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
We know that residents are concerned about people living along Algonquin Blvd. E. at the underpass and want to assure you that we are also concerned.
We have worked with Timmins Police Service on clean-up and waste collection and will continue to provide support from both our Public Works and By-law Departments. Please understand that this is both a short-term and temporary solution that solves the immediate problem. The City is also committed to helping find a long-term solution so that our most vulnerable are supported, while the area is kept accessible and safe for residents.
We continue to work with public service agencies who are providing consistent outreach, often every day, to help address the human element. Ultimately, we are talking about people who are experiencing homelessness with possible mental health and addiction concerns. A level of sensitivity is required to any proposed solution.
We will continue to listen to your feedback and provide updates as they are available.
Sincerely,
Mayor Kristin Murray
City of Timmins
Amanda Dyer
City Council has appointed Deputy Mayor Kristin Murray as Mayor ahead of the next municipal election on October 24, 2022. The appointment was of historic significance as Murray is notably the City’s first person of colour to serve on council and now as Mayor.
Murray is of Jamaican and Cree ancestry and is a registered member of Chapleau Cree First Nation. She was first elected as Councillor for Ward 5 in 2018. As a new councillor, Murray’s representation of the city’s diverse population brought invaluable lived experience to council.
“I am thrilled to have the support of my fellow councillors as I carry out the term as Mayor,” says Mayor Kristin Murray. “From the COVID-19 pandemic to the election of George Pirie as our local Member of Provincial Parliament, this term has been both challenging and exciting.
“On a personal level, I am humbled to be part of history as I become the city’s first person of colour to serve as Mayor. Let it be known that I don’t want to be known only as the first person of colour to hold this position. I am so much more than that. I am a community member who genuinely cares and wants the best for our region. We have some complex issues to address and I hope to contribute some innovative approaches to meeting our community’s needs. We also have some amazing projects underway and I am excited to help encourage the growth and development of Timmins and area.”
Murray will now serve as Timmins’ mayor until the city elects a new mayor and council later this fall. The resulting vacancy created by Murray’s appointment is within 90 days before voting day of the next regular election and does not need to be filled as per Ontario’s Municipal Act, 2001. City council will appoint a new deputy mayor at the next regular council meeting.
For more information on the 2022 municipal election, visit our Elections Page.
Amanda Dyer
A Special Council Meeting has been called for July 26, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss the following items:
Report:
• Additional payload integration hall at the Timmins Stratospheric Balloon Base - D. Dayment
Motions of Council:
• Wedding at 2030 Kraftcreek Road re: Noise exemption
• 2022-8734-Agreement with CGV Builders Inc. re: Additional Payload Integration Hall at the Timmins Stratospheric Balloon Base
For more information, contact the Clerks Department:
220 Algonquin Blvd. East
Timmins, Ontario
P4N 1B3
[email protected]
Ashish Puri
Now that Timmins’ outgoing Mayor, George Pirie, is MPP-elect for Timmins, City Council has 60 days to decide how the resulting vacancy on council will be addressed. Deputy Mayor Kristin Murray has currently taken over responsibilities of the position.
Council’s responsibility is to confirm the position of interim mayor and assign a new member to council by appointment within 60 days.
The next municipal election is scheduled for October 24, 2022.
See more information on Timmins’ 2022 municipal election.
Amanda Dyer
Following the results of the Ontario General Election, Deputy Mayor Kristin Murray offered congratulations to Timmins’ newly elected Member of Provincial Parliament.
“On behalf of myself and City Council, I want to congratulate our new MPP-elect George Pirie on his successful campaign. It has been a privilege serving with you on council. As Timmins’ Mayor, you have been steadfast in your commitment to achieving a future for our community that is progressive, prosperous and ready for change. I look forward to working with you in your new role.
I also want to offer thanks to Gilles Bisson for serving as our Member of Provincial Parliament for the last 32 years. Thank you for your leadership and dedication to Timmins and thank you to the team at the Constituency Office who have worked tirelessly for our residents.”
Amanda Dyer
A Special Council Meeting has been called for May 20, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss the following items:
Special Meeting:
Connecting Link Construction: Traffic Management Plans
In-Camera Meeting to follow:
The security of the property of the Municipality or Local Board.
For more information, contact the Clerks Department:
220 Algonquin Blvd. East
Timmins, Ontario
P4N 1B3
[email protected]
Amanda Dyer
Mayor George Pirie will take an unpaid leave of absence from his role as Timmins’ Mayor beginning May 4, 2022 ahead of the June 2 provincial election.
Deputy Mayor Michelle Boileau will fill in as acting Mayor until May 31, 2022. Councillor Kristin Murray will step in as Deputy Mayor starting June 1, 2022.
Members of Council, the Clerk’s Office, and the office of the Chief Administration Officer (CAO) will continue to address the needs of residents during this nine-week period.
Following results of the June 2 provincial election, the position of Mayor will either resume or council will have 60 days to fill the resulting vacancy on council. The next municipal election is scheduled for October 24, 2022.
Amanda Dyer
Timmins, ON – While I was disheartened to learn of our MPP Gilles Bisson’s recent by-pass surgery, I am happy that he is doing well and surrounded by family and loved ones. On behalf of Mayor, Council and the City of Timmins, I wish him a speedy recovery.
Amanda Dyer
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