Municipal Election Nomination Deadline Nears

Time is running out for prospective councillors, mayors, or school board trustees.

Nominations for municipal elections across Ontario are open until 2 pm next Friday, August 19th, and Wawa Clerk Cathy Cyr notes it's a simple process: obtain the forms from the municipal office or website, fill them out, then bring them in - and pay the required fee.

Cyr reminds there are a few basic requirements to run, using Wawa as an example.

While it was quiet for most of the nomination period, candidates have been filing in recent weeks: in Wawa, there are seven candidates for four Council seats (current councillors Cathy Cannon and Mitch Hatfield, as well as Mary Harbocian, Jim Hoffman, Leah Isosaari, Robert Reeves, and Sue Smith), with current councillor Melanie Pilon running for mayor and longtime English Public School Board trustee Russell Reid seeking re-election; in Chapleau, only one candidate has filed, Ryan Bignucolo for mayor; in Dubreuilville, there are five Council candidates (current councillors Gerard Lévesque, Luc Lévesque, and Hélène Perth, plus Julila Hemphill and Krystel Lévesque), with mayor Beverly Nantel and longtime French Language Separate School Board trustee Roger Lemoyne both up for re-election; and White River is reporting no candidates so far.

Candidates are considered "unofficial" until certification, which happens after next Friday's nomination deadline.

More Wawa & Dubreuilville Council Candidates As Deadline Nears

A couple local election races are continuing to heat up - just over a week before the nomination deadline.

In Wawa, Jim Hoffman's become the seventh candidate for four seats on Council, after current councillors Cathy Cannon and Mitch Hatfield, as well as Mary Harbocian, Leah Isosaari, Robert Reeves, and Sue Smith.

It remains fairly quiet for other Wawa races, with councillor Melanie Pilon currently the only candidate for mayor while longtime English Public School Board trustee Russell Reid is running for re-election uncontested.

Meanwhile, Dubreuilville has a fifth candidate for councillor: Gerard Lévesque, who was appointed to fill a mid-term vacancy in fall 2020 - he joins fellow councillors Luc Lévesque and Hélène Perth, as well as new candidates Krystel Lévesque and Julila Hemphill.

Like Wawa, Dubreuilville's other races are fairly quiet, with incumbent mayor Beverly Nantel and longtime French Language Separate School Board trustee Roger Lemoyne both uncontested in their re-election bids.

Chapleau's website still shows only a single candidate to file, Ryan Bignucolo in his third bid for mayor, while White River's reported no candidates so far.

Candidates are considered "unofficial" until certification, which happens after the nomination deadline, which is Friday, August 19th, at 2 pm.

PHSD Reports COVID-19 Cases, Including in Northern Sudbury District

More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region - including in the northern Sudbury District.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 79 cases since Monday - 67 in Greater Sudbury, ten in the broader Sudbury District, and two in the Manitoulin District - with known "active" cases up to 194, including 35 in hospital, three in ICUs.

The "active" cases include four in the northern Sudbury District - a jump from the one case reported in that area in recent updates - the community isn't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

The health unit is holding an "appointment only" vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office today, though it's intended for those up to five years old - book through the provincial system or call the health unit.

North Algoma's moved to appointments rather than 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.

Forest Fire Reported in Chapleau Region, Already Out

A new forest fire's been reported in the Chapleau region - though it's already out.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry's Aviation, Forest Fire, and Emergency Services says a single new "wildland fire" was reported by late Tuesday afternoon: "Chapleau 12", which was a tenth of a hectare in size on the east side of an island on Kilpatrick Lake, though the fire has since been declared "out".

The fire hazard for the Northeast is moderate north of Timmins and Highway 101, and low south of that line.

APH Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Fewer Active

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting 51 since Thursday - 38 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, nine in Central and East Algoma, and four in the Elliot Lake area - though known "high risk active" cases are down to 86 - the lowest in sometime - with ten in hospital, one in an ICU.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts is holding "appointment only" vaccination clinics at its Chapleau office today and tomorrow, though Thursday's clinic is intended for those up to five years old - book through the provincial system or call the health unit.

North Algoma's moved to appointments rather than 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.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Still 1 Active in Northern Sudbury District

More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region - with one still active in the northern Sudbury District.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 95 cases since Friday - 82 in Greater Sudbury, four in the broader Sudbury District, and nine in the Manitoulin District - with known "active" cases dropping to 185 - including one in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 50 cases in hospital, three in ICUs - both up from Friday.

The health unit's holding "appointment only" vaccination clinics at its Chapleau office tomorrow and Thursday, though Thursday's clinic is intended for those up to five years old - book through the provincial system or call the health unit.

North Algoma's moved to appointments rather than 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.

6th Candidate in Running for Wawa Council

Wawa's municipal council race is heating up, with another candidate.

Mary Harbocian's filed nomination papers, becoming the sixth candidate for Wawa's four Council seats, after current councillors Cathy Cannon and Mitch Hatfield, as well as Leah Isosaari, Robert Reeves, and Sue Smith.

There's a single candidate for mayor at this time - current councillor Melanie Pilon - while longtime English Public School Board trustee Russell Reid is up for re-election.

Candidates are considered unofficial until certification, which happens after the nomination deadline - prospective candidates have less than two weeks left, as the deadline's 2 pm Friday, August 19th.

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics Planned for Chapleau

A couple COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be held in Chapleau this week.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says it's holding "appointment only" clinics at its Chapleau office Wednesday and Thursday, though the Thursday clinic is only for those up to five years old - book through the provincial system or call the health unit.

North Algoma's moved to appointments rather than 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.

2 Wawa Councillors File Papers for Re-Election Bids

A pair of Wawa councillors are looking to continue in the role.

Cathy Cannon and Mitch Hatfield have filed nomination papers for the fall election - Hatfield was elected in 2018, while Cannon was appointed to fill a vacancy in October.

This means there are now five people running for Wawa's four Council seats, as Leah Isosaari, Robert Reeves, and Sue Smith had already filed bids.

There's also a single candidate for mayor at this time - current councillor Melanie Pilon - while longtime English Public School Board trustee Russell Reid is up for re-election.

Dubreuilville has four people in the running for its four Council seats - current councillors Luc Lévesque and Hélène Perth and first-time candidates Krystel Lévesque and Julila Hemphill - while current Mayor Beverly Nantel and longtime French Language Separate School Board trustee Roger Lemoyne are running for re-election.

Chapleau's far quieter, with its website showing only a single candidate has filed so far: local businessman Ryan Bignucolo, running for mayor.

Candidates are considered unofficial until certification, which happens after the nomination deadline - prospective candidates have less than two weeks left, as the deadline's 2 pm Friday, August 19th.

Wawa Region Forest Fire Reported, But Already Out

A new forest fire was reported in the region in recent days.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources' Aviation, Forest Fire, and Emergency Services says one new "wildland fire" was confirmed by late Friday afternoon: "Wawa 4", which was a tenth of a hectare in size - east of Beaton Lake and Highway 631 - though it was called out over the weekend.

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Prepared For New Legislative Session

MPPs are returning to Queen's Park, two months after the June election.

Local New Democrat Michael Mantha - who is starting his fourth term representing Algoma-Manitoulin - says the priority at this point is health care, emphasizing it must be addressed quickly, too.

Mantha accuses the PC government of being "MIA" since the election - even after health care was a priority for all parties in the campaign) - calling for them to "step up" but also vowing to work with them to address issues like "almost absent" primary care in many Algoma-Manitoulin communities.

The NDP's Mines, Natural Resources, and Tourism Critic - and Deputy Whip - Mantha also notes another key item that needs to be addressed: infrastructure.

The Algoma-Manitoulin MPP also notes the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference is coming up, offering the chance to hear about common issues facing municipalities across the province, such as a need for alternate revenue streams.

This also comes as the NDP are preparing for a March leadership race, and Mantha isn't ruling out a bid for the job.

While the Ontario Legislature officially convenes today, the Speech from the Throne outlining the Progressive Conservative government's plans for its second term will be delivered tomorrow.

PHSD Reports COVID-19 Deaths in Greater Sudbury & Sudbury District

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting two new deaths in which COVID was the underlying cause of death - the 142nd death in Greater Sudbury and the 14th in the broader Sudbury District - bringing the health unit's COVID-related death toll to 163 - it last reported deaths on Wednesday.

It's also reporting 87 new cases since Wednesday - 75 in Greater Sudbury, four in the Sudbury District, and eight in the Manitoulin District - pushing the number of known "active" cases up to 201 - one in the northern Sudbury District (Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 49 cases in hospital, three in ICUs.

Wawa Councillor Launches Mayoral Bid, 3 New Candidates for Dubreuilville Council

A couple local election races are heating up.

Current councillor Melanie Pilon's confirmed to JJAM FM News that she has filed papers to run for mayor, making her the first candidate in the running - current Mayor Pat Tait's said he is not running - Pilon has been a councillor since February, and is set to serve as deputy mayor in September and October, as Wawa Council rotates the role.

Pilon has yet to be added to the municipal website's list of candidates, which include three people running for Wawa's four Council seats: Leah Isosaari; Sue Smith; and Robert Reeves, while Russell Reid runs for re-election as English Public School Board trustee.

Meanwhile, Dubreuilville has three more candidates for councillor: Luc Lévesque, who was appointed to fill a mid-term vacancy and was a councillor from 2003 to 2014; and Krystel Lévesque and Julila Hemphill, who are both running for the first time.

That means four people are now in the running for Dubreuilville's four Council seats, after current councillor Hélène Perth filed for her re-election bid, while incumbent mayor Beverly Nantel and longtime French Language Separate School Board trustee Roger Lemoyne are also running for re-election.

Chapleau's website still shows only a single candidate to file, Ryan Bignucolo in his third bid for mayor.

Candidates are considered "unofficial" until certification, which happens after the nomination deadline - that's only two weeks away, at 2 pm on Friday, August 19th.

APH Reports New COVID-19 Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting 28 since Tuesday - 24 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, three in Central and East Algoma, another in the Elliot Lake area - though known "high risk active" cases are down to 109, with seven in hospital, three in ICUs - both up from Tuesday.

Chapleau Implementing Can Recycling

Chapleau's implementing a can recycling program later this month.

The Township says - starting August 16th - cans - including food and beverage cans - will be collected every Tuesday, though they must be rinsed with labels removed and put in a plastic container without a lid, placed at curbside by 8 am Tuesday morning.

Person Found Deceased in Montreal River

Police are investigating after a person was found dead in Montreal River.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Ashley Nickle explains police were notified over the weekend.

Noting the identity of the deceased has not been confirmed - a post-mortem is expected - Nickle says she cannot disclose any more information as it is an "active, ongoing" investigation, with assistance from the Sault Ste. Marie OPP Crime Unit.

Local Project Receiving Support to Improve High-Speed Internet Access

The Ontario government's touting agreements to improve high-speed internet access in the province - including locally.

As part of efforts to bring high-speed internet access "to every corner of the province" by the end of 2025, Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma's announced agreements with eight internet service providers to bring access to as many as 339 municipalities, covering up to 266,000 "unserved and underserved" homes and businesses.

That includes a $150.2-million agreement with Community Network Partners to provide access for up to 9397 homes or businesses in 40 communities across the North, including Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and Hornepayne, though the government says the municipalities to benefit from each project is "subject to change based on final agreements".

Winners Announced for Wawa Library Scavenger Hunt

The Wawa Public Library's congratulating a few local families who've claimed prizes in the recent Family Photo Scavenger Hunt.

It's commending the three participating teams: first prize winners Team Cresswell, Team MacLary in second, and Team Crawford in third - with hopes to see even more participate next year.

"Summer reading fun" is continuing at the library, with the Summer Reading Bingo Challenge still underway, along with the TD Summer Reading Club.

PHSD Reports 2 COVID-19 Deaths

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is giving few details about the two new deaths in Greater Sudbury - except that COVID contributed to but was not the underlying cause of death in one case, and it's unknown in the other.

This brings the health unit's COVID-related death toll to 161, 141 in Greater Sudbury - it last reported deaths on Friday.

It's also reporting 31 new cases since Tuesday - 26 in Greater Sudbury, five in the Manitoulin District - though the number of known "active" cases is down to 189 - one in the northern Sudbury District (Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 50 cases in hospital, three in ICUs.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's added 33 cases since Friday - it no longer breaks that down by region or reports "active" case counts, but shows six in hospital.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting 65 since Thursday - 57 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, five in Central and East Algoma, and three in the Elliot Lake area - though known "high risk active" cases are down to 117, with six in hospital, two in ICUs, also down from Thursday.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 99 cases since Friday - 81 in Greater Sudbury, three in the broader Sudbury District, and fifteen in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down to 192 - one in the northern Sudbury District (Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 50 in hospital, two in ICUs.