2 Hornepayne Residents Charged Over Domestic Dispute

Two Hornepayne residents are facing charges after a domestic dispute.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers responded to the incident on Front Street around 7 o'clock Friday morning, with investigation revealing property was damaged and one individual was assaulted in a physical altercation, leading to the arrest of a 26-year-old on charges of aggravated spousal assault and fail to comply with a probation order, while a 29-year-old was charged with mischief - destroys or damages property and failure to comply with undertaking.

Both have been released from custody, set to appear in Hornepayne’s Ontario Court of Justice in October.

5 Candidates for White River's 2 Open Council Seats

Five people will compete for two seats on White River's Council.

The community only saw two candidates file before the nomination deadline - current councillors Dwijen Bharad and Rodney Swarek - with both acclaimed, but that left two seats unfilled, prompting a brief reopening of nominations last week.

Five candidates were certified: Heather Dean; Roger Drolet; Margaret McMillan; Robert Sedore; and Raymond St. Louis - they'll run for the two unfilled seats, to join Bharad and Swarek.

White River also has two candidates for mayor: Tara Anderson Hart and current councillor Mark Hubbard.

Municipal elections across Ontario will be held October 24th.

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

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 93 cases since Wednesday - 79 in Greater Sudbury, six in the broader Sudbury District, and eight in the Manitoulin District - with known "active" cases up to 229, including 29 in hospital, one in an ICU.

The "active" cases include three in the northern Sudbury District - the same as Wednesday's update - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

Incoming Chapleau Mayor Excited After Acclamation

Chapleau's incoming mayor says he's "excited" after being acclaimed to the role.

Local businessman Ryan Bignucolo says he was motivated to run because he felt the community was "not moving forward" and was "losing things", with plans to address that as mayor.

Bignucolo adds the Township needs to ensure it's getting its "fair share" of fuel taxes, and sees other priorities.

In addition to economic development items, Bignucolo says there's "something about bringing a community together".

Bignucolo will be joined on Council by current councillor Lisi Bernier, her husband Paul Bernier, Cathy Ansara, and Alex Lambruschini - he calls them "a great group of people" with a common interest of seeing Chapleau prosper.

APH Reports New COVID-19 Cases, PHU Reports 2 COVID-19 Deaths

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting 48 cases since Tuesday - 37 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, seven in Central and East Algoma, and four in the Elliot Lake area - with known "high risk active" cases up to 153, including thirteen in hospital, one in an ICU.

The health unit has seven "active" outbreaks at the moment: at Algoma Manor, Extendicare Maple View, Ontario Finnish Resthome, and Sault Area Hospital, and at Golden Birches in Blind River.

Meanwhile, the Porcupine Health Unit's reporting two more COVID-19 deaths - bringing its total to 73, 42 this year - it last reported a death August 17th.

The health unit's also reporting 27 new cases since Wednesday - it no longer breaks that down by region nor reports "active" case counts, but does show seventeen in hospital.

AMK MP Hughes Opposes Proposed New Electoral Boundaries

A proposed redrawing of federal electoral districts is facing pushback from Northern MPs.

The proposed redistribution - put forward by an independent commission - would see Ontario gain a seat, for a total of 122, but would see substantial changes to many current boundaries - the most significant being the reduction of Northern Ontario's ridings from the current ten to only nine.

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing NDP MP Carol Hughes says she - and all Northern MPs - are "surprised and very disappointed", warning this would be harmful to the region.

Though Hughes agrees some changes to riding borders may be reasonable, she says this goes farther than expected, drawing comparisons with the areas that are gaining ridings under this proposal, like Brampton and London.

Aside from lamenting the disappearance of the "Algoma" name from any ridings, Hughes also highlights potential economic problems - noting the North will lose over $1-million from the Canada Summer Jobs program, given how it works - but says Northern MPs will be pushing back and ensuring their voices are heard, making submissions to hearings on the proposed changes - though she has issues with those hearings, too.

The local MP also flags the timing of the hearings, as they're taking place amid Ontario's municipal election period, which means mayors or councils who might want to take part may not be able to do so.

Details of the proposal can be found at redistribution2022.ca

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Seeks Changes to Northern Health Travel Grant

Local MPP Mike Mantha's pushing for changes to Ontario's Northern Health Travel Grant.

The Algoma-Manitoulin MPP's re-introduced a bill which would establish an advisory committee bringing together Northern health care providers to make recommendations to the Minister of Health on improving access to health care in the region through reimbursement of travel costs.

Pointing to high gas prices for the North, Mantha says "people in the North are not getting the same access to health care because of the high cost of travel" and not raising the rates "is putting a massive burden on Northern Ontarians who are already struggling with inflation and price gouging".

This comes after Mushkegowuk-James Bay New Democrat Guy Bourgouin called on the government to update the grant to keep up with the rising cost of gas and accommodation, warning that - given the rate of inflation - the grant isn't covering the cost of gas, let alone the cost of a hotel room.

PHSD Reports New 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 75 since Monday - 61 in Greater Sudbury, ten in the broader Sudbury District, and four in the Manitoulin District - with known "active" cases up to 187, including 26 in hospital.

The "active" cases include three in the northern Sudbury District - up from the one reported Monday - the community isn't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

Chapleau Council Honours Local Volunteers

Chapleau Town Council's honoured some longstanding volunteers in the community.

While the recipients of Chapleau's annual "Buddy" Swanson Volunteer Recognition Award were honoured on Canada Day, plaques were presented to the recipients during this week's Council meeting - Mayor Michael Levesque notes there were two recipients.

In addition, Mayor Levesque says a few other volunteers were honoured this week.

Levesque emphasizes the importance of recognizing these volunteers.

Mayor Levesque congratulates and thanks all the honourees.

Outgoing Chapleau Mayor Congratulates Incoming Council

Chapleau's outgoing mayor is congratulating the community's newly acclaimed Council.

As only one candidate, Ryan Bignucolo, filed for a mayoral bid, and only four for the four seats on Council - current councillor Lisi Bernier, her husband Paul Bernier, and Catherine Ansara and Alex Lambruschini - all five have been acclaimed.

Current Mayor Michael Levesque wishes them well.

The current Council term's set to end in mid-November, when the new mayor and Council will be sworn-in.

Chapleau Council Approves 2022 Budget

Chapleau Town Council's approved this year's budget.

In a recent special finance meeting, Council confirmed various by-laws implementing the budget, which Mayor Michael Levesque acknowledges comes later than usual.

The 3% increase relates to the tax levy itself, not a 3% increase to bills - the effect on bills is determined by tax ratios and property assessment changes.

White River Reopens Nominations for 2 Council Seats

Prospective White River councillors are getting another chance to put their name forward.

The community only saw two candidates file before last Friday's nomination deadline - current councillors Dwijen Bharad and Rodney Swarek - with both acclaimed - but there are four seats on White River Council, so the Township's reopening nominations for the two remaining seats from 9 am to 2 pm today.

If more than two candidates file, then those two seats would be put to an election, along with the role of mayor, as two people filed their nomination for that: Tara Anderson Hart and current councillor Mark Hubbard.

Municipal elections across Ontario will be held October 24th.

APH Reports COVID-19 Cases, Including 1 in North Algoma

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting 74 cases since Thursday - 49 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, eleven in Central and East Algoma, thirteen 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 known "high risk active" cases are down to 125, with thirteen in hospital, two in ICUs - both up from Thursday.

The health unit has seven "active" outbreaks at the moment: at Algoma Manor, Extendicare Maple View, Ontario Finnish Resthome, and Sault Area Hospital, and at Golden Birches in Blind River.

Small Forest Fire Reported in Chapleau Region, Now Out

A small forest fire was reported in the Chapleau region - but it's already out.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry's Aviation, Forest Fire, and Emergency Services says "Chapleau 15" was confirmed Monday, a tenth of a hectare in size on an island on Duck Lake, but it has since been declared out.

Two other fires were reported in the Sudbury region - a lightning-caused fire under control at a tenth of a hectare in size on the northeast side of Tank Lake, and a fire not yet under control at two-tenths of a hectare in size, located 300 metres west of Fox Road and one kilometre east of Rat Lake.

The fire hazard's low to moderate for much of the northeast.

Incoming Wawa Mayor "A Little Nervous" and "Thrilled"

Wawa's incoming mayor says she's "a little nervous" but "thrilled" as she's been acclaimed to the role.

The Municipality of Wawa's confirmed Melanie Pilon has been acclaimed as the sole candidate for the job, noting she's been a councillor since February 1st, as well as a long-time Wawa resident and a proud Anishinaabe Kwe, who currently serves as a Senior Consultant on Indigenous Relations for Bell Canada.

Saying she feels "wonderful" and "honoured", Pilon explains why she ran.

Pilon notes she has plans for the new term.

Pilon thanks everyone in the community who's supported her - particularly all the kind words - adding she looks forward to working with everyone who's put their name forward for Council.

While Pilon was the only candidate for mayor, Wawa has nine in the running for four Council seats: current councillors Cathy Cannon and Mitch Hatfield, as well as Angela Calaiezzi, Mary Harbocian, Jim Hoffmann, Leah Isosaari, Joseph Opato, Robert Reeves, and Sue Smith.

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Correction: A previous version of the story stated Pilon is serving as Deputy Mayor for the remainder of Council's term. This was incorrect information provided in a now-corrected municipal press release.

Wawa Fall Recreation Registration Night

Wawa residents are being encouraged to sign up for local recreation programs in a special event tonight.

Wawa Recreation Coordinator Stacey White explains the Fall Recreation Program Registration Night event.

White explains it's a great place to come if you're not quite sure what programs you'd like to register your child in - or learn about some programs for adults - as many will be offering information or registrations.

White notes some other popular programs.

White also says there will be information on a special soccer program.

The Fall Recreation Program Registration Night event runs from 5 to 7 this evening, at the Goose Nest Market.

PHSD Reports 165th COVID-19 Death

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting its 165th linked to COVID - the 143rd in Greater Sudbury - it last reported a death on August 15th.

It's also reporting 58 new cases since Friday - 46 in Greater Sudbury, eight in the Sudbury District, and four in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down to 153, with 23 in hospital, one in an ICU.

The "active" cases include one in the northern Sudbury District - down from the three reported Friday - the community isn't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

Candidates Certified for Local Municipal Elections, Many Acclamations

Ballots are set for the upcoming fall municipal election in many local communities - but one won't be heading to the polls.

Chapleau has acclaimed the candidates for the new council term, as Ryan Bignucolo was the only one in the running for mayor - his third bid for the role - while only four filed for the four Council seats: current councillor Lisi Bernier, her husband Paul Bernier, Catherine Ansara, and Alex Lambruschini.

In Wawa, current councillor Melanie Pilon's been acclaimed as mayor, though there are nine people competing for four Council seats: current councillors Cathy Cannon and Mitch Hatfield, as well as Angela Calaiezzi, Mary Harbocian, Jim Hoffmann, Leah Isosaari, Joseph Opato, Robert Reeves, and Sue Smith.

Dubreuilville mayor Beverly Nantel has been acclaimed for a second time, with five people in the running for four Council seats: current councillors Gerard Lévesque, Luc Lévesque, and Hélène Perth, as well as new candidates Krystel Lévesque and Julila Hemphill.

All local school board trustee positions were acclaimed: longtime English Public trustee Russell Reid, longtime English Separate trustee Carol MacEachern, and longtime local French Public trustee Josée Bouchard, while Luc Tessier's been acclaimed as representative for Chapleau, Wawa, and White River on the local French Separate board, and longtime incumbent Roger Lemoyne's been acclaimed as representative for Dubreuilville and Hornepayne on the French Separate board.

White River's more complicated, as it saw two mayoral candidates: Tara Anderson Hart and current councillor Mark Hubbard, but only two candidates for four council seats: Dwijen Bharad and Rodney Swarek, both of whom are current councillors - those two were acclaimed, with nominations to be accepted from 9 am to 2 pm tomorrow for the remaining two seats.

If more than two candidates file tomorrow, then those two seats would be put to an election, along with the role of mayor.

Municipal elections across Ontario will be held October 24th.

Chapleau Council Set to Hold August Meeting

Chapleau Town Council will receive an update on the fall municipal election tonight.

That's one of the items on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting, along with an agreement with the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre for GIS Services, a purchase order to replace lighting at the Fire Hall.

There are two "in-camera" items: on concerning labour relations or employee negotiations, the other about information provided in confidence by Ontario's Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 pm tonight, in Civic Centre Council Chambers.

Certification Underway for Local Municipal Elections

Work's underway to confirm ballots for upcoming fall municipal elections.

As Friday was the deadline for nominations, municipalities are now certifying the nominees to determine candidates - and it looks like that'll mean many acclamations in the region.

That includes Chapleau, where only one candidate, Ryan Bignucolo, had filed for mayor and only four for the four Council seats: current councillor Lisi Bernier and newcomers Catherine Ansara, Paul Bernier, and Alex Lambruschini.

In Wawa, it appears current councillor Melanie Pilon will be acclaimed as mayor, though there may be nine people competing for four Council seats: current councillors Cathy Cannon and Mitch Hatfield, as well as Angela Calaiezzi, Mary Harbocian, Jim Hoffman, Leah Isosaari, Joseph Opato, Robert Reeves, and Sue Smith.

Dubreuilville mayor Beverly Nantel appears set to be acclaimed for a second time, with five people in the running for four Council seats: current councillors Gerard Lévesque, Luc Lévesque, and Hélène Perth, as well as new candidates Krystel Lévesque and Julila Hemphill.

White River has reported no candidates heading into the deadline.

It appears no ballots will be cast for local school board trustees, with longtime English Public trustee Russell Reid apparently unopposed in his re-election bid, longtime local French Public trustee Josée Bouchard unopposed in a re-election bid, Luc Tessier unopposed in a bid to represent Chapleau, Wawa, and White River on the local French Separate board, and longtime incumbent Roger Lemoyne unopposed in his bid to represent Dubreuilville and Hornepayne on the French Separate board.

No local candidate's been listed for the English Separate board.

Wawa Clerk Cathy Cyr reminds residents to check they're on the voter's list, noting you can use the municipal website

Municipal elections across Ontario will be held October 24th.