It was a night of hot topics and heated debate last night at the Mayoral Candidates Debate.

The five mayoral candidates went head to head last night in the packed O’Gorman High School theatre. The standing-room-only crowd got their first chance to hear the candidates opinions on key issues facing Timmins. Questions from the hosts of the event, the Timmins Chamber of Commerce, as well as from the audience were answered by all five candidates in turn.

Candidates Steve Black, Raymond Burey, Daniel Fortier, Lauchlan MacInnes and George Pirie answered the first few questions on topics like the ward system in place in Timmins, safety in the downtown area, crime and homelessness, and how to engage young people to come and stay in our city. These questions brought up issues like the high cost of living, drug addiction, bettering our mental health and addictions services, wages and job loss.

The next round of questions covered topics like cannabis retail stores in Timmins, the Human Rights Commissioner’s visit to Timmins and the spotlight that was recently shined on racism towards Indigenous people, cleaning up Porcupine Lake, and spending on roads and infrastructure.

The main hot topics that sparked some heated debate, mostly between Steve Black and George Pirie, included the new aquatic centre and, of course, Stars and Thunder.

The final question of the night was for all candidates to list their top priorities if elected. Burey said he would focus on taxes, the housing shortage crisis and affordability in the city.

Fortier said his focus would be on the city’s homeless, affordable homes and bringing more jobs for the people of Timmins.

Pirie listed his priorities as fiscal responsibility, diversifying the economy, and building better working relationships with Indigenous and Metis People.

Black said his priorities included focus on jobs and the economy, affordability and improving the quality of life in Timmins, seniors and their quality of life, and infrastructure.

MacInnes listed his priorities as infrastructure, poverty reduction, and improvements to arts and culture programs and events in the city.

The residents of Timmins go to the polls to vote for a new mayor on October 22nd.