Northern College’s Indigenous Awareness Week concluded Friday with students taking part in archery competitions and learning about wild game hunted by First Nation people.

“This is time of the year is the hunt season with the goose and the moose,” said Joseph Nakogee, Indigenous student advisor for Northern College. “My grandmother used to tell me stories where they were the ones that got the small game like rabbit and partridge. The fall season is when the bird migration hits south and the moose season begins. We had moose meat and we had the traditional breakfasts before we went out hunting.”

Each day this week at the Timmins campus began with bannock on a stick for breakfast at the shaptuan behind the school.

Monday featured a workshop on building a sweat lodge, Tuesday had a cultural artifacts display, Wednesday had a drum group and cultural movies and Thursday had a screening of the film Indian Horse movie.

Nakogee said he had a great reception from non-Indigenous students who took the opportunity to learn more about the culture and ask questions.

“It was good to introduce some of those foods like wild meats to the students who have never eaten moose meat before,” said Nakogee.

“It’s Indigenous awareness to learn our ways and how we are as a people. All the other events, they brought about our history. It tells Canadian society why we are the way we are with some of the other events that happened such as residential schools and our history with the British and government.”

He said the event began six years ago when a student from one of the First Nations suggested the college provide an opportunity to host Indigenous activities and share Aboriginal culture.

“For me it’s part of recruitment, retention and brings a little bit of our culture from back home where we came from. When they come to the big city, a part of it is here. We bring a little bit of home to here, to the college, to the city and to the school,” said Nakogee.

“This is one of the ways Northern College listens to us. They ask us how we want our education to go. One of the pillars of the mandate of Northern College is to welcome that Indigenous perspective.”

He said events like these provide ways to regain back some of their lost traditional ways with hunting, telling stories and teaching one another.

“I think this week is just one aspect of Northern College, the Northern experience, Timmins and the way of life, because we are different from the rest of Canada in Northern Ontario,” said Nakogee.

“As the original people of the land, this was our way of life. We had a good, rich culture. We had a good way of life with connections to the land and our creator.”

City council will be given a final update next week on the 2018 Stars and Thunder music and fireworks event with a report showing a city deficit of more than $1.6 million.

In July, city council was told the deficit could be as much as $1.8 million when preliminary figures were presented by the city’s chief accountant Keld Scott.

The council pre-agenda for Tuesday’s council meeting shows the newer figure of $1,650,215 in a report authored by Scott, and city finance director Natalie Moore.

“A total of 10,594 tickets were issued for the 2018 Stars and Thunder for a total of $2,031,317 in ticket sales,” said the report that will be tabled next week.

“This resulted in the event ending in a deficit of $1,650,215. The shortfall will be brought into the overall financial calculation of the City of Timmins, and if the city is in an overall deficit at the end of 2018, the shortfall will be funded through the tax stabilization reserve,” said the report.

The report also included a spreadsheet showing the budgeted costs and actual costs for the 2018 event, along with the actual costs of the 2017 event.

This report showed the total cost of entertainment at this year’s event was $1,919,128.

Contracts with the performers and artists forbid the city to reveal the exact fee paid to each performer. The 2018 total entertainment cost was down just slightly from the $1,922,587 that the city paid out in 2017.

The cost of fireworks for this year’s event was $301,556. It was below the budget of $325,000 but still more than the cost of fireworks in 2017 which was listed at nearly $285,000.

Security costs were lower this year, at roughly $214,000. This was expected because of the drop in ticket sales. The cost of security at the 2017 event was listed at more than $293,000.

Airport Road continues to be blocked because of the reconstruction of the bridge over the Kraft Creek. A news release from city hall said the hope is that the construction will be completed by Oct. 1.  The notice from the city said “weather-dependent tasks” are responsible for the delay. The work which has been underway since the end of June, was supposed to have been completed by the Labour Day weekend. Motorists who need to travel to and from the Victor M. Power Airport will have to continue use MacLean Drive and/or Laforest Road to reach the section of Airport beyond the construction area. The city notice said work is continuing and residents will be advised if the work is completed before Oct. 1, 2018.

A pair of third-period power-play goals lifted the Timmins Majors to a 6-4 win over the New Liskeard Cubs in their 2018-19 GNML home opener at the McIntyre Arena Friday night.
The victory wasn’t pretty, with the home side having to overcome one-goal deficits three times in the contest, but Majors coach Brandon Perry will gladly take the two points.
“We will take it, but unfortunately in the first period we played as badly as we can play … I hope,” he said.
“We took too many penalties tonight and did some selfish things. They would take a penalty and we would be going on a power play and we would take one to negate our power play right away.
“Those things, against good teams, can come back and haunt you.”
Even worse, at least three of the penalties the Majors took in the contest were the result of infractions in the offensive zone, 200 feet away from their net.
“There weren’t too many penalties out there I liked tonight,” Perry said.
“There were a couple of hits that I didn’t mind, but taunting a guy after you hit him, you can’t be doing that kind of stuff. It is an easy call for the referee every time.
“Any time you take a penalty in the offensive zone, they are tough to kill. If it is a hard-working penalty on a nice body check, that’s just the referees discretion as to whether it is too high, or a little late. We will kill those penalties, but those 200 feet away from our net, stick infractions, selfish things.
“You have to play hard between the whistles and take care of business.”
Perry was a lot happier with the way the Majors played in the second and third periods than he was with their effort in the opening 20 minutes.
“I like our resolve and how we kind of figured things out in the second and third periods,” he said.
The Cubs jumped out to a 1-0 lead 6:52 into the first period on Sam Rivard’s first goal of the season, an unassisted marker.
Carson Cavalieri got the home side back on even terms just over two minutes later when he netted his first goal of the season.
The Cubs reclaimed their one-goal advantage just 11 seconds later, however, when Maxim Breault struck for his second goal of the season.
Again, the Majors battled back to tie things up at 2-2 on Garrett Gelinas’ second goal of the campaign.
The Cubs took a one-goal lead for the third time in the frame, when Breault potted a shorthanded marker, his second goal of the game and third on the season.
The see-saw affair saw the Majors again tie things up at 3-3 seven minutes in the second period on a Jesse Dupuis power-play marker, his second goal of the season.
Gavin Martel’s first goal of the season, five-and-a-half minutes later, gave the Majors their first lead of the contest.
Jackson Buffam’s power-play tally, his second goal of the season, got the Cubs back on even terms with 3:17 remaining in the second period.
The game remained tied at 4-4 past the midway point of the third period, but Sabastian Sutherland broke the deadlock when he scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal, his second tally on the season, with the Majors on the power play.
“Our D were making good passes,” he said.
“I just put the puck on net and I was hoping for a rebound, but I got lucky and it went in the net.”
The first-year Major agreed the Cubs physical play made things tough for the home side.
“During the first period, we weren’t playing our best, but they were playing pretty physical. We were able to get things back on track in the second and third periods.”
Sutherland played on a line with Joel Martin and Cavalieri in Friday night’s contest.
“Joel has good speed out there and Cavy has got the body and the size,” Sutherland said.
“We work together nicely out there.”
A minute and a half after Sutherland’s game-winner, the Majors picked up some insurance when Brennen Martel added a second power-play marker, his third goal of the campaign to put the Majors in front 6-4.
The Cubs applied the pressure in the game’s final five minutes as the Majors ran into some penalty trouble, but there were unable to close the gap.
Perry was impressed with the effort put forth by a number of his Majors Friday night.
“(Landon) Deforge, Dupuis and (Landon) McGrath were great tonight,” he said.
“I thought Gavin Martel was good and it was nice to see him get that goal. He didn’t score at all last year.
“We left (goalie) Dylan (Dallaire) out to dry in that first period, giving up two-on-one after two-on-one after two-on-one.
“In the second and third periods, he settled down and he was solid for us like he always is. He kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win.
“Nicholas Tremblay on the point was very good for us tonight. Pierre Racicot and Desmond Brazeau again were consistent. It is tough for them not getting the ice time they want because they are first-year players.
“All in all, I liked our effort for 40 minutes, but against better teams if we don’t show up for 60 minutes, we don’t get the result we got tonight.”
Asked whether he thought the Majors’ poor first-period effort was the result of the pregame ceremonies, Perry said: “I hope it was that, but I don’t know. For some reason, we had the same problem last year. Sometimes the players would show up, sometimes it would take a coach yelling at them between periods. I don’t know what it is, but we have got to start on time.”
Cubs coach Steve Polyblank was happy with the way his squad started the contest, but not so much with how they finished things up.
“The first period, our guys played pretty well,” he said.
“I was pretty happy with that and I think if we had played a little better in the second, it would have changed the game a lot. If we would have come at them like we did in the first, I think it would have changed the outcome of the game.
“We let them get back in it and the momentum changed. We also have to stay out of the penalty box. We took lots of penalties and in the end that cost us.”
The Cubs were assessed 16 penalties for 48 minutes in the contest, while the Majors took eight penalties for 16 minutes.
The Cubs roster is full of large players who are not afraid of the physical game.
“We have to be more consistent and win more puck battles, especially in our own end,” Polyblank said.
“We have a bigger team than we had last year and we have to win those battles. When we don’t, we make it hard on ourselves.
“We are going to have to do a lot of battle drills in practice. That should help us out.”
A number of Cubs impressed their coach with their strong play Friday night.
“I thought Max Breault played real well,” Polyblank said.
“He got a couple of nice goals and Hunter Rheaume played well.
“I thought that whole line of Hunter Rheaume, Max Breault and Jackson Buffam played really well in the first period.
“It was really hard because we were killing a lot of penalties, including some three-on-fives, which made it hard to get into the flow of the game.”
Dallaire went the distance in goal for the Majors and picked up the victory, while Cubs netminder Jake McGuire was tagged with the loss.

Josh Dickson buried the game’s first shootout attempt and Nicholas Dicks stopped all three shots he faced as the Timmins Rock edged the Rayside-Balfour Canadians 4-3 at the McIntyre Arena Saturday night.
After Rock snipers Derek Seguin and Keegan McMullen and Canadians Kyle Liinamaa and Benjamin Hatanaka were stopped, it all came down to Rayside-Balfour’s third attempt, but Zachary Snow was denied by Dicks to secure the victory for the home side.
Rock coach Corey Beer is a big fan of the NOJHL’s new method for deciding contests that are tied after 60 minutes of play.
“The new format is great,” he said.
“Three-on-three hockey in overtime provides end-to-end action. You could see it at both ends of the ice, with chances for both teams.
“And shootouts are a good way to end it. I am a big fan of having a win or a loss, no matter the format.”
Beer didn’t have to think too long or too hard before choosing which three Rock players to send out for the shootout.
“Josh Dickson is a very talented goal scorer,” he said.
“Derek Seguin is a guy who does everything for us and scores big goals. Keegan McMullen has tons of talent.
“We were ready with a couple of other guys, as well, if the need would have arisen.”
The coach was impressed by how Dicks stood tall during the shootout, as well.
“He played better in the third period and better in overtime,” Beer said.
“He was good in the shootout and it was a good two points for us tonight.”
The Rock jumped out to a 1-0 first-period lead Saturday night on Seguin’s third goal of the season.
McMullen’s second goal of the season, at the 15:16 mark of the middle frame, increased the Rock advantage to a pair of goals.
The Canadians rallied for a pair of goals 14 seconds apart, however, to tie things up at 2-2.
Christopher Clark’s second goal of the season, a power-play marker, got the puck rolling and then captain Evan Krassey added his third goal of the campaign on a strange play that saw the puck trickle between the pads of Dicks.
The Rock were able to regain the lead with just over two minutes remaining in the period when Riley Robitaille notched his first goal of the season.
That’s the way the score remained until just past the midway point of the third period when Hatanaka scored his first goal of the season to tie things up at 3-3.
A five-minute period of three-on-three overtime didn’t settle anything, resulting in the need for the shootout.
Beer was impressed with the play of the line of Seguin, Robitaille and Mahingan Decontie Saturday night.
“The three of them were absolute monsters,” he said.
“You can say that about Seguin and Robitaille every single night. Those two are absolutely dominant and they play the right way. They are really great at the 200-foot game and I thought Deco really settled down and got his game going. He is a very creative player.
“To be able to support two of our horses like that and contribute is a good thing for him. He was in and out of the lineup before, now he is getting a chance with the top dogs.”
The Rock spent countless hours in practice after their previous game — a 5-1 loss to the Gold Miners in Kirkland Lake — working on their play on the defensive side of the puck and it paid off Saturday night.
“We had too many high-priority goals scored against us in the two previous games,” Beer said.
“I am still not happy with the way we played from the defence position. We were way too scrambly and we allowed some odd-man rushes against us. Guys were not playing the system properly and not supporting each other.
“We will have to try and do some good video before our next game.
“We hold our D to a pretty high standard and neutral zone defence is a huge thing for us. Sometimes they get to hear the brunt of it because it is such an isolated position. They are back there on an island some times. For the most part, I thought they were really good tonight. It was a great improvement from where we were during the game in Kirkland Lake.
“Overall, I thought we played really good in the first two periods and didn’t give them much, but they came at us in the third period. You can see why they went to the finals last year. They have a well-coached squad. They have big bodies and they play heavy.”
Forward Eamon Bollinger, acquired from the Buffalo Jr. Sabres, played his first game in a Rock uniform Saturday night and he did not look out of place.
“I thought he was unbelievable tonight,” Beer said.
“He is a physical player and he wins a lot of puck battles. He is very good on the cycle. I think he is going to be a great fit for our locker room and our team.
“He plays the right way and he has good patience out there, too, for a big guy.”
Canadians coach Steven Lauzon was pleased to see his squad salvage a point on the road.
“This is a tough barn to play in with a good crowd,” he said.
“I love the environment. I thought we had a pretty slow start, but our guys battled back and it was a very exciting game. One bounce and we could have come away with the win.
“I am proud of the boys and proud of the effort, for sure.”
A number of the Canadians young guys impressed their coach Saturday night.
“Gio Biondi brings a lot of speed to our top line,” Lauzon said.
“We have a new fellow, Ben Hatanaka, and he is key on the draws and Brady Maltais had a solid, solid effort.
“Our big man, Ethan Lavalee, stepped up and played a good game, as well.
“We win and lose by committee, so we have to clean up a few things. We had too many giveaways in the first period and too many penalties.”
Canadians goalie Jean-Marc Brisson was solid in goal for the visitors, especially in the first period when they were outshot 17-4.
“Anywhere else and this would have been a W for us,” Lauzon said.
“He is heartbroken, losing in a shootout like this, but I am proud of him. It was a great effort. J.M. kept us in there and we battled and never quit.”
The Canadians don’t appear to have any high-scoring individuals, but they have a number of players capable of chipping in with a goal here or three.
“That’s why I always preach about winning by committee,” Lauzon said.
“Everybody chips in. We don’t have that prolific goal scorer, but we have some guys who have got some flash.
“It’s a bring your lunch pail to work mentality, hard work and earn your shifts. We are young and we have to work hard.”
Dicks stopped 34 of the 37 shots he faced to pick up his first NOJHL victory.
Canadians goalie Jean-Marc Brisson turned aside 41 of the 44 shots the Rock directed his way and he was tagged with the loss.
NOJHL NOTES — The Daily Press three stars of the game were Dickson, Seguin and Krassey … Rock defenceman Luka Bolduc and Canadians forward Brett McGlade were tossed from the contest in the second period after they were each assessed five-minute majors for fighting and game misconducts … The Rock did not dress forwards Maxime Charbonneau (one-game suspension), Stewart Parnell (upper-body injury), Austin Holmes (healthy scratch) and Maxime Piquette (healthy scratch), as well as defenceman Ian Elkins (healthy scratch) … Official attendance at the McIntyre Arena was 768 … Saturday nightֹ’s other action saw the Gold Miners edge the Cochrane Crunch 3-2 in Kirkland Lake, the Lumberjacks get past the Powassan Voodoos 3-2 in overtime in Hearst, the Espanola Express double up the Rapids 4-2 in French River and the Elliot Lake Wildcats dump the Eagles 5-2 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

The Caron Equipment Chaos were crowned 2018 Timmins Men’s Slowpitch League champions after knocking off heavy favourites Sons of Pitches 4-2 in the best-of seven championship series.

It was a fitting end to the season as the two teams had met in the campaign’s first game, with both squads playing with heavy hearts after Sons of Pitch player Ron Deschamps — a long-time member of the league — unexpectedly passed away in the off season.

Once again, the Sons of Pitches had a dominating season — losing just one regular season game, while going on to claim the regular season championship.

The Chaos finished the season in second place, rebounding from a couple of early losses to close out the season on a 13 game winning streak.

The opening round of the playoffs saw The Sons of Pitches take four-straight games from Standard Tavern, while the Chaos squad was pushed to the limit in Game 7 by the newly formed and tenacious Shockers.

It looked like another one-sided championship series was in the works, as the Sons of Pitches jumped out to 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven final.

The momentum swung the other way in Game 3, however, as the Chaos found their game, the defence tightened up and the sticks woke up with a big inning late in the contest en route to a victory.

Game 4 and Game 5 where both well fought, with timely hitting and key defensive plays being the difference leaving the Chaos up 3-2 in the series.

The sticks where quiet from both teams most of the way in Game 6, but the Sons of Pitches managed to have a couple of decent innings late in the game to take a 10-2 lead into the bottom of the seventh.

The Chaos sticks woke up to put up eight runs and tie the contest up and send it to an extra inning.

The Sons of Pitches managed a run in the top of the eighth to take a 12-10, but the Chaos tied things up — setting the stage for a Ray Larue two-run, walk-off home run.

The Chaos victory ended a streak of five-straight Sons of Pitches championships.

In the Mid-Town Ladies League, Bonnie Boissonneault led the way rolling a 242 single and 609 triple. She was followed by Stacy Dion with a 213 single and 572 triple. High singles also went to Helene Mccready (184), Marg Campsell (183) and Nat Berry (179).

Mid-Town Mixed League action saw Joel Nabuab lead the way with a 299 single and 737 triple. He was followed by Darryll Belanger with a 246 single and 686 triple. High singles also went to Gaston Cote (271), Gary Legros (245) and Romeo Merenda (235).

On the ladies’ side, Joanne Sevigny was the top bowler with a 266 single and 689 triple. She was followed by Lisa Roy with a 222 single and 636 triple. Other high singles went to Jess Lavigne (266), Mitch Wafer (216) and Lisa Cote (211).

In the 55-Plus League, top bowler honours went to Flo Raymond rolling a 265 single and 660 triple. She was followed by Bonnie Boissonneault with a 236 single and 617 triple. High singles also went to Linda Loader (248), Gaetanne Numainville (215) and Liz Polesky (212).

On the men’s side, Ray Vien led the way with a 300 single and 636 triple. He was followed by Con Raymond with a 219 single and 571 triple. Other high singles went to Ellard Beaven (238), John Vukelich (234) and Joe MacDonald (219).

In the Empire Mixed League, Jess Lavigne was top bowler rolling an impressive 338 single and 873 triple. She was followed by Linda Ryan with a 300 single and 754 triple. High singles also went to Joanne Sevigny (255), Danielle Bertrand (231) and Michelle Mahaffy (226).

On the men’s side, Bill Smith led the way with a 281 single and 736 triple. He was followed by Austin Sanford with a 254 single and 698 triple. Other high singles went to Al Olivier (284), Steve Doyon (263) and Marc Prevost (253).

In the Mid-Town Youth Bowling Council, Elissa Stinson was top bowler in the Seniors Division rolling a 306 single and 661 triple. She was followed by Ellisa Franklin with a 216 single and 607 triple. High scores also went to Mackenzie Belanger (217, 577) and Isabelle Gobeil (160, 452).

On the boys’ side, Dawson Lalonde led the way with a 185 single and 478 triple. He was followed by Kyle Belair with a 166 single and 349 triple.

In the Junior Division, Bowler of the Week went to Madison Lalonde rolling a 196 single and 528 triple. She was followed by Mikayla Paquette with a 164 single and 458 triple. High scores also went to Vanessa Berry (162, 449), Mea Dion (154, 406) and Bella Dolighan (152, 316).

On the boys’ side, Nathan Prevost led the way with a 179 single and 456 triple. He was followed by Bowler of the Week Kyle Lamothe with a 183 single and 431 triple. Other high scores went to Jake Tremblay (165, 409), Matthew Perih (155, 354) and Dylahn Knott (154, 401).

In the Bantam Division, Bowler of the Week Alex Desgagnes led the way with a 154 single and 427 triple. He was followed by Caleb Dion with a 153 single and 403 triple. High scores also went to Vincent Beaulieu (123, 316) and Sebastien Aubry (89, 258).

On the girls’ side, Emma Knott led the way with a 86 single and 225 triple. She was followed by Bowler of the Week Ava Massier with a 95 single and 202 triple. Another high score went to Camille Bouffard (117, 194).

In the Peewee Division, Bowler of the Week went to Kiana Paquette with a 88 single and 170 double. She was followed by Madion Vezeau with a 88 single and 166 double. Another high score went to Meiolahh Nadeau (79, 154).

On the boys’ side, Quyte Sutherland led the way rolling a 86 single and 127 double. He was followed by Logan Ahrens with a 66 single and 122 double.

Remember parents it’s not too late for your kids to join our YBC Program. The program is offered to kids aged 3-19. Call Mid-Town Bowl at 705-267-3500 to register or for more information.

There is also still time to join our adult leagues — Ladies League on Monday nights, Mixed League Wednesday and Thursday nights, Seniors League Thursday afternoon, Men’s League on Friday nights, or the Special Olympics League on Friday afternoons. Call the bowling centre at 705-267-3500 for more information.

The new Timmins city hall centralized customer service centre is open for business, meaning that city residents can again access the main level of city hall when doing business with the city.
The main floor had been shut down since May so renovations could take place.

A news release from the city revealed the customer service centre is open for residents who wish to pay a tax bill, a water bill, a parking ticket, a provincial offences notice, or just make inquiries about municipal services. You can even buy a new building permit or chat with someone from the city’s building department.

The idea of the new centre was approved by city council a year ago, when it was outlined by city corporate services director Rock Foy.

At that time, Foy told council the KPMG core services report commissioned by the city in 2015 had recommended the change. The report revealed that basic customer service work was being done by several municipal offices and that the work was being duplicated.

“The staffing review has identified six departments which will initially be re-organized. The review has indicated that 12 positions will be affected initially; potentially two or three years down the road after implementation there might be even more opportunities there,” said Foy in his report last October.

Of the 12 positions, four were eliminated, leaving eight people to do the customer service work. Some of the workers will be on telephones, some will deal with city customers online and some will meet city customers face-to-face at city hall.

The cost of the work was originally expected to be $439,000 after the city put out a request for proposals. As work progressed, it was discovered there was asbestos in the building. That required an additional $90,000 for an asbestos abatement program during the renovations.

In less than four weeks from now, the Indigenous community across Northern Ontario will come together in Timmins to celebrate the annual NADF (Nishnawbe Aske Development Fund) awards.

The event is held each year to acknowledge and pay tribute to the outstanding Aboriginal entrepreneurs and business people who succeed in their endeavours and act as role models. The event is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Senator Hotel and Conference Centre.

A full breakdown of the nomination process is still available online at nadfawards.com to find candidates for the outstanding business man, outstanding business woman, along with awards for partnership, corporation, new business, youth entrepreneur and the newest category, the Award of Recognition.

The recognition category was added just last year. It is presented to a candidate whose entrepreneurial spirit, leadership and/or social responsibility has contributed to the advancement of Aboriginal prosperity in Northern Ontario.

NADF is partnered with FedNor, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada , Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, Ministry of the Status of Women, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the Ontario Native Women’s Association.

NADF provides commercial financing, business support, and resource sector support services to Aboriginal businesses and entrepreneurs to establish, expand or acquire a business in remote, rural and urban communities in Northern Ontario, including Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Treaty No. 9 and Ontario portion of Treaty No. 5), Robinson-Superior 1850 Treaty and Treaty No. 3.

A year of planning will come to an end as the Youth Wellness Hub opens their doors to the public.

A grand opening will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29 at O’Gorman High School from noon to 9 p.m. It is scheduled to feature a ribbon cutting by dignitaries and a tour of the facility.

“I’m very excited for it. It’s a great opportunity to showcase this wellness hub to the community so they can get a feel for it. It’s also a very important event to introduce the youth wellness hub to the youth population of age 12 to 25, said Amy Beaven, youth wellness coordinator assistant at the Cochrane District Social Planning Council.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to gather the resources that already exist in the community, but have them in one location that’s very accessible to the youth of the community and really working with the assets that already exist here and partnership with other organizations that serve youth in the community.”

Youth connectors will guide the tour from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. The space will then be open to the adolescents between the ages of 12 to 25.

“There’s a set of core services the youth wellness hub provides, this includes counseling services. At every youth wellness hub there will be counselor present, as well as peer mentors. There will also a multitude of mental health resources,” said Beaven.

“An aspect of the youth wellness hub is tools for adulating, so assistance in the kitchen, budgeting, and organizational skills. They were called life skills previously but now adulating.”

“Beyond around these core services are different activities that support overall wellbeing. Mindful activities are music, physical activities, food that supports one’s overall wellness.”

Each hub site must be safe for youth, provide culturally-relevant care and services, be informed by youth, be accessible via transportation or bus and be linked to Living Space to provide access to its 24 hours seven days a week support and services, according to documents shared online.

A number of community partners collaborated together on bringing the idea to fruition. They include Northern College, Collège Boréal, Université de Hearst, Cochrane District Social Planning Council, Timmins Native Friendship Centre, Kunuwanimano, Porcupine Health Unit, Canadian Mental Health Association, Timmins Family YMCA, the City of Timmins and many more organizations.

The organization held youth engagement sessions throughout the summer. They had a pop up event in July at Gillies Lake and a Conversation Café at Christopher’s Coffee House in August. Beaven said they tested the model making sure it was right and reaching everyone while being safe and accessible.

With access to social media becoming more prevalent in the lives of youth today, Beaven said they cater their programming to situate their needs.

“I think it’s important to offer services that mirror what the issues youth are facing today. For example, we’ll provide mental health resources that are online, introduce them to services they can access on their phone like apps that are easily accessible for them in their environment but also taking note of the environment they do live in, that it is important to disconnect some times,” said Beaven.

“Taking a minute and engaging in mindful activities and taking that mindful moment or being in the kitchen and making it a very welcoming experience and having them enter and engage in conversation. Put your phone down for a bit and develop the social skills.”

The hub will operate twice a week rotating in various locations throughout the municipality for the remainder of the year. Some locations include Timmins Nation Friendship Centre, Timmins Public Library, Northern College and Collège Boréal, local schools and YMCA Timmins among other institutions featuring different specified themes.

The structural model notes youth will be interested in the variety of topics and activities at the locations, new programming reinforces fresh experiences and the right support at each place will help build relationships and expertise of youth, community organizations and service providers.

“It’s a well-rounded model that hopes to achieve this. (We are) experiencing increasing dieting, eating disorders, depression all of these things are on the rise and need to be to addressed in an innovative way and a big reason that we will think we’ll reach youth in the right way is that it is co-corrected by youth and advised and led by youth as well,” said Beaven.

Beaven said they wanted to create a welcoming space, as a third space for youth. The first space is home, the second is school or work and the third will be this community space for their leisure. She said they want individuals to be able to gather, feel welcomed and comfortable attending and have access to a counselor if they want to talk to them.

“It’s not in an intimidating and stigmatized way. The counselor and peer mentors are very fluid in the space and move around the space. They’re not sitting in a room waiting for someone to talk to them. They’re going to sit down and have a cup of tea with somebody or talk over a board game or mindful activities and if they need a moment to step aside, they can do that,” said Beaven.

Tomas Yachmenev’s goal with 28 seconds remaining in overtime lifted the Powassan Voodoos to a 4-3 win over the Timmins Rock at the McIntyre Arena Sunday afternoon.
That outcome, combined with a 4-3 shootout win over the Rayside-Balfour Canadians Saturday night, gave the Rock three of a possible four points on the weekend.
As a result, the Rock (2-2-1-0) were able to climb out of the NOJHL East Division basement and move past both the Cochrane Crunch (2-4-0-0) and the French River Rapids (1-5-1-0).
Still, Rock coach Corey Beer knows how tantalizingly close that second point was Sunday afternoon against the Voodoos.
“We showed great resiliency in the third period,” he said.
“Our forwards really took over down low. We started playing the right way and I thought we did a good job on net cycle.
“There were a lot of scrappy goals and we showed good character to come back. It was just unfortunate how it ended.
Following a scoreless opening 20 minutes, the Voodoos jumped out to a 1-0 lead 12 seconds in the second period on a Joe Whittet power-play marker, his second goal of the season.
Powassan pushed its advantage to a pair of goals with just over two minutes remaining in the middle frame when Cade Herd netted his seventh goal of the season.
The Rock finally managed to get on the scoreboard four minutes into the third period when Derek Seguin scored his fourth goal of the season to cut the home side’s deficit to 2-1.
Then, just over a minute later, Riley Robitaille added his second goal of the season to deadlock the contest at 2-2.
It took the Voodoos just 43 seconds to regain the lead, however, as Herd added his second goal of the night and eighth on the season.
The Rock got a goal from Keegan McMullen, his third of the season, just past the midway point of the third period and the score remained 3-3 after 60 minutes of play.
It appeared fans might be treated to a second-straight shootout, but Yachmenev’s goal prevented that from happening.
Beer was once again impressed with the combination of Seguin, Robitaille and a number other players who were slotted onto the other wing during the contest.
“(Mahingan) Decontie was with them for a while, (Joshua) Kego was there for a while and then McMullen jumped back on that line and scored a goal,” he said.
“Seguin and Robitaille are unbelievable. They are absolute monsters down low. If we had a team like those two, who knows how good we would be?”
The coach was impressed with the way the Voodoos limited his squad’s chances, especially during the first two periods.
“They have a very skilled team and they are very fast,” Beer said.
“(Voodoos coach) Max (Gavin) has them going really well right now.
“Unfortunately for us, we had three defencemen who were really good tonight and three who were awful.
“(Carson) Burlington, (Owen) Shier and (Ian) Elkins were lights out. Their gaps were tight and two of them are 16 year olds.
“The other three, I don’t know what they thought they were playing tonight, but it was an embarrassing effort. They are three veteran guys who basically gift wrapped three or four goals for the opposition.”
Beer chose not to identify those “other three” defenders, but the game sheet has Josh Anderson, Will Caston and Alexis Quane-Arsenault listed among the six Rock defencemen dressed for the contest.
Heading into the weekend, coming off back-to-back losses to the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners, Beer would have settled for a split of the two games, so getting an extra point is a bonus.
“In was nice to see us round back into form,” he said.
“We still have a lot of things to tidy up, but getting three of a possible four points is certainly big for us.”
Sunday’s contest was the first meeting of the two teams since the Rock eliminated the Voodoos — the No. 5-ranked team in Canada — in the East Division semi-finals.
“This year’s team is very similar,” Beer said.
“They have good structure and good pace. It is funny, but he name bars on the back of their jerseys change, but somehow they play the exact same way.”
Voodoos coach Max Gavin — son of former NHL forward Stewart Gavin —was pleased to see his squad wrap up a three-game weekend trip that also saw them edge the Crunch 3-2 in Cochrane Friday night and then drop a 3-2 overtime decision.
“You have to give Timmins a lot of credit,” he said.
“They came out in the third period ready to go. They wanted this game and they pushed us to the limit.
“I have to give a lot of credit to our goaltender, Joe Vrbetic. He played a hell of a game.
“Sometimes it is not pretty, but when you find ways to win early in the season with a young team, it is a good sign.”
According to the coach there was no big secret about what the Voodoos were doing to keep the Rock off balance early in the contest.
“It may sound a little cliché, but we were keeping things simple,” Gavin said.
“We were just getting pucks to the net and forechecking well.
“In the third period, I thought we sat back a little bit and we were a little too tentative.
“Timmins wanted to win and we were just holding on.”
A number of Voodoos impressed their coach with their effort in Sunday’s victory.
“Cade Herd really stepped up his game tonight,” Gavin said.
“I thought (Jacob) Peterson-Galema, as a rookie, really stepped up, as well. Ryan Rivet, Brett Shawana, Ryan Mills, Yachmenev and (William) Petrie, all our penalty killers were really big for us at the end.”
Heading into the weekend road trip, Gavin would have been happy to see his squad win two of three games, but he didn’t tell his players.
“If you got 2-1 on a three game swing, especially your first one where a lot of these guys haven’t done it before, that’s a good road trip,” he said.
“We got five out of a possible six points this weekend, even though we made things a little difficult on ourselves.
“You have to be happy with that when you have a young group.”
The Voodoos (7-0-1-0) are heading home with a seven point lead on the Gold Miners (4-1-0-0) atop the East Division standings.
Vrbetic turned aside 31 of the 34 shots the Rock directed his way to earn the victory for the Voodoos.
Rock netminder Tyler Masternak, who blocked 20 of the 24 shots he faced, was tagged with the overtime loss.
NOJHL NOTES — The Daily Press three stars of the game were Herd, Seguin and Robitaille … The Rock went 0-3 on the power play, while the Voodoos were 1-6 with the man advantage … Official attendance at the McIntyre Arena was 711 … Rock forward Linden Spencer left the contest after taking a stick to the face and did not return … The Rock did not dress defenceman Luka Bolduc (healthy scratch), forward A.J. Campbell (healthy scratch), forward Stewart Parnell (upper-body injury), forward Maxime Piquette (healthy scratch) and defenceman Eric Moreau (healthy scratch) … Sunday’s other action saw the Soo Eagles blank the Beavers 3-0 in Blind River and the Thunderbirds edge the Elliot Lake Wildcats 4-3 in Sault Ste. Marie … The Rock will travel to Kirkland Lake for a game with the Gold Miners on Wednesday night and then visit Cochrane where they will take on the Crunch Friday night. The next home game will be on Sunday when they will host the French River Rapids at the McIntyre Arena. Game time is set for 3 p.m.

Julia Polowy returned to Timmins on the weekend and had the opportunity to skate in front of her hometown fans prior to the start of Sunday afternoon’s Timmins Rock contest and Friday night’s Timmins Majors game.

“It gave me an opportunity to get back on my feet,” she said.

“I hadn’t been skating for a bit since I took two months off this summer and I am going to Europe in October, so I wanted to get the rust off before I leave.

“This is the first time I have performed this program. It wasn’t even put together until Sunday (Sept. 16). I choreographed it off ice and then put it on ice.

“I needed something to get back into things and that felt really good out there. I am happy with the way things went.”

A lot more work, of course, will go into the performance Polowy will skate in Europe as part of the Holiday On Ice 2018-19 tour.

“It is a lot different because it is a show,” she said.

“We will have one month of training camp in Belgium, starting on Oct. 20. That is where we will do all the choreography and get all the kinks out.

“Once the month is over, the show will be set and we will tour the different cities, in Germany for three months and France for three months.”

It won’t be the first trip to Europe for Polowy who visited the continent last year when she skated a synchronized program with NEXXICE.

“We went to a couple of internationals, one in Sweden and one in Croatia,” she said.

“So, I have been there, but no full time for seven months.”

The 17-year-old Timmins native started skating with the Tisdale Skating Club and then continued with the Timmins-Porcupine Figure Skating Club before moving to Barrie to continue her development in the sport.

“It has been three years since I skated with the club here in Timmins,” she said.

“I was a little bit nervous, for sure. I haven’t skated a performance, or competition since March, but I love the Mac. It is such a unique building.

“I love training here. This is my favourite arena.”

Polowy trained in Barrie as a singles skated before making the move to synchronized skating, which includes 16 athletes.

“I did that this past year and went to the World Juniors for that,” she said.

“So, I went from singles to synchro and now I am switching to show skating. It has been a journey.”

In addition to being a figure skater, Polowy is also a dancer at Northern Diamonds Academy of Dance, formerly known as the Nancy Delmonte Academy of Dance.

“I have danced there since I was three years old and without that dance background, I wouldn’t be the skater I am,” she said.

“I don’t think I would be going to show skating. Dance has taught be that show aspect skating can’t.”

A woman has been arrested following an alleged break-in and assault Sunday evening at a residential complex on Riverside Drive in Timmins.

The Timmins Police Service responded to a call for service in regards to a break-and-enter in progress at a residential complex located on Riverside Drive Sunday.

“Upon arrival at the scene, Timmins Police officers collected the necessary investigative details and a description of the suspect who had been confronted while allegedly stealing items from a common area of the complex,” police said in a release issued Monday.

“During the altercation, the suspect is alleged to have struck the person who had discovered the break-in in progress and caused damage to a window of the building.’

The suspect fled the scene but was quickly located and arrested by the Timmins Police Service a short distance from the scene and allegedly found to be in possession of stolen goods.

Allison Small, 26, of no fixed address, has been arrested and charged with break and enter, assault with a weapon, two counts of theft under $5,000, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime, and mischief.

The accused was being held in police custody while awaiting a bail hearing slated for this morning at Provincial Court in Timmins to answer to the charges laid against her.

The Daily Press emailed the 12 candidates vying for the four seats in Ward 5.

We asked them to answer two questions as an introduction to their candidacy and limited them to 200 words for each response. These are their replies, unedited and presented here in alphabetical order.

Michelle Boileau

What track record, experience or qualities do you have that make you a good choice as a city councillor for Ward 5?

Since returning here to my hometown seven years ago, I have greatly enjoyed getting involved at the community level. I have gained professional experience working locally in higher education, in positions where I had the chance to work directly with the people of Timmins.

Through my civic engagement, volunteering on the Board of the Directors for the Cochrane District Social Planning Council, and from doing personal research to help raise awareness to the social issues in our community, I have gained a profound understanding of the challenges faced by our City’s most vulnerable peoples.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ottawa. I have traveled to 20 different countries, and have seen firsthand the kind of richness a diversity of cultures/languages/activities can add to a city. I am told I have strong leadership skills, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. I am a teacher; I have vast experience with committee work; and I am knowledgeable in politics and community development. Finally, I have completed a Master’s degree in Educational and Social Research, which has helped me recognize the importance of evidence-based decisions – not just dollars-and-cents evidence but human evidence, too.

What do you feel is a key priority for city council over the next term and what ideas or policies would you put forth to help address that priority?

I believe city council must focus on our ability to retain and attract a healthy and skilled population. I believe we should be working to make Timmins the a city that is accountable to its residents, that is inclusive and works in partnership with its Indigenous neighbours, and that aims for diversity – both in the economy and the community.

We all want the kind of infrastructures and amenities that cities should be able to offer their residents. In order to benefit from these, we need the vision and the trained workforce required to run a city. We need to invest in economic development. As councillor, I would encourage innovation. I believe in the revitalization of our downtown core. I also think our city should foster strategies to be more eco-efficient, finding ways to save both money and minimize our impact on the environment.

And, I strongly believe that we need to support the grassroots organisations who are doing the hard work our city just does not have the capacity to do! We need to better support the agencies working with our city’s marginalized and vulnerable populations, so more of Timmins’ residents can participate fully in the community.

Mike Doody

What track record, experience or qualities do you have that make you a good choice as a city councillor for Ward 5?

My record of 35 years at the council table and the ability to work with all the council members – the mayor and city department heads and city staff has benefited my ability to get things done for our citizens and our city.

I believe strongly that we as a council working with other organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Timmins Economic Development Corporation, we will achieve the important priorities that we set for the next four years.

What do you feel is a key priority for city council over the next term and what ideas or policies would you put forth to help address that priority?

As a councillor, I believe that a very important priority for council will be to work with the Noront-Glencore Project regarding the Ring of Fire. This is a project that would reinforce Timmins as a regional centre for mining development in Northern Ontario.

We, as a council, will work together to make Timmins the regional centre that has the best in health care, education and commerce for the Timmins-James Bay region of Northeastern Ontario.

Karina Miki Douglas-Takayesu

What track record, experience or qualities do you have that make you a good choice as a Ward 5 councillor?

In 2009, I was hired as a Reference Librarian at the Timmins Public Library. My formal qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science. The skills acquired in my work that I will bring to Council include active listening, patience, adaptability to change, and an insatiable desire to learn. In my time at the Library, I met thousands of people of all ages and from all walks of life. I have answered just as many questions. The most gratifying experience in this service to the public is the elation someone experiences when I have helped them locate a missing piece of information after a long and fruitless search.

I am also the Northeastern Ontario representative on the Ontario Public Library Association Council, which works on issues, advocacy, and legislation in the province’s public libraries. I have also been a member of the Timmins University Committee, and sat on various committees and councils going back to high school. In the community, I am currently President of the Porcupine Art Club, a member of the Porcupine Photo Club, Science Timmins Astronomy Club, a co-ordinator for Culture Days, and photographer for the Timmins Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

What do you feel is a key priority for city council over the next term and what ideas or policies would you put forth to help address that priority?

Quality of life. Timmins’ heritage includes a diverse population changing to this day. Yet, for the century-plus lifespan of this community, there seems to be an underpinning sense of non-permanence. Certainly, I have seen many corporations downsize and businesses close here, but Timmins has not shut down. In that same time, many new ventures have established themselves successfully in the community. Change takes place everywhere. We need to work with this state of flux, rather than be resistant to it.

Our population is ageing; therefore, we need to work strategically in facilitating mobility and accessibility to services. We want to entice young professionals to return to the city; therefore, we need to have affordable and SAFE housing, facilities serving arts and culture, and entrepreneurial opportunities that are not just viable financially, but also also adhere to the values of environmental responsibility, equitable pay, and humane practices. Many residents are afflicted by mental illness and addictions; therefore, we need to create access to resources dealing with the root causes in addition to having facilities for treatment. And, returning to quality of life, we need to promote a safer, non-marginalising, and engaged community culture – starting with the leaders elected to Council.

Rick Dubeau

What track record, experience or qualities do you have that make you a good choice as a city councillor for Ward 5?

Over the last four years I have demanded Responsible governance.  I always based all of my decisions on sound business practices, not hopes and dreams. I have not blindly accepted reports brought by Staff and other members of Council.  I asked questions and weighed the risks and benefits to the community so as to make an informed decision. I have demanded complete transparency of Council.  That issues not be brought forth and passed in one night without receiving public feedback.  I pushed for and won, that Council Agendas be published earlier so that taxpayers are aware well ahead of time of what will be discussed and voted on at meetings.  I have met with many Taxpayers from across the city to listen to their concerns and to their feedback. I have learnt what is important to the people of Timmins.  They want to know that their tax dollars are being wisely spent for the betterment of the entire community.  I will continue to ask questions and demand accountability of Staff and Council.

What do you feel is a key priority for city council over the next term and what ideas or policies would you put forth to help address that priority?

The key priorities for the next Council are fiscal responsibility, as well as job retention and creation.  The City is in the business of providing services for ALL of the people of Timmins in the most competent and cost efficient manner possible.  Council should not be wasting Millions of dollars and Thousands of hours of staff time on things we don’t need or don’t know how to organize.  We know that our roads and infrastructure require a lot of attention, a lot of our tax dollars should go towards repairs and maintenance for the foreseeable future.

Good jobs retain and attract people to any community, not glitz and glamour.  Council should focus on supporting existing industries and helping them to grow.   Council should also work on diversifying the economy to create more jobs.  In helping with the Farmer’s Market I have seen the incredible potential for agricultural growth in our community.  I have sourced a lot of information and found that there are programs that will assist with this.  I will push for a local Agricultural Strategy and advocate for support from the other levels of government.

Responsible and forward thinking governance is a must for the people of Timmins.

John Ivanovs

What track record, experience or qualities do you have that make you a good choice as a city councillor for Ward 5?

A good portion of my career was spent on analysing the financial positions and business plans of corporations and individuals  to assess the viability of substantial capital expenditures and preparing successful  business plans. I have also spent two years as financial controller of a medium sized roadbuilding company in southwest Ontario that gave me a good insight into the tendering of municipal and provincial contracts and completion of same.

As a retired senior, I can devote all my time and energy to fulfilling the duties of councillor.  Over the years, as a private citizen, I have already addressed several issues with this and previous councils over such topics as draconian property standards bylaws, greater public access to council, greater fiscal responsibility with the taxpayers money, greater transparency of council ,  and some of the concerns of the seniors in Timmins and the inequities and challenges that they face.

I feel I am a fairly logical and reasonable person with a good deal of common sense that can represent all the taxpayers of Ward 5 and not just one segment of that base.

What do you feel is a key priority for city council over the next term and what ideas or policies would you put forth to help address that priority?

City council must restore financial responsibility, transparency and accountability to their operations. The priorities of council must focus on the short term, critical needs of the city and shelve the utopian hopes until we are assured that we can survive the immediate future. Unfortunately, too much time, effort and taxpayers’ money has been spent on long term planning for projects which may never come to pass while our current pressing needs to repair or replace crumbling infrastructure are forgotten. To achieve these ends, we can immediately stop all long term consultation/design contracts until such time that we have a reasonable chance of bringing these projects to fruition. To achieve these ends, we can restrict, if not totally eliminate, sole-sourced contracts, especially for consultants. We can also review and restrict the discretionary limits granted to administration. In order to increase transparency, a full line by line review of the past concerts should be made available to the public. A full disclosure and accounting of the reserve funds and long term debt must be made. Greater and easier access to council meetings for the public is required. A return of the committee system must also be considered.

Andrew Marks

What track record, experience or qualities do you have that make you a good choice as a city councillor for Ward 5?

Three words… proven leadership experience.  This allows for knowledgeable, effective and well-thought out decisions and actions.  I have that experience. I am serving my 4th term as a City Councillor, representing the residents in Ward 5.  I am not the most vocal councillor around the table, nor the one that has to speak to every issue.  My philosophy is that once comments have been made on an issue, I don’t have to repeat or speak to it multiple times.  Ultimately it is how I vote that affects everyone in the community.   I take this responsibility very seriously and believe that my hard work, dedication and vast community knowledge has benefitted you and if re-elected on October 22nd would continue to do so.

Also being involved in my community is essential.   As your councillor, I am currently sitting on the Board of the Timmins Museum, the Downtown Timmins BIA, the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board, the Porcupine Health Unit, the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association, the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority, the Timmins Senior (Age-Friendly) Municipal Advisory Committee and the Violence Against Women Municipal Advisory Committee.

Thank you for allowing me to represent the residents of Ward 5 over the past 4 years.

What do you feel is a key priority for city council over the next term and what ideas or policies would you put forth to help address that priority?

There are so many priorities for the City to manage, but the taxes that you pay are critical to the operation of the City of Timmins.  Fiscal responsibility and responsible spending and maintaining the current tax rate is Councils number one priority.

With Glencore Operations closing in this next term of council, we need to plan for the tax shortfall which will happen.   This includes economic diversification, which means promoting Timmins as a regional hub and attracting new types of businesses and industry to open.  This creates more jobs and more people moving into our City (buying homes) and paying taxes.  The Timmins Economic Development Corp. is key to promoting Timmins and Council’s Community Improvement Plan program rebates for existing and new businesses to development are proven tools we need to aggressively promote.   We have the land and the infrastructure in place.  Timmins being open for business should be something we ALL say.

Ask yourself, why would a business like Noront move their operation to Timmins?  Fair tax policies and incentives to allow for set-up, but also a quality of life for their employees.  Our arenas, modern sports facilities, trail systems, libraries, museum, safe neighbourhoods and a vibrant BIA add to our quality of life.

Kristin Murray

What track record, experience or qualities do you have that make you a good choice as a city councillor for Ward 5?

The best indicators of what I will do as a city councillor is both what I’ve done in the past and how I have done it. I have worked hard to achieve the goals that I have set for myself, built a strong reputation as someone who follows through, and have become a trusted name within the community. I will bring those same qualities to my new role as a City Councillor. I was raised in the north, and have chosen to raise my family here as well. Therefore, I am committed to the best interests of this city because I have been shaped by the community in Timmins continues to shape my daughters and I.

My work in Timmins has focused on community based initiatives, being fiscally accountable, and following a grounded ethical base. As a City Councillor, I intend to continue this work, on a city-wide scale. There are many issues that the city faces and when the citizens of Timmins put their trust in me, I will continue to do as I have always done and work hard to ensure that the bridges amongst our culturally diverse communities are built, push the City to ensure it is being responsible with tax payers money, and use my ethical base to make the best decisions.

What do you feel is a key priority for city council over the next term and what ideas or policies would you put forth to help address that priority?

My background is in social services and leadership, but I also have an invested interest in ensuring the City of Timmins is financially sound. It is important that the residents of Timmins have access to the best programs and services that we can responsibly provide as a city. However, in order to pay for those programs and services, we need to ensure that we have stable revenue. As a city councillor, I would encourage the city to build strong and strategic partnerships that will help us leverage our existing experience with the mining and forestry industries. I would also push the city to be creative and build relationships and partnerships with other industries, such as renewable energy, tourism and the arts, to start building new opportunities for revenue.

One very recent example is my success with an Ontario Arts Council proposal that will bring in tens of thousands of dollars to have local artists depict murals throughout the downtown core. Finally, I believe that it is important to support small businesses within the City of Timmins.as they feed directly back into the community. Without these important pillars of our economy, Timmins will not grow to be a destination of choice. For a renewed energy in Timmins, Vote Kristin Murray for Ward 5.

Noella Rinaldo

What track record, experience or qualities do you have that make you a good choice as a city councillor for Ward 5?

For the past two terms it’s been my privilege to have worked as a councillor for the municipality, to serve on a variety of boards and to advocate for constituents. I feel that my work on council, committees and boards have helped shape the city and prepared us for the future.

I am past chair of the MRCA and an active board member of the Timmins Museum, the MRCA,                  The Municipal Accessibility Advisory Board, and Timmins Not-For –Profit Housing Board, Goldcorp Advisory Committee and the Cochrane District Social Services Board .I am also the recent recipient of the Northern Ontario Women’s, Influential Community Trailblazers award.

I expressed strong, clear opinions on many issues on both my terms. I feel my voice was one of reason, with a clear goal to do what I felt was best to move the city to a better future.

My work connects me daily with people, business and not-for profit, viewpoints and struggles on what makes a city successful, vibrant and active. I am involved in the city, involved with its citizens and I work hard to make the city of Timmins better for the future. My experience and my knowledge in a municipal environment will be important going forward in the upcoming term.

What do you feel is a key priority for city council over the next term and what ideas or policies would you put forth to help address that priority?

I sit on the boards for Not-for–Profit Housing and CDSSB. I am proud of the work we have done,  towards helping the homeless and improving social services in the city with The Living Space program and investment in housing programs. An important task ahead is the advocacy to reconfigure the funding formula for the CDSSB. The inequity of sharing of costs in the region, threatens the sustainability of the programs and as the city most affected, our citizen’s tax dollars.

With more than 11 million spent on the connecting link in the last term and another 6 million coming in the future we are finally with aggressive campaigning, starting to address our needs for infrastructure replacement on our roads.

The cities investment in the industrial park has attracted diverse business that continues to invest in the city and create employment. With the wide investment in mining, and growth, expansion from local business, the possibility that the hard work for the Noront project will pay off is optimistic.

As a council we have accomplished with the lowest net expenditure in the last 15 years to have a significant increase in the statistics for the quality of life here in the city.

I would like to continue the work to continue this upward trend towards growth and prosperity that’s been established this past term.

Cory Robin

What track record, experience or qualities do you have that make you a good choice as a city councillor for Ward 5?

As a life long resident of Timmins, I truly appreciate the support the City has shown my campaign.

I am a Leader in Economic Development; Locally with the Product Innovation Centre at the TEDC, Regionally with the Northern Ontario Angels and Nationally with the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association. I’m a stakeholder in the Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy being developed by Employment and Social Development Canada.

I’m part of these organizations and conversations because I have a passion to tell the truth, act with integrity and honesty and enter every forum with the goal to work together and create new opportunities.

I will play and active part in ensuring our City is a great place to live. I’ll do that by listening to the issues that are important to you.

My passion to see things through and grow opportunities comes from what matters most; my family. I envision a future where our City retains and attracts new, young families to retain our vibrancy.

To answer the question; I have strong financial background and I have national experience in creating positive change, combined with the ability to listen and create a City we all want to live in.

What do you feel is a key priority for city council over the next term and what ideas or policies would you put forth to help address that priority?

Councillors need to remember they are there to guide the city, to set a vision and follow it though.  We combine out versions of the City and create it. My vision for the City is to move towards a stronger financial position, while creating a stronger solution for our social issues.

The City, in my opinion, needs to re-focus its spending on creating a City our children want to live in. In order to do that, City council must have a diverse skillset to foster healthy discussions on doing what is best for all of us.

The next council needs to balance the financial realities of a stagnant population and the social realities we’ve all seen on our streets. We need a real co-operative solution to take on these challenges, we need councillors with different strengths coming together to accomplish a goal and create a City we can all be proud of.

Councillors who bring social ideas needs to be balanced with councillors who bring financial responsibility. Together, they can compliment each others’ strengths and lead us towards a stronger future.

For more information find me on Facebook and Instagram @robinoncouncil

Jean Roy

What track record, experience or qualities do you have that make you a good choice as a city councillor for Ward 5?

I was born, and raised bilingual in Timmins.

I graduated from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute ’71 in Architecture.

I operated a general contracting business for 25 years doing residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional contracts.

I have excellent training and experience in cost analysis, estimating, and budgeting for all kinds of projects.

I taught Architectural drafting, and construction theory at Northern College.

I freelanced as a field engineer for Ellis-Don Construction for the construction of Therieault High School, Whitney Public School, and Timmins and District Hospital.

I operated a leasing, and mortgage company.

I operated an automotive detailing and rustproofing business.

I was a business advisor to Pelangio Larder Mines, initiating the revival of the Detour Lake Gold Mine.

I was a business advisor to Richfield Ventures Inc. which discovered the Blackwater gold deposit in British Columbia.

I know how challenging raising a family is, being a single parent (full custody) of my children from ages 4 and 2. That’s when you really learn to budget, not only money, but your time.

All that I have written is not to toot my horn. It is to show voters that I have a broad knowledge in areas where budgeting is critical to economic priorities.

I was successful in some ventures and not in others.  Both taught me the importance of budgeting and accountability.

What do you feel is a key priority for city council over the next term and what ideas or policies would you put forth to help address that priority?

Infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure.

Roads are only as good as their base.  Prioritize – reconstruction, shave and pave, and temporary repair.

Industry will move in because of good solid infrastructure, not because of a nice pool complex.

The Porcupine/East End lift station fiasco needs immediate attention (legal action takes years).

Two year moratorium on new hires and capital expenditures, unless in case of emergencies.

Full disclosure of present day finances, inclusive of internal account transfers to cover overages in unrelated accounts.

Bring back the Committee system, with at least one councillor involved in departmental management oversight.

Review purchasing policies of All departments.

Refuse the request from departmental managers to solely approve purchases up to $500,000.00 without council approval.

New pool/sports facility – yes, AFTER infrastructure upgrades.

“Stars and Thunder” – yes, but not at Taxpayers’ expense.

To reduce property taxes, DEMAND a 2% reduction in all department expenses whatever it takes (except fire and policing).

Review contracting out services, including infrastructure repairs.

Pursue Noront Smelter more aggressively.

Review City land use, ie: opening up waterfront lots to expand tax base, reconsider farmland 5-acre severances, for other than single family dwellings.

And much more.

Jason Sereda

What track record, experience or qualities do you have that make you a good choice as a city councillor for Ward 5?

As a community builder and professional in the social services I have developed a keen understanding of Timmins’ challenges and opportunities.  I am employed with the Canadian Mental Health Association where I have supported our community members as a Case Manager in programs such as Justice, Concurrent Disorders, and Housing First.

I demonstrate leadership at CMHA as a member of the OPSEU Local 631 Executive Committee, and as Chief Steward.  I am proud of my record of improving CMHA and of advocating for my peers.  I excel at finding solutions amongst differing goals and difficult relations.

I lead within the community as a member of the Board of Directors for the Anti-Hunger Coalition, The Yo-Mobile, and as the Co-Founder and Chair of the Homeless Coalition of Timmins.  I am a member of the Timmins and Area Drug Strategy and a founding member of the Community Mobilization Committee/ Situation Table.

I am a dedicated advocate and have a proven track record of advocating for sustainable solutions surrounding the issue of homelessness, poverty and substance use in Timmins.

Details on my qualifications, work experience, and an expanded bio can be found by visiting www.voteseredatimmins.ca, on instragram @seredatimmins, on facebook @Sereda.Timmins.2018

2. What do you feel is a key priority for city council over the next term and what ideas or policies would you put forth to help address that priority?

I bring social justice values to the table and serve as a voice for all community members.

Together we can focus on sustainable growth for our community by addressing clearly identified challenges as outlined in the Timmins 2020 plan.  Opportunities for Timmins include the development of affordable housing & a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy.  Timmins is a vibrant community with diverse potential that can be leveraged to create change.   We need to be realistic in developing our community and with prioritizing our needs.

As one of the first candidates to file nomination on June 15th, I am pleased to see others adopting my message, and to see my ideas reflected in community surveys.  My campaign message is:

1. Improved Accountability & Oversight:

· Civility & Respect

· Voice for ALL

· Program Review

2. Infrastructure & Community Investment:

· Affordable Housing

· 10 year Poverty Reduction Strategy

· Roads & Infrastructure Deficit

3. Downtown Revitalization:

· Community Art & Cultural Development

· Parking Enhancement

· Vacant Storefront Strategy

I am happy to call Timmins home and you can trust that I will roll up my sleeves and lead the change our community deserves.

Please reach out to me directly at 705-465-6882 to share your ideas for Timmins.

Alex Szczebonski

What track record, experience or qualities do you have that make you a good choice as a city councillor for Ward 5?

I was trained as Civil Technologist, and was employed by the Ontario Housing Corporation for 22 years. I was responsible for planning and overseeing maintenance and capital upgrades to senior and family residential complexes in the Timmins, Chapleau and Moosonee Region.  The capital reconstruction component entailed managing millions of dollars in building upgrades and additions.  I developed and maintained asset management programs, reserve funding requirements and developed proposals for necessary upgrades, as well as establishing short and long-term capital funding requirements.

The maintenance component included establishing service contracts, maintenance programs, and purchasing agreements. Managing and submitting budgets that would gain Ministry approval was a significant part of my workload.

Vetting and hiring consultants, preparing and evaluating tenders and ensuring contracts are completed within budget and on time are all areas I have experience in.

Over the years, I’ve been able to use my background in construction project management to help community organizations that I volunteer for function more effectively, and I believe my experience with these types of projects will be an asset to Timmins city council.

What do you feel is a key priority for city council over the next term and what ideas or policies would you put forth to help address that priority?

City council needs to present an honest, transparent, and sustainable economic plan.

Over the years Timmins taxpayers have realized the negative changes created by provincial government downloads, legislative imposed costs, local job losses, decreasing population, and huge property tax increases. These challenges have been exacerbated by city councils’ questionable infrastructure planning and irresponsible spending decisions.

For council to properly review the business of the city and make sound and informed decisions, we must return to the committee system. Without committees, council decisions are made with a limited understanding of the technical details of the proposed project.  Questions are not asked that should be asked because full council hasn’t gained the technical knowledge that would be gained in committee meetings.  A small committee of councilors can work with city staff to thoroughly analyze all aspects of a proposal and then make recommendations to full council. Important and cost saving details can be identified and acted upon through this process.  It is council’s responsibility to ask the right questions and get the right answers. I will make sure these things happen.

An annual march in honour of those who attended the residential school system will be held in Timmins this Friday.

The Timmins Native Friendship Centre will host the walk from its Kirby Avenue location beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Orange shirt day is a day set to acknowledge the residential school experience, to honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation.

Those taking part in the march will be led by a police escort. Bannock and tea will be served afterwards.

Participants will be wearing orange shirts, pins or mementos to honour the victims of residential schools.

The orange-coloured shirts are inspired by the experience of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange sweater was taken away from her by one of the instructors on her first day at St. Joseph Mission, a residential school in Williams Lake, B.C.

She was six years old at the time.

Her grandmother had given her the sweater to wear on the first day of school.

On Monday, a proclamation was signed at city hall by Timmins Mayor Steve Black for Orange Shirt Day.

Among those who attended the proclamation were representatives of Misiway Milopemahtesewin Community Health Centre, the Timmins Native Friendship Centre and local school boards.