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The Wawa Public Library's encouraging families to take some photos in a special scavenger hunt.
Head Librarian and CEO Sue Jarrell explains the Family Photo Scavenger Hunt is now underway.
The library's Reading Bingo Summer Challenge is also underway - for children and for adults - along with the Read It To Win It contest, and other summer programming - go to the Library, its website, or its Facebook page for more details.
More wildfires have been reported in the region.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources says "Wawa 16" - confirmed Tuesday - is not yet under control at 1.5 hectares in size near Tripoli Creek - west of Esnagi Lake - while "Chapleau 11" was also confirmed Tuesday - south of the Goulais River, near Glendale - but is now out, as is "Chapleau 10", which had grown to 2.1 hectares in size about a kilometre southeast of Sunnyside Beach Road, just north of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport.
Two others are still burning in the Wawa District: "Wawa 14", which is being held at 12.5 hectares in size, just east of Highway 17 and less than a kilometre southwest of O'Brien Lakes; and "Wawa 15", which is not yet under control at 0.7 hectares in size, on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park, about a kilometre south of Laughing Brook Creek.
Three fires were confirmed in the Timmins District Monday night or Tuesday, including one being held at 0.8 hectares in size east of East Shining Tree Lake and another being held at 1 hectare in size about 3 kilometres west of Elk Lake, while the Cochrane District's seen three more near James Bay - at 100, 280, and 400 hectares in size - and the Sudbury District reported two, one already out and another not under control east of the city.
The fire hazard ranges from low to extreme across the Northeast, though smoke from various wildfires has prompted air quality concerns for much of the local area, combined with heat warnings.
A couple Wawa residents spoke against proposed financial incentives for a housing development.
In a public meeting under the Planning Act last night, Wawa Municipal Council heard a report proposing the Municipality adopt a "Community Improvement Plan" specifically for the 39 Algoma Street housing development, with CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill explaining the private developer Council agreed to sell the roughly 2.11 acres of land to plans to build at least 15 - and potentially up to 45 - housing units that would be "senior friendly" - something O'Neill noted could alleviate the town's housing need and retain the aging population by allowing older residents to downsize to the new rental housing and free up their larger single detached homes for others currently unable to get suitable housing, further noting this aligns with Council and the Municipality's commitments for housing, and would expand the tax base, which could mean an extra $50,000 in annual tax revenue, the equivalent of a 1 percent levy increase now.
Emphasizing incentives are needed to attract private developers, O'Neill explained the provincial government wants housing development increased and streamlined and assured provincial legislation allows targeted CIPs, while only 2 incentives are proposed here: a tax increment grant, like one offered through the Downtown CIP, offsetting property tax increases from the development, starting at 100 percent in the first year and decreasing to 20 percent in the fifth and final year; and a purpose-built rental housing grant providing up to $10,000 per housing unit but with conditions, including that the occupancy permit's obtained before it's paid out and that remain rental housing for a specific period - breaching the conditions could see the payments suspended or the Municipality could even demand repayment.
Joe Leadbetter - who submitted a letter about the proposal - spoke, saying he objects as the owner of the Churchill subdivision phase 4 as he has a contract with the Municipality that promises not to release new lots until 30 of his are sold - only 20 have so far - he said talks with municipal staff saw assurances they'd "encourage" developers to work with him, so he's unhappy the Municipality's selling land and providing support for an "outside developer" in a "closed door deal" without giving local developers a chance, warning Council faces legal trouble if it approves the proposal, so should instead direct developers to his "shovel ready" lots.
Outdoorsman Motel owner Ray Valliant also spoke - having submitted his own letter opposing the proposal - citing concerns about the "site-specific nature" and apparent "preferential treatment" and "use of public funds" - particularly after approving a temporary work camp he claims could cost local businesses up to $22.5-million over 3 years - and while staff said they'll seek independent legal advice before moving forward, Valliant questioned paying lawyers instead of "listening" to constituents, wondering if the "rush" in approving this relates to the potential "lame duck" period ahead of the fall election - a comment that prompted a warning from Mayor Melanie Pilon to stay on the topic of land use planning - with Valliant urging for a broader program not just open to a single developer - O'Neill did note the CIP would apply to the property itself, so could potentially involve other developers even if it only involves one now, further encouraging other developers to come forward as other plans or an expanded area could be considered in the future.
Councillors Cathy Cannon and Jim Hoffmann indicated they were in favour of the proposed CIP - pending legal advice - while Councillor Mitch Hatfield said she was not at this time, and would need to look into it further - Mayor Pilon did not comment, while Councillor Joe Opato did not attend the meeting.
Dubreuilville has its second candidate for councillor in the fall municipal election.
Laurent Blais has filed a bid for one of four seats on Dubreuilville Town Council, joining local teacher Laurianne Lavoie, who filed last week.
They're not the only ones to seek a role in the coming Dubreuilville election, as incumbent mayor Beverly Nantel and longtime French Separate School Board trustee Roger Lemoyne are both seeking re-election.
Candidate certification will happen after the nomination deadline of 2 pm 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.
A few more wildland fires have been reported in the region in recent days.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources reported three fires in the Wawa District since Friday, with two still burning: "Wawa 14", reported Sunday, just east of Highway 17 and less than a kilometre southwest of O'Brien Lakes, is being held at 12.5 hectares in size; and "Wawa 15", reported Monday, is not yet under control at 0.7 hectares in size, on the eastern shore of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park, about a kilometre south of Laughing Brook Creek.
"Wawa 13" was reported Saturday - about a kilometre southwest of Crocker’s Lake and three-quarters of a kilometre northwest of Little Owl Lake - but was called out after growing to 0.4 hectares in size.
The Chapleau district's also seen a new forest fire, "Chapleau 10" - reported Monday, about a kilometre southeast of Sunnyside Beach Road, just north of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport - though it is now under control at 2.1 hectares in size. (Despite the name, the Chapleau District includes Sault Ste. Marie & area)
The fire hazard ranges from low to extreme across the Northeast.
An appeal of rezoning for a temporary work camp in Wawa will not be heard.
The Ontario Land Tribunal's rejected an appeal of Wawa Municipal Council's June 2nd decision to temporarily rezone a Pinewood Drive property to allow for a temporary work camp accommodation with trailers to house up to 170 people for three years - to house contractors for Alamos Gold outside Dubreuilville - with the Tribunal finding that appeal proponent Ray Valliant - the owner of Wawa's Outdoorsman Motel - did not meet the requirements under standing to appeal - a stance that Council had taken in response to the appeal filing late last month.
Ahead of and after the Tribunal's response, Valliant sent the Municipality letters formally requesting Council repeal the temporary rezoning by-law - and allow him to speak on the issue - though a response from Mayor Melanie Pilon declined both requests, saying Council already considered the zoning "through the statutory process prescribed by the Planning Act" and the Tribunal was the venue to raise issues with that decision, though Valliant pushed for the Municipality to further explain reasoning for the initial decision - claiming it will have a negative impact on local businesses (particularly hotels/motels and restaurants) of an estimated $22.5-million over those three years - with Pilon replying that "Council appreciates that some members of the business community disagree with its decision" but "Council's responsibility was to consider the application in accordance with the Planning Act, the Provincial Planning Statement, the Municipality's Official Plan, the professional planning advice presented by staff, and all submissions received through the statutory public consultation process" and "evaluate the broader planning merits of the application and determine whether it presented good planning and served the overall public interest", though Valliant continued to question whether the decision does conform with a section of the Municipality's Official Plan, specific analysis conducted on potential economic impact, and any agreements regarding the removal of structures after the approved period.
Valliant has also formally written his objection to the proposed Community Improvement Plan for the 39 Algoma Street housing development, citing its "site-specific nature and appearance of preferential treatment", "conflict of broader community and economic interests", "use of public funds and financial prudence", and "consultation and process concerns", pushing Council to defer approval of the CIP, obtain independent legal and planning advice, expand the incentive program with a "non-site-specific framework open to all qualifying properties", provide full disclosure of the developer's proposal - along with financial projections and agreements related to the sale of the land by the Municipality and the incentives - and "consider alternatives that support housing growth without appearing to favor [sp] a single private interest".
Wawa Municipal Council will vote on replacing the current waste collection by-law, updating the fireworks by-law, and discuss a Community Improvement Plan for a new housing development in a trio of meetings tonight.
First up is a public meeting under the Planning Act, which includes a CAO report on a proposed Community Improvement Plan for 39 Algoma Street - more than 2 acres sold to a private developer "for the purposes of housing development" - CAO/Clerk Maury O'Neill explained to Council on June 23rd that the developer intends to build a minimum of 15 new housing units, but there's a need for financial incentives to "facilitate construction", so a site-specific CIP's proposed - similar to the downtown's - to offer financial incentives such as a "tax increment program" and up to $10,000 per housing unit built.
That'll be followed by a Committee of the Whole meeting, including monthly reports from department heads and a memo proposing the purchase of a half-ton pickup truck, which will be followed up in tonight's regular Council meeting, which also includes the new fireworks by-law - simply updating language, not removing the prohibition on sale and use - a by-law implementing a Site Plan Agreement for a temporary work camp on Pinewood Drive*, and third and final reading for the updated garbage by-law.
The meetings will be held back-to-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.
*Related links:
Wawa Council Approves Rezoning for Temporary Work Camp Despite Hotel & Restaurant Concerns
Wawa Motel Owner Urges Council to Reconsider Work Camp Rezoning Decision
Wawa Council Formally Opposing Appeal of Rezoning for Temporary Work Camp
Progress on a few Wawa District forest fires.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources "Wawa 4" - which was reported on Canada Day, east of Hillsport and south of White Otter Lake - is now out, while "Wawa 11" - located along the Montreal River, about a kilometre south of Mouton Lake - and "Wawa 12" - along Highway 17, about a kilometre south of Kenny Lake - are both "under control" at a tenth of a hectare in size.
"Wawa 8" - which was reported Sunday evening - and is still under control at 1.1 hectares in size, about 4 kilometres east of highway 614, on a peninsula on the southern shore of Musher Lake, 33 kilometres south of Manitouwadge.
The fire hazard is moderate to extreme across the North, with patches of low hazard south of Chapleau and in the Temiskaming Shores area.
Dubreuilville has its first candidate for Council in the fall municipal election.
Local teacher and long-time resident Laurianne Lavoie's become the first person to file for a bid for one of four seats on Dubreuilville Town Council.
She's not the only one to file a bid in the Dubreuilville election, however, as incumbent mayor Beverly Nantel and longtime French Separate School Board trustee Roger Lemoyne are both seeking re-election.
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.
A couple more forest fires have been reported in the Wawa District.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting "Wawa 11" is located along the Montreal River - about a kilometre south of Mouton Lake - while "Wawa 12" is along Highway 17 - about a kilometre south of Kenny Lake - both are a tenth of a hectare in size, but not yet under control.
Two other fires are still burning in the district: "Wawa 4", which was reported on Canada Day, but is under control at 8 hectares in size - east of Hillsport and south of White Otter Lake - and "Wawa 8", which was reported Sunday evening, and is under control at 1.1 hectares in size, about 4 kilometres east of highway 614, on a peninsula on the southern shore of Musher Lake, 33 kilometres south of Manitouwadge.
The fire hazard is primarily high to extreme across the North, with a growing patch of low or moderate hazard in the Northwest.
The Wawa Public Library's inviting people to enjoy some music tonight.
Library CEO and Head Librarian Sue Jarrell touts tonight's monthly music night.
The Music Night starts at 6 pm tonight.
Several wildland fires have been reported in the Wawa District in recent days.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources reported six fires in the Wawa District since Friday, with three still burning - and another already in the region: "Wawa 4", which was reported on Canada Day, but is under control at 8 hectares in size, east of Hillsport and south of White Otter Lake; "Wawa 8", which was reported Sunday evening, and is being held at 1.1 hectares in size, about 4 kilometres east of highway 614, on a peninsula on the southern shore of Musher Lake, and 33 kilometres south of Manitouwadge; "Wawa 9", reported Monday, which is under control at a tenth of a hectare in size, about four-tenths of a kilometre east of Upper Taradale Lake and 2.2 kilometres northeast of Stillwell Lake; and "Wawa 10", also reported Monday, which is being held at four-tenths of a hectare in size, located about half a kilometre south of Highway 17 and six-tenths of a kilometre north of Mud Lake.
The fire hazard is primarily high to extreme across the North, with a large patch of low or moderate hazard in the far Northwest.
Algoma Public Health is warning residents to take precautions against West Nile virus.
The health unit says wild birds in Sault Ste. Marie and East Algoma tested positive for the virus, indicating its "presence...in Algoma and the potential risk to its residents during peak mosquito season".
While it says the risk of being infected in Algoma is "low", Algoma Public Health reminds West Nile is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, so it encourages precautions to protect against mosquito bites: wear light-coloured, tightly woven but loose-fitting clothing with long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when outdoors; apply an approved mosquito repellent; avoid the outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active; remove standing water from your property, as that's where mosquitoes can breed; and repair or replace screens on windows and doors to avoid mosquitoes entering your home.
Last year, two wild birds tested positive for West Nile in North Algoma, though APH's last human case was reported in 2024.
Another forest fire's been reported in the Timmins District.
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting Timmins 16 was confirmed Thursday, east of Highway 144 and south of Highway 560 - it's not yet under control at 3 hectares in size, though two Ontario FireRanger crews are responding and aerial fire suppression teams "actioned" the wildland fire.
The Wawa and Chapleau areas both reported fires on Canada Day: Wawa 4 is not yet under control at 8 hectares in size, located east of Hillsport and south of White Otter Lake; while Chapleau 8 was located about 27 kilometres south of town, but was declared out before growing beyond a tenth of a hectare in size.
The fire hazard is primarily moderate to high across the Northeast, with a large patch of extreme near James Bay and low further southeast.
Ontario Provincial Police are continuing to watch for dangerous driving habits this weekend.
Superior East OPP Constable Rob Sanchioni explains the "Canada Day Week" enforcement blitz continues through Sunday.
Noting a number of electric bikes - or e-bikes - out now, Constable Sanchioni also warns rules are quite specific about those.
Drivers are urged to be extra cautious at this time of year, with the recent end of school meaning more kids and teens out and about.
The owner of the Borden mine near Chapleau's slightly changed its name.
Formerly known as Discovery Silver Corp., the Toronto-based company's announced it is now Discovery Mining Ltd., and is now trading under that name on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This comes as the company has been expanding its holdings, acquiring Glencore's Kidd operations in Timmins - including the Kidd metallurgical site, tailings management area, and Kidd Creek copper, zinc, and silver mine, the world's deepest base metal mine - adding it to the former Newmont Porcupine operations in and near Timmins - including the Borden Gold Mine near Chapleau - which Discovery acquired early last year.
Discovery aims to more than double gold production in Timmins to over half a million ounces a year with exposure in silver and other critical minerals.
It appears a fifth candidate's entered the race for Chapleau's four Council seats.
The Township of Chapleau's showing Pamela O'Hearn-Morin as a new unofficial candidate, joining incumbent councillors Lisi Bernier and Paul Bernier, as well as Michael Houle and Monique O'Hearn.
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.
Golfers will hit Wawa's greens in a couple weeks to honour a local figure in an event.
Organizer Danette Mathias explains there is some room left in the upcoming William G. Rose Memorial Golf Tournament.
Mathias notes Mission Motors and Northern Lights Ford are sponsoring hole-in-one prizes, and thanks other sponsors who make the event possible, like Bay Mills Resort and Casino and North of 17 Restaurant.
The 18th annual William G. Rose Memorial Golf Tournament's set to be held Friday, July 17th.
Time is running out for anglers hoping to win a special prize with the Wawa Salmon Derby.
Chair Brad Buck reminds the event's about a month-and-a-half away.
Buck notes a couple ways to register.
Buck emphasizes entries must be in - or post-marked - by Monday, July 6th, to be in the early bird.
While Canada Day is over, the Ontario Provincial Police are continuing a related safety initiative.
Superior East OPP Constable Rob Sanchioni explains the "Canada Day Week" enforcement blitz continues through Sunday.
Noting many people are riding ATVs or side-by-sides in town, Sanchioni also reminds there is a different speed limit for such vehicles.
Drivers are urged to be extra cautious at this time of year, with the recent end of school meaning more kids and teens out and about.
