APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases, Including in Northern Sudbury District

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

Algoma Public Health's added fifteen in the Sault Ste. Marie area and four in Central and East Algoma, bringing it to 1656 total, though the number "active" is down to 227, with six in hospital.

It's also warning of possible "high-risk" exposure on Air Canada flight AC8302 from Toronto to the Sault last Sunday, December 19th, specifically rows eight to twelve and flight crew.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 45 cases in Greater Sudbury, six in the Sudbury District - including at least two in the Northern part, which includes Chapleau, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations - plus four in the Manitoulin District.

That brings its total to 4657, with 295 "active": three in the northern Sudbury District; one in eastern part; 38 in the western; 40 in the Manitoulin District; and the remaining 214 in Greater Sudbury.

Chapleau NDMNRF Staff Holding Food Drive

Chapleau staff of Ontario's Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry are giving back to the community today with a food drive.

While pandemic restrictions prevented the annual holiday tradition last year, Conservation Officer Eric Caron emphasizes it is back.

Caron says any donations are appreciated, with people able to drop them off while leaving the store or just swing by and drop them off.

The food drive runs from 10 this morning until 2 o'clock this afternoon.

Loblaw Holiday Food Drive Ending at John's Your Independent Grocer

Wawa's grocery store is wrapping up a campaign to make the season brighter for the local food bank.

As today is last day for the Loblaw Holiday Food Drive at John's Your Independent Grocer, owner John Michalcewicz reminds donations will be accepted at checkout.

Dyanne Smart of the Wawa Community Food Bank says this support means so much for the organization, noting increased demand in recent months.

Smart notes rising costs effect the food bank, too, making donations mean even more.

Ticket Sales Set to Pause Ahead of MVFA Cash Draw's Early Bird Draw

Time is running out to get a ticket for the first draw in the Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association's annual cash draw.

The "Early Bird" draw will be made tomorrow morning, though President Kyle Ouellet reminds it's not the only prize a ticket can win.

Noting 58% of tickets are already sold, Ouellet reminds proceeds from the draw help with training and equipment for the local firefighters.

Tickets in the community will be collected at 6 pm tonight as sales halt, resuming after tomorrow's draw.

Winners Announced for Wawa's Festival of Lights

Organizers of Wawa's Festival of Lights are thanking the community for their support, as they've unveiled the winners.

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White says the campaign went "really well" this year, with 34 houses registered - about the same as last year - and over 150 votes cast.

Further congratulating the winners, White says organizers will contact them so they can get their prizes.

Wawa Municipal Council Considering Proposed 2022 Capital Budget

The Municipality of Wawa's seeking public input, as Council considers next year's capital projects.

In a recent meeting, staff presented Council with a draft 2022 Capital Budget, which actually outlines not just projects for next year but for the next four years, many "highly dependent" on outside funding, intended to align with the municipality's strategic plan and infrastructure needs.

In total, it proposes $160,785 from taxation, $885,125 from reserves, and $317,000 from grants to fund a total of $1,363,000 in new recommended projects, bringing the total for 2022's capital - with previous commitments - to $4,725,614, though there is a focus on maximizing outside funding while matching the asset management plan, regulatory requirements, and other needs.

Projects outlined include: a study of Town Hall expansion, which could see it redesigned to meet accessibility standards; a Community Fire Risk Assessment and subsequent Fire Service Review; improvements for the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre; Marina washrooms; a Building Condition Assessment; a Community Improvement Plan; Airport Lighting; the Landfill and Cemetery expansions; ongoing School Zone rehabilitation; sidewalk rehabilitation and pavement preservation; hydrant conversions; benches and receptacles on Mission Road; banners and lights on Broadway Avenue; and tourism billboards on highways.

The presentation can be viewed on the Municipality's YouTube channel - plans are to accept public input into January 14th, in hopes Council will approve the capital budget February 1st, though plans are to present the draft operating budget January 18th, for approval March 1st.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases, But Fewer Active

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

Algoma Public Health's added six in the Sault Ste. Marie area and another in Central and East Algoma, bringing its total to 1637, though the number "active" is down to 228, with seven in hospital, up from the day before - it's also warning of potential "low-risk" exposure on Porter Airlines Flight 683 from Toronto to the Sault last Saturday, December 18th, specifically rows six to ten and flight crew.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 55 cases in Greater Sudbury since Friday, plus eleven in the Sudbury District - one in the Northern part, which includes Chapleau, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations - and another ten in the Manitoulin District.

That brings its total to 4602, though the number "active" is down to 268: that's one in the northern Sudbury District; one in eastern part; 35 in the western; 47 in the Manitoulin District; and the remaining 181 in Greater Sudbury.

The health unit is holding an "appointment only" COVID-19 vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office today.

APH & Neighbouring Regions Report New COVID-19 Cases, Warnings of Possible Exposure

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

Algoma Public Health has added fourteen in the Sault Ste. Marie area and another in Central and East Algoma, bringing it to 1630 total, though the number "active" is down to 242, including six in hospital.

In addition, the health unit's warning of possible possible "high-risk" exposure for those who attended Prouse Chevrolet in the Sault between 9:30 and 11:30 am December 14th, or "low-risk" exposure for those who were at the Wellness Store in the Sault between 4 and 5 pm December 14th or the Heyden Restaurant between 4:30 and 5:30 pm that day, or those who were on Porter Airlines flight PD683 from Toronto to the Sault December 16th (from 9:30 to 10:55 am), specifically rows 4 to 8 and flight crew.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit added 22 over the weekend - eighteen in the Thunder Bay area, four in unspecified "district communities" - bringing it to 3827 total, with 63 "active", three in hospital, one in an ICU.

The Porcupine Health Unit added one in the Timmins area and another in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls region, bringing it to 2367 total, with 62 "active" - it's also warning of potential "high-risk" exposure for those who were on Air Canada flight AC8431 from Toronto to Timmins at 11:20 am December 15th.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts - meanwhile - is warning of possible "high-risk" exposure to a case under investigation for the Omicron variant on an Ontario Northland bus from Ottawa to Sudbury December 8th, urging anyone who was on the bus to self-isolate regardless of vaccination status or whether experiencing symptoms.

MVFA Cash Draw Nears 2021-22 Early Bird Draw

A lucky supporter of Wawa's firefighters will soon be $1000 richer.

The Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association's annual cash draw has returned with the "Early Bird" draw to be made this week, though President Kyle Ouellet reminds it's not the only prize on the line.

Ouellet reminds proceeds from the draw help with training and equipment for the local firefighters.

The "Early Bird" draw will be made Thursday morning, with the next draw on Valentine's Day, and the final draws at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby.

LDHCF Wish Campaign Underway As Christmas Nears

With Christmas nearly here, the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's asking residents to help grant a wish from the local hospital.

The foundation's annual Wish Campaign continues through the holiday season, and Vice Chair Lorraine Pihelgas emphasizes funds raised stay in the community, supporting the purchase of equipment identified by the hospital as its "greatest need".

The campaign's already made some headway toward its $100,000 goal, raising $11,455 on Giving Tuesday - with a $1700 donation from Northern Lights Ford - while Manitoulin Transport donated a further $1500, and Wesdome Gold Mines donated $25,000.

Donations can be made online or via mail, even after Christmas, as the campaign ends January 8th.

APH Reports 18th COVID-19 Death, PHSD Warns of Possible Omicron Exposure

Algoma's seen its eighteenth death from COVID-19.

Algoma Public Health is giving no details about the death, which was reported Friday, just over a week after its seventeenth.

It also added 44 cases over the weekend - 34 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, ten in Central and East Algoma - bringing it to 1615 total, with 247 "active", six in hospital.

In addition, the health unit's warning of possible "high-risk" exposure for those who attended Prouse Chevrolet in the Sault between 9:30 and 11:30 am December 14th, or "low-risk" exposure for those who were at the Wellness Store in the Sault between 4 and 5 pm December 14th or the Heyden Restaurant between 4:30 and 5:30 pm that day.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts added 29 cases in Greater Sudbury, three in the western Sudbury District, and fourteen in the Manitoulin District, bringing it to 4523 total, with 304 "active" - it's warning of possible "high-risk" exposure to a case under investigation for the Omicron variant on an Ontario Northland bus from Ottawa to Sudbury December 8th (from 10:25 am to 5:30 pm), warning anyone who was on the bus to self-isolate regardless of vaccination status or whether experiencing symptoms.

While the Porcupine Health Unit didn't report any new cases over the weekend, it is warning of potential "high-risk" exposure for those who were on Air Canada flight AC8431 from Toronto to Timmins at 11:20 am December 15th.

Chapleau's Boil Water Advisory Lifted

Chapleau's boil water advisory has been lifted.

The Township says two mandatory water samples - taken after the "adverse" test result prompted the advisory - have been tested and found to meet Ontario Drinking Water Standards, so the advisory issued Wednesday has been lifted.

Chapleau Council's also reminding citizens to be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours - for more information, visit chapleau.ca.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts does recommend running cold water faucets and drinking fountains for five minutes or until the water runs clear, running water softeners through a regeneration cycle, draining and refilling hot water heaters, and - to get rid of sediment - removed faucet screens and rinsing them before putting them back in place.

PHSD & TBDHU Report COVID-19 Deaths, More Cases for APH & PHU

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is giving no details about its 47th death related to the illness, which comes just a day after its 46th, bringing the death toll this week alone to four.

The health unit's also reporting 28 new cases in Greater Sudbury, five in the Sudbury District, and two in the Manitoulin District, bringing its total to 4477, with 292 "active".

Laurentian University is reporting one of the recent cases in the region is a case of the Omicron variant on its Greater Sudbury campus, prompting it to reschedule some exams to be taken remotely.

Meanwhile, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reported its 69th COVID-19 death - just a week after its 68th - while reporting ten new cases in the Thunder Bay area, bringing the health unit to 3805 total, with 57 "active", two in hospital, one in an ICU - it's also advising residents of its area against "non-essential" travel outside of Northwestern Ontario, regardless of vaccination status.

The Porcupine Health Unit's added three in the Timmins region, two in the Hearst and Hornepayne region, and two in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls region - bringing it to 2333 total, with 50 "active" - while Algoma Public Health's added sixteen cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area and three in Central and East Algoma - bringing it to 1571 total, with 263 "active", eight in hospital - it's also warning of "low-risk" exposure for those who attended the La Vie en Rose, Bootlegger, As Seen On TV, True Family Health, Ricardo's Pizza, and Food Court areas of the Sault's Station Mall between 1:30 and 3 pm last Sunday, December 12th.

MMCC Closes Doors Over Holidays Amid Stricter COVID-19 Measures

Wawa's Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre is closing its doors over the holidays - because of stricter COVID restrictions.

Citing Algoma Public Health's decision to extend mandatory measures to all Algoma communities - as well as advice from district health professionals, regional, provincial, and federal agencies - the Municipality says it has decided to "exercise an abundance of caution" by closing the facility until 6 am on January 3rd, adding it will be in contact with user groups to review the health unit's orders and instructions to formulate a safe reopening plan for January 2022.

Wesdome Donates $25k to LDHCF

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is touting major support from a local miner.

The hospital foundation's thanking Wesdome Gold Mines for a "generous" donation of $25,000 to support health care services at the local area hospital, noting the mining company's contributed more than $50,000 to the foundation since 2010.

This comes amid the Foundation's annual Wish campaign - which runs during the holiday season - and as it's aiming to raise $100,000 to support the purchase of a new Automated Medication Dispensing Unit, part of a multi-piece Meditech expansion.

Chapleau Council Improves Increases for Certain Fees

Chapleau Town Council's approved increases to rates for water and sewage services and garbage collection.

Mayor Michael Levesque says Council approved the changes in their meeting this week.

As the 2022 budget isn't finalized, it's not known how tax rates may change next year.

The township's "Municipal Accommodation Tax" remains in limbo, however - while it was approved by Council earlier this year, a by-law must still be passed to implement it, and one on the agenda this week was instead tabled for a future meeting.

Chapleau Awaiting Test Results In Hopes of Boil Water Advisory Ending

Chapleau's expecting an update on its boil water advisory this afternoon.

An "adverse" test result on Wednesday prompted the advisory, requiring two clear consecutive tests taken at least 24 hours apart for the advisory to be lifted - the Township says it has since submitted two sets of water samples for laboratory testing, with notification of results expected around 4 o'clock today.

In the meantime, Public Health Sudbury and Districts is warning against using water from the municipal system for human consumption - unless it's brought to a "roiling boil" for at least a minute prior to use - though the Township's distributing potable water to residents who bring their own container to the Water Treatment Plant between 9 am and 7 pm today, as necessary.

Wawa's Festival of Lights Nearing Its End for 2021

With Christmas a week away, Wawa residents are being encouraged to get out and enjoy some of the decorations up for the holiday season - and vote for the best-looking houses.

As this weekend marks the end of Wawa's Festival of Lights, Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White encourages everyone to check out the "great" number of participants then vote for their favourites, noting there are prizes on the line.

White suggests checking out the entries after visiting tonight's Santa Claus Parade.

Maps of the participating homes and businesses are available on the Wawa Recreation Facebook page - participants turn on their Christmas lights from 6 to 9 pm each night through Sunday.

LDHC Tightens COVID-19 Restrictions Amid Concerns About Omicron Variant

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre's tightened restrictions amid concerns about the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

In line with stricter provincial rules, the hospital's announced - starting today - it has implemented enhanced surveillance testing for all staff and anyone entering the home - regardless of vaccination status - while requiring vaccination for general visitors and caregivers, implementing new visitor limits, suspending large holiday group activities and overnight absences for social purposes, and requiring full vaccination for resident or patient day absences.

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