On this page:
1. The Opportunity
2. The Locations
3. Virtual Public Information Centre (PIC)
4. Project Timeline
5. Community Consultation - INCLUDES COMMUNITY CONSULTATION RESULTS
6. Next Steps
8. Important Definitions
We have created a virtual Public Information Centre (PIC) that reviews all of the material provided below in video format, with audio, and available for print in PDF.
The Opportunity
The City of Timmins has the opportunity to use municipal land as a location for temporary housing, which could help transition individuals experiencing homelessness into safe and secure shelter. This would help reduce tents in parks and public spaces, while addressing the immediate needs of the unsheltered homeless.
The proposal would include the installation of modular units, similar to what is used in mining for remote camps. Up to 40 temporary shelter spaces could be created and customized, offering privacy and security for individuals, couples, families, or people with pets who require immediate shelter.
Before City Council makes a final decision, they are asking for your feedback on a suitable location. Public consultation begins Monday, February 24, 2025 and ends on Friday, March 14, 2025.
You can submit your feedback by completing a short anonymous survey (available in French and English), or by using our feedback form to send an email directly to City Council. This option will require your name and valid email address.
Funding
In December 2024, City Council passed resolution 24-415, directing the Cochrane District Services Board to submit a business case application to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for funds under the Encampment Response Initiative.
They submitted an idea called H.O.P.E., a Housing, Outreach, Protection, and Engagement plan to help people living in encampments access alternative accommodations. In late January, the proposal was pre-approved for approximately $3.2 million in provincial funding.
The Locations
Four (4) possible locations have been selected based on the following criteria: overall size, accessibility to essential services and supports, proximity to existing utilities and transit, option to add amenities, and overall safety and security of residents and the surrounding community. The site we choose must be on City-owned property and cannot be located within a public park.
- Hwy. 655 (this location is also being considered for a permanent multi-use recreation centre and would not support relocation of Living Space)
- Spruce St. S.
- 110 Feldman Rd.
- Pine St. S.
See the full map.
The virtual Public Information Centre (PIC) provides a summary of the proposal and reviews all four (4) of the potential site options. The video provides audio of the content, and PDF slides of the presentation are also available HERE. The video will take about six (6) minutes to watch.
Project Timeline
.png "Temporary Shelter Timeline")
(click to enlarge)
Community Consultation - NOW CLOSED
Your feedback was critical to help inform decision-making. We are committed to a structured and transparent community engagement process.
Community Consultation Process
The consultation process was designed to ensure broad community participation and
included multiple engagement methods:
- Public Information Centre ( PIC) Video: An accessible video with audio that provides
an overview of the initiative, background information, and details on the proposed
locations.
- Online survey: A digital survey was distributed to gather public input on the
preferred location and concerns related to the initiative. The survey questions
covered location preferences, safety considerations and recommendations for site
features. The public survey closed on March 14, 2025.
- Print surveys: Printed copies of the survey were made available for
service agencies and at Service Timmins.
- Email engagement with Councillors through the online feedback form: Residents
were encouraged to provide feedback via email.
- In- Person Meetings with Service Providers and People with Lived and/ or Living
Experience ( PWLLE): Discussions were held with service providers and PWLLE. Four (4) in-person sessions were held.
On March 18, 2025, Council received a report on Community Consultation and Engagement for the Encampment Response Initiative.
Next Steps
City Council has approved the use of municipal land located on Pine St. S. (see applicable map) for the H.O.P.E. (Hope, Outreach, Protection, and Engagement) Encampment Response Initiative pending approval of final service plans for the project.
Next step, Council has directed Administration to enter into negotiation with the Cochrane District Services Board regarding a lease OR sale of that property for the Encampment Response Initiative.
Final approval of a lease or sale will be approved by council once it is satisfied that an appropriate service plan is in place to support the Initiative.
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.