July 16 2026

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS

Local News Weekly

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Vol. 30, Issue 43, July 16, 2026

The Little Chapleau Movie That Could ... Just Did!

by Steven Ellwood eveloping news for the multiaward winning locally shot feature film, The Road to Tophet. The producers recently announced that the film had secured a U S/International deal with an American distributor.

The latest news: The Road to Tophet is now live on Tubi in the United States. Tubi is a video streaming platform that features an expansive library containing tens of thousands of movies, television episodes, and live TV channels.

The Road to Tophet is also now available on Amazon in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia and was accepted to Hoopla and should be live there soon.

While this changes little in Canada - where the movie continues to be available to rent or buy on AppleTV Long Term Forecast - it does solidify the Thursday movie's burgeonHigh 23 Low 11 ing cult classic Friday status as it finds a High 26 new audience Low 15

D

Saturday High 21 Low 13 Sunday High 23 Low 14 Monday High 23 Low 15 Tuesday High 19 Low 12

while gaining access to a new global market.

"This movie succeeded because the people of Chapleau and Chapleau Cree First Nation embraced and championed our cause," says director Steve Schmidt. "It just goes to show you what we can achieve when we unite around a cause. I couldn't be more proud of our community and thank the

many, many people who supported us on this extraordinary journey."

While this latest news doesn't change much for us here in Canada - if you have friends in the US you can tell them to search Tubi or you can send them this link: tubitv.com/ movies/100057988/the-road-to-tophet. In the UK and Australia, they can search The Road to Tophet on Amazon.

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, July 16, 2026 - Page 2

Ontario Launches Procurement for Provincewide Primary Care Medical Record System

New system is part of Ontario’s $3.4 billion Primary Care Action Plan to connect everyone in the province to a family doctor or primary care team by2029 The Ontario government is taking the next step toward creating a new provincewide Primary Care Medical Record systemby launching a competitive procurement process, led by Supply Ontario, to establish a Vendor of Record arrangement. The new system will securely integrate patient records, reduce paperwork for primary care providers and improve the quality and continuity of care for patients. This initiative is a part of Ontario’s $3.4 billion Primary Care Action Plan, which is on track to attach everyone in Ontario to a family doctor or primary care provider by 2029.

“Our government continues to deliver on our plan to connect every person in Ontario to a family doctor, nurse practitioner or primary care team by 2029,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Patients should never have to worry that important health information isn’t available when they need care. Once complete, the new provincewide Primary Care Medical Record system will securely connect patient information, reduce duplication and help health-care providers deliver faster, more connected and coordinated care. ”The Primary Care Medical Record system will allow doctors to securely create, access and manage digital patient information, including medical histories, diagnoses, medications and test results. While approximately 90 per cent of Ontario family physicians use electronic medical records, the current landscape is fragmented and disconnected, limiting effective information sharing across the health system. This results in patients having to repeat unnecessary medical

tests or repeat their health history as they move between different clinicians.The new system will support seamless and safe access to care, strengthen the security of medical records and eliminate the fees patients often pay to transfer records. It will enable authorized clinicians to quickly and securely access a more complete view of a patient’s health information, with appropriate consent, helping them make more informed decisions and provide better coordinated care for patients and their families.

“Primary care clinicians need modern tools that allow them to spend more time with patients and less time managing paperwork,” said Dr. Jane Philpott, Chair of the Primary Care Action Team.

“A provincewide Primary Care Medical Record system will help reduce administrative burden, improve access to information and support better care for patients across Ontario. ”The province is working closely with OntarioMD, an expert in electronic medical record certification and implementation of electronic medical records in the development and implementation of the Primary Care Medical Record system. Starting today, interested parties can respond to the Request for Bids through the Ontario Tenders Portal.

While Ontario continues to lead the country with nearly 90 per cent of people able to access primary care, the province has set clear goals to connect every person to primary care by 2029. Since the launch of the Primary Care Action Plan, the province has attached over 400,000 people to care, exceeding its target of

300,000 in the first year of the plan. Ontarians can get connected to primary care by registering through Health Care Connect at ontario.ca/ healthcareconnect.

ThroughYour Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government continues to take bold and decisive action to grow the province’s highly skilled health-care workforce and ensure people and their families have access to high-quality care, closer to home, for generations to come.

One hundred and twenty-four successful applicants will receive funding for a new or expanded primary care team as part of the202627 call for proposalsunder the Primary Care Action Plan. These teams are expected to connect another 500,000 patients to primary care across Ontario, including those on the Health Care Connect waitlist.

Ontarians looking to find a family doctor or nurse practitioner can register withHealth Care Connector call 811.

Interprofessional primary care teams connect people to a range of health professionals that work together under one roof, including family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, registered practical nurses, physician assistants, midwives, physiotherapists, social workers, dieticians and pharmacists, helping patients to receive more connected and convenient care.

Since 2018,Ontario has added over 20,000 additional physicians to its health-care workforce, including an over 14 per cent increase in family doctors.

CACHAGEE (nee Cormier), Doreen Alice Anne (September 4, 1939 – May 14, 2026)

Ten new wildland fires were confirmed today in the Northeast Region

A Celebration of Doreen’s life will be at Sacred Heart Church on Saturday July 18, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Ben Nshikita officiating. Cremation has taken place at River ’s Edge Cremation Centre, Sault Ste. Marie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the Chapleau Health Centre would be greatly appreciated by the family.

(Arrangements entrusted to Kerry Funeral Home, Wawa, 1-800-439-4937). www.kerryfuneralhome.ca

Chapleau 11 (CHA011) was a .1-hectare fire south of the Goulais River, near Glendale. That fire is out.

North Bay 23 (NOR023) was a .1-hectare fire and is also now out. It was located at the north end of Forest Lake, near South River.

Wawa 16 (WAW016) is 1.5 hectares in size and is not under control. It is located near Tripoli Creek, west of Esnagi Lake.

Timmins 21 (TIM021) is a .1-hectare fire. It is not under control. The fire is located about three kilometres west of Elk Lake.

Sudbury 21 (SUD021) is .1 of a hectare and is not under control. It is located west of Bassfin Lake.

Cochrane 38 (COC038) is 100 hectares and is located on the south side of Big Willow Creek. It

is being observed.

Cochrane 39 (COC039) is a 280-hectare fire that is being observed. It is located approximately 30 km south of the Attawapiskat River.

North Bay 24 (NOR024) is .3 of a hectare and is being held. It is located between Wakimika and Diamond lakes.

Cochrane 40 (COC040) is a 400-hectare fire. It is being observed. The fire is located on the west side of the Nettchi River.

North Bay 25 (NOR025) is .1 of a hectare and is not under control. It is located south of Bob Lake.

There are 37 active wildland fires in the region. Five are not under control, three are being held, one is under control and 28 are being observed.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, July 16, 2026 - Page 3

Chapleau Recreation Committee establishes programs Chapleau for all age groups in the Summer of 1973

Moments

Tokarchuk, Ken LeClaire, Bill Ritchie, Mark Mizuguchi, Denis Ladouceur and Richard From the archives Ladouceur.

Lise Lafreniere was named the first of Summerfest Queen with Catherine Welch and Michael J. Morris Maureen Lavoie as runners-up.

Looking at the program for the weekend, there were 54 businesses and individuals who June 11, 2015 contributed prizes to Summerfest activities with a The Chapleau Recreation Committee was sincere vote of appreciation to J..E. Martel and Sons active in 1973 announcing a summer program Lumber Ltd., A and L Lafreniere Lumber designed to assist in the provision of recreation and Company, Chapleau Lumber Company, the leisure time activities for all age groups in the Redwood Dining Room and the Bridgeview Motel for their "special contributions" toward the success community.

Major highlights of the program were the of Summerfest.

Chapleau also had an Opportunities for first Summerfest, which was an expanded Beach Day and the founding of the Chapleau Senior Youth program in 1973. Assisting the recreation committee with many programs were the OFY, Citizens' Club.

Summerfest headed by Ed Swanson as "Summer Chapleau' participants Jamie Doyle, chair, with Margaret Rose (Payette) Fortin as Maurice Blais, Richard Desbiens, Catherine secretary was expanded to an entire weekend on the Welch, Michael Paquette, Peter Freistatter, and August Civic Holiday weekend rather than just one Robert Petrunka.

The recreation committee summer staff of day.

The Chapleau Sentinel reported that events Eileen McCrea, Joan Warren, Denis Foran, Patricia included a 10-speed bicycle race, five-mile road Fortin, William Brady, Keith McAdam and Mary race for the Thomson-Morris Memorial Trophy, Lou Futhey also assisted.

Through Canada World Youth the group mutt show, parade, ball games, children's races, baby contest, water events,dances and Summerfest from Malaysia also became part of the Summer activities, and hosted a special evening featuring Queen contest The committee included Annie Bowland, dances and food from their country.

Meanwhile, the first meeting of the Peter Elliott, Earle Freeborn, Manlio Spessot, Greg Chapleau Senior Citizens Club was actually held on Lucas, Raoul Lemieux Jr, Jim Mulligan, George the lawn of the of the old Chapleau High School on Travis, Graham Bertrand, Wally Clarke, Janet Pine Street.

At that first meeting, Mrs Agnes Freeborn assumed the position of acting president, and was soon thereafter succeeded by Mrs. Min Blackburn.

Mrs Freeborn became a vice p r e s i d e n t .

Councillor Ernie Gilbert represented the township on the executive.

First meeting of Chapleau Senior Citizens Club on lawn of old Chapleau I n 1 9 7 8 , w h e n Cedar Grove Lodge High School Summer 1973 was opened, the

Michael J. Morris

drop-in centre was named after Mrs. Freeborn recognizing her work in the community.

The first major outing by the the newly formed senior citizens club was a bus trip to Dubreuilville with Marcel Bourgeault as the bus driver.

Lise Lafreniere (centre) first Summerfest Queen in 1973 with runners-up Catherine Welch (left) and Maureen Lavoie (right) Although the recreation committee planned to improve conditions at the Chapleau beach, that was made more difficult because the addition to Chapleau Public School eliminated much of the waterfront, the Sentinel reported.

However, the committee hoped to make it a pleasant location for citizens.

And now that Chapleau Public School itself was "eliminated' in 2014, the community faces new challenges at the waterfront over 40 years later.

A new innovation was the introduction of a Summer Playground for youngsters undertaken in cooperation with the Sports and Recreation branch of the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services.

Plan to Travel within Canada

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, July 16, 2026 - Page 4

‘Highways have become so unsafe,’ Northern NDP MPPs demand province acts Auditor General report sparks renewed calls for trucking oversight, to address training gaps

By David Briggs The Ontario NDP Caucus issued a press release today demanding the province implement stricter oversights of Ontario’s trucking industry.

Their demands for change come after Ontario’s Auditor General released a scathing report that revealed significant flaws in the province’s commercial driver training, including unregistered training facilities cutting corners on mandatory training hours.

The Auditor General’s report, released on May 12, can be read here.

See: Northern Ontario groups urge stronger truck enforcement after Auditor General findings “The Ford government continues to let Ontario’s trucking industry cut corners at the expense of road safety,” said Thunder Bay – Superior North MPP Lise Vaugeois. “Doug Ford must bring licensing back to the Ministry of Transportation, and as requested by the Ontario Trucking Association, there must be oversight of the trucking industry, otherwise we will continue to see the safety standards of Ontario’s trucking industry deteriorate.”

Besides Vaugeois, three other MPPs issued the joint-statement: John Vanthof (Timiskaming – Cochrane), Guy Bourgouin (Mushkegowuk – James Bay) and Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong).

Vanthof exclaimed, “Ontario’s highways have become so unsafe due to failures in trucking oversight that other provinces are being forced to change their own rules to protect their drivers and residents.”

The M P P s want the Minister of Transportation to “take this crisis seriously.”

See: North Bay renews call for safer northern highways after deadly crashes, closures Bourgouin said, “Northerners have seen the trucking industry change in real time.

“Governments have abandoned their responsibilities to properly oversee the sector, allowing unsafe operators to undercut

responsible employers, exploit vulnerable workers, and leave families paying the price.”

The release calls for greater training and testing for drivers, and more enforcement on the roads. Last September, the Ontario NDP Caucus issued a release noting that after it called on the MTO to ensure highway safety, the MTO suspended 185 transport truck drivers who were deemed to have “dishonestly” obtained their class A during testing or training.

In that September release, Vaugeois, who serves as the NDP shadow minister for transportation and highways, said, “For years, the Ontario NDP has been calling for better training and testing, adequate Ministry of Transportation (MTO) enforcement, and for the province to take action.”

“This problem falls on the transportation minister who refuses to listen to the truck drivers

and safety advocates about these concerns,” Vaugeois continued. “Minister Sarkaria must put safety first and stop willfully ignoring the trucking problems that he has been hearing for years.”

MPP Mamakwa emphasized the need for safe and reliable transportation networks, especially in the north. “When governments fail to properly regulate the trucking industry, it puts drivers, passengers, and communities at risk. We need this government to take the recommendations of the Ontario Trucking Association seriously and bring back licensing to MTO.” David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

PLAN YOUR HOLIDAYS FOR CANADIAN DESTINATIONS

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, July 16, 2026 - Page 5

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, July 16, 2026 - Page 6

Last weeks solutions MOMENTS IN TIME

On July 31, 1964, the unmanned U.S. lunar probe Ranger 7 took 4,308 close-up images of the moon before impacting with its surface northwest of the Sea of Clouds. The pictures were 1,000 times as clear as anything previously viewed through telescopes on Earth.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, July 16, 2026 - Page 7

Can you develop food allergies as an adult?

(NC) Most people assume food allergies are a childhood condition that you either grow up with or outgrow. But for a growing number of Canadians, the first signs are showing up later in life.

“Adult-onset allergies are more common than people realize,” says Dr. Harold Kim, an allergist and immunologist. “The challenge is that adults are more likely to dismiss symptoms or assume it was something else, and that can be dangerous.”

When symptoms don’t seem serious Symptoms like hives, upset stomach, scratchy throat or even chest pain after eating can be easy to blame on stress, a stomach bug or acid reflux. This tendency to explain away reactions can delay a proper diagnosis and leave you unprepared to respond if a severe reaction happens.

Why reactions can change over time Allergic reactions don’t always stay the same and can change as we age. Research indicates that factors like declining physical activity and underlying heath conditions such as cardiovascular disease or respiratory illness can make an allergic reaction worse.

“An allergy that caused mild symptoms in your 40s may present very differently in your 60s,” says Dr. Kim. “Age-related changes to the immune system and the presence of other conditions can change how your body responds.”

An allergic reaction can happen fast and

Wildfire smoke reducing air quality: July 14, 2026 Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an air quality statement for Greater Sudbury and vicinity Gogama, Foleyet Espanola, Massey and Killarney Manitoulin Island West-Nipissing, French River Markstay-Warren, St. Charles Chapleau, Missinaibi Lake A c c o r d i n g t o Environment and Climate Change Canada (Government of Canada), smoke from wildfires (forest fires) is affecting air quality. Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reminding everyone of the health effects of wildfire smoke and how to protect yourself.

People can have very different reactions to the same amount of smoke. Some people are more likely to experience symptoms from wildfire smoke, including older adults, people who smoke, pregnant people, infants and young children, people who do strenuous outdoor work or exercise, and people with existing health conditions, such as

cancer, diabetes, respiratory, or heart conditions.

“Mild symptoms from wildfire smoke can usually be treated at home and may include a mild cough, headache, and eye, nose, or throat irritation,” said Adam Ranger, Environmental Support Officer with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division.

“If you have more severe symptoms, talk to a health care provider. You can also call or chat online with a registered nurse day or night for free, secure, and confidential health advice by contacting Health811 —visit health811.ontario.ca (Ontario Government), or call 811 (TTY 1.866.797.0007). In an emergency, call 911. Watch out for severe cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, dizziness, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat,” said Ranger.

The best way to protect your health is to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke. You can do this by limiting outdoor and strenuous physical activities,

staying indoors with windows and doors closed, and using a portable air purifier (Government of Canada). If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respiratortype mask may help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. At a minimum, select a NIOSH-certified N95 or elastomeric respirator. All respirators should seal closely to your face to reduce exposure to fine particles in the air If you feel unwell or have difficulty breathing, stop outdoor activities altogether.

Other precautions to take: Check the Air Quality Health Index (Ontario Government) before going outdoors and sign up to receive air quality alerts on the WeatherCAN (Government of Canada) Use the best quality air filter that your ventilation system can handle based on manufacturers’ recommendations. Be sure to run the fan mode and put the system on recirculate. A MERV 13 rated air filter is recommended to remove fine particulate matter.

without warning. If you’ve noticed a pattern of repeated symptoms after eating a particular food, it’s important to see your doctor and not ignore it.

An allergist can confirm a diagnosis through testing, help identify triggers and advise on how to manage it, including whether carrying emergency epinephrine medication, like an EpiPen, is recommended. The earlier an allergy is properly diagnosed, the safer you can be.

Find more information on allergies and treatments at epipen.ca.

Pimii Kamik Gas Bar & Gift Shop Located on the Chapleau Cree First Nation

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! We also carry road trip snacks, which includes Subs, Chips, Pop, plus a whole lot more.

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, July 16, 2026 - Page 8

Group Fined for Illegal Fishing Practices Four individuals from Southern Ontario have been fined a total of $4,250 for multiple offences under the Ontario Fishery Regulations, the Public Lands Act and the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act: Nicola Mirabelli and Tommaso Mirabelli of North York pleaded guilty to possessing lake trout of a prohibited size and unlawfully depositing material on ice. Both individuals were fined $980.

Andrea Bartucci of North York pleaded guilty to possessing lake trout of a prohibited size, failing to produce evidence of insurance and unlawfully depositing material on ice. He was fined $1,090.

Frank Raimondo of North York pleaded

guilty to fishing without a licence, failing to produce evidence of insurance, failing to display a registration number and unlawfully depositing material on ice. He was fined $1,200.

The Ontario Court of Justice heard that on March 2, 2024, conservation officers were conducting a remote snowmobile patrol on Lady Evelyn Lake when they stopped four men who had been fishing on a natural lake trout lake.

During the inspection, officers seized eight lake trout, four of which were over the allowed slot size. One individual from the group did not possess a fishing licence but had caught and was in possession of two lake trout.

Officers then followed the only set of snowmobile tracks to a back lake, where they

discovered garbage scattered across the ice. One of the lake trout seized by the officers was missing half of its tail fin. The other half was found among the garbage on the back lake, confirming the group had left the litter. The garbage was subsequently cleaned up.

Justice of the Peace Christine C. Leclair heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Haileybury, on November 6, 2025.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/MNRTips.

FONOM Welcomes Northern Shield Energy Corridor as an Opportunity for Northern Ontario and Canada The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) welcomes today's announcement by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith identify-

ing the proposed route for the Northern Shield Energy Corridor.

FONOM believes the proposed corridor represents an important opportunity to strengthen Canada's economy, improve energy security and reinforce Northern Ontario's role in supporting nation-building infrastructure.

"Today's announcement demonstrates the growing recognition that Canada's future economic prosperity depends on building major infrastructure entirely within our own borders," said F O N O M President Dave Plourde. "Northern Ontario has long been a strategic transportation and resource corridor, and initiatives like the N o r t h e r n S h i e l d E n e rg y Corridor further reinforce the importance of investing in our region."

F O N O M noted that Northern Ontario is already central to Canada's mining, forestry, energy and transportation sectors. As new energy, critical mineral and industrial projects advance, investments in supporting infrastructure will become increasingly 705-864-4376 important.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS chaexpress@sympatico.ca

"Building an energy corridor is only one part of the equation," Plourde added. "To fully realize its economic potential, governments must continue investing in the transportation, housing, skilled workforce, broadband and municipal infrastructure that allows communities to grow and support major projects."

FONOM has consistently advocated for strategic investments in Highway 11 and Highway 17, recognizing these corridors as nationally significant transportation routes that support trade, resource development, emergency response, tourism and supply chains across Canada.

"The discussion surrounding this project further strengthens the case for continued investment in Northern Ontario's transportation network," said Plourde. "If Canada is serious about nation-building, it must ensure the highways, communities and infrastructure that connect our country are ready to support that vision."

FONOM also recognizes the importance of meaningful consultation and partnership with Indigenous communities as the feasibility study progresses and supports opportunities for Indigenous participation and long-term economic development.

The Federation looks forward to working collaboratively with the provincial and federal governments, Indigenous partners, municipalities and industry as planning continues.