Wawa Council Accept Resignation of Councillor Robert Reece, Appoint Cathy Cannon to Fill Vacancy

Wawa will soon have a new councillor.

Wawa Municipal Council officially accepted the resignation of Councillor Robert Reece last night, and quickly agreed to appoint Cathy Cannon to fill the vacancy for the remaining term, which ends in November 2022.

Reece was first elected to Council in 2018 - receiving the third most votes of any prospective councillors - while Cannon came in fifth, 20 votes behind Mitch Hatfield (who made it onto Council) and 36 votes ahead of the next candidate, James Brown.

Clerk Cathy Cyr had reminded Council of options for filling a vacancy last month - before receiving Reece's resignation - noting they could call a byelection or simply appoint someone.

Though Cyr stated a byelection "may appear to be the best choice" for following a democratic process that lets the public choose, she noted it could take longer and would cost about the same as an election - particularly questionable with the next municipal election just over a year from now - and she added at that time that Cannon - as the first runner-up in the last election - was willing to be appointed.

Plans are for Cannon to be sworn-in during Council's next regular meeting, which is scheduled for October 5th.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases, PHSD Declares New Outbreak

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

Algoma Public Health's added three in the Sault Ste. Marie area - all stemming from close contact with a known case - bringing the health unit to 465, with sixteen "active".

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added one in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2391, though the number "active" is down to 54 - while reporting three more confirmed or presumed to be a variant of concern, bringing that to 1152.

It's also declared a new outbreak, at the Canadian Mental Health Association's Victoria Street Place in Greater Sudbury.

The health unit's holding an "appointment-only" vaccination clinic will be held at its Chapleau office today.

Chapleau Closes Splash Pad and Announces Fall Clean-Up Plans

A sign of fall's here: Chapleau's closed its splash pad for the season.

Open with COVID-related restrictions since late May, the Township says the pad is now closed for winter.

The Township's also announced plans for its annual "Fall Clean-Up" to be held October 5th through 9th, with the municipal landfill site to accept local residential waste for free, during regular hours.

There are restrictions on what will be accepted - that can be found on the Township's website.

APH, PHSD, TBDHU Confirm New COVID-19 Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting one in the Sault Ste. Marie area - the health unit's 462nd - though the number "active" is down to fifteen.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added ten in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit to 2390, though the number "active" is down to 55.

It's also reporting 21 more confirmed or presumed to be a variant of concern, bringing that to 1149.

The health unit's showing three outbreaks at Greater Sudbury schools and another at Technica Mining at the Vale South Mine Project in Greater Sudbury.

PHSD also notes an "appointment-only" vaccination clinic will be held at its Chapleau office tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit's added one case in an unspecified First Nation community - the health unit's 3388th case, leaving it with four "active".

NDP's Carol Hughes Elected for 5th Straight Term Representing Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing

New Democrat Carol Hughes continues to hold the Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing riding, winning her fifth straight term.

Preliminary results from Elections Canada show Hughes received roughly 40 percent of the vote, while Conservative John Sagman was about ten points back, followed by Liberal Duke Peltier, who was trailed by People's Party candidate Harry Jaaskelainen, rounded out by Green candidate Stephen Zimmermann, and Christian Heritage Party candidate Clarence Baarda.

Hughes says she's "glad" the election's done so MPs can get back to the House of Commons to do the work that they need to do for constituents - including passing legislation - with one of her priorities for the term part of the NDP and Liberal platforms: national pharmacare, though she questions the Liberal plan, noting they've been talking about the idea for decades.

Hughes also notes COVID-19 supports will still be needed - particularly for the tourism and arts industries - until we can "get back to normal", or "a new normal".

Wawa Council to Consider Replacing Resigning Councillor

Wawa Municipal Council will consider replacing a resigning councillor in a pair of meetings tonight.

That includes a regular Council meeting with a resolution to accept the resignation of Councillor Robert Reece, with the preceding Corporate Planning Committee meeting including a report on options for filling a vacancy - provincial rules require the seat be filled, but let Council decide whether to call a byelection or simply appoint someone.

Clerk Cathy Cyr discussed options with Council last month, noting a byelection "may appear to be the best choice" for following a democratic process that lets the public choose, but noted it could be a longer timeline than an appointment process and would cost about the same as an election - and an election's already scheduled just over a year from now.

At that time, Cyr noted the fifth place candidate in the 2018 election, Cathy Cannon, had indicated she'd be willing to be appointed, if that was Council's wish - a resolution to appoint Cannon to fill Reece's seat is included in the regular meeting agenda.

The meetings also include a memo on the MMCC reopening, another memo suggesting Council again physically close meetings to the public - continuing to broadcast on YouTube - and a by-law adopting a multi-year budget and annual estimates.

There is a single "in-camera" item, a personnel issue about the Wawa Transformational Plan report received last month.

The meetings will be held back-to-back, starting at 6:30 tonight - the public can attend with restrictions or watch through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

APH, PHSD & PHU Report COVID-19 Cases, Public Exposure Warnings Issued

Several COVID-19 cases were confirmed across the region this weekend.

Algoma Public Health's added six in the Sault Ste. Marie area - two stemming from international travel, five from close contact with a known case - bringing the health unit to 461, with 22 "active".

It's also warning of potential "low-risk" exposure at the 6:30 pm showing of "Malignant" at the Galaxy Cinemas in the Sault's Station Mall last Wednesday, September 15th.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts added fifteen cases in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2380 total, with 65 "active" - while reporting nine more confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that to 1128.

One of the cases is travel-related and four are outbreak-related - the health unit has two current outbreaks, both at Greater Sudbury schools.

It's also warning of several instances of potential "low-risk" public exposure: at the Lot 88 Steakhouse and Bar in Greater Sudbury September 1st; at Surplus Furniture and Mattress Warehouse in Greater Sudbury September 7th through 9th and 11th through 15th; at a social gathering in the woods near Hanmer's French high school September 10th; on a GOVA bus September 9th; at the New Sudbury Centre in Greater Sudbury September 11th; at the Keg Steakhouse and Bar in Greater Sudbury September 11th; and at an outdoor concert at "the Grotto" in Greater Sudbury September 12th.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit added one case in the Timmins area and another in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area, bringing it to 2195 cases - it last reported seven "active", but that was before the latest cases.

Chapleau Warns of Recent Bear Sightings

Chapleau's reminding residents to be aware of bear sightings and take the necessary steps to avoid attracting them.

The Township advises Bear Bins are left unlocked on weekends to aid with the elimination of bear attractants, but residents should not leave bags outside of the bins.

Speaking with JJAM FM's Town Talk last week, Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources & Forestry Northeast Region Acting Outreach Specialist Meghan Forbes noted food concerns are behind an increase in bear sightings.

Forbes suggests storing garbage securely in an enclosed area until the morning of collection, cleaning food residue and grease from outdoor barbecue grills after use, putting away bird feeders until the winter, keeping pet food indoors, and picking ripe fruit from trees and off the ground.

Anyone who sees a bear can contact the province's Bear Wise reporting line - police or 9-1-1 should only be called if it poses an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour.

APH & PHSD See New COVID-19 Cases, PHSD Warns of Potential High-Risk Exposures

Several COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region.

Algoma Public Health's added two in the Sault Ste. Marie area - one stemming from close contact with a known case, the other unknown at this time - bringing the health unit to 455, with sixteen "active".

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added nine in Greater Sudbury, one in the western part of the Sudbury District, and another in the northern part of the district, bringing it to 2365 total, with 62 "active".

It's also warning of potential "high-risk" exposure for those who attended a social gathering at the Pow Wow grounds in M'Chigeeng on September 5th, and those who attended a social gathering near Hanmer's French high school on September 11th.

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing Candidates Make Their Pitch In 2021 Federal Election

Listen to each of Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing’s candidates in discussion with JJAM FM’s Daniel Walker.

Smile Cookie 2021 Campaign Nears End (Funds Support Wawa Adult Learning Centre)

Time is running out for the chance to get an extra smile with your coffee - and help support a local cause.

The annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign wraps up this weekend, after a week of selling "Smile Cookies" - in Wawa, they support the Wawa Adult Learning Centre, and centre Director Michelle Terris says there are plans for the funds raised.

Serving learners age 19 and up, the centre's core programs include secondary school credit, upgrading for post-secondary education or apprenticeship, pre-employment skills, digital literacy and computer skills, and "skills exploration for life-long learning".

41st Terry Fox Run Arrives - Virtually

The 41st annual Terry Fox Run is almost here - though don't expect large crowds of runners in the streets.

Terry's older brother, Fred Fox, explains that - like last year - the COVID-19 pandemic is making it harder to have large gatherings, but people can still participate in "virtual runs".

Fox emphasizes that the "most important part" is registering online and gathering donations, reminding "it's all about" continuing Terry's legacy and wishes.

This year's run will be held Sunday - you can register and find more information at terryfox.org/run.

PHSD Reports COVID-19 Cases in Greater Sudbury, Sudbury & Manitoulin Districts

Several COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added seven in Greater Sudbury, one in the eastern part of the Sudbury District, and another in the Manitoulin District, bringing it to 2354 total, with 52 "active".

It's also reporting two more cases confirmed or presumed to be a variant of concern, bringing that to 1119.

APH Reports 5 COVID-19 Cases, PHSD 2 More

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting five in the Sault Ste. Marie area - four stemming from close contact with a known case - bringing the health unit to 453, with eighteen "active" plus one "non-resident case temporarily in Algoma".

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added one case in Greater Sudbury and another in the Manitoulin District, bringing the health unit to 2345 total, though the number "active" stayed at 47.

It's also reporting two more cases confirmed or presumed to be a variant of concern, bringing that to 1117.

The health unit's hosting an "appointment only" vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office today.

SE OPP Investigating Chapleau Homicide, Arrest Made

An arrest has been made as police investigate a homicide in Chapleau.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were called to a Cherry Street residence early Sunday afternoon, finding 62-year-old Leo Brunette dead at the scene.

Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of 57-year-old Jodi Wheeler - also of Chapleau - on a charge of first-degree murder - Wheeler's currently in custody, pending a bail hearing.

The Superior East OPP Crime Unit is still investigating, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, assisted by the OPP Forensic Identification Service and the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

They emphasize there's "no concern for public safety", but ask anyone with information to contact OPP or Crime Stoppers.

Deadline for Early Voting Options in Federal Election

With the federal election date less than a week away, options to vote early are running out.

Elections Canada Field Liaison Officer Lori Sutinen explains advance polls have finished, and today's the deadline for a couple other early voting options.

There is an Elections Canada office in Wawa - at 65 Broadway Avenue - where you can also register to vote - you can check to ensure you're registered through the Elections Canada website.

Election Day is next Monday, September 20th.

APH & PHSD See New COVID-19 Cases

Several new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the region.

Algoma Public Health's reporting one in the Sault Ste. Marie area - stemming from close contact with a known case - bringing the health unit to 448, with thirteen "active" plus one "non-resident case temporarily in Algoma".

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added ten cases in Greater Sudbury and another in the Manitoulin District, bringing the health unit to 2343 total, with 47 "active"

It's also reporting twelve more confirmed or presumed to be a variant of concern, bringing that to 1115.

The health unit's also noting a few opportunities to get vaccinated, though the only one in Chapleau is an "appointment only" clinic at the health unit's office tomorrow.

Chapleau Council Holding 1st September Meeting, Mayor to be Absent

Chapleau Town Council's set to meet for the first time this month - but without the mayor.

The agenda for tonight's meeting notes Mayor Michael Levesque as an "excused absence", but also shows a delegation on commercial bioenergy, as well as a by-law on municipal automotive material services, and resolutions to award contracts for the Water Treatment Plant heater replacement and municipal website upgrades.

Council will also consider a minor variance for a Pine Street property, and will go "in-camera" for two items: one involving solicitor-client privilege with respect to the RZone policy, the other regarding CAO recruitment.

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

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases, PHSD Warns of Possible Exposures

Several COVID-19 cases were reported in the region over the weekend.

Algoma Public Health added three in the Sault Ste. Marie area - all stemming from close contact with a known case - bringing the health unit to 447, with fourteen "active" plus one "non-resident case temporarily in Algoma".

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts added eleven in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit to 2332, with 44 "active" - the most in weeks.

It's also warning of a few potential "low-risk" public exposures: at the East Side Mario's on Lasalle Boulevard in Greater Sudbury last Monday, September 6th, between 4 and 8 pm; during the 8 pm showing of "Shang-Chi" at the SilverCity Sudbury Cinemas in Greater Sudbury last Tuesday, September 7th; at the Kelsey's Original Roadhouse in Greater Sudbury between 6 and 8 p-m last Friday, September 10th; and at the federal voting poll station at NORCAT Sudbury in Greater Sudbury between 1:15 and 2:15 pm Friday, September 10th.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit added one case - in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area - bringing the health unit to 2188 - it last reported ten "active", but that was before this case.

Last Day of Advance Voting Signals Near End to Early Voting Options in Federal Election

With the federal election date a week away, options to vote early are running out.

While today marks the fourth and final day of advance polls, Elections Canada Field Liaison Officer Lori Sutinen explains time's almost up for applications to vote by mail.

Sutinen notes you can also cast a ballot at an Elections Canada office - there's one in Wawa - but that must also be done by 6 pm Tuesday, September 14th.

Voters are advised to check their voter information card - or the Elections Canada website - to find out where your local advance poll is located.

Election Day is next Monday, September 20th.