6 Small Wildfires in Chapleau District All Out

Several wildfires were seen in the Red Rock Lake area but are all now out.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting thirteen new wildland fires were confirmed in the Northeast on Wednesday, including six in the Chapleau District, all of which were located along Melwel Road near Red Rock Lake and Basswood Lake - they've all been declared out, after growing no more than two-tenths of a hectare in size.

Six other blazes were reported in the Sudbury District and one in the Cochrane District, leaving more than 40 active across the Northeast, including two in the Wawa District: a 7-hectare blaze on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park - about a kilometre south of Laughing Brook Creek - and a 0.1 hectare fire, about 17 kilometres northeast of Missanabie - west of Missinaibi Provincial Park - both of which are being held.

The fire hazard's mostly moderate to high across the North, with some pockets of low and even extreme hazard near Sudbury.

Chapleau OPP Replace Memorial Cross to Officer Killed in Hwy 101 Collision in 1995

Local police recently took a moment to recognize an officer killed on a local highway three decades ago.

Members of the Superior East OPP's Chapleau detachment recently attended the memorial site for Provincial Constable Kenneth Roy, who was killed in a collision with a logging truck on Highway 101 about halfway to Foleyet - just east of the Shawmere River - in May 1995 - at the time, Roy was returning to the South Porcupine Detachment after working in Chapleau.

The local officers replaced the memorial cross, which was in need of replacement.

6th Candidate for Chapleau Town Council

It appears a sixth candidate's entered the race for Chapleau's four Council seats.

The Township of Chapleau's showing Gretchen Larabee as a new unofficial candidate, joining incumbent councillors Lisi Bernier and Paul Bernier, as well as Michael Houle, Monique O'Hearn, and Pamela O'Hearn-Morin.

There are still three candidates for mayor: incumbent Ryan Bignucolo; current councillor Alex Lambruschini; and David - or Dave - McDonald.

Candidate certification is set to happen after the nomination deadline of 2 pm on August 21st, with the official candidate list to be released after that.

Municipal and school board elections will be held across Ontario on October 26th.

Progress on Local Wildfire Activity

Progress on wildfire activity in the region.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is now showing just two active fires in the Wawa District: "Wawa 15", "being held" at 7 hectares in size, on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park, about a kilometre south of Laughing Brook Creek; and "Wawa 28", also "being held" at 0.1 hectares, about 17 kilometres northeast of Missanabie, west of Missinaibi Provincial Park.

"Wawa 17" - which was first reported July 15th, about 15 kilometres northeast of Pic Mobert and east of White Lake - has now been called "out" after reaching 37.5 hectares in size.

The fire hazard's mostly low or moderate across the North, with some pockets of high hazard, particularly locally.

Fire Activity Eases As Restrictions Lift

Fire activity appears to be easing in Northern Ontario, easing restrictions, too.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources on Friday lifted the Restricted Fire Zone that was in place for some of the Northeast - including Wawa, Dubreuilville, and White River - though an RFZ remains in place for much of the northwest, starting just east of Marathon and spreading north and west to the borders with Manitoba and the US, plus a little east along Highway 11.

The Townships of Dubreuilville and White River have also lifted their municipal fire bans, which were put in place just ahead of the local RFZ.

As for local fire activity, three are burning in the Wawa District: "Wawa 15", "being held" at 7 hectares in size, on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park, about a kilometre south of Laughing Brook Creek; "Wawa 17", "under control" at 37.2 hectares in size, about 15 kilometres northeast of Pic Mobert and east of White Lake; and "Wawa 28", "being held" at 0.1 hectares, about 17 kilometres northeast of Missanabie, west of Missinaibi Provincial Park.

The fire hazard's mostly low or moderate across the North, with some pockets of high hazard.

Wawa Author Kiara Kiddle Releases Debut Novel, "The Silver Princess"

A Wawa writer's released her debut novel - the first in what is expected to be a multi-book series.

Kiara Kiddle gives a little preview of "The Silver Princess", which focuses on a group of high school age friends.

Kiara Kiddle Explains The Plot of The Silver Princess

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Noting it is dedicated to her late uncle - who was a father figure and encouraged her to write and share stories - Kiddle says she believes the book would appeal to "pretty much everyone".

Kiara Kiddle on Intended Audience for The Silver Princess

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While the book is now available through Amazon and other retailers - expected to reach over 50,000 stores worldwide, including in Canada, the US, and the UK - Kiddle encourages those interested to message her on Facebook or check the Friesen Press website for details.

Wawa Author Kiara Kiddle on Debut Novel, The Silver Princess

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Lady Dunn Health Centre Marks 75 Years

Wawa's hospital marked a major milestone on Monday.

The Lady Dunn Health Centre held a 75th anniversary celebration, with a number of dignitaries and guests in attendance - including current and former mayors and hospital employees or board members - as well as food and music, with CEO Kadean Ogilvie emphasizing the importance of the milestone.

Kadean Ogilvie on LDHC 75th Anniversary Celebration

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Ogilvie noted festivities included a number of displays of pictures, past equipment, and more, ranging from when the hospital was opened by Algoma Ore Properties limited in 1951, through when it was given to the townspeople as a public hospital in 1965, its expansion in 1970, and the new facility in 2002, up to the current day.

Kadean Ogilvie on LDHC 75th Anniversary Displays

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Ogilvie emphasizes the "foundations laid in the 1960s" are those the hospital still works from now, and recognizes the "instrumental" support and involvement of the community since, hoping to continue that now and beyond, particularly through the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation, which has raised over $1.5-million since it was founded 19 years ago - the Foundation's currently raising funds for the purchase of ventilators through its newly launched "Every Breath Matters" campaign.

Pic Mobert/White Lake Area Wildfire Now Being Held

Positive news regarding a wildfire near Pic Mobert.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting that "Wawa 17" is now "being held" at 37.2 hectares in size, about 15 kilometres northeast of Pic Mobert and east of White Lake - it was initially reported over a week ago, with FireRanger crews working to get it under control.

There are more than 40 fires burning across Ontario's Northeast, including three others in the Wawa District: "Wawa 14", under control at 12.5 hectares in size, just east of Highway 17 and less than a kilometre southwest of O'Brien Lakes; "Wawa 15", not yet under control at 7 hectares in size, on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park, about a kilometre south of Laughing Brook Creek; and "Wawa 28", not yet under control at 0.1 hectares, about 17 kilometres northeast of Missanabie, west of Missinaibi Provincial Park.

While the fire hazard's mostly low or moderate across the North - with some pockets of high hazard - Restricted Fire Zones remain in place for most of the Northwest and a large swath of the Northeast, including from Marathon through White River, Dubreuilville, and Wawa, to the border of the Sudbury District, and east along Highway 11 to Timmins and points north - Chapleau is not included - the RFZ automatically imposes a fire ban, though multiple municipalities in the area have also put their own in place.

18th William G. Rose Memorial Golf Tournament Sees Record Participants

Organizers are thanking the community for supporting a local golf tournament.

The 18th annual William G. Rose Memorial Golf Tournament was held in Wawa last Friday, and organizers say it was a huge success, with a record 177 participants.

Four teams went home winners: in the Men's Division, last year's winners of Eben Leadbetter, Max Simon, and Anders Morden again had a score of 30; for the Ladies, Guylaine Domich, Anna Klockars, and Suzanne Lacasse had a score of 34; for the Mixed Division, John and Charlee Simon and Billy McGie had a score of 35; and for the Seniors, Don and Erica Perkins and Nelson Duchesne had a score of 37.

Named in honour of former Michipicoten Police Chief William G. Rose, the tournament raises funds for a bursary for local students going into the law enforcement or emergency services fields.

Wawa Music Festival Arrives With Theatrical Performance

The annual Wawa Music Festival's arriving a day earlier than usual.

Artistic Director Rusty McCarthy explains a special theatrical presentation kicks off festivities tonight.

Rusty McCarthy on Wawa Music Festival Theatrical Performance

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The festival will ramp up tomorrow, with many local and regional musicians booked, along with others from other parts of the province.

Check out the Wawa Music Festival's Facebook page for more details, including the list of venues and schedule.

Rain Helps Address White Lake Area Wildfire

Rain helped with efforts to address a White Lake area wildfire.

While Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting that "Wawa 17" - which was reported last Wednesday, east of White Lake - is still not yet under control at 37.2 hectares in size, about 15 kilometres northeast of Pic Mobert, 4 FireRanger crews "remain committed" to the blaze, continuing to work to establish hoselines around the perimeter.

There are four other fires burning in the Wawa District: "Wawa 14", under control at 12.5 hectares in size, just east of Highway 17 and less than a kilometre southwest of O'Brien Lakes; "Wawa 15", not yet under control at 1 hectare in size, on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park, about a kilometre south of Laughing Brook Creek; "Wawa 21", under control at 2.3 hectares in size, about 13 kilometres south of Highway 11 on Mistake River; and "Wawa 28", not yet under control at 0.1 hectares, about 17 kilometres northeast of Missanabie, west of Missinaibi Provincial Park.

Restricted Fire Zones remain in place for most of the Northwest and a large swath of the Northeast, including from Marathon through White River, Dubreuilville, and Wawa, up to the border of the Sudbury District, but also including Timmins and points north - Chapleau is not included - the RFZ automatically imposed a fire ban, though multiple municipalities in the area have also put their own in place.

Death Toll in Collision West of Marathon Rises to 3

Two more people have died after a collision west of Marathon a week ago.

Ontario Provincial Police say the collision occurred on Highway 17 near Prairie River after 4 o'clock last Wednesday afternoon - a 58-year-old man from Marathon was pronounced deceased at hospital that same day, with an 80-year-old Terrace Bay woman - who was a passenger in a second vehicle - dying in hospital the next day, and the driver of that vehicle - a 79-year-old Terrace Bay man - dying from his injuries on Monday.

The OPP are continuing to investigate, asking any witnesses - particularly those with dashcam or video footage from the area at the time of the incident - to call the OPP or Crime Stoppers.

Progress on White Lake Area Wildfire as Fire Activity Calms

Some progress on a White Lake area wildfire, as fire activity calmed over the weekend.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting that 4 FireRanger crews are making "good progress" on "Wawa 17", which was reported last Wednesday east of White Lake - it is not yet under control at 37.2 hectares in size, about 15 kilometres northeast of Pic Mobert, though the Ministry says it is primarily characterized as smoldering ground fire and "helipads have been established to facilitate access and crews are continuing to work to establish hoselines", with recent precipitation helping.

There are six other fires burning in the Wawa District: "Wawa 14", under control at 12.5 hectares in size, just east of Highway 17 and less than a kilometre southwest of O'Brien Lakes; "Wawa 15", not yet under control at 1 hectare in size, on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park, about a kilometre south of Laughing Brook Creek; "Wawa 21", under control at 2.3 hectares in size, about 13 kilometres south of Highway 11 on Mistake River; "Wawa 23", under control at 1.5 hectares in size, about 2 kilometres southeast of Vein Lake; "Wawa 25", not yet under control at 0.2 hectares in Slim Jim Lake Conservation Reserve; and "Wawa 28", not yet under control at 0.1 hectares, about 17 kilometres northeast of Missanabie, west of Missinaibi Provincial Park.

Restricted Fire Zones remain in place for most of the Northwest and a large swath of the Northeast, including from Marathon through White River, Dubreuilville, and Wawa, up to the border of the Sudbury District, but also including Timmins and points north - the RFZ automatically imposed a fire ban, though multiple municipalities in the area have also put their own in place.

Chapleau is not included in the RFZs nor has it imposed a fire ban at this time.

RFZ Imposed for Northwestern Ontario

Northwestern Ontario - and a small bit of the northeast - is under a fire ban, amid numerous wildfires and poor conditions.

As the province has about 200 forest fires burning - mainly in the Northwest - Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says a Restricted Fire Zone has been implemented, starting just east of Marathon and spreading north and west to the borders with Manitoba and the US, plus a little east along Highway 11.

Though it doesn't extend into the Algoma District, White River and Dubreuilville have both declared their own fire bans, citing the high wildfire risk and community safety - at this time, neither Wawa nor Chapleau have taken that measure.

The MNR reports 8 new wildland fires were confirmed in the Northeast on Wednesday, half in the Wawa District: "Wawa 17", a 12-hectare blaze about 4 kilometers east of White Lake; "Wawa 18", a 0.1 hectare fire about 500 meters west of White Lake; "Wawa 19", a 0.1 hectare fire on the western shore of Loonskin Lake, about 7 kilometers west of Hawk Junction; and "Wawa 20", a 0.8 hectare blaze about 6 kilometers southwest of Bishop Lake - all of them are not yet under control.

Three others are still burning in the district: "Wawa 14", which is under control at 12.5 hectares in size, just east of Highway 17 and less than a kilometre southwest of O'Brien Lakes; "Wawa 15", which is not yet under control at 0.7 hectares in size, on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park, about a kilometre south of Laughing Brook Creek; and "Wawa 16", which is being held at 1 hectare in size near Tripoli Creek, west of Esnagi Lake.

Fires were also reported in the Timmins District - 4 kilometres southwest of Ant Island Lake - and the Cochrane District, south of Highway 11, about 21 kilometres west of Smooth Rock Falls.

The fire hazard is mostly high or extreme across the North, with more moderate and low hazard along Lake Huron and Georgian Bay into Central Ontario.

Wawa Councillor Cannon Files for Re-Election Bid

An incumbent councillor's the fifth candidate for Wawa's four Council seats.

The Municipality of Wawa's now showing councillor Cathy Cannon's seeking her second full term - she was appointed to Council in October 2021 and elected for her first full term in 2022.

While Mayor Melanie Pilon's seeking re-election, Cannon's the first current councillor to file a bid, but joins Shah Mohamed, Jason North, Eric Paquette, and Brandon Smit in the race for one of four seats on Council, which means residents will likely need to cast ballots this fall.

There is still more than a month for candidates to file for Ontario's fall municipal elections - the deadline's 2 pm August 21st - with candidate certification to happen after that.

Wawa Council Approves Updated Waste Collection By-Law

Wawa Municipal Council's approved an updated waste collection by-law.

In their meeting Tuesday night, Council voted in favour of passing the garbage by-law in its third reading, after giving it first and second on June 23rd, delaying the final reading to allow for more public input.

CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill notes a key change is a stricter limit on residential waste collected each week.

CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill on Residential Collection Change

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

O'Neill also notes the weight limit's been reduced to 20 kilograms - about 45 pounds - per bag or container - to meet new health and safety regulations - and adds there are a couple exceptions to the collection restriction.

CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill on Residential Collection Exceptions

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

O'Neill reminds it also addresses commercial waste collection.

CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill on Commercial Waste

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Plans are for the changes can take effect as of September 1st, with the Municipality to conduct "public education" ahead of that.

Wawa Public Library Launches Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt

The Wawa Public Library's encouraging families to take some photos in a special scavenger hunt.

Head Librarian and CEO Sue Jarrell explains the Family Photo Scavenger Hunt is now underway.

WPL CEO Sue Jarrell on Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The library's Reading Bingo Summer Challenge is also underway - for children and for adults - along with the Read It To Win It contest, and other summer programming - go to the Library, its website, or its Facebook page for more details.

More Wildfires Reported in Wawa & Chapleau Districts

More wildfires have been reported in the region.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says "Wawa 16" - confirmed Tuesday - is not yet under control at 1.5 hectares in size near Tripoli Creek - west of Esnagi Lake - while "Chapleau 11" was also confirmed Tuesday - south of the Goulais River, near Glendale - but is now out, as is "Chapleau 10", which had grown to 2.1 hectares in size about a kilometre southeast of Sunnyside Beach Road, just north of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport.

Two others are still burning in the Wawa District: "Wawa 14", which is being held at 12.5 hectares in size, just east of Highway 17 and less than a kilometre southwest of O'Brien Lakes; and "Wawa 15", which is not yet under control at 0.7 hectares in size, on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park, about a kilometre south of Laughing Brook Creek.

Three fires were confirmed in the Timmins District Monday night or Tuesday, including one being held at 0.8 hectares in size east of East Shining Tree Lake and another being held at 1 hectare in size about 3 kilometres west of Elk Lake, while the Cochrane District's seen three more near James Bay - at 100, 280, and 400 hectares in size - and the Sudbury District reported two, one already out and another not under control east of the city.

The fire hazard ranges from low to extreme across the Northeast, though smoke from various wildfires has prompted air quality concerns for much of the local area, combined with heat warnings.

Wawa Council Considers Algoma St Housing Development Incentives, 2 Residents Speak Against

A couple Wawa residents spoke against proposed financial incentives for a housing development.

In a public meeting under the Planning Act last night, Wawa Municipal Council heard a report proposing the Municipality adopt a "Community Improvement Plan" specifically for the 39 Algoma Street housing development, with CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill explaining the private developer Council agreed to sell the roughly 2.11 acres of land to plans to build at least 15 - and potentially up to 45 - housing units that would be "senior friendly" - something O'Neill noted could alleviate the town's housing need and retain the aging population by allowing older residents to downsize to the new rental housing and free up their larger single detached homes for others currently unable to get suitable housing, further noting this aligns with Council and the Municipality's commitments for housing, and would expand the tax base, which could mean an extra $50,000 in annual tax revenue, the equivalent of a 1 percent levy increase now.

Emphasizing incentives are needed to attract private developers, O'Neill explained the provincial government wants housing development increased and streamlined and assured provincial legislation allows targeted CIPs, while only 2 incentives are proposed here: a tax increment grant, like one offered through the Downtown CIP, offsetting property tax increases from the development, starting at 100 percent in the first year and decreasing to 20 percent in the fifth and final year; and a purpose-built rental housing grant providing up to $10,000 per housing unit but with conditions, including that the occupancy permit's obtained before it's paid out and that remain rental housing for a specific period - breaching the conditions could see the payments suspended or the Municipality could even demand repayment.

Joe Leadbetter - who submitted a letter about the proposal - spoke, saying he objects as the owner of the Churchill subdivision phase 4 as he has a contract with the Municipality that promises not to release new lots until 30 of his are sold - only 20 have so far - he said talks with municipal staff saw assurances they'd "encourage" developers to work with him, so he's unhappy the Municipality's selling land and providing support for an "outside developer" in a "closed door deal" without giving local developers a chance, warning Council faces legal trouble if it approves the proposal, so should instead direct developers to his "shovel ready" lots.

Outdoorsman Motel owner Ray Valliant also spoke - having submitted his own letter opposing the proposal - citing concerns about the "site-specific nature" and apparent "preferential treatment" and "use of public funds" - particularly after approving a temporary work camp he claims could cost local businesses up to $22.5-million over 3 years - and while staff said they'll seek independent legal advice before moving forward, Valliant questioned paying lawyers instead of "listening" to constituents, wondering if the "rush" in approving this relates to the potential "lame duck" period ahead of the fall election - a comment that prompted a warning from Mayor Melanie Pilon to stay on the topic of land use planning - with Valliant urging for a broader program not just open to a single developer - O'Neill did note the CIP would apply to the property itself, so could potentially involve other developers even if it only involves one now, further encouraging other developers to come forward as other plans or an expanded area could be considered in the future.

Councillors Cathy Cannon and Jim Hoffmann indicated they were in favour of the proposed CIP - pending legal advice - while Councillor Mitch Hatfield said she was not at this time, and would need to look into it further - Mayor Pilon did not comment, while Councillor Joe Opato did not attend the meeting.

Dubreuilville Sees 2nd Candidate for Council

Dubreuilville has its second candidate for councillor in the fall municipal election.

Laurent Blais has filed a bid for one of four seats on Dubreuilville Town Council, joining local teacher Laurianne Lavoie, who filed last week.

They're not the only ones to seek a role in the coming Dubreuilville election, as incumbent mayor Beverly Nantel and longtime French Separate School Board trustee Roger Lemoyne are both seeking re-election.

Candidate certification will happen after the nomination deadline of 2 pm August 21st, with the official candidate list to be released after that.

Municipal and school board elections will be held across Ontario on October 26th.