Algoma-Manitoulin NDP MPP Reacts to End of Ring of Fire Framework Agreement

Local New Democrat Michael Mantha's decrying news the PC government's scrapped a regional framework agreement with First Nations in the Ring of Fire region.

The PC government confirmed earlier this week that it has ended the agreement with the Matawa First Nations, instead noting that major industry player Noront Resources has memorandums of understanding with the communities.

Mantha is attacking the PCs over the move, saying they "didn't even pay lip service to the billion dollars in funding" needed for access roads to the Ring of Fire, while this year's budget "made no commitments to meaningful consultations with First Nations impacted by development in this area".

While the Algoma-Manitoulin MPP says the preceeding Liberal government "wasted a decade of potential economic opportunities for northerners", he's accusing Premier Doug Ford of "making things worse", putting the province "at risk of losing another decade of opportunity", as he says development of the Ring of Fire "can only happen in true partnership with First Nations".

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing NDP MP Calls For Better Telecom Service in Northern Ontario

Local MP Carol Hughes is calling for affordable telecommunications services in northern Ontario communities.

The Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing New Democrat is warning that Bell Canada recently announced they were cutting back plans to expand telecommunication services to 200,000 - something she says "demonstrates the failure of Liberal and Conservative telecommunications policy", accusing the other parties of "help[ing] large companies...profit off the backs of everyday Canadians while offering very limited services in many parts of the country".

Hughes is pointing to the NDP's "New Deal for People", which includes a commitment to invest in expanded cell coverage and reliable, affordable broadband internet for every Canadian community.

This does come just days after Rural Economic Development Minister Bernadette Jordan announced over $2-million in total funding to bring new or improved high-speed Internet access and capacity to Dubreuilville, Brunswick House First Nation, and Red Rock Indian Band, with more than $763,000 of that funding from Bell Canada.

Municipality of Wawa Dropping National Car Rental Service

The Municipality of Wawa's getting out of the car rental business.

While the previous Wawa Municipal Council had agreed in December 2015 to take on National Car Rental service - out of fears it would otherwise leave the community - Mayor Ron Rody explains Council has now approved plans to drop out of that agreement.

Mayor Ron Rody on Dropping National Car Rental Service

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Rody does not specify who is interested in taking on the service locally.

Under the agreement, the Municipality must give 30 days notice, so it will continue providing the service over that period.

The decision was made during last night's special meeting, which also saw Council presented with 2018 consolidated financial statements from KPMG, who noted the municipal audit was "clean" with "nothing of significance to report", calling 2018 a "pretty good year for the municipality", which was left in a "strong financial situation".

Wawa Council Holding Special Meeting

Wawa Municipal Council will hear about last year's finances in a special meeting tonight.

The meeting's scheduled to begin with two "in-camera" items - a legal issue relating to KPMG's audit findings and a personnel issue involving staffing - followed by KPMG's presentation of the 2018 Consolidated Financial Statements and Trust Funds Financial Statements.

Council will also consider a resolution and related by-law to drop out of an agreement to provide National Car Rental service, due to issues with staffing and other requirements to offer the service.

The Municipality took on the service December 2015 - amid concerns it would be lost if the Municipality didn't step in - though Mayor Ron Rody noted in Council discussions two weeks ago that another, unspecified party is interested in picking up the service.

Aside from the opening "in-camera" items, tonight's meeting is open to the public - it's scheduled to start at 6 pm in Council Chambers.

Dubreuilville & Brunswick House First Nation Getting Federal Support for Improved Internet Service

Two local communities are getting federal support to improve Internet service.

Rural Economic Development Minister Bernadette Jordan's announced over $2-million in total funding to bring new or improved high-speed Internet access and capacity to Dubreuilville, Brunswick House First Nation, and Red Rock Indian Band.

$1.3-million of that comes from the federal government's Connect to Innovate program, with more than $763,000 from Bell Canada.

Breaking it down by community, the funding for Dubreuilville's project will see over $961,000 from the feds and nearly $641,000 from Bell, while Brunswick House First Nation's project will see over $284,000 from the feds and nearly $95,000 from Bell.

This is an updated version of the story. See original story below:

Two local communities are getting federal support to improve Internet service.

Rural Economic Development Minister Bernadette Jordan's announced over $2-million in total funding to bring new or improved high-speed Internet access and capacity to Dubreuilville, Brunswick House First Nation, and Red Rock Indian Band.

No breakdown is given for how much will be spent on each community, nor is a timeline given, though the federal government says $1.3-million of the funding comes from their Connect to Innovate program with more than $763,000 from Bell Canada.

Deadline Nears for Public Comments on Wawa's Revised Arena Ice Rental Policy

Time's almost up for comments on a proposed update to the Municipality of Wawa's policy on arena ice rentals.

Wawa Municipal Council was presented with a draft revised policy two weeks ago, with CAO/Treasurer Maury O'Neill explaining it specifies an ice season similar to the current policy.

Maury O'Neill Explains Arena Ice Rental Revised Policy

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Acting Community Services and Tourism Director Brian Lachine emphasizes it's still a draft for public input, but underscores difficulties associated with early ice.

Brian Lachine on Early MMCC Arena Ice Issues

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Lachine adds the end of the season has another problem.

Brian Lachine on Issues With End of Season Cancellations

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The revised policy refuses refunds for cancellations during the "Spring or Fall Shoulder Season" and requires at least 24 hours notice of a cancellation for an event taking no more than 6 hours, or 3 days notice for events requiring more than 6 hours of ice time over a span of one or more days.

Under the policy, the Municipality must inform user groups of annual ice rental rates and charges once the Municipal Fees and Charges By-Law is approved by Council - or by July 1st - though it emphasizes all users will be charged per the schedule of fees unless Council authorizes an exception.

The draft's posted on the municipal website, with comments accepted until tomorrow - plans are for the revised policy to come to Council for a vote Tuesday, September 3rd.

Wawa's Goose Nest Market Returns

Wawa's Goose Nest Market is returning this afternoon.

Vendors will be set up from 4 pm to 8 pm at the market - located at the intersection of Mission and Mackey, across from Lion's Beach - with live acoustic music also planned.

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes is expected to be among those attending.

Public Consultations for Mine Waste Disposal Proposal for Gogama-Area Gold Project

Public consultations have been launched on a proposal for mine waste disposal for a Gogama-area gold project.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says it's seeking comments from the public and Indigenous groups on proposed amendments to Schedule 2 of the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations, which would allow the Côté Gold Project to use water bodies for mine waste disposal.

It's also considering applying the "Streamlining the Approvals Process for Metal Mines with Tailings Impoundment Areas", which would allow the amendments to skip pre-publication and go to final publication.

A public consultation session's being held in Gogama tonight, though comments are being accepted until November 1st.

IAMGOLD's proposing an open-pit gold mine which would include an on-site metal mill and four structures for diverting water, located about 20 kilometres southwest of Gogama.

Homicide Investigation Launched Into Human Remains Found Near Wawa

Ontario Provincial Police have launched a homicide investigation after identifying human remains found near Wawa in June as those of a missing Sudbury man.

Superior East OPP say they were called on June 29th about human remains found along Highway 17 in the Township of Rabazo, just southwest of Wawa.

Those remains have now been identified as those of 32-year-old Devin Collin of Sudbury, who'd been reported missing to Greater Sudbury Police on June 17th, last seen on May 29th.

Superior East OPP say investigation has revealed his death was a homicide, and a homicide investigation's been launched, under the direction of a Detective Inspector from the Criminal Investigation Branch, assisted by members of the North East Region OPP Crime Unit, OPP Forensic Identification Services, and OPP Emergency Response Team.

They're asking anyone with information regarding Collin's death to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Wawa Volunteer Fire Department Recruiting

The Wawa Volunteer Fire Department's putting out the call for recruits.

Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin explains a few vacancies are opening up.

Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin on WVFD Vacancies

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Sabourin notes volunteer firefighters must meet certain physical requirements - including 20/30 uncorrected vision, no hearing impairment, and an agility test - and they must also be residents of the Municipality of Wawa, with a valid Ontario driver's license, preferably Class DZ.

Anyone interested can apply at the Municipal Office or attend an information session, which will be held at the Fire Hall on September 16th.

Federal Government Signs Governance Agreement With Anishinabek Nations

A major organizations of Ontario First Nations is a step closer to self-governance.

The federal government's signed a proposed governance agreement with the Anishinabek Nation, which represents 40 First Nations across the province, including the local Michipicoten First Nation and Ojibways of Garden River.

It builds on last year's Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement, which recognizes Anishinabek law-making powers and authority over education on-reserve from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 for 23 First Nations, along with administrative control over funding for post-secondary education.

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare and federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett signed the new governance agreement on Friday, formally launching the Anishinabek First Nations approval process - so far, 20 Anishinabek Nation First Nations have committed to holding a community vote, including Michipicoten First Nation.

If ratified, it would be the first Indigenous self-government governance agreement in Ontario.

Chapleau Council Considers 2 Zoning By-Law Amendments

Chapleau Town Council's Committee of Adjustment is considering two zoning amendments.

Mayor Michael Levesque links both applications to the local Borden Gold Mine, first highlighting a requested change on Pine Street.

Mayor Levesque on Re-Zoning Application for Boarding House

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque outlines the other application heard by Council.

Mayor Levesque on Re-Zoning Application for Annex Apartments

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The mayor says public meetings will be held for public input on the two applications.

Chapleau Deputy Mayor to Represent Town on Local SFL Board

Chapleau Town Council's chosen its representative to keep an eye on local forest management.

Council's accepted a seat on the Missinaibi Sustainable Forest Licence board of directors - which will oversee management of the combined Martel and Magpie forests - though Mayor Michael Levesque emphasizes this is more to allow an "observer" role with the group.

Mayor Levesque on Chapleau's Seat on Missinaibi SFL Board

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Levesque's previously noted the seat will not cost the Township anything - Deputy Mayor Rick Smith was nominated to be Chapleau's representative.

Wawa and Dubreuilville are also joining the board in a similar capacity, with Wawa's deputy mayor, Pat Tait, chosen as the community's representative, due to his background in the forestry industry.

Chapleau Council Considers Extending Handi-Transit Hours in Fall

Fall hours for Chapleau's handi-transit bus service are being considered.

As hours were extended during the summer - except for a period where the bus was being repaired - Council's facing a request to keep those extended hours - at least twice a week - though Mayor Michael Levesque says Council has not decided whether to approve that request.

Mayor Levesque on Potentially Extending Handi-Transit Hours

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Levesque expects the idea to come back up to Council next month.

Council did approve an annual request to sponsor jerseys for the Chapleau Minor Hockey Association, approving a $300 donation to the organization for the season, which is in line with past years.

Checkered Flag Waves for Chapleau's 1st Gold Rush Nationals Drag Race

The checkered flag has been waved for Chapleau's first ever Gold Rush Nationals Drag Race.

Chair Richard Bignucolo - vice president of the CRDC, which organized the event - says the event went well with "beautiful" weather and "a couple hundred" cars participating.

Gold Rush Nationals Chair Richard Bignucolo on 1st Ever Event

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Bignucolo says organizers are hoping to continue the drag races in future years, adding they've been "writing notes and taking comments" to help improve the event.

Lines Out of Water After 37th Wawa Salmon Derby

Boats and lines are out of the water, as the Wawa Salmon Derby's wrapped up its 37th year.

The annual derby saw a weekend of sun and warm weather, with numerous fish caught, including an 18.9-pound salmon which earned John Scott and Shane Bukowski the $6000 top prize and $500 more for the biggest fish of Sunday.

Scott and Bukowski - who reeled in the tenth largest salmon of the weekend on Saturday - say they were quite sure the fish caught Sunday would net them the top prize.

John Scott and Shane Bukowski on Winning Wawa Salmon Derby

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The $1000 prize for the largest lake trout went to a 9.7-pounder caught by Don Coleman and Bill Maj on Sunday, while Maegan Vosdingh won the Bill Young Memorial Award for largest fish caught by a youth - a 10 pound salmon on Saturday - and the Early Bird prize of a fly-in fishing trip for two went to Adam Kinnunen and Dan Swystun.

Licence Plate Check Leads to Stolen Vehicle Arrest in Wawa

Local police have recovered a stolen vehicle after a random licence plate check.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say an officer conducting routine patrols queried the licence plate of a minivan on Mission Road late Wednesday night, with the query revealing the vehicle was reported stolen a few hours earlier.

The vehicle was stopped and the driver - a 48-year-old man from Pond Inlet, Nunavut - was arrested on charges of possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available, and drive motor vehicle - no licence.

He's been released from custody, but it scheduled to appear at Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice next month.

37th Annual Wawa Salmon Derby Arrives

Anglers are streaming into Wawa as the 37th annual Wawa Salmon Derby gets underway later today.

Organizer Brad Buck reminds there's several prizes anglers could reel in, including for the largest salmon of the weekend.

Wawa Salmon Derby Chair Brad Buck on Top Prize

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Buck notes entry forms will be accepted for the derby until 5 pm this evening, which is when fishing first begins - it continues until 9 pm tonight, then from 5 am to 9 pm Saturday and 5 am to 1 pm Sunday.

There'll also be a pancake breakfast Saturday and Sunday, as well as a Saturday night fish fry open to everyone.

JJAM FM will be live on location for the derby from 11 am to 3 pm Saturday.

Chapleau Council Considering Load Restrictions for Roads After RYAM Talks Fail

Chapleau Town Council is mulling over some local load restrictions as talks with a major local employer have failed to bring about an agreement desired by Council.

Mayor Michael Levesque explains Township representatives had met with RYAM multiple times since its parent company bought the Tembec sawmill, hoping to reach a deal addressing the effect its operations - specifically 18-wheel traffic - have on some local infrastructure.

Mayor Levesque Explains CTC Consideration of Load Restrictions

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Emphasizing that the mill is outside of town limits - so there is no tax base from RYAM for Township to rely on to address the issue - Mayor Levesque says Council has made no decisions at this time, though he adds the Township is planning to soon turn to the public and outline options - like load restrictions on Martel Road and the Monk Street Bridge - something that would be done "in open forum", so public response can help guide Council's decision.

Superior East OPP Remind Operation Safe Trucking Still Underway

Ontario Provincial Police are continuing to watch commercial vehicles as a week-long safety blitz winds down this weekend.

Superior East OPP Constable Trevor Tremblay explains "Operation Safe Trucking" was intended to make roads safer.

Cst Trevor Tremblay Describes OPP's Operation Safe Trucking

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The OPP say they've already seen over 4800 commercial motor vehicle-related collisions this year, 46 of which were fatal - up from nearly 4700 collisions this time last year, 39 of which were fatal - while commercial vehicles have been linked to 30% of this year's fatal crashes on OPP-patrolled roads, despite only accounting for about 11% of all collisions.