Wawa is paying tribute to children living with cancer in a special ceremony today.
The Municipality is raising the "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" flag at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre at 3:30 this afternoon.
Mayor Ron Rody will also speak as the flag's officially raised.
Everyone is encouraged to see the raising of the flag, and recognize that roughly 4000 children are living with cancer in Ontario alone, with 400 new cases diagnosed each year.
Highway 17 Reopens South of Wawa Due to Collision
511 Northeastern Ontario has tweeted that Highway 17 is now open south of Wawa, though emergency crews are working in the area of the collision earlier today.
No further details have been given about the collision, which happened about 65 kilometres south of town, near Orphan Lake.
*This story has been updated to reflect Highway 17 has been reopened*
PC Children's Charity BBQ Raises Over $1100
Organizers of Wawa's annual President's Choice Children's Charity Barbecue are thanking the community for its support.
The eleventh annual event held earlier today at John's Valu-Mart was able to raise $1130.05.
That money will be used to support the P-C Children's Charity, which helps families of children with special needs.
Congratulations are also in order for Damjam Van Binda, the winner of the barbecue and propane tank used for the event.
Sponsors for the event included the Algoma Ice Man, Canadian Tire, Davidson Fuels, Old Dutch Chips, Weston Bakeries, John's Valu-Mart, and JJAM FM.
Sault Ste. Marie Boater Found Dead in Hornepayne Area Lake
The search for a missing boater near Hornepayne has ended in tragedy.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they have recovered the body of 31-year-old Benjamin Mackay of Sault Ste. Marie.
Police started searching for Mackay shortly after 10 o'clock Tuesday morning, with an extensive search of Obakamiga Lake in Cholette Township assisted by an OPP helicopter as well as several family members and friends.
Mackay's body was discovered around 5:30 Wednesday evening.
No further details have been given.
Victims Identified & More Details of Highway 17 Collision That Killed 4, Injured 5
Two of the four people killed in a Sunday night crash south of Wawa were children.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police have officially identified the victims of the crash: 45-year-old Fatos Metko and his 14-year-old son, Fioralb Metko, both of Calgary, as well as 51-year-old Cynthia Caraoa and her nine-year-old daughter, Anika Caraoa, both of Winnipeg.
Police say Fatos and Fioralb Metko were in the southbound vehicle involved in the collision, and were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two people in the vehicle were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Five "familial occupants" were in the northbound vehicle, all taken to hospital with serious injuries, including Cynthia and Anika Caraoa, who both succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
Further details have also been revealed about the cause of the collision: police say preliminary investigation has revealed the southbound vehicle struck a moose, then crossed into the northbound lane, where it collided with the northbound vehicle.
The incident happened around 10:19 Sunday night - about 15 kilometres south of Wawa, in Lendrum Township - closing the highway from Wawa to Sault Ste. Marie for about 15 hours.
A Detective Inspector of the OPP's Criminal Investigation Branch is now heading the investigation, assisted by the OPP's Superior East and Sault Ste. Marie detachment Crime Units and the OPP's Technical Collision Investigation Team, though they're also asking anyone with information about the collision or who may have been in the area at the time to call the OPP or Crime Stoppers.
*This story was updated at 9:40 am to reflect the relationship between the victims*
Moose Involved in Highway 17 Collision That Killed 4, Injured 5
A moose was involved in the collision which killed four people and injured five others south of Wawa Sunday night.
While their initial release giving some details from their preliminary investigation did not mention the animal, Superior East Ontario Provincial Police have confirmed to JJAM FM News that a moose was involved in the collision, though they haven't clarified how.
Police have said a southbound vehicle collided with a northbound vehicle on Highway 17 about 15 kilometres south of Wawa, in Lendrum Township, around 10:19 Sunday night.
Two people from the southbound vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene, while the two others in the vehicle were taken to hospital.
All five people from the northbound vehicle were taken to hospital with various injuries, with two later succumbing to those injuries.
OPP are withholding the names of the deceased pending notification of next of kin.
Police are continuing to investigate, with assistance from OPP Technical Traffic Collision Investigators.
Superior East OPP Confirm 4 Dead, 5 Injured in Highway 17 Collision
Four people are dead and five injured after Sunday's fatal crash on Highway 17, south of Wawa.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police have released some details from their preliminary investigation, including that a southbound vehicle collided with a northbound vehicle around 10:19 Sunday night, about 15 kilometres south of Wawa, in Lendrum Township.
Two occupants of the southbound vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were taken to hospital.
Five people were in the northbound vehicle - all were taken to hospital with various injuries, with two succumbing to those injuries.
O-P-P are withholding the names of the deceased pending notification of next of kin.
The highway has since reopened, though police are continuing to investigate, with assistance from O-P-P Technical Traffic Collision Investigators.
Highway 17 Reopens South of Wawa After Fatal Collision
Highway 17 has reopened south of Wawa after a fatal collision near town.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police announced around 1:30 Monday afternoon that the highway had fully reopened (both directions) - it was closed when police responded to a fatal collision around 10:19 Sunday night - it happened about 15 kilometres south of Wawa, in Lendrum Township.
No further details have been given about the collision, such as how many vehicles were involved, how many people were killed, and how many were injured.
OPP Technical Traffic Collision Investigators were on scene to help with the investigation.
Father-Son Duo Win 36th Annual Wawa Salmon Derby
Boats and lines are out of the water, as the Wawa Salmon Derby's wrapped up its 36th year.
The annual derby saw a weekend of sun and warm weather, with numerous fish caught.
That included the 20.75-pound salmon which earned Keith Barr and Keith Barr Senior the $6000 top prize and $500 more for the biggest fish of Sunday.
The father and son duo say it feels great, with the younger Barr adding they were lucky and noting it was his father's first time back for the derby in six years - though they expect to return in future years after this.
Barr Sr. describes the catch.
The $1000 prize for the largest lake trout went to a 7.75-pounder caught by Real Leclerc and Yolaine Lachance - they had won the Wawa Salmon Derby in 2007 and 2010.
Mya Rilley won her fourth straight Bill Young Memorial Award for largest fish caught by a youth: a 16.2-pounder caught on Saturday - it was the eighth largest salmon of the weekend.
White River's Winnie's Hometown Festival Underway
White River is bustling with excitement, as the Winnie's Hometown Festival is back.
Featuring a theme of "Flashback on Winnipeg Street", the 30th annual event officially kicked off Thursday with events including a performance by award-winning comedian Pete Zedlacher, who is originally from Wawa.
Festival Coordinator Devan Lavallee emphasizes things truly get going today, with many more events.
Lavallee notes there will also be the usual fireworks tonight, with events through the weekend including the mixed slow pitch baseball tournament, Winnie-the-Pooh Parade, "Winnie's Funland and Trade Fair", riding lawnmower races, and an adult dance on Saturday, as well as the annual fish derby and the bingo on Sunday.
Schedule information can be found on the White River website or the Winnie's 30th Annual Hometown Festival Facebook page.
Kids weekend passes are available at the Township Office - or at the door - though adults will need to pay at the door for some events.
36th Annual Wawa Salmon Derby Begins
Anglers are streaming into Wawa as the 36th annual Wawa Salmon Derby gets underway later today.
Organizer Brad Buck reminds there's several prizes anglers could reel in, including a total of $6500 for the biggest fish of the weekend.
Buck notes entry forms will be accepted for the derby until 5:00 this evening, which is when fishing first begins - it continues until 9 tonight, then from 5 am to 9 pm Saturday and 5 am to 1 pm Sunday.
There'll also be a pancake breakfast Saturday and Sunday, a farmer's market on Saturday, the Saturday night fish fry, and even Saturday night entertainment.
JJAM FM will be live on location for the derby from 11 to 3 Saturday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.