Wawa Elects Mix of Current and New Councillors to Join Acclaimed New Mayor

Wawa will have a mix of returning and new council members in the coming term.

Cathy Cannon, Mitch Hatfield, Jim Hoffmann, and Joseph Opato will join Melanie Pilon, who was acclaimed as mayor - Pilon's been a councillor since February.

This will be the second term for Hatfield and the first full term for Cannon, who was appointed last October, while Opato was a councillor in the 1990s, and Hoffmann's new to Council.

Unofficial results show Hoffmann received the most votes - 523 - followed by Cannon with 406, Opato with 398, and Hatfield with 392.

Hoffmann welcomes the support.

Opato echoes the sentiment.

Hatfield is quite upbeat about staying on Council.

Shut out of seats were Angela Calaiezzi - who had 382 votes - Leah Isosaari with 274, Robert Reeves with 269, Mary Harbocian with 162, and Sue Smith with 85.

There were three declined ballot and one spoiled.

Turnout was low, however: only 37.4% of eligible voters cast ballots, below 2018's only 39.8%.

The current Council's set to hold their final meeting November 1st, with the new Council sworn-in November 15th, though their first proper meeting will be December 13th.

Municipal Election Day for Ontario, Races in Wawa, Dubreuilville & White River

It's Election Day for most Ontario municipalities.

In Wawa, current councillor Melanie Pilon has been acclaimed as mayor, though there are nine candidates for the four remaining 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.

Interviews with each of the Wawa Council candidates can be found here.

Clerk Cathy Cyr reminds that voting is only done electronically, though special assistance is offered today.

Voting closes at 8 o'clock tonight, as it will across the province.

There will be a special results announcement event in Council Chambers, with doors opening at 7:45 tonight, though they'll also be announced through the Municipality's YouTube channel and posted on the municipal website.

In 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.

Ballots can be cast from 10 am to 8 pm at 23 Pins Street.

White River has two mayoral candidates - Tara Anderson Hart and current councillor Mark Hubbard - while two people were acclaimed to Council - Dwijen Bharad and Rodney Swarek - with five people running for the other two seats: Heather Dean; Roger Drolet; Margaret McMillan; Robert Sedore; and Raymond St. Louis.

Voting is taking place at the White River Municipal Office from 10 am to 8 pm.

Chapleau had its entire Council acclaimed, with local businessman Ryan Bignucolo becoming mayor in his third bid for the role, joined by current councillor Lisi Bernier, her husband Paul Bernier, Catherine Ansara, and Alex Lambruschini.

All local school board trustee positions were also acclaimed.

JJAM FM will have live coverage as results come in after 8 o'clock tonight.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Northern Sudbury District Rising

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

In its latest report, Public Health Sudbury and Districts reports 84 new cases - 70 in Greater Sudbury, eight in the broader Sudbury District, and six in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 358, with 69 in hospital.

The number of cases in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) continues to jump, rising from ten to fourteen.

The health unit's holding vaccination clinics at its Chapleau office Wednesday and Thursday, by appointment only - 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.

APH Reports 70th COVID-19 Death, More Cases in North Algoma

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

Algoma Public Health's giving no further details about its 70th death - the 49th in 2022 alone - it last reported a death on Tuesday.

The health unit's also reporting 107 new cases since Tuesday - 70 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, fifteen in Central and East Algoma, twenty in the Elliot Lake area, and two in North Algoma (which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations) - pushing known "high risk active" cases up to 328, including 39 in hospital, one in an ICU.

Wawa Public Library Marks End of Ontario Public Library Week

An annual celebration of Ontario libraries is wrapping up - but Wawa's library is still marking the occasion.

Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell notes remaining Ontario Public Library Week events include a "Coffee and Culture" event with Paula Valois this afternoon, and a more musical event tomorrow.

Jarrell adds the week-long Food for Fines campaign continues to Saturday.

Jarrell also reminds a book and DVD sale supporting the Alzheimer Society is still underway, while the in-library scavenger hunt wraps up tomorrow, and there's a colouring contest, too.

Collaborative Care Algoma Presentation Coming to Wawa

Wawa's hosting a special information session this weekend.

Wawa Family Health Team Geriatric Program Coordinator Jolene Binda explains that Collaborative Care Algoma is visiting.

While Binda acknowledges such conversations are usually centered around seniors and tend only to come up around "a crisis point", she emphasizes this event is meant to make this a more common discussion before it's needed.

Binda notes it's a free presentation with a question and answer period, starting a 6 o'clock Sunday evening, in the banquet room of the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Wawa Municipal Election Voting Nearing Close

Time is running out to cast a ballot in Wawa's municipal election.

As Monday is the official Election Day - the last day to cast a vote electronically - Municipal Clerk Cathy Cyr reminds the process is simple, outlined in the voter information letter sent out weeks ago.

Time is running out to cast a ballot in Wawa's municipal election.

As Monday is the official Election Day - the last day to cast a vote electronically - Municipal Clerk Cathy Cyr reminds the process is simple, outlined in the voter information letter sent out weeks ago.

NL Ford's Together Let's Scare Hunger Campaign On The Road

A Wawa car dealership's going on the road to help "scare hunger" this weekend.

Now three weeks into Northern Lights Ford Wawa's "Together Let's Scare Hunger" campaign - raising non-perishable food items for the Wawa Food Bank - Danette Mathias from the dealership explains the campaign's stopping at the local grocery store to collect donations.

While they'll only be collecting food at John's Your Independent Grocer from 10 am to 1 pm Saturday, Mathias reminds non-perishable food donations will still be accepted at Northern Lights Ford up to October 31st, noting those who donate have a chance to win a $25 gift certificate.

PHSD Reports 178th COVID-19 Death, Cases Jump in Northern Sudbury District

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

In its latest report, Public Health Sudbury and Districts shows one in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit's death toll to 178, 156 in the city - it last reported a death last Friday.

It's also reporting 128 cases since Monday - 104 in Greater Sudbury, seventeen in the broader Sudbury District, and seven in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 319, with 64 in hospital, two in ICUs, while "active" cases in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations), more than tripled to ten.

Meanwhile, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting its 122nd COVID death along with 176 new cases - 136 in the city, eleven in district communities, 29 in First Nation communities - though "active" cases are down to 161, including 55 in hospital, two in ICUs.

Wawa Public Library Bringing "Coffee and Culture" to Ontario Public Library Week

The Wawa Public Library's offering some "coffee and culture" as it continues its celebration of Ontario Public Library Week.

CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains the library's got a couple events planned for the purpose, starting today.

The Wawa library also has an "Afternoon of Music" Saturday, and is continuing a book and DVD sale supporting the Alzheimer Society, a week-long "Food for Fines" campaign, a week-long in-library scavenger hunt, and a colouring contest.

Outgoing Chapleau Council Approves Loader Repair

The outgoing Chapleau Town Council's approved some work for a piece of municipal equipment.

Mayor Michael Levesque explains Council - which is currently in the "restricted acts period" as only one current councillor will be part of the incoming Council, whose term will begin in less than a month - had to confirm whether they could approve the engine rebuild for a loader.

The current Council is set to hold its final meeting on November 1st - a Tuesday - with the new Council to hold their inaugural meeting November 15th.

Meanwhile, Levesque is offering best wishes for outgoing councillor - and current deputy mayor - Gerard Bernier.

Mayor Levesque's also offering condolences for the passing of his predecessor, former mayor Andre Byham, who died October 10th - a visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Church this Saturday at 10 am, followed by a memorial mass at 11 am.

MMCC to Start Charging for Locker Rentals

Wawa's Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre will soon start charging for lockers.

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains the move stems from concerns about locker availability - something that has come up before, though he emphasizes he doesn't believe it comes out of intentionally malicious behaviour.

While lockers are currently free of charge - with no time limits on use - Patterson explains the plan approved by Council will see a monthly charge and users would sign up for a specific term.

When discussing the idea with Council last night, Patterson noted the plan includes a grace period - in fact, councillor and incoming mayor Melanie Pilon suggested extending it from a proposed two weeks to one month - though Patterson assured items removed from lockers wouldn't be disposed of immediately, historically they've been kept on hand for people to claim for some time after.

As Council just approved adding the locker rental to the Municipality's schedule of fees, Patterson notes it will take a few days to get details out about deadlines and how to sign up, but he is aiming to have the system implemented by the first or second week of the curling season, which is set to begin in about three weeks.

APH Reports 2 COVID-19 Deaths, More Cases in North Algoma & Region

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

Algoma Public Health's giving no further details about the two latest deaths, which bring its death toll since the pandemic began to 69, 48 in 2022 alone.

This comes as the health unit's reporting 120 new cases since Thursday - 89 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, sixteen in Central and East Algoma, thirteen in the Elliot Lake area, and two in North Algoma (which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations) - but known "high risk active" cases are down to 284, while hospitalizations have skyrocketed to 45, including five in ICUs.

Wawa Curling Registration Continues

Registration for Wawa's curlers is continuing tonight.

A second registration event's being held for Wawa's Men's, Ladies, and Mixed Curling Leagues tonight - from 6:30 pm to 8 pm in the Curling Lounge of the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Individuals interested in being a spare are encouraged to register, as well, with the Curling Club noting it's working to bring an instructor from Sault Ste. Marie - not Brad Jacobs - later this month.

Anyone looking for more information is encouraged to contact Tom Terris about the Mixed League, Danette Mathias for the Ladies League, Jim Hoffmann for the Men's League, or curling organizer Diane Spencer.

Wawa Public Library Continues Events for Ontario Public Library Week

The Wawa Public Library's continuing its celebration of Ontario Public Library Week.

CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains the library's hosting an event for adults today.

In addition to today's event, the Wawa library's hosting a book and DVD sale supporting the Alzheimer Society, a week-long "Food for Fines" campaign, a week-long in-library scavenger hunt and a colouring contest, plus "Coffee and Culture" events Thursday evening and Friday afternoon, and an "Afternoon of Music" Saturday afternoon.

Wawa Council to Hold Final Meetings Before Election Day

Wawa Municipal Council's set to hold its final meetings before Election Day.

As voting ends next Monday, Council's set to hold a trio of meetings tonight: a Corporate Planning Committee meeting including a quarterly financial report and the addition of MMCC locker rental to the schedule of fees; a Committee of Adjustment meeting on a minor variance application; and a regular Council meeting, which includes a resolution to adopt the new locker rental fees and by-laws to establish a new Health and Safety Section in the Wawa Policy Manual and a provincial government-required policy on electronic monitoring.

There are also three "in-camera" items, all legal issues: one relating to marina divestiture; another about an application under the section of the Municipal Act relating to cancellation, reduction, or refunding of taxes; and the other about the ADSAB apportionment model.

The meetings will be held back-to-back, starting at 6:30 pm tonight, in Council Chambers - they'll also be livestreamed through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 73 cases since Friday - 70 in Greater Sudbury, two in the broader Sudbury District, and another in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down to 295, with 55 in hospital, one in an ICU.

There are still three new "active" cases in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations), the same as Friday.

The health unit's next holding vaccination clinics at its Chapleau office October 26th and 27th, by appointment only - 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.

Wawa Public Library Holding Dyslexia Awareness Event Amid Ontario Public Library Week

The Wawa Public Library's celebrating Ontario Public Library Week - with a special event focusing on dyslexia awareness.

CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains it's a chance for the library to show off something new.

In addition to today's event, the Wawa library's hosting a book and DVD sale supporting the Alzheimer Society, a week-long "Food for Fines" campaign, a week-long in-library scavenger hunt and a colouring contest, plus an adult craft event tomorrow afternoon, "Coffee and Culture" events Thursday evening and Friday afternoon, and an "Afternoon of Music" Saturday afternoon.

Chapleau Council Set to Hold Sole October Meeting

Chapleau Town Council has a fairly light agenda for the night.

Currently in the "restricted acts period" - as only one current councillor will be part of the incoming Council, all of which was acclaimed - Council's agenda for tonight includes resolutions to approve tax write-offs and the engine rebuild for a loader, along with several pieces of correspondence.

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

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