A Wawa hockey team's received some support from the local credit union.
The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says the Northern Credit Union presented an $850 cheque to the École secondaire Saint-Joseph (Wawa) hockey team on Tuesday.
It comes after the team - lead by teacher Kevin Auger - held a pastry sale last month, with funds raised going toward the team's participation in the 2020 Franco-Ontarian Hockey Tournament.
Early Bird Deadline Nearing for Wawa Ice Fishing Derby
Less than two months before the event, organizers of Wawa's annual ice fishing derby are reminding there's still time to qualify for the derby's early bird draws.
Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Chairperson Scott Popert explains the early bird deadline is next Wednesday, but there are a few ways to register in time.
Popert reminds there are five early bird prizes of $1000 this year, with other prizes including the $30,000 registration prize and prizes for the top six fish caught on each of the three derby lakes.
The 29th annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby will be held March 6th through 8th.
RYAM Fined $250k Over Death at Chapleau Sawmill
RYAM has been fined a quarter-million dollars over a fatal incident at its Chapleau mill.
Ontario's Ministry of Labour says Rayonier AM Canada Industries was fined after pleading guilty to failing as an employer to ensure that required measures and procedures were carried out in a workplace, specifically that a vehicle left unattended should be immobilized and secured against accidental movement.
That charge stems from an incident at the Chapleau softwood lumber mill on May 25th, 2018, involving a worker tasked with removing bundles of wood from the kiln and placing them in the yard - while there was no eyewitness, the Ministry says it's believed the worker had reversed the loader after placing a load in the yard, then got out to place three "crossers" - small pieces of wood - on that pile, to create space before another bundle was placed on top of it.
The Ministry believes the worker was in the process of placing a third crosser when the loader rolled forward, pinning them between the machine and the wood bundle - the worker subsequently died from their injuries.
Investigation revealed no mechanical defects in the loader's braking system, though it did find a brake actuator had been modified - making the parking brake easier to release - and the Ministry investigation further determined the loader's forks hadn't been securely lowered to the ground, while the machine was parked on uneven ground sloped toward the bundle, with no wheel chocks applied to the wheels, leading to the charge under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Rayonier - or Ryam Lumber - has also been ordered to pay a 25% victim fine surcharge, which goes to a special fund to assist victims of crime.
Some Local Schools Close, Others Stay Open During OSSTF Strike
Some local schools are closed today, amid a one-day strike by members of a major teachers' union.
The targeted strike by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation includes both the local English public and English Catholic school boards - as well as all local French public and French Catholic schools - though only the Algoma District School Board and the Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon are closing their schools for the day.
The ADSB is also cancelling School Council and school-based meetings, activities, and sports - as well as adult and continuing education classes - though all community use of schools is allowed to continue as normal.
Meanwhile, the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board says its schools are staying open - as the union only represents about 30 noon-hour aides with the board - and the Conseil scolaire public du Grand-Nord de l'Ontario is also assuring that it's keeping its schools open, with before and after school programs offered as normal.
While the OSSTF has held multiple one-day strikes since starting work-to-rule job action in late November, this is only the second to affect local schools, after a province-wide strike in early December.
Wawa Council Receives Update on Limited Predator Control Hunt
Wawa Municipal Council received an update on the ongoing limited predator control hunt in town during last night's regular meeting.
Less than a month after Council agreed to extend the hunt until March 31st this year - and from November 16th to December 31st - the liaison for the designated group of local hunters appeared before Council to discuss last winter's hunt.
Charlie Todesco first thanked Council for extending the hunt, saying a coyote was removed from the golf course on Saturday, while a 95-pound wolf was removed from within municipal boundaries - the second wolf since the report was written.
Looking back at the previous season, Todesco noted snow conditions hindered hunting efforts, though seven predator control hunts were conducted, with a lynx called out, but no coyotes or wolves - he did note five wolves were removed within municipal boundaries last year.
Emphasizing that there have been no public complaints about the hunt efforts, Todesco stated that there have been few coyote sightings in the community - though they have been heard in the area - and few coyotes seemed to go through the snow dump at the end of Tamarack last season and this season, too.
He also highlighted "numerous complaints" that coyotes may be using the creek to travel from Wawa Lake to the trailer park, suggesting the group may request it be added as a third allowed spot for shotguns only, though he has not formally requested it at this time, wanting to go over the area with municipal staff first - Mayor Ron Rody appeared open to the idea, however, suggesting it could be quickly approved, if needed.
New Firefighters Appointed to Wawa Volunteer Fire Department, With Promotions
A few major appointments have been confirmed for the Wawa Volunteer Fire Department.
In their meeting last night, Wawa Municipal Council approved the appointment of three new firefighters - Jason Crack, Kayley East, and William Moore - as well as the promotion of Paul Weaver to Captain, and the appointment of Pierre Gauthier as Deputy Fire Chief.
Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin says the appointments address some vacancies.
Chief Sabourin notes the new firefighters were chosen through a recruitment drive in the fall - which he says saw "quite a few individuals" apply - while the new captain and deputy chief were internally posted promotions.
Organizers Thank Supporters of Memorial Eddy's Hockey Day
Organizers are thanking supporters of a special fundraiser at Dubreuilville's arena last weekend.
The "1st annual Memorial Eddy's Hockey Day" was held Saturday, raising over $1700 for ALS Canada as three adult mixed teams and two kids teams - with players from Dubreuilville, Wawa, White River, Marathon, and Timmins - hit the ice for a day of fun, honouring late Dubreuilville ALS activist Eddy Lefrancois, who passed away a year ago.
A statement from organizer Eric Levesque thanks the organizing committee, the players, and fans who showed up, adding that "Eddy will never be forgotten by his community and the surrounding".
Wawa Council Holding 1st 2020 Meetings
Wawa Municipal Council's marking the first Tuesday of the year with a pair of meetings.
Council's night is set to start with a Corporate Planning Committee meeting, which only has three items on the agenda: an update on the ongoing limited predator control hunt; a request from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine for the Municipality to support a student so they can attend the school's CampMed summer camp; and a request from Ecole Saint Joseph's Parent and Catholic School Council for sidewalk snow removal on Churchill Avenue.
Following that, Council will hold a regular meeting, with items including a confirmation of planned Council meeting dates - with the rescheduling of the January 21st meeting - as well as resolutions approving Council travel for the year and appointing a new captain and three new firefighters to the Wawa Volunteer Fire Department, with a later by-law including the appointment of a Deputy Fire Chief.
There are also three "in-camera" items on the agenda: a legal issue regarding a Freedom of Information request; a legal issue regarding the LNG shareholder agreement; and a personnel issue about staffing.
Aside from the "in-camera" portion, tonight's back-to-back meetings are open to the public, starting at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers.
Winners Announced for Wawa's Festival of Lights Decoration Contest
Organizers of Wawa's Christmas Decoration Contest are thanking the community for their support, as they've unveiled the winners.
Isabeau Allard of the Wawa EDC says the contest was well received - and is particularly happy with the number of ballots cast online - and says organizers will likely continue to use categories like they did this time.
Allard also commends participants for lighting up the community to spread festive spirit, and highlights the winners.
The first place in each category has won the choice between a family season pass for skating or a two-month gym membership at the Community Centre, while second place gets to choose between a youth or adult skating season pass or one-month gym membership.
SE OPP Lay Impaired Driving Charge After Vehicle Stuck in Snowbank North of Wawa
A northwestern Ontario resident is facing an impaired driving charge after a reported traffic hazard near Wawa.
Superior East OPP say officers received the report around 3:10 am this morning, with officers finding a vehicle stuck in a snowbank along Highway 17, north of town.
According to police, officers detected an odour of alcohol on the driver's breath - the driver was arrested and taken back to the Wawa detachment for further testing, leading to charges of operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs, and operation while prohibited.
The 32-year-old Longbow, Ontario resident's been released from custody, but was issued a 90-day Administrative Driver's Licence Suspension with a court date in February.
The vehicle's also been impounded.
Superior East OPP emphasize no amount of alcohol or drug is safe to consume and then drive, and urge everyone who observes a suspected impaired driver to call 9-1-1 or the OPP.
LDHCF Wrapping Up Wish Campaign
With the New Year now here, the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is preparing to wrap up its annual holiday fundraising campaign.
The foundation's annual "Wish Upon A Star" campaign concludes today, and Foundation Chair Lina Rody reminds it aims to raise as much as it can to support an important equipment purchase.
Rody notes donations were particularly strong on "Giving Tuesday", with more than $4000 received, far exceeding the foundation's $1000 goal for the day.
The current campaign is part of efforts to raise $125,000 for a "Medical Device Reprocessing Device" - important for ensuring equipment at the hospital is safe to use - and Rody notes $40,000 had already been raised before the Wish campaign began.
Donations can be made at the hospital or online.
Memorial Eddy's Hockey Day Arrives in Dubreuilville to Support ALS Canada
A special fundraiser is hitting the ice of Dubreuilville's arena this weekend.
The "1st annual Memorial Eddy's Hockey Day" will see teams of various categories - including kids in Grades 4 to 8 - play in a fun event raising funds for ALS Canada, in honour of Dubreuilville ALS activist Eddy Lefrancois, who passed away a year ago.
Dubreuilville renamed its arena - where the event's being held - in Eddy's honour in October.
SE OPP Arrest Wawa Resident on Sexual Assault and Other Charges
A Wawa resident's facing sexual assault and other charges over an incident on Monday.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to a reported of a sexual assault on December 30th, with investigation leading to the arrest of a 52-year-old from Wawa on charges of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and criminal harassment.
The accused has been remanded into custody, pending a bail hearing.
OPP are not releasing the accused's name, as a measure to protect the victim's identity.
Police 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.
SE OPP Respond to 2 Domestic Disputes in Wawa Early New Year's Day
Multiple charges have been laid after Wawa police were called to two separate domestic disputes just hours into the new year.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the first incident happened around 2 am Wednesday morning, with investigation leading to the arrest of a 27-year-old Wawa resident on charges of: "assault cause bodily harm - choke, suffocate, or strangle"; "overcome resistance by attempting to choke, suffocate, or strangle another person"; obstruct peace officer; and mischief - domestic.
The victim was taken to hospital and treated for what police describe as "non-life-threatening injuries".
The second incident happened around 3:20 am Wednesday morning, with officers observing an altercation on Churchill Avenue, leading to the arrest of a 24-year-old Wawa resident on charges of breach of recognizance and two counts of disobey court order.
Both of the accused were released from custody with a court date in February.
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.
Registration Deadline for Memorial Eddy's Hockey Day
Local hockey players are being reminded time's almost up to register for a special fundraiser in Dubreuilville this weekend.
The "1st annual Memorial Eddy's Hockey Day" will see teams of various categories - including kids in Grades 4 to 8 - play in a fun event honouring Eddy Lefrancois, a Dubreuilville ALS activist who passed away at the start of 2019.
Profits from the event will go toward ALS Canada.
Teams are asked to register by contacting Eric Levesque today, with the event to be held at Dubreuilville's arena - which was renamed in Eddy's honour in October - on Saturday, January 4th - the first anniversary of Eddy's death.
SE OPP Lament Another Impaired Driving Charge Over Holiday Season
Local police are lamenting another impaired driving charge over the holiday season.
Superior East OPP say officers responded to a collision on Highway 101 around 50 kilometres east of Chapleau around 5 am Christmas morning - responding officers detected an odour of alcohol on the breath of the driver, who failed a subsequent breath test before being taken back to the Chapleau detachment for further testing.
That led to the arrest of a 25-year-old Chapleau resident, who has been charged with "operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs", "operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration 80 plus", "drive motor vehicle - no licence", and "operate motor vehicle without insurance".
The driver's set to appear in Chapleau court in February, though a 90-day Automatic Driver's Licence Suspension has been issued while the vehicle's been impounded for seven days.
Superior East OPP note this was the third impaired charge in their detachment area last week, and emphasize - as New Year's Eve approaches - that "no amount of alcohol or drug is safe to consume and then drive", urging everyone who observes a suspected impaired driver to call the OPP or 911.
Festive RIDE Campaign Still Underway After Christmas
While Christmas may be over, Ontario Provincial Police are reminding their annual Festive RIDE campaign's continuing until the holiday season ends, in the new year.
Superior East OPP Constable Trevor Tremblay reminds drivers that the law now allows officers to take a breath sample whether or not they suspect a driver of drinking, and such mandatory tests will be more frequent this year.
OPP say 56 people were killed in alcohol or drug-related collisions on OPP-patrolled roads last year, and emphasize that - every day - an average of four Canadians are killed and 175 injured in impairment-related crashes.
Wawa's 1st Annual Ice Candle Celebration Day Arrives
A special new Wawa tradition is set to debut this weekend.
Wawa Cemetery Committee member - and municipal councillor - Bill Chiasson explains the committee's holding a fundraising "celebration of life", the 1st annual "Ice Candle" Celebration Day, which supports beautification of local cemeteries.
Chiasson thanks the volunteers and supporters of the event, which will see residents who've ordered an "ice candle" place them along the pathway leading to Woodland Cemetery.
While it is too late to order an ice candle, everyone is invited to attend the event, which starts at 4 pm Saturday afternoon.
Still Time to Support LDHCF Wish Campaign
While Christmas is behind us, the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is reminding there's still time to help grant a wish from the local hospital.
The foundation's annual "Wish Upon A Star" campaign continues into the new year, and Marketing and Foundation Assistant Angele Guy and Foundation Chair Lina Rody explain this supports an ongoing campaign to raise $125,000 for a new "Medical Device Reprocessing Device".
Donations can be made at the hospital, online, or via mail - names of donators will be displayed on a Christmas tree in the hospital lobby.
The campaign ends January 3rd.
SE OPP Remind of Festive RIDE Over Holidays
Ontario Provincial Police are reminding revellers to be safe during the holiday season, warning the annual Festive RIDE campaign is watching for impaired drivers.
Superior East OPP Constable Trevor Tremblay Reminds the campaign involves all police services across the province, intended to tackle alcohol or drug impaired driving with an increased police presence on local roads.
OPP say 56 people were killed in alcohol or drug-related collisions on OPP-patrolled roads last year, and emphasize that - every day - an average of four Canadians are killed and 175 injured in impairment-related crashes.