CSC Nouvelon Announces Principal & VP Appointments

An interim principal's being made permanent for a local school while a new vice-principal's been appointed for another.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says Stéphanie McGregor's been appointed principal for Dubreuilville's Ecole Saint-Joseph, a role she started on an interim basis at the beginning of February - she has nearly a quarter century of experience in education, including as a teacher at Wawa's École Saint-Joseph, where she was vice-principal from 2021 until she was moved to the Dubreuilville school.

Stepping in as vice-principal at Wawa's École Saint-Joseph is Line Bergeron, who was previously principal at Dubreuilville's Ecole Saint-Joseph.

MTO Changes Plans for Wawa-Area Rest Stop Amid Concerns

Plans have changed for a new truck rest stop north of Wawa.

Correspondence officially accepted by Wawa Municipal Council this week from Egis - the company overseeing the project for Ontario's Ministry of Transportation - acknowledged concerns raised by Council in a resolution passed in February, after Council heard concerns about the plan from the Michipicoten Rod and Gun Club, as the rest stop's proposed location is next to where the club's range has been for decades.

The letter says the MTO's committed to shift the rest centre's layout and the "pet area" as far north or west as possible - away from the gun range - while removing a future inspection station and weigh scale from the plan, adding signage throughout the site to advice users of the adjacent shooting range, adding a 4-metre tall berm along the south/east side of the rest centre, and ensuring design drawings specify the treed buffer between the rest centre and the club's property remain untouched - moves club president Rocky Alajoki confirmed to JJAM FM News seem to cover its concerns.

In addition to those changes to plans, the MTO's also agreed to consider putting an electronic billboard west of the rest centre location, to advise travellers of road conditions and closures, a move Council had pushed for in their resolution.

Wawa Council Approves Emergency Glycol Purchase After Leak

Wawa Municipal Council's approved the emergency purchase of material after a major leak at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains the glycol leak in the curling rink.

While the system was shut down relatively quickly, Patterson says a substantial amount of glycol leaked in that time, requiring emergency efforts to replace it.

Patterson says that was costly.

Patterson also outlined measures intended to prevent the problem from recurring, including a "float" that could automatically shut the pumps down if levels get too low and a change in the flooring to ensure staff can more easily access the entire "header" to inspect the lines.

Plans to cover the cost of the glycol - taking half from the MMCC's operating budget, the other half from reserves meant for the facility - did face a hiccup, as Councillor Cathy Cannon raised concerns about using reserves, calling for a recorded vote on the resolution, which passed 3-1, Mayor Melanie Pilon and Councillors Mitch Hatfield and Jim Hoffmann in favour and Cannon against.

It was one of three recorded votes in the meeting, with another on a resolution to approve the purchase of a replacement sidewalk blower - Cannon again questioned the use of reserves to cover part of the cost, and was told that the purchase of a new mower was being deferred to help offset that, but staff was not recommending further cuts to avoid using reserves - that resolution similarly passed 3-1 with Cannon the sole vote against, while a resolution to waive the Municipality's procurement policy to approve a proposal for a feasibility study on work for the fire hall and town hall buildings passed 3-1 with Mayor Pilon the vote against, having argued that waiving the policy was bad fiscal management and they could wait to go through the request for proposal process, though the other councillors agreed with the staff reasoning that the proposed companies involved - Mike Moore Construction, Tulloch Engineering, and Nor Mech Engineering - have unique knowledge of the buildings, and a good history and reputation justifying their selection.

Wawa Council Holding 3 Meetings After Easter Weekend

Right off the Easter long weekend, Wawa Municipal Council is holding three meetings tonight.

That includes a Committee of Adjustment meeting, where they'll consider an application for a "minor variance" for a Churchill Avenue property, followed by a Committee of the Whole meeting, which will include discussion following up on the Upper Mission Park supply and Wawa Transit service levels, as well as new reports on: the "lame duck" period ahead of this year's municipal election, which will be held October 26th; the election accessibility plan; replacement of the sidewalk blower; a glycol leak in the curling rink; and a proposal for a "feasibility review" of renovations proposed for the Municipal Building and the Fire Hall.

Last will be a regular Council meeting, which includes resolutions approving the purchase of a replacement sidewalk blower, additional glycol, and accessible playground equipment for Upper Mission Park, as well as a resolution approving the building feasibility study.

The meetings will be held back-to-back-to-back, starting at 6:30 tonight in Council Chambers - the main level boardroom of Town Hall - they'll also be livestreamed through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

Wawa Seniors Goose Club Hosting April Lunch & Learn

Wawa seniors are being offered a chance to have a bite to eat and learn about an important topic this week.

The Wawa Goose Seniors Centre is hosting its monthly Lunch and Learn Thursday, April 2nd, starting at 11:30 a-m, this time featuring Ellen McKenzie as guest speaker, Michipicoten First Nation artifacts and preservation - it also offers pizza, coffee or tea, and dessert, sponsored by the Wawa Pharmacy.

Must register at the centre by Monday, March 30th.

A reminder that the centre has moved to 179 Mission Road, between Subway and Pet-Valu.

Local Mayors Press MTO on Highway Maintenance in Region

Local mayors are pushing for improvements to highway maintenance in the region.

Chapleau Mayor Ryan Bignucolo says he's been talking with Ontario's Ministry of Transportation (the MTO) about concerns with local highways.

Mayor Bignucolo encourages the public to raise issues they notice.

This comes as mayors are preparing to attend the annual Ontario Good Roads Conference, which will be held this Sunday through Wednesday, April 1st, in Toronto.

Chapleau Council Considering Replacing Salvage Equipment Fire Truck

Chapleau Town Council is considering replacing a key piece of equipment.

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo explains the situation with the salvage equipment fire truck.

A decision will be made at a later date.

Alamos Gold State of District Meetings Postponed

A pair of information sessions about a local mine are indefinitely postponed.

Citing unforeseen circumstances, Alamos Gold is postponing the "State of the District" meetings regarding its Island Gold District operations near Dubreuilville, which were to be held in Dubreuilville tonight and Wawa on Thursday night - no new dates have been set at this time.

The "Q1 2026 public mine update" was set to include MECP ERO permit corrections and exploration permit to take water presentation, background information about airstrip consideration, and follow-up on the production expansion announcement.

North Algoma Job Fair Returns to Wawa

A trio of Wawa organizations are looking to connect employers and jobseekers today, with the North Algoma Job Fair.

Regional Employment Help Centre Executive Director Cindy Szekely explains the purpose of the event.

Szekely notes the job fair's open to a wide variety of attendees.

The North Algoma Job Fair runs from 10 am to 2 pm at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Alamos Gold Holding State of District Meetings on Island Gold District

UPDATE: MEETINGS HAVE BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, NEW DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED.

————————————————————————————————————

A local mine's reaching out to the public over the next few days.

Alamos Gold is holding a pair of "State of the District" meetings regarding its Island Gold District operations near Dubreuilville, with the "Q1 2026 public mine update" including MECP ERO permit corrections and exploration permit to take water presentation, background information about airstrip consideration, and follow-up on the production expansion announcement.

The first will be held at the Dubreuilville Town Hall - downstairs - from 6 pm to 8 pm tonight, with another at the Wawa Legion Hall from 6 pm to 8 pm Thursday night.

Chapleau Council Holding 2nd March Meeting

Chapleau Town Council's set to meet tonight.

Included on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting is a memo from the fire chief about the salvage equipment fire truck, and an "administrative update" about matters pending the next Council meeting.

There are also two "in-camera" items: one about human resources, the other involving legal advice.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 pm tonight in Civic Centre Council Chambers.

Wawa Council Approves 2026 Budget & Schedule of Fees

Wawa Municipal Council's approved this year's budget.

In their meeting last night, Council approved a series of by-laws to implement the operating and capital budgets as presented earlier this month, when Council was told the proposed budget would rise 0.07% - less than $11,000 - to $15,911,272 in total, though the tax levy proposed was $5,879,623, up $220,276 from 2025.

Treasurer Heather Rainville outlines the increase in tax bills expected.

Rainville says the separate capital levy introduced last year will also rise.

Rainville also notes water bills are set to go up.

Along with the budget, Council approved an updated schedule of fees, with Rainville noting there were some changes from the past version presented in early February.

Rainville adds new fees have been included for bulk water - for 10,001 to 13,000 litres and 13,001 to 16,000 litres - while non-resident fees were added, reflecting a 20% increase from the residential rate.

The capital budget approved by Council outlines about $5.4-million in projects, including redesign studies and renovations for the Town Hall and Fire Hall, improvements to the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, a 3-phase project covering the Ganley Street Storm Sewer, a 2-year project for the Algoma Street and Beck Avenue Watermain and Sanitary Sewer, and continued infrastructure work like cemetery and landfill expansion, pavement preservation, sidewalk and hydrant rehabilitation, as well as fleet renewal.

Wawa Council Holding 4 Meetings, to Vote on 2026 Budget & Schedule of Fees

Wawa Municipal Council will look at passing its 2026 budget amid four meetings tonight.

That includes a Committee of Adjustment to consider an application for a minor variance and an application for consent to sever land along Scenic High Falls Road to create an area for a long-term lease agreement for a tourism project.

There will also be a public meeting under the Planning Act, to consider amending the Zoning By-Law to add a residential unit as a permitted use at 50 Montreal Avenue, which is currently zoned as General Industrial.

Those will be followed by a Committee of the Whole meeting, to include monthly reports from department heads, a memo on results from a request for quotations for accessible playground equipment for the Upper Mission Park, and a report on an updated garbage by-law.

Last will be a regular Council meeting, which includes a resolution to appoint a new member of the Economic Development and Tourism Committee, and multiple by-laws to implement the operating budget presented to Council two weeks ago, which Treasurer Heather Rainville notes includes a tax increase.

Rainville says the separate capital levy introduced last year will also rise.

Rainville also notes water bills are set to go up.

Council will also consider by-laws authorizing the use of internet and telephone voting in this year's school board and municipal election, and adopting a new schedule of fees and a new policy on bullying and harassment at municipal facilities.

The meetings will be held back-to-back, starting at 6:30 pm tonight in Council Chambers - the main level boardroom of Town Hall - they'll also be livestreamed through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

Hawk Junction's Annual Family Ice Fishing Derby Results

Hawk Junction's annual Family Ice Fishing Derby is now in the books.

While organizers say the derby saw "great turnout, great weather, lots of laughs", with Bryce Bernath claiming 1st in the youth division - followed by Hazel Beland in 2nd, then Seth Farrington in 3rd - while Willie Desrochers claimed first for the adult division, followed by John Nelson in 2nd, while "Shaker" came in 3rd.

The Local Services Board thanks all 101 participants for their support, as well as the volunteers who made the event possible.

Deadline for Input on Wawa's Proposed 2026-27 Budget

Time is running out to provide input on the Municipality of Wawa's draft/proposed 2026-27 operating and capital budgets.

The operating budget was presented to Council on March 3rd - after the initial capital budget was presented February 3rd - and Treasurer Heather Rainville highlights some challenges to the process.

Rainville assures efforts were made to deliver a fair budget.

Rainville outlines the proposed tax increase.

Rainville says the separate capital levy introduced last year will also continue, and is set to go up.

Rainville notes water bills are set to go up.

The full budget presentation can be viewed on the Municipality's YouTube channel, while budget documents are available on the municipal website or at town hall - or contact Rainville by calling 705-856-2244 extension 226 or email hrainville@wawa.cc for information or to give input by 4 pm Friday, March 13th.

Plans are for the budget to come up for a vote in the next Council meeting on Tuesday, March 17th.

Chapleau Council Considering Commitment to Chapleau District Heating Project

Chapleau Town Council's considering affirming involvement in a local energy project.

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo explains Council's received a presentation updating the "Chapleau District Heating Project".

Mayor Bignucolo says Council has not yet decided to agree to that commitment.

Bignucolo notes the feasibility study for the project is available through the Township of Chapleau, by contacting the town hall.

Michipicoten Golf Club Returns 4 Board Members, Adds 1

A number of members have been returned - and one added - to the board of a local golf club.

Wawa's Michipicoten Golf Club held its annual general meeting last week, with four positions up for election for a three-year term while another position was added, leading to the return of Scott Carruthers, Joe Provost, Anders Dereski, and Shane Bukowski, along with the addition of Mike Hogan.

Carruthers is president of the club - Vice-President Suzanne Lacasse's term ends next year - same for fellow board members James Morden, Michel Lemoyne, and Monte White - while the other three members - Kory Charbonneau, Roger Gamache, and Sue Lord - were only elected last year, so their term continues to 2028.

Chapleau's Jeremy Pilote Reels in Biggest Fish of 2026 Wawa Ice Fishing Derby

Anglers have left the ice as the 34th annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby's wrapped up.

Derby board member Melanie Farrington is happy with the response to this year's event.

About 975 participants joined in the derby with nearly 100 fish brought in, though it was Jeremy Pilote of Chapleau who brought in the biggest fish of the derby - and the biggest northern pike - at 15.4 pounds - Pilote came in 2nd at the Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby in February.

Topping the lake trout category was Kris Bain of Sault Ste. Marie (originally from Hawk Junction) with a 10.18-pounder, while Luigi Bruni of Sault Ste. Marie (who reeled in the 2025 derby's biggest fish) had the biggest whitefish at 4.21 pounds.

Pilote, Bain, and Bruni each won a 2026 Sea-Doo Spark for 2 riders, the prize for 1st place in each category.

Bain is thrilled with his win.

First time derby participant Trevor MacDonald of Sudbury won the $20,000 entry draw Saturday night.

Pat Tait won the Early Bird Draw for a Fly-In Fishing Trip for 2 for 3 Days to Watson's Windy Point Lodge and Dave Carmanico won the Early Bird Draw for a Fly-In Fishing Trip for 2 for 3 Days to Pine Portage Lodge, while the Icehole Jackpot Draw winners were: Dave Howson (Strikemaster Maven Auger 8"); Madelin Jordan (Garmin Vivid 5cv Fishing Bundle & Eagle Claw Rod Case); Robert Summers (Alpha Auger 8"); Justin Carrick (2.5HP Yamaha Outboard); Sean Zasada (STIHL Chainsaw MS 250 Gas); and Leona Schram (Aqua Vu Underwater Camera).

Standings:

Lake Trout:

10.18 lb caught by Kris Bain of Sault Ste. Marie on Hawk Lake

9.77 lb caught by Jessy Dechamplain of Dubreuilville on Manitowik Lake

6.97 lb caught by Casey Shimel of Michigan on Manitowik Lake

6.78 lb caught by Colin Booth of Wawa on Wawa Lake

6.64 lb caught by Jacob Hubbard of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on Manitowik Lake

6.58 lb caught by Francis Dechamplain of Dubreuilville on Manitowik Lake

6.46 lb caught by Brigitte Guay of Dubreuilville on Manitowik Lake

6.36 lb caught by Kari Smith of Wawa on Manitowik Lake

6.18 lb caught by Justin Carrick of Michigan on Manitowik Lake

6.15 lb caught by Jenny Hughes on Manitowik Lake

Northern Pike:

15.4 lb caught by Jeremy Pilote of Chapleau on Hawk Lake

14.34 lb caught by Brent Snyder of Michigan on Hawk Lake

9.11 lb caught by Ryan Barry of Fauquier on Hawk Lake

8.18 lb caught by Jeffrey McConnell of Hawk on Hawk Lake

7.12 lb caught by Crisp Jr. Marshall of Pickford, Michigan on Hawk Lake

6.54 lb caught by Robert Moss of Sault Ste. Marie on Manitowik Lake

6.49 lb caught by David Geroux on Hawk Lake

6.15 lb caught by Ramsey Michalski of Michigan on Hawk Lake

6.12 lb caught by Yvon Desrochers of Wawa on Hawk Lake

6.11 lb caught by Paul Flood of Echo Bay on Manitowik Lake

Whitefish:

4.21 lb caught by Luigi Bruni of Sault Ste. Marie on Wawa Lake

3.91 lb caught by Robert Mann of Wawa on Wawa Lake

3.89 lb caught by Lindsay Robinson on Wawa Lake

3.47 lb caught by Anders Dereski of Wawa on Wawa Lake

3.45 lb caught by Jamie Robinson of Wawa on Wawa Lake

3.43 lb caught by Jared Lindsay of Wawa on Wawa Lake

3.4 lb caught by Travis Gendron of Wawa on Wawa Lake

3.24 lb caught by Carol Anne Robinson of Wawa on Wawa Lake

3.17 lb caught by Patricia Bernath of Wawa on Wawa Lake

3.16 lb caught by Andre Brabant of Wawa on Wawa Lake

Former Wawa Resident Wins MVFA Cash Draw Grand Prize

Wawa’s Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighter's Association has wrapped up its 2025-26 annual cash draw fundraiser, holding its final draws on Sunday.

Noting the draw sold out Saturday night, Association Past President Mike Krell congratulates the winners.

To confirm, Courtney Proulx of Sault Ste. Marie (but originally from Wawa) won the $10,000 grand prize, while the final 3 $1000 winners were: Carol Peters of Wawa, Jeff Farquiharson of Sudbury, and Sam Tremblay of Wawa.

Wawa's Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters Association Set to Wrap 2025-26 Cash Draw

Time is running out to get tickets for Wawa's Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters Association's annual cash draw.

The final 3 $1000 draws and the $10,000 grand prize draw are set to be held this Sunday, March 8th, during the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby’s prize ceremony, and Association Past President Mike Krell emphasizes the draw supports the local fire department's equipment purchases.

Krell notes it also supports a bursary for local students going into emergency services.

As the winning ticket is put back in for subsequent draws, one ticket could conceivably win more than once - Diane Spencer of Wawa won the $1000 draw in December and Vincent Prevost won $1000 on February 13th.

Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20, available from local firefighters or in many places throughout Wawa - they will be consolidated and sold at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby over the weekend, until they sell out.