Wawa Council Declares Community Safety Zones Around Schools

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

The move was approved in last night's Council meeting - more than a month after it was initially proposed - with Infrastructure Services Assistant Director Rebecca Weatherall explaining in last night's Committee of the Whole meeting that staff launched a survey and held an open house, receiving feedback overwhelmingly in favour of the idea, which would Weatherall previously explained would see the zones established around the Churchill school zone, Sir James Dunn, and Ecole l'Escalade, to address concerns about speeding.

Weatherall told Council ahead of their vote that approving the by-law would mean staff would proceed with signage to install for the upcoming school year in September, accompanied by an educational campaign for drivers.

OMNRF Lifts RFZ, Burning Permits Still Required Locally

Ontario's lifted a ban on open air burning in place for more than a month.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says the Restricted Fire Zone that was in place for the entire fire region of Ontario - which includes most of the province, including the entire North - was lifted at 4 o'clock Tuesday afternoon - it was initially implemented for much of the province on June 1st, and expanded days later, amid hot and dry conditions and a number of forest fires, which was straining provincial resources and contributing to smoke that caused air quality issues for much of the country.

While it has lifted the RFZ, the Ministry urges Ontarians and visitors to "continue to use extreme caution and follow Ontario's Outdoor Fires Regulations when having an outdoor fire", emphasizing that lifting the restrictions "does not mean we can let our guard down when it comes to preventing human-caused fires".

Locally, the Municipality of Wawa and Township of Chapleau have both announced an end to their bans on open air burning, which had suspended burning permits - Wawa's ban stemmed from the RFZ, while Chapleau's was implemented days before, due to the hot and humid conditions, as a small forest fire was burning just outside the community - both communities remind permits are required and applications will now be considered.

Only one new fire was reported across the North on Tuesday - southeast of Dryden - and it was called out, leaving a total of 83 "active" across the North - 31 in the Northeast, 52 in the Northwest - while the fire hazard ranges from low to high for much of the North.

Wawa Council Considering Municipal Accommodation Tax

The Municipality of Wawa's looking into a new tax on short-term accommodations.

In last night's Committee of the Whole meeting, CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill explained a "Municipal Accommodation Tax" is recommended by the Municipality's Strategic and Tourism Plans, noting a number of other communities have implemented one - including Chapleau, Marathon, Sault Ste. Marie, Greater Sudbury, and Thunder Bay - commonly set at 4%, though Council could choose a different rate.

O'Neill noted preliminary estimates suggests the tax could bring in about $500,000, further explaining that - under provincial legislation - 50% of the funds raised go to municipal coffers.

O'Neill explained the other half of the funds would need to go to a third party who would use it for tourism purposes only, though she noted there are a number of possibilities on that front, including a destination marketing organization - which Council could establish - though she also noted Chapleau's partnered with the Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation to distribute those funds.

Councillor Mitch Hatfield questioned how the Municipality would know about local B&Bs, with O'Neill acknowledging there are tracking issues but staff have a list and have been watching online postings - supplemented with local knowledge - further encouraging those local to self-identify or report.

In last night's regular meeting, Council approved a resolution directing staff to continue exploring the business case for implementation of the tax - including meeting with stakeholders and looking into what entity would receive half of the funds raised, possibility of rebates, and a potential appeal process - then report back to Council to consider whether to move forward and in what form.

APH Reports New COVID-19 Cases, None for PHSD

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting four over the last week - three in the Sault Ste. Marie area, another in the Elliot Lake area - though known "high risk active" cases are down slightly, to six, with two in hospital, one in an ICU.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting no new cases since Friday, with known "active" cases down to ten - the health unit now only updates hospitalization figures on Wednesdays, but last showed three cases in hospital.

Chapleau Looking Into Heating Project

The Township of Chapleau's looking into a potential energy project.

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo explains Chapleau Town Council's approved a $13,400 contribution toward the feasibility study for the "Chapleau District Heating Project".

The "partner" referenced is Commercial Bioenergy Inc., with whom the Township's signed a memorandum of understanding - the resolution passed Monday also noted CBE will be applying for funding through the Green Municipal Fund.

Mayor Bignucolo notes Council on Monday also approved a zoning by-law amendment to permit the conversion of four residential units at 49 Monk Street into five units with reduced parking requirements, and a more than $63,000 purchase order for a new Breathing Air Compressor.

Chapleau Area Forest Fires Now "Under Control"

More progress has been made on a couple forest fires in the region.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is now showing the 3916 hectare "Chapleau 3" fire - located two kilometres south of October Lake and 2.5 kilometres west of Vichaw Lake - and the 1229 hectare "Chapleau 6" fire - located 2.5 kilometres west of Morin Lake and one kilometre east of Bolkow Lake - are now considered "under control" - neither fire has grown in about four weeks, and were reclassified as "being held" last week, with access and travel restrictions around "Chapleau 3" lifted last Wednesday.

As of Monday night, there were 32 active wildland fires in the Northeast - only one considered "not under control" - with 56 active in the Northwest - six "not under control" - while the fire hazard's mainly moderate to high across the North.

The Restricted Fire Zone banning open air burning - and suspending burning permits - remains in place for the entire fire region of Ontario, with no indication when it'll lift.

Wawa Council Holding Back-to-Back-to-Back Meetings

Wawa Municipal Council's holding a trio of meetings tonight.

That includes a Committee of Adjustment meeting to address an application for a minor variance, as well as a Committee of the Whole meeting, which will include monthly reports from department heads, an update on the Community Safety School Zone, and discussion on a memorandum of understanding on a Goose Nest mural, firefighter protocol for funeral service, a municipal accommodation tax, and a municipal SUV purchase.

The latter two will be followed up in tonight's regular Council meeting, which also include a resolution relating to a funding application for the Michipicoten Golf Club, by-laws appointing a new deputy clerk, adopting a citizen complaint policy, and adopt the designation of Community Safety Zones around local schools, plus five "in camera" items: one a personnel issue, the other legal issues relating to an outstanding property taxes issue, a property standards complaint, an offer to purchase property, and marina divestiture.

The meetings will be held back-to-back-to-back, starting at 6:30 pm tonight in Council Chambers - they'll also be livestreamed through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

15th William G. Rose Golf Tournament Nears

Golfers will hit the greens later this week for an annual golf tournament.

The 15th annual William G. Rose Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Friday, honouring the late longtime Wawa police chief - teams of men, ladies, mixed, or seniors will participate, with hole-in-one and other prizes.

Those looking to join in can call the pro shop at the Michipicoten Golf Club - at 705-856-7409 - to get a tee-time - they start at 1 o'clock Friday afternoon.

Chapleau Council to Discuss Heating District Project, Zoning By-Law Amendment

Chapleau Town Council's set to meet tonight.

Included on tonight's agenda are resolutions: approving a purchase order for a new breathing air compressor for the Fire Department; authorizing a $13,400 contribution toward a feasibility study on the Chapleau Heating District Project; and amending the zoning by-law to allow the conversion of four existing residential units into five.

There's also an "in-camera" item, relating to CAO recruitment.

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.

APH Reminds Parents to Update Children's Vaccinations

Algoma Public Health's urging parents to protect our school communities from vaccine preventable diseases.

The local health unit reminds children attending school need to meet immunization requirements under Ontario law, which requires youth under age 18 to have received three or four main vaccinations or a valid immunization exemption on files.

Among the vaccines required: diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and meningococcal disease.

The health unit will be sending more than 6000 letters to parents or guardians of children who may be missing those immunizations or have out-of-date records with APH, emphasizing "there is a risk of suspension from school...if students have not received all mandatory vaccines, do not have their immunization records up to date, or have a valid immunization exemption on file", adding "these vaccines are safe, effective, and publicly funded, which means there is no cost to students receiving these vaccines"

Wawa Library Encouraging Kids to Read Over Summer

Wawa's library is encouraging kids to join in some summer reading fun.

Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains the TD Summer Reading Club has already launched, with various incentives for kids to read.

Jarrell also touts the Bingo Reading Summer Challenge, to encourage literacy among the family.

A Photo Scavenger Hunt will start next Friday - details will be released at noon on Thursday, July 13th - with other activities at the library through the weeks, including an Escape Room the weekend of August 19th.

Travel & Access Restrictions Lifted From Chapleau Area Forest Fire

Restrictions are loosening around a Chapleau area forest fire.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says travel, use, and access restrictions around the "Chapleau 3" fire - located two kilometres south of October Lake and 2.5 kilometres west of Vichaw Lake - were lifted as of 7 o'clock Wednesday morning.

The 3916 hectare blaze and the 1229 hectare "Chapleau 6" fire - located 2.5 kilometres west of Morin Lake and one kilometre east of Bolkow Lake - were reclassified as "being held" on Monday, though neither fire has grown in nearly four weeks.

Less positive news on the fire front for the northeast overall - as seven more were confirmed in the Cochrane sector, bringing the number "active" in the northeast up to 35 - while the northwest also saw an increase, to 55 - the fire hazard is moderate to high for most of the north.

The Restricted Fire Zone banning open air burning remains in place for the entire fire region of Ontario.

PHSD Plans COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic in Chapleau

A COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be held in Chapleau next week.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says it's holding the "appointment only" clinic at its Chapleau office next Wednesday, July 12th, offering the primary series for those six months to five years old, and primary series or booster doses for those over five - it's the only such clinic planned for Chapleau this month.

North Algoma instead uses appointments rather than clinics - in Wawa, call the local Algoma Public Health office; in Dubreuilville, the Dubreuilville Medical Centre; in White River, the Northern Neighbours Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic.

Nominations Open for Chapleau's "Buddy" Swanson Volunteer Recognition Award

Chapleau wants to hear about volunteers in the community.

The Township's inviting nominations for the "Buddy" Swanson Volunteer Recognition Award, which honours individuals who've made "an outstanding contribution to the community over a period of years" - it notes "consideration will be given to individuals who have served the community through a non-profit or service organization, made significant contributions to local programs or services, been a leader and innovator with community volunteers, have given of their time, knowledge and skills to achieve a goal for the community, or have contributed to the community in spite of barriers or personal circumstances".

Nomination forms - in English and French - can be found at the Civic Centre or on the Municipal website, and must be submitted by 4 pm on Friday, July 21st.

Heat Warning Continues for Chapleau Region

Caution is being urged amid a continued heat warning for the Chapleau region.

Environment Canada's warning a multi-day heat event continues for areas including Chapleau, Gogama, and Foleyet, with maximum temperatures of 29 to 31 Celsius - 35 to 40 with the humidex - further emphasizing that hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality while extreme heat affects everyone, though the risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and people working or exercising outdoors.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts warns continuous exposure to high levels of heat can lead to dehydration and illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, swelling of hands, feet, and ankles, heat rash, muscle cramps, and even death, recommending avoiding sun exposure, taking breaks from the heat, drinking plenty of cool liquids - particularly water - and wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.

The heat wave's expected to ease tonight.

UPDATE: The heat warning has been lifted as of 4:48 pm.

Heat Warnings Continue for Chapleau, Dubreuilville, White River Areas

Caution is being urged amid heat warnings in the region.

Environment Canada's warning a multi-day heat event continues in areas including Dubreuilville, White River, Chapleau, Gogama, and Foleyet, with maximum temperatures of 29 to 33 Celsius - humidex of 33 to 38 for Dubreuilville and White River, 36 to 40 for the Chapleau area.

It emphasizes hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and extreme heat affects everyone, though the risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and people working or exercising outdoors.

The heat wave's expected to ease for the Dubreuilville and White River area tonight, and for the Chapleau area tomorrow.

Cart (0)