Registration Deadline for CHADWIC Home Charity Golf Tournament

Time is almost up for golfers to register for CHADWIC Home's annual golf tournament.

Reminding today is the official deadline for registrations, CHADWIC Home Executive Director Paula Valois explains the event's a fundraiser for programs not usually covered by the "main budget" of the local women's shelter.

Valois encourages everyone to sign up a team of four today - the tournament will be held next Friday, June 28th.

Preparations Ramp Up For Wawa Music Festival

Organizers of Wawa's annual music festival are again putting out the call for support - in many forms.

Committee Vice Chair Isabeau Allard reminds today is the deadline to sign up - for free - to be a vendor during the Wawa Music Festival's street fair.

Allard encourages potential vendors to message her on Facebook or email wawamusicfestival@gmail.com.

Fellow committee member Sheila Rodger reminds volunteers are also wanted - age 14 and up - with a good chance for community service hours for high school students and more for adult volunteers.

Rodger emphasizes that it's a lot of fun for volunteers, too, and encourages potential volunteers to contact her or message the festival Facebook page as soon as possible..

The Wawa Music Festival will be held June 28th to 30th.

Wawa Council Considers New Parking Spots on Broadway

More parking could be added on Broadway Avenue.

Wawa Municipal Council had received a letter requesting angle parking along the street for a local business near Lion's Beach - the idea was discussed, with Infrastructure Services Director Cory Stainthorpe says it would be viable, though it would require a change in the municipal parking by-law.

Councillor Pat Tait noted concerns about putting angle parking at the spot, as that area would be a good spot for parallel parking for larger vehicles - such as RVs - and asked that Stainthorpe prepare a report on the request.

That report is expected at a later date.

Wawa Council Updated on Waterfront Project

Work is continuing on Wawa's waterfront.

Wawa Municipal Council received an update on the project during last night's Policy Committee meeting, with Brian Lachine - the Acting Director of Community Services and Tourism - noting work has begun on various aspects of the project, with some parts to continue to October, though much of the work is to be done this summer.

Plans include the demolition of the current Dr. Rose's beach house - to be replaced with accessible bathrooms - which Lachine notes will be accompanied by new sand on the beach.

Lachine also says staff are looking at replacing the Lion's Beach stairs, which are currently closed to public use over safety concerns.

Work is also underway on the "swales" along the waterfront - with the boardwalk to go by them and more vegetation to be added to make it look similar to marshland - and Lachine emphasizes the four along Dr. Rose's Beach capture about a quarter of the municipality's "stormwater".

Lachine adds that the outflow at Ganley Street puts out about 75 percent of the municipality's stormwater, so the swale at that spot plays a more important role.

The swales are designed to be cleaned by municipal staff as regular maintenance, though Lachine says the hope is the conversation will prompt people to think about what goes down municipal storm drains and take better care of our drinking water source, Wawa Lake.

When asked about the potential for a boat launch, Lachine emphasized that is not included in the current plans - which he called "phase one" of the Waterfront Project - but noted discussions have been held with the Ministry of Natural Resources about the idea, which could be included in a second phase of the project, though there's no timeline for that and it would likely be subject to outside funding.

No Charges in Single Vehicle Collision North of Wawa

No charges are expected for a single vehicle collision near Wawa this past weekend.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police have confirmed that there was a single vehicle collision about 30 kilometres north of town Saturday morning - two people were in the car, with the Wawa Volunteer Fire Department needed to extract one of them.

Both occupants were brought to the Lady Dunn Health Centre for treatment of minor injuries.

Wawa Council to Discuss Operating Budget and More in Back-to-Back Meetings

Wawa Municipal Council will take another look at the 2019 operating budget as part of back-to-back meetings tonight.

Council will start the night with a Policy Committee meeting, with items including the operating budget presented to Council on June 6th: it proposes a 2.11 percent property tax increase - mostly attributed to lower provincial government funding or grants - water rates would go up 4.5 percent and user fees would go up 2 to 5 percent.

The draft operating budget, CAO report, and presentation are available to the public on the municipal website, through Civic Web - plans are to resolve any potential issues tonight so the budget can go to a vote next Tuesday, June 25th.

Also on the agenda is a draft schedule of fees for 2019, the traffic study presented to Council two weeks ago, an overview of the Waterfront Project, a draft IT policy, and three letters: one regarding a request for designated parking; another for permission to inter; and the last from Algoma Public Health, about proposed changes to public health in Ontario.

Following the Policy meeting will be a regular meeting of Council, with the letters on designated parking and permission to inter both on that agenda, as well, along with by-laws adopting an asset management policy and authorizing an agreement for the supply of material, labour, and equipment for the installation of playground equipment at Dr. Rose's Beach.

Council will also go "in-camera" to discuss a legal issue involving outstanding invoices and a personal matter regarding a traffic concern.

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

Red Pine Releases Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for Surluga Deposit

A new underground mine could be on the horizon for the Wawa area.

Red Pine Exploration's put out an updated mineral resource estimate for the Surluga Deposit at its Wawa Gold Project, which puts Indicated Resources at more than 1.2-million tonnes at 5.31 grams of gold per tonne for 205,000 ounces of gold, while Inferred resources top 2.36-million tonnes at 5.22 grams per tonne for 396,000 ounces of gold.

The Toronto-based junior minor says this represents a "significant" increase in grade, quality, and continuity of the gold zones at Surluga, noting the estimate was evaluated for a high-grade underground mining scenario, a shift from its previous open pit development plan.

CEO Quentin Yarie says the new resource shows they've only "scratched the surface", adding the short distance between the Surluga Deposit and the Minto Mine South Deposit outlines "potential synergies".

Wesdome Touts Drilling at Eagle River Mine

Exploration drilling is continuing at a local mine.

Wesdome Gold Mines is reporting ongoing surface and underground exploration drilling at its nearby Eagle River Mine is focusing on expansion of the 7 and 300 zones, particularly 7 East and 311 West.

President and CEO Duncan Middlemiss says results are expected to be included into the existing resource base at year end, and he's touting results from the recently discovered Falcon zones, which he says show "good potential to define higher grade and wider zones of gold mineralization that would be near mine infrastructure".

CHADWIC Home Golf Tournament Nears

Organizers are calling on golfers to prepare for the annual CHADWIC Home Golf Tournament.

CHADWIC Home Executive Director Paula Valois explains the event's for teams of four with a shotgun start so everyone will finish at the same time, but emphasizes it's a fun fundraiser.

Valois particularly highlights the support of Northern Lights Ford - which is offering a prize for getting a hole in one on number 7 - as well as Wesdome, which is sponsoring the green fees, and Dynamic Roofing, whose donation covers the door prize.

Anyone wanting to register can contact CHADWIC Home by this Friday, June 21st, with the tournament the following Friday.

New Principal Announced for Dubreuilville's Ecole Saint-Joseph

A new, permanent principal's been named for a local school.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says Line Bergeron has been appointed principal for Dubreuilville's Ecole Saint-Joseph starting next school year - she's currently a teacher with the board in Sault Ste. Marie.

She replaces Philippe Lacroix, who's been serving as interim principal since August 2017.

Wawa Music Festival Looking For Volunteers, Vendors, and Sponsors

Support is being sought as Wawa's annual music festival is just two weeks away.

Committee member Sheila Rodger says the Wawa Music Festival is looking for volunteers ages 14 and up - and notes it's a good chance for community service hours.

Rodger notes any amount of time people can volunteer would help, adding that adult volunteers will get a free weekend pass for the festival - potential volunteers are asked to contact her (call 519-890-3486 or email rodger.sheila@gmail.com) or message the festival Facebook page as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Committee Vice Chair Isabeau Allard notes there's still an opportunity to sign up to be a vendor during the festival's street fair.

Allard encourages potential vendors to message her on Facebook or email wawamusicfestival@gmail.com.

She adds sponsors are still welcome, too, as the festival runs on contributions from businesses, organizations, and volunteers - and she thanks all current sponsors.

The Wawa Music Festival will be held Friday, June 28th to Sunday, June 30th - the weekend ahead of Canada Day.

Organizers Signal Coming End to Wawa's Black Fly Run Ahead of 19th Annual Event

Runners will be lacing up their shoes for Wawa's annual Black Fly Run tomorrow.

Wawa Family Health Team Executive Director Silvana Dereski calls the 19th year "very special" - especially as the original organizers thought ten years would be great - but it's also the start of the end for the volunteer-run event.

Dereski encourages everyone to come out and participate - or cheer on participants along the route - and she notes a "bonus" to the timing of this year's run.

You can register online at wawablackflyrun.com or in person at the Community Centre from 5:30 pm to 8 pm tonight and 6:30 am to 7:30 am tomorrow morning.

The half-marathon begins at 8 am tomorrow morning, with the 5k and 10k runs at 9 am.

Golfers Tee Up For Wawa's Legion Golf Tournament

Golfers will hit the greens this weekend, in support of Wawa's Legion.

As the annual Legion Golf Tournament arrives in Wawa, Larry Harvey of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 notes there are a few prizes that could be won.

Harvey thanks everyone who has supported this year's event, by donating a prize or signing up to participate.

Proceeds from the annual tournament support Legion building projects.

Second Wawa Swap Stuff Day Arrives

Wawa residents are getting a second chance to recycle some household items in a special way this weekend.

The Beautification Solutions Council and the Healthy Earth Solutions Council are sponsoring a second "Swap Stuff Day", offering residents a chance to get rid of items still in good condition - or find some for your home.

There are three steps to participating: put gently used items at the curb at the start of the day; go around town to see if someone has something you want; and put away any of your remaining items once the day ends.

The "Swap Stuff Day" runs from 8 am to 6 pm Saturday, June 15th.

Wawa's Legion Golf Tournament Adds Prize at Registration Deadline

Organizers are reminding there's just a little time left before Wawa's annual Legion Golf Tournament.

With the event coming this weekend, golfers are being encouraged to register today - and Larry Harvey of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 notes there is a new incentive to get out on the greens.

Harvey reminds the tournament is for teams of two, with the cost of registration also covering the famous steak dinner, while proceeds support Legion building projects.

Anyone wanting to register is asked to contact Harvey at 705-856-7551 by the end of today - the tournament is this Saturday.

Several Nominations Received For Chapleau Volunteer Awards

Chapleau's mayor is thanking the community for nominations for the annual volunteer awards.

Mayor Michael Levesque says multiple nominations were received for the annual "Buddy" Swanson Volunteer Recognition Awards.

Mayor Levesque says the winners won't be announced until close to the presentation date - the awards themselves will be presented during Canada Day festivities, at 1 pm in the bandstand.

Efforts Continuing to Implement Chapleau's Naloxone Program

Efforts are continuing to set up a naloxone program for firefighters and police in Chapleau.

As Council approved plans to get naloxone kits for the local fire department earlier this year, Mayor Michael Levesque says the process of preparing for their use is continuing - and he's praising some local help.

While an agreement's been reached, Mayor Levesque notes the Township still needs to implement a by-law to "make sure everything is copacetic", though naloxone could still be administered in the meantime, if necessary.

MHS Hospitality Students Hosting Fine Dining Experience to Support CHADWIC Home

Some Wawa high school students will be showing off their hospitality skills for a good cause.

The Michipicoten High School hospitality class is hosting a "fine dining experience" tonight, with proceeds from ticket sales to benefit CHADWIC Home.

Attendees are also asked to bring in a cleaning product donation to be entered into a draw.

Tickets are available at the MHS front office - the dinner begins at 6 o'clock tonight, in the MHS auditorium.

Plans Moving Ahead to Revitalize Scenic High Falls Park

Plans are moving ahead to revitalize a municipal park, the home of a major Wawa landmark.

Council was recently updated on plans for Scenic High Falls Park, which involve a partnership with the Rotary Club of Wawa and Brookfield Renewable - Acting Community Services and Infrastructure Director Brian Lachine noted there are multiple parts to the project.

Lachine notes the bathrooms are also changing.

Lachine also adds hopes that there may be leftover funding to cover grading of the road.