A water meter is a device that measures the amount of water used in a building that is supplied by the public water supply system. In Timmins, commercial and industrial property owners are required to install a water meter. Residential property owners can also choose to install a water meter. For residents with a large number of rooms, there can be potential benefit from being on a water meter if there is careful water consumption.
Water meters are purchased by the property owner through Service Timmins. Installation, maintenance and repair of the water meter is the responsibility of the property owner and must be carried out by a contractor approved by the City. No adjustments or reductions can be made to your water bill due to excessive water usage. Small home repair concerns like a leaking or running toilet, leaking faucets, leaking washing machine or dishwasher can have a dramatic impact on a property owner’s quarterly water bill.
It’s important to ensure an installed water meter is working correctly and that any repairs, like a leaking outdoor faucet, are made quickly. For property owners with rental units on a water meter system, it is particularly important that tenants practice sensible water use and communicate any potential water concerns quickly so that repairs can be made.
Finally, metered water is read and billed quarterly. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that their water meter is accessible and can be clearly read.
There are numerous potential benefits to having or installing a water meter. Water meters can help property owners be more accountable for water consumption; they can lead to better leak detection and repair; they can result in more accurate water bills; and, they can help reduce daily water usage, which is good for the environment.
Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3e8Td77
Amanda Dyer
It’s been just over one year since City Council gave the green light to Timmins’ first-ever Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (the Plan) with the goal of achieving a sustainable community where everyone feels safe and has a sense of belonging. The Plan was robust and outlined a framework of four strategic priorities that, through public engagement, had been identified as primary concerns for the community.
Now, one year later, the Systems Leadership Committee responsible for overseeing the Plan are highlighting some of the advances made towards addressing homelessness, mental health and addictions, and overall safety and well-being.
“From the very beginning, this plan was based on community collaboration,” says Community Strategies Coordinator Meagan Baranyk. “The Plan cannot work unless it is considered a shared responsibility tackled by an engaged group of service providers, organizations and residents. After a year, we’ve seen an increase in agency collaboration; partnerships are being forged to share resources and improve care; and, programs are being developed that recognize how each priority interacts and impacts the community.”
Over the last year, Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB) and Living Space have been working towards implementing a new program called the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) that measures the number of people on the street and in shelters, including their length of stay. The program will allow service providers to access real-time data to coordinate care services and ultimately supports CDSSAB’s work as “Community Entity” for the federal government’s Reaching Home program. Work done through Reaching Home will build on the connection between Living Space operations and potential housing solutions to guide decisions and focus on sustainable solutions to homelessness.
With the opening of Safe Health Site Timmins (SHST) in early July, Timmins’ leapt to the forefront of the proactive reduction of opioid poisonings and overdose deaths. It is a first for Timmins and was preceded by an extensive education campaign to help address community concerns and reduce misinformation. Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) and Timmins and Area Drug Strategy (TADS) have been instrumental in the operation of SHST and, overall, there has been an increase in provincial government funding to increase specialized addictions treatment at both the TADH and Jubilee Centre. A needs assessment and feasibility study for a permanent Consumption Treatment Service has been completed and the application process, including a source of funding, is now underway.
TADS has also started work to engage people with lived experience navigating service systems related to mental health and substance abuse. Earlier this year, the People with Lived Experience (PWLE) action group was initiated to increase the representation and active involvement of persons with lived experience, since their expertise and guidance is invaluable in providing community support. TADS members representing over 25 agencies have also begun planning for recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) in Timmins. IOAD is the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose, honour those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of friends and family. IOAD takes place August 31, 2022.
“We’ve learned a lot in our first year of navigating the Plan,” says Systems Leadership Committee Co-Chair Jamie Clark. “It is a community plan and we’ve been aided by a number of local organizations like the Timmins Police Service, Downtown Timmins BIA, and non-profits like the Anti-Hunger Coalition who have similar goals and key commitments. It’s rewarding to see the community come together and promote an overall sense of inclusion, understanding, diversity and well-being. All four priorities remain in place as we move forward and we intend on providing quarterly updates as we reach more targeted outcomes.”
When asked if he felt the Plan was working Clark added, “Anytime we can point towards more collaboration and an increase in partnerships amongst our service providers, it’s a win. Collaboration reduces repetition, makes more efficient use of resources, and makes navigating the service system easier for our most vulnerable. Each strategic priority is connected and impacts the community’s overall safety and well-being.”
Read the full annual update and learn more about the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan online at Timmins.ca. This is Timmins’ plan and together we are making it a success!
Amanda Dyer
On September 3, Timmins Transit will end its temporary summer service reduction and resume the modified schedule implemented during the pandemic. Route 16 (South Porcupine / Porcupine) and Routes 37 and 38 (Melrose / Riverside) will return to 30-minute frequency. Timmins Transit will continue to run a modified Saturday schedule Monday to Friday based on current ridership numbers.
Ridership refers to the number of the people who use the bus. That number has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. What does this mean for operations? Before COVID, transit fares covered roughly 35% of operating costs (fuel, wages, maintenance, and administration). On an operational budget exceeding $5 million, the municipal tax base had to absorb 64% of the costs with just 1% coming from other revenues. Since COVID, transit fares have covered just 19% of operational costs with the tax base now covering 68%. The City has also had to rely on operational grants to cover 12% of transit operations, even though the cost to operate was reduced through service reduction. The totals provided are based on actuals from 2019 to 2021. Add to that on-going labour shortages that have made hiring drivers post-COVID challenging.
At this time, a modified schedule works best to balance service, convenience, and cost. Timmins Transit tracks ridership numbers every month and can respond to an increase in demand if necessary. Management has also initiated a complete route analysis that will help to determine system efficiency. It’s the first step in evaluating how to increase ridership and find alternative modes of service delivery that better suit the needs of our community.
Timmins Transit’s popular Northern College Express will also hit the road on September 6 to help students travel back and forth from the Transit Terminal on Spruce St. direct to the Northern College campus. This seasonal service is another example of how Timmins Transit works to actively address demand and improve service.
The City of Timmins is currently hiring part-time bus drivers. The successful candidate will have an acceptable driving record and be capable of possessing a Class “BZ” or “CZ” Ontario’s Driver’s License. No transit experience is required, training is provided. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3KcasjA.
Track your bus online using https://tracker.timminstransit.ca or download the Timmins Transit app today from Google Play or App Store.
Amanda Dyer
**Provided by dynaCERT Inc.**
dynaCERT Inc. (TSX: DYA) (OTCQX: DYFSF) (FRA: DMJ) ("dynaCERT" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that dynaCERT is installing ten (10) HydraGEN™ Units on a variety of diesel-powered vehicles for the City of Timmins (“Timmins” or the “City”) in Ontario, Canada.
Timmins has committed to run a very comprehensive pilot programme to determine the economic, social, and governance (“ESG”) objectives of the City. The deployment of the benefits of dynaCERT’s Technology, which are designed to reduce fuel consumption and carbon and NOx emissions, while reducing the Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) footprint of diesel vehicles, will be closely monitored on vehicles employed by the City of Timmins. Both fuel reductions and emissions will be meticulously monitored with dynaCERT’s HydraLytica™ proprietary telematics technology and other accepted methods of measurement for such purposes.
Deployment of these innovative technologies commences in September 2022 on an initial selection of the Timmins Fleet to determine emission reductions and fuel savings specific to their current utilization. Buses, co-collection trucks, landfill equipment, and Public Works diesel-powered equipment will have HydraGEN™ Technology installed.
Timmins recognizes the immediate imperative of utilizing commercially available technologies to reduce its Carbon Footprint and welcomes the Company’s patented HydraGEN™ Technology, which was granted the Smart Sustainable Company Rating in furtherance of the United for Smart Sustainable Cities Programme (U4SSC) of the United Nations.
Timmins is a City surrounded by a progressive mining and forestry community and distinguishes itself as being dynaCERT’s first City in Canada where the need for such GHG savings technologies requires the robust ability to function in Canada’s severe Northern climate on a year-round basis. dynaCERT and the City of Timmins have agreed that, for such purposes, the pilot programme will run well into the Canadian winter months to ensure compliance with the City’s short term and long term GHG objectives.
Ken Krcel, Director of Public Works and Environmental Services for the City of Timmins, stated, “We’re interested in finding a sustainable solution for lowering our GHG emissions without compromising performance or service standards. The opportunity to collaborate with dynaCERT allows us to gather real time data on how our diesel vehicles will perform in colder temperatures with the applied technology.”
Scott Tam, Manager of Environmental Services for the City of Timmins, stated, “The City of Timmins strives to be a leader of sustainability in northeastern Ontario. As a member of the Partners for Climate Protection Program, the City of Timmins has developed a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan to reduce GHG emissions and this project will help reach our reduction goals.”
Jim Payne, President & CEO of dynaCERT, stated, “On behalf of dynaCERT, I am looking forward to the deployment of our HydraGEN™ Technology with the progressive City of Timmins. Our proprietary and patented HydraGEN™ Technology is designed to reduce fuel consumption in internal combustion engines and reduce Carbon and NOx emissions, along with the proposed future benefits gained with dynaCERT Carbon Credits all of which is so important in providing a global solution to reduce pollution. Progressive governments, such as the officials of the City Council of Timmins and the City’s entire team of broadminded trailblazers are all fighting a noble battle against air pollution. dynaCERT warmly congratulates the City of Timmins and its citizens and leaders.”
About The City of Timmins
The City of Timmins is centrally located in Northeastern Ontario and serves as a regional hub for approximately 117,000 people. Known as the “City with a Heart of Gold”, Timmins is home to a diverse population of about 41,000 residents within an area that is considered one of the richest gold-mining districts in the world. Timmins is ideally situated for the exploration and production of critical minerals, which are integral to the electric vehicle supply chain, green manufacturing and decarbonization. For more information on City services and programs, visit www.Timmins.ca.
About dynaCERT Inc.
dynaCERT Inc. manufactures and distributes Carbon Emission Reduction Technology for use with internal combustion engines. As part of the growing global hydrogen economy, our patented technology creates hydrogen and oxygen on-demand through a unique electrolysis system and supplies these gases through the air intake to enhance combustion, resulting in lower carbon emissions and greater fuel efficiency. Our technology is designed for use with many types and sizes of diesel engines used in on-road vehicles, reefer trailers, off-road construction, power generation, mining and forestry equipment, marine vessels and railroad locomotives. Website: www.dynaCERT.com.
Reader Advisory
Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. In particular, forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, the information related to the City of Timmins which cannot be independently verified. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance of achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information.
Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success for new products and technologies; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of products and services; changes in technology and changes in laws and regulations; the uncertainty of the emerging hydrogen economy; including the hydrogen economy moving at a pace not anticipated; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships and distribution agreements; and the other risk factors disclosed under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.
The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
Amanda Dyer
Learn more about August’s By-Law of the Month
A by-law is a rule or law that is put in place by the City of Timmins to ensure that our community remains safe and orderly. The City of Timmins Enforcement Services Division is responsible for enforcing our by-laws. Staff enforce by-laws by investigating complaints and responding to the concerns of citizens.
Each month, we'll explore a different by-law and what it means for you. This month, we're looking at the Temporary & Small Accessory Structures By-law 2016-7898.
It’s important to accessorize
A small accessory structure is a detached building or structure that measures less than 108 sq. feet located on your property and related to your main building like a garden shed. It can’t be used for human habitat, so it’s not a structure you can live in. Under the Municipal Act, the City is authorized to pass by-laws regulating the construction and placement of structures, fences, and signs. But why? Small accessory structures and temporary tent shelters (that cover your car in winter) are still subject to rules for property standards and zoning. Property standards help keep neighborhoods clean and safe. Zoning by-laws help the City manage land use and future development. Where you or your neighbour place a temporary structure can impact sight lines and resident safety. Even small structures need to be built safely to avoid injury or property damage.
Get your permit
Everyone erecting a small accessory structure or temporary tent shelter is required to get a “City of Timmins Small Accessory Structure/Temporary Tent Shelter” permit from Enforcement Services … and you need a separate permit for each structure or temporary tent shelter. A Municipal Law Enforcement Officer can inspect your property and structure to make sure you’re in compliance with any requirements.
And the requirements are …
Your small accessory structure needs to be set back 4.5 m. from any lot line and 1.2 m. from your main building. This applies to properties in a residential zone. The distance can change if you are in a different zone like rural or urban. Small accessory structures should also be no more than 1 storey in height in a residential zone … you’re not reinventing the CN Tower. Your small accessory structure should be maintained in good condition with safe surfaces like walkways and steps.
Your temporary tent structure needs to be pre-fabricated of tubular steel frame with a flame-resistant fabric or cover. It needs to be placed so that snow accumulation from the roof will not fall on adjacent properties. Temporary tent structures placed in your driveway or at the front of your property can’t be erected or set up between April 30th and October 1st of the same year. A temporary tent structure can be set-up year-round if it’s placed at the rear or interior side yard if it meets the conditions set out in the City of Timmins Zoning By-law. It can only be used for storing a vehicle and can’t exceed 240 sq. m. in size. You can only have a maximum of two temporary tent shelters on one property and can’t run any power or heat to the shelter.
How to get your permit
You can download and print a “Small Accessory Structure or Yearly Temporary Tent Shelter” application online at Timmins.ca. Take your completed application to Service Timmins and pay the applicable permit fee. Permits for small accessory structures cost $50.00. Permits for a temporary tent shelter are $15 for a seasonal shelter or $25 for a yearly structure. This is a one-time fee except in the case of a temporary tent shelter used to cover your car in winter. Your permit will expire May 1st and will need to be renewed the following year.
For more information call Service Timmins at 705-264-1331 or visit them in person at City Hall.
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
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
On October 24, Timmins will elect its next mayor, ward councillors and school board trustees. Voting in the municipal election is an important part of our democracy and helps ensure a thriving community and local government that best serves its residents. Unfortunately, voter turnout is typically low for municipal elections. The City of Timmins is working to make voting more convenient, easily accessible, and provide information about the upcoming election so that you are prepared and informed.
Eligible voters are included on the voter list provided by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). Names included on the list will receive a Voter Notification Card in the mail with a letter outlining the date to vote, including advanced polls and polling station. If you have moved homes since the last municipal election in 2018, you can verify that your mailing address and information is correct at voterlookup.ca. Voterlookup.ca is a secure database that can be used to update necessary information online. Opportunities for eligible voters to update their information in-person will be provided at a later date.
The City of Timmins is also in the process of hiring election officials. Residents 18 years of age or older as of election day who are eligible to work in Canada can apply for a temporary paid position. The application form is available for download today at Timmins.ca.
For more information on third party advertising, election jobs, ward information, or guides for both voters and candidates, visit the City’s Elections page.
Amanda Dyer
Registration for fall swim lessons starts Tuesday, August 23 by phone or in person with Service Timmins. Residents are reminded to expect increased wait times when registering by phone. A higher than normal call volume is anticipated.
Once again, Service Timmins will add the option of registering in person with a dedicated line for registrations. Staff will be at full complement answering phones, but a fast busy may occur once phone lines reach capacity. Residents are encouraged to use the call back feature to have Service Timmins return their call without losing their place in sequence, which is an alternative to waiting in queue.
Fall swim registration starts at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 23. To make the process even faster, residents can familiarize themselves with the programs and requirements. Click HERE to view the full fall swim program.
Amanda Dyer
Construction on segment 6 of the Connecting Link corridor continues with City contractors working on watermain and sewer infrastructure beneath Algonquin Blvd. Work is currently being completed between Rea St. and Preston St. moving east towards Mountjoy St.
The full segment will have complete reconstruction of the roadway, replacement of underground services, pole relocation, and curb installation.
Timmins Police Service has recently issued a couple of traffic advisories related to the southern detour along Commercial Ave. Motorists have been reminded that the “no left turn” signs on Wilson Ave. and Mountjoy St. S. should be adhered to and will be enforced and that the small section of Mattagami Blvd. S. at the bridge remains one-way. It is not part of any construction detour this summer. Motorists bypassing construction should continue to use the proper detour routes and be prepared for short delays.
Amanda Dyer
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