Improving COVID-19 Situation for PHSD, Despite Dozens of New Cases

More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region - but it does appear to be improving.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 81 since Friday - 75 in Greater Sudbury, four in the broader Sudbury District, and two in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases have dropped to 244, with 37 in hospital, one in an ICU, both down from the previous report.

More promising news: the number of cases in the northern Sudbury District is down to only two - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations, though the health unit has declared an end to the outbreak in the long-term care area of Chapleau Health Services, which was declared October 20th.

The Chapleau hospital says it will "cautiously resume normal operations" "over the next few days", with patients to be contacted to rebook previously postponed appointments and visitor restrictions to "gradually ease".

It still recommends wearing a mask and maintaining two metres physical distance from others, washing hands frequently, staying home when possible, and getting your vaccine booster and flu shot as "vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19" - it also emphasizes those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and call the assessment centre at 705-864-2568.

Applications Available for Wawa Christmas Hampers

Applications are now available for a Wawa tradition supporting those in need: the Christmas Hampers.

Christmas Hamper Fund President Richard Watson explains the hampers are meant for those in need in the community - families, seniors, anyone having a tough time, such as with reduced working hours - offering a few items to brighten the season.

Watson notes there's a little extra to help out.

Encouraging anyone who may need some help to file, Watson notes applications can be found at the Town Hall, the Thrift Barn, and the Wawa Food Bank, but must be submitted at the Town Hall - the deadline is November 25th.

Curling Training Session Offered in Wawa

Wawa curlers are being offered a special opportunity for training late this month.

The Wawa Curling Leagues are sponsoring a training session with two instructors from the Soo Curling Leagues, Robert and Rejeanne MacLeod, to be held Saturday, November 26th, covering topics such as ice safety, rock delivery, and sweeping - while participants are encouraged to bring equipment, brooms will be available, if needed.

Those interested must register by November 15th, by contacting either Diane Spencer at 705-856-4408, Andy Stevens at 705-856-2884, Jim Hoffmann at 705-852-1274, Danette Mathias at 705-856-4432, or Tom Terris at 705-856-7257.

A student session will also be held November 25th.

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

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

In its latest report, Public Health Sudbury and Districts reports three in Greater Sudbury and another in the broader Sudbury District, bringing the health unit's death toll to 190 - 165 in Greater Sudbury, 17 in the Sudbury District, eight in the Manitoulin District - it last reported a COVID death on Wednesday.

The health unit's also reporting 59 new cases since Wednesday - 51 in Greater Sudbury, three in the broader Sudbury District, and five in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases have dropped to 254, with 44 in hospital, one in an ICU, both down from the previous report.

More promising news: the number of cases in the northern Sudbury District is also down, from eighteen on Wednesday to only seven - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations - the health unit is still showing an outbreak in the Long-Term Care Area at Chapleau Health Services, which was first declared October 20th.

In an update on Friday, Chapleau Health Services noted the continued outbreak means general visitors are still banned while "non-urgent" appointments are not available - it instead recommends 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" - emphasizing those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and call the assessment centre at 705-864-2568.

APH Reports 1st Influenza Cases of the Season

Algoma Public Health's confirmed its first cases of influenza for the season.

The health unit says two cases of influenza A have been confirmed in the Sault Ste. Marie area, noting - while circulation of the flu's remained low over the past two years due to COVID-19 measures - a higher number of cases are expected as restrictions have eased.

It emphasizes those who are sick should stay home to avoid passing the flu to others, noting most people feel better after a few days of rest and drinking plenty of fluids, though - if symptoms become worse - contact your primary care provider.

As the flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, it also recommends those eligible for COVID-19 testing and treatment get tested.

CUPE Education Workers Strike Despite Recently Passed Ontario Legislation, HSCDSB Closes Schools For 1 Day

Thousands of Ontario education workers have taken to picket lines despite newly passed provincial legislation aimed at blocking a strike.

While the PC government bill imposes a four-year collective agreement on the workers with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (roughly 55,000 education assistants, early childhood educators, librarians, custodians, and administrative staff) and levies fines of up to $4000 for each striking worker, CUPE still held a provincewide strike today, warning it plans to continue "until further notice", though Education Minister Stephen Lecce's asking the Ontario Labour Relations Board declare the strike and actions of union leaders illegal.

Education workers with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) picketed in solidarity with the CUPE workers, while major private sector union Unifor pledged $100,000 to help cover fines levied against CUPE strikers.

Locally, there are about 100 CUPE members with the various school boards in Wawa, Chapleau, Dubreuilville, White River, and Hornepayne areas, and several were set up by Wawa Town Hall today.

CUPE Local 16 President Mike Gallipeau - a member of the CUPE Ontario School Boards Council of Unions bargaining team - says the main conflict is wages.

While the union initially sought an 11.7% or about $3.25 an hour increase (the government offered 2% up to $40,000 annually and 1.25% above, but the legislation increased that to 2.5% up to $43,000 and 1.5% above), Gallipeau says their counter-offer to the government bill cut that in half, though the government refused to even return to talks unless the union withdrew its strike threat.

Gallipeau also says it is about more than wages.

Gallipeau says CUPE's demand in this strike is a negotiated contract - with the legislation repealed - dismissing the possibility of binding arbitration because "the government has no interest".

The government has argued that the union's positions have been unreasonable, so they must impose a contract to deliver stability for parents and students, ensuring kids remain in classes after years of disruption by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The local Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board closed its schools today because of the strike, though it has not said what it plans to do if it continues into next week.

The Algoma District School Board, Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon, and Conseil scolaire publique du Grand Nord de l'Ontario kept their schools open today and have indicated plans to keep them open at least for the immediate future.

Wawa Legion Urges Wreath Orders as Church Service & Hawk Junction Ceremony Near

As Remembrance Day approaches, Wawa's Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 is reminding anyone who wants to order a wreath to do so quickly.

Local Poppy Campaign Chairman Larry Harvey reminds it's especially important to get orders in if you wish to have a wreath laid in Hawk Junction, as that'll happen after the annual church service this Sunday.

Harvey also reminds those who want wreaths for the Remembrance Day ceremony on Friday to get the order in by Wednesday - currently, plans are a return to normal for the ceremony, with a march from the Legion to the cenotaph for a wreath laying, then a ceremony at Michipicoten High School.

APH Reports 3 COVID-19 Deaths, More Cases (2 in North Algoma)

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting three, bringing its death toll since the pandemic began to 75 - 54 in 2022 alone - it last reported a death on October 25th.

The health unit's also reporting 37 new cases since Tuesday - 30 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, four in Central and East Algoma, one 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 250, though the number in hospital is down to 23, with only two in ICUs.

Registration Deadline for Wawa Tourism Plan Drop-In Sessions

Time is running out for Wawa residents interested in helping with the community's new five-year tourism plan.

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains a pair of drop-in sessions will be held next week, as 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 in the two sessions, encouraging people to register by calling Jessie at the Town Hall - 705-856-2244, extension 232 - or by finding the link through the Wawa Recreation or Wawa Tourism social media.

Today is the deadline for registrations.

PHSD Urges Strengthening COVID-19 Protective Measures

A local health unit's urging people "now is the time to strengthen your COVID-19 protective measures".

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says the latest data shows its COVID-19 risk index remains high - with worsening trends - as the number of local cases has almost doubled since September, while the positivity rate's reached fifteen percent - a number that has only been surpassed by two other weeks during the entire pandemic - with growing numbers of outbreaks, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Further noting early reports of influenza in the region, the health unit's urging everyone to always wear a well-fitted mask in indoor public places like retail stores or public transit, to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose when eligible, as well as flu shot, and to stay home and away from others if you're not feeling well.

Together Let's Scare Hunger Campaign Donates to Wawa Food Bank

Wawa's food bank is thanking the local Ford dealership and the community for their support in a recent campaign.

Danette Mathias of Northern Lights Ford explains the October-long "Together Let's Scare Hunger" campaign was "very, very successful".

Mathias touts the support of the entire community for making the initiative such a success - especially given the current cost of groceries - thanking everyone who stepped up and helped out.

Wawa Community Food Bank Coordinator Margaret Chapman says they're "absolutely overwhelmed" by the donations, with many organizations to be thanked specifically later.

Chapman notes food bank use greatly increased amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and - while it is down somewhat - need is still high.

Chapman commends the community for its support, and lauds the other volunteers with the local food bank.

PHSD Reports 186th COVID-19 Case, Declining Cases for Northern Sudbury District

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

In its latest report, Public Health Sudbury and Districts reports its 186th death - the 162nd in Greater Sudbury - it last reported COVID deaths on Friday.

The health unit's also reporting 68 new cases since Monday - 53 in Greater Sudbury, eleven in the broader Sudbury District, and four in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases have droped to 299, with 47 in hospital, two in ICUs.

The number of cases in the northern Sudbury District is also down, from 26 on Monday to eighteen - the communities aren't specified, but the region includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations, and the health unit is still showing an outbreak in the Long-Term Care Area at Chapleau Health Services.

Amid the outbreak, 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.

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.