Algoma-Manitoulin NDP MPP Pans PC Government's Ontario Budget

The local NDP MPP is panning the PC government's new Ontario budget.

Algoma-Manitoulin's Michael Mantha calls it a "true blue Conservative budget", warning that rural and especially Northern Ontario will "feel the hardships" from cuts to several ministries, including cutting the Indigenous Affairs budget in half, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars less for Natural Resources and Forestry, Northern Development and Mines, and Agricultural Food and Rural Affairs, as well as "far less than inflation" for health care and education.

While Mantha acknowledges there are some nice promises in the document, he takes it with far more than a grain of salt.

Mantha particularly criticizes the changes to license plates and a lack of enforcement information accompanying the changes to alcohol sales - and he says this budget signals more privatization is on the way in the province.

The Algoma-Manitoulin MPP says the priorities of the PC government "are not with everyday Ontarians".

Still, Mantha vows to pressure the PC government and pass on concerns from constituents - either speaking out in the Legislature or meeting with ministers - though he also hopes Ontarians will mobilize to show their frustration.

National Library Week Celebrations Continue At Wawa Public Library

"National Library Week" celebrations are continuing at the Wawa Public Library.

After a Music Night event open to everyone last night, Assistant Librarian Suzie Jarrell explains today's celebration focuses on the younger children, offering "Sleepy Time Story Time".

"Sleepy Time Story Time" starts at 5:30 tonight.

Jarrell reminds the library's continuing its book sale until Saturday, along with the "Food For Fines" campaign doubling the "fine forgiveness" coupons normally given out for a food donation.

Franco Nord-Ouest Chess Tournament Returns to Wawa

Young chess masters are gathering in Wawa today.

Wawa's École Saint-Joseph is hosting its sixth Franco-Nord-Ouest Chess Tournament, bringing players from French schools across the region, dividing them into four categories: grades three and four; five and six; seven and eight; and secondary school.

Teacher and organizer René-Guy Nobert says the students are playing for something other than prizes.

Nobert expects a full slate of 150 students to participate in this year's tournament.

Chapleau Council Identifies Infrastructure Priorities

Chapleau Town Council's set some priorities for local infrastructure work.

While the budget was not discussed during Monday's meeting, Mayor Michael Levesque says Council did choose a project to submit for provincial funding, though he notes the funding criteria have changed.

Mayor Levesque says that means the Township needed to be careful about projects chosen, as it leaves the question of whether to pave a road but not fix pipes, since that part wouldn't be covered by the provincial funding.

In the end, Council did pick a project which Mayor Levesque says has been identified as "most needy".

Mayor Levesque says the Township's bill for the project would be $300,000, to cover works on water pipes and sewer work in that area, though the project will only go ahead if the provincial funding application is approved.

The mayor also notes plans for work on three local bridges: the Monk Street, Lisgar Street, and Pedestrian bridges.

Mayor Levesque expects that work to be done this summer.

Wawa Library Continues to Celebrate National Library Week With Music Night

The Wawa Public Library is continuing to celebrate "National Library Week".

Assistant Librarian Suzie Jarrell explains today's celebration includes a Music Night featuring a local musician.

The Music Night event runs from 6 pm to 7 pm.

Jarrell reminds the library will also hold "Sleepy Time Story Time" tomorrow evening, while a "Food For Fines" campaign and a book sale both continue the rest of the week.

Chapleau Council Gives Green Light To Drag Races

Drag races will be rolling into Chapleau this summer.

In a vote of 3 to 1 - Mayor Michael Levesque the dissenting vote - Chapleau Town Council approved an agreement with the Chapleau Regional Development Corporation, which will see drag races held at the Chapleau Municipal Airport the fourth weekend of August, the 23rd to 25th.

Mayor Levesque says the agreement - which includes the Township providing in-kind support of up to $7000 - does address concerns raised by the Township.

Mayor Levesque also disputes the insinuation that - just because he voted against the agreement - that he was fully opposed to the idea of the drag races.

Michel Sylvestre of the CRDC says the organization is "really happy" the agreement's been approved, assuring they're ready to hold the event in just four-and-a-half months.

Sylvestre says the event will be organized by the CRDC, with Luskville Speedway running the races - as it does for Wawa's Northern Nationals Drag Race - though they will be looking to the community for support.

As for other draws to the drag races, Sylvestre says the CRDC's looking into bringing in a jet car or a band, though those details have yet to be worked out.

RSVP Deadline for Wawa Seniors Expo

Organizers are reminding Wawa's annual seniors expo is almost here.

Wawa Family Health Team Geriatric Program Coordinator Jolene Binda says the 4th annual "Seniors Exposition and Active Living Fair" offers a chance for seniors to learn about services and programs in the community.

While the event generally works as a "come-and-go", Binda notes there will be scheduled presentations, as well as a lunch and music from the Goodtimers.

While the Seniors Expo isn't until next Wednesday, April 17th - from 10 to 3 at the Community Centre - anyone who wants to attend is asked to RSVP today by calling 705-856-1313.

Wawa Public Library Kicks Off Book Sale For National Library Week

Wawa's library is continuing celebrations marking "National Library Week".

Assistant Librarian Suzie Jarrell explains that includes a Book Sale running for the rest of the week.

Jarrell notes the library will also be selling audio books, as well as movies on VHS or DVD.

The Wawa Public Library's National Library Week celebrations also include a special "Food For Fines" campaign, a Music Night event featuring Richard Overton tomorrow night (from 6 to 7 pm), and "Sleepy Time Story Time" Thursday evening (at 5:30 pm).

Information Session on Proposed Wawa LNG Project

Wawa residents will have a chance later today to learn about a proposal to bring liquefied natural gas to town.

As part of the "North Shore LNG project" - a multi-year effort to bring LNG to the region which has led to a new plant being built in Nipigon - the Municipalities of Manitouwadge, Marathon, Schreiber, Terrace Bay, and Wawa are proposing local gas storage facilities in each community, including Wawa.

The municipalities have retained Markham-based Stantec Consulting for an environmental study, with the firm holding an information session on the proposal for a facility off Mission Road, a main pipeline along Mission, Broadway, and Government Road, with lateral pipelines serving other streets in town.

A map of the proposal shows no plans to connect the Michipicoten River Village area or even Pinewood Drive and the industrial park - an issue raised by municipal CAO-Treasurer Maury O'Neill during last week's Economic Development Corporation annual general meeting.

All residents are invited to drop-in and discuss the proposed project - including proposed routes, design, and anticipated schedule - during the information session, running from noon to 3 o'clock at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Chapleau Council Holding Regular Meeting

Chapleau Town Council will further discuss the proposed drag races, a few policies, and more as they return to Council Chambers tonight.

Included on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting is a resolution to review a report from the acting CAO/Clerk on the Chapleau Regional Development Corporation's proposal to hold drag races at the airport during August.

Also on the agenda are by-laws setting a social media policy and appointing a closed meeting investigator, as well as a draft by-law on remuneration, and resolutions: authorizing a funding agreement with the Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation and extending the agreement for temporary CAO/Clerk services by two months.

There are two "in-camera" items, as well, both relating to "personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees".

Not on the agenda: the 2019 operating budget, which was presented to Council for review two weeks ago - that is expected to be addressed during the April 29th meeting, as it will be a finance meeting.

Aside from the in-camera part, tonight's meeting is open to the public, starting at 6:30 in Civic Centre Council Chambers.

Chapleau Wants Ice Huts Removed From Boat Launch Area

The Township of Chapleau's warning ice hut owners to pick them up this week.

A notice from the Township warns anyone who left their ice hut at the Lorne Street Boat Launch area that the hut must be removed from that area by next Monday, April 15th.

Any ice hut not removed by that date will be disposed of at the municipal landfill site - and the Township warns it will be at the owner's expense.

The Township also reminds that the boat launch area isn't a storage area, and ice huts should not be left there.

Wawa Public Library Celebrating National Library Week

Canada is celebrating libraries this week - and Wawa's library is, too.

Assistant Librarian Suzanne Jarrell explains the Wawa Public Library's marking National Library Week.

Jarrell notes celebrations include a "Food For Fines" campaign.

Jarrell also highlights a "Coffee and Culture" event from 5 to 7 tonight, featuring a few local authors and artisans discussing and selling their books and works.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Launches Spring Campaign

While the weather may not agree, spring is here and Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is asking residents to "spring ahead to better health care".

Foundation Chair Lina Rody explains its annual spring mail-out campaign is underway, supporting a digital radiography upgrade at the local hospital - and only $15,000 more needs to be raised.

Donations can be mailed in, made online, or dropped off at the foundation office or hospital - the campaign officially runs until the second Sunday of May.

Wawa Red Cross Office Moving

Wawa's Canadian Red Cross is moving.

After eight years in the current location, the local office is changing locations - something Senior Services Coordinator Darlene Trovarello says is needed.

Though details still need to be worked out, Vangie Fournier explains plans for the new day service.

The Red Cross office will move to 31 Broadway Avenue - the former Dawson and Keenan Insurance office - next Monday, April 15th, though Trovarello assures there should be little effect on service on moving day.

Franco Nord-Ouest Chess Tournament Coming to Wawa

Young chess masters will be gathering in Wawa next week.

Wawa's École Saint-Joseph is preparing for its sixth annual "Franco Nord-Ouest" chess tournament, and teacher/organizer René-Guy Nobert says registration closes today - it's open to French schools across the North.

The chess players will be divided into four categories: Grades 3 and 4; 5 and 6; 7 and 8; and secondary school.

The tournament will be held next Thursday, April 11th.

Ontario Special Investigations Unit to Investigate Collision Involving OPP Cruiser and Snowmobile

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit is looking into a collision involving a snowmachine and a car in Wawa yesterday afternoon.

The SIU says an Ontario Provincial Police cruiser was en route to a call around 4:30 Wednesday afternoon when the collision occurred - Superior East OPP have confirmed it happened on Highway 101 - or Main Street - at the intersection with Gladstone Avenue - there is access to a snowmobile trail at spot.

SIU say the snowmobile operator was transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries - described by OPP as "non-life threatening" - while the OPP officer was also taken to hospital for treatment, though no injuries are specified.

The SIU's mandate is to investigate incidents involving police in which someone is seriously injured or dies.

Highway 101 was closed until about 11:30 last night, with traffic detouring around it using Gladstone Avenue.

Charges Detailed in Collision at Wawa Goose Turnoff

Careless driving and commercial vehicle-related charges have been laid in connection to last week's collision involving a tractor-trailer and a commercial truck at the junction of Highways 17 and 101.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the commercial truck was turning onto Highway 17 from 101 when it collided with the transport truck shortly before 8 o'clock last Thursday morning - both drivers suffered minor injuries, while Highway 17 was fully or partially closed on-and-off for a few hours after the collision.

The commercial truck's driver has been charged with careless driving as well as possessing more than one daily log for the commercial vehicle, and entering inaccurate or false information in a daily log.

Wawa EDC Elects New Board Member and Reviews 2018

There's been a couple changes for the board of Wawa's Economic Development Corporation.

During last night's annual general meeting, EDC members approved a resolution reducing the size of the board from eleven seats to nine - for now, at least.

That meant a smaller election during the meeting, with three seats in contention - four of the other six seats will be up for vote next year, while the other two are Council appointees.

Three EDC board members sought to retain their seats - current Chair Andy Stevens, Liz Talian-Clarke, and Rick Dickson - while two more EDC members were nominated from the floor, Kaitlin Dube and Heidi McLaren - voting ended with Stevens, Talian-Clarke, and McLaren elected to fill the three seats.

The board is filled out by Danette Mathias, Joey Ralph, Russell Reid, Johanna Rowe, and the Council appointees, Mayor Ron Rody and Councillor Robert Reece.

Attendees were also treated to a presentation from former EDC CEO Maury O'Neill - now the municipal CAO-Treasurer - who highlighted various EDC activities over 2018, including the windup of the Wawa Green Project and the Wawa Wood Heat Program - she noted quite a bit of interest, with 20 rebates provided before the program was cancelled by the provincial government, most for switching to a new wood heat appliance from an older one, though some for switching to wood heat from another fuel type.

O'Neill also emphasized good news for other local projects, including the Magino Gold project recently clearing its environmental assessment, as well as progress on the East-West Tie Transmission Line from Wawa to Thunder Bay.

NextBridge representative Matthew Jackson further discussed that project, noting it was given leave to construct in February and cleared the environmental approval process in March, with plans to start construction in June, continuing to December 2021 - it has chosen an Edmonton-based contractor with experience in such projects as its general contractor, while Supercom - which is wholly owned by the Bamkushwada Limited Partnership, including Michipicoten First Nation - will handle subcontracting.

Jackson emphasized 300 indigenous workers have been trained for the project, with plans to source locally, when possible.

O'Neill and departing EDC board member Dave Jennings were both honoured during the meeting with a gift recognizing their contribution to the organization.

Wawa Council Delays Corporate Planning Meeting

Wawa Municipal Council is delaying next week's committee meeting by a week.

The Municipality says the April 9th Corporate Planning meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 16th - it'll be combined with the Policy Committee meeting already planned for the 16th.

That would be held at the new usual meeting time of 6:30 p-m, in Council Chambers - as always, it would be open to the public, aside from any in-camera items that may be on the agenda.

A regular meeting is also scheduled to be held back-to-back with the Policy meeting on April 16th.

Wawa EDC Holding Annual General Meeting

Wawa's Economic Development Corporation is preparing to look back at the past year and ahead to this one.

Chair Andy Stevens explains tonight's annual general meeting includes several important items, including the board election - as the two-year term ends for half the current board - though a resolution during tonight’s meeting will decide how many seats are up for election.

Emphasizing all EDC members should attend - and anyone else can come to observe - Stevens notes this year's meeting will include reports on 2018, plans for 2019, and even guest speakers: Mayor Ron Rody; EDC CEO-turned-municipal CAO-Treasurer Maury O'Neill; and a representative of NextBridge, who'll discuss the East-West Tie Transmission Line project from Wawa to Thunder Bay.

Hosted in the Community Centre Banquet Room, the meeting begins at 6:30 tonight.