Starting January 1, 2025, household residential recycling will no longer be collected by the City of Timmins. In accordance with provincial legislation introduced in 2023, the companies that produce blue box materials will be required to fully fund and operate Ontario’s recycling system.
For residents in Timmins, the transition will be straightforward. The non-profit company, Circular Materials, will be responsible for having residential recycling collected through an agreement with GFL Environmental Inc. Residential collection dates will remain the same. GFL has also purchased the City’s recycling bins in the amount of $172,108. The City’s current diversion programs for small electronics, batteries, and tires will continue. The City will even assist with communication during the transition period through the Timmins Recyclepedia app and municipal website.
“The biggest change for residents will be knowing who to call with questions or concerns related to recycling,” said Ken Krcel, Director of Public Works and Environmental Services. “Once we have that information, we’ll add it to our website and waste management app. Putting the responsibility for recycling on the producer means greater accountability for proper recycling. It will help with landfill life cycles. The municipality and tax payer will stop paying for the processing of blue box materials, which can have varied rates.
By 2026, the province’s plan is for residents to be able to recycle more types of materials, with a list that is consistent across the province.
“As we work through the Blue Box transition, our biggest recommendation for residents is to be diligent about recycling properly,” adds Krcel. “Contamination is important to avoid, to ensure that all of your recycled items can be properly collected and processed. On the Timmins.ca website, we have a list of the current acceptable recycling products and how to recycle them properly. Remove lids and rinse out containers. Cut down and flatten cardboard. It makes a difference.”
To learn more about the Blue Box transition, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/waste_recycling_services/blue_box_program.
Amanda Dyer
Monday, October 14, 2024 is Thanksgiving Monday.
The following municipal services will be closed or unavailable:
- Service Timmins and the Provincial Offences Office
- The Timmins Public Library and C.M. Shields Library branch
- Timmins Economic Development Corporation
- The Archie Dillon Sportsplex Pool (closed for repair)
- Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre
- There will be no Timmins Transit bus service
- Deloro Landfill
- There will be no household waste and recycling collection. Residential waste and recycling collection that falls on Thanksgiving Day will be collected on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
For more information about municipal services visit www.timmins.ca or call Service Timmins at 705-264-1331.
Amanda Dyer
Gather up your ghosts and goblins and head to the Mountjoy Fire Station this Halloween for some treats and tours!
It’s no trick! Our fire fighters are hosting a Halloween Open House on October 31, 2024 between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and you’re invited.
Location: Mountjoy Fire Station on Shirley St.
Date: October 31, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Amanda Dyer
Effective Monday, October 21, 2024, the Deloro Landfill Site will begin winter hours of operation. The landfill will be open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and closed Sundays.
Winter hours at the Tisdale Transfer Site begin Tuesday, October 15, 2024 with the landfill open Tuesdays and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Winter hours at the German Township Landfill Site begin Sunday, October 20, 2024 and are Thursdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Both the Evelyn Township and Robb Township landfill sites are closed for the winter effective Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
For easy-to-access information on how to properly dispose of various items, download the Timmins Recyclepedia app online at Timmins.ca. You will also receive service alerts, disruptions, and more directly to your phone.
Amanda Dyer
Each year, the Timmins Fire Department takes part in Fire Prevention Week, hosted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” The goal of Fire Prevention Week is to help individuals learn how to stay safe in case of a fire.
This year’s theme highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of death due to a home fire by more than half – if they are working. Roughly three out of five deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
The Timmins Fire Department offers these key smoke alarm safety tips:
- Install fire alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level of the home, including the basement.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10-years old.
- Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
Between today and Friday, October 11, 2024, the Timmins Fire Department will be set up at various locations throughout the City to talk fire safety and the importance of working fire alarms. For a complete list of dates and locations, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/emergency_services/timmins_fire_department/fire_prevention/fire_prevention_week.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarms, visit fpw.org.
Amanda Dyer
On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Public Works Traffic Dept. is installing a new stop sign on the corner of Boundary Lane and Fourth Ave. in Schumacher. The added stop sign will turn the intersection into a three-way, all-stop intersection.
This is a unique intersection. Fourth Ave. makes a turn at Boundary Lane that necessitates a stop for through traffic. Traffic in all directions will come to a complete stop before proceeding. The first vehicle to arrive at the intersection has the right-of-way. If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right-of-way. If directly across from each other, the vehicle going straight goes first.
Amanda Dyer
The votes are in and Ontario's Most Active Community has chosen to spend the $7,500 prize money on a new rock-climbing wall for the Archie Dillon Sportsplex Pool.
In August, the City announced that Timmins' had won the provincial prize as part of the Participation Community Challenge. Residents were asked to vote on how they would like the $7,500 spent to enhance recreation and sport. 523 residents voted, with a rock-climbing wall for the local pool taking top spot with 134 votes.
63 "other" suggestions were made ranging from extra playground equipment in Porcupine to tennis courts at the park on Cedar St., all of which have been passed onto recreation, maintenance, and facilities.
The $7,500 will now be applied towards the purchase of a rock-climbing wall for the Sportsplex pool, with the project added to the 2025 budget and slated for installation next year.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30, 2024.
The following municipal services will be closed or unavailable:
- Service Timmins and the Provincial Offences Office will be closed
- Timmins Economic Development Corporation will be closed.
- There will be no household waste and recycling collection. Residential waste and recycling collection that falls on Monday, September 30 will be collected on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
- Deloro Landfill will be closed
- Timmins Museum: NEC will be closed
- Both branches of the Timmins Public Library will be closed
Timmins Transit will be running an extended Sunday schedule on Monday, September 30 with service until 10:30 p.m.
Amanda Dyer
Effective October 1, 2024, residents in Schumacher, South Porcupine, and Porcupine will see the return of Route 16. The conventional bus route is being brought back to supplement Timmins Transit On-Demand service following concerns around wait times, bus availability, and what some considered to be an added barrier to accessing public transit.
Changes that will come into effect on October 1, 2024 will be the suspension of Route 101E and 15-minute frequency between Timmins and Porcupine. Route 16 will be reinstated, including all original stops, serving Schumacher, South Porcupine, and Porcupine between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday departing from the Timmins Transit Terminal on Spruce St. S. Route 16 Sunday service runs from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. departing from the Timmins Transit Terminal on Spruce St. S. Route 16B bus service will not be reinstated. Timmins Transit On-Demand service will remain in effect.
“It’s important to note that Timmins Transit On-Demand service is not going away,” says Ken Krcel, Director of Public Works and Environmental Services. “The booking system has been successfully used for Paratransit service since February. The expanded coverage area, including Connaught Hill and Bob’s Lake, will still have public transit. Any resident who prefers microtransit service can continue to use Transit On-Demand. We will also look at ways it can be used in other underserviced areas across Timmins.
For more information on Timmins Transit On-Demand and conventional bus maps and schedules visit www.timmins.ca/transit.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is committed to the process of truth, healing and reconciliation. This year, the City’s annual Orange Bus campaign drives forward with one important update: a partnership with Mattagami First Nation.
.jpg "Orange Bus") The Mattagami First Nation logo is proudly displayed on the bus, to acknowledge the lands on which the City operates and to honour an important partnership that is integral to the success of the community.
In addition to the Orange Bus campaign, the McIntyre Headframe will display the City’s Every Child Matters logo later in the month. Both Timmins signs in downtown Timmins and at the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre will be illuminated in orange. Representatives of the City will also join the Timmins Native Friendship Centre on September 30 for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Timmins.
“The City will shine bright in honor of the children lost and for the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities,” said Mayor Michelle Boileau. “We are thankful to the Mattagami First Nation for their participation, and for the City’s Indigenous Advisory Committee, who continue to raise awareness on the importance of truth and reconciliation.”
On September 30, consider wearing an orange shirt’ purchased from a local Indigenous store or organization. Share the story of “Orange Shirt Day” and take time to reflect on your own role in reconciliation.
For more information, visit the City of Timmins’ Indigenous Relations and Inclusion page: https://www.timmins.ca/find_or_learn_about/indigenous_relations_and_inclusion.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins will observe Labour Day on Monday, September 2, 2024.
The following municipal services will be closed or unavailable:
- Service Timmins and the Provincial Offences Office will be closed
- There will be no household waste and recycling collection. Residential waste and recycling collection that falls on Labour Day will be collected on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Deloro Landfill will be closed
- There will be no Timmins Transit services
- The Timmins Public Library and Timmins Museum: NEC will be closed
- The Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) will be closed
- The Archie Dillon Sportsplex Pool remains closed for annual maintenance
Thank you and have a great long weekend.
Amanda Dyer
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING RE: PROPOSED COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AREA and DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN AMENDMENTS
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Timmins will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City of Timmins, 220 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins, Ontario, to gather public input concerning an amendment to the City of Timmins Community Improvement Project Area and the Downtown Community Improvement Plan in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning Act, R.S.O 1990, c. P. 13, as amended.
THE PURPOSE of the proposed amendments to the Community Improvement Project Area and the Downtown Community Improvement Plan are as follows:
1. To amend the Community Improvement Project Area to include the following changes:
- Porcupine – extending westerly along King Street from the Ontario Northland Railway to Coot Lane, and along a section of Highway 101 East to the Crawford Creek;
- South Porcupine – extending along Harold Avenue from Crawford Street westerly;
- Schumacher – extending easterly from McIntyre Road along Father Costello Drive
- Timmins – adding various properties in the Downtown and in close proximity to Algonquin Boulevard; and
- Mountjoy – extending westerly from the Mattagami Bridge to Shirley Street.
2. To amend the Downtown Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to include the following changes:
- To amend the Community Improvement Project Area noted in the Downtown CIP to include the proposed changed in Item No. 1 (above).
- To remove the boundary area schedules from the Downtown CIP, as they are approved in the Community Improvement Project Area By-law and are separate from the Downtown Community Improvement Plan By-law. This change will allow Council to amend the Community Improvement Project Area By-law without having to amend the Downtown Community Improvement Plan By-law.
To learn more about the proposed changes, please view the proposed Community Improvement Project Area and the proposed Downtown Community Improvement Plan.
ANY PERSON may attend the public meeting and/or make written or verbal representation either in support of or in opposition to the proposed City of Timmins Downtown Community Improvement Project Area and Downtown Community Improvement Plan 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 proposed amendment is adopted, 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 proposed amendment is adopted, 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 Community Improvement Project Area and the Downtown Community Improvement Plan Amendments 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 at [email protected].
Dated at the City of Timmins this 29th of August, 2024.
David St.Onge
The flag at the McIntyre Arena, the city’s historic hockey venue, has been lowered in honour of Murray Costello, a man who made historic contributions to the sport of hockey. Following his passing on July 27, 2024, Costello is being remembered for his passion and commitment to Canada’s national winter sport.
Born and raised in South Porcupine, Costello would go on to have a four-season career in the NHL and eventually be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, most notably for his visionary leadership of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association and Hockey Canada. A lifetime member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), an Officer of the Order of Canada, and a recipient of the Order of Hockey in Canada, Costello is also credited with the addition of women’s hockey to the Olympics and organized the first IIHF World Women’s Championship over three decades ago.
“Murray Costello’s contribution to the world of hockey is a source of great pride for South Porcupine and the city of Timmins,” said Mayor Michelle Boileau. “He leaves behind a legacy of hockey excellence, which will continue to be felt well beyond our Canadian hockey rinks. On behalf of the City of Timmins, I offer my sincere condolences to Costello’s family and friends.”
Amanda Dyer
The following municipal services will be closed or unavailable on the Monday, August 05, 2024 Civic Holiday:
- Service Timmins and the Provincial Offences Centre will be closed
- There will be no household waste and recycling collection on Monday, August 05. Monday’s collection will be completed on Tuesday, August 06.
- Deloro Landfill will be closed
- There will be no Timmins Transit services on August 05
- The Timmins Museum: NEC will be closed
- Both branches of the Timmins Public Library will be closed
- The Archie Dillon Sportsplex Pool will be closed for regular annual maintenance
For more information about municipal services visit www.timmins.ca or call Service Timmins at 705-264-1331.
Amanda Dyer
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
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