4th Candidate In Race for Wawa Council

Wawa has a full slate of candidates for Council.

The Municipality of Wawa's now listing four unofficial candidates for the four seats on Wawa Municipal Council, as Brandon Smit's joined Shah Mohamed, Jason North, and Eric Paquette.

There's still just a single candidate for mayor, incumbent Melanie Pilon, while only one local school board trustee is listed, current English Public board trustee Susan Johnson seeking a new term.

If no other candidates file before the nomination deadline of 2 pm on August 21st - and all of the current candidates are then certified - it means Wawa residents won't need to cast ballots when municipal and school board elections are held across Ontario on October 26th.

Wawa & Chapleau Students Among 1st Recipients of New Indigenous Scholarship

A couple local students are being honoured with a special scholarship.

The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says seven students across the board have been chosen as the first cohort of student recipients for the Mino Bimaadiziwin or Mino/Milo Pimatisiwin Scholarship, including Celena Farrell of Chapleau's Ecole secondaire catholique Trillium and Matthew Fletcher of Wawa's Ecole secondaire Saint-Joseph.

In Ojibwe, Mino Bimaadiziwin means “living a good life”, while Mino or Milo Pimatisiwin come from Cree dialects, meaning “walking in a good way” or “living a good life”.

The $250 scholarship - which is given along with an Indigenous artwork illustrating its principles - is meant to "honour and support First Nations, Métis, or Inuit students who embody [that] spirit...through their cultural awareness, sense of responsibility and connectedness with the community".

Environment Canada Issues Heat Warnings for Region

Caution is being urged amid heat warnings in the region.

Environment Canada's warning temperatures could get up to 28 to 32 Celsius - 35 to 41 with the humidex - and only drop down to 16 to 20 through Friday for areas including Chapleau, Gogama, and Foleyet, Dubreuilville and White River, and points south of Wawa.

Emphasizing those most at risk are older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, the unhoused, people with chronic illnesses, those using alcohol or drugs, and people working or exercising outdoors, Public Health Sudbury and Districts warns continuous exposure to high levels of heat can lead to dehydration and illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, swelling of hands, feet, and ankles, heat rash, muscle cramps, and even death, recommending avoiding sun exposure, taking breaks from the heat, drinking plenty of cool liquids - particularly water - and wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric.

Wawa & Chapleau Plan Big Celebrations for Canada Day

Big celebrations are planned for Canada Day in local communities.

For Wawa, Registered Nurse Catherine Andrew notes the Wawa Family Health Team's starting the day with a 5k Fun Run Color Run at 8:30 am, starting from the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Catherine Andrew on Canada Day 5K Fun Run Color Run
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Melanie Coe reminds local festivities also include the Goose Nest Market and Street Fair closing down Broadway Avenue at 11 am.

Melanie Coe on Wawa's Canada Day Festivities on Broadway Ave
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Coe also highlights the voyageur canoe and paddleboarding from Naturally Superior Adventures, and the return of the Show & Shine Car Show.

Melanie Coe on Wawa's Canada Day Show and Shine
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Coe reminds the fireworks are planned for dusk, with details of events available through "Wawa Recreation" on Facebook and Instagram.

As for Chapleau, Leisure and Cultural Services Director Carole Ouellette says festivities start slightly later, with an annual tradition.

Carole Ouellette on Chapleau's Canada Day Parade
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Ouellette says events continue through the afternoon.

Carole Ouellette on Chapleau's Canada Day Afternoon
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Ouellette also reminds that Sault Ste. Marie band "Bone Yard 225" will be performing at 8 pm, and there will be fireworks at dusk, to end the night.

Wawa & Chapleau Students Receive $500 Vision Scholarships

Some local students are being honoured with special scholarships.

The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says two students from each of its secondary schools have been awarded "Vision Scholarships" valued at $500, for reflecting the board vision of "students who are proudly Francophone and Catholic, equipped for the future by innovative and fulfilled staff".

Local recipients are Loralee Casey and Jordan Chalykoff from Wawa's Ecole secondaire Saint-Joseph, and Émilie Bouchard and Jean-Marc Robitaille from Chapleau's Ecole secondaire catholique Trillium.

Wawa Council Formally Opposing Appeal of Rezoning for Temporary Work Camp

Wawa Municipal Council's opposing an appeal of a temporary rezoning for a temporary work camp on Pinewood Drive.

Council initially approved the request on June 2nd to rezone the property to allow for a temporary work camp accommodation with trailers to house up to 170 people for three years - with the option for a further three-year extension, subject to Council approval - as mining contractor Sigfusson's hoping to house workers at the site as they work on projects for Alamos Gold outside Dubreuilville.

In a special meeting Monday afternoon, Council was told an appeal had been filed by Outdoorsman Motel owner Ray Valliant, who'd spoken against the rezoning during that meeting - reading a letter signed by multiple hotels, motels, restaurants, and other businesses, warning the camp would not lead to economic benefit for the community but be a "huge negative", citing concerns for hotels that often temporarily house contractors or restaurants and other businesses that could benefit from the business - before Council went "in-camera" for legal advice.

When they returned to an open meeting, CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill read off a resolution noting they are required to submit a report setting out Council's position in response to the appeal and the initial decision's "conformity to the Official Plan", before setting out that stance.

CAO Maury O'Neill Reads Pinewood Dr Rezoning Appeal Stance

Asked to clarify the question on standing, O'Neill noted the provincial government "made a lot of changes to the Planning Act and took away most people's rights to appeal" in 2024.

Valliant says he's "a little disappointed", saying he believes he meets the criteria outlined on the Ontario Land Tribunal site, as given to him by O'Neill.

Ray Valliant on WMC Pinewood Dr Rezoning Appeal Stance
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The resolution further stated that - should the appeal not be immediately dismissed on those grounds - Council maintains the rezoning by-law "represents good land use planning...is appropriate and desirable for the development of the subject lands", is consistent with the provincial planning statement, municipal official plan, and other applicable provincial plans, and "is in the public interest and supports the long-term economic development objectives of the Municipality while providing for an appropriate temporay land use".

That was initially passed unanimously, with Mayor Melanie Pilon making a statement to the gathered businesspeople watching.

Mayor Melanie Pilon on Pinewood Dr Rezoning Appeal Stance

Though Councillor Mitch Hatfield initially voted in favour, she then explained she'd misunderstood what was being voted upon in that moment, with discussion getting heated as she clarified that she disagrees with the advice given by the Municipality's lawyer and the handling of this issue.

Councillor Mitch Hatfield on Pinewood Dr Rezoning Appeal Stance

Hatfield was allowed to take back her vote and instead request a recorded vote, which ended up the same as the initial vote on the rezoning early this month, 3-1, with Pilon and Councillors Jim Hoffmann and Cathy Cannon in favour, Hatfield against - Councillor Joe Opato was not in attendance for the meeting.

Wawa Public Library Holding Story Walk in Queen's Park

The Wawa Public Library's annual "Story Walk" is going to the park.

Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains the Story Walk is back - with a slight change.

Wawa Public Library CEO Sue Jarrell Explains the Story Walk
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Jarrell invites everyone to check out the Story Walk.

Wawa Public Library CEO Sue Jarrell Invites Everyone to Story Walk
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

The "Story Walk" runs from 9 am to 11 am at Queen's Park.

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.

Catherine Andrew on Canada Day 5K Fun Run Color Run Concept
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Andrew encourages everyone to join in.

Catherine Andrew on 5K Fun Run Color Run Participants
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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".

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg on Northern Tour
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Rosenberg touts funding brought to this region since he was elected last year.

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg on Local Funding
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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.

Matthew Trudeau on LDHC Seniors Garden Party History
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Inviting everyone to come out, Long-Term Care Activity Coordinator Raquel Korytko-Amos explains the garden party's a social event.

Raquel Korytko-Amos on LDHC Seniors Garden Party Idea
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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.

Wawa Public Library CEO Sue Jarrell on Pride Music Night
Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

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.

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