Road conditions are going to change rapidly over the next few weeks as we feel the final effects of a long winter and temperatures begin to rise. What does that mean for drivers? The appearance of potholes and sloppy roads as the snow begins to melt.
Our Public Works Department continues to prioritize snow removal with the goal of getting as much snow off our streets ahead of spring rain. With the large amounts of snow received this winter, there is the potential for isolated flooding and impassable roads. Crews will also work to free up catch basins in town that are still blocked by snow and are necessary to drain surface water. Drivers are asked to use caution as the accumulated snow on our streets softens.
Crews are also ready to address road conditions like potholes and ruts. A high-performance cold mix product will be used to temporarily patch holes and ruts ahead of the Miller Paving asphalt plant opening in May, which is the only asphalt plant operational in our region. The City’s pothole patcher is back on the road. Drivers are also asked to use caution when driving past road maintenance crews.
The City is required to fix a pothole within a prescribed period as determined by the Provincial government standards, depending on the size of the pothole and whether it is on a paved or an unpaved road. It is important to note that the City’s obligation to fix a pothole is triggered only after the municipality becomes aware of the problem. While we do have crews regularly patrolling the city, you can help by reporting any potholes you encounter. Potholes can be reported to Service Timmins online at service.timmins.ca under roads and sidewalks. You can also report a pothole by email to [email protected] or by phone at 705-264-1331.
Amanda Dyer
The latest update on fish contaminant levels for Porcupine Lake are favorable for residents looking to use the lake for fishing and recreation. The revised fish consumption advisories are much less restrictive than the interim advisories issued in 2020.
The data presented to the City’s Porcupine Watershed Public Liaison Committee corrected the results from 2019 testing. Revised advisories will be published online at https://www.ontario.ca/page/eating-ontario-fish in 2022.
You can view the update on fish contaminant levels for Porcupine Lake on our website at https://timmins.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=1750.
Amanda Dyer
A by-law is a rule or law that is put in place by the City of Timmins to ensure that our community remains safe and orderly. The City of Timmins Enforcement Services Division is responsible for enforcing our by-laws. Staff enforce by-laws by investigating complaints and responding to the concerns of citizens.
Each month, we'll explore a different by-law and what it means for you. This month, we're looking at the City's Cleaning and Clearing of Land By-law.
Clean Sweep
When you drive around the city, do you notice when private yards or homes are surrounded by garbage or are in a state of disrepair? Does it affect how clean the city looks?
If you own property or land within the city of Timmins, you are responsible for maintaining your outdoor property and keeping it clean and clear. The City of Timmins Cleaning and Clearing of Land By-law 2008-6599 regulates the maintenance of your property to avoid becoming a public nuisance or attracting vermin, like bears.
In general, every owner should keep their land clean, clear and free of garbage. You should never place, throw or dump garbage on someone else’s private property or on City property.
What to Tidy Up
As a property owner, you’re expected to clean your land of compost, domestic waste (food scraps, cans, glass, plastic, old machines, etc.), industrial waste (piping, paper, cardboard, etc.), and rubble (broken concrete, broken asphalt, etc.).
“Refuse” means any matter, thing, or substance that has been cast aside or discarded.
“Clearing” your land refers to the removal of grass and weeds exceeding 20 centimetres or 8 inches. If you have a swimming pool, you’re also expected to maintain the water in a condition that isn’t a health or safety hazard.
What if you refuse to remove your refuse?
Enforcement Services can inspect your outdoor property for the purpose of by-law enforcement. If you are not in compliance with the by-law, if your property contains garbage, refuse, or has not been cleared as outlined in the by-law, you could be fined under the Provincial Offences Act. A Municipal Law Enforcement Officer will first provide direction on how to clean and clear your land.
If your land still isn’t cleaned up, Enforcement Services can take further action to bring your property into compliance, which could include organizing the cleaning and clearing of your land at the owner’s expense. The full amount will be added to the owner’s property taxes.
There’s an App for That
The City has a robust waste management and recycling program to help you remove household waste. You can download the Timmins Recyclepedia for Android and Apple devices and get updates on your collection days and what can be disposed of in your bins. For lawn trimmings, construction materials and more, you can also make use the City dumps for a small fee. Learn more about our landfills by visiting: Waste and Recycling Services.
Amanda Dyer
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we are proud to recognize the contributions of Councillor Michelle Boileau and Councillor Kristin Murray, leaders for our city and community. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “break the bias”. The discussion around women’s equality touches on topics of diversity and inclusion, two concepts that both women exemplify and prioritize.
The importance of Councillor Boileau and Councillor Murray’s positions on council cannot be understated. Typically, women are underrepresented in political leadership roles, but their voice and participation are necessary to ensure effective government that better represents our community.
“It is no secret that all around the world, women and girls live different realities than our male counterparts,” says Councillor Boileau. “These differences must be considered when decisions are being made that impact the lives of others. The voices of mothers and daughters, of our aunts and grandmothers, deserve to be represented at those tables. And we deserve to be the ones representing them. I know I am fortunate to live in a place where I can make better the community in which my daughter will grow up. It is not always easy, but neither are most things women accomplish every day. International Women’s Day is a perfect day to encourage one of the accomplished women in your life to engage in decision-making at any level.”
In addition to serving as members of council, both women lead by example as volunteers on the Timmins Police Service Board. Councillor Boileau serves as the chair of the Francophone Liaison Committee and, as such, is instrumental in ensuring francophone representation throughout the city. Councillor Murray is the acting Chair of the City’s Indigenous Advisory Committee and has advocated for the inclusion of Indigenous tradition at City events. Her work on the Timmins’ Youth Mural Project changed the visual landscape of Timmins.
“When I decided to run for City Council, I knew that I had the strength of the many influential women in my life as my driving force in working towards the betterment of our community,” says Councillor Murray.
“We are fortunate to benefit from the experience and knowledge that both Councillor Boileau and Councillor Murray bring to City Council,” says Mayor George Pirie. “Both women are committed to the well-being of our community, particularly when it comes to promoting multiculturalism and inclusion. This is evident in the projects they have initiated and encouraged.”
Both Councillors also serve as an example for young women in our community as skilled professionals, daughters, mothers, and political leaders. They, too, are multi-faceted like the community they serve and lend an important perspective on the future of Timmins and the important role that women will continue to play.
Learn more about International Women’s Day at https://www.internationalwomensday.com.
Amanda Dyer
Reduced load restrictions for commercial motor vehicles and trailers will come into effect shortly 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 at https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/roads_and_infrastructure.
Amanda Dyer
As I watch the tragic events in the Ukraine unfold, my thoughts turn to those of Ukrainian descent in our own community. We stand with you in offering our condolences to all who remain at risk in the Ukraine. Your ancestors arrived in Timmins over many generations and their contributions to Timmins, as well as your own, cannot be denied. The Ukrainian culture is part of our City’s past, present and future.
We are proud that the Ukrainian flag flies in our Schumacher Flag Park and today, we have also raised the country’s flag at City Hall in honour of the people of the Ukraine. We stand together in support our Ukrainian residents, neighbors, and friends here in Timmins.
Amanda Dyer
File No. Z-2022-02
5627-010-092-11500
NOTICE OF COMPLETE APPLICATION AND PUBLIC MEETING RE: PROPOSED ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Timmins will hold a public meeting on Monday, March 21, 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: Activation Laboratories Ltd. (Agent: Candice Micucci, Antech Design and Engineering Group)
Location: Plan 6R-9280, Part 5, City of Timmins (St. Jean Avenue)
THE PURPOSE AND EFFECT of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is to rezone the subject lands currently zoned Highway Commercial (EA-CH) to Highway Commercial (EA-CH)(SP6.182) to permit all uses in the Highway Commercial zone and to allow and industrial warehouse on the subject lands.
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 25th day of February, 2022.
.jpg "St. Jean Avenue - Activation Laboratories Ltd.")
David St.Onge
NOTICE OF COMPLETE APPLICATION AND PUBLIC MEETING RE: PROPOSED ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Timmins will hold a public meeting on Monday, March 21, 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: Paul and Jacinthe Castonguay
Location: Plan M-26-S, Lot 438, Parcel 2395 SEC, City of Timmins (183-187 Wilson Avenue)
THE PURPOSE AND EFFECT of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is to rezone the subject lands currently zoned General Commercial (EA-CG) to Residential Third Density (NA-R3)(SP6.181) in order to demolish the existing commercial building and construct a new single detached dwelling. The existing single detached dwelling at the south limit of the property shall be converted into a residential garage.
The applicant is seeking relief from the City of Timmins Zoning By-Law 2011-7100 with regards to special provisions by reducing the rear yard setback for an accessory structure from 1.2 metres to 0.43 metres and increase the maximum height for an accessory structure from 4.1 metres to 4.2 metres in order to convert the existing single detached dwelling to a residential garage.
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.
Dated at the City of Timmins this 25th day of February, 2022.
David St.Onge
The City of Timmins is issuing an extreme cold weather alert for February 24, 2022 with temperatures dropping to -40 Celsius (inclusive of windchill) overnight with risk of frostbite in minutes.
People in need of emergency shelter are asked to attend the Living Space location (316 Spruce St. S.). Living Space Outreach Workers will conduct street-level outreach with the goal of connecting people who are sleeping outside with shelter and/or support; if you know of someone in need of shelter please contact 705-531-7233 for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is issuing an extreme cold weather alert for February 17, 2022 with temperatures dropping to -36 Celsius (inclusive of windchill) overnight with risk of frostbite.
People in need of emergency shelter are asked to attend the Living Space location (316 Spruce St. S.). Living Space Outreach Workers will conduct street-level outreach with the goal of connecting people who are sleeping outside with shelter and/or support; if you know of someone in need of shelter please contact 705-531-7233 for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is issuing an extreme cold weather alert for February 14, 2022 with temperatures dropping to -37 Celsius (inclusive of windchill) overnight with risk of frostbite.
People in need of emergency shelter are asked to attend the Living Space location (316 Spruce St. S.). Living Space Outreach Workers will conduct street-level outreach with the goal of connecting people who are sleeping outside with shelter and/or support; if you know of someone in need of shelter please contact 705-531-7233 for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is issuing an extreme cold weather alert for February 11, 2022 with temperatures dropping to -37 Celsius (inclusive of windchill) overnight with risk of frostbite.
People in need of emergency shelter are asked to attend the Living Space location (316 Spruce St. S.). Living Space Outreach Workers will conduct street-level outreach with the goal of connecting people who are sleeping outside with shelter and/or support; if you know of someone in need of shelter please contact 705-531-7233 for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is issuing an extreme cold weather alert for February 11, 2022 with temperatures dropping to -37 Celsius (inclusive of windchill) overnight with risk of frostbite.
People in need of emergency shelter are asked to attend the Living Space location (316 Spruce St. S.). Living Space Outreach Workers will conduct street-level outreach with the goal of connecting people who are sleeping outside with shelter and/or support; if you know of someone in need of shelter please contact 705-531-7233 for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
Fake off-leash signs with the City of Timmins logo have been found posted along the Bart Thompson Trail in South Porcupine and the City wants to be clear that on all trails, with the exception of the Rainbow Loop at Hersey Lake Conservation Area, your dog must be on a leash.
“Off-leash areas in the city are clearly marked with correct, authorized signage,” says City Clerk Steph Palmateer. “We ask that dog owners keep their pets on a leash for the safety of other residents using our trial system and for the safety of the animal. The signs being posted along the Bart Thompson Trail and possibly others are fake and pet owners could still be found in violation of our City by-law and, if so, responsible for a set fine of $90.”
There are two designated off-leash areas in the City of Timmins for your dog. One is the dog park off Mattagami Blvd. South and one is the Rainbow Loop at Hersey Lake Conservation Area, which is maintained by the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA). Trails maintained by the MRCA are clearly marked with an on-leash sign.
For more information, visit our Animal Control section.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is issuing an extreme cold weather alert for February 4, 2022 with temperatures dropping to -40 Celsius (inclusive of windchill) overnight with risk of frostbite.
People in need of emergency shelter are asked to attend the Living Space location (316 Spruce St. S.). Living Space Outreach Workers will conduct street-level outreach with the goal of connecting people who are sleeping outside with shelter and/or support; if you know of someone in need of shelter please contact 705-531-7233 for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is issuing an extreme cold weather alert for February 3, 2022 with temperatures dropping to -43 Celsius (inclusive of windchill) overnight with risk of frostbite in just minutes.
People in need of emergency shelter are asked to attend the Living Space location (316 Spruce St. S.). Living Space Outreach Workers will conduct street-level outreach with the goal of connecting people who are sleeping outside with shelter and/or support; if you know of someone in need of shelter please contact 705-531-7233 for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is issuing a cold weather alert for February 02, 2022 with temperatures dropping to -30 Celsius (inclusive of windchill) overnight.
People in need of emergency shelter are asked to attend the Living Space location (316 Spruce St. S.). Living Space Outreach Workers will conduct street-level outreach with the goal of connecting people who are sleeping outside with shelter and/or support; if you know of someone in need of shelter please contact 705-531-7233 for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
A by-law is a rule or law that is put in place by the City of Timmins to ensure that our community remains safe and orderly. The City of Timmins Enforcement Services Division is responsible for enforcing our by-laws. Staff enforce by-laws by investigating complaints and responding to the concerns of citizens.
Each month, we'll explore a different by-law and what it means for you. This month, we're looking at the City's Noise By-law.
What's that noise?
The City of Timmins Noise By-law 2006-6339 prevents and regulates certain unusual noises that may disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of other residents. Its purpose is to create a consistent environment for all inhabitants of the City of Timmins.
Noises that are generally prohibited include horns and sirens that are used for an unnecessary reason or for an unreasonable amount of time; radios or loudspeakers that are played at a volume loud enough to disturb other residents; loud shouting; and, barking or animal noises.
Construction and the use of power equipment is specifically prohibited overnight from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. the following morning. This includes lawnmowers, snow blowers, chainsaws, etc.
Excessive vehicle noise like grating and grinding is also prohibited if it's caused by a condition of disrepair. By-law 1995-4487 also prohibits the use of Engine Compression Exhaust Style brakes or jake brakes on highways within the City of Timmins where speed is 70 kilometers or less.
Firearms or discharging an air gun or spring-gun is also discouraged unless it's performed by a peace office as part of professional duties.
Let's get loud!
But not all loud noise is bad noise, there are exemptions. If you live outside the city in an area classified as part of the Rural Agricultural Zone, the noise by-law does not apply to you. Businesses are also exempt if the noise is caused by commercial use that emits a normal sound or vibration incidental to the Commercial Zone. Businesses that are licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario are governed by the permitted hours of alcohol sale and conditions of their license; otherwise, a business is restricted to noise that is not audible at more than 8 meters from the building on a public street.
The by-law also doesn't apply to authorized emergency vehicles or snow removal equipment, so the grader going by at 3:00 a.m. is a welcome sound in the winter.
Council can also grant exemptions and this is where events like Rock on the River and Canada Day celebrations get permission to be loud. Council can pass a resolution to grant an exemption for a specific period of time and set terms and conditions that are considered reasonable. Groups or organizations requesting exemption have to submit a written application that describe the source of the sound, what specific part of the by-law they want to be exempt from, the period of time they need exemption, and why they're making the request.
But what about that noisy neighbour?
Our by-law officers enforce the noise by-law by following up on complaints submitted through Service Timmins during regular business hours Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Provincial Offences Act regulates the penalty if someone is found in breach of the by-law.
Any resident who wishes to make a complaint regarding excessive/frequent noise needs to record noise evidence and submit an excessive noise evidence sheet. The procedure and evidence sheet can both be downloaded online.
Noise By-law Evidence Procedure
Excessive Noise Evidence Sheet
For more information visit our Enforcement Services page.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins has requested an extension from the Ministry of the Environment regarding the Whitney-Tisdale Pumping Station No. 4 and will continue to work with the Ministry until project completion. The original date was set for January 28, 2022, but ongoing supply chain issues and labour shortages have plagued the project. Timmins has also experienced extreme cold weather warnings through much of December and January, which has made completing work difficult.
Last October, the project was nearing completion. At that time, an extension was granted following leaking of the equalization tanks and flooding of the pump equipment, which occurred during mandatory facility testing. Since that time, the City’s contractors have been working to complete the project while mitigating issues arising from the on-going pandemic. Supply chains are affected across the country and access to product and a delay in delivery times has continued to be unavoidable. In addition, labour shortages have become the norm with a highly contagious variant that has reduced staff numbers.
The City and its contractors remain steadfast in our commitment to completing the project despite ongoing challenges related to the pandemic and weather. For more information on the Whitney and Tisdale Waste Water Treatment Plant, visit CLICK HERE..
Amanda Dyer
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