The Wawa Public Library's getting ready for a special event this weekend: Drag Storytime.
CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains the annual event.
The Wawa Public Library's 4th annual Drag Storytime starts at 2 pm tomorrow.
Wawa Family Health Team Plans 5k Fun Run Color Run for Canada Day
A colourful event is set to help mark Canada Day in Wawa.
Wawa Family Health Team Registered Nurse Catherine Andrew explains the event.
Andrew encourages everyone to join in.
To register ahead of time, go to the Wawa Family Health Team Facebook page or office.
The 5k Fun Run Color Run will be held from 8:30 am to 10:30 am next Wednesday, July 1st, running from the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre to the Wawa Public Library.
Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Visits Region, Makes Funding Announcements
Local MPP Bill Rosenberg's in the region, visiting local communities to meet with constituents and make funding announcements.
The Algoma-Manitoulin Progressive Conservative explains he's on a big of a "Northern Tour".
Rosenberg touts funding brought to this region since he was elected last year.
In addition to making various funding announcements, Rosenberg appeared in a special meet-and-greet event in Chapleau Monday and appeared before Wawa Municipal Council Tuesday, outlining some of his efforts and praising local Mayor Melanie Pilon and the Northeast Superior Mayors Group for their advocacy.
LDHC Hosting Annual Seniors Garden Party
Wawa's seniors will be honoured with a special celebration this afternoon.
With the Seniors Garden Party near, Matthew Trudeau - Long-Term Care Activity Coordinator at the Lady Dunn Health Centre - notes the history of the event.
Inviting everyone to come out, Long-Term Care Activity Coordinator Raquel Korytko-Amos explains the garden party's a social event.
Both also welcome any volunteers interested in helping out with daily programming and events for long-term care - anyone interested can call them at the hospital.
The garden party starts at 1:30 pm in the LDHC garden.
Wawa Council Considering Financial Incentives for Housing Development
Wawa Municipal Council's considering offering financial incentives to support a private developer planning to build new housing in town.
In a special meeting last night, CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill told Council about a draft Community Improvement Plan for proposed housing at 39 Algoma Street - 2.11 acres of property Council declared surplus earlier this month and agreed last week to sell to a private developer for $150,000 "for the purposes of housing development".
Council was told the developer intends to build a minimum of 15 new housing units on the property, but there's a need for financial incentives to "facilitate construction", so a site-specific Community Improvement Plan's proposed - similar to the one in place for the downtown - to offer financial incentives such as a "tax increment program" - also offered under the Broadway CIP, it would offer a grant to offset property tax increases stemming from the development, initially covering the entire increase, phased out over multiple years - though there's also a proposal for up to $10,000 per housing unit built, with conditions including a limit on the number of units that could be covered.
Mayor Melanie Pilon and Councillor Cathy Cannon both acknowledged the difficulty in getting developers to build in town, emphasizing the need for incentives - with Pilon noting this development would put the Municipality on track to meet its housing commitment - while Councillor Jim Hoffmann asked about the timeline for the Algoma Street Watermain & Sanitary Sewer project - which will help facilitate the new housing - told that the contractor, Villeneuve Construction, has ordered materials and there is a commitment to ensure services are in place for the end of August.
An official meeting is needed under the Planning Act to approve a CIP, so one is scheduled for the next Council meeting night, July 14th.
Wawa Council Gives 1st & 2nd Reading to New Waste Collection By-Law, Delays 3rd
Wawa Municipal Council's moving forward with a revised version of a new waste collection by-law - but giving the public more time to respond.
In a special meeting yesterday, CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill went over the proposed by-law first brought up to Council in March, with O'Neill reminding it's intended to meet "today's standards" - as the current was originally passed in 1969 and only somewhat amended since - but also to ensure fair procedures are in place and followed.
As originally proposed, the updated by-law outlines rules for putting out garbage for collection - such as types of containers and lids, as well as weight restrictions - while reducing the limit on residential collection from the current 6 bags or containers to just 4 bags or 2 approved containers - which could hold a total of 4 bags - though an exception would be given for those who produce medical waste, allowed one extra bag, but they'd need to submit a form to the Municipality with proof of the need.
The by-law also adds a standard fee for additional collection for commercial properties, who would have to pay for anything above 1 collection per week, though - in response to public input - there will also be forms to submit to the Municipality, detailing the need for the extra collection - while calculations are now based on the metric system, provisions on prohibited waste are updated, and there is language addressing the use of the landfill by contractors.
O'Neill warned Council that changes may be necessary to address recycling, but discussions are still needed with Circular Materials - the organization set up to address Ontario's producer responsibility rules for recycling - and that first requires the Ministry of Environment to update the landfill's certificate to operate, allowing a bin to accept recyclable materials from properties currently without door-to-door collection.
Council gave the proposed by-law first and second reading, but held off on the third and final reading, instead planned for the July 14th meeting, so the changes can take effect as of September 1st.
Chapleau Council Holding Meeting 1 Day Later Than Usual
Chapleau Town Council's set to meet tonight - a day later than initially scheduled.
While the final meeting of the month was supposed to be held yesterday, the meeting was rescheduled to tonight, with the agenda including a delegation from local pickleball players, Committee of Adjustment items regarding properties on Birch Street and Parliament Boulevard - with related resolutions to amend the zoning by-law - reports on the Council Capital Grants Savings Account and tax vesting, a budget proposal for a new brine pump and concrete slab at the arena, and a memo on Canada Day.
Despite the different night, the meeting will still be held at 6:30 pm in Civic Centre Council Chambers.
Wawa Council Holding Special Meeting on Waste Collection By-Law, MPP Attending
Wawa Municipal Council's set to consider a new waste collection by-law and receive a presentation from the local MPP in a special meeting this afternoon.
First up on the agenda is a presentation from Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg, followed by a CAO memo summarizing changes in the new Waste Collection By-Law - which is up for approval later in the meeting - and a draft Housing Community Improvement Plan for 39 Algoma Street - 2.11 acres of property Council declared surplus earlier this month and agreed last week to sell to a private developer for $150,000 "for the purposes of housing development".
There's also an "in-camera" item: a legal issue relating to litigation or potential litigation.
Aside from the "in-camera" portion, the meeting's open to the public, starting at 4:30 pm in Council Chambers - the main level boardroom of Town Hall - but will also be broadcast on the Municipality of Wawa's YouTube channel.
Chapleau's ESC Trillium to Offer Hockey Skills Program
Some Chapleau students could be hitting the ice during the school day this fall.
Chapleau's École secondaire catholique Trillium will offer the Hockey Canada Skills Academy program starting this September - the specialized program is part of the Grade 7 to 12 physical education course, with certified and experienced school staff to help up to 20 students "refine their on-ice technical skills" at the Chapleau Recreation Centre with "specialized training", including "off-ice physical conditioning".
There is a $300 registration fee to cover costs include arena rental and equipment.
Offered by Wawa's École Saint-Joseph since 2024 - and at Sudbury-area schools since 2022 - the program's aimed at enhancing "students' educational experience by integrating hockey into the school day...help[ing] participants strengthen confidence and self-esteem while offering opportunities for both academic and athletic development".
Gogama Area Fire Now "Under Control"
More progress on a major forest fire in the Gogama area.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says "Timmins 9" - first reported May 31st - has been upgraded from "being held" to "under control" at 3151 hectares in size, located about 10 kilometres from Gogama, 7 km west of Mattagami First Nation, and 1.5 km west of Highway 144.
A total of 13 forest firefighting crews - including 7 Ontario FireRanger crews and 6 "type-2 sustained attack" crews - continue to work on fire suppression operations.
The fire hazard is mostly low to moderate across the Northeast, with a few pockets of high hazard.
Wawa Public Library Hosting Pride Music Night
The Wawa Public Library's inviting people to enjoy some music in a special version of a monthly tradition.
Library CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell touts tonight's event.
It's one of two Pride events the library has planned for the month, along with Drag Storytime on June 27th.
Pride Music Night starts at 6 pm tonight.
CSCNO Honours Graduating Wawa Student, Jordan Chalykoff
A graduating Wawa student's being honoured by the local French Catholic school board.
Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon is highlighting Jordan Chalykoff - of Wawa's École secondaire Saint-Joseph - for "remarkable contributions" and "dedication to the Francophone community and to youth", touting Chalykoff's "natural leadership ability", tutoring students from grades 1 through 8, coaching younger students' sports teams, and "a remarkable balance between her academic, community, and personal commitments", which has included more than 262 hours of community service in support of various organizations since she started Grade 9.
Chalykoff's set to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Ottawa.
Wawa Goose Seniors Centre Hosting Info Session on Ticks
Wawa seniors are being offered a chance to learn more about ticks today.
The Wawa Goose Seniors Centre is hosting an information session about ticks, featuring Mariah Tremblay of Algoma Public Health, as ticks are noted to be "prevalent across Ontario, especially in wooded, brushy, and grassy areas", and the blackegged - or deer - tick is of primary concern because it can transmit Lyme disease.
The event starts at 11 am.
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.
LDHC Board Holding Annual Meeting
A major meeting's coming up for Wawa's hospital.
The Lady Dunn Health Centre board of directors is holding its annual meeting tonight, at 7 pm, in its boardroom and via videoconference.
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.
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.
Pride BBQ in Wawa
Wawa's being offered a special chance to mark Pride Month.
A free barbecue celebrating pride is being held from 11:30 am to 1 pm today, in the Michipicoten High School lot.
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.
Harvey highlights a number of major sponsors, who made the event possible.
Harvey also thanks the various hole sponsors, prize donors, and everyone else who supported the event.