2nd Wawa Councillor Seeking Re-Election, 6th in Race for Wawa Council

Another Wawa councillor's seeking re-election.

The Municipality of Wawa's now showing councillor Mitch Hatfield is seeking her third term, joining fellow councillor Cathy Cannon and newcomers Shah Mohamed, Jason North, Eric Paquette, and Brandon Smit in the race for four seats on Council, which means residents will likely need to cast ballots this fall, though they may not need to for mayor, as incumbent Melanie Pilon remains the only candidate for that position.

There is just over a week left for candidates to file for Ontario's fall municipal elections - the deadline's 2 pm next Friday, August 21st - with candidate certification to happen after that.

Potential voters are reminded to check they're on the voter's list today by going to registertovoteon.ca - after today, the only option to have the list updated will be to go to town hall and staff update it, and local municipalities warn that "just because you were on the list last election, doesn't mean you will be this time", as the process for and government bodies involved in making the voter's list have changed since 2022.

Hawk Junction Horseshoe Pitch Tournament Nears

An annual event is returning to rouse up excitement in Hawk Junction next week.

Hawk Junction Local Services Board Secretary-Treasurer Heather Rainville says there is room to register a team for the Hawk Junction Horseshoe Pitch Tournament.

Heather Rainville on Registering for Horseshoe Pitch Tournament

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Teams of two are allowed, with men's and women's divisions - the tournament will be held on Saturday, August 22nd.

Wawa Council Agrees to Renew Michipicoten Golf Club License to Occupy

Wawa Municipal Council's agreed to renew an agreement with the Michipicoten Golf Club, as the organization looks toward a major infrastructure project.

In their Committee of the Whole meeting last night, Council was told by Club President Scott Carruthers that they were hoping to extend or renew the agreement from 2009 for another 15 years, noting it has led to stability and improvements for the local golf course - but the club's now been told the more than 60 year old clubhouse is in poor condition and does not meet modern building standards - including for accessibility - so they are looking to replace the building, and have met with FedNor and the NOHFC about the possibility - Municipal CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill later noted a longer-term agreement is important for funding applications - with Carruthers also noted potential support from corporate sponsors, though there was no direct request of Council for the Municipality to support the clubhouse replacement at this time.

Council ended up voting in favour of extending the Club's license to occupy, which will now stay in place to 2041.

Dubreuilville Reports French Public School Board Trustee Candidate

A candidate's come forward for a local school board trustee position.

The Township of Dubreuilville's reporting retired teacher Léo Raymond has put forth his nomination for French Public school board trustee - he's the only one to do so at this time, though longtime French Separate School Board trustee Roger Lemoyne has filed for re-election.

Time is running out for prospective candidates: the nomination deadline of 2 pm on Friday, August 21st, with municipal and school board elections to be held across Ontario on October 26th.

Wawa & Chapleau Districts See New Wildfires, All Out

A couple new wildfires were seen in the Wawa and Chapleau districts in recent days - but are all now out.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says "Wawa 29" was reported Friday - about a kilometre northwest of Oganek Lake and nearly 4 kilometres northeast of Highway 17 - "Wawa 30" was reported Saturday evening - on a peninsula on the west side of Manitowik Lake, more than 3 kilometres southwest of Swanson Lake - and "Chapleau 20" was also reported Saturday evening - on Windermere Lake, less than 2 kilometres south of Henna Lake, and 11 kilometres north of Highway 101 - though all three are now out, leaving just 1 fire still burning in either region: "Wawa 15", which is "being held" at 7 hectares in size, on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park, about a kilometre south of Laughing Brook Creek - it was first reported nearly a month ago.

The fire hazard's mostly moderate across the North, with pockets of low and high hazard.

Wawa Council Presented "Clean Audit" by KPMG

Wawa Municipal Council's been presented a "clean audit" for last year's books.

In a special meeting on Monday, Council was presented the consolidated and trust funds financial statements by KPMG, which noted that revenue was up while expenses have held relatively consistent for the last decade, showing the Municipality's been "doing more with less", leaving an adjusted operating surplus over $2.4-million.

Reserve funds were noted to be rising in recent years, surpassing $13-million in 2025 - more than half "uncommitted" - with it emphasized that the reserves are "fully funded", as that is not something all municipalities can say.

Council welcomed the report, lauding staff for their efforts.

Wawa Council Holding Back-to-Back Meetings

A day after a special meeting discussing finances and legal issues, Wawa Municipal Council are meeting again tonight.

First up is a Committee of the Whole meeting, including a presentation from the Michipicoten Golf Club with a clubhouse update - followed by a report on their license to occupy - and discussion about monthly reports from department heads, an agreement with recycling body Circular Materials, a recommendation to award the tender for Ganley Street construction, a report on the 39 Algoma Street Community Improvement Plan, memos on Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre roofing, the Canteen expression of interest, and an MOU for "Wawa Goose Veritas".

That'll be followed by a regular Council meeting, which includes resolutions to accept a revised Ganley Storm Sewer Replacement bid and approve two funding applications for the MMCC roof, as well as by-laws adopting the 39 Algoma Street Community Improvement Plan, a license to occupy agreement with the Michipicoten Golf Club, and the agreement for the Ganley Street Storm Sewer Replacement Project.

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.

5th Candidate for White River Town Council

White River has a fifth candidate for its four Council seats.

After more than 1.5 months without any new nominations, the Township of White River's now showing current councillor Rodney Swarek as an unofficial candidate, joining Keith Belisle, Ted Greenwood, Mark Hubbard, and Calvin Orok - Swarek's the only current councillor in the race.

There are still two candidates for mayor: incumbent Tara Hart and former mayor Angelo Bazzoni.

There's less than two weeks left for candidates to file their nomination papers: the deadline is 2 pm next Friday, August 21st.

Chapleau Council Holding Regular Meeting

Chapleau Town Council’s holding a regular meeting tonight.

Coming less than a week after Council approved the 2026 budget - which includes a 2% tax increase - tonight’s agenda includes a report on support from miner Discovery for the upcoming Gold Rush Drag Race, and multiple "in-camera" items relating to Human Resources or Legal Advice.

The agenda is available on the municipal website, chapleau.ca

The meeting begins at 5 pm in Civic Centre Council Chambers.

7th Candidate for Chapleau Town Council

It appears a seventh candidate's entered the race for Chapleau's four Council seats - another incumbent.

The Township of Chapleau's showing Catherine Ansara as a new unofficial candidate, joining fellow incumbent councillors Lisi Bernier and Paul Bernier, as well as Michael Houle, Monique O'Hearn, Pamela O'Hearn-Morin, and Gretchen Larabee.

There are still three candidates for mayor: incumbent Ryan Bignucolo; current councillor Alex Lambruschini; and David - or Dave - McDonald.

There's just two weeks left for candidates to file a bid: the nomination deadline is 2 pm on Friday, August 21st, after which candidate certification will take place and the official candidate list will be released after that.

Those who want to cast a ballot are reminded to check they're on the voter's list by Wednesday, August 12th, by going to registertovoteon.ca

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

Chapleau Council Set to Vote on 2026 Budget

Chapleau Town Council will consider passing this year's budget early this afternoon.

A special meeting's being held at lunchtime, including the adoption of the 2026 final budget - after the draft budget was presented to Council on July 20th - with by-laws to adopt the budget and set tax ratios and tax capping.

There are also two "in-camera" items: a Human Resources item and an item pertaining to Legal Advice.

The meeting will be open to the public, held in Council Chambers, starting at 12 noon.

Winners Announced for Wawa Library's Family Photo Scavenger Hunt, Other Contests Continue

Winners have been announced for a local contest.

Wawa Public Library CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains this year's Family Photo Scavenger Hunt was "fantastic".

WPL CEO Sue Jarrell on Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt Result

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Jarrell reminds the Library's Summer Reading Bingo Challenge and "Read It To Win It" Challenge are still underway, both set to wrap up with draws in less than three weeks, on Monday, August 24th.

6 Small Wildfires in Chapleau District All Out

Several wildfires were seen in the Red Rock Lake area but are all now out.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting thirteen new wildland fires were confirmed in the Northeast on Wednesday, including six in the Chapleau District, all of which were located along Melwel Road near Red Rock Lake and Basswood Lake - they've all been declared out, after growing no more than two-tenths of a hectare in size.

Six other blazes were reported in the Sudbury District and one in the Cochrane District, leaving more than 40 active across the Northeast, including two in the Wawa District: a 7-hectare blaze on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park - about a kilometre south of Laughing Brook Creek - and a 0.1 hectare fire, about 17 kilometres northeast of Missanabie - west of Missinaibi Provincial Park - both of which are being held.

The fire hazard's mostly moderate to high across the North, with some pockets of low and even extreme hazard near Sudbury.

Chapleau OPP Replace Memorial Cross to Officer Killed in Hwy 101 Collision in 1995

Local police recently took a moment to recognize an officer killed on a local highway three decades ago.

Members of the Superior East OPP's Chapleau detachment recently attended the memorial site for Provincial Constable Kenneth Roy, who was killed in a collision with a logging truck on Highway 101 about halfway to Foleyet - just east of the Shawmere River - in May 1995 - at the time, Roy was returning to the South Porcupine Detachment after working in Chapleau.

The local officers replaced the memorial cross, which was in need of replacement.

6th Candidate for Chapleau Town Council

It appears a sixth candidate's entered the race for Chapleau's four Council seats.

The Township of Chapleau's showing Gretchen Larabee as a new unofficial candidate, joining incumbent councillors Lisi Bernier and Paul Bernier, as well as Michael Houle, Monique O'Hearn, and Pamela O'Hearn-Morin.

There are still three candidates for 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.

Progress on Local Wildfire Activity

Progress on wildfire activity in the region.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is now showing just two active fires in the Wawa District: "Wawa 15", "being held" at 7 hectares in size, on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park, about a kilometre south of Laughing Brook Creek; and "Wawa 28", also "being held" at 0.1 hectares, about 17 kilometres northeast of Missanabie, west of Missinaibi Provincial Park.

"Wawa 17" - which was first reported July 15th, about 15 kilometres northeast of Pic Mobert and east of White Lake - has now been called "out" after reaching 37.5 hectares in size.

The fire hazard's mostly low or moderate across the North, with some pockets of high hazard, particularly locally.

Fire Activity Eases As Restrictions Lift

Fire activity appears to be easing in Northern Ontario, easing restrictions, too.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources on Friday lifted the Restricted Fire Zone that was in place for some of the Northeast - including Wawa, Dubreuilville, and White River - though an RFZ remains in place for much of the northwest, starting just east of Marathon and spreading north and west to the borders with Manitoba and the US, plus a little east along Highway 11.

The Townships of Dubreuilville and White River have also lifted their municipal fire bans, which were put in place just ahead of the local RFZ.

As for local fire activity, three are burning in the Wawa District: "Wawa 15", "being held" at 7 hectares in size, on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park, about a kilometre south of Laughing Brook Creek; "Wawa 17", "under control" at 37.2 hectares in size, about 15 kilometres northeast of Pic Mobert and east of White Lake; and "Wawa 28", "being held" at 0.1 hectares, about 17 kilometres northeast of Missanabie, west of Missinaibi Provincial Park.

The fire hazard's mostly low or moderate across the North, with some pockets of high hazard.

Wawa Author Kiara Kiddle Releases Debut Novel, "The Silver Princess"

A Wawa writer's released her debut novel - the first in what is expected to be a multi-book series.

Kiara Kiddle gives a little preview of "The Silver Princess", which focuses on a group of high school age friends.

Kiara Kiddle Explains The Plot of The Silver Princess

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Noting it is dedicated to her late uncle - who was a father figure and encouraged her to write and share stories - Kiddle says she believes the book would appeal to "pretty much everyone".

Kiara Kiddle on Intended Audience for The Silver Princess

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

While the book is now available through Amazon and other retailers - expected to reach over 50,000 stores worldwide, including in Canada, the US, and the UK - Kiddle encourages those interested to message her on Facebook or check the Friesen Press website for details.

Wawa Author Kiara Kiddle on Debut Novel, The Silver Princess

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Lady Dunn Health Centre Marks 75 Years

Wawa's hospital marked a major milestone on Monday.

The Lady Dunn Health Centre held a 75th anniversary celebration, with a number of dignitaries and guests in attendance - including current and former mayors and hospital employees or board members - as well as food and music, with CEO Kadean Ogilvie emphasizing the importance of the milestone.

Kadean Ogilvie on LDHC 75th Anniversary Celebration

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Ogilvie noted festivities included a number of displays of pictures, past equipment, and more, ranging from when the hospital was opened by Algoma Ore Properties limited in 1951, through when it was given to the townspeople as a public hospital in 1965, its expansion in 1970, and the new facility in 2002, up to the current day.

Kadean Ogilvie on LDHC 75th Anniversary Displays

Daniel Walker/JJAM FM News

Ogilvie emphasizes the "foundations laid in the 1960s" are those the hospital still works from now, and recognizes the "instrumental" support and involvement of the community since, hoping to continue that now and beyond, particularly through the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation, which has raised over $1.5-million since it was founded 19 years ago - the Foundation's currently raising funds for the purchase of ventilators through its newly launched "Every Breath Matters" campaign.

Pic Mobert/White Lake Area Wildfire Now Being Held

Positive news regarding a wildfire near Pic Mobert.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting that "Wawa 17" is now "being held" at 37.2 hectares in size, about 15 kilometres northeast of Pic Mobert and east of White Lake - it was initially reported over a week ago, with FireRanger crews working to get it under control.

There are more than 40 fires burning across Ontario's Northeast, including three others in the Wawa District: "Wawa 14", under control at 12.5 hectares in size, just east of Highway 17 and less than a kilometre southwest of O'Brien Lakes; "Wawa 15", not yet under control at 7 hectares in size, on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park, about a kilometre south of Laughing Brook Creek; and "Wawa 28", not yet under control at 0.1 hectares, about 17 kilometres northeast of Missanabie, west of Missinaibi Provincial Park.

While the fire hazard's mostly low or moderate across the North - with some pockets of high hazard - Restricted Fire Zones remain in place for most of the Northwest and a large swath of the Northeast, including from Marathon through White River, Dubreuilville, and Wawa, to the border of the Sudbury District, and east along Highway 11 to Timmins and points north - Chapleau is not included - the RFZ automatically imposes a fire ban, though multiple municipalities in the area have also put their own in place.