CHAPLEAU EXPRESS
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Vol. 30, Issue 46, August 13, 2026
FONOM And Workforce Planning Boards Identify Municipal Workforce Challenges Across Northeastern Ontario
T
he Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM), in partnership with the four Northeastern Ontario Workforce Planning Boards, has released a new report examining the recruitment, retention and workforce development challenges facing municipalities across the region. The Municipal Workforce Development and Job Vacancies Survey was launched at the 2026 FONOM Conference in Timmins. It gathered 61 responses from municipal representatives across the districts of Algoma, Cochrane, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Sudbury and Timiskaming. The findings demonstrate that workforce pressures are affecting municipalities of every size. Ninety-four per cent of respondents reported difficulty attracting qualified candidates, either generally or for specific positions. The positions most frequently identified as difficult to fill were senior management, public works and finance, followed by administrative, by-law enforcement and water and wastewater positions. "Municipal employees deliver the essential services that residents and businesses rely on every day. When a community cannot recruit a treasurer, public works employee, building official or senior administrator, the impacts are felt throughout the Long Term m u n i c i p a l i t y, " s a i d Forecast FONOM President Thursday Dave Plourde. "Northern High 23 Ontario continues to be Low 12 an economic engine for Friday the province, but our High 21 communities need a Low 11 strong and sustainable Saturday High 24 Low 16 Sunday High 21 Low 14 Monday High 22 Low 13 Tuesday High 23 Low 13
municipal workforce to support that growth. FONOM looks forward to working with the Province and our workforce planning partners on practical solutions." Smaller municipalities reported particularly difficult circumstances due to limited financial resources, smaller candidate pools, geographic isolation and a lack of dedicated human resources capacity. Municipalities also face increasing competition from mining operations, other public-sector employers and larger communities for skilled and experienced employees. Three-quarters of respondents indicated that their municipality had increased salaries or adjusted pay scales to remain competitive. However, the report concludes that compensation alone will not resolve the challenge. Municipalities identified salary benchmarking, centralized recruitment resources, shared human resources support, improved training opportunities and assistance with succession planning as important regional priorities. "This survey gives us valuable, on-theground information directly from municipal leaders and staff," said Stacie Fiddler, Executive Director of the Labour Market Group. "The results confirm that recruitment and retention pressures are widespread, but they also point us toward practical areas for collaboration. Better labour market information, expanded access to training and certification, and stronger workforce planning tools can help municipalities prepare for both their immediate and long-term staffing needs." The report also found that leadership and management abilities, regulatory and technical knowledge, and skilled trades certifications are among the most evident skills gaps. Respondents highlighted the need for more accessible training,
including opportunities outside the largest Northern centres, streamlined certification pathways and increased support for succession planning. Northeastern Ontario municipalities are competing for workers in a challenging labour market, often with fewer resources and fewer qualified candidates available locally," said Julie Joncas, Executive Director of the Far Northeast Training Board. "This partnership provides a stronger regional understanding of those pressures. By working together, we can develop solutions that reflect the realities of Northern communities and help build the workforce needed to support municipal services and future economic growth." F O N O M and the four Workforce Planning Boards will use the findings to support continued regional collaboration and discussions with the Ontario government. The partners will explore opportunities to improve municipal recruitment, retention, training, succession planning and workforce development across Northeastern Ontario. "Municipalities are doing everything they can to adapt, but this is a regional and provincial challenge that requires a coordinated response," added Plourde. "Supporting the municipal workforce is an investment in strong communities, reliable public services and the continued economic success of Northern Ontario." The four participating Workforce Planning Boards are: The Labour Market Group; Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation; Far Northeast Training Board; and Workforce Planning for Sudbury & Manitoulin.
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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, August 13, 2026 - Page 2 6.1.3 Chapleau Regional Economic Development Meeting Minutes for April 7, 2026 6.1.4 Chapleau Regional Economic Development Meeting Minutes for May 25, REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL 2026 Monday, June 8, 2026 at 6:30 PM 7. BUSINESS I N T H E C I V I C C E N T R E C O U N C I L 7.1 EDCO Event Report June 15-16, 2026 CHAMBERS 7.2 CAO Report -2026 Cemetery Bylaw KINDLY TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES Amendment FOR THE DURATION OF THE MEETING 7.3 Report to Council GMF Rec Centre 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER 6:30 p.m. 7.4 Report to Council Community Banners Indigenous Land Acknowledgement 7.5 Report to Council Delegation C A O The Municipality of Chapleau is situated on the Discounts Donations ancestral treaty and title lands of the Anishinaabe 7.6 CAO Report - HHW Day June 27, 2026 and Cree peoples in the Treaty 9 area, and 8. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE recognizes the neighbouring First Nations of 8.1 Accounts Payable listing in the amount of Brunswick House, Chapleau Cree, Chapleau $555,027.60 for the period ending June 10, 2026. Ojibwe, Michipicoten and Missanabie Cree. 9. RESOLUTIONS- None We acknowledge the long history of First 10. CORRESPONDENCE Nations and Metis People in Ontario and show A) 2026.05.25_Heritage respect to them today. B) 2026-06-02 Council Support Resolution 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Vacant Commercial Storefront Tax 3 . D I S C L O S U R E O F P E C U N I A R Y C) Provincial health care spending INTEREST 11. IN CAMERA 4. DELEGATIONS-None 11.1 In Camera Session Meeting Minutes for the 5. COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT – None Regular Council Meeting of May 25, 2026. 6. CONSENT AGENDA 11.2 Personal matters about an identifiable Items listed under the Consent Agenda are individual, including municipal or local board considered routine and will be enacted in one employees, pursuant to Ontario Municipal Act, motion. A member of Council may request one or Section 239(2)(b) more items to be removed from the Consent • Human Resources (2) Agenda for separate discussion and/or Action. 11.3 Advice that is subject to solicitor-client 6.1 Council and Committee Meeting Minutes privilege, including communications necessary 6.1.1 Regular Council Meeting Minutes for for that purpose, pursuant to Ontario Municipal Monday, May 25, 2026 Act, Section 239 (2)(f) 6 . 1 . 2 C h a p l e a u R e g i o n a l E c o n o m i c • Legal Advice (1) Development Meeting Minutes for March 2, Matters Arising from In Camera Session 2026 12. CONFIRMATORY BY-LAW By-Law 2026-29 – Confirmatory 13. ADJOURNMENT Regular Council Meeting – May 25, 2026. REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL MONDAY, MAY 25, 2026, at 6:30 PM IN THE CIVIC CENTRE COUNCIL CHAMBERS NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS Attendance: The instalment due dates for the 2026 final tax Council: Mayor Ryan Bignucolo billing are as follows: Deputy Mayor Lisi Bernier First instalment: September 30, 2026 Councillor Cathy Ansara- Excused Absence Second instalment: November 30, 2026. Councillor Alex Lambruschini Councillor Paul Bernier AVIS AUX CONTRIBUABLES DE Staff: Rejean Raymond, CAO TAXES Carole Ouellette, Leisure and Cultural Services Les dates d'échéance des versements pour la Manager facturation finale de l'impôt de 2026 sont les Attendees: 8 suivantes : 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Premier versement : 30 septembre 2026 THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Deuxième versement : 30 novembre 2026. Township of Chapleau does hereby call the L. Jones Special Council Meeting of Monday, May 25, Treasurer/Tax Collector 2026, to order at 6:31 p.m. Trésorier/Percepteur Indigenous Land Acknowledgement The Municipality of Chapleau is situated on the
Council Briefs
ancestral treaty and title lands of the Anishinaabe and Cree peoples in the Treaty 9 area, and recognizes the neighbouring First Nations of Brunswick House, Chapleau Cree, Chapleau Ojibwe, Michipicoten and Missanabie Cree. We acknowledge the long history of First Nations and Metis People in Ontario and show respect to them today. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA RESOLUTION 10-138 P. BERNIER- L. BERNIER WHEREAS the Members of Council have been presented with an Agenda for the Regular Council Meeting of Monday, May 25, 2026; 3. D I S C L O S U R E O F P E C U N I A RY INTEREST Mayor Bignucolo requested that any pecuniary interest be declared for the record. Councillor Lisi Bernier declared Business Item 7.2 and 7.3 as a conflict as she is the Principal of CESS which is requesting a donation. Councillor Paul Bernier declared Business Item 7.2 and 7.3 as a conflict as he is the spouse to the principal of CESS (Councillor Lisi Bernier) which is requesting a donation. Councillor Alex Lambruschini declared Business Item 7.2 and 7.3 as a conflict as he is an employee at CESS which is requesting a donation. 4. DELEGATIONS RESOLUTION 10-139: L. BERNIER- P. BERNIER 4.0.1 THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Chapleau does hereby receive the presentation from Mr. Jones; AND THAT staff review and report back to council. Carried. Regular Council Meeting – May 25, 2026. RESOLUTION 10-140: P. BERNIER- L. BERNIER 4.1 Kebsquasheshing Golf Club Receive and Approve Grant from Reserve BE IT R E S O LV E D T H AT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Chapleau does hereby receives the request from the Kebsquasheshing Golf Club Executive dated May 19, 2026, regarding financial assistance for the purchase of a water pump and control panel for the irrigation system; AND FURTHER THAT Council approves the advancement of funds to the Kebsquasheshing Golf Club to facilitate purchase from Vanden Bussche Irrigation, to be paid by installment as per the vendor's terms, comprising a loan of $62,396.72 to be repaid upon disbursement of the NOHFC grant, a loan of $25,000.00 to be repaid upon disbursement of the Chapleau Tourism Fund grant, and a grant of $52,161.73 from the reserve fund, with the CAO and Mayor authorized to execute the necessary agreement(s). Recorded Vote Cont’d P.4
CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, August 13, 2026 - Page 3
Allen Laframboise visit to Chapleau includes photo-op Chapleau with Engine 5433 48 years after it arrived in park
Moments
right. I added the shot of me again in 2012 standing in the From the archives same spot 48 years later." of I followed up with Allen Michael J. Morris and he brought me up to date and shared what he has been doing since 1970-1974 when he August 13, 2015 attended Chapleau High School. Allen Laframboise was there the historic He reminded me I taught him day in 1964 when Canadian Pacific Railway history. Allen related that he is Engine 5433 arrived in Centennial Park. On a visit to Chapleau 48 years later with an aircraft maintenance engineer his wife in 2012, he saw a photo from the on helicopters ( basically a occasion, and he and his brother Terry were in it. mechanic on helicopters), Since So, he took a photo of himself under the "5" in graduating Canadore College in 1979 and started my career in 5433 and recently sent them both to me. He came across a Chapleau Moments aviation in the maintenance side. "My first job was in column I had written on the engine and sent along Edmonton and I stayed there Allen Laframboise standing under the "5" in 5433 in 2012 the photos. He explains: "I was there that day it was until 1981 before moving to the and a few times to Alaska. Since 1985 most of moved into its place. In 2012 I was in Chapleau Vancouver area and lived there until 1989. In my work has been overseas . Last time I actually and visited the museum with my Brazilian wife. 1985 I started working for a company called worked in Canada was 1991. I have worked in In the museum is a panoramic photo of that day Okanagan Helicopters based in Vancouver and in Greenland, Egypt, India, Thailand, Malaysia, and when I looked at it closer I realized I was in 1987 they merged with two other Canadian Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Georgia, the picture . I am standing under the wheel just companies to form CHC ... and I have been with Azerbaijan, Turkey, Philippines , Norway and below the 5. My brother Terry is beside me to the them for 30 years. Is quite a large company in currently in Brazil. the Offshore oil and Gas support "In 2006 I was assigned to Brazil to help around the world but not that support the Brazil maintenance department on a much work in Canada anymore. new company CHC had acquired there. I worked Has been American owned for touring up until 2008 when I took up a resident about the last seven years." position here and have been living here ever He left the Vancouver since. We operate 43 helicopters, all area in 1989 and moved to supporting the offshore oil industry. Thunder Bay for just under two "Since 2006 I have lived in three different years then located in Blind River cities in Brazil all in the State of Rio de Janeiro, and lived there until 2008 when place called Macae, Rio de Janeiro ( city) and he moved to Brazil. now a place called Cabo Frio. His work places read like "It is a really nice country, people are a travelogue. "In the last 36 years nice, food is excellent, people love the beach, my work has taken me to most barbecues and beer ( doesn't get much better than places in Canada ,... eight that). There are security concerns with people provinces and the territories. being robbed by the bandits ( banditos as they are Only provinces I have never called here). Up until now I have not had any worked in are New Brunswick problems personally, just have to stay aware and and PEI. A few places in the Allen standing under the "5" in 1964 on day Engine 5433 United states, Wyoming , Utah try to avoid high risk areas. Cont’d on P.5 arrived in Chapleau. His brother Terry beside him on right
Michael J. Morris
Plan to Travel within Canada
CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, August 13, 2026 - Page 4 Council Meeting Minutes for Monday, April 28, 2026, as presented. Carried. Regular Council Meeting – May 25, 2026. Cont’d from P.2 RESOLUTION 10-142: For Against P. BERNIER- L. BERNIER R. Bignucolo X 6.2 Council and Committee Meeting Minutes C. Ansara X 6.2.1 Special Council Meeting Minutes for P. Bernier X Thursday, May 14, 2026 A. Lambruschini X NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED Carried. THAT the Council of the Township 5. COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT - None of Chapleau does hereby approve the Special 6. CONSENT AGENDA Council Meeting Minutes for RESOLUTION 10-141: Thursday, May 14, 2026, as presented. L. BERNIER- A. LAMBRUSCHINI Carried. WHEREAS the Council of the Township of 7. BUSINESS Chapleau has reviewed the Consent RESOLUTION 10-143: Agenda consisting of: L. BERNIER- P. BERNIER 6.1 Council and Committee Meeting Minutes 7.1 Chapleau Cree First Nation – 31st Annual 6.1.1 Regular Council Meeting Minutes for Pow Wow donation request Monday, April 28, 2026 THAT the Council of the Township of Chapleau NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED does hereby receive the THAT the Council of the Township Chapleau Cree First Nation – 31st Annual Pow of Chapleau does hereby approve the Regular Wow donation request and would like to donate $100.00 towards this years’ event. Carried. Councillor L. Bernier, P. Bernier Labourer and A. Lambruschini vacated the room (Rate of Pay $31.54 / hour) (Probationary Rate $26.83 to $31.54 / hour based on experience) 7.2 CESS Pow Wow invitation and donation The Township of Chapleau is seeking one (1) Temporary Full -Time Labourer to join its Leisure and With three Members having Cultural Services Department. This position is for a three (3) month contract with a possibility of extension and is within a unionized work environment. declared a pecuniary interest and one Member Qualifications and experience required: absent, the Mayor remained as Grade 12 diploma or grade 12 equivalent from an accredited Canadian educational the only Member eligible to institution. (See note below) Basic/Advanced Level Refrigeration Certificate is an asset (For more information on consider this matter; Refrigeration Certificates, go to the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association website at www.orfa.com). as fewer than two Members Knowledge of facility maintenance and ice making and painting practices an asset were eligible, no quorum could Self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision Minimum “G” license be constituted for the Janitorial work experiences related to this facility matter under section 7(1) of the Hand snow shoveling, snow blowing and snow removal equipment Experience with landscaping equipment operation and ground maintenance Municipal Conflict of Interest Good communication, interpersonal, organizational and public relation skills A team player attitude and the ability to work independently Act and it could not be considered. Candidates must submit a typed resume complete with a covering letter and proof of education, qualifications, skills and abilities, in confidence by 12:00 p.m., Friday, August 21, 2026, to the 7.3 Chapleau High School undersigned. Bursary for Grade 12 Students Consideration will be given to candidates without grade 12 or grade 12 equivalents if such With three Members having candidates submit with their resume a grade 12 equivalent prescreening test report, such as the CAAT, prepared by an accredited Canadian testing facility. declared a pecuniary interest Training and upgrading as required by the employer. and one Member absent, the Mayor remained as the only In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, and will be used for the Member eligible to consider this purpose of candidate selection. matter; as fewer than two We thank all those who apply and acknowledge that only those selected for an interview will be Members were eligible, no contacted. quorum could be constituted for Carole Ouellette CRFP Leisure and Cultural Services Manager the matter under section 7(1) of Township of Chapleau the Municipal Conflict of 4 Maple Street, P.O. Box 129 Chapleau, ON P0M 1K0 Interest Act and it could not be Tel. (705) 864-0154 couellette@chapleau.ca considered. August 11, 2026 Version française disponible sur demande Councillor L. Bernier, P. Bernier
Council Briefs
and A. Lambruschini re-entered the room Regular Council Meeting – May 25, 2026. Page 5 of 8 RESOLUTION 10-144: P. BERNIER-L. BERNIER 7.4 AECOM Email - scope changesvices – Scope Change Authorization No. 11 T H AT P/N 60611712 – Dufferin Street Upgrades Scope Change No. 3 – Contract Administration and Inspection Services $132,075.00 This Scope Change addresses the fees required for the contract administration and inspection services until project completion. As you know, this project has been in progress for well over five years, with delays in the construction phase due to negotiations with CPKC regarding the contaminated soil within the Township right of way. The net amount of the Scope Change is calculated based on the estimated fees to completion, minus the remaining budget from the original agreement dated July 24, 2019. AND THAT P/N 60773535 – Queen, Ash, King, Teak and Minto Upgrades Scope Change No. 1 – Contract Administration and Inspection Services -$450,730.00. This Scope Change includes the estimated fees for contract administration and inspection that were not included and approved in the original engineering agreement due to unknowns with the timing for the construction phase. As mentioned, the net Scope Change accounts for savings from the design phase, amounting to approximately $69,000.; AND THAT the CAO/Clerk be authorized to execute the Scope Change Authorization on behalf of the Corporation of the Township of Chapleau. Carried. RESOLUTION 10-145: P. BERNIER- A. LAMBRUSCHINI 7.5 Report from the LCS Manager – Carnival Final Budget and Memo 2026 to council THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Chapleau does hereby receive the 2026 Carnival Final Budget and Memo. Carried. RESOLUTION 10-146: P. BERNIER- A. LAMBRUSCHINI 7.6 Email correspondence from councillor Lambruschini THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Chapleau does hereby receive the email correspondence from councillor Lambruschini for discussion; AND THAT staff consider adding bike rack as part of the 2026 budget. Carried. RESOLUTION 10-147: P. BERNIER- L. BERNIER Cont’d on P.8
CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, August 13, 2026 - Page 5 the engine side, and continued on the other side of the main line. With a gang of trackmen, and everything timed to the minute, the spur was laid across the main line. The steam 5433 is a testament to Chapleau's railroading Cont’d from P.3 engine was then pushed across by a diesel. "In all this time I am still working on my past. The Iron Horse #5433, was proudly placed Within 30 minutes, the Iron Horse was in place, Portuguese language skills and still have a long in the park in 1964, through the initiative and and the main line cleared again for service. ways to go. " Also of historical interest is that J.M. generosity of Arthur and Nettie Grout. This unit Here is a summary on the engine. Engine actually worked these tracks for many years "Bud" Park was the engineer on Engine 5433 for west of Chapleau. It weighs 275 its trip from the roundhouse to the park while tons, measures 95 feet long, and Earle Freeborn was the engineer on the yard Brass replica of Engine 5433 from Ian Macdonald engine diesel. hauled 1900 tons in its prime. collection Thanks to Dr Bill Pellow for the To place the engine on location meant building a information on placing Engine 5433 in the park. special spur, or track, straight Allen is another example of that saying, "You across from the roundhouse. A can take the boy or girl out of Chapleau, but you building had to be demolished to can't take Chapleau out of them." Thanks for make way for the spur, which sharing Allen. Enjoy life in Brazil but stay safe ran right up to the main line on out there.
Chapleau Moments
What Keeps Me Up at Night Charlie Angus / The Resistance Roman philosopher Lucretius wrote that humans have a particular blind spot: we are unable to prepare for a crisis greater than anything we have dealt with before. When trying to anticipate a worst-case scenario, we rely on what we already know. We lack the ability to anticipate more catastrophic outcomes. I learned about the Lucretius paradox from John Vaillant in his book Fire Weather, where he writes about the failure of humans to comprehend the coming fire epoch in a rapidly heating planet. I feel like Lucretius as I try to make sense of the reports I am reading about the impending “Super” El Niño that is beginning to move in the Pacific. The story of this impending meteorological upheaval has been largely overlooked as the media focuses on the war in Iran, the daily deluge of MAGA chaos and the burning of Europe and North America. What can we expect from this so-called “Super” El Niño? Even scientists seem to be at a loss for words for what they are tracking in terms of the meteorological shifts taking place in the ocean. Some are warning of a looming “humanitarian crisis” that could impact the lives of hundreds of millions of people. Zeke Hausfather, a research scientist at Berkeley Earth, has written that the rising temperatures in the Pacific are so far off the chart that they will blow away any previous “Super” El Niño by a “truly mind-blowing margin.” That phrase scares the shit out of me.
The worst El Niño on record hit in 1878. It upended weather patterns from Brazil to Africa, from Southern Europe through India and Asia. The 1878 El Niño caused widespread crop failures, floods and epidemics on a global scale. In parts of the planet, crops were scorched by intense drought. In other zones, the rain hit with such a ferocity that entire regions were washed away. Weather upheaval caused the death of 50 million people around the world. This represented as much as three to four percent of the global population. Follow-up weather chaos between 1896 and 1900 caused mass famines and widespread outbreaks of cholera, plague, and malaria. As many as 30 million died. Mike Davis, in his book Late Victorian Holocausts: El Niño, Famine and the Making of the Third World, writes that these events were so catastrophic that they broke apart many social/political systems and left large parts of the world susceptible to the rise of gunboat diplomacy and the emergence of what became known as the Third World. So, if the El Niños of 1878/1899 represent the previous worst-case scenarios, what will this fall bring? It is still too early to say. But the world is very vulnerable and totally unprepared. Global leaders are distracted by a series of political, climatic and economic shocks — many of them self-inflicted. We are like the three little pigs hanging out in a straw house.
The war in Iran, climate fires across North America and Europe, the political chaos of Trump — would be a serious test of global resilience at the best of times. But now these issues are beginning to lay across each other like terrible ley lines. So let me lay out four areas where global leaders have left us dangerously vulnerable. The Strait of Hormuz and the Fertilizer Crisis We are now six months into a needless war that has shut the Strait of Hormuz. So far, the political and media focus has been on the price of oil. We have been fed a false sense of security with the lie that as long as the price at the pump remains within reason, the impact of the war can be absorbed. What is being ignored is the massive backlog of fertilizer products. A good part of global agriculture depends on fertilizer from the Gulf states. Half of the world’s sulphur passes through the Strait of Hormuz. For nitrogen, it is 35%, and for ammonia, 30%. As far back as May, Máximo Torero, the chief Economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), was warning of massive food shocks from a shortage of fertilizer and the impacts it would have on rising food costs. T h e FA O i d e n t i f i e d S r i L a n k a , Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Sudan, and SubSaharan Africa as the most vulnerable. Even then, it was feared that global food prices could jump 15 to 20%, resulting in widespread famine. Those kinds of massive spikes in food Cont’d on P.7
CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, August 13, 2026 - Page 6
Last weeks solutions MOMENTS IN TIME On Aug. 25, 1875, merchant navy captain Matthew Webb became the first known person to successfully swim the English Channel, in 21 hours and 45 minutes. Hailed as a national hero, a triumphal arch was erected in his honor in his hometown and The Daily Telegraph called him "probably the best-known and most popular man in the world."
CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, August 13, 2026 - Page 7 a vast array of microbes, algae and invasive invertebrates. A new scientific report is warning that strain on British agriculture. Cont’d from P.5 once these ships begin to move between their “This is the third drought in five years. home ports around the globe, they risk bringing prices are enough to result in riots and overthrow governments. And that is without factoring in What was once extraordinary is becoming part with them a catastrophic spread of invasive further catastrophic impacts from a Super El of farming in Britain, and government must start species. planning for it… Farmers have shown again and Niño. They warn that the world is vulnerable to again that they can adapt and deliver solutions, a bio-invasion of “super-spreaders.” A Planet on Fire Perhaps one reason government and but resilience has limits. If we want them to keep Again, such super-spreader events could media are not paying attention to the coming feeding the country, they need proper support. be seriously exacerbated by meteorological season is that everyone is scrambling to handle Otherwise, this harvest could be their last.” upheaval. What impacts will it have? No one has In the global south, heat stress is affect- a clue. unprecedented climate fires across much of Europe and North America. The focus has ing the health of poultry, cattle and pigs. The Me and Lucretius rightly been on the mass fire evacuations and the number of days when it is simply too hot to work I put off writing this essay for some time. devastating smoke, but equal attention should be may rise to 250 per year in much of South Asia, The enormity of what might happen seems so given to the unprecedented drought is seriously tropical Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Central great. Equally concerning is writing about the and South America. And this is without the unknown without sounding hysterical. impacting food production. The UK is already sending out warning impacts of El Niño. Like Lucretius, I have no idea what a The planet is clearly damaged from the “mind-blowing” climatic event could look like. signals that this season’s drought is compounding years of increasingly poor yields. They are existing climate crisis. We are now stumbling I hope that I am wrong. now actually warning about impending food into the great unknown with severely weakened My dream scenario is that if anyone resiliency. shortages. stumbles across this article in a year, they will Gavin Lane, the president of the Country, Regulatory Suicide shake their heads and wonder — what the hell Famine was only part of the global crisis was that guy so amped up about? Land and Business Association, told The Guardian that bad weather is putting severe of the previous Super El Niños. The unstable In the meantime, I am going to stock up weather led to serious outbreaks on essentials just in case. I urge you to take of parasites and epidemics. The precautions too. 19th century lacked the sophisticated medical and scientific monitoring systems that were Labourer built up through the latter part of (Rate of Pay $31.54 / hour) the 20th century to protect (Probationary Rate $26.83 to $31.54 / hour based on experience) public health. Those systems are being torn apart by MAGA The Township of Chapleau is seeking one (1) Full -Time Labourer to join its Leisure and Cultural Services Department. This is a unionized work environment. ideology. Qualifications and experience required: Regulatory oversight and s c i e n tific expertise have Grade 12 diploma or grade 12 equivalent from an accredited Canadian educational institution. (See note below) become a political punching Basic/Advanced Level Refrigeration Certificate is an asset (For more information on Refrigeration Certificates, go to the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association website bag, and it is having a serious at www.orfa.com). BERRY’S FREIGHT SERVICES impact on public health. Knowledge of facility maintenance and ice making and painting practices an asset Self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision Already, we have seen TIMMINS - CHAPLEAU - TIMMINS Minimum “G” license Janitorial work experiences related to this facility the inability of the United States Monday to Friday: 1 lb. to 10,000 lbs Hand snow shoveling, snow blowing and snow removal equipment to respond effectively to outExperience with landscaping equipment operation and ground maintenance Monday to Friday Good communication, interpersonal, organizational and public relation skills breaks of Ebola, hantavirus, A team player attitude and the ability to work independently measles, salmonella, and FOR QUALITY SERVICES AT Candidates must submit a typed resume complete with a covering letter and proof of education, cyclosporiasis because of the qualifications, skills and abilities, in confidence by 12:00 p.m., Friday, August 21, 2026, to the undersigned. gutting of programs that kept GIVE US A CALL AT Consideration will be given to candidates without grade 12 or grade 12 equivalents if such the public safe. candidates submit with their resume a grade 12 equivalent prescreening test report, such as the 1-705-264-4334 CAAT, prepared by an accredited Canadian testing facility. Much of the rest of the 1-705-363-7804 world relies on the Centers for Training and upgrading as required by the employer. Disease Control (CDC) for the In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal Northern Lights Ford Sales information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, and will be used for the top-line research to deal with purpose of candidate selection. Andrew G. McKenzie serious global outbreaks. We are We thank all those who apply and acknowledge that only those selected for an interview will be making ourselves blind as the Travis Gendron contacted. wolf arrives at the door. Carole Ouellette CRFP Highway 17 North The Marine Super Spreader Leisure and Cultural Services Manager P.O. Box 1033 Township of Chapleau Event 4 Maple Street, P.O. Box 129 Wawa, ON. P0S 1K0 Chapleau, ON P0M 1K0 It is reported that over Business 705-856-2775 Tel. (705) 864-0154 couellette@chapleau.ca Fax 705-856-4862 1500 ships are sitting idle in the August 11, 2026 tgendron@northernlightsford.ca Strait of Hormuz and the hulls Version française disponible sur demande sales@northernlightsford.ca of these ships are accumulating
What Keeps Me Up at Night
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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, August 13, 2026 - Page 8 Regular Council Meeting – May 25, 2026. Carried. 9. RESOLUTIONS- None 10. CORRESPONDENCE Cont’d from P.4 RESOLUTION 10-151: 7.7 Patio Extension Town Council Request L. BERNIER- A. LAMBRUSCHINI 2026 A) MSC Res 2026-074 - Otonabee-South THAT the Council of the Township of Chapleau Monaghan - Resolution Rideau Lakes Concerns does hereby approve the request from the re Alto High Speed Rail Project (Bill C-15 Chapleau Hub to extend their patio until Budget) December 31, 2026. B) 2026-03-23 Otonabee-South Monaghan Carried. Concerns re Alto High Speed Rail Project RESOLUTION 10-148: C) MSC Res 2026-074 - Otonabee-South L. BERNIER- P. BERNIER Monaghan - Resolution Rideau Lakes Concerns 7.8 Salvage Truck Replacement Request May re Alto High Speed Rail Project (Bill C-15 20, 2026 THAT the Council of the Corporation Budget) of the Municipality of Chapleau does hereby D) City of Pickering Resol. Request for provinreceive the Fire Chief report; AND THAT the cial school board governance consultation salvage unit be removed from service and E) Volunteer Firefighters Training White River; replaced by the rescue 1 Ford Van Econoline; THAT the Council of the Township of Chapleau AND THAT the salvage unit be declared as receives the correspondence from the May 25, surplus to be listed for sale on the GovDeals 2026, Council Agenda with the following website. Carried. extracted for discussion: Are there any items RESOLUTION 10-149: that Council would like extracted for discusP. BERNIER- L. BERNIER sion? 7.9 Report from the LCS Manager - Walking Matters Arising from Correspondence- NONE Group THAT the Council of the Corporation of Carried. the Municipality of Chapleau does hereby 11. IN CAMERA receive the report from the LCS Manager; RESOLUTION 10-152: AND THAT the walking group program be A. LAMBRUSCHINI- L. BERNIER offered at the no cost to the participants. 7:19 PM Carried. Adjourn to In Camera Session 8. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE THAT the Council of the Township of Chapleau RESOLUTION 10-150 P. BERNIER- L. BERNIER THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Chapleau does hereby receives for information the Accounts Payable listing in the amount of $1,544,983.28 for the period ending May 21, 2026.
Council Briefs
does hereby move into In Camera for the following items: 11.1 In Camera Session Meeting Minutes for the Regular Council Meeting of May 14, 2026, and April 13, 2026. 11.2 Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, pursuant to Ontario Municipal Act, Section 239(2)(b) • Human Resources (1) Carried. Regular Council Meeting – May 25, 2026. Reconvene to Regular Meeting RESOLUTION 10-153: L. BERNIER- P. BERNIER THAT this meeting be reconvened to a Regular Meeting at 7:30 p.m. Matters arising from In-Camera Session Carried. 12. CONFIRMATORY BY-LAW RESOLUTION 10-154: A. LAMBRUSCHINI- L. BERNIER THAT By-law No. 2026-28, being a confirmatory by-law for the Regular Council Meeting of Monday May 25, 2026, be given a First, Second, Third and final reading and is passed as of this date. Carried. 13. ADJOURNMENT RESOLUTION 10-155: P. BERNIER- A. LAMBRUSCHINI WHEREAS the business of the Meeting has concluded: NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT this meeting be adjourned at 7:31p.m. until the Regular Council meeting of June 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. or the call of the Chair. Carried.
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SUMMER HOURS will be from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., 7 days a week Drop by and check out our line of Authentic Native Crafts, Unique Gift Ideas, Jewellery, and Gift Certificates TOO!
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We also carry road trip snacks, which includes Subs, Chips, Pop, plus a whole lot more.
Your Propane Refilling Station
705-864-0781