A Dubreuilville man's facing an impaired driving charge.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers on patrol in Dubreuilville early Sunday morning observed a pickup truck that appeared to be avoiding police - the vehicle was eventually located in a nearby parking lot, with officers noticing open liquor in the vehicle.
The driver was located nearby soon after, with officers detecting the odour of an alcoholic beverage on their breath, leading to the 61-year-old man's arrest - he underwent further testing and was charged with operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
He's been released from custody with a future court date, further issued a 90-day Administrative Driver's Licence Suspension with the vehicle impounded seven days.
Operating Budget & Drag Races Key Items As Wawa Council Holds 3 Electronic Meetings
Wawa Municipal Council's set to discuss this year's operating budget and the fate of the drag races in back-to-back-to-back meetings.
Three meetings are scheduled: a Committee of Adjustment meeting for a single item, a Corporate Planning Committee meeting, and a regular Council meeting.
The committee meeting will see the presentation of the proposed 2020 Operating Budget - as Council already approved the capital budget last month - as well as a recommendation to award the nearly $2.7-million tender for the Connecting Link project to J. Provost Contracting and a memo on the cancellation of the Northern Nationals Drag Race.
Both of those items will be addressed in the regular meeting - though the budget will not - with other resolutions to confirm plans to use an aluminum coagulant to address THM issues - a plan expected to continue indefinitely at a cost of $15,000 a year - and to hire a new engineering consulting services firm, Pinchin Limited - and its subcontractor, STEM Engineering - for three years with an option to extend to five, but keep Kresin Engineering for water and sewer-related engineering for one to two years, as they scored particularly well on that section with good knowledge of the plant - and they're very tied in with current permitting - and "now is not the time to change".
Conducted electronically, the meetings will be livestreamed on the Municipality's YouTube page, starting at 6:30 tonight.
More Northern Ontario Cases of COVID-19
In Northern Ontario, the neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's confirmed its third COVID-19-related death, a man in his 70s who'd been admitted to Timmins and District Hospital after testing positive April 5th.
The health unit assures the death is not related to an institutional outbreak.
It has reported 50 cases, with more than 360 under investigation.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts have confirmed two more cases since Friday - a Greater Sudbury man in his 40s and a Greater Sudbury woman in her 30s - the woman is noted to have close contact with another case, while it's unclear how the man contracted the coronavirus.
Just hours after announcing the man tested positive, the health unit also confirmed an outbreak's been declared at the St. Joseph's Villa long-term care home in Sudbury, due to a single laboratory confirmed case in a staff member - all villa residents and staff are being tested, while admissions are being put on hold and visitor restrictions remain in place.
Staff are being screened at the start and end of shifts, while residents are being assessed three times a day for COVID-19 symptoms.
Algoma Public Health reported its twelfth case on Friday, later confirmed to be a Sault Area Hospital health care worker.
LDHC Notes Expanding Testing Guidance for COVID-19 Assessment Centre
Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre says guidance for testing through its COVID-19 assessment centre has been expanded.
Now, people experiencing a broader range of symptoms should contact a nurse at the centre, including those with a temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius, a new or worsening acute respiratory illness symptom - like cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose or sneezing, nasal congestion, hoarse voice, difficulty swalling, new olfactory or taste disorder, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain - as well as new or worsening fatigue, malaise, generalized weakness or unexplained falls, a change in mental health status including confusion or delirium, the exacerbation of chronic conditions, chills, headaches, or croup.
The assessment centre's open 8:30 to 4:30 weekdays - appointments can be made by calling the Municipality at 705-856-2244, extension 244 or 246.
Tentative Deal Reached for OSSTF
A deal's been reached between Ontario's last major teachers' union and the provincial government.
Announced Monday morning, the tentative agreement for the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation is retroactive to the start of this school year, continuing into 2022 - like the deals covering the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association, the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario, and the Association of Franco-Ontarian Teachers.
OECTA ratified the central terms of its collective agreement earlier this month, while the other unions have yet to do so.
Charges After Domestic Disputes in Wawa and Chapleau
Local police have been kept busy with domestic disputes in the region.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers were called to a Wawa residence early Friday evening, leading to the arrest of a 31-year-old Wawa resident on charges of assault with a weapon and spousal assault with a weapon.
Late Saturday night, officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a Chapleau residence, arresting a 19-year-old Chapleau resident on charges of assault with a weapon, spousal assault, and domestic mischief.
Both have been released with a future court date.
Wawa Woman Charged With Drug Trafficking
A Wawa woman's facing drug trafficking charges after a warrant was served in town.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act warrant was served at a Mission Road residence Thursday night, with officers finding unspecified quantities of suspected methamphetamine, oxycodone, and lorazepam, and seizing about $7000 in cash.
Police also arrested a 47-year-old, charging her with possession of Schedule I and Schedule IV substances for the purpose of trafficking, as well as possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000.
They've been released from custody, with a future court date in Wawa.
SAH Health Care Worker Confirmed As 12th Algoma COVID-19 Case
A Sault Area Hospital health care worker's been identified as Algoma's latest case of COVID-19.
Algoma Public Health reported on Friday that its twelfth case is a woman in her 30s, with Sault Area Hospital announcing the next day that it had received confirmation one of its health care workers had tested positive.
SAH assures it's "actively working" with the staff member, their team, and Algoma Public Health, confirming "appropriate and best practice" infection prevention and control measures had been taken, and that the worker has remained in self-isolation at home since she was tested, following the development of symptoms.
It's unknown how the woman contracted the virus, though the health unit's warning there is evidence of community spread in the Sault area, a message echoed by the hospital, which urges everyone to stay home, practice physical distancing, and wash hands frequently.
Wawa Marina Closed Under Outdoor Recreational Amenity Closure Order
Wawa's marina is closed.
A notice from the Municipality says - effective immediately - the Harry McCluskie Municipal Marina's closed, per the provincial government's order closing outdoor recreational amenities - something the Municipality notes was confirmed by Small Craft Harbours, the federal agency that technicially owns the marina.
That means the docks, boat launch, facilities, and pavilion are all closed until further notice - and so is the playground, as all municipal parks are closed except to travel through.
Community Spread of COVID-19 Suspected as More Algoma Cases Reported
Algoma Public Health's warning of evidence of community spread, as it reports more cases of COVID-19 in the region.
The health unit says its eleventh case is a woman in her 60s who did not have any recent travel outside of the district or any known contact with a confirmed case, only routine activities in Sault Ste. Marie and area - she was tested Monday and confirmed positive Thursday, now in self-isolation at home.
A woman in her 30s is the health unit's twelfth case - it's also unknown how she was exposed.
The health unit's also waiting on the results for 211 more tests.
That's prompting APH to warn - while eight cases have been reported in Sault Ste. Marie and area, with the rest in Elliot Lake and area or other parts of Central and East Algoma - that North Algoma residents should be cautious, as there is evidence of community spread in other areas of Algoma and in neighbouring public health units.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts has reported a total of 41 cases - mostly in the Greater Sudbury District - and has noted evidence of community spread in that region, while the neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reported 49 - including several cases stemming from community spread, and a worker at St. Mary's Gardens, a seniors' residence in Timmins.
The local Northeast Superior Mayors Group - which includes Wawa, Chapleau, Dubreuilville, White River, Manitouwadge, and Hornepayne - recently urged residents to stay in their hometown and only travel for essential purposes - like medical reasons, prescriptions, or banking - and to practice physical distancing when out, emphasizing it's "of critical importance to ensure local hospitals will not be overwhelmed should community members become ill" from COVID-19.
Sudbury and Porcupine Health Units Report More COVID-19 Cases
More cases have been reported in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting three new cases: two men and a woman, all Greater Sudbury residents in their 20s who contracted the virus through close contact with another case.
This brings the health unit's total to 41.
PHSD reminds anyone who has travelled in the last fourteen days should visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website for updates on flight, cruise ship, and mass gathering-related exposures, while anyone who travelled outside of Canada must self-isolate for fourteen days upon return.
Anyone who believes they have COVID-19 symptoms or were in close contact with someone who does should self-isolate and contact an assessment centre.
The nearby Porcupine Health Unit's reporting three more cases, including a staff member of an unspecified Timmins retirement home.
That health unit - which covers Timmins, the Cochrane District, and Hornepayne - has reported a total of 45 cases, many due to community exposure.
Algoma Public Health has only reported ten cases in Sault Ste. Marie and area, Elliot Lake and area, and other parts of Central and East Algoma, though 229 tests were still pending as of this morning.
Chapleau Churches Offer Help in Times of Need
Vulnerable residents are being offered some help in this time of need.
Mayor Michael Levesque explains there's a local initiative named "Help in Times of Need".
While information will be distributed throughout the community, Mayor Levesque says vulnerable members of the community - particularly seniors - can call 705-864-0747 or 705-347-2975 or 705-951-2828, with the same numbers for prospective volunteers.
The mayor - on behalf of Council - further commends the dedicated local health care workers and all those working hard to supply residents with essentials, including Valu-Mart and Collins Home Hardware, noting they do so "with a certain risk".
Ontario's Summer Electricity Rates Delayed
Summer electricity rates are being delayed.
While it normally sets the summer rates in May, the Ontario Energy Board says it's deferring its decision on new electricity prices, leading winter time-of-use in place beyond May 1st, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in "extraordinary uncertainty around various aspects of the supply cost and electricity demand estimates" behind the prices.
An Ontario government emergency order on March 24th fixed electricity prices at the off-peak rate of 10.1 cents per kilowatt hour 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but only for 45 days, meaning a return to normal winter rates May 7th, unless it's extended.
Sudbury Resident Charged After Unwanted Person Call in Chapleau
A Sudbury resident's facing multiple charges after an incident in Chapleau.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers were called to a Chapleau residence Saturday night because of an unwanted person.
Officers observed the accused person breaching his release conditions, leading to the 33-year-old's arrest on charges of failure to comply with release order and possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.
He's been released with a future court date in Chapleau.
20th Annual Wawa Black Fly Run Cancelled
Wawa's annual Black Fly Run has been cancelled.
A post on the event's Facebook page explains the organizing committee made the decision "with a heavy heart", thanking everyone who has supported the race over the years.
This year's 20th event had been touted as the final - it's unclear if this means the run's over or a makeup will simply be held another time.
Online registration opened in January, and details about fee refunds are expected "shortly".
Parks Canada Bans Camping and Group Activities
Canada's national parks are banning camping, group activities, and events for at least a month-and-a-half.
Parks Canada says it is suspending such activities at all of its national parks, national historic sites, heritage canals, and national marine conservation areas until at least May 31st - that's in addition to its closure of visitor facilities and suspension of visitor service and all motor vehicle access implemented last month.
Ontario provincial parks are similarly closed to the public at this time.
CSCNO Hires New Special Education Services Director
The local French Catholic school board has hired a new boss for special education.
Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says Chantal Lafleur's been appointed the new Director of Special Education Services, replacing Tracy Rossini, who's held the position since 2013.
Lafleur's been with the board as a teacher, vice-principal, and principal since 1999.
She's set to start in the role in mid-July, making her responsible for organizing, managing, and ensuring the quality of the board's special education services, including implementing special programs, offering training to staff, and collaborating with community agencies to develop strategies and initiatives aimed at improving academic success for all students.
Newmont Porcupine Implements New COVID-19 Measures
A local mine's taking further safety measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Newmont Porcupine says it has been monitoring the outbreak closely for months, and has taken new measures on advice from local health units, including on-site social distancing protocols, staggered morning huddles, limits on the number of people in a room, screening at all entry points - including temperature checks - and mandatory self-quarantine for those who've travelled internationally.
More COVID-19 Cases Reported in Region
In Northern Ontario, Public Health Sudbury and Districts reported several cases over the weekend, bringing the total to 38 - mostly in Greater Sudbury - and the health unit emphasizes those who think they have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 should self-isolate and then contact an assessment centre.
Algoma Public Health's only confirmed ten cases - though 115 tests are still pending - while the neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reported 39 cases, including several stemming from community exposure.
Wesdome Further Restricts Local Operations
A local mine's reducing operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wesdome Gold Mines says its nearby Eagle River complex has suspended "non-production related work" - such as exploration and mine construction activities - as well as operations at the Mishi Open Pit, to allow for "significant crew reductions and...enhanced physical distancing" until the resumption of normal activities is deemed safe and appropriate.
Despite the reduction, Wesdome's maintaining production guidance of 90,000 to 100,000 ounces.
Its Kiena Complex in Quebec is currently closed, due to an order by that province's government.
Two other local mines - Alamos Gold's Island Gold Mine and Harte Gold's Sugar Zone Mine - have halted all activities except for "care and maintenance".