Wawa Municipal Council has a busy night ahead, with a trio of meetings.
That includes a Committee of Adjustment meeting addressing a minor variance application, as well as a Corporate Planning Committee meeting, which includes a delegation on a draft asset management plan, monthly reports from department heads, and reports on an airport fuel system upgrade and water valve replacement.
Resolutions for those two items will come up for a vote in tonight's regular Council meeting, with a by-law appointing CAO/Treasurer Maury O'Neill as Deputy Clerk, as well, along with by-laws to enter into an agreement with Tulloch Engineering for consulting services on the "School Zone - Resurface Project" and to adopt policies on General Reserve and Reserve Fund as well as surplus and deficit.
There's also a single "in camera" item, a legal issue relating to staffing.
Aside from the "in camera" portion, the meetings will be livestreamed on the Municipality of Wawa's YouTube channel, starting at 6:30 tonight.
More Local COVID-19 Recoveries
More recoveries have been reported in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts now shows 82 of its 92 cases are considered "resolved" - including two deaths reported previously - leaving only ten "active" cases, including one reported in Greater Sudbury over the weekend.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reporting its 72nd case is now considered "resolved", leaving none active, though it previously reported eight deaths.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's showing only two "active" cases, which means one recovery over the weekend - it has reported a total of 99 cases, with one death.
Algoma Public Health hasn't had an active case in two weeks, though it is waiting on the results from 575 tests.
OPP Investigating Thefts in Lake Superior Provincial Park
Ontario Provincial Police are investigating a series of thefts throughout Lake Superior Provincial Park.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the incidents involve the removal of cash and even entire cash boxes from remote day use areas of the park - the boxes are used by visitors to deposit their day-use fees, which are then collected by park staff.
Eleven different thefts have been reported since July 4th - at Orphan Lake, Garagantua Road, Agawa Pictographs, Mijinemungshing Lake Road, and Sand River - amounting to an estimated loss of $3000.
Police currently have no suspects, but ask anyone with information to call the OPP or Crime Stoppers.
PHSD Warns COVID-19 Community Spread Likely As 92nd Case Confirmed
Another case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Sudbury over the weekend.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says its 92nd case is a Greater Sudbury woman in her 20s, who's currently self-isolating after being tested Friday.
It's unclear how she contracted the coronavirus, with no history of travel or contact with another known case.
The health unit emphasizes community spread "remains possible and is likely in Sudbury and districts", urging everyone to limit "non-essential in-person gatherings of any size" - despite loosened restrictions - and to maintain physical distancing of at least two metres - or six feet - from anyone who isn't from the same household or ten-person social circle, as well as wear a face covering if distancing isn't possible, particularly in indoor public spaces, where they're required.
It further reminds a social circle is one group of up to ten people and you cannot belong to more than one, and emphasizes COVID-19's circulating at different levels around the province and Canada, so "the safest options are to stay in the area of your home community or to stay in the region".
This latest case leaves the health unit with 19 active, all but one in Greater Sudbury.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit has a single active case and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit has three, while Algoma Public Health hasn't had an active case in two weeks.
Calgary Man Charged With Prohibited Driving South of Wawa
A Calgary man's been charged with driving while prohibited south of Wawa.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers patrolling Highway 17 near Agawa Bay around 10:30 Friday night saw an SUV driving very slowly and unsteadily - during a subsequent traffic stop, officers determined the driver was sober but was prohibited from driving a motor vehicle, leading to his arrest on a charge of operation while prohibited.
The 44-year-old Calgary man's been released from custody with a future court date, though the vehicle's impounded for 45 days.
Wawa Teen Charged Over Backyard Explosions
A Wawa teen's facing multiple charges after "backyard explosions" in town.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers responded around 8:40 Tuesday morning to a complaint of several loud noises coming from a Churchill Avenue property - police contained the area until the Northeast Region Emergency Response Team and Canine Unit arrived, with the accused voluntarily surrendering to police.
The 18-year-old's been charges with: explosives - making or possessing for unlawful purpose; possession of a schedule I substance - methamphetamine; and two counts of failure to comply with release order.
He's been remanded into custody, pending a bail hearing next Wednesday.
PHSD Confirms 91st COVID-19 Case
Another case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says its 91st case is a Greater Sudbury man in his 30s, who's currently self-isolating after being tested Wednesday.
It's unclear how he contracted the coronavirus, as he has no history of travel or known contact with another case.
The health unit emphasizes community spread "remains possible and is likely in Sudbury and districts", urging everyone to limit "non-essential in-person gatherings of any size" - despite loosened restrictions - and to maintain physical distancing of at least two metres - or six feet - from anyone who isn't from the same household or ten-person social circle, as well as wear a face covering if distancing isn't possible, particularly in indoor public spaces, where they're required.
It further reminds a social circle is one group of up to ten people and you cannot belong to more than one, and emphasizes COVID-19's circulating at different levels around the province and Canada, so "the safest options are to stay in the area of your home community or to stay in the region".
This latest case leaves the health unit with 18 active, all but one in Greater Sudbury.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's has a single active case, while the Thunder Bay District Health Unit has three.
Algoma Public Health hasn't had an active case in nearly two weeks.
Porcupine Health Unit Investigating COVID-19 Case at Cochrane Mine
The Porcupine Health Unit's investigating a COVID-19 case at a Cochrane mine.
An employee of the Detour Lake Mine recently tested positive - the health unit's monitoring the individual, who's currently self-isolating at home, while they've already followed up with close contacts, though the health unit is warning there's a potential for exposure for anyone who was on site between July 30th and August 3rd.
It advises such individuals to monitor for symptoms, and if they occur, immediately isolate and contact your health unit for testing.
Wawa's Lion's Beach Washrooms Closed for Repairs
The washrooms at Wawa's Lion's Beach are closed for repairs.
The Municipality of Wawa says several items within the facility have been broken, causing unsanitary and unsafe conditions, prompting the closure - it'll stay closed until further notice, so staff can repair the facility and return it to a safe condition.
This isn't the first time, as the building was also closed in August 2016, after several instances of vandalism over a "couple week" period.
Thunder Bay District Health Unit Confirms New COVID-19 Case
Another case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the region.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit says its 99th case is a Thunder Bay area man in his 20s whose exposure is currently listed as "pending".
This leaves the health unit with three active cases, all in the Thunder Bay area.
Public Health Subury and Districts confirmed its 90th case yesterday, a Sudbury District man in his 70s whose exposure is unknown, though its site now shows another recovery, leaving it with 17 active cases, all but the latest in Greater Sudbury.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit has a single active case - reported yesterday - a Timmins man in his 20s.
Algoma Public Health hasn't had an active case in more than a week, though it is waiting on the results from 559 tests.
PHSD Confirms 90th COVID-19 Case
Another case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says its 90th case is a man in his 70s from an unspecified Sudbury District community - he's currently self-isolating after being tested Monday.
It's unclear how the man contracted the coronavirus, as he has no history of travel or known contact with another case.
The health unit has emphasized community spread "remains possible and is likely in Sudbury and districts", urging everyone to limit "non-essential in-person gatherings of any size" and to maintain physical distancing of at least two metres - or six feet - from anyone who isn't from the same household or ten-person social circle, as well as wear a face covering if distancing isn't possible - face coverings are currently required in all indoor public spaces.
It further reminds COVID-19's circulating at different levels around the province and Canada, emphasizing "the safest options are to stay in the area of your home community or to stay in the region".
Combined with a few recent recoveries, this latest case leaves the health unit with 18 active cases - all but this one in Greater Sudbury - with outbreaks declared at Pioneer Manor and Extendicare Falconbridge, as employees at the long-term care facilities have tested positive.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's also reporting a new case, a Timmins man in his 20s, bringing the health unit's total confirmed cases to 72, though this is the only active one - it's warning of the "3 Cs": crowded places; close contact settings; and confined or enclosed spaces.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit still has three "active" cases in the Thunder Bay area, all reported last weekend, two travel-related, one from close contact with another case.
Algoma Public Health hasn't had an active case in more than a week, though it is waiting on the results from 526 tests.
COVID-19 Recoveries Continue in Region
Another recovery's been reported in the region.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's another case is considered "resolved", leaving only three "active" cases - it had reported that many in the Thunder Bay area over the weekend, two travel-related, one from close contact with another case.
The Porcupine Health Unit has a single active case, an employee of a Hearst nursing home confirmed yesterday.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts still has 21 active cases, all in Greater Sudbury - most are nineteen or younger, though there are others in their 20s to 60s, including employees at Pioneer Manor and Extendicare Falconbridge, prompting outbreak declarations for the long-term care facilities.
Algoma Public Health hasn't had an active case in a week, though it is waiting on the results from 826 tests.
More COVID-19 Cases Confirmed in Region
Several new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed over the weekend.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's confirmed three more cases in the Thunder Bay area - two travel-related, one from close contact with another case.
Combined with one recovery, this leaves four active cases in that region.
The Porcupine Health Unit has confirmed a new case - an employee of a Hearst nursing home - though it has also reported a new recovery, leaving only one active case.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts still has 21 active cases, all in Greater Sudbury - most are nineteen or younger, though there are others in their 20s to 60s, including employees at Pioneer Manor and Extendicare Falconbridge, prompting outbreak declarations for the long-term care facilities.
Algoma Public Health hasn't had an active case in a week, though it is waiting on the results from about 775 tests.
Single Vehicle Collision Near Wawa Leads to Impaired Driving Charges
An early morning collision's resulted in impaired driving and other charges for a Wawa driver.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to a single vehicle collision on Highway 17 in Bailloquet Township around 7 o'clock Saturday - the driver had already fled the scene by the time officers arrived, though he was found walking on the highway around 8:30 that morning, leading to his arrest.
Further investigation revealed he was impaired by alcohol, prompting charges of: operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus); dangerous operation; failure to stop after accident; and race motor vehicle - stunt.
The 25-year-old's been released from custody pending a future court date, but issued a 90 day Administrative Driver's Licence Suspension and the vehicle's impounded for seven days.
Minor Injuries Reported in Float Plane Crash Near Sault Ste. Marie
Only minor injuries have been reported after a float plane crash near Sault Ste. Marie.
Emergency services responded to the crash on Upper Island Lake around 6:25 Saturday Night, funing the pilot and the plane's sole passenger had already been brought to safety by local residents.
Both were assessed by Algoma EMS on scene and found to have only minor injuries, requiring no treatment at hospital.
Sault Ste. Marie OPP thank those who assisted in rescuing the occupants from the water.
White River Driver Faces Impaired and Other Charges After Speeding Stop
A White River driver's facing impaired driving and other charges after being stopped for speeding.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the vehicle was stopped for speeding on Highway 17 in Lendrum Township around 11:20 Wednesday night - the officers determined the driver had been consuming alcohol, leading to their arrest on charges of operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs, operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), and fail to comply with probation order.
The 26-year-old has been released with a September court date, though their driver's licence has been suspended for 90 days and their vehicle impounded for seven days.
COVID-19 Cases Remain Active in Region
Several active cases remain in the region, particularly Sudbury.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed 21 active cases, all in Greater Sudbury - most are nineteen or younger, though there are others in their 20s to 60s.
Outbreaks have been declared at two long-term care facilities in Greater Sudbury - Pioneer Manor and Extendicare Falconbridge - as some of the cases are employees.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe's raised concerns that more than a third of the 22 cases reported in the last two weeks - after nearly a month with no cases - have no known exposure, meaning community spread of the virus.
The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit still has two active cases in the Thunder Bay area, while the Porcupine Health Unit has a single active case in isolation at Timmins and District Hospital.
Algoma Public Health hasn't had an active case since Monday, though it is waiting on the results from over 600 tests.
PHSD Warns 2nd Tick Tested Positive for Lyme Disease Bacteria
Sudbury's health unit is warning to beware ticks.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts notes a blacklegged tick "found locally" has tested positive for the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease - the second to do so this year.
It recommends measures to protect yourself, including: avoiding walking in tall grass; clearing debris and overgrown vegetation, grass, bushes, and trees from yards; keeping wood piles or bird feeders away from homes; and wearing long-sleeved, light-coloured clothes with closed-toe shoes, as well as Health Canada-approved insect repellants.
Signs of Lyme disease include a red bull's eye-shaped rash around the bite area, as well as symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, stiff neck, and swollen glands.
PHSD Reports More New Cases, Including Travel-Related
Several new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Sudbury.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed ten more cases, all in Greater Sudbury: six are nineteen or younger, along with a man in his 40s, a woman in her 60s, a man in his 20s, and a woman in her 40s.
One of the new cases is an employee of Sudbury's Pioneer Manor, prompting an outbreak declaration for the long-term care home, one of two in the area, as an outbreak was also declared recently for Extendicare Falconbridge.
Two of the younger cases are noted to have contact with a travel-related case - multiple have been reported in Greater Sudbury youth recently - while another had contact with a case of unknown exposure - it's unclear how the others were exposed.
This leaves the health unit with 21 active cases - all in Greater Sudbury - which has prompted the declaration of an outbreak at the long-term care facility.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe notes the health unit's reported 22 new cases in just the last week and a half - after nearly a month of no reported cases - but she says it's "even more worrisome" that more than a third of the new cases have no known exposure, meaning community spread of the virus.
Sutcliffe notes community spread's a key measure in assessing reopening, adding she is "very concerned" about it, as "no one wants to go backwards".
The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit still has two active cases in the Thunder Bay area, while the Porcupine Health Unit has a single active case in isolation at Timmins and District Hospital.
Algoma Public Health has no active cases, though it is waiting on the results from over 500 tests.
Argonaut Gold Touts Positive Results From Local Drilling
A Toronto-based miner's touting positive results from local drilling.
Argonaut Gold says results from Phase Two of its drill campaign specifically targeting high-grade mineralization below the proposed pit at its Magino property includes six metres at 8.31 grams per tonne gold, one metre at 48.5 grams, and two metres at 25.88 grams.
The company notes Phase Two focused on tightening drill spacing around high-grade intercepts at the Elbow and Central zones encountered during the first phase, with results from the Central Zone still to come.