Regional Economic Development Plan Being Created

Businesses in Wawa can expect a phone call asking if you want to take a survey - and doing so could help with an important regional plan.

Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation General Manager Tracy Amos explains the organization's hired the firm MDB Insights to create a Regional Strategic Economic Development Plan covering the Superior East region.

Tracy Amos on Regional Economic Development Plan Concept

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Amos notes the "partners" include municipalities, First Nations, and economic development offices within the Superior East region, including Wawa east to Chapleau and north to Manitouwadge.

As for the survey, Amos notes it's intended to gather information for the plan.

Tracy Amos on Regional Economic Development Plan Survey

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Amos encourages businesses contacted to take the survey, as a better response will greatly help with the plan's creation.

The final plan is expected by the end of May.

Thunder Bay Naturalists Plan Michipicoten Island Nature Reserve

Two properties on Michipicoten Island will make up a new nature reserve.

A release from the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Club says the group has acquired two parcels of land totalling 538 acres - or 217 hectares - which they plan to permanently protect under the club's "Nature Reserve" system.

The group notes Michipicoten Island is the second largest island on the Canadian side of Lake Superior, highlighting its "rugged forested hills, cobble beaches, and rocky shoreline where unusual arctic plants grow by the cold waters of the lake", and it says rare species have been found on the island such as preregrine falcons and woodland caribou, which it hopes may return to Michipicoten Island "once predators are no longer a threat".

Thunder Bay Field Naturalists also say they have "the experienced help of members of the Michipicoten First Nation in monitoring wildlife and caring for the land at the new reserve properties", with plans to work together to document existing plants and wildlife this summer, and hopefully record the return of a healthy caribou population to the island "one day".

Pair of Wawa Roads May Be Renamed To End Confusion

A couple Wawa roads could be renamed - to end confusion.

The idea came up during last night's Corporate Planning Committee meeting, and Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains it's because tourists have been complaining of difficulties getting to Scenic High Falls.

Alex Patterson Explains Reason to Rename Roads

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Patterson says plans are to simplify things by renaming the road to the falls as "Scenic High Falls Road", while changing the current "High Falls Road".

Alex Patterson Explains Potential Road Renaming Plan

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Patterson notes municipal staff are looking for feedback on the proposed changes, with plans to send out a notice asking for input.

Progress Continues on Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre Repairs

Substantial progress has been made on emergency repairs at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Approved by the previous Wawa Municipal Council last August, the more than $100,000 in repairs centered on problems with the arena's dry spinkler system, the failure of a hot water tank, and consistent problems with the elevator.

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson told the current Council during last night's Corporate Planning Committee meeting that most of that work is now complete, with much of the hot water repairs completed as of Tuesday.

Alex Patterson Highlights MMCC Hot Water Repairs

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

As for the elevator, Patterson says the work should be done soon.

Alex Patterson on MMCC Elevator Repairs

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Patterson says the sprinkler repairs have already been completed.

Chapleau Council Updated on Downtown Revitalization

Chapleau Town Council's hoping to move forward with downtown revitalization.

Mayor Michael Levesque says Council received a presentation Monday night on AECOM's preliminary work for the project.

Mayor Michael Levesque on Downtown Revitalization Presentation

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque notes the Township had received government funding for the plan, but the next step is to now apply for grants to apply that plan, which would also include some beautification in addition to the infrastructure work.

The mayor expects a public meeting on the project next month, with hopes to have the work done "within the next year or two", so long as "everything's in the cards" and the township receives needed funding.

MVFA Cash Draw Valentine's Day Draw Nears

A lucky supporter of Wawa's firefighters will start tomorrow a winner.

The Valentine's Day Draw for the annual Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association cash draw will be held tomorrow, and Captain Craig Spooner reminds the draw supports two major causes.

Captain Craig Spooner on MVFA Cash Draw Causes

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

This will be the second of five draws for $1000: Luke Lesperance of Grand Prairie, Alberta won the $1000 Early Bird Draw in December, while three more $1000 draws will be made at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby, along with the $10,000 Grand Prize Draw.

The Valentine's Day draw will be made live on JJAM FM, at 8:20 with DJ Huff in the Morning.

Chapleau Council Backs Concept of Cameras on School Buses

Chapleau Town Council is backing the idea of stop-arm cameras on school buses.

Mayor Michael Levesque explains the concept was brought to Council by a local grandmother - and other family members - after a recent incident.

Mayor Michael Levesque on Reason For School Bus Cameras

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque says the family noted Timmins has cameras on school buses - to watch the roads, and possibly capture details of vehicles illegally passing the buses.

He also notes Ontario Provincial Police had charged a Chapleau resident in connection to the January 24th incident, but issued a correction days later.

Superior East OPP had initially charged a 30-year-old man with "fail to stop for school bus - owner" - as the owner of a vehicle can also be held responsible - though they have since charged an 18-year-old male with "fail to stop for school bus - meeting", as they received new information days after announcing the original arrest.

Though Council's come out in favour of the cameras, it isn't requiring them or taking steps to have them installed - instead, Mayor Levesque says a copy of the resolution will be sent to local bus companies, in the hope they'll consider the idea.

Chapleau "Taste of the North" Winter Carnival Arrives

Festivities are getting underway today for Chapleau's "Taste of the North" Winter Carnival.

Leisure and Culture Services Director Mike Jones says there are several new events for this year's carnival, including one this evening.

Mike Jones Highlights New Chapleau Winter Carnival Event

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Jones also highlights carnival skiing at the ski hill every evening through Sunday, as well as tomorrow night's Nerf War for kids and Friday's kids dance parties, though he notes some unfortunate news for a carnival staple: this year's snowmobile torch light parade has been cancelled, due to unfavourable conditions on the river.

Other events and activities taking place through Sunday include the curling bonspiel, the hockey tournament, various kids activities, several meals, and more - a full schedule of events is available on the municipal website, chapleau.ca.

Carnival keychains are needed for many events, and are available today only at the Civic Centre, or at the AW Moore Arena starting tomorrow.

Wawa Emergency Services Hockey Game Touted as Success

Organizers of Wawa's annual Emergency Services Hockey Game are thanking the community for their support.

Held last Saturday, the annual event saw members of the local Ontario Provincial Police detachment, the Wawa Volunteer Fire Department, and Algoma District Paramedic Services face off in mixed teams.

In total, about $3000 was raised through the event, supporting the Lady Dunn Health Centre's Long-Term Care Unit.

Organizers thank the sponsors - Trans Canada Chrysler, Wilderness Helicopters, Davidson Fuels, and J. Provost Contracting - as well Wawa and Area Victim Services and other volunteers: Brian Lachine, who emcee'd, Trista Huff, and Sarah Chevrier, who covered timekeeping.

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Visiting Region

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing's NDP MP is meeting with local constituents today.

Carol Hughes is holding constituency clinics in the region, stopping at Chapleau's municipal building from 9 to 10 this morning, then the Regional Employment Help Centre in Wawa from noon to 1 o'clock this afternoon, and finally Dubreuilville's municipal building from 2:30 to 3:30.

Hughes is scheduled to repeat the visits once a month through May.

Wawa Winter Carnival Nears

Preparations are also underway for another upcoming Wawa event: the annual Wawa Winter Carnival.

Community Services and Tourism Assistant Director Brian Lachine notes this year's theme is "bugs", with a few things to express that event - including a special children's activity booklet from the Wawa Public Library.

Brian Lachine Explains Wawa Winter Carnival Bug Booklet

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Booklets must be brought in to the Library by Friday, February 15th, which is when the draw will be made.

Lachine also notes volunteers are wanted for the Carnival, encouraging anyone willing to help - like high school students needing their volunteer hours - to call him at 705-856-2244, extension 247.

22nd Annual Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby In The Books

Lines are out of the water as Chapleau's 22nd annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby is now in the books.

All 800 tickets for the derby were sold a month early, with sunny skies and relatively warm weather for the numerous anglers out on the Chapleau River and Mulligan's Bay.

Ingo Weber reeled in the largest pike - a 7.13-pounder just before 9 o'clock - to win the $10,000 first prize, while Cindy Bernard's 6.95-pounder won the second prize of a Honda ATV, and Brett Robinson claimed the $4000 third prize with a 5.95-pounder.

The entry prize of a 2019 Dodge Ram 4x4 went to Gilles Couture of Chapleau, while Jamie Fiaschetti won $1736.50 through the 50/50 draw, and Lou White won a ticket for the 2020 Derby.

As no-one caught the tagged fish during the derby, anglers are still able to get a prize: if they catch the tagged fish before the end of 2019, they'll get a free entry into the 2020 Derby.

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Seeking Volunteers

With the Chapleau Derby in the books, anglers are preparing for the next big ice fishing derby: Wawa's 28th annual.

Organizers are also looking forward to the event, as well, but Derby Chairperson Scott Popert notes there is a need for volunteers.

Derby Chair Scott Popert on Need for Derby Volunteers

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Popert encourages anyone interested in volunteering to contact him.

He also reminds there are still tickets available for the 28th annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby, which will be held March 1st through 3rd.

Chapleau Reels in 22nd Annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby

Chapleau's reeling in anglers this weekend, with the Rotary Club of Chapleau's 22nd annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby.

Sold out for more than a month, the annual event's been sold out for a month, and Derby Committee Chair Jocelynne Bernier notes touts several major prizes.

Jocelynne Bernier Highlights Chapleau Pike Derby Prizes

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Bernier also highlights the entry prize of a 2019 Dodge RAM - everyone with a ticket's entered into that draw - and she notes the "tagged fish" is back, with anglers winning $5000 if they catch the fish during the derby, or - if it's caught after this year's derby and before the end of the year - a free entry into the derby.

That tagged fish also means that Chartrand Lake is not included this year's derby, though Bernier says she's sure there's "lots of room" on the Chapleau River and Mulligan's Bay.

Registration runs from noon to 10 today at the Community Centre, with fishing from 7 am to 4 pm Saturday, February 9th - JJAM FM will be broadcasting live from the derby from 11 am to 4 pm.

Wawa Council Hires New Municipal CAO-Treasurer

Wawa has a new top administrator.

In a special meeting held last night, Wawa Municipal Council unanimously approved the appointment of Maury O'Neill as the Municipality's new Chief Administrative Officer and Treasurer starting March 4th - Council did spend ten minutes in-camera before publicly voting, though the only comment made by Council was Mayor Ron Rody welcoming O'Neill to the role after the vote.

The CEO of the Wawa Economic Development Corporation for the last 15 years, O'Neill previously served as CAO and Director of Planning and Development for the Municipality - she also holds a Masters in Planning from Queen's University, a BA from Laurentian University, and several certificates relating to Municipal Management.

O'Neill says she's very excited to be the Municipality's new CAO.

Maury O'Neill on Appointment as Wawa CAO

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Ron Rody says Council are "very pleased" to have O'Neill join their staff.

Mayor Ron Rody on Appointment of New Wawa CAO

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The role of CAO/Clerk-Treasurer was held by Chris Wray until January 23rd - a release issued on the 24th announced that Wray and the Municipality had "ended their employment relationship", giving no reason, though it did come after he was charged in July with sexual assault and criminal harassment stemming from an alleged assault in Greater Sudbury in November 2016 - the allegations have yet to be tried in court.

Mayor Rody says Council "will be dealing with" the role of Clerk "in the next couple weeks".

Wawa Emergency Services Hockey Game Returns

Members of Wawa's emergency services will be hitting the ice this weekend in a hockey game supporting an important local cause.

The annual event will see members of the local Ontario Provincial Police detachment, the Wawa Volunteer Fire Department, and Algoma District Paramedic Services face off, and Wawa's Assistant Director of Community Services and Tourism, Brian Lachine, notes this year will see a major change.

Brian Lachine on Change to Emergency Services Hockey Game

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Lachine notes there will also be a "chuck-a-puck" style competition with a chance to win $1500, and reminds admission's simply "silver collection" - with all proceeds supporting Long-Term Care at the Lady Dunn Health Centre.

Brian Lachine on Cause for Emergency Services Hockey Game

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The Emergency Services Charity hockey game begins at 7:30 Saturday night, at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

MVFA Valentine's Day Draw Nears

A lucky supporter of Wawa's firefighters will soon be $1000 richer.

The Valentine's Day Draw for the annual Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association cash draw is approaching, with the association reminding tickets are still available.

Captain Craig Spooner reminds the cash draw supports a few causes.

Captain Craig Spooner on MVFA Cash Draw Causes

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Spooner says ticket sales are consistent with past years, with the firefighters anticipating - and hoping for - the draw to sell out once again.

This is the the second of five draws for $1000: Luke Lesperance of Grand Prairie, Alberta won the $1000 Early Bird Draw in December, while three more $1000 draws and the $10,000 grand prize draw will be made at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby.

The Valentine's Day draw will be made live on JJAM FM, at 8:20 with DJ Huff in the Morning.

Red Pine Touts New High-Grade Structure at Wawa Gold Project

Red Pine Exploration's touting more positive drill results from its Wawa Gold Project.

The Toronto-based exploration company says it has identified a new high-grade structure, the Cooper Structure, one kilometre east of the northernmost extension of the Surluga Deposit and 2.8 kilometres northeast of the Minto Mine South Deposit.

While results from recent channel sampling returned 27 grams per tonne gold over 0.31 metres true width, Red Pine says drilling conducted in the 1980s intersected 10.9 grams per tonne over 4.39 metres down dip from the channel sample, indicating there could be "significant" gold mineralization.

Red Pine notes the historic Cooper Mine had milled over 4400 tonnes of ore at an average grade of 11.4 grams per tonne before it ended production in 1938.

Goose Nest Market Near Wawa Waterfront to Open Canada Day

Wawa's waterfront area should have a new attraction this summer: the "Goose Nest Market".

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains the "community market" is set to launch Canada Day, with a plan for it to be unveiled before March Break - though he notes that could be modified, calling the market "a big trial".

Alex Patterson Explains Potential to Change Goose Nest Market

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Underscoring that it is a community market, Patterson says staff will be listening to feedback from the community, applying it for future years and possibly even this summer.

Council approved support for a funding application which would support a summer project coordinator for the market - with the Municipality committing $5000 toward the total project cost of $85,000 - and Patterson explains this will be a project of the Wawa Economic Development Corporation, as the entire Waterfront project is a partnership between the Municipality and the EDC, who he notes have been vital in securing funding for the project.

While Patterson says work on the waterfront's set to resume around the Victoria Day long weekend - and enough should be complete for the Goose Nest Market to open Canada Day - he notes some work will still be done after that date, partly because of work not complete due to different factors last year, and partly because some work - such as signage - can't be completed until construction's done.

Patterson expects a "community consultation session" on the Waterfront Project either later this month or early next month, to be announced soon.

Superior East OPP Issue Correction on Chapleau Vehicle Driving By School Bus

Local police have issued a correction after receiving new information about a vehicle that failed to stop for a school bus on Highway 129 in Chapleau two weeks ago.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the 30-year-old Chapleau man originally charged on January 29th with fail to stop for school bus - owner was wrongly named and has no connection to the January 24th incident, in which a pickup truck drove by a school bus that had its overhead red signal lights flashing and its "STOP" arm extended.

Instead - based on new information received on Friday - Superior East OPP have charged an 18-year-old Chapleau male with "fail to stop for school bus - meeting".

Police emphasize it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus that has its overhead red signal lights flashing - whether or not its "STOP" arm is extended - and your vehicle must remain stopped until the bus moves or the signal lights stop flashing.