25th Annual Take Back the Night March in Wawa

Wawa residents march to "Take Back The Night" this evening.

CHADWIC Home frontline worker Dawn Charbonneau explains Wawa's 25th annual Take Back the Night March is intended to show solidarity with survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence.

Charbonneau says participants are asked to meet at Dr. Rose's Beach to march downtown.

The march from Dr. Rose's Beach to the Legion Hall begins at 6 this evening.

This comes just a day after Wawa Municipal Council declared intimate partner violence and violence against women an "epidemic", as requested by CHADWIC Home Executive Director Paula Valois.

Those who are - or know someone who is - experiencing abuse can contact CHADWIC Home 24 hours a day, seven days a week for support, shelter, or referrals by calling 1-800-461-2242.

Wawa Council Declares Epidemic of Intimate Partner Violence & Violence Against Women

Wawa Municipal Council's declared intimate partner violence and violence against women an epidemic.

Council passed a resolution making the declaration last night, after receiving a delegation from CHADWIC Home Executive Director Paula Valois, who noted it was a recommendation of an inquest into a 2015 triple murder in Renfew, in which all three women killed had a prior relationship with their killer.

Valois also cited figures from Superior East Ontario Provincial Police, who reported that - in 2021 - they had 105 domestic calls for service in Wawa, with 27 resulting in charges and eight deemed "insufficient evidence to proceed", though Valois noted not every domestic call is intimate partner violence, but also "most" intimate partner violence is not reported.

Valois says her main request of Council was to pass such a resolution, declaring intimate partner violence is an epidemic.

Deputy Mayor Mitch Hatfield - who chaired last night's meeting - says the resolution was "well needed".

Wawa Motorcyclist Killed in Goulais River Collision

A Wawa motorcyclist is dead after a collision in the Goulais River area.

Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the collision involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck at the intersection of Highways 17 and 552 in Fenwick Township shortly after 11:30 this morning, with the motorcycle driver pronounced dead at the scene - they've only been identified as a 68-year-old from Wawa at this time.

The Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario-Ontario Forensic Pathology Service is assisting the investigation - which involves a Technical Collision Investigator and Reconstructionist, as well as the North East Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement, TIME, team - with a post-mortem examination to take place at a later date.

17 remains closed between Post Office Road in Fenwick Township to Highway 556 in Heyden, though a detour is possible by using Post Office Road, to get to Highway 552, then 556.

It's unclear when 17 will reopen.

PHSD Urges People Get Stay Healthy This Fall & Get Vaccinated

Local health officials are urging everyone to "stay healthy this fall", getting your COVID-19 and flu shots for protection.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says it's offering a "phased approach" for vaccination this season - aligning with Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines - available first for "high-risk" individuals, defined as hospitalized individuals and hospital staff, long-term care home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers, and those at high-risk of COVID-related complications or hospitalization.

The health unit will roll out vaccinations for the general public later this month.

APH Reports Surge in COVID-19 Cases

A surge in COVID-19 cases is being reported in the region.

Algoma Public Health's reporting 62 new cases over the last week - a jump from the previous week's 49 - with 58 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, two in Central and East Algoma, one in the Elliot Lake area, and another in North Algoma (which includes Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the Michipicoten and Missinabie Cree First Nations) - pushing known "high risk active" cases up to 74, including fourteen in hospital.

PHSD Reports 221st COVID-19 Death

Another COVID-19 death's been confirmed in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting its 193rd in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit's COVID-related death toll to 221 - it's also updated figures to show this death and the prior, which was reported the previous Monday, were both deaths in which COVID was the underlying cause.

It's also reporting 46 new cases since Wednesday - it did not post an update Friday - 40 in Greater Sudbury, five in the broader Sudbury District, another in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 106.

The health unit only updates hospitalization figures on Wednesdays, but last showed fifteen in hospital, two in ICUs.

Wawa Council to Hear About Femicide, Community Fire Risk Assessment

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

First up is a Committee of the Whole meeting, which includes a pair of delegations - from CHADWIC Home Executive Director Paula Valois on femicide, and from the Loomex Group about Community Risk Assessment - along with discussion about Council travel to future conferences.

That'll be followed by tonight's regular Council meeting, which includes resolutions to accept the staff recommendation on the arena ice cancellation policy and confirm a revised schedule for deputy mayor, with the arena ice policy change to be confirmed in a by-law also up for approval tonight.

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

Northern Lights Ford Launches Annual Campaign Supporting Wawa Food Bank

A Wawa car dealership is encouraging everyone to help "scare hunger" this month.

Today marks the start of Northern Lights Ford's annual "Let's Scare Hunger Together" campaign to support the Wawa Community Food Bank, and Kelly Moore-McKenzie of Northern Lights Ford explains the annual campaign is gathering items a few ways.

Moore-McKenzie notes the Wawa Family Health Team, Algoma Public Health, and Lady Dunn Health Centre are also collecting personal hygiene products in support of the campaign, but says there are a few items that are especially wanted, gearing more toward healthier foods, as much as possible.

Food Bank volunteer Dyanne Smart says support is needed, as the organization faces changes stemming from food price inflation.

Northern Lights Ford's "Let's Scare Hunger Together" campaign runs through to Halloween, October 31st.

Chapleau Council to Discuss Landfill, Open Air Burning, Handi Transit Bus

Chapleau Town Council's set to talk about the landfill, open air burning, and more tonight.

Included on the agenda for the first regular meeting of the month is an update on landfill service delivery, as well as by-laws regarding "the disposal of solid wastes and recyclable materials" and open air burning, plus a resolution on a tender for Handi Transit Bus operations.

There are a pair of "in-camera" items, a human resources matter and an update on a legal matter.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 pm tonight in Civic Centre Council Chambers - details on accessing it electronically can be found on the Township's website.

Wawa Food Bank Returning to Pre-Pandemic Schedule

The Wawa Community Food Bank's reducing hours as it hopes to continue serving the community.

Volunteer Dyanne Smart explains that the organization's returning to a schedule followed before the pandemic.

Smart emphasizes this isn't a decision any of the volunteers running the food bank wanted to make, but circumstances have made it necessary.

Smart does express some optimism with the ongoing food drive at Wawa's Red Apple store - on until October 5th - and the upcoming "Let's Scare Hunger Together" campaign at Northern Lights Ford, an October-long initiative that launches this coming Monday, October 2nd, encouraging people to support those campaigns or just drop off donations in the food bank's donation box.

Few Tickets Left as LDHCF Charity High Tea Approaches

Some local residents will be celebrating "high tea" this weekend in support of the local hospital.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation Coordinator Alisha Allin explains the event coming this weekend.

Allin adds the event will also launch another fundraising campaign, which will continue to late November.

Tickets are $50 each - only a few are left, so those interested can e-transfer foundation@ldhc.com or call the Foundation at 705-856-2335, extension 3147 - the deadline is 3 o'clock this afternoon, or when tickets sell out.

Iris Place Reopens

Wawa's Iris Place has reopened.

While the drop-in centre for individuals living with mental health and/or addiction issues had temporarily closed, it reopened this week and new Clubhouse/Peer Support Worker Michelle Richardson notes programming is increasing at Iris Place.

Richardson - a nurse at the Lady Dunn Health Centre for nearly 25 years - emphasizes "any support is needed", Iris Place is there - including if you just need someone to talk with - there's no need for a referral and there's no stigma - drop in the 22 Broadway Avenue location between 9 am and 3:30 pm Monday to Friday or call 705-856-1894.

Richardson also reminds Iris Place is a non-profit reliant on local support, encouraging donations including cash, food items, laundry detergent, craft supplies, and gift cards.

Wawa Walk for Wenjack Returning for National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

As communities across Canada prepare to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Wawa's set to see the return of the "Wawa Walk for Wenjack".

Organizer Jana Strouhal explains the annual event.

Strouhal emphasizes the event's meant to bring awareness amid the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

While the "Wawa Walk for Wenjack" will start from the post office at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, Strouhal notes those with mobility issues could join up along the route, adding that there will be limited seating at the Goose, with speakers and an opportunity for elders and survivors to speak, if they wish.

Attendees are encouraged to wear orange and bring signs or flags.

Wawa Residents Challenged to be Saved by the Beep on Test Your Smoke Alarm Day

Wawa's Fire Chief is challenging residents to be "Saved by the Beep".

Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin explains today is "Test Your Smoke Alarm Day".

Reminding smoke alarms normally last only ten years - and batteries do need to be replaced from time-to-time to ensure they're working - Sabourin emphasizes the alarms are required by law.

While he notes smoke alarms are important to ensure you have early warning to get out of your home in case of a fire, Chief Sabourin also reminds everyone to prepare a home fire or family escape plan, to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire.

Local MP Confirms Bid for House Speaker

Local MP Carol Hughes is eyeing a key role in the House of Commons: Speaker.

The Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing New Democrat's announced her bid for the job after the resignation of Nipissing-Timiskaming Liberal Anthony Rota stepped down from the role after he invited and honoured a 98-year-old North Bay resident who fought for the First Ukrainian Division - also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division - a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis during World War Two.

Hughes says she decided to run "after some deliberation", acknowledging "it's a challenging job, but I have the experience, judgment, and temperament necessary for this role that is vital to the functioning of our democracy", calling herself the "most experienced chair occupant currently in the House of Commons" - as she's served as Assistant Deputy Speaker in two previous Parliaments, as well as the current Parliament - saying that during her time in that role she's "worked to be even-handed, and have received feedback from members of all parties affirming this", adding "I believe now, more than ever, we need a Speaker who can both allow important debate to flourish, and firmly keep order in the House to ensure Canadians feel represented by the MPs".

This isn't her first bid to be Speaker, having run in 2019, when Rota was first elected to the role, though she won't be unopposed, as current Deputy Speaker - Nova Scotia Conservative Chris d'Entremont - has also declared interest, as have Quebec Liberals Greg Fergus and Alexandra Mendès, the latter of whom has been an Assistant Deputy Speaker the last four years.

Dean of the House Louis Plamondon - a Bloc Quebecois MP - is chairing House proceedings today and tomorrow, with the secret ballot vote for Rota's replacement to be the first order of business when the House resumes Tuesday, October 3rd, after a long weekend due to the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday.

PHSD Warns of New Potent Substance in Region

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is warning of the presence of a new potent substance in its region.

The health unit says the Community Drug Strategy's received confirmation of flubromazolam, a potent designer "benzo" also known as "liquid Xanax", warning it "can result in strong sedation and partial amnesia lasting more than 24 hours" or even death, "if taken in large quantities".

It further warns that taking benzos and opioids together increases the risk of poisoning - overdose - and death, recommending avoiding mixing drugs or alcohol, to carry a naloxone kit, not using drugs when you're alone - but also not at the same time as an accompanying friend - and - in the case of a suspected overdose - call 9-1-1.

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