wawa community profile - Economic Development Corporation of

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wawa community profile - Economic Development Corporation of
Information Technology Solutions
WAWA, ONTARIO CANADA
WAWA COMMUNITY PROFILE
01 – Welcome to Wawa
02 – Distance to Major Centres
03 – Demographics and Labour
04 – Industry
05 – Business Overview
06 – Available Property
07 – Taxation
08 – Transportation
09 – Utilities
10 – Communications
11 – Government and Business Services
12 – Education and Schools
13 – Housing and Climate
14 – Emergency Services, Health Care, Lifestyle and Recreation
15 – Greater Wawa Region - Superior East
Superior Mayor’s Group
North Superior Community Forest
Commuting Distances
Languages
16 – Brief History of Wawa
“In Wawa you are never more than
10 minutes from home, work, or play!”
01 –Welcome to Wawa
The Economic Development Corporation invites you
to explore the advantages of locating your family
and/or business in a beautiful Northern Ontario fullservice community with many opportunities.
With a strategic geographical location in close proximity to
an international border crossing to Michigan, USA; Wawa
offers many unique advantages to businesses, including
financial incentives, affordable housing, untapped natural
resources and a bilingual and skilled labour force.
Wawa is located 225 kilometers north of Sault Ste. Marie
along one of the top-ten drives in Canada that follows the
breath-taking Lake Superior shoreline. Providing services
to several communities in Northeastern Ontario, the
Wawa Region covers 90,000 km2 (35,000 square miles)
and encompasses 6,500 people living in: Chapleau, White
River, Dubreuilville, and six First Nation communities
including our close neighbor Michipicoten First Nation.
Wawa's major business sectors include: Gold Mining, Four-Season Tourism, Forestry, Retail
and Personal Services. The community boosts a fully-serviced hospital, state-of-the-art
communication infrastructure consisting of digital switching and fibre optics, land and buildings
available for immediate development at a lower cost than many other towns, competitive
wages, and a skilled and efficient workforce and access to many unique government funding
programs available only to businesses that locate in Northern Ontario. Wawa also offers a
unique competitive advantage to industries that can benefit from low-cost transportation by
providing both rail and shipping services through Michipicoten Harbour on Lake Superior.
The Wawa Community Profile provides an overview of the superior quality of life, availability of
skilled labour, affordable land and opportunities that exist in the community. Additional
information is also available at www.edcwawa.ca or www.2ontario.ca. The EDC of Wawa
welcomes all of your inquiries and questions. Please contact us anytime and enjoy your visit!
Economic Development Corporation of Wawa
705.856.4419
info@edcwawa.ca www.edcwawa.ca
01 –Welcome to Wawa
02 – Distances to Major Centres
LOCATION
The Municipality of Wawa is a Northern
Ontario community of about 3,000
residents. It occupies a total land area of
420 square kilometers, including the
communities of Wawa, Michipicoten River
Village
(Mission)
and
Michipicoten
Harbour. It is located approximately 225
kilometres north of Sault Ste. Marie at the
intersection of the Trans Canada Highway
(Highway 17) and Highway 101.
It
stretches from the shores of Wawa Lake to
the shores of Lake Superior with the
Magpie and Michipicoten Rivers flowing
through the community. Wawa is at the
geographical centre of Ontario. It is
accessible by water, air, land and rail.
Distances to Major Centers
CENTRE
Sault Ste Marie (Ontario)
U.S. Entry
(Internationl Bridge)
Sault Ste Marie (Michigan)
Thunder Bay
Sudbury
North Bay
Toronto
Ottawa
Montreal
Detroit (Michigan)
KILOMETERS
225 Km
MILES
139 Miles
230 Km
142 Miles
235 Km
470 Km
530 Km
655 Km
910 Km
1015 Km
1215 Km
1255 Km
145 Miles
292 Miles
329 Miles
406 Miles
565 Miles
630 Miles
754 Miles
779 Miles
03 – Demographics & Labour
Population
6000
5000
Population
The population of Wawa has
steadily decreased from 1986
through 2006. Between 2001 and
2006, the population fell by over
13%. This substantial change in
Wawa’s
population
can
be
attributed in part to the closure of
an iron ore mine in 1998 and the
downturn of the forestry sector.
Wawa, ON Population
4000
4927 4874 4940 4743
4480
3000
4145 4145
3668
3204
2000
2975
1000
0
1966 1971 1976 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011
Year
Source: Census Canada, 2012
Age Distribution
Age Distribution
4500
4000
3500
Population
The age distribution in Wawa is
very similar to most communities
in Ontario. The median age in
Wawa in 2012 was 44.1 years of
age. The population aged 64 and
under has decreased over time.
The only age segment showing
an increase was the 65 and over
category, which increased by
15% between 2006 and 2011.
There were 1,485 males in Wawa
in 2012 and 1,490 females with
83.5% of the total population
being over the age of 15. Wawa’s
population is slightly younger
than surrounding towns.
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
1996
Total
2001
Year
14 and Under
2006
15-24
Source: Census Canada, 2012
2011
25-64
65+
03 – Demographics & Labour
Greater Wawa Regional Population
Greater Wawa’s regional population includes the communities of Chapleau, Dubreuilville,
White River and Wawa and it stands at 6,333 based on 2012 Census data. The Greater Wawa
area’s population is slightly larger when unorganized areas and First Nation communities
within a ½ day’s drive are included and is estimated at closer to 7,000. The Greater Wawa
Regional population has been decreasing since 1996 when the area’s forestry sector began its
decline resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs. The population is stabilizing as the mining
sector job opportunities continue to increase.
Greater Wawa Regional Population
10000
9000
Population
8000
Total
7000
Wawa
6000
Chapleau
5000
4000
White River
3000
Dubreuilvile
2000
1000
0
1996
2001
2006
2011
Year
Source: Census Canada, 2012
Education Levels
In 2006, the community of Wawa was on par with the province of Ontario for the number of
persons to have obtained a post-secondary education. Wawa showed a higher number of
persons with a college or other non-university diploma (22%).
It is also important to note that there is a higher concentration of tradespeople in Wawa and
the Superior East region compared to the rest of Ontario which is highly indicative of the
economic base of the community, Wawa: 12%; Ontario: 8%.
03 – Demographics & Labour
Labour Force – Highest Level of Schooling
2006
Percentage of Population
Wawa
Highest Level of Schooling
Total
Male
Female
Wawa
Ontario
Total population aged 15+
2,600
1,320
1,275
2600
9,819,420
No certificate, diploma or degree
700
325
370
27%
22%
High School Certificate or Equivalent
570
240
330
22%
27%
Apprenticeship or Trades Certificate/Diploma
310
265
45
12%
8%
College or other Non-University Diploma
585
290
300
22%
18%
University Certificate – Below Bachelor Level
45
20
25
2%
4%
University Certificate, Diploma or Degree
390
185
200
15%
21%
400
230
165
15%
17%
No certificate, diploma or degree
185
110
75
7%
7%
High School Certificate or Equivalent
110
55
55
5%
6.4%
Apprenticeship or Trades Certificate/Diploma
0
0
0
0%
0.4%
College or other Non-University Diploma
60
45
15
2%
1.6%
University Certificate – Below Bachelor Level
0
0
0
0%
0.4%
University Certificate, Diploma or Degree
35
10
25
1%
1.2%
340
140
205
13%
16%
No certificate, diploma or degree
55
25
30
2%
1.3%
High School Certificate or Equivalent
70
30
40
3.6%
4%
Apprenticeship or Trades Certificate/Diploma
35
35
10
2%
1%
College or other Non-University Diploma
110
35
80
3%
4%
University Certificate – Below Bachelor Level
10
10
10
0.4%
0.7%
University Certificate, Diploma or Degree
55
10
45
2%
5%
1,460
755
705
56%
52%
No certificate, diploma or degree
265
130
135
10%
7.8%
High School Certificate or Equivalent
325
130
200
13%
13.2%
Apprenticeship or Trades Certificate/Diploma
205
170
40
8%
5%
College or other Non-University Diploma
360
170
190
14%
11%
Total population aged 15-24
Total population aged 25-34
Total population aged 35-64
University Certificate – Below Bachelor Level
35
10
25
1%
2.5%
University Certificate, Diploma or Degree
270
150
125
10%
12.5%
Source: Census Canada, 2006
03 – Demographics & Labour
Labour Force - Participation Rates
In comparison to the total population of Wawa, the Gross Labour Force numbers are relatively
high, indicating a strong availability of labour and employable population. This number is also
shown to have remained fairly consistent over time, suggesting a stable regeneration of
employable persons.
Gross Labour Force
(Total)
Labour Force
(Males)
Gross Labour Force
(Females)
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2400
2390
2200
2250
2220
2200
2200
2160
2120
2100
1675
2030
1310
1310
1200
1220
1200
1200
1200
1180
1150
1140
915
1090
1090
1090
1000
1030
1020
1000
1000
980
970
960
760
940
Source: Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation
14 Ganley Street, Wawa ON P0S 1K0
By Occupation
The chart on the following page indicates
that nearly half of Wawa’s labour force is
employed in a trade or sales and service
sector in both 2001 and 2006, reflecting
the impact of the main industries in the
area. Wawa has experienced an increase
in its labour force in four of the ten
occupational categories which include;
Health, Social Sciences and Education,
Art & Culture and Trades and Related
occupations and it has maintained
employment stability in Management and
Business/Administration
occupations.
(2006 Census).
03 – Demographics & Labour
Wawa Occupations 2001 - 2006
2001
Occupation
2006
Total
% of
Total
Male Female Total
% of
Total
Male Female
Total
Experienced labour force
2,035
100%
1,095
940
1,665
100%
920
745
Management occupations
205
10%
125
85
180
10.5%
120
60
Business, finance and administration
occupations
295
14.5%
95
200
185
11%
30
145
Natural and applied sciences and
related occupations
100
5%
80
20
80
5%
65
15
Health occupations
70
3.5%
15
55
90
5%
15
75
Social science,
education, government service and
religion
170
9%
25
145
195
12%
55
145
Art, culture, recreation and sport
10
0.5%
10
0
25
1.5%
0
25
Sales and service occupations
550
27%
165
385
410
25%
170
245
Trades, transport and equipment
operators & related occupations
335
16.5%
325
10
330
20%
320
10
Occupations unique to primary
industry
165
8%
140
20
90
5%
75
15
Occupations unique to processing,
manufacturing and utilities
130
6%
115
10
80
5%
60
20
Source: Census Canada, 2006
03 – Demographics & Labour
Labour Force by Industry
The primary industries in Wawa and surrounding area include mining, forestry, tourism and
regional services such as retail, health and education. Industries in the service sector have
continued to grow while jobs in the primary manufacturing and forestry sector have declined in
recent years. Gold mining in the area is strong.
2001-2006 Wawa Industry Comparison
2001
2006
Industry
Total
% of
Total
Total – Experienced labour force
2,040
100%
1,095
940
10%
145
45
140
8.5%
125
15
22%
425
20
325
19.5%
300
30
Agriculture and other resource based
190
industries
Manufacturing and construction
445
industries
Male
Female
% of
Total
Male
Female
1,665 100%
920
745
Total
Wholesale and retail trade
270
13%
145
130
200
12%
110
85
Finance and real estate
85
4%
10
70
80
5%
20
60
Health and education
345
17%
70
275
340
20%
65
275
Business services
160
8%
85
75
110
7%
65
35
Other services
540
26%
220
320
465
28%
225
240
Source: Census Canada, 2006
400
2001
2006
350
Number of People
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Mining
Agriculture
Manufacturing
Construction
03 – Demographics & Labour
Regular Employment Insurance Claims
The table below compares the number of Wawa’s Monthly Regular Employment Insurance
Claims to the Regional Employment Insurance Rate. The Northern Ontario Region is known as
Region 38.
Beginning in mid-2006, both the number of employment insurance claims and the employment
insurance rate for Region 38 has continually increased. The steady increase can be attributed
to the closure of many natural resources and manufacturing based businesses including;
ForestCare (Jan. 2007), Domtar Forest Products (June 2007), Dubreuil Forest Products (Nov.
2007), and Weyerhaeuser Wawa (January 2008).
In May 2008, the number of Employment Insurance Claims in Region 38 started to reduce as a
result of claims lapsing, people securing other means of employment, or going back to school
for training, and the out-migration of people in order to secure full time employment in other
communities.
2006
Month
2007
2008
Region 38 # EI Claims in Region 38 # EI Claims
(%)
Wawa
(%)
in Wawa
9.5%
168
10.6%
229
2009
January
# EI Claims
in Wawa
120
February
123
9.9%
170
10.6%
233
10.9%
N/A
10.5%
March
145
9.7%
179
11.0%
200
10.7%
N/A
10.4%
April
138
9.9%
166
11.0%
180
10.7%
N/A
10.9%
May
120
9.9%
133
10.8%
149
10.7%
N/A
12.4%
June
103
10.3%
121
10.4%
126
10.4%
N/A
13.6%
July
106
10.2%
160
10.4%
133
10.1%
N/A
13.3%
August
108
10.2%
155
10.3%
136
10.4%
N/A
12.3%
September
108
10.5%
135
10.2%
112
10.4%
N/A
12.2%
October
111
10.7%
117
10.0%
100
10.3%
N/A
12.9%
November
132
10.8%
168
9.9%
111
10.1%
N/A
13.5%
December
149
10.7%
129
10.4%
146
10.3%
N/A
12.9%
Source: www.hrsdc.gc.ca
Region 38
(%)
10.9%
#EI Claims
in Wawa
N/A
Region 38
(%)
10.5%
03 – Demographics & Labour
Underemployment Rate
Traditionally, the term underemployment is defined as a person who is currently employed but
normally in a sector that is does not allow the individual to utilize their skills to the maximum of
their ability, i.e. a medical doctor who is employed as a taxicab driver. Another example of
underemployment are employees who are employed in part-time positions who could and/or
would prefer to be employed in full time positions but are unable to secure full time
employment.
In 2006, according to the Statistics Canada Census Wawa’s underemployment rate can be
defined by taking the total number of persons employed in the service, retail and tourism
sectors divided by the total labour force as generally these sectors only provide individuals with
part-time employment. In 2006, Wawa had a high underemployment rate, which is ideal for
industries looking for a large number of people willing to provide training opportunities, i.e. Call
Centres, Manufacturing industries etc.
UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE
= SERVICE + RETAIL + TOURISM
TOTAL LABOUR FORCE
= 200 + 465
1665
=39.94%
Year: 2006
03 – Demographics & Labour
Ontario Works Caseload Summary
As of July 2012, 137 persons were registered to receive social assistance support in the
Greater Wawa Region (www.adsab.on.ca )
From January 2007 through May 2009 the Ontario Works Caseload for Wawa had increased
by 28 claims according to the Algoma District Services Administration Board. This notable
increase can once again be attributed to the closure of many natural resources and
manufacturing based businesses, as was the cause of the increase in Employment Insurance
Claims noted during the same time period above. To further illustrate this point, case
categories 3, which represent pending first pay and case category 4 both, show a noticeable
increase and then decrease dramatically within the next time frame. Without this period of
fluctuation caused by the initial settling in period the overall Ontario Works caseload for the
community of Wawa has remained relatively stable until recent months.
120
Ontario Works Caseload - Wawa
Number of Claims
100
No. of Claims
2008
80
No. of Claims
2009
60
No. of Claims
2010
40
20
0
Month
Source: www.adsab.on.ca
03 – Demographics & Labour
Caseload - January 2007 to January 2009
The following chart displays a summary of the Ontario Works Caseload for three years, from
January 2007 through June 2010. June 2009 had the highest number of cases recorded during
the specified time period and January 2007 had the lowest number of cases. The median
number of cases for the three year period was 94.5.
Case Categories
Month
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
17
18
19
22
Total
January 2007
29
1
0
6
21
8
0
2
3
0
0
2
0
72
June 2007
34
2
1
4
26
8
0
2
3
2
0
3
0
85
January 2008
31
3
5
11
28
7
0
0
4
5
0
5
0
99
June 2008
26
2
1
4
28
10
0
0
3
2
0
4
0
80
January 2009
33
7
0
6
32
7
0
0
3
7
0
5
0
100
June 2009
52
6
0
8
26
7
1
1
1
1
0
6
0
109
January 2010
35
11
0
8
18
5
0
0
2
6
0
5
0
90
June 2010
44
9
0
6
27
5
0
2
2
8
0
4
0
107
Source: www.adsab.on.ca
Ontario Works Case Categories – Legend
01 – inability to find work
03 – pending first pay
05 – sole support parent
07 – long term unemployable
10 – child requiring temporary care
18 – client or spouse fully employed
22 – over 60 years of age
02 – inability to find work EI exhausted
04 – waiting on Employment Insurance
06 – temporarily unemployable
08 – attending educational institution
17 – transient
19 – awaiting on W.S.I.B. or other insurance benefit
Wage Rates by Occupation
The following estimated wage rates are taken from EI claims in the Sault Ste. Marie Area
Labour Market, which includes Wawa. They were prepared by the Ontario Labour Market
Information Service of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. Ontario’s General
minimum wage was increased to $10.25 per hour, and students under 18 were raised to $9.60
per hour in March 2010. Average wage rates in the Wawa area are among the lowest in
Ontario.
03 – Demographics & Labour
Administrative / Management
NOC
Occupational Title
YR
Wawa Average
YR
Thunder Bay
Average
YR
Toronto
Average
0621
Retail Trade Managers
07
$13.90
06
$14.35
09
$14.05
0631
Restaurant and Food Service Managers
07
$12.80
06
$15.35
09
$12.55
0114
Other Admin. Service Managers
05
$18.20
06
$23.90
09
$21.55
Administrative Staff
1111
Financial Auditors and Accountants
06
$19.40
06
$25.65
07
$30.96
1221
Administrative Officers
07
$16.25
06
$18.23
09
$18.00
1231
Bookkeepers
07
$14.40
06
$15.65
09
$15.85
1241
Secretaries (Except Legal and Medical)
06
$18.85
06
$17.95
09
$18.55
1411
General Office Clerks
07
$14.60
06
$16.05
09
N/A
1431
Accounting, Administrative and Related
Clerks
07
$17.20
06
$17.70
09
$15.45
1433
Customer Service
Representative – Financial Services
07
$14.20
06
$12.85
09
$14.10
1453
Customer Service, Information, Clerks
07
$10.65
06
$11.25
09
$13.80
1471
Shippers and Receivers
07
$12.15
06
$18.55
09
$12.60
1472
Storekeepers and Parts Clerks
07
$16.00
06
$18.10
09
$12.10
YR
Wawa Average
YR
Thunder Bay
Average
YR
Toronto
Average
Natural and Applied Sciences
NOC
Occupational Title
2122
Forestry Professional
06
$24.75
06
$26.70
N/A
N/A
2223
Forestry Technologists and
Technicians
07
$22.15
06
$21.05
N/A
N/A
2241
Electrical and Electronics
Engineering Technologist and Technicians
07
$23.45
07
$27.45
09
$16.70
YR
Wawa Average
YR
Thunder Bay
Average
YR
Toronto
Average
Health
NOC
Occupational Title
3152
Registered Nurses (General)
07
$31.60
09
$30.55
09
$29.55
3233
Registered Practical Nurses (General)
07
$21.50
09
$22.25
09
$20.65
3413
Nurse Aides and Patient Service Associates
07
$16.65
09
$16.55
09
$15.40
3414
Other Assisting Health Occupations
07
$16.25
09
$14.70
09
$13.85
03 – Demographics & Labour
Source: Census Canada 2006
03 – Demographics & Labour
Population
6000
5000
Population
The population of Wawa has
steadily decreased from 1986
through 2006. Between 2001 and
2006, the population fell by over
13%. This substantial change in
Wawa’s
population
can
be
attributed in part to the closure of
an iron ore mine in 1998 and the
downturn of the forestry sector.
Wawa, ON Population
4000
4927 4874 4940 4743
4480
3000
4145 4145
3668
3204
2000
2975
1000
0
1966 1971 1976 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011
Year
Source: Census Canada, 2012
Age Distribution
Age Distribution
4500
4000
3500
Population
The age distribution in Wawa is
very similar to most communities
in Ontario. The median age in
Wawa in 2012 was 44.1 years of
age. The population aged 64 and
under has decreased over time.
The only age segment showing
an increase was the 65 and over
category, which increased by
15% between 2006 and 2011.
There were 1,485 males in Wawa
in 2012 and 1,490 females with
83.5% of the total population
being over the age of 15. Wawa’s
population is slightly younger
than surrounding towns.
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
1996
Total
2001
Year
14 and Under
2006
15-24
Source: Census Canada, 2012
2011
25-64
65+
03 – Demographics & Labour
Greater Wawa Regional Population
Greater Wawa’s regional population includes the communities of Chapleau, Dubreuilville,
White River and Wawa and it stands at 6,333 based on 2012 Census data. The Greater Wawa
area’s population is slightly larger when unorganized areas and First Nation communities
within a ½ day’s drive are included and is estimated at closer to 7,000. The Greater Wawa
Regional population has been decreasing since 1996 when the area’s forestry sector began its
decline resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs. The population is stabilizing as the mining
sector job opportunities continue to increase.
Greater Wawa Regional Population
10000
9000
Population
8000
Total
7000
Wawa
6000
Chapleau
5000
4000
White River
3000
Dubreuilvile
2000
1000
0
1996
2001
2006
2011
Year
Source: Census Canada, 2012
Education Levels
In 2006, the community of Wawa was on par with the province of Ontario for the number of
persons to have obtained a post-secondary education. Wawa showed a higher number of
persons with a college or other non-university diploma (22%).
It is also important to note that there is a higher concentration of tradespeople in Wawa and
the Superior East region compared to the rest of Ontario which is highly indicative of the
economic base of the community, Wawa: 12%; Ontario: 8%.
03 – Demographics & Labour
Labour Force – Highest Level of Schooling
2006
Percentage of Population
Wawa
Highest Level of Schooling
Total
Male
Female
Wawa
Ontario
Total population aged 15+
2,600
1,320
1,275
2600
9,819,420
No certificate, diploma or degree
700
325
370
27%
22%
High School Certificate or Equivalent
570
240
330
22%
27%
Apprenticeship or Trades Certificate/Diploma
310
265
45
12%
8%
College or other Non-University Diploma
585
290
300
22%
18%
University Certificate – Below Bachelor Level
45
20
25
2%
4%
University Certificate, Diploma or Degree
390
185
200
15%
21%
400
230
165
15%
17%
No certificate, diploma or degree
185
110
75
7%
7%
High School Certificate or Equivalent
110
55
55
5%
6.4%
Apprenticeship or Trades Certificate/Diploma
0
0
0
0%
0.4%
College or other Non-University Diploma
60
45
15
2%
1.6%
University Certificate – Below Bachelor Level
0
0
0
0%
0.4%
University Certificate, Diploma or Degree
35
10
25
1%
1.2%
340
140
205
13%
16%
No certificate, diploma or degree
55
25
30
2%
1.3%
High School Certificate or Equivalent
70
30
40
3.6%
4%
Apprenticeship or Trades Certificate/Diploma
35
35
10
2%
1%
College or other Non-University Diploma
110
35
80
3%
4%
University Certificate – Below Bachelor Level
10
10
10
0.4%
0.7%
University Certificate, Diploma or Degree
55
10
45
2%
5%
1,460
755
705
56%
52%
No certificate, diploma or degree
265
130
135
10%
7.8%
High School Certificate or Equivalent
325
130
200
13%
13.2%
Apprenticeship or Trades Certificate/Diploma
205
170
40
8%
5%
College or other Non-University Diploma
360
170
190
14%
11%
Total population aged 15-24
Total population aged 25-34
Total population aged 35-64
University Certificate – Below Bachelor Level
35
10
25
1%
2.5%
University Certificate, Diploma or Degree
270
150
125
10%
12.5%
Source: Census Canada, 2006
03 – Demographics & Labour
Labour Force - Participation Rates
In comparison to the total population of Wawa, the Gross Labour Force numbers are relatively
high, indicating a strong availability of labour and employable population. This number is also
shown to have remained fairly consistent over time, suggesting a stable regeneration of
employable persons.
Gross Labour Force
(Total)
Labour Force
(Males)
Gross Labour Force
(Females)
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2400
2390
2200
2250
2220
2200
2200
2160
2120
2100
1675
2030
1310
1310
1200
1220
1200
1200
1200
1180
1150
1140
915
1090
1090
1090
1000
1030
1020
1000
1000
980
970
960
760
940
Source: Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation
14 Ganley Street, Wawa ON P0S 1K0
By Occupation
The chart on the following page indicates
that nearly half of Wawa’s labour force is
employed in a trade or sales and service
sector in both 2001 and 2006, reflecting
the impact of the main industries in the
area. Wawa has experienced an increase
in its labour force in four of the ten
occupational categories which include;
Health, Social Sciences and Education,
Art & Culture and Trades and Related
occupations and it has maintained
employment stability in Management and
Business/Administration
occupations.
(2006 Census).
03 – Demographics & Labour
Wawa Occupations 2001 - 2006
2001
Occupation
2006
Total
% of
Total
Male Female Total
% of
Total
Male Female
Total
Experienced labour force
2,035
100%
1,095
940
1,665
100%
920
745
Management occupations
205
10%
125
85
180
10.5%
120
60
Business, finance and administration
occupations
295
14.5%
95
200
185
11%
30
145
Natural and applied sciences and
related occupations
100
5%
80
20
80
5%
65
15
Health occupations
70
3.5%
15
55
90
5%
15
75
Social science,
education, government service and
religion
170
9%
25
145
195
12%
55
145
Art, culture, recreation and sport
10
0.5%
10
0
25
1.5%
0
25
Sales and service occupations
550
27%
165
385
410
25%
170
245
Trades, transport and equipment
operators & related occupations
335
16.5%
325
10
330
20%
320
10
Occupations unique to primary
industry
165
8%
140
20
90
5%
75
15
Occupations unique to processing,
manufacturing and utilities
130
6%
115
10
80
5%
60
20
Source: Census Canada, 2006
03 – Demographics & Labour
Labour Force by Industry
The primary industries in Wawa and surrounding area include mining, forestry, tourism and
regional services such as retail, health and education. Industries in the service sector have
continued to grow while jobs in the primary manufacturing and forestry sector have declined in
recent years. Gold mining in the area is strong.
2001-2006 Wawa Industry Comparison
2001
2006
Industry
Total
% of
Total
Total – Experienced labour force
2,040
100%
1,095
940
10%
145
45
140
8.5%
125
15
22%
425
20
325
19.5%
300
30
Agriculture and other resource based
190
industries
Manufacturing and construction
445
industries
Male
Female
% of
Total
Male
Female
1,665 100%
920
745
Total
Wholesale and retail trade
270
13%
145
130
200
12%
110
85
Finance and real estate
85
4%
10
70
80
5%
20
60
Health and education
345
17%
70
275
340
20%
65
275
Business services
160
8%
85
75
110
7%
65
35
Other services
540
26%
220
320
465
28%
225
240
Source: Census Canada, 2006
400
2001
2006
350
Number of People
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Mining
Agriculture
Manufacturing
Construction
03 – Demographics & Labour
Regular Employment Insurance Claims
The table below compares the number of Wawa’s Monthly Regular Employment Insurance
Claims to the Regional Employment Insurance Rate. The Northern Ontario Region is known as
Region 38.
Beginning in mid-2006, both the number of employment insurance claims and the employment
insurance rate for Region 38 has continually increased. The steady increase can be attributed
to the closure of many natural resources and manufacturing based businesses including;
ForestCare (Jan. 2007), Domtar Forest Products (June 2007), Dubreuil Forest Products (Nov.
2007), and Weyerhaeuser Wawa (January 2008).
In May 2008, the number of Employment Insurance Claims in Region 38 started to reduce as a
result of claims lapsing, people securing other means of employment, or going back to school
for training, and the out-migration of people in order to secure full time employment in other
communities.
2006
Month
2007
2008
Region 38 # EI Claims in Region 38 # EI Claims
(%)
Wawa
(%)
in Wawa
9.5%
168
10.6%
229
2009
January
# EI Claims
in Wawa
120
February
123
9.9%
170
10.6%
233
10.9%
N/A
10.5%
March
145
9.7%
179
11.0%
200
10.7%
N/A
10.4%
April
138
9.9%
166
11.0%
180
10.7%
N/A
10.9%
May
120
9.9%
133
10.8%
149
10.7%
N/A
12.4%
June
103
10.3%
121
10.4%
126
10.4%
N/A
13.6%
July
106
10.2%
160
10.4%
133
10.1%
N/A
13.3%
August
108
10.2%
155
10.3%
136
10.4%
N/A
12.3%
September
108
10.5%
135
10.2%
112
10.4%
N/A
12.2%
October
111
10.7%
117
10.0%
100
10.3%
N/A
12.9%
November
132
10.8%
168
9.9%
111
10.1%
N/A
13.5%
December
149
10.7%
129
10.4%
146
10.3%
N/A
12.9%
Source: www.hrsdc.gc.ca
Region 38
(%)
10.9%
#EI Claims
in Wawa
N/A
Region 38
(%)
10.5%
03 – Demographics & Labour
Underemployment Rate
Traditionally, the term underemployment is defined as a person who is currently employed but
normally in a sector that is does not allow the individual to utilize their skills to the maximum of
their ability, i.e. a medical doctor who is employed as a taxicab driver. Another example of
underemployment are employees who are employed in part-time positions who could and/or
would prefer to be employed in full time positions but are unable to secure full time
employment.
In 2006, according to the Statistics Canada Census Wawa’s underemployment rate can be
defined by taking the total number of persons employed in the service, retail and tourism
sectors divided by the total labour force as generally these sectors only provide individuals with
part-time employment. In 2006, Wawa had a high underemployment rate, which is ideal for
industries looking for a large number of people willing to provide training opportunities, i.e. Call
Centres, Manufacturing industries etc.
UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE
= SERVICE + RETAIL + TOURISM
TOTAL LABOUR FORCE
= 200 + 465
1665
=39.94%
Year: 2006
03 – Demographics & Labour
Greater Wawa Ontario Works Caseloads (Social Assistance)
As of July 2012, 137 persons were registered to receive social assistance support in the
Greater Wawa Region (www.adsab.on.ca ).
From January 2007 through May 2009 the Ontario Works Caseload for Wawa and area
experienced an increase. This was attributed to the closure of several forestry operations and
mills in the region and associated loss of jobs.
120
Ontario Works Caseload - Wawa
Number of Claims
100
No. of Claims
2008
80
No. of Claims
2009
60
No. of Claims
2010
40
20
0
Month
Source: www.adsab.on.ca
03 – Demographics & Labour
Caseload - January 2007 to January 2009
The following chart displays a summary of the Ontario Works Caseload for three years, from
January 2007 through June 2010. June 2009 had the highest number of cases recorded during
the specified time period and January 2007 had the lowest number of cases. The median
number of cases for the three year period was 94.5.
Case Categories
Month
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
17
18
19
22
Total
January 2007
29
1
0
6
21
8
0
2
3
0
0
2
0
72
June 2007
34
2
1
4
26
8
0
2
3
2
0
3
0
85
January 2008
31
3
5
11
28
7
0
0
4
5
0
5
0
99
June 2008
26
2
1
4
28
10
0
0
3
2
0
4
0
80
January 2009
33
7
0
6
32
7
0
0
3
7
0
5
0
100
June 2009
52
6
0
8
26
7
1
1
1
1
0
6
0
109
January 2010
35
11
0
8
18
5
0
0
2
6
0
5
0
90
June 2010
44
9
0
6
27
5
0
2
2
8
0
4
0
107
Source: www.adsab.on.ca
Ontario Works Case Categories – Legend
01 – inability to find work
03 – pending first pay
05 – sole support parent
07 – long term unemployable
10 – child requiring temporary care
18 – client or spouse fully employed
22 – over 60 years of age
02 – inability to find work EI exhausted
04 – waiting on Employment Insurance
06 – temporarily unemployable
08 – attending educational institution
17 – transient
19 – awaiting on W.S.I.B. or other insurance benefit
Wage Rates by Occupation
The following estimated wage rates are taken from EI claims in the Sault Ste. Marie Area
Labour Market, which includes Wawa. They were prepared by the Ontario Labour Market
Information Service of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. Ontario’s General
minimum wage was increased to $10.25 per hour, and students under 18 were raised to $9.60
per hour in March 2010. Average wage rates in the Wawa area are among the lowest in
Ontario.
03 – Demographics & Labour
Administrative / Management
NOC
Occupational Title
YR
Wawa Average
YR
Thunder Bay
Average
YR
Toronto
Average
0621
Retail Trade Managers
07
$13.90
06
$14.35
09
$14.05
0631
Restaurant and Food Service Managers
07
$12.80
06
$15.35
09
$12.55
0114
Other Admin. Service Managers
05
$18.20
06
$23.90
09
$21.55
Administrative Staff
1111
Financial Auditors and Accountants
06
$19.40
06
$25.65
07
$30.96
1221
Administrative Officers
07
$16.25
06
$18.23
09
$18.00
1231
Bookkeepers
07
$14.40
06
$15.65
09
$15.85
1241
Secretaries (Except Legal and Medical)
06
$18.85
06
$17.95
09
$18.55
1411
General Office Clerks
07
$14.60
06
$16.05
09
N/A
1431
Accounting, Administrative and Related
Clerks
07
$17.20
06
$17.70
09
$15.45
1433
Customer Service
Representative – Financial Services
07
$14.20
06
$12.85
09
$14.10
1453
Customer Service, Information, Clerks
07
$10.65
06
$11.25
09
$13.80
1471
Shippers and Receivers
07
$12.15
06
$18.55
09
$12.60
1472
Storekeepers and Parts Clerks
07
$16.00
06
$18.10
09
$12.10
YR
Wawa Average
YR
Thunder Bay
Average
YR
Toronto
Average
Natural and Applied Sciences
NOC
Occupational Title
2122
Forestry Professional
06
$24.75
06
$26.70
N/A
N/A
2223
Forestry Technologists and
Technicians
07
$22.15
06
$21.05
N/A
N/A
2241
Electrical and Electronics
Engineering Technologist and Technicians
07
$23.45
07
$27.45
09
$16.70
YR
Wawa Average
YR
Thunder Bay
Average
YR
Toronto
Average
Health
NOC
Occupational Title
3152
Registered Nurses (General)
07
$31.60
09
$30.55
09
$29.55
3233
Registered Practical Nurses (General)
07
$21.50
09
$22.25
09
$20.65
3413
Nurse Aides and Patient Service Associates
07
$16.65
09
$16.55
09
$15.40
3414
Other Assisting Health Occupations
07
$16.25
09
$14.70
09
$13.85
Source: Census Canada 2006
04 – Industry
Wawa Industry Profile
The main industry sectors in Wawa are Sales and Services, which includes Tourism, and the
Health and Education sector. In addition, two operating gold mines in the Greater Wawa
Region contribute greatly to the local and regional economy.
In 2006, the Sales and Service sector was Wawa’s largest industry employing over 400 people
or 25% of Wawa’s labour force.
The Greater Wawa Regional labour force was 4,080 people in 2006 (Census Canada).
Additional regional data is available from Superior East Community Futures Development
Corporation (SECFDC) at www.superioreast.on.ca or call 705.856.1105.
Wawa Businesses – By Type
Type of Business
Companies
Communications
Arts, Entertainment and Recreation
Construction
Tourism
Transportation and Warehousing
Professional, Financial and Technical Services
Health Care and Beauty
Accommodations and Food Services
Retail
Public and Social Services
13
14
22
30
31
32
33
34
39
45
Source: 2008/2009 Town of Wawa, Business Directory. NOTE: These figures should only be considered approximate.
Service and Retail by Sector
13
45
14
Communications
22
Arts, Ent., Rec.
Construction
30
39
Tourism
Transportation & Warehousing
Pro., Fin., and Tech. Services
Health Care and Beauty
31
34
Acc. and Food Services
Retail
33
32
Public and Social Services
05 – Selected Business Profiles
Wawa Businesses - Profiles
Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. has been producing gold since 1987
The Wawa Wesdome Operation includes the 100% owned Eagle
River mine, Mill and newly developed Mishi Pit which is located
about 100 kilometres west and north of Wawa, as well as an
Assay Lab in downtown Wawa. Wesdome operates an
administrative office in Wawa. Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.
operation is one of Wawa’s major employers with 225
employees, as of July 2012.
Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.
93 Mission Rd, P.O. Box 1520
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-2718 Fax: (705) 856-7173
Website: www.wesdome.com
Watson’s Algoma Vacations Ltd. is
one of Wawa’s longest running
businesses. Established in 1946 by
Richard Watson Sr., the original beginnings for Watson’s Algoma Vacations Ltd. included only
a rustic three room cabin on 24 acres of land on the north shore of Kabinakagami (Kaby) Lake.
Pine Portage Lodge offers its guests a 6,000 sq. ft. Main Lodge and 13 guest cabins of various
sizes, providing accommodations for up to 100 at this remote fly in resort. A second site, Kaby
Lodge, was opened in the 1982 and has 6 guest cabins able to accommodate approximately
42 guests.
Betty McGie, CEO
Watson’s Algoma Vacations Ltd
11 Mission Road
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-222
Website: www.fishthefinest.com
TB!S - The Bargain Shop originated as the Canadian division of the Woolworth’s retail chain,
which started doing business in Canada in the 1920’s. In the Late 1990’s, TB!S became a
Canadian private company. The Bargain Shop opened in Wawa in 2009.
Wawa Manager
60 Broadway Avenue
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-1807
www.thebargainshop.com
05 – Selected Business Profiles
Naturally Superior
Adventures
is
situated on a scenic peninsula (Former
Island) on Lake Superior in Wawa.
For over ten years, Naturally Superior
Adventures has been providing weekend
kayak getaways, instructional programs, equipment rental, trip guiding services and
accommodations in either their lodge style rooms or beach campsite. NSA has available 50
sea kayaks, surf kayaks, tandem canoes and a 36 ft. Voyageur Canoe for rent. Naturally
Superior Adventures also offers personal growth retreats, landscape painting and photography
workshops led by experts in each field to take advantage of the ever changing moods of Lake
Superior. Naturally Superior Adventures was recently rated among the world’s top ten sea
kayaking outfitters by National Geographic Adventure Magazine.
David Wells, Naturally Superior Adventures
Lake Superior, R.R #1
Wawa, ON P0S1K0
Phone: (705) 856-2939
Website: www.naturallysuperior.com
J. Provost Contracting Ltd.
J. Provost Contracting in Wawa, Ontario, has been in operation for 25
years and currently employs 40 people. J. Provost secured the highway
maintenance contract from Transfield in 2012 for the highways between
Hornepayne to Wawa to Blind River and areas in between. This contract
resulted in an influx of new equipment and employees to the company. J. Provost has a Hot
Mix Asphalt Plant and all necessary asphalt paving equipment to service all needs from
driveways to highways. In addition, the Company also has all the equipment necessary to
complete any concrete work desired. J. Provost Contracting also has a wide range of
excavators from mini 4 tonne excavators to large 40 tonne excavators and a number of
attachments such as ditching buckets, brush cutters, and hydraulic breakers. J. Provost also
have a number of loaders, dozers, graders, tri-axle dump trucks, and highway plowing units
and is also equipped with the latest surveying equipment which gives them the ability to layout
projects and survey as-constructed details.
J. Provost Contracting Ltd.
HWY 17N, PO BOX 1518
WAWA, ON P0S 1K0
705-856-4513
www.jprovost.ca
05 – Selected Business Profiles
Richmont Mines Inc. Island Gold Mine and Mill
On January 1, 2005, Richmont Mines became operator of the Island Gold
Mine and Mill outside Dubreuilville, about 100 kilometers outside Wawa.
The mine began commercial production on October 1, 2007. Richmont
acquired Patricia Mining’s 45% interest in December 2008, becoming 100%
owner of the property and operations.
Richmont Mines Inc.
Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec CANADA
Tel: 819-797-2465
Email: info@richmont-mines.com
Tim Hortons Ltd. was founded in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario.
In December 2006, the Tim Horton’s - Wawa location officially
opened its doors.
Since its opening in December 2006, Tim Horton’s Wawa has proudly supported many local
initiatives such as; Timbits Minor Sports Program, Community Clean Up and the Smile Cookie
Program.
Perry & Norma Kauk
92 Mission Road
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-8467
www.timhortons.com
Young’s General Store is one stop you can’t miss when entering
the community of Wawa. Young’s is one of the most talked about
tourist spots on the Trans-Canada Highway. They provide hunting
& fishing licenses, export permits, full bait & tackle supplies, gas
bar, giftware, fudge, souvenirs, summer sausage made on site,
and ice-cream, etc.
Although Young’s is only open for the summer and fall season, it is a big hot spot for the
community and tourists to visit.
Joe Young
111 Mission Road
Wawa, Ontario P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-2626
www.youngsgeneralstore.com
For a profile of any other business, call the EDC at (705) 856-4419 or email
info@edcwawa.ca
06 – Available Property
Commercial, Industrial & Business Property
The community of Wawa has an abundance of available property that
can be tailored to fit any business need whether vacant industrial land is
required or vacant buildings. A variety of shovel ready property is
available including crown land, private land and serviced industrial lots.
All properties and business opportunities are listed on a database and
map which can be viewed at: www.edcwawa.ca
Michipicoten Industrial Park
A 40 acre industrial park is located at the entrance of Wawa, Ontario. The Municipality owns
this park on the Trans Canada Highway (Hwy. 17) which is made up of 34 lots serviced with
Municipal Water. Each lot available for purchase ranges between 0.4 hectares (1 acre) and 2.9
hectares (7 acres) in size. The purchase price is very negotiable and financing terms are
available. Lot size can be customized to suit the needs of the purchaser.
Municipality of Wawa
(705) 856-2244 ext. 223
cwray@wawa.cc
EDC of Wawa,
(705) 856-4419
info@edcwawa.ca
Essar Steel - Algoma There are several properties for sale which are owned by Essar Steel
Algoma and located within the town’s limits. Some of the properties are zoned heavy industrial
and are adjacent to Highway 17.
ESSAR Steel Algoma's Head Office
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
Ph: 1-705-945-2351
06 – Available Property
Ontario Crown Lands There are a variety of property owned by the Ontario Government that
surrounds Wawa and can be used for development.
Please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources at (705) 856-2396 for information.
For up-to-date information on Commercial Business
Opportunities see www.edcwawa.ca
Michipicoten Harbour
Wawa is home to a natural deep sea harbour. The facility was used extensively by Algoma Ore
to ship iron to market for many years, but was sold to a private company in the late 1990s. The
wharf area is approximately 1,500 feet long and 300 feet wide. Up to one-third of the wharf
area may become available for commercial use. The existing dock is a wooden faced heavy
timber structure which is 8 feet above datum and there is a trucking corridor to the dock. The
water depth of the harbour facility is 22 ½ feet. Industrial sites are available.
Bruce Staines, P.Eng.
Michipicoten Harbour
Wawa ON P0S 1K0
P.O. Box 3
Phone: (705) 856-0606
06 – Available Property
Municipality of Wawa – Business License and Permits
A Business License is required to operate certain businesses in the Municipality of Wawa. In
addition, other permits may be required. A copy of the Wawa Business License and other
municipal forms can be accessed on-line at:
http://www.wawa.cc/township/township.aspx?ID=433
For information about Municipal Fees and Permits contact
Paul Parisé, C.B.C.O.
Chief Building Official
Property Standards Officer
40 Broadway Avenue
Municipality of Wawa
Phone (705) 856-2244 ext. 228
Email: pparise@wawa.cc
BIZPAL - List of Provincial and Municipal Permits By Business Type
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07 - Taxation
Wawa Taxation Rates - 2012
For information on Municipal Tax Rates, contact:
Doreen Pavlic
Municipality of Wawa
(705) 856-2244 ext. 223
07 - Taxation
Ontario – Taxation Rates - A Highly Competitive Tax Environment
Ontario’s tax programs provide a big boost for business, helping them thrive and driving investments in
innovation. When you bring your business to Ontario, you enjoy the advantages of:
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

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Corporate income tax (CIT, provincial and federal combined) that’s lower than the average of
G8 and G20 countries and lower than the average federal-state CIT rate in the United States.
Employer payroll tax rates (total of pension, health and unemployment) that are among the
lowest of the G7 countries.
Personal income tax rates for people earning $60,000 that are comparable to rates in the
U.S., Japan and France, and considerably lower than rates in Ireland, Italy and Germany.
Harmonized sales tax (HST), which cuts tax compliance costs, gives companies credit for
sales tax they pay on various purchases and capital investments, and reduce layers of taxes
buried in supplier prices.
Ontario’s R&D Tax Program, which can reduce the after-tax cost of every $100 spent in R&D
to between $55 and $37, when combined with federal R&D tax incentives.
Relief from capital taxes – an aggregate annual tax burden of about $1.6 billion –which were
eliminated in July 2010.
Apprenticeship Training Tax Credits, which can earn employers up to $40,000 in tax credits
for every apprentice they train.
Co-operative Education Tax Credit, which gives businesses up to $3,000 in tax credits for
every student they hire as part of a co-op program.
Ontario - Low Labour Costs
Companies in Ontario save on mandatory
contributions to pension, health and
unemployment insurance. Thanks to
publicly funded health care, common
employer-sponsored benefits in Ontario
are approximately one-third of U.S. costs.
In Ontario, a typical company with close to
100 employees pays about US$259,000
per year for employee health care,
compared to US$783,000 in the U.S.
Labour costs on a national level also
compare favourably against costs in other
countries.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Finance, Ontario Economic Accounts, Second Quarter of 2011.
07 - Taxation
Ontario Harmonized Sale Tax (HST – formerly PST and GST)
The Harmonized Sales Tax is a 13 percent tax rate that was effective July 2010. The tax is a
combination of the 5 percent GST and the 8 percent PST and is remitted to the Federal
Government by businesses grossing more than $30,000 per year. HST is not charged on
every purchase, such as on basic groceries, prescription drugs and child care.
To learn more: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/gst-tps/menu-eng.html
Ontario Retail Sales Tax (RST)
On July 1, 2010, the Retail Sales Tax (RST) was replaced by the Harmonized Sales Tax
(HST). The provincial portion of the HST is eight per cent and the federal portion is
five per cent, for a combined HST rate of 13 per cent. The Canada Revenue Agency
administers the HST. For answers to your HST questions and for more information, visit
www.cra.gc.ca/gsthst or call 1 800 959-5525.
RST continues to apply to: taxable insurance premiums and private sales of specified vehicles
from a person who is not a GST/HST registrant.
Ontario Data and Statistics (Invest Ontario)
Valuable information, detailed statistics and current data drawn from provincial, national and
international sources - here's where you will find answers about doing business in Ontario.
http://www.sse.gov.on.ca/medt/investinontario/en/Pages/siteselector.aspx
08 - Transportation
Highway Access
Wawa is located 225 km north of Sault Ste.
Marie and 470 kilometres east of Thunder Bay,
along side the Trans-Canada King’s Highway
(Highway 17).
Neighbouring communities are:




Hawk Junction (15km) off Highway 101,
Dubreuilville (80km) on Highway 519,
White River (90km) on Highway 17,
Chapleau (150km) off Highway 101.
Rail Access
The Algoma Central Railway (ACR) operates regular Passenger Service between their depot
in Sault Ste. Marie and the northern terminus, 296 miles away in Hearst, Ontario. The Algoma
Central rail line runs through the heart of 22,000 square miles of recreational wilderness called
Algoma Country providing access to numerous lakes and rivers, private camps and cottages
and a variety of Wilderness Lodges. The closest access point to Wawa is Hawk Junction which
is 15 km away from downtown Wawa.
Algoma Central Railway
Phone: (705) 946-7300 Toll Free: (800) 242-9287
Web: www.algomacentralrailway.com
Canadian Pacific Railway (CP Rail) became a fully independent company in 2001. CP Rail
offers a wide variety of transport services throughout Canada, the US and Mexico. The CP
Rail closest access point to Wawa is White River, 90 km away and Chapleau, 150 km away.
Canadian Pacific Railway,
Phone: (403) 319-7000 Toll Free: (888) 333-6370
Web: www.cpr.ca
08 - Transportation
Air
The Municipality of Wawa
operates a public airport
facility
(CYXZ)
for
commercial and private
aircraft.
The airport is
located on Highway 101 just
off highway 17 across from
the Famous Wawa Goose.
It has one paved runway
which is 1,200 m in length
(4,429 ft x 100 ft). lights can be keyed by the pilot. Additional facilities include a weather
station, providing observations and weather information for incoming aircraft. Wilderness
Helicopters Ltd. owns a commercial hangar at the airport for aircraft services.
Float equipped aircraft is located on Wawa and Hawk Lakes. Commercial charter service is
available from Air-Dale Flying Service Limited, Hawk Air Service, Watson’s Algoma Vacations
& Watson’s Skyways, and Wilderness Helicopters Ltd. on these lakes.
Wawa Municipal Airport
Hwy 101, Box 500
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-2244 ext. 270 Fax: (705) 856-1788
Weather Station Phone: (705) 856-0150
Marine Access
Michipicoten Harbour
Wawa is home to a natural deep sea harbour. The facility was used extensively by Algoma Ore
to ship iron to market for many years, but was sold to a private company in the late 1990s. The
wharf area is approximately 1,500 feet long and 300 feet wide. Up to one-third of the wharf
area may become available for commercial use. The existing dock is a wooden faced heavy
timber structure which is 8 feet above datum and there is a trucking corridor to the dock. The
water depth of the harbour facility is 22 ½ feet.
Bruce Staines, P.Eng.
Michipicoten Harbour
Wawa ON P0S 1K0
P.O. Box 3
Phone: (705) 856-0606
Fax: (705) 856-9783
08 - Transportation
The Harry McCluskie Memorial Marina – Lake Superior
Wawa is home to a natural river mouth connected to Lake Superior. The river has currently
undergone dredging transformation to allow larger boats into the docking area. It is anticipated
that it will be functional by the summer of 2010. Located inside the junction of the Magpie and
Michipicoten Rivers, the marina provides facilities for 97 slips (40 slips with water and electrical
hookups) that are available by the day, week, month or season.
The mouth of the river at Lake Superior is constantly changing, and varies in depth from 6 to 8
feet. At the gas dock the water depth is 5 feet, and inside the marina basin the depth is 8 feet.
The marina can accommodate pleasure craft up to an 80 foot length.
A picnic shelter, water supply, clean washrooms and showers, sewage pump out, and fuel are
available on site.
Lori Johnson
The Municipality of Wawa
40 Broadway Avenue
P.O. Box 500
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-2244
09 - Utilities
Electrical Power
Electrical power to Wawa and area is provided by
Algoma Power Inc, with headquarters in Sault Ste.
Marie. Contact http://www.algomapower.com/
Electricity Prices at a Glance - 2012
Regulated Price Plan (RPP) - Tiered Prices
Prices effective May 1, 2012
(per kWh)
Lower-tier Price:
7.5 ¢
Higher-tier Price:
8.8 ¢
Current Tier Threshold: Residential summer threshold: 600 kWh per month
Regulated Price Plan (RPP) - Time-of-use (TOU) Prices
Off-peak Price:
6.5 ¢
Mid-peak Price:
10.0 ¢
On-peak Price:
11.7 ¢
SOURCE: http://www.ontarioenergyboard.ca/OEB/Consumers/Electricity/Electricity+Prices#prices
Season
Summer (May 1 - Oct 31)
Winter (Nov 1 - April 30)
All seasons
The regulated price
you pay
(per kWh)
Prices effective May 1, 2012
Up to 600 kWh
7.5 ¢
More than 600 kWh
8.8 ¢
Up to 1,000 kWh
7.5 ¢
More than 1,000 kWh
8.8 ¢
Up to 750 kWh
7.5 ¢
More than 750 kWh
8.8 ¢
Your electricity use
Applies to.
Residential
consumers
Non-residential
consumers
09 - Utilities
Smart Meters - 2012
Smart Meters are digital meters
that will communicate energy use
information between the meter at
your home or business and sends
it to your local distribution
company. Your local distribution
company
then
sends
this
information to the IESO who
bundles
the
consumption
information and sends it back to
the local distribution company for
billing. Not effective until 2012.
Algoma Power
2 Sackville Road
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 6J6
Phone (705) 256-3850 Fax (705) 253-6476
www.algomapower.com
Propane
Wawa and the surrounding area are not serviced with natural gas. As an alternative, two
propane distributors service the area. Propane is also a clean burning fuel and can offer many
of the same benefits as natural gas. Local propane distributors offer industrial customers all
equipment required to meet any application needed for large scale space heating, process
applications or tailor equipment to fit specific needs.
Due to the volatile price of propane, both fuel distributors offer a fixed price based on the
number of appliances an industrial user has and the estimate consumption. Below is contact
information for receiving quotes and prices.
Superior Propane
2475 Maley Drive,
Sudbury, ON
P3A 4S1
1-877-873-7467
www.superiorpropane.com
Cal-Gas
555 Superior Street
White River, ON
P0M 3G0
(807) 822-2959
www.calgasinc.com
09 - Utilities
Water and Sanitary Sewer Services
The Municipality of Wawa operates and maintains a municipal
water and sanitary sewer service throughout the community.
Water use and sewage charges are billed semi-annual. If the
proposed building is located in an area where it can be hooked
up to the municipal sewer service the rate is 95% of the water
charges. If the building is located in an area where a septic
system must be installed, it would be the owner’s responsibility and, therefore, no municipal
sewer charge is assessed.
Call the Municipality of Wawa 705-856-2244 for a copy of the annual water rates.
Water & Sewer Connection Fees
The water connection fee to turn on an existing water service is about $65.00 (under review).
To connect a new service, the Water Connection Permit Fee is about $55.00 (under review).
Private Septic System – Algoma Public Health
The Algoma Public Health enforces the provisions of the Building Code Act as they relate to
sewage systems. The Code and Guide for Sewage Systems governs the design, construction,
operation and maintenance of various classifications of sewage systems located within
properties. It only addresses sewage systems up to 10,000 litres capacity serving one lot.
Systems larger than 10,000 liters per day and off-lot (communal) sewage systems are
regulated under the Ontario Water Resources Act. Approvals are issued by the Ministry of the
Environment (MOE). The cost is dependent upon the type of installation required.
Algoma Public Health Inspector
18 Ganley St., P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-7208
www.algomapublichealth.com
Waste Management
Refuse collection for Wawa is contracted out to J. Provost Contracting 705-856-4315.
A tin can recycling depot is located at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre parking lot
(3 Chris Simon Drive) and at Ecole St. Joseph, 101 Churchill Avenue.
The Municipality of Wawa Landfill Site is located on High Falls Road, 2.6 kilometers east of
Highway 17 and is operated by the Municipality. The hours of operation at the Landfill Site are
Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
10 - Communications
Radio
The Municipality of Wawa is serviced by three radio stations: CBC Radio One 88.3 FM, Radio
Canada 90.7 FM (French Programming) and local owned JJAM FM (CHWA) 107.1 FM.
(856-4555)
Print and Online News
Print News
Online News
Wawa Digest (856-8260)
Wawa-news.com (856-7529)
Algoma News Review (856-2267)
www.thealgomanews.com (856-2267)
Cable
Full cable service including regional channels, major networks, specialty channels, and PayPer-View Channels are offered by Shaw Cable. Satellite service is also available and offered
by local service provider Bell XpressVu.
Telephone & Cell Phone
Local telephone service is offered by Bell Canada. Cell phone service is available in town
through Bell Canada, Rogers and TBay Tel. There is a choice of long-distance carriers
available.
Internet
Local Internet access is supplied by Ontera, Bell Canada (Sympatico), and Shaw Cable. High
speed and light speed Cable Internet is available for residential users and businesses. For
rural users, Xplornet offers High Speed internet services via satellite.
Company
Details
Bell
1-800-668-6878
Business Internet High Speed with ADSL
Consistent speed of 7 Mbps up to 10 Mbps
4 Port Wireless
Business email addresses
Shaw Cable
1-807-767-4422
Shaw Extreme Speed Business Internet
Up to 15 Mbps download speeds
10 Email accounts and basic TV included
Wireless modems, web and email hosting available
No contracts and no charge service calls
Ontera
1-888-566-8372
Business Package
5 static IP
20 emails
6 Mbps
11 - Government and Business Services
Municipality of Wawa - Mayor and Council
The Municipality of Wawa Mayor and Council meets the first and
third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers
located at 40 Broadway Avenue, Wawa. All meetings are open to
the public, unless otherwise stated.
Municipal Committees and Boards
-
Civic Achievement Award
Cemetery Board
Community Development
Committee of Adjustment
Community Service
Corporate Services
Fire Review
- Heritage Committee
- Policy Manual Committee
- Cemetery
- EDC of Wawa
- Library Board
- Wawa BIA
Municipality of Wawa
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
40 Broadway Avenue
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-2244
Website: www.wawa.cc
Provincial
Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry
The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry leads and coordinates government
programs aimed at growing the Northern Ontario economy, building strong northern
communities and creating job opportunities in the North. Through a network of offices and
strategic program and policy development, the ministry ensures northerners have access to
government programs and services and a say in government decisions affecting the North.
The Northern Development Officer manages implementation of local service restructuring and
delivers capital assistance and infrastructure programs including those of the Northern Ontario
Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
Guy Pelletier
Northern Development Officer – Wawa and Area
48 Mission Road, P.O. Box 1370
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-4743
Fax: (705) 856-7511
Email: guy.pelletier@ontario.ca
11 - Government and Business Services
Ministry of Natural Resources
The Ministry of Natural Resources is committed to protecting and
managing the province's natural resources.
The Ministry
contributes to the environmental, social and economic well-being
of the people of Ontario, meeting not only today's needs, but also ensuring these resources
are available for future generations. Services offered by the MNR out of the Government
Information Centre include, but are not limited to, referrals, hunting and fishing license sales,
park permit sales, providing information regarding Acts, Statutes and Legislation, as well as
operating the district general inquiry telephone line. The Wawa office also oversees
enforcement of Acts that apply to Crown resources, compliance inspections of activities on
Crown Land and the issuance of Crown Leases, Crown Timber licenses, land use permits and
Aggregate permits on Crown and private lands designated under Aggregate Resources.
Information/Resource Management Supervisor
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Wawa District
48 Mission Road, P.O. Box 1160
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-2396 ext. 281
Fax: (705) 856-7511
Website: www.mnr.gov.on.ca
Algoma District Services Administration Board
The Algoma District Services Administration Board oversees the administration and delivery of
Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Child Care, Social Housing, Employment
Assistance and Income Assistance for the Algoma Region. This Board is an amalgamation
designed to effectively and efficiently manage these high priority areas in rural communities
that might otherwise be under serviced.
Algoma District Services Administration Board
RR1, 1 Collver Road
Thessalon, ON P0R 1L0
Phone: (705) 842-3370, Fax: (705) 842-3747
Website: www.adsab.on.ca
Provincial Court
Ontario Provincial Court services are provided via satellite court. The Ontario Provincial Court
provides access to Criminal, Criminal-Youth, Family and Small Claims proceedings.
Ontario Provincial Court
40 Broadway Avenue
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: Wawa (705) 856-8000
Web: www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca
11 - Government and Business Services
PROVINCIAL
Member of Provincial Parliament
MICHAEL MANTHA – NDP
Contact information:
Queen's Park
Room 160 Main Legislative Building, Queen's Park
Toronto, ON M7A 1A5
Phone: (416) 325-1938
Email: mmantha-qp@ndp.on.ca
Constituency Office:
10 Paris Drive, Unit 1
Elliot Lake ON P5A 2L9
Phone: 705-461-9710
Email: mmantha-co@ndp.on.ca
FEDERAL
Industry Canada/FedNor
FedNor is a federal regional development organization in Ontario that works with a variety of
partners, as both a facilitator and catalyst, to help create an environment in which communities
can thrive, businesses can grow and people can prosper.
Community Economic Development Officer
Roberta Bonder Place, 70 Foster Drive
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 6V4
Phone: (705) 941-2070
Toll-Free: 1-877-333-6673
Website: www.fednor.ic.gc.ca
Member of Federal Parliament
Mrs. Carol Hughes of the New Democrat Party is our Member of Federal Parliament. She was
elected during the 2008 National Election.
Carol Hughes
20 Prince Edward Walk
Elliot Lake, ON
Phone: (705) 461-9571
Email: carolhughes@ndp.ca
11 - Government and Business Services
Economic Development Corporation
of Wawa (EDCW)
The Economic Development Corporation of Wawa (EDCW) is a
non-profit corporation governed by 11 members of a volunteer
Board of Directors compromised of community leaders, business
owners and elected officials dedicated to helping industry, small business and entrepreneurs
succeed. The EDCW has established relationships with the private and public sector, built
networks, and generated resources to meet the needs of businesses. It also helps to leverage
finances from government, funding that is critical to help communities attract new businesses,
facilitate enterprise development, and assist existing businesses with expansions and
troubleshooting. The EDCW works closely with the Municipality of Wawa, Superior East
Community Futures and Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
EDCW Vision Statement
The EDC is a non-profit corporation governed by 11 members of a volunteer Board of
Directors compromised of community leaders, business owners and elected officials.
The EDC works with local business, all levels of government (local, regional, provincial
and federal) and many community partners to facilitate economic growth within
the Municipality of Wawa. Our goal is to attract and assist businesses that will not only
thrive in our town but will also help to build our community and regional capacity.
EDCW Mission Statement
The EDC facilitates economic growth and inspires business confidence by providing
progressive leadership. The EDC is a conduit for investors and residents to obtain upto-date information and professional assistance. The EDC identifies and captures all
opportunities to support economic growth with its partners.
11 - Government and Business Services
EDCW Services

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
Provide up-to-date labour market and statistical information.
Promote available industrial and commercial land and buildings.
Support business start-ups and funding applications.
Assist entrepreneurs and developers to obtain necessary approvals.
Promote government financing and subsidy programs.
Distribute community information.
Update local business contact lists.
Market the Wawa area effectively to all potential investors.
Facilitate and pursuer all development and investment opportunities.
Liaise with local business and industries and to assist the Wawa BIA.
Prepare economic reports, studies and strategic economic planning.
Participate with all levels of government, surrounding municipalities and
Michipicoten First Nation in achieving economic development objectives for
the Region of Superior East.
Resources – Let us help build your business!
There are a number of on-line resources provided by the EDCW that can help you start
your business in Wawa. Just visit our website at www.edcwawa.ca
For further information about the EDCW and its services, please contact:
Ms. Maury O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer
Economic Development Corporation of Wawa
96 Broadway Avenue, P.O. Box 63,
Wawa, On P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-4419
Fax: (705)856-2655
Email: info@edcwawa.ca
Website: www.edcwawa.ca
11 - Government and Business Services
Superior East Community Futures
Development Corporation (SECFDC)
The SECFDC office in Wawa is delivered through FedNor who also supports 61 Community
Futures Development Corporations (CFDC’s) in Ontario. There are 24 located in the North and
37 located in the South. The Superior East Community Futures Corporation is available to
assist in the following areas:




Strategic community planning and socio-economic development
Support for community-based projects
Business information and planning services
Access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses and social enterprises
The Superior East CFDC is governed by a local Board consisting of local volunteers from the
region. These volunteers are familiar with their communities’ needs and development priorities
and provide direction for the organization.
Dan Friyia, General Manager
14 Ganley Street
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-1105
Website: www.superioreast.on.ca
Business Improvement Association (BIA) Wawa
In 1982 The Municipality of Wawa established
the Business Improvement Association, which
in organizational structure is very similar to a
traditional Chamber of Commerce. The BIA
has operated continuously since 1982 and allows local business people and property owners
to join together to organize, finance and carry out physical improvements and promote
business retention and economic development.
The Business Improvement Association (BIA) is a geographic area within the Municipality of
Wawa encompassing Broadway Ave and Mission Road up to and including the Wawa Motor
Inn and Home Building Centre. It also includes those businesses located on the first block of
streets branching east and west off Broadway Ave.
Wawa BIA
P.O. Box 2057
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
12 - Education
Enrollment by School – Primary and Secondary
The following chart illustrates enrollment levels in all local schools. It is important to note is that
enrollment numbers include students from the entire Wawa Region. There are a total of 4 schools in
Wawa, which offer French, French Immersion and English classes.
Students Enrolled
2006/07
2007/08
School
2004/05
2005/06
2008/09
2009/10
École Saint Joseph (JK-8)
180
148
148
150
132
174
St. Joseph’s School (JK-8)
129
116
92
86
68
61
Sir James Dunn (JK-8)
226
200
171
163
160
158
École Publique de l’Escalade (JK-8)
Not Built
22
20
12
13
15
École Carrefour Supérieur Nord (9-12)
66
62
56
48
4
N/A
École Saint Joseph (9-12)
Not Built
19
31
42
45
N/A
Michipicoten High School (9-12)
293
282
240
216
206
N/A
TOTAL
903
849
758
717
628
N/A
Source: Superior East Community Futures Development Corporation
School Contact Information
École Saint Joseph
Conseil Scolaire Public de Grand Nord d’Ontario
101 Avenue Churchill
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-2003
Fax: (705) 856-1372
Michipicoten High School
The Algoma District School Board
86 Magpie Avenue
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-4464
Fax: (705) 856-1948
St. Joseph’s School
Huron District Catholic School Board
2 Arnott Street
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-4521
Fax: (705) 856-1342
École Publique de l’Escalade
Conseil Scolaire Public de Grand Nord de l’Ontario
52 Winston Road
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-0123
Fax: (705) 856-7017
Sir James Dunn School
The Algoma District School Board
36 McKinley Avenue
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856 – 2517
Fax: (705) 856 -2974
École Carrefour Supérieur Nord
Conseil Scolaire Public de Grand Nord de l’Ontario
2 Boyer
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-7101
12 - Education
Confederation College – Wawa Campus
The Wawa Campus offers a wide variety of programs to meet the education and training needs
of the Superior East Region. Our programs range from full-time post secondary diploma
programs, full-time and part-time certificate programs, continuing education courses, general
interest courses and other education training opportunities. To view Wawa course offerings:
http://www.confederationc.on.ca/wawa
Confederation College
Wawa Campus, 3 Maple Street
Wawa, Ontario P0S 1K0
Phone: 705-856-0713
Enquiries: wawacampus@confederationc.on.ca
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program Manager: Phone: 705-856-0713
Melanie.Pilon@confederationc.on.ca
Distance Education
Contact North / Contact Nord
Contact North offers Wawa a link to over 200 courses and 80 parttime and full-time programs offered by 13 Ontario colleges and
universities, as well as literacy organizations. Courses are
provided through Audio-conference or Video-conference at 2
locations in Wawa. Levels of education include post-secondary,
college and university, with end results varying from high school GED through to Master’s
Degrees. Various certificate programs are accessible periodically offering skills directed to
upgrading skills or employment requirements.
Wawa Access Centre
P.O. Box 1666
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-7451
www.contactnorth.ca
North Algoma Literacy Coalition / Focus on Learning
Focus on Learning is an adult learning program for people who want to improve their reading,
writing, speaking, listening, math and basic computer skills. Each student sets his/her own
learning goals and creates a personal training plan and learning schedule. Focus on Learning
is suitable for people who want to learn in a relaxed, non-traditional atmosphere, in small
groups or one on one with staff or a volunteer tutor. The learning centre is open 20 hours per
week in Wawa, September to May.
Focus on Learning
Broadway Avenue
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-4394
12 - Education
Regional Employment Help Centre
The Regional Employment Help Centre has been in operation for over 15 years (since
1993) and services the communities of Wawa, Dubreuilville and White River. The office assists
unemployed and underemployed individuals, as well as employers to access available
Employment Ontario programs; including subsidized training placements, skills enhancement
training, resume development, assistance with job search, labour market information, and
other employment related services. Job program services are available for free to the
community, with a focus on assisting youth to gain employment experience
Regional Employment Help Centre
65-B Broadway Avenue
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone (705) 856-1648
Website: rehc@ontera.net
Superior Children’s Centre
Superior Children’s Centre is a non-profit organization
governed by a volunteer board of directors. This center offers a
number of child care programs in the North Algoma area as
well as Early Years Services in the Algoma-Manitoulin riding.
Licensed Child Care Programs Include:
·
·
·
·
Preschool program
·
Infant Care
·
English Nursery School
·
Before & After School Program
Toddler Program
Flexicare
School Readiness
·Home Child Care
·Summer Fun Program
·French Nursery School
Executive Director
41 Algoma Street
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-2178 or 1-800-482-4454
www.superiorchildrenscentre.org
13 – Housing & Climate
Housing Overview
There are a variety of residential homes and apartments in Wawa, all within a variety of price
ranges.
There are six apartment buildings in Wawa consisting of three or more stories, including a 21
unit seniors’ apartment building. The majority of available apartments are located in small
apartment buildings or private residential dwellings.
There are several social housing units available in Wawa. The Michipicoten Non-Profit
Housing Corporation oversees 40 townhouses with a mix of one to four bedroom units with
some rents geared to tenant incomes. Makawa Native Non-Profit Housing Inc. manages ten
single detached dwellings for aboriginal clients with rents geared to tenant income. The
Algoma District Services Board also maintains a number of apartments and townhouses
located throughout the community.
2006 Wawa Selected Occupied Private Dwelling Characteristics
Total number of dwellings
1,295
Number of owned dwellings
995
Number of rented dwellings
300
Number of dwellings constructed before 1986
1,160
Number of dwellings constructed between 1996 and 2006
135
Average value of dwelling ($)
$92,826
Median Monthly Payments for Owner Occupied Dwellings ($)
$600
Median Monthly Payments for Rented Dwellings ($)
$571
SOURCE: Census Canada, 2006
CONTACTS:
Makawa Native Non-Profit Housing Inc
42 Tamarack
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
705-856-1500
Residential Real Estate Contacts
REMAX
Sutton
Exit in the Soo
The Property Guys
Michipicoten Non-Profit Housing
40 Hillcrest Heights
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-7111
Algoma District Services Administration Board
RR1, 1 Colliver Street
Thessalon, ON P0R 1L0
Phone: (705) 856-2370
13 – Housing & Climate
Climate
Residents of Wawa enjoy all that the four seasons have to offer, with weather moderated by
Lake Superior and Wawa Lake. In each season, you can expect:
Winter
December to March: The first snow of the season,
snowmobiling, cross country skiing, skating, ice fishing and
other winter sports. A festive atmosphere and a tendency to
both warm up inside and explore the outdoors accompany this
season.
Spring
April to June: Snow melts, foliage returns and Wawa is ready
for the unpredictable weather ahead. The weather warms and
outdoor activities increase throughout the community.
Summer
July to August: Temperatures warm and many activities
move outdoors. Boating, swimming, cycling, golfing, fishing
and many more outdoor activities prevail throughout the
summer. Summer holidays occurs for students and some
workers.
Fall/Autumn
September to November: Temperatures start to cool. Trees
and foliage turn magnificent colours throughout the Wawa
area. Students return to school for the beginning of their year.
13 – Housing & Climate
Wawa Weather on the Web
There are a number of ways to find out about the daily weather occurring, and forecasted
weather in Wawa:
WawaWeather.com
WawaWeather.net (Live Weather Site)
Environment Canada – Wawa Weather Station
WeatherCity
The chart below shows the average monthly temperatures for 2007 to 2009. This information
was received from the office at the Wawa Municipality Airport.
Monthly Tempature Averages (2007 - 2009)
20
15
Tmperature ( C)
10
5
2007
0
2008
-5
2009
-10
-15
-20
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Month
Wawa Municipality Airport
Hwy 101
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-7231
14 – Emergency Services and Health
Law Enforcement – O.P.P.
The Superior East Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police
(OPP) oversees law enforcement in Wawa and area. The
Administration Office is located on Highway 17 with a satellite
office located at 40 Broadway in Downtown Wawa. There are 12
marked cruisers, 3 marked 4x4 vehicles, 2 unmarked cruisers, a
22 foot and 14 foot boat, 2 ATV's and 6 snowmobiles. The
Wawa OPP is currently operating at its optimum level in relation
to equipment and officers. The North Bay Communications
Centre is staffed 24 hours a day, every day, and is in constant
communications with all patrol vehicles.
Staff Sergeant
34 Pinewood Drive
Wawa, Ontario P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-2233
24 hour Police Service: 1-888-310-1122
Ontario Provincial Police Superior East – July 2012
Description







Emergencies call: 9-1-1
Non-emergency reporting and assistance call: 1-888-310-1122
Assistance to victims of crime
Crime prevention and law enforcement
Emergency response, including canine tracking and search and rescue
Public order maintenance (protests and riots)
Provides criminal reference checks
Contact via Cell From cell phone dial *OPP
Hours
Administration: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Officers/Patrol:24-hour Service
Areas Served
Wawa, White River, Dubreuilville
Languages
English ; French
Office Phone
Administration Only: 705-856-2233
TDD Phone
1-888-310-1133
Toll Free Phone 1-888-310-1122
Crisis Phone
9-1-1
Fax
705-856-7572
Website
www.opp.ca
14 – Emergency Services and Health
Fire Protection
The Municipality of Wawa has a volunteer Fire Department consisting of 20 personnel,
including one full-time employee. The alarm system for the community consists of a telephone
and pager system. A 24 hour paging system is maintained through the local police department.
All areas within the Municipality of Wawa are served by the Fire Department, including the
immediate roads surrounding the Municipality, local industry, the Airport, Pinewood Drive,
Highway 17, and the Michipicoten River Village. The Fire Department responds to rescue
situations within a wider jurisdiction, including Montreal River to the South, Highway 651 at
Missanabie, and Highway 519 at Highway 17 North. They are also a member of the Algoma
District Mutual Aid Program, providing help to other communities in emergencies, as far away
as Chapleau, Spanish, and Hornepayne.
Fire hydrants are positioned throughout the community, and a tanker truck is used for those
areas not supplied with hydrants. The Municipality owns 2 pumper trucks, one rescue unit
containing an auto extrication unit, and one tanker/pumper.
Fire Chief
40 Broadway Avenue
Wawa, Ontario, P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-2244 ext 279
Emergency Dial
Ambulance Service
Ambulance Service in Wawa and the surrounding area is
administered by the Algoma District Services Administration
Board. The ADSAB has been the designated delivery agent
of ground ambulance services since January 1, 2001.
Emergency service can be attained by dialling 911
Emergency Service.
911
14 – Emergency Services and Health
The Lady Dunn Health Centre (LDHC)
The Lady Dunn Health Centre is a new, state of the art, multi-service facility including 10 acute
care, 2 respite and 16 long-term care beds. The Lady Dunn Health Centre operates a 24-hour
emergency department, staffed by a Registered Nurse and an on-call Physician. The LDHC
also provides a Surgical Program, Diagnostic and Therapeutic services, Obstetrics, TeleHealth
and a Nurse Practitioner Program.
The Wawa Medical Centre is also located within the Lady Dunn Health Centre, offering
services provided by four to six doctors.
Available Hospital Programs:
24 hour Emergency Services
10 Acute Care beds
16 ELDCAP (Long-Term Care) beds
Obstetrics
Video Tele-Conferencing
North Algoma Counseling Service
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services
Diabetes Education Program
Rehab - Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy
Visiting Specialists: Ear Nose and Throat, Eye Van, Internal Medicine/Respiratory,
Orthopedics, Psychiatric.
Chief Executive Officer
Lady Dunn Health Centre
17 Government Road, P.O. Box 179
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-2335
Fax: (705) 856-7533
Website: www.ldhc.com
14 – Emergency Services and Health
The Wawa Family Health Team is a newly developed collaborative, inter-disciplinary team of
health care providers offering primary care services to area clients with a focus on health
promotion, chronic disease management and disease prevention. Funded through the Ministry
of Health and Long Term Care, the goal of the Family Health Team is clear through our Vision
Statement: “Together…a healthier community”.
All programs and services delivered by the Wawa Family health Team will be evidence-based
and reflective of best-practices in primary care. The FHT will work collaboratively to address
the unique needs of each client and the client will play a central role in determining the scope
and range of services delivered by the team.
Executive Director
36 Montreal Avenue, P.O. Box 950
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-9500
Algoma Public Health Unit is committed to supporting healthy communities by providing a
continuum of quality health services throughout the Algoma district. Services for Wawa are
administered out of Sault Ste. Marie through a local branch. Programs and/or services offered
by the Algoma Health Unit include: The Community Mental Health Program, Community
Alcohol/Drug Assessment Program, Environmental Health, Infection Control Program,
Immunization Records and Clinics, Services for Parents, Children, Adolescents, Adults,
Seniors and Sexual Health Information and Services.
Algoma Public Health
18 Ganley St
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-7208
Website: www.algomapublichealth.com
Algoma District Services Administration Board (ADSAB) offers a variety of services and
links to other income support and education and training programs. These services include
Ontario Works, The Ontario Disability Support Program, Social Housing, Child Care Subsidy
and Algoma Emergency Medical Service.
Algoma District Social Services
50 Broadway Avenue
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-2303
Website: www.adss.on.ca
14 – Lifestyle and Recreation
Wawa Community Centre - Arena
Wawa has a great Community Centre with many community
activities and residents and visitors can take advantage of a
membership area which features a cardio fitness centre, dance
studio, and international squash courts and a sauna/change
room area. Hockey, figure skating and curling are also a big
part of the excitement during the fall and winter months. Both
the arena and curling rinks host league play in addition to many
tournaments and bonspiels.
Arena: The Municipality of Wawa arena is home for an active minor hockey league, and the
Wawa Figure Skating Club. Five dressing rooms accommodate regular programs, special
tournaments, and competitive events. Spectators enjoy warm and comfortable seating during
public admission events and competitions.
In
addition, heated viewing areas allow spectators to
view the arena from above.
Curling Rink: A four sheet curling rink is available to members of the Community Centre. The
Wawa Curling Club normally hosts men’s, ladies, and mixed curling leagues during week
nights. Also, the club hosts a minimum of three bonspiels per season.
Banquet and Meeting Facilities: Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre is equipped with
a licensed lounge and banquet room with a seating capacity of 300. These rooms are divided
by a movable partition and can be utilized separately or together. Comfortable seating
capacities of each room are 200 (Banquet Room) and 100 (Lounge) respectively. The facilities
have complete wheelchair accessibility, climate control, and offer a complete range of
audio/visual equipment. Kitchen facilities are also available to rent and organizers may make
their own catering arrangements. The lounge and the banquet room are permanently licensed
by the municipality. The bar may be opened on request of the organizer and is operated with
qualified, municipal staff.
Sports Field: Located behind the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, the field utilizes
three baseball diamonds, a 400 metre track, and two soccer fields. The Mixed Adult Slo-Pitch
plays twice per week during the summer months of June, July and August. Children’s summer
sports programs are organized by the Municipality of Wawa and normally include soccer,
baseball and t-ball, with others organized as interest demands. There are two hard top tennis
courts available for use free of charge. They are located at the Community Centre and are
illuminated until 11:00 p.m. For more info contact the Community Centre at 856-2244 ext 240.
For additional information about these activities please refer to the 2008/2009
Recreation Guide by visiting www.wawa.cc or contact the Municipality of Wawa at (705)
856-2244 ext.240.
14 – Lifestyle and Recreation
Playgrounds
There are five public municipal playgrounds within the municipality. Centennial Park, Queens
Park, Wawa Lake Beach Front, and Beck Avenue Park and The Michipicoten River Village
Park are all located within Municipal boundaries and are maintained by municipal staff.
Additional playground facilities are also available at the schools.
The Harry McCluskie Memorial Marina
Located inside the junction of the Magpie and
Michipicoten Rivers, the marina provides docking
facilities for 97 pleasure craft.
The marina accesses Lake Superior. The mouth of the
river is constantly changing, and varies in depth from 6 to
8 feet. At the gas dock the water depth is 5 feet, and
inside the marina basin the depth is 8 feet. The marina
can accommodate pleasure craft up to an 80 foot length. There are 97 slips, 40 with water and
electrical hook-ups. Slip rentals are available by the day, week, month, or season. A picnic
shelter, water supply, clean washrooms and showers, sewage pump out, and fuel are available
on site.
Michipicoten Public Library
The Michipicoten Public Library provides automated circulation & catalogue files, books,
information, magazines, interlibrary loans, videocassettes, talking books, local history
collection, community internet access program, photocopying/fax, telephone directories,
computers, studying/reading space, community information, and cyber camps.
Public Library
40 Broadway Ave. Wawa ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-2062
Website: www.mtpl.on.ca
Superior Gym Weight Centre
Superior Gym is a non-profit club with a variety of weight lifting equipment, located directly next
to the community centre. Club membership entitles members to unlimited access to all
equipment. Although there are no instructors employed in the club, volunteers are available to
help with weight training programs. The facilities are open to men and women.
14 – Lifestyle and Recreation
Michipicoten Golf Club
The Michipicoten Golf Club is a non-profit organization operating a
challenging 9-hole course. Golf season extends from mid-May to early
October.
The Michipicoten Golf Club is open daily and accommodates all levels
of golfers. A Club House, featuring a restaurant, bar, and open deck is
located on the site. Cart and club rentals are available. A Pro Shop is
also operated on the site. For more information please contact them at
705-856-7409.
Swimming
The Wawa Lake beachfront is located just 2 blocks from the
downtown area. Beach house facilities offer washrooms
during the months of July and August. This beach is
unsupervised; however, a main swimming area is buoyed off
to prevent watercraft from entering the area. The Municipality
of Wawa is also located on Lake Superior and has access to
two sand beaches within a ten minute drive from the downtown
area. Sandy Beach and Driftwood Beach are popular on a hot
day, or to enjoy a Lake Superior sunset.
Fishing & Hunting
There are a number of fishing and hunting opportunities in Wawa and
the surrounding area. Depending on the season and what type of
game you are interested in hunting or fishing; Wawa is the right place
to be. There are many local businesses in town that offer guiding
services for both hunting and fishing excursions and many
establishments that will make sure that you are prepared for any type
of adventure, whether it is a fly in fishing trip, train-in moose hunting or
a leisurely afternoon fishing trip. (Special Note: Please remember to
visit the local Ministry of Natural Resources office to ensure that
you have the proper licenses and approvals before heading out
and enjoying your special day.)
14 – Lifestyle and Recreation
Hiking
Wawa is surrounded by some of the best hiking and backpacking opportunities within the Lake
Superior area. Local trails include Mr. Vallee Park, the Voyageur Trail Route, and crosscountry ski trails. Wawa also has access to the Lake Superior Provincial Park Hiking trails
which are normally open from May through to October. For additional information please visit
the Lake Superior Provincial Park office located approximately 40km South of Wawa.
Snowmobiling
The Wawa Sno-Riders is a non-profit organization, is a member of the
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), and maintains more
than 450 kilometres of groomed, well posted trails complete with warmup shacks and washroom facilities. Wawa area trails are also part of the
Snow Challenge Loop, which extends through White River, Hornepayne,
Marathon, Manitouwadge, and Dubreuilville. Snowmobiles must have a
trail permit to use the OFSC trails. For an up-to-date report on trial
conditions call 1-800-367-9292 ext. 260 or ext. 267 (recorded message).
Camping & Canoeing
Unlimited camping and canoeing facilities exists locally within the areas of the Provincial
Parks, through privately operated campgrounds, and through local guides and outfitters.
Churches and Spiritual Services:
FIRST UNITED CHURCH
Broadway Ave Wawa, ON
P 705-856-2926
SERVICES:
11:00 a.m. Sunday
ST.MONICA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
Broadway Ave Wawa, ON
P 705-856-2032 (and fax)
SERVICES:
7:00 p.m. Saturday,
9:30 a.m. (Bilingual) Sunday
WAWA BAPTIST CHURCH
323 Hardy Street Wawa, ON
P 705-856-4567
SERVICES:
10:45 a.m. Sun. &
6:30 p.m. Pastor’s Home
ST. PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH
62 Second Avenue Wawa, ON
P 705-856-0689
SERVICES:
10:00 a.m. Sunday
CALVARY PENTACOSTAL CHURCH
Government & Broadway Ave
P 705-856-2455
SERVICES:
11:00 a.m. Sunday,
7:00 p.m. Sunday Evangelistic
7:00 p.m. Wed Bible Study
KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESS
Winston Road
SERVICES:
10:00 a.m. Sunday,
8:20 p.m. Tuesday: Meetings
7:30 p.m. Tuesday: Book Study
14 – Lifestyle and Recreation
Social Services
Wawa is able to offer its community an abundance of social service programs designed to
meet the needs of all persons. All programs offer flexibility in their services and schedules to
better serve Wawa’s local and surrounding citizens.
Algoma Women’s Sexual Assault Services
(800) 205-7100
Algoma District Administration Board Services
(705) 856-2303
Best Start Hub
(705) 856-7354
Canadian Red Cross
(705) 856-1964
Chadwic Home & Family Resource Centre
(705) 856-2848 or (800) 461-2242
Children’s Aid Society
(705) 856-2960 or (888) 414-3571
Community Living Algoma
(705) 856-2423 or (800) 448-8097
Focus on Learning
(705) 856-4494
Integrated Services for Northern Children
(705) 856-2252
Iris Place / Food Bank
(705) 856-1894
North Algoma Family Services
(705) 856-2252
IMMIGRATION SERVICES
http://www.immigrationnorthwesternontario.ca/Communities/Municipality_of_Wawa.htm
15 – The Greater Wawa Region – Superior East
Northeastern Superior Mayors’ Group
Northeastern Superior Mayors’ Group is a
voluntary association of the mayors of six
communities in the Northeastern Superior
region, Chapleau, Hornepayne, Dubreuilville,
White River, Wawa and Manitouwadge. This
group meets monthly to discuss current issues
facing their communities, and the region as a
whole.
For more information about the Northeastern
Superior Mayor’s Group contact:
Chris Wray, CAO/Clerk
Municipality of Wawa
Phone: 856-2244 ext: 223
Michipicoten First Nation
Michipicoten First Nation (MFN) is located 24 kilometers south of Wawa. The existing
community is registered under Gros Cap Indian Reserve #49 as defined by the 1850 Robinson
Superior Treaty. Although on reserve population remains small, there are approximately 750
MFN members, through housing initiatives and economic development opportunities and
acquirement of suitable land for building MFN is endeavoring to increase residency for its
members. MFN is a community that is committed to work productively with both Aboriginal
and non-Aboriginal communities, based on a sense of mutual respect and equality.
Chief Joseph Buckell
Michipicoten First Nation
Box 1, Site 8, RR#1
Wawa, Ontario P0S 1K0
Phone: (705) 856-1993 Fax: (705) 856-1642
Website: www.michipicoten.com
15 – The Greater Wawa Region – Superior East
The Northeast Superior Forest Community (NSFC)
The Northeast Superior Forest Community (NSFC) is a partnership
between six northern Ontario municipalities and the Northeast
Superior Regional Chiefs Forum which represents six First Nation
communities which have come together with common goals and
objectives under the banner of Natural Resources Canada’s Forest
Communities Program. The NSFC pursues opportunities and
projects in non-timber forest products.
The NSFC’s six partner municipalities stretch from Hornepayne in the north, through to
Manitouwadge in the west, and also include Chapleau, Wawa, Dubreuilville, and White River.
The 6 First Nation communities represented by the Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs’ Forum
are Chapleau Cree, Brunswick House, Michipicoten, Missanabie Cree, Pic Mobert, and
Hornepayne First Nations.
info@nsfc.ca
26 Pine Street West, Box 1388
Chapleau, ON P0M 1K0
Phone: (705) 864-2031
Commuting Population within the Greater Wawa Region
The Superior East Region is comprised of four communities; Chapleau, Dubreuilville, Wawa,
White River and five First Nation communities. All communities within the Superior East
regional boundaries are inter-connected and share many amenities and services, including
health and social services, education services and employment opportunities.
2006 Labour Force Numbers
• Chapleau –1,260
• Dubreuilville – 450
• Wawa – 1,675
• White River – 590
• Superior East Region – 3,975
2006 Participation Rate
• Chapleau – 67.6%
• Dubreuilville – 65.6%
• Wawa – 64.4%
• White River – 84.9%
• Superior East Region – 68.6%
15 – The Greater Wawa Region – Superior East
Greater Wawa Unemployment Rates
The table below compares the number of Regular Employment Insurance Claims in each
community in the Superior East region to the Employment Insurance Rate, expresses as a
percentage for what Service Canada has identified as Region 38 or Northern Ontario. Data for
the community of Chapleau was unavailable.
2007
2008
# EI
Claims
Dub.
# EI
Claims
White
River
Region
38 (%)
# EI
Claims
Dub.
# EI
Claims
White
River
Region 38
(%)
January
61
27
10.6%
154
123
10.9%
February
46
28
10.6%
149
114
10.9%
March
39
30
11.0%
126
108
10.7%
April
36
37
11.0%
119
95
10.7%
May
37
42
10.8%
116
84
10.7%
June
35
38
10.4%
105
47
10.4%
July
55
98
10.4%
124
33
10.1%
August
53
140
10.3%
116
33
10.4%
September
46
135
10.2%
101
28
10.4%
October
35
125
10.0%
93
24
10.3%
November
87
127
9.9%
52
23
10.1%
December
145
128
10.4%
58
28
10.3%
Month
Source: Superior East Community Futures Development
15 – The Greater Wawa Region – Superior East
Greater Wawa Languages - Bilingual Capabilities
The community of Wawa and the Superior East Region has a very diverse population with
strong Francophone roots. According to the 2006 Statistics Canada Census, 28.10% of
Wawa’s population is officially bilingual in both official languages and 35.28% of the Superior
East Region is bilingual. This chart illustrates the rate of bilingualism for the each community in
the region.
Rate of Bilingualism
78.50%
80.00%
70.17%
70.00%
58%
Rate of Bilingualism (%)
60.00%
51.97%
49.78%
50.00%
English
44.85%
40.00%
35.28%
Bilingual
28%
30.00%
20.83%
20.00%
10.00%
1.25%
4.72%
1.19%
0.38%
6.32%
0.10%
0.00%
Wawa
French
White River
Chapleau
Dubreuilville
Location
Source: Census Canada 2006
Region
16 - History of Wawa
History of Wawa
The Michipicoten area has a long and rich history filled with times of prosperity and hardship
that were influenced by the natural resources abundant in the area. Settlers have been
attracted to the area for over 3,000 years beginning with the Anishnabwe people.
Aboriginal settlement occurred around the Michipicoten area in at least four locations and
these settlements have been traced back as early as 1165 B.C.
Between 1617 and 1622 Etienne Brûlé became the first European to reach and travel the
shores of Lake Superior. During this period Brûlé discovered and made contact with the
Ojibway tribe living on the Michipicoten River. In Ojibway, Michipicoten means “Big Bluffs” or
“the big bluffs there,” a reference to the very rugged coastline and large hills found along the
shore and on the island about 40 km west of the river mouth. Due to Brûlé's explorations, the
name and location of Michipicoten appeared on Samuel de Champlain's map of 1632 of
explored areas of the New World. Michipicoten is one of the oldest original place names found
on any map of Ontario.
The first fur trading post was built in 1725 on the south shore of the Michipicoten River where it
merges with the Magpie River to flow into Lake Superior. The Michipicoten Post became the
headquarters for the Hudson Bay Company from 1827 to 1887 and closed in 1895. Remains
of the Post site can still be seen on the banks of the Michipicoten River.
16 - History of Wawa
Michipicoten First Nation
On September 7, 1850 "Treaty No. 60" was negotiated and signed between the Honourable
William Robinson on behalf of Queen Victoria and Chiefs Totomenai of the Michipicoten
Ojibwas and Joseph Peau de Chats. The consequences of this historic document are that the
Ojibwa Nation turned over all their lands from Batchawana Bay to Pigeon River (except three
small reservations) to the Crown. Totomenai and his tribe were given four square miles at
Gross Cap just north and west of Michipicoten Harbour. The Indians also were to receive "the
sum of Two Thousand Pounds of good and lawful money to them in hand paid; and a further
perpetual annuity of 500 Pounds, the same to be paid to the said Chiefs and tribes - not later
than the first of August at the Hudson's Bay posts at Michipicoten and Fort William."
The Mission —‘The Michipicoten River Village’
The Hudson's Bay Co. contributed significantly to the growth of the Michipicoten area.
Aboriginals originally living at the post relocated to a high bank across the Michipicoten River
that came to be known as the Michipicoten Mission. The original development of the Mission
was influenced by the location chosen for the first church in the area. European exploration of
the Lake Superior frontier was quickly followed by adventurous Jesuit missionaries eager to
establish contact with the native people. Established by the Jesuit Order, the Sainte MargaretMary Church is believed to have been the symbolic centre of the Mission since the early
1800's until 1980 when it was destroyed by fire. Though the church is gone, the Mission
survives as a picturesque sister community of Wawa that has maintained its original image.
This community has since been renamed to Michipicoten River Village.
Logging
Of all the communities in the Superior East Region, Wawa has
had the least amount of historical participation in the logging
industry. This includes a short-lived surge of lumbering along
Lake Superior and major rivers in the area during the 19 th
Century. During the early 1900’s, timber was harvested and
floated down the Agawa, Magpie, and Michipicoten River
systems. The logs were gathered into huge booms at the
mouths of the rivers and towed by tugs to the pulp mill in Sault
Ste. Marie. Boom logs, steel pins and cables are still visible along the eastern Superior
shoreline and river banks. The remnants of early logging camps can be found in isolated areas
of both Pukuskwa National Park and Lake Superior Provincial Park on Mijinemungshing Lake.
16 - History of Wawa
Gold Mining
The exploration and extraction of mineral resources have been
ongoing activities in the Wawa area since the operation of
primitive copper mines in the late 1600's. Short-lived copper
and ore mining ventures occurred in the 1770's and
unsuccessful mining exploits continued in spurts until 1897
when gold was discovered on the south shore of Wawa Lake
ensuring Wawa's future as a mining town. Described as a
miniature Klondike, the Wawa gold rush lasted until 1906.
Wawa was surveyed and plotted into a town site in 1899 and
was registered with the land office in Sault Ste. Marie as Wawa City. Wawa is an Ojibway word
which is believed to mean "wild goose". This name was chosen for the town site because of
the large flocks of Canada Geese that used Wawa Lake as a resting place during their annual
migrations.
In the 1920's, a revitalized interest in the gold deposits near Wawa led to the discovery of new
gold veins at Michipicoten. Gold mines that were operational during the first Wawa gold boom
were redeveloped and in 1926, Grace Mine was re-opened and by 1932, Jubilee, Minto,
Darwin, and Parkhill mines had begun operations. These four mines were the most successful
of at least fifteen other gold mines that also commenced during this time. The gold mines led to
the creation of short-lived communities directly adjacent to the mine sites that have now all
disappeared.
Gold mining in Wawa has fluctuated experiencing peak production and profits in the late
1980's when Ontario became the largest gold producer in Canada. Due to the advent of a poor
gold market in 1990s, the industry declined leaving only one gold mine remaining in operation,
River Gold. Exploration in the area has recently increased.
Iron Ore Mining
Gold mining led to the coincidental discovery of high quality iron ore in the area. Francis
Hector Clergue and his newly formed Lake Superior Power Company began mining operations
at Helen Mine and, from 1900-1918 Helen Mine was the largest producer of Iron Ore in
Canada.
The Helen Mine remained an open pit operation until 1950 and in 1960 the George W.
MacLeod Mine went into production next to the Helen Mine. Throughout the nineties, Algoma
Ore continued to be challenged by international markets and in December of 1997, Algoma
Steel announced that they could no longer support the high cost of extracting low grade iron
from Algoma Ore. Even though Wawa's mountain of iron ore still had more to give, operations
were shut down in June of 1998, 100 years after iron was first discovered in this remote corner
of Northern Algoma.
16 - History of Wawa
The Wawa Goose
For many years Wawa's only links with the outside
were by way of a steamboat service (until 1941), air
(floatplane) and the Algoma Central Railway from Hawk
Junction to Sault Ste. Marie. A Trans-Canada Highway
became an obsession of the region for some 30 years.
By 1930 a section of highway was constructed from
Sault Ste. Marie to Montreal River. It eventually made
its way to the Agawa River, sixty miles from Wawa,
where it stopped and remained untouched until 1956 when a 12 mile extension was added.
The rugged 60 miles of highway between Agawa and Wawa was finally completed in 1960.
The "Gap", as it was aptly named, was the most expensive Ontario section of the TransCanada Highway.
Wawa's famous Goose was also unveiled at the official opening of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Constructed as a fitting symbol of the area, the original Wawa Goose stood 27 feet high, 23
feet long and weighed 150,000 pounds. The statue sat at the junction of Highway 17 to White
River and Highway 101 to Wawa and Chapleau in hopes of attracting people to stop and visit
the area. In 1963, the original Goose was replaced by one a foot taller and 145,600 pounds
lighter. It was constructed of rolled, cold steel from Algoma Steel and the base of the statue is
surrounded by a hedge of hawthorn bushes transplanted from the old Hudson Bay Post on the
Michipicoten River.
Tourism
When Wawa opened its doors to Trans-Canada travelers, the community was permanently
transformed. Motels, stores, service stations, parking areas, paved roads and other services
were developed to facilitate Wawa's newest industry, tourism.
The tourist industry has since become a significant contributor to the prosperity and survival of
the Wawa area. Its scenic location in the rugged landscape of Lake Superior's north shore and
the abundance of unspoiled wilderness is a resource that offers unlimited opportunity for
hunting, fishing and outdoor enjoyment.
www.wawa.cc/tourism/
This Community Profile is produced by Wawa`s Economic
Development Corporation.
The information is collected from a variety of sources, and information
is updated when new data becomes available.
For additional information, contact:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF WAWA
96 Broadway Avenue
Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
Phone: (705)-856-4419
Fax: (705)-856-2655
www.edcwawa.ca
info@edcwawa.ca