APH Reports New COVID-19 Case in North Algoma

Algoma Public Health's confirmed a new COVID-19 case: in North Algoma.

Stemming from close contact with another case, it's the 399th case for the health unit but only the fourth reported in North Algoma - the exact community isn't specified, but the region includes Dubreuilville, Michipicoten First Nation, Missinabie Cree First Nation, Wawa, and White River.

This leaves the health unit with four "active" cases, one in hospital.

For the first time in weeks, the Porcupine Health Unit isn't reporting any new cases.

The health unit is showing 59 more "resolved" cases, bringing the number "active" down to 143 - the lowest in some time - though it does note that shutdown-level restrictions remain in place for that region until Friday, at earliest.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit isn't reporting any new cases either - the second time in less than a week - though it is reporting a pair of recoveries - leaving it with only 12 "active", three in hospital, two in an ICU - while two more cases with variants of concern were identified, rising to 184.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts currently has 28 "active" cases.

PHSD Confirms New COVID-19 Cases

A few more COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting three in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit to 2145, though the number "active" is down slightly, to 28.

The health unit's also reporting seven more cases screened positive for variants of concern, bringing that total to 956.

Porcupine Health Unit Reports 2 COVID-19 Deaths, More Cases for PHSD & TBDHU

Two more COVID-19 deaths are being reported in the region.

The Porcupine Health Unit is giving no details about the deaths - its 28th and 29th - which come just three weeks after its 27th COVID-related death.

The health unit's also reporting six new cases in the James and Hudson Bay region, four in the Timmins area, and two in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area - that brings it to 1969 total, but it's also reporting 108 more "resolved" cases, bringing the number "active" down to 202.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added six in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2142, with the number "active" up to 29 - while four more screened positive for a variant of concern, raising that to 949.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's confirmed one in the Thunder Bay area and another in an unspecified district community - bringing it to 3331, though the number "active" is down to fourteen, its lowest level in eight months, but four are in hospital, two in an ICU - while four more cases with a variant of concern were identified, bringing that to 182.

Wawa Council Allowing Temporary Sidewalk Use for Businesses Amid Pandemic Restrictions

Wawa Municipal Council's approved a move meant to help businesses hit hard with COVID-19-related provincial restrictions.

A recently-passed resolution allows local businesses to use - for free - a portion of municipal property - including sidewalks - for outdoor patios for the sale of items, so long as they apply and follow certain restrictions, including for the amount of space taken up and distance from fire hydrants.

The Municipality's also offering to loan - at no cost - a single picnic table to each restaurant along Broadway Avenue or Mission Road, not including vending carts, wagons, or refreshment stands.

COVID-19 Cases Added Across Region

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

Algoma Public Health's confirmed a single case in the Sault Ste. Marie area - the health unit's 398th, leaving it with four "active", one in hospital plus a "non-resident case temporarily in Algoma", also in hospital.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added six cases in Greater Sudbury and two in the Sudbury District, bringing the health unit to 2136, with 25 "active".

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's seen just a single new case in an unspecified First Nation community, bringing the health unit to 3329, with 23 "active", four in hospital, two in an ICU.

The Porcupine Health Unit - on the other hand - is reporting eighteen in the James and Hudson Bay region, and another in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area - that brings it to 1957.

It last reported 287 "active", before the latest cases.

LDHC Board Holding Videoconference Meeting Ahead of AGM

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre board of directors is meeting tonight - just ahead of another big meeting.

While tonight's the monthly meeting, the annual general meeting will be held Wednesday night - both meetings will be held by videoconference, starting at 7 pm.

For more information - and to attend the AGM - call Hannah Garland today at 705-856-2335, extension 3210.

Chapleau Readies COVID-Safe Fishing Tournament for Canada Day

Chapleau's encouraging anglers to get out on the water around Canada Day - in a special COVID-safe fishing tournament.

As part of its virtual Canada Day festivities, the Township of Chapleau's holding a ten-day virtual fishing tournament starting this Friday, June 25th, though it is encouraging participants to sign up early through the Angler's Atlas website and the MyCatch app, like the Ontario Ice Fishing Challenge in February.

Mayor Michael Levesque encourages anglers to sign up.

Details about the tournament - and Chapleau's Canada Day celebrations - can be found on Facebook, at Chapleau Canada Day 2021.

New COVID-19 Cases Reported Across Region

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added two in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit to 2128, though the number "active" has dropped to 19.

The Porcupine Health Unit's confirmed sixteen in the James and Hudson Bay region, four in the Timmins area, and another in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area - that brings it to 1938, with 281 "active".

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit isn't reporting any new cases, though it is reporting a new recovery - leaving it with 29 "active" - while the number in hospital is up to five, with two in an ICU.

Algoma Public Health currently has three "active" cases - one in hospital - plus a "non-resident case temporarily in Algoma", also in hospital.

APH Reports COVID-19 Vaccination Milestone

Algoma Public Health's reporting key milestones in COVID-19 vaccination.

The health unit says over 75% of adults 18 and older in Algoma have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while over 40% of 12 to 17-year-olds have had at least one shot.

Chapleau Hazardous Waste Collection Event

The Township of Chapleau's encouraging residents to bring in their hazardous waste for a special collection tomorrow.

Mayor Michael Levesque notes the Municipal Hazardous Waste collection event covers a number of items.

There are some things that won't be accepted, such as commercial, industrial, or institutional waste, old electronics, tires, radioactive materials, or any form of explosives.

The Hazardous Waste collection event runs from 9 am to 2 pm Saturday, at Chapleau's Recreation Centre Parking Lot.

TBDHU Reports 64th COVID-19 Death, PHSD Records 3 New Cases

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

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's giving no details about its 64th COVID-related death, which comes nearly a month after its 63rd.

It's also reporting one new case in the Thunder Bay area - the health unit's 3329th, leaving it with 31 "active", four in hospital, two in an ICU - while a 178th case with a variant of concern was identified.

Public Health and Districts has added one case in Greater Sudbury and two in the Sudbury District, bringing the health unit to 2126, with 20 "active": eight in Greater Sudbury, five in the northern part of the Sudbury District, and seven in the western part of the district.

The health unit's also reporting two more cases screened positive for a variant of concern, bringing that total to 940.

The Porcupine Health Unit's confirmed ten more cases in the James and Hudson Bay region, two in the Timmins area, two in Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls, and two in Kapuskasing, Opasatika, Val Rita-Harty, Moonbeam, and Fauquier-Strickland - that brings it to 1917 total, though the number "active" has dropped to 271, the lowest since the start of the month.

Algoma Public Health currently has three "active" cases - one in hospital - plus a "non-resident case temporarily in Algoma", also in hospital.

Chapleau Council Sets Tax Levy Increase for 2021 Budget

Chapleau Town Council's set this year's tax increase - but the budget's still pending.

Mayor Michael Levesque says Council's agreed to a 2.5% levy increase - the same as last year - commending the Township's treasurer and CAO for efforts to keep that down, given rising costs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Levesque also notes some other key cost increases that had to be addressed.

In addition to setting the levy increase, Council approved a more than $110,000 purchase order for asphalt patching to be done by Miller Group, which Mayor Levesque hopes will be done early this summer, covering potholes.

Council also awarded a tender for the removal of scrap metal - except aluminum - from the landfill site - something done every few years, based on the amount of scrap metal that accumulates - and accepted recommendations from the Ontario Clean Water Agency for capital expenditures, though Mayor Levesque says the Township "doesn't necessary cover everything" recommended, and will determine in their budgeting what can be done, given the costs.

Chapleau High School Graduate Honoured for Commitment to Francophone Culture

A Chapleau student's being honoured for her commitment to Francophone culture.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says École secondaire catholique Trillium Grade 12 student Emilyn Levesque "stands out for her hard work in organizing activities" for the students, as president of the school's Students' Parliament and leading projects like the creation of murals in the washrooms.

An ambassador for the FESFO for two years - and a member of the board for Chapleau's Centre culturel Louis-Hémon - Levesque's set to go to College Boreal this September, to pursue her dream of being a carpenter.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Porcupine Also

A few more COVID-19 cases are being reported in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added two in Greater Sudbury and another in the Sudbury District, bringing it to 2123, with 20 "active": ten in Greater Sudbury, five in the northern part of the Sudbury District, and five in the western part of the Sudbury District.

The health unit's also reporting a 938th case has screened positive for a variant of concern.

The Porcupine Health Unit - meanwhile - has confirmed eight new cases in the James and Hudson Bay region, bringing the health unit to 1889 total - it last reported 337 "active", but that was before these cases.

Wawa Council Holding Back-to-Back-to-Back Meetings

Wawa Municipal Council has a busy night ahead, with trio of meetings.

That includes a public meeting under the Planning Act - to address a temporary zoning by-law amendment for a "Wawa Motor Inn Seasonal RV Campground" - and a Corporate Planning Committee meeting, which includes an update on COVID-19, discussion of tourism planning, and a report on a long-term financial plan.

That plan will come back up in tonight's final meeting, a regular meeting of Council, which also includes a resolution to write off taxes, vest property, and declare surplus land, a resolution to approve temporary use of municipally-owned land for a sidewalk patio in the Michipicoten River Village, and an Integrity Commissioner report.

There are also three "in camera" items, all legal issues: one about marina operation; another about employee health benefits; and the other about purchase and sale of property - Council will return after the "in camera" portion to approve a resolution about employee health benefits.

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

Wawa Public Library Launches Summer Reading Club

Wawa's library is encouraging kids to read over the summer.

The Wawa Public Library notes the TD Summer Reading Club kicks off today - offering activities and more through July and August - and Assistant Librarian Suzie Jarrell says there's a special offer today.

Jarrell notes more information can be found through the Wawa Public Library Facebook page or website - wawa.olsn.ca - or by calling the library.

While the library hasn't fully reopened - and can't until the second stage of the province's reopening plan - it is offering curbside pickup at this time.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, APH Reports More Variant of Concern Cases

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting a pair of new cases - both in the Sudbury District - bringing it to 2120, with 18 "active": nine are in Greater Sudbury, five in the northern part of the Sudbury District, and four in the western part of the Sudbury District.

The health unit's also reporting a 937th case to screen positive for a variant of concern.

Algoma Public Health isn't reporting any new cases, but the number to screen positive for a variant of concern has jumped to 110.

The health unit currently has four "active" cases plus a non-resident case temporarily in Algoma, with one case in hospital plus two non-resident cases in hospital.

COVID-19 Cases Reported in Neighbouring Regions, PHSD Sees More Variant of Concern Cases

The Porcupine Health Unit remains the COVID-19 hotspot of Northern Ontario.

It's confirmed eleven more cases - five in the James and Hudson Bay region, five in the Timmins area, and another in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area - bringing it to 1870 total, with 368 "active", one outside the district.

Many of the cases are in the remote James Bay community of Kashechewan First Nation, and Federal Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller's announced support including fifteen Canadian Rangers, as well as six additional nurses.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's added five more cases in unspecified First Nation communities and one in the Thunder Bay area, bringing it to 3320 - with 33 "active", six in hospital, three in an ICU - while six more cases with variants of concern were identified, bringing that total to 177.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts isn't reporting any new cases, though two more have screened positive for variants of concern - bringing that total to 936 - while "active" cases dropped to 18.

It has also declared an outbreak for Flying Post Camp Logistics at IAMGOLD's Cote Mine Project in Gogama, just days after declaring an outbreak at the mine project "over".

Chapleau Council Considering 2021 Tax Levy Increase in Regular Meeting

Chapleau Town Council will consider this year's tax levy and more tonight.

A resolution on the 2021 tax levy increase is included on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting, along with a $110,000+ purchase order for asphalt patching, a tender for landfill site scrap metal removal, and a capital expenditure request from the Ontario Clean Water Agency.

There's also a single "in-camera" item, relating to unspecified labour relations or employee negotiations.

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 pm.

Progress in North Algoma COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts

Progress is being made in North Algoma's COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

According to clinic organizers, 4168 doses have been administered as of Friday, with 1972 people in Wawa getting at least a single dose - about 67.9% of the town's total population, per 2016 census data.

In Dubreuilville, 368 people have at least one dose - that's 60% of its population - while White River's seen about 59.2%, or 382 people, get a single dose.

Currently, anyone 12 and older is eligible to book an appointment for their first dose, and organizers say 51.2% of youth 12 to 17 in the region have received their first dose.

Second doses have also started for Indigenous people and their household members, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions.

To book a first dose appointment, call Wawa's central appointment line at 705-914-0464, the Dubreuilville Medical Centre, or White River's Northern Neighbours Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic - those who've received their first dose will be contacted to book their second.