Our Frequently Asked Questions have been compiled from online and direct email.
Q. Now that City Council has approved land use on Pine St. N. S., what happens?
A. City Council has directed Administration to enter into negotiations on the lease or sale of the land. They will not finalize the project until Council is satisfied that an appropriate service plan is in place to support the H.O.P.E. (Housing, Outreach, Protection, and Engagement) initiative.
Q. Who will be responsible for facility operation and management?
A. If the project moves forward, the Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) would be responsible for confirming facility operations and management. This would include programs and services.
Q. What if I don’t agree with any of the potential locations?
A. There is an option on the survey to select ‘none of the above’ and add additional comments.
Q. Will the temporary shelter be low barrier?
A. The City has not been provided with that information at this time. This would be decided by the Service Manager if the project moves forward.
Q. Who will be paying for the necessary infrastructure (like septic, water)?
A. There is approved funding from the province at a total of $3.2 million to cover set-up, site preparation, and remediation of former encampment sites.
Q. Would the site be monitored and kept clean?
A. Waste management could be coordinated with the City. The Timmins Fire Dept. would monitor for fire prevention.
Q. Will residents be able to prepare food on-site?
A. This would be determined by facility management and/or CDSB.
Q. If the four locations are not acceptable to residents, will the City look at other potential locations?
A. These are the only four locations being considered at this time. Council is still deciding whether or not the project will move forward.
Q. Does CDSB have to pay property tax on their properties?
A. CDSB properties are assessed like any other property and pay taxes like any other property in the city. They pay the City taxes based on the assessed value of each property. The assessed value is determined by MPAC so they don’t think it’s us determining the assessment.