Connecting Link construction is ready to move ahead. Algonquin Blvd. will be closed Monday afternoon east of Theriault Blvd. and west of Mountjoy St. Traffic will be diverted down two possible detour routes and motorists should be prepared to stop at new traffic lights and stop signs.
“It has taken some time to get permissions in order, but mobilization is well underway with the focus on bringing materials to site and getting the detour and bypass routes in order,” says Chief Administrative Officer Dave Landers.
A temporary 4-way stop has been added at the intersection of Theriault Blvd. and Vimy Ave. and a temporary 3-way stop has been added at the intersection of Vimy Ave. and Mountjoy St. N. Temporary traffic lights have been installed along the southerly route on Cameron St. S. at Wilson Ave. and Commercial Ave. and on Commercial Ave. at Mountjoy St. S. Detour maps can be viewed at Timmins.ca.
Commercial motor vehicles will now use the standard truck route from Shirley St. to Lafleur Dr. and onto Laforest Rd. before connecting with Hwy. 655. A temporary speed reduction of 50 km/h is now in effect along Airport Rd. from Laforest Rd. through the area of the Kraft Creek Bridge.
This is the second downtown segment along the Connecting Link and includes full-depth reconstruction of the roadway, replacement of underground services like water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer, and pole relocation. It is part of a three-year plan to prioritize the downtown Connecting Link route.
Starting Monday, residents should plan ahead and allow an extra 5 to 10 minutes for detour. Sign up for Connecting Link updates today at Timmins.ca and stay up-to-date on the latest construction news.
Amanda Dyer
A lasting effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a driver shortage at Timmins Transit. In an effort to reduce driver fatigue and stress, City Council has approved a temporary frequency reduction effective Monday, June 13.
The revised schedule will be in place over the summer months from June through August and will reduce frequency times of some routes from service every 30 minutes to every forty-five minutes.
“Last summer, Management had to cancel summer vacation requests due to driver shortage,” says Director of Public Works and Environmental Services Ken Krcel. “Our drivers need time to rest and recharge. The immediate benefit is a reduction in lost time and employee turnover. This small change will prevent a greater loss of service that could happen if drivers end up burned out and calling in sick.”
Reducing the frequency of service will reduce the total number of driving hours each day, allowing for time off without having to cancel routes altogether. The timing is also ideal since past data shows a decline in ridership during the summer months.
“We need to give drivers their requested time off as per their collective agreement,” adds Krcel. “We are doing that with as little impact to transit riders as possible while providing adequate public transportation in the summer.”
The revised schedule will be posted online by Thursday morning. For more information on Timmins Transit schedule and updated routes, including those impacted by Connecting Link construction, visit Timmins.ca / Our Services / Timmins Transit.
Amanda Dyer
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
June is Bike Month and the City of Timmins’ Cycling Committee wants to encourage more residents to get out and explore their neighbourhood by bike. Not only is it a clean mode of transportation, but biking improves physical fitness, creates safer roads, and can boost a city’s economy and talent retention. Cities across Canada are looking to expand their biking infrastructure and the City’s Cycling Committee is making sure Timmins stays on top of the trend.
This summer, two projects undertaken by the Cycling Committee will be completed, both of which help Timmins become more bikeable, or safe and suitable for cyclists of all ages. The multi-use path on Airport Rd. will be paved from Lamminen Ave. to Riverpark Rd., finishing up the extension added last summer. Dedicated bike lanes will also be added to Theriault Blvd. and Jubilee Ave. West. The addition of the bike lanes, approved by council on April 5, will improve visibility of cyclists through a busy school zone, making it safer for kids to bike to school.
One way that residents can celebrate Bike Month is by taking to the trails. The Cycling Committee has provided a list of cycling etiquette for trail use online at Timmins.ca. There are also handy tips for cycling safety and an interactive map that shows bike rack locations around the city. Learn more at: https://www.timmins.ca/find_or_learn_about/community_safety_and_well-_being/cycling_in_timmins.
Amanda Dyer
June is National Indigenous History Month and the City of Timmins encourages all residents to reflect on the heritage, culture, and experiences of our Indigenous Peoples.
The lands on which we live, work and play are the traditional territory of many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit People. In order to understand the history of our city and region, it is important to understand the impact that Indigenous Peoples have made and continue to contribute to our community.
When we talk about truth, healing and reconciliation, it is a journey that all residents, all Canadians, must take together and it starts with a commitment to be part of the solution towards building a safe and inclusive city.
To learn more about how the City of Timmins’ is working to facilitate education and understanding, visit our Indigenous Relations and Inclusion page on Timmins.ca.
Additional Resources:
• Indigenous Advisory Committee
• City of Timmins Indigenous Days of Observance
• City of Timmins Indigenous Engagement Framework
• Memorandum of Understanding – Mushkegowuk Council, City of Timmins
Amanda Dyer
Through a collaborative partnership with the City of Timmins and Timmins and District Hospital (TADH), we are pleased to announce the appointment of Lia Fontana to the position of Administrator of the Golden Manor. Current Administrator Carol Halt announced her upcoming retirement late last year, with her final day slated for June 30, 2022. Lia will assume her new responsibilities effective June 13th, 2022 as part of an employee agreement between TADH and the City of Timmins.
With over 30 years’ experience in the health care sector, Lia brings a wealth of knowledge in frontline health care, health care planning and development, rehabilitation and care of the elderly. Lia has held progressive leadership roles at the Timmins and District Hospital, including the Rehab/Stroke/Complex Continuing Care Coordinator, Interim Long Term Care Coordinator, Integrated Medical Manager and most recently the Director of Clinical Services where she oversaw Integrated Medical and the TADH offsite facility. A consistent leader, Lia has been instrumental in numerous change management and community integration projects, including the implementation of the Timmins Hospice Centre and offsite facility at TADH.
“If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that we are stronger together,” states Kate Fyfe, President and CEO of Timmins and District Hospital. “Strong, collaborative partnerships, like the one with the City of Timmins, ensure that our community and district is well supported and cared for. Our community is fortunate to have exceptional leaders, like Lia, in it and we’re proud to support the Golden Manor, its residents and their families.”
“We are fortunate to have someone so experienced be able to step right into the role,” says Chief Administrative Officer Dave Landers. “Our partnership with the Timmins and District Hospital allows our two organizations to work that much more closely together, and is nothing but beneficial to those currently in or entering long-term care. This is also an example of two employers working collaboratively to address current staffing shortages in our area.”
“I’m very pleased that Lia will be replacing me as the Administrator at the Golden Manor,” says Carol Halt, Administrator of the Golden Manor. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Lia in the past, and I’m confident that her experience and leadership style will be a positive addition to the wonderful Golden Manor team! I wish Lia all the best as she transitions into her new role.”
Amanda Dyer
It’s World Bee Day and Bee City Timmins is reminding residents that our pollinators need protection. Bees and other pollinators like butterflies, moths, beetles, and wasps provide a fundamental role in protecting the earth’s ecosystems. Without them, a large percentage of our natural food source would disappear.
That’s why Bee City Timmins works year-round to promote the importance of our pollinators. Timmins’ status as a Bee City requires three commitments: Educate the public on pollinators; help create pollinator-friendly habitats; and, celebrate pollinators at events like Pollinator Week in June.
This year, Bee City Timmins will kick-off Pollinator Week on Sunday, June 19th at Gilles Lake. Residents can learn more about how Bee City Timmins is working to protect our pollinators. Event details are online at Timmins.ca.
“We’re inviting the community to come see why being a Bee City is important,” says Environmental Coordinator Christina Beaton. “Residents can make seed balls and pick up a seed bookmark to help create their own pollinator-friendly garden. A number of our community partners will also be on-hand to share how they’re working to help with promote, celebrate and create pollinator-friendly habitats across our community.”
Bee City Timmins is also working with Timmins Horticultural Society to update the garden space at the top of Lakeshore Rd. off Gilles Lake. Bee City Timmins will be transforming more municipal plots into pollinator-friendly habitats that will improve and promote sustainability across our community.
“Pollinator-friendly plants are hearty and beautiful for anyone’s garden,” adds Beaton. “It’s a great way to give our pollinators a fighting chance. The bees will love it!”
Amanda Dyer
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