April 24 – 30 is National Volunteer Week in Canada, a time to recognize the impact that our local volunteers have in our community. This year’s theme is “empathy in action”, which highlights how, by volunteering, we are able to more readily share and understand the feelings of others.
Over the past couple of years, volunteers have been instrumental in ensuring that many of our social service programs, like food delivery, continued during the pandemic. Without dedicated volunteers, many people in our community would have risked hunger, shelter, or experienced limited accessibility.
“I am humbled to see the passion and commitment of our local volunteers,” says Mayor George Pirie. “Too often they go unrecognized, but they deserve our thanks and appreciation for giving selflessly of their time and energy. When we talk about improving the well-being of our community, it is our volunteers who are taking action to help organizations like The Lord’s Kitchen, the Canadian Red Cross, or the Anti-Hunger Coalition, deliver much needed programs and services. Thank you to every volunteer working today and every day to make Timmins a better place to live.”
This week, consider thanking a volunteer you know. #empathyinaction
Lisa Greer
Friday, April 22 is Earth Day and Timmins Transit is celebrating with free bus rides in the City of Timmins.
This year’s theme for Earth Day is Invest in Our Planet with a rally cry to all Canadians to work together for change. The call for climate action is not a new one. The benefits of choosing public transportation over a private vehicle are well known. On-road transportation in Timmins is responsible for 37.7% of the City’s greenhouse gas emissions as identified in the City’s 2019 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan. Using public transportation helps lower our emissions and conserve energy and fuel by reducing the number of private vehicles on the road.
But the benefits of public transportation do not stop there.
Did you know:
• Public transit saves money. According to the Canadian Public Health Association, the average household can save $10,000 each year by switching to public transportation.
• Public transit makes our roads safer. Transit operators generally have more driver training, drive at lower speeds, and avoid high-risk driving situations.
• Public transit reduces traffic congestion. This is particularly helpful during busy road construction and maintenance months.
• Public transit improves social equity by providing reliable transportation for all individuals regardless of ability, accessibility, age, or income.
• Public transit increases physical activity. A bus ride often starts and ends with some form of activity (like walking) to and from the bus stop.
But the positive impact on the environment is why on Friday, April 22 you can ride Timmins Transit for free. Help give the environment a break. Every day is Earth Day when you ride the bus!
Amanda Dyer
Effective Monday, April 18, the Deloro Landfill Site will return to regular summer hours.
The Deloro Landfill will be open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Summer hours at the Tisdale Transfer Site begin today, April 14, and are Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Summer hours at the German Township Landfill Site begin Sunday, May 1, and are Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
For easy-to-access information on how to properly dispose of various items, download the Timmins Recyclepedia app. You will also receive service alerts, disruptions and more directly to your phone.
Amanda Dyer
Timmins’ citywide Spring Cleanup Program is back. This year’s confirmed dates are Tuesday, May 24 to Friday, June 3.
The full collection schedule for 2022 has been posted our website under "Spring Cleanup". Residents are to have their materials at the curb no more than two days prior to their scheduled collection day.
The volume of material to be collected per residence is limited to no more than half a standard half ton pick-up truck or approximately 60 cubic feet (4 feet wide, by 8 feet long and 2 feet high).
The following items will not be collected:
- Any material in a black garbage bag: material must be in clear bags only
- Concrete and asphalt: dispose at Deloro Landfill
- Batteries of any type: dispose during Hazardous Waste Day, June 11, 2022 in the Archie Dillon Sportsplex parking lot, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Tires: Many retailers and garages will take back your old tires free of charge and recycle into innovative recycled rubber products. For details and drop off locations, visit www.rpra.ca/programs/tires/collectionsites
- Electronics: dispose at Deloro Landfill and/or Hazardous Waste Day
- Propane tanks: dispose during Hazardous Waste Day
- White goods or items that contain Freon: dispose through private recycling firms
- Recyclables: dispose at Deloro Landfill, Tisdale Transfer Site and German Township Landfill or through regular curbside pickup
- Paints/liquids/fuels/chemicals: dispose during Hazardous Waste Day
- Textiles: dispose during Hazardous Waste Day
- Mattresses or box springs that are securely wrapped in plastic: dispose at Deloro Landfill
Leaves and yard waste are acceptable in compostable bags. Clean wood is acceptable in a separate pile from the rest of the Spring Clean Up material.
Material not in compliance with the guidelines will not be collected. Residents will be required to remove any material not collected from the street within 48 hours. Any containers (such as cans and recycling boxes) left with the waste will be collected; therefore, do not put out containers with the Spring Cleanup pile unless you want to get rid of the container.
For more information, visit our website, contact Service Timmins or download the Timmins Recyclepedia app online at Timmins.ca.
Amanda Dyer
Registration for spring swimming lessons will resume on Tuesday, April 12th by phone to Service Timmins. Swim registration starts at 8:30 a.m. for all remaining lessons, levels and days of the week.
Registration is first come first serve by calling Service Timmins at 705-264-1331. You can save time on hold by leaving your name and number when prompted to have Service Timmins return your call without losing your place in sequence. Registration will continue by contacting Service Timmins during regular business hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until all spots are full.
Payment by Visa and Mastercard will be accepted.
Please anticipate longer than usual wait times and make use of the convenient automatic callback feature. Please see the complete spring swim lesson brochure online at Timmins.ca > Recreation Services > Programs and Schedules for more information on classes, levels and pricing.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate your patience.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins Community Home Support Program, funded through the North East Local Health Integration Network (NE LHIN), has transitioned to the Home & Community Care Support Services effective April 1st through a NE LHIN voluntary integration initiative.
The Adult Day Program is an integral program for clients living with dementia in the community, and has been housed in the Golden Manor for over 30 years. Full time staff Josee Carriere has been working in the Program for 23 years and Supervisor Sue Walton has been with the Program for 11 years.
They were committed to reopening the program during the pandemic and through collaboration with the Porcupine Health Unit, renovations were done and furnishings updated to new infection prevention and control standards. This allowed us to safely bring clients back into the program while the plan to transition the program to the Alzheimer’s Society was executed.
With so many great memories with clients, families and volunteers we are happy to see they will be in great hands. We thank everyone who has made these programs a success and wish all of our clients nothing but the best! The contact phone numbers for the new agencies are as follows:
Adult Day Program
Alzheimer Society
705 268-4554
Home Maintenance
Access Better Living
705 268-2240
Transportation
Canadian Red Cross
1 844 267-4900
Amanda Dyer
City Council has awarded a three-year contract for reconstruction of Algonquin Blvd. West to R.M. Belanger Ltd. The planned Connecting Link Project will prioritize three sections of Algonquin Blvd. West that pass through Downtown Timmins extending from Theriault Blvd. to Brunette Rd.
Projected costs for all three segments total $27,980,596.00 + HST. The City currently has an allocated budget for the 2022 portion of the project and has identified potential funding streams and a substantial Federal Gas Tax Reserve that is available to offset project costs and maintain this year’s current capital budget.
“By signing a three-year contract, the City is able to benefit from cost savings by confirming future work,” says Pat Seguin, Director of Growth and Infrastructure. “Within the budget are contingency funds, which will allow for variances. If the cost of asphalt or fuel rises, we have allowed for that within the project costs. Moving forward, we will budget accordingly to match tender values in the subsequent two years of the project.”
The next three phases of the Connecting Link Project will include full-depth reconstruction of the roadway, replacement of underground services like water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer, pole relocation, curb and sidewalk reconstruction, and new asphalt and light standards. The work is extensive and also includes removal of the ONR overpass bridge, which will mitigate flooding and level the roadway. A new snowmobile crossing will also be installed near Hollinger Park.
A plan for traffic management will be announced prior to construction launch. Residents can sign up to receive Connecting Link updates via email online at Timmins.ca under News and Alerts.
Amanda Dyer
Spring swimming lessons registration for the Archie Dillon Sportsplex Pool are currently on hold due to on-going issues with our third-party online registration service.
Online registration has been outsourced to an external provider who appears to be experiencing challenges with routing and balancing the load of customer traffic. The City’s challenge to provide registration has been further frustrated by the vendor’s service availability.
City staff are working to find an alternative solution. If you did not receive confirmation of your registration from the online portal, you are not currently registered for classes. If you made a payment without receiving formal confirmation, your payment is pending and the transaction will be released by noon today (April 7). All registrations for Tuesday classes that were confirmed will be honoured.
Registration for all remaining classes and dates will continue in a staggered format. A formal announcement with the next registration date, time and method will be made by end of day Friday, April 8 via the City’s website, Archie Dillon Sportsplex Pool Facebook page, and City social media sites.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate your patience.
Amanda Dyer
Please be advised that speed limits have now been reduced along Hwy 101 E. in the Bruce wye area. The speed limits have been lowered to 70 km/h before the Bruce wye and 50 km/h at Porcupine Creek.
Appropriate signage indicating the new speed limits has been posted and enforcement will commence immediately.
Amanda Dyer
March 31 is National Indigenous Languages Day, one of ten Indigenous dates of significance that the City of Timmins acknowledges throughout the year. Since 1993, Canadians have celebrated March 31 to honour the importance that language plays in Indigenous culture and tradition.
This year’s date is particularly significant as the United Nations has declared 2022-2032 the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. One goal is to draw global attention to the importance of preserving our Indigenous languages. There are more than 70 Indigenous languages across Canada and it’s important that we recognize how crucial they are when ensuring the rights of Indigenous peoples.
Languages connect individuals and families, often through generations, and speak to the rich oral history that is passed down from Indigenous elders and youth, the community leaders of tomorrow. Languages connect us with our past and help keep traditions alive that are integral to our community well-being and sense of identity.
When we speak of reconciliation, we must support the effort by Indigenous communities to reclaim their voice through language education and promotion. To learn more about the City’s Indigenous relations and inclusion visit: https://www.timmins.ca/find_or_learn_about/indigenous_relations_and_inclusion. To learn more on the United Nation’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages visit: https://en.unesco.org/idil2022-2032.
Lisa Greer
– Reduced load restrictions for commercial motor vehicles and trailers will come into effect on Monday, March 28 on specific highways and streets within the City of Timmins.
By-law 2006-6275 governs load restrictions to protect our roads and highways during the spring thaw, when damage is most likely to happen. Typically, reduced load restrictions will be in place until mid-June and are subject to the provisions of Section 122 of the Highway Traffic Act RSO 1990 Chapter H 8.”
The by-law (https://timmins.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/258?preview=7545) provides a list of the applicable roads under Schedule A.
Roads with reduced loads in effect will have signage posted. Learn more about the how the City is working to maintain our roads online at https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/roads_and_infrastructure.
Amanda Dyer
The Boil Water Advisory has been lifted for Porcupine. The City of Timmins has conducted the required water sampling and the results are deemed satisfactory by the City of Timmins and the Porcupine Health Unit.
Background
A Boil Water Advisory was enacted as a precautionary measure on Monday, March 21, due to repairs on a watermain servicing Porcupine, including the area behind the Porcupine Mall. Water was shut off to complete repairs and later restored by Monday evening, but the Boil Water Advisory remained in effect until the City obtained drinking water results in two consecutive sets of samples taken 24 to 48 hours apart, or as otherwise directed by the medical officer of health.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Amanda Dyer
File No. Z-2022-04
5627-050-040-07300
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Timmins will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City of Timmins, 220 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins, Ontario, to gather public input regarding a proposed Zoning By-law Amendment under Section 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O 1990, c. P. 13, as amended.
Applicant: Michael Gervais
Location: Plan M-22-S, Lot 86, Parcel 2087 SEC, City of Timmins (405 Belanger Avenue)
THE PURPOSE AND EFFECT of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is to rezone the subject lands currently zoned Residential Third Density (NA-R3) to General Commercial (EA-CG)(SP6.183) to permit all uses in the General Commercial zone and reduce the rear yard setback for the commercial building abutting a residential zone from 7.5 metres to 1.5 metres.
ANY PERSON may attend the public meeting and/or make written or verbal representation either in support of or in opposition to the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment.
If a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of Council of the City of Timmins to the Ontario Land Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the City of Timmins before the by-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision.
If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, or make written submissions to the City of Timmins before the by-law is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to do so.
If you wish to be notified of the decision of the City of Timmins on the proposed zoning by-law amendment, you must make a written request to Steph Palmateer, City Clerk, City of Timmins, 220 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins, Ontario, P4N 1B3.
For more information about this matter, including information about appeal rights, contact the Planning Division, City of Timmins, 220 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins, Ontario, P4N 1B3, telephone number 705-360-2624 or via email at [email protected].
Dated at the City of Timmins this 23rd day of March, 2022.
David St.Onge
Porcupine River Bridge on Frederick House Lake Rd. was closed on November 22, 2021 following concerns over safety and structural integrity. Since then, the City has been working with Associated Engineering to look at alternatives.
Part of the process will involve public consultation, which is tentatively slated for May. Associated Engineering is currently carrying out an environmental assessment on the area and working with the Ministry of Transportation to provide options and cost estimates.
Residents are now accessing Frederick House Lake Rd. via Hwy. 101 and Carrigan Rd, which has prompted questions from the motoring public on the condition of Carrigan Rd. and safety while turning left from Hwy. 101.
“We have been monitoring the condition of Carrigan Rd. all winter,” says Pat Seguin, Director of Growth and Infrastructure. “We have also been in contact with the Ministry of Transportation to request that the Hwy. 101 juncture at Carrigan Rd. be assessed and that additional signage be added.
“Consultation with Associated Engineering continues, but with the amount of snow on the ground, we are just starting to survey the area and come up with recommendations that we can take to the public and council.”
With the onset of spring, the Public Works Dept. has deployed crews and equipment to open culverts along Carrigan Rd. and push back snow banks to drain excess water. There is also planned geotechnical work for Carrigan Rd. this summer. Geotechnical work refers to the evaluation of the current road construction and land to plan and build any future improvements.
“Council’s top priority is public safety,” adds Mayor George Pirie. “Closure of the bridge was warranted. I travel Carrigan Rd. regularly and have spoken to several residents impacted by the current detour. Public consultation will happen. City consultants are working to ascertain the best possible solution.”
A confirmed date for public consultation will be communicated to the public once the environmental assessment is complete.
Amanda Dyer
File No. Z-2022-05
5627-020-040-08300
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Timmins will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City of Timmins, 220 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins, Ontario, to gather public input regarding a proposed Zoning By-law Amendment under Section 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O 1990, c. P. 13, as amended.
Applicant: RC Episcopal Corporation (Agent: Normand C. Beaudry)
Location: Plan M-29-S, Lots 136, 137, Parcel 6791WT, City of Timmins (Crawford Street)
THE PURPOSE AND EFFECT of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is to rezone the subject lands currently zoned Institutional (NA-IN) to Residential Third Density (NA-R3) to permit all uses in the Residential Third Density (NA-R3) zone.
ANY PERSON may attend the public meeting and/or make written or verbal representation either in support of or in opposition to the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment.
If a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of Council of the City of Timmins to the Ontario Land Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the City of Timmins before the by-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision.
If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, or make written submissions to the City of Timmins before the by-law is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to do so.
If you wish to be notified of the decision of the City of Timmins on the proposed zoning by-law amendment, you must make a written request to Steph Palmateer, City Clerk, City of Timmins, 220 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins, Ontario, P4N 1B3.
For more information about this matter, including information about appeal rights, contact the Planning Division, City of Timmins, 220 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins, Ontario, P4N 1B3, telephone number 705-360-2624 or via email at [email protected].
Dated at the City of Timmins this 23rd day of March, 2022.
David St.Onge
The Whitney-Tisdale Pump Station No. 4 project is now complete and the fully operational station has been turned over to the City. Commissioning activities included a 14-day trial period, which ended successfully as of March 17.
The station has been modernized with new pumps and mechanical upgrades, allowing it to address bypasses and manage sewage within the system. The end result will be a significant reduction in groundwater infiltration, residential impact and overflow into Porcupine Lake.
“Council was committed to seeing this project through to completion,” said Mayor George Pirie. “Our priority was to come up with a solution that would move construction of the pump station forward. Council’s goal has always been to promote economic growth and encourage an increased housing supply to meet demand. That growth relies on improvements to our current infrastructure, which included completing the Whitney-Tisdale Pump Station No. 4.”
Work on the pump station began in 2014 with the current council approving a remediation budget of $8.34 million to see work continue. The project delays were the result of factors, such as land settling and a global pandemic, which paused work on the pump station.
With work on the Whitney-Tisdale Pump Station No. 4 now finished, the City of Timmins will continue to participate in public dialogue on lake quality and work with stakeholders to promote lake health.
Amanda Dyer
This Monday when masks become optional for most businesses and indoor spaces, you will still be required to wear one when visiting the Timmins Victor M. Power Airport.
Canadian airports are regulated by the federal government and Transport Canada is keeping mandatory mask requirements in place. Timmins Airport Authority will enforce the same health measures, which means you need to wear a mask while inside the Airport Terminal Building. This applies to anyone accessing the building including staff, contractors, and couriers.
Mask requirements for the Airport Terminal Building will be reviewed on April 15. For more information on mask requirements at City-owned buildings and facilities visit https://www.timmins.ca/find_or_learn_about/c_o_v_i_d-19_information.
Amanda Dyer
As of March 21, masks will be optional at many City-owned buildings and arenas as Ontario removes another COVID-19 health measure. The City of Timmins will follow recommendations made by the province and Ministry of Labour, which means staff and residents can move freely without masks at City Hall, the Timmins Museum and Exhibition Centre, the Timmins Public Library and C.M. Shields Centennial Branch, and at all City-owned arenas.
The mandatory mask requirement remains in place when using public transportation. Masks will also stay on if accessing the Airport Terminal Building at the Timmins Victor M. Power Airport, at the Timmins Police Service building, or visiting the Golden Manor.
While the province has announced changes at long-term care facilities in terms of testing and visitation, all current COVID-19 health measures, including vaccination requirements and visitor restrictions, will remain in place at the Golden Manor.
Masks are still recommended for individuals who are at high risk or immunosuppressed. Ultimately, whether to wear a mask or not is a personal decision and the City asks that we all remain patient, understanding, and kind as we learn to live with COVID-19.
Amanda Dyer
City of Timmins Mayor and Council are remembering Fernand (Fern) Tremblay following his passing as a pillar of the community who gave freely of his time to better the lives of many. The flags at Timmins City Hall will be lowered in his honour.
When Fernand Tremblay began his political career in 1965, one could not imagine 57 years later the legacy he would leave on our community. He was the last reeve of Mountjoy Township prior to amalgamation in 1973 and a member of Timmins City Council. He started the Bonhomme Carnaval and was active with the Easter Seals Snowarama. Most notably, he was the founder of the Joseph Fortin Foundation, a charity active until 2016 that provided financial assistance and basic needs to families and individuals requiring assistance.
“Fern Tremblay was a force for good,” said Mayor George Pirie. “He was passionate about helping those in need and took pride in encouraging others to do the same. He was tireless, committed to fundraising and generous with his time. He is an example of what it truly means to serve your community. On behalf of the City of Timmins, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
In 2019, the City honoured Tremblay for his years of community service and commitment to municipal politics by renaming a neighbourhood park in the Mountjoy area where he was raised. Fernand Tremblay Park is a lasting reminder of Tremblay’s dedication to his hometown.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is recognizing Global Recycling Day on Friday, March 18 by celebrating the success of the City’s recycling and diversion programs.
In 2021, the Curbside Residential Recycling program diverted nearly 2 million kilograms of recyclable material from our landfills. A further 2,000 liters of waste oil, over 5,000 pounds of textiles, over 55,000 kilograms of hazardous waste and nearly 300,000 kilograms of scrap metal and electronics have also been diverted through the City of Timmins’ various recycling and diversion programs.
“The City of Timmins is continuously striving to improve our recycling and diversion programs,” says Environmental Services Manager Scott Tam. “We encourage residents to use the Timmins Recyclepedia Waste Wizard to learn how and where to properly recycle or dispose of over 400 materials.”
The mission of Global Recycling Day is to not only highlight the importance of recycling to ensure the health of our planet, but to also encourage people to think of goods in terms of resource, not disposable waste. The City of Timmins makes it easy to recycle with the Timmins Recyclepedia app. The app’s interactive features provide residents with information on collection schedules and how to properly dispose of various items. There’s even a waste sorting game that makes learning how to recycle fun and easy.
Download the Timmins Recyclepedia app today to receive service alerts, disruptions and more directly to your phone.
More information can also be found at:
www.timmins.ca/our_services/waste_recycling_services
Amanda Dyer
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