AMK NDP MP Hughes Calls for Fair Bargaining for FN Policing

Local MP Carol Hughes is calling for fair bargaining for First Nations policing.

Following on past calls for greater funding for Indigenous police services, the Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing New Democrat raised the issue in the House of Commons earlier this week.

Hughes notes the police services she highlighted have not accepted the imposed contract as it "does not respond to the dire needs that they are experiencing within First Nation communities", emphasizing "the Crown has a legal obligation to ensure First Nation policing is an essential service, negotiated based on identified needs, and funded at a standard comparable to non-Indigenous communities", adding "let's not repeat the mistake of our colonial past - let's ensure these Indigenous police services immediately have the resources and specialized training they require to better protect their communities".

Assault Charge Over Incident in Wawa

A Wawa resident's facing an assault charge after an incident over the weekend.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to an assault on Tamarack Avenue shortly before 2 o'clock Sunday morning, leading to the arrest of a 19-year-old on a charge of assault.

He's been released from custody, set to appear in court in July.

White River Still Watching Nearby Forest Fires

A major forest fire in the White River area continues to grow.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry's showing “Wawa 3” - located within the Kakakiwibik Esker north of Highway 17 - is now about 5770 hectares in size and still not under control.

In an update this morning, the Township of White River says "Tuesday was a good day despite the heat and wind", as "Wawa 2" - or the "Crocker Lake Fire", which is located south of Highway 17 and Crocker Lake, about 5.5 kilometres west of White River - has not advanced - it's still shown at 105 hectares in size - while "Wawa 3" - or the "Depew Fire" - continues to move north and away from White River, with the update emphasizing there's no threat to the community and the MNRF "continues to bring in more crews and equipment".

Driving in the area may be hindered by on-and-off closures or visibility issues due to the smoke, which has 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" from the smoke and - 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.

The Townships of White River and Chapleau have both banned outdoor fires due to the hot, dry conditions and fire hazard, which remains "extreme" for most of the northeast.

Deadline to Register Events for Wawa's Canada Day Celebrations

Time's running out for those interested in running an event for Wawa's Canada Day festivities.

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 the end of the day - you can also email her at swhite@wawa.cc for information.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting fifteen new cases over the last week, down slightly from the previous week - nine in the Sault Ste. Marie area, five in the Elliot Lake area, and one in Central and East Algoma - though known "high risk active" cases dropped to sixteen, with four in hospital, one in an ICU.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting nine cases since Friday - eight in Greater Sudbury, the other in the Manitoulin District - with known "active" cases up slightly, to 25, including four in hospital, one in an ICU.

White River Still Watching Nearby Forest Fires

White River's continuing to watch a pair of forest fires burning on either side of the community.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry still shows both blazes as "not under control", with "Wawa 2" - or the "Crocker Lake Fire", as it's located south of Highway 17 and Crocker's Lake, about 5.5 kilometres west of White River - as 105-hectares in size, while "Wawa 3" - or the "Depew Fire", which is located within the Kakakiwibik Esker north of Highway 17 - is about 4800 hectares in size.

While the Township of White River's emphasized there's no threat to the community from the fires, Highway 631 is closed between White River and Hornepayne, with a reduced speed zone along part of Highway 17 near the Depew River, due to smoke, which has 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" from the smoke and - 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.

White River has suspended 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 the fires.

Further east, the "Chapleau 1" fire reported Monday - about six kilometres east of Chapleau and less than a kilometre south of Gallagher Lake - is now listed as "under control" at 2.3 hectares in size.

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

Chapleau Opens Splash Pad for Season

Chapleau's splash pad is open for the season.

The Township says the local attraction - located at the waterfront - opened Tuesday.

Forest Fire Near White River Continues to Grow

A major forest fire in the White River area continues to grow.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry's showing "Wawa 3" - located within the Kakakiwibik Esker north of Highway 17 - is now about 4800 hectares in size and is still not under control.

In an update this morning, the Township of White River emphasized there's no threat to the community from that blaze - which has been dubbed the "Depew Fire" - nor from the 105-hectare fire known as "Wawa 2" or the "Crocker Lake Fire" - as it's located south of Highway 17 and Crocker's Lake, about 5.5 kilometres west of White River - though Highway 631 has once again closed between White River and Hornepayne, with the Township saying the MNRF requested that since the fire and smoke encroaching on the highway and water bombers may interfere with travel - it's unclear how long it'll remain closed, as it was closed from late Monday afternoon until about 11 o'clock this morning, closing again around 2 o'clock this afternoon.

The Township's also reported a reduced speed zone along part of Highway 17 near the Depew River, due to smoke.

White River's suspended 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 the fires on either side of the community - 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" from the smoke and - 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.

Some better news further east, as the "Chapleau 1" fire reported yesterday - about six kilometres east of Chapleau and less than a kilometre south of Gallagher Lake - is listed as "being held" at 2.3 hectares in size.

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

LDHCF to Hold AGM in Coming Weeks

A major meeting's coming up for Wawa's hospital foundation.

The Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's set to hold its annual general meeting on June 13th, in order to go over financial and other annual reports.

As the meeting will be held via Zoom, anyone who wants to attend the meeting is asked to email foundation@ldhc.com by Friday, June 9th.

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.