Wawa Council to Hold 4 Meetings In A Row

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

That includes a Committee of Adjustment meeting, which will see discussion on two applications for consent and another for a minor variance, then a public meeting under the Planning Act for Zoning By-Law amendments relating to the consent applications and a third proposed amendment.

Those'll be followed by a Committee of the Whole meeting, which will include monthly reports from department heads, the final report on the proposed Municipal Accommodation Tax, a draft policy on a Civic Achievement Award, results from requests for proposals for Municipal Refuse Collection and for a new transit van, and discussions about Cemetery Expansion and renovations at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

There will also be a regular Council meeting, which will follow up on those last items - there are also four "in-camera" items on the agenda: a personal issue relating to a request for relief from hydro fee; personnel issues about labour/contract negotiations and performance appraisal; and a legal issue regarding a request under the section of the Municipal Act relating to property taxes.

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

Foleyet Remains Under Boil Water Advisory

Foleyet remains under a boil water advisory after a loss of disinfectant in its drinking water system.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts issued the advisory Sunday night, warning those who take their water from Foleyet's municipal system not to use it for human consumption - like drinking, cooking, washing fruits and vegetables, or brushing teeth - unless it is first brought to a roiling boil for at least a minute prior to use - it could, however, be used for laundry or bathing without boiling first.

The advisory will remain in effect until testing confirms it's safe.

It was one of two water advisories issued by the health unit Sunday night, as a drinking water advisory was issued for Gore Bay due to scheduled maintenance that required the Town to shut down its water distribution system.

Former Wawa Resident Wins $2500 in Split the Pot Lottery While Supporting LDHC

Wawa's hospital foundation is congratulating a former resident who won big in a unique online lottery.

The Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation says longtime former Wawa resident Adele Aquino won $2500 through the province-wide "Split the Pot Lottery", noting she'd been participating in the lottery since it began last year, choosing to support the Lady Dunn Health Centre as she'd used its services for 36 years.

Another round of the lottery - which splits proceeds between several winners and participating hospitals, including the Lady Dunn Health Centre and Chapleau General Hospital foundations - is set to begin next month.

HSCDSB Expands Indigenous Summer Transition Program to Wawa Area

The local English Catholic school board's expanding its Indigenous Summer Transition Program.

The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board says the program - which was previously limited to Sault Ste. Marie has been expanded across the district, offering Indigenous elementary school students assistance transitioning to secondary school and preparing for student life through Indigenous presentations, programming, and activities that incorporate cultural teachings, traditions, and practices while honouring and celebrating Indigenous heritage and providing culturally appropriate support services.

The students will also be provided transportation and meals.

For Wawa, White River, Chapleau, and Hornepayne, the program will be offered for all self-identified First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students in Grades 5 to 8 on August 13th in Wawa - those interested need to contact Indigenous Transitions Coach Cindy Cyr by emailing cindy.cyr@hscdsb.on.ca

Wawa Public Library Launches Family Photo Scavenger Hunt

The Wawa Public Library's encouraging families to take some photos in a special scavenger hunt.

Head Librarian and CEO Sue Jarrell explains the "summer reading fun" organized by the library includes the popular event kicking off today.

Jarrell reminds participants to check out the rules, available at the library.

Jarrell notes the hunt continues to Tuesday, July 23rd, though participants will have until 4 pm on Thursday, July 25th to submit their entries, with prizes to be awarded Tuesday, July 30th.

The library's Bingo Reading Summer Challenge is also underway - for children and for adults - along with other summer programming.

Local Students Awarded Scholarship

Some local students are being honoured with special scholarships.

The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says two students from each of its secondary schools have been awarded "Vision Scholarships" valued at $500, for reflecting the board vision of "thriving French-language Catholic students, proud and ready to take place in their society".

Local recipients are Mya Rilley and Ethan Austin from Ecole secondaire Saint-Joseph in Wawa and Chloé Fortin and Xander Jaworski from Chapleau's Ecole secondaire catholique Trillium.

CSC Nouvelon Honours Chapleau Teacher

A Chapleau teacher's being recognized for exceptional contributions.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon is touting École secondaire catholique Trillium's Rebecca Langelier as "an accessible role model for students and her peers", noting she's active in diocese activities, plays a leadership role at the school - organizing activities promoting Francophone culture, supporting the school's student radio and student parliament, and encouraging contributions to the food bank or singing for seniors - and promoting interactions with École Sacre-Coeur, as well as religious celebrations.

The board's also honouring Sudbury teacher Gilles Richer, saying they're "very lucky" to have the two "who give themselves, heart and soul, for our students and our schools".

CSC Nouvelon Honours Wawa Student

A Wawa student's being honoured for academic commitment and dancing talent.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says École secondaire Saint-Joseph Grade 12 student Mya Rilley "stands out for her commitment, perseverance, and reliability", with "impeccable work habits" helping her attain "a number of academic successes" while showing "unparalleled commitment in her participation in sports teams".

It highlights her creation of the school's Instagram account, over 150 hours of community service, participation in the Rotary Club's Adventures in Leadership program, and involvement in Defined Movement Dance, which has seen her distinguish herself at "numerous" dance competitions, and earn a bursary for post-secondary studies.

Chapleau School Wins School Giving Challenge Supporting Autism Ontario

A Chapleau school's being honoured for giving.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says École Sacre-Coeur won the "School Giving Challenge" in support of Autism Ontario, raising $3199 for the organization and the autism community in a charity fundraiser, earning the students a pizza lunch worth $500.

More than 35 schools across the province participated in the challenge, raising $23,400 for the autism community.

Little Time & Space Left Ahead of LDHCF's 9 & Dine Charity Golf Tournament

There's still a little time left for golfers looking to hit the greens in support of the Wawa hospital.

With the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's annual Nine and Dine Charity Golf Tournament set to be held Saturday, the Foundation's reminding there is still some space left for teams - and Chair Susan Switzer emphasizes this will support the local hospital.

Details on registering can be found on the Foundation's Facebook page or by calling the Foundation office at 705-856-2335, extension 3147.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Hosting Garden Party Thursday

Wawa's seniors will be honoured with a special celebration tomorrow.

Matthew Trudeau, Long-Term Care Activity Coordinator at the Lady Dunn Health Centre, explains the garden party is back.

Trudeau emphasizes it's a little bit of a gathering, giving residents an opportunity to socialize.

While it's "first and foremost" for the long-term care residents, Trudeau says others are welcome, noting the Garden Party will be held outside, so those looking to attend are cautioned to be prepared for the sun and perhaps bring a lawn chair.

The garden party runs from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm Thursday afternoon.

OTF Funding Officially Announced for New MMCC Sportsfield Track

Funding to support the Wawa sportsfield's new running track was officially announced this week.

While the Municipality of Wawa's announced in April that installation of the track had been finalized, Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha stopped in town to officially announce the $130,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Fund, with Mayor Melanie Pilon saying the Municipality's "absolutely thrilled" for the formal announcement.

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains there is a significant difference in the new track.

MPP Mantha touted the importance of the track, and the quality of the work.

Mantha further commended those responsible behind-the-scenes.

Mantha also highlighted support for the airport and golf course recently announced by the NOHFC, and heavily hinted of more good news to come for the area.

Retirement Come-and-Go Planned for Outgoing CHADWIC Home Executive Director

A special event will be held to mark the coming retirement of a longtime advocate for women's rights and empowerment in Wawa.

A "retirement come and go" tomorrow will honour outgoing CHADWIC Home Executive Director Paula Valois, who will be retiring after 39 years "of tireless advocacy for women's rights and empowerment...and her unwavering commitment to gender equality and social justice".

Local women's shelter CHADWIC Home supports Wawa, Chapleau, and all other communities and First Nations within North Algoma.

The event runs from 1 pm to 2:30 pm Wednesday afternoon, at Judy Page Moore Catering on Broadway Avenue in Wawa.