Setup Begins For Northern Nationals Drag Race

Setup's underway for Wawa's upcoming drag races.
The Wawa Municipal Airport is now closed for the weekend, as the final phase of preparations are underway for the 7th annual Northern Nationals Drag Race - and Wawa's Director of Community Services and Tourism, Alex Patterson, says there's still room for volunteers to help today and through the weekend.

Patterson adds volunteers can show up at the airport to assist with today's setup or stop in the Community Centre to sign up.
Driver pre-registrations are also being held at the Community Centre from 4:30 until 9 today, with the "Rev-Up Night" event at 6:30 this evening.
Driver registration's 8 am to 1 pm tomorrow at the Community Centre, with gates opening at the airport at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.

Chapleau Council Considering New Feeder Powerline

Chapleau's asking for public input on a proposed new powerline.
A notice on the Township's website says it is considering a Hydro One proposal to construct a new feeder to accommodate the 7 MW loading demand from Goldcorp's Borden Gold Project, with public input being accepted on the proposal.
To help gather input from residents, an information session's planned for three weeks from now - at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, August 29th - with the feedback to inform Council's decision on whether to approve Hydro One's preferred option.
A map of the proposed line is on the Township's website.

Wawa Mayor Acclaimed For Second Term

It's official - Wawa's mayor is returning for a second term.
The Municipality of Wawa's issued a declaration of acclamation for incumbent mayor Ron Rody - the only candidate to file a nomination for that role.
While this will be Rody's second term as mayor, he had served three terms as a councillor.
Also acclaimed is English Separate school board trustee Carol MacEachern of Hornepayne - she's the incumbent trustee for the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board.
Wawa residents will still need to vote on councillors - with seven candidates running for four seats - with two candidates each for the English public and French separate school board trustees.
The municipal election date for all of Ontario is October 22nd.

Local Municipal Election Candidates Set

Voters will be casting ballots in a few local municipal elections - but not for a couple mayoral spots.
The Municipality of Wawa's released its certified list of candidates for the fall municipal election, with seven people in the running for four council seats: second-term incumbent Bill Chiasson; Sandra Weitzel, who was appointed in February 2017; Pat Tait, who was sworn-in in April; Cathy Cannon and Robert Reece, who both expressed interest at that time but were not chosen; and James Brown and Mitch Hatfield.
Not running: local teacher Julia Rowe, who was appointed to Council alongside Tait.
Mayor Ron Rody will be acclaimed for a second-term, as no-one filed to run against him.
Dubreuilville will similarly acclaim its mayor, as second-term councillor Beverly Nantel was the sole person to file her nomination, though there are six people up for four Council seats: incumbents Leandre Moore and Helene Perth, former councillors Chantal Croft and Hermyle Langlois, and first-time candidates Alain Cyr and Nancy Dery (Rioux).
Chapleau residents will need to vote for all Council seats, as incumbent mayor Michael Levesque's seeking a second term - opposed by past candidate Ryan Bignucolo - while six people want to be councillors: incumbent Gerard Bernier; Rick Smith - who was appointed to Council in early 2017; Lisi Bernier, a former councillor and now acting vice principal at Chapleau High School; Nicolle Schuurman, the principal at Chapleau Public School; Natalie Tessier, the principal of Our Lady of Fatima elementary school; and Alex Lambruschini.
As for local school boards, incumbent English separate trustee Carol MacEachern of Hornepayne will be acclaimed as the local representative on the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board, while Josee Bouchard will be acclaimed as the French public trustee - she's been a trustee with Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l'Ontario since 2007.
Longtime English Public trustee Russell Reid is up against former Michipicoten First Nation Chief Joe Buckell for the local seat on the Algoma District School Board, while incumbent Garry Bruneau and Luc Tessier both want to represent Chapleau, Wawa, and White River on the local French Separate board, the Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario, and incumbent Roger Lemoyne and Leo Raymond are both seeking to represent Dubreuilville and Hornepayne on the French Separate board.
The municipal election date for all of Ontario is October 22nd.

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Elected Ontario NDP Caucus Chair

Algoma-Manitoulin's MPP is calling his new role within Ontario's New Democrats "quite an honour".
Michael Mantha has been elected caucus chair, a role he says will see him "lead the initiatives set forward by the leader", as well as caucus discussions on policy and legislation - a job he looks forward to doing.
As for his party's focus as the official opposition, Mantha says it is holding the new Progressive Conservative government to account.

N-D-P Leader Andrea Horwath's praising Mantha as "a great addition" to the team, bringing "outstanding leadership abilities" with the full confidence of the caucus.
Mantha further questions the P-C government's unilateral cancellation of contracts, which he says will lead to elevated costs, as contractors build that risk factor into their contracts.
Algoma-Manitoulin's MPP since 2011, Mantha remains critic for Northern Development and Mines, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and Tourism, Culture, and Sports.

Municipality of Wawa Responds To CAO's Arrest

Wawa's mayor is expressing "grave concern" over criminal allegations against the municipality's chief administrative officer.
A release from the Municipality of Wawa - on behalf of Mayor Ron Rody - says the municipality "takes seriously its obligation to create and maintain a safe workplace environment, free from discrimination and harassment of any kind", further pledging to "cooperate fully with the relevant authorities" and to "continue to provide outstanding community service to the citizens of Wawa".
The release does not comment on whether CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Chris Wray is facing any disciplinary action - such as a possible suspension - or whether he's taking leave at this time, but Wray could not be reached at the Municipal Offices on Friday or today.
Wray was not in attendance for Friday's annual general meeting of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre - he had been chair of the organization, but was replaced in that role in a planned succession unrelated to his arrest.
58-year-old Wray was arrested by Greater Sudbury Police last Monday on charges of sexual assault and criminal harassment stemming from a complaint made by a woman to Superior East O-P-P at the end of May - that complaint alleged an assault happened in Greater Sudbury in November 2016, and that the involved parties were known to each other.
Greater Sudbury Police have confirmed that Wray was released after his arrest on a promise to appear in court on August 29th, though they are asking for anyone with information about the alleged assault or Wray to contact Greater Sudbury Police or Crime Stoppers.
Wray has been Wawa's CAO/Clerk-Treasurer since 1999, aside from a brief stint working for Muskoka Lakes from 2012 to 2014.

Municipal Election Nomination Period Ends

Time's up for prospective councillors, mayors, or school board trustees to launch a bid for upcoming fall municipal elections - with one possible exception.
Chapleau has confirmed its candidates, with two for mayor - first-term incumbent Michael Levesque and Ryan Bignucolo, a candidate in the 2014 mayoral race - while six are up for four Council seats: incumbent Gerard Bernier; Rick Smith - who was appointed to Council in early 2017; Lisi Bernier, a former councillor and now acting vice principal at Chapleau High School; Nicolle Schuurman, the principal at Chapleau Public School; Natalie Tessier, the principal of Our Lady of Fatima elementary school; and Alex Lambruschini.
Wawa's uncertified list has only first-term incumbent Ron Rody up for mayor - suggesting he may be acclaimed - while seven people compete for four Council seats: second-term incumbent Bill Chiasson; Sandra Weitzel, who was appointed in February 2017; Pat Tait, who was sworn-in in April; Cathy Cannon and Robert Reece, who both expressed interest at the time but were not chosen; and James Brown and Mitch Hatfield.
Dubreuilville's uncertified list also has one mayoral candidate - second-term councillor Beverly Nantel - and six people for four Council seats: incumbents Leandre Moore and Helene Perth, former councillors Chantal Croft and Hermyle Langlois, and first-time candidates Alain Cyr and Nancy Dery (Rioux).
Candidates will be certified by late Monday afternoon.
As for local school boards, longtime English Public trustee Russell Reid is up against former Michipicoten First Nation Chief Joe Buckell for the local seat on the Algoma District School Board; incumbent Garry Bruneau and Luc Tessier both want to represent Chapleau, Wawa, and White River on the local French Separate board, Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario; and incumbent Roger Lemoyne and Leo Raymond were both seeking to represent Dubreuilville and Hornepayne on the French Separate board.
Dubreuilville's uncertified list has only a single nominee for local French Public board trustee: Josee Bouchard, a trustee with Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l'Ontario since 2007.
No local candidate's been reported for the English Separate board, the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board - that could mean an extension to that nomination period.
The municipal election date for all of Ontario is October 22nd.

Wawa CAO Charged With Sexual Assault and Criminal Harassment

Wawa's chief administrative officer's been charged with sexual assault and criminal harassment.
A release from the Greater Sudbury Police Service says 58-year-old Christopher Wray of Wawa was arrested on Monday, July 23rd, charged with sexual assault and criminal harassment in connection to an investigation launched nearly two months ago.
That investigation stems from a complaint made on May 29th to Superior East Ontario Provincial Police, who forwarded the investigation to the Sudbury police, as the woman alleged an assault happened in Greater Sudbury in November 2016, and that the involved parties were known to each other.
No information has been given identifying the complainant.
Greater Sudbury Police have confirmed to JJAM FM News that Wray was released after his arrest on a promise to appear in court on August 29th.
They are also appealing for anyone with information about the alleged assault or about Wray to contact Greater Sudbury Police at 705-675-9171 extension 6638 or contact Crime Stoppers at 705-222-TIPS - 705-222-8477 - or online at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com
Reached on his cell phone - while out of town on vacation - Mayor Ron Rody refused to comment on the situation or whether any action has been taken, saying he was unaware of what was included in the release from Greater Sudbury Police.
Chris Wray has been Wawa's C-A-O/Clerk-Treasurer for most of the last two decades - he first arrived in Wawa in 1999, but resigned to be C-A-O for the Township of Muskoka Lakes in December 2012, though he was rehired by the Municipality of Wawa in May 2014.

12th Annual William Rose Memorial Golf Tournament Arrives

Wawa's annual William Rose Memorial Golf Tournament will be bringing golfers to the greens this afternoon.
Suzanne Lacasse explains that the 12th annual event - which is named for former Michipicoten Police Chief "Bill" Rose - supports a bursary offered to a local student every year.

Lacasse notes any excess funds raised by the tournament - above what's needed for the bursary - will support Wawa and Area Victim Services.
She also emphasizes tournament participants could end up with a great prize no matter skill level - as many are "luck of the draw" - though there are hole-in-one prizes of $500 cash from Viking Restaurant and a vehicle from Mission Motors.
Tee-offs for the annual event begin at 1 o'clock this afternoon.

Dubreuilville's Beach Bash Cancelled

Local beach volleyball fans will be disappointed to know Dubreuilville's annual "Beach Bash" won't be happening this year.
Leisure and Cultural Service Director, Rejean Raymond, explains the event has been cancelled.

Raymond says delaying the event wasn't an option - given other events happening in neighbouring communities next month - but expresses hope that the Beach Bash will be held next year.

New Name To Be Added to Chapleau CPR Memorial

A name will be added to the Chapleau Museum's CPR monument.
Mayor Michael Levesque explains Henry Ketterer had requested the Township add the name of his relative, William Linklater, as Linklater died early in the 20th century, during the time highlighted in the memorial for those who've lost their lives on the railroad between Chapleau and White River.

While Mayor Levesque says he finds it "kind of strange" that a name was not included on the monument, he adds that he understands the records may not be "as complete as" previously thought.

Chapleau Pays Nearly $14,000 For Refuse Truck Rental

Chapleau Town Council have approved nearly $14,000 to borrow a garbage collection truck from a Wawa contractor.
Mayor Michael Levesque says the purchase order approved during Monday's meeting - for $13,652.66 plus HST - stems from problems with the Township's refuse truck.

Mayor Levesque says the deal saw Provost provide the truck, which was operated by the Township, while the Township's truck was out of service for about a week and a half.
The Township equipment is back in service now.

Chapleau Town Council Approves Agreement to Restore "Wishing Rock"

A monument greeting people to Chapleau will be restored.
Mayor Michael Levesque says Chapleau Town Council's making plans to restore the "Wishing Rock" - or "Painted Rock" - at the entrance to town.

Mayor Levesque credits Councillor Gerard Bernier for being "rather adamant" that the rock is restored.
While Council's reached an agreement to see that area cleared by Hydro One, it's unclear when the utility will do the clearing, which will coincide with other work Hydro One has planned in the area.

Wawa Recreation Summer Camp Registration Night Coming

Wawa youth are getting the opportunity to attend a recreation summer camp later this month.
The Municipality's hosting a registration event tonight for the camp, which Youth Recreation Coordinator Sarah Morris explains.

Morris notes the camp will run July 30th to August 3rd - from 9 am to 3 pm each day - intended for youth age seven to twelve.
More details will be available during the registration night event at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, from 5:30 to 7:30 tonight.
The registration deadline is next week, however, on Wednesday, July 24th.

12th Annual William Rose Memorial Golf Tournament Approaching

Organizers of Wawa's annual William Rose Memorial Golf Tournament are reminding golfers to sign up soon.
The 12th annual event arrives Friday, but organizers are hoping to confirm numbers as soon as possible, with golfers encouraged to call Wawa and Area Victim Services at 705-856-7852 to book a tee time.
Suzanne Lacasse explains there are a few prizes on the line in the tournament.

Lacasse emphasizes that - no matter skill level - you could end up with a great prize, as many are "luck of the draw".
Aside from honouring former Michipicoten Police Chief William Rose, the memorial golf tournament also supports bursaries for students going into the emergency services field, as well as Wawa and Area Victim Services.

Dubreuilville to Host Run N' Roll For ALS

Dubreuilville is set to host a run supporting an important cause: ALS.
The "Run N' Roll for ALS" is calling on residents to hit the pavement in a 5, 10, 15, or even 20 kilometre run supporting ALS Canada.
Organizer Josee Bouchard - a member of Eddy LeFrancois' "Let's Roll Out ALS" team - says the event is meant to raise awareness and funds for the cause, prompted by discussions she had with a co-worker.

Bouchard says she believes people are now more aware about how terrible the paralyzing and terminal disease is.
David Taylor - VP, Research at ALS Canada - explains ALS may be classified as a "rare" disease, but it is more common than many people may realize, with about a 1-in-400 chance a person will be diagnosed over their lifetime.

Taylor notes ALS Canada focuses its efforts on three areas: supporting those with ALS by helping provide equipment and other client services; advocacy for government support; and the area he's in charge of, research to better understand ALS and make it treatable.
Registration for the "Run N' Roll for ALS" will be held at l'Oree des Bois Secondary School in Dubreuilville starting at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning, with a 1k "Kiddie Dash" at 10 o'clock, followed by the other runs.

Wawa Council Approves Tender For Waterfront Project Construction Phase

Wawa Municipal Council's approved a tender for the major construction phase of the Wawa Waterfront Project.
In their meeting last night, Council agreed to accept the sole tender submitted, from J. Provost Contracting, though - while the resolution passed last night pegs the cost at $1,118,700, which is above the pre-design estimate - Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson says it will actually be much lower than that.

Patterson notes the approvals mean contracts can now be signed, and that will mean work should start soon.

In addition to the construction phase 1, J. Provost Contracting was last month awarded a nearly $51-thousand tender to build and install ten stalls for the "Goose Market" which will be located at Heritage Park, across from Lion's Beach - another part of the waterfront project.

Wawa Mayor Responds To Greyhound Service Ending Plans

Wawa Mayor Ron Rody is lamenting news that Greyhound Canada will be ending its bus service west of Sudbury - including in Wawa - noting the importance of Greyhound service locally.

Mayor Rody says the municipality will be looking into what might be done, such as possible support from other levels of government.

Greyhound claims it has for years lobbied the federal government for backstop funding to support its rural routes - to cover the difference between the revenues from such routes and the costs to operate them - though no such funding has been announced.
While details for how the service will wind down are few, Greyhound assures service will continue as normal through the summer and Thanksgiving, until October 31st.

Wawa Council Awards Tender For Toronto Avenue Reconstruction

Council's awarded J. Provost Contracting another major contract: to reconstruct part of a local street.
A resolution passed by Council Tuesday night - just moments after approving the waterfront project tender - accepts the tender from J. Provost Contracting for water and sewer reconstruction on part of Toronto Avenue.
The resolution notes two tenders were received, giving no details about the other tender, though it notes Provost's $1,978,521.75 tender comes within the project estimate and capital budget amount.
Infrastructure Services Director Cory Stainthorpe told Council he hopes to have the work start by the end of the month - possibly within two weeks - though he suggested various delays in getting the contract confirmed mean that asphalting of the road likely won't happen until spring.

Greyhound Ending Service in Wawa and Western Canada

Greyhound is ending Canadian service west of Sudbury.
The busing company says it has made the "difficult decision" to downsize operations as of October 31st, citing a 41 percent decline in ridership since 2010, particularly in rural communities.
Those cuts include the end of operations in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta - with only a Vancouver-to-Seattle route remaining for British Columbia - though Greyhound will keep its southern Ontario routes, going into the US, as far east as Montreal and as far north as Sudbury.
The end of service west of Sudbury means places like Wawa, Sault Ste. Marie, communities along the northshore of Lake Huron, and west to Thunder Bay will no longer have access to Greyhound.
Currently, Wawa only sees Greyhound twice a day - a westbound bus at 3:05 in the morning and an eastbound bus at 4:20 in the afternoon - as the bus company has cut service in the region multiple times in recent years - most recently cutting it in half to only the single trip in each direction in September 2015.
It's based at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, after issues finding another host in the town.
This won't leave Wawa and area entirely without inter-community bus service, as Ontario Northland expanded its routes in January as far west as White River - that bus stops at the SPG Wawa twice a day: heading toward Sault Ste. Marie at 8:30 in the morning, and toward White River at 2:40 in the afternoon.

More information on Greyhound's decision can be found on their website.