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Letter from the Office of the Mayor re: Impacts of boundary redistribution in Northern Ontario

September 26, 2022
By Email: [email protected]

Paula Puddy, Commission Secretary
Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario
PO Box 37018 Southdale
London, Ontario
N6E 3T3

Dear Ms. Puddy,

RE: Impacts of boundary redistribution in Northern Ontario

On behalf of the City of Timmins, I am writing with concerns about the proposed boundary changes and recommended redistribution of federal electoral districts. Any reduction of Northern Ontario’s federal ridings would result in the underrepresentation of our northern communities.

I understand that adjustments are being considered to ensure citizens are adequately represented by Parliament. While the proposed changes may address population growth in Ontario’s southern centres, it would leave Ontario’s remote and rural regions struggling to be heard at the federal level.

This proposal will have the effect of diminishing Northern Ontario’s voice in Government and see MPs have to serve northern regions the size of countries in Europe. The Commission must take into consideration that our geographical size, not our population, already produces significant constraints on accessibility, immigration, and the conducting of business when access to supplies is hampered by long distance. Expanding the current boundaries would pose important challenges to maintain a level of engagement and representation from Parliament.

Further, the City of Timmins has established a Relationship Agreement with the Mushkegowuk Council to examine issues of joint interest. In the spirit of Reconciliation, I have reached out to the Mushkegowuk and the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation leadership and was surprised to learn that there was no federal consultation with the northern Indigenous communities. There is a vital link between the James Bay coastal communities and the City of Timmins for health care, transportation, education and economic development. This proposed redistribution does not take these important ties that bind our communities together into account. I cannot support any boundary redistribution plan that marginalizes our partners and does not respect the important right of our First Nations communities to be consulted.

In conclusion, I am asking that the Commission maintain the current number of electoral districts in Northern Ontario. We rely on our Member of Parliament as a liaison between our citizens and the federal government and strongly encourage the proposed boundary changes be reconsidered.

Sincerely,

Mayor Kristin Murray, City of Timmins

CC: MP Charlie Angus – Timmins-James Bay ([email protected])

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Sep 27, 2022 at 2:22 PM

Statement from the Mayor - September 22, 2022

We know that residents are concerned about people living along Algonquin Blvd. E. at the underpass and want to assure you that we are also concerned.

We have worked with Timmins Police Service on clean-up and waste collection and will continue to provide support from both our Public Works and By-law Departments. Please understand that this is both a short-term and temporary solution that solves the immediate problem. The City is also committed to helping find a long-term solution so that our most vulnerable are supported, while the area is kept accessible and safe for residents.

We continue to work with public service agencies who are providing consistent outreach, often every day, to help address the human element. Ultimately, we are talking about people who are experiencing homelessness with possible mental health and addiction concerns. A level of sensitivity is required to any proposed solution.

We will continue to listen to your feedback and provide updates as they are available.

Sincerely,

Mayor Kristin Murray
City of Timmins

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Sep 22, 2022 at 11:05 AM

Notice of Blasting Operations - Connecting Link Construction 2022

Please be advised that contractors will start controlled blasting in the Connecting Link construction zone beginning Monday, Sept. 12. 2022. Blasting will be on-going until further notice and will occur Monday to Friday between 7am and 7pm.

Controlled blasting is being done to remove bedrock from pipe trenches located from Preston Ave. moving west towards Mountjoy St. This is to facilitate continued installation of underground infrastructure along Algonquin Blvd.

Noise and vibration in the area are to be expected. Contractors will work to control dust from blasting activities.

Controlled blasting is being done to remove bedrock from pipe trenches located from Preston Ave. moving west towards Mountjoy St. This is to facilitate continued installation of underground infrastructure along Algonquin Blvd.

Businesses and residents in the area have been notified by contractors.

We appreciate your continued patience as we work towards project completion.

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Sep 12, 2022 at 12:57 PM

Notice of Water Shut Off - Connecting Link Construction 2022

Please be advised that water will be shut off in the area surrounding the Connecting Link construction zone along Algonquin Blvd. on the evenings of Sept. 12 AND Sept. 13, 2022 beginning at 9:00 p.m. and for a period of approximately 9 hours.

The shut off area is specific to the construction zone site and will impact businesses and homes along Algonquin Blvd. between Theriault Blvd. and Mountjoy St. including the Preston St. apartments, extending up Rea St. N. immediately behind the grocery store and Hollinger Plaza.

This is necessary to work on water infrastructure in the construction zone.

When the water flow returns, you may experience discoloured water. Before using the water, it is recommended to run your cold-water taps for a minimum of 10 minutes until the water runs clear. You may need to do this once water is turned on from each disruption.

Residents and businesses in the area have been notified by contractors.

Thank you for your continued patience as we work towards project completion.

Posted by Amanda Dyer On Sep 12, 2022 at 12:54 PM