Wawa Council Decides Against Allowing Firework Sales & Use Amid Public Opposition

Wawa Municipal Council's dropping plans to allow firework sales and use in the community, amid substantial public opposition.

In their Committee of the Whole meeting last night, Council heard a new report from Treasurer, Deputy Clerk, and Director of Finance Heather Rainville, who explained the Municipality received about 39 submissions about the proposed by-law during the brief public input period between the prior Council meeting and last Thursday - with a few more arriving after the deadline - nearly all of those opposing the proposal to allow the sale and use of fireworks in the community, under certain restrictions.

In those comments, the main concerns related to animals - both pets and wildlife - as well as mental health, safety, environmental impact, and noise concerns, and concerns about enforcement, while comments in favour of allowing fireworks suggested economic benefits, including for potential events.

Councillor Cathy Cannon again reiterated her opposition to allowing fireworks sales and use in the community, with residents Carol Robert and Laurie Cavan - who were among four people in the audience for the issue - also spoke out against allowing fireworks - Cavan noting other communities are even moving away from them - with Mayor Melanie Pilon acknowledging the input and that this whole process began because of a request from a business - the Great Canadian Dollar Store's request to allow it to sell fireworks was first heard in early May.

In the end, it was decided that the by-law will be revised, dropping the proposed measures allowing - but restricting - fireworks in favour of simply updating the nearly 60-year-old by-law to meet modern language and enforcement requirements, maintaining the prohibition - that revised by-law is set to be brought to Council for approval at the July 14th meeting, with the current by-law staying in force until then.

In their following regular meeting, Council also approved scheduling a special meeting for June 23rd at 4:30 pm - a reason was not given, though it was noted that Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg's expected to make an announcement regarding Seniors Active Living Centres program funding at the Wawa Goose Seniors Centre at 3:30 pm that afternoon.

Dubreuilville's 2026 Magpie Walleye Derby in Books

Organizers of Dubreuilville's annual walleye derby are thanking supporters.

The annual Dubreuilville Magpie Walleye Derby was held last weekend, seeing dozens of teams hit the water, though it was Jessy and Francis Dechamplain who reeled in the $10,000 top prize, catching 13.34 pounds on Saturday and 14.55 pounds on Sunday for a total of 27.89 pounds - topping the "Pro Division" - followed by David Grad and Mathieu Dansereau with a total of 27.37 pounds, then Darius and Greg Shebagabow with 26.66 pounds total.

Shawn Pristol and Mark McLean topped the "No Live Division" with 6.9 pounds on Saturday and 12.72 pounds on Sunday - for a total of 19.62 pounds - earning them the $5000 first prize in that category, while Joel and Maxime Dechamplain came second with a total of 18.5 pounds, then Shane Bukowski and Suzanne Lacasse with 17.91 pounds.

Organizers thank all the participants, sponsors, and volunteers who made the event possible.

Wawa Municipal Council to Again Discuss Fireworks By-Law in 2 Meetings

Wawa Municipal Council will follow up on possible changes to the local fireworks by-law in a pair of meetings tonight.

First up is a Committee of the Whole meeting, which will include a memo on public comments about the proposed by-law - which would drop the current prohibition, allowing the sale and use of fireworks in the community, with age, date, and other restrictions - as well as monthly reports from department heads, and reports on "Net Zero Action Pathway" and "Greenhouse Gas Modelling".

That'll be followed by a regular Council meeting, which includes resolutions supporting the appointment of Dubreuilville Mayor Beverly Nantel as the region's representative on the Algoma Public Health Board of Health and setting a special Council meeting for June 23rd, as well as a by-law to approve the sale of property at 39 Algoma Street - the property was declared "surplus" in the last Council meeting, with plans to sell the roughly 2.11 acres of land to an unspecified private developer "for the purposes of housing development" - there's also one "in-camera" item, a legal issue relating to "labour relations or employee negotiations".

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.

Wawa Public Library Hosting Annual Grandpa Storytime

The Wawa Public Library's getting ready for a special event this afternoon: Grandpa Storytime.

CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains the annual event.

Wawa Public Library CEO Sue Jarrell on Grandpa Storytime
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The Wawa Public Library's Grandpa Storytime starts at 3:30 pm this afternoon.

The library’s also preparing for its PRIDE Music Night, which will be held Thursday, June 18th at 6 pm, and Drag Storytime, which will be held Saturday, June 27th at 2 pm.

Organizers Tout Successful Wawa Legion Golf Tournament

Wawa's Legion is thanking supporters for a successful golf tournament.

Noting last Saturday's event had a full 72 golfers, organizer Larry Harvey of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 highlights the winners.

Larry Harvey on 2026 Wawa Legion Golf Tournament Winners
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Harvey highlights a number of major sponsors, who made the event possible.

Larry Harvey on Wawa Legion Golf Tournament Major Sponsors
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Harvey also thanks the various hole sponsors, prize donors, and everyone else who supported the event.

Further Progress on Gogama Area Blaze

Some progress on a major forest fire in the Gogama area.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says "more effective remapping" now puts "Timmins 9" at 3151 hectares in size - slightly smaller than previously believed - with "minimal fire behaviour" exhibited on Wednesday, so crews continued "to make good progress with fire suppression operations" - 15 Ontario FireRanger crews, a 20-person Incident Management Team, 7 pieces of heavy equipment, and 5 helicopters have been assigned to the wildland fire, which is located about 10 kilometres from Gogama, 7 km west of Mattagami First Nation, and 1.5 km west of Highway 144.

In addition to causing the evacuation of Mattagami First Nation, the blaze has prompted travel restrictions in the Gogama area.

The fire hazard is mostly low across the Northeast, becoming moderate further north and east, though there are some pockets of moderate and high hazard.

18yo Facing Murder Charge in Death of OPP Officer in Hearst

An 18-year-old is facing a murder charge in the death of an OPP officer near Hearst.

Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Thomas Carrique announced late Tuesday afternoon that Constable Tarun Bali was seriously injured and died while conducting an investigation around 12:30 Tuesday afternoon, with one person in custody - Carrique confirmed that night the accused is an 18-year-old man who'd escaped from a hospital, where he was being assessed under the Mental Health Act, and that he allegedly hit Bali with a vehicle as police attempted to apprehend the teen, who was later taken into custody by the OPP, assisted by a Nishnawbe Aski Police officer.

Carrique says the man's been charged with first-degree murder plus two counts each of flight from police and dangerous driving, though the OPP's Criminal Investigation Branch is still investigating the circumstances of Bali's death, assisted by the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Constable Bali had been a member of the OPP for 2.5 years, assigned to the Dufferin Detachment - though he'd been deployed with the James Bay Detachment at the time of his death - and Commissioner Carrique says "his courage and commitment to serving others will never be forgotten", extending "heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, colleagues, and the policing community" for the "immeasurable loss" - Premier Doug Ford's also offered condolences, saying he was "deeply saddened" to hear about the death in the line of duty.

Chapleau Council Decides Against Change to Cemetery By-Law

Chapleau Town Council's decided against a requested change to the cemetery by-law.

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo explains the request brought to Council.

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo on Cemetery By-Law Amendment Request
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Mayor Bignucolo outlines Council's decision.

Mayor Ryan Bignucolo on Cemetery By-Law Amendment Decision
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Progress on Gogama Area Blaze

A major forest fire in the Gogama area seems to be holding in size.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says "Timmins 9" is still not under control, but remains about 3154 hectares in size, with bucketing helicopters working to support ground crews and heavy equipment, who continue to make good progress with fire suppression - the ministry says , with 15 Ontario FireRanger crews, a 20-person Incident Management Team, 7 pieces of heavy equipment, and 5 helicopters have been assigned to the wildland fire, which is still located about ten kilometres from Gogama, 7 km west of Mattagami First Nation, and 1.5 km west of Highway 144.

In addition to causing the evacuation of Mattagami First Nation, the blaze has prompted travel restrictions in the Gogama area.

The fire hazard is low to high across the Northeast, with some pockets of extreme hazard, including around that fire.

New Wildfire Reported in Chapleau District, Efforts Continue on Gogama Area Blaze

The Chapleau district's seen another forest fire as efforts continue to address a major fire near Gogama.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says "Chapleau 5" was confirmed Monday - on the west side of Highway 17 about 400 metres south of Old Highway 17 Road - though it was already brought under control at a tenth of a hectare in size - the Timmins district also saw a new blaze about two-thirds of a kilometre west of Trotter Lake and 1.75 kilometres south of Ahsine Lake - it was already 3 hectares in size and not yet under control.

Meanwhile, "Timmins 9" is still not under control, but remains about 3154 hectares in size - it was initially reported around 464 on May 31st - the ministry says bucketing helicopters worked to support ground crews and heavy equipment, who continue to make good progress with fire suppression, with 15 Ontario FireRanger crews, a 20-person Incident Management Team, 4 pieces of heavy equipment, and 5 helicopters assigned to the wildland fire, which is located about ten kilometres from Gogama, 7 west of Mattagami First Nation, and 1.5 west of Highway 144.

It has prompted travel restrictions in the Gogama area, along with an OPP warning to be careful while driving in the Northeast as changing weather conditions could spread smoke quickly, posing a driving hazard.

The fire hazard is mostly high across the Northeast - there is a large pocket of extreme hazard in this area - with a couple pockets of moderate or extreme region.

Chapleau Flushing Water Mains

Chapleau's flushing its water mains this week.

The Township starting flushing hydrants in different zones on Monday, with plans to continue through Thursday, from midnight to 8 am each day - it asks affected residents not to use your water while flushing happening and those with bleeder lines still in use to turn them off.

Once flushing has ended, residents are advised to flush lines through a garden hose or laundry tub prior to using any water.

A map showing which areas will be covered each day can be found through the Township's Facebook page.

Wawa Motel Owner Urges Council to Reconsider Work Camp Rezoning Decision

A Wawa motel owner is calling on the Wawa Municipal Council to reconsider their decision after approving a temporary rezoning request to accommodate a work camp on Pinewood Drive.

The work camp - with trailers - will house up to 170 people for at least three years during work projects for Alamos Gold outside Dubreuilville.

Outdoorsman Motel owner Ray Valliant says he's still hoping that could change.

Outdoorsman Motel Owner Ray Valliant on Work Camp Decision
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

A letter to Council signed by hotels, motels, restaurants, and other businesses brought up concerns about the lack of economic benefit to such a decision.

Valliant expands on those concerns.

Outdoorsman Motel Owner Ray Valliant on Work Camp Concerns
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Valliant says the loss won't just be for businesses.

Outdoorsman Motel Owner Ray Valliant on Lost MAT Revenue
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While a lack of "capacity" from local hotels was cited as a reason for the proposed work camp, Valliant pushes back on that - particularly for a majority of the year.

Outdoorsman Motel Owner Ray Valliant on Hotel Capacity
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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

Hydro One's wrapping up open house barbecues for a major power line project.

While events were held in Timmins and Chapleau in recent days to discuss the proposed Wawa-Timmins Power Line, Hydro One is holding another in Wawa, offering the opportunity to learn more and meet with the project team.

Plans are for the 500 kilovolt 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

Gogama Area Blaze Substantially Grows, Wawa District Fire Being Held

A Northeastern Ontario forest fire's nearly tripled in size as it continues to grow near Gogama.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says "Timmins 9" has been remapped at 1100 hectares in size - it was reported around 464 on Tuesday evening - and still not under control, now with nine FireRanger crews assigned and aerial fire suppression ongoing - the blaze has prompted travel restrictions in the Gogama area, as it is only a few kilometres away from the community, Highway 144, and Mattagami First Nation.

As of late Wednesday, there were six active fires in the Northeast, including "Wawa 3" - which is being held at 5 hectares in size about one kilometre east of Upper Loponen Lake and 16 kilometres northwest of Caramat.

The fire hazard is mostly extreme in the region, with pockets of high hazard in the Wawa district.

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

Hydro One's in the area, as it continues a series of open house barbecues for a major power line project.

While an event was held in South Porcupine yesterday to discuss the proposed 500 kilovolt Wawa-Timmins Power Line, Hydro One is holding another in Chapleau today - and one in Wawa tomorrow - offering the opportunity to learn more and meet with the project team.

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 barbecue 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 Council Leans Toward Allowing Firework Sales With New Draft By-Law

Wawa Municipal Council's again putting off confirming plans regarding firework sales - but appears to be leaning toward ending the blanket prohibition in town.

In their Committee of the Whole meeting last night, Council was presented a staff report and draft by-law to regulate the sale and use of fireworks within the municipality, with CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill explaining it would allow sale by businesses under certain restrictions - including permitting for those businesses - while restricting the sales period to just fourteen days before the Victoria Day weekend and fourteen days before Canada Day - that length being the "average" among municipalities that allowed firework sales, though some only had a five-day period and others were seasonal, options that O'Neill noted could be taken if Council wished, further noting that no "significant" economic impact is expected by allowing sales.

Prompted by a request by a local business to be allowed to sell fireworks, the draft by-law also excludes certain types of fireworks like firecrackers, and sets out restrictions for use, including that it's not allowed in certain locations, only for residents at least 18 years old, and limited to the day before, of, or after Victoria Day or Canada Day, though people could apply for exemptions for special occasions - Mayor Melanie Pilon also suggested adding New Year's Eve and Diwali to the acceptable occasions - and the by-law affirms that firework use is barred during a fire ban.

Mayor Pilon praised the "compromise" as "equitable" with the sale of alcohol, cannabis, and firearms already allowed in the community, while Councillor Mitch Hatfield asked Fire Chief Kevin Sabourin about risks involved - told it varies by various factors but could include injury or fire, including forest fire - and Councillor Cathy Cannon asked about public input - as referenced in a prior report - told plans are to accept input before the by-law is brought to a vote at the next meeting, on June 16th.

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