The launch of Timmins Transit On-Demand bus service for Porcupine and South Porcupine is being delayed until early September. A new tentative date has been set for September 3, 2024. Necessary changes were required to driver schedules, and we are now working to meet collective agreement deadlines and ensure we are minimizing the impact to drivers and transit customers.
Today’s Public Information Centre (PIC) at the Northern College gymnasium will proceed. Residents are invited to drop in between 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. to learn more about microtransit service, see the expanded route map, and watch demonstrations on how to book and navigate the Timmins Transit On-Demand app.
There will be no change to current bus service in Porcupine and South Porcupine. We will continue to provide updates on Timmins Transit On-Demand, and look forward to providing residents in Porcupine and South Porcupine with a modern and efficient transit solution.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins has teamed up with the Save Your Skin Foundation (SYSF) to offer free sunscreen throughout the summer at key locations in downtown Timmins and Gillies Lake. The initiative is a joint effort by SYSF, the Porcupine Health Unit, and the City’s Community Safety and Well-being Team to raise awareness about the danger of skin cancer and necessary prevention, including access to a recommended SPF 30 broad spectrum sunscreen.
“Applying sunscreen is an essential step in being sun safe,” says City of Timmins Community Programs Manager, Meagan Baranyk. “We want to make it even easier to incorporate into your healthy lifestyle. The initiative aligns with our shared safety and well-being priority to provide education and awareness around community safety and belongingness, including wellness. We’re helping to make sunscreen more accessible and to encourage residents to think about sun protection while they’re enjoying the summer.
The dispensers are automatic, touchless, and provide free, SPF 30 sunscreen for anyone who needs it. The dispensers contain Health Canada approved zinc oxide-based mineral sunscreen that is free from common allergens and ingredients like sodium lauryl sulphate. Find the sunscreen dispensers at Gilles Lake Beach while lifeguards are on duty, the Porcupine Health Unit on Pine St. S., and on Wednesday’s at the Downtown BIA Urban Market.
For more information, visit: saveyourskin.ca/sunscreen-dispensers
Amanda Dyer
Vacancy rates, inflationary pressures, affordability, and projected growth in the mining and mining service sectors have made adequate housing a critical challenge for City Council. Over the past several months, work has been done to identify barriers to sustainable housing and strategies to stimulate housing growth in Timmins. City Council has now given the green light on a Housing Action Plan that will begin to put strategy into action.
The City’s Housing Action Plan builds on the Timmins Economic Development Corporation’s (TEDC) Community Housing Taskforce Recommendations to Council report, presented last September. The plan recommends eight city-led actions to address the current and future housing needs of Timmins. Recommendations include intensification and park rationalization studies, adjustments to the current zoning bylaw, and developing a Housing Community Improvement Program (CIP) to encourage the creation of new residential units. The plan supports a range of housing options through subdivision development, infill and regeneration, and purpose-built housing.
“Housing was identified as a key priority of Council,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “We know that in order to take advantage of the opportunities in mining and related industries, we need to grow our skilled labour force. According to the Far Northeast Training Board, there is a projected growth of 3,629 positions by 2029. We need to start addressing the housing challenges now to help support recruitment, development, and economic growth.”
The Housing Action Plan is a key planning tool for the upcoming 2025 budget, and will be used to advocate for provincial funding for housing initiatives at this year’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference coming up in August.
“We have a clear plan on how we can move forward on our housing priority,” adds Mayor Boileau. “It’s important that the province sees that we’re focused on sustainable solutions that will build up our housing supply and support future growth.”
City of Timmins Housing Action Plan 2024: https://bit.ly/4bHuGOi
Amanda Dyer
City Council has approved a municipal contribution to the ‘Physician Start-Up Grant’ in the amount of $20,000 per new physician recruit up to a maximum of $200,000 per year for the next three years. The funds will be added to the City’s 2025 municipal budget.
The decision comes after members of the Timmins Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee (TPRRC) made a compelling presentation to council last month on the current physician shortage in Timmins, and the potential shortage in the next five years. Timmins needs forty (40) physicians now and could need over eighty (80) physicians by 2029.
The presentation included a set of initiatives aimed at addressing the shortage, including the development of a ‘Physician Start-Up Grant’ to assist doctors with starting practice in Timmins. The intention is to match equal contributions from the Timmins and District Hospital, City of Timmins, and industry partners for up to 10 physicians per year. With both the hospital and municipal contributions confirmed, the TPRRC will now approach industry leaders to assist.
“There is the potential for tens of thousands of residents to be without direct access to a family physician or required specialist,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “We know there is already a large number of residents who are considered “unattached patients”. Ensuring that we have adequate access to healthcare is imperative. With the projected growth in the mining and mining service sectors alone, supporting sustainable health services is one way that our industry leaders can also support their current workforce and recruitment.”
Amanda Dyer
City Council has approved $180,000 to extend the Mushkegowuk Fire Keeper Patrol Outreach Services until December 31, 2025. The cost will be added to the City’s taxation levy next year.
The City of Timmins and the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB) co-funded the outreach pilot project last August to provide enhanced community outreach for urban Indigenous members experiencing homelessness. The outreach services administered by Mushkegowuk Fire Keeper Patrol have been crucial to connecting individuals with necessary services and support systems.
“I can say confidently that the pilot project started almost a year ago has been a success,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “Mushkegowuk Fire Keeper Patrol offers an outreach service that is invaluable for individuals who need access to housing and well-being supports. They help fill a critical gap in service that is trauma-informed and culturally-appropriate.”
Since August 31, 2023, Mushkegowuk Fire Keeper Patrol has had 13,356 interactions with individuals. 1,203 referrals have been made for treatment services, social services, acute care, and community addiction and mental health programs. Mushkegowuk Fire Keeper Patrol has also proactively collected over 3,500 sharps, helping to reduce drug-related waste on city streets, laneways, and in public parks.
For more information on Mushkegowuk Fire Keeper Patrol services, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/emergency_services/important_contact_numbers
Amanda Dyer
Timmins Transit’s On-Demand service is coming to Porcupine and South Porcupine beginning August 1, 2024. The microtransit pilot project will allow Timmins Transit to expand service coverage for Porcupine and South Porcupine, and provide flexible, shared-ride transportation booked through the Timmins Transit On-Demand mobile app, web portal, or by calling Timmins Transit.
On-Demand service is one way that Timmins Transit is modernizing their current public transit model with a goal of increasing ridership, optimizing existing conventional bus routes, and creating a more affordable transportation solution. Timmins Transit On-Demand provides shared rides between any two designated bus stop locations within the service area using smaller-sized, fully accessible buses. The addition of microtransit service also allows conventional bus service to Porcupine and South Porcupine to be upgraded to a 15-minute service frequency. Buses will be running to and from Porcupine and South Porcupine every 15 minutes.
“Our current conventional buses run on a fixed-route network,” says Director of Public Works and Environmental Services, Ken Krcel. “A microtransit solution will allow us to fill service gaps by connecting areas that have been underserved to existing bus routes. That means, riders in Porcupine and South Porcupine, including Connaught Hill, who do not live near a static bus stop, will be able to use Timmins Transit On-Demand to catch their bus. By optimizing the existing conventional bus routes, we can also provide more frequent service for Porcupine and South Porcupine.”
The Timmins Transit On-Demand app launched in February for existing paratransit users. Riders requiring accessible service are now able to book rides and plan travel without the need for advanced reservations. Now, the same app and same accessible bus will be used to roll out service in Porcupine and South Porcupine. Adding expanded On-Demand service will require changes in the current fixed-route service, so Timmins Transit is encouraging riders to review the changes online at www.timmins.ca/transit.
“When we launch Timmins Transit On-Demand on August 1, routes 16 and 901 East will be replaced by a direct route 101 East with a 15-minute frequency,” says Transit Manager, Marcel Cote. “Many of the conventional bus stops will become virtual stops. Riders will need to book travel through Timmins Transit On-Demand for pick-up. Our regular buses will no longer service those stops, but shared-ride pick-ups will connect the rider to their destination or nearest transit hub. This also applies to residents in Schumacher traveling to Porcupine or South Porcupine. A new stop on Hwy. 101 E at McIntyre Rd. will be added for eastbound riders.”
Timmins Transit will be holding a public information centre on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in the Northern College gymnasium. Two sessions available. Drop in between 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. See the expanded route map, watch demonstrations of how to book and navigate the Timmins Transit On-Demand app, and learn more about how microtransit is revolutionizing public transportation.
The Timmins Transit On-Demand app is available to download now from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. The app will go live for advanced bookings on July 25, 2024. Delivering a modern, efficient, and convenient public transportation network is Timmins Transit’s main goal. Timmins Transit On-Demand is how we get there.
Amanda Dyer
File No. Z-2024-03
5627-050-051-163000010
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Timmins will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 3:00 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: 1600846 Ontario Inc. (Agent: Barry H. Martin)
Location: Concession 1, South Part of Lot 12 and Registered Plan 6R-2241, Parts 1 and 2, Parcels 7222WT and 11659WT, Tisdale Township, City of Timmins (850 Tony Avenue)
THE PURPOSE AND EFFECT of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is to rezone the subject lands currently zoned Mobile Home Park (RD-MHP) to General Commercial (EA-CG) SP6.190 to permit all uses in the General Commercial (EA-CG) zone with the following Special Provisions:
- Reduce the landscaping buffer requirement along the south property line from 3.0 metres to 0.5 metres.
- Reduce the minimum setback requirement for the commercial building abutting a residential zone from 7.5 metres to 3.5 metres.
The applicant is proposing to covert the existing residential dwelling into a commercial building on the subject lands.
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.
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 27th day of June, 2024.
David St.Onge
The following municipal services will be closed or unavailable on Monday, July 1 in observance of Canada Day:
- Service Timmins will be closed on Monday, July 1
- Provincial Offences will be closed on Monday, July1
- Residential waste and recycling collection that falls on Monday, July 1, 2024, will be collected on Tuesday, July 2. Deloro Landfill will be closed on Canada Day (Monday, July 1, 2024)
- There will be no Timmins Transit services on Monday, July 1
- The Timmins Museum: NEC will be closed on Monday, July 1
- Both branches of the Timmins Public Library will be closed on Monday, July 1
- The Archie Dillon Sportsplex Pool will be closed Monday, July 1
For more information about municipal services visit www.timmins.ca or call Service Timmins at 705-264-1331.
Amanda Dyer
A temporary stop sign will be installed at the intersection of Pine St. N. and Sixth Ave. on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Motorists should be prepared to come to a complete stop.
The stop sign is being added to assist with traffic flow and vehicular safety during Connecting Link construction on Algonquin Blvd. E.
The intersection will act as a 4-way stop. The first vehicle to enter has the right-of-way at a four-way stop. If two or more cars stop at the same time, right-of-way goes to the vehicle on the right.
We appreciate your cooperation.
Amanda Dyer
The Emergency Services Annual Food Bank Drive is back, Sunday, June 23. The Timmins Fire Department is helping to fill the shelves at the Timmins and South Porcupine Food Banks.
Food security is important, especially with current food prices. Community food drives help meet demand by stocking shelves with non-perishable donations that support local families. Beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, Fire Department trucks will be out collecting in neighbourhoods throughout the city. When residents see or hear a fire truck, they can bring out their non-perishable food or cash donations. Donations can also be dropped off at any of our community fire stations on June 23 between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Residents wanting to volunteer and help collect donations can head to their local fire station for 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, or call the Timmins Fire Station at 705-360-2626 to register.
Help the Timmins Fire Department fill our food bank shelves and help feed our community.
Amanda Dyer
Access to City Hall is currently limited. We are working to resolve an issue with our elevator. Before you visit, please call Service Timmins at (705) 264-1331. Accessible access is not available until elevator repairs are completed.
Service Timmins can assist with most inquiries by phone (705) 264-1331 or online at service.timmins.ca.
We appreciate your patience and will let you know as soon as repairs have been made.
Amanda Dyer
During the summer months, water usage typically goes up as pools are filled and sprinklers are turned on. The City’s outdoor water use by-law, By-law No. 2001-5542, goes into effect during the months of May, June, July and August to regulate external use of water.
External use of water is permitted on even calendar days for municipal addresses ending with numbers 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8. External water use is permitted on odd calendar dates for municipal addresses ending with numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9.
Residents can also help conserve water by turning off taps when not in use, fixing leaking faucets, collecting water from troughs to water plants and gardens, and waiting to use dishwashers and washing machines until they’re full.
Outdoor recreational water use for small pools or children's sprinklers is allowed at all municipal addresses during those four months; however, a person MUST be present. This can be revoked during emergency periods to ensure adequate water pressure for safety and water supply.
We encourage users to be mindful of their needs and that of our community and above all stay hydrated, stay in the shade and stay safe.
Amanda Dyer
Timmins City Council has approved repairs for the piers and retaining wall at the Mattagami Boat Launch at a cost of $1,270,305 + HST. The work will be carried out this summer by R.M. Belanger Ltd.
The repairs were identified through structural investigations conducted in 2021 and again last year. The repairs include removal and replacement of the timber docking floor, curbs, concrete walls and foundations on the east pier, paving, light poles, and damaged guiderails. Cracks in the concrete launch pad will be repaired and structural modifications to the existing steel sheet pile wall will be implemented.
The Mattagami Boat Launch was closed to the public in 2023 pending repairs.
Amanda Dyer
Timmins’ first-ever drone show is going to light up the sky over Gillies Lake this Canada Day! The City of Timmins has partnered with The Bucket Shop Inc. and Northern College to swap the traditional fireworks display with something new for Northern Ontario!
“The City is working with Northstar Drone Shows to create a custom Canada Day show,” says Lynne Grenon, Manager of Facilities and Recreation. “Drone shows are dog-friendly, better for the environment, and it’s something different for Timmins. This is Timmins’ first drone show, and it wouldn’t be possible without The Bucket Shop Inc. and Northern College.”
The celebration will be a family-friendly evening event this year, held from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Gillies Lake. Residents can bring a blanket or chairs, find a place on the grass, and listen to the DJ. McIntyre Coffee Shop’s food truck or Bubbles Fries are also great options if revelers want to grab a late dinner or snack. The City is serving up dessert with free Canada Day cake and cupcakes.
For updates on the Canada Day Drone Show, follow the City of Timmins or Timmins Tourism on Facebook. Thank you to the Timmins Community Park Association, Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA), The Bucket Shop Inc, and Northern College for your support.
Amanda Dyer
The Public Works Department has lifted the seasonal reduced load restrictions for commercial motor vehicles and trailers effective Thursday, May 23, 2024, with the exception of Connaught Rd.
Reduced load restrictions are put in place to protect sensitive road infrastructure on certain highways and streets within the City of Timmins. Heavy loads can damage roads that may be weakened by excess water in the road base. Some year-round restrictions stay in place on roads that are susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles.
Learn more about the how the City is working to maintain our roads online at https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/roads_and_infrastructure.
Amanda Dyer
The front entrance to City Hall on Algonquin Blvd. E. will be closed effective Thursday, May 23, 2024 to facilitate Connecting Link construction. The public can access City Hall through the accessible entrance off Cedar St. N. using the elevator to the first floor and Service Timmins.
Starting Thursday, contractors will start pushing temporary fencing back and begin to remove the brickwork along the sidewalks on Algonquin Blvd. E. starting at Cedar St. and working east to Pine St. Work includes new curbs and sidewalks as part of the reconstruction of the roadway and replacement of underground services.
Residents are reminded that Service Timmins is also available by phone at 705-264-1331 during regular business hours or online through the City’s Customer Service Portal at service.timmins.ca.
Amanda Dyer
May 19 to 25, 2024 is National Public Works Week, an opportunity to educate and inform the community about the vital role Public Works plays in our daily lives.
We have 148 dedicated full-time staff in the City of Timmins Public Works Department who work every day to deliver necessary services, from providing clean and sustainable drinking water to maintaining our roads and sidewalks.
Since 1960, municipalities across Canada have been recognizing National Public Works Week. This year’s theme is “Advancing Quality of Life for All,” and it has never been more true of the efforts made by Public Works. Our team is committed to keeping our community safe, clean, and beautiful by making improvements in sharps collection, waste management, and recycling.
New in 2024, the Public Works Dept. has launched a pilot project for needle pick up, to ensure that public spaces like sidewalks, boulevards, and roadways remain free of drug-related litter. Public Works revised the residential curbside bulk item collection program to better assist residents during spring cleanup, by moving the collection dates to early May and offering waived tipping fees on one residential waste load per household.
Public Works is also collaborating with our Community Safety and Well-Being team on the “Adopt-a-Block” Community Clean Up, to help residents reduce waste around their neighbourhoods and parks. It’s perfect, because the Community Clean Up Days are May 24 and 25, during National Public Works Week! Over 150 residents, local businesses, and organizations have signed up to help Public Works keep Timmins clean and beautiful.
Download and print our Public Works colouring sheets and, when you see a pot hole being repaired, the roads being swept, or lines being painted this week, give our Public Works crews a wave. They contribute to our quality of life every day.
Amanda Dyer
In June, much of Timmins heads outside to make active use of our natural trails, rivers, lakes, and parks … and this year, all that activity could result in a $100,000 win for the community.
The City of Timmins has signed up for the ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk, a national initiative that encourages everyone in Canada to get active throughout the month of June. Canada’s Most Active Community will be awarded with $100,000 to support local physical activity and sports initiatives. What counts as physical activity? Any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure, and increases heart rate and breathing.
To help rally for Timmins and win the grand prize this year, we need everyone to participate!
• Local businesses and organizations: Register today on the ParticipACTION website. Then throughout June, track the number of people getting active and the instances of physical activity to help our community compete for the title.
• Individuals: Sign up on the ParticipACTION website. Then, commit to getting active throughout June and browse different opportunities to help you move more where you live, learn and/or work!
The Community Challenge is open to everyone! All community events registered on the challenge webpage from June 1 – 30 will count toward a community’s total score. After June 30, finalist communities will be invited to submit an application explaining why they deserve to be Canada’s Most Active Community. Individuals can also sign up and get moving in support of their community’s total by getting active in June.
Why does Timmins deserve to be Canada’s Most Active Community?
“Affordable and accessible recreation is part of a safe, healthy, and vibrant community,” says Meagan Baranyk, Community Programs Manager. “Through the municipal Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, we have looked for ways to encourage physical activity in order to create a greater sense of belonging in our local neighbourhoods, and to improve overall well-being. Through the City’s Master Recreation Plan, we have tangible projects that could be helped with $100,000. I’m confident that Timmins is not only Canada’s Most Active Community, but the community who is best prepared to support local sports and recreation initiatives.”
Join the City of Timmins in the movement to build a stronger, healthier and more active Timmins! Help us become Canada’s Most Active Community!
Amanda Dyer
When it comes to line painting, you can think of the 4 W's of Paint Performance: weather, winter, water-based, and wear.
The weather, the winter, the type of water- based paint we have to use, and the traffic all impact how long the lines last.
The Timmins Traffic Dept. paints 367 km's of lines each year. Plus, intersection stop bars, crosswalks, arrows, and bike lanes. It's an annual process.
The paint: It has to be water-based paint with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) with less impact to the environment. This is a regulation set by the province in the Ontario Traffic Manual. We buy 6,000 litres of white paint, 4,000 litres of yellow paint, and 1,000 litres of white paint for crosswalks.
Application: Water-based paint is applied when the pavement is 10°c and rising. We hit those consistent temperatures mid-May in Timmins. The paint has to be applied on a clean, dry road surface. Not when it's raining and once street sweeping has been completed. Street sweeping starts when the temperatures are consistently above freezing.
The lanes are pre-marked first. This ensures the correct position, direction, width, and length of the lines, and acts as a guide for painting. We started pre-marking main arterial roads, like Algonquin, at the end of April.
We have one lane liner machine that paints all of the main arterial and secondary roads in Timmins. We use a walk-behind paint machine for intersections and crosswalks.
Vanishing lines: Line paint wears off more quickly in the city than on the highway because of traffic patterns, frequency of lane changes, and the harsh climate. The sand and salt that Public Works uses to keep the roads clear in the winter, plus the scrape of the plow, wears the lines down, which is why line painting is an annual job.
Improvements: We like long-lasting lines too. Our Traffic Dept. has started to use thermoplastics at intersections for stop bars and turning arrows, which have a lifespan of up to 3 years. We’re also making capital investments in the Connecting Link project to add durable pavement markings on the brand-new road surface with a lifespan of 5+ years. Our staff stay up-to-date on the latest technology, application methods, and training to improve the painting process.
Amanda Dyer
The following municipal services will be closed or unavailable over the Victoria Day Long Weekend (May 18-20):
- Service Timmins and the Provincial Offences Centre will be closed on Victoria Day (Monday, May 20)
- Residential waste and recycling collection that falls on Victoria Day will be collected on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
- Deloro Landfill will be closed on Victoria Day
- There will be no Timmins Transit services on Victoria Day
- The Timmins Museum: NEC will be closed on Victoria Day
- Both branches of the Timmins Public Library will be closed on Victoria Day
- The Archie Dillon Sportsplex Pool will be closed on Victoria Day
For more information about municipal services visit www.timmins.ca or call Service Timmins at 705-264-1331.
Amanda Dyer
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