The City of Timmins is asking residents and businesses to help shape the future of waste management as it develops a 25-year Waste Management Master Plan. Two surveys are now open, giving the public an opportunity to weigh in on how waste is collected, diverted and managed in the community. The city said the long-term goal is to improve waste management while reducing the amount of waste sent to the Deloro Landfill and extending its lifespan. “We’re doing a long-term waste management strategy known as the Waste Management Master Plan,” said Christina Beaton, the city’s manager of Environmental Compliance & Sustainability. “It’s a 25-year plan to identify opportunities for us to improve our waste management systems, make sure that we are being environmentally sustainable, financially sustainable.” The city said it also wants to hear about the challenges residents and businesses face when trying to divert waste from the landfill. “We would like to be able to identify what challenges that the residents are seeing and that the businesses are seeing and how we can then put this into our waste management strategy and our plan to be able to identify ways that we can improve it,” said Beaton. The Timmins Chamber of Commerce said business owner input will be particularly important as the city considers future waste services. Chamber President Phil Archambault said businesses need clear information about what can be disposed of, including items such as hazardous waste and tires, as well as when and where those materials can be taken. “I think it’s important from the business standpoint that we actually have our input, get involved on what our needs are versus residential,” he said, adding that disposal hours can also create challenges, particularly for smaller businesses. “It’s important time for them to let their needs known to the city. So, maybe those hours or times a year can be extended,” said Archambault. The Waste Management Master Plan process is expected to continue into 2027, but the city is encouraging residents and businesses to provide their feedback now. The surveys are open until Sept. 25.
