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NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING AND COMPLETE APPLICATIONS FOR PROPOSED OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Timmins has received applications for a proposed Official Plan Amendment and a proposed Zoning By-law Amendment, pursuant to the provisions of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, as amended. These applications are deemed complete for the purpose of the Planning Act.

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Timmins will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City of Timmins, 220 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins, Ontario, to gather public input regarding the proposed Official Plan Amendment and proposed Zoning By-law Amendment, pursuant to the provisions of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, as amended.

Owner: Edith Duval

Applicant/Agent: Brandon Stevens, Johnston Litavski Ltd., representing Fort Albany First Nation

Location: Concession 1, Part of Broken Lot 9, Mountjoy Township, City of Timmins
(1180 Government Road South)

THE PROPOSED OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT would redesignate the subject land from the Resource Development Area designation to the Neighbourhood Area designation.

THE PROPOSED ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT is to rezone the subject land currently zoned Rural (RD-RU) to Residential Medium Density 2 (NA-RM2) SP6.195 and to modify Section 3: Definitions to add definitions for ‘shelter’ and ‘transitional housing’.

THE PURPOSE AND EFFECT of the proposed Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment is to facilitate the development of the following:

convert the existing two-storey dwelling into a shelter that will have a maximum occupancy of eight (8) clients and three (3) staff members;
construct a building containing three (3) residential dwelling units to be utilized as transitional housing; and
construct a building containing four (4) residential dwelling units to be utilized as transitional housing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND MATERIALS, including supporting studies relating to the proposal are available for download. Please click here to download.

ANY PERSON may attend the public meeting and/or make written or verbal representation either in support of or in opposition to the proposed Official Plan Amendment and/or 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 proposed official plan amendment is adopted, 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 proposed official plan amendment is adopted, 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 add the person or pubic body as a party.

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.

Please note that the rights of third parties to appeal Official Plan Amendment decisions and Zoning By-law Amendment decisions to the Ontario Land Tribunal have been restricted under the Planning Act.

If you wish to be notified of the decision of the City of Timmins on the proposed official plan amendment and 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 30th day of April, 2025.

Under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, and in accordance with Ontario’s Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), all written submissions, documents, deputations, correspondence, emails or other communications (including name and address) provided for, or at a public meeting, public consultation, or other public process are considered part of the public record. Please note that by submitting any of this information, consent is being provided to use and disclose this information as part of the Planning process.

1180 Government Road South Location Map

Posted by David St.Onge On Apr 30, 2025 at 10:18 AM

Complete Application/ Public Meeting Notice-Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment - 127 JV Bonhomme Blvd.

File No. Z-2025-04
5627-050-062-00442

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 Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 1:00 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: Ugochukwu and Ogechukwu Okoronkwo

Location: Plan 6M-486, Lot 21, Mountjoy Township, City of Timmins
(127 J.V. Bonhomme Boulevard)

THE PURPOSE AND EFFECT of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is to rezone the subject lands currently zoned Residential First Density (NA-R1) to Residential First Density (NA-R1) SP6.194 to permit all uses in the Residential First Density (NA-R1) zone, and permit a boarding house or rooming house, in the existing residential dwelling in which the proprietor does not reside and supplies for commercial gain, to more than two (2) persons. The applicant has indicated that five (5) rooms will be made available for rent. The Ontario Building Code states there shall be a maximum of two (2) persons per room, for a total occupant load of ten (10) persons.

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.

Please note that the rights of third parties to appeal Zoning By-law Amendment decisions to the Ontario Land Tribunal have been restricted under the Planning Act.

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 30th day of April, 2025.

Under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, and in accordance with Ontario’s Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), all written submissions, documents, deputations, correspondence, emails or other communications (including name and address) provided for, or at a public meeting, public consultation, or other public process are considered part of the public record. Please note that by submitting any of this information, consent is being provided to use and disclose this information as part of the Planning process.

Key Map

Posted by David St.Onge On Apr 30, 2025 at 9:34 AM

NOTICE OF FLOOD WARNING- PUBLIC WORKS SANDBAG STATION LOCATIONS

As of Monday, April 28, 2025, the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Warning. In response, the City’s Public Works Department has established sandbag stations to assist residents in protecting their properties.

Sandbag Station Locations:

1. Mountjoy Arena – 814 Park Ave.

2. Confederation Arena – 303 Cameron St. S.

3. Corner of Golden Ave & Crawford – South Porcupine

4. Bristol Road – between Rekela & Ruth - Porcupine

Important Reminders:

• Shovels will be provided at all locations.

• Expect possible weather-related or traffic delays, especially during peak times.

• If sandbag supplies are running low, contact Service Timmins for assistance.

We urge all residents to remain cautious and take the necessary precautions to stay safe.

Posted by Becky Cashmore On Apr 29, 2025 at 3:30 PM

Flags Lowered to Half-mast for the 2025 National Day of Mourning

The flags at Timmins City Hall and other municipal buildings will be lowered to half-mast on Monday, April 28, 2025 in honour of the National Day of Mourning in Canada, also known as Workers’ Day of Mourning.

The National Day of Mourning is dedicated to the memory of those who have lost their lives in a workplace tragedy, and to acknowledge the impact of work-related injury and illness.

The City of Timmins is committed to providing our employees with a healthy and safe workplace. Through our Health and Safety Department, we work dutifully to train, enforce, standardize, and ensure that safety protocols are in place that prevent both physical and mental injury and illness.

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Apr 23, 2025 at 11:55 AM

Property Standards Blitz Planned this May

City Council has asked enforcement staff to take a proactive approach to making sure property owners are following the City’s property standards and cleaning and clearing of land by-laws. The request comes after a discussion during the March 18 council meeting about boarded up buildings and exterior property maintenance, and how the City is working to ensure cleanliness and sanitation of the community.

During the month of May, the City will be focusing on the enforcement of By-Law 2007-6489, which provides standards for the maintenance and physical condition of properties, including buildings and structures, and By-Law 2008-6599, which provides specific direction on clearing refuse and debris from the land.

“Both by-laws work together to address maintenance standards for buildings, yards, accessory structures, lawns, and more,” says Steph Palmateer, Director of Community Services and City Clerk. “Property owners can help ensure that the community remains safe, healthy, and attractive by adhering to both by-laws and respecting how the condition of their property impacts the city as a whole.

Palmateer also notes that the by-laws not only help protect public safety, but support property values and promote clean communities. It is the responsibility of the property owner to make sure they are informed and in compliance with each by-law.

Enforcement Services will begin reviewing properties in May, with a two-week blitz planned between May 12 and May 23, 2025 to proactively contact and work with property owners to address any relevant concerns. This could include proper disposal of garbage, pet waste, objects or exterior building conditions that could pose a fire or accident hazard, long grass or overgrown trees, and security of vacant buildings. The proposed dates do depend on how quickly the snow melts.

“Our enforcement officers will be focusing on exterior property conditions,” adds Palmateer. “Their work will support the City’s planned clean up initiatives, which should make cleaning and clearing yards for property owners a bit easier. Residential bulk item collection and one free load of waste with waived tipping fees at the Deloro Landfill, means that owners can also be proactive and make sure their property complies before the blitz starts. We’re not looking to target a specific area in town. We’re looking to inform and confirm that municipal by-laws are being followed.”

For more information on property standards and the cleaning and clearing of land, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/enforcement_services_and_parking/property_standards.

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Apr 22, 2025 at 12:08 PM

City’s Annual Community Cleanup Targets Winter Waste

Save the dates! The City’s Adopt-a-Block Community Cleanup Days are back, Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24, 2025. Residents, local businesses, and schools can adopt a block of space around their neighbourhood, office, playground, trail system, or other public space to clean up the waste revealed by melting snow. The initiative was introduced last year with positive results.

“Over two days, we had 10 organizations, 7 businesses, and 128 individual residents and youth participate,” says Meagan Baranyk, the City’s Community Programs Manager. “We saw laneways, parks, boulevards, and neighbourhoods transformed. We’re hoping for even more participation this year. Helping to reduce and prevent litter is the responsibility of every resident and property owner.”

Registration for Adopt-a-Block begins May 1, 2025. Once again, the City will be providing cleanup kits with gloves and garbage bags to registered teams requesting supplies. Environmental Services will also pick-up all of the garbage collected on May 23 and 24. Each team will be given a designated drop-off location where collected garbage can be left and quickly picked up by City staff.

“We want to make this process as simple as possible,” adds Baranyk. “When the snow finally melts, there’s often a large amount of litter left behind. This shouldn’t be the case, and we want to reinforce that properly disposing of waste is essential for the well-being of the community, but we can also look at this as an opportunity to work together. We all deserve clean parks and public spaces.”

The City’s annual Residential Curbside Bulk Item Collection Program also happens in May. Between May 5 and May 16, 2025 residents can dispose of large, bulky items that are not accepted through regular waste collection. The program includes one free load of residential household waste per property at the Deloro Landfill Site during the same dates. Leaf and yard waste collection also runs May 5 – May 16, 2025 when Public Works will deploy a dump truck and chipper along residential streets to mulch branches, tree trimmings, and organic plant material from gardening and yard maintenance. It’s coordinated with bulk item collection to make it easier for residents to remember collection dates.

For more information on Adopt-a-Block Community Cleanup Days, Residential Curbside Bulk Item Collection or Leaf and Yard Waste Collection, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/waste_recycling_services.

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Apr 15, 2025 at 3:27 PM

2025 Curbside Bulk Item Collection

The City’s residential Curbside Bulk Item Collection is back! From Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 16, 2025, the City’s contractor will be collecting bulky waste items that do not fit inside an approved residential garbage container, or cannot be collected during regular waste collection.

Items like bulky toys, rolled up tarps and carpets, couches, and small furnishings can be placed curbside with a maximum allowed volume of material no greater than 4 feet (1.2 m) wide, by 8 feet (2.4 m) long and 2 feet (0.6 m) high. Roughly the size of a standard half (1/2) pick-up truck cab. Mattresses and box springs can be discarded, but must be securely wrapped in plastic in order to be collected.

Each residential dwelling (based on address) will also be allowed to dump one free load at the Deloro Landfill between May 5 and May 16, 2025. Residents must provide proof of address. Tipping fees will be waived on one (1) load only. For residents without access to a vehicle, they can accompany the driver and provide proof of address, or download and fill out a form authorizing another resident to drop off their waste material. The form is available on the City of Timmins website.

Residents are reminded to have their material at the curb no more than two (2) days prior to their collection date. Collection crews will only do one (1) pass through each area. It’s also important to review the list of banned materials. Any materials not eligible for collection will not be picked up, and it will be the responsibility of the property owner to remove the items within 48 hours.

Before May 5, 2025, residents are asked to review the Curbside Bulk Item Collection information at: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/waste_recycling_services/residential_curbside_bulk_item_collection_program.

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Apr 15, 2025 at 9:31 AM

The City of Timmins is Walking to Support Life-Changing Dog Guides

The City of Timmins has joined the 40th annual Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides as part of National AccessAbility Week this May. Proceeds support the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides (LFCDG), a national charity that empowers Canadians with disabilities to lead confident, independent lives.

On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Timmins’ residents have an opportunity to participate and help raise essential funds to match Canadians with medical and physical disabilities with a life-changing Dog Guide, at no cost to the recipient. A Dog Guide costs approximately $35,000 to raise, train, and match. The amount is covered through vital events like the Walk for Dog Guides, which is why the City has signed up!

Thanks to national sponsor, Pet Valu, all proceeds from this event will directly fund Dog Guide programs. The Timmins’ Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides is taking place on May 25, 2025 at Gillies Lake. Registration is now open at: https://www.walkfordogguides.com/fundraiser/TimminsWalkforDogGuides. Residents can also make a direct donation in-person at Service Timmins in City Hall, Pet Valu on Waterloo Rd., or online through the Timmins’ event page.

Timmins’ Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides is part of the City’s National AccessAbility Week programming, coordinated by the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee. The committee works year-round to ensure that municipal services, facilities, and infrastructure are accessible to people of all abilities in our community. Learn more at: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/accessibility.

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Apr 14, 2025 at 3:06 PM

Ride the Bus for Free this Earth Day

Board Timmins Transit for free on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. We’re celebrating Earth Day with free bus rides to help support our planet. Going green can be as simple as choosing public transportation.

There are a number of reasons riding the bus can be environmentally friendly versus using a private vehicle. Buses produce far fewer greenhouse gas emissions per passenger than private cars and trucks. Public transportation options can also lower energy consumption and help conserve fuel, reducing the demand for fossil fuels. Fewer vehicles on the road can also lower levels of air pollutants.

As Timmins plans for growth and development, improving and modernizing public transportation is one way we can create walkable neighbourhoods, that are more compact and connected across a sustainable transportation network.

On Tuesday, April 22 ride the bus for Earth Day! It’s free and it’ll give the environment a break. Where will you go?

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Apr 14, 2025 at 9:29 AM

2025 Easter Municipal Service Schedule

The following municipal services will be closed or unavailable over the Easter long weekend (April 18 – 21, 2025):

Service Timmins and Provincial Offences Office will be closed Good Friday and Easter Monday.
There will be no household waste and recycling collection on Good Friday. Friday’s collection will be completed on Monday, April 21, 2025. Collection that falls on Easter Monday will be unaffected and collected as scheduled.
Deloro Landfill will be closed on Good Friday.
There will be no Timmins Transit services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Transit services on Easter Monday will be modified to a standard Sunday service.
The Timmins Museum: NEC will be closed on Good Friday, Sunday and Monday. Open Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Both branches of the Timmins Public Library will be closed on Easter Friday, Sunday, and Monday.
The Archie Dillon Sportsplex Pool is closed Easter Friday, Sunday, and Monday. Regular pool hours on Saturday.
Timmins Economic Development will be closed Good Friday and Easter Monday

For more information about municipal services visit www.timmins.ca or call Service Timmins at 705-264-1331.

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Apr 11, 2025 at 11:25 AM

Beloved Community Centre Recognized as Part of Timmins' Cultural Heritage

The McIntyre Community Centre and arena has officially been designated a property of cultural heritage value or interest. The local lore and history of the rink and building are steeped in legend. Hockey fans know it well as the home of legendary NHLers like the Mahovlich brothers, Bill Barilko, Paul Harrison, Allan Stanley, Dean Prentice, Murray Costello and his brother Les, and Steve Sullivan. Some would say that “the Mac” is the heart of the City, certainly a space that has been used for celebration, commemoration, and all things sports.

The McIntyre Arena was built first in 1937, and opened to the public with natural ice in January 1938. The community centre addition was added that same year. At the time, it cost just over half a million dollars to build. The original facility included a large rink, gymnasium, six-lane bowling alley, six sheets of ice for curling, a private mirrored skating room, lounge, coffee shop, 500-seat auditorium, surrounded by a beautiful park.

You can’t mention the Mac without remembering J.P. Bickell, President of the McIntyre Mine, first president of Maple Leaf Gardens, and chairman of the board for the Toronto Maple Leafs. From his love of sports sprang the idea for a state-of-the-art rink and community centre in the Porcupine. Something comparable to the Maple Leaf Gardens. During the opening ceremonies in 1938, Bickell addressed the excited crowd: “Let us have here all the facilities for a happy, contented community. I think that I might say that you men and your families have more facilities under one roof than any other community in Canada”.

Today, the McIntyre Community Centre stands proudly as home for local hockey, legacy events, provincial sports championships, galas, and more. Its history is linked to sports in the North, but the rafters still ring with laughter and cheers for the future hockey stars of Timmins. Later this spring, the official heritage plaque will be placed, with the City and Municipal Heritage Committee planning the designation ceremony.

For more information on the Municipal Heritage Committee, cultural conservation in the City of Timmins, or to nominate a property for addition to the Municipal Heritage Register, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/find_or_learn_about/municipal_heritage_register

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Apr 11, 2025 at 10:13 AM

Council Commits $100K More to City’s Safety Improvement Grant

City Council is committing another $100,000 to support the City’s Safety Improvement Grant, part of the Downtown Community Improvement Plan (CIP). The Safety Improvement Grant helps commercial, industrial, and institutional businesses in Timmins cover the purchase of security measures for the business property.

To date, the City has received 21 CIP grant applications to support building improvements, façade updates, and safety upgrades, exceeding the approved 2025 budget for CIP funding. While the City’s CIP reserves can cover the additional cost, Council is adding $100,000 to the Safety Improvement Grant so that businesses can continue to apply.

The Safety Improvement Grant, which provides a one-time grant opportunity for up to 75% of costs, to a maximum of $7,500, to cover the purchase of security upgrades, is the only CIP stream that has been expanded outside the pre-designated CIP downtown areas. The eligible area was amended by City Council in 2024.

Interested applicants can fill out the Downtown CIP application form, select Safety Improvement Grant, and submit directly to the City’s Community Development Planner by email or in-person at City Hall. It’s important to note that applications are only considered approved once due diligence checks have been completed and a funding agreement with the City is in place. No project should proceed before the funding agreement is confirmed.

For more information and to access the Safety Improvement Grant application, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/doing_business/community_improvement_grants.

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Apr 10, 2025 at 12:34 PM

Council Approves Record Three-Year Investment in Road Rehabilitation

“Potholes are a big problem,” says Scott Tam, Director of Growth and Infrastructure for the City of Timmins. “They show up after a long winter, and the constant freeze-thaw cycle in the north means that in spring, the roads are rough.” That’s why Tam has made a recommendation to City Council to secure funding for road repair to commit $5 million-dollars per year for the next three (3) years to municipal roads.

The money would top-up the $2.5 million already allocated to the annual “shave-and-pave program,” which sees the layer of deteriorated asphalt removed, or shaved off, and replaced with a new layer of asphalt. It’s a cost-effective method to address larger areas of damage. The challenge is keeping up with road conditions.

“The City bases our “shave-and-pave” priorities on feedback from Public Works and a 2024 Roads Needs Study, which ranks roads based on a Pavement Condition Index (PIC),” says Tam. “We have a number of roads that need rehabilitation. Investing over the next three years means we can repair more roads, take advantage of competitive asphalt pricing, and make more accurate budget projections for future planning.”

The increase in funding would be sourced through debt financing, repaid over the next five years, so, while Council is ready to grind the contract out, they still need to approve a subsequent report from the Finance Department for the borrowing of funds.

“Council has continued to make record investments in road improvements,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “Sometimes it seems hard to tell when you’re coming out of a long winter and you hit a pothole on Riverside Dr., but Public Works and our Growth and Infrastructure Dept. are working together to prioritize road repairs. This investment makes sense for Timmins’ roads now, and in the future.”

The City’s list of roads included in this year’s “shave-and-pave” program will be available soon at: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/engineering/capital_works

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Apr 09, 2025 at 2:28 PM

Timmins City Council Adopts 10-Year Culture and Tourism Plan

Timmins City Council has adopted a long-term strategic plan to address future needs and opportunities for culture and tourism in Timmins over the next 10 years. Building on the 2014 Culture, Tourism, and Recreation (CTR) Master Plan, the document provides a renewed vision to support and celebrate a culturally diverse community, with a nod to current and evolving data, trends, and changing priorities. With the update, recommendations and strategy for recreation, culture, and tourism have been divided into three unique plans designed to work harmoniously together. Council previously adopted and set direction for the Recreation Master Plan in late 2023. Now, plans to improve and enhance the municipal focus for culture and tourism can move forward.

While the 133-page document can be daunting, the goals and recommendations are laid out for short, medium, and long-term implementation, with direction and associated actions provided separately for culture and tourism. The City’s Culture Master Plan includes 27 recommendations that are designed to foster community pride, improve engagement in culture, and support cultural diversity and emerging needs. The recommendations include developing a municipal culture policy, expanding the City’s current Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to enhance support for culture and heritage preservation, and prioritizing the development of cultural spaces.

“We’ve heard from residents, cultural community groups, and event organizers that space is a valuable commodity when it comes to producing and supporting arts and culture,” says Karen Bachmann, the City’s new Director of Cultural Services. “We will need to explore solutions to address this, and look at cultural investment and funding strategies that can support artists and organizations. There is a business case to be made for the economic impact of the cultural sector that we can harness and enhance.”

Bachmann’s decades long experience as curator of the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre leaves her well-prepared to steer the City’s Culture Master Plan. “The plan is focused on opportunity and sustainability, and ways that the City can tap into the potential of culture and heritage,” adds Bachmann.

The City’s Tourism Master Plan leverages work completed as part of the 2014 CTR and the 2021-2022 Tourism Timmins Plan to enhance and develop tourism products and experiences, secure sustainable sources of funding and industry partnerships to enhance tourism, and focus on increasing overnight tourist visits. The plan has 43 short, mid, and long-term recommendations. The City’s recent move to bring Timmins Tourism under Timmins Economic Development speaks to the opportunity to leverage tourism opportunities to enhance the community and diversify the economy.

“Work being conducted by Timmins Economic Development to support non-profit and community groups, and to attract film, television, and commercial production to Timmins, supports tourism as an economic driver,” says Noella Rinaldo, Director of Community Development. “It makes sense to bring Timmins Tourism under the Timmins Economic Development portfolio. We will be able to add resources to assist with enhancing sports tourism opportunities, developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote Timmins and the broader region, and explore new tourism products.”

The Tourism Master Plan identifies market demand for food and agri-tourism, Francophone tourism, 2SLGBTQI+ tourism, and Indigenous experiences and tourism, with a recommendation to consider using the municipal portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) to fund or co-fund new tourism products. This is partnered with a deeper analysis of and strategy to use MAT funds for long-term tourism development.

“Demand for travel and tourism experiences is on the rise, particularly domestic travel that is now driven by the current political climate,” adds Rinaldo. “Canadians want to travel within Canada and are looking to support Canadian companies and tourism operators. Timmins is a vibrant city that is celebrated for its scenic location and outdoor activities. Our Tourism Master Plan can help us stay competitive and make Timmins a sought-after destination.

For more on the City’s Culture Master Plan, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/culture_and_heritage

For more on Tourism Timmins, visit: https://tourismtimmins.com/

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Apr 09, 2025 at 1:26 PM

Changing Sports, Inclusion, and Entertainment in Timmins: How Community Volunteers are Leading the C

Volunteers play a crucial role in creating positive change. There is power in being able to recognize local needs, like a gap in sports inclusion or lack of live music and entertainment, and offer support that directly addresses the need and improves the quality of life within the community. The City’s latest Heart of Gold civic award recipients have made a lasting impact on Timmins.

Julia Romauldi - figure skater, public speaker, medal winner, and athlete leader – can add national influencer and inspiration to her long list of accomplishments. Selected to support Tim Horton’s latest Global Day of Inclusion campaign, Julia spoke eloquently about the importance of inclusion and improving opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Now, Julia is being recognized with a Heart of Gold civic award from the City of Timmins for the positive contributions she has made in her own hometown. Her list of accomplishments is long, and highlights her tenacity and passion to mentor and encourage young athletes, support Special Olympics, and advocate on behalf of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. Julia is the founder and administrator for the local Special Olympics Facebook group in Timmins, which celebrates the accomplishments of our local athletes, while reinforcing the importance of inclusion in sports. She actively fundraises for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Bell Let’s Talk Day, is a volunteer coach for both the CanSkate Program and Special Olympics Fundamentals Program, and is a board member for Special Olympics Ontario.

Julia’s efforts inspire meaningful social change, promoting equal rights and opportunities. To meet Julia is to understand that when we help break down the systemic barriers that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities face, both the individual and the community thrive.

And then there’s the Timmins Festivals and Events Committee (TFEC). A powerhouse of volunteer drive and determination. One group whose objective was to bring live music back to Timmins on a large scale. Big name rock and pop artists. Chart-topping country stars. Crowds of screaming audience fans in the wash of stage lights and a pounding sound system. Over a decade of rocking the river and Timmins, with a move to a larger outdoor venue to accommodate more people and more music. With “Rock on the River” came “Beerfest” and “Rocktoberfest” and more ways to fundraise for the star headliner, like Timmins’ own Preston Pablo, who will be playing a sold-out show at the McIntyre Community Centre in May.

For local music fans, TFEC reinvented the outdoor concert experience. For music enthusiasts, it meant a trip to Timmins. “Rock on the River” puts heads in beds and boosts local summer tourism, with an economic value of over $500K annually, including the residuals from food, beverage sales, vendors, and more. The event gets Timmins noticed. TFEC supports local retailers, restaurants, and hotels, and there’s no sign of slowing down. The group is working to perfect sustainable live entertainment production, rain or shine.

John Olaveson, Jeremy Wilson, Sean Harris, Norm Dwyer, Sara Bertrand, Sarah Tonelli, Lise Groulx, and Paul Pigeau, thanks for making Timmins rock even more!

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Apr 09, 2025 at 8:47 AM

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