Mary Culhane Wins Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Vacation Draw

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is thanking the community for its support, as the organization's wrapped up its annual Dream Vacation Lottery.

Foundation Director Louise Moran and Chair Lina Rody say one lucky winner has been chosen.

Rody says Culhane had not indicated whether she'll be opting for the prize package of a $2900 travel voucher with $1600 cash, or simply $4500 cash.

As for the success of the draw, Foundation Director Louise Pihelgas and Chair Lina Rody say there was great support.

Funds raised through this year's Dream Vacation Lottery will support the second phase of a digital radiography upgrade for the local hospital - the Foundation had already raised $150,000 for the first phase of that project.

Chapleau Recreation Centre Grand Re-Opening

Chapleau's Recreation Centre officially re-opens its doors tonight.

A "Grand Re-Opening" event will be held with opening remarks followed by a tour of the Rec Centre and demonstrations of the audio and visual capabilities of the Community Hall and Curling Lounge.

The Chapleau Fire Department will also be holding its annual open house, just outside of the Recreation Centre.

A release from the Township notes renovations at the Rec Centre are "valued at $1.75-million", funded by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, FedNor, and local sponsorships, including "generous contributions from Goldcorp Borden Gold, the Rotary Club of Chapleau, and the New Horizon Rebekah Lodge 391" - the outside funding covers 96 percent of the costs, with the Township's own costs totalling less than $75,000.

The Grand Re-Opening event begins at 6 o'clock.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Dream Vacation Draw Arrives

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is readying for the end of a major fundraiser: the annual Dream Vacation Lottery.

Foundation Vice President Susan Switzer reminds that winner will receive a big prize.

Patricia Lalonde - a director with the Foundation - emphasizes the fundraiser supports important equipment purchases at the local hospital.

Both Lalonde and Switzer commend the community for their support, noting the Foundation has already raised nearly half-a-million dollars since it was founded in 2009 - and they note more volunteers are welcome.

Tickets for the Dream Vacation Lottery will be available at John's Valu-Mart and the hospital's admitting desk until about 2 this afternoon - or until they sell out - with the draw to be made at the hospital at 4:30.

Wawa Electronic Voting Assistance Event

Wawa voters looking for help with the municipality's new electronic voting system are getting a chance for assistance today.

Special electronic voting assistance will be provided this afternoon, as explained by Wawa Economic Development Corporation CEO Maury O'Neill.

This is in addition to assistance provided at the Municipal Offices between 10 am and 4:30 pm weekdays up to - and including - Friday, October 19th.

Other voting assistance events will be held on Saturday, October 13th at the Lady Dunn Health Centre (from 9 am to 1 pm) and Mountain View Apartments (from 1 pm to 5 pm), at the EDC lobby from 2 pm to 4 pm next Wednesday, October 17th, and at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 10 am to 8 pm on Election Day, Monday, October 22nd.

Wawa Coffee With Candidates Event Announced

Wawa voters will have another chance to meet with local Council candidates next week.

A notice on the Wawa Economic Development Corporation website shows a "Coffee With Candidates" event is planned for 6 to 7:30 pm on Monday, October 15th, encouraging people to "drop in and enjoy coffee and cake and meet with mayor and municipal councillor candidates one-on-one".

The idea had been floated by EDC CEO Maury O'Neill at the end of last week's All Candidates Night event, suggested as a more informal opportunity for voters to meet with candidates and ask them questions.

Tim Hortons Wawa Raises Over $2500 For THRIVE

Wawa's Tim Hortons is thanking the community for its support in the annual Smile Cookie campaign.

$2542 was raised through the annual campaign late last month, supporting THRIVE, the former "Children's Rehabilitation Centre of Algoma".

Speaking before the campaign, occupational therapist Jamie Kirk noted the support would mean a lot for the local office.

THRIVE is a multi-disciplinary team that provides services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology in the community, daycares, schools, and the home environment to children of various ability 0-18 years of age.

Electronic Voting Opens for Wawa Municipal Election

Voting opens in Wawa's municipal election today.

The voting period opens at 10 o'clock this morning - continuing until 8 p-m on the October 22nd Election Day - and Wawa Economic Development Corporation CEO Maury O'Neill reminds this year's election will be done electronically only.

O'Neill notes those who haven't received their letter should check with the Municipality to ensure they're on the voters list, and assures there will be electronic voting assistance available through the voting period, including at the Town Hall weekdays through October 19th, and at the Wawa Goose Club from 1 to 5 tomorrow afternoon.

While Mayor Ron Rody's been acclaimed for a second term, voters will be able to vote for up to four of the seven candidates running to be councillors (James Brown, Cathy Cannon, Bill Chiasson, Mitch Hatfield, Robert Reece, Pat Tait, and Sandra Weitzel), and may vote for a local school board trustee, if aligned with the English public or French separate school board.

Wawa BIA Hosting Candidates' Night For Municipal Election

Wawa voters have a chance to learn more from Council candidates tonight.

Maury O'Neill explains the Wawa Business Improvement Area is offering the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of Council candidates.

While incumbent Mayor Ron Rody’s been acclaimed for a second term, there are seven candidates running for four seats: current councillors Bill Chiasson, Pat Tait, and Sandra Weitzel, as well as James Brown, Cathy Cannon, Mitch Hatfield, and Robert Reece.

This comes just a week before electronic voting is set to open, with residents able to cast ballots via phone or online starting at 10 am next Tuesday, October 9th - the day after Thanksgiving - until 8 pm on Monday, October 22nd, the province-wide municipal election date.

Tonight's Candidates' Night starts at 7 o'clock, at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Chapleau's 2nd Candidates' Night Arrives

Chapleau voters are getting another chance to hear from Council candidates.

Just a day after the first advance poll, the Rotary Club of Chapleau is hosting a Candidates' Night event this evening, offering residents a chance to meet the candidates for mayor and Council, listen to them debate, and ask questions.

There are two candidates for Mayor: first-term incumbent Michael Levesque; and businessman and previous candidate Ryan Bignucolo.

Six people are running for four seats on Council: current councillors Gerard Bernier and Rick Smith; former councillor Lisi Bernier, currently acting vice principal at Chapleau High School; Chapleau Public School principal Nicolle Schuurman; Our Lady of Fatima elementary school principal Natalie Tessier; and local teacher Alex Lambruschini.

Jacques Tremblay will act as moderator for the Candidates' Night, which runs from 7 to 9 at the Curling Club Lounge.

Northern Lights Ford Wants to Scare Hunger

A Wawa car dealership is looking to "scare hunger" this month.

Northern Lights Ford's is again launching the "WE Scare Hunger" campaign locally, collecting non-perishable food items to support the Wawa Food Bank.

Service advisor Lonna Rilley explains the campaign is a nationwide initiative of Ford Canada and the WE charity.

Rilley notes there are a few ways to donate: drop off donations at the dealership; contact the dealership to make arrangements for pickup; or go to John's Valu-Mart on the 20th or 27th, when Northern Lights Ford will be there to accept donations.

The "WE Scare Hunger" campaign continues until the end of the month.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Dream Vacation Raffle Draw Approaching

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is readying for the end of a major fundraiser, as a winner will soon be chosen for the annual Dream Vacation Lottery.

Patricia Lalonde - a director with the Foundation - notes the fundraiser supports important equipment purchases at the local hospital.

The fundraising draw offers a chance for someone to win their choice between a $2900 travel voucher with $1600 cash, or simply $4500 cash.

Organizers emphasize only 2000 tickets have been printed and less than 200 are left, available for now at several local businesses and - for the weekend only - through Foundation directors.

Tickets will also be sold at the hospital until they sell out, or about 4 on Wednesday, October 10th - the draw will be made at the hospital at 4:30 that afternoon.

Chapleau Prepares For 1st Advance Poll

Chapleau voters eager to cast their ballots for the municipal election can do so this weekend.

The first day of advance voting is this Sunday, September 30th, giving voters the opportunity to vote for one mayoral candidates, up to four candidates for Council, and possibly a school board trustee.

There are two candidates for Mayor: first-term incumbent Michael Levesque; and businessman and previous candidate Ryan Bignucolo.

Six people are running for four seats on Council: current councillors Gerard Bernier and Rick Smith; former councillor Lisi Bernier, currently acting vice principal at Chapleau High School; Chapleau Public School principal Nicolle Schuurman; Our Lady of Fatima elementary school principal Natalie Tessier; and local teacher Alex Lambruschini.

Local trustees have been acclaimed for the French Public (Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario) and English Separate (Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board) school boards.

There is a race for the English Public (Algoma District School Board) trustee: longtime trustee Russell Reid seeks re-election, opposed by former Michipicoten First Nation Chief Joseph Buckell.

There’s also a race for the French Separate (Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel Ontario) trustee: incumbent Garry Bruneau is opposed by Luc Tessier.

Potential voters can check if they're on the voter's list at the Township Office - it's recommended you do so today if you wish to vote on Sunday, though you can register to vote on site.

Voters are reminded to bring ID to cast their ballot during this Sunday's advance voting, which runs from 10 o'clock Sunday morning until 5 that night, in Civic Centre Council Chambers.

More advance voting will be held Wednesday, October 17th, with Election Day Monday the 22nd.

Wawa Takes Back The Night

Wawa residents march to "Take Back The Night" this evening.

CHADWIC Home Executive Director Paula Valois explains the annual Take Back the Night event is a show of support for women who experience violence.

While there has been a greater societal focus on such violence - including from the #MeToo and Time's Up movements - Valois emphasizes that it's a much more widespread problem than just celebrities, politicians, and the business world.

Valois says it's an important cause to discuss.

Valois adds more can be done and that depends on speaking out.

Valois invites everyone to come out for Take Back The Night, meeting at Queen's Park by 7 o'clock, when opening remarks will be made before the march to the Community Centre.

She notes anyone who cannot make the walk can also meet the marchers are the Community Centre, where there will be speakers and art on display.

Dubreuilville's Meet the Candidates Night

Voters in Dubreuilville have an opportunity to meet with candidates this evening, with a "Meet the Candidates Night" being held.

While second-term councillor Beverly Nantel has been acclaimed as mayor, there are six candidates for four Council seats: Chantal Croft; Alain Cyr; Nancy Dery (Rioux); Hermyle Langlois; Leandre Moore; and Helene Perth.

Moore and Perth are incumbents, while Croft served on Council from 2006 to 2010 and Langlois was a member of Council from 1997 to 2003.

The "Meet the Candidates Night" starts at 7 o'clock in the downstairs multi-use hall of the Municipal Complex.

Chapleau Recreation Centre Grand Re-Opening Date Set

Chapleau's Recreation Centre will officially reopen its doors in a couple weeks.

The Township of Chapleau's announced renovations at the multi-use centre are nearly complete, with plans for a "Grand Re-Opening" event on October 10th, at 6 pm.

Aside from opening remarks, the event will include a tour of the Centre and demonstrations of the audio and visual capabilities of the Community Hall and Curling Lounge.

In addition to the Grand Re-Opening at the Recreation Centre, the Chapleau Fire Department will be holding its annual open house, just outside of the Recreation Centre.

A release from the Township notes the renovations are "valued at $1.75-million and are funded by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, FedNor", and local sponsorships, including "generous contributions from Goldcorp Borden Gold, the Rotary Club of Chapleau, and the New Horizon Rebekah Lodge 391" - the outside funding covers 96 percent of the costs, with the Township's own costs totalling less than $75,000.

With the Recreation Centre renovations ending, the Township is announcing another major project: the Downtown Revitalization project, which will use the 2010 Revitalization Plan as a starting point, for redeveloping Birch Street between Monk and Lansdowne Streets - including underground infrastructure and streetscaping - though public meetings are expected later this fall for input from residents.

1st Chapleau Municipal Election Candidate's Night

Chapleau voters are being offered a chance to hear from Council candidates tonight.

The CRDC is hosting an All Candidate's Night open forum this evening, intended as an opportunity for voters to meet candidates and ask questions ahead of the first advance poll, which will be held this Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm at Civic Centre Council Chambers.

The Rotary Club of Chapleau will also host a Candidate's Night the day after this weekend's advance poll, Monday, October 1st.

Tonight's All Candidate's Night open forum starts at 7 o'clock, upstairs at the Anglican Church.

Alzheimer Coffee Breaks Happening in Wawa

Wawa businesses, organizations, and residents are being asked to take a "coffee break" to support a good cause.

The local Alzheimer Society is reminding everyone to look out for coffee break events being held in town as part of their annual campaign already underway, and First Link Coordinator Christy Reid says anyone can support the Coffee Break campaign.

Reid emphasizes funds raised through the local Coffee Break campaign stay local, supporting programs to help those with dementia, their caregivers, and their families.

Dubreuilville Strongman Challenge Returning...as Masters Championship

After a year away, Dubreuilville's Strongman Challenge is coming back - with Strongman's masters.

The Strongman Challenge Dubreuilville Committee say they'll be hosting the first "Masters Strongman Championship" next fall.

Noting the committee's very excited to host the championship, Leisure and Cultural Services Director Rejean Raymond explains that - similar to past years - twelve athletes from Canada and around the world will be competing in eight events over two days, though there is a slight difference from past iterations of Dubreuilville's Strongman Challenge.

Raymond emphasizes this is the first time the Masters has been done in Ontario - and he believes the first time in Canada - adding other details of the event are still being worked out, such as other events that may be held the same weekend.

The Masters Strongman Championship will be held in Dubreuilville September 13th and 14th, 2019.

Wawa's Terry Fox Run Raises Strong Support

Despite rainy weather just hours before, Wawa residents were eager on Sunday to run, walk, or bike in the annual Terry Fox Run, supporting the fight against cancer.

The annual event was able to raise $5883.40 - nearly $450 more than last year - surpassing this year's goal of 100 participants with 103, up 20 from last year - and more support is expected from other runs to be held by local schools this week.

Speaking before the run, organizer Nadine Cartledge noted she'd seen a number of people taking selfies and promoting the event on social media, pointing to the support for Terry's dream.

Cartledge further emphasized local fundraising efforts leave organizers "humbled" - having now raised nearly $86,000 since 1997.

She further highlighted participants who were survivors of cancer, those participating in a loved one's memory, and those running in supporting of a loved one with cancer - encouraging everyone to think about their personal contribution to Terry Fox's legacy - and thanked volunteers who made the run possible - like Brian Lachine - as well as John's Valu-Mart for providing refreshments, and JJAM FM for advertising and promoting the event.

Tim Hortons Wawa Brings Back Smile Cookies For a Cause: THRIVE

As you pick up your morning coffee or a meal this week, you could get an extra smile to help support a local cause.

The annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign kicks off today, with Wawa's Tim Hortons supporting children's treatment centre THRIVE - the former "Children's Rehabilitation Centre of Algoma" - which has a satellite office in Wawa.

Occupational therapist Jamie Kirk and therapy assistant Jennifer Boylan explain that THRIVE is a "multi-disciplinary team that provides services in the community, daycares, schools, and the home environment to children of various ability 0-18 years of age ".

Kirk says the support from the Smile Cookie campaign will mean a lot for the local office.

100 percent of the Smile Cookie proceeds in Wawa will be donated to support the local THRIVE office, with cookies sold for the next week - or until they run out.

Tim Hortons notes last year's Smile Cookie campaign was able to raise $6.5-million across Canada.