Maple Park, the title was chosen following an evaluation of the area's top 10 native tree and wildlife species. A highlight of the 1.2-hectare park is a mature sugar maple that was recently transplanted from the Cam Fella neighbourhood. The tree had been slated for removal due to site alterations connected to Frontdoor Developments' intensification project along Cam Fella Boulevard and Mohawk Gate. The Town's Private Tree By-law is intended to protect trees on private property, with specific safeguards for mature and heritage trees. The policy applies to private property owners submitting development proposals under the Planning Act, including site plan and subdivision applications. The By-law requires that all private trees, defined as those with a diameter of 10 centimetres or more at standard height, be identified and documented in planning submissions. Removal of any such trees requires compensation, either through replacement plantings or a cash-in-lieu payment. Mature trees within Stouffville's settlement areas, defined as those with a diameter of 30 centimetres or greater, also require explicit Town approval prior to removal. 'Both the Public and Private Tree By-laws speak to the protection of trees. In cases where a tree is subject to removal and cannot be preserved, an assessment is undertaken on a case-by-case basis to determine if transplantation is feasible,' Roger da Cunha, Stouffville's Manager of Parks Development and Operations, said in comments to Bullet Point News. 'We saw this as a great opportunity to complement the name of the park,' da Cunha added during Tuesday's opening and naming ceremony. He later noted that a second transplant is under consideration for the site. Town Staff said the effort reflects a broader strategic goal to preserve and enhance Stouffville's urban tree canopy. While there have been other mature tree relocations in the past, records could not be immediately provided due to the recent transition of Forestry services to the Parks department. Removing mature trees without approval is a by-law offence, though the Town may work with property owners who can demonstrate no harmful intent. In such cases, retroactive compensation or fees may be required, and ongoing non-compliance can trigger further penalties. A 0.28-hectare park block is planned as part of the Treasure Hill development north of Sugar Maple Park. Once complete, the two parks will be connected by a trail system, forming an approximate 3.7-acre public space that will offer expanded recreational options for both current and future residents. The latter phase is expected to include additional passive recreation amenities. As previously reported , Sugar Maple Park includes a wide range of facilities designed for residents of all ages and abilities. These include junior and senior playgrounds with accessible features, a full basketball court, a tennis court, four pickleball courts, a pavilion, seating areas, and walking paths. Accessible play elements were made possible through contributions from the Stouffville Lions Club. Funding was also provided by the For Little Monkeys Charity, which is supported by the Whitchurch-Stouffville Legacy Fund. 'Accessibility features include partially ramped play structures, mobility aids, sensory-rich play panels, the Rock N Raft, a roller table, and ground-level activities,' a Town press release states. 'The playground's engineered wood fibre surface is IPEMA certified and compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.' 'These contributions have resulted in an enhanced playground experience for all participants, regardless of their abilities,' Mayor Iain Lovatt said during the event. 'Sugar Maple Park…showcases Stouffville's ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible space for our community members.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Glasgow Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
First Bus scores big win at Scottish Transport Awards 2025
The achievement, which First Bus were presented with at the Scottish Transport Awards in Glasgow, celebrates the performance of First Bus across Greater Glasgow and Aberdeen over the last year. The award was open to Scottish bus, rail, tram and ferry operators. READ NEXT: Abusive social media posts directed at MSPs tripled in past year (Image: First Bus (Picture credit: Newsquest)) First Bus was recognised for its efforts to improve customer experience, reduce journey times and improve reliability. Its investment in zero-emission buses and infrastructure was also commended as the operator continues its commitment to running a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035 with over 270 zero-emission buses in operation across Greater Glasgow and Aberdeen. The operator also collected a second award on the night for Excellence in Technology and Innovation, receiving recognition for its use of AI-driven timetables to improve reliability for customers on its services across Scotland. First Bus used the new timetables on over 60 services in the last 12 months to improve their performance, which led to several routes experiencing improvements in punctuality by over 30% as a result. READ NEXT: Tesco tease plans to improve popular superstore Duncan Cameron, First Bus Scotland managing director, said: 'I am delighted First Bus has been recognised as Scotland's Public Transport Operator of the Year. 'We have worked extremely hard to make real, tangible changes to the overall customer experience while also doing everything in our power to ensure our services across Greater Glasgow and Aberdeen are more reliable for passengers. 'The award belongs to our thousands of colleagues across the country whose tireless efforts every day ensure we continue to deliver for our customers.'
Time Business News
a day ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Understanding IPO: A Beginner's Guide for Young Professionals
Many who are looking for ways to get extra money through investments often throw around the term IPO. But what is IPO, and what significance does it bear to the financial journey of an individual? What Is an IPO? IPO refers to Initial Public Offering. It is when a private corporation sells its shares to the public for the first time. After listing on an exchange, any shares can then be traded by private investors and institutions alike. Before the IPO stage, the founders, early investors, and some other stakeholders are the private owners of a company. Public ownership being cast on a company means all the open market now owns it. Generally, the company spends the money raised from the IPO on business expansion, paying some debt, or providing liquidity to the previous shareholders. Reasons for Going Public? Various reasons underlie an IPO: Raising Capital: An IPO generates huge amounts of money to build new products, enter new markets, or buy other businesses. Liquidity for Shareholders: Employees willing to convert theirs into publicly tradable stock are usually early investors. Brand Visibility: Listing on a public exchange often increases the company's credibility and exposure. Valuation Discovery: The public market helps determine the company's market value based on supply and demand. A Simplified Overview of Initial Public Offerings: The basic information on IPO nitty-gritty is definitely worth knowing. Here goes a simple view: Selection of Underwriters: The company collaborates with investment banks, better known as underwriters, to see through the IPO proceedings. Regulatory Filings: The company files a registration statement with the supervising agencies (like the SEC in the U.S.), which holds financial data, business details, and potential risks. Marketing (Roadshows): Executives present the business to potential investors to arouse interest. Pricing: Investors determine demand, then underwriters and the company mutually agree on a price at which the shares will be offered. Going Public: The company shares commence trading on the stock exchange. Opportunities: First-mover access to potential value: If the company maintains a steady growth rate, early investors might receive rewards. Portfolio diversification: Benefits diversify the risk of IPOs by opening avenues to industries and companies that otherwise have no access to the public market. Risks: Price volatility: Shares of an IPO may see high price fluctuations lasting days or even weeks after the launch. Limited historical data on the company: Newly public companies may not possess long-term financial history, thereby increasing the complexity of analysis. The lock-up period for insiders: An IPO lock-up might prevent insiders from selling shares for a few months following the IPO. The price may be pressured upon the end of the lock-up. Evaluating an IPO? If you are considering investing in an IPO, follow these steps: Go through the prospectus: This document includes very important financial and operational details about the company. Understand its business model: Consider whether the company has a sustainable and competitive business. Consider valuation: Compare the IPO price with the valuations of similar companies within the same industry. Monitor analyst coverage: Initial opinions from financial analysts in the early stage may provide useful context, but you must weigh them along with your independent research. How do Retail Investors Access IPOs? In the past, large institutional investors predominantly accessed IPO shares; today, a multitude of brokerage platforms allows investors to access IPOs. However, allocations are often not guaranteed, and demand often outweighs supply. Young professionals wishing to take part in an IPO can: Register with a brokerage offering shares in the IPO. Complete any investor qualification steps, if necessary. Place their indication of interest or absolute order before the IPO date. Alternatives to Direct IPO Investing If you cannot buy into an IPO directly, you may want to invest in that company after it has begun trading. You may want to wait a few weeks after trading to see how the stock responds in the open market. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) concentrated on newly listed companies might provide another means of access. Conclusion Comprehending IPO is remarkably important for young professionals interested in the stock market. On the one hand, along with the opportunities for growth that IPOs offer, they also come with risks that require thorough reasoning. The better you remain informed and the more thoughtfully you choose to approach IPO investment, the better you position yourself to make decisions that indeed correspond to your financial ambitions. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Eyewitness News
a day ago
- Sport
- Eyewitness News
Lesseyton Sports Field tender contractors failed to deliver despite going over budget: PP
JOHANNESBURG - The Public Protector (PP) has found that contractors who won the tender for the Lesseyton Sports Field in the Eastern Cape failed to deliver on the project despite going over budget by almost R5 million. On Wednesday, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka held a media briefing to release findings of her investigation into the building of the stadium in Komani. Gcaleka's investigation found there was improper conduct and maladministration by senior managers at the Enoch Mgijima Municipality in awarding the tender to a company called Thalami Civils in 2018. The PP says the tender awarded to Thalami Civils was initially R18.7 million but ballooned to R22.7 million for no apparent reason. She says the company failed to deliver on an athletic track, a soccer and rugby field, netball, tennis and volleyball courts and grandstands as agreed upon in the contract. Gcaleka says that during the bid adjudication process, Thalami Civils was the fourth highest scoring bidder. She says the Enoch Mgijimi Municipality provided inadequate reasons for why the highest scoring bidder wasn't granted the tender. The PP has referred her report to the Hawks for criminal investigations.
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Gold Reserve Announces Submission of Revised Topping Bid by Dalinar Energy for CITGO Parent Company
PEMBROKE, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gold Reserve Ltd. (TSX.V: GRZ) (OTCQX: GDRZF) (' Gold Reserve ' or the 'Company') announces that today its Delaware subsidiary, Dalinar Energy Corporation (' Dalinar Energy '), submitted a revised topping bid to be selected as the Final Recommended Bid for the purchase of the shares of PDV Holding, Inc. (' PDVH '), the indirect parent company of CITGO Petroleum Corp., pursuant to the sales process being conducted by the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (the ' Court '). Dalinar Energy submitted an initial topping bid on June 3, 2025 as announced here. Dalinar Energy looks forward to continuing to work with the Special Master appointed by the Court to operate the sale process, and Dalinar Energy may further revise its bid prior to Special Master submitting his final recommendation to the Court on July 2, 2025. Dalinar Energy's revised bid is supported by a consortium that, as with its prior bids, includes judgment creditors senior to Gold Reserve in the Court's priority waterfall -- Rusoro Mining Ltd., Koch Minerals Sarl and Koch Nitrogen International Sarl. Dalinar Energy's revised bid relies on a combination of equity and debt financing. The revised bid is supported by a lending consortium that includes three leading financial institutions, which fully supported the revised bid by providing final debt commitment papers indicating 100% commitment. The revised bid, if approved by the Court, and consummated, would satisfy, in cash or non-cash consideration, the attached judgments of all waterfall creditors senior to Gold Reserve. The revised bid also would satisfy a substantial percentage of Gold Reserve's attached judgment. Terms of the revised bid will remain confidential until the Special Master appointed to operate the sale process reviews all bids and makes his final recommendation to the Court. The Court is scheduled to hold a sale hearing starting on August 18, 2025, and in connection therewith rule on any objections to the Special Master's final recommendation. Consummation of the revised bid, if selected and approved by the court, is subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including but not limited to approval by the U.S. Department of Treasury' s Office of Foreign Assets Control (' OFAC '). A complete description of the Delaware sale proceedings can be found on the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system in Crystallex International Corporation v. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, 1:17-mc-00151-LPS (D. Del.) and its related proceedings. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking statements This release contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of applicable U.S. federal securities laws and 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws and state Gold Reserve's and its management's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. They are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed", "positioned" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Bid. We caution that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other risks that may cause the actual events, outcomes or results of Gold Reserve to be materially different from our estimated outcomes, results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the discretion of the Special Master to consider the Bid, to enter into any discussions or negotiation with respect thereto and that the Special Master may reject the Bid at any time; the Special Master may choose not to recommend a Final Bid to the Court; the failure of the Company to negotiate the Bid, including as a result of failing to obtain sufficient equity and/or debt financing; that Bid submitted by the Company will not be selected as the 'Final Recommend Bid' under the Bidding Procedures, and if selected may not close due to the Sale Process not being completed, including as a result of not obtaining necessary regulatory approvals to close on the purchase of the PDVH shares, including but not limited to any necessary approvals from OFAC, the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission or the TSX Venture Exchange; failure of the Company or any other party to obtain any required shareholders approvals for, or satisfy other conditions to effect, any transaction resulting from the Bid; that the Company forfeit any cash amount deposit made due to failing to complete the Bid or otherwise; that the making of the Bid or any transaction resulting therefrom may involve unexpected costs, liabilities or delays; that, prior to or as a result of the completion of any transaction contemplated by the Bid, the business of the Company may experience significant disruptions due to transaction related uncertainty, industry conditions, tariff wars or other factors; the ability to enforce the writ of attachment granted to the Company; the timing set for various reports and/or other matters with respect to the Sale Process may not be met; the ability of the Company to otherwise participate in the Sale Process (and related costs associated therewith); the amount, if any, of proceeds associated with the Sale Process; the competing claims of other creditors of Venezuela, PDVSA and the Company, including any interest on such creditors' judgements and any priority afforded thereto; uncertainties with respect to possible settlements between Venezuela and other creditors and the impact of any such settlements on the amount of funds that may be available under the Sale Process; and the proceeds from the Sale Process may not be sufficient to satisfy the amounts outstanding under the Company's September 2014 arbitral award and/or corresponding November 15, 2015 U.S. judgement in full; and the ramifications of bankruptcy with respect to the Sale Process and/or the Company's claims, including as a result of the priority of other claims. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting the Company's business, see the Company's Management's Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports that have been filed on SEDAR+ and are available under the Company's profile at Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Gold Reserve or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Gold Reserve disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to its disclosure obligations under applicable rules promulgated by the applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws.
