In June, much of Timmins heads outside to make active use of our natural trails, rivers, lakes, and parks … and this year, all that activity could result in a $100,000 win for the community.
The City of Timmins has signed up for the ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk, a national initiative that encourages everyone in Canada to get active throughout the month of June. Canada’s Most Active Community will be awarded with $100,000 to support local physical activity and sports initiatives. What counts as physical activity? Any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure, and increases heart rate and breathing.
To help rally for Timmins and win the grand prize this year, we need everyone to participate!
• Local businesses and organizations: Register today on the ParticipACTION website. Then throughout June, track the number of people getting active and the instances of physical activity to help our community compete for the title.
• Individuals: Sign up on the ParticipACTION website. Then, commit to getting active throughout June and browse different opportunities to help you move more where you live, learn and/or work!
The Community Challenge is open to everyone! All community events registered on the challenge webpage from June 1 – 30 will count toward a community’s total score. After June 30, finalist communities will be invited to submit an application explaining why they deserve to be Canada’s Most Active Community. Individuals can also sign up and get moving in support of their community’s total by getting active in June.
Why does Timmins deserve to be Canada’s Most Active Community?
“Affordable and accessible recreation is part of a safe, healthy, and vibrant community,” says Meagan Baranyk, Community Programs Manager. “Through the municipal Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, we have looked for ways to encourage physical activity in order to create a greater sense of belonging in our local neighbourhoods, and to improve overall well-being. Through the City’s Master Recreation Plan, we have tangible projects that could be helped with $100,000. I’m confident that Timmins is not only Canada’s Most Active Community, but the community who is best prepared to support local sports and recreation initiatives.”
Join the City of Timmins in the movement to build a stronger, healthier and more active Timmins! Help us become Canada’s Most Active Community!
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins has confirmed funding for 7 local programs that work to prevent and decrease the impact of youth gun and gang violence in Timmins. In partnership with the Government of Canada, and through the City’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan, over $430,000 has been allocated to programs that support and empower youth in our community.
The objective is to assist the development of new or enhanced local and community-based strategies and initiatives that will address the impacts of violence on youth, specifically the conditions that contribute to a young person participating in criminal actions or behaviour.
Funding has been approved for:
- Land-based programing through Mushkegowuk Fire Keeper Patrol, which connects youth with holistic care based on Indigenous teachings.
- Planet Youth through the Porcupine Health Unit, which will implement an Icelandic prevention model to reduce substance use and enhance the overall well-being of young people.
- Emerging Trends through DIY Health and in collaboration with Northern College and the Go-Give Project, focused on relationship building through community outreach to improve access to non-emergency supports and address the social determinants of health.
- Timmins Youth Wellness Hub to expand and enhance physical and sports activities and rotational hubs; promote services and supports available at the hub for 12-25-year-old youth; work with community organizations to develop a neighbourhood walk program in downtown Timmins.
- Research and mentorship through the Timmins and Area Women in Crisis, which seeks to develop an accessible social enterprise venue in downtown Timmins; implement mentorship programs for youth with lived experience; and, conduct research into the driving factors of youth gang involvement with a focus on human trafficking.
- Support of Fierté Timmins Pride to create and provide resources for vulnerable youth; offer guidance and support for inclusive service delivery; and, develop peer groups and partnerships to promote acceptance, inclusivity, and understanding. Launching in 2024.
- Fund marketing through Timmins Victim Services for materials and presentations related to youth gun and gang violence for parents, caregivers, and local youth.
As a recipient of funding from the City of Timmins and Government of Canada, each service agency is committed to helping children, youth, and young adults who are at risk, lead lives free of crime and violence. Under the framework of the City’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan, the funding partnerships help meet the priorities of increased youth engagement and increased safety and well-being for all residents.
Quotes:
“The funding provided by the Government of Canada and distributed through the City’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan, will allow local agencies to create or enhance a variety of services and programs to address youth violence. We recognize that a multi-faceted approach is necessary, which is why we’ve agreed to support programs and initiatives that work independently, but produce a collaborative result. Agencies will be required to submit a formal progress report bi-annually, but are encouraged to share regular updates with the community.” - Meagan Baranyk – Community Strategies Coordinator
Amanda Dyer
The City of Timmins has published a new open data dashboard to track progress of four safety and well-being priorities identified in the municipal Community Safety and Well-being Plan (the Plan)
The City’s Plan outlines a framework to provide a strategic end to homelessness, improve outcomes of mental health and addiction, increase youth engagement and belongingness, and encourage a shared effort to improve the health and welfare of all residents.
The data dashboard provides annual and quarterly updates for key indicators that measure the City’s progress towards each goal, including the number of people actively experiencing homelessness in Cochrane District, and annual paramedic calls and Emergency Dept. visits attributed to mental health and addictions.
“The City is actively working with over 40 service agencies and health care providers to improve community safety and well-being,” says Mayor Michelle Boileau. “There are measurable results from the actions and initiatives already underway. The dashboard provides the community with a snapshot of how we’re doing today and where we’re heading tomorrow.”
The data dashboard is the latest way that the City of Timmins is delivering results-based information to build transparency and accountability.
“It will take a collective effort to successfully deliver this plan, and that includes commitment from all levels of government, social services, business, industry, and individual community members,” adds Boileau. “We need everyone to see themselves as part of the strategy and the solution.
CLICK HERE to view the data dashboard.
Amanda Dyer
|