White River's Winnie's Hometown Festival Begins

White River's kicking off festivities for its annual Winnie's Hometown Festival today.
Festival Coordinator Devan Lavallee explains the 30th annual event has a theme of "Flashback on Winnipeg Street", looking back at the history of the important street.

Devan Lavallee on Winnie's Hometown Festival 2018 Theme

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Lavallee notes events begin today - with the Mixed Horseshoe Tournament at the Senior's Harmony Club this afternoon - while Wawa's own award-winning comedian, Pete Zedlacher, will perform at the White River Legion tonight.
Events continue with the Green Gables Street Party starting at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, the Shirt Tail Parade at 5 Friday night, and more through the weekend.
Kids weekend passes are available at the Township, though adult will need to pay at the door for some events.

Wawa Council Reviews Response To Rezoning Requests

Wawa Municipal Council has reviewed the response to a couple rezoning requests.
During a short public meeting under the Planning Act - held within the regular Council meeting - Council reviewed responses received about applications to rezone land at 90 Broadway Avenue to recognize the existing residential use and at 4 Broadway Avenue, to permit the existing commercial lot to be used for a vehicle repair business - the building had previously been used for that purpose.
No complaints were heard about either request, though Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry did warn about possible concerns due to the proposed garage's proximity to Wawa Lake - particularly due to the potential for spills - with Deputy Clerk Cathy Cyr saying a site plan agreement's been recommended to address any concerns.
A neighbour to the proposed garage spoke up to support it, saying he's "totally in favour" of such a business.
Council has not voted on whether to approve the rezoning requests, though they are expected to do so during the September 4th Council meeting.

Chapleau Council Bids Member Farewell, Amends Cemetery By-Law, and Revises Civic Centre Canopy Design

Chapleau's bid farewell to a town council member, just a couple months before the election.
Chapleau Town Council honoured Guillaume Tremblay during Monday night's meeting, as Tremblay's resigning the seat he's held since the 2014 municipal election, and moving out of town.
Given the next municipal election is October 22nd, Tremblay's seat will remain vacant for now, leaving Council slightly shorthanded until a new Council is sworn-in at the start of December.
Meanwhile, Council's approved a revised version of the by-law covering maintenance, regulation, and control of cemeteries, with changes to the way rules are communicated, and rules regarding items at grave sites.
Aimed at keeping maintenance of the cemetery "efficient" while continuing to be "reasonable", the rules allow small objects to be placed or attached to the headstone, though lighter objects will be discouraged unless they're attached.
Items will also need to be removed in October, then allowed again in the new year.
Council's also trying once again to find a contractor for the canopy at the Civic Centre's rear entrance.
While bids for the original tender ended up "considerably more than the budget allotment", Council on Monday approved a revised version of the design, intended to garner a lower cost.
That new design is expected to go out to tender soon.

Progress on Wawa Arena's Early Ice Policy

Work is continuing on updating the "early ice" policy at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.
Efforts started in 2017, amid concerns raised about the policy in force since the late 1990s, which defines "early ice" as ice before Thanksgiving.
While Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson admits that hasn't been enforced in the last several years, he says it's important staff follow municipal policies, requiring a policy that makes sense and works "for the people".
Patterson says staff have finished researching costs and benefits of early ice - as well as what other communities do - and they're now looking to user groups for input.

Alex Patterson On Status of Arena Early Ice Policy Update

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While Patterson doesn't have a recommendation for the early ice policy yet - citing the importance of user feedback - he notes he'll bring up a "couple ideas" for discussion.
In order to give user groups time to adjust and budget for the changes, Patterson says he doesn't expect the revised policy to take effect until at least the 2019-20 ice season or the following season, depending on when the revised policy is approved.

Wawa Council Approves Emergency Repairs At Community Centre

Wawa Municipal Council has approved over $100,000 in emergency repairs at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.
Absent Mayor Ron Rody and Councillor Julia Rowe, Council heard during Tuesday night's meeting that three major issues that have arisen at the Community Centre since late in the ice season.
Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explained the first problem was raised a few months ago: leaks in the arena's dry sprinkler system.
He explained staff attempted to resolve the problem with multiple repairs but ended up capping the system, though Patterson says staff have now determined the problem: age.

Alex Patterson Explains Arena Sprinkler System Problems

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Patterson says the repairs will focus on the mains, as that's where the leaks have been.
The contractor who does the work will also provide the municipality with an "expected life" for the remaining pipes, so that can be covered in the municipal asset management plan.
The second major problem raised by Patterson was the failure of a hot water tank, which has not yet prevented the use of hot water in the Community Centre, though he recommended replacing that tank and a second tank with it, warning the second tank was likely to fail and noting concerns raised when they were installed in 2015.

Alex Patterson Outlines MMCC Hot Water Tank Problems

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Patterson assures the tanks are being replaced with tanks the municipality can get a warranty on, can service, and can find spare parts through a local contractor.
The third major problem raised was the elevator, again due to age and other problems.
 

Alex Patterson On Continued Issues With MMCC Elevator

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Patterson recommended completely replacing the elevator, which he expects will be paid off in the money saved on repair costs "very quickly".
His recommendation to Council outlined a total budget of $103,511 to address all three problems - Council agreed to provide those funds, which will come out of reserves.

7th Northern National Drag Race Begins

Wawa's drag races are revving up.
Festivities for the 7th annual Northern Nationals Drag Race are now underway, with gates now open at the track - the Wawa Municipal Airport.
While Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson notes the big draw is the races, he says there's more on site.

Alex Patterson Highlights Drag Race Kids Events and VIP

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Patterson reminds there will also be a jet car and funny cars through the weekend, vendors, and a concert at the race track tomorrow night.
Free shuttle bus service is available - especially during tomorrow's dance - with information about the races - such as schedules - at wawadragway.com and the Northern Nationals Drag Race Facebook page.

Restricted Fire Zone Reduced, No Longer Covers Wawa or Chapleau

Fire restrictions have been lifted from much of Northeastern Ontario - including local communities.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has announced the Restricted Fire Zone which had been in place for most of the northeast - and parts of central Ontario - has been severely reduced, only covering parts of the Sudbury, North Bay, and Parry Sound districts.
That includes the more than 11,000 hectare Parry Sound 33 - which is now "being held" - and part of the Lady Evelyn Fire Cluster within the North Bay district, but not the largest fire in the cluster, which is currently more than 27,000 hectares in size, but also "being held".
Details about the RFZ area and rules can be found on the MNRF's website.
This means there is no longer an MNRF-imposed fire ban for local communities like Wawa, Chapleau, Hawk Junction, Dubreuilville, White River, and Hornepayne, though the ministry notes it is up to each municipality to decide whether to allow burning again.
The Wawa Fire Department has confirmed open air burn permits issued by the Municipality of Wawa are valid again.
As for local fire activity, there was a 0.1 hectare forest fire in the Wawa district yesterday - northwest of White River - though it has been called out.

Wawa Salmon Derby Pre-Fishing Contest Nears

As drivers hit the track this weekend, anglers could be hitting the water to get ready for the upcoming Wawa Salmon Derby.
The 36th annual derby will be held next weekend, but organizer Brad Buck notes there is a five-day pre-derby contest starting tomorrow, offering some prizes for participants.
 

Brad Buck Outlines Prizes For Pre-Fishing Contest

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Open to anyone registered for the derby, the pre-fishing contest runs Saturday, August 11th, through Wednesday, August 15th, with the derby itself Friday, August 17th, through Sunday, August 19th.

Northern Nationals Drag Race Revs Up For The Weekend

Wawa's drag races are racing into town today.
The annual Northern Nationals Drag Race kicked off festivities last night, with races beginning today - including some special entertainment, like the jet car and funny cars.
Alex Patterson - the Municipality's Director of Community Services and Tourism - notes organizers have also made one change due to popular demand: hosting the Saturday night concert and dance at the raceway.
 

Alex Patterson Explains Drag Race Dance Change

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Patterson reminds there will also be vendors and a children's play village at race track, and encourages everyone to come out - especially with a very favourable weather forecast.
Driver registration is at the Community Centre from 8 to 1, then at the airport after gates open for the races at 2 o'clock this afternoon.
Free shuttle bus service will be provided Saturday and Sunday - especially during the dance - with information about its schedule or the races' available at wawadragway.com or through the Northern Nationals Drag Race Facebook page.

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.

Alex Patterson Volunteers Wanted During Drag Race Setup

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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.

Michael Mantha On ONDP Focus

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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.

Suzanne Lacasse on William Rose Golf Tournament Bursary

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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.

Rejean Raymond Explains Why Beach Bash Is Cancelled

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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.

Mayor Levesque On Name Being Added To CPR Memorial

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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.