Progress on Wawa 3 Forest Fire, Now Being Held

Progress has been made on a major forest fire in the region.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is showing "Wawa 3" - also known as the "Depew Fire", east of White River - is now "being held" at 6678.1 hectares in size - it hasn't grown in a week - though an implementation order issued over a week ago remains in place, restricting travel around the blaze, which was initially reported May 27th.

The Ministry recently removed the sprinkler system set up near White River, as the threat lessened.

Further east, however, the "Chapleau 3" fire east of Chapleau continues to grow, surpassing 3900 hectares and still considered "not under control".

There are three other fires in the Chapleau district: a three-tenths of a hectare blaze south of Highway 101 and west of 129; a four-hectare fire northeast of town; and a 1229 hectare fire north of Highway 101, west of town.

Given the shift in weather, the fire hazard is mostly low to medium for the region, though there are areas of high hazard along the north shore of Lake Huron and north of Timmins.

Former Superior East OPP Commander Named Nipissing West Commander

The former commander of the local OPP detachment has a new job further south.

The Ontario Provincial Police say Inspector Megan Moriarity has been appointed the Nipissing West Detachment Commander - she's been with the OPP since 1993, starting in various southern communities before being promoted to Staff Sergeant and Detachment Commander for the Superior East Detachment - which includes Wawa, White River, Chapleau, and Hornepayne - in 2015.

She served as acting Detachment Commander for the James Bay and Manitoulin Detachments in 2018 and 2019 until she was promoted to Inspector and moved to officially head the Manitoulin Detachment in April 2019, staying in the role until now.

Chapleau Council to Consider Contract for Sewer Work in Meeting

Chapleau Town Council's set to meet tonight.

Included on tonight's agenda is a by-law authorizing a contract with J. Provost Contracting for the Richards and Demers storm sewer and Elgin Street sanitary sewer replacement, as well as resolutions to waive expenses for Maison Boreal to construct a multi-residential project and approving scope changes for: the sanitary and storm sewer system project; the 2022 landfill closure and post-closure liabilities; and portable generator connection upgrades, plus discussion about the upcoming Drag Races, the Buddy Swanson Volunteer Award, and an Integrity Commissioner report.

There are also two "in-camera" items: one relating to CAO recruitment, the other about the Chapleau PUC.

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

Wawa Hosting Open House on Community Safety Zones Around Schools

Wawa residents are being encouraged to learn about plans to declare areas around local schools as "Community Safety Zones".

A special open house is being held today, following on 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 says it's meant to address concerns about speeding in those areas.

The open house runs from 2 pm to 4 pm this afternoon at the downstairs boardroom at 40 Broadway Avenue, the Municipal Office building - a survey can also be filled out, with paper copies available at the Municipal Office.

Chapleau Pentecostal Church Preparing for Fundraiser for Haiti Mission

Chapleau Pentecostal Church is encouraging everyone to help support children in Haiti, as the church prepares for an annual fundraising event.

The annual car wash, yard sale, and barbecue for the Haiti Mission will be held this weekend, and Pastor Dan Lee explains there is still a chance to join in.

Lee emphasizes funds raised support the Haiti mission, which includes a school, church, and cafeteria, "feeding, teaching, and instructing children" - anyone interested in getting a table can call the church at 705-864-0828.

The event runs from 8 am to 3 pm Saturday, though the barbecue starts at 10 am.

Wawa Council Holding Special Meeting on Strategic Plan

Wawa Municipal Council's holding a special Saturday morning meeting to discuss the Municipality's strategic plan.

The special Council meeting has two items on the agenda: a presentation from Municipal Government Wayfinders on the Wawa Strategic Plan update; and a resolution to approve the purchase of marina playground equipment.

It will be held 9:30 am tomorrow morning, in Council Chambers.

Anishinabek Nation Declares State of Emergency Over Police Funding

The Anishinabek Nation's declared a state of emergency over funding for policing in its communities.

Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe says Chiefs-in-Assembly unanimously approved the declaration to "highlight the urgency and seriousness of the policing crisis", emphasizing "it is essential for Canada to acknowledge and address the systemic barriers and discriminatory practices that hinder the safety and well-being of our citizens", demanding "equitable resources and support for our policing services to ensure the security and justice our communities need and deserve".

The federal NDP - including Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes - have been pressing on funding for First Nations policing, after the funding agreement for the Anishinabek Police Service, United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police - as well as Treaty Three Police - expired at the end of March, with the Indigenous groups accusing the federal government of refusing "meaningful negotiations" for "more equitable agreements" rather than the take-it-or-leave-it contracts presented by the government.

In addition to the emergency declaration, the Anishinabek Nation's mandating support efforts aimed at restoring resources for safe and equitable policing across Anishinabek territory, advocation for the Essential Police Service Designation through legislation, preparation of a litigation action plan if significant progress is not made by August, and a status update for the Fall Grand Council Assembly.

Maintenance Complete at Chapleau Water Treatment Plant

Maintenance at Chapleau's water treatment plant is complete.

The Township says the maintenance - which, along with "hot, dry climatic conditions", had prompted a request to conserve water over the last week - was successfully completed, though the Township is still asking residents "consciously consider water conservation in...water activities", noting those continued dry conditions.

Despite that, the Splash Pad - which was only open a few days before closing to aid in the conservation measures - has reopened.

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.

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