WMC Set to Hold 4 Meetings In A Row

Wawa Municipal Council has a busy night ahead, with four back-to-back meetings.

That includes a Committee of Adjustment meeting about a minor variance application, a public meeting under the Planning Act - to address a proposed temporary zoning by-law amendment for Red Pine Exploration - and a Corporate Planning Committee meeting, which will include an update on COVID-19-related issues, and a report on the School Zone Resurfacing Project.

That project will come back up in the final meeting, a regular meeting of Council, which includes a resolution to award the tender for the project, as well as five "in-camera" items: one a personal issue about a sanitary line repair invoice, the others legal issues about offers to purchase property.

The agenda also includes a by-law confirming a temporary zoning by-law amendment to allow for three "SeaCan" storage containers on a McKinley Avenue property - Council was originally asked to allow them for up to 36 months with the possibility of another 36 months, but decided in their last meeting to allow the containers for up to 24 months with a possible one-year extension.

A neighbour had raised concerns such containers don't belong in a residential area and may reduce their property value - as well as increasing forklift and truck traffic - but Council was told in the last meeting that side of McKinley is actually zoned commercial, though efforts will be made to address the concerns, including that the front yard of the property - used by Canadian Tire Wawa for off-site storage - be seeded and grassed, with bushes and small trees to help block view of the containers.

Aside from the "in-camera" portion, tonight's meetings will be broadcast on the Municipality's YouTube channel starting at 6:30 pm.

North Algoma COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics Eligibility Expanding to Cover 12+

Eligibility's expanding for North Algoma's COVID-19 vaccination clinics - to just about everyone.

Organizers say - starting Wednesday, June 2nd - youth 12 to 17 years old and their household will be eligible to book an appointment, and they will be prioritized for vaccination.

In addition, everyone 18 or older is now eligible to book an appointment for their first dose, by calling Wawa's central appointment line at 705-914-0464, the Dubreuilville Medical Centre, or White River's Northern Neighbours Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic.

Those eligible for their second dose will be contacted.

PHSD & Nearby Health Units Report New COVID-19 Cases

More COVID-19 cases are being reported in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added four in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2092, with 30 "active" - while six more screened positive for a variant of concern, bringing the total to 919.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's confirmed eight cases in unspecified First Nation communities, five in the Thunder Bay area, and four in unspecified district communities - that brings it to 3234, with 54 "active", four in hospital - while thirteen more cases with variants of concern were identified, for a total of 109.

The Porcupine Health Unit's reporting eleven more cases in the Timmins area and two in the James and Hudson Bay region, bringing it to 1362, with 326 "active", two outside the district.

It's also warning of potential exposure on an Air Canada flight from Toronto to Timmins May 17th, the Polar Bear Express and an Ontario Northland train from Timmins to Cochrane on May 18th, and an Ontario Northland train from Moosonee to Cochrane May 27th.

All local health units are warning about potential "high-risk" exposure for workers of Baffinland Mary River Mine on Baffin Island in Nunavut, urging anyone who's returned from there since April 30th to immediately isolate and contact their local health unit.

OPP Remind Studded Tires Must Be Removed Today

Ontario Provincial Police are reminding studded winter tires need to come off now.

While temperatures have been dipping near zero Celsius in recent days, O-P-P reminds provincial law only allows studded tires from September 1st to May 31st, meaning they must be swapped off today, at latest.

Wawa Residents Encouraged to Join Participaction Community Better Challenge

Wawa residents are being challenged to join in Participaction's "Community Better Challenge" over the next couple weeks.

Wawa Family Health Team Registered Dietitian Justine Glover explains it's similar to Wawa's past wellness or walking challenges, and could help the community in another way, too.

Glover notes you sign up, then participate by tracking physical activity through the Participaction app or website - and suggests anyone who needs help to contact the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

The challenge starts tomorrow, running for the entirety of June.

PHSD, PHU & TBDHU Report New COVID-19 Cases, Possible Exposure Warnings

More COVID-19 cases have been reported across the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed five in Greater Sudbury and another in the Sudbury District - bringing it to 2088, with 29 "active" including three in the northern part of the Sudbury District - while four more screened positive for a variant of concern, for a total of 913.

The Porcupine Health Unit's added 73 cases in the Timmins area, 31 in the James and Hudson Bay region, 24 in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area, one in the Hearst and Hornepayne area, and another in the Kapuskasing, Opasatika, Val Rita-Harty, Moonbeam, and Fauquier-Strickland area, bringing the health unit to 1366 - it last reported 307 "active", one outside the district, though that was before the latest cases.

It's also warning of possible exposure on the Polar Bear Express and an Ontario Northland train from Timmins to Cochrane on May 18th, as well as an Ontario Northland train from Moosonee to Cochrane May 27th.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting six cases in unspecified First Nation communities and three in unspecified district communities - bringing it to 3217, with 42 "active", five in hospital - while a 96th case with a variant of concern was identified.

While Algoma Public Health hasn't reported any new cases, it is showing two more screened positive for a variant of concern, for a total of 99 - it has 18 "active" cases, two in hospital plus three non-residents in hospital.

All of the health units have issued a warning about potential "high-risk" exposure for workers of Baffinland Mary River Mine on Baffin Island in Nunavut, urging anyone who's returned from there since April 30th to immediately isolate and contact their local health unit.

Chapleau Council to Consider Capital Budget & More in Regular Meeting

Chapleau Town Council will consider their plans for capital projects and more tonight.

The draft capital budget is one of the items on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting, along with two Committee of Adjustment items about minor variance applications for Birch Street and Pine Street West properties, as well as resolutions relating to a Recreation Centre washroom upgrade, nominations for the Buddy Swanson Volunteer Awards, the formation of an OPP Detachment Board, and a Municipal Accommodation Tax - Council put plans to implement that tax on hold earlier this month amid questions about it.

There's also a single "in-camera" item, relating to CAO recruitment.

Aside from the "in-camera" portion, the public can listen in on tonight's meeting by calling 1-800-974-5902, entering conference ID 5116623 - it starts at 6:30.

APH, PHSD & Neighbouring Health Units Report More COVID-19 Cases

More COVID-19 cases have been reported across the region.

Algoma Public Health's added one in the Sault Ste. Marie area - the health unit's 392nd - leaving it with 21 "active", three in hospital - plus three non-residents in hospital.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed three more in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2082, with 32 "active" - while three more screened positive for a variant of concern, for a total of 909.

The Porcupine Health Unit's reporting fourteen cases in the Timmins area, four in the James and Hudson Bay region, and one in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area, bringing it to 1225, with 280 "active", one outside the district.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting fourteen in unspecified First Nation communities, three in unspecified district communities, and another in the Thunder Bay area - bringing it to 3208, with 33 "active", four in hospital - while a 95th case with a variant of concern was identified.

Walk for Alzheimer's Arriving in Wawa This Weekend

Wawa residents are being encouraged to strap on their shoes and get walking to support the local Alzheimer Society.

As this Sunday is the first IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, First Link Coordinator Christy Reid reminds it's being held virtually, with participants urged to "walk where you are, in your own way".

Reid reminds funds raised support people living with dementia, and their caregivers.

You can register for the event at walkforalzheimers.ca

Minor Injuries in Car/Moose Collision on Hwy 101

Local police are reporting only "minor injuries" after a vehicle collided with a moose.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded "early this morning" - around 12:40 am - to the collision on Highway 101, finding a car had struck a moose - pictures tweeted by police show substantial damage, including a smashed windshield and damage to the hood, front bumper, and roof.

Despite that, police report - while multiple people were in the vehicle - they suffered only "minor injuries".

Goulais Man Charged With Impaired Driving & Meth Possession After Wawa Area RIDE Check

A Goulais Township man's facing an impaired driving charge after a RIDE stop near Wawa.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the tractor-trailer driver was stopped on Highway 17 in Bailloquet Township Monday night, with officers detecting the odour of cannabis emanating from the vehicle's cab - further investigation found the driver was impaired, with several suspected methamphetamine tablets in his possession.

Charged with operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs and "possession of a schedule I substance - methamphetamine, the 62-year-old was released with a future court date, though his driver's license is suspended for 90 days and the vehicle's impounded for seven.

APH, PHSD, PHU Report New COVID-19 Cases

More COVID-19 cases are being reported in the region.

Algoma Public Health's confirmed one in the Sault Ste. Marie area, bringing the health unit to 391 - 24 "active" including one in hospital plus three "non-residents temporarily in Algoma" in hospital - while a 97th case screened positive for a variant of concern.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts - meanwhile - has added four cases in Greater Sudbury and two in the Sudbury District, bringing it to 2079 - with 31 "active" - while three more screened positive for variants of concern, bringing that total to 906.

The Porcupine Health Unit continues to be the North's hotspot, reporting another two cases in the Timmins area, two in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area, and another in the James and Hudson Bay region, bringing its total to 1206 - it last reported 311 "active", three outside the district.

APH Pre-Registering 12 to 17 Year Olds for COVID-19 Vaccination

Algoma Public Health's taking a step toward vaccinating teens for COVID-19.

The health unit says pre-registration for vaccination is now available for twelve to seventeen year olds and their eligible family members - such as siblings, parents, guardians, and caregivers - who have yet to receive their shot.

Pre-registering means you'll be contacted directly to book an appointment next month.

You can find a link to pre-register on the health unit's website.

PHSD Reports 30th COVID-19 Death, More Cases for PHSD & APH

Another COVID-19 death's been reported in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is giving few details about its 30th COVID-related death, except that it was reported in Greater Sudbury, like every other reported by the health unit.

It has also added two cases in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2073, with 31 "active" - while three more screened positive for a variant of concern, for a total of 903.

Meanwhile, Algoma Public Health - which reported two COVID deaths the previous two days - has confirmed one new case in the Sault Ste. Marie area and another in the Elliot Lake area, bringing the health unit to 390 - though the number "active" has dropped to 24 with one in hospital plus three "non-residents temporarily in Algoma" in hospital - while five more cases screened positive for a variant of concern, bringing that to 96.

The Porcupine Health Unit's added two more cases in the Timmins area, two for the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area, and three in the James and Hudson Bay region - that brings it to 1172 reported cases.

It last reported 330 "active" - three outside the district - though that was before the latest cases were added.

APH Reports 6th COVID-19 Death, More Cases

Algoma's reporting another COVID-19-related death.

Algoma Public Health is giving no details about its sixth COVID death, which is the second in as many days

The health unit is reporting a new case in the Sault Ste. Marie area and another in the Elliot Lake area - bringing the health unit to 388, with 38 "active", one in hospital plus two "non-residents temporarily in Algoma", also in hospital.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is only reporting three new resolved cases, leaving it with 31 "active": 28 are in Greater Sudbury; two in the northern part of the Sudbury District; and the other in the western part of the Sudbury District.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's confirmed four cases in the Thunder Bay area since Saturday - bringing it to 3184, with 24 "active", including five in hospital - while five more variant cases were identified, for a total of 90.

The Porcupine Health Unit has added fifteen cases in the James and Hudson Bay region and eleven in the Timmins area, bringing it to 1165, 330 "active", three outside the district.

PHSD Delays Chapleau COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

Chapleau residents who were scheduled to get a COVID-19 vaccine today will have to wait a little longer.

Citing a vaccine shipment delay, Public Health Sudbury and Districts says it's rebooking appointments scheduled for clinics in Chapleau and Greater Sudbury today.

In Chapleau's case, they're being automatically rebooked to the same time Wednesday, with no need to call, however - if you won't be able to make the new time - call the booking centre at 1-800-708-2505.

APH Reports 5th COVID-19 Death, More Cases Across Region

Algoma's reporting another COVID-19-related death, as more cases are being reported across the region.

Algoma Public Health is giving no details about its fifth COVID death, which comes nearly three months after its fourth.

The health unit did report three new cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area over the weekend and another in the Elliot Lake area - bringing the health unit to 386, with 36 "active", one in hospital plus two "non-residents temporarily in Algoma", also in hospital - while a 91st case screened positive for a variant of concern, with the health unit warning both the B.1.1.7 variant first detected in the UK and the P.1 variant first detected in Brazil have been seen in Algoma.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts recorded six more cases in Greater Sudbury and two in the Sudbury District - bringing it 2071, with 34 "active" - while eight more screened positive for a variant, bringing that to 900.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit only reported figures Saturday, showing two cases in the Thunder Bay area and two in unspecified First Nation communities - bringing it to 3180, 25 "active", five in hospital - while five more variant cases were identified, for a total of 85.

The Porcupine Health Unit, however, saw skyrocketing new cases over the weekend, reporting 129 - including 77 on Sunday alone - with a total of 77 in the Timmins area, 24 in Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls, 22 in the James and Hudson Bay region, four in the Hearst and Hornepayne area, and two in the Kapuskasing, Opasatika, Val Rita-Harty, Moonbeam, and Fauquier-Strickland area.

That brings the health unit to 1139 total cases - it's unclear how many are "active", as the 275 case figure was last updated before these cases were reported.

Safe Boating Week Continues After Victoria Day Weekend

While the long weekend has passed, Ontario Provincial Police are reminding boaters to be careful out on the water.

As Safe Boating Week is still underway, Superior East OPP Constable Trevor Tremblay urges boaters to be prepared while heading out on the water.

OPP note 2020 saw 32 boaters and paddlers die on OPP-patrolled waterways - a twelve-year high for marine deaths - with falling overboard and capsized vessels the lead primary causes.

Chapleau's Centre Culturel Louis Hemon Getting Federal Funding

Chapleau's Centre Culturel Louis Hemon is getting some federal support.

The federal government's announced $1.37-million for 27 organizations across Northern Ontario to help preserve the French language, defend their rights, and preserve the ability to live in their language of choice - that includes the Chapleau group, which is receiving $42,200 for 2020-21, an increase of more than a third from funding received for 2018-19.

PHSD Working to Expand COVID-19 Vaccinations to Youth

A local health unit's hoping to start special COVID-19 vaccine clinics for youth early next month.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says it is workig with area school boards, First Nations, and urban Indigenous partners to schedule clinics for youth and families starting the week of June 7th, part of a provincial plan to offer both doses of vaccine to those age twelve to seventeen by the end of August.

It notes that appointments for youth as young as twelve can now be booked through the province's booking system, but only limited spots will be available that way.