Local Students To Participate in Franco-Ontarian Games

Nearly a dozen local students will be showing off their skills this weekend, competing against Francophone students across Ontario.

The local French Catholic school board, CSC Nouvelon, says 48 students from its schools will be participating in this weekend's Franco-Ontarian Games, including two students from Chapleau's Ecole secondaire catholique Trillium, and nine from Wawa's Ecole secondaire Saint-Joseph: Keenan Collis; Sarah Chevrier; Cole Smedts; Hunter Schumacher; Hunter Chiasson; Wesley Stewart; Travis Stewart-Gauthier; Démily Thibodeau-Bello; and Reid Hunter.

The Franco-Ontarian Games are being held in the Greater Sudbury community of Hanmer, with more than 650 francophone students from 106 French language Catholic and public secondary schools to compete in eight categories: sports; visual arts; improvisation; quiz; circus arts; music; dance; and media.

New Firefighters and By-Law Enforcement in Chapleau

Chapleau has gotten a little creative with some new appointments.

Mayor Michael Levesque explains Council has approved the appointment of new assistant by-law enforcement and property standards officers, calling it a temporary measure.

Mayor Levesque Explains Reason For Assistant By-Law Officers

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The mayor notes the new appointees would also be responsible for "a measure of" property standards and "flagrant breaches of by-laws" such as for parking, though it's expected the enforcement will be mostly on a complaints basis.

While he does call it a temporary measure, Mayor Levesque couldn't say how long it would be needed, citing issues recruiting for such roles.

Mayor Levesque on Duration for Assistant By-Law Officers

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Meanwhile, Chapleau has a couple new firefighters - including an historic choice.

Mayor Levesque explains Council approved the appointment of the new firefighters during Monday night's meeting.

Mayor Levesque on Newly Appointed Firefighters

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Both of the new firefighters were recommended for appointment by the fire chief.

Wawa Council Set to Review Capital Budget

Wawa Municipal Council is set to get its first look at this year's capital budget.

A special meeting will be held tonight, with a few items on the agenda: the capital budget; a tax rate matter relating to the small scale farm business sub class; and a staff recommendation for an RFP (request for proposals) on construction and installation of the Waterfront Boardwalk.

There’s also a late addition: a recommendation to screen and install sand at Rose's Beach as part of the Waterfront Project.

Open to the public, tonight's meeting will be held at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers.

Chapleau Council Passes 2019 Budget

Chapleau Town Council has set its budget for the year.

Council passed the draft capital and operating budgets during Monday's meeting, approving a three percent levy increase, which Mayor Michael Levesque describes as "a manageable percent to cover costs, but not excessively" - and he assures there are no 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 was dropped.

Mayor Levesque Explains Changes to Municipal Budget

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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

While Council discussed the budget, KPMG also presented their review of the Township's 2018 financial statement - Mayor Levesque notes no problems were highlighted with last year's statement, though concerns were raised for this year and future years.

Mayor Levesque on KPMG Warning on Financial Statement

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

With the municipal budget now passed, tax bills are expected to go out as usual.

Two London, Ontario Residents Charged After Wawa Theft Report

Two Southwestern Ontario residents are facing charges after a theft report in Wawa.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say a local business reported around 4:25 Saturday afternoon that a motor vehicle was taken without a tow bill being paid.

Officers conducted patrols, but the vehicle wasn't located until about 8:30 Sunday morning, when it was spotted travelling westbound on Highway 17 and officers stopped the vehicle in White River Township.

According to police, investigation led to the arrest of a 33-year-old London, Ontario man on charges of: theft of motor vehicle; possession of property obtained by crime under $5000; possession of break-in instruments; operation while prohibited; driving while under suspension; and operate a motor vehicle without insurance.

A 36-year-old London, Ontario woman was also arrested, charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime under $5000, and possession of break-in instruments.

Both have been held in custody to appear in court today.

Chapleau Council Set To Vote on Municipal Budget

Chapleau Town Council is poised to adopt this year's municipal budget.

The budget is one of the items on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting, with by-laws to set tax ratios and tax capping parameters, provide for the adoption of 2019 estimates and tax rates and provide for penalty and interest in default of payment - both standard for the adoption of a municipal budget.

Speaking after the April 29th meeting, Mayor Michael Levesque told JJAM FM News that the proposed budget includes a 3% levy increase, but assured it won't mean major changes to service.

Mayor Levesque Explains CTC Budget Decision

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Council will also receive a presentation from KPMG on the 2018 financial statements, and will consider: a by-law to appoint assistant by-law enforcement and property standards officers; a resolution awarding a contract for annual groundwater monitoring and reporting for the Waste Disposal Site; a resolution appointing new firefighters; and a resolution approving sewer blockage policy and 2019 fees.

There will also be a verbal update on the local Drag Races, and Council will go "in-camera" to discuss three items, all "personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees".

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

Ministry of Natural Resources Warning of Wire Traps For Bear Survey

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is warning to watch out for traps, as it watches for black bears.

The Ministry says staff will conduct barbed-wire hair trap surveys in several - unspecified - parts of the province this month, using sardines to encourage black bears to rub up against the traps, leaving a small hair sample that is then sent for DNA analysis.

It's intended to update bear population data for the province.

Nominations Open For Chapleau Volunteer Awards

Nominations are now open for Chapleau's annual volunteer awards.

Awarded during Canada Day festivities, the annual "Buddy" Swanson Volunteer Recognition Award is named after a former Chapleau councillor, volunteer, and coach - and Mayor Michael Levesque encourages nominations.

Mayor Levesque on Buddy Swanson Volunteer Award

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Nomination forms can be found at the Township Offices or on the municipal website - they'll be accepted by mail or email until 4 pm on Friday, June 7th.

The call for nominations comes amid a couple calls for volunteers in Chapleau, as help is wanted to maintain the Peace Park and to help cleanup the highway entering town.

Wawa Council Sets Initial Budget Review Date

Wawa Municipal Council will look at this year's capital budget in less than a week.

A special meeting's been called for Wednesday, May 15th, with the municipal notice showing three items on the agenda: the capital budget; a tax rate matter relating to the small scale farm business sub class; and a staff recommendation for an RFP on construction and installation of the Waterfront Boardwalk.

While it is on a different day, the Wednesday meeting will be held at the new usual time of 6:30 pm in Council Chambers, open for the public to attend.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Proposes Fishing Rule Changes in FMZ 10

Changes are being proposed for fishing in a large part of Northern Ontario.

The provincial Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is proposing to changes to rules in Fisheries Management 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, while Michipicoten Island, Cockburn Island, and Manitoulin Island are also included in the zone.

One of the changes would open brown trout to year-round fishing - rather than the 5-month season it currently has - aligning it with neighbouring zones, like zone 7 (which includes Wawa) and zone 9, which covers the waters of Lake Superior.

Anglers would need to be more careful with muskellunge - or "musky" - as Sport License holders would be restricted to one that is at least 122 centimetres long, rather than the current 91 centimetre minimum.

Conservation License holders would still be unable to have musky.

Comments on the changes are being accepted until June 7th.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's Spring Campaign Ending

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

While the annual spring mail-out campaign has already been successful in raising the remaining funds needed to cover the second phase of the hospital's digital radiography upgrade, Foundation Chair Lina Rody notes it is still accepting donations until the end of the weekend, as another cause will be chosen for future campaigns - and she commends the support from the community.

LDHCF Chair Lina Rody on Past Support for Foundation

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Rody notes over $440,000 has been raised by the foundation since it was started ten years ago.

Donations can be mailed in, made online, or dropped off at the foundation office or hospital - and the foundation reminds it is a registered charity.

Wawa Firefighter Honoured For 20 Years of Service

A Wawa firefighter was honoured for longtime service at this week's Council meeting.

Wawa Volunteer Fire Department Captain David - or Dave - Jennings was presented with a 20 Year Exemplary Service Medal by Chief Kevin Sabourin, while Mayor Ron Rody also presented Jennings with a certificate for service.

Both Rody and Sabourin lauded Jennings for his dedication, with Jennings thanking them and the attending firefighters for the support.

Algoma District Mine Rescue Competition Continues

Three local mines are continuing to show off their mine rescue skills - competing for a district title.

The Algoma District Mine Rescue Competition continues today, and Mine Rescue Officer Mike Krell explains today's focus is a test of various skills the teams may need in a real mine rescue situation.

Mike Krell Explains Mine Rescue Competition Scenario

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While this year's competitors are from the Wesdome Gold Mines Eagle River Mine, Alamos Gold's Island Gold Mine, and Barrick's Hemlo-Williams Mine, Krell expresses hopes the other two local mines - Borden Gold in Chapleau and Harte Gold in White River - may be able to field teams next year.

Krell adds everyone is "absolutely" encouraged to come out to the Community Centre today and watch, learning more about mine rescue - the competition will be on most of the day - though he does ask people hold off posting pictures from today's competition until Friday evening, to avoid leaks for other competitions across the province.

The local winners will compete in the provincial competition to be held at Newmont Goldcorp's Red Lake Gold Mines in Red Lake June 4th to 7th.

Municipality of Wawa Seeking Funding to Reconstruct Road Surfaces in School Zone

The Municipality of Wawa's hoping for funding to reconstruct streets in the town's "School Zone".

Council has approved a recommendation from Infrastructure Services Director Cory Stainthorpe to apply for funding through the "Rural and Northern Communities Funding Stream" of the federal "Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program".

Plans are to use the funds to reconstruct the road surface of the zone while includes Magpie Road, Churchill Avenue, Boyer Street, Spruce Street, Arnott Avenue, Ross Street, Darwin Street, Parkhill Street, and Grace Street.

Stainthorpe explains "everything ties in nicely" for the choice, as the funding program's focused on safety and vehicle and pedestrian flow and would allow the Municipality to address multiple roads.

Cory Stainthorpe Explains Choice for ICIP Application

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Stainthorpe says there's no specific design for the project yet - crosswalks, signage, and speed limits are expected to be discussed, though he believes it will be partly shaped by the traffic study to be presented to Council next month.

As for cost, the resolution passed by Council last night expects it to total $4,549,662.66 - excluding HST - from October 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2023, though the funding program is expected to cover 93.3% of the project, so the Municipality's only committing a total of $303,462.50 over four years: $3034.63 in 2019; $121,385 in 2020 and again in 2021; and $54,623.25 in 2022.

A response on the application isn't expected until the fall.

Wawa's St. Joseph French Immersion Students Walk For Justice

Students at a local school were out walking for justice earlier today.

Michaela Sheehan and Students Chant in Walk for Justice

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

That's St. Joseph French Immersion Principal Michaela Sheehan and students from the school during their annual Walk For Justice.

Sheehan explains the walk is a way the school - and the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board - marks Catholic Education Week, with students learning about Canadian or other world issues involving injustice - this year's theme being refugees and immigrants from around the world.

Principal Michaela Sheehan Explains St. Joseph Walk for Justice

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The students were greeted with honks by many passing vehicles as they travelled from the school to St. Monica's Parish and back.

Algoma District Mine Rescue Competition Underway in Wawa

Wawa's Community Centre will be a busy place today and tomorrow as a few local mines show off their mine rescue skills.

Teams from the Wesdome Gold Mines Eagle River Mine, Alamos Gold's Island Gold Mine, and Barrick's Hemlo-Williams Mine are competing in the Algoma District Mine Rescue Competition.

Mine Rescue Officer Mike Krell explains there are two main parts to today's portion of the competition.

Mike Krell Outlines 1st Day of Mine Rescue Competition

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Krell adds that tomorrow will see the major team competition, in which each team will undergo a scenario testing various skills that may be needed for mine rescue.

The winners will compete in the provincial competition to be held at Newmont Goldcorp's Red Lake Gold Mines in Red Lake June 4th to 7th.

Municipality of Wawa Applying For Connecting Link Funding Again

The Municipality of Wawa is once again seeking "Connecting Link" funding for changes to Mission Road - and work on Main Street.

While he acknowledges that the municipality's unsuccessfully applied for Connecting Link funding for this stretch of road multiple times in recent years, Infrastructure Services Director Cory Stainthorpe says the current proposal - still subject to changes in the design phase - has changed from the original focus on resurfacing without curb, gutter, or sidewalk work.

Cory Stainthorpe Explains Change to Connecting Link Proposal

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Stainthorpe adds the switch to two lanes with a middle turning lane - and the addition of bike lanes that would likely be closed during winter - is expected to help reduce travel speed along Mission Road, eliminating opportunity for drivers to weave in and out of lanes - and he says the middle lane generally makes it safer and improves flow, following adjustments.

Another key part of the proposal would be crosswalks, proposed for three points: the intersection of Mission Road with Churchill and Winston; the intersection of Mission and Magpie; and the intersection of Mission with Main and Third.

While there is a crossing guard at Mission and Magpie, Stainthorpe says they have limited hours and there are other points where traffic is a problem.

Cory Stainthorpe on Connecting Link Crosswalk Plans

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Stainthorpe emphasizes the project does rely on provincial funding, though he warns - if it isn't done soon - then the municipality may need to work on the road, anyway.

He suggests the Municipality may also take the opportunity to extend the water main along Subway toward the Viking Apartments to install a fire hydrant - something the Municipality would need to cover, as the provincial funding wouldn't.

Work Resuming for Wawa Waterfront Project - Off the Waterfront

Work is resuming for the Wawa Waterfront Project.

Brian Lachine, the Acting Director of Community Services and Tourism, says work is set to start today a little off the waterfront.

Brian Lachine On Start of Goose Nest Market Work

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Lachine says other work planned to start soon includes work on the Lion's Beach stairs.

Brian Lachine Explains Future of Lion's Beach Stairs

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

That work is also expected to be complete for Canada Day weekend.

Lachine adds hopes are - within a few weeks - to bring forward a recommendation for a contractor to do the sand for the beach - which he hopes will be "like Sandy Beach sand" - which will be followed by the installation of the new boardwalk and park equipment.

Sault Ste. Marie Chosen for Ring of Fire Ferrochrome Smelter

Sault Ste. Marie's set to cash in on the Ring of Fire - but not for a few years.

Citing competitive advantages such as location, logistics, industrial workforce, infrastructure, a "great partner in Algoma Steel", and "attractive" operating and capital costs, Noront Resources says it's selected the Sault to host for a Ferrochrome Production Facility that would process chromite from the major deposit in Northwestern Ontario.

The facility's expected to employ 300 to 500 people directly and more than 1000 more indirectly through suppliers and other businesses.

Plans are for the facility to be located on Algoma Steel property - subject to a land agreement Noront says it's in the process of finalizing - though it'll also need to complete environmental and feasibility assessments, community consultation and engagement, and technical approvals before construction can be tendered - Noront expects construction to begin in mid-2025 and take about three years, costing about $1-billion.

That timeline also depends on the development of road infrastructure to the Ring of Fire.

Premier Doug Ford's touting the announcement as a show of how his PC government's made northern Ontario "open for business and open for jobs", thanking Energy, Northern Development and Mines Minister Greg Rickford and Rickford's Parliamentary Assistant, Sault Ste. Marie MPP Ross Romano.

Sault Mayor Christian Provenzano highlights the efforts of the "FPF project team", and support of Romano and Liberal MP Terry Sheehan, the chiefs of the Batchewana and Garden River First Nations, and the executive leadership of Algoma Steel.

NextBridge Holding Local Open Houses on East-West Tie Line

Wawa residents will have a chance later today to learn more about plans for construction of a major power line between Wawa and Thunder Bay.

More than three months after being designated as the transmitter to build the 450-kilometre, double circuit transmission line known as the "East-West Tie Line", NextBridge is holding a series of "pre-construction open houses" from Wawa to Thunder Bay this week, covering topics such as construction process and timing, what to expect during construction, local benefits, and how to stay connected and informed.

NextBridge has said construction will start in the coming months and end by 2021, planned to progress along the project route in eleven different “work fronts".

Open houses will be held locally at the Wawa Legion from 4:30 to 7:30 this evening and the White River Legion tomorrow evening.