This Friday and Saturday, provincial offences officers from the Multi-Ministry Education and Enforcement Team will be accompanied by City of Timmins by-law enforcement officers to conduct a COVID-19 education and enforcement campaign for local businesses.
The inspection blitz is intended to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public and staff by providing business owners with guidance on how to operate safely during the pandemic and comply with public health requirements under the Reopening Ontario Act. The campaign helps reinforce the efforts made by police, municipal by-law officers, public health inspectors, and multiple Ministry agencies.
In a statement provided by the PHU, the most common areas of non-compliance were identified as improper mask use, lack of employee screening, and improper sanitization. The inspection blitz reinforces the PHU and City of Timmins’ commitment to working with local business to support them in the implementation of public health measures.
Inspection teams will be visiting area grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores on June 18 and 19, 2021.
Amanda Dyer
Three years after the initial request for funding, the $9.5 million rehabilitation and resurfacing project at the Timmins Victor M. Power Airport is complete. Both runways and two taxiways have been upgraded, a distance equivalent to 40 kilometres of roadway.
The work was completed by Miller Paving and the runways now boast 125 millimetres of asphalt thickness, which not only extends the runway life cycle, but offers greater load-bearing strength. That means the possibility of landing larger and heavier aircraft at our local airport.
“We began this project back in 2018 when we applied to Transport Canada's Airside Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) for funding,” says Airport Manager Dave Dayment. “It’s great to finally see the work finished. The airport is important to our region’s economy. Our next step will be to develop a 20-year strategic plan for the airport that will outline opportunities and priorities that are needed to move forward. Right now, with the completion of this project and with on-going mining and industry development, our airport is ready to meet immediate demand.”
As a regional hub and without COVID-19 travel restrictions, the Timmins Victor M. Power Airport serves approximately 180,000 passengers per year. Services include scheduled passenger flights, cargo, evacuations, air ambulance and forest-fire fighting.
“This was a major project for the airport and City,” says Mayor George Pirie. “Improvements to our infrastructure allows us to encourage growth and seek out opportunity. Now that we can land larger and heavier planes, we can explore partnerships with travel and tourism companies. We are positioning Timmins as a regional leader with the services and amenities to attract business, industry and a diverse population.”
Amanda Dyer
For the second year in a row, Timmins will celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, St-Jean Baptiste Day, Multicultural Day, and Canada Day … virtually. The week-long event promises to be a celebration of culture and heritage using the latest technology and augmented reality experiences to make you feel part of the festivities.
This year, Tourism Timmins and the Timmins Celebrates committee will be using an app called Snapd to connect you to our community. It’s free to download and will include a number of online events from local performers and groups that you can enjoy throughout the week.
What can you expect? Performances by Stef Paquette, Reney Ray, Qw4rtz, and DJ Unpier from Centre Culturel La Ronde; performances from Timmins Native Friendship Centre; greetings from Canadian Olympian Silken Laumann, local dignitaries, and a special message from Lieutenant Governor The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell; and, to get the Canadian party started on July 1, a custom concert from The Trews! We may be “tired of waiting” for when we can finally party together, but Snapd promises to make your home or backyard rock. Don’t forget the fireworks! On Canada Day, you can flip the camera view on your smart phone or device around to see your current location and a virtual fireworks display will light up.
“This year we wanted to make sure that Timmins also got to celebrate National Indigenous Day, Multicultural Day, and St-Jean Baptiste Day along with Canada Day,” says Marnie Lapierre, Coordinator of Festivals, Events & Special Projects for Tourism Timmins. “We’ve planned a week of unique performances and programming that shows off the diversity and inclusion of Timmins.
“We’re excited to partner with Snapd this year to provide a seamless way to celebrate. Content is on demand. You can access it wherever you have data. You can choose to celebrate at the time and date that works best for you while we all stay apart and observe the current COVID-19 regulations. This really is the next best thing to a big festival, although we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone again in person.”
Watch for the full itinerary on the Timmins Celebrates Facebook page. Find them @TimminsCelebrates. This year’s celebrations run June 27 to July 4. To get ready, download the Snapd app now, available for iOS or android devices.
Amanda Dyer
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Timmins will hold a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. 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: Maria Fregonese
Location: Registered Plan 6R2134, Parts 4 to 6, Registered Plan 6R2744, Part 1, Registered Plan 6R3831, Part of Part 3, Registered Plan 6R4294, Part 2, Parcel 21673SEC, Mountjoy Township, City of Timmins (618 Government Road South)
THE PURPOSE AND EFFECT of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is to allow for a second, single detached residential dwelling unit to be established on the subject lands through Special Provision SP6.180. The subject lands are divided into three zones as per the City of Timmins Zoning By-law 2011-7100, being Residential Estate Type 1 (RD-RE1) SP6.89, Rural (RD-RU) and Rural Flood Fringe (RD-RU-f). Special Provision SP6.180 will apply to the portion of the subject lands that are zoned Rural (RD-RU). The proposed second, single detached residential dwelling unit, will therefore only be permitted on the portion of the subject lands that are to be zoned as Rural (RD-RU) SP6.180.
This public meeting will be held in a virtual forum with electronic participation.
If you wish to provide oral comments at the virtual public meeting, please register in advance by emailing the City Clerk at steph.palmateer@timmins.ca or calling Service Timmins at 705-264-1331 during regular office hours prior to Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at 12:00 noon. Once you register, you will be provided information from the Clerk’s Department on how to make your submission at the virtual public meeting with electronic participation.
To participate in the virtual public meeting, you will need to have access to a computer with internet service or a telephone.
If you wish to make a written submission concerning this matter, it should be directed to the Planning Division, City of Timmins, 220 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins, Ontario, P4N 1B3, telephone number 705-360-2624 or via email at planning@timmins.ca
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, however, advance registration is required.
If a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of Council of the City of Timmins to the Local Planning Appeal 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 Local Planning Appeal 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 planning@timmins.ca.
Dated at the City of Timmins this 16th day of June, 2021.
David St.Onge
June 21 – 27 is Pollinator Week, an international celebration promoting the importance and value provided by pollinators like bees, bats, butterflies, and moths. Far from being creepy crawly, pollinators play an important role in protecting our ecosystem and keep our wildlife and watershed healthy.
Pollinator Week began in response to the urgent issue of declining pollinator populations and Timmins is proud to be an official Bee City, committed to sustaining pollinator environments and promoting their protection.
Bee City Timmins is ready to celebrate the week with a number of fun activities that will be un-bee-lievably fun and informative. Residents can start by following the City of Timmins Facebook page for daily updates on how we can work together to protect our pollinators.
Bee City Timmins is also asking residents to consider planting their own pollinator-friendly garden. We’ve provided inspiration in our pollinator-friendly planter at the Timmins Public Library. To make it even easier, residents can pick up a complimentary pollinator seed ball while supplies last at both library locations starting June 22, and keen local gardeners can enter Bee City’s “Start the Buzz” contest by sharing before and after pictures of their gardening success.
Bee-coming a pollinator champion is easier than ever during Pollinator Week. Bee City hopes to educate and encourage residents to learn more about the importance of protecting our pollinator population.
Click HERE for more information on Pollinator Week and Bee City Timmins.
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins annual sidewalk assessment project is set to begin and residents may being to notice that the sidewalk inspectors look a little robotic this summer.
For the first time, the City has contracted out our sidewalk inspections to Top Hat Robotics. Top Hat Robotics will be using their human-operated robots to inspect the sidewalks and document any issues. The purpose is to detect sidewalk deficiencies so the City can plan repairs and upgrades where needed.
Typically, sidewalk inspections are quite labour intensive and take a significant amount of staff time. By utilizing Top Hat Robotics’ sidewalk inspection technology, we can speed up the process without forfeiting the results, while allowing Operations staff to be redeployed to other tasks.
The public can expect to see two sidewalk robots on our sidewalks beginning around July 12, 2021. Work is expected to be completed within 2 to 4 weeks. Both robots will be accompanied by a Top Hat Robotics employee who will be spraying deficiencies and would be happy to answer any questions the public has about the program. Sidewalks will remain open during these inspections. If a pedestrian encounters a robot, the Top Hap Robotics employee will have the robot stop and pull over to the side. Please feel free to say hello; these robots are quite friendly!
Amanda Dyer
Effective June 11, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) will enforce some Shutdown-level restrictions to minimize the person-to-person interactions that are fuelling uncontrolled transmission of COVID-19, including the new delta variant, within our communities.
The PHU anticipates that these continued Shutdown-level restrictions will remain in effect for no longer than the next two weeks until June 25, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. Regular assessment of the region's progress against key pubic health and health system indicators will be made and reported publicly.
For further clarity, the following restrictions remain in place:
- Indoor organized public events and social gatherings are restricted, except with the people in your immediate household. Limited outdoor gatherings to 5 people and maintain physical distancing.
- Restrictions against in-person shopping in most retail settings continue. Curbside pickup and delivery continues.
- Supermarkets, grocery stores, and similar stores that primarily sell food, and pharmacies will continue to operate at 25 percent capacity for in-store shopping.
- Restrictions remain in effect for indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants. Restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments can continue to operate take out, drive-through, and delivery only.
Read the official media release from the PHU (English / French)
Read the Government of Ontario's rules for areas in a shutdown zone.
Read the complete instructions from the PHU Medical Officer of Health.
Amanda Dyer
As the rest of Ontario heads into Step 1 of the province’s reopening plan, the City of Timmins and the greater region of the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) will keep restrictions in place to address COVID-19. This is a tough situation to face, but with the current rate of infection and spread of the delta variant, the province and PHU must do what is absolutely best for our residents and businesses. The City of Timmins will support any and all decisions that will protect the safety of our citizens and move us forward towards reopening.
Our current situation should not come as a surprise. On April 1, I stated that variants were here, that this was an urgent situation, and that we needed to take it seriously. On May 6, I implored all residents to stay at home and get vaccinated. I was clear when I said that our City was at risk of remaining in lockdown far beyond other regions because of the surge in COVID-19 cases.
Just over a week later, the City of Timmins had no choice but to declare a State of Emergency as COVID-19 threatened our regional hospital and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). I was clear that the declaration had four priorities: to mobilize resources for the region; increase access to vaccine and supplies; enhance capacity for testing; and, coordinate community isolation centres to further stop the spread of COVID-19.
Every single priority has been met since the State of Emergency was put in place. The PHU and EMS have worked tirelessly to launch drop-in and mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics. The Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) now offers increased testing and community testing clinics. The province has stepped up and provided us with additional vaccines and resources, logistical help, and medical personnel to meet the strain placed on the region. Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB) has been instrumental in coordinating efforts for community isolation centres and reducing barriers so that every resident can get vaccinated.
This has been a collaborative effort that has been tactical, strategic, and focused on safety and the goal of reopening our City and region so that our local businesses can get back to work.
Our fight is not over. We need everyone to get vaccinated. All individuals 16 and over can now get a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The PHU has prioritized second doses in our region so that we can move as quickly as possible towards reopening.
Please, get your vaccine.
Get your vaccine now so we can open up our patios.
So we can shop in-person and support our local businesses.
So we can visit friends and gather together.
My message has been clear and it has never changed. This is not the time to give in: this is our time to persevere. I ask once again for your patience and commitment as we follow all public health measures necessary to move forward from this pandemic.
Mayor George Pirie
Amanda Dyer
This province-wide Registrar’s Directive applies to all funeral services, regardless of the venue. The exception will be funeral services held in the Porcupine Health Unit jurisdiction, which will continue under the previous maximum of 10 attendees Registrar’s Directive, issued on April 16, 2021 until further notice.
Effective Friday, June 11, 2021
Funeral services and visitations have new restrictions starting Friday:
- Indoors – Maximum of 15 per cent capacity of a particular room to a maximum of 50 attendees in the entire facility
- Outdoors – Two metres physical distancing to a maximum of 50 attendees
The restrictions are part of the Government of Ontario’s Step One announcement, and have additional restrictions developed in consultation with the BAO’s:
- Funeral and Transfer Service Advisory Committee
- Cemetery, Crematorium and Municipal Advisory Committee
- And supported by the Ontario Funeral Service Association and the Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals
Max 50 and other restrictions
The new maximum at any indoor or outdoor funeral service, including visitations, is 50 attendees. Funeral and cemetery staff do not count in the maximum of 50 attendees but staffing ratios will apply.
Funeral and cemetery staff will coordinate to maintain a staff ratio of:
- One staff member for every 10 attendees to a maximum requirement of four staff members for 50 attendees
This Registrar’s Directive also includes these restrictions:
- All visitations must be scheduled (There can be more than one visitation per deceased person, as before)
- Minimum of 15 minutes between scheduled indoor visitations for cleaning
- Guests must sign in
- No lining up or cycling of attendees
- All BAO licensed operators are allowed to be stricter in their establishments if they wish (For example, cemeteries can always have fewer people in attendance if they wish)
- Masks or face coverings continue to be required at all funeral services and visitations
- Two metres (six feet) of physical distancing, except for members of the same household who live together
- Continue cleaning and disinfecting all rooms
This province-wide Registrar’s Directive applies to all funeral services, regardless of the venue. The exception will be funeral services held in the Porcupine Health Unit jurisdiction, which will continue under the previous maximum of 10 attendees Registrar’s Directive, issued on April 16, 2021 until further notice.
The intention going forward is to phase-in increases in attendance numbers and fewer requirements as part of the Government of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen. The province will remain in Step One for 21 days to evaluate any impacts on key public health and health system indicators. As indicators improve, the government will announce whether the province will move to Step Two of its reopening plan.
Official Release (Click to Open)
Ashish Puri
The City of Timmins’ plan to create an active transportation network of pathways and trails is one step closer to completion with the recent announcement of funding from the federal and provincial governments.
The City will receive a total of $317,820 in part from the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream and the Government of Canada’s investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), and a further contribution from the Government of Ontario. The amount is part of joint federal and provincial funding through the Investing in Canada Plan that will assist 99 municipalities in Northern Ontario.
A portion of the funding received by the City of Timmins will support the Airport Road multi-use path and connecting trails project approved earlier by the Ministry of Infrastructure. The project will see an expansion of the current multi-use path on Airport Rd. from Lamminen Ave. to Riverpark Rd. and bike paths with paint markings added along Theriault Blvd. from Vimy Ave. to Jubilee Ave. W. and along Jubilee from Theriault Blvd. to Pine St. N. Assessment of traffic and roadway capacity was previously completed along the 4.2 kilometres of existing roadway. The additional funding received will be used for building upgrades.
“When we think about a healthier and safer Timmins for our residents, we look at opportunities to improve access to our green space and ways that we can encourage more activity,” says Mayor George Pirie. “We have plans to develop pathways, multi-use trails and bike lanes that will connect with our existing network of trails. The work is being carried out by our Cycling Committee and the vision is to ultimately see a multi-use loop created that connects the entire city.
“The benefit of an active transportation network is that our residents can then move safely through our community from residential neighbourhoods to retail hubs and connect with our parks and pathways. I would like to thank Minister Scott of the Ministry of Infrastructure on behalf of the Ontario Government and Minister Hajdu of the Ministry of Health on behalf of the Government of Canada for their support.”
For more information on the City of Timmins Cycling Committee, visit Timmins.ca.
Amanda Dyer
Timmins Youth Wellness Hub has long known the importance of inclusive counselling, social support and peer mentoring for youth in our community. Today, the Ontario government re-affirmed their own commitment to youth by investing $2.7 million in four provincial Youth Wellness Hubs, including Timmins.
The announcement was made earlier today by Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliot and Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. The funding is part of the province’s plan to invest $3.8 billion over 10 years to implement Ontario’s “Roadmap to Wellness,” a mental health and addictions system to serve all Ontarians.
Timmins Youth Wellness Hub will receive a portion of the total funding in order to increase walk-in access to primary care and address concerns such as mental health, substance abuse, housing, education, training and employment for youth 12-25.
“It is critical that we work with youth to address the root cause of mental health and addiction,” says Mayor George Pirie. “The Timmins Youth Wellness Hub has been integral to youth engagement and this funding will only serve to strengthen and expand the services they are currently offering.
“The City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan recognizes youth engagement as one of our four priorities and the Timmins Youth Wellness Hub was instrumental in developing a plan to promote youth engagement and empowerment within our community. I would like to thank Minister Elliot and Associate Minister Tibollo on behalf of the Government of Ontario for investing in the health and welfare of our youth.”
Amanda Dyer
The flags at Timmins City Hall and all municipally-owned facilities will remain lowered for 9 days or 215 hours beginning today for the children whose bodies were found at the former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia.
“It is difficult to find the words to express the collective pain we are feeling,” says Mayor George Pirie. “It is truly unspeakable. As we know, St. Anne’s Residential School in Fort Albany was open as recently as 1976 and there are still those in our community who went there and carry the scars. This is a powerful reminder to us all that compassion for our Indigenous neighbours and the inter-generational struggles they continue to endure, are our joint responsibility to remedy. It’s time to embrace our past and build a better tomorrow by marginalizing those who continue efforts to widen the divide. The City of Timmins extends it sympathies to the survivors, families and our Indigenous community affected by this tragedy.”
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins will be hosting a virtual open house regarding the installation of new playground equipment with additional accessible equipment at the Lonergan Park. The City is looking for input and ideas from area residents. Further details will be provided at the virtual open house.
Please join the virtual open house with City staff at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. We look forward to seeing you there.
To participate in the virtual open house, you will need to have access to a computer with internet service or a telephone. Please contact Dave St.Onge at (705) 360-2600 Ext. 3347 or dave.st.onge@timmins.ca in order to receive the virtual open house login information.
David St.Onge
The City of Timmins will be hosting a virtual open house regarding the replacement of the existing asphalt court surface at Spillenaar Park. The City is looking for input and ideas from area residents. Further details will be provided at the virtual open house.
Please join the virtual open house with City staff at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. We look forward to seeing you there.
To participate in the virtual open house, you will need to have access to a computer with internet service or a telephone. Please contact Dave St.Onge at (705) 360-2600 Ext. 3347 or dave.st.onge@timmins.ca in order to receive the virtual open house login information.
David St.Onge
Eleven days after a State of Emergency was declared, the City of Timmins continues to struggle with a surge in cases and stress on our frontline services. The recent increase in active cases has left the Porcupine Health region #1 per capita behind some of the province’s typical hotspots.
“We are not ready to end the State of Emergency,” says Mayor George Pirie. “Cases remain on the rise. We’ve had a number of notable workplace outbreaks. Staffing at the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU), Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) and Cochrane District Emergency Medical Services (CDEMS) remains fragile and could easily be impacted if cases continue to spread. It is imperative that we continue to follow all public health guidelines and get vaccinated. It’s the only way we’re getting through this.
“That said, the City has been working closely with our community partners to make sure every eligible resident has access to a vaccine. The PHU continues to add drop-in COVID-19 clinics; we know that 65.2% of the population who are 18 years or older have received their first dose; and, we know that cases of COVID-19 are lower among the age groups who have higher rates of vaccination. It’s a start, but we have work to do.”
When the emergency declaration was made, the City of Timmins, along with the PHU and TADH, identified three priorities the city and region needed to achieve to start lowering cases: increase availability of vaccines and supplies; enhance capacity for testing; and, source support for a community isolation centre.
To date, the PHU has been able to access additional vaccines and open eligibility up to individuals aged 12 and older. Drop-in COVID-19 vaccine clinics have been added to the regular by-appointment clinics through a number of partnerships.
“COVID is everywhere and in every setting,” says Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health of the Porcupine Health Unit. “It is in our daycares, in our grocery stores, in businesses open to the public and in businesses closed to the public. It affects our frontline workers and our frontline services. Our essential workers are being affected. The PHU urges everyone to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at work and use it properly. Wear three-ply procedural masks instead of cloth masks and maintain social distancing and screening. If you are concerned, isolate at home and arrange for testing.
To increase the public’s access to COVID-19 testing, the TADH has added several walk-in testing clinics at their Assessment Centre on Ross Ave. Work is underway with the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB), to create additional testing opportunities including pop-up testing sites. CDSSAB has also been working with the provincial government and Ministry of Health to source funding for a dedicated isolation centre for the community.
Drop-in and Scheduled Vaccine Clinics
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Community and Location
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Clinic Date
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Foodland Parking Lot
670 Airport Rd., Timmins
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Saturday, May 29, 2021
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
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True North Estates – Mobile Home Park
2 Michael Ave., Timmins
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Monday, May 31, 2021
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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Kaleidoscope
1115 MacLean Dr., Timmins
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Thursday, June 3, 2021
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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Golden Avenue Public School Parking Lot
117 Golden Ave., South Porcupine
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Saturday, June 5, 2021
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Notre Dame Trailer Park
201 Notre Dame Pl.,
Timmins
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Sunday, June 6, 2021
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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Timmins Public Library Building Parking Lot
(facing Brunette Rd.), Timmins
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Monday, June 7, 2021
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
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No appointment required. A number of clinics are also being offered at the Mountjoy Arena by appointment only. For more information or to book an appointment visit the PHU online (https://www.porcupinehu.on.ca/en/your-health/infectious-diseases/novel-coronavirus/covid-vaccine/).
Drop-in Testing Clinics
If you are experiencing symptoms, may have come in contact with an active case, or are concerned you may have COVID-19, isolate at home and arrange for testing. Walk-in testing clinics are available daily from May 31 and June 3 at TADH Assessment Centre, 651 Ross Ave. East between 2 PM and 4 PM. These clinics are first come, first serve with a limited number of spaces.
Transportation
Vet’s Taxi continues to offer complimentary service for residents traveling to and from area vaccine clinics. Residents can call Vet’s directly to book transportation. No between stops are permitted.
Amanda Dyer
At last night’s council meeting, Council approved imposing a $1,000 fine for illegal dumping of garbage on lands owned by the City of Timmins.
The approval was part of By-law 2021-8565, an update of original by-law 2007-6452, to establish Use of Property Set Fines including depositing garbage on both city owned land and private property.
The update came after a request from Mayor George Pirie to increase fines associated with illegal dumping.
“We’ve all seen the photos on social media,” says Mayor George Pirie. “There is an issue of illegal dumping in the city and we would be remiss if we didn’t do everything possible to come up with a solution. Increasing the fees is a deterrent, meant to discourage offenders who feel that treating our land and environment with such disrespect is appropriate.”
A $1,000 fine has also been set for fouling lands owned by the City, defined as the defacement of city property.
To see a full list set fines, review by-law 2021-8565: https://timmins.civicweb.net/document/106095/2021-8565
Amanda Dyer
The Golden Manor’s redevelopment plans were given the green light from Council last night to proceed to the Design Development phase.
Plans to redevelop the current 177-bed long-term care home have been on-going with great success. Schematic diagrams for the new building, which will add an additional 15 beds, are now complete and the next phase will bring further design development and redefining of the home’s rooms and facilities.
Inspiration for the rebuild has been drawn from a “campus of care” model, which provides seniors a range of housing options as they age. The location of the new and existing buildings are ideally situated to achieve this goal of having long-term care, assisted living, and affordable housing all centrally located around common pathways, gardens, and courtyards.
“We are extremely pleased with the progress so far,” says Golden Manor Administrator Carol Halt. “Just by looking at the preliminary schematic design, we can see a focus on a home-like atmosphere, room for socializing and engagement, space for programs and activities, and integration of infection prevention and control features.”
The redevelopment of the Golden Manor is a significant capital project for The City of Timmins. Throughout consultation with numerous agencies, community partners, and stakeholders, the focus has been on developing a larger facility that meets residents’ needs, improves accessibility, and is aligned with any future plans to redevelop the surrounding area to become a true “campus of care.”
Once the project is complete and meets all applicable conditions, the Ministry of Long-Term Care (MOLTC) will provide the City with a Construction Funding Subsidy (CFS), a per diem based on per bed per day, paid over 25 years to assist with paying down the cost to rebuild.
The MOLTC has also issued a notice of public consultation regarding Golden Manor’s redevelopment proposal. If you have any comments or opinions and would like to bring them forward, deadline is June 25, 2021. Find information on how to make your submission at https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios-long-term-care-licensing-public-consultation-registry#section-3
For more information on the Golden Manor’s redevelopment project visit Timmins.ca > Our Services > Golden Manor Home for the Aged.
Amanda Dyer
On Saturday, June 12, 2021, the City of Timmins will be hosting our Household Hazardous & Special Waste Event. This is a great opportunity for residents of Timmins to properly dispose of their household hazardous and special waste, free of charge! To make it even more convenient, we’ve added a textile collection depot.
Hazardous & Special Waste Day will take place from 8am to 2pm at the Archie Dillon Sportsplex parking lot. Please note that this event is for residents only, and commercial and industrial waste will not be accepted.
Items being collected include:
- Paint
- Flammable/Misc. organics
- Aerosols
- Single use batteries
- Single use propane cylinders and refillable propane tanks
- Oxidizers
- Pesticides
- Antifreeze
- Oil filters
- Inorganic acids and bases
- Fuel and oil
- Pathological waste (sharps)
- Pharmaceuticals
- Compact fluorescents and fluorescent tubes
- Household electronics
- Used clothing
- Footwear
- Linens
For more information on what is being accepted at the textile collection depot, visit www.recyclingrewards.com/timmins or call 1-866-927-3873.
Residents are reminded to download our Timmins Recyclepedia app and take advantage of the handy Waste Wizard tool to learn how to properly dispose of a variety of materials.
For more information, contact Service Timmins online at service.timmins.ca or by phone at 705-264-1331.
Amanda Dyer
May 20 is World Bee Day! Why are celebrating bees? Because bees and other pollinators like butterflies, moths, beetles, and wasps provide a fundamental role in protecting the earth’s ecosystems.
Unfortunately, bees and other pollinators are disappearing and this could have a catastrophic effect on the world’s food supply. It’s time to “start the buzz” and help these essential creatures.
Bee City Timmins’ “Start the Buzz” Pollinator Garden Challenge let’s residents win great prizes, be recognized for supporting pollinators, and help make our community brighter. Anyone is welcome to participate: residents, schools, churches, businesses, and local farms. There are three contest categories: children’s garden (under 18); adult garden (18 and older); and Business / Organization garden.
It’s easy to enter. Create a garden full of pollinator friendly plants. Plants like chives, clover, thyme, and coneflowers are good choices. Residents can find our “Northern Ontario Pollinator-Friendly Gardening Guide” online at Timmins.ca for more ideas.
We’re asking participants to take a before and after picture of their garden or planter and email their images to environmental.services@timmins.ca before September 30, 2021.
For full contest rules and to find more information on pollinators, pollinator-friendly habitats, and upcoming Bee City Timmins events, like Pollinator Week in June, head to Timmins.ca and search “Bee City Initiative.”
Help “start the buzz” and protect our pollinators.
Thank to our “Start the Buzz” sponsors: Kidd Operations, Lake Shore Gold – a subsidiary of Pan American Silver, Newmont Porcupine, and Wintergreen Fund for Conservation.
Amanda Dyer
Within one day of the State of Emergency, the declaration supported the Porcupine Health Unit’s request for additional allocation of COVID-19 vaccines. As a result, vaccine clinics for all individuals 12 years and older have been added over the long weekend.
“This is exactly the response we hoped for,” says Mayor George Pirie. “Declaring a State of Emergency is not decided lightly. In order to get through this third wave, we need people to follow the public health measures and get vaccinated. We not only needed more vaccines, but more available clinics and appointments. We want to ensure that every eligible individual has access to a vaccine, so we’ve also made sure that free transportation is available for residents that require a reliable way to get to and from their appointment.”
Scheduled and “Pop-Up” Clinics
Residents can line-up on Friday, May 21 at Food Basics between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Saturday, May 22 at Timmins Native Friendship Centre between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. No appointment required. Clinics will also be offered this weekend at the Mountjoy and Whitney Arenas by appointment only. For more information or to book an appointment visit the PHU online (https://www.porcupinehu.on.ca/en/your-health/infectious-diseases/novel-coronavirus/covid-vaccine/).
Transportation
This Friday to Monday, residents can ride Timmins Transit at no charge to their vaccine appointment and back. To make the route even simpler, from Saturday to Monday, Timmins Transit is adding a shuttle from the Transit Terminal direct to each vaccine clinic location. It’s a faster and more direct option to get residents to their appointments. Please note that regular bus service and shuttle service have been added to the holiday Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Vet’s Taxi is also offering complimentary service. Residents can call Vet’s Taxi (705-264-2333) for a ride to and from their vaccination appointment. No between stops are permitted. It’s important to thank Richard and Diane Lafleur for being great corporate citizens and partnering on this initiative with the City of Timmins and Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB).
Amanda Dyer
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