Wawa Council Appoints New Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee

Wawa Municipal Council's appointed members for a new advisory committee on economic development and tourism.

In their meeting last night, Council was told that six public applications were received - plans were to appoint six members representing the tourism sector, local small business and industry, among others, and add a Council representative - so the six were appointed: Lee Bryar, Angela Calaiezzi, Heidi McLaren, Kadean Ogilvie, Anya Switzer, and David Wells, with Councillor Melanie Pilon joining as the Council representative.

CAO Maury O'Neill previously explained the purpose of the committee to JJAM FM News.

The committee' term will run parallel to Council's, which is set to expire with the municipal election this fall, though O'Neill's said she hopes the next Council would continue the advisory committee.

In addition to approving the committee membership, Council also voted to approve a proposal from Bannikin Travel and Tourism to undertake that 5-Year Tourism Study, though O'Neill had recommended they make approval subject to a successful funding application to FedNor, as the Municipality's currently awaiting response on that application.

APH Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Changes Reporting Schedule

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

Algoma Public Health's added seven cases - six in the Sault Ste. Marie area, another in Central and East Algoma - leaving the health unit with 44 "high risk active" cases - it shows none in hospital at this time, with only one "active" outbreak, in Extendicare Maple View's Ranger Lake unit.

The health unit's also announced it will now only report figures on Tuesday and Thursday.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts - which reports figures on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday - notes it's holding an "appointment only" vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office tomorrow, while North Algoma's shifted to booking appointments rather than holding clinics: in Wawa, call the local Algoma Public Health office; in Dubreuilville, the Dubreuilville Medical Centre; in White River, the Northern Neighbours Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic.

Registration Deadline for Wawa's Legion Golf Tournament

Organizers are reminding there's just a little time left before Wawa's annual Legion Golf Tournament.

As it's coming this weekend, golfers are encouraged to register by today - and Larry Harvey of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 reminds the tournament is important to the Legion, supporting its building projects.

Harvey reminds the tournament for teams of two - ages sixteen and up - also has a hole in one prize of $2500, with participants also treated to a steak dinner.

Anyone wanting to register is asked to contact Harvey at 705-856-7551 by the end of today - the tournament is this Saturday, June 11th.

Wawa Mayor Welcomes Plans to Relaunch Wawa OSB Plant

Wawa's mayor is welcoming signs of new industry in town.

Mayor Pat Tait says he attended Wawa OSB's information session on plans to relaunch the local oriented strand board manufacturing plant.

Wawa OSB has said it hopes to hire the workers three to six months ahead of the plant's startup - aiming for summer or fall next year.

Once at full capacity, the plant's expected to produce 530,000 cubic meters of OSB.

Chapleau Reminds Dog Owners to Scoop the Poop

Chapleau's reminding dog owners to clean up after their pets.

The Township reminds its recently passed by-law to control dogs prohibits owners from leaving their dog's excrement on or in a public place or private property, requiring it be removed immediately and without delay in a sanitary manner - or face a fine of $55.

It further warns evening patrols will enforce the regulation, reminding owners to have a sanitary excrement bag while walking their dog.

Wawa Council Holding Back-to-Back Meetings

Wawa Municipal Council will consider membership for a new committee and a few projects in a pair of meetings tonight.

First up is a Corporate Planning Committee meeting, which includes discussion about revised policies on the distribution of promotional items and the waiver of facility fees, as well as memos on membership applications for the Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee, the water intake project, improvements to the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, and awarding contracts for a water and wastewater rate study and financial plan, and a five-year tourism study.

Aside from the revised policies, those items will come back up in the regular Council meeting, which also includes by-laws to adopt a "right to disconnect from work" policy and amending the vehicular traffic by-law to lower the maximum speed for the Municipality's heavy equipment and trucks on certain streets, with a resolution to undertake a traffic study on Maple Street, as discussed in the last meeting.

The Corporate Planning agenda also includes an item on fluoridation put forward by Councillor Bill Chiasson, potentially putting it on the ballot in this fall's municipal election.

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

APH & PHSD See New COVID-19 Cases, PHSD Announces Chapleau Vaccination Clinic

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

Algoma Public Health's added nine cases since Friday - five in the Sault Ste. Marie area, two in Central and East Algoma, and two in the Elliot Lake area - leaving the health unit with 44 known "active" cases, nine in hospital, two in ICUs.

It's showing only one "active" outbreak, in Extendicare Maple View's Ranger Lake unit.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 25 cases since Friday - 21 in Greater Sudbury, two in the Sudbury District, and two in the Manitoulin District - leaving it with 80 "active" - one in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 25 in hospital, two in ICUs.

It's showing three "active" outbreaks: two at the Espanola Nursing Home, the other at Health Sciences North in Greater Sudbury.

The health unit's holding an "appointment only" vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office Thursday - North Algoma's shifted to booking appointments rather than holding clinics: in Wawa, call the local Algoma Public Health office; in Dubreuilville, the Dubreuilville Medical Centre; in White River, the Northern Neighbours Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic.

Wawa OSB Offers Locals Glimpse of Plans to Relaunch Plant

Wawa residents were given an opportunity last night to learn more about the relaunch of Wawa's OSB plant.

Wawa OSB held the information session Monday night, discussing plans to relaunch the oriented strand board manufacturing plant at the site of the former Weyerhaeuser OSB plant, which closed in 2007 and was converted to a pellet mill by Rentech, who idled the facility in early 2017.

Wawa OSB Inc. Executive Vice President Yolaine Rousseau - a member of the Cossette family, who own the business - explains last night's event was an introduction to the project and its owners.

Rousseau explains the plant should have 140 direct jobs, hiring the workers three to six months ahead of the plant's startup.

She notes talks are underway with the SFL in order to secure needed wood supply - at full capacity, the plant should produce 530,000 cubic metres of OSB.

Rousseau also assures the company wants a good relationship with the communities of Wawa and Michipicoten First Nation.

Wawa OSB's launched a new website - www.wawaosb.com - with information about the plant, the project, and jobs available.

Missing ATVers Found Dead in Batchewana Bay Area

Ontario Provincial Police have found two missing ATVers dead in the Batchewana Bay area.

Sault Ste. Marie OPP say they responded to report of two missing people in the Tribag Mine Road area of Batchewana Bay around 4 o'clock Friday afternoon, with investigation determining three side-by-side ATVs were on a bush road - two crossed through a hazard in the road and travelled several hundred meters before stopping to wait for the third, which never caught up, prompting the search.

The missing side-by-side was found submerged in the Batchewana River several kilometers away shortly before 10 o'clock Saturday morning, with the riders found deceased.

They've been identified as 78-year-old Rudolph Weatley - the driver - and 76-year-old Vera Molochnikova, the passenger - both were from Sault Ste. Marie.

OPP Technical Traffic Collision Investigators and the Office of the Chief Coroner-Ontario Forensic Pathology Service are assisting with the investigation.

Citizens Info Meeting for Wawa OSB

A citizens meeting is being held about the relaunch of Wawa's OSB plant.

Wawa OSB's holding the information session to discuss the oriented strand board manufacturing plant - just outside Wawa - noting representatives will be able to explain in English or French the major steps of the project, the company's vision, and associated employment and training opportunities.

The Ontario government had announced back in April that Wawa OSB was receiving a conditional grant of $15-million over four years to build the province's third OSB manufacturing facility, to help satisfy growing demand for building materials in Canada and the US.

The open house event runs from 5 to 7:30 pm this evening, at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Opens Registration for Nine & Dine Golf Tournament

The Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation is looking to hit the greens to support the Wawa hospital.

Angela Calaiezzi - fundraising coordinator for the Foundation - explains the event.

Calaiezzi notes there are multiple prizes, including a draw for a barbecue worth $500.

Golfers can register at the Golf Club Pro Shop by June 22nd, with the event on Saturday, June 25th.

Registration Deadline Nears for Wawa's Legion Golf Tournament

Wawa's annual Legion Golf Tournament is just days away.

Organizer Larry Harvey of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 notes the tournament for teams of two will support building projects for the aging Legion Hall.

Harvey notes there is also a hole in one prize of $2500, with participants also treated to a steak dinner.

Anyone wanting to register is asked to contact Harvey by Wednesday, as the tournament is this Saturday.

With Ontario Election in Books, Attention Turns to Ontario's Municipal Elections

With the Ontario election now in the books, focus is shifting to another election in the province.

Nominations are open for potential councillors, mayors, or school board trustees across Ontario, with the same rules applying for elections across the province.

Noting a candidates' guide can be found on the municipal website, Wawa Clerk Cathy Cyr explains there are a few basic requirements to run.

As for filing your nomination, Cyr explains it is simple: obtain the forms from the municipal office or website, fill them out, then bring them in - and pay the required fee.

Prospective candidates have until 2 pm on August 19th to file - the municipal election date is October 22nd.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's added three - one in the Sault Ste. Marie area, 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) - leaving the health unit with 58 known "active" cases, seven in hospital, two in ICUs.

It's showing only two "active" outbreaks, both in the Sault: in Extendicare Maple View's Ranger Lake unit and in the Ontario Finnish Resthome's Unit B.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts added 28 cases since Wednesday - 26 in Greater Sudbury and two in the Manitoulin District - leaving it with 104 "active" - one in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 27 in hospital, three in ICUs.

It's showing three "active" outbreaks: two at the Espanola Nursing Home, the other at Health Sciences North in Greater Sudbury.

Wawa Youth Makers Market Coming This Weekend

Wawa's Goose Nest Market is springing to life for the season - and highlighting some younger entrepreneurs.

A "Youth Makers Market" will be held this weekend, and Wawa's Recreation Coordinator, Stacey White, notes there will be several highlighted.

White notes an Indigenous Makers Market will be held in two weeks, on June 18th, followed by the Canada Day event two weeks later, then weekly markets through August.

The Youth Makers Market runs from 10 am to 1 pm Saturday, June 4th, at the Goose Nests.

Family Color Run to Be Held Along Wawa's Waterfront

A colourful event is set to encourage fitness in Wawa.

Noting it's part of local efforts planned as part of the Participaction Community Better Challenge, Wawa Recreation Coordinator Stacey White explains the Superior Children's Centre and EarlyON Centre are holding a Family Color Run along the waterfront.

The Color Run runs from 10 am to noon Saturday, June 4th.

Nomination Deadline for Chapleau's Buddy Swanson Volunteer Recognition Award

Time is running out for nominations for Chapleau's annual "Buddy" Swanson Volunteer Recognition Award.

Mayor Michael Levesque encourages residents to nominate others.

Nomination forms are available at the Civic Centre and on the township's website - they'll be accepted until 4 o'clock this afternoon, with Mayor Levesque noting hopes are to present the award as part of Canada Day celebrations.

LDHCF's Seedlings for Support Campaign Set to End

Time is running out for gardeners to join in a fundraising campaign supporting the Wawa hospital, as the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's "Seedlings for Support" wraps up tomorrow.

Vice Chair Lorraine Pihelgas calls this the "first step" in a new goal.

Chair Susan Switzer explains tickets are easy to get.

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

The "drive-by pickup" of the seedlings will be Sunday, June 5th, at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

The Foundation also reminds registration's opened for its "Nine and Dine Charity Golf Tournament", to be held Saturday, June 25th - register at the Michipicoten Golf Club Pro Shop.

PCs Win Larger Majority, NDP Stay in Smaller Opposition, Horwath & Del Duca Stepping Down As Leaders

Ontario has returned the PC government for a second term, giving Doug Ford a stronger majority than before.

Unofficial results from Elections Ontario show Ford's Progressive Conservatives claimed a total of 83 seats - up from the 76 they won in 2018 and the 67 they had heading into this election - with Ford's entire cabinet re-elected.

The NDP are again forming the official opposition, though with a reduced seat count of 31, down from 2018's 40 or the 38 they had heading into the election - while Andrea Horwath did keep the Hamilton seat she's represented since 2004, she announced in an emotional speech to supporters that she'll be stepping down as leader as it's time for her to "pass the torch" - she's led the party through four elections, since 2009.

While the Liberals gained a seat - for a total of 8, still below the threshold for official party status - leader Steven Del Duca failed to reclaim the Toronto riding he used to representing - with the PC incumbent handily holding onto that seat - prompting Del Duca to announce he's stepping down as leader, a role he's only held since 2020, chosen just days before the first COVID-19 lockdown in the province.

Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner was re-elected in Guelph, but was unable to increase the party's seat count beyond that, while the New Blue and Ontario parties failed to win in any ridings, even those they'd held heading into the election.

Much of the North stuck with incumbents - with a few key changes.

In Sault Ste. Marie, Ross Romano of the PCs was re-elected for his second term - greatly widening his margin over NDP candidate Michele McCleave-Kennedy - with Kenora-Rainy River incumbent - and fellow cabinet minister - Greg Rickford also re-elected, along with Nipissing's Vic Fedeli, while Parry Sound-Muskoka remained blue - electing Graydon Smith - though the PC Northern caucus is growing, with two ridings going from orange to blue: Kevin Holland won in Kenora-Rainy River while Timmins Mayor George Pirie claimed Timmins, defeating New Democrat Gilles Bisson, who's represented the area since 1990.

For the NDP, Nickel Belt's France Gelinas won her fifth term while Michael Mantha (Algoma-Manitoulin) and John Vanthof (Timiskaming-Cochrane) won their fourth, Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) and Guy Bourgoin (Mushkegowuk-James Bay) were re-elected in their ridings - which were created in 2018 - Sudbury's Jamie West held onto his seat, and Liberal stronghold Thunder Bay-Superior North went orange, electing New Democrat Lise Vaugeois in a tight race - the riding's been represented by Liberal Michael Gravelle since it was created in 1999 (he represented the Port Arthur riding from 1995-99, when it became part of Thunder Bay-Superior North), but the former cabinet minister did not run for re-election, amid a recurrence of cancer.

APH Reports New COVID-19 Cases, North Algoma's Count Lowered

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

The health unit's added four in the Sault Ste. Marie area, three in Central and East Algoma, and another in the Elliot Lake area - but reduced North Algoma's case count by one - leaving the health unit with 65 known "active" cases, seven in hospital, one in an ICU.

It's showing only two "active" outbreaks, both in the Sault: in Extendicare Maple View's Ranger Lake unit and in the Ontario Finnish Resthome's Unit B.