Progress on Wawa District Forest Fires

Progress on a few Wawa District forest fires.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources "Wawa 4" - which was reported on Canada Day, east of Hillsport and south of White Otter Lake - is now out, while "Wawa 11" - located along the Montreal River, about a kilometre south of Mouton Lake - and "Wawa 12" - along Highway 17, about a kilometre south of Kenny Lake - are both "under control" at a tenth of a hectare in size.

"Wawa 8" - which was reported Sunday evening - and is still under control at 1.1 hectares in size, about 4 kilometres east of highway 614, on a peninsula on the southern shore of Musher Lake, 33 kilometres south of Manitouwadge.

The fire hazard is moderate to extreme across the North, with patches of low hazard south of Chapleau and in the Temiskaming Shores area.

Dubreuilville Sees 1st Candidate for 1 of 4 Council Seats

Dubreuilville has its first candidate for Council in the fall municipal election.

Local teacher and long-time resident Laurianne Lavoie's become the first person to file for a bid for one of four seats on Dubreuilville Town Council.

She's not the only one to file a bid in the Dubreuilville election, however, as incumbent mayor Beverly Nantel and longtime French Separate School Board trustee Roger Lemoyne are both seeking re-election.

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.

2 More Forest Fires in Wawa District

A couple more forest fires have been reported in the Wawa District.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting "Wawa 11" is located along the Montreal River - about a kilometre south of Mouton Lake - while "Wawa 12" is along Highway 17 - about a kilometre south of Kenny Lake - both are a tenth of a hectare in size, but not yet under control.

Two other fires are still burning in the district: "Wawa 4", which was reported on Canada Day, but is under control at 8 hectares in size - east of Hillsport and south of White Otter Lake - and "Wawa 8", which was reported Sunday evening, and is under control at 1.1 hectares in size, about 4 kilometres east of highway 614, on a peninsula on the southern shore of Musher Lake, 33 kilometres south of Manitouwadge.

The fire hazard is primarily high to extreme across the North, with a growing patch of low or moderate hazard in the Northwest.

Several Wildland Fires Reported in Wawa District in Recent Days

Several wildland fires have been reported in the Wawa District in recent days.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources reported six fires in the Wawa District since Friday, with three still burning - and another already in the region: "Wawa 4", which was reported on Canada Day, but is under control at 8 hectares in size, east of Hillsport and south of White Otter Lake; "Wawa 8", which was reported Sunday evening, and is being held at 1.1 hectares in size, about 4 kilometres east of highway 614, on a peninsula on the southern shore of Musher Lake, and 33 kilometres south of Manitouwadge; "Wawa 9", reported Monday, which is under control at a tenth of a hectare in size, about four-tenths of a kilometre east of Upper Taradale Lake and 2.2 kilometres northeast of Stillwell Lake; and "Wawa 10", also reported Monday, which is being held at four-tenths of a hectare in size, located about half a kilometre south of Highway 17 and six-tenths of a kilometre north of Mud Lake.

The fire hazard is primarily high to extreme across the North, with a large patch of low or moderate hazard in the far Northwest.

APH Reports Birds in SSM & East Algoma Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Algoma Public Health is warning residents to take precautions against West Nile virus.

The health unit says wild birds in Sault Ste. Marie and East Algoma tested positive for the virus, indicating its "presence...in Algoma and the potential risk to its residents during peak mosquito season".

While it says the risk of being infected in Algoma is "low", Algoma Public Health reminds West Nile is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, so it encourages precautions to protect against mosquito bites: wear light-coloured, tightly woven but loose-fitting clothing with long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when outdoors; apply an approved mosquito repellent; avoid the outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active; remove standing water from your property, as that's where mosquitoes can breed; and repair or replace screens on windows and doors to avoid mosquitoes entering your home.

Last year, two wild birds tested positive for West Nile in North Algoma, though APH's last human case was reported in 2024.

New Wildfire in Timmins District, Wawa & Chapleau Districts See Fires on Canada Day

Another forest fire's been reported in the Timmins District.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting Timmins 16 was confirmed Thursday, east of Highway 144 and south of Highway 560 - it's not yet under control at 3 hectares in size, though two Ontario FireRanger crews are responding and aerial fire suppression teams "actioned" the wildland fire.

The Wawa and Chapleau areas both reported fires on Canada Day: Wawa 4 is not yet under control at 8 hectares in size, located east of Hillsport and south of White Otter Lake; while Chapleau 8 was located about 27 kilometres south of town, but was declared out before growing beyond a tenth of a hectare in size.

The fire hazard is primarily moderate to high across the Northeast, with a large patch of extreme near James Bay and low further southeast.

OPP Remind Drivers to Stay Cautious as Canada Day Week Initiative Continues

Ontario Provincial Police are continuing to watch for dangerous driving habits this weekend.

Superior East OPP Constable Rob Sanchioni explains the "Canada Day Week" enforcement blitz continues through Sunday.

Cst. Rob Sanchioni on 2026 Canada Day Week Initiative
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Noting a number of electric bikes - or e-bikes - out now, Constable Sanchioni also warns rules are quite specific about those.

Cst. Rob Sanchioni Reminds of Ontario's eBike Rules
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Drivers are urged to be extra cautious at this time of year, with the recent end of school meaning more kids and teens out and about.

Borden Gold Mine Owner Rebrands as Discovery Mining

The owner of the Borden mine near Chapleau's slightly changed its name.

Formerly known as Discovery Silver Corp., the Toronto-based company's announced it is now Discovery Mining Ltd., and is now trading under that name on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

This comes as the company has been expanding its holdings, acquiring Glencore's Kidd operations in Timmins - including the Kidd metallurgical site, tailings management area, and Kidd Creek copper, zinc, and silver mine, the world's deepest base metal mine - adding it to the former Newmont Porcupine operations in and near Timmins - including the Borden Gold Mine near Chapleau - which Discovery acquired early last year.

Discovery aims to more than double gold production in Timmins to over half a million ounces a year with exposure in silver and other critical minerals.

5th Candidate in Race for 1 of 4 Chapleau Council Seats

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

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

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.

Wawa's 18th Annual William G. Rose Memorial Golf Tournament Nears

Golfers will hit Wawa's greens in a couple weeks to honour a local figure in an event.

Organizer Danette Mathias explains there is some room left in the upcoming William G. Rose Memorial Golf Tournament.

Danette Mathias on Space for William G Rose Golf Tournament
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mathias notes Mission Motors and Northern Lights Ford are sponsoring hole-in-one prizes, and thanks other sponsors who make the event possible, like Bay Mills Resort and Casino and North of 17 Restaurant.

The 18th annual William G. Rose Memorial Golf Tournament's set to be held Friday, July 17th.

Early Bird Deadline Near for Wawa Salmon Derby

Time is running out for anglers hoping to win a special prize with the Wawa Salmon Derby.

Chair Brad Buck reminds the event's about a month-and-a-half away.

Brad Buck on Wawa Salmon Derby Early Bird
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Buck notes a couple ways to register.

Brad Buck on Registering for Wawa Salmon Derby
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Buck emphasizes entries must be in - or post-marked - by Monday, July 6th, to be in the early bird.

OPP Continue Canada Day Week Initiative, Remind of ATV Speed Limits

While Canada Day is over, the Ontario Provincial Police are continuing a related safety initiative.

Superior East OPP Constable Rob Sanchioni explains the "Canada Day Week" enforcement blitz continues through Sunday.

Cst. Rob Sanchioni on 2026 Canada Day Week Initiative
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Noting many people are riding ATVs or side-by-sides in town, Sanchioni also reminds there is a different speed limit for such vehicles.

Cst. Rob Sanchioni Reminds of Ontario's ATV Speed Limits
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Drivers are urged to be extra cautious at this time of year, with the recent end of school meaning more kids and teens out and about.

4th Candidate In Race for Wawa Council

Wawa has a full slate of candidates for Council.

The Municipality of Wawa's now listing four unofficial candidates for the four seats on Wawa Municipal Council, as Brandon Smit's joined Shah Mohamed, Jason North, and Eric Paquette.

There's still just a single candidate for mayor, incumbent Melanie Pilon, while only one local school board trustee is listed, current English Public board trustee Susan Johnson seeking a new term.

If no other candidates file before the nomination deadline of 2 pm on August 21st - and all of the current candidates are then certified - it means Wawa residents won't need to cast ballots when municipal and school board elections are held across Ontario on October 26th.

Wawa & Chapleau Students Among 1st Recipients of New Indigenous Scholarship

A couple local students are being honoured with a special scholarship.

The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says seven students across the board have been chosen as the first cohort of student recipients for the Mino Bimaadiziwin or Mino/Milo Pimatisiwin Scholarship, including Celena Farrell of Chapleau's Ecole secondaire catholique Trillium and Matthew Fletcher of Wawa's Ecole secondaire Saint-Joseph.

In Ojibwe, Mino Bimaadiziwin means “living a good life”, while Mino or Milo Pimatisiwin come from Cree dialects, meaning “walking in a good way” or “living a good life”.

The $250 scholarship - which is given along with an Indigenous artwork illustrating its principles - is meant to "honour and support First Nations, Métis, or Inuit students who embody [that] spirit...through their cultural awareness, sense of responsibility and connectedness with the community".

Environment Canada Issues Heat Warnings for Region

Caution is being urged amid heat warnings in the region.

Environment Canada's warning temperatures could get up to 28 to 32 Celsius - 35 to 41 with the humidex - and only drop down to 16 to 20 through Friday for areas including Chapleau, Gogama, and Foleyet, Dubreuilville and White River, and points south of Wawa.

Emphasizing those most at risk are older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, the unhoused, people with chronic illnesses, those using alcohol or drugs, and people working or exercising outdoors, Public Health Sudbury and Districts warns continuous exposure to high levels of heat can lead to dehydration and illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, swelling of hands, feet, and ankles, heat rash, muscle cramps, and even death, recommending avoiding sun exposure, taking breaks from the heat, drinking plenty of cool liquids - particularly water - and wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.

Wawa & Chapleau Plan Big Celebrations for Canada Day

Big celebrations are planned for Canada Day in local communities.

For Wawa, Registered Nurse Catherine Andrew notes the Wawa Family Health Team's starting the day with a 5k Fun Run Color Run at 8:30 am, starting from the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Catherine Andrew on Canada Day 5K Fun Run Color Run
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Melanie Coe reminds local festivities also include the Goose Nest Market and Street Fair closing down Broadway Avenue at 11 am.

Melanie Coe on Wawa's Canada Day Festivities on Broadway Ave
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Coe also highlights the voyageur canoe and paddleboarding from Naturally Superior Adventures, and the return of the Show & Shine Car Show.

Melanie Coe on Wawa's Canada Day Show and Shine
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Coe reminds the fireworks are planned for dusk, with details of events available through "Wawa Recreation" on Facebook and Instagram.

As for Chapleau, Leisure and Cultural Services Director Carole Ouellette says festivities start slightly later, with an annual tradition.

Carole Ouellette on Chapleau's Canada Day Parade
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Ouellette says events continue through the afternoon.

Carole Ouellette on Chapleau's Canada Day Afternoon
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Ouellette also reminds that Sault Ste. Marie band "Bone Yard 225" will be performing at 8 pm, and there will be fireworks at dusk, to end the night.

Wawa & Chapleau Students Receive $500 Vision Scholarships

Some local students are being honoured with special scholarships.

The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says two students from each of its secondary schools have been awarded "Vision Scholarships" valued at $500, for reflecting the board vision of "students who are proudly Francophone and Catholic, equipped for the future by innovative and fulfilled staff".

Local recipients are Loralee Casey and Jordan Chalykoff from Wawa's Ecole secondaire Saint-Joseph, and Émilie Bouchard and Jean-Marc Robitaille from Chapleau's Ecole secondaire catholique Trillium.

Wawa Council Formally Opposing Appeal of Rezoning for Temporary Work Camp

Wawa Municipal Council's opposing an appeal of a temporary rezoning for a temporary work camp on Pinewood Drive.

Council initially approved the request on June 2nd to rezone the property to allow for a temporary work camp accommodation with trailers to house up to 170 people for three years - with the option for a further three-year extension, subject to Council approval - as mining contractor Sigfusson's hoping to house workers at the site as they work on projects for Alamos Gold outside Dubreuilville.

In a special meeting Monday afternoon, Council was told an appeal had been filed by Outdoorsman Motel owner Ray Valliant, who'd spoken against the rezoning during that meeting - reading a letter signed by multiple hotels, motels, restaurants, and other businesses, warning the camp would not lead to economic benefit for the community but be a "huge negative", citing concerns for hotels that often temporarily house contractors or restaurants and other businesses that could benefit from the business - before Council went "in-camera" for legal advice.

When they returned to an open meeting, CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill read off a resolution noting they are required to submit a report setting out Council's position in response to the appeal and the initial decision's "conformity to the Official Plan", before setting out that stance.

CAO Maury O'Neill Reads Pinewood Dr Rezoning Appeal Stance

Asked to clarify the question on standing, O'Neill noted the provincial government "made a lot of changes to the Planning Act and took away most people's rights to appeal" in 2024.

Valliant says he's "a little disappointed", saying he believes he meets the criteria outlined on the Ontario Land Tribunal site, as given to him by O'Neill.

Ray Valliant on WMC Pinewood Dr Rezoning Appeal Stance
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The resolution further stated that - should the appeal not be immediately dismissed on those grounds - Council maintains the rezoning by-law "represents good land use planning...is appropriate and desirable for the development of the subject lands", is consistent with the provincial planning statement, municipal official plan, and other applicable provincial plans, and "is in the public interest and supports the long-term economic development objectives of the Municipality while providing for an appropriate temporay land use".

That was initially passed unanimously, with Mayor Melanie Pilon making a statement to the gathered businesspeople watching.

Mayor Melanie Pilon on Pinewood Dr Rezoning Appeal Stance

Though Councillor Mitch Hatfield initially voted in favour, she then explained she'd misunderstood what was being voted upon in that moment, with discussion getting heated as she clarified that she disagrees with the advice given by the Municipality's lawyer and the handling of this issue.

Councillor Mitch Hatfield on Pinewood Dr Rezoning Appeal Stance

Hatfield was allowed to take back her vote and instead request a recorded vote, which ended up the same as the initial vote on the rezoning early this month, 3-1, with Pilon and Councillors Jim Hoffmann and Cathy Cannon in favour, Hatfield against - Councillor Joe Opato was not in attendance for the meeting.

Wawa Public Library Holding Story Walk in Queen's Park

The Wawa Public Library's annual "Story Walk" is going to the park.

Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains the Story Walk is back - with a slight change.

Wawa Public Library CEO Sue Jarrell Explains the Story Walk
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Jarrell invites everyone to check out the Story Walk.

Wawa Public Library CEO Sue Jarrell Invites Everyone to Story Walk
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The "Story Walk" runs from 9 am to 11 am at Queen's Park.

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