MMCC Canteen to Reopen for 2023-24 Ice Season, Unclear Who'll Run It

The Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre canteen will reopen next ice season - but who will run it is unclear.

In their Committee of the Whole meeting last night, Wawa Municipal Council received a report from Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson on the reopening of the canteen - as directed by Council in January - noting that it was "a little challenging" to do so mid-season, but they were able to make it through, focusing on a more limited menu to avoid waste, even making "a small profit" under $300 for the season, though that does not count certain costs, which Patterson estimated to be about $2000, still calling it one of the better years for the canteen, with some exceptions.

Patterson then outlined a recommendation to again take canteen operation to a request for proposal for next season, but suggested a major difference from the last attempt: have the RFP for renting the canteen "as a facility" rather than "as a service", noting it would add some risk with the Municipality losing control of aspects like operating hours but he was also fairly confident the profit motive would help.

Councillor Joe Opato spoke in favour of the idea, but pushed for a backup plan of the Municipality running the canteen if the RFP process doesn't work out - like last season - with Councillors Cathy Cannon, Mitch Hatfield, and Jim Hoffmann agreeing, though Mayor Melanie Pilon - who'd previously been less deadset on reopening the canteen - voiced her opposition, saying it doesn't fit the Municipality's vision of sustainable services if it can't break even and if people really wanted it, the proof would be there, emphasizing they're "not running a charity" and one or two tax bills have to cover the cost.

The recommendation - with Opato's suggestion - was brought up in last night's regular meeting of Council, with Councillor Hatfield confirming the timetable that would be followed - Patterson assured he'd put out the RFP over the summer and ensure arrangements are made so someone operates the canteen for the 2023-24 ice season - before going to a recorded vote at the request of Mayor Pilon, who was the sole vote against the idea.

Fire Hazard Remains High for Northeast, Fires Burning in White River & Chapleau Areas

Forest fires continue to cause problems locally and across the province and country.

Locally, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry still shows the "Wawa 2" - or "Crocker Lake" - and "Wawa 3" - or "Depew" - fires still burning, though the Crocker Lake blaze is listed as "under control" at 105 hectares in size - where it's been more than a week - while the Depew Fire has been revised down to 6678.1 hectares in size - given better conditions for monitoring and mapping - but it's still not under control.

The Township of White River continues to emphasize the community's status is "no threat" - with weather conditions even allowing "a bit of breathing room" without substantial amounts of smoke - and the MNRF's noting observed fire behaviour for the wildfire was typically low yesterday, though there are seven helicopters, 1 wildland fire engine, and 18 fire crews committed to it, and an implementation order put in place on Sunday does restrict travel in areas where active fire and fire suppression are taking place.

Access to the White River Community Centre's also been restricted to authorized personnel, given personnel and increased traffic there.

Still, the fire hazard remains high to extreme for the northeast, with three other fires burning out of control in the Chapleau district - one two-tenths of a hectare in size, another up to 209, and another up to 1531 hectares - while more are burning in the Sault Ste. Marie, Hearst, Timmins, and Sudbury districts.

Smoke from fires in Ontario and other provinces is also causing major problems for a large part of Ontario, including Manitoulin Island and even the Toronto area, with the provincial capital and many other communities under air quality statements, though none are in effect locally.

Wawa Challenges Residents to Join ParticipACTION Community Challenge

Wawa residents are being challenged to join in ParticipACTION's "Community Challenge" this month.

Noting it encourages physical activity and sport - getting participants to log "move minutes" and communities competing to be named Canada's Most Active - Wawa Family Health Team dietician Justine Glover explains there will be a variety of events held over the month - including Pride-related events, like the Colour Run - plus dance parties, youth soccer and softball, adult softball, yoga, and adult bootcamp and dance classes.

Glover adds there are a few ways to sign up.

A pamphlet was sent out in the mail with a schedule and more details, though you can also call the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre pro shop for information.

Wawa Seniors Goose Club Hosting Monthly Lunch & Learn

Wawa seniors are being offered a chance to have a bite to eat and learn at the same time.

The Wawa Seniors Goose Club is hosting its monthly Lunch and Learn this Wednesday, June 7th, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, this time featuring Alzheimer Society First Link Coordinator Chris Rask on Alzheimer's awareness - it also offers pizza, coffee or tea, and dessert, sponsored by the Wawa Pharmacy.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, at the Wawa Goose Club.

Wawa Council Refreshing Municipal Strategic Plan

Wawa Municipal Council's "refreshing" the Municipality's Strategic Plan.

CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill explains the process looks at the plan, which outlines priorities and goals for Council and staff to pursue.

O'Neill notes the process also includes public input.

Those interested can go to surveymonkey.com/r/JR7SRLS, get a paper form from the Municipal Office, or call 705-856-2244, extension 232.

Wawa Moving Forward With MMCC Modernization

Major work's planned for Wawa's Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson says government funding - he can't officially identify the source until they announce it - has been confirmed for two phases of a modernization plan he's been working on since 2017, with the first phase including a redesign of the lobby area.

Patterson says the first phase also includes a new outdoor sign - a digital one, to include more information and keep people better updated - plus "desperate[ly]" needed flooring for the banquet hall and curling rink, as well as adjustments to the gym, to address complaints there isn't enough space for the number of people using it.

While he concedes the second phase may be "the boring stuff" to most people, Patterson says he's "super excited as a facility manager", as it's a replacement of the HVAC system.

Patterson says people may "feel" the difference - as it'll be "more consistent" than the current system, which will also cut down on staff time spent addressing issues - but the energy efficiency will also help the facility's bottom line.

The funding agreement's set to be confirmed in a by-law in the next Council meeting.

AMK NDP MP Hughes Wants More Efforts to End Femicide

Local MP Carol Hughes is calling for Parliament to "do more to end femicide".

Speaking in the House of Commons this week, the Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing New Democrat highlighted a recent report on the issue.

Hughes notes a 27 percent increase in the number of women and girls killed involving a male accused, with young women between 25 and 34 more likely to be victims - and one-in-five female victims killed by a male accused being an Indigenous woman or girl.

She's calling for Parliament to "take the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence seriously" and "ensure the funding for the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative is allocated", as that "would go a long way to protect Indigenous women from dangerous situations".

Public Comments Being Accepted on Changes for Magino Gold Mine Conditions

Public comments are being invited on proposed changes to conditions for a local mine project.

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada says it's holding a public comment period as Argonaut Gold's proposed changes to the Magino Gold Project as it was approved in 2019, including the construction and operation of a 22-megawatt on-site liquefied natural gas-fired electrical power generation facility - an LNG power plant - as well as associated infrastructure not part of the original design, like a storage facility, electrical distribution lines and substation, and power generation equipment, as well as the rerouting and upgrading of an existing 44-kilovolt distribution line from within the area of the open-pit to a new area that is located outside of the blast exclusion zone of the open-pit.

Comments will be accepted until June 30th, through the Impact Assessment Registry - under reference number 80044 - or by emailing conditions@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Wawa's Goose Nest Market Hosting Young Maker Market

Wawa's Goose Nest Market is springing to life for the season - and highlighting some younger entrepreneurs.

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White explains the Young Maker Market coming tomorrow.

Seven local vendors will be there from 10 am to 1 pm at the Goose Nests, while the Children's Aid Society of Algoma will host a barbecue at the event from 11 am to 1 pm.

Chapleau Asks Residents Conserve Water Amid Maintenance & Hot/Dry Conditions

Chapleau's asking residents to conserve water over the next week.

The Township says scheduled maintenance at the Chapleau Water Treatment Plant - which will take place from June 3rd to 10th - along with the "hot, dry climatic conditions" have prompted the Ontario Clean Water Agency - which operates the Chapleau facility - to ask residents to conserve their water usage and not conduct seasonal items like lawn watering or vehicle washing.

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo assures it's a precaution.

The Splash Pad - which only opened for the season on Tuesday - will also be closed over the week, to aid in the conservation measures.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to call the Civic Centre at 705-864-1330.

Progress in Preparations for Chapleau Drag Races

Preparations are continuing for the return of Chapleau's drag races this summer.

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo says progress is being made on the deal for the event.

While the drag race is set to be held July 14th through 16th, Bignucolo says "there's great contractors in town...willing to give a hand to make this happen" in time.

In addition to an update on the drag race, Council also heard this week about ongoing preparations for Canada Day celebrations, with Mayor Bignucolo saying it looks to be "a great success, like the winter carnival".

PHSD & PHU Report New COVID-19 Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting eight since Monday - seven in Greater Sudbury, another in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up slightly, to 31, with ten in hospital, one in an ICU.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reporting twelve cases over the last week - just over half the previous week - it no longer breaks that down by region nor reports "active" case counts, but does show two in hospital.

Wawa Jumps Into ParticipACTION Community Challenge

Wawa residents are being challenged to join in ParticipACTION's "Community Challenge" this month.

Wawa Family Health Team dietician Justine Glover explains the challenge, which kicks off today.

Glover notes there will be a variety of events held over the month - including Pride-related events, like the Colour Run - plus dance parties, youth soccer and softball, adult softball, yoga, and adult bootcamp and dance classes - sign up and track physical activity with the ParticipACTION app or website.

A pamphlet was sent out in the mail with a schedule and more details, though you can also call the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre pro shop for information.

Chapleau Asking Residents Conserve Water

Chapleau's asking residents to conserve water in the coming week.

Due to scheduled maintenance at the Chapleau Water Treatment Plant - which will take place from June 3rd to 10th - along with the "hot, dry climatic conditions", the Ontario Clean Water Agency - which operates the Chapleau facility - is asking residents to conserve water use and not conduct seasonal items like lawn watering or vehicle washing.

The Splash Pad - which only opened for the season on Tuesday - will also be closed during that time, to aid in the conservation measures.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to call the Civic Centre at 705-864-1330.

White River Still Watching Nearby Forest Fires Not Yet Under Control

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 Lake, about 5.5 kilometres west of White River - as 105-hectares in size, the same size it has been since Monday, while "Wawa 3" - or the "Depew Fire", which is located within the Kakakiwibik Esker north of Highway 17, about 9 kilometres from White River - is about 5770 hectares in size.

Though the Township of White River's emphasized there's no threat to the community from the fires, the Township of Hornepayne has noted smoke from the larger fire - which is about 45 to 50 kilometres from that community - and Mayor Cheryl Fort has stated it's preparing for an "emergency situation".

While many communities had implemented fire bans due to the hot and dry conditions, though the MNRF has announced a Restricted Fire Zone for much of the province - including all of the North and parts of southern Ontario - which took effect at midnight.

Under the RFZ, all burning permits are suspended as no open air burning - including campfires - is permitted, though portable gas or propane stoves may be used for cooking and warmth - extreme caution is advised.

Environment Canada's issued a special air quality statement for the White River and Dubreuilville areas, though Algoma Public Health's warning both communities and Wawa to be careful, as smoke can be harmful to everyone's health, even at low concentrations, though people with lung or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and those who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects, which range from sore and watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, mild coughing, or headache to more serious symptoms like shortness of breath, severe wheezing or coughing, chest pain, or heart palpatations - anyone who experiences those severe symptoms should seek prompt medical care.

Several Charges After Assault in Wawa

Several charges have been laid after an assault in Wawa.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to an altercation involving a vehicle on Churchill Avenue shortly after 10 o'clock Sunday night, with investigation leading to the arrest of a 32-year-old from Timmins on charges of assault with a weapon, mischief under $5000, operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs, operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), dangerous operation causing bodily harm, and failure to stop after accident.

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

Assault & Mischief Charges After Wawa Domestic Dispute

Assault and mischief charges have been laid after a domestic dispute in Wawa.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were called to the dispute on Hillcrest Avenue shortly after 2 o'clock Friday afternoon, resulting in the arrest of a 47-year-old Wawa resident on charges of spousal assault and mischief under $5000.

They've been released from custody, but are set to appear in Wawa's Ontario Court of Justice in July.

Cart (0)