The OPP is reporting of the six fatal off-road vehicle (ORV) fatalities this year, half of them were found not wearing a helmet.

Officials say wearing a helmet can provide crucial protection on ORV. Especially with losing control of off-road vehicles being a major contributor to fatalities, helmets can provide protection if you crash, tip or fall off an ORV.

When it comes to cyclists, police say helmets are just as important. Every cyclist under the age of 18 must wear an approved helmet. For youths and children under 16 years of age, a parent or guardian must ensure their child wears a helmet every time they ride their bicycle.

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With summer here, the OPP says a personal floatation device (PFD) is one of the most underused piece of safety equipment used in seasonal outdoor recreation.

Police say more than 80 per cent of people who die on OPP patrolled waterways are found not wearing a PFD. Seven of the eight boating fatality victims this year were found not wearing a PFD. Half of the victims were in canoes - an important reminder that paddlers are at risk as much as other boaters.

Having a PFD close by is not close enough.

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Although the COVID-19 pandemic has put many events on hold, the “Monaghan and Furry Friends Scramble” will run this month.

However, there will be some notable changes to the golf tournament, such as limited players on the green, scheduled tee times and no banquets or awards ceremony. The 11th annual tournament, sponsored by Pet Valu and 106.3 Moose FM, will benefit the North Bay and District Humane Society. It will take place on July 21 at Osprey Links in Callander.

“It was important for us to maintain the legacy of the Monaghan tournament in a safe, controlled way,” says Liam Cullin, the Humane Society’s Executive Director. “So we’ve made modifications to ensure that we can accommodate players while still raising funds for a very worthy cause.”

Officials say Casey’s Grill Bar will provide a take-home lunch for participants, and in place of the usual silent auction, golfers will be able to bid on items online.

Humane Society officials say registration is $125, with all fees staying local to help the humane society care for animals. The goal is to raise $15,000. You can register online.

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As first reported by Rosalind Russell

Six ambitious teenagers from Toronto have set out on a canoe trip to raise funds for Food Banks Canada.

The six, all experienced camp counsellors, can’t work this summer due to COVID-19 protocols, so they
decided to take their love of the outdoors onto the water. The group left Wabakimi Provincial Park near Thunder Bay on June 26th and are making their way 2,000 kilometres southeast to Ottawa, a trip they expect will take some 60 days to complete.

They have already raised over $46,000 and are designating half of all the funds they bring in for
Indigenous communities across the country. Since they will need fresh supplies on their journey, they will be stopping in Espanola on August 4th and in North Bay on August 14th.

Cailan Robinson, George Kirijian, Nolan Aziz, Tim Mulligan, Will Vyse, and Jacob Heisey all
graduated from high school this year. They worked together last summer at Camp Ahmek in Algonquin
Park where they were counsellors-in-training and canoe instructors. If all goes as planned, the six will
reach their destination on August 24.

For more information about the initiative or to donate, visit their website. The public can also
follow their journey on social media @Canoe4Covid.

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A 50-year-old from North Bay is facing charges after speeding down the highway, according to the OPP.

Police say around 3:30 p.m., an officer saw the vehicle speeding along Highway 63 in Phelps Township. The officer turned on their emergency lights and turned around to stop the vehicle; the driver had pulled into a driveway and fled the area.

Officers say the search was assisted by the OPP Emergency Response Team, Canine Unit, and Aviation Services Helicopter Section. Three hours later, they located the accused and seized a small amount of cocaine and hydromorphone.

• Flight from Police Officer
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance (two counts)
• Fail to Stop for Police
• Use Plate Not Authorized for Vehicle
• Driving While Under Suspension
• Speeding

Police say the accused has been released. They will answer to their charges on August 11 before court in North Bay.

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The North Bay Parry Sound is recommending, but not enforcing, the use of face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health unit officials say they recommend the use when physical distancing (a space of two metres, or six feet) cannot be maintained, especially in an indoor setting.

Dr. Jim Chirico, the medical officer of health says if worn properly, face coverings can protect others from your infectious droplets.

“A face covering does not replace physical distancing and other protective health measures such as hand washing, and isolating yourself when you have symptoms or have come in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or suspected to have COVID-19,” said Dr. Chirico. “I recommend using face coverings when physical distancing cannot be maintained, especially when in an indoor setting, on public transit, and when receiving essential or close-contact services.”

“At this time, we are not recommending mandating the use of face coverings district-wide. The Health Unit will continue to monitor local data and will reassess the situation if necessary,” added Chirico.

Officials say face coverings should not be worn by children under two, or by a person who has trouble breathing. If a person is unable to remove a face covering, they should not be wearing one.

“It is my hope that the use of facial coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic voluntarily becomes widespread and the social norm rather than being mandated,” Dr. Chirico explained. “If this does not occur in a timely manner, we will be asking the provincial government to issue a directive under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to ensure consistency throughout the province, rather than having health units and municipalities legislate the use of facial coverings.”

To learn more about face coverings, including how to wear, clean, and discard them, visit the health unit’s website.

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Jordan Schinkel has been named the new Director of Northern Operations for Stratagem Post-Production.

Officials say Schinkel brings 20 years of experience to the role and will be situated in North Bay to service, grow and strengthen the company’s partnerships, and to build upon the growing demand for production and post-production services in northern Ontario.

"We continue to see the largest growth of film and television production outside of traditional markets, which makes it the perfect time to strengthen the foundation of Post-Production services in Northern Ontario,” says Schinkel. “At the foundation of this industry are the dedicated people who work hard to create quality content and tell their stories. We are excited to be able to provide infrastructure, resources and highly-skilled talent, so they can achieve their visions right here in the north.”

Part of Schinkel’s role will be to work with Canadore College as the two have an existing partnership. Schinkel will supervise the exclusive operations of the College’s 5,000 square foot post-production complex, including a Dolby ATMOS 4K Theatre. He will continue to collaborate with Canadore College to enhance academic training, as well as play a role in the design and development of other post-production facilities and services to broaden capacity for an industry that has grown exponentially in northern Ontario over the past several years.

“We are excited to have Jordan join the Stratagem-Canadore Post-Production initiative. His experience and commitment will expand the capabilities of our post-production facility; and benefit the entire industry as we continue to add resources to support the television and movie industry in the North,” says George Burton, President of Canadore College.

Officials say Schinkel brings industry experience from working at some of Canada’s premier production houses. He began his career at CTV Southwestern Ontario working his way through technical operations, before settling in Toronto as a freelance editor and post-production consultant. He gained industry recognition as a Post Supervisor and workflow specialist on shows for CBC, Discovery and Food Network Canada, and was Manager of Factual Post-Production, East Coast for eOne Entertainment.  Most recently, Jordan was the Managing Post-Supervisor at Guru Animation Studio, overseeing content delivery to industry leaders including Netflix, Disney and CBC Kids.

“We are excited to be able to offer post-production services to our clients as part of the Stratagem Rx’s suite of services, and to be an active partner with Canadore College in the expansion of Ontario’s Northern production hub,” says Alex Lalonde, COO of Stratagem Rx, the parent company of Stratagem Post-Production. “Jordan’s many years of experience in post-production will be a formidable asset to Stratagem Post-Production, Stratagem Rx, Canadore College, and most notably to the film and TV industry already flourishing in Ontario’s north.”

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Bluesfest, hosted annually in September by the Capitol Centre, is the latest event to be cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, that’s not all, according to the Capitol Centre. Officials say many of the fall shows have been pushed back to early 2021 in an effort to ensure proper preparation for reopening safely when public gathering restrictions are eased. As a result, the 2020-2021 season will be a condensed version of what was originally planned with the bulk of performances happening during the winter and spring months.

Officials add the Season Launch event, which introduces the new season of performances, will be delayed until this fall when they anticipate having more information.

“Although we are still awaiting official direction as to what the post-pandemic world of entertainment will look like, we know it will be very different than what we are used to,” says Katina Connolly, Executive Director. “In any case, we are thankful to have the support and guidance of our government and health officials so that we can properly protect our patrons, volunteers, and staff as we prepare to move forward.”

Capitol Centre officials add that enhanced cleaning and disinfection measures continue throughout the building, but additional health and safety mandates are expected prior to re-opening. In the meantime, efforts have been focused during the pandemic on curating and presenting online entertainment to keep people engaged with music, theatre and art. A mix of local, national and international entertainment has been showcased as part of the Capitol Centre’s monthly virtual-event calendars on Facebook. For ongoing updates and information check the Capitol Centre’s social media platforms or visit the Capitol Centre’s website.

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The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) has announced they will be continuing the services of low barrier emergency homeless shelter at a new location.

Currently operated by the Nipissing Mental Health and Housing Support Services out of the Pete Palangio Arena, the new facility will open at 590 Chippewa Street, the old OPP building which will be a future home of transitional housing. Officials say this new plan features the use of a portable building to accommodate vulnerable individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, and will run 12 hours a day.

Officials say it could take up to three weeks to prepare the Chippewa site. An alternate site or a short extension of the current site will be needed up to July 31 in order to prepare the new location. All provincial and federal funds which were identified for the current shelter will be exhausted by July 7. DNSSAB also agreed to a budget of up to $100,000 monthly in available one-time operating funding to December 31 to accommodate the need.

“There is no change in the need for an emergency COVID responsive shelter given the continuing pandemic,” says DNSSAB Chair Mark King. “There also remains a clear need for a permanent low barrier shelter facility to house the homeless.”

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Air Canada is taking off from North Bay.

The air travel company announced it will be jetting away from 30 domestic regional routes, which includes the North Bay to Toronto flight. They will also be closing down eight stations at regional airports across Canada, which also includes North Bay.

Mayor Al McDonald called the move a complete surprise, and that they would be trying to gather more information over the next little while.

Officials say these structural changes to Air Canada's domestic regional network is being made as a result of continuing weak demand for both business and leisure travel due to COVID-19 and provincial and federal government-imposed travel restrictions and border closures, which are diminishing prospects for a near-to-mid-term recovery.

As a result of COVID-19, Air Canada is reporting a net loss of $1.05 billion in the first quarter of 2020, including a net cash-burn in March of $688 million. The carrier has undertaken a range of structural changes including significant cost savings and liquidity measures, of which today's announced service suspensions form part. Other measures include:

• A workforce reduction of approximately 20,000 employees, representing more than 50 per cent of its staff, achieved through layoffs, severances, early retirements and special leaves
• A company-wide Cost Reduction and Capital Deferral Program, that has to date identified around $1.1 billion in savings
• A reduction of its system-wide capacity by approximately 85 per cent in the second quarter compared to last year's second quarter and an expected third quarter capacity reduction of at least 75 per cent from the third quarter of 2019
• The permanent removal of 79 aircraft from its mainline and Rouge fleets
• And raising approximatively $5.5 billion in liquidity since March 13, 2020, through a series of debt, aircraft and equity financings

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The North Bay and Area Community Foundation (NBACF) has announced $61,174.42 in grants to some local organizations.

Officials say the YMCA, PADDLE, The Symphony Society and the Algonquin Nursing Home will receive the grants to support their efforts in serving vulnerable populations in the face of COVID-19. The grants are part of the Emergency Community Support Fund funded by the Government of Canada.

“The YMCA is thrilled to receive funding support from the North Bay and Area Community Foundation for our Mobile Y which will focus on Digital Inclusion and Social Connections for seniors in North Bay,” said Nicole Beattie, Vice President Philanthropy, Marketing and Communications at the YMCA. “This project will be work in partnership with Canadore College’s, the Village, the Alzheimer’s Society as well as Living Fit, to support the seniors in our community whom we know are keen to stay connected but can be limited by their knowledge and access to digital tools.”

“The project promises to greatly assist seniors with social connection, which is critical to support mental health and quality of life and we see this as outreach that will be required well beyond the pandemic,” Beattie added. “We are working closely with our local health unit on new health and safety protocols and look forward to starting our first pilot group next month.”

NBACF officials say that eligible organizations can still apply for grants of up to $40,000 until July 27 or the local allocation has been distributed. The NBACF is reviewing and awarding funding on a weekly basis to support projects that help ensure no one is left behind in COVID-19 recovery measures.

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The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is reporting a new case of COVID-19 in the area.

The new case is listed as a female between the age of 40 and 59. The cause of contracting the virus is listed as community spread and she is currently self-isolating.

In total, there are 31 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the health unit’s catchment area, with 29 resolved and one death.

Health unit officials say there have been 13,424 tests conducted.

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There’s a new commanding officer at 21 Wing Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron.

Officials say Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) Richard Jolette relinquished command to LCol Joseph Oldford at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay.

Officials say LCol Oldford first enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces in 1994, bringing 26 years of experience to the role of commanding officer. He has participated in Operation ATHENA in Afghanistan in 2010, and was deployed to operation FOUNDATION to the US Combined Air and Space Operations Centre at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar as the Deputy Director, Combat Operations Division.

“Lieutenant-Colonel Jolette’s strong leadership and guidance have ensured the modernization of our capability to execute the NORAD mission, whereby safeguarding Canadian and North American aerospace,” said Colonel Mark Lachapelle, the commander of 22 Wing/CFB North Bay. “The Royal Canadian Air Force is proud of your service, and Canada owes you a debt of gratitude. I am excited to welcome Lieutenant-Colonel Oldford back to 22 Wing and I’m confident he will continue the tradition of excellence at 21 Sqn.”

“I am both honoured and truly humbled to have the opportunity to return to 22 Wing as the 21 Aerospace Control & Warning Squadron (21 AC&W Sqn) Commanding Officer,” said Oldford. As I assume my new responsibilities with the support of my family, Honorory Colonel Moore, all of the members of 21 AC&W Sqn and 22 Wing, I am aware of both the challenge and importance of our mission. I am looking forward to working with each and every one of you over the next few years. And I say to our foe…INTRUDER BEWARE!’’

“I am truly honoured to have worked with the members of 22 Wing and specifically 21 AC&W Sqn, which has been the highlight of my career,” Jollette stated. “I will miss being part of the truly warm and welcoming community of North Bay. I wish Joe the very best as he leads the dedicated and talented members of the best squadron in the RCAF, 21 AC&W Sqn! INTRUDER BEWARE.”

“I wish Richard every success preparing for his new post in Ottawa as the Executive Assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff,” said Honorary Colonel Corina Moore. “It has been a pleasure to work with Richard, even for such a short time, as Honorary Colonel. He is a natural and invaluable leader.”

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North Bay OPP says a licence plate violation turned into multiple charges for a Bonfield resident.

Officers say while on patrol Thursday evening in Mattawa, they stopped the car for a licence plate violation. During the stop, they found the driver had been suspended since 2004, and a prohibited driver since 2006.

As a result, the 36-year-old has been charged with:

• Operation While Prohibited
• Drive Motor Vehicle - No Currently Validated Permit
• Use Plate Not Authorized for Vehicle

Officers say the accused has been released. They will answer to their charges before court in Mattawa on September 2.

The vehicle has been impounded for 45 days.

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North Bay OPP says they had laid charges in relation to an early morning fire in Mattawa in mid-May.

Police say the OPP, Mattawa Fire Department, and an investigator from the office of the Fire Marshall conducted the investigation. As a result, a 25-year-old from Mattawa has been charged with:

• Mischief Endangering Life
• Produce a Schedule II Substance

Officers say the accused has been released. They will answer to the charges before court in Mattawa on November 18.

Officials say the blaze happened at the corner of Park and Mattawan Streets in a multi-family structure, or row house. Mattawa Fire Department officials say the fire was contained to one unit, but four families were displaced because of the damage. One resident suffered life-altering injuries because of the fire.

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Starting this weekend, the OPP will be rolling out their summer traffic campaign, which runs until July 5.

Officials say they will be focusing aggressive driving, along with the “big four” for offences. Those include alcohol/drug-impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and lack of seatbelt use.

Police say with warmer weather and longer days means more people will be getting out and enjoying outdoor activities on our highways, waterways, trails, and Provincial Parks.

They add that it is important to remember that impaired driving of an ATV or water vessel carries the same fines as a vehicle on a highway.

The OPP says they will be taking a combined approach of education and enforcement during the campaign for this holiday.

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The Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) has announced a new Vice-President of Transportation.

The crown corporation says Drew Duquette will be replacing the current VP Grant Bailey when he retires in July. Duquette brings 35 years of experience to the table in many different positions such as Rail Traffic Controller, Train Master, and management roles responsible for preventative maintenance and major infrastructure projects.

Most recently, he served as Superintendent of Southwestern Ontario with the Canadian Pacific Railway.

“Drew is a strategic leader with exceptional railway experience,” says Corina Moore, President, and CEO of Ontario Northland. “I am confident that his strong skillset will continue to improve and expand our rail transportation services.”

“I am very pleased to be joining Ontario Northland, a company with strong roots and a rich history. I look forward to bringing my experience to this team of railroaders,” says Duquette. “I was born and raised in the North, so it feels good to return and contribute to a region that has always been important to me.”

Officials add that Duquette will be responsible for a strategic leadership that will shape the company policy and culture, further the ONTC’s legacy, and oversee operating and capital budgets for rail freight, mechanical, infrastructure, and passenger and freight car remanufacturing.

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You might be hearing a big bang at some point today in North Bay.

The North Bay Fire and Emergency Services are reporting that Miller Paving will be conducting some blasting today in their quarry in West Ferris.

Officials say the blasting could take place between 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. when the conditions are acceptable.

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A familiar name is returning to the Powassan Voodoos.

Netminder Owen Wray, the son of former Powassan head coach Scott Wray, has been signed by the team. Wray spent the 2019/20 season with the North Bay Midget AAA Trappers and posted a 2.74 goals-against average. A 15th round pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection by the North Bay Battalion, Wray suited up for one game as the backup as well.

Wray’s father, Scott, was the first head coach in Voodoos history and guided the team to an NOJHL championship in 2017.

"It is a real honour, it was really fun as a kid being around all the players and being the team that they are, it was always welcoming and family-like," said Owen.

Max Gavin, the Voodoos head coach, and assistant general manager is excited to add another talented young netminder to the Voodoos organization.

"I think it is a huge signing. I think the first thing that stands out is his athleticism and definitely his dedication to the game," said Gavin.  "He was one of the top goalies in the north, if not the top and probably one of the top midget goalies in all of Ontario so we are lucky to have him. Obviously, with his dad, it is a nice cherry on top but he definitely earned this on his own and I think he should be very proud of that."

Chris Dawson, Voodoos general manager and VP of hockey operations, says he’s been impressed watching the development of the all-star midget netminder.

"Owen is an athlete and what we like about him is his competitiveness along with his athleticism,” said Dawson. “He kind of reminds me of a young Garrett Forrest. We are excited to have him."

As for the impending season, Voodoos officials say they are waiting for direction from Hockey Canada, the OHF and the NOJHL as to when the 2020-21 season is set to begin.

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A throwback of sorts is coming to North Bay at the end of July.

A pop-up drive-in company called Horizon Drive-In is making the rounds in northern Ontario throughout the summer and will be making at least one stop in North Bay at the Northgate Shopping Centre.

“We’re hitting spots in North Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, Manitoulin Island, and we’re looking at locations in Sault Ste Marie, as well as Massey right now,” said Ben MacKenzie, one of the operators of Horizon Drive-In. “The company that manages the mall has been super amazing to work with us, and they actually manage the mall in Sudbury as well so that’s how we got our foot in the door.”

“We’ve had to work with the MTO (Ministry of Transportation) to get clearance because there is a major highway that passes through beside Northgate, but that’s all going well,” MacKenzie added. “Basically we are going to be taking off a section of the parking lot, setting up our inflatable screen and our parking team will be on-site to facilitate the parking of the vehicles so that they abide by the provincial social distancing guidelines set out by the province for drive-ins.”

The first film that will be shown in the mall’s parking lot will be the John Travolta classic, Grease.

“It’s our classic show opener, we’re playing that in every single city as our first movie to kick off the summer season,” MacKenzie said. “We find that Grease is that classic, old-school movie, everyone loves it, and it has great musical numbers, storylines and acting. It’s a classic, especially at drive-ins.”

“What we’re trying to recreate is the experience of drive-ins, not that you’re going to watch a movie in your car, but you’re going to experience it,” he explained. “From the start, pulling in, getting parked, tuning into our FM channel in each city and listening through the airwaves. We have partnered with Coca-Cola to bring in all glass soda products so you have that old-school experience of sitting there with the sun going down. We wanted to focus on that classic experience for those that haven’t been able to experience it or others who haven’t been to a drive-in in a while.

There will also be snacks such as popcorn, cotton candy, and nachos with cheese. Tickets will be $15 per person and $10 for kids aged 12 and under.

“We’re working on double feature rates,” MacKenzie said. “North Bay is going to be one of the cities that we offer a double feature in, so we will have a 9:00 p.m. movie and an 11:00 p.m. movie, and then we will be moving those times forward in August.”

“All our ticket sales are online on our website, so we can offer a contactless service for those who are still uneasy about going out in the public,” he continued. “Everything can be purchased online ahead of time, tickets, and then when you show up on sight, our staff will scan your ticket and your concession order and everything will be contactless.”

However, there will be a limit on patrons because of COVID-19 protocols.

“The province set out specific guidelines for drive-ins that we have to abide by,” MacKenzie said. “What that entails is they put out a formula for drive-ins to calculate their ability for cars. Depending on the size of the lots in each city, we calculate that based on how many spots we have and what the protocols are.

“There will be a limit, but we’re hoping to do more shows to kind of balance that out and make sure that everyone who wants to experience a drive-in has the opportunity to do so,” he added.

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