Positive News From Wawa Area Mines and Mining Property

Positive news is being reported for some local mines.

Alamos Gold is reporting it met production guidance last year, producing a record 505,000 ounces of gold, up 18 percent from the previous year - that included 125,600 ounces produced during the fourth quarter, marking record production at Island Gold near Dubreuilville.

As for this year, Alamos is keeping its production guidance consistent with 2018 - at 480,000 to 520,000 ounces - though it is hoping to grow over 600,000 a year in 2021, as it builds out new mines in Mexico and Turkey.

Wesdome Gold Mines is also reporting an increase in gold production at its local Eagle River Complex, which produced 17,254 ounces in the fourth quarter - up nine percent from the same time the previous year - bringing 2018's total production to 71,625 ounces, up 21 percent from 2017 and 50 percent since 2016.

It's hoping to outdo those numbers this year, setting production guidance for the entire Eagle River Complex at 72,000 to 80,000 ounces.

Red Pine Exploration - meanwhile - is reporting positive results from drilling at its Wawa Gold Project near Wawa, including intersection of high-grade gold within the current resource envelope of the Surluga Deposit, and discovery of another high-grade quartz vein in the Minto Stockwork.

New Health Clinic Open in Wawa

A new health clinic's opened in Wawa, to offer services for local Indigenous people.

Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services and Michipicoten First Nation have announced the opening of their North Clinic at 3 Maple Street in Wawa.

Kasey Bissaillion, RPN and Diabetes Nurse Educator, highlights some of the services offered locally.

Kasey Bissaillion Highlights Maamwesying Services in Wawa
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Bissaillion also notes the clinic has a mental health counsellor, who specializes in FASD, and provide counselling for a variety of issues such as job-related stress, family and children issues, depression and anxiety.

Registered Dietician Vicky Omeljaniuk explains services she offers locally.

Vicky Omeljaniuk Explains Dietician Services From Maamwesying
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Integrated Care Manager Irene Armstrong notes this offers services to "on-reserve citizens and the urban Indigenous population residing in Wawa and the surrounding area".

Irene Armstrong on Availability of Maamwesying Services
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Armstrong adds that the office is open Monday to Friday, and emphasizes there's no cost, encouraging anyone wanting more information to go to maamwesying.ca.

The team also travels to the Brunswick House and Chapleau Cree First Nations, and serves Chapleau Ojibwe members and those in Chapleau itself.

A grand opening celebration will be held at the Wawa clinic on Thursday, January 31st from 11 am to noon, followed by a community feast.

IT Problems Continue For Local Hospitals

Computer problems are continuing to effect local hospitals - but the situation's improving.

Health Sciences North had confirmed late yesterday that all 24 of Northeastern Ontario's hospitals had been impacted by "IT challenges" from a "zero day virus" since 8 o'clock Wednesday morning - 21 put the main electronic medical record system on downtime, 12 put the electronic medical record system for cancer programs on downtime, and ten put their medical imaging system on downtime, while four hospitals had their email and back office servers impacted, though the Sudbury hospital now says "good progress" has been made on the "progressive restoration of systems that are on downtime", "on track to begin partial restoration of some systems later today".

Natasha Comte, the Interim CEO at Services de Santé de Chapleau Health Services, explains the Chapleau hospital's affected by the IT issues, but is continuing through.

SSCHS Interim CEO Natasha Comte Outlines IT Problem Response
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Lady Dunn Health Centre CEO and Director of Patient Care Services Kadean Ogilvie-Pinter says the Wawa hospital's regained access to some systems, but not the important electronic patient records, though there are tentative timelines for progress.

In response to the issues, the Wawa hospital's temporarily closed its laboratory for outpatient services and the diagnostic imaging department will not be performing outpatient ultrasounds or x-rays, though it has promised to accommodate Cancer Care patients and has asked anyone with an ultrasound appointment to call the hospital to confirm the appointment's status - and the Emergency Department remains open, regardless.

Quebec Driver Charged For Transport Truck in Chapleau Ditch

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police have charged a 61-year-old Quebec man after a single vehicle collision along Martel Road in Chapleau.

Police say a transport truck carrying a load of lumber went into the ditch around 4:15 Wednesday afternoon, with officers charging the driver with fail to drive in marked lane.

The investigation's concluded, and no further charges are expected.

First Nations Partnership Wants East-West Tie Line Built

A partnership of six First Nations is panning delays to construction for a major northern Ontario powerline - calling on the province's energy regulator to let the original proponent move forward.

The release from Bamkushwada Limited Partnership - of which the local Michipicoten First Nation is a member - calls on the provincial government to "fix a broken process created by the Ontario Energy Board", and grant NextBridge leave to construct the East-West Tie transmission line between Wawa and Thunder Bay.

While NextBridge was originally awarded the project, the previous Liberal government ordered a review of options after the project costs nearly doubled.

Hydro One's since put forward its own proposal - which it claims would have "significant cost savings" while minimizing the "environmental footprint" - but BLP says Hydro One has not carried out the constitutionally-required duty to consult and accommodate the First Nations - unlike NextBridge, which has an agreement with BLP - and they're concerned that the Hydro One proposal would be built much later than NextBridge's.

They emphasize the project is a priority initiative of the province, to ensure the reliability of electrical service in Northwestern communities.

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Faces IT Problems

Wawa's hospital is experiencing computer problems, affecting some local services.

A release from the Lady Dunn Health Centre confirms "technical difficulties" affecting the IT system started Wednesday, with CEO and Director of Patient Care Services, Kadean Ogilvie-Pinter, explaining the local problems stem from issues at Sudbury's Health Sciences North.

Kadean Ogilvie-Pinter Explains LDHC IT Problems
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While the hospital remains open, Ogilvie-Pinter notes there are some changes to services available.

Kadean Ogilvie-Pinter on LDHC Changes Amid Problems
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The release assures cancer care patients will be accommodated, and asks anyone with an ultrasound appointment to call the hospital to confirm the status of the appointment.

Ogilvie-Pinter notes services offered outside of the Wawa hospital are also affected.

Kadean Ogilvie-Pinter on IT Problems Effect on Dubreuilville
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Despite the issues, Ogilvie-Pinter emphasizes the ER is still open.

Kadean Ogilvie-Pinter Reminds ER Still Open Amid Problems
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

As Health Sciences North also administers the servers for the Lady Dunn Health Centre's website, that is also down at the moment.

The local hospital CEO says meetings are being held to address challenges stemming from this situation, with hopes to get out updates when possible.

Update at 4:10 pm: Health Sciences North Communications Specialist Jason Turnbull has sent the following update:

“Since Wednesday morning at 8:00, all 24 Northeastern Ontario hospitals have been impacted by IT challenges, caused by a zero day virus, as in a virus with no previous patches or solutions. As a preventive measure, all systems were put on downtime, successfully avoiding the dissemination of the virus. As a result, 21 of the 24 Northeastern Ontario hospitals have seen their main electronic medical record system, Meditech, put on downtime. The electronic medical record system for cancer programs in 12 hospitals, Mosaiq, is on downtime. Ten hospitals have their medical imaging system on downtime. Four hospitals have their email and servers for back office impacted. At HSN, about 75% of the systems are impacted by the downtime. HSN is working to begin restoring critical systems by tomorrow and planning to re-schedule cancelled chemotherapy and radiation treatments this weekend. We have no evidence to suggest that privacy of patient information has been breached.”

Chapleau Driving Toward Drag Races

Chapleau is preparing to burn rubber at the airport - moving forward with plans to host a drag race event.

Mayor Michael Levesque explains the idea comes from the Chapleau Regional Development Corporation.

Mayor Michael Levesque Addresses Drag Race Talks
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque says the expectation is that the drag races will start this year, taking place the third weekend of August, a week after Wawa's Northern Nationals Drag Race.

It'll be supported by Luskville Speedway - the same company that helps host Wawa and Elliot Lake's drag races - and Levesque believes there will be volunteers from both communities assisting with the Chapleau event.

Wawa Fire Chief Adds Regional Role

Wawa's fire chief is adding a new job to his resume: a regional role.

Council's approved the appointment of Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin - the municipality's Assistant Director of Protective Services - as the "Mutual Aid Coordinator" for the Algoma Mutual Aid Association, a role Sabourin explains as a coordinator for the region.

Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin Explains Mutual Aid Coordinator Role
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

As an example, Sabourin references the Elliot Lake mall disaster, which saw fire services from nearby communities help in the city, while other nearby fire services had to help cover the communities that were providing help in Elliot Lake.

Sabourin told Council he expects the role to require one or two hours a week of work with very little travel, able to do most of the work remotely or by combining it with other meetings.

Council's also approved another regional appointment: Councillor Mitch Hatfield as council representative to the Algoma Public Health Board of Directors.

Chapleau Council Approves Budget Overrun at Water Plant

Chapleau Town Council's approved a substantial change to the budget for a key system at the local water plant.

During their meeting Monday, Council approved an amendment to the SCADA project budget, which Mayor Michael Levesque says was a necessary expenditure.

Mayor Michael Levesque on SCADA Project Cost Overrun
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While the original budgeted cost was $170,000, Council approved a new budget of $234,135 - an increase of $64,000, more than a third of the original budget - which Mayor Levesque attributes to unspecified "oversights" in the original quote for the work, as the company did not contemplate certain obstacles that were encountered.

Levesque does note the work has been completed, adding the township "had no choice" but to get it done.

Wawa Council Will Allow Private Pot Shops

Wawa Municipal Council will allow private cannabis retail stores in town - but they're casting doubt on the chances it'll happen.

As the provincial government's given municipalities until next Tuesday to "opt out" of allowing such stores when they start opening in April, Wawa Council's confirmed that they'll allow the stores, with Mayor Ron Rody suggesting a primary reason is possible funding support stemming from the move.

Mayor Ron Rody Explains Decision to Allow Private Cannabis Stores
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While the recent licence lottery saw only 2 of 25 licences across the province go to the North - restricted to municipalities with at least 50,000 people - Mayor Rody assures the municipality will have "all the proper policies in place" for authorizing private cannabis stores in town, should anyone receive a licence.

The resolution approved last night does direct staff to prepare a policy to assist with the authorization process for any applications received, and - while Rody says there's no exact timeline for the policy - he does say it will be a priority for Council, expecting it "for sure before spring".

Chapleau Council made the opposite decision on Monday, deciding to "opt out" of allowing the stores, though Mayor Michael Levesque has suggested the decision may be reversed at some point in the future, after Council's learned more about provincial rules for the stores and possibly updated local by-laws.

Chapleau Town Council Opts Out of Allowing Private Pot Shops

Chapleau Town Council's rejecting cannabis retail stores - for now, at least.

Mayor Michael Levesque says Council has decided to "opt out" of allowing private cannabis retail stores in the community.

Mayor Levesque Explains Choice to Opt Out of Cannabis Retail
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque says the concerns are about the rules regarding the stores, not about the rules for legalized cannabis use.

Mayor Levesque Explains Concerns About Cannabis Retail
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque notes - while Council has decided to opt out for now - there is the possibility Council will decide to "opt in" at some point in the future, but last night's decision will allow councillors more time to learn about provincial rules for cannabis retail stores and possibly update by-laws.

The provincial government has given municipalities until January 22nd to "opt out" of hosting private cannabis retail stores, with the ability to "opt in" at a later date, though once a municipality has opted in, it won't be able to opt back out.

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Early Bird Deadline Here

Just hours are left to get registrations in for Wawa's annual ice fishing derby - if you want to be considered an early bird.

Today is the deadline for Early Bird registrations - those who've registered or have their registration postmarked by today will be eligible to win one of five $1000 cash prizes, which will be given away during the derby.

In addition to warning anglers about the early bird deadline, Derby Chairperson Scott Popert notes - with the derby a-month-and-a-half away - the committee's also looking for people interested in helping with the event.

Derby Chair Scott Popert Explains Need For Volunteers
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Popert encourages anyone interested in volunteering to contact him.

The 28th annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby will be held March 1st through 3rd.

US Mining Company Buying Goldcorp

A major Canadian mining company with local interests is being bought by an American rival.

In a $10-billion US deal, Newmont Mining will buy Canadian miner Goldcorp, forming what will be one of Canada's largest gold producers - the combined company will be named "Newmont Goldcorp", with current Newmont shareholders to own 65%, and Goldcorp shareholders to own the remaining 35%.

While directors of both companies have given their unanimous support, shareholders must still give approval, and there will be regulatory hurdles in multiple countries, as both companies have operations in several countries.

Goldcorp has four operating mines in Canada - three in Northern Ontario - with work underway on the Borden Gold project in Chapleau, set to be Canada's first all-electric underground mine.

Suspended Driving Charge For Toronto-Area Driver in White River

A suspended Toronto driver's facing a stunt driving charge in White River.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers conducting stationary radar on Highway 17 observed an eastbound vehicle travelling a high rate of speed on Thursday, January 10th, leading to a traffic stop.

Officers charged the 21-year-old from North York with driving a motor vehicle and performing stunt-speeding by more than 50 kilometres an hour or more, as well as driving while under suspension.

The vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days, while the man's set to appear in Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice next month.

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Early Bird Nears

Organizers of Wawa's annual ice fishing derby are reminding there's a bit more time left to qualify for the derby's early bird draws.

The Derby Committee emphasizes the deadline to get tickets and still qualify for the early bird is tomorrow - not today - and Chairperson Scott Popert notes sales are strong so far.

Derby Chair Scott Popert Highlights Early Bird Sales
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Popert notes the committee is also looking for volunteers to help with the event - including as lake patrollers and hut attendants - and encourages anyone interested to contact him.

The 28th annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby will be held March 1st through 3rd.

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Visiting Region

Algoma-Manitoulin's NDP MPP is meeting with local constituents for the next couple days.

Michael Mantha's holding constituency clinics in the region, including a stop at the Chapleau Town Office from 2 to 3 this afternoon and the Chapleau Cree First Nation Band Office from 3:30 to 4:30.

Mantha will also visit Wawa's Municipal Office from 9 to 10 tomorrow, then Dubreuilville's Township Office from 11 a-m to noon tomorrow, White River's Township Office from 1 to 2, and - on Wednesday - the Michipicoten First Nation Admin Office from 2 to 3.

Anyone who wishes to meet with Mantha's encouraged to call 1-800-831-1899 or go to his website.

Superior East OPP Remind Drivers to be Careful Following Return to School

With school back after the holiday break, police are reminding drivers to be careful.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police remind there is an increase and pedestrian traffic during the school year, and school buses are also back on roads.

Because of that, police remind motorists must stop when approaching a stopped school bus with its overhead red signal lights flashing - whether or not its "STOP" arm is extended - and the vehicle must remain stopped until the bus moves or the signal lights stop flashing.

Anyone who illegally passes a stopped school bus could be fined $490 to $2000 for a first offence, or $1000 to $4000 with possible jail time for a subsequent offence - both mean six demerit points.

Drivers are also reminded to be cautious of pedestrians, taking extra care near parked cars and travelling slowly through intersections.

Superior East OPP December 2018 & Festive RIDE Stats

Local police were kept busy over December.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to about 523 calls for service last month, including ten violence-related incidents, eleven property-related occurrences, seven drug-related cases, and an impaired by alcohol incident.

On local roads, officers responded to eighteen motor vehicle collisions and issued one seven-day warn range suspension.

140 RIDE checkpoints were conducted.

Speaking of RIDE checks, Superior East OPP have also released results from the recent Festive RIDE campaign - which ran November 23rd to January 2nd - with one impaired by alcohol charge, one seven-day warn range suspension, one refusal to give breath sample charge, one suspended driving charge, and four charges under the Highway Traffic Act.

There may be some crossover in charges laid through Festive RIDE and December's statistics.

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Early Bird Deadline Approaches

Organizers of Wawa's annual ice fishing derby are reminding there's still time to qualify for the derby's early bird draws.

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Chairperson Scott Popert explains the early bird deadline is next week.

Derby Chair Scott Popert Reminds Early Bird Is Near
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Popert notes sales have been strong so far, with about 100 more tickets sold now, compared to this time last year - and he reminds there's an estimated $140,000 in cash and prizes for the derby, including not just the early bird draws, but the registration prize of $30,000 and prizes for the top six fish caught on each of the three derby lakes

The committee is also looking for volunteers to help with the event, including as lake patrollers and hut attendants - anyone interested can contact Popert.

The 28th annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby will be held March 1st through 3rd.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Touts Successful Campaign

With the holiday season now past, the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's thanking residents who helped grant a wish from the local hospital.

Foundation Vice Chair Susan Switzer says the annual "Wish Upon A Star" campaign saw overwhelming support, raising $12,917 over the holiday season.

LDHCF Vice Chair Susan Switzer Reacts to Campaign Result
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Switzer reminds the Foundation is marking its tenth anniversary this year - noting about $450,000 has been raised over the last decade - and she expects some special celebrations, including the four major campaigns of the year, including the spring mail-out campaign.

She also emphasizes the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation accepts donations outside of its various campaigns, with donors able to direct their money to the Foundation's general fund, or separate funds for cancer care, palliative care, or long-term care.