A Wawa resident's facing assault, criminal harassment, and other charges after a domestic dispute early this week.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to a reported domestic dispute in Wawa around 4:35 Monday after, with investigation leading to the arrest of a 47-year-old on charges of criminal harassment - repeatedly follow, unlawfully in a dwelling house, fail to comply with probation order, and two counts of assault - spousal.
The accused is not identified, in order to protect the victim's identity, nor is their gender given, per OPP policy.
They've been released from custody, with a Wawa court date in early April.
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.
Local French Schools to Remain Open as AEFO Strike Called Off
Local French-language schools will stay open tomorrow, as a one-day strike has been cancelled.
The AEFO says it has called off its provincial walkout - not because it's "bowing down to the demands of the government and the school boards" - but because of safety concerns for members on the picket line, due to heavy snowfall forecast for many regions of Ontario.
It adds negotiations will continue Friday, with an update expected after the bargaining session.
Both the Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l'Ontario and the Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon have confirmed this means their schools will stay open tomorrow.
Their local schools will also remain open on Friday, as the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation holds a strike targeting both boards in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, but not locally or in the rest of the Algoma district.
Chapleau Council Approves Revised Procurement Policy
Chapleau Town Council's approved revisions to the Township's policy on procurement of goods and services.
In their meeting Monday night, Council passed a by-law confirming the revised policy, which Mayor Michael Levesque says clarifies the use of "single source" contracts.
Mayor Levesque adds the policy also includes tendering regulations and procedures - and he says there's been an update to purchase orders.
Having been passed Monday, the new policy is now in effect.
Wawa Legion Lift Operational Again
The lift at Wawa's Legion Hall is operational once again.
Issues had prompted the lift to be taken out of operation over the Carnival or Family Day long weekend, but a notice from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 confirms it is back in operation, with a lift operator to be on hand for an open house planned to celebrate the lift.
That open house will be held Friday night, from 7 pm to 9 pm.
Longtime Wawa Police Officer Promoted to Sergeant
A longtime Wawa police officer's been promoted.
Amanda Huff of the Superior East Ontario Provincial Police was recently presented a new warrant card and badge, confirming her promotion from constable to sergeant.
Huff's policed Wawa for 23 years, first as a constable with the Township of Michipicoten Police Service - which became the Wawa Police Service - and as a constable with the Superior East OPP since the municipal police service was disbanded and members were absorbed into the OPP in 2011.
Huff's also a member of the North East Region Provincial Liaison Team, which recently received the Jim Potts Award for assisting with evacuations of the Kashechewan and Pikangikum First Nations communities between April and July 2019.
Local French Schools to Close Later This Week For AEFO Strike
Local French-language schools will be closed Thursday, for a one-day strike.
The AEFO - which represents teachers with Ontario's French-language public and Catholic school boards - has announced plans for a province-wide strike on Thursday, February 27th.
Both the Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l'Ontario and the Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon have confirmed schools will be closed during that period, though Nouvelon notes daycare and before-and-after school programs will operate normally.
While the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation has announced a targeted strike on Friday will include the local French school boards and their head offices, local schools are not included and will not be closing that day.
Chapleau Holding Meeting With Slim Agenda
Chapleau Town Council's set to look at the Township's procurement policy in a meeting tonight.
It's a fairly slim agenda, with the main item a by-law adopting a policy on procurement of goods and services for the Township, though there are also a few correspondence items and a "Respect Zone" - or "R-Zone" - policy, for discussion.
Tonight's meeting is open to the public, starting at 6:30 pm in Civic Centre Council Chambers.
All Local Schools Open As OECTA Suspends Planned Strikes
All local schools are open today, after Friday's strike by all four of Ontario's major teachers' unions.
While the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association had planned to start rotating strikes today - starting with the local Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board - the union's called off the strikes, as the mediator has called both sides back for contract talks starting today.
The local English Catholic school board emphasizes that means its schools are open as normal today.
Meanwhile, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation has announced a targeted strike this Friday - while the local French school boards and their head offices are included, their local schools are not, and the local schools are not expected to close.
Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Approaches
As the month nears an end, anglers are being reminded there's still time to get tickets for Wawa's 29th Annual Ice Fishing Derby.
With the derby less than two weeks away, Chair Scott Popert notes there are some tickets left.
Popert adds the derby could still use some other support.
Popert encourages anyone interested in volunteering to contact him.
The 29th annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby will be held March 6th through 8th.
Local Schools Closed Amid Province-Wide Strike By All Major Teachers' Unions
All local schools are closed today, as all four of Ontario's teachers' unions hold a one-day strike.
Including 200,000 teachers and education workers in nearly 5000 schools across 72 school boards, this strike is the first time since 1997 that members of all of Ontario's major education unions have held a political demonstration on the same day.
While classes are set to resume on Monday for most local schools, it'll be a four-day weekend for students with the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board, as the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association launches rotating strikes next week, starting with the local English Catholic board on Monday.
OECTA returned to mediated talks with the provincial government earlier this week.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce has decried the various strikes - claiming the unions are only looking for increased compensation and benefits - though the unions say they're fighting unreasonable demands for cuts to education by the Progressive Conservative government.
Public Info Session for Wawa's Connecting Link Projects and Water Meters
The Municipality of Wawa's inviting residents to a public information session to learn more about a major project and the proposed implementation of water meter-based billing.
Infrastructure Services Director Cory Stainthorpe explains it's a chance to learn more about the water meters and the "Connecting Link" project.
As for the Connecting Link, the Municipality's planning to repave and resurface Mission Road and Main Street, making Mission two lanes of opposing traffic and a middle turning lane, along with bicycle lanes and a couple controlled pedestrian crossings - and Stainthorpe says the project's moving forward.
This follows on a December info session held on the two topics - at the time, CAO/Treasurer Maury O'Neill noted residents could get some helpful information about the water meters, the billing proposal, and how it'll affect them.
The public information session will be held at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 3 pm to 7 pm, with presentations at 3:30 pm and 6 pm.
Wawa Seeking Input on Proposed Capital Budget
The Municipality of Wawa's looking for public input on the proposed capital budget.
Presented to Council last Thursday, the draft document outlines nearly $6.4-million in projects - many already approved to some extent - 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.
The presentation's available on the municipal website or at Town Hall, with comments accepted via email to Maury O'Neill or mail by March 2nd.
Plans are to gather input, then bring it up for Council approval March 4th, then move on to the operating budget April 7th.
Wawa Council Reviews Efforts to Lower THM Levels
Wawa Municipal Council reviewed efforts to address a years-long water advisory during last night's Corporate Planning meeting.
A presentation by Kresin Engineering outlined the process since Algoma Public Health issued the advisory in November 2014, over levels of trihalomethanes (THMs) that exceeded Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards.
The presentation noted tests were conducted to identify the source of the THMs, which are a result of organic material, dissolved carbon, reacting with chlorine used to treat the water.
Though the tests found "very good quality" water from Wawa Lake, it was noted the raw water had colour, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and total dissolved solids exceeding standards, while the membrane filters don't remove DOC, though no issues were detected with the filters.
Tests found THMs formed rapidly in the chlorine contact chamber - with the rate of formation slowing after - though Council was told switching to chlorine gas wouldn't give a different result, and - while Councillor Bill Chiasson also noted the biggest issue is in the Michipicoten River Village - he was told that's because there's more time to form THMs.
While rust was detected in the interior of the Mission water tower, it was noted that's since been re-lined - and a mixer was installed to "keep the water fresh" and combat freezing - while changes were recommended to optimize the treatment operations, with a THM study last year finding that an aluminum sulphate coagulant was able to substantially reduce the THM level - and even reduced the amount of aluminum found in the water.
Council was told the operational changes brought THM levels around 80 micrograms per litre - below the 100 microgram limit set by standards, though still high - though using the coagulant would bring that down further.
Kresin recommended an alum dosage of 15 milligrams per litre, but on a seasonal basis - during the warmer months, when THM levels are usually higher - monitoring the results to confirm long-term effectiveness, though it would require a modification of current permits.
No decision was made during the meeting - with questions raised about the costs of the coagulant - though a full staff report and recommendation is expected at a later date.
Wawa Council Approves Change to Michipicoten Golf Club Loan Agreement
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.