Chapleau-Area Forest Fire Reported, Large Timmins Region Fire Continues

Another forest fire's burning in the Chapleau region.

Ontario's Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources, and Forestry says "Chapleau 5" - reported over the weekend - is under control at one hectare in size, located about ten kilometres east of the junction of Highways 101 and 129.

As of the Sunday afternoon update, there were 23 fires active in the Northeast, including "Timmins 1" - reported last Tuesday afternoon - last mapped at 1467 hectares in size, about two kilometres southeast of Morin Village and half a kilometre north of Barager's Lake - that fire prompted an evacuation order for Shining Tree, as well as road closures and restrictions in that area.

Early Voting Options Available for Ontario Provincial Election

Though Election Day's two-and-a-half weeks away, Ontarians can already start casting their ballots.

Jo Langham - manager of media and public engagement for Elections Ontario - explains the elections agency has made it easier to vote by mail.

Jo Langham Explains Voting By Mail Process in Ontario Election
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Langham urges anyone interested in voting by mail to apply as early as possible, to ensure you receive and send off your ballot in time to reach Elections Ontario by 6 pm on the June 2nd Election Day.

Advance polls are also set to open in some communities this coming weekend: Chapleau's Municipal Office and Manitouwadge's Recreation Centre will host them from May 21st to 28th; while Hornepayne's Legion Hall will have them from May 21st to 25th.

Dubreuilville's Municipal Complex and Social Centre - and White River's Mountain View Complex - will host advance polls from May 25th to 28th.

While Wawa does not have an advance poll location, ballots could be cast at the Wawa returning office, at 3 Maple Street, until 6 pm on June 1st.

LDHCF's Seedlings for Support Campaign Extended

Gardeners are being given a little more time to join in a fundraising campaign supporting the Wawa hospital.

While the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's "Seedlings for Support" campaign was originally set to wrap up this Friday, the order deadline's been extended to June 4th, the day before seedlings will be available for pickup.

Foundation Chair Susan Switzer explains tickets are easy to get.

Susan Switzer on Getting LDHCF Seedlings for Support Tickets
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Switzer notes the less "tech-savvy" can call the Foundation for more information, at 705-856-2335, extension 3147.

Funds raised support the hospital's Medi-Tech expansion.

Cattle Truck Rollover South of Wawa Leaves Many Cattle at Large

Drivers are being warned to take caution while heading between Wawa and the Sault, after an early Saturday morning collision left several cows on the loose near Old Woman Bay.

The cattle truck rollover - initially reported around 3:26 Saturday morning - closed the highway for several hours, and even after the road reopened, it was estimated 40 to 50 cows were still at large, with Superior East Ontario Provincial Police warning they could "interfere" with traffic in the area, urging drivers to slow down, especially during "dark hours".

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

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

Algoma Public Health's added 25 cases - eighteen in the Sault Ste. Marie area, four in Central and East Algoma, two in the Elliot Lake area, and in North Algoma (which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations) - though the number of known "active" cases is down to 184 - the lowest in some time - with 27 in hospital, four in ICUs.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts added 69 since Wednesday - 58 in Greater Sudbury, eight in the Sudbury District, and three in the Manitoulin District - though the number "active" is down to 245 - including eleven in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 47 in hospital, two in ICUs.

APH Warns of Increased Opioid-Related Harms in Region

Algoma Public Health's warning anyone using "street drugs" to take extra precautions, amid an increase in opioid-related EMS calls and Emergency Department visits in Algoma.

The health unit emphasizes "substance use and opioid poisoning does not discriminate", urging anyone who uses drugs to carry naloxone and always have someone with them when they use, starting with a low dose and increasing slowly - never mixing substances, even alcohol - and calling 9-1-1 immediately if you suspect opioid poisoning.

Algoma-Manitoulin Ballot Set for 2022 Ontario Election

The ballot is set for the provincial election.

Yesterday marked the close of nominations, with Elections Ontario showing six candidates in the running to represent the local Algoma-Manitoulin riding: incumbent New Democrat Michael Mantha's seeking a fourth term; Hornepayne Mayor Cheryl Fort's representing the Progressive Conservatives; Manitoulin hospital executive Tim Vine's running for the Liberals; the Green Party's tapped Maria Legault as its candidate; the New Blue Party's picked Port of Algoma worker Ron Koski; and Ontario Party’s chosen Frederick Weening as its candidate.

Advance polls open next Thursday, May 19th, running through the 28th, with twelve locations in Algoma-Manitoulin - including in Chapleau (at the Municipal Office from May 21-28), Dubreuilville (at the Municipal Complex & Social Centre May 25-28), Hornepayne (at the Legion Hall May 21-25), Manitouwadge (at the Recreation Centre May 21-28), and White River (at the Mountain View Complex May 25-28).

While Wawa does not have an advance polling location, ballots could be cast at the Wawa returning office, at 3 Maple Street, until 6 pm on June 1st.

Voters could also vote by mail, applying through the Elections Ontario website by May 27th.

Election Day is June 2nd.

TBDHU Reports 91st COVID-19 Death, APH & PHU Report New Cases

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

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting its 91st death - just a week after its 90th - while reporting 108 cases since Wednesday - 90 in the Thunder Bay area, nine in unspecified First Nation communities, and five in unspecified district communities - leaving it with 274 "active", 51 in hospital, three in ICUs.

Meanwhile, Algoma Public Health's added seventeen cases - thirteen in the Sault Ste. Marie area, two in Central and East Algoma, and two in the Elliot Lake area - leaving it with 209 "active", 21 in hospital, five in ICUs.

The Porcupine Health Unit's added nine cases - five in the Timmins area, two in the James and Hudson Bay Region, one in the Hearst and Hornepayne area, and another in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area - leaving the health unit with 21 known "active" cases, thirteen in hospital.

Nominations Open for Chapleau Volunteer Awards

Chapleau wants to hear about volunteers in the community.

Mayor Michael Levesque explains nominations have opened for annual "Buddy" Swanson Volunteer Recognition Award.

Mayor Levesque on Buddy Swanson Volunteer Award Nominations
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Last year's recipients were Graham Bertrand and the local Royal Canadian Legion Kitchen, who were formally presented with the awards in March, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other delays.

Nomination forms for this year's awards can be found at the Civic Centre or the Municipal website, and must be submitted by 4 pm Friday, June 3rd - the awards are normally presented as part of Canada Day celebrations.

More Forest Fires Reported Across Northeastern Ontario, Including Chapleau Area

Several forest fires are burning in northeastern Ontario.

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources, and Forestry says five new "wildland fires" were confirmed by late Wednesday afternoon, including a 0.4 hectare fire in the Sault Ste. Marie region, located in Goulais River, 400 metres south of Highway 552 and 0.1 and 0.4 hectare fires in the Sudbury region.

In total, fourteen fires were still burning as of the afternoon update, including a 60 hectare fire in the Chapleau region - 2.5 kilometres south of Highway 101 and six kilometres west of Foleyet - reported Tuesday and not yet under control, as well as a now-58.7 hectare fire being held in the Sault Ste. Marie region - north of Camp 7 Bay of Matinenda Lake - a 40-hectare fire along the beach in Garden River First Nation on the west side of Ojibway Park, and two more than 200 hectare fires in the Sudbury region.

PHSD Reports 3 COVID-19 Deaths, More Cases for APH, PHU & TBDHU

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting its 128th death in Greater Sudbury and the ninth and tenth in the broader Sudbury District - all cases where the illness was the underlying cause of death - bringing the health unit's death toll to 145.

The health unit's also reporting 106 new cases since Monday - 57 in Greater Sudbury, sixteen in the Sudbury District, and three in the Manitoulin District - though the number of known "active" cases is down to 287 - thirteen in the Northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 54 in hospital, two in ICUs.

It's holding an "appointment only" vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office today.

Meanwhile, Algoma Public Health's added 24 cases - fourteen in the Sault Ste. Marie area, seven in Central and East Algoma, two 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 215 known "active" cases, 28 in hospital, five in ICUs.

The Porcupine Health Unit's added 22 - eight in the Timmins area, eight in the James and Hudson Bay region, and six in the Kapuskasing, Opasatika, Val Rita-Harty, Moonbeam, and Fauquier-Strickland area - leaving it with 33 "active", sixteen in hospital.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's added 108 since Monday, but reduced its overall count by five, due to data quality checks - figures show 79 more cases in the Thunder Bay area, seven in unspecified district communities, and seventeen in unspecified First Nation communities, leaving it with 307 "active", 40 in hospital, four in ICUs.

Chapleau Council Approves By-Law to Implement Municipal Accommodation Tax

Chapleau's moving forward with its "Municipal Accommodation Tax".

While implementation stalled after it was initially approved by Council over a year ago, Mayor Michael Levesque says Council's now approved the implementation by-law.

Mayor Levesque on Municipal Accommodation Tax Status
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Levesque notes funds from the surcharge for hotels, bed and breakfasts, or AirBnB-style rentals would not go directly into the Township's general coffers.

Mayor Levesque on Municipal Accommodation Tax Purpose
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Levesque notes that takes some pressure off the Township's budget by guaranteeing a different funding stream for tourism.

Mayor Levesque on Municipal Accommodation Tax Effect
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Levesque had previously expressed hope to implement the tax this fall.

Council also approved the 2022 Welcome Guide - and the proposed printer for it - so the annual document should be issued soon - Mayor Levesque particularly highlights the work of Economic Development Officer Charley Goheen.

Northeastern Ontario Sees Several New Forest Fires

Several forest fires were reported in the northeastern Ontario over the last day.

Ontario's Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources, and Forestry says six new "wildland fires" were confirmed by late Tuesday afternoon, including: a 100 hectare fire not yet under control in the Timmins region, about two kilometres southeast of Morin Village and half a kilometre from Barager's Lake; a 20 hectare fire in the Timmins region located in Duchabani Creek, 1.5 kilometres northwest of Cullen Lake; and four fires in the Sudbury region, including a 150 hectare blaze one kilometre southwest of Sharkey's Lake and one kilometre from Nepewassi Lake road and a 20 hectare blaze 600 metres north of Ashigami Road and 0.3 kilometres west of Ashigami Lake Road East.

In total, eleven fires were still burning as of the afternoon update, including a now-27.7 hectare fire in the Sault Ste. Marie region, north of Camp 7 Bay of Matinenda Lake, a 40-hectare fire along the beach in Garden River First Nation on the west side of Ojibway Park, and smaller fires near Highways 670 and 552.

APH Reports 54th COVID-19 Death, New Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting its 54th, just over a week after reporting its 53rd - this is the 33rd reported in 2022.

The health unit's also reporting 25 new cases - 22 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, one in Central and East Algoma, one in the Elliot Lake area, and another in North Algoma (which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations) - though the number of known "active" cases is down to 208, with 34 in hospital, six in ICUs.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts - meanwhile - is holding "appointment only" vaccination clinics at its Chapleau office today and tomorrow.

PHSD Reports 142nd COVID-19 Death, APH Reports New Cases

Another COVID-19 death's been reported in Greater Sudbury.

Figures reported by Public Health Sudbury and Districts show the health unit's 142nd death linked to the illness - in this case, it was the underlying cause of death - and the 127th in Greater Sudbury - it last reported a death last Wednesday.

It's also reporting 106 new cases since Friday - 90 in Greater Sudbury, ten in the Sudbury District, and six in the Manitoulin District - leaving it with 307 known "active" cases - twelve in the Northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 55 in hospital, three in ICUs.

The health unit's holding "appointment only" clinics at its Chapleau office Wednesday and Thursday.

Meanwhile, Algoma Public Health's added 46 cases since Friday - 23 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, twelve in the Elliot Lake area, seven in Central and East Algoma, and four in North Algoma (which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations) - leaving it with 209 "active", 23 in hospital, two in ICUs.

Sault Ste. Marie Area Sees New Forest Fires

A few forest fires were reported in the Sault Ste. Marie area in recent days.

Ontario's Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources, and Forestry says "Sault Ste. Marie 3" - a 2.8-hectare fire next to Basswood Lake - was confirmed Sunday afternoon while "Sault Ste. Marie 4" - a three-hectare fire located north of Camp 7 Bay of Matinenda Lake - was confirmed Monday afternoon.

Wawa Activists Show Support for Ukraine

A group of Wawa residents turned out Monday to show support for Ukraine amid the devastating invasion by Russia.

Answering a call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to demonstrate on May 9th - when Russia was marking "Victory Day", the anniversary of the defeat of the Nazis in the Second World War - the small group of local demonstrators waved the Ukraine flag and shouted slogans in front of the Wawa post office - Mary Harbocian explains the reason.

Mary Harbocian Explains Reason for Pro-Ukraine Demonstration
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Dawn Charbonneau acknowledged it was a small group, but it was important to show support.

Dawn Charbonneau on Pro-Ukraine Demonstration Support
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Charbonneau and Jana Strouhal - who is originally from the Czech Republic - have a message amid the invasion, which is now in its eleventh week.

Jana Strouhal & Dawn Charbonneau Pro-Ukraine Call
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

SE OPP Lay Spousal Assault Charges Over White River Domestic Dispute

Multiple charges have been laid over a domestic dispute at a White River business.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers were called to the business on Highway 17 around 11:52 the night of April 30th, though the suspect fled the scene prior to their arrival - the 22-year-old from Pic Mobert First Nation was located on May 2nd, and arrested on two counts of spousal assault and two of failure to comply with undertaking.

They've been released from custody, with a June date in Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice.

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