Mayor Michelle Boileau has returned from this week’s Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference after speaking directly with provincial ministers on a number of community concerns. It was an opportunity to have targeted conversations about infrastructure funding, housing strategies, and how the City can align itself with the province’s priorities for 2023.
“ROMA is a good example of how Northern municipalities can speak with a unified voice,” says Mayor Boileau. “Our message is amplified when we work together to represent the region. For Timmins, we had positive conversations about roads infrastructure, support for housing projects, and funding for paramedicine. It’s an exciting few days that puts us front and center with provincial leaders.”
In addition to representing the municipality, Mayor Boileau spoke on behalf of both the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB) and Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA) as chair of their respective Board of Directors.
“The work CDSSAB is doing in supportive housing, housing for students, second-stage housing for women recovering from domestic violence, and strategies to end homelessness is both innovative and progressive,” adds Mayor Boileau. “We also had an opportunity to talk about CDSSAB’s Food Steps Program, a pilot project designed to reinforce healthy eating and nutrition for seniors and families with dependents. There is an opportunity, with provincial support, to make this a permanent program across CDSSAB’s catchment area.”
In a provincial panel on confronting homelessness in rural Ontario, CDSSAB’s Chief Administrative Officer Brian Marks spoke of the need for collaboration with municipalities as a way to take immediate action to address homelessness, specifically while funding is being sought from upper levels of government.
“Timmins and area is being recognized, across the province, for how we are addressing concerns of homelessness and mental health and addictions,” Mayor Boileau continues. “The work that is happening is strategic, solutions-based, and sensitive to the community’s overall quality of life. It’s exciting to have these discussions and reinforce how the province can support Timmins and area today and in our future planning.”