Wawa Council Waives Tendering Policy to Approve Fire Department Air Pack Purchase

Wawa Municipal Council has approved plans for the Fire Department to replace its self-contained breathing apparatus units.

Council's passed a resolution approving the purchase of fourteen "air packs" and waiving the municipal tendering policy - Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin had requested the policy be waived, as the firefighters had tested three pieces of equipment and ended up choosing this one.

He'd emphasized to Council last week that it was important the firefighters are comfortable with the equipment, an idea accepted by Council.

Wawa Council Confirms Funding For Waterfront Project After Trillium Cut

Wawa Municipal Council's guaranteeing funding for the Wawa Waterfront Project, after a delay in work caused the loss of some funding.

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains there was a reduction in the amount provided by the Ontario Trillium Fund.

Patterson says that meant the Municipality needed to assure another major funder, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation - or NOHFC - that the funds would still be covered, though he notes this project is special, as it has a "funded contingency".

Patterson emphasizes the contingency is money the Municipality doesn't intend to spend - to cover shortfalls like unknown costs or other uncontrollable factors - and having it 90 percent funded means "our tax dollars are much less at risk" for the project.

Work on the Waterfront Project's expected to resume in May - once weather and related conditions are favourable - and an open house on the project is expected soon.

Wawa Council Approves Change to Police Services Board Member Compensation

The compensation for members of Wawa's Police Services Board is changing - to fit a change in meeting schedule.

While the “honorarium” was previously set at $100 a month for the provincial appointee and community representative on the board, Wawa Municipal Council has approved a slight change, making it $100 per meeting, though that would be increased to $150 per meeting if they serve as chair of the board.

The municipal representative and any municipal staff serving on the board are excluded from receiving an honorarium.

Though the board used to meet every month, it now meets a minimum of just four times a year.

Provincial law sets a minimum honorarium of $100 a year.

Wawa Man Arrested on Assault, Robbery, and Threat-Related Charges

A Wawa man's facing assault, robbery, and threat-related charges after an incident late last week.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to a disturbance in progress on Churchill Avenue in Wawa late on the night of Thursday, March 14th.

Investigation revealed the suspect and victim were former housemates - the suspect was allowed into the residence to retrieve some remaining personal belongings, but instead found a baseball bat and proceeded to threaten the victim, taking some of their belongings and leaving before police arrived.

The suspect - identified as a 25-year-old Wawa man - was located in Wawa on Sunday, March 17th, arrested on charges of robbery with a weapon, assault with a weapon, and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

He's been released from custody, scheduled to appear in Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice in early April.

Wawa Planning Pilot Project to Reduce THMs

Efforts to address a years-long water advisory in Wawa will ramp up this summer.

The Municipality's planning a pilot project using a poly-aluminum chloride coagulant to reduce "THMs" (trihalomethanes), which are a result of organic material - dissolved carbon - reacting with chlorine used to treat the water.

While he's faced questions from Council - particularly Councillor Bill Chiasson - about the safety of using a chemical compound to treat the problem, Infrastructure Services Director Cory Stainthorpe assures testing has shown low "alum residuals" after filtration - and he emphasizes aluminum is a natural mineral in many products, particularly canned products.

Other methods tried included lower amounts of chlorine and lower amounts of water in the water tower, and Stainthorpe says testing does put the THM amount within Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards, but not as low as would be liked, as a brief spike could undo that.

A water quality advisory issued by Algoma Public Health in November 2014 remains in effect because of that, though the initial advisory emphasized there's only a risk from chronic, long-term exposure - drinking "a gallon a day every day for 35 years" - which would only mean a "slight increase" to risk of bladder cancer.

Stainthorpe expects the pilot to begin in July, running for a few months - the period when THMs are highest.

Wawa Teen Campaigning To Be Miss North Ontario 2019

A Wawa teen is asking for support as she is campaigning to become Miss North Ontario.

Madison Proulx - who moved from Barrie to Wawa three years ago - explains she likes the concept of the Miss North Ontario pageant.

As for why she feels she's a good choice, Proulx says she believes she has the personality and characteristics sought by the pageant.

Proulx notes she needs to raise support through sponsorships and advertising from businesses, or through her own GoFundMe page.

Local MP Receives NDP Nomination for Fall Federal Election

Longtime local MP Carol Hughes will run on behalf of the New Democrats this fall.

Hughes was officially nominated as the NDP candidate for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing in a meeting held in Elliot Lake last night, with her nomination uncontested.

Speaking during the meeting, Hughes recounted issues and projects she's worked on since her election in 2008, highlighted NDP proposals for a universal single-payer pharmacare system, a crackdown on tax cheats, and funding for First Nations education and safe drinking water on reserves.

Hughes also took aim at the Liberal government for failing to deliver promised electoral reform, a "glacier-like pace of action on climate change" and for letting corporate influence remain "more important than the needs and concerns of hard-working Canadians".

If elected this fall, it would be the fourth term for Hughes.

Wawa EDC Ending Search For Key Role

Wawa's Economic Development Corporation is winding up efforts to fill a key role.

Today marks the deadline for applicants for a new Economic Development Director, who would "provide leadership and support to a volunteer Board of Directors and contract staff to promote the economic well-being of Wawa", including identifying and implementing strategies to achieve economic development goals, as well as overseeing and managing daily EDC operations.

This comes two weeks after longtime CEO Maury O'Neill left the role to become the Municipality of Wawa's CAO-Treasurer.

Applications for Economic Development Director must be directed to the EDC's Hiring Committee, and submitted by 4:30 this afternoon.

Wawa's 4th Seniors Expo On the Way

Organizers are preparing for an event to help inform seniors about services in the Wawa community.

Wawa Family Health Team Geriatric Program Coordinator Jolene Binda explains the 4th annual "Seniors Exposition and Active Living Fair" - is intended as a chance for seniors to socialize, but also learn about some things that can help.

While the event generally works as a "come-and-go", Binda notes there will be scheduled presentations, as well as a lunch - she does ask anyone who wants to attend to RSVP to her at 705-856-1313 by Wednesday, April 10th.

The Seniors Expo will be held Wednesday, April 17th, from 10 am to 3 pm at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Experience Wawa Highway Signs and Website Launched

The Municipality of Wawa has replaced several signs across Northern Ontario - to direct travelers to a new tourism-oriented website.

Community Services and Tourism Assistant Director Brian Lachine explains the change in highway signage stems from a couple problems with the older signs, which were either in poor condition or had information that was old and not useful.

Lachine says the "Experience Wawa" website links to various social media, but also provides information on things like hotels and restaurants - with work underway on specialized "itineraries".

Lachine emphasizes the website is meant to bring people to "experience everything Wawa has to offer".

Lift For The Legion Fundraising Continues

As people celebrate St. Patrick's Day this weekend (including at the Legion Hall), Wawa's Legion is reminding fundraising efforts are continuing in hopes to make the Legion Hall more accessible.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 has put out the call for help raising $100,000 needed to build a wheelchair-accessible lift that would help with access to both levels of the building.

Mary Ann Pearson of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 notes the Legion has been in Wawa since 1946, with the hall "a very integral part of our community".

As part of efforts to raise funds, a silent auction has been launched for a signed Johnny Bower Toronto Maple Leafs hockey - the sealed bid box is located at the Legion Hall, though bidding closes Sunday, April 14th, at the Men's Curling Bonspiel.

Other donations to the Lift for the Legion campaign can be made via e-transfer to ar@wawa.cc or by mailing or delivering them in person to the Municipality of Wawa.

Wawa Mayor Optimistic About Magino Mine Future

Wawa's mayor is expressing optimism as a proposed Dubreuilville gold mine has cleared its federal environmental assessment.

Speaking to JJAM FM's Town Talk, Mayor Ron Rody noted he was in Sault Ste. Marie for the announcement - and he agrees this could be quite good for the region.

While Mayor Rody is optimistic after last week's announcement, he does note the Magino project still has some hurdles to go, including some provincial regulations, as well as negotiations for agreements with local First Nations communities - though he does hope to see "some real activity" at the mine site for next year.

Ministry of Natural Resources Warns Time Nearing to Remove Ice Huts

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is urging anglers to get their ice huts off the ice soon.

The ministry notes some Fisheries Management Zones require huts removed from lakes by specific dates: there is a March 31st deadline for zone 9 - which covers the Canadian waters of Lake Superior - and zone 10, which extends from Sault Ste. Marie northwest through Lake Superior Provincial Park, and east beyond Sudbury - the northern border lies just south of Wawa, Chapleau, and Gogama, though Sultan is on the border, and it also includes Michipicoten Island.

There is no specific removal date for zone 8 - which covers Chapleau east to the Quebec border and north to James Bay, including Gogama, Timmins, and Kirkland Lake - nor for zone 7, which follows Lake Superior from the Michipicoten River to the Nipigon River, including Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, Marathon, Pukaskwa National Park, the and Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, with Hearst and Nakina on the northern border.

Even where no registration or removal date is specified, the ministry reminds ice hut owners are responsible for removing debris and garbage from the ice around their ice huts.

MMCC Repairs Progressing - Most Work Now Complete

Almost all work has been completed for emergency repairs at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre - with the final piece expected to be done soon.

Wawa Municipal Council approved more than $100,000 in repairs at the Community Centre last August, amid problems with the arena's dry sprinkler system, the failure of a hot water tank, and consistent problems with the elevator.

Community Services and Tourism Assistant Director Brian Lachine explains the sprinkler work was already completed - assuring everything's safe in the rink - while the hot water tanks have also been addressed.

While the elevator was expected to be replaced before the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby earlier this month, Lachine says that did not happen - but it should be done soon.

The elevator is used to help those with mobility issues get from the upper Community Centre area - like the lobby - down to the canteen and ice surface.

Wawa Council Considers Waiving Tender Policy for Firefighter Air Packs

Wawa Municipal Council appears ready to waive tendering policy so the Fire Department can replace its self-contained breathing apparatus units.

The previous Council approved the purchase of fourteen "air packs" in November, told by Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin it would let the order "piggyback" on an order from Sault Ste. Marie - allowing for a lower price - though Council had required that the purchase be included in this year's capital budget, rather than amending last year's.

This year's capital budget has yet to be tabled.

Sabourin has now requested the current Council help the process along by waiving the tender policy, explaining that the firefighters had tested three SCBAs and chose this specific one - and he emphasized the importance of the firefighters being comfortable with the equipment.

Council seemed to agree, though the request will need to be approved in a regular Council meeting, likely next Tuesday, March 19th.

Local MP To Receive NDP Nomination in Upcoming Meeting

Local MP Carol Hughes will be seeking her party's official backing for the fall election in a meeting tomorrow.

The Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing New Democrats have announced their nomination meeting will be held Thursday, March 14th, in Elliot Lake, with incumbent Carol Hughes seeking a fourth term - she's expected to be uncontested for the NDP nomination.

The meeting will be held at Georges Restaurant in Elliot Lake, with registration starting at 5:30 that evening, until the meeting's called to order.

New Algoma Steel CEO Announced

Sault Ste. Marie's steel mill has a new boss.

Algoma Steel Inc. has announced Michael McQuade as its new Chief Executive Officer - he's been a director of the company since last year, but spent more than 35 years with Canadian steelmaker Stelco, holding various finance, accounting, operations, and sales roles - including Chief Financial Officer and President.

He's tasked with overseeing the company's $300-million facility modrenization program, announced last December.

McQuade replaces Kalyan Ghosh, who has resigned to pursue other opportunities - Ghosh served as CEO prior to and during the restructuring of Essar Steel Algoma and the subsequent sale of its assets to a British Columbia-based numbered company associated with its lenders, the company which is now Algoma Steel.

9-1-1 Call Leads to Impaired Driving Charge in Wawa

Local police have laid an impaired driving charge after a 9-1-1 call shortly after midnight.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the call came in around 12:30 this morning, warning of a possible impaired driver operating a pickup truck in Wawa - officers located the vehicle on Mission Road and performed a traffic stop, detecting the odour of alcohol on the man's breath, leading to his arrest.

The 27-year-old from Pic Mobert First Nation has been charged with operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration of 80 plus, while his vehicle's been impounded seven days and his driver's licence has been automatically suspended for 90 days.

He's been released from custody, set to appear at Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice in early April.

Local MP and MPP Holding Separate Constituency Clinics in Region

Both the federal and provincial representatives of the region are holding local constituency clinics.

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing NDP MP Carol Hughes is stopping at Chapleau's municipal building from 9 to 10 this morning, then Wawa's from noon to 1 this afternoon, and finally Dubreuilville's from 2:30 to 3:30.

Algoma-Manitoulin NDP MPP Michael Mantha will stop at Chapleau Cree First Nation's band office from 11 am to 12 noon, the Chapleau township office from 1 pm to 2 pm, and Wawa's municipal office from 3 pm to 4 pm.

He'll also visit Dubreuilville's township office from 11 am to 12 noon tomorrow, White River's township office from 1 pm to 2 pm, and - on Thursday - the Michipicoten First Nation band office from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm.

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

Wawa EDC Highlights Staffing Changes

Wawa's Economic Development Corporation is highlighting some recent staffing changes.

A release from its Board of Directors says Sylvia Lesage has joined the EDC as Business Administrator - Lesage is a graduate of Laurentian University's Bachelor of Business Administration program with experience in non-profit business management, economic development, and business writing.

Her hiring comes after the resignation of the EDC's longtime CEO, Maury O'Neill, who started as the Municipality of Wawa's CAO-Treasurer last week, while EDC Executive Assistant Jessie Labonte departed at the end of February to begin maternity leave - she's expected to return next year.

The EDC is in the process of hiring a new Director of Economic Development, accepting applications for the role until this Friday, March 15th.