2024 will be a year of modernization for Timmins Transit. The City’s public transportation system will be updated with four (4) new conventional buses, a new fare box system, and the introduction of a microtransit pilot project for riders in Porcupine and South Porcupine.
At last night’s council meeting, council approved the purchase of 4 news buses, covered in part by the City’s Investing in Canadian Infrastructure Program (ICIP) funding. The new buses will replace others at the end of their useful life under Transit’s asset management plan.
The same funding stream will also allow for the purchase of new fare boxes. Council’s approval for twenty-five (25) fare boxes will not only improve Transit’s data collection on routes and ridership, but will give riders the option of modern electronic payment methods, like paying with debit, credit, smart phones, or reloadable bus passes. The City intends to cover our portion of fare box replacement with provincial gas tax funding, which means the update will have no impact on residents’ property tax bill.
The purchases support Timmins Transit’s plan to move to a microtransit system, beginning with a pilot project in February for users in the east end of the City.
Microtransit is an emerging public transportation system that connects people in low-density areas to existing transit. The City’s current transit system is fixed route; designed to move a large number of people in conventional buses from one place to another. A microtransit system is a smaller, shared transit option that runs on-demand using smaller-scale vehicles, like the City’s current para-transit buses. At last night’s council meeting, Timmins Transit’s current para-transit system was re-branded Timmins On-Demand and the user fees for para-transit riders were updated to prepare for the introduction of microtransit.
In February, the City will begin testing microtransit for riders in Porcupine and South Porcupine. Through a new Timmins On-Demand app, currently in development, residents who live outside of main bus routes or at a distance from a fixed transit stop, can request a ride. One of the City’s smaller para-transit buses will pick that person up and transport them to the nearest fixed stop along the main bus route. Microtransit connects more people to public transportation and makes better use of current transit resources.
Current clients of the para-transit service will now be able to request service on-demand as well, through the app, and without the need for advanced booking. More information on Timmins On-Demand, how to download and use the new app, and what areas are included in the pilot project will be available soon. In the meantime, Transit staff and management are working hard to update and improve the current transit system to one that is modern, efficient, and convenient for all residents.
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Quotes:
“The City is actively working to improve Timmins Transit so that it’s reliable, convenient, and efficient for current and future riders. Public transportation can connect our residents with community support, employment opportunities, education, and more. During our series of ward meetings, we heard from residents in Porcupine, South Porcupine, and Schumacher who wanted better access to public transportation. We are fortunate to have an investment from both the federal and provincial governments that allows us to upgrade our buses, our fare systems, and explore solutions to expand transit access across the city.” ~ Mayor Michelle Boileau
“The changes being made to Timmins Transit this year will prepare us to serve a greater number of residents in the future. The addition of microtransit will expand the Transit system responsibly, with service based on demand. Payment options will be simplified. Access for para-transit customers will be faster and more convenient. It is a year of modernization, and Timmins Transit is happy to implement new systems and strategies that will make public transit a more viable transportation method for more people in our community.” ~ Ken Krcel, Director of Public Works and Environmental Services
Amanda Dyer
City Council has approved the 2024 taxation fund budget with a 3% increase over last year, which covers the City’s operating budget to maintain services and direct investment in capital. Council worked with Administration and Finance to allocate $260,000 of the City’s reserves to drive the total increase down to 3% and a final net expenditure of $47.1 million.
The taxation fund budget represents the City’s portion of the overall municipal budget. This total is combined with the approved budgets from agencies, boards, and commissions, like Timmins Police Service Board and Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board, and school board and MPAC assessments to arrive at the final property tax rate. Council is expected to approve the 2024 tax rates by April.
2024 Operating Budget:
The 2024 net operating budget is $36,741,667. The operating budget covers the cost of daily municipal services such as maintenance of city roads, public transit, garbage collection, snow removal, and parks and arena maintenance.
2024 Capital Budget:
The 2024 capital budget includes a gross expenditure of $38,908,193; however, with funding and reserves, the portion covered by the tax levy, which impacts the final property tax rate, will be $10,365,307. Capital funds support the creation, repair, or replacement of municipal assets that are required to deliver daily services to the community, including infrastructure like roads. This amount does not include capital expenses related to water and wastewater, which are approved as part of the separate utilities fund budget.
This year’s capital budget includes:
• $2.1 million for road repair through the City’s grind and pave program
• $3.5 million (offset by funding) for upgrades to the Mattagami and Porcupine bridges as part of Connecting Link rehabilitation
• $2 million (offset by funding) for repairs to the Mattagami boat launch pier and retaining wall
• $1.7 million in fleet purchases for the Timmins Fire Department
• $5.6 million for Porcupine River Bridge construction (offset with reserve and funding)
The funds will also be used to continue Golden Manor redevelopment and the final downtown segment of the Connecting Link, with plans to begin implementing some of the recommendations from the updated Recreation Master Plan.
For more information on the 2024 budget, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/finance/city_budget_2024
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Quotes:
“City Council began this year’s budget process with a commitment to engage and listen to residents on how we can work to improve the quality of life in Timmins. This is reflected in the City’s approved operating and capital expenditures for 2024, and the decisions made that will help deliver an efficient, affordable, and sustainable city for all residents. The budget will support a variety of projects and programs that will rehabilitate necessary infrastructure, prioritize community safety and well-being, and encourage growth and development.” ~ Mayor Michelle Boileau
“Preparing a balanced budget during a period of hyperinflation when costs have increased across all departments, in addition to being tasked with maintaining aging infrastructure, is challenging. City Council worked diligently with Administration and staff to deliver a budget that works for today and plans ahead for tomorrow. The City’s taxation fund outlines how we plan to spend and invest tax revenues. The next step is confirming 2024 school board and property assessments, and approved budgets for the City’s service partners and provincially mandated programs, before approving the final tax rates for 2024.” ~ Natalie Moore, Director of Finance
“The City’s goal is to deliver a citizen-oriented, municipal system that is modern, effective, and efficient. We are focused on meeting residents’ daily needs, and making long-term plans that will move Timmins forward with room for expansion and development. We recognize that our financial resources are finite, and have worked diligently to balance service delivery with capital demand, such as road and infrastructure upgrades. Through the leadership and direction of City Council, coupled with the expertise of our staff, we have arrived at a budget that will work for all residents.” ~ Dave Landers, Chief Administrative Officer
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins’ extreme cold weather alert will continue for Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Temperatures are expected to drop to -36 overnight (inclusive of wind chill). Risk of frostbite.
Exposure to extreme cold temperatures can cause serious and sometimes even life-threatening health problems, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Protection from extreme cold conditions includes avoiding wind exposure, dressing in warm layers, and covering exposed skin.
People requiring emergency shelter can attend the location at 316 Spruce St. S. for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins’ extreme cold weather alert will continue for Monday, January 15, 2024. Temperatures are expected to drop to -32 overnight (inclusive of wind chill). Risk of frostbite.
Exposure to extreme cold temperatures can cause serious and sometimes even life-threatening health problems, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Protection from extreme cold conditions includes avoiding wind exposure, dressing in warm layers, and covering exposed skin.
People requiring emergency shelter can attend the location at 316 Spruce St. S. for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins’ extreme cold weather alert will continue for Saturday, January 13 and Sunday, January 14, 2024. Temperatures are expected to stay below -25 overnight (inclusive of wind chill) for the weekend. Risk of frostbite.
Exposure to extreme cold temperatures can cause serious and sometimes even life-threatening health problems, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Protection from extreme cold conditions includes avoiding wind exposure, dressing in warm layers, and covering exposed skin.
People requiring emergency shelter can attend the location at 316 Spruce St. S. for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins has issued an extreme cold weather alert for Thursday, January 11 and Friday, January 12, 2024. Temperatures are expected to drop to -32 overnight on Thursday (inclusive of wind chill), with cold weather continuing through Friday. Risk of frostbite.
Exposure to extreme cold temperatures can cause serious and sometimes even life-threatening health problems, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Protection from extreme cold conditions includes avoiding wind exposure, dressing in warm layers, and covering exposed skin.
People requiring emergency shelter can attend the location at 316 Spruce St. S. for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins has issued an extreme cold weather alert for Monday, January 08, 2024. Temperatures are expected to drop to -26 overnight (inclusive of wind chill).
Exposure to extreme cold temperatures can cause serious and sometimes even life-threatening health problems, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Protection from extreme cold conditions includes avoiding wind exposure, dressing in warm layers, and covering exposed skin.
People requiring emergency shelter can attend the location at 316 Spruce St. S. for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins would like to advise that an extreme cold weather alert is being issued for Wednesday, January 03, 2024. Temperatures are expected to drop to -25 overnight (inclusive of windchill).
Exposure to extreme cold temperatures can cause serious and sometimes even life-threatening health problems, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Protection from extreme cold conditions includes avoiding wind exposure, dressing in warm layers, and covering exposed skin.
People requiring emergency shelter can attend the location at 316 Spruce St. S. for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
Holiday hours for municipal services and facilities.
City Hall / Service Timmins / Provincial Offenses
December 22: City Hall and Service Timmins will close at 2:30 p.m.
December 25-26: CLOSED
January 1: CLOSED
Timmins Transit
December 24: Regular Timmins Transit service runs until 5:30 p.m. After 5:30 p.m., there is no Transit service. ** 7/6 Park/Riverside will arrive at the Terminal at 6:00 p.m.
December 25: No Transit Service
December 2: Regular Sunday Service
January 1, 2024: No Transit Service
Waste and Recycling Collection and Landfill Hours
Residential waste and recycling collection that falls on Monday, December 25, 2023 will be collected on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.
Residential waste and recycling collection that falls on Monday, January 1, 2024 will be collected on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
Deloro Landfill Holiday Hours:
December 22: 8:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
December 23: 8:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
December 29: 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
December 30: 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Deloro Landfill, German Twp. Landfill, and Tisdale Transfer Site all closed on December 25 and January 1.
Archie Dillon Sportsplex Pool
Closed December 25, 25, and January 1.
Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre
December 23: Open Noon to 4:00 p.m.
December 24-26: CLOSED
December 27 and 29: Open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
December 30: Open Noon to 4:00 p.m.
December 31 – January 1: CLOSED
January 2: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Timmins Public Library Main Branch
December 23: Open 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
December 24-27: CLOSED
December 28 and 29: Open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
December 30: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
December 31 – January 2: CLOSED
January 3: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Timmins Public Library - C.M. Shields Centennial Branch:
December 23: Open 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
December 24-27: CLOSED
December 28 and 29: Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
December 30: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
December 31 – January 2: CLOSED
January 3: Noon to 8:00 p.m.
Timmins Cemetery Office:
Regular hours for The Timmins Cemetery Office are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed for lunch at noon). The office will be closed at 2:00 p.m. on December 22. Holiday hours December 27-29 are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Cemetery office will be closed December 25-26, 2023 and January 1, 2024.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins would like to advise that an extreme cold weather alert is being issued for Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Temperatures are expected to drop to -26 overnight (inclusive of wind chill).
Exposure to extreme cold temperatures can cause serious and sometimes even life-threatening health problems, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Protection from extreme cold conditions includes avoiding wind exposure, dressing in warm layers, and covering exposed skin.
People requiring emergency shelter can attend the location at 316 Spruce St. S. for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
City Council has approved the 2024 water and wastewater budget. The annual increase is approximately 4.3%, as outlined in the City’s 10-year financial plan. The average 5 room home will pay $24 more for water and $35 more for wastewater per year, or $59 total for municipal service. The same household will pay approximately $4.92 more per month on their utility bill compared to last year.
The 10-year financial plan was approved in 2021 to address a deficit in the water and wastewater budget, with nominal increases set over a number of years. The City anticipates “breaking even” on the water budget at the end of 2023, one year ahead of projections in the long-term financial plan.
Future plans for water and wastewater will see continued investment in the renewal and enhancement of critical infrastructure. Included in the approved budget is the refurbishment of a clarifier at the Mattagami Wastewater Treatment Plant. Budgeted at just under $4 million, the clarifier is a settling tank that allows for the constant removal of solids. Capital projects under water service include reviewing the backwash pump and piping, part of process related infrastructure with an estimated cost of $1.6 million. Both projects will contribute to improved system stability and controllability, which saves time and money.
The water and wastewater budget is approved separately from the general 2024 municipal budget or taxation fund because revenues are sourced from user fees and not property tax.
Amanda Dyer
City Council has approved new ice rental rates effective January 2, 2024. The new “Prime” and Non-Prime” rates will be for both adults and youth. The change supports the City’s new on-line recreation software that also launches in January, giving residents the option to book ice rentals, swimming lessons, and more on one convenient website.
The Prime rate of $155 will apply Monday to Friday from 5:00 p.m. to midnight and on weekends. The Non-Prime rate of $125 will apply Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The City has dropped the “summer ice rate.” Prime and Non-Prime rates will apply year-round. Regular ice users who have already booked their rental times, will pay their existing fees until the end of the season March 31, 2024.
The change in ice rental rates will not impact the City’s user fee revenue, with the hope that the simplified price and new online booking system will encourage future ice rentals. Pre-school and adult skates Monday to Friday will remain free. The price for lobby rental and non-residential or commercial ice rentals will stay the same, and the weekend community skates will remain at $5 per person, children under 4 free of charge.
For more information on current ice rental fees, booking process, and skating schedules, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/recreation_services.
Amanda Dyer
A new full scale multi-use recreation centre could be on the horizon for Timmins. At last night’s special meeting of Council, staff were directed to proceed with cost analysis, design, and site selection to determine funding sources for a new facility.
In June, Council received an update to the City’s Recreation Master Plan, a 181-page document that recommended the investment in a new indoor facility as pivotal to enhance recreation programs and services. At last night’s Council meeting, the recommendation was further supported by a discussion around the City’s plans for culture and tourism; more specifically, the need for appropriate space for groups, performances, and larger events.
“Now is the time to consider this investment,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “From concept to construction and the final grand opening, it’s a multi-year process. We can keep deliberating, or we can start planning for a facility that will revolutionize what the municipality can offer for events and athletics.”
Next steps will be to prepare a submission for senior levels of government to determine potential funding. This will include choosing a location for the new facility, with space enough for two ice surfaces, a municipal Class A indoor aquatic centre, event space, and the potential for additional building components like meeting space, walking track, or gymnasium, subject to design, cost, and operational feasibility.
“This has the potential of not only being a community hub, but a regional hub and a best-in-class centre for recreation, culture, and tourism,” adds Boileau.
For more information, see the Recreation, Culture, and Tourism Master Plan Update.
Amanda Dyer
This winter, you’ll notice the City of Timmins spraying something onto the roads that’s different from the usual rock salt or sand. It’s brine, a simple salt-water mixture that can be more effective than regular salt in dealing with northern Ontario’s cold weather driving conditions.
The City’s Public Works Department will be using a 29% brine solution that reduces the amount of salt being directly applied to major high-traffic arterial roads and collectors, which means less cost, less corrosion on the road surface, and it’s gentler on the environment.
But the benefits don’t stop there. In terms of road safety, brine melts the same way as solid rock salt, but because it’s applied as a liquid, it can begin to work immediately. Brine sticks to the pavement better than dry salt and is more effective in lower temperatures. When applied, the brine solution prevents a bond between snow and pavement, keeps snow from being compacted by vehicle traffic, and makes plowing easier.
When and where the City applies brine depends on the weather and the road classification. The City will continue to use solid rock salt or sand on secondary roads, residential roads, and rural country roads. Usage is also determined by temperature, humidity, and conditions. Brine works before a storm, when the road surface is bare, and can be applied up to two days prior.
No one strategy covers all of the scenarios in any given storm or weather event. The City will continue to monitor conditions and deploy winter road and sidewalk maintenance as required.
Amanda Dyer
Celebrate the festive season on Saturday, November 25! It’s the 9th Annual Community Holiday Tree Lighting. This year’s yuletide wouldn’t be complete without Christmas carols, free hot chocolate, over 4,000 twinkling lights.
The fun begins at 6:00 p.m. at Hollinger Park with a very special sing-a-long! Santa and Mrs. Claus are back to help spread holiday cheer … and they need everyone to join in, singing loud and clear. Next, we’ll flip the switch on our 40-foot white spruce with over 4,000 sparkling lights while residents enjoy free hot chocolate courtesy of the McIntyre Coffee Shop.
Timmins Community Holiday Tree Lighting is proudly supported by the City of Timmins, Tourism Timmins, Timmins Community Park Association, and the McIntyre Coffee Shop.
Amanda Dyer
With Connecting Link construction wrapping up for the season, the temporary detour in place along Brunette Rd. and Second Ave. will be removed. Algonquin Blvd. E. is expected to open early the week of November 13, 2023. The City’s Traffic Dept. is prioritizing the replacement of stop signs along Second Ave. at the intersections of Spruce St. S. and Balsam St. S. Motorists should be prepared to stop on Monday, November 13.
Both intersections along Second Ave. will be returned to an all-way or 4-way stop with all motor vehicles on approach coming to a complete stop. At a 4-way stop, the first vehicle to come to a complete stop has the right-of-way. If two or more cars stop at the same time, right-of-way goes to the vehicle on the right.
This year, construction has been completed on Connecting Link Segment 6 through the Mountjoy intersection, Segment 7 from Mountjoy to just east of Balsam St. N., and Segment 2 on Riverside Dr. from Shirley St. to Government Rd. The downtown segments of the Connecting Link are part of a three-year contract, with construction on Segment 8 beginning next spring. Segment 8 will include the removal of the underpass on Algonquin Blvd. E. and the addition of a dedicated snowmobile crossing just east of Brunette Rd.
Sign up for Connecting Link updates today at Timmins.ca and stay up-to-date on the latest construction news.
Amanda Dyer
At the December 06, 2022 City Council meeting, amendments to Traffic By-law 1983-2004 have been added to recognize dedicated left turn lanes at five city intersections. Each intersection was already designed to include dedicated left turn lanes to regulate and control traffic.
Left turn arrows have been painted on the dedicated left turn lanes at:
• Mountjoy St. and Algonquin Blvd. – north and south
• Cameron St. S at Algonquin Blvd. W – north
• Theriault Blvd. at Algonquin Blvd. W – south
• Preston St. at Algonquin Blvd. W – north and south
• Airport Rd. at Westmount Blvd. – north and south
The lane is used for left turns only, yielding to oncoming traffic, pedestrians and cyclists before making a left turn. The use of dedicated left turn lanes is designed to improve road safety and operation. The lanes serve to separate turning traffic from through traffic and increase capacity of the road.
For additional information, contact Service Timmins at service.timmins.ca or by phone at 705-264-1331.
Amanda Dyer
When it snows, the City’s Public Works Dept. is responsible for a variety of winter services including salting/sanding, plowing and snow removal on both our roads and maintained sidewalks. It’s a massive job and requires a specific strategy to ensure that our crews and fleet are ready keep the city moving.
Public Works has a winter readiness plan that includes testing all snow clearing equipment, placing sand supplies at designated yards across the city, and training any new staff on how to respond to the effects of cold winter weather.
As we gear up for winter, residents can help with preparations by removing any temporary basketball nets or recreation equipment from the end of driveways and curbs. Keep curbs and driveways clear to help with snow removal and plowing.
Two winter by-laws will shortly go into effect that help ensure Public Works can complete snow removal operations. The winter overnight parking ban takes effect on Wednesday, November 1 until April 30, 2024. Any vehicle parked on the street between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. will be subject to a $50 fine and the vehicle may be towed at the expense of the owner (unless you are in an area exempt from the winter parking ban).
The City of Timmins will inform residents of winter road maintenance with temporary “no parking” snow removal signs (yellow and red in colour), posted before snow removal begins. A weekly snow removal schedule will also be posted online at Timmins.ca. Remember to look for signs posted on your street to ensure parking has not been restricted in your area.
The City of Timmins Snow By-law 1993-4162 provides guidelines for clearing snow from your property. Snow must never be placed onto the street or sidewalk. Moving snow from your driveway onto the sidewalk or street can create various safety hazards, obstruct pedestrian traffic, or obstruct the view of drivers. Even a small amount of snow left on a sidewalk can cause accessibility issues for some our residents.
If you plan on installing a temporary winter car shelter, you will require a permit from the City of Timmins. A seasonal structure permit is just $15. Approved temporary tent shelters can be erected between October 1 and April 30. You will need to submit an application (available online at Timmins.ca), your site plan, and payment to Service Timmins.
For additional information, contact Service Timmins at service.timmins.ca or by phone at 705-264-1331.
Amanda Dyer
Last chance to provide your input on the 2024 Municipal Budget!
Survey closes today, October 31, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
Property taxes are an important revenue for the City. When combined with program fees, user fees, facility rentals, and additional funding sources, they make up the available money (revenue) coming into the City that is then spent on the services, infrastructure, programs, and projects that you rely on daily.
The City also looks at long-term planning and investment to meet the needs of the community and encourage future growth. All of this is summarized in the annual municipal budget, an itemized plan for the revenue coming in and the expenditures going out.
Complete our brief survey to provide feedback on the 2024 budgets and future budget engagement. All responses are anonymous.
Complete The Survey
Amanda Dyer
City Council has approved updates to the Downtown Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Safety Improvement Grant. Business owners across Timmins, in all city wards, will be able to apply for a safety improvement grant of up to $7,500 to add safety features, like security cameras and fencing, to their business property.
Last night’s Council approval saw amendments to the current Community Improvement Plan Project Area, designating the entire City of Timmins as an improvement project area. This allows for changes under the Downtown Community Improvement Plan, specific to the Safety Improvement Grant, to expand the eligible business area and increase the maximum grant allowance.
"The recommendations approved for the City’s Downtown Community Improvement Plan – Safety Improvement Grant, are designed to give more business owners the opportunity to add security features like cameras, lighting, and fencing to their business properties," said Mayor Michelle Boileau. "Council understands that immediate social concerns have required that businesses increase security measures. There is a tangible cost to business owners arising from issues around homelessness and mental health and addictions. If we can provide assistance, through a simplified safety improvement grant process, and increase the amount of funding available, we can help mitigate some of this cost."
Once the mandatory appeal period is complete, businesses in commercial, industrial, institutional, or rural zones, and legally non-conforming commercial, industrial, or institutional businesses (excluding home-based businesses) on residentially zoned properties, can apply for a Safety Improvement Grant. Approved amendments also streamline the application process, eliminating the need for a second quote for proposed work and the “one time only” requirement. Businesses can continue to apply for a safety improvement grant, for multiple projects, up to a maximum grant amount of $7,500.
In addition, tenants leasing business space on a multi-tenant property will be able to apply for the Safety Improvement Grant, removing the limit of one application per property.
All other available grants under the Downtown Community Improvement Plan are subject to the Downtown Community Project Areas for Timmins, Schumacher, and South Porcupine.
Amanda Dyer
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