The Timmins Fire Department has concluded active fire operations at 11 Spruce St. S., Empire Complex. The building’s top two floors have been thoroughly inspected with thermal imaging to confirm that the fire has been fully extinguished. The City’s Chief Building Official, Esa Saarela, has inspected the building with a certified structural engineer, and concluded that the building is structurally safe. The property was turned over to the building’s property manager at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024.
Investigation into the cause of the fire has been completed by the City’s Fire Prevention Officer, and is determined to be accidental. The property owner is now responsible for the building, including who is allowed to enter and how personal belongings of evacuated tenants will be retrieved. The Property Manager for the building is in contact with residents being temporarily housed at the Bon-Air Motel. Future plans for the building will be determined by the property owner.
Timmins Fire Chief, Berny Stansa, is quick to point out how proud he is of the career and volunteer firefighters who worked together to safely evacuate tenants and extinguish the fire.
“This type of fire is extremely challenging and equally frustrating for firefighters,” says Stansa. “The decision to go from interior attack to defensive mode is a difficult decision, and is usually made when the commanding officer feels that the structural integrity of the building, or fire conditions worsen, to the point where firefighter safety is in question. Firefighters would rather be inside the building, trying to put the fire out. In this case, our officer made the right call, as any fire that is burning overhead can be perilous.
“Over 30 firefighters were on scene, and each one did an incredible job. A significant amount of manpower was required for this fire, with supply lines fed from six different hydrants to four different apparatus. We are very fortunate that our volunteer firefighters always step up when they are required to. That takes a great deal of dedication. Our crews worked many extra hours to try to extinguish a two-day fire. I am incredibly proud of them.”
Stansa’s pride and gratefulness is being echoed by Mayor Michelle Boileau, who also remained on-scene at the Bon-Air Motel to assist with coordinating housing response. “I witnessed the effort, care, and compassion of our firefighters firsthand,” says Mayor Boileau. “Their efforts were focused on evacuating tenants, many who had mobility issues, through hallways that were filled with smoke. They accomplished this quickly with no serious injuries reported. I am incredibly proud of the Timmins Fire Department, our career and volunteer firefighters, and administrative staff who worked quickly to ensure the safety of the Empire Complex tenants.
“I also want to comment on the generosity of people in our community. It was humbling to see. Residents and businesses were bringing food for our firefighters, concerned about their wellbeing. They were donating food, monetary donations, and clothing to the evacuated tenants. One thing we can all be proud of is that this city knows how to step up and support each other. Thank you.”
The area around 11 Spruce St. S. will remain closed to traffic and pedestrians due to safety concerns with ice and debris. The City is currently working with Belanger Construction Ltd. to mobilize the Connecting Link detour down Brunette Rd. and Second Ave. and the heavy truck detour down Shirley St. to Lafleur Dr. to help divert traffic. Demolition of the Algonquin Blvd. E. overpass is expected to begin next week as planned.
The City is also accepting monetary donations for tenants of the Empire Complex through Service Timmins. Donations can be made in-person by cash, cheque, or debit, by email transfer to [email protected], or by mail with cheque. All money collected by the City of Timmins will be transferred to the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB) for distribution. Donation receipts will be issued for donations over $20. Donor’s name and address is required.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins’ Environmental Services Department wishes to advise the public of a water main break, which can cause temporary water service disruptions, in the following areas:
Areas:
• On Maple St. N between Jubilee Ave. E & Brousseau Ave.
• On Brousseau Ave. between Maple St. N & Birch St. N.
Date & Time of Disruption:
• March 25, 2024 – 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Homeowners and/or businesses within the area might experience water service disruptions which can include but not limited to no water, low pressure and/or discoloured water. It is recommended not to drink or wash laundry with discoloured water. While it is not harmful to your health, it can stain laundry. Should the water be discoloured, it is advised to turn on the COLD water tap closest to the source (usually your laundry tub tap) and let it run for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the water colour has returned to normal.
Road closure within this area might last longer than the estimated date and time of disruption once the repair is made.
City staff would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this work.
Sara Perron
The City of Timmins is issuing an extreme cold weather alert for Thursday, March 21, 2024. Temperatures are expected to drop to -30 overnight (inclusive of wind chill) Risk of frost bite.
Exposure to extreme cold temperatures can cause serious and sometimes even life-threatening health problems. Protection from extreme cold conditions includes avoiding wind exposure, dressing in warm layers, and covering exposed skin.
People requiring emergency shelter can attend the location at 316 Spruce St. S. for assistance.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins is honouring three more exceptional community members with Heart of Gold Civic Awards. At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Steve Meunier and Douglas Nicholls were acknowledged for their commitment to their community through volunteering, and multidisciplinary artist Stéphanie Morin-Robert was recognized earlier this month at the performance of her critically acclaimed play, “Blindside /Angle Mort” at Centre Culturel La Ronde.
Morin-Robert was nominated by Conseil scolaire catholique des Grandes Rivières as a former student of École Secondaire Catholique Thériault, who has distinguished herself in the world of national and international arts. Her one-woman show recounts Morin-Robert’s younger years as a cancer survivor, and the importance of resiliency and self-acceptance. By performing her award-winning show in French, Morin-Robert continues to support and strengthen Francophone culture and language.
Steve Meunier was nominated by the McIntyre Curling Club Board of Directors for his tireless effort to support the sport of curling as a player, trainer, coach, volunteer board member, and now president of the McIntyre Curling Club. His love of curling frequently takes him outside of Timmins, serving as a coach/trainer and former councillor for the Ontario Curling Council and Chair of the 2010 Canadian Police Curling Nationals. His participation in bringing the 2023 Canadian U18 Curling Championships to Timmins has set the standard for sports tourism events in the city. Meunier’s commitment as a volunteer extends beyond the curling ice. Local organizations like the MADD Timmins Chapter and the Canadian Cancer Society / Cops for Cancer have benefited from his experience, and he is a dedicated volunteer firefighter with the Whitney Fire Department.
And finally, Douglas Nicholls was nominated for his over 30 years of volunteer service with the Connaught and District Historical Society, which also celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2023. As a director, he was instrumental in fundraising for the Connaught & District Pioneer Museum’s original construction, and continues to help operate the museum. His history of volunteering for the community began in the early nineties, and included fundraising with the Connaught Community Association for a new community centre, which remains a place of pride for residents on the shores of Frederick House Lake.
Recipients of the Heart of Gold Recognition Program are recognized once a month during a regular meeting of council. Residents are encouraged to nominate someone they know who has made a positive impact on the community or achieved outstanding accomplishment in the following categories:
• Volunteer and Community Service
• Youth Community and Civic Engagement
• Achievement in Sports
• Achievement in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)
For the nomination form and program eligibility, visit: www.timmins.ca/our_services/city_hall/mayor_and_council/heart_of_gold_civic_recognition_program
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins’ Environmental Services Department wishes to advise the public of a traffic disruption for a scheduled catch basin closing following road:
Area:
• On Brunette Rd. from Second Ave. to Algonquin Blvd. East
Date & Time of Disruption:
• March 20, 2024, at 11:30PM to March 21, 2024, to 6:00AM
City staff would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this necessary process. Road closure within this area might last longer than the estimated date and time of disruption once the repair is made.
Sara Perron
The City of Timmins’ Environmental Services Department wishes to advise the public of a traffic disruption for a scheduled catch basin closing following road:
Area:
• On Cedar St. South from Second Ave. to Third Ave.
Date & Time of Disruption:
• March 20, 2024, from 7:30AM until March 25, 2024
City staff would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this necessary process. Road closure within this area might last longer than the estimated date and time of disruption once the repair is made.
Sara Perron
The City of Timmins' Environmental Services Department wishes to advise the public of a traffic disruption for a scheduled manhole repair closing following roads:
Areas:
• On Ross Ave. from Patricia Ave. to Toke St.
• On Patricia Ave. from Brousseau Ave. to Howard Ave.
Date & Time of Disruption:
• March 19, 2024 – 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
City staff would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this necessary process and advise the road closure within this area might last longer than the estimated date and time of disruption once the repair is made.
Sara Perron
The City of Timmins’ Environmental Services Department wishes to advise the public of a water main break, which can cause temporary water service disruptions, in the following area:
Area:
• On Balsam St N, between Seventh Ave and Eighth Ave
Date & Time of Disruption:
• March 15, 2024 –10:00AM until 8:00PM
Homeowners and/or businesses within the area might experience water service disruptions which can include but not limited to no water, low pressure and/or discoloured water. It is recommended not to drink or wash laundry with discoloured water. While it is not harmful to your health, it can stain laundry. Should the water be discoloured, it is advised to turn on the COLD water tap closest to the source (usually your laundry tub tap) and let it run for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the water colour has returned to normal.
Road closure within this area might last longer than the estimated date and time of disruption once the repair is made.
City staff would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation during this work.
Sara Perron
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