PHSD & PHU Report New COVID-19 Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting nineteen since Tuesday - fourteen in Greater Sudbury, four in the broader Sudbury District, and one in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 199 - including one in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 46 cases in hospitals across the region, three in ICUs.

The health unit is holding an "appointment only" COVID vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office today, for those at least twelve years old - another "appointment only" clinic will be held for those as young as six months next Tuesday, February 28th.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reporting ten cases over the last week - less than half of the previous week - it no longer breaks that down by region nor reports "active" case counts, and has not updated its hospitalization figures.

Wawa Council Rejects Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Request for Greater Fee Waiver

Wawa Municipal Council's rejected a request to waive arena rental fees for the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby.

Council was told in their February 7th meeting that the fee waiver policy passed last year - by the previous Council - no longer allows for a waiver for events like the derby but staff used discretion to waive $1500 - the maximum that would've been allowed under the policy - as that's about half of the cost for renting the MMCC arena for three days, the derby committee asked the remaining $1500 be waived.

The request came to a resolution last night, though Councillor Cathy Cannon - who'd previously voiced support for the waiver, given how the derby supports the community both by bringing people to town but also through donations to local causes - declared a potential indirect pecuniary interest, and so was required to leave Council Chambers during last night's debate and subsequent vote.

Much of the discussion focused on attempting to clarify the purpose of the resolution, with staff explaining if Council voted in favour then the full $3000 rental costs would be waived for the derby, but if they voted against then the derby would only be able to get the $1500 waiver already offered by staff.

Mayor Melanie Pilon stated she still believes in the original intent of the policy, warning of the precedent that would be set by waiving the entire fees for the derby - asking "where do you draw the line?" as other groups could similarly apply - and stated that financial statements for the derby provided to the Municipality showed a profit of several thousand dollars so they should be able to afford the rental cost.

Still confused by the intent of the resolution, Councillor Jim Hoffmann said he was in favour of only offering the $1500 waiver - not the full $3000 - while Councillor Mitch Hatfield passionately spoke in favour of the derby, warning that Council could drive it away if the full waiver wasn't granted, though Hoffmann noted that with about 1300 participants, it'd cost each of them less than $1.50 to make up the $1500.

The resolution was subsequently defeated, with Hatfield the sole vote in favour while Pilon, Hoffmann, and Councillor Joseph Opato voted against - that means the derby will not receive the $3000 waiver, but will still get the $1500 waiver offered by staff.

A second resolution that would've amended the waiver of fees policy to build in a $3000 waiver for the derby was subsequently rejected in a vote along the same lines.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, None Active in Northern Sudbury District

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 94 since Friday - 86 in Greater Sudbury, three in the broader Sudbury District, and five in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 194 - for the first time in more than a week, there are no longer any "active" cases listed for the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations).

While the health unit shows 42 cases in hospital - two in ICUs - it notes there was no updated data from Health Sciences North.

The health unit is holding an "appointment only" COVID vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office tomorrow, for those at least twelve years old - another "appointment only" clinic will be held for those as young as six months next Tuesday, February 28th.

APH Reports 2 COVID-19 Deaths, Toll Now 93

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting two in which COVID was the underlying cause of death, bringing the health unit's death toll to 93 - it last reported a death a week ago.

It's also reporting 58 new cases over the last week, down from the previous week - 41 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, seven in Central and East Algoma, seven 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 72, with four in hospital, two in ICUs.

Chapleau Council Holding Open Forum Meeting

Chapleau Town Council's set to meet tonight.

Included on the agenda for tonight's meeting is a delegation from industrial building construction firm Toromont and its subsidiary, Cimco, as Council considers their proposal for feasibility studies of municipal facilities.

There's also a resolution to award the contract for the Bi-Annual Bridge Inspections, and discussion about the CRDC Drag Races.

The meeting will also be open forum, as the Township's announced plans to receive input on proposed site-specific zoning by-law amendments for a proposal for five residential dwelling units with reduced parking requirements at 49 Monk Street.

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

Wawa Council Holding Back-to-Back Meetings Right After Family Day

Straight off the Family Day weekend, Wawa Municipal Council's holding a pair of meetings.

First up is a Committee of the Whole meeting, set to include a presentation from Alamos Gold on its operations and Phase 3 Expansion Plans, plus Council discussion on a draft policy on temporary outdoor patios.

That'll be followed by a regular Council meeting, which includes resolutions approving the waiver of fees for the Wawa Transit Bus over March Break - March 13th through 17th - and approving the submission of a funding application.

Also on the agenda is a resolution to approve additional waiver of fees for the upcoming Wawa Ice Fishing Derby - Council was told in a meeting earlier this month that current policy no longer allows for a waiver for such events but staff used discretion to waive about half of the cost, though the derby's now asking for the remainder to be waived, something that Council appeared to be mixed on, with Councillor Cathy Cannon voicing support given how the derby supports the community both by bringing people to town but also through donations to local causes, while Mayor Melanie Pilon was resistant as it could be seen as unfair to other events or encourage more to apply for a waiver even despite the current policy, further citing a financial breakdown provided to the Municipality as showing flexibility to cover the cost.

Council will also consider amending that waiver of fees policy.

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.

Wawa Resident Collecting Clothing Donations for Ukraine

A Wawa resident's encouraging clothing donations to support Ukrainians nearly a year into the devastating invasion by Russia.

While Jana Strouhalova says she'd been showing support for Ukraine since last February's invasion, she recently figured out a way to do more.

Strouhalova says she's since connected a UK-based group called "Vans Without Borders", which will bring the donations to the frontlines, while the community's already come out by donating clothing.

While the initial focus was hats and mitts, Strouhalova says they're particularly in need of underwear and socks - for kids and adults - with donation boxes at the Thrift Barn and Circle K.

Though a deadline of March 15th has been given, Strouhalova says there isn't really a deadline, except once Russia leaves Ukraine.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Reduces Death Toll By 1

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 39 since Wednesday - thirty in Greater Sudbury, five in the broader Sudbury District, and four in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 184 - 42 in hospital, two in ICUs - with four cases still "active" in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations), down slightly from Wednesday's six.

The health unit's also reduced its COVID-related death toll, removing a death in Greater Sudbury in which it was unclear whether COVID was the cause or merely contributed - that leaves the health unit's death toll at 202, 175 in the city.

An "appointment only" COVID vaccination clinic will be held at PHSD's Chapleau office this Thursday, for those at least twelve years old - another "appointment only" clinic will be held for those as young as six months the following Tuesday, February 28th.

Wawa Winter Carnival Returns With Enchanted Forest Theme

Wawa's annual Winter Carnival is promising a weekend of fun activities, encouraging everyone to see "the enchanted forest".

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White explains "great things" are happening today, starting with a chili luncheon at the Wawa Goose Seniors Centre.

White reminds things ramp up tomorrow, starting with the Rotary pancake breakfast.

White also highlights Michipicoten First Nation's Cardboard Box Race at Queen's Park in Wawa on Monday, and notes there are a couple scavenger hunts happening.

Details about the Carnival can be found in mailboxes, at the Wawa Recreation Facebook page, or at the Community Centre, which is where Carnival buttons can be found.

Weekend Events Planned for Chapleau's Taste of the North Winter Carnival

Festivities are ramping up for Chapleau's "Taste of the North" Winter Carnival, as the weekend arrives.

Chapleau's Leisure and Cultural Services Director, Rejean Raymond, says several events are happening tonight.

Raymond notes more is planned for the weekend, starting with the Oddfellows breakfast.

Raymond notes there's a new event coming Saturday night.

Raymond reminds things wrap up Sunday.

Raymond reminds Carnival keychains give a discount for downhill skiing through the weekend - the keychains are available at the Civic Centre today and the arena over the weekend.

The full schedule's on the municipal website, chapleau.ca, or through the Carnival's Facebook page.

Chapleau Cree FN Hosting Annual Youth Fishing Derby

Young anglers will be getting out on the ice this weekend, as Chapleau Cree First Nation holds its annual Youth Fishing Derby this Sunday.

Touting three grand prizes valued over $1500 and a registration draw prize of a new Nintendo Switch OLED Edition, the derby's open to all members of the public up to seventeen years old, though children must be chaperoned by a parent or adult - holes will be drilled for participants, who simply need to bring equipment, with a hot lunch, hot chocolate, and more provided.

The derby runs from 10 am to 2 pm Sunday at Fox Lake - register ahead of time by calling the Health Centre at 705-864-0200.

Wawa OSB Seeks Creditor Protection

Wawa OSB and its parent company, Forex Inc., have filed for creditor protection.

Mayor Melanie Pilon revealed the news early in last night's budget meeting.

Mayor Pilon explained she felt it appropriate to start the meeting with the "very, very serious news", as a reminder for Council of the "macroeconomic factors" to keep in mind during budget deliberations.

Wawa OSB started ramping up plans to convert the former pellet mill back to an oriented strandboard mill last year, with the provincial government last April announcing a conditional grant of $15-million over four years to leverage over $170-million and creating "hundreds of new jobs" and bring the forest sector "back in a big way" to Wawa, and the company claimed last summer the plant should have 140 direct jobs, producing 530,000 cubic metres of OSB at full capacity - it had aimed to open this summer or fall, but the unprecedented peak in OSB and lumber prices in 2021 and early 2022 sharply declined in the latter half of 2022.

International firm PricewaterhouseCoopers has been appointed trustee.

Municipality of Wawa Seeking Comment on Proposed Wildlife Feeding Ban

The Municipality of Wawa's seeking comments on a proposed ban on feeding wildlife.

Kevin Sabourin - Assistant Director of Protective Services, a role that includes by-law enforcement - explained the draft policy to Council during last week's Committee of the Whole meeting.

Asked how it would be enforced, Sabourin explained the policy would allow the OPP, conservation officers, and himself - as a by-law official - to do so, with plans to forward an approved by-law to the provincial government so tickets could be issued.

At the request of Mayor Melanie Pilon, public comments are being accepted until Tuesday, February 28th, with Sabourin able to provide details about his draft policy.

Wawa Council Gets 1st Look at Proposed 2023 Operating Budget

Wawa Municipal Council's had its first look at this year's operating budget.

Just over a month after approving - in principle - the capital budget, Council reviewed the proposed multi-year operating budget, which focuses on 2023 but also lays out some plans for 2024-26, though Treasurer Manuela Batovanja told Council to focus on this year, with their first "true" multi-year budget to come next year, when it will cover 2024-27.

Council was told that staff sought to minimize the levy impact and property tax increase while maintaining service and addressing priorities laid out by Council - including through the Asset Management, 10 Year Financial, and other plans - but inflation plays a major factor, increasing operating costs for everything - despite that, budgeted expenses are only up 1.49 percent, with lower revenues such as declining grants being another major factor.

In the end, a 3.8 percent levy increase is proposed for 2023 - which would bring in over $191,000 more - which is expected to mean a roughly 3.6 percent rise for residential taxes - combined with increasing water and wastewater rates, it's expected to mean $12.98 more per month or $156 more over the year for the average household, something that Mayor Melanie Pilon emphasized is "not a small amount", especially amid the rising cost of living, but particularly for those on a fixed income, like seniors.

Wrapping the presentation, CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill noted Council has options to lower the levy increase, including: reducing capital projects requiring tax support or increasing the use of reserves for them; reviewing, reducing, or eliminating programs and services; using rate stabilization funds; further decreasing travel and training, the Library levy, or long-term planning; or further increasing user fees, though she warned of issues with each option, including that costs are expected to continue rising with grant revenues diminishing so the rate stabilization fund will be needed more in the future, Council's already approved an increase in user fees, and cuts can lead to other problems down the line - she also noted Council could opt for a larger levy increase, preparing for the future.

The full presentation can be viewed on the Municipality's YouTube channel, and will be available on the municipal website, with public input to be accepted until March 8th - plans are for the budget to go to a vote March 21st.

PHSD Reports 203rd COVID-19 Death, New Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting is 203rd - the 176th in Greater Sudbury - it last reported a death a week ago.

The health unit's also reporting 37 new cases since Monday - 32 in Greater Sudbury, two in the broader Sudbury District, and three in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 173 - six in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - with 42 cases in the region in hospital, two in ICUs.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reporting 24 new cases over the last week, the same as the previous week.

Chapleau's Taste of the North Winter Carnival Continues

Festivities are ramping up for Chapleau's "Taste of the North" Winter Carnival.

Leisure and Cultural Services Director Rejean Raymond reminds two key Carnival traditions return tonight.

Raymond notes there's also another session of the Bath Bomb Experience tonight - tickets are available at the Civic Centre - and reminds everyone to pick up their Carnival keychains, also available at the Civic Centre, for $7.

A full schedule of this weekend's events is available on the municipal website, chapleau.ca, or through the carnival's Facebook page.

Wawa Residents Encouraged to Get Creative for Carnival-Related Competitions

Wawa residents are being encouraged to get creative ahead of the annual winter carnival.

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White explains a couple "pre-carnival" competitions are planned.

White says there's also a Creative Art Competition this year.

White notes that entries for both competitions must be brought to the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre by Friday - it's open 10 am to 4 pm.

Touting an Enchanted Forest theme, the Wawa Winter Carnival arrives Friday - carnival badges will be available at the MMCC over the weekend, with a copy of the event schedule available through Wawa Recreation on social media.

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