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
'Nonsense:' Doug Ford slams lawsuits filed by Ontario school boards against social media platforms
Premier Doug Ford says that lawsuits launched by four Ontario school boards against a trio of social media platforms are “nonsense” and risk becoming a distraction to the work that really matters.
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Tipping is off the table at this Toronto restaurant
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff.
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 mm among weather alerts in effect for 7 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres, air quality advisories and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.
Canada Post's newest stamp features special cookies for Islamic holiday
Canada Post’s newest specialty stamps feature 'melt-in-your-mouth' desserts to mark two Islamic festivals, the crown corporation announced Thursday.
A dog and a bird formed an unlikely friendship. Their separation has infuriated followers
Peggy is a stout and muscular Staffordshire bull terrier, and Molly is a magpie, an Australian bird best known for swooping on humans during breeding season, not for befriending dogs. But in an emotional video posted online, Peggy’s owners announced that the animals had been separated.
King Charles calls for acts of friendship in first public remarks since Kate's cancer diagnosis
King Charles III gave public remarks for Maundy Thursday, addressing the importance of acts of friendship, following his and Catherine, Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnoses.
Ukrainian child asylum seekers in St. John’s get class of their own
Roughly 50 children will gathered in a St. John’s classroom for the first time on Saturday for unique lessons on Ukrainian language, culture and history.