Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing

01/29/2026

01/23/2026

Media Release: NBPS Lays 16 Impaired Driving Charges During Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign
🔗https://www.northbaypolice.ca/news-releases/media-release-nbps-lays-16-impaired-driving-charges-during-festive-r-i-d-e-campaign

The North Bay Police Service (NBPS) laid 16 impaired driving charges between November 15, 2025, and January 15, 2026, during the annual Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign, highlighting an ongoing and concerning risk to public safety.

During this period, officers charged:
✔️10 drivers with Operation While Impaired by Drugs or Alcohol
✔️6 drivers with Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Over 80 mg

By comparison, during the same period in the previous year, NBPS laid:
✔️10 charges for Operation While Impaired by Drugs or Alcohol
✔️2 charges for Operation While Impaired – BAC Over 80 mg

As of January 1, 2026, penalties for impaired driving under the Highway Traffic Act have been significantly strengthened, reinforcing that impaired driving is both dangerous and unacceptable.

Mandatory Alcohol Screening, in effect since 2018, allows officers to demand a roadside breath sample during any lawful traffic stop — even when no suspicion of impairment exists.

“Impaired driving is entirely preventable,” says Acting Insp. Vince Corrente. “We are asking drivers to plan ahead, use a designated driver, rideshare service, or public transit, and to step in if someone is considering getting behind the wheel while impaired. One decision can save a life.”

“Warn Range” (BAC 0.05–0.079 or Failed Sobriety Test – Alcohol or Drugs)
Penalties now include:

🔹7-day immediate licence suspension for first-time offenders (up from three days)
🔹Mandatory remedial education or treatment programs
🔹Fines and escalating penalties for repeat offences
🔹Ignition interlock requirements for third offences
🔹A $281 licence reinstatement fee payable to ServiceOntario for all suspensions

Zero Tolerance for Young and Novice Drivers

Drivers 21 and under, or those holding G1, G2, M1, or M2 licences, remain subject to zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol, with immediate roadside suspensions, mandatory education or treatment programs, escalating penalties, and possible licence cancellation upon conviction.

Longer “Look-Back” Period

Police can now review 10 years of prior impaired driving convictions (up from five years) when determining penalties, meaning past decisions can have long lasting consequences.

Severe Financial and Legal Impacts

🔹Auto insurance premiums may increase 50–150% or be cancelled for at least three years
🔹Vehicles may be impounded for seven days at the owner’s expense
🔹Drivers with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, or who refuse to provide a sample, face criminal charges, lengthy suspensions, fines, and mandatory programs
🔹Lifetime licence suspensions now apply for drivers convicted of impaired driving causing death

01/14/2026

01/07/2026

#2026

12/29/2025

Hours of Operation: Heures d’ouverture

12/29/2025

⚠️ Driving Advisory ⚠️ A winter storm system persists in parts of our region, resulting in hazardous road conditions. Multiple road closures remain in effect this morning. This chain of updates will now stop, as a new chain has been started to share today’s updates with you. Please see our most recent posting – or pinned posting. Thank you, and be safe.
^pia
=========
UPDATE (12:30 a.m., Dec 30):
CLOSED:
⛔ Hwy 572: Ramore to Hwy 101
⛔ Hwy 577: Hwy 101 to Hwy 11
⛔ Hwy 11: Hearst to North Bay
⛔ Hwy 65: Matachewan to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy 101: Chapleau to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy 144: Timmins to Gogama
⛔ Hwy 560: Gogama to Englehart
⛔ Hwy 655: Driftwood to Timmins
----------
UPDATE (11:15 p.m.):
REOPENED:
✅ Hwy 17: Wawa to Heyden
✅ Hwy 11: Nipigon to Hearst
CLOSED:
⛔ Hwy 11: Hearst to North Bay
⛔ Hwy 65: Matachewan to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy 101: Chapleau to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy 144: Timmins to Gogama
⛔ Hwy 560: Gogama to Englehart
⛔ Hwy 655: Driftwood to Timmins
----------
UPDATE (11:00 p.m.):
REOPENED:
✅ Hwy 17: Wawa to Heyden
CLOSED:
⛔ Hwy 11 eastbound: Hearst to Nipigon
⛔ Hwy 11: Hearst to North Bay
⛔ Hwy 65: Matachewan to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy 101: Chapleau to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy 144: Timmins to Gogama
⛔ Hwy 560: Gogama to Englehart
⛔ Hwy 655: Driftwood to Timmins
----------
UPDATE (8:55 p.m.):
REOPENED:
✅ Hwy 11 westbound: Nipigon to Hearst
✅ Hwy 129: Thessalon to Chapleau
CLOSED:
⛔ Hwy 65: New Liskeard to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy 11 eastbound: Hearst to Nipigon
⛔ Hwy 11: Hearst to North Bay
⛔ Hwy 17: Wawa to Heyden
⛔ Hwy 65: Matachewan to New Liskeard
⛔ Hwy 101: Chapleau to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy 144: Timmins to Gogama
⛔ Hwy 560: Gogama to Englehart
⛔ Hwy 655: Driftwood to Timmins
----------
UPDATE (8:30 p.m.):
REOPENED:
✅ Hwy 11 westbound: Nipigon to Hearst
CLOSED:
⛔ Hwy 65: New Liskeard (Armstrong St) to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy 11 eastbound: Hearst to Nipigon
⛔ Hwy 11: Hearst to North Bay
⛔ Hwy 17: Wawa to Heyden
⛔ Hwy 65: Matachewan to New Liskeard
⛔ Hwy 101: Chapleau to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy 129: Thessalon to Chapleau
⛔ Hwy 144: Timmins to Gogama
⛔ Hwy 560: Gogama to Englehart
⛔ Hwy 655: Driftwood to Timmins
--------
UPDATE (8:10 p.m.):
CLOSED:
⛔ Hwy 65: New Liskeard (Armstrong St) to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy 11: Nipigon to North Bay
⛔ Hwy 17: Wawa to Heyden
⛔ Hwy 65: Matachewan to New Liskeard
⛔ Hwy 101: Chapleau to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy 129: Thessalon to Chapleau
⛔ Hwy 144: Timmins to Gogama
⛔ Hwy 560: Gogama to Englehart
⛔ Hwy 655: Driftwood to Timmins
--------
UPDATE (5:50 p.m.):
REOPENING:
✅ Hwy. 17: Sault Ste. Marie to Desbarats
✅ Hwy. 17: Denison to Wawa
✅ Hwy. 101: Wawa to Chapleau
CLOSED:
⛔ Hwy. 11: Nipigon to North Bay
⛔ Hwy. 17: Wawa to Heyden
⛔ Hwy. 65: Matachewan to New Liskeard
⛔ Hwy. 101: Chapleau to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy. 129: Thessalon to Chapleau
⛔ Hwy. 144: Timmins to Gogama
⛔ Hwy. 560: Gogama to Englehart
⛔ Hwy. 655: Driftwood to Timmins
^pia
=========
UPDATE (4:22 p.m.):
REOPENING:
✅ Hwy. 17B: Sault Ste. Marie to Echo Bay
CLOSED:
⛔ Hwy. 11: Nipigon to North Bay
⛔ Hwy. 17: Sault Ste. Marie to Desbarats
⛔ Hwy. 17: Denison to Heyden
⛔ Hwy. 65: Matachewan to New Liskeard
⛔ Hwy. 101: Wawa to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy. 129: Thessalon to Chapleau
⛔ Hwy. 144: Timmins to Gogama
⛔ Hwy. 560: Gogama to Englehart
⛔ Hwy. 655: Driftwood to Timmins
^pia
========
UPDATE (12:53 p.m.):
CLOSED:
⛔ Hwy. 11: Nipigon to North Bay
⛔ Hwy. 17: Sault Ste. Marie to Desbarats
⛔ Hwy. 17: Denison to Heyden
⛔ Hwy. 17B: Sault Ste. Marie to Echo Bay
⛔ Hwy. 101: Wawa to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy. 129: Thessalon to Chapleau
⛔ Hwy. 144: Timmins to Gogama
⛔ Hwy. 560: Gogama to Englehart
⛔ Hwy. 655: Driftwood to Timmins
^pia
=========
UPDATE (11:53 a.m.):
REOPENING:
✅ Hwy. 17: Struthers to Denison
✅ Hwy. 614: Struthers to Manitouwadge
CLOSED:
⛔ Hwy. 11: Nipigon to North Bay
⛔ Hwy. 17: Sault Ste. Marie to Desbarats
⛔ Hwy. 17: Denison to Heyden
⛔ Hwy. 17B: Sault Ste. Marie to Echo Bay
⛔ Hwy. 101: Wawa to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy. 129: Thessalon to Chapleau
⛔ Hwy. 144: Timmins to Gogama
⛔ Hwy. 655: Driftwood to Timmins
^pia
=========
UPDATE (10:52 a.m.):
CLOSED:
⛔ Hwy. 11: Nipigon to North Bay
⛔ Hwy. 17: Sault Ste. Marie to Desbarats
⛔ Hwy. 17: Struthers to Heyden
⛔ Hwy. 17B: Sault Ste. Marie to Echo Bay
⛔ Hwy. 101: Wawa to Ontario/Quebec border
⛔ Hwy. 129: Thessalon to Chapleau
⛔ Hwy. 144: Timmins to Gogama
⛔ Hwy. 655: Driftwood to Timmins
^pia
=========
UPDATE (10:09 a.m.):
CLOSED:
⛔ Hwy. 11: Hearst to Matheson
⛔ Hwy. 17: Sault Ste. Marie to Desbarats
⛔ Hwy. 17: Mobert to Heyden
⛔ Hwy. 17B: Sault Ste. Marie to Echo Bay
⛔ Hwy. 101: Wawa to ON/QC border
⛔ Hwy. 129: Thessalon to Chapleau
⛔ Hwy. 144: Timmins to Gogama
⛔ Hwy. 655: Driftwood to Timmins
^pia
=========
UPDATE (9:20 a.m.):
REOPENING:
✅ Hwy. 69: French River to Parry Sound
CLOSED:
⛔ Hwy. 11: Hearst to Matheson
⛔ Hwy. 17: Sault Ste. Marie to Desbarats
⛔ Hwy. 17: Mobert to Heyden
⛔ Hwy. 17B: Sault Ste. Marie to Echo Bay
⛔ Hwy. 101: Wawa to Matheson
⛔ Hwy. 129: Thessalon to Chapleau
⛔ Hwy. 144: Timmins to Gogama
⛔ Hwy. 655: Driftwood to Timmins
^pia
=========
UPDATE (8:11 a.m.):
CLOSED:
⛔ Hwy. 11: Hearst to Matheson
⛔ Hwy. 17: Sault Ste. Marie to Desbarats
⛔ Hwy. 17: Mobert to Heyden
⛔ Hwy. 17B: Sault Ste. Marie to Echo Bay
⛔ Hwy. 69: French River to Parry Sound
⛔ Hwy. 101: Wawa to Matheson
⛔ Hwy. 129: Thessalon to Chapleau
⛔ Hwy. 144: Timmins to Gogama
⛔ Hwy. 655: Driftwood to Timmins
^pia
=========
UPDATE (6:45 a.m.):
CLOSED:
⛔ Highway 11: Hearst to Matheson
⛔ Highway 17: Sault Ste. Marie to Desbarats
⛔ Highway 17B: Sault Ste. Marie to Echo Bay
⛔ Highway 69: French River to Parry Sound
⛔ Highway 101: Wawa to Timmins
⛔ Highway 129: Thessalon to Chapleau
⛔ Highway 144: Timmins to Gogama
⛔ Highway 655: Driftwood to Timmins
^pia
=========
UPDATE (December 29, 4:18 a.m.): North East Region OPP is advising the following roads are closed due to severe weather, poor visibility, and deteriorating road conditions.

- Highway 17: White River to Sault Ste. Marie
- Highway 11: Highway 101, Matheson to Kapuskasing
- Highway 655: Highway 11 to Timmins
- Highway 144: Highway 101 to Highway 560
- Highway 17B: Sault Ste. Marie to Highway 548
- Highway 69: Highway 64 to Highway 124
- Highway 101: Wawa to Highway 144
- Highway 17B: Sault Ste. Marie to Echo Bay
----------
UPDATE (December 29, 2:53 a.m.): North East Region OPP is advising the following roads are closed due to severe weather, poor visibility, and deteriorating road conditions.

- Highway 17: White River to Batchawana Bay
- Highway 101: Wawa to Foleyet
- Highway 11: Highway 101, Matheson to Kapuskasing
- Highway 655: Highway 11 to Timmins
----------
UPDATE (9:16 p.m.): North East Region OPP is advising the following roads are closed due to severe weather, poor visibility, and deteriorating road conditions.

- Highway 17: White River to Batchawana Bay
- Highway 101: Wawa to Foleyet
----------
UPDATE (9:02 p.m.): North East Region OPP is advising the following roads are closed due to severe weather, poor visibility, and deteriorating road conditions.

- Highway 17: White River to Batchawana Bay
- Highway 101: Wawa to Chapleau
----------
WEATHER ADVISORY: North East Region OPP is advising the following roads are closed due to winter weather conditions, poor visibility, and deteriorating road conditions.

ROADS CURRENTLY CLOSED:
- Highway 17: Wawa to Batchawana Bay
- Highway 101: Wawa to Chapleau

Motorists are urged to:
- Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary
- Monitor www.511on.ca for real-time updates
- Check www.weather.gc.ca for weather alerts

Stay safe and stay off the roads where possible. ^pia

12/28/2025

Dry January — A Fresh Start 🌱

Stepping away from alcohol for the month?
You’re not alone — and we’re here for support if you need it.

Taking a break can help you:
• Sleep better 😌
• Improve mood and energy ✨
• Save money 🪙
• Build healthier routines that last all year 💪

If you’d like to explore support options for reducing or stopping alcohol use,
📞 call us at 705-472-6515
🖥️ www.cccnip.com
Our doors — and minds — are open.

12/28/2025

In trusted partnership with donors and volunteers, we improve the lives of all those affected by cancer through world-class research, transformative advocacy and compassionate support.

12/25/2025

Holiday Anxiety is real

The pressure to feel happy and festive,
the need to make everything feel perfect,
overthinking every small detail,
managing plans, noise, crowds, and family dynamics —
all while carrying the fear that something will go wrong.

If this image resonates, you’re not “doing the holidays wrong.”
You’re experiencing a very real and common form of anxiety.

Ways to cope:
• Let go of the expectation to feel joyful all the time
• Choose “good enough” over perfect
• Take breaks from noise, crowds, and social obligations
• Focus on being present, not performing
• Give yourself permission to say no

Your well-being matters more than any tradition.

If the holidays feel heavy, support is available. You don’t have to carry it alone.

Taking care of yourself is not selfish.

12/22/2025

Our Hours of Operation: Monday December 22nd 2025 to January 2nd 2026, will be as follows:

Monday December 22nd 8:30am to 4:30pm
Tuesday December 23rd 8:30am to 4:30pm
Wednesday December 24th 8:30am to 12:00pm, (noon)
Thursday December 25th CLOSED
Friday December 26th CLOSED

Monday December 29th NO in-person, Virtual/telephone ONLY
Building closed.

Tuesday December 30th NO in-person, Virtual/telephone ONLY
Building closed.

Wednesday December 31st NO in-person, Virtual/telephone ONLY
Building closed.

Thursday January 1st CLOSED
Friday January 2nd CLOSED

Wishing everyone a safe peaceful healthy holiday season!!

Heures d’ouverture – Période des Fêtes
Du 22 décembre 2025 au 2 janvier 2026

Lundi 22 décembre : 8 h 30 à 16 h 30
Mardi 23 décembre : 8 h 30 à 16 h 30
Mercredi 24 décembre : 8 h 30 à 12 h (midi)

Jeudi 25 décembre : FERMÉ
Vendredi 26 décembre : FERMÉ

Lundi 29 décembre :
Aucun service en personne — services virtuels et téléphoniques seulement
FERMÉ

Mardi 30 décembre :
Aucun service en personne — services virtuels et téléphoniques seulement
FERMÉ

Mercredi 31 décembre :
Aucun service en personne — services virtuels et téléphoniques seulement
FERMÉ

Jeudi 1er janvier : FERMÉ
Vendredi 2 janvier : FERMÉ

✨ Nous souhaitons à tous une période des Fêtes sécuritaire, paisible et en santé ! ✨

12/03/2025

Nipissing University invites members of the community to campus on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 10:45 a.m. to remember, reflect, and recommit to ending gender-based violence. The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women Ceremony will take place in the University’s Small Cafeteria (Room A246) and is hosted in collaboration with NUSU and Amelia Rising.

To learn more, visit: https://www.nipissingu.ca/events/national-day-remembrance-and-action-violence-against-women-1

Amelia Rising Sexual Violence Support Centre NUSU