Newmont's keeping health and safety measures implemented amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
While it acknowledges the province is reopening and no cases have been reported among Newmont's workforce - with "remarkable improvements" for "host communities" over the past month - a notice from the company to employees emphasizes "this is not the time to drop our guard or relax our position", continuing to commit to the measures.
That includes enforcing a six-foot physical distancing requirement, remote and hybrid working schedules, capacity limits for rooms and vehicles, increased sanitizing and cleaning, personal protective equipment requirements, and site screening.
APH Updates COVID-19 Cases, Porcupine Reports New Case Out-of-Region
Algoma Public Health's continuing to monitor two COVID-19 cases in the region.
The health unit says it still has two active cases, after reporting its 24th confirmed case on Friday.
It's still unclear how that person was exposed - considered evidence of ongoing community spread in Sault Ste. Marie and area - though the health unit says close contacts have been notified, while the FJ Davey Home says it has implemented "suspect outbreak" measures.
The Sault long term care home says the person tested positive "as part of ongoing, proactive staff surveillance testing", adding all other initial lab results have been negative, though some results are pending.
Meanwhile, the neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's confirmed its first case since May 10th, a male in his 20s who is a resident of the health unit's area but was tested elsewhere, meaning no concern for exposure in the region - health units are required to report all residents who've tested positive, even if the person is in a different region at the time.
This is the 65th case for the health unit, and the only active one at this time.
Chapleau Flushing Water Mains
Chapleau's flushing its water mains this week.
A notice on the Township's website notes it is flushing hydrants in different zones over the next four days, from midnight to 8 am each day.
Flushing's already started in the first zone - southwest of the CPR line - with the area northeast of the CPR line and north of Birch next, then the area south of Birch, ending with the area north of the river on Thursday.
The flushing's meant to help clean the mains and ensure efficient operation of fire hydrants, and people in those zones are asked not to use their water during the flushing, including turning off bleeder lines.
As colouration will be a problem, the Township suggests flushing your own lines through a garden hose or laundry tub before you use any water after the flushing.
Carol Hughes Lauds Constituents Amid COVID-19
Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing residents are being praised for efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a message to the House of Commons, local New Democrat Carol Hughes praised her constituents for meeting challenging times "with their usual can-do spirit, some ingenuity, and a lot of determination".
Hughes added that she's proud to represent the "big-hearted people" of the region, highlighting "everyone providing essential services and doing their part amid exceptional circumstances".
24th COVID-19 Case Confirmed in Algoma
Another COVID-19 case has been confirmed in Algoma.
Algoma Public Health is giving few details about its 24th confirmed case, except that it's unknown how the person was exposed, considered evidence of ongoing community spread in Sault Ste. Marie and area - close contacts have been notified.
It also links the case to the FJ Davey Home, which has confirmed that a person tested positive "as part of ongoing, proactive staff surveillance testing", adding all other initial lab results have been negative, though some results are pending.
The Sault long term care home has also implemented "suspect outbreak" measures.
This is the second active case for the health unit, which has confirmed three new cases in the nine days, after more than two weeks without any confirmed cases.
SIU Clears Use of ARWEN in White River Arrest
Ontario's police watchdog has cleared a local OPP officer over the use of force in a White River arrest.
Special Investigations Unit Director Joseph Martino says an investigation found the use of an Anti-Riot Weapon Enfield - or ARWEN - was "reasonably necessary" in the December 10th, 2019, incident, which saw police called to a White River address following complaints from a woman that a 33-year-old man had threatened to kill her and her daughter.
While officers maintained containment around the residence, the man refused to come out until the following morning, when an "interaction ensued", resulting in the man being struck several times by rounds discharged by the weapon - he was taken to hospital and treated for a fractured right arm.
Martino says investigation found the man had used beer cases to protect against a conducted energy weapon, leading to the use of the "ARWEN", though he was seen "smashing" his arm against a door frame when trying to get back into the house before he was apprehended.
As Martino's determined there are no reasonable grounds to believe a criminal offence was committed by the officer, the SIU has closed its investigation.
Manitouwadge Man Dies After Canoe Capsizes
A Manitouwadge man is dead after his canoe capsized on Manitouwadge Lake Thursday afternoon.
Manitouwadge Ontario Provincial Police say family members noticed the canoe had capsized, and asked nearby Sea Dooers to check on the canoer - he was located underwater and brought back to shore, with CPR performed until paramedics arrived, though he was pronounced dead shortly after.
He's been identified as 61-year-old Paul Wielgosch of Manitouwadge.
Wawa Man Charged in Confrontation With Police
A young Wawa man is facing charges after a confrontation with police.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they attended a Wawa residence late Wednesday night to speak with a person about an unrelated call for service, but officers found the person "extremely agitated and confrontational", leading to a brief physical altercation, though no injuries.
The 23-year-old was arrested and charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and two counts of assault a peace officer, but was released from custody with a future Wawa court date.
Wawa Catholic Church Set to Reopen
Wawa's Catholic church is reopening this weekend - but with restrictions.
A notice from St. Monica's Church says it will resume weekend masses Saturday night, though anyone who feels sick or has elevated temperature, cough, or other symptoms is asked to refrain from attending mass.
Anyone who does attend must wear a mask and sanitize hands when entering the building, with no handshaking or contact while there.
Only the choir will sing during mass while collection will be done at the entrance and communion will be single file and not obligatory.
There is a limit of only 40 attendees.
The church emphasizes the guidelines are meant to safeguard the community.
Wawa Building Department to Close for Week
Today's the last chance for Wawa residents to get a building or fire permit for a week.
The Municipality warns the Building Department will be closed next week, with no municipal building permits, fire permits, inspections, or similar services happening during that time.
It is expected to reopen June 29th.
Deadline for Chapleau's Buddy Swanson Volunteer Awards
Time's almost up for nominations in Chapleau's annual volunteer awards.
Mayor Michael Levesque reminds community members can submit as many nominations as they'd like - up to today's 4 o'clock deadline.
While the award won't be presented at Canada Day ceremonies this year - as they've been cancelled - Mayor Levesque notes there are plans for some form of presentation, likely to be an online video.
The submission form and details can be found on the Township's website.
LDHC COVID-19 Assessment Centre to Visit Michipicoten First Nation
Wawa's COVID-19 assessment centre will visit Michipicoten First Nation next week.
The Lady Dunn Health Centre says the COVID-19 assessment centre will be set up at the MFN health clinic Monday, June 22nd, from 3 to 7 pm, open to those who have any symptom of COVID-19, are concerned they have been exposed, are at risk of exposure through their employment, or are an MFN staff member working on reserve.
To book an appointment ahead of time, call 705-856-2244, extension 244 or 246, or - on Monday - call 705-987-3270.
Chapleau Resident Faces Spousal Assault Charge Over Domestic Dispute
A Chapleau resident's facing an assault charge after a domestic dispute.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to an incident at a Chapleau residence early Wednesday evening, leading to the arrest of a 35-year-old on a charge of spousal assault.
They've been released from custody, with a future Chapleau court date.
Chapleau Splash Pad Opens for Season
Chapleau's splash pad is open for the season.
While the pad had stayed closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Township says it opened Thursday, as water recreational facilities are allowed to reopen under "Stage 2" of the province's COVID-19 recovery plan.
The Township warns no more than ten people can use the splash pad at a time - maintaining physical distancing of at least two metres - and anyone who suspects they have COVID-19 symptoms is prohibited.
It reminds playground structures remain closed with no indication when they can reopen.
Local National Park to Allow Camping Later This Month
Camping is slowly returning for some national parks - including a local one.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson's announced some camping services will be offered at "select" national parks and national historic sites, starting Monday, June 22nd, or soon after.
Included on the list is Pukaskwa National Park, which began offering limited visitor access and basic services at the start of the month.
At the same time, Parks Canada's cancelling and automatically refunding reservations for international visitors up to August 7th, citing current limitations on international travel.
Ontario Parks have already started allowing backcountry camping, with some day-use activities allowed, though buildings and facilities remain closed.
Heat Warning for Chapleau, Foleyet & Gogama
Caution is being urged as heat warnings have been issued for the Chapleau and Gogama areas.
Environment Canada says daytime temperatures for Chapleau, Gogama, Foleyet, and Missinaibi Lake will be near or above thirty degrees until the weekend, with temperatures only dropping to the high teens overnight - a cooler airmass is expected to bring relief Saturday.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts warns the heat can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, fainting, heat rash, heat cramps, and more issues, with older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, alcohol or drug users, the homeless, and those working or exercising in the heat most at risk.
To deal with the heat, the health unit recommends wearing loose-fitting light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric, drinking plenty of liquids, seeking shade, and taking breaks from the heat.
Over $1m in Provincial Funding for Wawa-Dubreuilville Broadband
The Ontario government's touting support for broadband projects in Northern Ontario - including more than $1-million for a project between Wawa and Dubreuilville.
A total of $1,036,772 will be provided to the Dubreuilville Economic and Community Development Corporation, to install fibre optic infrastructure between the two communities, as well as to plan and secure partnerships with telecommunications companies for future broadband improvement projects.
It's part of $2.3-million meant for a total of seven broadband projects in the North, provided by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.
Sudbury Man Charged After White River-Area Traffic Complaint
A Sudbury man's facing a pair of charges after a traffic complaint near White River.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they received the complaint around 7 o'clock Monday morning, stopping the vehicle near Wawa - investigation revealed the driver's licence was suspended and they were on court-ordered conditions not to operate a motor vehicle, prompting charges of "failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court" and drive while under suspension.
The 51-year-old has been released from custody, scheduled to appear in Wawa court next month.
Foleyet Drinking Water Advisory Lifted
Foleyet's no longer under a drinking water advisory.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says advisory issued Wednesday - after a power outage caused a temporary loss of pressure in the town's water system - was lifted over the weekend, as tests have confirmed the water's safe for consumption.
Lady Dunn Health Centre Confirms LTC Visits Will Be Allowed Soon
Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre will start allowing long-term care visits later this week - but with restrictions.
The local hospital says - per government guidelines - it will allow outside visits starting Thursday, emphasizing there are visitor requirements - including screening - as well as protocol that must be followed, with the Activity Department facilitating the visits.
Visitations will only be allowed so long as there is not an outbreak at the facility.