This winter, you’ll notice the City of Timmins spraying something onto the roads that’s different from the usual rock salt or sand. It’s brine, a simple salt-water mixture that can be more effective than regular salt in dealing with northern Ontario’s cold weather driving conditions.
The City’s Public Works Department will be using a 29% brine solution that reduces the amount of salt being directly applied to major high-traffic arterial roads and collectors, which means less cost, less corrosion on the road surface, and it’s gentler on the environment.
But the benefits don’t stop there. In terms of road safety, brine melts the same way as solid rock salt, but because it’s applied as a liquid, it can begin to work immediately. Brine sticks to the pavement better than dry salt and is more effective in lower temperatures. When applied, the brine solution prevents a bond between snow and pavement, keeps snow from being compacted by vehicle traffic, and makes plowing easier.
When and where the City applies brine depends on the weather and the road classification. The City will continue to use solid rock salt or sand on secondary roads, residential roads, and rural country roads. Usage is also determined by temperature, humidity, and conditions. Brine works before a storm, when the road surface is bare, and can be applied up to two days prior.
No one strategy covers all of the scenarios in any given storm or weather event. The City will continue to monitor conditions and deploy winter road and sidewalk maintenance as required.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is advising all consumers on Pine Street between Second and Third Avenue of a loss of pressure and/or loss of water resulting in the issuance of a precautionary Boil Water Advisory.
• Area: all residents and consumers on Pine Street between Second and Third Avenue.
• Date of Advisory: November 27, 2023, until further notice.
The Environmental Services department is conducting emergency watermain repairs however, the precautionary boil water advisory requires all consumers to take the following steps:
• Bring your water to a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to using it for domestic purposes, including drinking, making infant formula and juices, brushing teeth, washing raw foods and making ice.
• Wash dishes with boiled water that has been cooled or use potable water from an alternative source; and
• All water taps must be posted, indicating that the water is not safe to drink.
For more information on Boil Water Advisories, please visit www.porcupinehu.on.ca/en/your-community/safe-water/boil-water-advisories/boil-water-advisory-page/
The Boil Water Advisory will remain in effect until the sample results confirm the water is fit for human consumption (minimum of 48 hours following the completion of the repair). City staff would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this necessary process, and advise that if there are any questions, concerns or requests for additional information, they may contact the Service Timmins at 705-264-1331 during business hours. After-hours emergencies should be directed to 705-264-1201.
City staff would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this work.
Sara Perron
Celebrate the festive season on Saturday, November 25! It’s the 9th Annual Community Holiday Tree Lighting. This year’s yuletide wouldn’t be complete without Christmas carols, free hot chocolate, over 4,000 twinkling lights.
The fun begins at 6:00 p.m. at Hollinger Park with a very special sing-a-long! Santa and Mrs. Claus are back to help spread holiday cheer … and they need everyone to join in, singing loud and clear. Next, we’ll flip the switch on our 40-foot white spruce with over 4,000 sparkling lights while residents enjoy free hot chocolate courtesy of the McIntyre Coffee Shop.
Timmins Community Holiday Tree Lighting is proudly supported by the City of Timmins, Tourism Timmins, Timmins Community Park Association, and the McIntyre Coffee Shop.
Amanda Dyer
On Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Don Anderson Haulage will be hauling a Hydro One transformer from the Rail Siding on Hallnor Rd. to the transformer station on Brundy Ave. in Schumacher. The width of this load will occupy a two-lane road with limited shoulder area available.
On November 14, temporary road closures will be in effect on Aura Lake Rd. between Father Costello Dr. and Croatia Ave., prohibiting travel and parking between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Temporary road closure signage will be in place.
Timmins Police Service will be escorting the load and assisting with traffic control along the route. Due to the height of the load, a number of utility trucks will also provide escort.
The move will begin on Hallnor Rd. on Tuesday, November 14th at 07:30 a.m. and will take approximately six hours to reach the transformer station. Expect temporary traffic delays along Hwy. 101 E., Father Costello Dr., Aura Lake Rd., and Croatia Ave. while the load passes through town. Consider arranging an alternative route to avoid delays.
Don Anderson Haulage and the City of Timmins appreciates everyone’s efforts and patience while we navigate this large and complex load through the community.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins Environmental Services Department, Waste Management Division, wishes to inform the public that waste and recycling carts that are normally scheduled for pick up on Thursday November 9, 2023, will be delayed or postponed until tomorrow, Friday November 10, 2023.
There will be a crew working this evening until 8pm. If your carts are not collected today, please have them curbside no later than 7:30 AM, tomorrow November 10, 2023.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and we appreciate your patience.
Sara Perron
With Connecting Link construction wrapping up for the season, the temporary detour in place along Brunette Rd. and Second Ave. will be removed. Algonquin Blvd. E. is expected to open early the week of November 13, 2023. The City’s Traffic Dept. is prioritizing the replacement of stop signs along Second Ave. at the intersections of Spruce St. S. and Balsam St. S. Motorists should be prepared to stop on Monday, November 13.
Both intersections along Second Ave. will be returned to an all-way or 4-way stop with all motor vehicles on approach coming to a complete stop. At a 4-way stop, the first vehicle to come to a complete stop has the right-of-way. If two or more cars stop at the same time, right-of-way goes to the vehicle on the right.
This year, construction has been completed on Connecting Link Segment 6 through the Mountjoy intersection, Segment 7 from Mountjoy to just east of Balsam St. N., and Segment 2 on Riverside Dr. from Shirley St. to Government Rd. The downtown segments of the Connecting Link are part of a three-year contract, with construction on Segment 8 beginning next spring. Segment 8 will include the removal of the underpass on Algonquin Blvd. E. and the addition of a dedicated snowmobile crossing just east of Brunette Rd.
Sign up for Connecting Link updates today at Timmins.ca and stay up-to-date on the latest construction news.
Amanda Dyer
With Connecting Link construction wrapping up for the season, the temporary detour in place along Brunette Rd. and Second Ave. will be removed. Algonquin Blvd. E. is expected to open early the week of November 13, 2023. The City’s Traffic Dept. is prioritizing the replacement of stop signs along Second Ave. at the intersections of Spruce St. S. and Balsam St. S. Motorists should be prepared to stop on Monday, November 13.
Both intersections along Second Ave. will be returned to an all-way or 4-way stop with all motor vehicles on approach coming to a complete stop. At a 4-way stop, the first vehicle to come to a complete stop has the right-of-way. If two or more cars stop at the same time, right-of-way goes to the vehicle on the right.
This year, construction has been completed on Connecting Link Segment 6 through the Mountjoy intersection, Segment 7 from Mountjoy to just east of Balsam St. N., and Segment 2 on Riverside Dr. from Shirley St. to Government Rd. The downtown segments of the Connecting Link are part of a three-year contract, with construction on Segment 8 beginning next spring. Segment 8 will include the removal of the underpass on Algonquin Blvd. E. and the addition of a dedicated snowmobile crossing just east of Brunette Rd.
Sign up for Connecting Link updates today at Timmins.ca and stay up-to-date on the latest construction news.
Amanda Dyer
At the December 06, 2022 City Council meeting, amendments to Traffic By-law 1983-2004 have been added to recognize dedicated left turn lanes at five city intersections. Each intersection was already designed to include dedicated left turn lanes to regulate and control traffic.
Left turn arrows have been painted on the dedicated left turn lanes at:
• Mountjoy St. and Algonquin Blvd. – north and south
• Cameron St. S at Algonquin Blvd. W – north
• Theriault Blvd. at Algonquin Blvd. W – south
• Preston St. at Algonquin Blvd. W – north and south
• Airport Rd. at Westmount Blvd. – north and south
The lane is used for left turns only, yielding to oncoming traffic, pedestrians and cyclists before making a left turn. The use of dedicated left turn lanes is designed to improve road safety and operation. The lanes serve to separate turning traffic from through traffic and increase capacity of the road.
For additional information, contact Service Timmins at service.timmins.ca or by phone at 705-264-1331.
Amanda Dyer
When it snows, the City’s Public Works Dept. is responsible for a variety of winter services including salting/sanding, plowing and snow removal on both our roads and maintained sidewalks. It’s a massive job and requires a specific strategy to ensure that our crews and fleet are ready keep the city moving.
Public Works has a winter readiness plan that includes testing all snow clearing equipment, placing sand supplies at designated yards across the city, and training any new staff on how to respond to the effects of cold winter weather.
As we gear up for winter, residents can help with preparations by removing any temporary basketball nets or recreation equipment from the end of driveways and curbs. Keep curbs and driveways clear to help with snow removal and plowing.
Two winter by-laws will shortly go into effect that help ensure Public Works can complete snow removal operations. The winter overnight parking ban takes effect on Wednesday, November 1 until April 30, 2024. Any vehicle parked on the street between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. will be subject to a $50 fine and the vehicle may be towed at the expense of the owner (unless you are in an area exempt from the winter parking ban).
The City of Timmins will inform residents of winter road maintenance with temporary “no parking” snow removal signs (yellow and red in colour), posted before snow removal begins. A weekly snow removal schedule will also be posted online at Timmins.ca. Remember to look for signs posted on your street to ensure parking has not been restricted in your area.
The City of Timmins Snow By-law 1993-4162 provides guidelines for clearing snow from your property. Snow must never be placed onto the street or sidewalk. Moving snow from your driveway onto the sidewalk or street can create various safety hazards, obstruct pedestrian traffic, or obstruct the view of drivers. Even a small amount of snow left on a sidewalk can cause accessibility issues for some our residents.
If you plan on installing a temporary winter car shelter, you will require a permit from the City of Timmins. A seasonal structure permit is just $15. Approved temporary tent shelters can be erected between October 1 and April 30. You will need to submit an application (available online at Timmins.ca), your site plan, and payment to Service Timmins.
For additional information, contact Service Timmins at service.timmins.ca or by phone at 705-264-1331.
Amanda Dyer
Last chance to provide your input on the 2024 Municipal Budget!
Survey closes today, October 31, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
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 you rely on daily.
The City also 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 annual municipal budget, an itemized plan for the revenue coming in and the expenditures going out.
Complete our brief survey to provide feedback on the 2024 budgets and future budget engagement. All responses are anonymous.
Complete The Survey
Amanda Dyer
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