36th Annual Winnie's Hometown Festival Arrives in White River

White River's bustling with excitement this weekend, with the 36th annual Winnie's Hometown Festival.

Festival Coordinator Nicole Simpson notes a special theme for this year's celebrations.

Simpson says there are a couple other active events back, including the Mud Run.

Simpson also highlights a "barbecue celebrating culture and community spirit gathering".

Other events happening today include the re-enactment of Winnie and Captain Colborne, followed by the Shirt Tail Parade late this afternoon, the family and teen dance party this evening, and the fireworks at dusk, while tomorrow's festivities include Winnie's Fun Land and Trade Show, the Slo-Pitch Tournament, and adult dance, with the festival ending Sunday with the double feature drive-in movie, showing Inside Out 2 and The Fall Guy.

Weekend passes are available at the Township Office or "at the door", with more details on the Winnie's Hometown Festival Facebook page.

Wawa Salmon Derby's Pre-Fish Contest Set to Begin

Anglers will start hitting the water this weekend for the chance at some prizes for the upcoming Wawa Salmon Derby.

While the 42nd annual derby isn't for another week, the five-day "pre-fishing" contest starts tomorrow, and Derby Chair Brad Buck notes participants can reel in a nice prize.

Buck reminds the "pre-fish" - which runs through Wednesday, August 21st - is open to anyone registered for the derby, which runs August 23rd to 25th - registration's open until 5 pm next Friday, August 23rd.

Wawa Gets Federal Funding for New Accessible Transit Van

Wawa's getting federal support for a change in local transit service.

The federal government's announced $161,980 through its Rural Transit Solutions Fund for the purchase of a new accessible transit van, with the Municipality of Wawa to contribute a further $40,496 - an announcement Municipal CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill is happy to make.

O'Neill notes the Municipality won't need to wait long for the vehicle, either.

A government release quotes Mayor Melanie Pilon as saying she's "grateful" for the federal investment to help "offer an accessible and affordable public transportation option to residents in Wawa, especially those requiring mobility assistance" - she also emphasized to JJAM FM News that Infrastructure Services Assistant Director Rebecca Weatherall has been crucial to seeing the project through.

Registration Opens for CHADWIC Home Golf Tournament

Golfers can start signing up for an event supporting the local women's shelter.

CHADWIC Home Public Awareness and Marketing Intern Morgandy Leadbetter explains registration's now opened for the annual CHADWIC Home Golf Tournament.

As preparations are underway, Leadbetter also has a message for local businesses and organizations.

Leadbetter reminds the tournament supports CHADWIC Home, which supports Wawa, Chapleau, and all other communities and First Nations within North Algoma.

The tournament's set to be held Saturday, September 14th.

Wawa Council to Consider By-Law to License Short Term Rental Accommodations

Wawa Municipal Council's set to consider a by-law to license and regulate short-term accommodations during a pair of meetings tonight.

First up is a Committee of the Whole meeting, which will include a presentation on the Asset Management Plan and Policy Update, as well as monthly reports from department heads, memos on RFPs for MMCC Digital Communications and Wawa Downtown Marketing Video Services, and a draft policy for the Downtown CIP Financial Incentive Program.

That'll be followed by a regular Council meeting, which includes resolutions to award contracts based on the RFPs discussed in the prior meeting, as well as the by-law to license, regulate, and govern short-term rental accommodations in Wawa and a policy for a Civic Achievement Award.

There are also three "in-camera" items: a personnel issue relating to a performance appraisal; a legal issue regarding a request under the section of the Municipal Act relating to property taxes; and a legal issue regarding an offer to purchase property.

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

Michipicoten First Nation Community Trust Holding AGM

A major meeting's being held tomorrow: for the Michipicoten First Nation Community Trust.

The organization - which was established through a settlement agreement on land claims, to ensure the management of compensation - is set to hold its annual general meeting from 9 am to 2 pm Saturday, at the Michipicoten First Nation Band Office.

All members in attendance will be asked to provide proof of membership and/or photo ID to register to receive Trust information, and possibly win prizes at the end of the event.

Split the Pot Lottery Returns

Local hospitals are again "splitting the pot" with other hospitals in a unique online lottery.

The "Split the Pot Lottery" has returned for another round, supporting 62 hospitals across Ontario - including Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre and Chapleau Health Services - who will split proceeds from ticket sales, and get a greater share if the purchaser chooses to support that hospital specifically.

There will be seven early bird draws of $1000 every Tuesday and a $10,000 early bird draw every Wednesday through September 11th, then ten $1000 draws and a $7000 draw on September 17th, followed by thirteen grand prize draws to be held September 18th, expected to split a payout currently estimated to be $1.2-million.

The most recent grand prize draw in June saw the payout hit nearly $1.15-million.

Former longtime Wawa resident Adele Aquino won $2500 in the last round of the lottery, having chosen to support the Lady Dunn Health Centre when buying her tickets.

Chapleau Cree First Nation Hosting 29th Annual Pow Wow

It's an important weekend for a local First Nation.

Chapleau Cree First Nation's 29th annual Pow Wow is happening this weekend, and Health Director Marlene Kapashesit explains the event.

Kapashesit notes the gathering begins with a social night tonight.

Kapashesit also highlights dancing throughout the day, and a number of vendors.

Kapashesit emphasizes the importance of respect.

Everyone is welcome to Chapleau Cree First Nation's 29th annual Pow Wow, which will be held at the Pow Wow Grounds.

OPP Lament 6 Deaths Over Civic Holiday Weekend, Over 8000 Charges Laid

Ontario Provincial Police are lamenting a tragic Civic Holiday long weekend.

The OPP says they responded to eight fatalities: six in collisions on OPP-patrolled roads, and two off-road vehicle deaths.

OPP officers also laid 8050 charges over the long weekend: 4040 for speeding, 125 for racing or stunt driving, 235 for impaired driving, 69 for distracted driving, 554 for lack of seatbelt, and 99 for not complying with the "Move Over Law", which was a main focus of last weekend's enforcement.

Constable Ashley Nickle notes that law - intended to protect emergency service workers, including tow truck operators - requires extra caution and space near parked emergency vehicles.

Violations of the "Move Over" law carry a fine of $490-$2000 plus 3 demerit points, though subsequent offences carry penalties including a $1000-$4000 fine, driver's licence suspension for up to 2 years, and jail time up to 6 months

OPP Close Investigation Into Remains Found at Montreal River Harbour

Ontario Provincial Police have closed their investigation into human remains discovered in the region seven years ago.

The OPP's Criminal Investigation Branch says they've concluded the death investigation after investigative genetic genealogy was used by the DNA Doe Project to help identify the remains in September, with detectives then locating living family members, using their I-D to confirm the deceased's identity, though that will not be shared publicly, to respect the family's wishes.

Found by a hiker on a cliff overlooking Montreal River Harbour in July 2017, the remains had previously been determined to be a male age 45 to 65, found with clothing items, a firearm, coins, and a cardboard box - it is not known how he arrived at the location, but it's believed he may have taken a bus, walked, or hitch-hiked.

As foul play is not suspected in the death, investigators have now closed the case.

Heat Warnings for Dubreuilville & Chapleau Areas

Caution is being urged amid heat warnings in the region.

Environment Canada's warning a "heat event" is expected today and tomorrow in areas including Dubreuilville, White River, Chapleau, Gogama, Foleyet, and points south of Wawa with humidex values of 36 to 38 Celsius and overnight temperatures in the high teens at least.

It emphasizes hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and extreme heat affects everyone, though the risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and people working or exercising outdoors.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre Unable to Stop in Wawa, Will Video Conference

Wawa won't see Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre in person.

While Poilievre was supposed to attend a rally at 2:15 pm at the local Legion Hall, his plane was unable to land at the Wawa Municipal Airport due to fog.

Wawa Mayor Melanie Pilon initially told JJAM FM News that Poilievre had instead landed at the Chapleau Airport and he'd drive to Wawa from Chapleau - expected to be about 1.5 hours behind schedule - but the Conservative Party's now issued a notice that "due to weather and travel issues...Poilievre will not be able to arrive in time to Wawa for the Axe the Tax Rally", and will instead have a special video conference set up for attendees at the Legion to hear from him directly.

It's unclear whether the remainder of his Northern Ontario tour remains on schedule: he was expected to visit a similar rally in Hearst this evening before continuing over the next few days to Kirkland Lake, Sudbury, and finally Elliot Lake on Friday.

It also comes just a week after NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made a 3-day stop in Northern Ontario, visiting Timmins, Cochrane, and Kirkland Lake.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre Delayed

Wawa will need to wait for Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre.

While Poilievre was supposed to attend a “Common Sense Rally” at 2:15 pm at 51 Broadway Avenue (the Legion Hall), Wawa Mayor Melanie Pilon’s informed JJAM FM News that Poilievre’s plane was unable to land at the Wawa Municipal Airport due to fog, instead landing at the Chapleau Airport - he’s now driving to Wawa from Chapleau.

That’s put him an estimated 1.5 hours behind schedule, which would suggest the rally will begin around 3:45 pm, though that’d currently up in the air.

This is part of a broader tour of Northern Ontario: Poilievre stopped in Fort Frances on Monday and is scheduled to visit Hearst this evening, before continuing over the next few days to Kirkland Lake, Sudbury, and finally Elliot Lake on Friday.

It also comes just a week after NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made a 3-day stop in Northern Ontario, visiting Timmins, Cochrane, and Kirkland Lake.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre Stopping in Wawa for Rally

Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre is visiting Wawa today.

The party's "events" page shows Poilievre will attend a "Common Sense Rally" at 51 Broadway Avenue (the Legion Hall) with doors opening at 2:15 pm.

It's part of a broader tour of Northern Ontario: Poilievre stopped in Fort Frances on Monday and will visit Hearst this evening, before continuing to Kirkland Lake, Sudbury, and Elliot Lake through Friday.

Foleyet Boil Water Advisory Lifted

Foleyet's no longer under a boil water advisory.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says the advisory issued Sunday evening - after a loss of disinfectant in its drinking water system - has now been lifted, as tests have confirmed the water's safe for consumption.

The health unit does suggest residents run cold water faucets for five minutes or until the water runs clear, put water softeners through a regeneration cycle, drain and refill hot water heaters, and replace water filters used during the advisory.

PHSD's also lifted a drinking water advisory that was issued for Gore Bay the same evening, when its water distribution system was shut down for scheduled maintenance.

Municipality of Wawa Preparing Municipal Accommodation Tax By-Law

The Municipality of Wawa's moving toward a special tax on short-term accommodations.

In one of four meetings held Tuesday night, Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson delivered what he dubbed his "final" report on the proposed "Municipal Accommodation Tax", noting he'd held more consultations on it than any other topic in his career, with response essentially breaking down into four groups: motels on Highway 17 coming into town, who were "neutral" but not in favour of implementing a MAT at this time; motels in town that were simply against the MAT; other short-term accommodations, who were generally in favour; and local committees like the Municipality's Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee, which are in favour, seeing the potential benefits of a MAT.

In the end, Patterson recommended moving forward with the MAT - saying despite the negative feedback, it doesn't outweight the positives - but he did recommend delaying its implementation to the second quarter of 2025 (starting April 1st) with Council giving him direction to move forward on preparing the by-law, which could be brought to a vote later this year.

While most councillors spoke in favour of the MAT - Mayor Melanie Pilon acknowledging it's a "very divisive issue", but adding she believes the benefits "speak loudly, and it is something that was a major goal of the Municipality's strategic plan - Councillor Joe Opato did raise questions about enforcement, with Patterson explaining there are some ways to determine whether short-term accommodations are following the rules and measures could be taken through by-law enforcement or collections, but there is obviously a reliance on good faith, which he noted should be bolstered by ensuring people understand the benefits of the funds.

Under provincial law, half of the funds would go to municipal coffers to support tourism, and the other to a third-party "tourism entity" - Patterson has proposed setting up a new entity that would include representation from Council or Municipal staff, accommodation operators, and the public.

Wawa Public Library Scavenger Hunt Ending, Reading Bingo Continues

Time's running out for families to submit pictures for the Wawa Public Library's "Family Photo Scavenger Hunt".

While the scavenger hunt officially ended Tuesday, the deadline for entries is 4 o'clock this afternoon - prizes will be awarded next Tuesday, July 30th.

Though that initiative's ending, Head Librarian and CEO Sue Jarrell reminds the Bingo Reading Summer Challenge is still underway, to encourage literacy among the family.

Jarrell encourages families to do this together, with prizes for kids and for adults - and she notes there'll be other activities at the library through the rest of the summer, including an Escape Room planned for August 23rd to 25th.

CHADWIC Home Holding Sunset Yoga at Sandy Beach

Wawa's local women's shelter is inviting people to celebrate International Self Care Day with sunset yoga.

CHADWIC Home Public Awareness and Marketing Intern Morgandy Leadbetter explains tonight's free event.

While yoga is noted to "not only enhance self-care but also nurture your mind, body, and soul, making it a powerful tool for personal well-being", Leadbetter notes the event is partly about awareness.

As blankets are limited, participants are reminded to bring a yoga mat or blanket - plus a water bottle - to the free event led by Callie Paddock, running from 8 to 9 pm at Sandy Beach.

Wawa Public Library Family Photo Scavenger Hunt Ending

Time's running out for families to take pictures for the Wawa Public Library's "Family Photo Scavenger Hunt".

As the contest officially ends today, Head Librarian and CEO Sue Jarrell empasizes the Family Photo Scavenger Hunt is meant to be fun for the whole family.

Jarrell reminds participants to check out the rules.

Jarrell notes entries must be submitted by 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon, but reminds other things are happening at the library through the summer, including the Summer Bingo Reading Challenge on until late August, and the "Crazy Davey's Fishing Hut" escape room coming August 23rd to 25th.

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