The Algoma District School Board's elementary schools are closed for the next few days for teachers' strikes.
All 83,000 members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario are walking off the job province-wide today, with a walkout by ETFO members with the ADSB to be held tomorrow - the local ETFO members last participated in a province-wide strike last Thursday and a local strike last Friday.
It's only the start of a week filled with strikes: the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation is holding a targeted strike Thursday, including all four local school boards - that will see the ADSB close all of its schools Thursday.
The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board won't be closing its schools, as the OSSTF only represents noon-hour aides with the board.
The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon is closing its local schools Thursday, amid a strike by the AEFO, which represents French-language teachers with public and Catholic boards.
Meanwhile, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association is "enhancing" its administrative job action today: now, members will only undertake their scheduled teaching and supervision duties, though parent-teacher interviews will still go forward as scheduled and they'll still participate in extra-curricular activities.
CSPGNO Ratifies Agreement With Union Representing Janitorial Staff
A local school board's confirmed an agreement with the union representing its janitorial staff.
The Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l'Ontario says the three-year collective agreement with Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 895 has been ratified, covering September 1st, 2019, to August 31st, 2022 - the French public school board says it includes improved employment conditions and a salary increase.
While the board has reached an agreement with that union, the union representing Ontario's public and Catholic French-language teachers, the AEFO - which roughly translates to "Association of Franco-Ontarian Teachers" - is in the midst of a job action campaign, with plans for weekly one-day province-wide walkouts starting Thursday.
The board's local schools will also be affected by a targeted strike from the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation on Thursday, which will also affect all of the Algoma District School Board's schools and local French Catholic schools.
Chapleau's 23rd Pike Ice Fishing Derby Results
Lines are out of the water as Rotary Club of Chapleau's 23rd annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby is now in the books.
Attendance was high - with all 800 tickets for the derby sold only three weeks after they went on sale - while several pike were reeled in, including a 7.7 pound pike from Kevin Henry, which claimed the $10,000 first prize.
Rounding out the top three were a 6.33-pounder from Adam Gauthier - which won him a Honda A-T-V - and a 5.49-pounder from Luc Jacques , who claimed the $4000 third prize.
The entry prize of a 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 Classic 4x4 went to Roger Roy, while Chris Roy of Wawa won $5000 for catching the tagged fish, and Roger Lapointe won $2080 through the 50/50 draw - the rest of the money goes to support the Chapleau Ski Hill.
Possible Hope Amid Impasse on 2nd Chapleau Drag Race
There could still be hope for Chapleau's Gold Rush Nationals Drag Race - but organizers and the Township appear to be at an impasse.
While he had previously stated that "at this point, the drag races aren't going to happen" - as no agreement was signed with the Township of Chapleau by the January 31st deadline - Drag Race Chair Richard Bignucolo - vice president of the CRDC, which organized the drag race - says the event could still happen, with the "right" agreement.
Mayor Michael Levesque isn't rejecting the possibility of a deal, either, emphasizing the Township and Council are open to the event.
As for the issues holding up the agreement, Bignucolo points to a few items.
Mayor Levesque - however - says the liability clause would only see the CRDC held liable, part of a standard facility use agreement, outlining the Township's stance in a statement to JJAM FM.
While Bignucolo takes issue with the way negotiations were conducted - saying he wanted to sit down at the table with the Township but was told to talk through lawyers - Mayor Levesque raises concerns with the CRDC's requests.
Bignucolo expresses frustration at the lack of a deal, pointing to support for the event.
Bignucolo also points to work done by drag race volunteers to help at the airport, paving a portion of the runway, which he says cost over $61,000 - something that was necessary for the first event to happen.
Mayor Levesque emphasizes the Township "has not left the negotiating table", with new proposed terms being drafted, to be presented to the CRDC early next week.
SE OPP Issue Safety Reminders Ahead of Chapleau Ice Fishing Derby
Local police are issuing a few safety reminders ahead of the Chapleau derby.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Trevor Tremblay urges snowmobilers to "take it slow", emphasizing speed is the number one cause of snowmobile fatalities - and warning conditions on the ice can be a problem.
Tremblay also recommends watching for open water.
Anglers are also warned to secure your ice hut - and to avoid keeping any valuables inside when you're not there - as Constable Tremblay notes reports of thefts from ice huts in recent weeks, mainly in Chapleau.
Finally, Constable Tremblay urges people not to drink and drive - cars or snowmachines - and reminds it's illegal to drink out on the ice.
Chapleau Rotary Club Reels In 23rd Pike Ice Fishing Derby
Chapleau's reeling in anglers this weekend, with the Rotary Club of Chapleau's 23rd annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby.
Sold out only three weeks after tickets went on sale, the annual event will see anglers out on the Chapleau River, and Derby Committee Chair Jocelynne Bernier touts several major prizes.
Bernier adds there is also the entry prize of a 2019 Dodge RAM, the "tagged fish" worth $5000 if caught during the derby - or a free entry in the derby if caught after this year's derby, but before the next - and there's a 50/50 raffle, with proceeds from that draw to help the local ski hill.
Registration runs from 2 pm to 10 pm this afternoon, with a dinner from 5 pm to 8 pm by the Chapleau High School, to support their school trip.
Fishing runs from 7 am to 4 pm tomorrow, with JJAM FM live on location from 11 am to 4 pm.
Wawa Legion's Lift Now Operational
Wawa's Legion Hall is now more accessible, as its long-awaited lift is operational.
While an official opening will be held later, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 President Mary Anne Pearson says the equipment is now installed and available for use.
Pearson says volunteer operators will be available at scheduled events, otherwise those who may need to use the lift are encouraged to call the Legion ahead of time, to make it easier to accommodate those using the lift.
The Legion branch president also thanks the community for its support, donating to help with the project and "graciously" tolerating construction in recent months.
Wawa Rotary Club Hosting Youth Exchange Conference
Students from Canada, the U-S, and other parts of the world are gathering in Wawa for the weekend, as the local Rotary Club hosts the "Great White North" Youth Exchange Conference.
Rotary Youth Exchange Committee member Liz Talian-Clarke - co-chair of the event - explains the event is for "outbound" and "inbound" students in the Rotary Youth Exchange program, with a special treat for those who will be heading out later this year.
Talian-Clarke notes there will also be courses to prepare the students, winter activities, and some speakers.
Fellow Rotary Youth Exchange Committee member and event co-chair Rob Clarke explains students are coming from several places.
Organizers thank those who are "home hosting" the students or Rotarians.
Wawa Man Charged Over Historic Sexual Assault in Wawa
A Wawa man's facing charges over a reported historic sexual assault in town.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they received the report in September, with the Superior East Crime Unit involved in the investigation - that led to an arrest on Tuesday, a 54-year-old Wawa man on charges of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and forcible confinement.
Few details have been given about the incident, though Superior East OPP have confirmed to JJAM FM News that it occurred in "the mid-90s", and police ask anyone with information about the incident to call the OPP or Crime Stoppers.
The accused has been released from custody, with a Wawa court date in early March.
ADSB Elementary Schools Closed for ETFO Strikes
Most of Ontario's public elementary schools are closed today, amid a province-wide strike by the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario.
All 83,000 of ETFO's members are striking, as part of escalated rotating strikes that will also lead to a four-day weekend for local public elementary students, as ETFO members with the Algoma District School Board are also striking tomorrow.
The ADSB's confirmed the strikes are closing all its elementary schools, 7/8 programs in secondary schools, and Adult and Basic Literacy Skills programs, with scheduled School Council or school-based meetings, activities, and sports cancelled, though community use of schools is allowed to continue as normal.
Local ETFO members will also strike on back-to-back days next week, with another province-wide strike on Tuesday, February 12th, and a local walkout on Wednesday the 12th.
ETFO says this comes after a deal was "within reach" in recent talks, but they fell apart when the government "abruptly changes its position at the eleventh hour", tabling what ETFO calls "impossible options they...could not accept" - particularly for special education funding.
While Education Minister Stephen Lecce's said the union was focused on substantial increases to benefits and wages, ETFO President Sam Hammond says salary was not addressed in the recent talks and he refutes Lecce's claim government negotiators signed a letter committing to maintain the current Kindergarten model.
Warning Amid Record High Water Levels on Lake Superior
Record highs for the upper Great Lakes are prompting a warning for shoreline property owners.
The International Lake Superior Board of Control says water levels in Superior are 38 centimetres above average and one centimetre above the record high for the beginning of February, set in 1986 - and that's despite a six centimetre decline over January, which was one centimetre less than the normal January decline.
The board warns the high water levels mean a "significantly increased risk of shoreline erosion, lakeshore flooding, and coastal damages" into the spring - and it warns anyone who may be affected "to prepare for potentially severe coastal impacts, especially during periods of strong winds and high waves".
Similar problems are also noted for Lake Michigan-Huron, which saw its water level rise rather than decline over January.
2nd Chapleau Drag Race Not Expected
It appears Chapleau's Gold Rush Nationals Drag Race won't race into town again.
Organizers with the event have confirmed that "at this point, the drag races aren't going to happen", noting no agreement has been signed with the Township despite passing the January 31st deadline.
This comes despite what organizers called a very successful first year: after the event, Chair Richard Bignucolo - vice president of the CRDC, which organized the drag race - stated it went well with "beautiful" weather and "a couple hundred" cars participating.
At the time, Bignucolo stated organizers were hoping to continue the drag races in future years, and had been "writing notes and taking comments" to help improve the event.
The inaugural event had met resistance from Council over various concerns - including about the possible impact on air ambulance service - though an agreement was reached four-and-a-half months before the August event date, including $7000 in "in-kind" support from the Township.
That contribution was discussed by Council again in September: Mayor Michael Levesque said at the time that there had been a "cost overrun" and Council needed to determine what should have been included in that contribution and what costs should be passed on to the CRDC.
ETFO Announces More Local Strikes
More local strikes are planned by Ontario's elementary teachers union.
The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario has announced plans for a province-wide strike next Tuesday, February 11th, followed by a strike by ETFO members with the Algoma District School Board on Wednesday the 12th, part of ongoing rotating strikes.
This comes as ETFO's preparing for a province-wide strike tomorrow, to be followed by a strike by members with the ADSB on Friday.
The ADSB confirms the strikes will close its elementary schools, all 7/8 programs in secondary schools, and Adult and Basic Literacy Skills programs, with scheduled School Council or school-based meetings, activities, and sports cancelled, though community use of schools is allowed to continue as normal.
Wawa Council Approves Signing of LNG Utility Shareholder Agreement
Wawa Municipal Council's approved the signing of a shareholder agreement for a new liquefied natural gas utility.
Under the agreement, Wawa will be a shareholder, along with the municipalities of Marathon, Manitouwadge, Terrace Bay, and Schreiber, though Wawa CAO/Treasurer Maury O'Neill notes that doesn't guarantee LNG's coming to town - or that Council will continue to back the idea.
O'Neill suggests the OEB decision is expected in the coming months, and notes the new utility will seek a local board member, with Council to approve the appointment.
Last May, Council approved a few steps toward bringing LNG to the community, including selecting two plots within the industrial park to be sold or leased for an LNG depot, though an agreement still needs to be worked out on that, should the project move forward.
Wawa Council Approves Purchase of New MMCC Condenser
Wawa Municipal Council's approved the purchase of a replacement condenser for the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, after a leak in the unit.
During their meeting last night, Council approved the purchase - about $69,500 - with the funds to be withdrawn from the General Capital Reserve Fund.
Addressing the issue at last week's Council meeting, Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explained there was a leak in the condenser, which uses ammonia to cool the ice.
Patterson assures the leak didn't become too much of a problem.
While there will need to be a temporary shutdown when the unit arrives so it can be installed as soon as possible, Patterson says operations within the arena are continuing as normal, though staff are making additional checks on the unit.
Wawa Council Reviews Updated Municipal Energy Conservation Plan
Wawa Municipal Council's considering an update to the municipality's energy conservation and demand management plan.
As the municipality's required to have update the plan every five years - and the current one's five years old - Information Technology and Innovation Director Jason Morrison presented Council with an updated plan, noting it's fairly similar to the original, though some of the original's goals were achieved and so some new goals were set.
The plan was only given to Council for review, with a vote to be held at a later date.
Vote Delayed on New Street Furniture for Wawa's Broadway Avenue
A vote on the purchase of new furniture for Wawa's Broadway Avenue has been delayed.
Wawa Municipal Council received a memo noting the municipality has until the end of next month to spend funding received for the purchase of street furniture, though - in last night's Corporate Planning Committee meeting - CAO/Treasurer Maury O'Neill noted concerns had been raised by the CDC's Beautification Committee and the BIA that the planned benches weren't senior friendly, while Mayor Ron Rody raised concerns about the design of the proposed garbage receptacles, specifically that the lid wasn't fully attached to the top and could be the target of vandalism.
During the meeting, concerns were also raised about whether the trash cans would be bear-proof and whether they would be large enough - given garbage is only collected twice a week - though it was also suggested that pickup from the cans may need to be increased.
O'Neill requested staff be given "a little extra time" to look into options to address the concerns, with Council agreeing.
Local English Catholic Schools Closed Amid OECTA Strike
Ontario's English Catholic school teachers are striking today.
For the second time this year, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association is holding a one-day walkout province-wide - the local Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board's confirmed all of its schools are closed for the day because of that.
Locally, OECTA is also holding pickets outside St. Joseph French Immersion in Wawa and Our Lady of Fatima in Chapleau from 10 am to 1 pm.
When announcing the strike last week, OECTA President Liz Stuart acknowledged growing impatience among parents, saying the teachers "share their frustration" but the union cannot accept "devastating" cuts to the education system pushed by the PC government.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce's decried the strike, saying "teachers union leaders have yet again demonstrated their disregard for parents in this province...prepared to stand up for things like higher benefits for their members" but not "the basic expectation that students should learn each and every day".
This comes as the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation is holding a targeted one-day strike, but not locally.
Meanwhile, the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario has escalated its rotating strikes, with a province-wide strike to be held Thursday, though ETFO members with the Algoma District School Board will strike again on Friday, creating a second four-day weekend in a row after last week's one-day strike.
Toronto Residents Charged After RIDE Check Near Wawa
Two Toronto residents are facing charges after being stopped at a RIDE check near Wawa.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the vehicle was stopped on Highway 17 near Wawa shortly after 9:00 pm Saturday night, with officers detecting the odour of cannabis from the vehicle, prompting a search which led to the discovery of stolen property and a large sum of cash.
Police say one of the passengers also falsely identified themselves to police.
Charged is a 24-year-old from Scarborough with two counts of obstruct peace officer and one of breach of recognizance, while an 18-year-old from Toronto has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5000, and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000.
The two have been released from custody, with a Wawa court date in early April.
Wawa Council Holding Back-to-Back Meetings
Wawa Municipal Council's starting off another month with back-to-back meetings.
First up is a Corporate Planning Committee meeting, though it's a slim agenda, with discussion about the Wawa Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan and memos on Main Street Funding Ontario and the Northshore Liquefied Natural Gas Project shareholders agreement.
That will be followed by a regular meeting of Council, which includes resolutions declaring land at Gibson Avenue in the Michipicoten River Village "surplus" and accepting a staff recommendation for the purchase of Broadway Main Street Furniture.
There are also three "closed session" items, all legal issues: one about an offer to purchase property; another about a Freedom of Information request; and one about a golf club agreement.
Aside from the "closed session" portion, tonight's meetings are open to the public, starting at 6:30 in Council Chambers.