Northern Ontario's NDP MPPs are calling for improved broadband access in the region.
In an open letter to Premier Doug Ford, the eight New Democrats - including Algoma-Manitoulin's Michael Mantha - warn that people in Northern and rural Ontario are being "left behind" on internet services, claiming a $1-billion infrastructure investment's needed to ensure quality internet services for communities, as more than 15 percent of the population still have bandwidth speeds below the target.
Emphasizing the importance of adequate internet at times like this - as people try to work and learn from home - the MPPs call for companies to be forced to offer the same "enhancements" for all customers.
Ontario Parks Closure Extended
Ontario Parks are staying closed through May.
The provincial government's announced provincial parks and conservation reserves will stay closed to May 31st, banning car camping, backcountry camping, roofed accommodations, day use opportunities, access points, and all public buildings, as well as all recreational activities.
Reservations made up to that time will be automatically cancelled with a full refund provided, while anyone wanting to cancel a later reservation can get a penalty-free refund.
Chapleau Council To Discuss Capital Budget During Electronic Meeting
Chapleau Town Council's set to look at this year's capital budget as they meet electronically tonight.
Included on the agenda for the special meeting are purchase orders relating to the airport fuel cabinets and fuel truck, maintenance repairs identified in a 2019 inspection, and maintenance repairs to the arena refrigeration equipment, as well as a recommendation to cancel this year's Canada Day activities, and requests for proposals for service delivery reviews of municipal energy consumption and municipal airport operations.
A draft 2020 capital budget will be brought forward for approval - plans are confirm this year's operating budget by the end of May, with the capital budget a key early part.
Members of the public can listen in on tonight's meeting by calling 416-874-8100, then entering conference I-D 5116623 - the meeting's set to begin at 6:30 tonight.
Outbreak Declared at 2nd Sudbury Long-Term Care Facility
An outbreak's been declared at another Sudbury long-term care facility.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says a man in his 70s who is a resident of Pioneer Manor in Greater Sudbury tested positive for COVID-19, prompting an outbreak to be declared at the long-term care home.
Pioneer Manor's Director of Long-Term Care Services, Aaron Archibald, says all 423 of its residents and 432 staff have been tested, with just the single positive result to date and "numerous" negative results.
An outbreak was also declared at St. Joseph's Villa early last week.
The man is the 51st case for the health unit, which covers the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts - it's still investigating over 350 other cases.
Algoma Public Health reported its 13th case over the weekend, a man in his 40s, apparently living in the Sault Ste. Marie area - it is still awaiting results from more than 400 tests.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reported a total of 58 confirmed cases, though more than 500 more cases are still being investigated.
Algoma Public Health Confirms 13th COVID-19 Case
Algoma Public Health's reporting its thirteenth case of COVID-19.
The health unit says a man in his 40s is its latest case - he contracted the coronavirus through close contact with another case, and is self-isolating after he was tested last Wednesday.
While the health unit won't say where the man lives, it does show a ninth case in Sault Ste. Marie and area - the other four cases were reported in the Elliot Lake area or other parts of Central and East Algoma, though the health unit does warn there's evidence of community spread within Algoma and neighbouring health units.
As of Sunday morning, the health unit's still waiting on results from over 470 tests.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts has reported 50 cases so far, while the neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reported a total of 58, though more than 500 more are still being investigated.
North Algoma Wellness Challenge Now Underway
Wawa residents are being encouraged to focus on wellness with a special version of an annual challenge.
The Wawa Family Health Team, Algoma Public Health, and Superior Children's Centre are presenting the "North Algoma Wellness Challenge" - a rebranded version of the annual walking challenge, which launched Sunday.
Wawa Family Health Team Registered Dietitian Justine Glover explains there's three weeks of challenges designed to be done from home, run through Facebook.
Glover reminds no registration is needed, and there is an email on the calendar if you can't use Facebook.
PHSD Reports 50th COVID-19 Case
Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting its 50th case of COVID-19.
The health unit - which covers the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts - says its latest cases are three Greater Sudbury residents - a woman in her 50s, a woman in her 20s, and a man in his 50s - all of whom had contact with a case.
They were all tested this week, and are self-isolating.
While this brings the health unit's total cases to 50, it says 38 are considered "resolved", including one death - it's still investigating over 400 other people.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's confirmed a total of 55 cases, though it says 34 are considered "resolved" including three deaths - and it's still investigating over 500 other potential cases.
Algoma Public Health last confirmed a new case last Friday - its twelfth, nine of whom are considered "resolved" - though more than 300 tests are still pending.
All three health units are warning that there's evidence of community spread.
Toronto-Area Trio Arrested in Wawa After White River Theft of Gas
A Toronto-area trio are facing charges after a local theft of gas.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were informed of the theft from a White River service station around 10 o'clock Thursday morning, with officers observing the suspect vehicle heading southbound on Highway 17 about 20 kilometres north of Wawa.
A spike belt was deployed near the Highway 17/101 junction (the Wawa turnoff), but the suspects fled on foot toward the OPP Detachment on Pinewood Drive, leading to their arrest.
Those charged are: a 49-year-old Mississauga man with theft under $5000; a 38-year-old Brampton man with failure to comply with release order; and a 30-year-old Mississauga woman with flight from peace officer, failure to comply with undertaking, and drive motor vehicle - no licence.
All three have been released from custody with a Wawa court date in July.
North Algoma Wellness Challenge Set to Start
Amid current conditions, Wawa residents are being encouraged to focus on wellness with an altered version of an annual challenge.
Wawa Family Health Team Registered Dietitian Justine Glover explains the "Wawa Walking Challenge" has changed to the "North Algoma Wellness Challenge", featuring a number of activities that can be done at home.
Glover notes no registration is needed - simply go to the "Wawa Walks" Facebook page to see the calendar of activities, then post a photo or video of you completing it for your chance at a daily prize.
Organized by the Wawa Family Health Team, Superior Children's Centre, and Algoma Public Health, the challenge starts Sunday, April 26th.
SSM Residents Arrested After Stolen Vehicle Found South of Wawa
Two Sault Ste. Marie residents are facing charges after a stolen vehicle was found south of Wawa.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers responded early Tuesday afternoon to a call about a disabled vehicle on Highway 17 about 25 kilometres south of Wawa, with investigation revealing the vehicle was reported stolen in the Sault.
When officers attempted to arrest the two occupants of the vehicle, one fled into the surrounding wooded area near Old Woman Bay, prompting a search assisted by the OPP Northeast Region Emergency Response Team, the OPP Canine Unit, and the Sault Ste. Marie Police Canine Unit.
Arrested are a 26-year-old and a 38-year-old, both charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 and possession of break-in instruments.
The 38-year-old's also charged with failing to comply with probation order, while the 26-year-old has also been charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5000, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order, failure to comply with release order, and possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking.
The younger one has been remanded into custody, while the older one's been released with a Wawa court date in July.
Ontario Northland Reducing Service Amid COVID-19
Ontario Northland's reducing bus service amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Citing the safety and health of passengers, employees, and communities - as well as lower passenger demand as people stay home and limit travel - Ontario Northland says it's "balancing its service with current passenger demand" starting Sunday, April 26th.
Locally, the usual six day a week service will be reduced to twice a week - Mondays and Fridays only - heading from Wawa toward Sault Ste. Marie in the morning and toward White River in the afternoons.
Spring By Hand Festival Cancelled
Another local event has been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A notice from organizers of the Spring By Hand Festival say the event will not be held, though they are hoping to see everyone at the Fall By Hand Festival in November, when the event will mark its 40th anniversary.
Wawa Council Approves Key Contracts and Drag Race Cancellation
Wawa Municipal Council has approved the awarding of a nearly $2.97-million tender for the Connecting Link project to J. Provost Contracting - the amount's within the project estimate.
Also approved: a staff recommendation 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 "now is not the time to change".
This year's Northern Nationals Drag Race has been cancelled, partly due to the health and safety concerns stemming from COVID-19, as well as related economic issues - Elliot Lake's drag race is also expected to be cancelled, though plans are for both to return next year.
Wawa Council Reviews Proposed 2020 Operating Budget
Wawa Municipal Council's had its first look at this year's operating budget.
Just over a month after approving a $6.4-million capital budget - most of which will be covered by outside funding - Council reviewed the proposed operating budget, which was designed to limit the levy increase to no more than 2 percent - keeping in line with the cost of living - while adding nearly $813,000 to capital reserves, reducing discretionary spending, and paying down debt.
C-A-O/Treasurer Maury O'Neill noted current COVID-19 pandemic was considered, particularly reduced revenues and the need to provide taxpayer relief - with $151,000 included in the budget to address that - though she emphasized major capital projects including the Connecting Link will proceed - as it's fully covered by outside grants - and this year's water and sewer budget will be the first not subsidized by property taxes - provincial law requires water and sewer rates to fully cover costs - with a $76,000 "Water Stabilization Fund" to be established.
The $13.2-million budget is actually a 5.5 percent decrease from 2019's, as it expects substantially lower revenues, which will be vastly outpaced by expenditures for Community Services and Tourism, Infrastructure Services, and "admin, Council, COVID, and seniors", covered by much higher revenues than expenditures from "finance, taxation, and boards".
Major revenue drops are attributed to the cancellation of this year's Northern Nationals Drag Race - reducing the Community Services and Tourism department revenues by nearly a third - as well as lower airport revenues and fewer permits - all changes due to COVID-19 - plus a roughly $750,000 drop in government grants.
A 2 percent levy increase is proposed - which would bring in over $92,000 more - while user fees would rise 2 to 5 percent this year, though the Municipality's suspending the hiring of new or non-critical positions or discretionary training, conferences, or travel, cancelling events like the drag race and summer programming, and considering deferring some capital projects.
Tax billing due dates will be delayed to the end of July and October, to offer some relief for taxpayers.
The proposed operating budget was only brought for review, with further Council review and public input to May 8th, so it can go to a vote for approval on May 12th.
More Northeastern Ontario COVID-19 Cases Reported
Yet another case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Sudbury.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says its 47th case is a Greater Sudbury woman in her 20s who had close contact with another case - she was tested yesterday and is currently in self-isolation.
The health unit - which covers the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts - has noted multiple cases that appear to stem from community spread, with an outbreak declared at the St. Joseph's Villa long-term care home in Sudbury, where a staff member and an 80-year-old resident have both tested positive.
Nearly 300 more cases are still being investigated.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit has confirmed four more cases, all from the Timmins area - a woman in her 20s and another in her 50s are self-isolating, while a woman in her 70s and another in her 90s have been admitted to hospital.
All four were identified as part of an investigation into an outbreak at Timmins and District Hospital.
This brings that health unit's total to 54, though more than 450 cases are still under investigation.
No new cases have been reported by Algoma Public Health - which has only confirmed 12 so far - though more than 400 tests are still pending.
Sudbury Long Term Care Home Resident Tests Positive for COVID-19
Another case of COVID-19 has been confirmed at a Sudbury long-term care home.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts a resident of St. Joseph's Villa - a woman in her 80s - has tested positive, just days after a staff member tested positive, prompting the declaration of an outbreak at the facility.
All of its residents are being tested, as well as staff identified as "close contacts" of the staff member who tested positive, with further screening and restrictions in place.
She's the 46th case of COVID-19 reported by the health unit, which covers the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts.
45th COVID-19 Case Confirmed by PHSD
Another case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Sudbury.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says its latest case is a Greater Sudbury man in his 20s who was in close contact with another case - the man was tested Sunday and is currently in self-isolation.
He's the 44th case reported by the health unit, which confirmed over the weekend that an outbreak has been declared at the St. Joseph's Villa long-term care home in Sudbury, after a staff member tested positive - all villa residents and various staff members are being tested, with further screening in place.
Dubreuilville Man Charged With Impaired Driving
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.