Mayor Michelle Boileau and the elected councillors for each City ward, are set to host a new series of ward meetings to connect residents with the City’s latest projects, plans, and initiatives. Launching October 5, 2023 in Ward 1, the community meetings will offer an in-person opportunity to hear about capital projects like the Golden Manor redevelopment, and future plans specific to each of the five wards within Timmins.
Mayor and Council will also be highlighting the City’s budget process for 2024, which will include the City’s first public budget survey. Residents are being asked for their input on the next municipal budget and how they would like to see their tax dollars spent and invested.
“The ward meetings are about conversation and connection,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “Council relies on resident feedback to help inform municipal decisions. We all have email or social media, but let’s sit down in the same room and really dive into what’s important to the residents in each ward.”
Due to the size of Timmins Ward 5, the area has been split into Timmins North and Timmins South for the purpose of the ward meetings. Meeting details, agendas, ward maps, and boundaries, can be found at: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/city_hall/mayor_and_council
“Engagement activities, like community meetings, help align the priorities of Council, the municipality, and the public,” adds Mayor Boileau. “We invite every resident in each ward to attend and learn more about what’s happening in their city.”
Amanda Dyer
City Council’s request for enhanced public participation in the municipal budget process begins October 1, 2023 with an online survey. The City’s budget survey will ask residents to provide input on items such as City services, value for tax dollar, and the importance of maintaining current infrastructure.
Property taxes are an important revenue for the City. When combined with program fees, user fees, facility rentals, and additional funding sources, they make up the available money (revenue) coming into the City that is then spent on the services, infrastructure, programs, and projects that residents rely on daily. In addition, the City looks at long-term planning and investment to meet the needs of the community and encourage future growth. All of this is summarized in the budget, an itemized plan for the revenue coming in and the expenditures going out.
The benefits of public engagement, particularly when it comes to budget and municipal spending, extend beyond being transparent and accountable. The City is actively working to encourage dialogue and help residents better understand the landscape of local issues, decision-making, and program and service delivery.
When the budget survey launches on October 1, 2023, residents will have one month to provide feedback before staff add the survey results to City Council’s budget package for review. Survey participation is anonymous.
For more information on how the City budget works and the process for approving the 2024 Municipal Budget, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/finance/how_your_city_budget_works
Quotes:
“The goal of the budget process is to help City Council make informed decisions around the allocation of local tax dollars. The public budget survey will help us further understand the programs and services that residents’ value most, and where they would like to see further investment.” – Mayor Michelle Boileau
“We are asking residents to provide feedback as City Council and staff begin to prepare the 2024 budget. It benefits us to understand what is important to residents, and how effective we are at communicating how the municipal budget works. The City’s budget process, balancing both an operating and capital spending plan, determines how effectively we can deliver core services and move action plans forward.” – Natalie Moore, Director of Finance and City Treasurer
Amanda Dyer
"This is International Overdose Awareness Day.
The theme this year is, “recognizing those people who go unseen.” We are asked to acknowledge people in our communities who are affected by overdose, who struggle silently, or who are lost within the larger opioid crisis.
On this day, we say … you are seen.
We see the families left to grieve; we remember the individuals who have lost their lives to overdose or drug poisoning; and, we see those who struggle still to overcome the grasp of addiction. Addiction does not discriminate. We are all impacted in a way. I myself have been impacted by this epidemic.
Improving the outcome of mental health and addictions, including the reduction of overdose-opioid death, is a priority under the City’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan.
The City of Timmins is committed to helping families and individuals find pathways to the support they need, while recognizing that community safety and well-being is a shared responsibility.
We are committed to helping people connect to supports and services. We will continue to advocate, with our partners, for more treatment opportunities.
We stand with you today and every day until the fear and risk of overdose is no more … and we will continue to stand with you to remember and honour our lost loved ones."
~ Mayor Michelle Boileau
Learn more about the Community Safety and Well-being Plan at: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/community_safety_and_well_being_c_s_w_b
Amanda Dyer
From Highway Reconstruction to Immigration and Recruitment:
How the City’s AMO Delegation Pushed Northern Priorities at AMO 2023
Mayor Michelle Boileau met with Ministers and provincial staff this week to advocate for three key City priorities focused on improving vital infrastructure, strengthening physician recruitment, and enhancing supports for mental health and addictions.
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario's 2023 AMO Conference in London allowed municipal leaders to bring the City’s opportunities and challenges direct to the province. The City of Timmins delegation included Mayor Boileau and Councillors Steven Black, John Curley, Kristin Murray and Cory Robin, who joined more than 2,000 participants from municipalities and organizations across the province.
“There are concerns that are unique to Northern Ontario,” said Mayor Boileau. “We are strategic in our conversations. We come prepared to promote solutions that are tangible and achievable with support from the Province, and we are fortunate to have a Member of Provincial Parliament who joins us in advocating on behalf of our community. I want to thank Minister George Pirie for attending our municipal delegations to support Timmins.”
Conversations with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation senior officials identified the need for assistance with potential cost of reconstruction for Hwy. 67 (Municipal Rd.), a joint ask from the Town of Iroquois Falls.
The City’s delegation brought forward the need for day and evening treatment programming to Associate Minister of Health, Michael Tibollo, to enhance supports for mental health and addictions in the community. This is a request often discussed at the local level with service agencies to help reinforce treatment options.
Conversations on immigration and the need for a dedicated provincial stream through the Province Nominee Program, were also held to assist efforts for physician recruitment and labour development.
“We have recommended a Northern specific immigration stream, which would help fill local labour gaps specific to our region,” adds Mayor Boileau. “This would build on the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) and could be used to prioritize permanent residency applications based on our labour market needs.”
Mayor Boileau was also able to present City Council’s term priorities to ministers and senior provincial staff, which include housing, a focus of this year’s AMO conference. As the province continues to tackle the housing crisis, Council plans to encourage development, prioritize supportive housing, and work with all levels of government to build more homes.
Learn more about how City Council’s term priorities at: https://bit.ly/455ZC8g
Amanda Dyer
L-R: Feather Metatwabin, Christina Kioke, Sabrina Vincent, Mayor Michelle Boileau, Councillor Cory Robin, Jennifer Constant, Angie Bourgeois, Roxanne Martin, and Hazel Esquat
Timmins ON - On July 31, 2023, I had the privilege to meet with over 24 community members representing nine Indigenous service agencies and organizations that operate within the city of Timmins. The purpose was to discuss the safety and well-being of their clients, colleagues, families, and friends.
The discussion was difficult. Their experiences of racism, marginalization, trauma, and fear are disheartening. These conversations are necessary, however, to understand how and why Timmins needs to improve.
What gave me hope was the sincere request for accountability, action, and understanding. Everyone in attendance came with a purpose and a plan. Recommendations included trauma training for City Council; a review of past, present, and future municipal policies to ensure fairness and equity; and, anti-stigma communication to highlight Indigenous success stories and role models. We spoke of how the City can support cross-cultural education and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents, including new Canadians. We identified the need for affordable housing and for clarification around property standards and enforcement.
There was mention of ‘movement and milestones’ – the need for action now to foster well-being, and the need for long-term planning of solution-based initiatives, which can help to empower the Indigenous community. One ask was for an increase in Indigenous-led, culture-based outreach that Council had also identified. A contract for the City’s Outreach Services pilot project has since been awarded to Mushkegowuk Fire Keeper Patrol to start later this month.
Council remains committed to delivering on the calls to action for Truth and Reconciliation, addressing human needs, and establishing an economic alliance with Indigenous partners.
Sincerely,
Mayor Michelle Boileau, City of Timmins
Amanda Dyer
Yesterday, Mayor Boileau had the opportunity to sit down with The Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board, to talk about housing, healthcare, and funding for homelessness prevention.
“We talked about the permanency of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) and how it benefits rural communities by providing access to skilled foreign workers. Timmins was one of only 11 communities chosen across Canada to participate in RNIP. We’re urging the federal government to make this a permanent program.
“We talked about healthcare in Timmins and access to primary care, particularly for First Nation communities. With better access to health care available to our Indigenous partners, the capacity of our regional hospital will be supported. There is funding the federal government can provide now that will help our health care providers upgrade, enhance, and expand health services in Timmins.
“We talked about Canada’s current homelessness strategy and how it works with the national housing strategy; specifically, how the federal government can support our community’s need to increase affordable housing. We know that industry plans, particularly in the mining sector, will require more skilled labour. We also need support with homelessness prevention, and that starts with having a place to call home.
“We joined a discussion with the Timmins Chamber of Commerce where we talked about federal support for businesses transitioning to a green economy and Canada’s goal of being net-zero by 2050. Sustainable and prosperous economies require investment, and our local businesses need assistance making this transition and achieving this milestone. The City of Timmins supports measures to mitigate climate change. Our own efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through mindful operations has been successful.
“I want to thank Mona Fortier for giving me the opportunity to talk openly about what our community needs. Conversations are happening – that have to happen – to help Timmins thrive.” ~ Mayor Michelle Boileau
Housing, the economy, and the environment are all council priorities for this term of council. Learn more at: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/city_hall/mayor_and_council/council_actions_and_initiatives
Amanda Dyer
Earlier this week, Mayor Michelle Boileau and Councillor Cory Robin had the opportunity to tour the Côté Gold mining project, located 125 km’s southwest of Timmins near Gogama.
During Mining Week in June, Mayor Boileau had commented that, while Timmins’ 110-year history of mining is well-documented, we can still confidently say that Timmins’ future is mining … and the future is now at Côté Gold.
The latest in autonomous mining technology is being incorporated into one of the most advanced open-pit gold mines, which will be the first in Canada with a fully-automated fleet. Not to mention, the second largest open-pit mine in the country.
Here’s what we discovered:
- There are currently 6 autonomous CAT 793 haul trucks moving mining ore and waste to support commissioning later this year.
- Autonomous mining is technology driven to improve mine safety, improve efficiency, improve productivity and operations.
- The projected mine life is 18+ years with gold production anticipated to start in early 2024.
- The mine will require a direct workforce of 500+ by the end of the year, supported by the opening of the Côté Gold Timmins bus terminal to shuttle employees back and forth to the mine site.
Côté Gold provides economic benefit to the Timmins’ area through direct and indirect labour development (there are currently 1800+ contractors and 261 full-time employees); is committed to supporting the community and engaging with our Indigenous partners; is environmentally responsible; and, works to maintain a high-level of health and safety standards.
There is unmined potential and opportunity in our city and region. We are ready.
Learn more about how your City Council is working to diversify and strengthen Timmins’ economy, and work with partner organizations to bolster and grow the current labour force: City Council Priorities 2023-26.
Amanda Dyer
City Council has approved Pads K9 Protection and Detection Services to lead a one-year pilot project for security patrols across the city. The goal is to provide an additional level of safety overnight and to help prevent unwanted vandalism and crime.
The $100,336 cost is being recovered from the City’s portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), which is money collected by local hotels on overnight stays. For the next 12 months, private security will be conducting foot and drive-by patrols between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., seven days a week. Council had previously approved the expense as part of the 2023 City budget.
“It is not ideal to have to add security patrols to bolster community safety,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “Council did not arrive at this decision lightly, but we have residents and business owners who are asking for help now to feel safe. This is one idea that can be implemented immediately, without burdening our tax base. By next month, we will have a mobile security patrol on the street to identify anything out of place and report it immediately to Timmins Police Service.”
Council’s recent town hall on community safety was attended by over 1,200 residents concerned with high incidents of crime, break and enters, theft of property, and trespassing.
“We are optimistic that the added presence of private security will serve as a crime deterrent and help reduce unwanted property crime and theft,” adds Boileau. “This is a pilot project and we need to review the results to see if this will work for Timmins, but it’s an answer today when asked, “What is City Council doing now to improve safety.”
Amanda Dyer
Yesterday, the province announced this year’s recipients of the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery. The medal is the province's highest honour and is given to police officers who have demonstrated great courage in risking their lives to save the lives of others.
Two of the officers recognized are members of Timmins Police Service, Sergeant Robin Carter and Constable Mark Lauzon.
“I want to thank both officers for helping to protect our community. The courage and commitment you bring to the police force does not go unnoticed. Your work brings you into some of the most difficult and dangerous circumstances; yet, you respond willingly to keep the rest of us safe. Thank you.” ~ Mayor Michelle Boileau
Pictured are Constable Mark Lauzon, Deputy Chief Henry Dacosta, and Sergeant Robin Carter.
Amanda Dyer
One week after the City’s public town hall to discuss community safety, Mayor Michelle Boileau has issued a statement reflecting on the concerns brought forward by residents and business owners.
“It takes courage to stand up and speak before a crowd on experiences that are often personal and painful,” began Mayor Boileau. “As the arena floor filled up, I was overwhelmed by the feeling of frustration, but also the feeling of conviction and determination. You came prepared to fight for your city, your homes, your livelihood, and your safety.”
The Mayor’s statement is included in a full report outlining the key takeaways from the town hall, and a commitment to provide the answers and information that was requested on June 15.
View the full report here.
Amanda Dyer
Mayor Michelle Boileau and members of City Council have moved the location of the Public Town Hall to the arena facility at the McIntyre Community Centre. The space has larger capacity and will be able seat more attendees.
The Thursday, June 15 citizen’s forum is an opportunity for residents to share their experiences, suggestions and concerns around community safety. Representatives of the Timmins Police Service Board will also be in attendance.
The City has set some guidelines to make sure town hall remains a respectful and open environment:
- The town hall will be moderated. Members of the public will be asked to line up at one of the provided microphones to ask their question or make a comment.
- There will be zero tolerance for hate speech or any other disrespectful behaviours. Attendees in violation will be asked to leave.
- Bags and large personal effects like backpacks, duffel bags, or totes will not be permitted into the venue.
The goal of this public town hall is to create an opportunity for dialogue between City officials and community members. Questions and comments are not required in advance and attendees do not need to pre-register to speak.
WHAT: Public Town Hall
WHEN: Thursday, June 15, 2023
TIME: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
WHERE: McIntyre Community Centre - Arena
Amanda Dyer
On Thursday, June 15, 2023, Mayor Michelle Boileau and members of City Council are hosting a citizen’s forum to discuss community safety. Representatives of the Timmins Police Service Board will also be in attendance.
Residents are invited to share their experiences, suggestions, and concerns around community safety in a respectful and open environment. The goal of this public town hall is to create an opportunity for dialogue between City officials and community members.
City Council has identified safety as a priority over the current electoral term. Public engagement is important to help inform plans moving forward, including delivering on the City's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (CSWBP). The feedback received will be shared with CSWBP System Leadership Committee and relevant action tables.
This will be a moderated event. Registration is not required.
WHAT: Public Town Hall
WHEN: Thursday, June 15, 2023
TIME: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
LOCATION: McIntyre Community Centre - Ballroom
Amanda Dyer
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
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