Municipality of Wawa Launches RFP for Connecting Link Project

The Municipality of Wawa's moving forward on plans for work on Mission Road and Main Street.

Just weeks after Ontario's Ministry of Transportation confirmed up to $3-million for "reconstruction" of the roads through "Connecting Link" funding, the Municipality's issued a request for proposals for engineering services and project management on this "Connecting Link" project.

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, a move Council was told generally makes it safer and improves flow - following adjustments - as it would help reduce travel speed along Mission Road and eliminate opportunity for drivers to weave in and out of lanes.

Also proposed were crosswalks at 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 - with some work on Main Street, as well, including slightly thinner islands dividing the existing lanes of opposing traffic.

Mayor Ron Rody's told JJAM FM News he expects public consultation this fall, with plans to be confirmed over the winter so construction can happen next summer.

The R-F-P's open until 2:45 p-m on Friday, August 23rd.

Small Fire Reported at Island Gold Mine

No injuries have been reported after a fire at Alamos Gold's Island Gold Mine.

A statement from Environmental Superintendent Nish Logeswaran says "a small fire occurred underground" around 3:30 Monday afternoon, but "was rapidly extinguished" and "no personnel were injured".

He adds that "all underground personnel were safely evacuated to the surface" and the night shift still proceeded "as regularly scheduled".

Wawa Council Holding Committee and Regular Meetings

Wawa Municipal Council's set to hold a pair of meetings tonight.

First up will be a joint Corporate Planning/Policy Manual Committee meeting, with items on the agenda including: a draft policy for docking, mooring, launching, and boating on Wawa Lake beachfront properties; a draft revised policy for arena ice rentals; the National car rental agreement; refuse collection; and letters on Cemetery Road repair and garbage on Long Beach Road.

Council will then hold a regular meeting, with items on that agenda including a request to waive fees for the Bumps, Babies, and Beyond Expo, a Committee of Adjustment hearing on a minor variance application, and staff recommendations to: award the Town Hall Roof project to Dynamic Roofing; waive the RFP process and award the Pavement Preservation Project contract to J. Provost Contracting; and award the contract for Curb Side or Curb Stop Upgrades to Water Services to an unspecified company.

There are also four "in-camera" items on that agenda: an "Education" item involving "Council Training"; and three "Personal Issue" items relating to one or more letters of complaint.

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

Let's Roll For Eddy Half Marathon Nears

Runners will be crowding in Dubreuilville in honour of a local ALS activist later this week.

"Let's Roll For Eddy" Half Marathon organizer Josee Bouchard explains the upcoming event dates back three years.

Josee Bouchard on History of "Let's Roll For Eddy" Half Marathon

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Bouchard encourages everyone to come out for the event - which includes a 1k "kiddie run", a 5k "run, walk, and roll", and 10, 15, and 20k runs.

It will be held at Dubreuilville's ecole secondaire l'Oree des Bois on Friday, with registration starting at 5:15 p-m and the run at 6.

It's not the only event happening in honour of Eddy this weekend: the "Let's Golf For Eddy" ALS Golf Tournament is coming to Wawa's Michipicoten Golf Club Saturday, though the registration deadline is this Thursday - anyone interested can contact Eric Levesque via email: eric@davidsonfuels.com.

Preparations Rev Up For Chapleau's Drag Races

While Wawa's drag races may be over, racers have another local event to look forward to: Chapleau's first ever Gold Rush Nationals drag race.

While speaking with JJAM FM News in April - after an agreement was reached with the Township - Michel Sylvestre of the CRDC noted the Chapleau event will be similar to Wawa's, with Luskville Speedway running the races, as it does for Wawa's.

Michel Sylvestre Compares Chapleau Drag Races to Wawa's

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The inaugural Gold Rush Nationals Drag Race will be held at Chapleau's airport August 23rd to 25th.

Checkered Flag Waves for 8th Annual Northern Nationals Drag Race

The checkered flag has been waved for another year of Wawa's Northern Nationals Drag Race.

Wawa Dragway Committee Chair Rob Sanderson says the event went quite well, with more than 200 cars participating.

Rob Sanderson on Turnout for Northern Nationals Drag Race

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While there was some frustration from looming dark clouds and rain early Friday afternoon, Sanderson says the weather worked out.

Rob Sanderson on Weather for Northern Nationals Drag Race

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Sanderson commends the committee and upwards of 100 volunteers - including the firefighters - for making the event possible.

6 Arrested After Drug Search Warrants Executed in Wawa and White River

Multiple people have been arrested after a series of drug-related search warrants were executed in Wawa and White River.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say - following a lengthy investigation - members of the OPP's North East Region Community Street Crime Unit and the Pic River Anishinabek Police Service helped execute the three warrants on Wednesday, with officers seizing a "large amount of Canadian currency and drugs suspected to be cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and oxycodone" - an estimated street value of about $5500.

Police also seized several firearms and prohibited weapons.

In total, six people were arrested: a 26-year-old Wawa man; and a 32-year-old woman, a 38-year-old woman, a 27-year-old man, a 45-year-old man, and a 50-year-old man, all from White River.

A total of 26 charges were laid, ranging from two counts of failing to comply with a recognizance for the Wawa man - the sole charges laid against him - to possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, unauthorized possession of a weapon, possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm or ammunition, and making or possessing explosives for an unlawful purpose.

They're scheduled to appear in court next month.

Wawa's 8th Annual Northern Nationals Drag Race Arrives

Wawa's drag races are racing into town today.

The 8th annual Northern Nationals Drag Race kicked off festivities last night, with races beginning today - and Wawa Dragway Committee Chair Rob Sanderson reminds there's racing for "basically any age group".

Rob Sanderson Explains Wawa Drag Race Classes

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Sanderson notes there is other special entertainment, including funny cars, fun for the kids, and a fan favourite from the Wawa Volunteer Fire Department.

Rob Sanderson Highlights Wawa Drag Race Fireworks and Concert

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Sanderson adds the transit bus will be running to help people get to the airport - and reminds volunteers are still welcome.

Driver registration is at the Community Centre from 8 am to 1 pm, when it moves to the airport, where gates will open for the races at 2 o'clock pm.

Algoma Power Finalizes Purchase of Dubreuilville's Electricity Distribution System

Algoma Power's finalized a deal to take over Dubreuilville's electricity distribution system.

The utility says it has closed a transaction to purchase the electricity distribution assets from Dubreuil Lumber Inc., with Algoma Power assuming the permanent role of operator for the system in the Township of Dubreuilville - it had been ordered by the Ontario Energy Board in April 2017 to be the interim operator after Dubreuil Lumber opted not to renew its licence to distribute power locally.

According to the company, its "familiarity with the community will help ensure both a smooth transition and the continued operation of the distribution system", while Mayor Bev Nantel's quoted as saying the town "looks forward" and is "pleased with the transfer to Algoma Power to provide for our community and security and service now into the future".

A subsidiary of FortisOntario, Algoma Power has about 12,000 customers across the Algoma District, with more than 1800 kilometres of distribution lines in an area covering over 14,000 square kilometres.

Setup Begins for Wawa Drag Races - With Kickoff Event Coming

Preparations are revving up for Wawa's annual drag races.

The Wawa Municipal Airport is now closed for the weekend, as setup will begin at noon for this weekend's Northern Nationals Drag Races.

While that means a disruption to service at the airport - preventing "fixed-wing aircraft" from landing - Wawa's Acting Community Services and Tourism Director, Brian Lachine, assures some form of medical transportation is still possible.

Brian Lachine Clarifies Airport Disruption for Drag Races

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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

As setup nears, Wawa Dragway Committee Chair Rob Sanderson notes volunteers are welcome to come and help out.

Rob Sanderson Welcomes Volunteers For Drag Race Setup

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Sanderson adds volunteers are also welcome for the rest of the weekend - and he adds the Wawa Motor Inn's hosting the "Rev-Up Night" kickoff event at 6 this evening.

Rob Sanderson on Northern Nationals Drag Race Kickoff Event

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Driver pre-registration for the drag races runs from 4 to 9 today at the Community Centre, with registration at the Community Centre tomorrow from 8 to 1, when it will move to the Airport.

Superior East OPP Identify Person Killed After Vehicle Strikes Rock Cut South of Wawa

A Toronto-area man's been identified as the person killed in a fatal collision south of Wawa early Tuesday morning.

Ontario Provincial Police, the Wawa Fire Department and Algoma EMS were called to the scene along Highway 17 - about 30 kilometres south of Wawa - at 12:44 Tuesday morning, with investigation revealing a single southbound vehicle had left the roadway and struck a rock cut.

Superior East OPP say 41-year-old Choudhry Nouman Ahmed Tariq of Brampton was pronounced dead at the scene.

While their initial report suggested there were three other people in the vehicle, the latest report says there were four in the vehicle (aside from Tariq), all uninjured.

OPP Technical Collision Investigators are continuing to look into the fatal crash.

One Person Dead After Vehicle Strikes Rock Cut South of Wawa

Some details are emerging about a fatal collision which closed Highway 17 south of Wawa this morning.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded around 12:44 this morning to a reported collision about 30 kilometres south of town, finding a vehicle had left the roadway and struck a rock cut.

One of the vehicle's passengers was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other three occupants of the vehicle were uninjured.

None of them have been publicly identified.

The collision closed the highway for several hours - with periods of alternating traffic - but it fully reopened around 10:15 am

OPP are still investigating, with help from Technical Collision Investigators.

This is an updated version of the story. The previous version is below.

Few details are emerging at this time about a collision which closed Highway 17 south of Wawa this morning.

Ontario Provincial Police first tweeted around 1:40 this morning that the highway was closed about 30 kilometres south of Wawa following a collision, though alternating traffic was allowed from 6:30 to 9:30, when it fully closed again before fully opening around 10:15 this morning.

JJAM FM News has reached out to the OPP for information about the collision, but has received no response at this time.

Local Mine and Mining Properties Report Positive News

Some good news from some local mining properties.

Manitou Gold says initial results from ongoing exploration work at its properties along the Goudreau-Localsh Deformation Zone - north of Wawa - saw an average of three grams of gold per tonne with an average width of 1.5-metres along the exposed strike length of the recently-exposed Rockstar vein system.

Meanwhile, Red Pine Exploration says drilling's restarted at its Wawa Gold Project - just southeast of town - focusing on: testing priority targets at the newly discovered Cooper Structure; proving the continuation of the Surluga Deposit to depth beyond the footprint of the current resource; and testing strategic exploration targets in the Hornblende Shear Zone.

And Alamos Gold is touting record gold production at its Island Gold Mine near Dubreuilville: 39,500 ounces over the second quarter, the third consecutive quarter of record production.

Organizers Ready For "Let's Golf Fore Eddy" Tournament

Golfers are being encouraged to get out on the greens for a good cause this month, with the upcoming "Let's Golf Fore Eddy" ALS Golf Tournament.

Organizer Eric Levesque explains the event supports the efforts of his friend, Eddy Lafrancois, the Dubreuilville ALS activist who passed away earlier this year.

Eric Levesque Explains the Cause of Let's Golf Fore Eddy

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Levesque adds that it is a fun tournament for teams of two or three - men, women, or mixed - and there will be some prizes.

He encourages golfers to contact him by Thursday, August 15th, which is just days before the tournament's held on Saturday, August 17th.

It's not the only event happening in honour of Eddy next week: the "Let's Roll For Eddy" half marathon is coming Friday, August 16th.

Environmental Report Released for Proposed Wawa LNG Project

A proposal to bring liquefied natural gas to Wawa has completed another step, as an environmental report's now been published.

Stantec Consulting Limited has released reports for proposed LNG storage facilities and distribution systems for Wawa, Manitouwadge, Marathon, Schreiber, and Terrace Bay, with separate reports for each community.

At nearly 600 pages, Wawa's report outlines plans for the LNG storage depot west of Mills Drive, with the pipeline to cross and parallel Highway 17 into town - the main pipeline would travel along Mission Road, Broadway Avenue, and Government Road, with lateral lines to serve other parts of town.

The report also outlines plans to identify, assess, and mitigate impacts of the facility and pipeline, along with monitoring and contingency plans.

This report needs to go to the Ontario Energy Board for approval for the project to move forward.

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.

Phil Dittburner Explains Youth Enterprise Camp in Wawa

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Dittburner adds the idea is to foster potential businesspeople.

Phil Dittburner on Reason for Youth Enterprise Camp

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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.

Cst. Trevor Tremblay Explains Ontario's Move Over Law

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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

Cst. Trevor Tremblay on Slowing Down For Emergency Vehicles

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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.

Brian Lachine Clarifies Drag Race Effect on Medical Evacuations

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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.

Brian Lachine Emphasizes Disruption Normal for Drag Races

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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.