Wawa Municipal Council's approved a change to a loan agreement for the Michipicoten Golf Club, letting the club pay off the loan with major purchases.
The original loan agreement in August 2016 allowed the club to make payments when it could afford to do so - with some payments made in 2017 and 2018 - but Council agreed to change that during last night's regular meeting, passing a resolution authorizing repayment through an annual write-down based on capital purchases for the local golf course, with proof of payment.
That resolution stipulates capital expenditures must be for "major physical goods or services that will be used for more than one year or for a long-term that increases or improves its fixed assets over $1000, such as: plant, tools, machinery and equipment purchases; building expansion and improvements; and hardware purchases" - normal operating or maintenance expenditures would not count.
Mayor Ron Rody spoke in favour of the idea, saying - if the golf club shut down - Council Chambers would be "full" of people demanding the Municipality keep it open, particularly for its social and recreational uses, but also given its benefit to the economy by employing local workers - and its use in fundraisers for various local organizations and causes.
Wawa Council Discusses Handicap Parking
Wawa Municipal Council's considering several major questions about local roads. During their Corporate Planning Committee meeting last night, Council heard from Dan Bruno of the Seniors Solution Council, who raised concerns about handicap parking in town. Bruno particularly highlighted concerns about the number and placement of handicap spaces on Broadway Avenue - requesting increasing the current five spaces by at least three, with some to be placed on the street, rather than a side street - though he also raised issues with the marking and signage for the spaces, as well as snow clearing, warning it is difficult or impossible for those using the spaces to easily get out on the passenger side during the winter. Mayor Ron Rody noted Council was awaiting results of a study, with Infrastructure Services Director Cory Stainthorpe suggesting it found similar concerns, and hopes are for recommendations to come to Council in the next couple months, though Mayor Rody warned changes are unlikely to happen until the spring - and he further noted some businesses had raised concerns about placing handicap parking in front of their business, as they might not be used frequently and would take up spots that could otherwise be used by anyone.
Wawa Council Hears Concerns About Snow Clearing of Churchill School Zone
Several residents also turned out for last night's meeting to press Council on snow clearing in the "school zone", particularly on Churchill Avenue. Questions were raised about the Municipality's priorities for snow clearing - why certain roads have sidewalks cleared first, with snowbanks removed - with safety concerns emphasized throughout, given the hundreds of students who attend school in the area - particularly as more students are walking, due to changes in busing rules, but also the number travelling to the community centre for various activities. Questions were also raised about the recent traffic study for the area - which is the basis for a proposed "school zone" project planned, if it receives government funding - as the residents questioned why the study did not look more closely at snow clearing, given how much of the school year takes place in winter weather conditions. While Mayor Ron Rody and Infrastructure Services Director Cory Stainthorpe stated there has been increased service to that area, that was questions and dismissed as not meeting the level required. Stainthorpe cautioned Council that there would be a cost to meeting the request, either requiring a shift in priorities or service reduction elsewhere or a higher budget for snow clearing, to cover the increased service. No further decision was made during the meeting.
Timeline Set for MMCC Condenser Replacement
A timeline's been set for the replacement of the condenser at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre. During Tuesday night's regular meeting, Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson informed Council that the replacement unit is expected at the start of March, with installation scheduled for March 2nd through 5th - just ahead of the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby. Patterson did note concerns about that timing, but emphasized the need to replace the unit and assurances given to him that the installation should be done within that time period. He did warn - however - that the installation does mean that the arena and curling ice will be unavailable from March 2nd through 5th, though the rest of the community centre should be unaffected - and Patterson noted hopes for colder weather over that period, as it should help avoid issues with the arena ice. Council approved the roughly $69,500 purchase earlier this month, as the unit needed to be replaced as soon as possible, after a leak was detected in the condenser, which uses ammonia to cool the ice. While waiting for the replacement, staff are continuing to monitor the current unit, patching it as needed.
SIU Concludes "No Grounds" to Charge OPP Officer Over Collision With Snowmobile in Wawa
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit is opting against charging an OPP officer over a collision with a snowmachine in Wawa last spring.
SIU Director Joseph Martino says he's determined "there are no reasonable grounds to believe that the [unnamed officer] committed a criminal offence in connection with the collision", which saw a snowmobile struck by an OPP cruiser while crossing Highway 101 at the intersection with Gladstone Avenue around 4 pm on April 3rd.
The snowmobiler was treated for multiple fractures of his left leg.
The SIU report says the central focus was the officer's speed: GPS data shows the cruiser sped up from 111 kilometres an hour to 136 kilometres an hour about six kilometres from the collision - where the speed limit is still 90 kilometres an hour - and the speed rose as high as 152 kilometres an hour, but had dropped down to about 71 kilometres an hour by the point of impact, where the speed limit is 50 kilometres an hour.
Director Martino notes he believes speed was the "pivotal factor" in the collision, as the snowmobiler likely didn't see the cruiser when he entered the intersection while the officer appears to have seen the snowmobile, but couldn't avoid the collision due to the cruiser’s speed.
Martino also says the risk stemming from the high speed was aggravated by the officer's failure to activate the cruiser's emergency lights or siren - which should have been done, particularly in the slower speed zone - and Martino does say it's "difficult to countenance the persistence" of the vehicle's excessive speed, as the officer was only responding to a "property offence", a theft call.
However, Martino says the officer was executing his duty by responding to the theft call and therefore was exempt from speed limits, further suggesting snowbanks on the shoulder of the highway, trees and shrubs on both sides of the snowmobile trail, and a nearby "no parking" sign may have obstructed line of sight, contributing to the collision.
In the end, Martino concludes "while one may legitimately criticize the [officer] for the manner in which he operated his police cruiser in the moments leading to" the collision, he cannot "reasonably conclude that the officer's conduct was so substandard as to amount to a marked deviation from a reasonable level of care", so there are no grounds for charges and the file is now closed.
The report can be found on the SIU's website.
Results in From 3rd Annual Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby
Some local anglers caught big prizes over the weekend.
The 3rd Annual Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby was held Saturday, with 193 participants - just shy of the limit of 210, though organizers say they were able to offer "92% of cash prizes".
Michel Desgagnes claimed the top prize of $6440 with a 13 pound, 6 ounce fish, followed by an 8-pounder caught by Madelaine Umbrasas, while Xavier Gendron, Myriam Courty, and Pat Cyr round out the top five.
Claiming the $4600 registration prize was Raymond Duhaime, while Joel Shier won the $1000 early bird prize, and free entries were awarded - thanks to Alamos Gold - to Nadine Pascal Duclos, Chris Roy, and James MacDonnell.
Evolugen Supports Wawa Rotary Club and Fire Department
A couple local organizations have received a big boost from a renewable energy company with local links.
Evolugen - formerly known as Brookfield Renewable - presented the Rotary Club of Wawa with a $5500 cheque on Saturday.
Rotarian Mark Owen explains the funds will help cover the costs for the Radio Auction - coming at the end of April - and will support an important local program.
In addition to supporting the Rotary Club, Evolugen recently presented a $15,000 cheque to the Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters Association, intended to help with the purchase of "jaws of life" equipment, a battery-powered telescopic rescue ram, that can help extricate someone from a vehicle.
Wawa Council Holding Back-to-Back Meetings
Straight off the Family Day long weekend, Wawa Municipal Council's holding back-to-back meetings tonight.
First up is a Corporate Planning Committee meeting, which will include delegations on handicap parking and the THM reduction program, as well as discussion on the draft water meter by-law and monthly reports from department heads.
That will be followed by a regular meeting of Council, which includes a resolution supporting Missanabie Cree First Nation's "Bear Train" proposal, as well as a resolution to write-down debt expense for the Michipicoten Golf Club.
There's also a single "closed session" item, a legal issue involving the Ministry of Labour.
Not included on either agenda: discussion about the draft capital budget, presented to Council on Thursday - plans are to gather public input before bringing it up for Council approval on March 4th.
Aside from the "closed session" portion, tonight's meetings are open to the public, starting at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers.
Wawa Council Presented Draft 2020 Capital Budget
Wawa Municipal Council has had its first look at this year's proposed capital budget.
The municipality's department heads each outlined projects planned for the year - or next few years - with CAO/Treasurer Maury O'Neill noting Council had directed staff to keep the operating budget increase to no more than the annual cost of living increase, maintaining expenditures at the previous year's level - adding an increase to fund capital projects - with plans to continue building reserves and work on long-term budgeting.
In total, nearly $6.4-million in projects were outlined, though much of that would be covered by outside funding, with only $314,000 to come from taxation and a further $1.3-million from reserves - the rest would be covered by another source, which includes grants, donations, or - in the case of water and sewer projects - water and sewer user fees, as O'Neill noted provincial law requires those fees to cover the costs of the system, a goal Wawa has not yet met.
Many of the projects outlined have already been approved to some extent, including the finishing of the Waterfront Project and work at Scenic High Falls Park, the replacement of the arena condenser, the purchase of a new fire pumper/tanker for the fire department, the Connecting Link project, the landfill expansion, the LNG study, and the wrapup of the THM Study - though next steps for that will need to be determined.
Other projects outlined include a service delivery review, Broadway Avenue street furniture, arena truss painting - noted to be required this year - an air compressor for the fire department, a computer software upgrade, airport gas tank replacement, a sewer jet and vacuum trailer, and water main valve installation.
Also highlighted was school zone road work, noted to be dependent on government funding.
Plans are to gather public input on the draft capital budget - with the presentation to be made publicly available - then bring it up for Council approval on March 4th, before moving on to the operating budget April 7th.
Valentine's Day Draw Winner for MVFA Cash Draw
A very lucky Wawa resident is $1000 richer, after this morning's Valentine's Day draw from the Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighter Association.
Nellie Harvey's ticket was drawn this morning, earning her the second $1000 prize from the fundraising campaign, after Josee Rioux won the Early Bird Draw in December, though both tickets are back in for the remaining draws - there are three more $1000 draws to be made at 5pm Sunday, March 8th, at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby, along with the $10,000 grand prize draw.
Captain Craig Spooner says sales are "in line with" this time last year, encouraging everyone to get a ticket.
Spooner reminds proceeds from the draw help the Association offer two annual bursaries to local high school students pursuing a career in emergency services - and the funds also help with public education, and training and equipment for the local firefighters.
Chapleau Winter Carnival Weekend Begins
Festivities are ramping up for Chapleau's "Taste of the North" Winter Carnival, as the weekend arrives. Chapleau's Leisure and Cultural Services Director, Rejean Raymond, says several events are happening tonight, including a dodge ball tournament.
Raymond notes more is planned for the weekend, including dog sled rides and various kids activities tomorrow.
The carnival runs through Sunday, when Chapleau Cree First Nation will be holding its 26th Annual Youth Fish Derby - starting at 10:30 am at the Fox Lake Beach Gazebo Area - followed by Family Day festivities. The full schedule's on the municipal website, chapleau.ca. Carnival wristbands are needed for most events, available today at the Civic Centre and over the weekend at the AW Moore Arena.
Wawa Winter Carnival Launches
Wawa's annual Winter Carnival is promising a weekend of fun activities, encouraging everyone to "explore the north". Several events are planned - with the parade changed to a "Northern Lights Walk" from Queen's Park to the Community Centre starting at 6 tonight, followed by a bonfire, fireworks, free skate, and family dance - and Wawa EDC Administrative Assistant Isabeau Allard highlights a few more of the weekend's events.
Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson reminds there will also be the usual Rotary pancake breakfasts over the weekend, events at the Legion, and more, continuing to Family Day.
Patterson also notes transit bus service will be offered during the Carnival - free for seniors, discounted for adults and children - with transportation available for the Monday snowshoe hike. The Carnival schedule's available at the Wawa Recreation Facebook page and at the Community Centre, which is where carnival buttons can be found. JJAM FM will be broadcasting live from the Carnival, 10 am to 2 pm Saturday.
3rd Annual Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby Arrives
Anglers will be hitting the ice this weekend, for a local derby. The 3rd Annual Dubreuilville Magpie Winter Pike Derby is coming tomorrow, featuring a registration skill prize of $5000 and prizes for the top five fish caught, as well as a $1000 early bird prize, for those who registered by January 18th. The derby runs from 8 am to 4 pm tomorrow.
Good news for participants: starting Saturday, Canadian residents can fish without a licence for the weekend, including Family Day Monday. Anglers are reminded to check ice conditions before heading out, and reminded - even without a license - they must still follow rules in the Fishing Regulations Summary.
Chapleau Council Still Seeking New PHSD Representative
Another attempt will be made to find a new Chapleau representative at the local health unit. While Council recently discussed the vacancy on the board of Public Health Sudbury and Districts - the former Sudbury and District Health Unit - no new representative was appointed in Tuesday's meeting, with a third "invitation" for expressions of interest expected. The previous local representative, Rita Pilon, retired in December, after eighteen years in the role.
Traction for Chapleau's Proposed Formal Complaints Policy
Chapleau Town Council's close to a implementing a formal complaint policy. Mayor Michael Levesque says Council followed up on last month's discussion about the idea in Tuesday's meeting.
While Council appears to be moving forward on the policy, Mayor Levesque says it hasn't been finalized, with a final presentation expected at the next Council meeting.
Time Almost Up To Buy Tickets for MVFA Cash Draw's 2nd Prize
Time's almost up to get a ticket ahead of a big draw. The Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association annual cash draw's Valentine's Day draw will see a lucky ticket holder win $1000 tomorrow, though Captain Craig Spooner emphasizes purchasing a ticket supports a few causes.
While tickets are available in some local stores and from firefighters, Spooner warns they'll be pulled later today so the can be included in tomorrow's draw, which will be held at 8:20 am live on JJAM FM.
Chapleau Council Starts Look at 2020 Budget
Budget discussions have started in Chapleau. During their finance meeting Tuesday night, Chapleau Town Council received a finance update on the "2019 Actuals" and the draft 2020 operating budget, though Mayor Michael Levesque explains Council didn't finalize anything about the budget.
Mayor Levesque won't say what change to tax rates may be on the way, as that is "still too up in the air" at the moment, with further budget discussions to be held.
Wawa Council Holding Special Meeting to Discuss Capital Budget
Wawa Municipal Council is taking a first look at the municipal budget this afternoon. A special Corporate Planning meeting has been called for the presentation of the 2020 Capital Budget - this will only be a look, as it would need to be confirmed at a regular meeting of Council, and it will only cover capital projects, with the operating budget to be presented at a later date. The meeting is open for the public to attend, starting at 2 pm Thursday.
Many Local Schools Closed Amid Multiple Teachers' Strikes
Many local schools are closed today, amid a pair of teachers' strikes. After two days closing their elementary schools due to strikes by the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario, the Algoma District School Board is closing all of its schools today, over a targeted strike by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation. That targeted strike also includes the other three local school boards, though the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board assures its schools are open, as the OSSTF only represents noon-hour aides with the board. The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon and Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l'Ontario are both closing their schools today, due to a strike by the AEFO, which represents teachers with public and Catholic French-language boards. All local schools are expected to be open as normal tomorrow.
MVFA Cash Draw's 2nd Draw Approaches
A lucky supporter of Wawa's firefighters will soon be $1000 richer. The Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association is preparing for its annual cash draw's Valentine's Day draw, the second of its $1000 draws held during the fundraiser - Josee Rioux won the first back in December. Noting sales are in line with last year, Captain Craig Spooner encourages everyone to get a ticket.
Spooner reminds proceeds from the draw help the Association offer two annual bursaries to local high school students pursuing a career in emergency services - and the funds also help with public education, and training and equipment for the local firefighters. While tickets are available in some local stores and from firefighter, Spooner warns they'll be pulled later today so they're included in tomorrow's draw, which will be held at 8:20 am live on JJAM FM.