Wawa Winter Carnival Crawls Into Town

Wawa's annual Winter Carnival is promising a weekend of fun activities - with a theme that may "bug" some people: bugs.

The theme ties in with the return of Entomica - "the bug people" - though Wawa's Assistant Director of Community Services and Tourism, Brian Lachine, assures the Rotary pancake breakfasts will be "bug-free", despite this year's theme - and he notes the annual parade is tonight.

While events at the Community Centre include the Artisans Fair, Family Bingo, and Figure Skating Club Showcase on Saturday, Lachine also highlights various events throughout the community like the wing ding, rock n' roll party, and cribbage - all at the Legion - as well as the Cardboard Box Race at Queen's Park Monday afternoon, and the stew supper at the United Church Monday night.

He also reminds volunteers are wanted for the Carnival, encouraging anyone willing to help to contact him.

In the lead up to this year's Carnival, the Wawa Public Library's put out "bug booklets" for children to complete - kids could win a prize if the booklet's brought back to the library by 2:30 this afternoon.

The Carnival schedule is available at the Wawa Recreation Facebook page and at the Community Centre, which is where Carnival Pins can be found.

Chapleau Winter Carnival Ramping Up For Weekend

Festivities are ramping up for Chapleau's "Taste of the North" Winter Carnival.

Today's events include carnival skating at the rink and skiing at the ski hill, the start of the carnival bonspiel and hockey tournament, and a multi-age dance party - Junior Kindergarten to Grade 2 from 6 to 7, Grades 3 to 8 from 7 to 9, and Grades 9 to 12 from 9 to midnight - as well as the Legion Carnival Dance.

Leisure and Culture Services Director Mike Jones highlights more events for Saturday.

Jones also highlights a new event on Sunday.

Poor conditions on the lake have caused a change for a popular event: Chapleau Cree First Nation's annual kids fishing derby is being replaced with ice rink and sliding or luge activities, based at the Chapleau Cree Outdoor Ice Rink from 11 to 2 Sunday.

Carnival wristbands are needed for most events, and are now available at the AW Moore Arena.

MVFA Cash Draw Valentine's Day Draw Winner Announced

A very lucky Wawa resident is $1000 richer, after this morning's Valentine's Day draw from the Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighter Association.

That's Captain Craig Spooner drawing the winning ticket live on JJAM FM this morning, and winner Maury O'Neill says she's quite humbled by the news.

It's been a lucky week for O'Neill, who was officially announced as Wawa's new CAO/Treasurer last Thursday - she's set to start in that role on March 4th, after fifteen years as CEO of the Wawa Economic Development Corporation.

As with the winner of the Early Bird draw, O'Neill's ticket will be put back in for the remaining draws in the annual firefighter association cash draw - there are three more $1000 draws to be made at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby, along with the $10,000 grand prize draw - and Spooner encourages people to get their tickets, as the organization hopes to sell out once again this year.

Proceeds from the draw support the local fire department with training and equipment purchases, and helps provide two bursaries for local high school students planning to join emergency services.

Chapleau Winter Carnival Continues

Festivities are continuing for Chapleau's "Taste of the North" Winter Carnival.

While today's events include the annual broomball tournament during the day, Leisure and Culture Services Director Mike Jones says there's a new event for kids tonight: a Nerf War.

Jones also reminds that the annual snowmobile torch light parade has been cancelled, due to unfavourable conditions on the river, though plans are still to have the lighting of the carnival bonfire at the Recreation Centre, skiing at the ski hill, and women's shinny hockey at the AW Moore Arena.

Poor conditions on the lake have also caused another event to be cancelled: Chapleau Cree First Nation's annual kids fishing derby is being replaced with ice rink and sliding or luge activities, based at the Chapleau Cree Outdoor Ice Rink from 11 to 2 Sunday.

A full schedule of events is available on the municipal website, chapleau.ca.

Carnival keychains are needed for many events, available at the AW Moore Arena.

Wawa Council Plans to Hold Meetings Slightly Later

Wawa Municipal Council's planning to hold meetings slightly later in the evening.

During this week's Corporate Planning Committee meeting, Council discussed the idea of changing the start time of meetings, due to complaints from community members and concerns from Council members about the 6 o'clock start.

While the municipal procedural by-law does state meetings should begin at 7, Council's passed resolutions temporarily changing that to 6 since September 2015 - another such resolution was passed last week, extending the earlier time into June, but Council agreed Tuesday night to change the start time to 6:30 instead.

The change still needs to be passed in a resolution, so next Tuesday's regular meeting - and Policy Manual Committee meeting - will still start at 6, though the resolution is expected to be passed then, so subsequent meetings would start at the new time.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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".