Improved Weather Helping Search for Missing Plane Near Wawa

The improved weather is expected to help the search for a missing plane in the area.

The Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Trenton is reporting that search efforts continue for a Piper Comanche aircraft carrying two men reported overdue Thursday evening - hours after taking off from the southern community of Delhi, heading for Marathon - with nine aircraft from the Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Coast Guard, OPP, and Canada's National Civil Air Search and Rescue Association.

An Air Task Force was been established at the Sault Ste. Marie airport yesterday, while a CP140 Aurora Long Range Patrol aircraft with advanced sensors and cameras was added, to aid in the search efforts.

While the wintry weather has posed problems over the weekend and even yesterday, it notes the weather is currently favourable for air search.

That may not stay true for too long, as Environment Canada's issued a winter weather travel advisory for the region for this afternoon and overnight, warning five to ten centimetres of snow may arrive by the morning, with peak snowfall rates of one to three centimetres an hour, causing reduced visibility due to the heavy snow, which is expected to turn to rain by the morning.

JRCC Establishes Task Force in SSM to Search for Missing Plane Near Wawa

Efforts are shifting in the search for a small plane believed to have disappeared in the Wawa area.

The Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Trenton says an Air Task Force has been established at the Sault Ste. Marie airport to concentrate search-and-rescue resources in the search for a Piper Comanche reported overdue Thursday evening, hours after taking off from the southern community of Delhi, heading for Marathon.

Search efforts - which also include the Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Coast Guard, OPP, and Canada's National Civil Air Search and Rescue Association - added a CP140 Aurora Long Range Patrol aircraft late Tuesday, with the JRCC noting the aircraft's equipped with advanced sensors and cameras to aid in the search efforts.

While authorities have not identified those in the plane, reports suggest they're two men from southern Ontario, one who recently purchased the plane, while the other - who was meant to serve as co-pilot - had recently earned his pilot's license.

Searchers ask anyone who saw an aircraft flying along Highway 17 between Wawa and the Sault around 6 o'clock Thursday night to contact Search Headquarters at 613-966-1178.

APH & PHSD Report COVID-19 Cases Over Easter, But Declining Active

More COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the region over the Easter weekend.

Algoma Public Health's added 192 since Thursday - 157 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, 21 in Central and East Algoma, and fourteen in the Elliot Lake area - though the number of known "active" cases declined to 397, with 29 in hospital, five in ICUs.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts added 292 cases - 261 in Greater Sudbury, fourteen in the Sudbury District, and seventeen in the Manitoulin District - though the number "active" is down to 389 - including four in the northern Sudbury District, which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations - with 25 cases in hospital, three in ICUs.

Both health units note some recent figures may not be included in their update, due to technical issues with the provincial data reporting system.

Wawa Christmas Hamper Fund Gives Away Pizzas

Straight off the Easter weekend, several Wawa residents were treated to a special treat: some free pizza.

Wawa Christmas Hamper Fund President Richard Watson explains the organization was able to hand out the food due to connections made by the registered charity.

In total, 1728 pizzas were handed out, and Watson notes "a lot" of the public made donations, helping to offset the cost.

Watson emphasizes the Hamper Fund is run by volunteers, particularly thanking those who helped with handing out the pizzas, as well as the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre for letting them use the property.

Wawa Mayor Pat Tait Announces He Isn't Running in 2022 Election

Wawa's mayor will not be running for a seat on Council in this year's election.

Mayor Pat Tait made the announcement during last night's Wawa Municipal Council meeting.

When asked by Councillor Mitch Hatfield whether he was moving, Tait simply reiterated that he was not running in the election.

A councillor since April 2018 - and a former AOD welder who'd also worked at Weyerhaeuser, Wesdome, and Rentech - Tait was appointed mayor by Council in mid-December, following the resignation of Mayor Ron Rody.

His announcement came just minutes after Clerk Cathy Cyr outlined rules for a so-called "Lame Duck" Council - now known as a restricted acts period - noting that those rules would only apply if fewer than four of the current Council members ran in the election, or - for a second period - if fewer than four are elected.

Nominations for the fall election are set to open May 2nd.

APH Reports 47th COVID-19 Death, PHU Sees New Cases

Algoma Public Health's confirmed another COVID-19 death.

The health unit's giving no details about its 47th death linked to the illness - reported Thursday - it last reported a new death April 4th, though its death toll had increased on April 5th due to "a data cleaning initiative".

It also reported 53 new cases - 41 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, six in Central and East Algoma, and six in the Elliot Lake area - leaving it with 409 known "active" cases, with 27 in hospital, seven in I-C-Us.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's added 61 cases since Thursday, 42 over the last day - 22 in the Timmins area, nine in the James and Hudson Bay region, five in the Hearst and Hornepayne area, five in the Kapuskasing, Opasatika, Val Rita-Harty, Moonbeam, and Fauquier-Strickland area, and another in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area - leaving it with 261 "active", 21 in hospital, two in ICUs.

Search Continues for Plane Carrying 2 Men, Missing Near Wawa

The winter weather is continuing to pose problems in the search for a missing plane in the area.

The Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Trenton is reporting that search aircraft were delayed in launching today due to poor weather and aircraft icing overnight, though seven aircraft were set to participate in the search, once weather allowed - an issue that has come up repeatedly over the weekend.

It's searching for a Piper Comanche aircraft that was reported overdue Thursday evening, hours after it took off from the southern community of Delhi, heading for Marathon, as a stopover on the way to Alberta.

While aircraft have been searching its entire flight plan, it's believed the plane disappeared between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa, with searchers asking anyone who saw an aircraft flying along Highway 17 between Wawa and the Sault around 6 o'clock Thursday night to contact Search Headquarters at 613-966-1178.

While authorities have not identified those in the plane, reports suggest they're two men from southern Ontario, John Fehr and Brian Slingerland, who recently purchased the plane, while Fehr - who was meant to serve as co-pilot - had recently earned his pilot's license.

VIA Rail Gradually Returning to Normal Schedule, Local Change Set for Mid-June

VIA Rail's planning a gradual return to its normal schedule - just ahead of the summer.

The passenger rail service says its trains will be back to normal service by the end of June, starting by returning the cross-country "The Canadian" train to two full frequencies on April 29th, with the local Sudbury to White River corridor to return to three full frequencies on June 14th.

Wawa Council Holding Back-to-Back Meetings After Easter Weekend

Wawa Municipal Council's set to establish an Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee as it holds a pair of meetings tonight.

First up is a Corporate Planning Committee meeting, including presentations from Community Living Algoma and about the recent drinking water incident, as well as discussion about a request for municipal representation on the "Michipicoten Standing Advisory Committee", a first quarter financial review, ADSAB apportionment, and rules for "lame duck" Council, given the municipal election campaign is set to open May 2nd.

That'll be followed by a regular meeting, which includes a resolution to appoint a representative to the Michipicoten committee, as well as by-laws delegating authority amid a Lame Duck Council, adopting a policy on land acknowledgements such as for Council meetings, and establishing the Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee, a move meant to make up for the decision to cut ties with the Wawa Economic Development Corporation.

There's also two "in-camera" items, both legal issues: one relates to integrity commissioner advice about a committee or board member, the other an application under section 357 of Ontario's Municipal Act, which gives municipalities authority to cancel, reduce or refund taxes based on specific criteria.

The meetings will be held back-to-back, starting at 6:30 pm tonight.

SE OPP Launch Easter Seatbelt Campaign

Local police will be watching for proper seatbelt use over the coming long weekend.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Ashley Nickle explains the local detachment is conducting targeted enforcement - checking to ensure all occupants of vehicles are wearing seatbelts, to enhance traffic safety and reduce the number of injuries or deaths on roads - as she notes a lack of proper seatbelt use is an ongoing issue across the province, one of the "Big Four" problems targeted throughout the year.

The Easter Long Weekend Seatbelt Campaign runs from Good Friday through Easter Monday.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's added 42 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, six in Central and East Algoma, four in the Elliot Lake area, and another in North Algoma - which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations - leaving it with 411 known "active" cases, 22 in hospital.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 167 since Monday - 149 in Greater Sudbury, eight in the Sudbury District, and ten in the Manitoulin District - with the number "active" jumping to 476 - including seven in the northern Sudbury District, which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations - with 31 cases in hospital, three in ICUs.

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

Chapleau Council Moving Forward With Municipal Accommodation Tax, By-Law Still to Pass

Chapleau's "Municipal Accommodation Tax" may be implemented this fall.

While implementation has stalled since it was approved by Council last April - needing a by-law to confirm details - Mayor Michael Levesque says there was movement forward at this week's meeting.

If implemented, the tax would be a four percent surcharge for hotels, bed and breakfasts, or AirBnB-style rentals - half of the money would go to tourism, the rest to maintenance of structures that may drum up tourism.

Chapleau Council Eyes Changes for Transit, But Not Yet

Changes appear to be on the way for Chapleau's specialized transit bus service - but one appears to have stalled.

Chapleau Town Council discussed two aspects of the service in this week's meeting, including the replacement of what Mayor Michael Levesque describes as the "old, unreliable" bus the Township currently owns, though he says that's hit a speed bump.

Council similarly put operation of the transit service out to tender, but Mayor Levesque believes the Township will be going a different route.

While the current contract's expired - extended month-by-month amid the COVID-19 pandemic - Mayor Levesque is unsure when the Township would be looking to take over the transit operation, saying only it will happen "in time".

Algoma Public Health Reports More COVID-19 Cases

Algoma Public Health's reporting more COVID-19 cases.

The health unit's added 66 cases - 55 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, six in the Elliot Lake area, and four in Central and East Algoma - leaving it with 400 known "active" cases, including 21 in hospital, three in I-C-Us - all up from the previous day.

A walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic's being held for those five and older at Wawa's Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 4 to 7 this evening, while Public Health Sudbury and Districts will hold an appointment only clinic at its Chapleau office tomorrow.

Chapleau Renews Search for New CAO, Makes Arrangements for Municipal Election

Chapleau's renewing recruitment efforts for a new top administrator.

While Mayor Michael Levesque told JJAM FM News last month that a candidate had been chosen, he says it didn't work out, so the Township's again calling for applicants.

Mayor Levesque also notes the continued search is also having an effect on preparations for the fall municipal election.

Nominations for the election are set to open May 2nd, with voting day on October 24th.

Ground Officially Broken for Island Gold Phase 3 Expansion

A local mine's officially broken ground for a major expansion.

Alamos Gold's Island Gold Mine held an official groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, marking the start of construction for its Phase Three expansion, which is expected to increase Island Gold's production by 70 percent, to an average of 236,000 ounces of gold a year with mining and milling rates rising from 1200 tonnes per day to 2000, once construction's completed in 2025.

The expansion also includes "upgrades to the crushing circuit, the addition of a second parallel ball mill, and a new elution and carbon-in-pulp circuit."

Ontario Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources, and Forestry Minister Greg Rickford was among the dignitaries in attendance, and - speaking with JJAM FM News ahead of the event - touted this as a show that "the North is open for business".

Rickford was also in Wawa earlier in the day to help cut the ribbon for the East-West Tie Line - the 450-kilometre transmission line from Wawa to Thunder Bay went into service March 31st - and announced a conditional grant of $15-million over four years for Wawa OSB to build the province's third oriented strand board manufacturing facility, expected to help satisfy growing demand for building materials in Canada and the US.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's added 110 since Friday - 85 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, fifteen in Central and East Algoma, and ten in the Elliot Lake area - that leaves the health unit with 391 known "active" cases, with twenty in hospital, one in an ICU.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts added 168 since Friday - 154 in Greater Sudbury, seven in the Sudbury District, and seven in the Manitoulin District - leaving it with 412 "active" - including seven in the northern Sudbury District, which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations - with 40 cases in hospital, two in ICUs.

The health unit's holding an appointment only vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office Thursday, while a walk-in clinic will be held at Wawa's Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 4 to 7 pm tomorrow.

Ontario's PC Government Makes Several Northern Announcements Ahead of Spring Election, Including 3 Local Events

The Ontario government's made a series of major announcements in the North in recent days.

Premier Doug Ford made a stop in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday to announce support for Algoma Steel through the revamped Northern Energy Advantage Program, and on Sunday revealed a $75-million plan for the revival of the Northlander passenger train, which would have sixteen stops from Toronto to Cochrane - a newly-announced extension from the original Timmins end-of-line, allowing connection to the Polar Bear Express from Cochrane to Moosonee.

More local announcements were made earlier today, with Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources, and Forestry Minister Greg Rickford explaining the first event - alongside Energy Minister Todd Smith - was celebrating the completion of a major project.

The 450-kilometre line from Wawa to Thunder Bay is mainly meant to support northwestern communities, but Rickford says it will support this region, too.

Rickford also explains he - and Minister Smith - made another announcement in town this morning, supporting a new OSB plant, calling it "a great day for Wawa".

While that funding - over four years - is conditional on certain key project milestones, though Minister Rickford says it's not regulatory.

Rickford does say the government's "confident" the milestones will be achieved and a "significant expansion" will happen, with Minister Smith suggesting Wawa OSB will benefit from special electricity rates for large Northern industrial customers.

The ministers were also in attendance for Alamos Gold's official groundbreaking ceremony for an expansion to its Island Gold Mine, which Rickford also touts.

Rickford touts Northern Ontario as "a destination and a starting point for so many resource products", adding the government wants to ensure communities are in "the best position possible to experience that growth and that prosperity".

APH & PHSD Report Rising COVID-19 Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's added 36 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, six in the Elliot Lake area, and four in Central and East Algoma, leaving it with 441 known "active" cases, nineteen in hospital, one in an ICU.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 120 in Greater Sudbury, seventeen in the Sudbury District, and seven in the Manitoulin District, with the number "active" up to 416 - including five in the northern Sudbury District, which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations - with 40 cases in hospital, two in ICUs.

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