Every day this week we are featuring platform highlights from one of the five mayoral candidates in the upcoming election.  Our stations have reached out to each mayoral candidate to outline their platform for listeners.  This is Mayoral candidate Steve Black’s submitted platform.

I am the only candidate whom has municipal experience.  With 8 years on city council (4 of those years as Mayor) I bring municipal experience to the council table that no other candidate can offer.  Having experience on council before being Mayor is critical and that is shown by the fact that every Mayor going as far back as the 1950s and Wilf Spooner has served a term on council prior to being mayor.  As the only candidate whom has sat on council I am confident I have the relevant practical experience to continue to serve as Mayor.   I am Chair of the Timmins Police Service Board, Chair of the Cochrane District Social Services Board (responsible for EMS, housing, childcare, and Ontario Works programs in the region), Chair of the Timmins Violence Against Women Advisory Committee,       Vice-Chair of the Timmins Economic Development Corporation, Board Member of the Porcupine Health Unit, Board Member of the Timmins and District Hospital, Board Member of the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority, and Board Member of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities. 

 

My platform will continue to focus on the work started this term.  2017 was the 3rd lowest net spending increase in the last 16 years and 2018 was the 2nd lowest net spending increase in the same period.  I intend to continue this trend while providing quality public services and ensuring residents enjoy the quality of life in Timmins they deserve.  My platform revolves around 4 key pillars which are:

  1. Jobs and the Economy
  2. Quality of Life
  3. Affordability and Access to Services
  4. Infrastructure

Some key highlights of initiatives I will focus on are continuing the work on the Noront Ferrochrome Facility bid.  This project represents 300 jobs for 100 years and we are in a great position to ensure this comes to Timmins.  Politically stability is important during this key time.  I will continue to work with Goldcorp on their Dome Century Project as well.  These two projects could set Timmins up for a great boom period.  

I will support a reduced 4 day Stars and Thunder Festival with adjustments made to ensure it is financially sustainable.  I believe the festival brings the city many benefits including the over 7000 tourists that visited Timmins over the last 2 years and the economic spinoff estimated at over $10 million dollars.  However the most important aspect is that it brought approximately 10,000 residents together in celebration and community pride.  I will also continue to support Snowcross, Rock on the River, Summer Concert Series, and The Great Canadian Kayak Festival which are all integral to our quality of life.   

As Mayor, I have delivered 3 of the lowest 6 net spending increases in the last 16 years showing investments in quality of life and fiscal restraint are possible.  Acknowledging our seniors and those on fixed incomes are facing many financial pressures it is important to have programs to assist with this as well.  I will support increase the low income senior tax rebate I introduced this term to $500/year.   I will support reducing transit costs for seniors and people with disabilities to $1/day or $30/month and I will ensure the Golden Manor continues to be a publicly operated long term care facility providing great care to our loved ones. 

Our infrastructure upgrades have begun this term with over $11 million committed to the connecting link between Rae Hill and Legion Drive, the creation of an industrial rail park, the work to upgrade pumping stations around Porcupine Lake and the Integrated Training Facility at Northern College.  There is still lots of work to do on roads, housing, and upgrading our infrastructure across the city.  I will support an enhanced residential roads program.  I also believe firmly that the new multi-use recreation facility is a great project for the future of our community.  I remain committed to this facility and will support construction but only if we can get funding from the provincial and federal government to cover 2/3 of the cost. 

I remain committed to building a community for today, tomorrow and future generations and I ask for your continued support on October 22nd!  Please Vote Steve Black for Mayor and keep Timmins moving forward!