Wawa Council Opts Against Bear-Proof Refuse Storage

Wawa isn't adding "bear bins" in the community - but the municipality is looking at how to be "bear wise".

Mayor Melanie Pilon explains the idea was brought up in a letter to the Municipality.

Mayor Melanie Pilon on Bear Resistant Refuse Storage Request
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Pilon notes that staff was then asked to look into the idea of "bear resistant refuse storage" - or "bear bins" - like in Chapleau.

Mayor Melanie Pilon on Bear Resistant Refuse Storage Decision
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Though Council opted against putting in the bins at this time - with Pilon emphasizing "what works for one community doesn't work for another" and Councillor Cathy Cannon suggesting apple trees may be more of an issue than garbage - Mayor Pilon says staff have been asked to monitor and gather data this season.

Mayor Melanie Pilon on Bear Resistant Refuse Storage Future
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

During discussions in last night's meeting, it was noted that the Municipality's current refuse collection contract with Villeneuve Construction is set to expire next year, so plans are for the staff report to arrive in early summer, before the municipal election.

Wawa Library Hosting Coffee & Culture Event

Those interested in the history of Wawa and area are invited to a well-received event at the Wawa Public Library's tonight.

CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell touts tonight's event.

Wawa Public Library CEO Sue Jarrell on Coffee and Culture
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Jarrell says Coffee and Culture with Johanna has been a popular event, with "an excellent turnout".

Everyone's welcome to attend the event, which starts at 6 pm tonight - coffee and tea will also be offered.

Wawa Council Holding Post-Family Day Weekend Meeting

Right off the Family Day long weekend, Wawa Municipal Council is holding 2 meetings tonight.

First is a Committee of the Whole meeting, including discussion about a request for "Community Bear-Proof Bins" - like in Chapleau - and monthly reports from department heads.

Next up is a regular Council meeting, including a resolution to adopt and endorse the 2026-2027 Wawa Strategic Plan, as well as a by-law affirming a "Site Plan Agreement" for the former Northern Store property at 75 Broadway Avenue - Council last April approved a rezoning of that property from General Commercial to Residential Apartment.

The meetings will be held back-to-back starting at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers (the main level boardroom) at the Town Hall, open to the public to attend - can also watch on the Municipality's YouTube channel

Deadline Near for Chapleau Welcome Guide Photo Contest

Time's running out to submit photos for Chapleau's annual Welcome Guide.

Coordinator Hannah James explains the contest.

Hannah James Explains Chapleau Welcome Guide Photo Contest
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

James reminds the purpose of the Welcome Guide.

Hannah James on Chapleau Welcome Guide's Purpose
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

James notes "a very small number of openings" are available for Chapleau businesses to sponsor the guide - those interested, and those entering the photo contest, can email hjames@chapleau.ca by tomorrow.

Chapleau CAO Out, Operations Director Interim Replacement

Chapleau's once again without a top administrator.

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo explains Judith Meyntz - who's been Chief Administrative Officer less than three years - is no longer in the role.

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo Says Judith Meyntz No Longer CAO
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Bignucolo says further information will be provided "in due course", such as the process for more permanently filling the CAO position.

Chapleau Mayor Ryan Bignucolo on Filling CAO Position
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Currently Operations Director, Rejean Raymond has held various management roles with the Township of Chapleau since summer 2019, though he previously held various roles with the Township of Dubreuilville, including CAO, mayor, and councillor.

Chapleau's had a tough time with the role since longtime CAO Allan Pellow retired in 2017, with his successor serving about 3.5 years before a roughly one year search that only saw someone in the role for three months before search efforts started again, running nearly eight months with the subsequent hire lasting about as long before prompting the three-month search that led to the hiring of Meyntz in August 2023.

MVFA Cash Draw's 2nd Early Bird Near

A lucky supporter of Wawa's firefighters will be $1000 richer tomorrow.

As the second early bird draw in their annual cash draw will be held Friday morning, Michipicoten Volunteer Firefighters' Association Past President Mike Krell emphasizes the draw supports the local fire department's equipment purchases.

MVFA Past President Mike Krell on Equipment Purchases
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Krell notes the draw also supports local students going into emergency services.

Ticket sales halt today to ensure none get missed for the 8:45 am draw, after which tickets will go back on sale until the final draws at the Wawa Ice Fishing Derby - or they sell out.

Wawa Public Library Preparing for Winter Carnival Weekend

Wawa's library is preparing to mark the Winter Carnival weekend.

CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains the Wawa Public Library is bringing back a popular activity.

WPL CEO Sue Jarrell on Wawa Winter Carnival Activity
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Jarrell notes a carnival badge is not required for the library event.

The Wawa Winter Carnival schedule can be found in a mailout that was sent to post office boxes or through the Wawa Recreation Facebook page - badges are available at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Chapleau's Taste of the North Winter Carnival Ramping Up

Festivities are ramping up for Chapleau's "Taste of the North" Winter Carnival.

While some events have been underway since Monday, Leisure and Culture Services Director Carole Ouellette says there's "a full day and night of activities" starting this afternoon.

Carole Ouellette on 2026 Winter Carnival Thursday Afternoon
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Ouellette highlights events this evening.

Carole Ouellette on 2026 Winter Carnival Thursday Evening
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

A full schedule of events is available through the carnival's Facebook page, while keychains are available at the arena.

APH Launches Survey for Residents

A local health unit wants to hear your thoughts as it determines priorities for the coming years.

Algoma Public Health has launched a survey, asking residents who live and work in the region to share their perspectives, emphasizing that "community input will help shape decisions about programs and services that support families, youth, seniors, and neighbourhoods across Algoma - from health monitoring and community prevention partnerships to emergency preparedness and outbreak control".

Voluntary and anonymous - there is a $50 gift card draw for participants, but info for that is collected separately - the survey's available through the APH website until 4:30 pm February 20th.

Michipicoten Rod & Gun Club Raise Concerns About Proposed Wawa Truck Rest Centre

Wawa's Michipicoten Rod and Gun Club is raising concerns about plans for a new truck rest stop along Highway 17 north of town.

Club President Rocky Alajoki explains the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's proposed location is next to where the club's range has been for decades.

President Rocky Alajoki on Proposed MTO Rest Stop Location
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Alajoki says the club's calling for some "safety considerations" to address unauthorized or unintentional access to the club's property or sound and "secondary safety issues".

President Rocky Alajoki on MRGC's Rest Stop Recommendations
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Wawa Municipal Council heard the Club's concerns on Tuesday night, and gave their backing with a resolution calling for the rest stop to incorporate the necessary health and safety measures such as the requested berm, fencing, and signage, as well as relocation of the proposed picnic and area, truck inspection station and weigh scale away from the border with the range, and that electronic signage be placed along the highway before the rest stop to warn of closures.

The prepared Transportation Environmental Study Report can be found at northernhighwayrestareas.com, while public comments can be emailed to northernhighwayrestareas.canada@egis-group.com but the deadline is just ten days away: Sunday, February 15th.

Hydro One Holding Wawa Open House on Wawa-Timmins Power Line

Hydro One's continuing 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.

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 7 pm today, though anyone who can't attend can find information on the project at hydroone.com/wawatimmins

Wawa Council Presented Draft 2026 Capital Budget

Wawa Municipal Council has had its first look at this year's proposed capital budget.

In their Corporate Planning Committee meeting last night, staff presented Council with a draft 2026-27 Capital Budget - which outlined plans for both years - intended to align with the municipality's updated strategic plan and other planning documents.

Led by Treasurer Heather Rainville, department heads outlined plans for approximately $5,768,925 in capital projects for 2026, including redesign studies and renovations for the Town Hall and Fire Hall, improvements to the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, a 3-phase project covering the Ganley Street Storm Sewer, a 2-year project for the Algoma Street and Beck Avenue Watermain and Sanitary Sewer, and continued infrastructure work like cemetery and landfill expansion, pavement preservation, sidewalk and hydrant rehabilitation, and fleet renewal - they also outlined plans for over $9.65-million in capital projects for 2027.

The capital budget presentation was preceeded by the presentation of a proposed Migrating North Tourism Project - which would include work on the Tourist Information Centre and Goose Nest Market, as well as signage - as items from that were included as subject to funding.

Plans are for a revised version of the Capital Budget to come back up to Council with the draft Operating Budget on March 3rd, followed by two weeks for public comment before it goes to a vote.

Council also reviewed the proposed 2026 schedule of fees at the committee meeting, though it also was not put to a vote.

Wawa Council Holding 2 Meetings to Start February

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

First up is a Committee of the Whole meeting including discussion about a request for "Community Bear-Proof Bins" - like in Chapleau - and comments from the Michipicoten Rod and Gun Club regarding the MTO's proposed location for a rest stop along Highway 17, next to the club's property north of town.

Council's also set to discuss public comments on the Strategic Plan refresh, as well as Migrating North Tourism Project, the draft operating and capital budgets and schedule of fees.

That'll be followed by a regular meeting of Council, which includes resolutions regarding levy increases for Algoma Public Health and a call for the provincial government to establish an Airport Capital Assistance Program, approving the 2026 budget for the Superior East OPP Detachment Board, and commenting to the MTO about the proposed Highway 17 rest stop, as well as by-laws confirming agreements for voting services and for a lease for the Wawa Goose Seniors Centre.

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

Hydro One Holding Chapleau Open House on Wawa-Timmins Power Line

Hydro One's continuing open houses for a major power line project.

While an event was held in Timmins yesterday to discuss the proposed 500 kilovolt Wawa-Timmins Power Line, Hydro One is holding another in Chapleau today - and one in Wawa tomorrow - to provide information and get feedback on the project.

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 Chapleau open house will be held at the Legion Hall from 4 pm to 7 pm today, with the Wawa open house also at the local Legion Hall from 4 pm to 7 pm tomorrow, though anyone who can't attend can find information on the project at hydroone.com/wawatimmins

Wawa Goose Seniors Centre Holds Rocks & Rings Funspiel

Organizers of Wawa's recent "funspiel" are thanking everyone who helped make the event a success.

Members of the Wawa Goose Seniors' Centre met for the Rocks and Rings Funspiel last Thursday, with Norma Kauk and Andre Bedard claiming first place, followed by Christine Parise and Jennifer McLaughlin in second, Diane Spencer and Maria Reid in third, and Paulette Albert and Lynne Zuliani rounding out the winner's circle, though Parise and McLaughlin also won the Skill Testing Quiz.

The participants, Melanie Coe and Community Centre staff, and Ecole Saint-Joseph are thanked for their efforts.

Another Rocks and Rings Funspiel's planned for Thursday, February 26th, with a sign-up sheet at the Seniors' Centre.

1 Charged After Wawa Collision Near SJD

A Highway Traffic Act charge has been laid after a collision in Wawa.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the collision involving an SUV and a minivan occurred just after 9:00 am Tuesday morning, at the intersection of Mackey and McKinley Avenue, by Sir James Dunn Public School.

No injuries were reported.

One of the drivers was charged with disobeying a stop sign in a community safety zone.

Wawa & Chapleau Mayors Discuss Recent ROMA Conference

Local mayors are touting attendance at a recent conference.

Calling the recent Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) conference her "busiest and most successful to date", Wawa Mayor Melanie Pilon explains she joined in a number of delegations.

Wawa Mayor Melanie Pilon on ROMA Conference Delegations
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Pilon says the municipal delegates were "well received" and felt "confident, prepared, and sharp" in discussions on challenges and opportunities for the community and residents.

Wawa Mayor Melanie Pilon on ROMA Conference Performance
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Aside from the delegations - which also included a meeting with Hydro One about economic opportunities from the Wawa-Timmins Power Line - Pilon notes she moderated two sessions as Chair of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario's Indigenous Advisory Council, and attended the ROMA Chairs Reception, which she says offered an opportunity to increase Wawa's "visibility on the provincial stage".

Chapleau Mayor Ryan Bignucolo likewise calls the event a "good opportunity to meet all levels of government" and talk about Northern issues as well as what is and isn't working, adding he was part of "numerous" delegations and meetings on "a bunch of different topics".

Chapleau Mayor Ryan Bignucolo on MTO Discussion at ROMA
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Bignucolo notes the conference was also an opportunities to see how other communities are doing certain things and what is happening in the province.

Chapleau Mayor Ryan Bignucolo on Community Comparison
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Interim Principal Named for Dubreuilville's Ecole Saint-Joseph

A new principal's been named for a local school.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says Stéphanie McGregor's been appointed interim principal for Dubreuilville's Ecole Saint-Joseph starting next Monday, February 2nd.

McGregor has more than 23 years of experience in education, including as a teacher at Wawa's École Saint-Joseph, where she has been vice-principal since 2021.