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
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
Detour plans are now in place for the next phase of Connecting Link construction. This year, motorists will have two options to divert safely around the work area.
Segment 6 of construction will see improvements along Algonquin Blvd. West from Theriault Blvd. to Mountjoy St. This is the second downtown segment and once again includes full-depth reconstruction of the roadway, replacement of underground services like water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer, and pole relocation.
At the start of construction, access to the Mountjoy St. intersection will be maintained. Two detour routes will be available extending north and south from Algonquin Blvd. W. Vehicles and cyclists can bypass construction heading north along Theriault Blvd. to Vimy Ave. proceeding to Mountjoy St. N. The southern detour route runs from Cameron St. S. to Commercial Ave. proceeding to Mountjoy St. S.
“In this segment of the Connecting Link construction, we are not hampered by the Mattagami River,” says Project Coordinator Eryk Rice. “With two detour options, the result will be less traffic congestion.”
To help maintain traffic flow, a temporary 4-way stop will be added at the intersection of Theriault Blvd. and Vimy Ave. and a temporary 3-way stop will be added at the intersection of Vimy Ave. and Mountjoy St. N. Temporary traffic lights will be installed along the southerly route on Cameron St. S. at Wilson Ave. and Commercial Ave. and on Commercial Ave. at Mountjoy S. Motorists should allow for some delay and be prepared to stop once signage is in place.
Commercial motor vehicles will be using the familiar truck detour along Shirley St. to Lafleur Dr. and onto Laforest Rd. before reaching Hwy. 655. Council has approved a temporary speed limit reduction along the truck detour on Airport Rd. The posted speed will be 50 km/h from Laforest Rd. through the area of the Kraft Creek Bridge.
We can also confirm that residents will have access to all businesses located in this section of Algonquin Blvd. W.,” adds Rice. “Most businesses have entry through a secondary road like Rea St. N. or Preston St. There are a handful of businesses that will be provided with temporary access from a neighboring property off of Rea St. N. This will be maintained by the contactor and signage will be in place directing traffic.”
Amanda Dyer
File No. Z-2022-09
5627 050 057 01600
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Timmins will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City of Timmins, 220 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins, Ontario, to gather public input regarding a proposed Zoning By-law Amendment under Section 34 of the Planning Act, R.S.O 1990, c. P. 13, as amended.
Applicant: Calanit Inc. (Agent: Rivard Engineering, Kevin Russell)
Location: Concessions 1 and 2, Part of Lot 10, Registered Plan 6R1660, Parts 3 to 6, Parcel 13991WT, Tisdale Township, City of Timmins (northeast corner of Vipond Road and Gold Mine Road)
THE PURPOSE AND EFFECT of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is to rezone the subject lands currently zoned Rural (RD-RU) to Light Industrial (Class 1) (EA-I1). This will allow for a proposed tractor trailer fleet parking lot and a future maintenance shop for the applicant’s tractor trailer fleet.
ANY PERSON may attend the public meeting and/or make written or verbal representation either in support of or in opposition to the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment.
If a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of Council of the City of Timmins to the Ontario Land Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the City of Timmins before the by-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision.
If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, or make written submissions to the City of Timmins before the by-law is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to do so.
If you wish to be notified of the decision of the City of Timmins on the proposed zoning by-law amendment, you must make a written request to Steph Palmateer, City Clerk, City of Timmins, 220 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins, Ontario, P4N 1B3.
For more information about this matter, including information about appeal rights, contact the Planning Division, City of Timmins, 220 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins, Ontario, P4N 1B3, telephone number 705-360-2624 or via email at [email protected].
Dated at the City of Timmins this 17th day of May, 2022.
David St.Onge
The City of Timmins Environmental Services Department, Waste Management Division has been working fast to address on-going delays in waste and recycling collection. Trouble started the end of April when mechanical issues began to plague waste collection trucks. With three garbage trucks beyond end of life, keeping these vehicles on the road has become a challenge.
The issue lies in the delay of two collection trucks purchased by the City in 2020 that are currently on back order. The primary reason given for the delay is supply chain issues resulting from the pandemic, but that reason does little to mitigate current concerns.
“We are looking at rental options for collection trucks and relying heavily on contractors to complete waste and recycling schedules,” says Scott Tam Manager of Environmental Services. “It really has been a perfect storm with limited heavy-duty mechanics available to work on our trucks while we wait for our two new vehicles to arrive. As of right now, we do not have a date of delivery.”
The City has been quick to post a notice of disruption online when delays or postponement are unavoidable, but Service Timmins has seen an increase in resident calls.
“Our staff have been addressing concerns about garbage pick-up, primarily with how late collection is occurring,” says Jennifer Chilton Manager of Service Timmins. “It’s spring and we have seen an increase in bear activity. People want to secure their bins. We are in constant contact with Waste Management to stay up-to-date on collection times and areas experiencing delays.”
The City is currently subsidizing operations with contracted support and there will continue to be minor delays while new contractors are added to rotation. As per City By-Law 2017-7977, if garbage and recycling has not been collected by 8:00 p.m. on collection day, the schedule will be postponed until the next day and bins should be removed from the roadway to a secure location.
The City will post notice of delays or postponement with affected areas online under our News and Alerts section on Timmins.ca. Residents can sign up to receive notice of disruptions via email or download the Timmins Recyclepedia app from the Google Play or App store for collection reminders.
Amanda Dyer
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 City's Fence Regulation By-law 2011-7128.
My Side of the Fence
The expense of a fence can be worth it if you’re looking to add to your home’s security, add more privacy from prying eyes, or protect kids and pets at play. The City of Timmins by-law 2011-7128 regulates the construction and maintenance of fences to ensure they don’t obstruct sight lines or visibility for motorists and pedestrians when they’re built in the front yard. There’s also consideration given to zoning by-laws, encroaching onto City-owned lands, and the types of materials used when building a fence. The good news is, you don’t need a permit to construct a fence on your property.
Generally, your fence cannot encroach or intrude on City-owned lands. It can’t block visibility along a roadway or sidewalk. Fences cannot be electrified, unless you’ve installed invisible pet fencing. Residential fences installed in the front yard from your front property line to your front building line cannot be more than 3 feet high unless it’s made out of a material like chain link, in which case it can’t be more than 5 feet.
Jump In!
Pools have their own fence requirements for safety. If you have a pool, you are required to build a fence around the pool at least 4 feet high and be located at a distance not less than 5 feet from the swimming pool. The fence around your pool must have a gate that can be locked and be built out of materials that prevent climbing. The by-law also covers hot tubs and, while you don’t need a fence around a hot tub, you will need to made sure that it’s covered and locked in place when it’s not in use.
There are exceptions to the pool fence rule. If you have an above-ground swimming pool where the sides of the pool and deck are the same or greater than 4 feet, you don’t need a fence. The sides and any deck assembly should be constructed to prevent climbing and any ladder or stairs used to access the pool or deck should be able to be locked or latched in a position that prevents entry to the pool.
Construction Materials
The by-law states that your fence should be maintained without visible deterioration. The surface should be painted, stained, varnished or protected with a finish that offers protection against deterioration, or made with a material like cedar that offers protection against deterioration.
Acceptable materials include wood, wire, brick, or similar materials. Fences cannot be made out of sheet metal or corrugated metal.
Whose Side is it Anyway?
Fences can be built on or within your property line. You have the legal right to construct a fence right on the property line, but you run the risk of sharing ownership with your neighbour. You neighbour has the same legal right. The best location for your new fence is on your side of the property just inside the boundary line.
If a fence is built along a boundary between properties, it’s called a line fence. If you anticipate a problem with your neighbor, it is strongly recommended that the fence is built inside the property line to avoid any disputes. Ontario’s Line Fences Act provides a dispute resolution procedure to mediate between two neighbours when there is no current fence between properties and one owner wants to construct a new fence. Or, when a line fence already exists and one owner believes it needs to be repaired or rebuilt.
If Enforcement Services gets a complaint about your fence, you may be served with a notice to make modifications to the fence to bring it into compliance with the City’s Fence By-Law. The City doesn’t get involved with issues between private property owners beyond enforcing standards set out in our Fence By-Law. Disputes like a fence being across a property line need to be remedied through civil action.
Our By-Law Enforcement FAQ section provides more information on building and maintaining your fence.
Amanda Dyer
Road construction season has begun in the City of Timmins and if the sound of birdsong doesn’t signal warmer weather, the sound of trucks and paving machinery will. The City’s road maintenance plans are extensive and motorists should be prepared for detours and delays, both unavoidable for the sake of smoother roads. The City will work to keep traffic moving and appreciates your patience when navigating construction zones.
Connecting Link construction is set to begin late May and work will proceed just east of Theriault Blvd. up to and including the Mountjoy St. intersection. The work is extensive and includes full-depth reconstruction of the roadway, replacement of underground services like water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer and pole relocation. The province’s recent investment of $74 million for the Connecting Link means the City can make improvements to the Connecting Link corridor at a quicker pace and divert funds to other pressing infrastructure projects. The City is currently finalizing traffic management plans and will have an update shortly.
The City is also completing grind and pave work on 5.8 kilometres of roadway across the city. During grind and pave, the top 40 to 50 mm of road surface is removed before applying a new, smooth surface. The process is faster than full reconstruction and saves money, time, and materials. Sections of Riverside Dr., Highway 101 E., Commercial Ave., and Mountjoy St. are on the schedule. You can see the full list of roads online at Timmins.ca. Another 5.6 kilometres of rural road will also receive surface treatment.
Denise St. will be resurfaced from Westmount Blvd. to Demine Ave. This work is also extensive and will widen the road, improve drainage, and add new curbs and asphalt. Watermain lining is already underway down Airport Rd. between Lonergan Blvd. and Lamminen Ave. The extension to St. Jean Ave. and the Langmuir Rd. culvert replacement will also be completed and the bridge on Bruce Ave. will be replaced.
It’s a long list of road maintenance work after what felt like an even longer winter. Here’s how to navigate it:
• Subscribe for Connecting Link alerts and Notice of Disruption alerts online at Timmins.ca to have updates sent directly to your email.
• Watch for detour and traffic control signs along main routes like Algonquin Blvd., Riverside Dr, and Airport Rd.
• Reduce your speed and drive with caution through any construction zone and watch for crew and equipment.
• Allow yourself more time to travel through busy areas under construction.
• Merge responsibly when roads are reduced to one lane by merging early and using the zipper method to take turns entering one lane.
Thank you for your continued patience as we set to work repairing and maintaining our roads. If you have any questions, Service Timmins is happy to help. You can reach Service Timmins online at service.timmins.ca, by email to [email protected], or by phone 705-264-1331.
Amanda Dyer
|