Stay up to date with what’s happening in your community.
The Wawa Public Library's encouraging families to take some photos in a special scavenger hunt.
Head Librarian and CEO Sue Jarrell explains the Family Photo Scavenger Hunt is back for another year.
The library's Reading Bingo Summer Challenge is also underway - for children and for adults - along with the Story Walk, and other summer programming - go to the Library, its website, or its Facebook page for more details.
Chapleau Town Council's approved this year's budget.
Mayor Ryan Bignucolo explains Council agreed Monday night to adopt the budget presented last month.
Mayor Bignucolo outlines capital plans for the year.
While Mayor Bignucolo notes the public did have an opportunity to ask questions in this week's Council meeting, he says there was more discussion about community pride and cutting grass.
Mayor Bignucolo acknowledges infrastructure-related questions raised by a local resident.
Wawa Municipal Council's holding off on deciding whether to extend the ice season.
In their Committee of the Whole meeting this week, Council received an impassioned request from Richard Watson - on behalf of the Wawa Minor Hockey Association and other ice users, of which about three dozen people were in attendance, including children - requesting a minimum two-year commitment for the ice season to at least run from the start of September or Labour Day to the end of April, if not longer.
Watson cited other smaller communities that have a longer ice season - with training or hockey schools in August and tournaments into April - saying the local users are just asking for fairness and the ability to keep up with other communities.
He questioned how much the longer season would cost, and assured the user groups would be able to make use of the ice, emphasizing the community want for this as well as the potential revenue benefits, saying the arena would be able to use "other people's money" to cover the costs by renting it out - he even suggested that Wawa's new provincial and federal representatives would be able to help obtain funding, as they're both in their respective governing parties, and outlined a dream for a second pad in the future, suggesting it could turn Wawa into a more desirable location for tournaments.
While councillors expressed appreciation for the request, they emphasized concerns about costs and whether the ice is actually going to be used, with Mayor Melanie Pilon ending discussion by affirming that they'll defer a decision for now, with a presentation on a review of the ice policy to come up in next month's meeting, to be held August 12th.
A local miner's been fined for environmental offences done by a company it has since bought.
The fine relates to an incident in May 2021, when Prodigy Gold was redeveloping the Magino Mine - it hired Sigfusson Northern to undertake a range of construction projects, with the heavy construction company in turn hiring Fraser Drill Blast Management to provide certain blast services - during blasting, a piece of fly rock struck a vehicle travelling on the road, breaking through the windshield and striking the passenger, resulting in a left forearm fracture - an investigation determined the blast location was not plotted correctly.
As Prodigy merged into Alamos Gold this past January, Alamos was convicted and fined $67,500 - with a nearly $17,000 victim fine surcharge - for discharging, causing, or permitting the discharge of a contaminant - namely fly rock - into the natural environment, which caused an adverse effect, while Sigfusson Northern was fined $60,000 - with a $15,000 surcharge - and Fraser Drill Blast Management was fined $50,000, with a $12,500 surcharge.
Buying a cup of coffee today could help send a kid to camp.
Tim Hortons is holding its annual "Camp Day" event today, and Tim Hortons Wawa Restaurant Manager Lester explains the purpose of the upcoming event.
Lester outlines some options for donating to support Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
All proceeds from purchases of hot or iced coffee today will also support Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
Wawa's getting nearly $25,000 to foster stranger connections between seniors and younger generations.
The Municipality of Wawa says it has been awarded a Seniors Community Grant of $24,995 to support the Wawa Intergenerational Legacy Project, which is designed to bring seniors and youth together "through knowledge-sharing activities and storytelling, celebrating the rich history and contributions of Wawa's older residents" - it's expected to "promote community engagement, reduce social isolation among seniors, and preserve local heritage for future generations".
Wawa Municipal Council's holding a trio of meetings tonight.
That includes a public meeting under the Planning Act to consider a Zoning By-Law amendment that would add "car wash and laundry mat" as permitted uses in Urban Highway Commercial Zone at 78 Mission Road, which is located between Tim Hortons and Mission Motors, on the Tim Hortons side.
There is also a Committee of the Whole meeting including a request to extend ice time so the season runs - at the least - from Labour Day to the end of April, monthly reports from department heads, and CAO reports on a Community Improvement Plan application and a revised draft vehicle replacement policy.
Finally, there'll be a regular Council meeting, which includes resolutions to appoint a new member of the Library Board, approving a staff recommendation on property vesting, a request for exemption to proposed firefighter certification requirements, a call to preserve the presence of The Beer Store in small, rural, and Northern communities, a by-law affirming the Zoning By-Law amendment discussed earlier, and two "in-camera" items: a legal issue about a land sale and a personnel issue about a performance appraisal.
The meetings will be held back-to-back-to-back, starting at 6:30 pm tonight in the main level boardroom of Town Hall - they'll also be livestreamed through the Municipality's YouTube channel.
Hydro One's continuing local open houses for a major power line project.
While events were held in Timmins and Chapleau in recent days to discuss the proposed 500 kilovolt Wawa-Timmins Power Line, Hydro One is holding another in Wawa to provide information and get feedback on the project.
Director of Strategic Projects Craig Prewett says that feedback will help with the ongoing Class Environmental Assessment process.
Plans are for the line - connecting the Wawa Transformer Station near Wawa and the Porcupine Transmission Station in Timmins - to be in service for 2030.
The Wawa open house will be held at the Legion Hall from 4 pm to 8 pm today, though anyone who can't attend can find information on the project at hydroone.com/wawatimmins
Hydro One's holding open houses in Chapleau and Wawa to discuss a major power line project.
Director of Strategic Projects Craig Prewett outlines plans for the Wawa-Timmins Power Line.
Prewett explains the project's currently in its early stages, and as part of the Class Environmental Assessment process, recently released proposed alternate routes for the line - a main focus for these open houses.
Prewett invites anyone interested in the project - including what it may mean for the area - to come out for the open houses - which have a more "informal" feel, with experts ready to answer questions - though information can also be found at hydroone.com/wawatimmins
An open house is being held at Chapleau's Legion Hall today from 4 pm to 8 pm, with another at Wawa's Legion Hall from 4 pm to 8 pm tomorrow.
Wawa Municipal Council's holding a special meeting tomorrow - but it won't be open to the public.
A notice from the Municipality says the meeting only includes a single "in-camera" item: education or training sessions for council members.
The meeting will be held at 1 o'clock Tuesday afternoon.
A local miner and a neighbouring First Nation will partner for a major energy project in the region.
Alamos Gold and Batchewana First Nation have announced a partnership for the construction of a $70-million, 115-kilovolt transmission line from just east of Wawa to a new transformer station at Alamos Gold's Island Gold District.
It's expected to be in service by 2026, with Batchewana First Nation to operate and retain long-term ownership of the line once it's constructed.
Algoma Public Health is warning of another potential exposure to measles in its region.
Saying it's investigating a potential exposure location, the health unit's warning those who attended Thessalon's Great Canadian Dollar Store between 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm last Thursday, June 26th to monitor for symptoms, check your vaccination records, and contact your healthcare provider.
Usually starting 7 to 12 days after exposure - but can take up to 21 - symptoms of measles include runny nose, red, watery eyes, cough, fever, and eventually a red blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body, though complications could include ear or brain infections, pneumonia, vision or hearing loss, and death.
APH previously warned of possible exposure on an Ontario Northland bus from Barrie to Sudbury and from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie on April 17th, linking that trip to a case of measles in Central Algoma - the first reported in the region.
While most people born before 1970 are considered immune from natural exposure, those born after are recommended to have two doses of a measles vaccine for full protection - as those who are vaccinated are "very unlikely to get sick or spread measles if exposed" - whereas anyone who isn't fully vaccinated and hasn't had measles is considered susceptible, with those at higher risk of severe illness including infants and children under the age of five, pregnant individuals, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone who has not received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
A nearby First Nation's continuing protests of controversial provincial and federal legislation passed last month.
Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg - also known as Pic Mobert First Nation - launched a "peaceful protest" on Monday, protesting Ontario's Bill 5 - as it allows the provincial government to "suspend provincial laws that would otherwise prohibit development in sensitive areas such as endangered species habitat, archaeological sites, and culturally significant areas", as well as bypass municipal by-laws, removing accountability and oversight - as well as the federal Bill C-5 which similarly aims to speed up projects.
Despite opposition from Indigenous groups - who raised concerns about Indigenous rights, including the duty to consult - as well as environmental and other groups, both bills were passed last month.
The local First Nation plans to continue protesting by standing alongside Highway 17 near their powwow grounds and hold signs today and tomorrow from 9 am to 4 pm.
A "Day of Unity and Peaceful Action" is also happening from noon to 4 pm today.
Ontario Provincial Police have been warning of "traffic slowdowns" between White River and Marathon each day this week, though they haven't cited a reason.
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 "proud Francophone and Catholic students equipped for the future by an innovative and thriving staff".
Local recipients are Paige Franklin and Elsa McGregor from Wawa's Ecole secondaire Saint-Joseph, and Danika Morin and Ellia Thibeault from Chapleau's Ecole secondaire catholique Trillium.
A nomination meeting is being held this evening for the Brunswick House First Nation election.
The meeting - running from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Joseph H. Saunders Community Center - allows on-reserve voters to orally nominate candidates for chief or six councillor positions in the election, which will be held August 15th.
Terry Fox's brother and others are heading away from Wawa today, as the Terry Fox National Ride of Hope continues its cross-country journey.
Rider Ryan Saunders explains the ride was thought up by Fox's brother, Darrell, as a way to mark the 45th anniversary of Terry's Marathon of Hope.
Saunders particularly highlights this area.
Saunders emphasizes this carries on Terry's legacy, raising funds for cancer research.
Saunders notes his motivation.
Anyone wishing to donate to the cause or to track the National Ride of Hope can go to terryfox.org
The Chapleau area's seen another forest fire.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says "Chapleau 11" was confirmed Wednesday - about 3 kilometres north of Woman River Provincial Park - not yet under control, the blaze had grown to two-tenths of a hectare in size by the evening.
It was one of five wildfires burning in the northeast as of Wednesday evening, along with "Wawa 4" - which is under control at 1.8 hectares in size, about 1 kilometre west of White River and 500 metres south of Highway 17 - though "Wawa 6" - reported Tuesday, about 600 meters south of South Hammer Lake - has now been declared "out".
The fire hazard's low to moderate across the northern part of the northeast, or moderate to high for the central and southern part.
The Wawa area's seen another forest fire.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says "Wawa 6" was reported Tuesday, located about 600 meters south of South Hammer Lake - not yet under control, the blaze had grown to three-tenths of a hectare in size by Tuesday evening.
It was one of five wildfires burning in the northeast as of Tuesday evening, along with "Wawa 4" - which was reported two weeks ago, about 1 kilometre west of White River and about 500 metres south of Highway 17 - which is "under control" at 1.8 hectares in size.
The fire hazard's mostly low across the northern part of the northeast, but ranges from low to high for the southern part, with a small patch of extreme hazard near La Motte Provincial Park, south of Timmins.
Wawa's seniors will be honoured with a special celebration this afternoon.
Matthew Trudeau, Long-Term Care Activity Coordinator at the Lady Dunn Health Centre, explains the garden party is back.
Noting it is Seniors Month, Trudeau emphasizes this event is an opportunity for seniors - especially those in long-term care - to socialize, adding that the hospital's looking for volunteers to help out with daily programming and events for long-term care - anyone interested can call Trudeau at the hospital.
The garden party runs from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm this afternoon.
A little time remains for those interested in playing beach volleyball on Canada Day.
Tomorrow is the deadline to register for the Canada Day Beach Volleyball Mixed Tournament, which is open to teams of 4 to 6 - with a minimum of two female players - players must be at least 16 years old.
Register by emailing recstaff@wawa.cc by tomorrow.
