Water use across the city of Timmins stays high as residents seek ways to cool off and keep hydrated. 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. 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.
Effective immediately, the Timmins Fire Department has issued a city-wide fire ban. This is due to a lack of precipitation and extreme dry conditions. The fire ban is in effect until further notice and includes all areas within the City limits. The fire ban means that no burning or open flame is allowed. All burning permits have been suspended and Service Timmins has ceased issuing burning permits at this time. This means: • No campfires • No burning in outdoor fireplaces • No burning in outdoor fire pits • No incinerator burning • No brush or slash pile burning Any person setting an open-air fire will be responsible and liable for costs and possibly fined. For more information, please call the Timmins Fire Department at 705-360-2626.
The last Kashechewan First Nation evacuees left Timmins today after more than five weeks sheltering from a precautionary evacuation due to flooding on the Albany River. As a result, Timmins is ending the State of Emergency declared on April 14, which allowed the City to access additional resources and provincial aid. Timmins’ ability to respond quickly and effectively to help aid evacuees is due to Stronger Together, a team of local and First Nation leads whose preparedness comes from the cooperation of community partners, First Nation partnerships, and local service agencies and first responders. “Through Stronger Together’s mobilization efforts, we were able to provide evacuees with a number of services and social supports,” says Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Berny Stansa. “It is a time of emergency and it does take the coordinated response of a community to pull this off. We’re happy that our Kashechewan guests are now able to return home.” With the last flight departed for Kashechewan, the Stronger Together team will begin to reflect on the last month’s operations and experiences. “Our team members and First Nation leads will meet and participate in a sharing circle,” says Stronger Together’s Ryan Verreault. “It’s a cultural activity that allows us to debrief and share experiences, both good and bad, to identify areas of improvement for next time.” The likelihood of a “next time” is almost certain, but the City of Timmins and Stronger Together are ready to assist with a model of evacuation management designed to strengthen the City’s First Nation partnerships and empower First Nation communities to take an active role throughout the evacuation process.
The following municipal services will be closed or unavailable over the Victoria Day Long Weekend (May 20-22): Service Timmins and the Provincial Offences Centre will be closed on Victoria Day (Monday, May 22) There will be no household waste and recycling collection on Victoria Day. Monday’s collection will be completed on Tuesday, May 23 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.
Council’s $4 million dollar increase to the City’s “grind and pave” budget means that roads like Riverpark and Vimy have been added to this year’s asphalt contract. The City has agreed to spend $5.7 million with Miller Paving Ltd. to complete asphalt repair on 9 kilometres of roadway; 5 kilometres of surface treatment on rural roads; pulverizing and surface treatment of Government Rd. N.; pavement restoration of three municipal parking lots; paving of the Timmins Cemetery expansion; and, asphalt restoration along Crawford St. N. following the installation of new watermain. The original plan, which called for approximately 4 kilometres of full-width road rehabilitation, was expanded with the added investment to include roads that were under some public scrutiny. “Vimy Ave. and Riverpark Rd. are welcome additions to the list,” says Scott Tam, Director of Growth and Infrastructure. “We’ve worked with feedback from City Council and from local residents to expedite repairs to a number of streets throughout the city. Riverpark Rd. needs rehabilitation after water infrastructure work over the winter and Vimy Ave. has served as a detour route, with increased traffic, for the last two seasons of Connecting Link construction.” The City bases its “grind and pave” priorities on feedback from internal departments like Public Works and from a 2019 Roads Needs Study, which has ranked roads based on a Pavement Condition Index (PCI). “The amount of roadway that can be completed is largely dependent on budget and cost drivers like labour and material costs,” adds Tam. “During this year’s budget deliberations, it was identified that asphalt prices had increased by 27.5% and nearly doubled asphalt prices for municipalities in the GTA. Council’s commitment to investing in the yearly roads program is necessary to maintain our road network.” Sections of Vipond Rd., Goldmine Rd., Victoria Ave, Wilson Ave., Park Ave., and MacLean Dr. have also been added to the list, which is available online at: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/engineering/capital_works/2023_capital_works.
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.
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.
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]
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.”
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]
Work continues on Segment 6 of the Connecting Link between Wilcox St. and the Mountjoy St. intersection. All installation of in-ground pipes and infrastructure is completed. Crews will start to backfill the road, install curbs, concrete work, and traffic signals before paving and line painting can begin. The contractor has also started on minor excavation and sign staging on Segment 7 east of the Mountjoy intersection to Cedar St. Once the Mountjoy intersection is fully reopened to traffic, crews will reopen Algonquin between Preston and Mountjoy and the detour along Brunette Rd. to Second Ave. will go into effect. The City will provide date and time. We have been asked about the closed section between Waterloo and Preston. This area is part of the construction zone and is closed for motorist safety. The contractor uses this section as an access point for trucks and material delivery. We are anticipating that this will be open mid to late June. Work is also being completed on the middle lanes of Segment 2 from Shirley St. to Government Rd. Traffic is currently reduced to one lane in both directions. Asphalt has now been removed. Crews will be removing existing concrete medians and doing some minor excavation before applying a layer of granule, new pavement, and installing new curbs and sidewalk. The City continues to monitor traffic flow through the construction zone to prioritize vehicles moving east and west. Commercial motor vehicles are reminded that the detour along Shirley St. to Laforest Rd. is now in effect. We have asked Timmins Police Service to take a more proactive approach in enforcing trucks bypassing the detour down Jaguar, Government or Sandy Falls. These roadways are not designated truck routes and heavy traffic can impact road conditions. Thank you for your continued cooperation and patience as we expedite Connecting Link construction and complete work this season.
Please be advised that Riverside Dr. between Shirley St. and Government Rd. has now been reduced to one lane in each direction, with traffic moved to the outside curb lanes while contractors begin work on Segment 2 of the Connecting Link. In Segment 2 of the Connecting Link, work will be completed west of the Shirley St. intersection to Government Rd. In addition to stripping existing pavement, grading and compacting the base, and re-applying a fresh layer of asphalt, work will include installation of a cement sidewalk between Shirley St. and the Government Rd. intersection. All access points and entries to roads and businesses along Riverside Dr. will be maintained throughout construction. Motorists can expect delays and traffic congestion. Commercial vehicle trucks will still use the Shirley St. turn to connect with the standard truck detour along Laforest Rd. Some pavement milling in the outside curb lanes will be carried out to smooth entry points into adjacent roads and business entries. Rehabilitation of the City’s Connecting Link is important work to improve major road infrastructure for Timmins. We appreciate your cooperation and patience as construction is completed.
City contractors for Segment 2 of the Connecting Link along Riverside Dr. will be onsite placing traffic controls, staging, and surveying next week. Construction is anticipated to start after the May long weekend. Traffic will be reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction for the duration of work. All access points and entries to roads and businesses along Riverside Dr. will be maintained throughout construction. In Segment 2 of the Connecting Link, work will be completed west of the Shirley St. intersection to Government Rd. In addition to stripping existing pavement, grading and compacting the base, and re-applying a fresh layer of asphalt, work will include installation of a cement sidewalk between Shirley St. and the Government Rd. intersection. This segment requires less infrastructure rehabilitation and excavation, so work is expected to move quickly. The first stage of construction will concentrate on the middle three lanes, including the dedicated left turn lane, with traffic moving to the outside curb lanes. Motorists can expect some delays and traffic congestion, but no lengthy road closures. Commercial vehicle trucks will still use the Shirley St. turn to connect with the standard truck detour along Laforest Rd. Some pavement milling in the outside curb lanes will be carried out to smooth entry points into adjacent roads and business entries. This is the second Connecting Link project this season and, with the addition of a dedicated pedestrian sidewalk, will make improvements to Timmins active transportation corridor. The City of Timmins appreciates the cooperation and patience of residents and motorists using detours and navigating lane restrictions as we carry out over $25 million in road repair work over the next few months. For more information on Connecting Link construction and to subscribe for Connecting Link updates, visit www.timmins.ca/connecting_link.
City Council has approved a second segment of Connecting Link construction this summer, which means the west end of Timmins will be getting a sidewalk along a busy stretch of Riverside Dr. The unanimous approval to move forward with rehabilitation of Segment 2 of the Connecting Link, will see work completed west of the Shirley St. intersection to Government Rd. In addition to stripping existing pavement, grading and compacting the base, and re-applying a fresh layer of asphalt, work will include installation of a cement sidewalk between Shirley St. and the Government Rd. intersection. This stretch of Riverside Dr. has been a topic of conversation, with increased foot traffic running between the Timmins Square retail mall and the busy Walmart corner. A sidewalk will improve safety and make accessing commercial properties along Riverside Dr. more accessible. Motorists can expect lane reductions as construction work moves north and south, with possible congestion, but no lengthy road closures. Commercial vehicle trucks will still use the Shirley St. turn to connect with the standard truck detour along Laforest Rd. This is the second stretch of the Connecting Link being completed this summer. Additional funding from the province’s Ministry of Transportation means that the work schedule has been moved up. Road closures for Segments 6 and 7 are already in place along Algonquin Blvd. west of Elm St. and east of Preston St. For more information on Connecting Link construction, visit www.timmins.ca/connecting_link.
Motorists can prepare to detour for Connecting Link construction starting Tuesday, April 25. The City’s contractor is in town this week staging traffic controls for two detours that will divert vehicles off Algonquin Blvd. Algonquin Blvd. will be closed to all traffic east of Waterloo Rd. and west of Elm St. with a small section from Preston St. closed to local traffic only. Motorists should be prepared to stop at temporary traffic lights and/or stop signs along each detour route. A temporary 4-way stop will be in place at the intersection of Theriault Blvd. and Vimy Ave. and a temporary 3-way stop will be added at the intersection of Vimy Ave. and Mountjoy St. N. Temporary traffic lights will be used along the southerly route on Cameron St. S. at Commercial Ave. and on Commercial Ave. at Mountjoy S. Cameron St. S. and Wilson Ave. will remain the regular 4-way stop. Commercial motor vehicles will continue to use the standard truck detour from Shirley St. to Lafleur Dr. and onto Laforest Rd. before connecting with Hwy. 655. A temporary speed reduction of 50 km/h is in effect along Airport Rd. from Laforest Rd. through the area of the Kraft Creek Bridge. This year’s Connecting Link construction will see work from segment 6 completed through the Mountjoy intersection, before work on segment 7 begins. The Mountjoy intersection will be re-opened to traffic before crews start on the next section extending to Cedar St. Once again, work includes full-depth reconstruction of the roadway, replacement of underground services like water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer, and pole relocation. This is the second year of the three-year plan to prioritize the downtown Connecting Link route. Sign up for Connecting Link updates at Timmins.ca and stay up-to-date on the latest construction news.