City Council has approved the 2023 water and wastewater budget as outlined by the City’s 10-year financial plan for water and wastewater services (water, sewer, storm). The increase is approximately 4.3% or $56 more for the average household.
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. City Council also approved an increase to the “Low Income Utility Assistance Credit.” Eligible homeowners can now receive up to $150 off their utility fees and can apply anytime within the calendar year. So far in 2022, the City has issued $15,655 in rebates. Deadline for the 2022 credit is December 30, 2022.
The budget includes plans to use the City’s recent $2.9 million Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) and Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) allocations for capital projects to rehabilitate or replace existing water infrastructure. It’s also important to note that the $2.1 million budgeted for water and wastewater infrastructure replacement as part of Connecting Link construction includes the money needed for work in 2023 and the unspent portion reserved from 2022 construction that ended short of Mountjoy St.
The water and wastewater budget is separate from the general 2023 budget or 2023 tax levy because revenues are sourced from user fees and not property tax. Council will begin tax levy discussions in early 2023, which is typical in a municipal election year as incoming council is familiarized with City programs and services.
The full long-term financial plan for water and wastewater available on the City of Timmins website under Our Services > Water and Sewer. The application form for the Low Income Utility Assistance Credit is also available online at Timmins.ca
Amanda Dyer
Timmins Transit is set to receive $233,039 from the provincial government as part of Ontario’s commitment to safe and reliable transit services. Phase 4 of the federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement will provide a total of $505 million across the province for municipal transit systems.
The funds can be used to offset costs related to COVID-19 in 2022, including revenue loss, operating expenses, and priority projects. Since the start of the pandemic, Timmins Transit has relied on provincial and federal grants to help cover operating costs.
“Providing accessible public transportation is a priority for the City of Timmins,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “This Safe Restart Funding speaks directly to where we are in terms of restarting and rebuilding transit services post pandemic. I want to thank both the provincial and federal governments for their continued support of transit services in Timmins.”
“We appreciate the provincial government’s support,” says Ken Krcel, Director of Public Works and Environmental Services. “This funding helps us continue to deliver safe and reliable public transportation. We anticipate that this funding will be used to cover any shortfall in revenue from 2022.”
Amanda Dyer
Mid-morning on a dairy farm in the heart of Timmins and Mayor Michelle Boileau and Councillor Rock Whissell are learning more about how Haasen Farms Ltd. operates. Not the Mayor’s normal Friday morning, but one that carries with it the opportunity for agricultural revival in Timmins and Northern Ontario.
On Friday, Mayor Boileau and Councillor Whissell joined Minister Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs, for a tour of four farming operations in Timmins and Matheson, part of a day long discussion hosted by Commerce Management and the Northeast Community Network (NeCN) as part of the Claybelt Agricultural Project. The project aims to enhance farm production in the north and highlight the tremendous potential for agriculture to become the third major pillar in the region’s economy. Timmins is part of a group of municipalities along the Hwy. 11 corridor who have invested in the project.
It was a small bit of history for Timmins, the first time a Minister of Agriculture has toured the area, more significantly with the Minister of Mines, and Timmins MPP, George Pirie. Collaboration across the regions economic pillars could be key to how quickly agriculture and farming joins mining and forestry as economic drivers for the area.
“We had an opportunity to talk about how Timmins’ economy can be diversified and flourish,” says Mayor Boileau. “It’s important for the City of Timmins to be front and centre in these discussions, to not only support our farming sector, but to emphasize the importance of stimulating agricultural development in a way that is sustainable and environmentally conscious.”
Timmins’ City Council received an update on the Claybelt Agricultural Project in July. The benefit to establishing agriculture in Timmins, aside from benefiting the economy, is the potential for job creation and food security. Ultimately, it’s part of future planning for our community and region.
“Our tour of Rubber Boot Farm highlighted how farming in the north has the capacity to support the environment,” adds Mayor Boileau. “Regenerative farming, working with nature and not against it, protects the land and delivers quality, nutritious food products. We have innovative farmers here, in our community, who are pushing the industry forward. We were happy to be able to show Minister Thompson what Timmins and the north has to offer.
For more information on the Claybelt Agricultural Project visit: https://bit.ly/3B1fpZe
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is holding its inaugural meeting of council on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. The inauguration will see Mayor Michelle Boileau and Members of Council take their oaths of office for the 2022-2026 term.
The event will be held in Council Chambers and members of the public can view the ceremony online at: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/city_hall/mayor_and_council/council_webcasts
The inauguration ceremony will include:
- Pipe Major—Tom Luke
- Singing of O Canada
- Land Acknowledgement
- Declaration of Office and Oath of Allegiance - Mayor Michelle Boileau
- Declaration of Office and Oath of Allegiance - Members of Council
- Inauguration Address by Mayor Michelle Boileau
Please note that attendance at Council Chambers is by invitation only. The public can view the ceremony online at the link provided above.
Amanda Dyer
Work is proceeding along segment 6 of the Connecting Link, which runs from Mountjoy St. to Theriault Blvd.
This week, crews are completing sidewalks, some soft restoration, and feathering in paving on side streets. Next week, electrical is scheduled (traffic signals and street lights). Line painting is also planned.
We anticipate that the remaining work will take approximately 3 weeks to complete. Algonquin Blvd. will be fully opened from Mountjoy St. to Theriault Blvd. at that time.
Amanda Dyer
Mayor Kristin Murray has proclaimed November 6 – 12, 2022 as “Treaties Recognition Week” in the City of Timmins. Timmins is situated in Treaty 9 territory, the traditional lands of many First Nations, Metis and Inuit People.
A treaty in Canada is an agreement between the government, Indigenous groups, and/or provinces and territories to define the rights and obligations of each party. The purpose is to honour the importance of treaties and educate residents about treaty rights and relationships.
“Part of the journey of reconciliation involves acknowledging how Canada’s early treaties failed to protect Indigenous Peoples and their communities,” says Mayor Kristin Murray. “We encourage an open discussion about the impact of the residential school system, the creation of remote First Nations reserves, and the resulting lack of access to infrastructure. Through honest dialogue comes understanding and support for relationships that foster healthy communities and people.”
Today, the Government of Canada is focused on rebuilding existing relationships with Indigenous partners. Treaties Recognition Week is an opportunity to learn more about our collective role in upholding treaty rights.
More information is available at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/treaties-recognition-week.
Ontario First Nations Maps: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-first-nations-maps.
Amanda Dyer
Timmins City Clerk Steph Palmateer has declared the official results for Timmins’ municipal election. Election results have been certified and there are no changes from the preliminary results announced on Monday, October 24, 2022.
Mayor
Michelle Boileau elected
City Councillors
Rock Whissell acclaimed
Lorne Feldman elected
Bill Gvozdanovic elected
John Curley elected
Kristin Murray elected
Steve Black elected
Andrew Marks elected
Cory Robin elected
English Language Public School Board Trustees
Stephen Meunier elected
Crystal Hewey elected
Bob Brush elected
English Language Separate School Board Trustees
Glenn Sheculski elected
Colleen Landers elected
Fred Salvador elected
Paula Del Guidice elected
French Language Public School Board Trustees
Nicole Arcand acclaimed
Liliane Francis acclaimed
French Language Separate School Board Trustees
Michelle Mailloux elected
Denis Belanger elected
Norm Bolduc elected
This year 12,140 – or 42.23% percent of eligible electors voted in the municipal election. In Timmins, 8,757 people voted online, representing approximately 72% of the total vote.
Amanda Dyer
A Special Council Meeting has been called for October 21, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss the following items:
- Personal matter about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.
For more information, contact the Clerks Department:
220 Algonquin Blvd. East
Timmins, Ontario
P4N 1B3
[email protected]
Amanda Dyer
We have been asked if Algonquin Blvd. E. will be open this winter. Yes, Algonquin between Theriault and Mountjoy will be paved and it will be open before winter.
Current construction on the Connecting Link will end at Wilcox St. Road work east of Wilcox, including the Mountjoy intersection, will be added to the 2023 construction season.
The construction activity this week includes watermain, subdrain, grading, concrete curbs, sidewalks, and paving as weather permits.
This construction is part of a three-year Connecting Link project from Theriault to Brunette. It is a massive undertaking and we appreciate your continued patience and cooperation.
Amanda Dyer
Small businesses are critical to Timmins’ local economy. When we support a small business by shopping local, we are contributing to the success of our local neighborhoods, school districts, and other small business owners. There’s a reason why the Timmins Chamber’s popular “Find it in Timmins” campaign asks you to, “put your money where your house is.” When we support small business, we are helping our shared community thrive.
A big part of our city’s identity is fostered by small business. Small businesses can connect us to our history, but also illustrate how a city is changing and becoming more diverse.
This is Small Business Week. We want to take this opportunity to thank our local business entrepreneurs, employees, and customers for supporting our economy and helping Timmins grow and prosper.
Mayor Kristin Murray
City of Timmins
Amanda Dyer
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