2019 IN REVIEW
JANUARY
Computer virus takes out hospital services
Health Sciences North is currently experiencing technical difficulties which are impacting their IT systems.
Communications specialist, Jason Turnball, says the IT team has identified a computer virus as the cause of these problems.
He says the virus has impacted several internal software systems, but the quality of patient care is not impacted.
This disruption may cause delays with some programs, longer wait times in the Emergency Department. Certain elective procedures and surgeries in the next 24 – 48 hours may be rescheduled.
And, he adds, in addition, chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments are canceled at the North East Cancer Centre and satellite clinics.
Espanola and Elliot Lake hospitals were also impacted.
Catch the Ace most successful fundraiser ever
Choosing a card has added up to over $100,000 going to around 30 charities on Manitoulin Island and along Lake Huron’s north shore.
Little Current Lions member, Mike Dubreuil, says the Catch the Ace fundraiser is where people buy a card every week, a portion of the money goes to the organization helping sell them, and the progressive pot builds until there is a grand winner.
Edward Shigwadga of Manitoulin won nearly $24,000 this time around.
Still, with the story, Dubreuil had the pleasant task of sharing revenues with some of their Espanola partners yesterday; $1,500 to Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart, $3,400 to the Espanola Regional Hospital Foundation for the new park and $3,755 for programs guided by Espanola Community Living.
Cards are now on sale for the 2019 campaign.
Cambrian College, Samaritan Centre partner on a book about poverty
A collaborative work between Cambrian College and the Samaritan Centre puts a face to poverty.
A book, Aboutface, is a partnership between the Graphic Design Program at Cambrian College and the centre located in downtown Sudbury.
One of the college students who took photos was Chrisanne Daniel, a graphic designer graduate.
She says all of the people they photographed and spoke with were so incredibly open, honest and trusted us to share those stories with others.
The Samaritan Centre houses the Elgin Street Mission, Blue Door Café, and Corner Clinic, which all serve Sudbury’s less fortunate.
The project took five years to complete and tells over 40 stories.
All proceeds will go towards the centre to continue its programs.
FEBRUARY
Espanola council accepts Integrity Commissioners’ recommendations
It appears the Integrity Commissioner’s recommendations reprimanding three members of the council will finally be dealt with.
Last August, Integrity Commissioner Shearer Parnega found that four councilors: Ron Duplessis, Ken Duplessis, Heather Mallott and Ray Dufour, had been involved in abusive and intimidating behavior involving municipal staff.
Former councilor, Ron Duplessis, was defeated in the last election, so the council passed a motion on Thursday accepting the recommendations for the other three councilors.
All four have never made a public comment on the advice of legal counsel.
Nine municipal department heads made the formal complaints last Spring.
Council accepted that Mallott and Ken Duplessis undergo training on the Code of Conduct and workplace harassment within 90 days or they will lose 30 days of remuneration.
Dufour is to lose remuneration for 90 days, as well as attend required training on workplace harassment and discrimination, and the proper role of the council in relation to staff.
Plenty of hardware for Manitoulin Special Olympians
All five snowshoers hailing from Manitoulin Island will have the opportunity to represent Ontario at the national games.
The athletes competed in different divisions based on their ability level the Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games held this weekend in Sault Ste. Marie.
Mark Dokum, Matthew Bedard, Dayne Tipper, Bruce VanHorn, and Normand Daoust brought home 14 medals, most of them gold.
Based on a selection system, they may now move on to the national winter games in Thunder Bay in 2020, but will not find out until late Spring.
The team thanks everyone for their support, with a special thank you to their coach, Judy Olacke.
TV reporter, Callam Rodya, out on bail
A 32-year-old Sudbury man facing a number of child pornography-related charges on February 14th offenses is out on bail.
Callam Rodya appeared in bail court Thursday afternoon.
He was released on $1,500 bail under the supervision of his mother-in-law.
Police communications coordinator, Kaitlyn Dunn says the Greater Sudbury Police Service’s Cyber Crime Unit identified Callam Rodya, a reporter at MCTV, as allegedly downloading child pornography using a file-sharing site between October 2018 and February 2019.
He is facing several child pornography charges and one count of possession.
Also last Thursday, CTV announced it has suspending Rodya.
Both the defense and the Crown requested a publication ban on the case, which the court granted.
MARCH
Espanola complex remains closed for the time being
Crews continue to work on snow and ice removal on the roof at the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex and Library.
The complex was closed last Wednesday during March Break and remains closed for the time being.
Town EDO, Cheryl Kennelly, says the building cannot re-open without clearance from the engineer who inspected the conditions and provided the weight load analysis, as well as the town’s Chief Building Inspector.
Gore Bay Theatre wins big at QUONTA
A Manitoulin Island theatre troupe has taken the top award at the annual QUONTA Festival held in Sault Ste. Marie.
Gore Bay Theatre swept the awards with their production of “This Is How We Got Here” winning the Outstanding Production Award last week.
Co-directors, Andrea Emmerton and Walter Maskell won for Outstanding Directors and the troupe also brought home the Outstanding Visual Presentation and Outstanding Technical Presentation trophies.
They also received several adjudicator nominations and awards.
The company will now go on to represent the region at the Theatre Ontario Festival in Richmond Hill on May 16th.
Gore Bay Theatre’s production team and the cast of “This Is How We Got Here” won the adjudicator’s award for Outstanding Ensemble and an adjudicator’s award for Special Achievement in Original Music was won by Vern Dorge of Gore Bay Theatre.
Andrea Emmerton and Walter Maskell of Gore Bay Theatre not only won for Best Director, but they were also nominated for an adjudicator’s award for Risk Taking.
Bill Viertelhausen was nominated for the adjudicator’s award for Festival Hero.
The troupe was nominated for the adjudicator’s award for special achievement in stage management.
Will Smith and John Robertson were both nominated for outstanding male in a leading role, as well as Tara Bernatchez and Shannon McMullan both being nominated for outstanding female in a leading role.
Local film-maker going the comedic route
A local area film-maker is going with comedy this time around.
Jayson Stewart of Massey is producing a short 15-minute comedy film that focuses on two very different and very pregnant couples who cross paths in an OB/GYN waiting room.
The film will be filmed at Nature’s Nook Wellness Centre, which just opened in Massey.
The crew and cast are all in place for filming in April.
Of note, Stewart’s last production, The Philanthropist, was also picked up by the Berlin Underground Festival where male lead, Dylon Whyte of Gore Bay won for Best Actor.
APRIL
UCCM constable presented with policing award
First Nation police officers from across Canada gathered in Gatineau, Quebec to honour their own at a national conference.
This was a special year for a Manitoulin Island constable.
United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Service Constable, Josh Shokan, was presented with a Distinguished Services Award for Investigative Contributions at the annual First Nations Chiefs of Police Association conference held on April 4th.
His Chief of Police, Rodney Nahwegahbow, nominated and presented Constable Shokan with the award.
He says, Josh is a good, young officer, and he is due recognition for his contributions to the police service.
Thirty-eight First Nation officers were recognized by the association with awards that recognize exemplary years of service, lifesaving, bravery, and distinguished services-investigative skills.
Espanola Lion Club supports Clear Lake Beach Summer Program
The Espanola Lion Club is providing financial support to expand the Clear Lake Beach Summer Program.
The donation will be made to the town to cover two additional days of programming for the month of July.
Last month, the council rejected adding an additional day to the three-days per week programming for children due to budget constraints.
The Lions Club will pay for two additional days for the program, which will run for four weeks.
Mock distracted driving hosted by Espanola High School
Senior students at Espanola High School will be getting a reality check about distracted driving.
The Annual Safe Grad presentation hosted by various agencies will focus on a mock distracted driving collision this year.
On May 30th, students will present in the local trauma room and witness everything from the arrival of the patient, the arrest of the driver and the victim being carried away in a hearse.
Then, on June 6th, all senior students will see the video at Espanola High.
Following the presentation, there will be activities set up in the foyer by MTO and Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board.
Several emergency vehicles and personnel will also be available for students to talk to.
MAY
Wearing red for the honour of missing an
Missing and murdered indigenous women are being remembered on First Nations across the country with the red dress being recognized as the symbol of these women.
Trina Abitong of Sagamok-Anishnawbek First Nation says over 30 people came out to walk for awareness on Sunday, and their main dress was placed at the community Wellness Department
More dresses were added to the sign-in Massey and also the natural rock formation, the Indian Head.
She adds more events will be held in May to remember the women.
Demolition of Lester B. Pearson theatre begins
The removal of roof trusses from the collapsed portion of the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake is underway as the first step in remedial work on the building.
Elliot Lake CAO, Daniel Gagnon, says heavy equipment, including a crane, is being used to remove roof trusses and HVAC units from the collapsed portion of the centre, which housed the theatre.
Forensic engineers from the city’s insurance provider are overseeing the work, which is expected to take a few days.
Gagnon adds the insurance provider will then begin evaluating the site in order to table recommendations to the council on the future of the building, which is expected in June.
Heavy snow on the roof of the centre resulted in the southern portion of the building over the theatre collapsing on February 21st.
Groundbreaking ceremony for Espanola Therapeutic Garden
A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre to officially begin construction of the new Espanola Therapeutic Garden Park as an extension of the long-term care residence.
Foundation Chair, Mike Dunn, says it has been a couple of years in the making, with fundraising for the project, and thanked everyone for their support.
Landscape architect, Jennifer Harvey, says the park is designed with a strong focus on safety and enjoyment for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
She says it will include a guided walkway, nodes for seating areas, gazebo, water accessory, and garden areas enclosed for the safety of the residents.
The work is being carried out by Rick Leclair and is expected to be completed later in the year.
JUNE
Grand opening set for new Espanola fire hall
Usually, ribbons are used to open new facilities, but there will be a different touch with Espanola’s new fire hall.
This reporter was provided with a tour of the facility yesterday to introduce its many amenities to the public.
The new fire hall has four bays and comfortable change rooms for the firefighters, handicapped access and washrooms.
It also houses a new training centre, which will not only be used for municipal staff training from all departments, it is hoped it will eventually, provide a hub for training of firefighters across Northeastern Ontario.
The new fire truck has also arrived and the older truck is being sent out for repairs.
Espanola Mayor Jill Beer and her council will be on hand for the grand hose cutting ceremony on June 27th from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm to accommodate people on shift work and/or working so that the public can tour the facility and talk to staff.
Plans in the works to celebrate Nairn sawmill’s 70th
Plans are in the works to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the sawmill in Nairn Centre.
EACOM is set to celebrate the milestone this fall.
The original Nairn Centre sawmill was established in 1949 by Pineland Timber Company.
In 1962, Pineland sold the company to the Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment Company.
It was then acquired by Brown Forest Industries in 1973, E.B. Eddy in 1973, Domtar Inc. in 1998 and finally by EACOM Timber Corporation in 2010.
Celebrating that history will take place on Sunday, September 8th at 10:00 am at the Nairn Community Centre Come with a barbecue, giveaways, the burial of a mill employee time capsule, a photo booth and games for all ages.
RAAM Clinic opening in Espanola
People with opioid and alcohol addictions will find treatment in Espanola.
The new Espanola Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic, known as RAAM (RAM) is celebrating its grand opening today with an open house.
It will be an opportunity for the public to learn more about the service and how it will support people living in Espanola who are addicted to alcohol or opioids.
The grand opening takes place from 10:30 am to 11:30 am today in the Espanola Regional Hospital courtyard with a barbecue to follow.
JULY
Espanola is going to pot … literally
Espanola has been chosen as the site for not one, but two, cannabis cultivation, research, and sales facility.
Up to 100 jobs will be created by GaisCann in cultivation alone, let alone scientists, researchers, security, quality assurance and more.
The company is entering a reverse takeover with ONEnergy, which will also allow it to go public, expand and gain investors in medicinal cannabis research and sales.
The plans are to build a 32-square-foot fully licensed facility in Espanola by March following by a second site next door, a 100,000-square-foot facility capable of producing 9,000 kilograms annually.
And, then a third across town on a Queensway Avenue property.
The research facility will allow the company to do everything from analytical testing and drug discovery to cultivation, extraction, and purification.
Volunteers required – Espanola Strategic Planning
Three volunteers are needed to join the council-appointed Corporate Team in Espanola.
The team will provide the council with recommendations to better position Espanola as a leading community through a newly developed Corporate Strategic Plan.
They must be a resident, a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years of age.
The deadline is July 25th.
Application forms are available at the town office or go to:
Rainbow Schools among fastest-growing with EcoSchools certifications
Rainbow District School Board is once again among the top 10 fastest growing school boards to receive EcoSchools certifications for the 2018-2019 school year.
To date, 60% of Rainbow Schools have earned certifications, 21% higher than the provincial average.
Twenty-seven schools achieved EcoSchools certifications including S. Geiger in Massey, Espanola High and Island school: Little Current and Central Manitoulin as well as Manitoulin Secondary School.
Certification recognizes achievement in six key areas: ecological literacy, energy conservation, environmental stewardship, school ground greening, teamwork and leadership, and waste minimization.
AUGUST
AB Ellis Public School celebrates the century-old building
This past weekend was a busy one for a contingent of volunteers and other organizations that came together in Espanola to celebrate the 100th anniversary of AB Ellis Public School.
The Espanola Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 played host to most of the social events and the hall was filled with photos and memorabilia from 100 years of Espanola Public/AB Ellis Public School.
Cake cutting, children’s games, a delicious barbecue by the Espanola Lions Club and a very cool 1919 Model T as part of the Knights Cruisers Club show were all part of the festivities at the former AB Ellis Public School grounds.
The event was held to celebrate the building’s construction back in 1919 as Espanola Public School and Espanola Continuation School. The name was changed to AB Ellis Public School to acknowledge the contributions of long-time educator and principal, Andy Ellis.
A highlight of the weekend was a visit by Valerie and Marilyn Ellis, Andy Ellis’s daughters. Massey woman still waiting for a live liver donor
Massey woman needs a transplant
A Massey woman says the most difficult part about having liver failure is waiting for a matching donor.
Elizabeth Cassidy has had liver failure since December saying her condition, Wilson’s Disease, has made it impossible for her to absorb and excrete copper.
She adds because of the degree of her liver failure, she is not able to be matched with someone who has passed on and donated their organs.
Cassidy says she is thankful for all the people who have continued to support her and her family but is asking for people to consider getting tested so a match can hopefully be found.
Only a small portion of a live liver is needed and all costs are covered.
Birch Island new daycare/school nearly complete V2 08/23.2019 RR
Integrating school programming and daycare has been the vision of the Whitefish River First Nation chief and his council for many years.
Thanks to $1.3-million dollars in funding from the federal government, Chief Franklin Paibomsai says a new integrated childcare centre is near completion.
He says it will be much more than that since it is located right beside Shawanose School, which provides education from Junior Kindergarten to Grade Six.
The building houses several resource spaces, rooms for toddlers and pre-schoolers, a common foyer, a kitchen and an entrance into the main school.
SEPTEMBER
Nairn Sawmill celebrates 70 years
Over 200 people took in the celebration of Nairn Centre’s sawmill that founders Myron Austin and Benjamin F. Merwin established in 1949.
The original 19-person crew has grown to a team of 170 talented employees looking after forest management, woodlands operations and more now under EACOM Timber Corporation’s leadership.
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Wade Zammit, say the milestone underscores the hard work and commitment to sustainable practices that define EACOM and the forestry sector.
He adds $12-million was recently invested in the sawmill to ensure operations for the long term.
Sunday’s events included a barbecue, crafts for the children, writing letters for a time capsule and memorabilia displays held at the Nairn Community Centre.
Espanola woman undertakes campaign for new hospital equipment
An Espanola woman who has been accessing medical services in Espanola since birth wants to make getting blood tests a little easier.
Jolene Courtemanche says there are more people like herself who have a hard time with their veins getting poked and prodded every day.
She wants to give back so she is starting a fundraiser to raise just over $16,000 for two vein finders.
Courtemanche has set up coin jars at local businesses in town and is looking at bagging groceries with the help of family, friends, and supports.
She adds call it a giving back for everything the Espanola Regional Hospital has done to save her life on several occasions.
A&W still a go in Espanola
Espanola council is putting a bylaw in place for approval of a new A&W restaurant in town.
Espanola CAO, Cynthia Townsend, says the proponents appeared before council this week with their site plan in hand for final approval.
She says the council reviewed the plan, gave its consent and tabled a motion for a bylaw approving the design.
Originally, the plan was to have the paperwork done so construction could begin this summer, but there were delays.
Townsend says the proponents did not explain the delay and did not present a timeline as to when construction will begin.
Up to 15 new construction jobs will be created with another 40 to 50 new service jobs once the franchise is open.
Smile Cookie campaign blows away the numbers
That’s a lot of cookies!
Thousands of Smile Cookies were sold at Tim Horton franchises across the country as part of the September week-long campaign to help out local organizations.
Locally, franchises in Espanola and along the North Shore corridor exceeded their goals.
Elliot Lake raised $5,430 to go to the Elliot Lions Club for their Annual Christmas Toy Drive.
Medical services will be enhanced with over $8,800 be donated from Blind River to the North Shore Health Network Foundation.
And, the shelves will be stocked at the Espanola Helping Hand Food Bank with both Espanola and McKerrow franchises raising nearly $12,650.
OCTOBER
Hughes – reax to Huron Central Railway – wants to expand service
Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing incumbent MP, Carol Hughes, says the government should be stepping in and stepping up when it comes to saving a short rail line between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie.
Hughes says the federal government denied funding before the election was called.
Huron Central Railway owners, Genesee & Wyoming Canada Limited announced this week it will be shutting down the line next year if they don’t get some funding for rehabilitating the line.
Hughes adds she would like to see the government, not only assist with doing that but also bringing it up to a standard where passenger rail service could also be implemented.
Hughes says the situation would be a top priority for her if re-elected.
Fourth Annual Treaty Recognition Week
This is the Fourth Annual Treaty Recognition Week in Ontario and schools are hosting various activities acknowledging that history.
Locally, students at Assiginack Public School on Manitoulin Island will have lessons about treaties and friendships and will create treaty medallions using art.
Junior/intermediate students will learn about treaties history and Wampum.
Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare says every student should know that there are 46 treaties in Ontario and should also understand the rights, responsibilities and relationships of First Nations with the federal and provincial governments.
Espanola Regional Hospital foundation takes on a major campaign
The Espanola Regional Hospital Foundation is taking on a major fundraiser, which will see the x-ray suite in the hospital housing new state-of-the-art equipment.
Foundation spokesperson, Terri Noble, says the hospital’s equipment is coming to the end of its service life and the department needs a major upgrade.
She says some of the fundraising has already begun with the auxiliary donating $30,000 last week towards the project.
Noble says the revamp will cost $550,000 and is looking forward to boosting the donations as part of The Moose Annual Charity Radiothon on CJJM on December 13th.
NOVEMBER
New signage posted by victim services – buying sex is a crime
A new billboard sign between McKerrow and Nairn Centre has a blunt message: buying sex is a crime.
The Manitoulin Northshore Victims Services has joined up with the Manitoulin and Area Coalition against Human Trafficking in the signage campaign.
Anti-Human Trafficking Project Co-ordinator, Natasha Falle proposed the project to reduce human trafficking in the Manitoulin and North Shore corridor catchment area.
She says the partners also support training with police provided with reference cards to help identify a trafficking victim.
There is also a program for students, focusing on those between 13- to 16-years of age who are considered the highest at high-risk group.
Falle says the highway signage is important because it is part of the circuit in prostitution, more so since Highway 17 is so close to Sudbury.
Agreement reached on harassment charge against former Espanola police chief
A former Espanola police chief and his accuser have reached an agreement in connection to a harassment complaint.
Former Espanola Police Chief Steve Edwards was suspended with pay in 2017 following a filing of a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario by former police dispatcher Cindy Valiquette.
An investigation was also launched through the Ontario Civilian Police Commission, but with no resolution since the Espanola Police Service has been disbanded and Edwards has since retired from policing.
Edwards denies all of the allegations and no criminal charges have ever been laid against him nor have any of the accusations proven in a court of law.
The complaint was set to come before a tribunal hearing, but the two sides have reached an agreement, which has not been made public.
Historical pointer boat dismantled and repurposed
The front of the Massey Area Museum looks a little different today following the removal, dismantling and repurposing of a historical replica.
Big Red, a replica of a 32-foot pointer boat used by the lumber industry in the early part of the 18th and 19th century has been dismantled.
Former president of the Friends of the Spanish River, Bill McKenna, says the boat’s stern and bow have been kept to be repurposed as shelving for a historical display inside the museum, rather than outside where it had been featured for several years.
McKenna says it was originally built for the Friends by Bill Blight of Espanola and Ed Tate of Sudbury 20 years ago to highlight the local lumbering history and was used for tours on the Spanish River, in parades and at other public events.
DECEMBER
Espanola woman reaches goal for two vein finders
Jolene Courtemanche of Espanola was pleasantly surprised with a presentation by Espanola Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39.
The local woman received a cheque on Saturday for $5,000 from the Legion and another for $1,000 from the Espanola Lions Club providing her with the funds to reach her goal of raising $16,200 for two vein finders for the Espanola Regional Hospital.
Courtemanche says she is astonished and grateful for the wonderful support she has received from individuals, businesses, and organizations in reaching her goal in just three months.
Courtemanche is especially pleased that the equipment will assist so many people who have to undertake blood work on a regular basis.
Hughes honoured to be re-named as Deputy Speaker
Carol Hughes will resume her duties as Assistant Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Committee of the Whole after being re-appointed to the position.
Hughes join two other parliamentarians supporting the Speaker of the House.
Although she wasn’t successful in her initial bid to be elected Speaker, Hughes is confident this appointment proves she is seen as someone who can help improve decorum in the House.
She says she was not surprised a government member ultimately won the top job but is honoured she has been chosen again.
She adds she looks forward to playing an integral role in making the House more functional and less partisan in the minority Liberal government scenario.
Charges laid in dragged moose incident
Provincial Police have laid charges in connection with a moose being shot and dragged on Highway 637 near Killarney in September.
Two men from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory are facing charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and careless use of a firearm.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has also laid four charges against both men, including using a firearm carelessly to hunt, unlawfully having a loaded firearm in a conveyance; unlawfully discharging a firearm in a travelled roadway; and using a vehicle to hunt or injure wildlife.
The incident came to the attention of authorities after a witness recorded a video of a moose apparently still alive being dragged behind a pickup truck and it went viral.
They are to appear in Sudbury court on February 26th.
