Chapleau Mayor Discusses Selling Chapleau Hydro to Hydro One

Chapleau's selling its local utility.

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo explains that the Township of Chapleau's struck a deal to sell the Chapleau Public Utilities Corporation - or Chapleau Hydro - to Hydro One, noting the PUC was facing issues otherwise.

In addition to paying about $2.3-million - "subject to adjustments", along with continued rent payments - Mayor Bignucolo says Hydro One's made some other key commitments on Chapleau Hydro.

Bignucolo expects this should mean a quicker response to outages - due to a local crew of three - or requests for "hookups".

While Hydro One's been in charge of Chapleau Hydro's day-to-day operations since an interim licence was issued in May, the acquisition would still need to be approved by the Ontario Energy Board - Hydro One expects to file an application by the end of the year, but has already applied to extend its current license in the meantime.

No changes are currently expected for electricity service for Chapleau Hydro customers.

PHSD Issues Water Advisory for Gogama

Gogama's under a drinking water advisory.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says a power failure interrupted the town's water supply, and - while it has been re-established - that could have "compromised the safety of the drinking water", prompting the advisory warning residents not to use water from the municipal system for human consumption until advised otherwise by the health unit, once testing confirms the water's safe.

It further warns that boiling may not make the water safe for drinking - or making juice, infant formula, or ice, washing uncooked fruits and vegetables, or brushing teeth - though it could be used for laundry or bathing, except for small children who could swallow the water.

Wreath Order Deadline for Chapleau's Remembrance Day Ceremony

As Remembrance Day approaches, local Legions are reminding anyone who wants to order a wreath to do so quickly.

While poppies are available throughout the community, Jim Apsey - Poppy Campaign Chairman for Chapleau's Legion Branch 5 - notes wreaths can be ordered by individuals or organizations.

Apsey says the campaign's a way to remember Canadian veterans and the fallen, but also supports veterans and others.

Apsey asks anyone looking for a wreath to contact him by noon today, so they're ready for this Saturday's ceremony.

Larry Harvey - Poppy Campaign Chairman for Wawa's Legion Branch 429 - similarly encourages people to contact him to order wreaths for Wawa's ceremony on Saturday.

Wawa Council Considering Offering Land for New OPP Detachment

Wawa Municipal Council's considering offering up land for a new OPP detachment.

In their Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday night, Council received a thorough report from Treasurer Manuela Batovanja on options to help facilitate the building of a new local detachment, which the Municipality's been pushing the provincial government for for some time, even citing the want for a new detachment when Council effectively evicted the OPP from their satellite office in the former Wawa Police Service office within the Town Hall building at 40 Broadway Avenue.

Council was told of three main possibilities: providing land in some manner - donating or selling, including at a reduced cost - or building either a "base building" or a "turn key" building, which they could then lease to the OPP - she later told JJAM FM News that selling the building to the OPP was not an option as they're not interested.

Batovanja outlined costs and revenue that would be generated from the various options, noting the building options would require a substantial amount of the Municipality's borrowing capacity - essentially all or more than that in the case of the "turnkey" building - and would also leave a number of ongoing operating costs, including for maintenance of the buildings, which would also substantially increase the Municipality's asset management obligations, and it would take decades to fully recover the initial costs.

In the end, it was recommended that Council opt for some form of land contribution - Batovanja emphasized she "strongly" believes the province should build the detachment, and that many residents simply couldn't face the jump in property taxes that would be required for the Municipality to put up the building, let alone continued costs, all of which would prevent the Municipality from meeting any other infrastructure needs - and she further advised that even "donating" the land isn't an option, and the Municipality should at least sell it at a reduced rate that would cover costs, such as for a survey or - if required by the OPP - land clearing or other measures to prepare the land.

There was some confusion among councillors as some details and figures appeared to contradict information previously provided by the OPP, with Batovanja assuring she'd verified her information with the Ontario government.

A resolution is expected to come to Council in their next meeting, on November 21st.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Still 2 Active in Northern Sudbury District

COVID-19 cases are continuing to surge in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 42 new cases since Monday - 37 in Greater Sudbury, four in the broader Sudbury District, another in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 191 - the highest since early March - though cases in hospital are down to 56, with two in ICUs.

The "active" cases include two in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - an outbreak is still "active" at the Bignucolo Residence long-term care facility in Chapleau, declared last Saturday, with an influenza outbreak also declared on Monday.

This is the health unit's first update in more than a week not to include a COVID-19-related death.

Wawa Council Discusses Vallee Park

The future of Wawa's Vallee Park remains uncertain - but work to resolve that is continuing.

Wawa Municipal Council received a delegation from Mary Harbocian in their Committee of the Whole meeting last night, with Harbocian explaining that - as a member and founder of "Friends of the Park" - she's seen a number of people donate or offer material and time to build a bridge in the park, noting the area is well used - including by local schools - so she was calling for Council to add a new Vallee Park Bridge to next year's Capital Budget.

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson noted the bridge is included as a "subject to funding" item in the Capital Budget presented in September - which has not been finalized by Council - noting a variety of issues that need to be resolved for Vallee Park, including property lines, the trail, insurance, and liability - he further noted discussions with the Voyageur Trail Association, suggesting if it can come on board and take responsibility for the trail, that would address most of the issues, further noting possible funding from the Trans Canada Trail could help address other issues with the trail or park, but recommended keeping the bridge as a "subject to funding" item until the issues are resolved.

Mayor Melanie Pilon - who noted she invited Harbocian as she personally finds Vallee Park important - pointed to evidence of "significant" community backing - including several people in the gallery and other shows of support - but called any decision a "political" not "financial" decision - Councillors Cathy Cannon and Mitch Hatfield both noted a want for more information from Patterson, including about liability - emphasizing they aren't saying "no" - with Patterson promising a report, expected in December or January, so a decision could potentially be made in January - he also noted that work's been underway in the background for years, but this will now be treated as a priority.

Chapleau Selling Chapleau Hydro to Hydro One

Chapleau's selling its local utility.

Hydro One Networks and Chapleau Public Utilities Corporation have announced a definitive agreement for Hydro One to acquire Chapleau Hydro's distribution business to serve electricity customers in the Township of Chapleau - the agreement for "substantially all of Chapleau Hydro's electricity distribution assets" will see Hydro One pay about $2.3-million "subject to adjustments".

According to a joint release, the Township of Chapleau plans to use proceeds from the sale to "invest in critical core community services including the Township's water plant, fire services, and airport".

Hydro One took over day-to-day operations for Chapleau Hydro in June, amid staffing shortages at the local utility, as the Ontario Energy Board issued Hydro One an interim licence to operate Chapleau Hydro's distribution business for the next six months, during which time Chapleau Hydro and the Township of Chapleau would "evaluate longer term options to continue to provide excellent electricity distribution services in Chapleau", including selling the distribution business - a request to extend that license has been submitted to the OEB, which must also approve the acquisition - Hydro One plans to file an application on that by the end of 2023.

No changes are currently expected for electricity service for Chapleau Hydro customers.

Order Deadline for Iris Place Indian Taco Fundraiser

Time's running out for those looking to support a tasty fundraiser in Wawa.

Iris Place Clubhouse/Peer Support Worker Michelle Richardson explains the drop-in centre for individuals living with mental health and/or addiction issues has a special guest helping.

Richardson says the fundraiser will support a new program that recently started at Iris Place.

Richardson says orders can be called in to Iris Place - at 705-856-1894 - until 4:30 pm this afternoon, with the food pickup scheduled for Friday, November 10th.

PHSD Reports 224th COVID-19 Death, 3rd in a Week

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting its 224th COVID-related death - and the third in less than a week, having reported deaths in its last two updates - though this is the 11th in the Manitoulin District.

The health unit's also reporting 67 new cases since Friday - 60 in Greater Sudbury, six in the broader Sudbury District, and one in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 187 - the highest since early March - including two in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations) - it has also declared an outbreak at the Bignucolo Residence long-term care facility in Chapleau, as of Saturday, November 4th.

The health unit only updates hospitalization figures on Wednesdays, but last showed 66 in hospital, four in ICUs.

Wawa Council to Discuss Vallee Park in Back-to-Back Meetings

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

First up is a Committee of the Whole meeting, which includes a delegation from Mary Harbocian on the Vallee Park Bridge - and a staff memo on the bridge - as well as discussion about EMS Algoma, a new OPP detachment, and a mutual assistance agreement with the Township of Hornepayne.

That'll be followed by tonight's regular Council meeting, which includes resolutions to approve a request to extend the curling ice season and to approve and endorse a housing pledge for the Wawa Housing Plan, as well as three "in-camera" items, all legal issues: one relating to an application under the section of the Municipal Act relating to property taxes; one a "land issue", the other an "outstanding property taxes issue".

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.

Order Deadline Nears for Iris Place Indian Taco Fundraiser

Time's running out for those looking to support a tasty fundraiser in Wawa.

Iris Place Clubhouse/Peer Support Worker Michelle Richardson explains the drop-in centre for individuals living with mental health and/or addiction issues has a special guest helping.

Richardson says orders can be called in to Iris Place until 4:30 pm this Wednesday, with the food pickup scheduled for Friday, November 10th.

Chapleau Resident Dead After Collision West of Timmins

A Chapleau resident's dead after a single vehicle collision west of Timmins.

South Porcupine Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the collision along Highway 101 shortly after 8 o'clock Saturday morning, finding a passenger vehicle in a ditch, with a 35-year-old from Chapleau pronounced dead at the scene.

They have not been further identified publicly.

The OPP Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) team and the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario-Ontario Forensic Pathology Service are investigating.

Survey Launched for Wawa Downtown Community Improvement Plan

The Municipality of Wawa's looking to "bring Broadway back to beautiful" - and wants input to help.

Supported by funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, the Municipality's launched efforts to develop a new Community Improvement Plan, which Economic Development Assistant Jessie Labonte explains is a tool used to revitalize parts of a community through programs, grants, or incentives - a process that has been done in Wawa before.

Labonte notes the process involves a background review, which started with the contractors walking through the downtown with some locals - followed by a vision session - and is now continuing with a survey.

Labonte adds there's an incentive: those who fill out the survey are entered into a draw, with $150, $100, and $50 prizes.

Those interested can go to surveymonkey.com/r/wawacipcommunitysurvey - the link can be found on the Municipal website - or get a paper copy from the Municipal Office, the Community Centre, the library, or the Wawa Goose Senior Centre.

PHSD Reports 223rd COVID-19 Death, 2nd This Week

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting its 195th in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit's COVID-related death toll to 223 - it last reported a death on Wednesday.

The health unit's also reporting 44 new cases since Wednesday - 36 in Greater Sudbury, six in the broader Sudbury District, and two in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 183 - the highest since early March - including two in the northern Sudbury District (which includes Chapleau, Cartier, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations).

The health unit only updates hospitalization figures on Wednesdays, but last showed 66 in hospital, four in ICUs.

Magino Mine Marks Commercial Production

A local mine's marking a major milestone.

Argonaut Gold says its Magino Mine achieved commercial production on Wednesday, thanking the Magino team "for their hard work to achieve the commercial production milestone and celebrate the dedication of all employees, contractors, and community partners that have supported construction of the newest gold mine in Canada as we work to achieve our vision of becoming a low-cost, mid-tier North American gold producer that delivers value to all stakeholders".

Located near Dubreuilville, Magino is Argonaut's first Canadian operation - it marked its first gold pour in mid-June, and is expected to produce 72,000 to 81,000 ounces of gold this year before reaching 148,000 ounces in 2024, its first full year of production.

Chapleau Planning Cemetery Cleanup

Chapleau's planning to clean up its cemeteries later this month.

The Township's warning residents that the fall cleaning of the municipal cemeteries will happen on or after Friday, November 17th, with all lot decorations to be removed in accordance with the Cemetery By-Law.

That includes all structures, ornaments, candles, and other embellishments, but not headstones, monuments, or markers.

Applications Open for Wawa Christmas Hampers

Applications are now available for a Wawa tradition supporting those in need: the Christmas Hampers.

Christmas Hamper Fund Chair Richard Watson explains the hampers are meant for those in need in the community, including families, seniors, and other individuals.

Watson notes applications for hampers are available this week, encouraging anyone who may need some help to file.

Watson also encourages anyone interested in volunteering to help with organizing the hampers to contact himself or Robin Marshall-Davidson.

Hawk Junction Remembrance Ceremony Nears

As Remembrance Day approaches, Wawa's Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 is reminding anyone who wants to order a wreath to do so quickly.

Local Poppy Campaign Chairman Larry Harvey reminds it's especially important to get orders in if you wish to have a wreath laid in Hawk Junction, as that'll happen this weekend.

Harvey also reminds those who want wreaths for the Remembrance Day ceremony next weekend to get the order in as quickly as possible - Chapleau's Legion Branch 5 has asked orders be in by Wednesday, November 8th.

Chapleau Council to Consider Selling Chapleau Hydro

Chapleau Town Council's considering selling the local utility.

A special meeting's being held at 5 o'clock, with a single item on the agenda: a resolution for the sale of Chapleau PUC.

While the agenda does not say who it would be sold to, Hydro One took over day-to-day operations for Chapleau Hydro in June, amid staffing shortages, as the Ontario Energy Board issued Hydro One an interim licence to operate Chapleau Hydro's distribution business for the next six months, during which time Chapleau Hydro and the Township of Chapleau would "evaluate longer term options to continue to provide excellent electricity distribution services in Chapleau", expecting a "permanent solution ready to put in place at the end of this interim period", which would be next month.

At the time, it was noted Chapleau Hydro is "one of the smallest utilities in the province and, due to its size, it is challenged with balancing the ongoing regulatory requirements, attracting and retaining staff, and the need to make investments in the distribution system", so the Township was looking at the option of selling the distribution business "to ensure customers continue to receive excellent electricity distribution services".

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