Timmins may shutter troubled laneway over safety concerns

Timmins city councillor Cory Robin is proposing to close a problem laneway between Pine and Spruce Streets.

Timmins city councillor Cory Robin is advocating for the permanent closure of a downtown laneway situated between Pine Street South and Spruce Street South, which runs parallel to Third Avenue.

Robin asserts that the time has come to take this decisive action, citing ongoing issues in the area that require a structural solution.

Pattern of mischief and hazardous activity

While acknowledging the efforts of local police and outreach workers who regularly monitor the area, Robin contends that a specific group is responsible for creating persistent problems. He described a troubling shift in the laneway’s environment, directly linking it to a small number of individuals.

“What’s left is a small group of people that are causing mischief and setting fires and harassing people that are coming through and just general things that weren’t occurring earlier this year,” said Robin.

He provided a specific example of the hazardous conduct taking place, highlighting a significant public safety risk.

“People are making campfires in this laneway we’ve discovered that over the last few weeks,” said Robin.

Path to closure requires council resolution

Robin has already taken preliminary steps to determine the feasibility of his proposal, telling CTV News that after consulting with officials at city hall, he has received confirmation that closure is possible, though it is not a decision that can be made unilaterally.

“In order for it to be closed, the council has to pass a resolution,” he said.

Meagan Baranyk, the city’s community programs manager, maintained a neutral position on the matter, stating it would be inappropriate for her to comment before the proposal is formally debated by council.

Robin, however, is actively building a case for the closure and emphasizes the importance of demonstrating community backing for the initiative.

Building community support for a solution

Expressing a personal commitment to seeing the project through, Robin is proactively seeking public endorsements to present to his colleagues, believing this community involvement is a critical component for the initiative’s success.

“I’ve decided to take it on myself and put the work in and put the time in and reach out to the community for support, which I’m getting, to close it,” said Robin.

The Ward 5 councillor confirmed that he will deliver a formal presentation at the Nov. 11 council meeting.

He said that he envisions the closure not merely as a security measure, but as a potential opportunity for enhancement, suggesting that if the laneway is gated, the city could explore options for improving the space.

Should the resolution pass, Robin noted that physical barriers are unlikely to be installed before the spring.