Wawa Council Approves Zoning By-Law Change Aimed at More Housing

Wawa Municipal Council's approved a change to the municipal Zoning By-Law aimed at creating more housing.

Council held a meeting under the Planning Act Tuesday night, discussing amendments that would increase the number of residential units allowed on General Commercial zoned properties, which includes much of Broadway Avenue - land-use planning documents restrict such properties to only allow a single residential unit in the upper floor of a commercial building, even if there are some "non-conforming" properties in that zone.

Chief Building Official Kevin Sabourin explained changing the by-law to allow more than one dwelling unit in such properties would align with various documents: a provincial policy statement that came into effect in October directs municipalities to do everything possible to encourage new housing development; Wawa's Downtown Community Improvement Plan seeks to encourage development of vacant or underutilized property including provisions for additional housing units; and the Wawa Housing Action Plan pledges supporting a wide range of new housing development is a priority.

The amendment - which was subsequently passed in Tuesday's regular Council meeting - also lifts minimum and maximum floor area size and window open restrictions, though it still restricts the residential units to the upper floors of the commercial properties.

Wawa's St. Augustine Students To Attempt Bottle Drive Again

A couple weeks after poor weather postponed the event, some Wawa students will be out in the community tonight to collect bottles.

St. Augustine French Immersion Catholic School Principal Nadine Cartledge explains the bottle drive, originally planned to be held after the derby weekend.

Cartledge emphasizes funds raised will support the Grade 7/8 year-end trip to Sudbury.

Assuming the weather cooperates this time, the bottle drive runs from 5 pm to 8 pm tonight.

Wawa Council Puts Off Fluoridation Plebiscite Decision, Suggests Petition

Wawa Municipal Council's turning a request for a vote on fluoridation back to the public.

While a letter read out in the March 5th meeting requested Council call a plebiscite on drinking water fluoridation, a CAO report discussed in last night's Committee of the Whole meeting noted that a single request does not show enough support, but a petition signed by at least 10% of the municipality's electorate - about 220 people - would require Council to put the question to a vote.

The report noted - per Ontario's Fluoridation Act - municipalities that wish to remove fluoride from the drinking water supply must use a similar process to that which was used to add it - in Wawa's case, it was a 1985 plebiscite - and that the question put to the public would need to be "are you in favour of the discontinuance of fluoridation of the public water supply of this municipality".

Councillor Cathy Cannon expressed support for the petition plan, while Councillor Mitch Hatfield spoke in favour of simply putting it to a public vote, and Mayor Melanie Pilon - who noted she’d urged the resident to bring his concerns to Council - expressed hope a vote would lead to a thorough debate with broader education about fluoridation.

In the end, Council agreed to the recommended option: turning it back to the letter writer to submit a petition signed by at least 10% of the electorate - in order to make it onto the ballot for the next municipal election, which is in fall 2026, it must be submitted by late April 2026.

Simcoe County Resident Killed in Collision Involving Snowmobile East of Chapleau

A Simcoe County resident's dead after a collision involving a snowmobile east of Chapleau.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the two-vehicle collision on Highway 101 at Adam Lake Road - about 30 kilometres east of town - around 11:40 am Monday morning, finding a 59-year-old from Tiny Township in southcentral Ontario had died at the scene.

Highway 101 was closed for six hours, reopening that evening.

The OPP are continuing to investigate, with the assistance of the Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) team.

Wawa Council to Consider Amending Zoning By-Law in Trio of Meetings

Wawa Municipal Council's holding a trio of meetings tonight.

First up is a meeting under the Planning Act about Zoning By-Law amendments, specifically increasing the number of residential units allowed in the General Commercial Zone - Council was told in a previous meeting that current rules only allow a single residential unit in such properties, which includes Broadway Avenue - where there are multiple buildings that exceed that - with this change bringing those "non-conforming" properties into alignment and allowing new buildings zoned General Commercial to have two or more residential units.

That'll be followed by a Committee of the Whole meeting including monthly reports from department heads, a CAO report on a public request for a plebiscite on fluoridation - brought up in a letter to Council in their last meeting - and an EDO memo on the 2025 business survey results.

The third and final meeting will be a regular Council meeting, in which Council will consider by-laws to appoint a Weed Inspector and affirming the Zoning By-Law amendment permitting more than one dwelling unit in the upper levels of buildings in the Commercial General Zone.

These meetings will be held back-to-back-to-back, starting at 6:30 pm tonight in Council Chambers - they'll also be livestreamed through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

OPP Investigating Fatal Snowmobile Collision North of Thessalon

Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a fatal snowmobile collision between Chapleau and Thessalon.

East Algoma OPP say they responded to the single motorized snow vehicle collision on Marisea Lake - about 120 kilometres north of Thessalon - with a 58-year-old from Blind River traken to hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Investigators are giving no further details, except a postmortem will be held in Sault Ste. Marie.

Wawa Hosting Info Session on Municipal Accommodation Tax

Wawa residents - particularly short-term accommodation owners - are being encouraged to learn more about the incoming Municipal Accommodation Tax.

As the tax is set to be implemented on April 1st, CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill explains an information session will be held tonight - following one earlier this week - to discuss implementation of the "MAT".

O'Neill emphasizes that the MAT is meant to support tourism.

Tonight's info session runs from 6:30 pm to 8 pm in the downstairs boardroom (the former police station) at 40 Broadway Avenue.

APANO & Trinity United Church Soup Kettle Host Phenomenal Women Luncheon

A couple Chapleau organizations are recognizing phenomenal women today.

Chapleau's APANO office has partnered with the Trinity United Church soup kettle for a "Phenomenal Women Luncheon".

APANO Community Wellness Worker Nicki Katsenos explains today's event ties into the recent International Women's Day.

The luncheon runs from 11:30 am to 1 pm.

PHSD Warns of Increase in Overdoses

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is warning of an increase in overdoses in its region.

The health unit says the Community Drug Strategies have received reports of an increase in "drug poisonings" - overdoses - with heavy and prolonged sedation and unexpected reactions from the use of substances in the Sudbury and Manitoulin Districts.

While it can't confirm the substances involved, the health unit reminds street drugs could be mixed with dangerous substances such as benzos, xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl, or carfentanil, and warns frontline workers have reported 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.

Registration Deadline Nears for Wawa Seniors Curling Funspiel

Senior curlers will hit the ice for a special event next week.

Norma Kauk - who's on the Wawa Goose Seniors Centre's social committee - explains the upcoming Seniors Curling Funspiel.

Kauk outlines the event schedule.

Those interested in participating are asked to register at the Wawa Goose Seniors Centre by this Friday, March 14th - the funspiel will be held next Tuesday, March 18th, from 10:30 am to about 2 pm.

Hawk Junction Anglers Reel in Trophies at Family Fishing Derby

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

While organizers say the day was slow for fish, Bekem Lavergne took home 1st in the youth division, while Ann Hopkins claimed first for the adult division.

In addition to the derby winners, three winners were drawn for the derby draw: Elisa Turyk, who won $1000; Danny Ohara, who won $300; and Del Demary won $200.

The Local Services Board thanks all participants for their support, as well as the volunteers who made the event possible, calling it a "success".

3rd Annual Wawa Triples Curling Funspiel "Great Success"

Organizers of Wawa's most recent "funspiel" are calling it "a great success".

Twelve teams were registered for the 3rd Annual Wawa Triples Curling Funspiel held over the weekend, with Tom and Melissa Terris and Diane Spencer the champions, finishing first overall, ahead of Joe McCoy and Tom and Tyler Fahrer in second, and Mike McCoy, Flo Orr, and Maury O'Neill in third.

Curlers are reminded the Ladies Bonspiel's coming March 21st to 23rd and the Men's Bonspiel's the following weekend, March 28th to 30th - call Danette Mathias about the Ladies Bonspiel, and Andy Stevens or Jim Hoffmann about the Men's.

Update: St. Augustine Postpones Bottle Drive for Gr. 7/8 Year End Trip

Update: Bottle drive rescheduled to Thursday, March 20th (still 5 pm to 8 pm), due to current weather conditions.

————————————————————————————————————

Some Wawa students will be out in the community tonight to collect bottles after the derby weekend.

St. Augustine French Immersion Catholic School Principal Nadine Cartledge explains students are conducting the bottle drive tonight.

Cartledge emphasizes funds raised will support the Grade 7/8 year-end trip to Sudbury.

The bottle drive runs from 5 pm to 8 pm tonight.

Wawa Council Approves 2025 Budget

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.

Treasurer Manuela Batovanja outlines the increase in tax bills expected.

Batovanja explains the new capital levy is meant to support capital infrastructure.

Batovanja notes water and sewer rates are also increasing.

The move came after Council directed staff to prepare a report in response to a letter requesting a plebiscite on the Municipality's fluoridation of drinking water - the next municipal election is scheduled for fall 2026 - and Council also gave approval for a minor variance request for a Main Street property.

Wawa's 3rd Annual Students vs. Teachers Charity Hockey Game to Hit Ice

Wawa will see a bit of a "grudge match" on the ice, with a charity hockey game Thursday.

Michipicoten High School teacher Laura Mitchell explains the 3rd annual Staff vs. Students Charity Hockey Game.

While students from local schools will be in attendance, Mitchell notes the event's open to the public, and welcomes anybody to cheer on the players and support the cause.

Doors open at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre at 12:30 Thursday afternoon, with the game beginning at 1 pm.

Wawa Council to Vote on Proposed 2025 Budget in Back-to-Back Meetings

Wawa Municipal Council will look at passing its 2025 budget during a pair of meetings tonight.

First up is a Committee of Adjustment meeting to address a minor variance request for a Main Street property.

That'll be followed by a regular Council meeting, which includes multiple by-laws to implement the operating budget presented to Council in January, which Treasurer Manuela Batovanja notes includes a 4% tax levy increase plus a 2% capital levy, which she says will mean a slight rise in tax bills.

Batovanja notes increasing operational costs and necessary capital work will also mean a rise for water and sewer services.

Council will also accept the 2024 statement of remuneration and an Integrity Commissioner report.

The meetings are set to be held back-to-back, starting at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers - they'll also be livestreamed through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

Final Winners Announced for MVFA Annual Cash Draw

Wawa's firefighters are thanking the community for their support, after a very successful fundraising campaign.

The Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters Association President Mike Krell congratulates this year's winners for the annual cash draw.

Krell says the firefighters are "very grateful to the community", as they sold over 90% of the draw's tickets, with the proceeds supporting their equipment fund.

Winners:

$10,000 Grand Prize Winner - Nicole Simpson of White River
$1000 Prize Winner - Randy Klockars of Wawa
$1000 Prize Winner - Sue Switzer of Wawa
$1000 Prize Winner - Sean Ayoung of Wawa

$1000 Early Bird Winner (Drawn Feb. 14) - Dan O’Hara
$1000 Early Bird Winner (Drawn Feb. 14) - Alex Bertrand of Dubreuilville

33rd Annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Reels in Success

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

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby President Shayne Wardrop says this weekend's derby was quite a success.

Wardrop thanks those who supported the event.

Longtime derby participant Luigi Bruni of Sault Ste. Marie reeled in the biggest fish of the derby - a 17.11 pound lake trout, earning him a Skidoo Summit Neo - and says he's "pretty happy with it".

Shannon Turmelle of Wawa also won a Skidoo Summit Neo with the biggest pike of the derby - an 8.79-pounder - while Jamie Robinson of Wawa got a four-day fly-in fishing trip for two to Watson's Windy Point Lodge for the largest whitefish, at 5.92 pounds.

The 2026 derby will be held March 6th to 8th.

Standings:

Lake Trout:

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

6.95 lb caught by Kristofer Kritselis of Sault Ste. Marie on Manitowik Lake

6.68 lb caught by Andre Brabant of Wawa on Wawa Lake

6.62 lb caught by Mario Scarpino of Sault Ste. Marie on Wawa Lake

Pike:

8.79 lb caught by Shannon Turmelle of Wawa on Hawk Lake

8.70 lb caught by Bruce Maitland of Blind River on Hawk Lake

7.06 lb caught by David Geroux of Hawk Junction on Hawk Lake

6.87 lb caught by Tyler White of Blind River on Hawk Lake

Whitefish:

5.92 lb caught by Jamie Robinson of Wawa on Wawa Lake

3.12 lb caught by Daryl Dereski of Wawa on Wawa Lake

Cart (0)