A Manitouwadge man's facing a pair of charges after a traffic stop near Wawa.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers stopped a pickup truck for speeding on Highway 17 around 5 pm Monday night, with investigation revealing the driver was suspended, leading to charges of operation while prohibited and speeding - 0 to 49 kilometres an hour over posted limit.
The 33-year-old accused was released from custody with a court date in February, while the vehicle was towed and will be impounded for 45 days.
HSCDSB Assures Report Cards Will Be Issued Amid OECTA Job Action
The local English Catholic school board's assuring report cards will be issued - even if they're lacking some information.
Noting the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association's "administrative job action" campaign means members aren't entering comments on report cards, the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board says teachers will be providing marks and learning skills levels for report cards, so students can receive them as scheduled.
There will be a slight change for classes that don't usually have marks - like full-day kindergarten or specialized classes - as only a single sentence comment will be entered.
This assurance comes as other boards - particularly in the Toronto-area - have reported problems issuing report cards, due to ongoing job action by all of Ontario's teachers' unions - something Education Minister Stephen Lecce has pointed to as proof that the unions are "hurting our kids".
Argonaut Gold Touts Michipicoten FN Community Agreement on Magino Gold Mine
A Toronto-based mining company is touting an agreement over a proposed mine in the region.
Argonaut Gold says it has executed a community agreement with Michipicoten First Nation, issuing 505,237 common shares to the Indigenous community as part of the deal.
The company says it also has agreements in place with Missanabie Cree First Nation, Batchewana First Nation, the Métis Nation of Ontario, and the Red Sky Métis Independent Nation, claiming they've all expressed "overwhelming support" for the proposed Magino gold project.
This comes after a release from Garden River First Nation announced its opposition to the project near Dubreuilville - saying it's in their traditional territory and "an area of high value to [Garden River] for exercise of treaty and indigenous inherent rights, for culture, ceremony, and the overall responsibility of protectors of the land and water" - and claiming Argonaut's refused to accommodate Garden River "anywhere close to industry standard today, or what [Garden River knows to be adequate", though Argonaut says it has "consulted with the Garden River First Nation for multiple years with the aim of coming to a reasonable agreement".
Argonaut's already received approval from both the federal and provincial environmental assessment processes for Magino, with work continuing on the federal "Schedule 2" permitting process.
Meanwhile, Argonaut's reporting record production of nearly 187,000 ounces over 2019, though that's shy of its 200,000 ounce guidance, prompting a review of operations and delaying the release of Argonaut's 2020 guidance to next month.
Local English Catholic Schools Closed for 1-Day Strike
Local English Catholic schools are closed today, amid a province-wide strike.
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association announced the one-day strike last week, just hours into an "administrative job action" campaign, which has members refraining from activities like preparing report cards, participating in EQAO-related activities, and attending or participating in Ministry of Education initiatives.
It's the first time in more than 20 years that OECTA's withdrawn services province-wide.
The local Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board says classes and transportation are cancelled for all of its schools, which are closed to students for the day, though schools are expected to reopen as normal - with transportation - tomorrow.
Chapleau Seeking New Local Health Board Representative
Chapleau's looking for a new representative on the local health unit board.
The Township's put out an "invitation" for a volunteer to sit on the board of Public Health Sudbury and Districts - the former Sudbury and District Health Unit - as Mayor Michael Levesque says the longtime representative has resigned.
According to the posting on the Township's website, those interested should submit a letter of intent - outlining interests and experience - by 12 noon this Thursday, January 23rd.
Local Communities Get Boost from Major Provincial Funding Program
Some local communities will be getting a boost in support from a major provincial fund.
Premier Doug Ford and Infrastructure Minister Laurie Scott have announced $200-million through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, to help 424 small, rural, and northern communities "build and repair critical local infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastructure".
According to government figures, that includes $270,157 for Wawa - up from the $161,743 provided through OCIF last year - while Chapleau will get $138,091, up from $117,778 in 2019.
Dubreuilville will see only a slight bump - from $94,077 to $94,414 - while White River's getting an even smaller increase, rising from $131,812 to $131,969.
The amounts are based on a formula.
Ontario Proposes Making Spring Black Bear Hunt Pilot Permanent
Ontario's Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry is proposing to make the spring black bear hunting season a regular, annual event.
Minister John Yakabuski says consultations are open on the proposed move, which builds upon the introduction of a spring black bear hunting season pilot in 2014, though he notes the plan is to still hold annual reviews.
The regular hunt would be similar to the pilot, keeping "all protections" for the black bear population, though it would reduce the season in the Bruce Peninsula area - to support the population's long-term sustainability - while eliminating special hunting opportunities for non-resident landowners and non-residents hunting with immediate relatives, and requiring people guiding resident bear hunters for commercial purposes to obtain a special licence.
Comments are being accepted through the Environmental Registry of Ontario until February 18th.
Chapleau Council Decides Main Street Snowbanks Will Be Cleared Regularly
Chapleau Council's decided to clear snowbanks on Main Street on a regular basis.
Mayor Michael Levesque explains the decision stems from a request brought forward by a councillor, who wanted openings or "access points" created in snowbanks on Main Street.
Mayor Levesque says this option "made the most sense" based on the time and cost, but emphasizing that the snowbank is only "third priority", after clearing the roads and the laneways - that means it could still take "a day or two" for the snowbanks to be removed after a winter storm.
Main Street's sidewalks are cleared daily.
Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby Early Bird Deadline
Time's almost up for early birds to register for a local ice fishing derby.
While the derby is nearly a month away, tomorrow is the early bird deadline for the 3rd Annual Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby, which is touting a prize of $1000 for one lucky early bird.
Derby organizers also highlight a registration skill prize of $5000 and prizes for the top five fish caught.
The derby will be held February 15th.
Chapleau Council Considering Options to Address Short Term Rentals
Chapleau Town Council's still considering how to address short-term rentals, such as AirBnB rentals.
Mayor Michael Levesque says the Township's zoning consultant has presented a few options, including doing nothing or launching an education and enforcement campaign targeting operators of such rentals.
Mayor Levesque says the other option presented was implementing policy and zoning changes to address short-term rentals, such as restricting where it's allowed and requiring permits - though that might not happen immediately.
Levesque says an update to the Official Plan isn't expected for a few years.
Council is still considering its options.
Algoma Public Health Warns of Inspection Scam
Algoma Public Health's warning of an inspection scam in the region.
The local health unit says it has heard about individuals posing as Public Health Inspectors at restaurants, salons, spas, and at tattoo, body piercing, and other personal service businesses.
That includes a report of someone calling a restaurant, claiming the business received a complaint about the food and another inspection was needed - the caller then asked for a credit card number to charge a service fee.
APH emphasizes that its inspections are free and so inspectors would never ask for a credit card number - and they'd be able to present a valid badge and photo ID.
They also would not call ahead to schedule an appointment, as most inspections are unannounced.
Any businesses in doubt about an inspector are encouraged to call the health unit, and - if the inspector asks for a credit card - call police.
Garden River FN Announces Opposition to Proposed Magino Gold Mine
The proposed Magino Gold Mine is facing a major new obstacle.
A news release issued Tuesday says Garden River First Nation "objects to and will if necessary, challenge Prodigy's attempts to construct and operate a gold mine" in what Garden River describes as its traditional territory, near Dubreuilville, adding studies by the First Nation "reveal that this is an area of high value to [Garden River] for exercise of treaty and indigenous inherent rights, for culture, ceremony, and the overall responsibility of protectors of the land and water".
While Garden River notes Prodigy is working on Impact Benefit Agreements with other local Indigenous communities, it claims Prodigy has refused to accommodate Garden River through such an agreement "anywhere close to industry standard today, or what [Garden River knows to be adequate", with Chief Andy Rickard claiming the company "never really negotiated" and simply "waited until the end to tell us there was almost nothing left...for compensatory measures", such as "real revenue sharing".
Prodigy was bought by - and folded into - Toronto-based Argonaut Gold in late 2012 - it is proposing an open pit gold mine with onsite metal mill, a project that cleared its federal environmental assessment nearly a year ago, though it still requires other federal and provincial approvals.
Chapleau Council Considers Proposal for EV Charging Stations
Electric vehicle charging stations are being proposed for Chapleau.
Mayor Michael Levesque says Council's optimistic about a proposal from Ontario Power Generation and AmbuEnergy.
Emphasizing that there'd be no additional cost to the Township - as the proponents would install and maintain the charging stations - Mayor Levesque highlights potential benefits.
Levesque says it's unclear when a final decision will be made or the charging stations would be installed.
Early Bird Deadline for Wawa Ice Fishing Derby
Just hours are left for early birds to register for Wawa's annual ice fishing derby.
Chairperson Scott Popert explains today is the early bird deadline, 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 for the derby 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.
New Chapleau CBO/By-Law Enforcement Official Confirmed
Chapleau Council's confirmed the appointment of a key employee.
During their meeting earlier this week Council approved the appointment of Alvin Brown as the new Building Inspector, By-Law Officer, and Property Standards Officer - a combined role he started last week.
Mayor Michael Levesque previously noted it was necessary to combine the jobs.
Like Chapleau, Wawa has combined the two roles, with an "Assistant Director of Protective Services", described as "encompass[ing] the joint responsibilities of Fire Chief, Chief Building Official, and By-Law Enforcement".
Chapleau Council Considering LNG Proposal
Liquefied natural gas could be on its way to Chapleau.
During the meeting Monday night, Council heard a presentation from Northeast Midstream, raising the possibility of extending LNG service to Chapleau - an idea Mayor Michael Levesque says is being considered by Council.
Mayor Levesque does not have a timeline for the process that would lead to a decision, though he notes such a project would need approval from the Ontario Energy Board, and expects residents to hear more before the project could move forward.
A similar proposal for an LNG storage facility and distribution system in Wawa - as well as Manitouwadge, Marathon, Schreiber, and Terrace Bay - is still being considered by the OEB.
HSCDSB Closing Schools During OECTA 1-Day Strike Next Week
The local English Catholic school board's warning it will close schools next week, during a one day strike.
Already conducting an "administrative job action" campaign, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association says it will hold a province-wide strike next Tuesday, January 21st, and the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board says that means about 45% of its permanent employees will be walking off the job, so classes and transportation are cancelled for the day.
While the schools will be closed to students, the board does expect its non-striking employees to work normal hours that day.
Chapleau Council Holding 1st 2020 Meeting
Chapleau Town Council's set to hold their first meeting of the year.
Included on tonight's agenda is the introduction of the Township's new Building Inspector and By-Law and Property Standards Officer, with related by-laws to appoint them to the role.
There's also a delegation from Northeast Midstream regarding Liquefied Natural Gas, and resolutions on: a proposal for electric vehicle charging stations; a request from Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command to participate in the Military Service Recognition Book; a donation request from the Chapleau Ski Club; an appointment to the Public Health Sudbury and District Board of Health; and revisions to the Winter Carnival schedule and budget.
Council will also discuss winter maintenance policy and a planning report on short-term rentals.
Open to the public, tonight's meeting starts at 6:30 pm in Civic Centre Council Chambers.
Local English School Boards Postpone Grade 9 Math Test
Both local English school boards are putting off plans for the annual Grade 9 Math Assessment.
Just days after Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced that boards can decide whether to conduct the test as scheduled this week or wait - due to ongoing labour strife - the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board says it has decided its students will not take the test at this time, noting the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association is starting a job action campaign today, which prevents teachers from administering and marking the assessment.
The Algoma District School Board - meanwhile - says an ongoing job action campaign by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation means prompted it to postpone the Grade 9 Math Assessment, as the teachers aren't participating in EQAO preparation or testing, making it hard to administer or mark the test, or to make needed accommodations for some students.
Lecce had indicated that students who don't take the test now will need to do so in June, though the ADSB is raising concerns that would pose "significant challenges to both school staff and Grade 9 students who are not studying math in semester two" - the HSCDSB says it will "review the matter in the future to ensure fairness" for such students.
NE OPP Call 2019/20 Festive RIDE Results "Disappointing"
Ontario Provincial Police are calling figures from the recent Festive RIDE campaign "disappointing" and "concerning".
North East Region OPP say 1638 Festive RIDE checks were conducted between November 23rd and January 2nd, with 61 people arrested for impaired driving-related offences and another 30 issued Automatic Drivers' Licence Suspensions after registering in the "warn" range.
That reverses the declining trend seen the previous two years, as impaired driving charges were up 38 percent from the previous holiday season, and suspensions were up 30 percent.
Traffic Inspector Scott Hlady - the region's Traffic and Marine Manager - says it's "very disappointing and concerning to see that so many drivers in our region are choosing to put their lives and the lives of everyone else on the road at risk".