LDHC Foundation Launches 50/50 Campaign

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation has launched a new fundraising effort to support the local hospital.

Foundation Chair Susan Switzer explains the online campaign's underway now.

Switzer says this campaign follows on recent fundraising efforts, as the local hospital aims to "go digital" along with 23 hospitals across northeastern Ontario.

In order to make the change, Switzer says there are a number of other pieces of equipment needed, which is what the Foundation's looking to address.

Switzer notes the online campaign's underway now, with tickets available until December 14th at 8 pm, though she notes there is an Early Bird Draw of $250, for those who have purchased tickets by 8 pm November 16th.

Wawa Set to Hold Drop-In Sessions for 5-Year Tourism Plan Development

Wawa's encouraging residents to join in efforts to prepare the community's new five-year tourism plan.

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains the drop-in sessions are an opportunity for the contractor working on the plan, Bannakin Tourism Consultants, to present some research and get feedback from the public.

Patterson notes it is open to everyone, but there is limited space.

Patterson says there are a couple options to register.

This follows on an online survey that was conducted about a month ago, which asked participants to share views on "what makes Wawa a great place for visitors and tourists" - the intention is to lead to the new five-year tourism plan.

Wawa Honours Outgoing Councillor Bill Chiasson

Wawa said good bye to a longtime councillor last night.

As the current Wawa Municipal Council held their final meeting - with outgoing mayor Pat Tait absent - outgoing councillor Bill Chiasson was presented with a framed goose print, with CAO Maury O'Neill lauding his twelve years of dedicated service on Council.

O'Neill also praised Councillor Chiasson's attendance record - even as proceedings were held online - and his dedication to various committees, including the Cemetery Committee, further touting his treatment of staff, such as hand-delivering Christmas cards.

Councillor Chiasson - who noted he did not run for re-election due to health reasons, but could seek a seat on Council again in the future, if that changes - says was honoured, emphasizing he worked for "the people".

Chiasson also thanked all the public that supported him - and even those that didn't - adding he intends to keep working on other committees "that keep this town going", vowing to "do the best [he] can for the best of this town".

The new Wawa Council's set to be sworn-in on November 15th, with their first proper meeting to be held December 13th.

Wawa Dealing With Vandalism Issues in Parks

Vandalism issues are again rearing their ugly head in Wawa's parks.

While there had been issues - particularly at the Lion's Beach washrooms - in late spring and early summer - Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson says that has returned, with problems elsewhere, too.

Patterson describes the extent of the problem.

Patterson also notes littering or dumping issues.

While Patterson says he's spoken with the OPP, he notes they can't be everywhere all the time, and public help is needed.

Patterson calls the issue particularly distressing as his department's small staff is currently focused on the MMCC, including preparing the curling rink for the upcoming season, making it even more difficult to monitor for and address problems in parks.

APH Confirms New COVID-19 Cases, Including in North Algoma

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.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Declining Count in Northern Sudbury District

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.

Current Wawa & Chapleau Councils to Hold Light Final Meetings Tonight

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.

Together Let's Scare Hunger Campaign Ending for Year

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.

Superior East OPP Offers Halloween Safety Tips

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.

Chapleau Winter Parking By-Law to Take Effect

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.

PHSD Reports COVID-19 Deaths in Sudbury District, Declining Cases in Northern District

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.

Legion's Annual Poppy Campaign Launches

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.

Wawa Councillor Thanks Community for Election Win

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.

Superior East OPP Issues Halloween Costume Safety Reminder

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.

Together Let's Scare Hunger Campaign Nears End

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.

APH Reports New COVID-19 Cases, 2 in North Algoma

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.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Deaths, Northern Sudbury District Cases Skyrocket Amid Chapleau Outbreak

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 Confirms Election Results, Reports 56% Voter Turnout

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%.

APH Reports 2 COVID-19 Deaths, More Cases (Including in North Algoma)

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 NDP MPPs Oppose Proposed Federal Riding Redrawing

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.