June 2025 - Posts
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“The current washroom facility at the park is outdated and no longer meets modern standards for accessibility or functionality,” said Steph Palmateer, Director of Community Services and City Clerk.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
Daytime Sweeping Operations 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
From June 16, 2025 to June 20, 2025, the Public Works Department wishes to inform the public that crews will be doing sweeping operations in the areas listed below.
Monday, June 16, Starting 7:30 am:
Porcupine: Bristol Road, New Street
Timmins North: University, Melrose, Graye, Reg Pope, Mascioli, Logan Kerr
Tuesday, June 17, Starting 7:30 am:
South Porcupine: Hallnor Road
Timmins North: Argento, Brian Romain, J.V.Bonhomme, Kelly Anne, Renee Place
Wednesday, June 18, Starting 7:30 am:
Timmins North: Lozanne, Lois, Lonergan, Malette, Couture, Delia, Martin, Riverpark, Randal
Thursday, June 19, Starting 7:30 am:
Timmins North: Spooner, Suzanne, Laminen, Emile, Fay, Donna, Westmount, Airport to Dieppe, Louise, McClinton
Friday, June 20, Starting at 7:30 am:
Timmins North: Roblin, Emerald, Lawlor, Cooks Lake Road
Note on the Plan:
The above plan or parts of the plan may be changed at any time and/or delayed if a storm is in effect or related to mechanical issues. Those streets that may not be completed will be completed on the next available sweeping operations shift.
Posted No Parking Signs Advising Road Maintenance:
Public Works would like to remind residents that yellow No Parking Signs will be posted to notify that Road Maintenance will be taking place for daytime operations. Vehicles not complying with these No Parking signs will be ticketed and towed to allow for the Sweeping Crew to advance.
Priority Sequence for Sweeping Operations:
Day Operation:
Sweeping Operations are never done in the area where Waste Collection is taking place.
High density residential areas (Older Section of City: one-ways, narrow streets);
Low density residential areas
Night Operation:
Highway sections;
High density commercial sections;
Main Arterial Routes.
Safety:
A reminder to respect safety signage as the safety of workers is very important.
We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Public Works
Becky Cashmore
The City of Timmins Environmental Services Department wishes to advise the public of a traffic disruption for an infrastructure inspection closing following road:
Area:
•Ross Ave. from Hart St. to Toke St.
•Patricia Ave. from Howard Ave. to Brousseau Ave.
Date & Time of Disruption:
•June 11, 2025, at 10:00AM until 12:00PM
Environmental Services Department would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this necessary process. Road closure within this area might last longer than the estimated date and time of disruption once the repair is made.
Sara Perron
Mattagami Water Pollution Control Plant Digester Cleaning
The City of Timmins would like to inform residents that contractors will be on-site at the Mattagami Water Pollution Control Plant to perform digester cleaning activities beginning on June 11, 2025, and continuing for several weeks.
This work is required to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of the Mattagami WPCP treatment system. We do not anticipate any impact to the final effluent.
The work will take place Monday through Friday between approximately 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, with the possibility of weekend work as needed.
During this time, residents may notice:
• Increased vehicle activity near the plant, including contractor equipment and haulage trucks;
• Possible odors associated with the cleaning process; and
• Occasional noise related to equipment operation.
The City appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation during this period.
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.
Cyndee Villeneuve
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