Chapleau Council Orders Recount

A recount has been ordered for some of Chapleau's municipal election results.

At the request of a former candidate, Chapleau Town Council last night ordered a recount of the councillor results, which had shown a four-vote margin between councillor-elect (a former councillor and Chapleau High School's acting vice principal) Lisi Bernier - who had 496 - and Our Lady of Fatima elementary school principal Natalie Tessier, who just missed a seat on Council with 492 votes.

Current councillor Rick Smith - who was appointed in January 2017 - received 681 votes, followed by incumbent Gerard Bernier with 642, then Chapleau Public School Principal Nicolle Schuurman with 548, while local teacher Alex Lambruschini also failed to win a seat on Council, with 466 votes.

That recount is set to begin Wednesday, with results expected by the end of the week.

Council also ordered a recount of the French separate school board trustee results: those showed incumbent Garry Bruneau win by 276 votes to 273 for challenger Luc Tessier.

As the trustee represents not only Chapleau but also Wawa, White River, and unorganized territory in the region, each community will need to recount their results.

The recount order does set a 15-day limit on getting results.

Recounts could still be requested after that time - election rules set a 30-day limit after official election results are released, which would mean recounts could be requested up to November 22nd - that could either be sent to Council to approve, or a judge.

Federal Government Helping Chapleau Mine Go Electric

Chapleau's upcoming gold mine is getting a major boost from the federal government for its efforts to be Canada's first all-electric underground mine.

Federal Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi's announced $5-million through Natural Resources Canada's Clean Growth Program, to help Goldcorp's Borden Gold project replace all diesel mobile equipment with battery electric vehicles.

Minister Sohi also touts the close collaboration with indigenous communities - Chapleau Cree First Nation Chief Keith "Keeter" Corston spoke at the announcement, touting Goldcorp's collaborative efforts and the efforts of the Chapleau Cree, Chapleau Ojibwe and Brunswick House First Nations to work together.

Corston further lauded Goldcorp's commitment to minimizing the environmental impact, noting how the area - particularly Borden Lake - is sacred land.

Chapleau Mayor Michael Levesque is pleased with the announcement.

Mayor Levesque calls Borden Gold a long-overdue "economic kick-in-the-pants" for the community, hoping it will lead to spin-off economic action - though he notes a good relationship with Goldcorp, which supported the arena reconstruction and the hospital foundation.

Goldcorp's hoping to start commercial production at the mine in the second half of 2019, part of its plans to increase its overall production by 20 percent by 2021.

Federal Government Touts Local First Nations' Forest Industry Participation

Minister Amarjeet Sohi was in the Chapleau area Monday, promoting indigenous participation in Ontario's forest sector.

The federal Natural Resources Minister - and his parliamentary secretary, Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre - officially highlighted a $743,000 multi-year investment in the Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs Forum, intended to promote Indigenous-led economic development in the sector.

That funding comes from NRCan's Indigenous Forestry Initiative and Indigenous Services Canada's Strategic Partnerships Initiative.

A government release says the investment's helped Indigenous-owned businesses deliver "real results for their communities", with the development of a "Conservation Economy Strategy" for the Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs Forum, which includes not just the Brunswick House and Chapleau Cree First Nations, but also Michipicoten, Missanabie Cree, and Pic Mobert.

Ontario Energy, Northern Development and Mines & Indigenous Affairs Minister on Plans For The North

Ontario's Progressive Conservative government is touting support for the north as White River's new gold mine has officially opened.

Harte Gold's Sugar Zone Mine opening was attended by Algoma-Manitoulin NDP MPP Michael Mantha, as well as key PC figures: Premier Doug Ford and Energy, Northern Development and Mines Minister Greg Rickford.

Speaking with JJAM FM News, Energy, Northern Development and Mines - and Indigenous Affairs - Minister Greg Rickford called it "sweet" to attend the mine's opening.

Aside from the Sugar Zone opening, Rickford highlighted Tuesday's announcement of pension relief for the former Essar Steel Algoma, or Algoma as it is now known.

Minister Rickford emphasizes the PC government isn't focusing solely on the Sault, noting plans for Premier Doug Ford to make an announcement for Thunder Bay's Resolute Forest Products mill later today.

Asked about plans to address the reliability of highways in the North, Rickford assured the PC government wants to "put the safety of Northerners first" and "make sure we have a corridor to transport people safely and productively", further noting he is working on a plan to address concerns stemming from the upcoming end of Greyhound service in the region, developing "a bus transportation network that works for all of Northern Ontario".

Rickford says he expects to announce developments on that "in the forthcoming months".

The entire interview can be found below.

White River's Sugar Gold Mine Officially Opens

Ontario Premier Doug Ford's touting efforts to help create jobs in the North, as a new mine opens in White River.

Premier Ford and Energy, Northern Development and Mines Minister Greg Rickford (and Algoma-Manitoulin NDP MPP Michael Mantha) attended the official opening of Harte Gold's Sugar Zone mine earlier today, with Ford calling the opening "a signal to the world that Ontario is 'open for business'", and emphasizing the Progressive Conservative government is "committed to improving the conditions for businesses, so they can thrive".

Sugar Zone's expected to create nearly 200 jobs and be in operation for more than a decade, producing more than 900,000 ounces of gold.

It marked its first gold pour last week, less than four weeks after receiving necessary permits to start production.

Local Municipal Election Results

In Wawa, Ron Rody was acclaimed to a second term as mayor, while Bill Chiasson will serve a third term as councillor, joined by Pat Tait for his first full term, and new councillors Mitch hatfield and Robert Reece.

For Chapleau, incumbent mayor Michael Levesque's been elected for a second term, joined by incumbent councillor Gerard Bernier, current councillor Rick Smith - who'll serve his first full term - former councillor Lisi Bernier, and Chapleau Public School principal Nicolle Schuurman.

In Dubreuilville, two-term councillor Beverly Nantel was acclaimed, with incumbent councillors Leandre Moore and Helene Perth returning, joined by former councillors Chantal Croft and Hermyle Langlois.

White River's re-elected Angelo Bazzoni as mayor, with incumbent councillors Rodney Swarek and Ted Greenwood, and new councillors Dwijen Bharad and Mark Hubbard.

As for the remaining Superior East Mayors Group member communities, Hornepayne elected Cheryl T. Fort as the new mayor - while outgoing mayor Morley Forster failed to win election in the council race - and Manitouwadge has elected former mayor John MacEachern by a four-vote margin over Peter Ruel.

MacEachern was ousted by Andy Major in 2014, but Major trails at third this year.

For local school boards, incumbent English separate trustee Carol MacEachern of Hornepayne was acclaimed as the local representative on the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board, while Josee Bouchard was 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 was elected to serve another term with the Algoma District School Board, with unofficial results showing he received 1156 votes, compared to 416 for former Michipicoten First Nation chief Joe Buckell.

Incumbents will stay on with the local French separate board, Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario, as Garry Bruneau defeated Luc Tessier 276-273 to represent Chapleau, Wawa, and White River, while Roger Lemoyne defeated Leo Raymond 123-98 to represent Dubreuilville and Hornepayne.

Wawa Elects Mix of Current and New Councillors

Wawa will have a mix of returning and new council members in the coming term.

Bill Chiasson, Mitch Hatfield, Robert Reece, and Pat Tait will join returning mayor Ron Rody, who was acclaimed to a second term.

This will be Chiasson's third term on Council and the first full term for Tait, who was appointed in April - Hatfield and Reece are new to the role.

Unofficial results show Tait received 610 votes, followed by Chiasson with 596, Reece with 407, and Hatfield with 395.

Shut out of seats were Cathy Cannon - who had 375 votes - James Brown with 339, and Sandra Weitzel with only 287 - she was appointed to Council in February 2017.

Tait says he’s happy to have his appointed role on Council confirmed.

Chiasson expresses optimism for the coming term.

Reece is pleased with his win, and looking forward to the new term.

Hatfield is looking forward to her first term as a councillor.

Unofficial results show a low turnout: only 39.8 percent of eligible voters cast ballots, much lower than 2014's 66.5 percent, though Rody believes "a number of factors" contributed to the low turnout.

Rody says he's looking forward to working with the Council, with priorities including projects currently underway and the budget.

Chapleau Re-Elects Mayor With Current Councillors, Former Councillor, and New Councillor

Chapleau Mayor Michael Levesque will serve a second term.

The former school principal beat out local businessman Ryan Bignucolo, with unofficial results showing 538 votes for Levesque, compared to 473 for Bignucolo - a tighter margin than the 2014 election.

Levesque expresses relief at the news.

Levesque says priorities for the coming term include two major infrastructure projects - a study of downtown revitalization starting in the spring and work on Elgin Street - though he'll also focus on "quality of life", including getting more committees working for beautification and leisure, as well as an OPP proposal for a "Wellness Committee", which he says could focus on drugs in the community.

While Levesque won, Bignucolo is looking at the silver lining for his results.

In regard to the closer race this year, Bignucolo suggested Chapleau’s “headed in the right direction” - but it was “not enough to turn the path” - and urged Levesque to focus on what is best for the community, emphasizing it’s important that Chapleau moves forward.

As for councillors, unofficial results show current councillor Rick Smith - who was appointed in January 2017 - received 681 votes, followed by incumbent Gerard Bernier with 642, then Chapleau Public School Principal Nicolle Schuurman with 548, and 496 for Chapleau High School's acting vice principal Lisi Bernier, who was also a councillor until 2014.

Shut out of seats are Our Lady of Fatima elementary school principal Natalie Tessier with 492 votes and local teacher Alex Lambruschini with 466.

Chapleau and Wawa Candidates Make Their Pitch To Voters

Speaking with JJAM FM News, Council candidates in Wawa and Chapleau were each given up to 5 minutes to answer 3 basic questions: why they’re running for Council; what they view as the main issues for the coming Council term; and why they believe voters should elect them. Here are those interviews.

Chapleau Mayoral Candidates: Ryan Bignucolo and incumbent mayor Michael Levesque.

Chapleau Council Candidates (4 positions available): Gerard Bernier (current councillor); Lisi Bernier; Alex Lambruschini; Nicolle Schuurman; Rick Smith (current councillor); and Natalie Tessier.

Wawa Council Candidates (4 positions available): James Brown; Cathy Cannon; Bill Chiasson (current councillor); Mitch Hatfield; Robert Reece; Pat Tait (current councillor); and Sandra Weitzel (current councillor).

Chapleau Voters Eager to Vote Early

Chapleau voters have been eager to cast ballots in the municipal election.

The Township is reporting 297 ballots were cast during two advance polls held on Wednesday - that's about 17.5 percent of the 1694 eligible voters on the Township's voting list.

Combined with the 183 ballots cast during the first advance poll at the end of September, it means more than 28.3 percent of eligible voters have already cast ballots.

There is one more chance to do so: 10 am to 8 pm at the Civic Centre Council Chambers on Election Day, this Monday, October 22nd.

Minds In Motion Fashion Show Nears

Wawa's Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre will be the site of a special fashion show this weekend.

Christy Reid - First Link Coordinator with the local Alzheimer's Society - explains the "Minds in Motion Fashion Show" starts with a cocktail party featuring appetizers from Judy Page, followed by the main event.

Reid notes there will also be a "trunk sale" after the fashion show, featuring items shown off in the event.

Funds raised through the event support the "Minds in Motion" program offered by the Alzheimer's Society and the Wawa Family Health Team.

Wawa Family Health Team Geriatric Program Coordinator Jolene Binda notes the program is geared for people with "mild to moderate" dementia and their caregivers.

Tickets for the Fashion Show will be available at the door, which opens at 7 o'clock Saturday night.

Ontario Public Libraries Week Ending

The Wawa Public Library's wrapping up its celebration of Ontario Public Libraries Week.

The local library's been holding various festivities over the week, including its semi-annual book sale ending tomorrow, a Music Night on Tuesday, and a colouring contest ending with a draw today.

Assistant Librarian Suzie Jarrell explains it's all meant to get people thinking about the library, and look into what's offered.

Jarrell highlights another key part of this week: the Food for Fines campaign allows anyone with a "small fine" - under $10 - to bring in a non-perishable food donation for the Wawa Food Bank and have their fine forgiven - that campaign ends tomorrow.

Final Early Assistance for Wawa's Electronic Voting

Today is the last chance for Wawa voters to get help with the municipality's new electronic voting system before Monday's municipal election.

While votes can be cast via phone or online anytime before the close of voting, assistance is available at the Municipal Offices between 10 a-m and 4:30 p-m.

Wawa Economic Development Corporation CEO Maury O'Neill emphasizes voters need the PIN code included in their voter information package in order to cast a ballot electronically, which is the only option this year.

O'Neill urges anyone who hasn't received the package to contact the Municipality to ensure they're included on the voters' list.

Voters can be added to the list at the Municipal Offices until they close at 4:30 this afternoon, or at the voting assistance event being held at the Community Centre from 10 am to 8 pm on Election Day, Monday, October 22nd.

Chapleau Holds 2nd Advance Poll

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

Two advance polls will be held today, giving voters the opportunity to vote for one of two mayoral candidates, up to four of the six candidates for Council, and a school board trustee, if you are entitled to vote for the English Public or French Separate board trustee.

The first advance poll saw 183 ballots cast, about 10.8 percent of the 1694 eligible voters on the Township's voting list.

Potential voters can check if they're on the voter's list at the Township Office, and are reminded to bring I-D to cast their ballot.

The advance polls run from 9 am to 1 pm at the Cedar Grove Dining Room, and from 2 pm to 8 pm in Civic Centre Council Chambers.

These will be the last chances for Chapleau voters to cast ballots before Monday's municipal election date.

More Wawa Electronic Voting Assistance

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

Special electronic voting assistance will be provided from 2 to 4 this afternoon in the Economic Development Corporation lobby.

Wawa Economic Development Corporation CEO Maury O'Neill emphasizes voters need one important thing included in the information packages sent out in recent weeks.

O'Neill reminds Wawa residents who didn't receive the voter package to contact the Municipality to ensure they're on the voter's list - voters can still be added up until the end of voting, though there are some requirements to do so, with the Municipality or municipal website able to provide that information.

In addition to this afternoon's event, voting assistance is available at the Municipal Offices between 10 am and 4:30 pm weekdays up to - and including - this Friday, and at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 10 am to 8 pm on Election Day, Monday, October 22nd.

CHADWIC Home Supported by Brookfield Renewable

A local women's shelter is getting some major support.

Brookfield Renewable has announced a total of $45,000 for three Algoma District women's shelters, supported by the company's annual fundraising golf tournament.

CHADWIC Home Executive Director Paula Valois says she was pleasantly surprised by the support.

CHADWIC Home supports Wawa, Chapleau, and all other communities and First Nations within North Algoma.

In addition to the $15,000 for CHADWIC Home, Brookfield Renewable's also donated $15,000 to Women in Crisis (Algoma) Inc. out of Sault Ste. Marie, and $15,000 to the Mississaugi Women's Shelter of Blind River.

Wawa Winter Parking By-Law Takes Effect

As the snow arrives, the Municipality of Wawa's reminding the town's winter parking by-law is now in force.

Intended to help with snow clearing efforts, the by-law applies from October 15th to May 15th, prohibiting parking on any street between 1 am and 8 am - and the Municipality reminds it's also illegal to park on any boulevard.

The Municipality warns any vehicle, trailer, or vessel found breaking the rules will be removed, with the owner fined and charged for the removal cost and daily storage fees, which will need to be paid in full before the item's released.

Wawa Public Library Celebrates Ontario Public Libraries Week

Ontario is celebrating public libraries this week - and Wawa's library is marking the occasion.

Assistant Librarian Suzie Jarrell explains the Wawa Public Library is holding its semi-annual book sale.

Jarrell also notes a special contest for the kids.

Jarrell highlights another key part of this week: the Food for Fines campaign will allow anyone with a "small fine" - under $10 - to bring in a non-perishable food donation for the Wawa Food Bank and have their fine forgiven.

There will also be a Music Night event with Don Charbonneau and friends at 6 o'clock Tuesday.

Wawa Coffee With Candidates Event

Wawa voters have another chance to hear from local Council candidates tonight.

Wawa Economic Development C-E-O Maury O'Neill explains the EDC is hosting a "Coffee With Candidates" event as a follow-up to the "All-Candidates Night" held early this month.

O'Neill notes the "come and go" event will see each of the seven candidates set up at their own table for residents to approach them.

Coffee With Candidates runs from 6 to 7:30 tonight at the Community Centre Banquet Room.

2nd Wawa Electronic Voting Assistance Event

Wawa voters looking for help with the municipality's new electronic voting system are getting a couple chances for assistance this weekend.

Special electronic voting assistance will be provided tomorrow, from 9 am to 1 pm at the Lady Dunn Health Centre and 1 pm to 5 pm at the Mountain View Apartments.

Wawa Economic Development Corporation CEO Maury O'Neill emphasizes voters need one important thing included in the information packages sent out in recent weeks.

O'Neill encourages any Wawa residents who didn't receive the voter package to contact the Municipality to ensure they're on the voter's list - you can be added up until the end of voting at 8 p-m on Monday, October 22nd, though there are some requirements to do so, with the Municipality or municipal website able to provide that information.

In addition to tomorrow's voting assistance events - and another at the EDC lobby next Wednesday - assistance is available at the Municipal Offices between 10 am and 4:30 pm weekdays up to - and including - next Friday, October 19th.