Timmins City Council has approved the use of municipal land located on Pine St. S. for an encampment response initiative in partnership with the Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB). Now, administration has been directed to enter into negotiations with CDSB on the lease or sale of the property. Final approval of the lease or sale will be confirmed once City Council is satisfied that an appropriate service plan is in place to support the H.O.P.E. (Housing, Outreach, Protection, and Engagement) initiative.
The project would see modular units, similar to what is used in mining for remote camps, used to create up to 40 temporary shelter spaces. The H.O.P.E initiative would offer safe, secure shelter that addresses the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness, while supporting the City’s efforts to manage encampments in public parks and spaces. Preliminary funding for the project was received in late January from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
On February 17, 2025, Council directed City staff to carry out community consultation to help inform site selection. Over 3,400 residents participated through a transparent engagement process, which included in-person focus groups and outreach for people with lived or living experience of homelessness. The Pine St. S. location received 33.61% of the public vote, with respondents preferring the distance from residential neighbourhoods. Neighbourhood impact was a key concern for over 48% of respondents, who worried about safety, property values, and overall neighbourhood well-being.
“Community consultation was crucial to inform Council’s final decision on site selection,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “The challenge is balancing community concerns with practical service delivery, including how the City maintains safe public parks and playgrounds. We have an opportunity to work with the province to help address encampments in a way that prioritizes safety. Safety for individuals requiring temporary shelter, and safety for community members who have felt that their access to public spaces has been impeded.”
City staff will continue to work with CDSB to ensure that municipal service requirements, including public transportation, waste management and sanitation, are available if required. Further communication on the H.O.P.E. initiative, including site preparation, service delivery, and facility management, will now be coordinated by CDSB.
To review the results of the City’s community consultation process, visit: https://bit.ly/3FsUgwk
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