Timmins Approves Pine Street South Site for Temporary Shelter

The Timmins City Council has approved the use of a municipal property on Pine Street South for the development of a temporary shelter. This initiative is part of a collaboration with the Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) under the H.O.P.E. (Housing, Outreach, Protection, and Engagement) program. The decision follows the community's input and the acquisition of funding from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

The planned site will accommodate modular units to provide up to 40 temporary shelter spaces, similar to those employed in remote mining camps. Negotiations concerning the lease or sale of the property are currently ongoing, with the project's progression contingent upon city council's approval of an appropriate service plan.

A comprehensive survey that included responses from over 3,400 residents informed the site selection process. The Pine Street location was favored due to its distance from residential zones, although survey responses indicated that 48% of participants had concerns related to safety and property values.

Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau underscored the importance of community feedback, highlighting the challenge of balancing public service provision with neighborhood concerns. Coordination with municipal services, such as transportation and waste management, is planned to ensure compliance with city standards.