Suggestion to save for Kidd closure passes first hurdle

When Steve Black was running for Timmins Mayor in 2014, one of his big platforms was looking towards the closure of Kidd Operations in 2021.

Thursday night, he put in his first motion to keep that promise.

Black wants to take 50% of new growth earnings in the city to go into a fund that would assist the city in their transition to help pay for the lost revenue when the time comes.

City councilors look to be on board as well.  Councilor Noella Rinaldo says half is fair.

“This likely will not cover everything, but at least it’s a bit of a kick in the can so we’re not dealing with a big drop in a couple years,” she said.

Councilor Andre Grzela was a little reserved, wanting to possibly see the numbers first but says planning ahead is a good thing.

It’s said Kidd Operations contributes more than $2-million in industrial taxes to the city each year.

That motion was passed, and is tentatively in the 2016 budget.