Chapleau Derby Moves Ahead Despite Mild Weather

Despite the mild weather, the Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby will be held this weekend.

Rotary Club of Chapleau acting president Luc Tessier acknowledges concerns stemming from recent weather conditions.

A post from derby organizers does assure, however, that patrols found ice was an average of 12 inches thick on Monday - as boundaries were posted - though there was slush on the ice surface, which could be slippery in places - and organizers emphasize "ice on rivers is dynamic and the thickness can vary due to currents and eddies under the ice", so "be mindful of ice conditions" - there is some promise in the weather forecast, which expects a 60 percent chance of flurries or showers on Saturday, with a high of only -3 Celsius.

They remind participants aren't allowed to fish within the boundaries on the Chapleau River or Mulligan's Bay until the derby begins at 7 o'clock Saturday morning, and note there are still tickets available for the 26th annual derby - registration will be held Friday from 2 pm to 10 pm at the Community Hall.

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Tables Petition to Raise Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit

Local MP Carol Hughes is touting calls for better financial support for volunteer firefighters.

Saying "volunteer firefighters account for 71 percent of Canada's total firefighting essential first responders, and an additional 8000 essential search and rescue volunteers who respond to thousands of incidents each year", the Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP's tabled a petition calling for an increase to the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit from the current $3000 a year to $10,000 a year for those committing to 200 hours of service, noting "that comes out to only about $450 per year, or $2.25 an hour...but if volunteers work more than 200 hours, the tax credit becomes even less", emphasizing "these essential volunteers not only put their lives on the line, but also play an important role in keeping property taxes low".

Hughes reiterated the petitioners' call for the federal Liberal government to support an already-tabled bill that would increase the tax credit, urging them to pass it ahead of the 2024 fire season, particularly after last year's record-breaking fire season.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, Fewer Active

More COVID-19 cases are being reported in the region - but there are fewer active.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting ten since Friday - nine in Greater Sudbury, another in the Manitoulin District - though known "active" cases dipped slightly, to 61.

The health unit only updates hospitalization figures Wednesdays, but last showed 37 in hospital, two in ICUs.

Wawa Council Holding 1st February Meetings

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

First up is a Committee of Adjustment meeting to address an application for a minor variance, then a Committee of the Whole meeting, which will include discussion on the cenotaph, a draft short-term accommodation licensing by-law, tenders for Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre upgrades, composition of new OPP Detachment Boards, and the downtown Community Improvement Plan.

That'll be followed by a regular Council meeting, which includes resolutions appointing a municipal representative to the OPP Superior East Regional Detachment Board and awarding contracts for MMCC upgrades, as well as by-laws amending the Waiver of Municipal Facility Fees policy and authorizing the renaming of the High Falls Road to Scott Falls Road - a move Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson says is aimed at ending confusion for tourists.

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.

Wawa Seniors Goose Club to Discuss Income Tax in Upcoming Lunch & Learn

Wawa seniors are being offered a chance to have a bite to eat and learn about an important topic later this week.

The Wawa Seniors Goose Club is hosting its monthly Lunch and Learn this Wednesday, February 7th, starting at 11:30 am, this time featuring Bill Devries as a guest speaker, discussing seniors and income tax - it also offers pizza, coffee or tea, and dessert, sponsored by the Wawa Pharmacy.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, at the Wawa Goose Club.

Fishing Prohibited for Chapleau Derby Participants Ahead of Event

Organizers are reminding anglers not to fish ahead of next weekend's Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby.

Per the derby's rules, participants aren't allowed to fish between February 3rd and the start of the derby at 7 am this Saturday, February 10th.

Rotary Club of Chapleau acting president Luc Tessier notes there will be over $70,000 in prizes on the line in this year's derby.

Tessier reminds there are a few ways to get your ticket.

Tickets will be on sale until the day of the 26th annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby, which is Saturday, February 10th - registration will be held Friday from 2 pm to 10 pm at the Community Hall.

NAPS Arrests 3 in Chapleau Drug Bust

Three people are facing charges after a major drug bust in Chapleau.

Nishnawbe-Aski Police say a search warrant was executed on Blue Jay Crescent on Thursday - as part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking at that address and into Brunswick House First Nation - with a search of the home resulting in the seizure of a quantity of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, and crystal methamphetamine, as well as cash, and "paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking".

A 36-year-old man, a 41-year-old woman, and a 35-year-old woman were arrested without incident, charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime - all three were released with an April court date.

Iris Place Holding Paint Night Fundraiser

Wawa residents are being encouraged to paint in support of the local drop-in centre.

Iris Place Clubhouse/Peer Support Worker Michelle Richardson explains a Paint Night fundraiser will be held on Valentine's Day.

Richardson notes the event will support Iris Place.

Space is limited - tickets can be obtained by contacting Richardson at Iris Place - with the Paint Night fundraiser happening Wednesday, February 14th from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Wawa Residents Encouraged to Light Candles for Ukraine February 24th

Wawa residents are being encouraged to light a candle to show support for Ukraine later this month.

As February 24th marks the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Jana Strouhalova says she has a way to honour those affected by the war.

Strouhalova adds another incentive to join in.

Strouhalova notes she's still accepting donations of clothing to send to Ukrainians, as well as monetary donations to support that.

Wawa Mayor Discusses Upcoming Meeting Stemming From ROMA Conference

Wawa's mayor is touting attendance at a recent conference.

Mayor Melanie Pilon says she attended last week's Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference in Toronto - taking part in "several learning sessions, delegations, and meetings with other mayors from across Northern Ontario" - but notes a meeting with the provincial Minister of Infrastructure's been set for later this month, to discuss improving local broadband.

Mayor Pilon notes she also had a meeting regarding the ADSAB apportionment formula, but has another highlight of the conference: a meeting of the Northern Ontario Women Mayor's Caucus.

Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby Nears

Organizers are ramping up preparations for Chapleau's annual ice fishing derby, just ahead of the event.

Rotary Club of Chapleau acting president Luc Tessier acknowledges concerns stemming from recent weather conditions.

Tessier adds OPP patrols will be checking to verify ice thickness on Monday.

Touting over $70,000 in prizes - including $30,000 for the biggest pike - Tessier reminds there are a few ways to get your ticket.

Tickets will be on sale until the day of the 26th annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby, which is Saturday, February 10th.

Registration Deadline for Chapleau Winter Carnival Open Hockey Tournament

Time's almost up for teams wanting to play in Chapleau's "Taste of the North" Winter Carnival Open Hockey Tournament.

Today is the deadline for teams to register for either the Men's or Women's division - the cost is $800 per team, though the tournament boasts $2500 first prizes and $1500 second prizes for both divisions, as well as a $1000 third prize for the Men's Division, which is limited to eight teams, while the Women's Division is limited to four.

To register, contact Leisure and Cultural Services Director Carole Ouellette at the AW Moore Arena - at 705-864-0154 - or email couellette@chapleau.ca by 4:30 pm this afternoon.

The Chapleau "Taste of the North" Winter Carnival will be held February 16th to 18th.

Wawa Mayor Touts Attendance at Recent ROMA Conference

Wawa's mayor is touting attendance at a recent conference.

A release from the Municipality notes Mayor Melanie Pilon attended last week's Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference in Toronto, taking part in "several learning sessions, delegations, and meetings with other mayors from across Northern Ontario" - and Mayor Pilon notes that included an in-person meeting to discuss a key issue for Wawa.

Wawa Council last year passed a resolution calling on ADSAB to review its apportionment calculation - as was recommended by outside firm Municipal Government Wayfinders in the 2021 municipal transformation report - the main concerns stemming from the way the formula considers the "power dam compensatory payment" that Wawa receives from the provincial government in lieu of property taxes from local hydro dams - which used to be taxable - as the payment is not indexed to inflation and the Municipality has continually noted uncertainty about the payment.

Mayor Pilon notes a meeting's also been set for later this month to discuss improving local broadband, but she has another highlight of the conference: a meeting of the Northern Ontario Women Mayor's Caucus.

Mayor Pilon encourages residents to keep an eye out for more details about that group in the future.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting 21 since Friday - twelve in Greater Sudbury, another in the western Sudbury District, and eight in the Manitoulin District - pushing known "active" cases up to 52.

The health unit only updates hospitalization figures Wednesdays, but last showed 32 in hospital, two in ICUs.

Alzheimer Awareness Month Nearing End

As January winds down, the local Alzheimer Society is encouraging people to learn more about dementia.

Noting January is Alzheimer Awareness Month, First Link Coordinator Chris Rask acknowledges most people think of memory loss as the primary symptom of dementia, but memory loss doesn't mean you have dementia.

Rask says signs of dementia include changes in personality.

Rask highlights other signs of dementia.

Anyone wanting more information about dementia - or seeking support - is encouraged to call the local Alzheimer Society office at 705-856-0000.

Chapleau Council Holding 2nd January Meeting

Chapleau Town Council's set to discuss bridges, remuneration, procurement, and more.

Included on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting are reports on bridge inspections and the 2023 budget variance, by-laws to establish remuneration rates for Council members and adopt a policy on procurement of goods and services for the Township, and a single "in-camera" item, the six-month performance review for CAO Judith Meyntz.

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.

WAVS Urges Residents to Beware of Cyber And Other Scams

A local organization's urging people to beware of cyber scams.

Wawa and Area Victim Services Executive Director Beverly Boyd warns there are a number of scams online, highlighting the "romantic scam".

Boyd also points to the Canada Revenue Agency scam.

Boyd emphasizes that you should be especially wary when you're told you can't discuss it with anyone, and also warns those shopping online that "if it seems too good to be true, it might be".

Police urge anyone who believes they've been contacted by a fraudster to cut off contact and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre - if you're a victim of a fraud or scam, call police.

Cart (0)