Advance Polls Set to Open for Federal Election

With just over ten days left before the federal election date, advance polls are readying to open.

Noting advance polls will be open from 9 am to 9 pm all Easter weekend - starting tomorrow and running through Monday - Elections Canada Media Relations Officer Richard Theoret reminds ID is required.

Theoret says there's a few ways to find out where to go.

Theoret notes there are other options to vote early, such as casting your ballot at an Elections Canada office - there's one in Wawa, though the closest for Chapleau is in Timmins - or voting by mail, though you must apply online for that.

Election Day is April 28th.

OPP Launches Seatbelt Campaign For Easter Weekend

Local police will be watching for proper seatbelt use over the Easter weekend.

Superior East OPP Constable Rob Sanchioni explains their target for the coming long weekend.

Aside from seatbelts, Sanchioni says officers will be watching out for other problems.

Emphasizing "your seatbelt can only show up for you if you wear it", the OPP warns failure to wear a seatbelt was a contributing factor in 60 deaths on OPP-patrolled roads last year.

Missing Person Found Dead in Lake George

A tragic end to the search for a missing person near Sault Ste. Marie.

Sault OPP say the Garden River Detachment of the Anishinabek Police Service was notified last Friday of a missing person last seen in the Garden River First Nation area, with OPP called in to help with the investigation.

The search ended late Saturday morning, as the missing person was located deceased in Lake George, just east of Garden River First Nation.

The Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service are now heading the investigation, assisted by the OPP's North East Region Emergency Response Team, Sault OPP Crime Unit, Forensic Identification Services, Garden River Detachment of the Anishinabek Police Service, Batchewana First Nation Police Service, and Sault Fire Services.

Easter Egg Hunts Ending for Wawa & Wawa Library

Time's running out for entries into the Municipality of Wawa's Easter Egg Hunt.

Municipal Recreation Coordinator Melanie Coe explains the Easter Bunny came early to Wawa.

Coe reminds you have until midnight tonight to email the pictures.

Meanwhile, time is also running out for the Wawa Public Library's Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt, which CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell says is a fun way to get kids into the library.

Entries for the Library's hunt must be in before the draw is held at 3:30 pm tomorrow.

Wawa Library Hosting Tenants' Rights Presentation

The Wawa Public Library's hosting a special presentation to inform tenants of their rights.

CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell explains the library was approached about it.

The presentation will be held at 3 o'clock this afternoon, at the downstairs boardroom in the Municipal Building.

Former NHLer Chris Simon Suffering From CTE Before Death

Local NHL hockey pro Chris Simon was suffering from a degenerative brain disease when he died last year.

In an effort to "raise awareness of the urgent need for medical and mental health resources available to former hockey players struggling with the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts", Simon's family and the Concussion Legacy Foundation have announced the results of post-mortem brain tissue analysis led to a diagnosis of stage 3 of 4 chronic traumatic encephalopathy, with "severe CTE pathology in areas of the brain involved with congition and mood regulation", with Dr. Ann McKee - chief of neuropathology for the VA Boston Healthcare System, and director of the Boston University CTE Center and UNITE Brain Bank, where Simon's brain was donated - further noting that CTE "likely...contributed to his memory problems, depression, and apathy".

52-year-old Simon died by suicide in March 2024, though the CLF says "suicide is complex and multifactorial, and a post-mortem CTE diagnosis should not be considered to confirm CTE as a cause of a suicide".

Simon was drafted by the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers in 1990, playing for a number of NHL clubs from 1992 until 2008, when he joined Russia's KHL, ending his professional career in 2013 - his greatest career moment was winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996, bringing the famed trophy back to Wawa.

Wawa Council Holding 3 Meetings, Will Consider Rezoning Former Northern Store

Wawa Municipal Council's holding a trio of meetings tonight.

First up is a meeting under the Planning Act about Zoning By-Law amendments, specifically a request to rezone the former Northern Store property at 75 Broadway Avenue from General Commercial to Residential Apartment.

That'll be followed by a Committee of the Whole meeting including presentations from Gordon Draper on Community Living Awareness Month and from Brittany Clarke on the Wawa FoodCycler Program, as well as monthly reports from department heads, a quarterly report from the EDO, who will also discuss Downtown Community Improvement Plan financial incentives - there will also be discussion about non-resident use of the landfill.

The third and final meeting will be a regular Council meeting, in which Council will consider a staff recommendation on allocation of marina divestiture funds, and by-laws which would confirm the rezoning of the Broadway Avenue property, as discussed in the first meeting.

These meetings will be held back-to-back-to-back, starting at 6:30 pm tonight in Council Chambers - they'll also be livestreamed through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

Fellow In Yellow Passes Through Wawa on Run For Courage

The "Fellow in Yellow" is passing through the area as he runs across Canada.

Trevor Redmond explains the reason for his "Run for Courage: A Movement for Movement" across Canada is "because he can".

Redmond says he needs to keep that mindset.

Redmond further explains that he's been inspired by heroes including Terry Fox, Steve Fonyo, Rick Hansen , and even his old gymnastics coach.

Arriving in Wawa marked 6269 kilometres for the Fellow in Yellow's journey, though he's already returned to the road, heading northwest.

More information about the trek - and ways to support him - can be found at thefellowinyellow.ca or thereandbackcanada.ca

APH Warns School Suspensions Looming for Children Without Up-to-Date Vaccination Records

Algoma Public Health's warning school suspensions are "looming" for children without up-to-date immunizations and records.

Following on notices sent in January, the health unit's reminding families across its region that Ontario law requires youth under age 18 to have received certain vaccines or have a valid exemption on file or be suspended up to 20 days, with those suspensions to start later this spring, so parents are reminded to update records or book vaccine appointments soon.

Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. John Tuinema emphasizes immunization "is essential to keeping our schools safe" by preventing infectious diseases, as "high vaccination rates are vital for achieving community protection and preventing the spread of serious illnesses like measles and whooping cough among school-aged children".

Local Trails Among OFSC Routes Getting NOHFC Funding

The Ontario government's providing over half-a-million dollars to improve snowmobile trails in the North.

Northern Economic Development and Growth Minister George Pirie's announced more than $553,000 from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs to improve trail connectivity, extend the useful lifespan of trails, and increase safety for riders.

It'll support twelve projects across the North, including the White River trail rehabilitation on Top D trail, the Foleyet trail reroute on trail C101D, and the Montreal River bridge refurbishment on TOP A trail.

Local MPP Given Parliamentary Assistant Role

A couple rookie Northern MPPs have new roles in the Ontario Legislature.

As part of a broader update to parliamentary assistant roles, Algoma-Manitoulin's Bill Rosenberg's been made parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness, Trevor Jones, as well as to the President of the Treasury Board, Caroline Mulroney.

Meanwhile, new Sault Ste. Marie MPP Chris Scott has been made parliamentary assistant the Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, whose duties also include broadband expansion and connectivity.

A number of Northerners are in Premier Doug Ford's cabinet: Timmins MPP Georgie Pirie's Northern Development and Growth Minister; Thunder Bay-Atikokan's Kevin Holland's Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products; Kenora-Rainy River's Greg Rickford is Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation Minister and the Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships; and Nipissing's Vic Fedeli is Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade Minister.

Wesdome Proposes Buyout of Angus Gold

Another big deal in local mining.

Wesdome Gold Mines has announced a definitive arrangment agreement to acquire all issued and outstanding common shared of Angus Gold for 62 cents cash plus 0.0096 of a Wesdome share - an aggregate value of 77 cents per Angus common share, a 59% premium from Angus' 20-day volume-weighted average price ending Friday.

Wesdome already owns 6.3-million common shares and 3.15-million common share purchase warrants - approximately 10.4% of Angus' basic common shares outstanding, or 14.9% on a partially diluted basis.

President and CEO Anthea Bath calls it "a highly logical and strategic tuck-in transation", which would quadruple Wesdome's Eagle River land package into roughly 400 square kilometres - Angus' land package is located north of the Eagle River Mine, surrounding Wesdome's Mishi Mine - with the expanded footprint hosting multiple targets and mineralization styles, and Wesdome says this underscores its long-term commitment to Eagle River.

While both company's boards have already approved the agreement, it still needs approval from Angus Gold's shareholders - the board is unanimously recommending it.

This comes just over a year after nearby Alamos Gold announced a deal to buyout Alamos Gold - folding its Magino Mine project into the Island Gold Mine, redubbed the Island Gold District - a deal completed last July.

Wawa's 75th Men's Bonspiel in the Books

Wawa's curling season has wrapped up.

The 75th annual Wawa Men's Curling Bonspiel capped the season, on the final weekend of March, with Club President Jim Hoffmann saying it went well.

Wawa's own Team Tom Terris won the "A" Event, followed by Team Glibota from Sault Ste. Marie and then Wawa's Team Fahrer, while the "B" Event went to Wawa teams: Team Spencer Terris came first, followed by Team Klockars, then Team Opato, though Sault Ste. Marie's Team Stefanizzi topped the "C" Event, followed by Wawa's Team Wilderness.

Team Fahrer up the Brookfield Sportsman Trophy, while Team Barrette won the Early Bird and Team Glibota claimed the Door Prize.

Organizers thank all participants, Pat Harron and her crew for the dinner, and all other volunteers.

The Bonspiel came just days after the Wawa Men's Curling League wrapped up games: Team Tom Terris were the regular season champions with Team Tom Fahrer in second, though Team Joe McCoy were the playoff champions, followed by Team Tom Terris, then Team Ron Hale

More Candidates in Local Federal Races

A couple new candidates have entered local races in the federal election.

Though not yet on the party's website, Harry Jaaskelainen's announced he's running for the People's Party in Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma - the riding now including the Highway 17 corridor including Wawa, Dubreuilville, and White River - replacing Arnold Heino - who dropped out for unspecified "unforeseen personal reasons" last week - Jaaskelainen ran for the People's Party in Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing in 2021, coming in fourth behind the NDP, Conservative, and Liberal candidates but ahead of the Green candidate.

He'll be up against Liberal incumbent Terry Sheehan, Conservative Dr. Hugh Stevenson, and New Democrat Laura Mayer - the Greens have yet to announce a candidate for the riding.

The Green Party has, however, announced Joanne Bergeron as their candidate for Kapuskasing-Timmins-Mushkegowuk - the riding which now includes the Chapleau area - no further information's been provided about Bergeron.

She'll face off against Liberal Steve Black, New Democrat Nicole Fortier Levesque, and Conservative Gaétan Malette - the People's Party has yet to announce a candidate for the riding.

Prospective candidates have until 2 pm next Monday, April 7th, to file their nomination, with the full list of candidates to be released next Wednesday, April 9th, just shy of three weeks before the April 28th Election Day.

Wawa Council Holding 3 Meetings, Including Committee of Adjustment

Wawa Municipal Council's holding a trio of meetings tonight.

First up is a Committee of Adjustment meeting to address a minor variance request for a Second Avenue property.

That'll be followed by a Committee of the Whole meeting including a memo on the finalizing of the marina divestiture, the annual review of the harassment and violence policies, the Wawa Drinking Water Operational Plan, a request from Councillor Cathy Cannon for a special meeting, and a memorandum of understanding with USW Local 9246 that ensures no disruption of water and sewer services "in the unlikely event of a labour disruption".

That memorandum will be confirmed in the third and final meeting of the night, a regular Council meeting, which also includes two "in camera" items - both legal issues - about a land matter and a representation notice regarding litigation or potential litigation.

These meetings will be held back-to-back-to-back, starting at 6:30 pm tonight in Council Chambers - they'll also be livestreamed through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

Chapleau Council to Hold Public Meeting in Early April

Chapleau Town Council will be holding a special meeting early in April.

Noting a public meeting is different from an open session, the Township is inviting anyone who wants to speak on a topic for 5-10 minutes to submit the information to the CAO by emailing cao@chapleau.ca by 4 pm next Tuesday, April 1st.

The meeting will be held the following Monday, April 7th.

Wawa Goose Seniors Centre to Host April Lunch & Learn

Wawa seniors are being offered a chance to have a bite to eat and learn about an important topic next week.

The Wawa Goose Seniors Centre is hosting its monthly Lunch and Learn Thursday, April 4th, starting at 11:30 am, this time featuring Carol Anne Robinson speaking about balance and the vestibular system - it also offers pizza, coffee or tea, and dessert, sponsored by the Wawa Pharmacy.

Must register at the centre by Monday, March 31st.

Wawa's 70th Ladies Bonspiel In The Books

Organizers of Wawa's 70th annual Ladies Curling Bonspiel are calling it "a success".

32 teams from Thunder Bay, Hornepayne, White River, Chapleau, Sault Ste. Marie, Blind River, Sudbury, and London, Ontario made the trip to Wawa, joining local teams, as well.

Wawa's own Team Duggan won the A Event - with Team McHardy second - while Hornepayne's Team Drury took the B Event - followed by Wawa's Team Bonitzke - Wawa's Team Turmelle won the C Event - Wawa's Team Spencer claimed second - and Hornepayne's Team Litkee won the D Event, with Wawa's Team Szekely in second.

Organizers thank all sponsors, participating teams, hardworking volunteers, and the community for supporting the big event.

Curlers are also reminded the 75th Men's Bonspiel is this weekend, March 28th to 30th.

Chad Edgar Elected New Chief of Michipicoten First Nation, Mostly New Council

Michipicoten First Nation's elected a new chief.

Results from last weekend's election show councillor Chad Edgar was elected as chief with 535 votes, ahead of the 122 for Pat Tangie, who's been chief since 2017.

Incumbent councillor Evelyn Stone was returned to the role with 348 votes, joined by a new council of Rachelle Philippe - who had the most votes, 382 - then Taryn Michel with 337, Dan Beaupre with 268, Peggy Rice with 255, Joseph Skouris with 245, Jim St. Germain with 243, and Wendy Peterson Shawana with 232.

Elections are held every two years.

2 New Candidates for Local Federal Races

A few new candidates have entered local races in the federal election.

Dr. Hugh Stevenson's suddenly resigned after six years as Chief of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service - with Deputy Chief Brent Duguay stepping in as interim chief - as Stevenson's been appointed the Conservative candidate for Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma, the riding that includes the Highway 17 corridor including Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, and the north shore of Lake Huron to Elliot Lake.

Stevenson will face off against Liberal incumbent Terry Sheehan, National Council of Indigenous Midwives Executive Director Laura Mayer - who's running for the NDP - and People's Party candidate Arnold Heino (update: Heino has now dropped his bid) - the Greens have yet to announce a candidate.

Meanwhile, former Timmins Mayor Steve Black's announced he's running for the Liberals in the riding of Kapuskasing-Timmins-Mushkegowuk - which includes the Chapleau area - where he'll compete against former forestry and mining executive Gaétan Malette of the Conservatives and former Moonbeam Mayor Nicole Fortier-Levesque for the NDP - the Greens and People's Party have yet to announce candidates in that riding.

Prospective candidates have two weeks to file: the nomination deadline's 2 pm Monday, April 7th, with the full list of candidates to be released the following Wednesday, April 9th.