Timmins City Council has adopted the City of Timmins Council Priorities for 2023-2026, which will guide Council decision-making and future planning over the current electoral term.
Setting strategic priorities for Council not only improves accountability and transparency, it will allow Council to better meet the opportunities and challenges facing the community.
City Council has identified seven strategic priorities:
- Housing
- Infrastructure
- Safety
- Recreation and Tourism
- Economy
- Environment
- Core Services
All seven priorities are aligned to meet the City’s current needs and foster a future of prosperity and growth for Timmins.
“Timmins is fortunate that our provincial and federal partners are making an effort to understand the realities of Northern Ontario,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “We are seeing an increase in regional funding for Long Term Care and upstream homelessness prevention programs. We are witnessing a revitalization of Timmins transportation network with support for the Connecting Link and the reinstatement of passenger rail service in Timmins. Our strategic priorities will help council apply each opportunity to Timmins’ unique set of challenges and concerns.”
Now that Council has set their priorities, Mayor Boileau will begin to engage with the City’s partners and stakeholder organizations to discuss how Council’s priorities can align with their individual vision and goals.
With Council approval, the City of Timmins Council Priorities document will now be translated into French and be made available to the public on the City’s corporate website at www.timmins.ca.
Amanda Dyer
Mayor Michelle Boileau was in Sault Ste. Marie today for a Northern Ontario Large Urban Mayors (NOLUM) meeting with the mayors and chief administrative officers from North Bay, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, and Sault Ste. Marie.
This was the first opportunity the NOLUM members have had to meet in person and discuss shared priorities and concerns.
Topics of discussion included doctor/nurse recruitment, mental health and addictions, homelessness, downtown development, and municipal finances. As well, the need to strengthen collaboration with both the provincial and federal governments.
NOLUM is calling for the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) to be made a permanent program to help with labour shortages and development.
NOLUM is asking that the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University (NOSM U) receive its fair share of medical student spaces allocated for the province.
NOLUM is asking for more support from the provincial and federal governments for consumption and treatment services.
NOLUM is asking for more action from both the provincial and federal governments to address the housing and homelessness crisis being faced by communities across the north.
Mayor Boileau thanks Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker for hosting the meeting and thanks her colleagues from across the north for the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with each other.
For more: https://saultstemarie.ca/Newsroom/April-1/Northern-Ontario-Large-Urban-Mayors-meet-in-Sault.aspx
Disponible en français.
Amanda Dyer
A Special Council Meeting has been called for April 11, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss the following:
- Labour relations or employee negotiations
For more information, contact the Clerks Department:
220 Algonquin Blvd. East
Timmins, Ontario
P4N 1B3
[email protected]
Amanda Dyer
Today, City Council approved the 2023 Budget with an overall net levy increase of 3.26 percent, which includes the municipal contribution to agencies, boards and commissions (ABC’s). This translates to an approximate 2.35 percent tax increase for residential property owners. For a median property assessed at $192,000, this means an increase of approximately $85 per year or $7.08 per month over 2022.
This year’s budget increase can be attributed to an escalation in construction costs, with the City taking on the Golden Manor redevelopment project this year, and high costs in social services, health, and policing. To offset some of the increase, City Council opted to draw money from the City’s tax stabilization reserve and remove any council requests greater than $200,000.
Operating Budget
The City’s 2023 Net Operating Budget is $35,602,649 reflecting a net increase of $347,821, and is used to support municipal services like road maintenance, waste management, and public transit.
Cost drivers for Public Works continues to be an increase in material costs. Asphalt prices have increased by 27.5 percent; both the cost of salt and snow removal contractors have increased by at least 10 percent; traffic paint has increased by 30 percent; and fuel prices have gone up approximately 59 percent.
Capital Budget
The City’s tax supported contribution of $10,131,926 towards a total capital budget of approximately $29.7 million, includes an increase of $707,263 and is used to maintain, repair and replace municipal assets like roadways, bridges, municipal parks, and public transportation.
Many of the City’s capital projects are identified in the City’s Asset Management Plan, updated in 2022, and the Municipal Long-Term Financial Plan, implemented in 2020. The capital budget weighs current need against future growth and expansion.
2023 Budget Highlights Include:
• $20.8 million towards Connecting Link reconstruction - $10 million of total cost from provincial funding
• $4.9 million for various transit-related projects including terminal renovations, bus replacements, and farebox system software – offset with external funding
• $1.5 million for “grind and pave” road resurfacing
• $1.4 million for street lights and culvert replacements.
• $1 million debt repayment for Golden Manor – lessens impact when full payment is required in 2024.
• $950,000 for Public Works site upgrade design and purchase of an asphalt recycler and brine storage facility.
• $800,000 for recreation upgrades including continued development of the skateboard park and re-surfacing of the multi-use pad at Melview park.
• $500,000 for road upgrades to Government Rd. N. including pulverization, grading and surface treatment.
• $450,000 for landfill site orientation, improvements, and soil management facility development.
• $175,000 for Porcupine River Bridge design – funded by reserve.
Quotes:
“Creating a municipal budget that balances operating costs with future planning and investment is always a challenge,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “Council worked to minimize the impact to rate payers by eliminating council requests over $200,000, allocating funds from the City’s tax stabilization reserve, and prioritizing projects that will see a greater long-term return.
“Council is also committed to addressing key concerns that are impacting the well-being of residents today. That is why you will see a portion of the City’s Municipal Accommodations Tax set aside to explore options that support public safety. We are working with staff to determine the feasibility of expanding the City’s CIP Safety Improvement Grant and adding overnight private security and street outreach programs within the community.”
“While the City’s operating expenses are increasing due to higher material, utility, and labour costs, we have attempted to keep the overall impact in check,” says Dave Landers, Chief Administrative Officer. “This year’s budget captures the added cost of maintaining municipal services, while leaving room to invest in the programs and services that will move Timmins forward.”
Amanda Dyer
A Budget Meeting has scheduled for April 5, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
The agenda includes:
2023 Taxation Fund Budget
For more information, contact the Clerks Department:
STEPH PALMATEER, AMCT
City Clerk
220 Algonquin Blvd. East
Timmins, Ontario
P4N 1B3
[email protected]
Amanda Dyer
A Budget Meeting has scheduled for March 14, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
The agenda includes:
- 2023 Budget Summary for ABC’s
- 2023 First Draft Taxation Fund Budget
For more information, contact the Clerks Department:
STEPH PALMATEER, AMCT
City Clerk
220 Algonquin Blvd. East
Timmins, Ontario
P4N 1B3
[email protected]
Lisa Greer
COUNCIL MEETING NOTICE
Please be advised the next regular scheduled Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.
For more information, contact the Clerks Department:
STEPH PALMATEER, AMCT
City Clerk
220 Algonquin Blvd. East
Timmins, Ontario
P4N 1B3
[email protected]
Lisa Greer
Timmins City Council has passed a resolution asking the Provincial Government to end homelessness in Ontario. The request supports a recent presentation made by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) during the provincial pre-budget consultations, which spoke of the need for urgent action to support local government and the residents they serve.
The City of Timmins has asked the province to: a. Acknowledge that homelessness in Ontario is a social, economic, and health crisis; b. Commit to ending homelessness in Ontario; c. Work with AMO and a broad range of community, health, Indigenous and economic partners to develop, resource, and implement an action plan to achieve this goal.
“Our first priority of the Community Safety and Well-being plan is to develop a unified and community-system approach to end homelessness,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “The work being done at the municipal level has to be supported by a whole of government approach in order to be effective. Successfully preventing and ending homelessness requires a system of social service, health care, and housing infrastructure that cannot be provided by the city alone.”
City Council’s approved resolution will be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; the Minister of Health; and, AMO.
Amanda Dyer
Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs
2023 Pre-Budget Consultations
Presented February 2, 2023
Last year’s announcement of Ontario’s ‘Critical Mineral Strategy 2022-2027’ was welcomed news, and we recognize how important the growth and success of northern municipalities will be to the province in coming years. Our local MPP and the Minister of Mines has a mandate to develop the ‘Ring of Fire’, which will be unfeasible without first improving the health and well-being of people in communities such as ours.
Frankly, a large portion of our population is not well. The city of Timmins ranks among the worst in relation to most social determinants of health. We have some of the highest rates per capita of homelessness and opioid-related overdoses and deaths in Ontario. For a municipality of approximately 42,000 people, which also serves as a northern service hub, but is not adequately funded as such, the present circumstance is no longer tenable.
More housing of all types is urgently needed if we are to fulfill our economic potential and address the health and social issues challenging our community. Thus, we urge the province to apply a northern lens when creating policy and programs to ‘build homes faster’ in order to ensure that opportunities are equitable and strategic.
1. Culturally-Appropriate Supportive Housing
We know from the last Point-in-Time count that nearly 90% of the homeless population in Timmins self-identifies as indigenous, which is why we fully support our partners at the Mushkegowuk Tribal Council and the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB) in their plan to develop culturally-appropriate supportive housing to offer a range of on-site, wrap-around supports that would encourage rehabilitation through independent living and integration into community.
The development initially proposed is a 54-unit building with a construction cost of approximately $15M. The City of Timmins has a signed relationship agreement with the Mushkegowuk Tribal Council and, as such, is committed to providing the land required for this supportive housing development if desired. Whatever contribution the province makes will determine the depth of affordability for these housing units.
Since facilities that are focused on serving mainly Indigenous clients should be Indigenous-led, we are engaged with First Nations leadership to come to a suitable arrangement for operations, which will also need to be appropriately funded.
2. Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) – Safe Health Site Timmins
The City of Timmins has taken seriously its responsibility of ensuring the overall well-being of the people residing in our community. In 2022, we committed over $1M to the establishment and operations of Safe Health Site Timmins (SHST), a supervised consumptions site in the downtown core. The current ongoing operational cost is approximately $85,000 a month.
Officially opened in July 2022, SHST has demonstrated positive results and has been critical in reducing the number of opioid-related overdoses and deaths in our city. Again, being a regional service hub, our Mushkegowuk partners are looking to us to deliver on this vital component to the treatment continuum for the area.
Applications were submitted last Friday by the Canadian Mental Health Association – Cochrane Timiskaming (CMHA-CT) for provincial funding for the CTS site.
To date, SHST has been fully funded by the municipality, but the window to continue funding is quickly closing as we have a number of infrastructure priorities that need to be addressed (including, for instance, the redevelopment of the Golden Manor long-term care facility).
3. Infrastructure – Rehabilitation of Municipal Road
Between April 1997 and January 1998, numerous highways were transferred to the City of Timmins. The magnitude of the transfer was 86.8 km which represents 80% of all highways transferred amongst the Northern Regional Hubs, which include Timmins, North Bay (who had no highways transferred), Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Sault Ste Marie.
It was foreseen that the transfers would create shortfalls in both the Operating and Capital Budgets of the Municipality. The magnitude of the download has become unmanageable for our municipality. The condition of these transferred highways is very poor and the inventory requires full replacement in the next 5 to 10-year period, as maintenance costs are escalating.
An example of a highway that is deteriorating fast is Municipal Road, which connects the City of Timmins and Highway 101 to Highway 11 and the Town of Iroquois Falls. The road conveys forestry traffic from west of Timmins to mills in Quebec and Timiskaming District. Located on Municipal Road are Kettle Lakes Provincial Park, as well as some rural and seasonal dwellings on that route. Little of the traffic is local, most being provincial.
Municipal Road is approximately 22 km long, with 10 km being part of the City of Timmins and 12 km belonging to the Town of Iroquois Falls. The estimated cost to renew Timmins’ share in 2023 was $7M (based on $657/m + guide rails, etc.), assuming the base is sufficient.
Considering an upload to the province is likely improbable at this time, we would request that a special purpose grant be made available to City of Timmins and the Town of Iroquois Falls in order to jointly keep Municipal Road open.
4. Child Care Provisions for Economic Development
Coming back to the notion that, much like the rest of Northern Ontario, the City of Timmins must grow its capacity to meet current and future labour market demands, it is essential that we address the shortage of Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) in our childcare system.
That said, ensuring the availability of qualified child care providers does not only have an economic benefit. We know that quality early learning is essential to the development of skills required to succeed in school and beyond. As we struggle to grapple with health challenges among working-aged residents, early childhood education should be seen as an upstream strategy to solve worsening social issues but ensuring that our future generations get the best possible start in life.
In Timmins, children’s services are administered and delivered by the CDSSAB. Presently, we need 113 additional ECEs in order to fully utilize the allotted spaces across the Cochrane District, with another 56 additional ECEs needed to fulfill the new notional targets. In the City of Timmins, 79 additional ECEs are required today to meet our current need.
We are concerned with our ability to meet the demand for childcare spaces created by the new Canada-Wide Early Learning & Child Care (CWELCC) System as recruitment and retention of ECEs is jeopardized by the low rates of enrollment and graduation of ECEs in the North, particularly hampered by the wage gap between ECEs in childcare centres versus those in the education system. This is especially concerning with regard to our ability to continue to ensure the availability of French-language early learning in the City of Timmins and the broader northeast region.
Therefore, we ask that the relevant ministries work together to offer a ‘Stay and Learn’ grant specific to Early Childhood Education programs offered in Northern Ontario, similar to the one that was announced for paramedics in January 2022.
With more time, we could also speak to the need for increased provincial supports and services for newcomers, assistance to municipalities with preconstruction costs for land development, assistance with physician recruitment, and much more.
Amanda Dyer
Mayor Michelle Boileau has returned from this week’s Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference after speaking directly with provincial ministers on a number of community concerns. It was an opportunity to have targeted conversations about infrastructure funding, housing strategies, and how the City can align itself with the province’s priorities for 2023.
“ROMA is a good example of how Northern municipalities can speak with a unified voice,” says Mayor Boileau. “Our message is amplified when we work together to represent the region. For Timmins, we had positive conversations about roads infrastructure, support for housing projects, and funding for paramedicine. It’s an exciting few days that puts us front and center with provincial leaders.”
In addition to representing the municipality, Mayor Boileau spoke on behalf of both the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB) and Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA) as chair of their respective Board of Directors.
“The work CDSSAB is doing in supportive housing, housing for students, second-stage housing for women recovering from domestic violence, and strategies to end homelessness is both innovative and progressive,” adds Mayor Boileau. “We also had an opportunity to talk about CDSSAB’s Food Steps Program, a pilot project designed to reinforce healthy eating and nutrition for seniors and families with dependents. There is an opportunity, with provincial support, to make this a permanent program across CDSSAB’s catchment area.”
In a provincial panel on confronting homelessness in rural Ontario, CDSSAB’s Chief Administrative Officer Brian Marks spoke of the need for collaboration with municipalities as a way to take immediate action to address homelessness, specifically while funding is being sought from upper levels of government.
“Timmins and area is being recognized, across the province, for how we are addressing concerns of homelessness and mental health and addictions,” Mayor Boileau continues. “The work that is happening is strategic, solutions-based, and sensitive to the community’s overall quality of life. It’s exciting to have these discussions and reinforce how the province can support Timmins and area today and in our future planning.”
Amanda Dyer
Mayor Michelle Boileau and the City’s delegation have joined municipal leaders from across the province at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference in Toronto this week. It’s an opportunity to meet with provincial ministers and prioritize municipal concerns.
On Monday, Mayor Boileau met with Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation, to discuss a number of issues, including bypass routes and the state of Municipal Road.
"Municipal Road is a growing concern for both Timmins and Iroquois Falls," said Mayor Boileau. "Maintenance of the road comes at a considerable cost to the municipality for a regional connecting route between Hwy 101 E. and Hwy 11. The Minister and her staff heard our concerns and committed to working with the communities on this matter."
Maintenance of Municipal Rd. was downloaded to the City of Timmins effective January 1, 1998.
Lobbying sessions with the ministers help City Council put Timmins’ front and centre with the province. Conference attendees will also be taking part in workshops on a variety of topics including asset management, supporting seniors in a rural community, and attracting housing development to rural Ontario.
“Advocating on behalf of Timmins and its residents is a significant part of my role, “adds Mayor Boileau. “We come prepared to make the most of the time in front of provincial decision-makers. We need to be clear on why additional provincial support is needed to maintain our roads and infrastructure.”
Amanda Dyer
City Council has approved the 2023 water and wastewater budget as outlined by the City’s 10-year financial plan for water and wastewater services (water, sewer, storm). The increase is approximately 4.3% or $56 more for the average household.
The 10-year financial plan was approved in 2021 to address a deficit in the water and wastewater budget with nominal increases set over a number of years. City Council also approved an increase to the “Low Income Utility Assistance Credit.” Eligible homeowners can now receive up to $150 off their utility fees and can apply anytime within the calendar year. So far in 2022, the City has issued $15,655 in rebates. Deadline for the 2022 credit is December 30, 2022.
The budget includes plans to use the City’s recent $2.9 million Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) and Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) allocations for capital projects to rehabilitate or replace existing water infrastructure. It’s also important to note that the $2.1 million budgeted for water and wastewater infrastructure replacement as part of Connecting Link construction includes the money needed for work in 2023 and the unspent portion reserved from 2022 construction that ended short of Mountjoy St.
The water and wastewater budget is separate from the general 2023 budget or 2023 tax levy because revenues are sourced from user fees and not property tax. Council will begin tax levy discussions in early 2023, which is typical in a municipal election year as incoming council is familiarized with City programs and services.
The full long-term financial plan for water and wastewater available on the City of Timmins website under Our Services > Water and Sewer. The application form for the Low Income Utility Assistance Credit is also available online at Timmins.ca
Amanda Dyer
Mid-morning on a dairy farm in the heart of Timmins and Mayor Michelle Boileau and Councillor Rock Whissell are learning more about how Haasen Farms Ltd. operates. Not the Mayor’s normal Friday morning, but one that carries with it the opportunity for agricultural revival in Timmins and Northern Ontario.
On Friday, Mayor Boileau and Councillor Whissell joined Minister Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs, for a tour of four farming operations in Timmins and Matheson, part of a day long discussion hosted by Commerce Management and the Northeast Community Network (NeCN) as part of the Claybelt Agricultural Project. The project aims to enhance farm production in the north and highlight the tremendous potential for agriculture to become the third major pillar in the region’s economy. Timmins is part of a group of municipalities along the Hwy. 11 corridor who have invested in the project.
It was a small bit of history for Timmins, the first time a Minister of Agriculture has toured the area, more significantly with the Minister of Mines, and Timmins MPP, George Pirie. Collaboration across the regions economic pillars could be key to how quickly agriculture and farming joins mining and forestry as economic drivers for the area.
“We had an opportunity to talk about how Timmins’ economy can be diversified and flourish,” says Mayor Boileau. “It’s important for the City of Timmins to be front and centre in these discussions, to not only support our farming sector, but to emphasize the importance of stimulating agricultural development in a way that is sustainable and environmentally conscious.”
Timmins’ City Council received an update on the Claybelt Agricultural Project in July. The benefit to establishing agriculture in Timmins, aside from benefiting the economy, is the potential for job creation and food security. Ultimately, it’s part of future planning for our community and region.
“Our tour of Rubber Boot Farm highlighted how farming in the north has the capacity to support the environment,” adds Mayor Boileau. “Regenerative farming, working with nature and not against it, protects the land and delivers quality, nutritious food products. We have innovative farmers here, in our community, who are pushing the industry forward. We were happy to be able to show Minister Thompson what Timmins and the north has to offer.
For more information on the Claybelt Agricultural Project visit: https://bit.ly/3B1fpZe
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is holding its inaugural meeting of council on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. The inauguration will see Mayor Michelle Boileau and Members of Council take their oaths of office for the 2022-2026 term.
The event will be held in Council Chambers and members of the public can view the ceremony online at: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/city_hall/mayor_and_council/council_webcasts
The inauguration ceremony will include:
- Pipe Major—Tom Luke
- Singing of O Canada
- Land Acknowledgement
- Declaration of Office and Oath of Allegiance - Mayor Michelle Boileau
- Declaration of Office and Oath of Allegiance - Members of Council
- Inauguration Address by Mayor Michelle Boileau
Please note that attendance at Council Chambers is by invitation only. The public can view the ceremony online at the link provided above.
Amanda Dyer
Mayor Kristin Murray has proclaimed November 6 – 12, 2022 as “Treaties Recognition Week” in the City of Timmins. Timmins is situated in Treaty 9 territory, the traditional lands of many First Nations, Metis and Inuit People.
A treaty in Canada is an agreement between the government, Indigenous groups, and/or provinces and territories to define the rights and obligations of each party. The purpose is to honour the importance of treaties and educate residents about treaty rights and relationships.
“Part of the journey of reconciliation involves acknowledging how Canada’s early treaties failed to protect Indigenous Peoples and their communities,” says Mayor Kristin Murray. “We encourage an open discussion about the impact of the residential school system, the creation of remote First Nations reserves, and the resulting lack of access to infrastructure. Through honest dialogue comes understanding and support for relationships that foster healthy communities and people.”
Today, the Government of Canada is focused on rebuilding existing relationships with Indigenous partners. Treaties Recognition Week is an opportunity to learn more about our collective role in upholding treaty rights.
More information is available at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/treaties-recognition-week.
Ontario First Nations Maps: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-first-nations-maps.
Amanda Dyer
Timmins City Clerk Steph Palmateer has declared the official results for Timmins’ municipal election. Election results have been certified and there are no changes from the preliminary results announced on Monday, October 24, 2022.
Mayor
Michelle Boileau elected
City Councillors
Rock Whissell acclaimed
Lorne Feldman elected
Bill Gvozdanovic elected
John Curley elected
Kristin Murray elected
Steve Black elected
Andrew Marks elected
Cory Robin elected
English Language Public School Board Trustees
Stephen Meunier elected
Crystal Hewey elected
Bob Brush elected
English Language Separate School Board Trustees
Glenn Sheculski elected
Colleen Landers elected
Fred Salvador elected
Paula Del Guidice elected
French Language Public School Board Trustees
Nicole Arcand acclaimed
Liliane Francis acclaimed
French Language Separate School Board Trustees
Michelle Mailloux elected
Denis Belanger elected
Norm Bolduc elected
This year 12,140 – or 42.23% percent of eligible electors voted in the municipal election. In Timmins, 8,757 people voted online, representing approximately 72% of the total vote.
Amanda Dyer
A Special Council Meeting has been called for October 21, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss the following items:
- Personal matter about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.
For more information, contact the Clerks Department:
220 Algonquin Blvd. East
Timmins, Ontario
P4N 1B3
[email protected]
Amanda Dyer
Small businesses are critical to Timmins’ local economy. When we support a small business by shopping local, we are contributing to the success of our local neighborhoods, school districts, and other small business owners. There’s a reason why the Timmins Chamber’s popular “Find it in Timmins” campaign asks you to, “put your money where your house is.” When we support small business, we are helping our shared community thrive.
A big part of our city’s identity is fostered by small business. Small businesses can connect us to our history, but also illustrate how a city is changing and becoming more diverse.
This is Small Business Week. We want to take this opportunity to thank our local business entrepreneurs, employees, and customers for supporting our economy and helping Timmins grow and prosper.
Mayor Kristin Murray
City of Timmins
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is looking for interested applicants to volunteer on a number of important boards and committees for the next term of Council.
Council establishes committees and boards as a way for residents to provide input and make recommendations on matters that impact our community. When you bring your unique background and expertise to a board or committee, you're helping the City of Timmins learn, listen, and be more engaged with our residents.
Are you interested in Timmins history and heritage? Are you interested in our parklands and green space? Are you interested in helping create a more accessible community? There is a board or committee that you would be great on!
The term is four years from November 2022 to 2026.
Opportunity is available on the:
- Timmins Committee of Adjustment
- Timmins Public Library Board
- Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee
- Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre
- Timmins Police Services Board
- Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA)
- Municipal Accommodation Tax Advisory Committee (MAT Tax)
- Heritage Committee
Please forward resumes on or before November 4, 2022.
You can submit your resume by dropping it off at Service Timmins, e-mailing [email protected] or by mail to:
Steph Palmateer
City Clerk
220 Algonquin Blvd. E.
Timmins, ON P4N 1B3
Amanda Dyer
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])
Amanda Dyer
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