Wawa Council Holding Committee And Regular Meeting Back-to-Back

Wawa Municipal Council's set to hold back-to-back meetings tonight.

Council will start with a Corporate Planning Committee meeting, which will include the presentation of a Firefighter's 20-Year Exemplary Service Medal, as well as presentations or deputations from the Algoma Public Health Unit and the Cemetery Committee.

Also on the agenda: a policy on workplace violence and domestic violence; reports on the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and a Connecting Link Program application; and the 2018 annual monitoring and operation report for the landfill.

That will be followed by a regular meeting of Council - the agenda for that includes a resolution to adopt an organizational chart, requests to approve a sidewalk bistro for the Roxy Bowling Centre and the installation of a temporary greenhouse for John's Valu-Mart, and by-laws to adopt policies on service for sewer conditions, as well as Council attendance of events and conferences.

Council will also go "in-camera" to discuss a legal issue relating to a Freedom of Information request.

Aside from the "in-camera" portion, tonight's meetings are open to the public, starting at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers.

Wawa's Spring By Hand Festival Arrives

Wawa residents are getting a chance to see the works of many local artisans - and get pick up some Mother's Day gifts - at the By Hand Festival this weekend.

Noting there are 21 exhibitors registered - mostly local, but also from Chapleau, Marathon, and Sault Ste. Marie - Festival Coordinator Maria Reid says there will be "quite the choice" of unique items.

Maria Reid Explains the By Hand Festival
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Reid notes the cost to attend is simply silver collection, to cover the costs of holding the event.

The By Hand Festival will be held at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 6 to 9 o'clock tonight, and 10 to 3 tomorrow.

Sudbury Man Charged With Driving Nearly Double 80 km/h Speed Limit Near Chapleau

A Sudbury man's facing a racing charge after being clocked driving nearly double the speed limit on Highway 101 near Chapleau.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they observed the vehicle travelling over 150 kilometres an hour in a posted 80 kilometre an hour zone in Caouette Township Monday night.

The vehicle was stopped and the driver arrested on a charge of "race a motor vehicle - excessive speed" - the 36-year-old Sudbury man's also been issued a seven-day roadside suspension and his vehicle's been impounded for seven days.

He's scheduled to appear in court in Chapleau next month.

Volunteers Wanted To Help Clean Chapleau's Peace Park

Volunteers will be wanted for the coming season to help at Chapleau's Peace Park.

Mayor Michael Levesque notes there was a strong response to a call for help in 2018.

Mayor Levesque on Peace Park Cleanup
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque adds volunteers would also be appreciated to help cleanup the highway entering town - details on volunteering for either initiative will be released at a later date.

Joint Open House Held For Wawa's Toronto Ave. and Waterfront Projects

Wawa residents had an opportunity to learn about two major projects - the Waterfront and Toronto Avenue - in a joint open house Tuesday.

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson says the open house was an opportunity to inform the public and get input on plans for the waterfront, especially as there are some alternatives proposed to address public concerns about the swales.

Alex Patterson on Waterfront Swale Alternatives
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Patterson emphasizes feedback from the "community consultation" will help with the selection of an option to bring to Council.

The open house also presented the waterfront's proposed "natural playground", which Patterson calls "fairly unconventional", but also "unique" and a way to diversify what's offered in the community.

Alex Patterson Explains Waterfront's Proposed Natural Playground
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Patterson emphasizes that community feedback's needed on the idea, especially if people would prefer a more traditional playground, as the hope is to meet the community's preference.

He does emphasize "time is of the essence" - as the construction season's almost here - so the best way to give input is to go to or call the Community Centre - and he reminds the information is posted online.

As for the Toronto Avenue project, Infrastructure Services Director Cory Stainthorpe says the open house was meant as more of an information session, to update people on the status.

Cory Stainthorpe on Purpose of Toronto Avenue Open House
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Stainthorpe expects work on Toronto Avenue to resume in the last week of May, to be complete by July.

Budget Approved for Chapleau's Canada Day Celebrations

Two months ahead of the day, organizers are preparing for Chapleau's Canada Day celebrations.

Mayor Michael Levesque says Council has confirmed "everything" for the event.

Mayor Levesque Explains Approval for Canada Day Budget
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Volunteers are especially wanted to help run games.

Mayor Levesque notes Canada Day festivities will include inflatables, face painting, balloon twisting, volleyball and "Texas horseshoe" tournaments, Science North, and evening fireworks.

Chapleau Council Approves Contracts for Dock Installation and More

Plans are moving forward to change the municipal dock on the Chapleau River.

Council's awarded a $1500 contract to install a new dock - something Mayor Michael Levesque explains as a solution to a problem with the original dock plan.

Mayor Levesque on Need to Replace Dock
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque notes the contract awarded this week is simply for the installation of the floating docks, as they were already constructed by a local company.

Council's also approved a nearly $66,000 agreement for inspections of four local bridges, over $21,000 in repairs to the front-end loader, a nearly $17,000 "summer work agreement" for combination maintenance/capital work at the Recreation Centre - replacing the brine piping system - and a rezoning request to allow a medical office in the basement of a local doctor's existing residence.

Chapleau Town Council Prepares Budget For Final Vote

Chapleau Town Council seems ready to pass its budget in a couple weeks.

Council discussed the capital and operating budgets during Monday's meeting, and Mayor Michael Levesque says they were able to hammer out a draft for approval.

Mayor Levesque on 2019 Budget Progress
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque assures the new budget won't mean major changes to service, though there was a doubling of the snow removal budget - particularly due to the costs of removing snow from the arena roof - and a planned project has been dropped.

Mayor Levesque on Changes to the 2019 Budget
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The mayor also highlights $350,000 in repairs planned for the Monk Street, Lisgar Street, and Pedestrian bridges - expected to cost the Township less than $100,000.

As for taxes, Mayor Levesque says - should the budget stay as it was decided Monday night - there should be a 3% increase.

Council is scheduled to vote on the budget during their next meeting, on May 13th.

Southwestern Ontario Man Faces Multiple Charges Including Speeding and Impaired Driving

A southwestern Ontario man is facing multiple charges after being stopped for speeding near Wawa.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were conducting speed enforcement on Highway 17 in Bailloquet Township north of Wawa when they stopped an SUV around 3:15 Sunday afternoon - officers detected the odour of alcohol on the driver's breath and the driver ended up registering a "fail" on an approved screening device, so he was taken back to the local detachment for further testing.

The 40-year-old London, Ontario man has been charged with: operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus); operate a motor vehicle without insurance; speeding 1-49 kilometres over posted limit; driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available; and 2 counts of driving while under suspension.

Though the man's been released from custody with a court date in June, his driver's licence has been automatically suspended for 90 days while the vehicle's been impounded for seven.

Superior East OPP remind no amount of alcohol or drug is safe to consume and drive, and urge anyone who suspects an impaired driver to call 911 or the OPP.

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Supporting Local Hospital and Firefighters

Wawa's annual ice fishing derby is spreading support around the community.

The Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Committee has presented two cheques in recent days, the first being $2800 for the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation presented during the foundation's donor appreciation reception on Sunday.

Derby President Scott Popert says the committee always supports local charities, to "give back to the town".

Scott Popert on Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Supporting Charities
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Popert also presented a $2800 cheque to the Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters Association last night.

Municipality of Wawa Holding Open House on Toronto Ave. & Waterfront

Wawa residents are being encouraged to learn about two major local projects this afternoon.

A special open house is being held at the Community Centre, to address the Toronto Avenue and Waterfront projects - Infrastructure Services Director Cory Stainthorpe explains the Toronto Avenue portion will touch on the construction schedule and spring maintenance.

Cory Stainthorpe on Toronto Ave Project Update
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Topics for the Waterfront project will include its new swale design, Rose's beach house, Lion's Beach stair replacement, boardwalk, playground and furniture, beach sand, signage and art, and the Goose Market.

While the open house is something of a "come-and-go", the Toronto Avenue portion runs from 4 pm to 6 pm, and the Waterfront project will be the focus from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Honours Donors

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is honouring those who've supported the organization over the last year - and supporters lost over the past year.

The Foundation held its annual Donor Appreciation Reception on Sunday, showing the newly updated donor recognition boards - including twenty-three names added to the "In Memoriam" section, all of which were read out during the event.

Foundation Chair Lina Rody notes this also comes as the organization marks its tenth anniversary.

LDHCF Chair Lina Rody on 10 Years of Foundation
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Rody says the Foundation has raised nearly $443,000 to support the hospital over the last decade - that does not include the amount raised through the spring mail-out campaign which ends on Mother's Day, nor does it include two checks presented on Sunday: $10,000 from the Wawa Family Health Team and $2800 from the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby.

That means the Foundation's been successful in raising the remaining funds needed for the second phase of a digital radiography upgrade at the local hospital, so a new goal will be announced for the next fundraising campaign.

Radio Auction Raises Strong Support for Rotary Club of Wawa

The Rotary Club of Wawa is thanking the community for supporting their 37th annual Radio Auction.

Emphasizing the event is the Rotary Club of Wawa's largest annual fundraiser, Auction Chairman Mark Owen says he's quite pleased with the support, including the more than $20,000 in goods and services donated for auction - and the amount bid for them.

Radio Auction Chair Mark Owen on 2019 Bids
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Owen reminds successful bidders who haven't already picked up their items can do so at the Regional Employment Help Centre between 11 am and 3 pm weekdays until next Monday, May 6th.

In addition to the winning bidders, Diane Spencer was a winner: claiming this year's special addition, a door prize of a $50 Tim Hortons gift card.

The Rotary Club's still in the process of another fundraiser: a draw for a gourmet dinner for eight at Naturally Superior Adventures - tickets are available through any Rotarian, with the draw to be made in mid-May.

Wawa's "For The Health of It Challenge" Begins

Numerous Wawa residents will be getting active over the coming weeks, as the annual wellness challenge starts today.

Wawa Family Health Team dietician Jenelle McAuley notes the annual spring campaign's been rebranded from the Community Walking Challenge to the "For the Health of It Challenge" - covering not just fitness, but other aspects of healthy living - and there's also been a change in the prizes, too.

Jenelle McAuley Explains Wellness Challenge Prizes
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The challenge runs until Sunday, May 26th.

37th Rotary Club of Wawa Radio Auction Arrives

Phones will be ringing off the hook this weekend as a spring tradition returns to Wawa: the annual Rotary Club Radio Auction.

Emphasizing the 37th annual event is the Rotary Club of Wawa's largest fundraiser, Auction Chairman Mark Owen reminds the club supports "almost every organization in town".

Radio Auction Chair Mark Owen on Support For Event
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Owen thanks the local businesses and organizations who've already supported the Radio Auction with cash donations or providing items that will be up for bid - there is over $20,000 in goods and services on the auction block this year.

Catalogues are posted on JJAM FM's website, jjamfm.live, though they'll also be available at the auction site, the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, where anyone can show up to watch bids and place their own - and there will even be a door prize for those who come down to the Community Centre.

The Rotary Radio Auction runs from 7 pm to 11 pm Saturday, April 27th, broadcast live on JJAM FM.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Spring Campaign Continues

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is reminding time is left to help "spring ahead to better health care".

The foundation's annual spring mail-out campaign has passed its midpoint, and Foundation Intern Thea Desgagne explains there are a few ways to donate.

Thea Desgagne on Donating to LDHCF Spring Campaign
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Funds raised from this campaign support the second phase of a digital radiography upgrade at the local hospital - and only $15,000 needed to be raised when the campaign began at the start of the month.

The campaign officially runs until the second Sunday of May, Mother’s Day, May 12th.

Superior East OPP Charge 3 Drivers With Improper Storage of Cannabis and More

Local police have charged three drivers for improperly stored cannabis in three separate incidents.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the first incident was on Friday, April 19th, with officers at a R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Drivers Everywhere) check on Highway 101 near Wawa observing open containers of liquor in a vehicle - the driver tested a "0" on a roadside test, but a subsequent search of the vehicle revealed an unspecified "quantity of cannabis" that was readily available.

The 19-year-old Mississauga man was charged with driving vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available and driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available.

On Saturday, April 20th, officers pulled over a vehicle for speeding on Highway 17 in Alanen Township - near White River - with the officers detecting the odour of raw cannabis while speaking with the driver.

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a small quantity of cannabis within reach of the driver, leading the 22-year-old Sault Ste. Marie man to be charged with driving vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available and speeding - less than 50 kilometres over posted limit.

On Sunday, April 21st, another vehicle was stopped for a R.I.D.E. check on Highway 17 in Alanen Township near White River, with officers again detecting the odour of raw cannabis from the vehicle - a search revealed an unsealed bottle of liquor in the driver's reach, along with an unspecified quantity of cannabis.

The 21-year-old Thunder Bay man's been charged with driving vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available and driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available.

Superior East OPP remind that - while cannabis is legal to possess and consume - while in a vehicle it must remain in its unopened original packaging or must be packed in baggage that is fastened closed or not otherwise readily available to any person in the vehicle or boat.

Algoma Public Health Hit By Ransomware Attack

Algoma Public Health's cancelled today's appointments amid a ransomware attack.

The local health unit says it was hit with the attack on Friday morning - it blocked access to APH servers, though a statement from APH Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Marlene Spruyt, says the "IT department was able to quickly disconnect the servers from the internet on Friday" and "it appears no personal information or client information was taken".

APH says all appointments at all offices have been cancelled for today as it works to get services back online, though offices - including Wawa's - remain open, with staff able to assist.

The email system isn't working, however, so the health unit recommends calling - the Wawa office's number is 705-856-7208.

It's the latest ransomware attack to have an effect locally, after an attack on the Municipality of Wawa's network in December, and a "zero day virus" at Health Sciences North that impacted services at Wawa and Chapleau's hospitals in January.

Wawa's For The Health of It Challenge To "Kickoff"

Wawa residents are being challenged - for the health of it.

Wawa Family Health Team dietician Jenelle McAuley explains that the annual Community Walking Challenge has been revamped for its sixth year, becoming the "For the Health of It Challenge", which will broaden to other aspects of healthy living, as well.

Jenelle McAuley on Change to For The Health Of It Challenge
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

McAuley adds the challenge is no longer team-based, though participants are welcome to form teams and challenge each other, if they wish.

While the challenge doesn’t start until next week, a kickoff event will be held tonight, intended to provide more details and help people register, though McAuley notes there will also be a special demonstration, too.

Jenelle McAuley on Challenge Kickoff Event
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The kickoff event starts at 6:30 pm, at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Cart (0)