Smooth Rock Falls Looking for Other Options
By: Martha Dillman

Smooth Rock Falls is looking for other options to re-open the Tembec Mill. The community had secured $55 million dollars in a co-op, but access to the forests is being denied by the Liberals. Minister of Natural Resources Donna Cansfield says they’re willing to work with the community and says it was Smooth Rock Falls that withdrew from the project. Mayor of Smooth Rock Falls Kevin Somer said that’s just not true. “If myself or any member of council was going to back out I think the residents of Smooth Rock Falls would be throwing us out,” he said. “There’s no truth to that at all. We’ve been committed and worked very hard.” Somer says he’s spoken with Michael Gravelle, the Minister of Northern Development Mines and Forestry and says he’ll be meeting with him soon.
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Cell Phone Ban for Motorists Coming Soon
By: Natalie Geddes

A ban on dialing and driving has been delayed. The government isn’t expected to enact a law that would stop drivers from using a cellphone behind the wheel until October 26th. Pierre Joly from Algonquin computers said he’s had a lot of customers looking for wireless head sets – a device that has been okayed for use as long as drivers aren’t touching their phone. “It’s defiantly the good way to go,” he said. “There’s more and more accidents happening every day that are caused by careless drivers using their cellphones. It is proven that it is as dangerous if not more dangerous than driving while impaired.” The government is currently fine-tuning the cell ban legislation which could include some exemptions, such as leeway for truckers.
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Theriault Students Experience Life on the Street
By: Amanda Young

Spending the night on the street may not seem like something you would volunteer to do, but that’s what students at Ecole Secondaire Theriault are doing. Fourty students will be spending the night sleeping in boxes to experience what it’s like to be homeless and gain a greater appreciation of what they have. Brianna Guertin has participated for 4 years and says some people don’t realize that we have homeless people in this country. “During the night we also have a film about teenagers in Quebec who are homeless,” she said. “So we watch that to show the kids that we do have this in Canada.” The students’ night begins Thursday night at 4:30pm and ends Friday morning when they go back to school. Also, donations are being collected for local charities. Donations can be given at the school between 6pm and 7pm Thursday night.
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Health and Safety Conference
By: Martha Dillman

Employers wanting to know the real costs of workplace injuries are in luck – a Health and Safety Conference is happening tomorrow in Timmins. Kevin Gow, Operations Manager for Northern Medical Mobile Incorporated said the conference is aimed at industries in the north and the true costs of ignoring safety in the workplace. “It’s more than just and employee that’s off work and we’re paying for his salary, or if he does go through the insurance plan and we have to bring in an employee to cover off him.” The conference takes place tomorrow starting at 8am at Cedar Meadows. For more information, contact the Northern Medical Mobile Incorporated at 288-2859.

Cell Phone Numbers and the ‘Do Not Call List’
By: Martha Dillman

You may have gotten an e-mail lately saying telemarketers are about to get access to everyone’s cell phone numbers next month. Spokesperson with the CRTC Lynn Fancy said they know about this e-mail, and it’s just not true. “We are aware that it is circulating and it has circulated in both Canada and the States,” she said. “Some of the information in it is incorrect. There is some information that is accurate like one of the telephone numbers, but cell phone numbers will not be released to telemarketers.” Fancy added that if wireless numbers were to be released, wireless providers would have to get their clients permission before doing so.
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Mock Search and Rescue
By: Martha Dillman

A mock search and rescue exercise is taking place tomorrow in the Golden Manor area. Search and rescue crews, along with Timmins Police and the OPP will all be conducting a mock search involving an acted resident with dementia. Sergeant Marty Delich said the public shouldn’t be concerned. “There’s no cause for alarm,” he explained. “There may be some canvassing of local areas. We’ve confined it to the area of Airport Road, Vimy Avenue, Rae Street North, and the Mattagami River so that’s sort of our search area.” Delich says the OPP will have a marine unit on the Mattagami River. The mock search will take place between 11:30am and 3pm.
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CAA Worst Roads Campaign
By: Amanda Young

Have you added the worst road on your route to the list of Ontario’s Worst Roads yet? You’re running out of time, voting for the CAA’s Worst Roads campaign closes tomorrow night at midnight. Ciara Cronin with CAA says some roads in Timmins have drawn voters’ attention. “Mahoney Road, 7th Avenue between Mountjoy and Pine Street, MacLean Drive had a few votes,” she explained. “Highway 144 because actually this year the campaign has expanded to include not only municipal roads but also highways and bridges. So we’re looking at people voting for the worst stretch of highway in Ontario as well and the highway between Sudbury and Timmins has gotten quite a few votes.” You can place your vote at caaneo.ca/worstroads. Winning the title of Ontario’s Worst Road isn’t necessarily a bad thing though. 90% of the roads that made the top 20 list over the past 7 have been fixed or are going to be fixed.
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MTO Responds to Timmins Council
By: Martha Dillman

City council has received a response from the Ministry of Transportation regarding a number of concerns about local highways. One issue was the lack of lights on Highway 655 between Highway 101 and Ross Avenue. That road doesn’t meet the requirements for illumination. Councilor Gvozdanovic didn’t like that response. “These answers that they’re giving us, they’re not adequate,” he said. “We’re not putting those requests there because we’ve got nothing better to do. We’re doing it on behalf of the citizens we represent.” Meanwhile, Councilor Scripnick said the Ministry has policies in place for a reason. “There’s tons of places in this province where councils are arguing for lights and there has to be a standard,” he explained. “We’re not meeting that standard so I don’t think we will get the lights from the Ministry and I don’t think we should pay for those lights.” The cost to put streetlights in that area would be almost $750,000. City council has agreed to keep discussing their concerns with MTO.
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Crosswalk Safety
By: Martha Dillman

The city of Timmins is still working to make the Theriault Boulevard and Airport Road area safer for pedestrians. The area is home to several schools, the Sportsplex and College Boreal and concern was raised regarding students crossing the street. City clerk Jack Watson said he’s gotten positive feedback since crossing guards started working in that area. “It’s all been very positive and there’s a fair amount of people using the crosswalk,” he said. A stake holders meeting involving the city and school boards will be held on October 22 to further safety discussion.

Angus Reacts to Harper Economic Speech
By: Martha Dillman

Speaking in New Brunswick today, Prime Minister Harper says all the money the government pumped into the economy is starting to have an impact. Harper says 90 per cent of promised funding has been committed to infrastructure projects.  New Democrat MP Charlie Angus said he’s sceptical about the numbers. Angus said he doesn’t think Harper is addressing the issue of the economy seriously. “He would have brought this to the House of Commons, this is where this update should have been delivered,” he explained. “Instead, he did it with a dog and pony show, I think more of a publicity stunt than anything. I’m not all that impressed with how he released this.” Angus also said he thinks the numbers Harper is delivering are contradictory. “This is the Prime Minister who five months ago told us we’d be in a surplus, and then we were going to be $10 billion in debt, then $30 billion in debt, and now we’re close to somewhere in $60 billion in debt,” he said. “We need to have some honesty and clarity in terms of how we’re actually going to get out of the whole that we’re in, and I don’t think Mr. Harper is really delivering that.” The Liberal Party is preparing a non-confidence motion expected to be released on Thursday. In order for an election to happen, all three opposition parties would have to support it.
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Laurentian University Reaching out to Timmins Students
By: Natalie Geddes

Laurentian University is sweetening the deal for students from the north. The Sudbury based university is offering grants and transportation deals to students next fall. President Dominic Giroux said the school is keeping students trained and employed in the north. “In Sudbury we retain about three-quarters of the university applicants in the north,” he explained. “But outside Sudbury it’s a bigger challenge to keep the youth and also the adult university students in the north.” The university is also looking to offer degree programs in Timmins. The incentives will coincide with Laurentian’s 50th anniversary.
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Tree of Life Campaign
By: Amanda Young

The Tree of Life is extending a limb to the Timmins and District Hospital. Shopper’s Drug Mart’s Tree of Life campaign is raising money for the maternity ward at the hospital. Nationally the campaign has raised 11 million dollars for women’s health organizations. Erin Fox with Shopper’s Drug Mart said you have three options when you come into a local Shopper’s Drug Mart. “You can spend $1 and buy a leaf, or $5 and buy maple leaf or $50 and buy an apple,” she explained. “Basically we have a big tree set up in the store and we put your leaves with your name written on it on our window to be displayed for everyone to see.” Charitable tax receipts will be given for donations of $50 or more. The campaign runs until October 16th.

Union Gas Line Break
By: Martha Dillman

Residents in the Jubilee Avenue area may have smelled gas this morning. A two inch gas line was damaged in that area. Three homes were affected and the gas was shut off. Union Gas spokesperson Andrea Stass said repairs were scheduled to be completed this afternoon. She said they’re not sure why the line broke, but adds construction was going on in that area at the time. “The biggest risk to our pipeline is third party construction,” she explained. “Unfortunately it happens more than it should.” If you do plan on doing construction, you can phone Union Gas to locate gas lines to avoid hitting one before you dig.
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Energy Costs
By: Natalie Geddes

It looks like the high price of hydro isn’t about to change. Critics to the provinces Green Energy Act say the huge investment will end any immediate chance for competitive energy pricing. Fred Gibbons with the Timmins Chamber of Commerce said some businesses are finding themselves at a disadvantage. “The government may in fact have some difficulty being able to reduce energy costs directly,” he said. “It doesn’t change the reality this is a serious concern for industries throughout the north. But the government has the ability to look at other incentives.” The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities has suggested the reintroduction of rail service in the north could do just that.
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Timmins Hiking Day
By: Amanda Young

Take a hike Timmins! Everyone is invited to Hershey Lake to explore Timmins’ trail system this Sunday during Timmins Hiking Day. Kees Polls with the Upper Mattagami Regional Conservation Authority said furry friends can hike too. “We do have a request that they be on a leash during the hike but they’re more than welcome,” he said. “Dogs are such a big part of the trail system throughout the community and we certainly encourage people to bring their pals along.” Each hike goes rain or shine and includes an introduction to some of the flora and fauna along the trails. Things start at 10am at Hershey Lake and wrap up around 1pm.

Wanted Timmins Man Found
By: Martha Dillman

A man from Timmins who was wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant for attempted murder has been found and arrested. Acting on a tip, the Timmins Police conducted a search warrant at a Dwyer Street residence in Schumacher and arrested Denis Sullivan. Sullivan was wanted in connection with a shooting incident that occured last month in Timmins. Police also charged a second man – David Boulanger is facing a charge of accessory after the fact for attempted murder. Sullivan is in custody and scheduled to appear in court tomorrow.
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Road Construction in Timmins
By: Martha Dillman

Construction is still on-going on some city streets, but that is expected to finish up in coming weeks. To date, around $8 million dollars has been spent this year on roads in Timmins. Director of Public Works Luc Duval said the money to fix the roads came from a number of sources, including the gas tax. “Some of it (money) was from our regular funds from the tax base,” he explained. “But a good portion of it came from some dollars made available last year by the provincial government through a one time grant. So that was money that was earmarked for this year for our roads program.” The work being done is pretty well on schedule. Construction is expected to be completed on MacLean Drive by mid-October and Duval says Jubilee Avenue should be finished soon.
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Take Back the Night
By: Natalie Geddes

Traffic in the downtown area may experience temporary slow downs tonight after 7pm. The 16th annual Take Back the Night demonstration will be weaving through the area. Organizer Kathy Dione expects nearly 100 people to participate in the annual march that draws attention to female and domestic abuse. She said there will be a variety of slogans throughout the night. “One, two, three, four, what are we fighting for? Five, six, seven, eight, no more violence, no more rape,” she said. “There are some very empowering slogans and it allows women to finally find their voice and to find their voice collectively with other women and children.” Despite the rain currently in the forecast the march starts at 7pm at 355 Wilson Avenue.
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Operation Christmas Child
By: Amanda Young You may think it’s a touch early to be thinking about Christmas but when you’re sending presents to far off places, now is the perfect time to think about Christmas. Operation Christmas Child is hoping to fill 3000 shoeboxes full of gifts for children in less fourtunate countries. Operation Christmas Child Timmins coordinator, Joanna Gloade hopes that people see the need that’s out there. “You know, we are considered to be a very rich country even in our time of our financial stuff that’s going on right now, and yet there are people that are much worse off than we are,” she said. “If we can give them a little bit of hope and show them love from this end of the world I think we’d receive a blessing from this.” You’re welcome to fill your own, but empty shoeboxes can be picked up at Staples, Harmony House or the information desk at Timmins Square. Boxes must be dropped off full by November 21st.
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Canadian Mental Health Association General Meeting
By: Martha Dillman

The local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association is looking to talk about stigma and mental illness. To break down communication barriers, the group invited a comedian who focuses on mental illness to their recent general meeting. Stand Up for Mental Health comedian David Granirer said comedy is a great way to discuss a taboo subject. “People with mental illness who have been marginalized often feel like they’re not good for very much,” he explained. “What I’ve found is that it’s amazing what people can accomplish when they want to, when they have the desire and people amaze themselves all the time.” The local CMHA is also looking into implementing the Ontario Common Assessment of Need program.  It allows patients with mental illness to have a stronger voice during the assessment process.

Expansion at the Timmins and District Hospital
By: Natalie Geddes

A brand new dialysis wing has been announced at the Timmins and District Hospital. Dr. Malvander Parmar said it’s greatly needed as the number of patients who require the treatment is expected to rise. “As the population is growing there is more and more patients surviving the cardiovascular problems who most of the time end up with kidney damage,” he explained. “As (the) obesity epidemic is increasing around the world, diabetes is increasing.” The $10 million addition will be a one stop shop for all dialysis needs with more machines and room to grow. Minister of Energy George Smitherman announced yesterday the province is kicking in more than $8 million dollars towards the project. GoldCorp is also donating $600,000 towards the expansion.
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Province Looks for Feedback on Forest Sector
By: Martha Dillman

The Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry wants your opinion on forest tenure pricing and policy. Michael Gravelle said the three areas of focus include maintaining a healthy productive forest, modernizing the system and improving pricing systems. “Our goal is to make some decisions based on how we can modernize the system,” he explained. “That will require some delicacy. It certainly is complicated.” Gravelle said the process is similar to what happened last year with changes to modernizing the Mining Act. “With the forest tenure reform process it’s very much the same,” he said. “Certainly we need to find a balance. We’re certainly grateful for the primary forest producers in the province who’ve worked hard and employed a lot of people.” A public round-table discussion took place in Timmins last night, but you can submit your feedback online at www.ontario.ca/foresttenure. Discussions will continue to take place around the province with meetings scheduled in Hearst, Dryden, Thunder Bay, Marathon, Huntsville, and Pembrooke.
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Green Initiatives
By: Natalie Geddes

Ontario is getting wired for green energy. In what has been called a historic move, Hydro One has been told to start beefing up their network to support and deliver energy from sources such as solar and wind. The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure George Smitherman said Timmins will be hooked into a line that runs from Sudbury to Kapuskasing. “There are big engineering feats to develop these new lines and that’s why there’s so much employment associated with them,” he said. “People will obviously see earlier progress on the planning side and on clearing bush and these sorts of things that make way for the new towers.” About 6000 jobs will be created as a result of the project. The new transmission network will support renewable energy such as wind, hydroelectric and solar power. Construction is expected to begin in 2013.
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International Plowing Match
By: Amanda Young

People from all over the province are flocking to Earleton this week for the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM). This is the largest event to hit Northern Ontario, featuring 5 stages of entertainment and a large education section full of information about Northern Ontario agriculture. Manager of the Shania Twain Centre Tracy Hautenan said it’s a great chance to showcase Timmins. “We’re seeing many, many people that are picking up our brochures here. We’ve probably handed out over 500 brochures here at the IPM,” she said. “Some of the people are talking about getting on that shuttle. Most people are saying that they’re staying for the IPM and then going to head up that way a little later because they’ve taken extended vacations so they can see the north.” A shuttle service to the Plowing Match from Timmins is being offered for $50 return trip. Call 360-2619 or head to the Shania Twain center to sign up.
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Enrollment Up at Northern College
By: Martha Dillman

First year college enrollment is up 7% this year around the province, but one local college is far exceeding that number. Northern College is seeing a 47% increase in first year students. President of Northern College Fred Gibbons said they’re working to accommodate the extra students, including adjusting time tables for larger classes. “Our residence is full and we have a waiting list,” he said. “But as we continue to stay in contact with the students on the waiting list, while they may have a preference to still get into residence they have been able to find alternate accommodations in the community.” Gibbons credits the increase to a variety of factors, including changes to their recruitment process and the Second Career program.

Proposed Smoking By-Law Has First Reading
By: Martha Dillman

A by-law that would ban smoking within 10 metres of public parks, beaches, and recreational fields has had its first reading at city council. Councilor Saudino said he has no problem supporting the by-law. “When you smoke in front of kids, not only do you put them in jeopardy, but you show them a bad habit,” he said. Councilor Bamford said he can’t support the by-law the way it’s written. “I don’t feel I was elected to start making decisions on personal behaviour,” he explained. The city is looking for your input. The by-law will be read at least two more times at upcoming council meetings before it is or isn’t passed.
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Changes to Garbage Collection
By: Martha Dillman

Changes are being made to garbage collection in the city that will save money. Collection days are staying the same, but four trucks will be doing garbage pickup instead of five. Councilor Gvozdanovic said he’s not sure of the new procedure, and the impact it may have on city workers. “Are we going to burn these guys out?” he asked. “From 7:45am till 2:30 or 3 o’clock – they’re going non-stop.” Meanwhile, Councilor Bamford said he’s pleased with the changes. “We hear all the time, especially during election campaigns, what are you folks going to do to improve the efficiencies and get a bigger bang for our buck,” he said. “This is certainly a model, an example of what we can do.” The public works department estimates a savings of $110,000 per year by taking one truck off the road per day.
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New Medical Officer of Health at the Porcupine Health Unit
By: Amanda Young

Dr. Susan Kaczmarek is the new Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit Board of Health. Her new position means she will be oversee the public health of our community. Gary Scripnick, Health Chair of the Porcupine Health Unit, said other health units aren’t as lucky. “We’re very fortunate to have her because there are a lot of other health units that don’t have or are looking for Medical Officers of Health,” he explained. “They’re a rare breed and we’re very, very lucky to have her.” Dr.Kaczmarek has held the position before, and also has leadership experience with the boards of the Timmins and District Hospital and the Association of Local Public Health Agencies.
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EastLink Plans to Change Infrastructure
By: Martha Dillman

You’ll soon have more options when it comes to television and cable service – EastLink is expanding. The company plans to start offering high speed internet, cable and phone services within six months. Deputy Chair of External Affairs with EastLink Dan McKeen said they’re upgrading technology around the province. “We know these are the kinds of products and services that our customers want,” he said. “So we’ve been rebuilding numbers of systems in Ontario that we know that need it and the Timmins system needs more bandwidth. It needs to have more capacity in order to deliver the products and services that we need.” No permanent jobs will be created as a result of the upgrades, but contractors will be hired to work with EastLink to complete the expansion over the next six months.

NDP Leader Speaks about HST
By: Natalie Geddes

The leader of the provincial NDP was back in town to reiterate her stance on a plan for harmonized sales tax. Andrea Horwath said when the PST and GST are combined next year Ontarians will be put out billions. “At a time when the people of Northern Ontario need a government that’s going to be making life more affordable for them in tough economic times, instead they have a government that’s going to make life a lot less affordable and a lot more difficult,” she said. Since her last visit in June, she said many more Ontarians have joined her campaign. She said if enough people raise their voice against tax harmonization the McGuinty government will have no choice but to scrap it.
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Spruce Street Fire
By: Amanda Young

The Timmins Fire Department battled a blaze on Spruce Street South Saturday morning. The building, housing 4 apartments, was evacuated quickly enough that all tenants escaped unharmed. Deputy Joey Stojkiewicz with the Timmins Fire Department said the fire was determined to have started in the furnace room. “There was a lot of stuff placed against the furnace area,” he explained. “It ignited paper, cardboard boxes that were placed very close, tightly up against the furnace.” The building sustained over $30,000 dollars in damage. The Timmins Fire Department reminds to keep the furnace area of your home clear of all flammable materials.

Fatal Accident in Timmins

By: Martha Dillman

Residents of Timmins are still in shock after a fatal accident over the weekend. A 10 year old boy somehow was able to ascend a hydro pole at the corner of Pine Street North and Eighth Avenue. Witnesses say prior to the accident he was climbing a nearby tree. Sgt. Henry Dacosta with the Timmins Police explained what happened next. “The youth became entangled in the high voltage line which resulted in receiving serious injuries due to the electrical current,” he said. “The youth remained entangled in the hydro wires for approximately 20 minutes before Ontario Hydro One crews were able to attend and bring the youth down.” The boy was treated at the Timmins and District Hospital and then transferred to an intensive burn unit at a hospital in Ottawa. He died Saturday as a result of his injuries – victim services of the Child and Family Services will be assisting students to cope with the loss.

LakeShore Gold on the Markets
By: Natalie Geddes

A local junior mining company is making strides towards becoming a mid-tier gold producer. Starting next week Lake Shore Gold will be trading on the Global Mining index. Mark Utting with the company said the Lake Shore’s growth bodes well for the city. “We’re very much grounded in Timmins and in fact in terms of our roots being in Timmins,” he explained. “We’re also being more focused on what we can do for the future of Timmins because we think with what we’re building there it represents an important new chapter in what’s going to be a continuing success story in terms of the Timmins gold camp.” The company’s president Tony Makuch is from Timmins and many of their employees work out of Timmins as well.
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New Wheelchair at the Sportsplex
By: Martha Dillman

The Archie Dillon Sportsplex pool is now more accessible, thanks to a new, water-friendly wheelchair. The staff worked with local resident Bradley Bondar to pick out the chair that will assist persons who use wheelchairs move between pools independently. Manager of Culture, Leisure and Tourism Andrea Griener said the chair has many features. “It’s stainless steel so it will be water resistant, but also we have salt water within the pool so it will hold up to that,” she explained. “It’s got a removable armrest so that people can transfer between this chair and the lifts that would help them lower into the deep end or into the cold pool.” Bradley Bondar said this is one step to a barrier free society.

Bradley Bondar sits in the new, water accessible wheelchair at the Sportsplex with Manager of Culture, Leisure and Tourism Andrea Griener
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TimminsGetClean
By: Martha Dillman

It’s the last chance to clean up the city in 2009 – this Sunday, TimminsGetClean is hosting their 11th city wide cleanup. To date, the group has cleaned up almost 11 tonnes of litter. Co-Founder of TimminsGetClean Rick Cecconi said it’s important to keep our city looking its best. “There are a lot of people in Timmins that are fed up with litter,” he said. “It’s important that we clean up our city. It does look bad when we see litter all over the place so it’s important that people get out and help.” If you’d like to get involved, registration is taking place Sunday morning at 9am at the Gillies Lake parking lot.
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Smile Cookies
By: Amanda Young

Get ready to smile Timmins. The 2009 Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie campaign begins this Monday, September 18th with 100% of the proceeds going to local Drug Abuse Resistance Education programs. DARE Coordinator, Constable Paul Harrison, said the program offers a lot. “DARE itself is an officer taught anti-drug, anti-gang, anti-violence program that basically supplies young people with the skills they need to make good choices in life,” he said. “We don’t tell them not to drugs, we teach them how to say no and how to make good choices. It’s skills they can use throughout their life in every aspect.” The cookies will be available until September 28th at all area Tim Horton’s locations.
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U-17 Hockey Ticket Campaign
By: Martha Dillman

It’s a tournament where stars such as Joe Sakic, Alexander Ovechkin and Roberto Luongo all got started. The World Under 17 Hockey Challenge is coming to Timmins in December. Event organizers are encouraging you to get your tickets soon – 65% are already sold. If you purchase your tickets tomorrow, or October the 3rd at the Mac, you will be eligible for a hockey memorabilia draw. They’re $240 dollars per package, and include 16 games.