Wawa Council to Discuss Downtown CIP & Short-Term Rentals at MMCC

Wawa Municipal Council's holding a trio of meetings tonight - in a different location.

First up is a public meeting under the Planning Act, including a presentation on the Downtown Community Improvement Plan, which Economic Development Assistant Jessie Labonte explains is a sustainable community planning tool.

CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill says it includes a number of options intended to "bring Broadway back to beautiful".

There'll also be a presentation on proposed changes to Wawa's Official Plan and zoning by-law, to allow short-term rentals (like AirBnB) as they are technically not currently allowed - it has been proposed that the Municipality allow them and implement a licensing system requiring an inspection to ensure the property meets the Fire and Building Codes along with other restrictions.

Unlike most meetings, public comments will be accepted on each of those items after the presentation.

Council will also hold a Committee of the Whole meeting featuring discussion on the Municipal Accommodation Tax, as well as a regular Council meeting including a resolution for an agreement to share a backup ice resurfacer with White River, Marathon, Schreiber, and Biigtigong Niishnabeg - also known as the Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation - while Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson recommended the deal, as it could be useful if there are issues with the current resurfacer since there is no backup, Council questioned the need and whether it would be cost effective.

The meetings will be held back-to-back-to-back, starting at 6:30 pm tonight, though - for accessibility and space purposes for the public meetings - they'll be held in the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre banquet hall.

They'll also be livestreamed through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

Wawa Launches Voyent Alert! Municipal Notification Alert System

Wawa has a new way to alert residents.

"Voyent Alert!" has launched in Wawa, and Municipal IT Technician Anders Dereski explains it's meant to keep residents informed.

Alerts can be received through the Voyent Alert! mobile app, text or SMS, email, or a voice message over the phone - that and what type of alerts are sent are chosen when registering either by downloading the app, or going to www.register.voyent-alert.com

For details or assistance, call the Municipality of Wawa at 705-856-2244 or stop in the Municipal Office.

CSC Nouvelon Highlights Wawa Student for Parliamentary Role

A Wawa student's being highlighted for a parliamentary role.

The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon is putting the spotlight on Elsa McGregor, who holds the position of Prime Minister of Ecole secondaire Saint-Joseph's Student Parliament, a role that also sees the Grade 11 student sit on the French Catholic school board's Student Senate, quoting McGregor as "proud to have the opportunity to make a difference and to help my school in return as it has done so much for me".

CSC Nouvelon & CS Grand Nord Move Up April PA Day Over Solar Eclipse

The local French school boards are moving a planned PA Day - because of a solar eclipse.

The local French public and French Catholic boards - Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord and Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon - have announced the Professional Activity Day originally scheduled for April 19th has been moved up to April 8th to "ensure there is no school for students on Monday, April 8[th...] the day of the solar eclipse, which is expected to occur at or near dismissal times and result in temporary darkness", noting "concern that students that are taking the bus or walking home without adult supervision may try to watch the eclipse and risk damaging their eyesight", emphasizing "both school boards are erring on the side of caution, with safety first and foremost".

They also point to Canadian Association of Optometrists guidelines for safe viewing of an eclipse, encouraging parents and guardians to consult the association's website "to better understand the risks that influenced the decision to change the PA Day".

Wawa Council Expresses Opposition to Potential APH/PHSD Merger

Wawa Municipal Council's speaking out against a potential merger of local health units.

While the boards of health for Algoma Public Health (which represents an area including Wawa, Dubreuilville, and White River) and the neighbouring Public Health Sudbury and Districts (whose coverage area includes Chapleau) voted late last year to explore the feasibility of a merger, Wawa Council's sent a letter to both, expressing opposition to the idea.

Noting a number of concerns around the size of the area that would be served, Mayor Melanie Pilon says one of the biggest concerns is Wawa "losing its voice".

Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker (who sits on APH's board) raised objections to the idea when it was voted on by the board in November, noting concerns about representation with a merged agency as well as a commitment to not reduce staff - something APH has since done, anyway.

The board of local women's shelter CHADWIC Home (which serves Chapleau as well as Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and neighbouring communities) has also sent a letter warning the health unit boards that "any reduction in service available in our area would be problematic for our clients and for the communities at large" and urging it to "keep in mind the valuable and necessary role that these services play in the smaller, northern communities and work hard to ensure their continued presence and level of service in our area".

APH's board had discussed in September provincial government pressure for health units to merge, as the province has offered funding for units who "voluntarily" merge, which prompted the neighbouring Porcupine and Timiskaming units to explore the option.

The PC government had planned in 2019 to merge the province's dozens of health units into ten, with a single one for northeastern Ontario, claiming larger agencies would mean cost savings and lead to improved public health services.

Chapleau's Taste of the North Winter Carnival Continues

Festivities are ramping up for Chapleau's "Taste of the North" Winter Carnival, as the weekend arrives.

After last night's opening events, Leisure and Cultural Services Manager Carole Ouellette says several others are happening tonight.

Ouellette notes more is planned through the weekend - including VR games and laser tag Saturday evening and the Chapleau Cree Youth Pike Fish Derby on Sunday - with the full schedule on the Carnival's Facebook page.

Carnival keychains are available at the Civic Centre today and the arena through the weekend.

Wawa Winter Carnival Goes to Candyland

Wawa's annual Winter Carnival is promising a weekend of fun activities, encouraging everyone to enjoy "Candyland".

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White says events start today with a chili luncheon at the Wawa Goose Seniors Centre, followed by free public skate - and then the big opening.

White reminds things ramp up tomorrow, continuing through Family Day Monday - carnival buttons are available at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, with the event schedule on the "Wawa Recreation" Facebook page.

Michipicoten FN Community Trust Election for 1 Trustee Seat

A local election's being held tomorrow: for the Michipicoten First Nation Community Trust.

While an election was held in December, a single trustee position is open - nominations will open from 9 to 11 tomorrow morning, followed by voting from noon to 6 pm in the MFN 10-plex Common Room.

All Michipicoten First Nation band members are encouraged to participate, but reminded you have to be at least 18 to vote - with applicable ID - and potential trustees must be at least 25, and present.

The Trust was established through a settlement agreement on land claims, to ensure the management of compensation.

Superior East OPP Encourage Safety Over Family Day Weekend

As the Family Day long weekend arrives, Ontario Provincial Police are warning everyone to be a little more careful.

Superior East OPP Constable Ashley Nickle encourages parents to talk to their kids about being safe.

Constable Nickle also suggests teaching kids road safety - staying on sidewalks, when possible, or the left side of the road - and have them stay away from water or ice unless with an adult, especially as the warmer weather's made the ice very unpredictable.

Drivers are also reminded to take their time and watch for kids along roads, while snowmobilers are warned to check ice and trail conditions before heading out.

Chapleau's Taste of the North Winter Carnival Returns

Festivities are getting underway today for Chapleau's "Taste of the North" Winter Carnival.

While the school broomball tournament was held earlier this week, Leisure and Culture Services Director Carole Ouellette says a few favourite events are happening tonight.

Ouellette reminds things ramp up tomorrow - with more events through Sunday - while Carnival keychains are available at the Civic Centre through Friday and at the arena through the weekend.

A full schedule of events is available through the carnival's Facebook page.

Entry Deadline Near for Wawa Winter Carnival Competitions

Time's running out to get creative for a few Wawa Winter Carnival competitions.

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White reminds the Hat Competition is back.

White also notes the Colouring Competition has returned - with a big change.

Entries for the Hat and Colouring Competitions must be submitted by 4 o'clock Friday.

White adds there's also a new candy or baking competition, with entries to be dropped off at the MMCC by 2 o'clock Saturday.

The Wawa Winter Carnival arrives Friday - carnival buttons are available at the MMCC, with the event schedule on the "Wawa Recreation" Facebook page.

Timmins Man Wins MVFA Cash Draw's Valentine's Day Draw

Wawa's firefighters are congratulating the latest winner through an annual fundraising campaign.

Harold Schmidt of Timmins won $1000 in the second draw of the annual Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters Association cash draw this morning.

Reminding there are still three more $1000 draws and the $10,000 grand prize draw to go, Executive Committee President William Moore notes there are still some tickets left - but not many.

Supporting equipment purchases for the local firefighters, the annual cash draw's final draws will be made March 3rd, at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby.

Space Left for Iris Place Paint Night Fundraiser

Some space is left for a Valentine's Day fundraiser supporting Wawa's drop-in centre.

Iris Place Clubhouse/Peer Support Worker Michelle Richardson explains the Paint Night fundraiser coming tonight.

Richardson emphasizes funds raised will help support Iris Place.

Tickets can be obtained by contacting Richardson at Iris Place and may even be available at the door of the Paint Night fundraiser, which will be held from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Registration Open for Wawa Triples Curling Funspiel

Curlers are being encouraged to sign up for an upcoming "Funspiel".

Scheduled for February 24th, the Wawa Triples Curling Funspiel will be limited to sixteen teams, with the registration deadline - including payment - next Monday, February 19th.

For details, contact Andy Stevens by calling 705-856-2884 or 705-975-3441, or Jim Hoffmann at 705-852-1274.

Pierre Joyal Wins 26th Chapleau Pike Ice Fishing Derby

Lines are out of the water as Chapleau's 26th annual Pike Ice Fishing Derby is now in the books.

Nearly 700 anglers from near and far hit the ice for the Saturday derby, but the top prize of $30,000 went to a 7.93-pound pike caught by Pierre Joyal - who’d travelled from Florida to his hometown - while the $15,000 second prize went to Claude Clouthier with a 5.83-pound pike, and Steven Bernier claimed the $10,000 third prize.

While Rotary Club of Chapleau Acting President Luc Tessier acknowledges weather had been a concern, he's positive about the event.

Tessier adds funds raised by the derby helps the local Rotary Club, supporting various causes and organizations in the community.

Space Running Out for Iris Place's Valentine's Day Paint Night Fundraiser

Space is running out for a Valentine's Day event supporting Wawa's drop-in centre.

Iris Place Clubhouse/Peer Support Worker Michelle Richardson reminds a Paint Night fundraiser will be held to support Iris Place.

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

Crafting Competitions Launched Ahead of Wawa Winter Carnival

Wawa residents are being encouraged to get creative ahead of the annual winter carnival.

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Stacey White explains the Hat Competition is back.

White notes the Colouring Competition has returned - with a big change.

White also highlights a new contest: a candy or baking competition.

The Wawa Winter Carnival arrives Friday - carnival badges will be available at the MMCC, with the event schedule on the "Wawa Recreation" Facebook page and in a pamphlet in mailboxes soon.

Chapleau Council Holding 1st February Meeting

Chapleau Town Council's set to discuss tourism, planning, and more.

Included on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting are items about the Chapleau Tourism Development Fund, the Strategic Plan and Community Improvement Plan, and a fire truck grant opportunity, as well as various fire protection agreements.

There are also four "in-camera" items: one relating to the sale of land; two regarding labour relations; the other about "information supplied in confidence to the municipality".

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.

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