Two more segments of the City’s Connecting Link have been approved for reconstruction. Council has awarded the contract for segments 9 and 10, Brunette Rd. to Father Costello Dr. E., to GIP Interpaving Ltd. in the amount of $17,960,701.85 + HST. Due to the scope and complexity of the project, construction will be carried out over two years.
Work will begin this year on Segment 9, stretching approximately 700 metres from Brunette Rd. to Hwy. 655. Motorists will agree that this section is priority due to deteriorating asphalt. Full road surface reconstruction is planned, including new asphalt, curbs, sidewalks, and traffic medians. Sections of watermain and storm sewer infrastructure will be replaced, along with the traffic signals at Brunette Rd. and Hwy. 655, and streetlights will be upgraded to meet current standards.
Construction will require lane reductions only with phased traffic control. Access to all businesses and properties will be maintained throughout the project. The City has spoken directly to business and property owners in Segment 9 and will continue to provide timely updates.
“We are also working closely with Cochrane District Paramedic Service,” adds Scott Tam, Director of Growth and Infrastructure. “Emergency service operations, including ambulance access, will remain uninterrupted during construction.”
GIP Interpaving Ltd. will also complete Segment 13 of the Connecting Link this year. An updated construction timeline is expected in the coming weeks. While an exact start date for Segment 9 has not been confirmed, the City will provide updates as they become available.
For more information on rehabilitation of the City’s Connecting Link, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/engineering/connecting_links.
Amanda Dyer
Two more segments of the City’s Connecting Link have been approved for reconstruction. Council has awarded the contract for segments 9 and 10, Brunette Rd. to Father Costello Dr. E., to GIP Interpaving Ltd. in the amount of $17,960,701.85 + HST. Due to the scope and complexity of the project, construction will be carried out over two years.
Work will begin this year on Segment 9, stretching approximately 700 metres from Brunette Rd. to Hwy. 655. Motorists will agree that this section is priority due to deteriorating asphalt. Full road surface reconstruction is planned, including new asphalt, curbs, sidewalks, and traffic medians. Sections of watermain and storm sewer infrastructure will be replaced, along with the traffic signals at Brunette Rd. and Hwy. 655, and streetlights will be upgraded to meet current standards.
Construction will require lane reductions only with phased traffic control. Access to all businesses and properties will be maintained throughout the project. The City has spoken directly to business and property owners in Segment 9 and will continue to provide timely updates.
“We are also working closely with Cochrane District Paramedic Service,” adds Scott Tam, Director of Growth and Infrastructure. “Emergency service operations, including ambulance access, will remain uninterrupted during construction.”
GIP Interpaving Ltd. will also complete Segment 13 of the Connecting Link this year. An updated construction timeline is expected in the coming weeks. While an exact start date for Segment 9 has not been confirmed, the City will provide updates as they become available.
For more information on rehabilitation of the City’s Connecting Link, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/engineering/connecting_links.
Amanda Dyer
The spring melt has started and the City’s self-serve sandbag stations are ready to go at three convenient locations: the Whitney Arena, Mountjoy Arena, and Confederation Arena parking lots.
Each site is stocked with sand, empty bags, fill cylinders, and shovels to assist residents in preparing sandbags as needed. Residents are asked to take only what they reasonably require.
Follow the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA) for up-to-date information on watershed conditions and public advisories. Updates can be found online at www.mattagamiregion.ca, where residents can sign up to receive flood notifications directly via email.
Please note that the City does not collect or remove used sandbags from private property. We appreciate the cooperation of residents in helping keep the community safe and prepared.
Amanda Dyer
Board Timmins Transit for free on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. We’re celebrating Earth Day with free bus rides to help support our planet.
There are a number of reasons why riding the bus can be environmentally friendly. 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.
On Wednesday, April 22 ride the bus for Earth Day! It’s free and it’ll give the environment a break. Where will you go?
Amanda Dyer
The province has announced annual Ontario Gas Tax funding, with Timmins set to receive $585,411 in 2026. This year’s funding will be directed toward the replacement of a paratransit bus and upgrades to security camera systems at the Timmins Transit terminal on Spruce St. S.
Dedicated Gas Tax funds must be invested in public transportation initiatives that directly support increased ridership. The City has been making continuous improvements in its accessible door-to-door transportation service. Since 2024, investments have been made to upgrade paratransit vehicles, expand the eligible service area, and introduce a user-friendly smartphone app that eliminates the need for advanced reservation.
“Reliable Gas Tax funding helps us advance our transit modernization plans,” says Ken Krcel, Director of Public Works and Environmental Services. “The Province of Ontario’s continued support allows us to strategically invest in projects like paratransit fleet replacement and enhanced security at our transit terminal, improving both accessibility and safety for riders.”
For more information about Timmins Transit service, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/timmins_transit
Amanda Dyer
City Council has approved the municipal Growth Management Study (GMS) to help guide long-term planning over the next three decades. The study provides a roadmap for where new homes, jobs, and services will be located, and recommendations for how the City can phase infrastructure and development to support a growing population and economy.
The purpose of a GMS is to help make sure the community grows in a way that keeps pace with opportunity and change, while maintaining quality of life. It comes at a time when Timmins is experiencing strong economic momentum driven primarily by mining activity and industrial development, which creates an increasing demand for housing and skilled labour.
The Growth Management Study provides a snapshot of where Timmins is heading in the next 30 years. As we prepare for growth, we plan for more housing options to meet the needs of families, seniors, and workers. We explore how to make smarter use of land and infrastructure. We stay flexible to take advantage of changing opportunity that supports a complete community as defined by the integration of housing, jobs, and services.
Why does this matter for residents? Planning for and managing growth helps us identify the potential of land use, infrastructure, and services. The goal is to build a community, and neighbourhoods within the community, where people can meet most of their daily needs. Transportation is improved, local businesses are supported, and tax dollars are used more efficiently. To achieve this, the GMS recommends 45 strategic recommendations to guide future decisions and inform the City’s update of the Official Plan.
Quick Facts:
• Planning: 30 years (2026-2056)
• Population forecast: +4,800 residents
• New housing need: approximately 2,200 units (71 per year)
• Employment growth: potential for 2,500 new jobs
For more information on the City’s Growth Management Study, visit: www.timmins.ca/our_services/building_and_planning/planning/timmins_growth_management_study
Quotes:
“Timmins is entering an exciting period of growth and opportunity. With that comes the responsibility to be prepared and ready to best support residents, businesses, and industry. Long-term planning is essential to guide strategic investments that not only improve quality of life, but create space for what’s next. We are doing the work now to deliver a strong and sustainable future for our community.” ~ Mayor Michelle Boileau.
“This study provides a strong technical foundation for the City’s Official Plan review. It’s important that we plan for growth in a coordinated way by ensuring that housing, infrastructure, and land use is aligned with long-term needs. It is also important to understand that the study, while comprehensive, is not intended to constrain or limit growth. Long-term planning helps us be better equipped to respond to change and opportunity.” Scott Tam, Director of Growth and Infrastructure.
Amanda Dyer
Board Timmins Transit for free on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. We’re celebrating Earth Day with free bus rides to help support our planet.
There are a number of reasons why riding the bus can be environmentally friendly. 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.
On Wednesday, April 22 ride the bus for Earth Day! It’s free and it’ll give the environment a break. Where will you go?
Amanda Dyer
City Council has approved a 2% increase to the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), bringing the charge on overnight stays to 6%. MAT is applied to short-term accommodation charges of less than 30 consecutive days and is used to generate revenue to support tourism initiatives and community priorities. With this increase, the City is taking a strategic step toward funding a major recreation project that will benefit both residents and visitors.
1% of the MAT will be reserved for the City’s proposed multi-use recreation centre. This future facility is expected to significantly enhance quality of life in Timmins while positioning the city as a destination for sports tourism and large-scale events.
“The increase is intended to generate revenue for recreation infrastructure projects,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “This approach ensures that visitors contribute to the amenities they use and enjoy, while helping us build facilities that not only support active, healthy lifestyles for residents, but attract more events and create economic opportunities.”
50% of total MAT revenue is used to promote and grow local tourism by supporting eligible initiatives and organizations through the Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC). The other 50% is reserved for use by the municipality at Council’s direction. MAT helps a municipality invest more in tourism and the community without relying on property taxes.
For more information on the Municipal Accommodation Tax, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/finance/municipal_accommodation_tax
Amanda Dyer
City Council has approved a 2% increase to the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), bringing the charge on overnight stays to 6%. MAT is applied to short-term accommodation charges of less than 30 consecutive days and is used to generate revenue to support tourism initiatives and community priorities. With this increase, the City is taking a strategic step toward funding a major recreation project that will benefit both residents and visitors.
1% of the MAT will be reserved for the City’s proposed multi-use recreation centre. This future facility is expected to significantly enhance quality of life in Timmins while positioning the city as a destination for sports tourism and large-scale events.
“The increase is intended to generate revenue for recreation infrastructure projects,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “This approach ensures that visitors contribute to the amenities they use and enjoy, while helping us build facilities that not only support active, healthy lifestyles for residents, but attract more events and create economic opportunities.”
50% of total MAT revenue is used to promote and grow local tourism by supporting eligible initiatives and organizations through the Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC). The other 50% is reserved for use by the municipality at Council’s direction. MAT helps a municipality invest more in tourism and the community without relying on property taxes.
For more information on the Municipal Accommodation Tax, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/finance/municipal_accommodation_tax
Amanda Dyer
City Council has approved the 2026 tax levy at $101.2 million, which represents a 4.95% levy increase from 2025. For an average residential home assessed at $193,000, this means a monthly increase of approximately $15.56 over last year. The increase on a median commercial property will be approximately $404.10 annually.
The municipal tax rate is determined by adding the required tax revenue to current property assessments, the approved budgets of the City’s Agencies, Boards, and Commissions (ABC’s), and the provincial education tax rate. This year’s tax rate includes an 11.07% increase to support essential services like law enforcement, public health, and social care.
Different tax rates are applied to different classes of property, including residential, multi-residential, commercial, and industrial. In 2026, the residential tax rate will increase by 4.67%, while the commercial tax rate will increase by 4.09%.
Through the City’s annual budget survey, roads and sidewalks were identified as top priorities, and the 2026 budget delivers with record investments in critical infrastructure. In 2026, the City will see approximately $51.1 million invested in capital roads projects. This includes rehabilitation of two Connecting Link segments, the annual “shave and pave” program, and replacement and repair of two bridges in the City’s east end.
“This budget reflects the priorities of our residents and direction of Council,” said Mayor Michelle Boileau. “We are making thoughtful and strategic investments in infrastructure to improve roads, build capacity in our water supply system, and support housing development. This is a strong, forward-looking budget that focuses on building today for a better tomorrow.”
Quick Facts:
• 2026 Tax Levy: $101,244,561
• Residential Tax Rate increase: 4.67%
• Commercial Tax Rate increase: 4.09%
• ABC’s Budget increase: 11.07%
• Residential property taxes account for approximately 63.54% of collected revenue
For more information on the municipal budget, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/finance/city_budget_2026
Amanda Dyer
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