**TIMMINS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEDIA RELEASE**

In response to a decline in demand, the Timmins Chamber of Commerce has announced that it will cease operation of its Schumacher ServiceOntario office on Aug. 30, 2018.

Under contract with the Ministry of Government Services, the Chamber has provided driver’s license and health card services at its 76 McIntyre Road location for much of the organization’s 69-year history. However, a rise in the public use of online services and higher operational expenses have led to the difficult decision to scale back this component of the Chamber’s business, according to President Jamie Clarke.

“After considerable consideration and review, it is with regret that the Board of Directors has made the strategic decision to terminate our contract with the Ministry,” said Clarke.

“The licence bureau has long been an integral part of our operations, but following several years of analyzing client trends, we have determined that it is no longer viable to offer these services. While we applaud the government for expanding the online availability of these services, the growing popularity of this approach has steadily led to a reduced demand for in-person services. As such, we will be working with the Ministry to ensure there will be minimal impact to the public.”

The Chamber encourages any users affected by the Aug. 30 closure to alternatively visit the ServiceOntario office located at the 101 Mall (38 Pine St. North), located 2.4 kilometres from the Chamber office.