Manitouwadge Logging Company Fined For Worker's Death North of Wawa

A small logging company's been fined in connection to the death of a worker in the Big Pic Forest north of Wawa.

Ontario's Ministry of Labour says D&G Logging Ltd. of Manitouwadge was fined $80,000 after pleading guilty to failing to ensure safety measures and procedures were followed.

The charge dates back to mid-January 2018, when a worker who was attempting to repair a leak on the hydraulic cylinder of a de-limber machine was killed as the boom of the machine released - the Ministry found the boom was suspended but not blocked or otherwise immobilized to prevent movement.

In addition to the $80,000 fine, the company must also pay a 25% victim fine surcharge, which goes to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

Youth Enterprise Camp Coming to Wawa

Today's the last day to register for a unique summer camp in Wawa.

Phil Dittburner of Head Start in Business explains the "Youth Enterprise Camp" - intended for ages nine to thirteen - is a business-oriented camp.

Dittburner adds the idea is to foster potential businesspeople.

The camp will be held at the Community Centre from 9 am to 5 pm daily from August 12th to 16th, though today's the last day to register at headstartinbusiness.com.

Superior East OPP Remind Drivers to Slow Down and Move Over This Long Weekend

Ontario Provincial Police are marking the Civic Holiday long weekend by cracking down on drivers who don't slow down and move over for emergency vehicles.

Emphasizing the requirement is meant for the safety of emergency services - including tow trucks - Superior East OPP Constable Trevor Tremblay explains the "Move Over" law enacted in 2003.

Tremblay adds there's another important aspect of the law: slow down.

OPP note they laid nearly 1900 "move over" charges in 2018, adding there were close to 700 incidents in the past five years in which an OPP vehicle was struck by another vehicle while parked or stopped on the roadside.

A first-time offence could lead to a fine from $400 to $2000 and three demerit points, though subsequent violations could net fines from $1000 to $4000, suspension of your driver's licence for up to two years, and up to six months jail time.

Drinking Water Advisory Lifted From Gogama

Gogama's no longer under a drinking water advisory.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says the advisory issued Sunday - after a power outage caused a loss of water pressure for the municipal water system - has now been lifted, as tests have confirmed the water's safe for consumption.

The health unit notes residents may notice chlorine odours or discoloured water, and suggests running cold water faucets or drinking fountains for five minutes or until the water runs clear, running water softeners through a regeneration cycle, draining and refilling hot water heaters, and removing and rinsing faucet screens to get rid of sediment.

Municipality of Wawa Clarifies Airport Disruption for Drag Races

The Municipality of Wawa's assuring the upcoming drag races won't change service at the airport anymore than past years.

Acting Community Services and Tourism Director Brian Lachine assures the disruption to the airport doesn't mean that medical transportation is impossible.

Lachine emphasizes the only difference about the "disruption" for this year's drag races compared to the last seven times the event was held is the notice that is going out.

Lachine adds that Ornge - the province's air ambulance service - is aware of the situation, and has used a helicopter for a medical evacuation during the drag races before.

The "disruption" to airport service will begin during setup for the drag races August 8th, concluding once the equipment set up for the event is removed after it ends August 11th.

Progress at Scenic High Falls Park

Work is continuing at a Wawa landmark: Scenic High Falls.

Acting Community Services and Tourism Director Brian Lachine explains that quite a bit has already been done.

Lachine's previously expressed hope there may be leftover funding to cover grading of the road.

The work at Scenic High Falls Park involves a partnership with the Rotary Club of Wawa and Brookfield Renewable.

Gogama Under Drinking Water Advisory

Gogama's under a drinking water advisory after a power outage over the weekend.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says there was a loss of water pressure because of the power outage, and - even once restored - people who take their water from Gogama's municipal system are warned against using it for human consumption - such as drinking; making juice, infant formula, or ice; washing uncooked fruits and vegetables; or brushing teeth.

Instead, they're warned to wait until testing confirms the water's safe.

Work Continuing on Wawa's Waterfront

Progress is being made on Wawa's waterfront.

Acting Director of Community Services and Tourism Brian Lachine is very optimistic about completion for one important part of the project.

Lachine adds that progress is continuing for an important access point to the beach area.

Lachine notes there are also plans to consult the public on another aspect of the waterfront project.

During a special meeting last week, Wawa Municipal Council approved a staff recommendation to accept a roughly $111,000 proposal from Research Casting - the company which made the current Wawa Goose monument and its themed base - for the design, construction, and installation of "themed interpretive panels" which would be installed along the boardwalk, tying into the waterfront project's boreal forest theme.

Municipality of Wawa Warns of Disruptions at Airport Due to Drag Races

The Municipality of Wawa's warning of possible disruptions at the municipal airport during the upcoming drag races - including for medical transportation.

A release from the Municipality notes "certain accommodations need to be made" for the event from August 8th to 11th, and - due to the layout and use of the runway - "fixed-wing aircraft cannot land during the event", though "non-fixed wing" aircraft - like helicopters - can be used.

While it doesn't say medical transportation will be impossible, it does say it will be limited during the drag races.

Previous drag races have also closed the airport and limited service during the weekend.

Ontario's Ministry of Transportation Announces Connecting Link Funding For Wawa

Ontario's Ministry of Transportation has confirmed "Connecting Link" funding for Wawa's Mission Road and Main Street.

A provincial government release touts $30-million for 25 Connecting Link projects in 23 municipalities across the province, including $3-million for "reconstruction" of Mission Road and Main Street in Wawa.

Connecting Link funding covers up to 90% of eligible project costs - up to $3-million - covering design, construction, renewal, rehabilitation, and replacement of municipal roads and bridges that run through communities and connect to provincial highways.

Mayor Ron Rody actually announced the funding earlier this week, reading a letter from Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney during Tuesday's special Council meeting, and noting this wasn't the Municipality's first attempt at funding for the project.

The proposed plan is to change Mission Road from two lanes of traffic each way to one each direction with a middle turning lane and bike lanes, while adding three controlled crosswalks.

Mayor Rody expects public consultation this fall, with plans to be confirmed over the winter so construction can happen next summer.

Contract Awarded for Themed Interpretive Panels Along Wawa Waterfront

Another part of Wawa's waterfront project is moving forward.

Municipal Council's approved a staff recommendation to accept a roughly $111,000 proposal from Research Casting for the design, construction, and installation of "themed interpretive panels" which would be installed along the waterfront.

Tying into the boreal forest theme of the waterfront project, the panels would be located along the boardwalk.

Research Casting is a familiar name for the Municipality, as the company which produced the current Wawa Goose monument and its new, themed base.

Wawa Getting Provincial Funding For Mission Road and Main Street Work

Wawa is getting provincial backing for changes to Mission Road - and work on Main Street.

Mayor Ron Rody explains the Municipality has received a letter from Ontario's Minister of Transportation, Caroline Mulroney, confirming "Connecting Link" funding.

While Infrastructure Services Director Cory Stainthorpe's continually emphasized the plan is subject to changes in the design phase, the proposal presented to the province would see Mission Road change from the current four lanes - two each direction - to one lane each direction with a middle turning lane and bike lanes on each side.

It's a move that is actually expected to help reduce travel speed along Mission Road, eliminating opportunity for drivers to weave in and out of lanes - Council has been told the change 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 Street and Third Avenue.

It would also see work on Main Street from that intersection, including slightly thinner islands dividing the existing lanes of opposing traffic.

Mayor Rody expects public consultation this fall, with plans to be confirmed over the winter so construction can happen next summer.

Wawa Council Approves Minor Variance to Allow For New Kingdom Hall

Wawa Municipal Council's approved an exception to municipal zoning rules for a new Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.

As the new hall would be larger, Council was asked - through its Committee of Adjustment, which is made up of the members of Council - to approve a minor variance, allowing the building to come within 2.8 metres of the rear of the property, instead of the 8 metre setback mandated under the current zoning by-law.

The application also asked for an exception from the required off-street parking spaces - the zoning by-law requires 33 for an institutional building of that size, though the church only has room for 11.

When asked about the request, Chief Building Official Kevin Sabourin explained the exception simply asks that the church be allowed to maintain the number of spaces it currently has for that property - partly because the existing situation predates the current zoning by-law - with Mayor Ron Rody noting there are other churches in the community without dedicated parking.

Before Council voted, the proponents stated they plan to "enhance" the property and make it "nice" as part of this work.

Though Sabourin noted some questions were raised verbally about the proposal, he stated there were no written submissions objecting nor were there any requests for information, leading Council to agree to the proposal, though a waiting period is mandated to allow for any objections.

Wawa and Chapleau Seek to Join Board Overseeing Forest Management

Wawa Municipal Council's pursuing a chance to keep an eye on local forest management.

Council's approved a resolution accepting the Missinaibi Sustainable Forest Licence shareholder agreement, which would see Wawa granted a seat on the SFL's board of directors, which will oversee management of the combined Martel and Magpie forests.

Mayor Ron Rody emphasizes that this is a drastic change from the past, as municipalities previously didn't have a way to participate in the management of the forests, though he notes Wawa has chosen to simply be observers.

Deputy Mayor Pat Tait's been chosen as Wawa's representative - noted for his background in the forestry industry - while CAO/Treasurer Maury O'Neill's been selected as an alternate.

This comes just a week after Chapleau Town Council similarly passed a resolution indicating they'd like an "observer" seat on the board, with Mayor Michael Levesque also highlighting potential benefit.

In addition to Wawa and Chapleau, Dubreuilville also plans to join the board, which also has representatives from local First Nations and industry.

Wawa EDC Announces New Economic Development Director

Shah Mohamed - picture supplied by Wawa EDC

The new Economic Development Director of Wawa's Economic Development Corporation is expressing excitement over the job - and prospects for the community.

Shah Mohamed - who started the job Monday, July 22nd - explains he worked in community development for more than fifteen years, and draws "a lot" of his grounding for programs and approaches from that perspective.

Mohamed notes he's also "very much tapped in" around social enterprise, and sees the importance of fostering an environment to support entrepreneurs, noting the challenges for smaller - and especially Northern communities - from the cyclical nature of industries like forestry and mining, though he does see potential opportunities that might not be available to more urban areas.

While Mohamed wants to encourage entrepreneurs, he adds there's other important "facets" of the job, too.

Mohamed also emphasizes the importance of a "longer-term vision", adding he's "very excited" to "contribute what [he] can to forward the ends" of the Wawa EDC and economic development across Northern Ontario.

A release from the EDC notes Mohamed’s from Toronto, and touts him for being "well versed in community development and economic principles" and for caring deeply about the environment and believing "people are the greatest asset of any business, company, or community".

EDC Chair Andy Stevens is quoted as saying the search for the "right fit" for the role was "extensive", but he believes Mohamed will "make a significant contribution to the life of our community".

Wawa Municipal Council Holding Special Meeting

Wawa Municipal Council's set to hold a special meeting tonight.

A few items are on the agenda for the meeting - which was mentioned at the last meeting two weeks ago - with Council to consider: a minor variance application from the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses; a staff memo and related resolution regarding the design, construction, and installation of themed interpretive panels as part of the Waterfront Project; and "commitment to participate" in an unspecified shareholder agreement.

There's also an "in-camera" item, a legal issue involving a Freedom of Information request.

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

Superior East OPP Officially Identify Victims of Hawk Junction Plane Crash

Police have officially identified the two people killed in last week's plane crash in Hawk Junction.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say 23-year-old Adam Hobbs of New Dundee, Ontario, and 64-year-old Robert Gregorini of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash last Thursday, July 11th.

Hawk Air had previously identified the two, calling them members of the "Hawk Air Family" - Hobbs was noted to be a pilot, while Gregorini was explained as a "co-worker".

Transportation Safety Board investigators were on site last weekend, but have since returned to their Toronto offices with pieces of the wreckage and components of the "Beaver" float plane to analyze or test as part of the ongoing investigation.

Proposed Algoma Ontario Health Team Progresses

A group of Algoma health agencies are moving forward with efforts to form an "Ontario Health Team".

The "Algoma Ontario Health Team" says it's been selected by Ontario's Ministry of Health to proceed to the next stage - including a comprehensive full application - after submitting an initial self-assessment on readiness to form the organization.

It plans to complete the application "over the next several weeks", at which point the Ministry will evaluate all applications.

Partners in the local group include Algoma Family Services, Algoma Public Health, Sault Area Hospital, and medical groups, clinics, and a few other facilities in the region.

Prices Rise For OPP Record Checks and Fingerprints

Prices have risen for some OPP services.

Ontario Provincial Police say their schedule of fees was updated on July 1st, with a criminal record, police record, and vulnerable sector check for employment now costing $41, though it remains free for volunteers.

Fingerprint costs are also up, $25 for "LIVESCAN" - on behalf of the R-C-M-P - with a $65 OPP charge.

The price increases are for all OPP detachments that offer them, including the Superior East detachments in Wawa, Chapleau, and White River.

O-P-P note the exact amount in cash is needed for payment.

William G. Rose Memorial Golf Tournament Returns to Wawa

Golfers will hit the greens this afternoon for an annual golf tournament.

Suzanne Lacasse reminds the 13th William G. Rose Memorial Golf Tournament honours an important figure in Wawa's history.

Lacasse says proceeds support a Michipicoten High School bursary in Rose's name.

Lacasse adds any funds raised above what's needed for the bursary will support the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation.

She also emphasizes participants could end up with great prizes no matter their skill level - as many are "luck of the draw" - though there are hole-in-one prizes of $500 cash from the Viking Restaurant and a vehicle from Mission Motors.

Tee-offs begin at 1 o'clock this afternoon.