APH Reminds Parents to Get Kids' Vaccinations & Records Updated

Algoma Public Health's warning thousands of students are facing suspension without updated immunizations and records.

Emphasizing "high levels of vaccination contribute to herd immunity which keeps dangerous diseases away from our children", the local health unit says it's sending out about 4000 letters and suspension orders to parents and guardians in Algoma whose child does not have up-to-date immunization records, either because they haven't received an update or because they're overdue for one or more vaccines.

Ontario law requires youth under age 18 to have received certain vaccines or have a valid exemption on file or be suspended up to 20 days, which would continue to happen if the information's not received.

Suspensions are set to start in the spring.

Missing Manitouwadge Man Found In Good Health

A missing Manitouwadge man has been found safe, shortly after he was reported missing.

Ontario Provincial Police had put out a request for help finding the 26-year-old shortly before 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon - saying he was last seen around noon and there were concerns about his well-being - but police confirmed just minutes later that he'd been found safe and sound "in good health".

No Fishing on Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Lakes for Participants Until Derby Arrives

With just days left before the annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby, organizers are reminding participants to stay off the lakes.

According to derby rules, there is no fishing on the Wawa, Hawk, and Manitowik Lakes for any derby contestants for the rest of the week, until fishing officially opens for the derby Saturday morning.

Reminding there are prizes for the top six fish on each of the three derby lakes - in addition to the $35,000 registration prize - Derby President Shayne Wardrop says there are still some tickets left.

The 32nd annual derby arrives Friday, running through Sunday, March 3rd.

Registration runs from 6 pm to 9 pm Thursday night, 10 am to 10 pm Friday, and 9 am to 12 noon Saturday.

Boil Water Advisory Issued for Dubreuilville

A boil water advisory's been issued for the Township of Dubreuilville.

Mayor Beverly Nantel explains the advisory stems from a temporary issue at the water treatment plant.

Mayor Nantel warns the advisory will stay in place at least 24 more hours, as they need two consecutive samples to come back clear - one was taken Monday and sent out for testing, though results aren't expected back until late tonight, with a second sample taken today though results aren't expected for that until tomorrow night - if both pass testing, then the advisory could be lifted Wednesday night.

Nantel promises to post updates on the Township's Facebook page.

Until then, residents of the Township of Dubreuilville are warned to either use an alternate water source - like commercially bottled water - or bring water to a roiling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, brushing teeth, preparing foods that do not require cooking, or making things such as infant formula, ice, tea, coffee, drink mixes, puddings, or jellos, discarding any that may have already been made with such water - Algoma Public Health also advises against using auto-shutoff kettles or coffee makers as they don't reach a boil time of a minute, and to use 70 percent alcohol hand sanitizer after washing hands - more advice on boil water advisories can be found on the health unit's website.

While the Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon confirms Ecole St-Joseph's affected, the school remains open, with bottled water to be made available for students and staff until the advisory's rescinded.

2 Teens Charged After Attempted Traffic Stop Near Marathon

Two teens are facing charges after an attempted traffic stop near Marathon.

Ontario Provincial Police say the Anishinabek Police Service initiated the stop after observing a traffic violation on Highway 17 east of Marathon around 2 o'clock Saturday morning, but the vehicle ended up fleeing down the highway - OPP later attempted a stop but were unsuccesful, even deploying a tire deflation device, but the vehicle continued driving.

Marathon OPP later located the vehicle engulfed in flames - temporarily closing the highway - with the suspects found in the nearby bush and arrested.

An 18-year-old from Tillsonburg's been charged with dangerous operation, flight from peace officer, and two counts of obstruct peace officer, while a 17-year-old - who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act - has been charged with obstruct peace officer.

Both were released from custody with a future court date.

OPP Warn Drivers to Watch for Wildlife

Ontario Provincial Police are warning drivers to watch out for wildlife.

East Algoma OPP report they've seen 24 collisions so far this month, with six - a quarter of those collisions - involving deer, as the animals are moving around with the more spring-like weather, meaning a high presence of deer along roads such as the Trans-Canada highway.

Emphasizing deer seldom run alone, OPP remind motorists to especially be aware during the morning or afternoon - as deer tend to be more active in early morning or late afternoon - elevating awareness near deer crossing signs, and using high beams at night when there's no oncoming traffic.

Wawa Council Takes Step Toward Finalizing Downtown Community Improvement Plan

The Municipality of Wawa's taken a major step toward finalizing a key plan for the downtown.

In a special meeting under the planning act last night, consultants WSP outlined the proposed Downtown Community Improvement Plan, noting the planning and economic development tool establishes a framework to achieve community-tailored goals, in this case revitalizing Wawa's downtown, including encouraging redevelopment or reinvestment in underutilized or unused properties.

Following up on a 2008 plan - which was never implemented - the new CIP proposes twelve financial incentive programs, including three housing-focused grants - one for exploring the feasibility and developing affordable housing, another for residential "intensification" by utilizing the upper storeys of buildings with a commercial business on the ground floor - plus nine general grants or rebates, including to address accessibility, for beautification, to develop "brownfield" sites, improve building facades or signage, and improve energy efficiency, or helping with planning or building fees or tax increases after major improvements.

It does recommend enhancements to gateway and wayfinding signage for the area, along with public art installations, crosswalk improvements, Broadway Avenue streetscaping, and even seasonal repurposing of some on-street parking areas for sitting areas.

In addition, the report proposes urban design guidelines - not requirements, but suggestions - and WSP suggested the Municipality amend its zoning by-law to further support downtown housing, though that is not part of the CIP itself.

Adoption of the plan's expected to come up for a Council vote next month.

Wawa Council Considers Official Plan & Zoning By-Law Changes to Allow Short-Term Accommodations

Wawa Municipal Council's considering some local law changes to allow short-term accommodations.

As short-term rentals - like AirBnB - are technically illegal in the community because they're not currently recognized by the zoning by-law, Council held a special meeting under the Planning Act last night, to discuss proposed amendments to the Official Plan and the zoning by-law that would permit short-term accommodations in residential zones, recognizing they've already been here for decades.

There would be a number of restrictions, including requiring short-term accommodations be licensed - that system would be worked out after these amendments are confirmed - while limiting it to dwelling units - or parts of them - used to provide temporary accommodation for no more than 29 days, with a limit of 3 per dwelling - the rental would need to be secondary to its residential purpose, could not be in a garage or shed, and would need to meet fire and building codes, plus have one parking space per bedroom or sleep area.

Hotels, commercial RV parks, and bed and breakfasts would not be covered, though the latter would also be defined under the amendments - since B&Bs currently are not - requiring them to be part of the owner's residence.

Questions were raised about the licensing, related fees - like the Municipal Accommodation Tax being explored by the Municipality - and "auditing" to ensure they meet the standards, as well as whether a cap would be placed on the number allowed in town - at this point, no - and concerns were raised about whether this could worsen Wawa's housing shortage and whether neighbours could have any "say" in allowing the rentals.

Mayor Melanie Pilon and CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill did assure a multi-pronged approach is being taken to address housing - Pilon noted the Municipality's "ambitious" housing pledge - pointing to an item discussed later that night, to apply for funding for a water main project that could assist with building new housing in areas such as "Churchill Phase 5".

APH Board of Health Votes Down Merger With PHSD, Despite PHSD Board Approval

Two local health units will not be moving ahead with a voluntary merger.

The boards of health for Algoma Public Health and the neighbouring Public Health Sudbury and Districts voted late last year to explore the feasibility of a merger, bringing the idea to separate votes by each board on Tuesday.

While the board of health for PHSD voted unanimously in favour of combining, with board for APH did the opposite, unanimously voting not to proceed with a voluntary merger, with Board Chair Sally Hagman emphasizing "ensuring the well-being of our communities is paramount" and the "decision reflects that commitment".

Wawa Municipal Council had recently sent a letter to both boards, with Mayor Melanie Pilon explaining the size of the area that would be served left concerns Wawa would be "losing its voice".

APH currently serves 21 communities across a 44,000 square kilometre area - including Wawa, Dubreuilville, and White River - though the combination of the health units would've more than doubled that to 95,000 square kilometres and more than 40 distinct municipalities, including the Chapleau area.

The two boards started exploring the possible merger last fall, after the provincical government 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.

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.

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