Chapleau Area Sees 1st Fires of Season

The Chapleau area's seen its first forest fires of the season.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says "Chapleau 1" was reported Saturday, located west of Highway 129 at Chub Lake - it was half a hectare in size at the time but already under control and has since been declared out - with a second wildland fire reported in that region later that day, called out before growing beyond a tenth of a hectare in size.

The Wawa district already saw its first fire of the season, over the Victoria Day weekend, though it was also called out before growing beyond a tenth of a hectare in size.

The fire hazard is primarily low to moderate across the North.

Ontario & Canada Governments Providing Nearly $150m for Tenaris' Sault Ste. Marie Expansion

The Ontario and Canada governments are supporting steel pipe producer Tenaris in expanding its Sault Ste. Marie operations.

Federal Industry Minister Melanie Joly and Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade Minister Vic Fedeli were in the Sault on Friday to announce the funding, with the province providing up to $72-million through its Invest Ontario Fund while the feds will invest $76.2-million through its Strategic Response Fund - both are funds used to support industries impacted by US tariffs.

Argentina-based Tenaris is expected to invest $306-million to modernize and expand its operations in the city - a move expected to add about 200 more workers, on top of the roughly 800 it already employs.

Wawa Going for Gold Event Arrives

Wawa residents are being encouraged to learn more about projects in the community, in a special information session tonight.

Wawa Mayor Melanie Pilon explains "Wawa Going for Gold".

Mayor Melanie Pilon Explains Idea of Wawa Going For Gold
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While the event offers a chance for residents to meet with Municipal staff and Council for "exciting project updates for 2026", Mayor Pilon also notes a special guest.

Mayor Melanie Pilon on Wawa Going For Gold Guest Speaker
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Pilon notes there is an agenda, so people are encouraged to show up early on, though you can still come and go, if you wish.

"Wawa Going for Gold" starts at 6:30 pm tonight in the banquet room of the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

3rd Candidate Files for Chapleau Council

Another candidate's entered the running for a Chapleau council seat.

The Township of Chapleau's updated its unofficial candidates list, showing current councillor Paul Bernier's filed for a re-election bid, joining Michael Houle and Monique O'Hearn in the race for four the Council seats.

There are still three candidates who've filed to be mayor: incumbent Ryan Bignucolo; current councillor Alex Lambruschini; and David - or Dave - McDonald.

Candidate certification is set to happen after the nomination deadline of 2 pm on August 21st, with the official candidate list to be released after that.

Municipal and school board elections will be held across Ontario on October 26th.

Petition for Wawa Water Fluoridation Vote Falls Short on Signatures

Wawa will not be voting on fluoridation this fall, as a petition fell short of requirements.

While a petition calling for a plebiscite on drinking water fluoridation in Wawa was received with 301 signatures, CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill says it did not meet the requirements under Ontario's Fluoridation Act.

Wawa CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill on Fluoridation Petition Situation
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

O'Neill noted to Council last night that there were some duplicate names and a lack of signatures for some entries, and explains the petition's signatures were verified against the local electors list - in two forms.

Wawa CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill on Fluoridation Petition Verification
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

O'Neill notes it is now too late to file another petition to get the question on the ballot for this year's municipal election.

Wawa CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill on Fluoridation Petition Deadline
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While municipal elections are only held every four years, that doesn't mean the earliest this could go to a vote would be 2030, as O'Neill says Council could decide to hold a special plebiscite or referendum, assuming a successful petition is submitted.

Wawa originally approved the fluoridation of the public water supply in a 1985 plebiscite.

UPDATE: The Municipality of Wawa has issued an official release on this.

Wawa Council Holds Off On Deciding Whether to Allow Fireworks Sales

Wawa Municipal Council's putting off deciding whether to allow a local store to sell fireworks.

In their Committee of the Whole meeting last night, Council received a staff report addressing a request from the Great Canadian Dollar Store for the ability to sell fireworks, with the report noting it would require a change to the municipality's fireworks by-law, but also raising concerns about increased risks including of injury, fires, and complaints that the Municipality already receives about fireworks being set off in the community despite the current prohibition.

Though it gave suggestions if Council wanted to allow firework sales - including age and licensing restrictions - the report recommended continuing that prohibition but updating the decades-old by-law, even suggesting the Municipality undertake some public consultation before Council makes a decision - an idea Mayor Melanie Pilon seized upon, saying she's thinks the "flat" prohibition is "a little too cautious" but she's in favour of hearing from the community including about whether other businesses would be interested in selling the items, with Councillors Jim Hoffmann and Joe Opato agreeing, while Councillor Cathy Cannon backed the report's recommendation, noting safety concerns, particularly for kids.

Council will have a vote on a resolution in the next meeting, set to be held June 2nd.

Wawa French Student Chess Tournament Arrives

Young chess masters are gathered in Wawa today, for École Saint-Joseph's tenth Franco-Nord-Ouest Chess Tournament.

Teacher/organizer René-Guy Nobert says the tournament's come a long way since it was started in 2014.

Rene-Guy Nobert on Ecole St Joseph Chess Tournament Growth
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Nobert notes special prizes this year.

Rene-Guy Nobert on Ecole St Joseph Chess Tournament Prizes
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Doors will be open during the tournament, if members of the public want to see the event, which is held at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Current & Former Mayors Seeking the Seat in White River

Two familiar figures are seeking White River's mayoral seat.

Current mayor Tara Hart - who was first elected in 2022 - has filed her nomination for the role, though Angelo Bazzoni - who held the role from 1991 to 2003 and 2006 to 2022 - has also submitted nomination forms.

There's currently only one candidate listed for the town's four council seats, Ted Greenwood.

Candidate certification is set to happen after the nomination deadline of 2 pm on August 21st, with the official candidate list to be released after that.

Municipal and school board elections will be held across Ontario on October 26th.

Wawa Council Holding 2 Meetings Right After Victoria Day Weekend, Discussing Fluoride & Fireworks

Right off the Victoria Day long weekend, Wawa Municipal Council is holding a pair of meetings tonight.

First up is a Committee of the Whole meeting, which will include a delegation from the Wawa Municipal Accommodation Tax Committee regarding terms of reference and the general plan for the committee - there'll also be an update on MAT revenue - plus follow-up on a request from a local business to be allowed to sell fireworks and on a petition to put the fluoridation of the municipal water system up for a vote this fall (currently, Wawa does add fluoride to the water, though the petition aims to have that brought to a vote/plebiscite), monthly reports from department heads, and a report on the proposed sale of municipal land at 39 Algoma Street.

That'll be followed by a regular meeting of Council, which includes resolutions approving the annual/seasonal installation of a greenhouse at John's Your Independent Grocer, and approving the release of the Municipal Accommodation Tax for 2025.

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

Chapleau Council Holding Special Meeting, Will Consider New CAO & Major Project Tender

Chapleau Town Council's holding a special meeting today, as they look to appoint a new top administrator and award the tender for a major project.

Included on the agenda is a delegation from AECOM about the tender report for the Queen, Ash, King, Teak, and Minto Streets upgrades - with a later resolution to award that tender - as well as resolutions affirming a by-law amending the Fees and Charges by-law for Cemetery Services and appointing Rejean Raymond as Chief Administrative Officer and Clerk.

A Township employee since 2019 - most recently as Operations Director - Raymond's been serving as interim CAO since the departure of Judith Meyntz in February, though he has experience in the role with the Township of Dubreuilville, where he had also been a councillor and mayor.

Open to the public, today's meeting will be held at 4:30 pm in Civic Centre Council Chambers.

New Candidates for Wawa & Chapleau Council

A couple more candidates have entered the running for local council seats.

The Municipality of Wawa's now listing two candidates for four councillor seats: Eric Paquette - who'd put his name forward soon after nominations opened - and Jason North, who's new to the list.

There's still just one candidate who has filed for mayor - incumbent Melanie Pilon, who's seeking for a second term after she was acclaimed in the 2022 election - while Susan Johnson is running to remain English Public School Board trustee, a role she was appointed to in September 2023.

The Township of Chapleau's also showing a new councillor candidate, Monique O'Hearn, who joins Michael Houle in that race, while there are three candidates who've filed to be mayor of Chapleau: incumbent Ryan Bignucolo; current councillor Alex Lambruschini; and David or Dave McDonald.

Neither the Townships of Dubreuilville or White River have reported any candidates so far.

Candidate certification is set to happen after the nomination deadline of 2 pm on August 21st, with the official candidate list to be released after that.

Municipal and school board elections will be held across Ontario on October 26th.

Registration Open for Wawa Youth Soccer & Baseball

Registration's opened for a couple youth sports in Wawa.

Youth ages 4 to 14 can now sign up for soccer or baseball - or both - with plans for the six week programs to begin later this month, on May 25th.

The Municipality had also been looking for coaching staff before opening registration.

For more information, go to the Wawa Recreation Facebook page, email recstaff@wawa.cc, or call or go to the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Alamos Gold Holding Open House in Wawa

A local mine's wrapping up a series of public meetings tonight.

Alamos Gold is holding a pair of community open houses to discuss its Island Gold District operations near Dubreuilville, inviting people to speak one-on-one with representatives about expansion plans, water usage, the proposed airfield, and exploration for the project.

After holding the first meeting in Dubreuilville last night, the second will be held at the Wawa Legion Hall from 5:30 pm to 8 pm tonight.

BC Resident Dead in Collision With Transport Truck East of Desbarats

One person is dead and another injured after a commercial vehicle and a passenger vehicle collided east of Sault Ste. Marie.

East Algoma OPP say the collision occurred on Highway 17 east of Desbarats around 8 o'clock Tuesday morning, with the driver of the passenger vehicle - a British Columbia resident - pronounced dead at the scene, while a passenger in the commercial vehicle suffered minor injuries.

Highway 17 was closed through the day, forcing transport trucks and heavy vehicles to travel through Wawa and along Highways 101 and 129 for a detour.

The North East Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) team are assisting the investigation.

Major Collision East of Sault Ste. Marie Forces Transport Trucks Through Wawa

A major collision east of Sault Ste. Marie's redirecting large and heavy vehicles through the Wawa area.

North East Region OPP have posted on social media that Highway 17 remains closed in Desbarats due to a multi-vehicle collision this morning, and while "passenger vehicles" can detour using local roads, transport trucks and "heavy vehicles" are instead directed to use a substantially different detour route, going north on Highway 17 up to Wawa, then east on Highway 101 to Highway 129, which they can take south to eventually connect back to Highway 17 - a route that would take several hours.

Alamos Gold Holding Open Houses on Island Gold District

A local mine's reaching out to the public over the next few days.

Alamos Gold is holding a pair of community open houses to discuss its Island Gold District operations near Dubreuilville, inviting people to speak one-on-one with representatives about expansion plans, water usage, the proposed airfield, and exploration for the project.

The first will be held at the Dubreuilville Town Hall from 5:30 pm to 8 pm tonight, with another at the Wawa Legion Hall from 5:30 pm to 8 pm Wednesday night.

Municipality of Wawa Takes Direct Control of Transit Service

The Municipality of Wawa's warning of some changes to local transit, as it has taken direct control of the service.

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains the biggest change is that people are asked to call at least one day early to book their ride.

Alex Patterson on Change in Wawa Transit Booking
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Patterson also notes the phone number has changed: simply call the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre pro-shop at 705-856-2244, extension 240.

For the month of May, the bus is maintaining similar hours to before, running 9 am to 2 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, though for Wednesday, it runs from 12 noon to 4 pm - Patterson says that schedule may be adjusted in the future, based on usage and feedback from riders over this month.

More Candidates for Wawa Municipal Election

Candidates are trickling in for this fall's municipal elections.

Just shy of a week after nominations opened last Friday, the Municipality of Wawa's currently listing 3 candidates: incumbent mayor Melanie Pilon's running for a second term; Eric Paquette's put his name forward for councillor; and Susan Johnson is running to remain English Public School Board trustee, a role she was appointed to in September 2023, after the death of longtime trustee Russell Reid.

CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill explains nomination forms - which are available at the municipal office and on the municipal website - must be submitted in person.

Maury O'Neill on Wawa Municipal Election Nominations Filing
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

O'Neill also asks prospective candidates book an appointment ahead of time, and notes a cost to file.

Maury O'Neill on Municipal Election Nominations Cost
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Candidate certification is set to happen after the nomination deadline of 2 pm on August 21st, with the official candidate list to be released after that.

Municipal and school board elections will be held across Ontario on October 26th.

Wawa Council Approves Tenders for MMCC Flooring, Marina Fish Cleaning Building, Tractor

Wawa Municipal Council's approved plans for work at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre and the Marina.

In their meeting last night, Council passed resolutions accepting staff recommendations for two RFPs and an RFT.

Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explains the MMCC project involves flooring.

Alex Patterson on MMCC Hallway and Dressing Room Flooring
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Patterson says the flooring work also includes the curling rink.

Alex Patterson on MMCC Curling Rink Flooring
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

That work's expected to be done over the summer, which Patterson calls "the perfect time", since those areas aren't really used until late September.

Council also approved the RFP for replacing the fish cleaning building at the Harry McCluskie Municipal Marina, which Patterson notes has been "on the radar" for a few years.

Alex Patterson on Marina Fish Cleaning Building Plans
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The third item approved by Council was the purchase of a tractor and attachment, which Patterson says will benefit his department.

Alex Patterson on Tractor and Attachments
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Patterson also updated Council on a request regarding improvement for Bethune Cemetery, recommending the trail to it be brought up to "wilderness trail" standard, noting the more accessible "outdoor path" level would require substantially more work, with concerns that it's unclear where all the graves are in the cemetery as it's poorly marked and not well documented - he also assured that efforts will be taken to improve the cemetery site itself, as maintenance of abandoned cemeteries defaults to municipal responsibility.

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