As demand for minerals grows, Wawa is ‘booming’
The northwestern Ontario community of Wawa is enjoying growth in the natural resource sector and workers are needed throughout the scenic area.
The Canada Goose statue draws many travellers off of the Trans-Canada Highway into Wawa. And when people take the time to explore the town and its surroundings, there is a lot to take in.
“When people come here they fall in love because we’re in a natural setting that provides huge opportunity for a variety of recreation,” said Maury O’Neill, Wawa’s CAO.
Just minutes from Lake Superior, the town of just 2,700 also has good reasons people will want to stick around.
“Wawa is booming,” O’Neill said.
Natural resources have brought many to Wawa, and an OSB (oriented strand board) mill soon opening will bring more, town officials said.
“There are multiple … jobs in the mining sector, particularly the gold sector right now in our community,” O’Neill said.
“In addition, we have forestry around us. Some mills and opportunities coming up.”
Health care is another major employer. The Lady Dunn Health Centre is the hub for treatment in the area and they need more staff.
“We’re generally in need for all positions, whether that be from housekeeping, registration, and also in nursing,” said Kadean Ogilvie of the Lady Dunn Health Centre.
“We have physician as well with two vacant positions. Social work, as well.”
Russell Reid, from the Regional Employment Help Centre, said it’s “an employees market right now.”
“All employers are short-staffed,” Reid said.
“We have a severe shortage of locals ready to fill the vacancies that we have.”
Hospital officials say they hired a physician recruiter last year and aim to promote the centre at events across the province.
Although its geography can be a challenge when recruiting, it can also be Wawa’s greatest strength.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
'We can and we must do better': First ever Air Accessibility Summit hits Ottawa
Federal ministers, airline executives and members of the disability community are gathering in Ottawa today for the first ever Air Accessibility Summit.