Fires & Smoke Still Issues as Restricted Fire Zone Expanded to Entire Fire Region of Ontario

Fires and related smoke continue causing problems across much of Canada and into the US, with air quality warnings persisting for many areas.

In Ontario, there were 55 forest fires earlier this afternoon - about two-fifths not under control - including the "Wawa 3" - or "Depew" - fire east of White River, which Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry still shows as "not under control", though it remains at 6678 hectares in size - an implementation order restricting travel near the blaze, though the Ministry says observed fire behaviour's typically low and "demobilization of structural protection equipment" is scheduled to begin tomorrow, as "the wildland fire threat decreases for the Town of White River".

A Restricted Fire Zone put in place at the start of the month's expanded to cover the province's entire fire region - zones 1 to 36 - banning open air burning and suspending burning permits, though portable gas or propane stoves may be used for cooking and warmth but must be handled with extreme caution.

AMK MP Carol Hughes Again Tries to Establish Defence of Canada Medal

A local New Democrat's once again looking to create a medal to honour those who defended Canada from potential attack during the Cold War.

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes has tabled a bill to establish a "Defence of Canada Medal" for those who served amid the heightened tensions of the Cold War, including in the Canadian Forces, the reserves, police organizations, the Emergency Measures Organization, and civilian assistance organizations.

It's the fourth time she's introduced such a bill, inspired by one of her constituents, retired Captain Ulrich Krings.

Wawa Mayor Pilon to Sit on AMO Group on Healthy Democracy

Wawa's mayor will represent the community in a key committee.

In this week's Municipal Council meeting, Mayor Melanie Pilon revealed she'd been asked to join the Association of Municipalities of Ontario's Healthy Democracy Project Advisory Group.

Mayor Pilon noted the meetings would be quarterly, though she'd also be able to participate virtually.

Council officially endorsed the appointment through a resolution, with other councillors commending Pilon.

PHSD Urges Precaution Against West Nile Virus

With the warmer summer-like weather, a local health unit's warning protection is needed against West Nile virus.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts emphasizes - while the risk of being infected is low - everyone is at risk of West Nile, and preventing mosquito bites is important for protecting against it, so it recommends wearing Health Canada-approved insect repellent and light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing - maybe with mesh "bug jackets" or "bug hats" - staying indoors at dusk and dawn - when possible - and ensuring there are no holes or tears in screen doors and windows of your home.

It also recommends removing - or weekly changing - of standing water around your home.

Wawa Public Library Set to Host Drag Storytime

The Wawa Public Library's getting ready for a special event this weekend: Drag Storytime.

Similar to the "Grandma Storytime" ahead of Mother's Day and upcoming "Grandpa Storytime" ahead of Father's Day, CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell notes such events have become quite common.

Jarrell emphasizes the idea aligns with the library's values.

Jarrell notes the event is after the library's usual hours, with staff volunteering their time to put it on.

The Wawa Public Library's Drag Storytime starts at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon.

Restrictions Remain Amid Forest Fires in White River Area

Forest fires continue to cause problems locally and beyond - including south of the border.

Locally, an implementation order remains in force, restricting travel in areas near the "Wawa 3" - or "Depew" - fire, which Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry still shows as "not under control" at 6678 hectares in size, still located less than ten kilometres from White River.

It's one of 57 active fires across the north - more than half in the northeast - along with the "Wawa 2" - or "Crocker Lake" - fire which is listed as "under control" at 105 hectares in size, "Sault Ste. Marie 3" being held at 2.8 hectares, and several other fires not yet under control, including the 120 hectare "Timmins 7", three Sault Ste. Marie district fires ranging from 3 to 11 hectares; and three in the Chapleau district ranging from two-tenths of a hectare to 209 hectares to 1531 - another Chapleau district fire is already out.

There's also a more than 4200 hectare fire in the Sudbury district - located between rural road 810 and Mississagi Provincial Park - which has prompted an evacuation order for that immediate area, while dozens of residents of Mattagami First Nation were evacuated from the community near Timmins, due to at least one fire burning nearby.

A Restricted Fire Zone remains in force for much of the province - including locally - banning all open air burning.

Smoke from those fires - or hundreds of others across Canada, particularly in Quebec - has also led to air quality issues for a large part of Ontario and Canada - Ottawa, Belleville and Kingston registered some of the worst air pollution levels in the country - even into the US, leading to some flight delays in New York City - which topped the world's worst air pollution list - while the MLB, WNBA, and National Women's Soccer League were forced to call off games.

New CEO for Wesdome Gold Mines

The owner of the local Eagle River Mine has a new boss.

Wesdome Gold Mines has announced the appointment of Anthea Bath as President and Chief Executive Officer - the dual role's been open since Duncan Middlemiss suddenly resigned in January, after nearly six years.

Bath has over 20 years experience in the global mining industry, most recently as Chief Operating Officer at Ero Copper, responsible for its four mines in Brazil, helping build it from a junior mining company to an international miner.

She'll start with Wesdome July 1st - Board Chair Warwick Morley-Jepson will continue on as interim CEO until then, and will then resume his role as Independent Board Chair.

Local Magino Gold Mine On Track for 1st Gold Pour

A local mine's aiming for its first gold pour soon.

Argonaut Gold says wet commissioning activities at its Magino Mine are "well underway, with the introduction of ore into the crushing circuit on May 13th and ore into the grinding circuit on May 19th", now planning the first gold pour in mid-June - a month later than previously targeted - though it does note "the initial 48-hour run of the mills was completed on May 30th, and the requisite re-torquing of the grinding mills, mechanical inspections and some minor repairs and modifications have begun" with milling scheduled to resume last Sunday.

It adds that initial results during commissioning indicated "throughput targets in the crushing and grinding circuits should be easily achieved" and the tailings commissioning is complete with all operating permits for the plant and tailings management facilities received.

Argonaut's still aiming to reach commercial production in the third quarter.

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

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