Council briefs: Timmins racing towards first regulation cricket field in the north – timminspress

Next city election will ask voters if they want to change ward system, and other council news
City of Timmins awards contract for new cricket pitch and park redesign
The City of Timmins is moving forward with plans for the revitalization of Leo Del Villano Park.
Council has awarded the design contract to J.L Richards & Associates Limited in the amount of $325,142.
The revitalization project includes two major components: the construction of a new, fully accessible washroom facility and the development of a regulation-size cricket field.
Both improvements are essential to meet the community’s growing recreational needs and increase the park’s usability for residents and visitors, the city said.
“The current washroom facility at the park is outdated and no longer meets modern standards for accessibility or functionality,” said Steph Palmateer, director of community services.
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“It’s more cost effective to construct a new washroom building that is designed to be fully accessible and better equipped to serve increased park usage. The city will repurpose the existing structure as a cold storage facility to support park operations.”
Recognizing the rapid growth of cricket in Timmins—particularly among youth and newcomer communities—the project includes the development of a regulation-size cricket field. The current cricket area does not meet official size requirements, which restricts the ability to host league matches or organized tournaments.
A properly sized field will not only meet this increasing demand but also support inclusive recreation and create opportunities for regional cricket events and support local economy through sports tourism.
“These upgrades represent a meaningful investment in the health, vitality, and inclusiveness of our community spaces,” said Mayor Michelle Boileau, adding she wants Timmins to win the race with northern Ontario cities to build the first regulation cricket pitch.
“The proposed improvements to Leo Del Villano Park align with the city’s recreation master plan and the broader goal to invest in recreational spaces as community destination hubs with unique amenities that support accessibility and inclusion,” said city spokesperson Amanda Dyer, in a June 18 statement.
2026 municipal election ballot will included referendum on ward system
Timmins City Council has voted to include a referendum question on the ballot for the 2026 municipal election, giving residents the opportunity to vote on a potential change to the way council members are elected.
Residents will be asked, “Do you support changing the current ward system for electing members of council? Yes or no?”
This decision stems from council’s Resolution #25-114, passed on April 8, 2025, which directed the city clerk to initiate the process required to bring this question before local voters.
The question is being added in accordance with Section 8.1(3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, which mandates public notice and consultation prior to passing a by-law to place a referendum question on the ballot.
If the referendum is approved by a majority of voters, options for changing the electoral system will then brought forward ahead of the 2030 municipal election.
“If the majority of electors vote in favour of changing the current ward system, the city will begin exploring potential models for representation,” said Steph Palmateer, city clerk.
“At this time, no specific changes have been proposed—those options will only be developed and presented following an approved referendum.”
City of Timmins making strides towards community safety and well-being
Timmins City Council has approved the 2025-2029 Community Safety and Well-Being Plan – the municipality’s renewed commitment to fostering a safer, healthier, and more inclusive community for all residents.
The plan will focus on the same key pillars: homelessness, addiction and mental health, youth engagement, and gender-based violence.
“This version of the plan is about refinement, not a full rewrite,” says Meagan Baranyk, community programs manager.
“The priorities haven’t changed, but how we approach them has. We’ve refined the objectives under each pillar, made them clearer and more actionable, and focused more directly on how we measure success.
“Our intention is to deepen the work that we’re already doing. The plan is intended to grow with our community and keep us moving forward.”
In her presentation at a Jan 17 council meeting, Baranyk listed the city’s major accomplishments towards promoting community safety and well-being.
Over the last four years, the city:
“Our community partners have embraced shared responsibility and have helped us improve data-sharing and coordinated response across sectors,” Baranyk said.
“Real change takes time. Progress doesn’t always feel fast, and it doesn’t always feel good. But it’s there. This plan will keep us moving in the right direction.”
Next steps include analyzing the work that’s already underway and continuing to refine support systems and preventative action.
Community engagement will continue throughout the next four years to ensure that the plan stays relevant and responsive.
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