APH & PHSD Opening Bookings for COVID-19 & Season Flu Shots

Local health units are urging residents to protect yourself and your family by getting COVID-19 and flu vaccinations.

Noting "respiratory illness season is here", Algoma Public Health Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. John Tuinema emphasizes "vaccination is one of the strongest defenses we have to protect our community from serious illness", adding "by getting both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccine, you are actively preventing the spread of potentially life-threatening illnesses and safeguarding those at higher risk", urging everyone to "prioritize their health and the well-being of our community by staying up to date on their vaccines".

In Algoma, appointment bookings open at 9 am Thursday, October 10th - a number of clinics have been announced for the coming weeks and months in Wawa, as well.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has already started rolling out COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccinations for "high-risk groups" - including residents and staff of long-term care homes and congregate living settings, adults 65 and older, pregnant individuals, members of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit communities, those with underlying medical conditions, and health care workers - set to expand to the general public - six months and older - October 28th.

In addition to vaccination, both health units urge precautions such as staying home when sick, thoroughly washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or at least a sleeve, and considering wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded or enclosed spaces, especially if you're at higher risk.

MMCC Gym "Soft Reopening" After Renovations/Relocation

Wawa's Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre is reopening its gym after renovations.

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains what he describes as a "soft opening".

While the gym's currently reopened, Patterson notes it may close a few days at a time as other equipment comes in and gets installed, with hopes to have more of a "grand reopening" with the full slate of equipment at the end of the month.

Patterson also notes a special offer for those who want to use the gym.

Patterson further touts "generous" funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for making this project possible.

Wawa Council Defers Decision on Extended Ice Season

Wawa Municipal Council's putting off deciding whether to extend the ice season.

In their Committee of the Whole meeting this week, Council was apprised of two requests - from Ecole Saint-Joseph and the Wawa Minor Hockey executive - asking that the arena ice season be extended to start September 1st and end April 15th, rather than starting the final Monday of September and ending the final Monday of March.

Given the date of the meeting, CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill noted that the earlier start date would be impossible to meet this year, and suggested Council give staff more time to review financials as they prepare operating and capital budgets, which could have an impact on Council's response.

Council agreed, with those in attendance - Councillor Mitch Hatfield was absent - noting concerns about the costs of a longer ice season, particularly the earlier start given the warmer early fall weather of recent years - O'Neill did emphasize the arena was not built for the warmer climate - with Mayor Melanie Pilon emphasizing concern about jeopardizing an asset but also suggesting there could be opportunities for outside funding to help with upgrades.

2 Teens Charged Over Damage to Elliot Lake Arena

Two teens are facing charges over extensive damage at Elliot Lake's Centennial Arena.

East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police say they've arrested two Elliot Lake 17-year-olds on two counts each of break, enter a place with intent to commit indictable offence and one count each of mischief over $5000 - the charges stem from a break-in at the arena reported Friday morning, when contractors noticed extensive damage, including a still running "Zoom-Boom" that had smashed into a large structural post, seven large commercial fire extinguishers deployed everywhere, and all food in the canteen cupboards and refrigerator damaged and thrown on the floor, a total estimated cost over $50,000.

Police also note security camera footage show the same group of youth trespassing and attempting to break into Elliot Lake's Central Avenue Public School.

The investigation's noted to be ongoing into the incident, which came just before the city celebrated its "Kraft Hockeyville" status with a special exhibition game in Sudbury, due to existing issues with the Centennial Arena, which the community's been raising money to fix up.

Small Wildfire Confirmed in Wawa District

A small forest fire's burning in the Wawa district.

As of its Tuesday evening update, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources listed "Wawa 16" as a 1.3-hectare wildland fire that is "not yet under control", located one kilometre north of Lorna Lake and about 20 kilometres west of Highway 614, though one FireRanger crew was assigned to the fire, which was confirmed that morning.

The Ministry's also confirmed an 840 hectare fire in the Cochrane district, with the fire hazard mostly low to moderate across the northeast, except the northern half of the Cochrane district, which is moderate to high.

Iris Place Hosting Open House & Silent Auction Fundraiser

Iris Place is opening its doors - and putting a few things on the auction block to raise funds.

Iris Place Clubhouse/Peer Support Worker Michelle Richardson explains today's event.

Richardson highlights some items that'll be on the auction block.

Richardson invites everyone to come out for refreshments and fellowship at the Open House and Silent Auction, which runs from 4 pm to 8 pm today at Iris Place on Broadway Avenue - winners of the auction will be announced tomorrow.

Wawa's Boil Water Advisory Lifted

Wawa's boil water advisory has been lifted.

The Municipality's announced that "recent water samples collected and analyzed were found to be in compliance with provincial regulations" so the advisory issued Saturday morning has now been rescinded, with Algoma Public Health approving the lifting of restrictions on using the municipal water supply.

Covering all households and businesses connected to the Wawa water supply system - including in the Michipicoten River Village - the advisory had warned against using water from the municipal system for any activities where it may be ingested without first bringing it to a "roiling boil" for at least one minute prior to use.

Those with questions are encouraged to call Algoma Public Health at 705-356-2551 or municipal employees at 705-856-2244, extension 287 or 705-914-0291.

Wawa Boil Water Advisory Remains in Effect, But May Soon Lift

Wawa's boil water advisory remains in effect.

Noting the advisory will remain until an order is issued - in consultation with Algoma Public Health - to rescind it, CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill does note some positive news.

O'Neill says the Municipality's hopeful those results will arrive later today, and possibly lead to the advisory being lifted by "suppertime", though there is no guarantee.

The advisory - which covers all households and businesses in the community, including Michipicoten River Village - warns people can still use water from the municipal system for washing and bathing - though it's best to sponge bathe younger children and infants - but it should not be used for any activities where it may be ingested, such as drinking, brushing teeth, or washing fruits and vegetables unless it is first brought to a "roiling boil" for at least one minute prior to use.

For further information, call the Municipality's Public Works Department at 705-856-2244, extension 287 or 705-914-0952.

Ecole Sacre-Coeur's Terry Fox Run Raises Over $3200

Students from a Chapleau school far surpassed fundraising expectations for its annual Terry Fox Run.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says Ecole Sacre-Coeur's school community "showed incredible generosity" and surpassed their $2000 goal - already almost $100 more than last year - instead raising $3205 for the Terry Fox Foundation, which supports cancer research.

CSC Nouvelon Again Offers French Program for Anglophone Parents

Parents of local French Catholic school students can get some help learning the language.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says parents and guardians of students with the board will be able to access two free French-as-a-second-language programs offered online by Collège Boréal: a "Beginner 1" program and a "Beginner 2" program - both are fifteen-week courses, starting October 8th.

They're intended to help Anglophone or Allophone parents support their child's learning, with the board covering the cost, though space is limited.

Chapleau Council Holding 2nd September Meeting

Chapleau Town Council's set to meet for the second time this month.

Included on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting are items about: an extension agreement for the canteen license; an update on street sweeping of sand on local roads; the Rural Community Immigration and Francophone Community Immigration pilot programs; and a single "in-camera" item, relating to human resources, specifically firefighter recruitment.

The meeting will be held at 6 pm tonight in Civic Centre Council Chambers - details on accessing it electronically can be found on the Township's website.

Boil Water Advisory Issued for Wawa

Wawa's under a boil water advisory.

The Municipality announced Saturday morning that the advisory had been issued for the entire community - including Michipicoten River Village - warning people can still use water from the municipal system for washing and bathing - it's best to sponge bathe younger children and infants - but it should not be used for any activities where it may be ingested, such as drinking, brushing teeth, or washing fruits and vegetables unless it is first brought to a "roiling boil" for at least one minute prior to use.

Covering all households and businesses connected to the Wawa water supply system, the advisory will remain in effect until microbiological water samples confirm the safety of the water, not expected until at least Monday.

For further information, call the Municipality's Public Works Department at 705-856-2244, extension 287 or 705-914-0952.

Wawa Council Calls on Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mantha to Resign

Wawa Municipal Council's calling on Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha to step down.

In their meeting last night, Council passed a resolution calling for Mantha's resignation - citing a third party investigation launched by the Ontario NDP which substantiated allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct against him, and saying he must be held to a higher standard as an MPP.

The idea came up in the September 3rd Committee of the Whole meeting, at the request of multiple local residents, who cited the allegations, and Mayor Melanie Pilon emphasized it was about accountability.

Chapleau Town Council expressed their distaste with Mantha in a resolution passed last month, saying he was not welcome on Township property.

Another Small Wildfire Reported in Chapleau District

A few forest fires continue to burn in the Chapleau district.

As of its Tuesday evening update, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources listed "Chapleau 15" as a 0.6-hectare wildland fire that is "not yet under control", located north of Ridout River - about 3 kilometres southeast of Kormak - though one FireRanger crew was committed to the fire.

"Chapleau 14" - reported on Monday - is now "under control" at 0.3 hectares in size, located east of Fraser Lake in Mississagi River Provincial Park, while "Chapleau 8" - reported August 15th - is still "being observed" at 0.2 hectares in size.

The fire hazard's mostly moderate to high across the northeast.

Small Wildfire Reported in Chapleau District

A small forest fire's continuing to burn in the Chapleau district.

As of its Monday evening update, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources listed "Chapleau 14" as a 0.3-hectare wildland fire that is "not yet under control", located east of Fraser Lake in Mississagi River Provincial Park, though one FireRanger crew has been committed to the fire.

The Ministry's also confirmed fires in the Sudbury, Timmins, and North Bay districts, with the fire hazard mostly moderate to high across the northeast.

Wawa Council Holding 3 Meetings, Will Consider Calling for MPP Mantha's Resignation

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

First up is a Committee of Adjustment meeting to discuss a minor variance application for a Superior Avenue property.

That'll be followed by a Committee of the Whole meeting including monthly reports from department heads, a memo on Broadway Avenue murals, a review of the municipal alcohol policy, a request for signage honouring late NHL star Chris Simon, and a tender for airport washroom renovations.

The latter item will come back up in tonight's regular Council meeting, which also includes a resolution to award the tender for municipal refuse collection, and another resolution to officially call for the resignation of Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha - the idea came up in the September 3rd Committee of the Whole meeting, at the request of multiple local residents, who cited the allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct, and Mayor Melanie Pilon said at the time Council seemed to have a firm stance.

Mayor Pilon emphasized it was about accountability.

Chapleau Town Council expressed their distaste with Mantha in a resolution passed last month, saying he was not welcome on Township property.

The Wawa Council 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.

Hydro One Hosting Open House & BBQ in Chapleau

Chapleau residents are being encouraged to learn more about their new power bills.

As residents are set to get their first electricity statement from Hydro One - after it officially acquired Chapleau Hydro at the start of August - the utility's holding a special open house today, to go over the statement and answer any questions.

At the time of the ownership changeover, Hydro One Vice President of Forestry and LDC Integration Aimee Oabel acknowledged customers would see changes to their bill.

Also featuring a barbecue, the open house runs from 4 pm to 7 pm this afternoon at the Chapleau Civic Centre.

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