Wawa's Legion is marking a new feature: its flagpole.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 is holding an official flag raising at 2 o'clock this afternoon.
Installed in front of the building late last week, the flagpole replaces one that was on top of the building.
Pukaskwa National Park Among Canadian Parks With EV Charging Stations
Electric vehicle drivers will have an easier time visiting some national parks - including a local one.
Federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson - who's responsible for Parks Canada - says 28 of the most popular Parks Canada places now have Tesla-donated electric vehicle charging stations available for use - that includes the local Pukaskwa National Park and the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site.
That exceeds the 25 the federal government had promised by 2021, though it is expected to greatly increase, as Tesla's donated over 350 more.
Nearly All COVID-19 Cases in Region Recovered
More recoveries have been reported in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts now shows 90 of its 92 reported cases are considered "resolved" - including two deaths reported previously - leaving only two "active".
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit still has one active case, while Algoma Public Health and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit have none.
38th Annual Wawa Salmon Derby's Pre-Fishing Contest to Begin
Anglers could be hitting the water this weekend for the chance at some prizes for the upcoming Wawa Salmon Derby.
While the 38th annual derby isn't until next weekend, the five-day "pre-fishing" contest starts tomorrow, running through Wednesday, August 19th.
It's open to anyone registered for the derby.
A "modified" version of the derby will be held the following weekend, August 21st through 23rd, offering monetary prizes for the top ten salmon, including $3000 for the biggest of the weekend.
White River's Winnie's Hometown Festival Goes Virtual
A local tradition is making a big change this year.
Festival Coordinator Brandi Greenwood explains organizers have decided to take White River's 32nd Annual Winnie's Hometown Festival "virtual".
Greenwood notes that includes a "Virtual Family Fish Derby" - simply register with the Township, then take a photo of your catches with your registration card and submitted measuring tape by 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon - with virtual cooking and art classes, a dance party, and live magic and mentalist shows all online.
There will be some physical events: drive-in fireworks at Little Lake at dusk tonight - spectators must stay in their vehicles; a "socially distanced" Winnie-the-Pooh parade at 11:30 tomorrow morning; and shopping in the park that afternoon.
Greenwood encourages everyone to participate.
Information - and virtual events - will be available through the Festival's Facebook page.
Wawa Integrity Commissioner Finds Councillor Hatfield Breached Code of Conduct
Wawa Councillor Mitch Hatfield's been ordered to take a number of steps over a code of conduct violation.
The Municipality's Integrity Commissioner says they were asked in November to investigate allegations Hatfield violated the Municipality's Code of Conduct for Council, the Council-Staff Relations policy, and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
The report says the complainant - who isn't named - confirmed they didn't attend any Council meetings after Hatfield was elected in late 2018 nor speak with her directly in person or on the phone, but the commissioner suggests the complainant presented their allegations "in an honest manner and without any retaliatory perspective", and that witnesses provided by the complainant "appeared to respond in a direct and straightforward manner, seemingly without embellishment", confirming "a lot of speculation, significant rumours and gossip throughout the community by many, including Hatfield", though some witnesses were unsure what they heard about the complainant from Hatfield or other sources in the community - with many witness statements amounting to hearsay and assumptions - and none could confirm many of the details of the complainant's allegations.
It also says the investigation was unable to confirm any allegations relating to claims Hatfield engaged in meetings with Gerry and Tamara Liddle, as it couldn't confirm whether such meetings happened or what may have been discussed if they did.
The report adds Hatfield denied wrongdoing with respect to the allegations, specifically engaging in meetings with the Liddles for the purposes of discussing municipal business or making any public comments that could be construed as violating any of the complainant's rights under policy or legislation, though the commissioner says Hatfield was unable to describe the intent of the Council-Staff Relations policy "in a sufficient manner".
It concludes "on the basis of the balance of probabilities, it is more likely than not that Hatfield has made remarks about the complainant and her feelings, about the complainant to others in the community" - violating the Council-Staff Relations Policy and Code of Conduct for Council - but can't conclude "on the same basis" that Hatfield expressed comments about municipal business that should have remained confidential, so there was no violation of the Municipal Act or Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
Council's accepted the report and its recommendations, that Hatfield review the two policies, verbally apologize to Council for violating the policies, and write a letter of apology to the complainant "for treating [them] in a disrespectful manner".
Local COVID-19 Recoveries Continue
More recoveries have been reported in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts now shows 88 of its 92 reported cases are considered "resolved" - including two deaths reported previously - leaving only four "active", including one reported in Greater Sudbury over the weekend.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's now reporting all 100 cases it has reported are resolved - including one reported in the Thunder Bay area earlier this week - though that does include a death reported previously.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit still has one active case, while Algoma Public Health hasn't had one in more than two weeks, though it's waiting on results from 678 tests.
Impaired Driving Charges After Vehicle Goes Down Harbour Road Embankment
Impaired driving charges have been laid after a single vehicle collision on Harbour Road in Wawa.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers were called to the scene shortly after 5 o'clock last night, finding a pickup truck had left the roadway, going several feet down an embankment.
Officers determined the driver was impaired by alcohol, leading to charges of operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs, and operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
The 35-year-old Wawa man has been released from custody with a future court date, but he was issued a 90-day Administrative Driver's Licence Suspension and the vehicle's impounded for seven days.
Local Municipalities Receiving COVID-19 Emergency Funding
Ontario municipalities are splitting up to $1.6-billion in emergency funding to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The provincial government's unveiled initial funding figures stemming from the "Safe Restart Agreement", which show the Municipality of Wawa's receiving the most locally - $197,100 through "Phase 1" of municipal funding and another $15,286 in "Phase 1" of transit funding - while the Township of Chapleau's receiving $141,000 in municipal funding and $17,230 in transit funding, the Township of Dubreuilville's only getting $40,600 in municipal funding, and the Township of White River's getting $56,400 in municipal funding through "Phase 1".
Sault Ste. Marie's receiving more than $5.4-million in combined funding, with more than $3-million going to Timmins.
Toronto's getting the most: nearly $550-million in combined funding during "Phase 1".
More COVID-19 Recoveries in Region
More recoveries have been reported in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts now shows 87 of its 92 reported cases are considered "resolved" - including two deaths reported previously - leaving only five "active", including one reported in Greater Sudbury over the weekend.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's also reporting one more "resolved" case, leaving two active - including one reported in the Thunder Bay area yesterday.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit has a single active case, while Algoma Public Health hasn't had one in more than two weeks, though it's waiting on results from 572 tests.
PHSD Warns 3rd Local Tick Tests Positive for Lyme 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 third 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.
Multiple Charges After Impaired Driver Call in White River
A possible impaired driver call in White River has led to multiple charges.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers received the call about a driver on Highway 17 shortly before 10 o'clock Sunday morning, locating the vehicle in White River shortly after - it was determined the driver was impaired by alcohol, with further investigating discovery multiple Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act driver's licence suspensions.
The 53-year-old Thunder Bay man's been charged with operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs, operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), driving while under suspension, and five counts of operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code.
He's been released from custody with a future court date, but his driver's licence has also been suspended for 90 days and the vehicle impounded for 45.
Thunder Bay Health Unit Reports 100th Case
Locally, the neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reported its 100th case: a Thunder Bay area woman in her 60s who contracted the coronavirus through close contact with another case.
This leaves the health unit with three active cases.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts, meanwhile, has reported two more "resolved" cases, leaving it with only eight active.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit still has one active case, while Algoma Public Health hasn't had any in more than two weeks.
Wawa Council Holding Back-to-Back-to-Back Meetings
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.