PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Revises Down Death Toll

More COVID-19 cases are being reported in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting eight since Tuesday - seven in Greater Sudbury, another in the western Sudbury District - though known "active" cases are down slightly, to 55, with 20 in hospital.

The health unit's also reduced its COVID-related death toll, removing a death in Greater Sudbury in which it was unclear whether COVID was the cause or merely contributed - that leaves the health unit's death toll at 218, 190 in the city.

Driver Falls Asleep, Crashes Near Potholes Park, Walks Away

A Chapleau driver's facing multiple charges after apparently falling asleep at the wheel on Highway 101.

Constable Ashley Nickle says Superior East Ontario Provincial Police were notified on Sunday about a heavily damaged vehicle left on the road around Potholes Provincial Park, about 50 kilometres east of Wawa.

Nickle acknowledges some confusion as to what happened, based on pictures released.

Nickle says the driver - a 46-year-old from Chapleau - was found walking along 101 uninjured, and issued seven tickets under the Highway Traffic Act for careless driving, failing to report an accident, failing to report damage to a vehicle and highway property, and insecure load.

Chapleau Set to Flush Water Mains

Chapleau will flush its water mains next week.

A notice on the Township's website notes it is flushing hydrants in different zones starting Monday, September 11th, through Thursday, September 14th, from midnight to 8 am each day, with people in those zones asked not to use their water during the flushing, including turning off bleeder lines.

As colouration will be a problem, the Township suggests flushing your own lines through a garden hose or laundry tub before you use any water after the flushing.

The flushing's meant to help clean the mains and ensure efficient operation of fire hydrants.

More Reaction to Domtar's Plans to Indefinitely Idle Espanola Mill

Local MP Carol Hughes says she's "disheartened" amid news Espanola's paper mill is "indefinitely" shutting down.

Domtar announced Wednesday that it's shutting down its Espanola pulp mill in early October, to be followed by the idling of the paper machines in November, with President Steve Henry saying "the Espanola mill has been challenged for some time now" with "years of ongoing operating losses and high costs associated with maintaining and operating" the mill, adding "we have worked diligently to find a viable path forward for the operation including offering it for sale".

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing New Democrat Carol Hughes says she's "shocked and saddened", adding she reached out to Domtar to see if government assistance could help avert the closure, but was told it could not.

The closure's set to put 450 people out of work, and Hughes notes "once you lay off workers, the chance of being able to rehire them becomes more challenging as those experienced professionals move on with their careers elsewhere", pointing to challenges White River faced in reopening its lumber mill.

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha says he's "already been in contact with Ontario's Minister of Labour, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and have reached out to the Minister of Colleges and Universities to highlight the impacts that this will have on the community and our region", and hopes to work with them - as well as their federal counterparts and "impacted stakeholders" - to "mitigate any concerns in the community", emphasizing "protecting and promoting good paying, stable jobs in the North should be a priority for all elected officials".

Wawa Council Receiving Housing Presentation in 2nd Meeting of Week

For the second time this week, Wawa Municipal Council's meeting tonight.

The special Council meeting has a few items on the agenda, including a presentation about "SEED Homes", a staff and engineer recommendation about the drill rig, and an "in-camera" item about a pending land acquisition on Magpie Avenue.

Tonight's meeting starts at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers - it'll also be livestreamed through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

Potential Flood Warning for Chapleau/Wawa District

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is warning of potential flooding in the region.

A "Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook" for the Chapleau Wawa District warns residents to "keep a close watch on conditions and exercise caution around rivers and streams", as "a low-pressure system with an associated cold front is moving across the Northeast Region today, bringing rain and scattered thunderstorms for much of the region", with forecasted precipitation ranging from 20 to 40 millimetres - maybe 15 to 25 higher in local moderate thunderstorms - which would produce "significant amounts of localized runoff and elevate water levels", so "some areas may experience an increased risk of overland flow" with flooding possible in low-lying areas and areas with poor drainage.

PHSD & APH Report New COVID-19 Cases

More COVID-19 cases are being reported in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 22 since Friday - twenty in Greater Sudbury, two in the broader Sudbury District, including one in the northern Sudbury District, which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations - though known "active" cases are down to 48 - the health unit only updates hospitalization figures on Wednesdays, but last showed 26 in hospital, one in an ICU.

Algoma Public Health's reporting twelve new cases over the last week, up from the previous week - seven in Central and East Algoma, three in the Sault Ste. Marie area, and two in the Elliot Lake area - with known "high risk active" cases hitting fifteen, including one in hospital.

Domtar to Indefinitely Idle Espanola Mill

A Northern Ontario paper mill's "indefinitely" shutting down.

Domtar says it's shutting down its Espanola pulp mill in early October, to be followed by the idling of the paper machines in November, with President Steve Henry saying "the Espanola mill has been challenged for some time now" with "years of ongoing operating losses and high costs associated with maintaining and operating" the mill, adding "we have worked diligently to find a viable path forward for the operation including offering it for sale" - though the company does promise "appropriate measures" to assist affected workers, and assures the mill idling will be be in an "environmentally sound" manner that will "facilitate a possible sale or future restart".

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha calls the news "heavy" and "devastating...for the workers, their families, and the community who will be impacted by this decision", adding he's "already been in contact with Ontario's Minister of Labour, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and have reached out to the Minister of Colleges and Universities to highlight the impacts that this will have on the community and our region", and he hopes to work with them - as well as their federal counterparts and other "impacted stakeholders" - to "mitigate any concerns in the community", emphasizing "protecting and promoting good paying, stable jobs in the North should be a priority for all elected officials".

Deadline for Wawa Fall Fair Colouring Contest

Time's almost up to enter a contest ahead of Wawa's annual fall fair.

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White explains pages are available for a colouring contest.

White says entries for the colouring contest will be displayed during the fair - and she reminds there's also a baking contest, as well, though entries for that just need to be brought in by 1 o'clock Saturday afternoon, with judging taking place soon after.

The Wawa Fall Fair will be held this Saturday, September 9th, from 11 am to 3 pm in the Curling Rink at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Deadline to Book Transportation for Wawa's Seniors Expo

Last chance to book transportation to Wawa's annual seniors expo.

Alzheimer Society First Link Coordinator Chris Rask explains organizers are arranging free transportation for those who need it.

While the North Algoma Seniors Expo and Active Living Fair isn't until next Wednesday, September 13th - from 10 am to 3 pm at the Community Centre - anyone who needs to book transportation's asked to call the Wawa Goose Seniors Centre so by 4 o'clock today.

Superior East OPP Safety Advice Amid Return to School

Local police are issuing a few safety reminders as kids ready to return to school.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police Constable Ashley Nickle asks everyone to "be a little more careful" as kids return to school, with a special message for parents.

Constable Nickle also has advice for kids walking to and from school.

Constable Nickle also reminds drivers to give themselves more time to get where they're going and be prepared for more vehicle and pedestrian traffic, particularly school buses.

Constable Nickle notes a first time offence can still mean a fine of $400 to $2000 - or worse, the possibility of injuring a child - and any school bus driver or witness can report a vehicle that failed to stop.

The Municipality of Wawa's also reminding of the newly declared "Community Safety Zones" around all schools in Wawa - marked by signs on each end - which means increased - doubled - fines for traffic violations such as speeding.

Classes Set to Begin for 2023-24 School Year

It's back to school time.

Noting classes will begin for most students - there's a staggered start for Junior Kindergarten - Dr. Tarmo Poldmaa - Principal of Wawa's Sir James Dunn Public School - has some advice.

While supply lists are usually given out at the end of the last school year, Poldmaa says staff have posted lists on the school's Facebook page - and he reminds the school nutrition program isn't expected to start quite yet.

Poldmaa also expects a start of the year assembly within a week, and a "welcome back" barbecue later this month.

Saying she's very excited to start the school year - welcoming new students and families - Chapleau Elementary and Secondary School Principal Nicolle Schuurman notes the first day will look a bit different, depending on grade.

Grade 9 to 12 students are asked to report to the main office to obtain their timetables, locks, and locker info, followed by an assembly at 8:45 am, though she also notes timetables were posted on Edsby last Friday.

Schuurman reminds of a few things to bring.

Schuurman also notes Native Second Language will be offered for Grades 1 through 8, with more info to be sent home, though families interested are encouraged to contact the school office.

Superior East OPP Issue Back to School Safety Advice

Local police are issuing a few safety reminders as kids ready to return to school.

While classes won't begin for local schools until tomorrow, Constable Ashley Nickle says Superior East Ontario Provincial Police are asking everyone to "be a little more careful" as kids return to school, with a special message for parents.

Constable Nickle also has advice for kids walking to and from school.

Constable Nickle also reminds drivers to give themselves more time to get where they're going and be prepared for more vehicle and pedestrian traffic, particularly school buses.

Constable Nickle notes a first time offence can still mean a fine of $400 to $2000 - or worse, the possibility of injuring a child - and any school bus driver or witness can report a vehicle that failed to stop.

Chapleau Reminds Drivers Not to Park in Riverside Drive Turnaround

As schools prepare to open, Chapleau's reminding drivers not to park in an important area for buses.

Acknowledging that Riverside Drive's often used to access the Michael Levesque trails, the Township of Chapleau reminds it's also the access point for school bus drop off and pick up, with the roundabout at the end of the road used as a waiting area for the buses to position themselves accordingly - but that's being hindered by parked vehicles.

It reminds that a municipal by-law restricts public access to Riverside Drive from Minto Street to the easterly limit of Riverside on Monday to Friday from September 1st to June 30th, though - to allow access to the trails - they're specifically restricting access when the buses are in use: from 8 am to 9 am and 2:45 pm and 3:30 pm.

Time Running Out to Book Transportation for Wawa's Seniors Expo

Organizers are reminding Wawa's annual seniors expo is almost here - and time's running out to book transportation.

Alzheimer Society First Link Coordinator Chris Rask explains the annual event is basically a public education initiative.

Rask notes free transportation's being offered for those in Wawa, Michipicoten First Nation, Hawk Junction, Dubreuilville, and even White River - but it must be booked by tomorrow, by calling the Wawa Goose Seniors Centre at 705-856-7394.

The North Algoma Seniors Expo and Active Living Fair will be held the following Wednesday, September 13th, from 10 am to 3 pm at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Wawa Council Meeting Right After Labour Day Weekend

Straight off the Labour Day long weekend, Wawa Municipal Council is holding a meeting tonight.

The regular Council meeting will quickly move into closed session with an "in-camera" item - a Council orientation training refresher - before returning to the open session, considering resolutions: approving the purchase of an accessible electric van and a charging station; amending a funding application for airport terminal renovations; and adopting and endorsing the updated Wawa Strategic Plan.

There are also by-laws to confirm permission for a mural on Broadway Avenue and to adopt a new procurement policy.

It won't be the sole meeting of the week, with a special meeting to be held Thursday.

Tonight's meeting starts at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers - it'll also be livestreamed through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

Time Running Out for Input on Wawa's Housing Action Plan

Time's running out to give input on a proposed plan to address housing needs in Wawa.

Economic Development Assistant Jessie Labonte explains the draft Wawa Housing Action Plan was written to tackle the issue, which was identified as a priority in Wawa's Strategic Plan.

Labonte says the plan includes five specific goals and strategies to achieve them, with the public able to find the draft plan on the municipal website or at Town Hall, where comments can be dropped off for Labonte - they can also be emailed - by 4 pm this Friday.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases Ahead of Labour Day Weekend

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting ten since Wednesday - eight in Greater Sudbury, two in the Sudbury District, at least one in the eastern district - though known "active" cases are down slightly, to 64.

The health unit only updates hospitalization figures Wednesdays, but last showed 26 in hospital, one in an ICU.

Superior East OPP Urge Safe Driving Over Labour Day Weekend

Ontario Provincial Police are hitting the roads for the long weekend.

As increased traffic's expected - especially as it's the final long weekend of the summer - Superior East OPP Constable Ashley Nickle says officers will be focusing on the "Big Four" driving offences over the Labour Day weekend.

Constable Nickle notes that plans are for officers to be out and about.

OPP have already reported 239 fatalities on OPP-patrolled roads this year - nearly half attributed to the "Big Four", with a total of 946 deaths attributed to those factors over the last five years - so Constable Nickle encourages drivers to drive sober, ignore distractions, stay calm, and always buckle up, emphasizing "the life you save could be your own".

As school's set to start next week, Constable Nickle also reminds parents to talk with their kids about safely travelling to and from school, and drivers to prepare for increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Wawa Fall Fair Nears, Colouring & Baking Contests Underway

Wawa residents are being encouraged to get creative ahead of the annual fall fair.

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White explains there's a colouring contest ahead of the event, with pages now out.

White says entries for the colouring contest will be displayed during the fair - and she notes there's also a baking contest, with three categories.

The Wawa Fall Fair will be held Saturday, September 9th, from 11 am to 3 pm in the Curling Rink at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.