No Fishing Rule Set to Take Force Ahead of Wawa Ice Fishing Derby

With just days left before the annual Wawa Ice Fishing Derby, organizers are reminding participants will soon need to stay off the lakes.

According to derby rules, there is no fishing on the Wawa, Hawk, and Manitowik Lakes for any derby contestants after midnight tonight until fishing officially opens for the derby Saturday morning.

Derby board member Melanie Farrington reminds some prizes could be reeled in this weekend without even hitting the ice.

Farrington encourages anglers to get their tickets now at wawaicefishingderby.com - registration runs from 8 am to 8 pm Friday, March 6th, with fishing on Saturday and Sunday.

Wawa Council to Get 1st Look at Draft 2026 Operating Budget

A month after Council saw the draft Capital Budget, Wawa Municipal Council's set to get its first look at this year's operating budget.

Presentation of the 2026-2027 Operating Budget is one of only a few items on the agenda for tonight's Committee of the Whole meeting, along with a report recommending a "zero tolerance policy" for bullying at municipal property.

Council's also set to hold a regular meeting, including a resolution on "strengthening affordability requirements for federal broadband funding and universal access programs" and an "in-camera" item about a legal issue regarding "a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board".

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.

Chapleau Council Confirms Interim CAO

Chapleau Town Council has confirmed the temporary appointment of an interim Chief Administrative Officer.

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo outlines the current CAO situation.

Raymond's been employed by the Township since 2019, previously holding various roles with the Township of Dubreuilville, including CAO, mayor, and councillor.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Judith Meyntz was no longer CAO.

Wawa Council to Consider Request to Sever Land Along Scenic High Falls Road

Wawa Municipal Council is set to consider a change to property lines next month.

The Municipality of Wawa's issued notice for a public meeting to consider an application for consent to sever land along Scenic High Falls Road to create an area for a long-term lease agreement for a tourism project.

Additional information's available by contacting CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill, while those who want to make a written comment can send it to O'Neill by emailing moneill@wawa.cc by 4 pm Friday, March 13th.

The meeting's set to be held Tuesday, March 17th, at 6:30 pm, the same night as Council will hold a public meeting on a proposed zoning by-law amendment for a Montreal Avenue property.

Wawa Student Appointed Algoma Student Trustee for CSC Nouvelon

Students with local French Catholic schools have a couple new representatives to the board - including one from Wawa.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says École secondaire Saint-Joseph Grade 11 student Havana Thibodeau-Bello will be the new student trustee for the Algoma District in the 2026-27 school year.

This comes the week after Thibodeau-Bello was recognized by the board for "her leadership, vision, and commitment to school and community life" and for "embod[ying] the values of responsibility, collaboration, and civic engagement" by serving as Prime Minister for her school's Student Parliament and sitting on the board's Student Senate.

The board's also announced Emilie Philippe - a Grade 11 student from Val Caron - will serve as the representative for the Sudbury/Manitoulin District.

The new student trustees start in those roles August 1st.

Wawa Council to Consider Montreal Avenue Zoning Amendment in March

Wawa Municipal Council is set to consider a zoning amendment for a Montreal Avenue property next month.

The Municipality of Wawa's issued notice for a public meeting to consider amending the Zoning By-Law to add a residential unit as a permitted use at Montreal Avenue, which is currently zoned as General Industrial.

Additional information's available at the Municipal Office or by contacting CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill or Chief Building Official Kevin Sabourin, while those who want to make a written submission or give an oral statement during the meeting must contact O'Neill by emailing moneill@wawa.cc by 4 pm Monday, March 16th.

The meeting's set to be held Tuesday, March 17th, at 6:30 pm.

CSC Nouvelon Honours Wawa Student for Leadership

A Wawa student's being honoured for her leadership.

Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon is touting École secondaire Saint-Joseph Grade 11 student Havana Thibodeau-Bello, saying "through her leadership, vision, and commitment to school and community life, [she] embodies the values of responsibility, collaboration, and civic engagement that lie at the heart of the education offered" in its schools, as she serves as Prime Minister for her school's Student Parliament and sits on the board's Student Senate.

It congratulates her for her involvement and thanks her for "helping give a strong and inspiring voice to francophone students in Northern Ontario".

Superior East CFDC Marks Over $30m in Loans

A local organization is marking a major milestone in supporting businesses.

The Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation is celebrating over $30-million in loans in its over 36 years in operation, something it says has supported over 3000 jobs - that includes over $2-million in local and regional loans approved last year, impacting 46 jobs and helping "leverage" over $926,000 from other sources.

Covering Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, Chapleau, and neighbouring First Nations, the Superior East CFDC provides business counselling & investment services to small & medium-sized businesses, among other services.

Chapleau to Hold Final February Meeting

Chapleau Town Council's set to meet tonight.

Included on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting is a request from Ecole Sacre-Coeur for cross walk patrol ahead of the start of school and after the school day ends, as well as a letter from Maison Boreal Home and a request regarding Wildwood Bible Camp.

There are five "in-camera" items, all human resources items.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 pm tonight in Civic Centre Council Chambers - details on accessing it electronically can be found on the Township's website.

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

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.

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.

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.

James reminds the purpose of the Welcome Guide.

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

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.

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.

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.

Ouellette highlights events this evening.

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.

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