PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, No Longer Any Active in Northern Sudbury District

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 31 since Monday - 27 in Greater Sudbury, two in the Sudbury District, and two in the Manitoulin District - leaving it with 84 known "active" cases, 33 in hospital, two in ICUs.

It's no longer showing any "active" cases in the northern Sudbury District, which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

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

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.

Local Tourism Business Receiving FedNor Support

Some local tourism businesses are getting some federal support.

The Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor - has announced over $8.75-million to create and maintain nearly 600 jobs in the North.

Locally, that includes:

-Hawk Air's receiving a non-repayable contribution of $28,671 to purchase four 22-stroke boat motors, fuel tanks, and propellers to replace existing two-stroke motors

-Errington's Wilderness Islands is receiving $100,000 to modernize facilities and equipment, including new windows, an air purification system, expanded docks, a second gender-neutral washroom in the main lodge, assistive devices in its buildings and boats, and solar panels

-Moose Horn Lodge is receiving $80,000 to construct a heated snowmobile enclosure to extend its operating season to be the only lodge operating in the Chapleau area in winter

-Garson's Fly-In Outposts is receiving $36,000 to upgrade its outpost camps and docks in the Hornepayne and White River areas, paving the way for new cabin windows and doors, insulation, LED lighting, energy and efficient appliances, with upgrades to its water and septic systems and the extension of its docks

-P-K Resort's receiving $66,316 to install a solar panel

-White Lake Lodge is receiving $77,850 to improve the cabin's with eco-friendly and energy efficient heat pumps, proper drainage lines, new windows, and vinyl siding, new flooring, and upgraded washroom fixtures, to help it become a year-round operation.

Destination Northern Ontario's also receiving $243,000 for a pan-Northern accommodations sector recovery and development initiative, while the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is getting $305,555 for new equipment.

Superior East OPP Warn About Moose After Cruisers Involved in 2 Collisions

Local police are warning drivers to beware moose after Ontario Provincial Police cruisers were involved in two moose collisions in the last month.

In a Facebook post, Superior East OPP showcase photos of damage done to the cruisers in the collisions, noted to have happened on Highway 101 between Wawa and Chapleau.

They further note data shows most collisions with moose happen between May and July - or in October - usually occurring in the dark, when the weather is clear.

Superior East OPP urge drivers to slow down and stay alert to reduce the risk of hitting a moose, and - if you are involved in a moose collision - call police immediately.

Missing Kayaker Found Dead North of Garden River First Nation

A missing kayaker's been found dead north of Garden River First Nation.

Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police say they responded around 10:30 Sunday night to the report of an overdue person who'd gone kayaking on Driving Lake, with the subsequent search involving the North East Canine Unit, Emergency Response Team, an Aviation Services Helicopter, Batchewana First Nation and Sault Ste. Marie Police, Sault Search and Rescue, and the OPP's Underwater Search and Rescue Team, who found the deceased man's remains around 3:30 Tuesday afternoon.

The kayaker's been identified as 23-year-old Kyle Buswa-Virta.

The investigation's now under the direction of the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, with a post-mortem examination to take place in Sault Ste. Marie at a later date.

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.