October 2025 - Posts
Telesat purchases real estate in Timmins to develop Landing Station site for Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network
OTTAWA and TIMMINS, ONTARIO, CANADA - October 16, 2025 – Telesat (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT), one of the world’s largest and most innovative satellite operators, and Timmins Economic Development today announced that Telesat purchased a land plot on Laforest Road from the City of Timmins. This site will serve as a Landing Station to connect data from its advanced LEO satellite network, Telesat Lightspeed, to terrestrial Points of Presence and fibre in Northern Ontario.
Telesat Lightspeed, the largest space program in Canada’s history, will help bridge the digital divide by extending the reach of terrestrial telecom networks in rural and remote communities. Additionally, it is expected to serve an important role in protecting the Arctic and Canada’s sovereignty and deliver high-performing broadband connectivity for the energy, mining, aviation and maritime industries. The satellite constellation in space is seamlessly integrated with terrestrial Landing Stations around the world, with built-in site redundancy and diversity to ensure that data reliably reaches its intended destination.
“Timmins offers access to superior telecommunications infrastructure, including an extensive 2,200 km long haul fibre network, highly reliable hydroelectric infrastructure, and access to a multitude of energy solutions. These features, plus easy accessibility to Southern Ontario and Western Quebec, make Timmins an ideal location to meet the stringent resiliency requirements for our terrestrial Landing Station network. We appreciate the professionalism and responsiveness of Timmins Economic Development throughout our engagement.
- Asit Tandon, Chief Network and Information Officer, Telesat
“Timmins is proud to play a role in advancing Canada’s largest space program. Telesat’s investment highlights the strength of our city’s infrastructure and our position as a hub for innovation in Northern Ontario. By anchoring the Telesat Lightspeed network here, Timmins is helping to connect remote and rural communities, while also contributing to Canada’s growing new space economy. This project represents new opportunities for our community and reinforces that Timmins is on the map, not just in Ontario, but on a global scale.”
- Mayor Michelle Boileau, City of Timmins
“Telesat’s decision to establish a Landing Station in Timmins highlights the strategic advantages our city offers — from robust telecommunications to our prime geographic location in Northern Ontario. This project marks a significant milestone for Timmins, reinforcing our commitment to supporting innovative industries and attracting investment that drives economic growth. We look forward to continuing to work with Telesat as they advance this exciting initiative, contributing to the growth of our local space economy.”
- Brenda Camirand, Director of Economic Development, City of Timmins
Site preparation is now underway for the Timmins Landing Station. Crews have begun clearing the land and construction of satellite antennas and networking equipment will commence in the spring of 2026.
About Telesat
Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT) is one of the largest and most innovative global satellite operators. Telesat works collaboratively with its customers to deliver critical connectivity solutions that tackle the world’s most complex communications challenges, providing powerful advantages that improve their operations and drive profitable growth.
Continuously innovating to meet the connectivity demands of the future, Telesat Lightspeed, the company’s state-of-the-art Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, has been optimized to meet the rigorous requirements of telecom, government, maritime and aeronautical customers. Telesat Lightspeed will redefine global satellite connectivity with ubiquitous, affordable, high-capacity, secure and resilient links with fibre-like speeds.
About Timmins Economic Development
Timmins Economic Development is the city’s community economic development team, which facilitates and supports economic and social activity that creates jobs, diversifies the economy and improves quality of life.
Amanda Dyer
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AnneMarie Fournier
City Council has provided direction on the upgrades they would like to see at Leo Del Villano Park. Three options were presented by the City’s Recreation Department for consideration, with Council selecting Option 1, a plan that will diversify the park’s sports and recreation amenities.
Option 1 proposes a complete overhaul and expansion of the existing tennis courts to include a minimum of two new pickleball courts, with the potential to add more depending on site capacity. Council has requested that the courts be kept in their current location. In addition, the City will explore adding a permanent outdoor rink with removable boards, allowing for ball hockey in the summer and ice skating in the winter. The design would include a new concrete pad to accommodate warm-weather activities. The current soccer field would be repositioned to the south end of the park, ensuring ample space for all users.
“We are continuing with our work to create community destination parks and multi-use spaces that offer a variety of amenities and features for residents of all ages,” said Steph Palmateer, City Clerk and Director of Community Services. “The improvements at Leo Del Villano Park will also support local clubs and organizations by providing facilities that can host tournaments and special events, helping to grow sports tourism and strengthen community engagement. Our goal is to invest in spaces that promote active living and bring people together year-round.”
As part of the redesign, Recreation staff will also explore opportunities to add new playground equipment, a gazebo, and shaded seating areas, features that were suggested during public engagement that would create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for families and visitors.
The final park design will be brought back to Council for approval. For more information on the City’s Recreation services, visit: www.timmins.ca/our_services/recreation_services.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is moving forward with plans to construct a new fire hall that will serve as a modern, safe, and efficient facility for the Timmins Fire Department. City Council has awarded a 4-year contract for architectural and engineering services to Salter Pilon Architecture Inc. in the amount of $1,871,560.
A new fire hall will help address operational and infrastructure challenges at the City’s existing facility on Cedar St. S., including limited size and an outdated layout that restricts the department’s ability to add and deploy critical firefighting vehicles and equipment.
“A new fire hall will help the Timmins Fire Department meet the growing needs of the community and continue to deliver high-quality emergency services,” said Fire Chief Scott Atkinson.
The intention is to provide a state-of-the-art station that can accommodate vehicles and specialized equipment, with dedicated training space, and modern ventilation and decontamination areas to protect firefighter health.
The project is planned over the next four years, with completion anticipated in 2028. Work will begin this year with geotechnical investigation and feasibility studies, followed by site selection, design, tendering, construction management, and final commissioning phases.
Amanda Dyer
Timmins City Council has officially approved the continued use of online voting for the upcoming municipal election in 2026.
Under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, Ch. 32, municipalities are required to pass a by-law authorizing the use of vote tabulators and alternative voting methods for each municipal election. Timmins has successfully implemented alternative voting methods in each of the past three municipal elections (2014, 2018, and 2022), allowing residents to cast their ballots either in-person at local polling stations or online from any secure internet connection.
During the 2022 municipal election, approximately 72% of total votes were cast through online voting, highlighting the convenience and accessibility of digital voting options. For the 2026 election, online voting will provide a secure, modern, and accessible option that encourages participation.
For more information on the 2026 municipal election, visit: www.timmins.ca/our_services/municipal_elections.
Amanda Dyer
Timmins City Council has ratified a new four-year collective agreement with CUPE Local 1544 on behalf of Timmins Transit staff. Transit’s conventional bus service, paratransit service, and the Northern College Express are expected to resume on October 18, 2025.
The agreement will see the City’s transit mechanics receive a base rate adjustment of 8%, drivers 4.5%, maintenance 1%, plus a 3% economic increase annually for the length of the contract. Several other items were also agreed to, including increases for holiday pay premiums, optical coverage, safety footwear, and enhancements for vacation for long-service employees.
“We made an offer that was fair and responsible,” said CAO Dave Landers. “Our priority has always been to provide equitable compensation to our transit employees while ensuring that we can continue to deliver sustainable public transportation. Now, the City’s immediate focus is getting buses back on the road with a smooth return to service.”
For updates and more information, visit: www.timmins.ca/our_services/timmins_transit/timmins_transit_-_strike_information.
Amanda Dyer
Timmins City Council has ratified a new four-year collective agreement with CUPE Local 1544 on behalf of Timmins Transit staff. Transit’s conventional bus service, paratransit service, and the Northern College Express are expected to resume on October 18, 2025.
The agreement will see the City’s transit mechanics receive a base rate adjustment of 8%, drivers 4.5%, maintenance 1%, plus a 3% economic increase annually for the length of the contract. Several other items were also agreed to, including increases for holiday pay premiums, optical coverage, safety footwear, and enhancements for vacation for long-service employees.
“We made an offer that was fair and responsible,” said CAO Dave Landers. “Our priority has always been to provide equitable compensation to our transit employees while ensuring that we can continue to deliver sustainable public transportation. Now, the City’s immediate focus is getting buses back on the road with a smooth return to service.”
For updates and more information, visit: www.timmins.ca/our_services/timmins_transit/timmins_transit_-_strike_information.
Amanda Dyer
Timmins City Council has approved changes to waste management for rural areas, which will help mitigate illegal dumping, non-compliance waste disposal, and reduce landfill use. The changes are pending approval from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP), and follow a detailed review of landfill capacity, environmental regulations, and community feedback.
In early 2025, the City’s Environmental Services Department reported significant capacity and compliance challenges at rural landfill sites. Council directed staff to provide a detailed service delivery model for hybrid waste management that combines targeted curbside waste collection with transfer sites in rural areas.
The hybrid approach is designed to improve convenience, environmental compliance, and cost-efficiency by:
- Expanding curbside waste and recycling collection for 65% of properties currently using the German Township Landfill (133 of 205 homes).
- Transition the German Township Landfill, Evelyn Township Landfill, and Thornloe Township Landfill into transfer sites
- Enter into an agreement with Circular Materials to fund and manage community recycling depots, including depots at the Deloro Landfill and Tisdale Transfer Site.
“This hybrid model improves waste services for rural residents, making it easier to properly dispose of household waste and recycling,” said Ken Krcel, Director of Public Works and Environmental Services. “The plan balances environmental responsibility with service delivery to help eliminate illegal dumping, non-compliant materials, and reduce overall landfill use, all of which place a significant financial burden on taxpayers.”
Final operating conditions will depend on MECP approval. With approval, the Environmental Services Dept. will develop a communication and implementation plan for both the rollout of curbside collection and the transition of rural landfill sites to transfer sites.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is proud to recognize Lorraine Cantin as the latest recipient of the Heart of Gold Award, honouring her contributions to science education and her commitment to furthering interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
For more than five decades, Lorraine has been promoting the importance of science education. Her work with students, educators, and families has served to make science more accessible, engaging, and fun. Her leadership in organizing science fairs and innovative school projects has helped countless young people explore and develop a passion for the world of science.
Lorraine’s continued work with Science Timmins and her help in establishing the Science Village have left a lasting mark on our community’s educational landscape. In 1998, as co-chair of the Canada-wide School Science Fair (CWSF), Lorraine helped bring national attention to Timmins and showcased the talent of over 1,000 young scientists.
Lorraine’s decades long contribution to science education is an example of how one person’s passion can ignite a community’s love for learning.
Recipients of the Heart of Gold Recognition Program are recognized during a regular meeting of council. Residents are encouraged to nominate someone they know who has made a positive impact on the community or achieved outstanding accomplishment in the following categories:
- Volunteer and Community Service
- Youth Community and Civic Engagement
- Achievement in Sports
- Achievement in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)
For the nomination form and program eligibility, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/city_hall/mayor_and_council/heart_of_gold_civic_recognition_program
Amanda Dyer
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