Stay up to date with what’s happening in your community.
More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region.
Algoma Public Health's reporting 109 since Thursday - 78 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, twenty in Central and East Algoma, nine in the Elliot Lake area, and two 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 222, including 35 in hospital, four in ICUs.
More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region - but "active" cases are declining.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 89 since Friday - 74 in Greater Sudbury, eight in the broader Sudbury District, and seven in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases dropped to 337, with 62 in hospital, one in an ICU.
The number of cases in the northern Sudbury District is also down slightly, from 31 on Friday to 26 - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.
There is some mixed news for Chapleau, as the health unit's declared an end to the outbreak in the Acute Wing of Chapleau Health Services Medical Unit 2, though the outbreak in the Long-Term Care Area is still considered "active".
Amid the outbreaks, Chapleau Health Services announced staff had been "re-deployed and re-focused on fighting the pandemic", prompting restrictions on visitors, the temporary cancellation of non-essential appointments, and a warning for people not to attend the Chapleau hospital for "non-urgent care" - it instead recommends calling 811 or visiting Health Connect Ontario online, for information, advice, and referrals.
It's also urging people to wear a mask and maintain two metres physical distance from others, washing hands frequently, staying home when possible, and booking a vaccine booster "without delay" - as "vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19" - emphasizing those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and call the assessment centre at 705-864-2568.
A couple local councils are set to hold their final meetings tonight.
The outgoing Chapleau Town Council has a light agenda (as only Lisi Bernier will be staying on, and outgoing member Gerard Bernier will be absent) though they will hear a report from the treasurer on the year's finances versus this year's budget, as well as a memo on single use plastics and discussion on a rate change for Call2Recycle.
The meeting's set to be held at 6:30 pm in Civic Centre Council Chambers.
While Wawa Municipal Council will retain more members (Councillor Melanie Pilon will become mayor and councillors Cathy Cannon and Mitch Hatfield will stay on) it's also a light night, with a Corporate Planning Committee meeting including only monthly reports from department heads, which will be accepted during tonight's regular meeting, which also includes a resolution to approve the requisition of goose prints, and two "in-camera" items, both legal issues, one relating to an offer to purchase property and the other about an application under the section of the Municipal Act relating to cancellation, reduction, or refunding of taxes.
Those meetings will be held back-to-back, also beginning at 6:30 pm, in Council Chambers.
The new Councils in Wawa & Chapleau are set to be sworn-in on November 15th.
With Halloween here, a month-long campaign to "scare hunger" is wrapping up.
Danette Mathias from Northern Lights Ford Wawa reminds its "Together Let's Scare Hunger" campaign is accepting non-perishable items for the Wawa Food Bank, with a few items preferred.
Mathias thanks the community for its support, particularly the "community partners" for this campaign.
Non-perishable - and monetary donations - can be dropped off at Northern Lights Ford until 5 o'clock tonight - those who donate will also be entered into a draw to win a $25 gift certificate.
As kids prepare to trick-or-treat, local police are reminding of some important safety tips.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Community Safety Officer Constable Ashley Nickle has some advice for parents about trick-or-treating.
Constable Nickle reminds parents to check treats before their children eat them, and has some warnings for trick-or-treaters.
Nickle also urges kids to "respect people who don't participate" in Halloween - avoiding homes with lights off or no decorations - and emphasizes that costumes should fit properly and "be as visible as possible".
Drivers are also reminded to be cautious and alert.
The Township of Chapleau's reminding its winter parking by-law is set to take force.
The by-law applies from November 1st to April 30th, prohibiting parking on any street between 1 am and 8 am, including the full 66-foot right-of-way running from the front lot line on one side of the street to the front lot line on the opposite side of the street.
Once the by-law takes effect, the Township's asks drivers park entirely within their property limits and landlords ensure tenants have off-street parking spaces free of snow - and the Township warns creating parking spaces in snow banks isn't permitted, nor is clearing the snow on the side of the road in front of your home into large piles.
Wawa's winter parking by-law took effect October 15th, prohibiting parking on any street or boulevard between 1 am and 8 am.
More COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed in the region.
In its latest report, Public Health Sudbury and Districts reports two in the Sudbury District, but does not specify the community - the district has only seen sixteen so far, though this brings the health unit's death toll to 185, mainly in Greater Sudbury.
The health unit's also reporting 80 new cases since Wednesday - 70 in Greater Sudbury, four in the broader Sudbury District, and three in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases are down slightly, to 378, with 65 in hospital, one in an ICU.
The number of cases in the northern Sudbury District is also down slightly, from 36 on Wednesday to 31 - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations, and the health unit is still showing two outbreaks at Chapleau Health Services: in the Acute Wing of Medical Unit 2 and in the Long-Term Care Area.
Chapleau Health Services' has noted the outbreak's affecting patients and residents as well as staff and designated caregivers, with staff "re-deployed and re-focused on fighting the pandemic", prompting restrictions on visitors and the temporary cancellation of non-essential appointments - in fact, it's warning people not to attend the Chapleau hospital for "non-urgent care", instead recommending calling 8-1-1 or visiting Health Connect Ontario online for information, advice, and referrals.
It's also urging people to wear a mask and maintain two metres physical distance from others, washing hands frequently, staying home when possible, and booking a vaccine booster "without delay", as "vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19".
Those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and call the assessment centre at 705-864-2568.
As Remembrance Day approaches, the Royal Canadian Legion's launched its annual poppy campaign.
Larry Harvey - Poppy Campaign Chairman for Wawa's Legion Branch 429 - explains the campaign supports a few things, particularly veterans.
Aside from poppies - found throughout the community - Harvey reminds wreath orders are being accepted, urging everyone to get them in early, especially for the annual ceremony in Hawk Junction, which will be held after the annual church service on November 6th.
A Wawa councillor's thanking the community for its support, as she's been elected for her first full term.
Cathy Cannon - who was appointed to fill a vacancy on Council last October - was elected on Monday - receiving 406 votes, according to unofficial results - and thanks everyone who supported her.
Cannon will be joined by current councillor Mitch Hatfield - who'll serve her second term - as well as former councillor Joseph Opato and new councillor Jim Hoffmann, while current councillor Melanie Pilon becomes mayor.
The current Council's set to hold its final meeting November 1st, with the new Council sworn-in November 15th, though their first proper meeting will be December 13th.
As Halloween nears, local police are reminding of some important safety tips.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Community Safety Officer Constable Ashley Nickle has some advice for parents about costumes.
Constable Nickle also reminds parents to know the route their kids are taking, and urges drivers to be cautious so everyone can enjoy a safe Halloween.
As October nears an end, a Wawa car dealership's going on the road to help "scare hunger" this weekend.
Danette Mathias from Northern Lights Ford Wawa reminds its "Together Let's Scare Hunger" campaign is continuing to raise non-perishable food items for the Wawa Food Bank.
Mathias notes they'll be collecting food at John's Your Independent Grocer from 10 am to 1 pm Saturday, though donations will still be accepted at Northern Lights Ford today and on Monday, reminding those who donate have a chance to win a $25 gift certificate.
More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region.
Algoma Public Health's reporting 74 since Tuesday - 52 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, ten in Central and East Algoma, ten in the Elliot Lake area, and two in North Algoma (which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations) - with known "high risk active" cases up slightly to 272, including 42 in hospital, seven in ICUs.
More COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting four in Greater Sudbury - three in which COVID was the underlying cause of death, another in which it contributed to but was not the underlying cause - bringing the health unit's death toll to 183, with 161 of those in the city - it last reported a death in its previous report, on Monday.
The health unit's also reporting 93 new cases since Monday - 71 in Greater Sudbury, sixteen in the broader Sudbury District, and six in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 393, with 70 in hospital.
The number of cases in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) has skyrocketed to 36 - the communities aren't specified, but there are still two outbreaks at Chapleau Health Services, in the Acute Wing of Medical Unit 2 and in the Long-Term Care Area.
Chapleau Health Services' last update - on Tuesday - noted there were nineteen confirmed patients or residents associated with the overall outbreak, which was also affecting staff and designated caregivers, while staff have been "re-deployed and re-focused on fighting the pandemic", prompting the cancellation of non-essential appointments for ten days and visitor restrictions - in fact, it's warning people not to attend the Chapleau hospital for "non-urgent care", instead recommending calling 8-1-1 or visiting Health Connect Ontario online for information, advice, and referrals.
It's also urging people to wear a mask and maintain two metres physical distance from others, washing hands frequently, staying home when possible - self-isolating and calling the assessment centre at 705-864-2568 if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms - and booking a vaccine booster "without delay", as "vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19".
Public Health Sudbury and Districts is holding a vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office today, 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.
White River's election results are official.
The Municipality's confirmed the results, which saw Tara Anderson-Hart defeat Mark Hubbard for mayor - 170 votes to 142 - while Raymond St. Louis and Rob Sedore received 240 and 187, respectively, to fill two vacant seats on Council - current councillors Dwijen Bharad and Rodney Swarek were already acclaimed to the other two seats.
Unlike other local municipalities, turnout wasn't particularly low, at 56.1%, compared to Wawa's 37.4% or Dubreuilville's 20.59%.
More COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed in the region.
Algoma Public Health's reporting two, noted to be deaths in which COVID contributed but was not the underlying cause of death - this brings its death toll since the pandemic began to 72 - 51 in 2022 alone - it last reported a death in its last report, on Thursday.
The health unit's also reporting 157 new cases since Thursday - 110 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, seventeen in Central and East Algoma, 27 in the Elliot Lake area, and three 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 272, including 36 in hospital, four in ICUs.
Northern Ontario's NDP MPPs are calling on the commission responsible for redrawing federal electoral boundaries to reconsider its proposal for the region's ridings.
The commission's proposed redrawing of the lines would see Northern Ontario's ridings reduced by one, and the MPPs - who include Algoma-Manitoulin's Michael Mantha - warn that would "diminish the representation of Northern Ontarians in Parliament", having "a negative impact on regional development, the provision of local services, and the right to participatory democracy for all Ontarians, including Indigenous Peoples and Franco-Ontarians".
They echo concerns raised by Northern Ontario's MPs - including Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing New Democrat Carol Hughes - as well as the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, who have all urged the commission maintain the current number of ridings in the North, even if boundaries are adjusted.
A COVID-19 outbreak continues at Chapleau Health Services.
The Chapleau hospital says - as of Tuesday - the outbreak's still in effect, with nineteen confirmed patients or residents associated with it, but also affecting staff and designated caregivers, while staff have been "re-deployed and re-focused on fighting the pandemic".
The hospital emphasizes it's "essential that all community members follow public health guidelines for isolation and infection control, to help contain the spread", further noting all non-essential appointments are cancelled for the next ten days and visitors restricted - in fact, it warns people not to attend the Chapleau hospital for "non-urgent care", instead recommending calling 8-1-1 or visiting Health Connect Ontario online for information, advice, and referrals.
As for how people can help, the hospital urges everyone to wear a mask and maintain two metres physical distance from others, washing hands frequently, and staying home when possible - self-isolating and calling the assessment centre at 705-864-2568 if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms - and it urges booking a vaccine booster "without delay", as "vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19".
Public Health Sudbury and Districts is holding vaccination clinics at its Chapleau office today and tomorrow, 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.
It's official: Dubreuilville's new Council will have a mix of current and new members.
While Beverly Nantel was acclaimed for a second term as mayor, there were five candidates up for the four other seats, with current councillors Luc Levesque and Helene Perth re-elected, to be joined by new councillors Julila Hemphill and Krystel Levesque.
Official results confirm Perth received 72 votes, Hemphill and Krystel Levesque 70 each, and Luc Levesque 68, while current councillor Gerard Levesque was shut out with only 40.
Turnout was particularly low, however, with only 90 of 437 eligible voters casting ballots - only 20.59%.
In Dubreuilville, former councillor Beverly Nantel was acclaimed for a second term as mayor, to be joined by returning councillors Luc Levesque and Helene Perth, as well as new councillors Julila Hemphill and Krystel Levesque.
Unofficial results show Perth received 72 votes, Hemphill and Krystel Levesque had 70 each, and Luc Levesque had 68, while current councillor Gerard Levesque was shut out of a seat with only 40 votes.
Turnout was particularly low, however, with only 90 of 437 eligible voters casting ballots - only 20.59%.
White River has elected Tara Anderson-Hart as the community's new mayor - defeating current councillor Mark Hubbard 170 to 142 - she'll be joined by acclaimed incumbent councillors Dwijen Bharad and Rodney Swarek, while Raymond St. Louis and Rob Sedore were elected to the other two seats - St. Louis with 240 votes and Sedore with 187, while Margaret McMillan received 84, Roger Drolet 82, and Heather Dean 13.
Some communities didn't need to head to the polls.
That includes Chapleau, which saw local businessman Ryan Bignucolo acclaimed as mayor in his third bid for the role, to be joined by current councillor Lisi Bernier and three new councillors: her husband Paul Bernier; Catherine Ansara; and Alex Lambruschini - they’re set to be sworn-in on November 15th, with the current Council to hold their final meeting (unusually, on a Tuesday) November 1st.
Hornepayne similarly had no need to vote, with incumbent mayor Cheryl Fort acclaimed - along with three incumbent councillors and one new member - while Marathon Mayor Rick Dumas was acclaimed to his fifth term in the role.
Another COVID-19 death's been confirmed in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts is giving few details about its 179th death from the illness except that it occurred in Greater Sudbury and COVID was the underlying cause of death - it last reported a death last Wednesday.
The health unit's also reporting 141 cases since Friday - 117 in Greater Sudbury, eighteen in the broader Sudbury District, and six in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 383, with 64 in hospital.
The number of cases in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) nearly doubled from Friday's fourteen to 26 - the communities aren't specified, but the health unit has declared two outbreaks at Chapleau Health Services, in the Acute Wing of Medical Unit 2 and in the Long-Term Care Area.
Chapleau Health Services' website notes an outbreak at Bignucolo Residence - involving eight confirmed patients or residents - noted to be the second outbreak at the hospital's campus in two days, prompting measures including the cancelling of non-essential appointments and general visits, as well as restrictions for visitors and residents - non-critical programs have also been cancelled so staff could be redeployed, with staffing shortages and other infrastructure challenges like a lack of private rooms and the need to convert semi-private and ward rooms to adequately isolate patients creating challenges in the acute unit, which may have further impact on admission capacity.
Asked how people can help, the hospital urges people to wear a mask and maintain two metres physical distance from others, washing hands frequently, and staying home when possible - self-isolating and calling the assessment centre at 705-864-2568 if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms - and it urges booking a vaccine booster "without delay", as "vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19".
Public Health Sudbury and Districts is holding vaccination clinics at its Chapleau office tomorrow 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.
