Driving Restrictions as White River Still Watching Nearby Forest Fires

A couple local communities are watching nearby forest fires.

The Township of White River's implemented a fire ban - suspending all burning permits and open burning within municipal boundaries - due to "extremely dry conditions and lack of rainfall in the forecast", which has helped fuel two forest fires on either side of the community: "Wawa 2" - a 105 hectare blaze located south of Highway 17 and Crocker's Lake, about 5.5 kilometres west of White River - and "Wawa 3", a now 3900 hectare fire located within the Kakakiwibik Esker north of Highway 17 - both are listed as "not under control".

In an update this morning, the Township of White River again emphasized there's no threat to the community, before noting "Wawa 2" - the "Crocker Lake Fire" - is "doing well and staying within the defined boundaries" as fire crews continue actively working in the area, though "Wawa 3" - or the "Depew Fire" - is spreading north and northwest, even jumping Highway 631, causing visibility issues along the highway, though 511 announced 631 had reopened around 11 o'clock this morning.

The fire have prompted a reduced speed zone along Highway 17 in the Depew River area, while Environment Canada's issued a special air quality statement for the White River and Dubreuilville areas, warning "high levels of air pollution have developed" due to smoke from the fires, warning - while smoke can be harmful to everyone's health, even at low concentrations - people with lung or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and those who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects, recommending stopping outdoor activities and contact a health care provider if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing, severe cough, dizziness, or chest pains, and - if you must spend time outdoors - wear a well-fitted respirator-type mask that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, as that will reduce exposure to fine particles in smoke - which generally pose the greatest risk to health - though it won't reduce exposure to gases in wildfire smoke.

White River Watching Nearby Forest Fires

A couple local communities are watching nearby forest fires.

The Township of White River's implemented a fire ban - suspending all burning permits and open burning within municipal boundaries - due to "extremely dry conditions and lack of rainfall in the forecast", which has helped fuel two forest fires on either side of the community: "Wawa 2" - a 105 hectare blaze located south of Highway 17 and Crocker's Lake, about 5.5 kilometres west of White River - and "Wawa 3", an 800 hectare fire located within the Kakakiwibik Esker north of Highway 17 - both are listed as "not under control".

In a Monday evening update, the Township of White River noted "Wawa 2" - the "Crocker Lake Fire" - has slowed down and is not considered a threat, though Wawa - or the "Depew Fire" - is moving north along Highway 631, even jumping that highway near the Tedder River - 631 was closed late Monday after due to smoke and low visibility and is expected to remain closed due to the fire, with only local traffic permitted through - the Township also notes the local Silver Lake Resources operations have been asked to clear their site, though it emphasizes there is no threat to White River at this time and Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry considers the fires a high priority with multiple crews, heavy helicopters, water bombers, and air support on scene, even bringing in additional heavy helicopters to assist with the Depew Fire.

The fires have also prompted Environment Canada to issue a special air quality statement for the White River and Dubreuilville areas, warning "high levels of air pollution have developed" due to smoke from the fires, warning - while smoke can be harmful to everyone's health, even at low concentrations - people with lung or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and those who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects, recommending stopping outdoor activities and contact a health care provider if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing, severe cough, dizziness, or chest pains, and - if you must spend time outdoors - wear a well-fitted respirator-type mask that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, as that will reduce exposure to fine particles in smoke - which generally pose the greatest risk to health - though it won't reduce exposure to gases in wildfire smoke.

PHSD Urges Precautions Amid Summer Heat

Public Health Sudbury and Districts wants you to be ready for rising summer heat.

Given the arrival of hot, humid weather, the local health unit warns anyone can experience heat exhaustion and heat stroke, though the risk is greatest for older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, those who use alcohol or illicit drugs, the homeless, and those who work or exercise in the heat.

Noting early summer's a time of increased risk - as your body has yet to adapt to the heat - the health unit urges everyone drink plenty of water, avoid going in the sun and heat when possible, wear loose-fitting light clothing and seek shade, keep electric lights off or low, avoid heavy meals or using the oven, and take it easy, resting as much as possible.

They also recommend everyone know and recognize signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, such as rapid breathing, feeling weak or fainting, being more tired than usual, cramping - particularly in the legs and abdomen - and developing a headache or confusion.

Chapleau Bans Fires Amid Nearby Forest Fire

The MNRF also confirmed "Chapleau 1" yesterday - located about six kilometres east of Chapleau and less than a kilometre south of Gallagher Lake - though it now listed as "being held" at 2.3 hectares in size.

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo expressed optimism after an update from the Ministry yesterday.

The Township of Chapleau has, however, banned outdoor fires in the community due to "current hot dry conditions and extreme fire hazard".

Chapleau Watching Nearby Forest Fire

Chapleau's keeping an eye on a forest fire east of town.

The Township of Chapleau says it was made aware shortly before noon of a fire about 7 kilometres east of the Chapleau Municipal Airport, on the east side of Borden Lake, adding it's in direct communication with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, which has deployed resources.

The MNRF's currently showing the fire as a tenth of a hectare in size but it is listed as "not under control".

UPDATE: Mayor Ryan Bignucolo's optimistic about the situation after an update from the Ministry.

The MNRF's online forest fire map currently shows "Chapleau 1" as "not under control" at 2.3 hectares in size.

White River Bans Fires Amid Nearby Forest Fires

White River's temporarily banning fires in the municipality.

Citing the "extremely dry conditions and lack of rainfall in the forecast", the Township of White River's suspended all burning permits and open burning within municipal boundaries, though it adds it'll "continue to monitor the weather situation" on a daily basis and "will notify the public when the municipal fire ban has been lifted".

It's last update this morning notes both the “Wawa 2” fire at Crocker Lake and the “Wawa 3” blaze at Depew are still being managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, both considered a high priority with multiple crews, heavy helicopters, water bombers, and air support on scene, emphasizing that there is no threat to the community and Sunday was "a good day" as "the wind stayed down" - they're hoping for similar conditions today - and “Wawa 3” is moving northeast, away from the town.

The MNRF's currently showing both fires as "not under control", with “Wawa 2” 105 hectares in size and “Wawa 3” as 800 hectares.

UPDATE: Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for the White River and Dubreuilville areas, warning of "high levels of air pollution...due to smoke" from the fires, adding - while smoke can be harmful to everyone's health, even at low concentrations, people with lung or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and those who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects.

Wawa Considering "Community Safety Zones" Around Schools

Wawa Municipal Council's considering declaring areas around local schools as "Community Safety Zones".

In a recent report to Council, Infrastructure Services Assistant Director Rebecca Weatherall outlined the idea, which would see the zones established around the Churchill school zone, Sir James Dunn, and Ecole l'Escalade.

Weatherall explains it's the latest option considered to address concerns about speeding in those areas - Council had a mixed reaction to the idea of lowering the speed limit for most roads in town to 40 kilometres an hour, when discussed in February.

Weatherall says they're currently planning an "informal, drop-in" open house event for residents to view the maps, ask questions, and provide input, suggesting a survey will also be sent out so the community "has a say on where these Community Safety Zones are" - after that, the zones would need to be established through a by-law in a future Council meeting.

MMCC Sportsfield Replacement Planned

Wawa's sportsfield track will be replaced in the coming months.

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains the long-awaited project - the Municipality's been applying for funding for four or five years, finally resulting in $130,000 from the Ontario Trillium Fund - will see the degraded old track - which has become hard to maintain - replaced.

Patterson assures this'll be much better to run on - as parts of the current track are essentially mud - and notes discussion with the chosen contractor have given some flexibility for "value-added" work, like smoothing out the fields, further noting unrelated funding from ParticipACTION for recreation programming will facilitate some improvements to the baseball diamonds - like new bases - while staff will add material to the ball fields, fixing them after several years not being used.

While hopes were to get the track work done in the spring, the late melt - followed by the freeze/thaw and bookings on the field - it was decided to delay it to June/July so the field isn't "spongy" and the machinery doesn't destroy the field in the process.

Multiple Charges After Collision Near Marathon

A southern Ontario driver's facing multiple charges after a collision near Marathon.

Ontario Provincial Police say officers responded to a report of two vehicles colliding on Highway 17 about 10 kilometres east of Marathon early Saturday afternoon, but - before police arrived - an individual fled the scene on food, prompting a search involving the Emergency Response Team and the Canine Unit, which ended with the arrest of a 27-year-old from St. Catharines on charges of dangerous operation, failure to stop after accident, resist peace officer, and fail to comply with probation order.

A driver in the collision was treated for minor injuries and taken to hospital - but was released after a few hours - while no other injuries have been reported.

Anyone with information about the incident's asked to call police at 1-888-310-1122.

Wawa Looking for Canada Day Events

The Municipality of Wawa's calling for events for their Canada Day event.

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White explains there will be a Goose Nest Market, Street Fair, and Fireworks to celebrate the day, but - in addition to still accepting vendors for the market - they're encouraging more activities.

White recommends checking out the Wawa Recreation Facebook page for more details and a form to fill out, which must be submitted by this Wednesday, May 31st - you can also email her at swhite@wawa.cc for information.

Chapleau Council Meeting Tonight

Chapleau Town Council's set to meet tonight.

Included on tonight's agenda is a by-law confirming landfill site disposal service agreements, and resolutions: approving the 2023 Welcome Guide; approving the 2023 Water and Wastewater Capital Budget Expense proposed by the Ontario Clean Water Agency; approving an exception to the noise by-law for a new venue to play music after 11 pm on Canada Day; and approving an agreement with Chapleau PUC to replace the Riverside Lift Station transformer.

There will also be updates on the upcoming Drag Race and about Canada Day.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 pm tonight, in Civic Centre Council Chambers, though details on accessing it electronically can be found on the Township's website.

10 Digit Dialing Becoming Mandatory for 807 Area

Northwestern Ontario will need to get used to dialing ten digits for calls.

Starting next Wednesday, May 31st, ten-digit dialling will become mandatory for all local calls in the part of Northern Ontario served by the 807 area code, which includes White River and areas further west - ten-digit local calls were already introduced April 1st, but seven-digit calling has been allowed since, though it will no longer be possible after May 31st.

The move happened for the 705 region in 2011, to pave the way for a new area code to be added.

Wawa Landfill Nearing Debut of Changes, Including New Roll-Off Bins

Wawa's moving forward with some changes to its landfill.

Infrastructure Services Assistant Director Becca Weatherall explains new "roll-off" bins are planned, which would work similarly to other landfills, like the one in Sault Ste. Marie.

Weatherall notes that will involve separating different types of waste into different bins - the scrap metal bin's already "quite popular" at the landfill - but believes the change in operations should be an improvement.

Weatherall says a "soft opening" is expected "once the weather gets a little better" and the first new cell of the landfill expansion is dug - there's no exact date yet, but she assures the public will be informed once it's set.

Walk for Alzheimers Arrives, Marking End of Local Campaign

Wawa residents are being encouraged to strap on their shoes and get walking to support the local Alzheimer Society.

As this Sunday is the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimers, First Link Coordinator Chris Rask reminds it's being held virtually, with participants urged to "walk where you are, in your own way".

Rask emphasizes that funds raised locally support the local office - which covers Wawa, Michipicoten First Nation, Hawk Junction, Dubreuillville, and White River - noting there are a number of services offered.

Pledges must be in by Sunday - you can register at walkforalzheimers.ca or call the local office at 705-856-0000.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Still 1 Active in Northern Sudbury District

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting six since Tuesday - five in Greater Sudbury, another in the broader Sudbury District - pushing known "active" cases up slightly, to 21, with four in hospital, one in an ICU.

One of the active cases is in the northern Sudbury District - it doesn't say where, but the area includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reporting 22 cases over the last week - the same as the previous week - it no longer breaks that down by region nor reports "active" case counts, and shows none in hospital.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting sixteen 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 but does show six in hospital, half of what was reported a week ago.

APH Reports 104th COVID-19 Death, New Cases for PHSD

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting its 104th since the pandemic began - it doesn't say where - it last reported a death two weeks ago.

The health unit's also reporting eighteen new cases over the last week, just over half of the previous week - six in the Sault Ste. Marie area, six in Central and East Algoma, and six in the Elliot Lake area - though known "high risk active" cases dropped to 32, with five in hospital, two in ICUs.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting three cases since Friday - two in Greater Sudbury, the other in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases dropped to eighteen, with four in hospital.

One of the active cases is in the northern Sudbury District - it doesn't say where, but the area includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

The health unit is holding an "appointment only" COVID-19 vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office today.

Local Municipalities Remind Residents Burning Permits Required

With the spring weather turning to summer, Wawa residents are being reminded to get a burning permit.

The Municipality of Wawa notes a permit's required for all open air burning between April 1st and October 31st - applications are available through the Municipal Office or municipal website, though an on-site inspection's required before the permit's issued.

The Township of Chapleau also requires fire permits for the same period, which can be obtained for $23 at the Township Office or by e-transfer to payment@chapleau.ca - further details can be found on the Township's website.

Safe Boating Week Continues After Victoria Day Weekend

While the long weekend has passed, Ontario Provincial Police are reminding boaters to be careful out on the water.

Safe Boating Week is still underway, and Superior East OPP Constable Ashley Nickle urges boaters to take precautions, as the OPP investigate "many needless marine deaths" each year, including through capsizing boats or people falling overboard, as well as other factors.

Noting most boating deaths investigated by the OPP involve vessels under six metres long, Nickle reminds certain equipment is required when heading out.

Constable Nickle also reminds boaters to check that equipment's in good working order - as mechanical breakdowns account for "a large number of calls for assistance" to the OPP - and emphasizes that "the only life jacket that can save you is the one you are wearing".

Chapleau's Spring Pitch-In Week Arrives

It's "Pitch-In Week" in Chapleau.

This week, the Township's Public Works Department will only be picking up yard waste - like grass clippings, leaves, shrubs, hedges, branches, and small trees - so long as they're properly bagged and set out on the curbside - "woody" material must also be cut into four-foot lengths and bundled with twine.

The Township recommends raking debris from the shoulder of the roadway, trimming grass, hedges, and trees that are overgrowing the sidewalk, sweeping off the pavement and sidewalk, and cleaning up all unwanted rubbish, debris, or trash that's accumulated on your property.

A map for the different days is available on the Township's website, with every citizen encouraged to "pitch-in".

Residents can also use the landfill free of charge this week - during regular hours - though there are some restrictions on what's accepted, with the Township noting it'll be holding a collection event for certain hazardous waste on June 17th.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, 1 Active in Northern Sudbury District After Weeks Without

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting two since Wednesday - both in Greater Sudbury - though known "active" cases dropped to 32, with six in hospital.

One of the active cases is in the northern Sudbury District - it doesn't say where, but the area includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations.

The health unit is holding an "appointment only" COVID-19 vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office tomorrow.