Stay up to date with what’s happening in your community.
Chapleau Town Council's rejected a request for leniency on property taxes.
Mayor Ryan Bignucolo explains Council considered a request in their meeting this week.
Bignucolo says "it wouldn't be fair", given the number of other tax arrears.
This comes amid a crackdown by the Township on back taxes owed, with plans to move forward on tax sales, if they remain unpaid.
A few more forest fires have been confirmed in Northeastern Ontario - including one in the region.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says "Timmins 1" is a 15-hectare blaze confirmed Tuesday, 3.5 kilometres north of Gogama - it is not yet under control, but three crews have responded with air attack operations underway.
Two other fires were confirmed in the Sudbury district, leaving six active wildland fires in the Northeast, including "Chapleau 2", which is under control at 4.3 hectares in size - it was reported Monday, near the northern edge of Woman River Forest Provincial Park, about 12 kilometres west of Wakami Lake.
The fire hazard is high to extreme across the Northeast, with areas of moderate hazard south of Espanola.
Ontario Provincial Police are warning they're watching roads, trails, and waterways ahead of and during the upcoming long weekend.
Superior East OPP Constable Rob Sanchioni explains the annual Canada Road Safety Week initiative, which is now underway.
The national enforcement campaign runs through Victoria Day Monday, though Sanchioni also reminds Canada Safe Boating Week kicks off Friday, encouraging everyone to stay safe on the water, including over the upcoming long weekend.
Registration's opened for a couple youth sports in Wawa.
Youth ages 4 to 14 can now sign up for soccer or baseball - or both - with plans for the six week programs to begin later this month.
The Municipality had also been looking for coaching staff before opening registration.
For more information, go to the Wawa Recreation Facebook page, email recstaff@wawa.cc, or go to the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.
Algoma Public Health is warning of more potential exposures to measles in its region.
The health unit says it is investigating additional potential exposure locations in and around Sault Ste. Marie, with the exposures happening May 7th at North Shore Tractor in Echo Bay, as well as Jiffy Lube on Trunk Road, the Service Canada Office on Bay Street, the Taj Indian Cuisine restaurant on Great Northern Road, Hakim Optical on Great Northern Road, Station Tower Optometry, and at Princess Auto on Northern Avenue.
It previously warned of possible exposure on Ontario Northland buses from Barrie to Sudbury and from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie on April 17th and May 2nd, linked to cases in Central Algoma.
The health unit says most people born before 1970 are considered immune to the highly contagious disease from natural exposure, whereas those born after are recommended to have two doses of a measles vaccine for full protection, as those who are vaccinated are "very unlikely to get sick or spread measles if exposed", whereas anyone who isn't fully vaccinated and hasn't had measles is considered susceptible, with those at higher risk of severe illness including infants and children under the age of five, pregnant individuals, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone who has not received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
Usually starting 7 to 12 days after exposure - but can take up to 21 - symptoms of measles include runny nose, red, watery eyes, cough, fever, and eventually a red blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body, though complications could include ear or brain infections, pneumonia, vision or hearing loss, and death.
APH does recommend checking your vaccination status and ensuring your family's immunizations are up to date.
Crime Stoppers is asking for public help in a high-priority missing persons case, finding a man missing more than two years.
Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District Crime Stoppers says Jake Corbiere was last seen in the Soo on March 12th, 2023, described as 5 feet ten inches tall with a thin build, brown eyes, and short brown hair.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Sault Ste. Marie Police or Crime Stoppers.
The Chapleau area's seen a few more forest fires in recent days.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says "Chapleau 2" was confirmed at 3 hectares in size late Sunday afternoon - located near the northern edge of Woman River Forest Provincial Park, and approximately 12 kilometres west of Wakami Lake - while "Chapleau 3" was reported Monday, east of Highway 129, near the shore of Mather Lake - it is being held at three-tenths of a hectare in size, with a FireRanger crew assigned and a belly tanker helicopter dropping water onto the fire Monday afternoon.
The fire hazard is moderate to high across the Northeast.
Local Scouts are wrapping up a fundraising campaign - and preparing for another.
Jason North - group administrator for 1st Wawa Scouts - outlines the ongoing fundraiser.
North explains the cookbook's designed specifically for youth.
North notes the books will be ordered tomorrow, so go to 1stwawa.ca today to place your order.
Once this fundraiser concludes, the Scouts will immediately turn to its annual tree planting fundraiser, with plans to plant trees in the Dubreuilville area this year.
Some local mines are showing off their skills in Wawa.
The annual Algoma District Mine Rescue Competition's starting today, with teams from Wesdome's Eagle River Mine, Barrick Hemlo, Discovery Porcupine's Borden Gold Mine, and Alamos Island Gold competing.
Mine Rescue Officer Mike Krell notes the event will show off some important skills.
Wesdome Eagle River will also put on a demonstration of a vehicle extrication and some extinguisher training Thursday afternoon.
The competition is hosted at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.
Algoma Public Health is warning of another potential exposure to measles in its region.
Noting another confirmed case in Central Algoma, the health unit says it is investigating an additional exposure on Ontario Northland buses, warning anyone who was on bus #1249 from Barrie to Sudbury between 12:24 pm and 5:08 pm Friday, May 2nd, at the Ontario Northland bus terminal in Sudbury between 5:10 pm and 7:40 pm May 2nd, bus #1501 from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie from 5:40 p-m to 11:25 pm, or the Blind River A&W between 8:26 pm and 11 pm to monitor for symptoms.
APH previously warned of possible exposure on an Ontario Northland bus from Barrie to Sudbury and from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie on April 17th, linking that trip to a case of measles in Central Algoma - the first reported in the region.
The health unit says most people born before 1970 are considered immune to the highly contagious disease from natural exposure, whereas those born after are recommended to have two doses of a measles vaccine for full protection, as those who are vaccinated are "very unlikely to get sick or spread measles if exposed", whereas anyone who isn't fully vaccinated and hasn't had measles is considered susceptible, with those at higher risk of severe illness including infants and children under the age of five, pregnant individuals, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone who has not received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
Usually starting 7 to 12 days after exposure - but can take up to 21 - symptoms of measles include runny nose, red, watery eyes, cough, fever, and eventually a red blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body, though complications could include ear or brain infections, pneumonia, vision or hearing loss, and death.
APH does recommend checking your vaccination status and ensuring your family's immunizations are up to date.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts is warning of an increase in overdoses in its region.
The health unit says there is a rise in drug poisonings - overdoses - and unexpected reactions to substances in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, though the cause is unknown, so it is reminding street drugs could be cut or mixed with dangerous substances such as benzos, fentanyl, or carfentanil, and reports include needing to use multiple doses of naloxone to reverse poisonings.
It urges caution, not using drugs when you're alone - but not using them at the same time as an accompanying friend - and to avoid mixing drugs with other drugs or alcohol - it also recommends carrying a naloxone kit, and - in the case of a suspected overdose - call 9-1-1.
Ontario Provincial Police are asking for public help finding a missing Toronto man believed to be in the Wawa area.
Superior East OPP say Erasmus "Russ" Smuntochilla has been missing since October 2024, though the investigation into his disappearance didn't start until April 19th, when Superior East OPP were notified of an abandoned vehicle in the Sand River parking lot - about 70 kilometres south of Wawa, within Lake Superior Provincial Park - a vehicle revealed to be registered to the missing man, who is described as a white male, five feet ten inches (178 centimetres) tall, with thin build, short grey hair, and brown eyes.
Noting the warmer temperatures are expected to mean an increase in travellers, hikers, boaters, and anglers in the Sand River area, police are asking anyone who interacts with a male matching Smuntochilla's description - or observes any items on the trails or in the waterways near Sand River that may belong to the missing man - to contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers, emphasizing "even small, seemingly insignificant information could air police".
Crime Stoppers is asking for public help solving two break-and-enters last month.
Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District Crime Stoppers says unknown individuals gained access to Ministry of Transportation yards in Hilton Beach around 8 pm April 12th and in Searchment between 10 am April 12th and 12 noon on April 14th, making off with about $10,000 worth of tools and equipment.
Investigators believe the same suspects were involved in both incidents, as a U-Haul van was observed entering both properties during the time frame.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
A contract has been awarded for the inspection of Chapleau's bridges.
Mayor Ryan Bignucolo says Council's approved a regular resolution for the job.
Tulloch has been inspecting Chapleau's bridges for multiple years.
Wawa Municipal Council's approved a slightly different plan for a mural at the Goose Nest Market.
Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains the chosen bidder deviated slightly from the original request.
Patterson says the longevity of the mural was investigated.
While Council approved awarding the $13,149 contract to Drift Mural Company, exact details of the contract - such as a potential warranty-style guarantee for minimum lifespan - still need to be confirmed in a future by-law.
Council also agreed to award the contract for the Drinking Water System Rehabilitation project - which includes work on the intake - to LTL Directional Drilling Services Ltd. for up to $2,774,072.94.
Chapleau Town Council's approved a couple infrastructure-focused purchases.
Mayor Ryan Bignucolo explains Council agreed to a dome over sea containers at the Works Garage.
Bignucolo says Council's also looking to address street sweeping.
Mayor Bignucolo notes some advantages to the move.
Chapleau Town Council's moving forward on work for a key roadway.
Noting Council has now awarded the tender for reconstruction of Dufferin Street, Mayor Ryan Bignucolo emphasizes Dufferin and work on it is "really important".
Bignucolo notes support on an aspect of the project.
Mayor Bignucolo expects the contract to be signed soon, determining the timeline for the project.
Returning Liberal MP Terry Sheehan says he's excited to "roll up his sleeves" and get to work for the riding.
Though it was a tight race for much of the time results were coming in, preliminary results show Sheehan won Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma with 30,271 votes - about 47.3% of votes cast - ahead of Conservative Hugh Stevenson with 28,648 - about 44.8% - trailed by the NDP's Laura Mayer with 4215 votes - about 6.6% - while Green candidate Robyn Kiki Eshkibok had 531 and Christian Heritage Party candidate James Collins had 297.
Stevenson - who resigned as Sault Ste. Marie Police Chief to run in the election - conceded the race via social media Tuesday afternoon, congratulating Sheehan "for an honourable election", wishing Sheehan and his team "the very best in the future", and thanking his own team and volunteers, emphasizing "change is coming, just not today" and "our country will continue to grow and meet the challenges ahead".
Sheehan - who's no stranger to tight races, winning over Conservative Sonny Spina by only 247 votes in 2021 - says he's "ready to hit the ground running".
Noting unique opportunities and challenges throughout the riding, the Liberal outlines priorities including weathering "the unpredictable Donald Trump tirades" - tariffs or otherwise - tearing down interprovincial trade barriers while using Canadian steel and minerals, as well "the most ambitious housing program that we have seen", helping provinces and First Nations ensure there are more doctors and facilities for health care in underserviced areas, and expanding high speed broadband coverage.
A Wawa student's heading to Toronto for a major competition next week.
Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says École secondaire Saint-Joseph grade 11 student Greysen Parisé claimed bronze by finishing third in the Welding contests at the Skills Ontario Qualifying Competitions in North Bay early this month, advancing to the provincial-level competition.
The Skills Ontario Competition will be held in Toronto from May 5th to 7th.
A day later than normal - due to yesterday's federal election - Chapleau Town Council's set to meet for the second time this month.
Included on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting are reports on the puchase of a dome over sea containers at the works garage and of a street sweeping attachment for a loader, as well as by-laws awarding the tender for reconstruction of Dufferin Street and affirming a cost reimbursement agreement with CPKC for that project.
There are also two "in-camera" items, one a human resources item, the other a legal matter.
The meeting will be held at 6:30 pm tonight in Civic Centre Council Chambers - details on accessing it electronically can be found on the Township's website.
