Stay up to date with what’s happening in your community.
Chapleau is looking to revitalize the downtown - by lighting it up.
Mayor Michael Levesque says the Township's making something of a partnership with itself to use funds meant for downtown revitalization.
Mayor Levesque says there is still an older plan to further revitalize the downtown, but the funding wouldn't cover much.
Hopes are for this project to be done this year.
More cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Northeastern Ontario.
Algoma Public Health says a man in his 60s is their tenth confirmed case - he has a history of international travel but also close contact with another case.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says a man in his 40s and a woman in her 20s are its latest cases - bringing the total to 28 - it's unclear how the man contracted the virus, while the woman has a history of international travel and close contact with another case.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reported 34 cases, including several stemming from community exposure.
Chapleau Town Council's approved some financial relief for taxpayers.
In an electronic meeting held Wednesday, Council approved resolutions to waive interest and penalty charges until June 30th for the March 30th property tax installment, the second quarter water, wastewater, and refuse collection billing which will be due May 29th, and accounts receivable arising after March 1st.
Mayor Michael Levesque says it's meant to help residents amid the current pandemic.
Mayor Levesque and Council also commend health care providers - including the paramedics and volunteer firefighters - in preparing for COVID-19, as well as volunteers who've helped the vulnerable population with necessities - and Levesque highlights donations by Newmont Porcupine, which has donated $50,000 to Chapleau, $30,000 going to the hospital for equipment during the pandemic, and $10,000 each for the community's two food banks.
Officials from the Township, Chapleau Health Services, the Chapleau and District Family Health Team, and local physicians are also urging everyone to act as if there is community spread of COVID-19 to protect ourselves and fellow community members, meaning staying home except for groceries or prescriptions, cleaning hands often with soap and water, avoiding close contact with others - particularly those who are sick - covering coughs or sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily.
The local Northeast Superior Mayors Group is urging residents to stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The mayors of Wawa, Chapleau, Dubreuilville, White River, Manitouwadge, and Hornepayne are "strongly urging" residents to stay in their hometown and only travel for essential purposes - like medical reasons, banking, or prescriptions - and the practice physical distancing when out, limiting social gatherings to no more than five people.
They note this is "of critical importance to ensure local hospitals will not be overwhelmed should community members become ill from the COVID-19 virus, which would put a strain on the supply of ventilators, personal protective equipment, physicians, and health care professionals", emphasizing staying home and reducing visitors is "especially critical to ensure the safety of our aging population and those with health challenges who may be at greater risk should they become infected".
Residents are reminded municipal playgrounds, sportsfields, and community centres are closed while outdoor fires are currently banned, and recommend limiting grocery and convenience store visits to once a week - with one person designated for all shopping - further emphasizing anyone who travelled recently must stay home during their isolation period.
Wawa Municipal Council's approved measures to provide some financial relief for taxpayers.
In an electronic meeting last night, Council approved a resolution confirming a previously-announced move waiving interest and penalty charges until June 30th for the property tax installment due April 30th, the water and sewer billings coming in early May, and accounts receivable.
The Municipality notes payments can be made at the bank; using online or telephone banking; by mail; by credit card; by credit card over the phone; through temporary automatic withdrawals; or - as a temporary measure only - through e-transfer payments.
Council's also delaying the implementation of new water and sewer rates, pushing it four months to September 1st - that means the rates would apply for the final billing period of the year, which would go out to ratepayers at the start of 2021.
CAO/Treasurer Maury O'Neill had cited multiple issues relating to the current pandemic that made it hard for staff to make needed changes - including that they couldn't attend physical businesses to change meters or check for leaks, or hold public meetings to communicate the changes, or as easily work with businesses and individuals to mitigate the impact of the new rates - though O'Neill also noted a delay from the provider for the billing system, and added this could offer a level of relief for ratepayers amid the pandemic.
Canada's top medical officials are agreeing masks could be helpful in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
After weeks downplaying the effectiveness of non-medical masks, Canada's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, now says they are an option that provides "an added layer of prevention and protecting the spreading to others", but emphasizes it's more important to maintain physical distancing of two metres or six feet.
Tam suggests a t-shirt or bed sheet could be fashioned into a mask, emphasizing medical-grade masks should be reserved for health care professionals, given shortages.
Canada's Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health says non-medical masks have not been proven to protect the person wearing them, but could help prevent the spread of the virus by pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic people with the virus, though they emphasize it's more important to stay home as much as possible, practice physical distancing when out, wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cover coughs with tissues or a sleeve, and protect the most vulnerable from infection and exposure to others.
The Council also reminds people not to touch their face even when wearing a mask, particularly avoiding touching your nose or mouth or rubbing your eyes.
A COVID-19 assessment centre's officially opened in Wawa.
The Lady Dunn Health Centre says the centre's been established - in collaboration with the Municipality of Wawa - at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, meant to serve people in the hospital's "catchment area", to assess the need for COVID-19 testing and follow-up testing, though by appointment only - by calling the Municipality at 705-856-2244, extension 244 or 246.
It's only open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm weekdays, and will be closed Good Friday and Easter Monday.
The centre's meant for people with symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection - like cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, runny nose, or joint aches - or fever, so long as the person's a close contact with a known or probable case, or those at higher risk of transmitting to larger groups of people.
People without symptoms who've travelled outside of Canada in the last fourteen days should instead self-isolate for fourteen days while those with no symptoms who haven't travelled outside of Canada should self-monitor and practice physical distancing.
Chapleau's also using its recreation centre as an assessment centre, though also by appointment only.
Another Algoma resident's tested positive for COVID-19.
Algoma Public Health says its ninth confirmed case is a woman in her 40s who was exposed both through international travel and close contact with a confirmed case - it's noted that she flew from London, England to Toronto on Air Canada flight AC 869 on March 23rd, then took Air Canada flight AC 8611 from Toronto to Sudbury, the same flights taken by the region's seventh confirmed case, a woman in her 70s.
Flight crew and passengers in rows 18 to 22 of the first flight or 14 to 18 of the second flight are considered close contacts of the two women, who are both self-isolating.
The health unit does not specify where the women live, but it does say the regions where Algoma residents have tested positive are Sault Ste. Marie and Area, Central and East Algoma, and Elliot Lake and Area, though more than 200 tests in the region are still pending.
So far, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed 26 cases - with one death - while the Porcupine Health Unit has confirmed 31 cases with two deaths - several cases are believed to have stemmed from community exposure, something suspected in at least one case for the Sudbury District.
Wawa Municipal Council's set to hold a pair of electronic meetings tonight.
Corporate Planning Committee and regular Council meetings are both scheduled, with the committee meeting including a COVID-19 update and a recommendation to postpone the implementation of new water meter rates, while the regular meeting includes a resolution officially postponing the new rates and another resolution to waive interest charges on property taxes and water and sewer payments, as previously announced by the Municipality.
Though residents can't physically attend the meeting, comments about items on the agenda can be submitted to Clerk Cathy Cyr by email - ccyr@wawa.cc - by 4 o'clock this afternoon, and proceedings will be livestreamed on the Municipality of Wawa's YouTube channel, and later posted on the municipal website.
The meeting starts at 6:30 tonight.
Canada's Chief Medical Officer has reversed course on masks, suggesting non-medical masks can help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Dr. Theresa Tam says the masks could help limit transmission of the virus when people must go out in public for things like grocery shopping or going to the pharmacy, though only along with social distancing measures - and more to protect others from a pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic wearer, not the wearer from others.
The application process has opened for the main economic support for Canadians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Canada Revenue Agency opened application portals this morning for those born in the first three months of the year - to limit the overwhelmingly strain on its systems - with those born in later months able to apply later in the week.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's promised up to $2000 a month for up to four months for Canadians who've lost their income because of COVID-19, with direct deposits expected within three to five days of applying, or cheques within ten.
Speaking earlier today, Trudeau promised more help is on the way for those who don't qualify for current benefits, including students, those working reduced hours, and struggling businesses.
A White River resident's facing a charge for failing to attend court.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers observed the 28-year-old Friday evening in White River, nearly a month after they failed to attend court - they were arrested and charged, then released with a future court date in Wawa.
The Ontario government's promising direct financial support for parents, as schools and child care centres remain closed.
Parents will receive a one-time payment of $200 per child up to age 12, or $250 for those with special needs, up to age 21.
Public schools are currently closed until the start of May, while private schools and licensed child care centres until Monday, though only because the emergency declaration only allows their closure to be extended by two weeks at a time.
Local smelt fishers are being urged to rethink this year's smelt run.
In an open letter, Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha asks people "take a moment and think of the potential negative impacts to your family, your elders, your community, and the public at large before choosing to leave your home", noting parks and trails are already closed and control measures have been put in place for travel through First Nations.
Mantha acknowledges "these are unprecedented time", but emphasizes that the procedures and regulations are "working towards a common goal" of protecting the public.
He notes Algoma Public Health warns against smelt fishing in more than "small family groups" - and to follow physical distancing recommendations of at least two metres or six feet - while Public Health Sudbury and Districts recommends against the smelt run, but emphasizes those who do participate must maintain physical distancing.
The Ontario government's forecasting 3000 to 15,000 people will die from COVID-19 in this province alone - and that's with current health measures.
That's according to the government's modeling, which forecasts up to 100,000 deaths without any public health measures.
The modeling expects 80,000 cases by the end of the month, but warns that would be 300,000 would current measures - and it expects the pandemic may last between 18 months and two years.
Premier Doug Ford had faced calls to release the modeling, but warned it would be a "real sobering discussion" about "really stark figures".
Ontario Provincial Police are urging businesses and individuals to voluntarily comply with restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19.
OPP remind they can lay charges for "non-essential" businesses staying open or gatherings of more than five people, and can arrest anyone who is not complying the federal Quarantine Act, which requires travellers to self-isolate for fourteen days upon their return, not going out for groceries or medications, or to visit anyone.
Anyone wanting to report non-compliance of the act is directed to the Public Health Agency of Canada, with 9-1-1 for emergencies only.
The first COVID-19-related death has been reported in the Sudbury District.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says a Greater Sudbury man in his 70s who is now deceased has tested positive for COVID-19 after a history of international travel, though they are not sharing any further information "out of respect for the family".
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe says this shows that "more than ever, we need to be able to reach out and count on each other despite our critical need to keep physical distance from one another", though she emphasizes that "each of us has an obligation to our loved ones, neighbours, and community to do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19", emphasizing that "we know that COVID-19 is spreading in our community" and "we know that lives are at stake".
The health unit's reporting several more cases - including a Greater Sudbury youth - some with a history of international travel, others who contracted it through close contact with another case - the total for the health unit is now 25.
Algoma Public Health's reporting its seventh case - a woman in her 70s who flew from London, England, to Toronto, then to Sudbury on March 23rd - so far, no cases have been confirmed in north Algoma, though more than 190 tests are still pending.
The Porcupine Health Unit - which includes the Timmins area and Hornepayne - has reported 28 cases.
Chapleau's declared a state of emergency.
Mayor Michael Levesque issued the declaration Thursday afternoon, though he assures it is not because there is a local case.
Instead, Levesque says it is meant to show support for health care workers in the community, as the Township's been working closely with Chapleau Health Services and the Chapleau and District Family Health Team, even setting up an assessment centre at the Recreation Centre - it's also meant to emphasize the need for the public to stay at home at this time, practicing physical distancing of at least two metres - or six feet - if they must go out.
Mayor Levesque adds that there are multiple calls for volunteers to assist seniors and the vulnerable with things like groceries or picking up medication, so they can maintain self-isolation - those who need such help are also urged to reach out to the family health team.
The Municipality of Wawa similarly declared a state of emergency on Monday.
Wawa's reminding residents to bag and seal their garbage for collection.
Noting safety measures are in place for curbside garbage collection, the municipality's warning residents garbage will not be collected unless enclosed inside a properly sealed, regular-sized garbage bag - loose garbage will not be collected, nor will "overly heavy" bags.
The municipality's also warning since all of Ontario has been declared a Restricted Fire Zone, open air burning is banned and open air burn permits will not be issued until that is lifted.
Health Canada's warning of health risks from homemade hand sanitizers.
Noting homemade recipes and products are becoming increasingly common online, the federal health agency warns many of the products lack a high enough concentration of alcohol to kill the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 - and various formulas could present other health risks such as skin irritation, increased sensitivity, or allergies.
Health Canada's recommending against making hand sanitizer - no matter the recipe, even a reputable formula recommended by the World Health Organization - as only licensed producers can manufacture in a controlled environment to ensure accurate concentration.
Instead, it's recommend you wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, though a Health Canada-approved hand sanitizer with an alcohol concentration of at least 60% will work as a lesser alternative.
