Wawa Council to Discuss Connecting Link, Waterfront Mooring By-Law & More

Wawa Municipal Council has a busy night ahead, with back-to-back meetings.

First up is a Corporate Planning Commitee meeting, which will include a presentation from Kresin Engineering on the "Connecting Link" project, along with discussion on the old MNR dock, a requested appointment to the Library Board, a draft travel expense reimbursement policy, and the draft by-law to regulate, maintain, and manage municipal water and wastewater supply and services.

That will be followed by a regular meeting of Council, with items including resolutions to: appoint a member to the Wawa Public Library Board; adopt the 2019-2024 Accessibility Plan; and support a funding application for the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre modernization project.

Also on the agenda is a third and final reading for the by-law on docking, mooring, launching, and boating on Wawa Lake beachfront properties - if Council votes in favour, the by-law would take effect immediately.

Tonight's meetings are open to the public, starting at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers.

CSCNO Touts Wawa School's Support for WE Scare Hunger Campaign

A local school board's touting the efforts of local students to support the Wawa Food Bank.

The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says Kindergarten to Grade 8 students at Wawa's École Saint-Joseph collected 803 non-perishable food items over October, to support Northern Lights Ford's "WE Scare Hunger" campaign.

There was a special prize on the line for the students: a 5-pound chocolate bar, which went to the Grade 3 class.

Northern Lights Ford's "WE Scare Hunger" campaign far surpassed its goal of 1500 pounds, bringing in over 2100 pounds of food, which was donated to the Wawa Community Food Bank on Monday.

Wawa's WE Scare Hunger Campaign Far Exceeds Goal

The Wawa Community Food Bank's thanking the local Ford dealership and the community for their support.

Northern Lights Ford's wrapped up its October-long "We Scare Hunger" campaign, and the dealership dropped off more than 2100 pounds of food - far exceeding the expectations of Wawa Food Bank Coordinator Cindy Szekely.

Szekely thanks everyone involved, but particularly highlights the efforts Northern Lights Ford employees Danette Mathias and Lonna Rilley.

Describing this morning as "super exciting", Rilley thanks the community for its support, highlighting some special supporters.

The Wawa Food Bank's also preparing for another major fundraiser: Wawa Feed the Need is coming Sunday, November 24th.

Chapleau Holding Regular Meeting to Start November

Chapleau Town Council's set to discuss a few items in a regular meeting tonight.

Included on the agenda is a by-law to appoint a Chief By-Law Enforcement Officer, a resolution to authorize a funding application for the Canadian Infrastructure Program's Community Culture and Recreation Stream, and correspondence from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

There are also two in-camera items: one relating to labour relations or employee negotiations and another "related to a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality".

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

Chapleau's Winter Parking By-Law Now in Force

As November's now underway, the Township of Chapleau's reminding its winter parking by-law is now in force.

The by-law - which applies from November 1st to April 30th - prohibits parking on any street between 1 am and 8 am, including the full 66-foot right-of-way running from the front lot line on one side of the street to the front lot line on the opposite side of the street.

With the by-law now in force, the Township's asking drivers park entirely within their property limits and that landlords ensure tenants have off-street parking spaces free of snow - and the Township warns creating parking spaces in snow banks isn't permitted, nor is clearing the snow on the side of the road in front of your home into large piles.

Superior East OPP Arrest Suspect in Recent Chapleau Break-and-Enter Incidents

A Chapleau resident's facing multiple charges in connection to multiple break-and-enter incidents in the Chapleau area.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they arrested the 24-year-old late Monday morning, charging him with four counts of break and enter to commit an indictable offence, two counts of fail to comply with recognizance, and one count each of: break and enter a dwelling house with intent to commit indictable offence; theft of motor vehicle; possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order; possession of property obtained by crime over $5000; mischief under $5000; resist peace officer; and possession of a schedule one substance, methamphetamine.

He's being held in custody pending a bail hearing today.

The arrest happened just a day after police found a stolen vehicle abandoned in a ditch on Highway 101 about 60 kilometres east of Chapleau, with several items stolen in break-and-enters found in the vehicle.

Police are asking anyone who suspects their property was broken into - or anyone missing items from a residence or outbuilding - to report that to the OPP.

Wawa EDC Hosting Open House During Wawa CoLab Design Phase

Wawa's Economic Development Corporation is opening its doors today, as it plans for a new "community-based innovation and co-working space".

The EDC's hosting an open house, touting it as a chance to meet the EDC team, learn about the Wawa CoLab project, take part in a design consultation, and "meet other change makers just like you".

While the CoLab is focused on helping entrepreneurs and business development by offering resources in a "co-working space", EDC administrative assistant Isabeau Allard emphasizes the Wawa CoLAB also includes support programs.

The EDC open house runs from 1 o'clock this afternoon until 7 this evening.

MNRF Conservation Officers Investigating Abandoned Cow Moose Near Dubreuilville

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry wants to know who shot and abandoned a cow moose near Dubreuilville.

Ministry conservation officers say the moose was abandoned in a "cut block" just off Road 48 southeast of Dubreuilville between October 14th and 20th.

Anyone with information's asked to call Crime Stoppers.

Wawa's Remembrance Day Church Service & Hawk Junction Ceremony Coming

As Remembrance Day approaches, members of the Wawa's Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 will be marking the day with a special ceremony this weekend.

Larry Harvey reminds Legionnaires that the annual church service will be held this Sunday.

Harvey further reminds that poppy campaign letters are now in the mail, urging anyone who wants to order a wreath to get that order in quickly - especially if you want it for this weekend's ceremony - and he emphasizes that they can be purchased not just by businesses or organizations, but individuals and families, as well.

Poppies are available throughout the community.

Superior East OPP Issue Safety Tips for Halloween

As kids prepare to trick-or-treat tonight, local police are reminding of some important safety tips.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Trevor Tremblay has some advice for parents about trick-or-treating.

Constable Tremblay also encourages kids to play it safe.

As for the treats received, Constable Tremblay reminds it's important to inspect them before eating.

Drivers are also reminded to be extra cautious - and drive slowly - so everyone can enjoy a safe Halloween.

Northern Lights Ford Wrapping Up WE Scare Hunger Campaign

With Halloween here, a campaign to "scare hunger" is in its final day.

All month, Northern Lights Ford has been collecting donations to support the Wawa Food Bank as part of Ford Canada's "WE Scare Hunger" campaign, a nationwide initiative with the WE charity.

Service advisor Lonna Rilley says Ford Canada's hoping to raise 400,000 pounds nationwide, while the local dealerships's hoping this year's campaign will surpass past years.

Rilley highlights support from local schools - who've been collecting donations - as well as Algoma Public Health, the Wawa Family Health Team, and the Lady Dunn Health Centre, who've participated in "Feminine Fridays", collecting feminine hygiene products.

Non-perishable food items - and monetary donations - can be dropped off at Northern Lights Ford before 5 o'clock tonight.

Chapleau Resident Facing Spousal Assault Charges After Domestic Dispute

A Chapleau resident's facing assault and other charges after a domestic disturbance early this week.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to an incident on Demers Street in Chapleau shortly after 10 o'clock Monday night, with investigation into the dispute leading to the arrest of a 36-year-old on charges of assault - spousal, assault with a weapon - spousal, and five counts of fail to comply with conditions of undertaking given by officer in charge.

The accused is not identified, in order to protect the victim's identity, nor is their gender given, per a recent change in OPP policy.

They've been remanded into custody, pending a bail hearing on Friday.

Superior East OPP emphasize victims in abusive relationships are not alone and there are local resources to help, such as Wawa and Area Victim Services and CHADWIC Home.

Chapleau Library Hosting Early Halloween Events

Chapleau's library is hosting a couple early Halloween events today.

The Chapleau Public Library has invited local schools for a Halloween-themed open house from 12 noon to 3 pm, while families are invited to meet the members of the Library Board during a "Family Green Screen Halloween" from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Those who wear a costume and use the provided green screen during this later event will be entered into a draw, as well.

Legion Poppy Campaign Underway

As Remembrance Day approaches, the Royal Canadian Legion's launched its annual poppy campaign.

Larry Harvey of Wawa's Legion Branch 429 encourages everyone to pick up a poppy from one of the boxes around the community, noting donations go into a trust fund.

Poppy flyers are also in the mail, and Harvey reminds everyone to get their wreath orders in early, especially for the annual ceremony in Hawk Junction - that will be held after a special service at the Wawa Baptist Church this Sunday, November 3rd.

Local Police Issue Advice on Halloween Costumes

With Halloween just days away, parents are being reminded to keep a few things in mind with their child's costume.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Trevor Tremblay emphasizes the importance of being visible while out trick-or-treating.

Constable Tremblay also warns against wearing something that would impair vision, such as a mask.

Tremblay also says it's important to be able to move safely - avoiding tripping hazards like long capes or robes, or oversized clothing - and reminds trick-or-treaters to dress for the weather.

Northern Lights Ford's WE Scare Hunger Campaign Enters Final Days

As Halloween nears, a campaign to "scare hunger" is heading into its final days.

All month, Northern Lights Ford has been collecting donations to support the Wawa Food Bank as part of Ford Canada's "WE Scare Hunger" campaign, a nationwide initiative with the WE charity.

Service advisor Lonna Rilley notes the local campaign's hoping to surpass past years.

Rilley reminds non-perishable food items - and monetary donations - can be dropped off at the dealership, or pickup arrangements can be made by calling the dealership - they'll be accepted until the end of the day on Thursday, October 31st, then weighed before they're brought to the Wawa Food Bank.

Superior East OPP Investigating Break-and-Enter Incidents in Chapleau Area

Local police are investigating multiple break-and-enter incidents in the Chapleau area.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to "several" occurrences over the past week, and - on Sunday - located a stolen vehicle in the ditch on Highway 101, about 60 kilometres east of Chapleau.

A search of the vehicle found several items that had been reported stolen as a result of local break-and-enter incidents - some have been identified by owners, many others have not.

Police are asking anyone who suspects their property was broken into - or is missing items from a residence or outbuildings - to report that to the OPP.

Anyone with information about the break-and-enter incidents is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers.

Wawa EDC Taking Public Input While Planning Wawa CoLAB Project

Wawa's Economic Development Corporation is planning a new "community-based innovation and co-working space".

Economic Development Director Shah Mohamed explains the "Wawa CoLAB" will offer resources associated with a "co-working space".

Administrative assistant Isabeau Allard emphasizes the Wawa CoLAB is more than just that space, but also programs.

As the project is currently in the "design phase", "place making sessions" are being held until November 10th to get input on the design of the Wawa CoLAB - anyone interested in participating in those sessions or generally learning more about this initiative can contact the EDC.

Wawa Public Library Wrapping Up Ontario Public Libraries Week Celebrations

Wawa's library is reminding celebrations are continuing for Ontario Public Library Week.

The Wawa Public Library has been holding events over the week to mark the occasion, and Assistant Librarian Suzie Jarrell notes two week-long initiatives are still underway.

Both Ontario Public Library Week events wrap up when the week ends tomorrow - Saturday, October 26th.