Chapleau to receive grant under Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program for museum renovations

The Township of Chapleau will receive a $50.000 grant under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program to assist with renovations to the Chapleau Heritage Museum.

The announcement was made by Terry Sheehan, MP for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of Naveep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and minister responsible for Fednor in the federal Liberal government.

Specifically it will assist with renovations to the Chapleau Heritage Museum. and address moisture issues, install a ventilation system, replace windows and doors, increase accessibility, and restore artifacts.

The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) funding, delivered through FedNor, is part of the Government of Canada's coordinated approach to mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation. These investstments will help create jobs, boost economic activity, strengthen communities, and celebrate Canada's rich heritage and history.

Crowd at opening of museum in 1967. Engine 5433 in background

"The Government of Canada recognizes that community-based facilities, such as the Chapleau Heritage Museum, contribute to the quality of life in small communities and large urban centres across Canada," Mr Bains said.  "This investment will celebrate Chapleau's diverse history and heritage, enhancing key community infrastructure to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for years to come."

"We are pleased that the Government of Canada, through FedNor, is supporting our efforts to upgrade the Chapleau Heritage Museum that will ensure its long-term viability, and provide us with a venue to educate residents and tourists on our community's rich history and many achievements,  Mayor Michael Levesque commented.

The museum was opened in 1967 as a Centennial project.

Liz Howard from Chapleau becomes youngest winner of Griffin Poetry Prize

By Michael J Morris
Liz Howard became the youngest person to win the prestigious Griffin Poetry Prize of $65,000 for her book 'Infinite Citizen of the Shaking Tent'.

Not only is Liz the youngest winner, but the first to do so with her debut collection of poems. In 2015, Liz was a finalist for the Governor General's Award for poetry.

Born in Timmins, but raised in Chapleau, Liz is the daughter of Tamara (nee Turcotte) and Sylvain Rousseau. Her birth father was Russell Howard.

After graduating from Chapleau High School at the top of  her class in 2003, Liz attended the University of Toronto, graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree with distinction in 2007.

In deciding the prize winners, the Griffin committee looked at 633 books of poetry from more than 40 countries, according to news reports.

At the awards ceremony, Liz said she has  several different projects in mind, and "it's hard to focus. All I want to do is write. All I want to do is this one thing."

She also paid particular attention to youth: "I know a lot of our youth today are struggling, especially our First Nations youth. And I guess I just wanted to say that it can get better. And for me, poetry made life possible for me. It made life tolerable for me - both reading it and writing it.

In an earlier interview Liz commented that ""My childhood in Chapleau, especially the significant amount of time I spent in the woods and lakes, are foundational to my writing. I am also very proud of my Anishinaabe (Ojibway) heritage and write about many First Nations issues."

Former Chapleau reeve Kenneth Russell received education award from Ontario Association of Radiological Technologists in 1983

Kenneth Russell, who served several terms as reeve of Chapleau, was  the recipient of the 1983 Ontario Association of Radiological Technologists Education Award for his contributions to medical radiation technology education.

The award, is presented annually to a member who "meritoriously contributed to the medical radiation technology field of education."

After serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Ken received training in medical education technology in New Brunswick and had become a registered  diagnostic technician by 1961. A year later he had obtained his registration in radiotherapy, according to a story in the Chapleau Sentinel.

He went to Prince Edward Island where he helped establish a radiography training school, as well as serving as an instructor at it until 1965.

Moving to Sudbury to accept position as chief technologist at Sudbury Memorial Hospital, Ken initiated the Sudbury School of Radiography where he was chief instructor until 1969.

He was appointed to the position of technical director of the Northern School of Radiography and subsequently was chairman of the Northern Ontario Health Science Schools which incorporated nursing, medical lab technologist and radiography programs.

Ken was big supporter of Veterans Way (Pat Purich Russell photo)

Continuing his interest in education he was appointed co-ordinator of Health Science programs at Cambrian College.

In 1973, as plans were moving forward in Chapleau for  the construction of a new hospital to replace the Lady Minto Hospital which had opened in 1914, Ken moved to Chapleau to take the position of radiology supervisor at the hospital.

Ken has received special training in gastrontestinal fluoroscopic procedures as well as completing CMA departmental management course. He received his administrator's diploma and advanced certificate of the CAMRT. 

Ken, who is now retired, and living in Chapleau, also became very involved in community life. He was active in Branch No 5 (Ontario) of the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Chapleau Cadet movement as an instructor. First elected as a councillor, Ken became reeve and served several terms.. working for the betterment of the community.

As an aside, most of us who know Ken would agree had he so chosen, he may have had a most successful career as a professional singer. Over the years he was called upon to sing at many special occasions. Ken has been an outstanding citizen of Chapleau and made a significant contribution in many ways to the community.

My thanks to Doug Greig who made me aware of the education award that Ken received. My email is mj.morris@live.ca