With just one week until Canada Day, the City of Timmins is ready to host a full day of fun, food, and fireworks. This year, we’re celebrating across two of our city’s favourite green spaces – Hollinger Park and Gillies Lake Conservation Area.
Here’s what you need to know to make the most out of Canada’s birthday party.
Parking: To make room for more inflatables, food vendors, and live entertainment, the Hollinger Park parking lot will be closed for the event. A limited number of accessible spaces will be available at the entrance.
At Gillies Lake, the parking lot off Hwy. 655 will be closed from 6:00 a.m. on June 30 through July 1 to allow for fireworks set-up and display.
There are a number of free parking options available a short distance from both parks. On July 1, there is free on-street parking at municipal meters and free parking in all City lots including the Spruce N. Lot, Algonquin Lot, Third Ave. Lot, Pine S. Lot, Library Lot, and Coalition Lot (Timmins Transit).
Food and Vendors: Everyone is invited to enjoy one free hotdog, hamburger, or vegetarian option, plus water while quantities last. We’ll also be handing out an assortment of freeze pops and Canada Day cupcakes. Plan to stay for lunch and dinner with 4 local food trucks serving up fan favourites like poutine, for purchase.
Entertainment and Activities: From inflatables to face painting, there’s a variety of fun for the whole family. Try inflatable axe throwing. Kids can bounce through the ultimate inflatable obstacle course. Discover 25 local vendors and community groups. Play a round of free mini-putt. Plus, live entertainment all day, featuring headliners Rosewood Ave.
Fireworks: Once the sun sets, Gillies Lake will light up with a spectacular fireworks display from Supernova Fireworks. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and settle in around the lake. Northern College will have more fun family activities, and we’ll keep the Canada Day party going with a live DJ and great music to close out the day.
For full event details, visit: www.timmins.ca/our_services/culture_and_heritage/canada_day
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is once again partnering with the Save Your Skin Foundation (SYSF) to help residents stay protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Free sunscreen dispensers will be available at key locations around the city, including Gillies Lake, downtown Timmins, and this year, special event spaces like Hollinger Park during Indigenous Peoples Day and the city’s Canada Day celebrations.
This sun safety initiative is made possible through collaboration between the SYSF, the Northeastern Public Health, and the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Team. Together, they’re raising awareness about skin cancer prevention by making SPF 30 broad spectrum sunscreen more accessible to the community.
“We’re proud to bring back this important initiative for another summer,” says Meagan Baranyk, Community Programs Manager for the City of Timmins. “Whether you’re spending the day at the beach or celebrating with us at a community event, having free sunscreen available helps everyone stay safe while enjoying the season.”
The dispensers are touchless, automatic, and completely free to use, containing a Health Canada-approved zinc oxide-based mineral sunscreen that’s suitable for sensitive skin — free from common allergens and harsh ingredients like sodium lauryl sulphate.
Where to find the dispensers this summer:
- July 1, 2025 at Canada Day at Hollinger Park
- Gillies Lake Beach (while lifeguards are on duty)
- Downtown BIA Urban Market (every Wednesday)
- Northeastern Public Health (Pine St. South)
For more information, visit: saveyourskin.ca/sunscreen-dispensers
Amanda Dyer
Whitney-Tisdale Pump Station #1 Overflow Report
Address: 220 Goldrush Street
Start date: June 21, 2025
Start time: 7:08 PM
End date: June 21, 2025
End time: 10:14 PM
Volume by-passed: 540.07 m3
Whitney-Tisdale Pump Station #2 Overflow Report
Address: 57 Evans Street
Start date: June 21, 2025
Start time: 6:41 PM
End date: June 21, 2025
End time: 9:30 PM
Volume by-passed: 1240.69 m3
Whitney-Tisdale Pump Station #3 Overflow Report
Address: 174 Essa Avenue
Start date: June 21, 2025
Start time: 7:02 PM
End date: June 21, 2025
End time: 10:06 PM
Volume by-passed: 259.07
Whitney-Tisdale Pump Station #6 Overflow Report
Address: 300 Bellemare Street
Start date: June 21, 2025
Start time: 8:00 PM
End date: June 21, 2025
End time: 9:00 PM
Volume by-passed: 196.39 m3
Support Our Wastewater System:
During heavy rain events, the increased water entering the sewer system can exceed the capacity of our wastewater system, leading to potential overflows. Residents can help by conserving water, managing runoff on their properties, and keeping our pipes clear—no wipes in the pipes! Learn more about how the system works and what actions you can take at www.timmins.ca.
Sara Perron
Mattagami Water Pollution Control Plant Secondary Bypass Report
Address: 551 Airport Road
Start date: June 21, 2025
Start time: 7:02 PM
End date: June 21, 2025
End time: 10:11 PM
Volume by-passed: 2610.84 m3
Mattagami Water Pollution Control Plant Raw Overflow Report
Address: 551 Airport Road
Start date: June 21, 2025
Start time: 6:19 PM
End date: June 21, 2025
End time: 9:17 PM
Volume by-passed: 5472.20 m3
Support Our Wastewater System:
During heavy rain events, the increased water entering the sewer system can exceed the capacity of our wastewater system, leading to potential overflows. Residents can help by conserving water, managing runoff on their properties, and keeping our pipes clear—no wipes in the pipes! Learn more about how the system works and what actions you can take at www.timmins.ca.
Sara Perron
The City of Timmins Environmental Services department wishes to advise the public of hydrant flushing/watermain cleaning activities in the following areas.
Affected Areas:
• Timmins South: Starting at The Timmins Water Plant to Wilson Ave heading east to Mountjoy St S. See provided map
Time of Disruption:
• June 23, 2025, to July 11, 2025.
Homeowners and businesses may experience short-term loss in water pressure or experience brown or rust-coloured water following the testing. It is recommended not to drink or wash laundry with the discoloured water. While it is not harmful to your health, it can stain laundry. Should this occur, it is advised to turn off your tap for 10-20 minutes in order to allow the crew to complete the test. Once the test is complete and the work crew has left the area, turn on the COLD water tap closest to the source (usually your laundry tub tap) and let it run for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the water colour has returned to normal.
Environmental Services Department would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this necessary process, and advise that if there are any questions, concerns or requests for additional information, they may contact the Service Timmins at 705-264-1331. After-hours emergencies should be directed to 705-264-1201.
Sara Perron
The City of Timmins is moving forward with plans for the revitalization of Leo Del Villano Park. Council has awarded the design contract to J.L Richards & Associates Limited in the amount of $325,142.
The revitalization project includes two major components: the construction of a new, fully accessible washroom facility and the development of a regulation-size cricket field. Both improvements are essential to meet the community’s growing recreational needs and increase the park’s usability for residents and visitors.
“The current washroom facility at the park is outdated and no longer meets modern standards for accessibility or functionality,” said Steph Palmateer, Director of Community Services and City Clerk. It’s more cost effective to construct a new washroom building that is designed to be fully accessible and better equipped to serve increased park usage. The City will repurpose the existing structure as a cold storage facility to support park operations.”
Recognizing the rapid growth of cricket in Timmins—particularly among youth and newcomer communities—the project includes the development of a regulation-size cricket field. The current cricket area does not meet official size requirements, which restricts the ability to host league matches or organized tournaments. A properly sized field will not only meet this increasing demand but also support inclusive recreation and create opportunities for regional cricket events and support local economy through sports tourism.
“These upgrades represent a meaningful investment in the health, vitality, and inclusiveness of our community spaces,” said Mayor Michelle Boileau, “There’s an unspoken race between our Northern Ontario large urban cities to build the first regulation cricket pitch. We intend to hit a six with this park and field development.”
The proposed improvements to Leo Del Villano Park align with the City’s recreation master plan and the broader goal to invest in recreational spaces as community destination hubs with unique amenities that support accessibility and inclusion.
See the City’s updated Recreation Master Plan at: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/recreation_service
Amanda Dyer
City Council has voted to include a referendum question on the ballot for the 2026 Municipal Election, giving residents the opportunity to vote on a potential change to the way City Council members are elected.
Residents will be asked, "Do you support changing the current Ward System for electing members of Council? Yes or No."
This decision stems from Council Resolution #25-114, passed on April 8, 2025, which directed the City Clerk to initiate the process required to bring this question before local voters. The question is being added in accordance with Section 8.1(3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, which mandates public notice and consultation prior to passing a by-law to place a referendum question on the ballot.
If the referendum is approved by a majority of voters, options for changing the electoral system will then brought forward ahead of the 2030 Municipal Election.
“If the majority of electors vote in favour of changing the current ward system, the City will begin exploring potential models for representation,” said Steph Palmateer, City Clerk and Director of Community Services. “At this time, no specific changes have been proposed—those options will only be developed and presented following an approved referendum.”
Amanda Dyer
City Council has voted to include a referendum question on the ballot for the 2026 Municipal Election, giving residents the opportunity to vote on a potential change to the way City Council members are elected.
Residents will be asked, "Do you support changing the current Ward System for electing members of Council? Yes or No."
This decision stems from Council Resolution #25-114, passed on April 8, 2025, which directed the City Clerk to initiate the process required to bring this question before local voters. The question is being added in accordance with Section 8.1(3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, which mandates public notice and consultation prior to passing a by-law to place a referendum question on the ballot.
If the referendum is approved by a majority of voters, options for changing the electoral system will then brought forward ahead of the 2030 Municipal Election.
“If the majority of electors vote in favour of changing the current ward system, the City will begin exploring potential models for representation,” said Steph Palmateer, City Clerk and Director of Community Services. “At this time, no specific changes have been proposed—those options will only be developed and presented following an approved referendum.”
Amanda Dyer
City Council has approved the 2025-2029 Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan – the municipality’s renewed commitment to fostering a safer, healthier, and more inclusive community for all residents.
The CSWB Plan will focus on the same key pillars: Homelessness, Addiction and Mental Health, Youth Engagement, and Gender-Based Violence. The priority of shared safety and well-being has been incorporated throughout the other four pillars and will remain part of the plan’s overall objective. Evaluation and reporting have been added intentionally to improve outcomes.
“This version of the CSWB Plan is about refinement, not a full rewrite,” says Meagan Baranyk, Community Programs Manager, City of Timmins. “The priorities haven’t changed, but how we approach them has. We’ve refined the objectives under each pillar, made them clearer and more actionable, and focused more directly on how we measure success. Our intention is to deepen the work that we’re already doing. The plan is intended to grow with our community and keep us moving forward.”
In her presentation to Council, Baranyk highlighted the work accomplished over the last four years to address challenges, strengthen partnerships, and implement new strategies to improve safety and well-being. The City formalized programs for sharps collection and disposal; developed an encampment protocol that works to eliminate barriers to essential supports; partnered with Mushkegowuk Fire Keepers to deliver consistent community outreach; and, helped develop an anti-hate and discrimination reporting tool to provide access to support through Timmins and District Victim Services.
“I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished,” adds Baranyk. “Our community partners have embraced shared responsibility and have helped us improve data-sharing and coordinated response across sectors. Real change takes time. Progress doesn’t always feel fast, and it doesn’t always feel good. But it’s there. This plan will keep us moving in the right direction.
Next steps include analyzing the work that’s already underway and continuing to refine support systems and preventative action. Community engagement will continue throughout the next four years to ensure that the plan stays relevant and responsive.
View the updated plan at: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/community_safety_and_well_being_c_s_w_b
Amanda Dyer
Fans of local curling know Kim Meunier. The dedicated volunteer manager for the McIntyre Curling Club has made a name for herself by fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for athletes of all ages. Her hard work has helped put Timmins on the map, attracting national and provincial curling championships that support the local economy and boost enthusiasm for the sport.
Kim’s Heart of Gold nomination recognizes her as a pillar of the community – someone who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to volunteering and leadership, both in and outside the curling rink. She spent 20 years as a volunteer with the Women’s Social Gathering – AssemBELLE (formerly WIN), dedicated to supporting and empowering women through entertainment, education, and networking. Kim also spent many years as part of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), promoting awareness and advocating for responsible choices to prevent impaired driving and save lives.
Her nomination reads, “Kim’s dedication to community service is not only reflected in the organizations that she serves but in in the lives that she touches. Her leadership has inspired volunteers, supported athletes young and old, and contributed to meaningful social change. Through tireless effort, Kim has contributed to many organizations within the community where she embodies the spirit of service and leadership that this award looks to recognize. Her years of dedication and unwavering passion for making a difference makes her a truly deserving recipient.”
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
|