Vacancy rates, inflationary pressures, affordability, and projected growth in the mining and mining service sectors have made adequate housing a critical challenge for City Council. Over the past several months, work has been done to identify barriers to sustainable housing and strategies to stimulate housing growth in Timmins. City Council has now given the green light on a Housing Action Plan that will begin to put strategy into action.
The City’s Housing Action Plan builds on the Timmins Economic Development Corporation’s (TEDC) Community Housing Taskforce Recommendations to Council report, presented last September. The plan recommends eight city-led actions to address the current and future housing needs of Timmins. Recommendations include intensification and park rationalization studies, adjustments to the current zoning bylaw, and developing a Housing Community Improvement Program (CIP) to encourage the creation of new residential units. The plan supports a range of housing options through subdivision development, infill and regeneration, and purpose-built housing.
“Housing was identified as a key priority of Council,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “We know that in order to take advantage of the opportunities in mining and related industries, we need to grow our skilled labour force. According to the Far Northeast Training Board, there is a projected growth of 3,629 positions by 2029. We need to start addressing the housing challenges now to help support recruitment, development, and economic growth.”
The Housing Action Plan is a key planning tool for the upcoming 2025 budget, and will be used to advocate for provincial funding for housing initiatives at this year’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference coming up in August.
“We have a clear plan on how we can move forward on our housing priority,” adds Mayor Boileau. “It’s important that the province sees that we’re focused on sustainable solutions that will build up our housing supply and support future growth.”
City of Timmins Housing Action Plan 2024: https://bit.ly/4bHuGOi
Amanda Dyer
City Council has approved a municipal contribution to the ‘Physician Start-Up Grant’ in the amount of $20,000 per new physician recruit up to a maximum of $200,000 per year for the next three years. The funds will be added to the City’s 2025 municipal budget.
The decision comes after members of the Timmins Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee (TPRRC) made a compelling presentation to council last month on the current physician shortage in Timmins, and the potential shortage in the next five years. Timmins needs forty (40) physicians now and could need over eighty (80) physicians by 2029.
The presentation included a set of initiatives aimed at addressing the shortage, including the development of a ‘Physician Start-Up Grant’ to assist doctors with starting practice in Timmins. The intention is to match equal contributions from the Timmins and District Hospital, City of Timmins, and industry partners for up to 10 physicians per year. With both the hospital and municipal contributions confirmed, the TPRRC will now approach industry leaders to assist.
“There is the potential for tens of thousands of residents to be without direct access to a family physician or required specialist,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “We know there is already a large number of residents who are considered “unattached patients”. Ensuring that we have adequate access to healthcare is imperative. With the projected growth in the mining and mining service sectors alone, supporting sustainable health services is one way that our industry leaders can also support their current workforce and recruitment.”
Amanda Dyer
City Council has approved $180,000 to extend the Mushkegowuk Fire Keeper Patrol Outreach Services until December 31, 2025. The cost will be added to the City’s taxation levy next year.
The City of Timmins and the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB) co-funded the outreach pilot project last August to provide enhanced community outreach for urban Indigenous members experiencing homelessness. The outreach services administered by Mushkegowuk Fire Keeper Patrol have been crucial to connecting individuals with necessary services and support systems.
“I can say confidently that the pilot project started almost a year ago has been a success,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “Mushkegowuk Fire Keeper Patrol offers an outreach service that is invaluable for individuals who need access to housing and well-being supports. They help fill a critical gap in service that is trauma-informed and culturally-appropriate.”
Since August 31, 2023, Mushkegowuk Fire Keeper Patrol has had 13,356 interactions with individuals. 1,203 referrals have been made for treatment services, social services, acute care, and community addiction and mental health programs. Mushkegowuk Fire Keeper Patrol has also proactively collected over 3,500 sharps, helping to reduce drug-related waste on city streets, laneways, and in public parks.
For more information on Mushkegowuk Fire Keeper Patrol services, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/emergency_services/important_contact_numbers
Amanda Dyer
City Council celebrated ten athletes from École secondaire catholique Thériault at Tuesday night’s council meeting, highlighting their gold and silver medal wins in OFSAA track and field, cross-country running, and Nordic skiing competitions.
The Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) is a not-for-profit organization and registered charity that hosts 45 provincial high school championships across 21 sports, plus programs and services that enhance school sports in the province.
The following students were nominated by their high school coaches Joel Ruel, Sabrina Sullivan, and teacher Neil Bangs for a Heart of Gold Recognition Award under sports achievement:
Kiana Charest
• OFSAA Gold Medalist in Novice Girls 1500 meters (Track & Field)
• OFSAA Silver Medalist in Novice Girls 800 meters (Track & Field)
• OFSAA Silver Medalist in Novice Girls 3000 meters (Track & Field)
• OFSAA Gold Medalist in Junior Girls 5 km - High School Division (Nordic Skiing)
• OFSAA Gold Medalists in the Junior Girls 5 km Race (Nordic Skiing)
• OFSAA Gold Medalists in the Junior Girls Sprint Relay (Nordic Skiing)
• OFSAA Team Gold Medalists in Novice Girls (Cross-Country Running)
Anthony Minarik
• OFSSA Silver Medalist in 130+KG division (Wrestling)
Chantal Kukulka
• OFSAA Gold Medalists in the Junior Girls 5 km Race (Nordic Skiing)
• OFSAA Gold Medalists in the Junior Girls Sprint Relay (Nordic Skiing)
• OFSAA Silver Medalist in the Junior Girls 5km Open Division (Nordic Skiing)
Nicole Kukulka
• OFSAA Gold Medalists in the Junior Girls 5 km Race (Nordic Skiing)
• OFSAA Gold Medalists in the Junior Girls Sprint Relay (Nordic Skiing)
Jillian Daguerre
• OFSAA Gold Medalists in the Junior Girls 5 km Race (Nordic Skiing)
• OFSAA Gold Medalists in the Junior Girls Sprint Relay (Nordic Skiing)
Isabelle Rivard
• OFSAA Team Gold Medalists in Novice Girls (Cross-Country Running)
Maia Kinsella
• OFSAA Team Gold Medalists in Novice Girls (Cross-Country Running)
Sydney Picard
• OFSAA Team Gold Medalists in Novice Girls (Cross-Country Running)
Lyla Presseault
• OFSAA Team Gold Medalists in Novice Girls (Cross-Country Running)
Brooklyn Molnar
• OFSAA Team Gold Medalists in Novice Girls (Cross-Country Running)
Achievement in Sports recognizes performance at the highest competition available to that sport, at the local, regional, provincial, national, or international level. Each student has displayed competitive excellence in their sport, developing sportsmanship, perseverance, and providing inspiration to other youth.
Recipients of the Heart of Gold Recognition Program are recognized once a month 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
Contractors will be completing catch basin and storm sewer repairs at the Theriault Blvd. and Jubilee Ave. W. intersection July 8 - July 17, 2024.
Work is organized in two stages with the following traffic controls:
July 8-12: Right merge ramp off Airport Rd. onto Theriault Blvd. is closed to traffic. Motorists turn right at traffic lights onto Theriault Blvd. Theriault Blvd. will remain open.
July 15-17: Theriault Blvd. closed between Jubilee Ave. W. and Vimy Ave. Local traffic only including access to the Sportsplex Pool. Right merge ramp eastbound from Theriault Blvd. to Jubilee Ave. W. closed to traffic. Right merge ramp southbound off Airport Rd. onto Theriault is closed to traffic. No left turns from Jubilee Ave. W. onto Theriault Blvd.
We appreciate your cooperation while we work to update important infrastructure.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins, Environmental Services Department wishes to advise the public of hydrant flushing/watermain cleaning activities in the following areas:
Areas:
• Timmins North of Algonquin Blvd E – Starting flushing from Mountjoy St. N & Maclean Dr. to Hwy 655, including Michelano Dr. subdivision.
Time of Disruption:
• July 9, 2024 until August 30, 2024
Homeowners and/or businesses within the area might experience water service disruptions which can include but not limited to short-term low pressure and/or discoloured water. It is recommended not to drink or wash laundry with discoloured water. 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. While it is not harmful to your health, it can stain laundry. Should the water be discoloured, it is advised to 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.
City staff would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this necessary process and advise that if there are any concerns or requests for additional information, they may contact the Service Timmins at 705-264-1331.
Sara Perron
Installation of the dedicated snowmobile and pedestrian crossing on Algonquin Blvd. E. will begin Monday, July 8, 2024. Contractors will be in town to stage traffic controls and begin installing the electrical infrastructure like conduits and pole bases.
The crossing is being added following the removal of the Algonquin overpass. Snowmobile riders will be able to traverse Algonquin using a signalized crossing from Hollinger Park to the Hydro One easement to the north. The crossing will operate with a standard red, yellow, and green traffic light cycle that starts on-demand when prompted by a pedestrian or snowmobile rider. The crossing for pedestrians and snowmobiles are separated for safety, flanking either side of the east entrance to KFC. Each crossing will be clearly marked, with separate crossing signals.
During construction, Algonquin Blvd. E. will be reduced to one lane in each direction at the point of construction.
Amanda Dyer
Work on the Mattagami Boat Launch piers and retaining wall will begin shortly. The contractor has begun to place fencing around the work area.
Work includes removal and replacement of the timber docking floor, curbs, wall framing and facing on the east and west piers; removal and replacement of the concrete walls and foundations on the east pier; removal and replacement of the existing damaged guard rails; and, repairing all cracks in the concrete launch pad.
The launch pad is still accessible for users at this time. We will provide an update with date of closure for the launch pad once work has moved forward.
We appreciate your cooperation while work is completed.
Amanda Dyer
Planned essential maintenance will be taking place at the Mattagami Water Pollution Control Plant which requires the use of the preliminary treatment bypass line on July 3, 2024, to remove a buildup of solids (rags). The preliminary bypass line will divert the influent from the screen and grit removal systems to the primary clarifiers. We do not anticipate any impact to the final effluent. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has been notified and samples will be collected.
Mattagami Water Pollution Control Plant – Use Preliminary Bypass Line
Address: 551 Airport Road
Start date: July 3, 2024
Start time: 8:05 am
End date: July 3, 2024
End time: 5:30 pm
Volume by-passed: 8897.10 m3
We’re reminding residents that only human waste and small amounts of toilet paper should be flushed. Baby wipes, feminine products, dental floss, cotton swabs, cleaning and disinfectant wipes, toilet bowl scrubbers and paper towels might be labeled "flushable," but they are not!
These products do not break down in the sewer system and can cause plugs in sewer pipes and pumps, resulting in sewer backups, overflows, costly cleanups and sewage equipment replacement. While it may seem convenient to dispose of various materials in this manner, it can have severe consequences for our sewage works. Please dispose of non-flushable items in the waste receptacle, ensuring they are properly bagged.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding in this matter. By working together to practice responsible waste disposal, we can help maintain the integrity of our sewage system.
Sara Perron
The City of Timmins, Environmental Services Department wishes to advise the public of hydrant flushing/watermain cleaning activities in the following areas:
Areas
• Timmins South Area starting at Pine St South & Algonquin Blvd West heading East to Vipond Rd.
• South Porcupine starting on Legion Dr and heading towards Porcupine.
Time of Disruption
• July 3, 2024, until August 30, 2024
Homeowners and/or businesses within the area might experience water service disruptions which can include but not limited to short-term low pressure and/or discoloured water. It is recommended not to drink or wash laundry with discoloured water. 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. While it is not harmful to your health, it can stain laundry. Should the water be discoloured after completion it is advised to turn on the COLD water 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.
City staff would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this necessary process and advise that if there are any concerns or requests for additional information, they may contact the Service Timmins at 705-264-1331.
Sara Perron
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