Most of Wawa's parks are open once again.
As "Stage 3" of the province's reopening process allows playgrounds to reopen, the Municipality of Wawa says inspections have cleared the reopening of the Queen's Park, Rose's Beach Park, and Centennial Park playgrounds, but not the Marina Park playground, which will stay closed until further notice as it did not pass its annual safety inspection.
Staff also remind swing set construction's ongoing at Queen's Park and swing installation's planned for next week at Centennial Park.
The playgrounds aren't sanitized and users are reminded to practice physical distancing, good hand hygiene, and other recommendations of Algoma Public Health, with anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 asked not to use the playground equipment.
Chapleau's also reopened its playgrounds - the splash pad was already open - though signs have been posted with rules to follow.
Wawa Legion Clubroom Reopens
Wawa's Legion clubroom is open once again.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 says the clubroom's reopening now that the region's in "Stage 3" of the province's reopening process, though all Algoma Public Health rules apply - that includes the need to wear a mask in indoor premises.
Numerous Charges Announced for Windsor Duo Who Fled Police Near Wawa
Numerous charges have been announced for a Windsor duo who fled police following a traffic complaint near Wawa.
Updating an incident that started Tuesday morning - ending about 23 hours later, with the pair surrendering themselves to police - Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say a 23-year-old and a 29-year-old have both been charged with unauthorized possession of a weapon, theft under $5000, possession of property obtained by crime under $5000, possession of break-in instruments, and escape lawful custody.
The 28-year-old also faces four counts of failure to comply with release order while the 23-year-old has also been charged with dangerous operation, flight from peace officer, possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order, operate motor vehicle without insurance, fail to apply for permit on becoming owner, use plate not authorized for vehicle, race motor vehicle - excessive speed, and driving while under suspension.
Both have been remanded into custody, scheduled to appear in court
LDHCF Receives $5000 Total From Two Local Businesses
Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is getting a boost from two local businesses.
The Foundation is thanking the Beaver Motel and MacIntyre Trucking, as they each donated $2500 to the Foundation's current campaign, aimed at raising $125,000 to purchase a new washer/sterilizer and disinfector for the Medical Device Reprocessing Department.
Face Coverings Required in Indoor Public Places in Algoma
Face coverings are now required for indoor public places across Algoma.
As of today, Algoma Public Health requires businesses and organizations to have a policy requiring the public to wear a face covering such as a non-medical mask in all enclosed public spaces, such as the indoor premises of businesses and organizations, or on public transit systems.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts implemented a similar requirement last week, with the Porcupine Health Unit to require the public and employees in its area to wear a non-medical mask or face covering when entering an indoor public space starting next Thursday.
Chapleau Council Approves Replacement of Recreation Centre Condenser
Chapleau's moving forward with plans to replace a major piece of equipment for its arena.
Prompted by recent leaks, Mayor Michael Levesque says Council's approved the replacement of the Recreation Centre's condenser.
Mayor Levesque adds hopes are the work "doesn't interfere with our clientele in the fall, but we'll see".
Local Regions (and Much of Ontario) Entering Stage 3 of Reopening
Public health restrictions are loosening for much of the province today.
Aside from Toronto and a few other parts of the south, most of Ontario is now in "Stage 3" of the province's reopening process, allowing most businesses and public spaces to open and raising indoor gathering limits to a maximum of 50 people - or 100 for outdoor gatherings - though physical distancing requirements remain in effect.
That includes community events or gatherings, concerts, live shows, festivals, sports and recreational fitness activities, fundraisers, fairs, festivals, open houses, and conferences.
Some things are still prohibited: amusement and water parks; buffet-style food services; dancing at restaurants and bars; overnight stays at camps for children; private karaoke rooms; prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports; saunas, steam rooms, bath houses, and oxygen bars; or table games at gaming establishments.
Locally, Wawa and Chapleau are reopening playgrounds but not their recreation centres - Wawa staff are working on plans to do so, but warn it likely won't happen in the next few weeks.
Chapleau Integrity Commissioner Finds Councillor Conflict of Interest
Chapleau's Integrity Commissioner has found a councillor violated conflict of interest rules - and will turn to a judge for a ruling.
The report presented to Council during Monday's meeting focuses on allegations Councillor Rick Smith contravened the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act by participating in Council decisions about last year's Drag Races.
The report finds he did declare a pecuniary interest when it was first discussed in January 2019, with a written declaration noting Smith could be a vendor at the event through his business holdings.
According to the report, Smith contacted the Integrity Commissioner in late May to confirm whether there'd be a conflict if his business acted as a vendor or if the local Order of Odd Fellows - of which he's a member - participated as a service group, with the commissioner advising Smith he had a direct and indirect pecuniary interest whether or not he became a vendor, so he was "prohibited from influencing the decision [of Council] before, during, or after the deliberations" and should declare the conflict, but he could otherwise become a vendor, which he did.
Despite that, the report says Smith ended up participating in two Council decisions regarding the Drag Race - in May and September 2019 - and even advised the public and Council he'd been told he didn't have a conflict, something refuted by the Integrity Commissioner in October.
It concludes there was a conflict of interest during the May vote but the Commissioner could not "action" that because it was outside of the six-week complaint period, though it does plan to apply to a Superior Court judge to determine whether Smith contravened the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act in the September vote, and - if so - any penalty to be imposed.
The report does emphasize that the Act doesn't prevent councillors from having businesses like food vending or from joining service clubs, though it does prohibit those with such pecuniary interests from influencing Council decisions.
JJAM FM News reached out to Smith for comment on the report, though he's declined.
Two in Custody After Fleeing Police Near Wawa
Two people are in custody after fleeing police in Wawa.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers responded to a northbound traffic complaint on Highway 17 south of Wawa around 9 o'clock Tuesday morning - a black sedan was reported to be driving at a high rate of speed and passing unsafely, with police also informed the vehicle's occupants were suspects in a Thessalon-area gas theft.
Officers located the vehicle around 11:15 that morning on Highway 17 near Red Rock Lake in Lake Superior Provincial Park, but attempts to stop the vehicle with spike belts were unsuccessful.
A short time later, the driver requested gasoline from an off-duty OPP sergeant on Steephill Dam Road, north of Wawa - the sergeant advised on-duty officers and the roadway was contained, with the vehicle eventually located stuck with the two occupants trying to free it - they failed to do so and fled on foot into the surrounding wooded area, prompting a search assisted by the Northeast Region OPP Canine Unit and Emergency Response Team.
The two ended up surrendering themselves to police around 8 o'clock Wednesday morning.
Police say the pair face numerous charges, but a full list - and further details about the accused - will be released later.
26th Algoma COVID-19 Case Confirmed
Algoma Public Health's reporting another COVID-19 case.
The health unit is giving few details about its 26th confirmed case, except the person's been self-isolating since they were tested Monday and close contacts have been notified.
It's unknown how the person was exposed, considered evidence of ongoing community spread in Sault Ste. Marie and area and/or southern Ontario, though the health unit warns community spread's likely throughout Algoma and everyone should continue practicing physical distancing since any close contact could be a possible exposure.
This comes as the health unit's reporting its 25th case - confirmed last Thursday - is now "resolved", meaning this new case is the only active one for the health unit, though it is awaiting the results of 1450 tests.
Meanwhile, the Porcupine Health Unit has a single active case, reported July 9th - the 68th case for the health unit, which has seen eight deaths linked to COVID-19 - while the neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit also has a single "active" case - it has reported 92 so far, with one death.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts has not reported a case since June 22nd, with all 67 of its reported cases considered "resolved", including 2 deaths.
Cocaine Trafficking Charge After Search Warrant Executed in Wawa
A Wawa man's facing a cocaine trafficking charge after a search warrant was executed at a local residence.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the North East Region Community Street Crime Unit executed the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act warrant around 8 o'clock last Thursday night, with the search finding an unspecified quantity of suspected cocaine and Canadian currency, at a total street value of about $3600.
That led to the arrest of a 36-year-old on charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking of a schedule I substance - cocaine - and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000.
He's been released with a future Wawa court date.
Calgary Man Arrested for Breaching Release Order With No Plates Near Wawa
Driving without licence plates near Wawa has led to the arrest of a Calgary man.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they stopped a northbound vehicle on Highway 17 in Rabazo Township around 2 o'clock last Wednesday afternoon, with investigation revealing the driver was breaching court-ordered release conditions by possessing a cell phone.
Charged with failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court - the 47-year-old has been released from custody with a future Wawa court date.
White River Resident Charged in Break-In
A White River resident's facing charges over a break-in at a Winnipeg Street residence.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the incident around 6 o'clock on the morning of July 6th, with investigation revealing someone entered the residence and took some clothing and electronics.
That led to the arrest of a 28-year-old woman on charges of break, enter dwelling house to commit indictable offence and theft under $5000 - she's been released from custody, scheduled to appear in Wawa court next month.
Newmarket Pair Charged in White River Gas Theft
Two Newmarket residents are facing charges after a theft of gas in White River.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the incident late Sunday afternoon, finding the vehicle southbound on Highway 17 near Wawa about half an hour later, with both occupants of the vehicle arrested without incident.
The 39-year-old man and 34-year-old woman were charged with theft under $5000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, and failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court, while the man was also charged with another count of failure to comply with relase order and two counts of fail to comply with probation order.
They've been released from custody with a future Wawa court date.
Fail to Comply Charges for Dubreuilville Man
Fail to comply charges have been laid against a Dubreuilville man.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to a wanted person who'd attended the Detachment for an unrelated matter early Sunday morning, leading to his arrest on charges of fail to appear or comply with appearance notice.
The 74-year-old's been released from custody, scheduled to appear in Wawa court in September.
Wawa Council Holding Back-to-Back Electronic Meetings
Wawa Municipal Council's holding back-to-back electronic meetings tonight.
First up: a Corporate Planning Committee meeting, set to start with two "in-camera" items about legal issues - a Code of Conduct complaint and a sale of land - with an integrity commissioner report to be discussed in open session after.
There'll also be discussion about the Northeast Superior Regional Broadband Network and draft policies on general reserve and reserve funds and on surplus and deficit.
That'll be followed by a regular meeting, which will includes a by-law confirming an agreement for operation of the Harry McCluskie Municipal Marina, as well as a related management agreement with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans for long-term management of the marina slips.
The sole scheduled meetings for the month, they'll be livestreamed on the Municipality's YouTube page, starting earlier than usual, at 5:30 tonight.
Most of Ontario Moving to Stage 3 of Reopening Soon
Nearly all Ontario businesses and public spaces can reopen just ahead of the weekend.
Premier Doug Ford's announced most of Ontario's health units can enter "Stage 3" of the province's reopening process this Friday, including the local Algoma Public Health, Public Health Sudbury and Districts, Porcupine Health Unit, and Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
Under Stage 3, indoor gathering limits will rise to a maximum of 50 people - with a maximum of 100 for outdoor gatherings - though physical distancing requirements remain in effect.
That includes community events or gatherings, concerts, live shows, festivals, sports and recreational fitness activities, fundraisers, fairs, festivals, open houses, and conferences.
While most businesses and events will be able to reopen, there are some still prohibited, including: amusement and water parks; buffet-style food services; dancing at restaurants and bars; overnight stays at camps for children; private karaoke rooms; prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports; saunas, steam rooms, bath houses, and oxygen bars; or table games at gaming establishments.
This comes just days after the provincial government extended all COVID-19-related emergency orders until July 22nd, while legislation's been introduced that would allow the government to extend the province's state of emergency declaration from the current July 24th date into next year.
Chapleau Council Holding Sole July Meeting
Chapleau Council has a busy night ahead, with their sole scheduled meeting for the month.
Included on the agenda is a report from the Integrity Commissioner, as well as a by-law confirming an agreement for engineering services for the design and project management of the Sewage Lagoon Dechlorination System, a request from the Northeast Superior Regional Broadband Network, the tender for replacing the condenser at the Recreation Centre, an appointment to the Auxiliary Fire Department, and the tender for the purchase of LED street lights.
Council will also consider a pair of minor variance applications and three purchase orders.
Members of the public can listen in on tonight's meeting by calling 1-800-974-5902, entering conference ID 5116623 - the meeting starts at 6:30 pm.
Trio of Chapleau Students Honoured as Ontario Scholars
A trio of Chapleau students have been honored for excellent academic standing.
The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says three students at ESC Trillium in Chapleau earned Ontario Scholar designation during graduation last week: Cole Fortin, Jonah Joyal, and Patrick St-Amand.
APH to Require Face Coverings in Public Places in Algoma
Face coverings will soon be required in public places across Algoma.
Algoma Public Health says - as of Friday, July 17th - businesses and organizations must adopt a policy requiring the public to wear a face covering such as a non-medical mask in all enclosed public spaces, such as the indoor premises of businesses and organizations, or on public transit systems.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Marlene Spruyt says there's a need to "step up preventive measures" in public spaces as the province continues reopening and essential travel continues between other regions.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts implemented a similar requirement last Wednesday.
This comes as Algoma has a single active case of COVID-19 - reported Thursday, in the Sault Ste. Marie area - while there are no active cases in the Sudbury district.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit has confirmed its 68th - and only active - case, a man in his 20s in the Cochrane area, while the Thunder Bay District Health Unit has a single active case.