No Tenants Injured Resulting from Fire at 37 Tenth Street

Just after 5:20 PM on April 30th, 2024, there was a minor fire at 37 Tenth Street, Earlton, in a tenant’s unit. The fire, due to the construction of the building, was contained to the one unit. The safety measures in the building were efficiently implemented with all tenants being evacuated safely to the DTSSAB Housing Building located at 41 Tenth Avenue and the local fire department attending the building.

The fire was quickly controlled and then extinguished. The building was cleared by the Armstrong Fire Department the same evening, permitting tenants to re-enter their units. At present it was determined that the damage was restricted to the unit in question.

The DTSSAB is thankful for the cooperation of the tenants of the building and the assistance of the Armstrong Fire Department in this timely and effective response.

Any queries can be directed to communications@dtssab.com

DTSSAB Passes 2024 Budget and Re-Elects Chair and Vice-Chair

On January 17th, the DTSSAB Board passed the 2024 Budget of $41,908,814, total expenditures with $463,000 used from the Working Fund Reserve to offset the municipal apportionment increase from 5.36% to 0%.

 The 2024 Budget increase is a result of key factors including:

 -  Fluctuating funding where many programs’ costs have been progressively downloaded to municipalities, such as in Housing Services and Children’s Services

-  Inflation has had a significant impact on insurance costs, vehicle and ambulance procurement, salaries, and labour and materials costs for necessary capital repairs to housing stock

The Board, which consists of seven appointed municipal representatives and two elected representatives from the territories without municipal representation, bring the viewpoint of the local taxpayer and their municipality to the table and ensures that the budget is fair and responsible in delivering the services that the DTSSAB has been mandated to deliver.

The DTSSAB Board also re-elected Derek Mundle, of Evanturel as Board Chair, and Pat Kiely from Kirkland Lake as Vice-Chair. The approved 2024 Board Meeting schedule can be found on the DTSSAB’s website at: https://www.dtssab.com/board-meetings.

QUOTES

Derek Mundle, Board Chair – “The DTSSAB’s mission is to deliver programs and services through effective use of available resources in the best interest of the individuals we support. This mission guided the DTSSAB Team in the formulation of this budget, where despite increased costs – program delivery remains the primary focus. To ensure the sustainability and resilience of our programs, and also minimize the impact on our municipal partners, the Board has elected to offset the budgetary increase by leveraging $463,000 from the Working Fund Reserve. This fiscally responsible approach allows DTSSAB to continue to meet the growing demands of our services while minimizing the financial impact on citizens across the district.”

"I'm thankful for the support of the board and feel privileged to hold the position of Chair for another year. DTSSAB staff and the board consistently demonstrate a strong commitment to providing Social and Emergency Medical Services across Timiskaming and also a keen awareness of current financial realities."

Mark Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer - "In my role, there is a focus on pragmatic oversight and strategic financial management. Our dedicated team has navigated the challenging waters of rising inflationary costs, decreased or static government funding, and the complex demands of managing housing services costs while being aware of the impact on our municipal billing. Our primary goal has always been to ensure value for public money. This year, despite these hurdles, we've successfully maintained a reasonable budget increase. This achievement is a testament to our team's innovative thinking and commitment to balancing service delivery with fiscal responsibility. In each step, we've ensured our dedication to the community, ensuring every dollar spent is an investment in our services."

CONTACT
Contact communications@dtssab.com for clarification or interview requests.

DTSSAB Acknowledges National Housing Day and Two-Year Anniversary of By Name List Launch

As National Housing Day approaches on November 22nd, The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) is proud to join the nation in acknowledging this significant day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of safe and affordable housing for all.

This National Housing Day marks a special milestone for DTSSAB as we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the launch of the By Name List. This innovative tool has proven to be a crucial asset in our ongoing efforts to address homelessness in our district. The By Name List facilitates collaboration among community partners, allowing for the seamless sharing of data to identify individuals at risk or currently experiencing homelessness. This collaborative approach ensures that those in need receive timely and targeted support from a network of dedicated service providers.

Since its launch two years ago, the By Name List has played a pivotal role in improving the coordination and effectiveness of our efforts to assist individuals facing housing challenges, assisting over 101 community members. The tool has not only enhanced communication among service providers but has also helped streamline the process of connecting vulnerable individuals with the appropriate support services.

The DTSSAB invites the community to join us in celebrating National Housing Day and recognizing the positive impact of the By Name List on our collective efforts to combat homelessness. As we reflect on the progress made over the past two years, we acknowledge the resilience of those we serve and express our gratitude to our dedicated partners and supporters who have contributed to the success of this initiative.

For more information about DTSSAB and our housing-related services, please visit www.dtssab.com/housing-services.

For media inquiries, please contact:
communications@dtssab.com

24/7 Staffing at DTSSAB EMS Central Base to Improve Response Times

As part of a progressive and committed initiative to deliver prompt medical services, the DTSSAB EMS Base in Englehart will shift to a 24/7 staffing model, starting September 9th.

The transition will see the integration of two full-time paramedics at the base, a marked enhancement from the previous Monday-Thursday evening on-call system. As a direct consequence, the communities in the central part of the district can anticipate improvements in paramedic response times, especially during week-night emergencies.

Located strategically at the rear of the Blanche River Health, Englehart site, the DTSSAB EMS base benefits from its proximity to Highway 11. This location not only accelerates response times but also strengthens the collaborative relationship with the hospital, furthering the integrated, patient-centered care approach.

This improvement in staffing is aligned with the provisions in the approved 2023 DTSSAB budget. The move not only guarantees increased service quality but also promises economic efficiency by reducing the costs previously associated with on-call staffing and overtime.

About DTSSAB EMS:

DTSSAB EMS serves the Timiskaming District, consistently striving for excellence in emergency medical care. With a focus on community needs and service efficiency.

Quote from Paramedic Chief, John McCarthy:

As the DTSSAB EMS continues its mission in the Timiskaming District, the focus remains clear – to provide quality, compassionate care to every individual in need. Our EMS team remains committed to constant evolution in service standards. This investment into full-time staffing at the Englehart base will have a direct impact on response times and service of the central community members of the district.”

Quote from CAO:

"At the heart of our decisions at DTSSAB is always one question: "How can we best serve our communities while providing value for money?" Our shift to 24/7 staffing at the Central EMS Base in Englehart is a clear answer to that question. I want to take a moment to recognize our dedicated Board of Directors, whose insights and commitment to our communities have been instrumental in bringing this change to life." - Mark Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer, DTSSAB

Media inquiries can be directed to communications@dtssab.com

2023 DTSSAB Budget Approved

The 2023 District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board Budget was passed at the March 22nd, 2023, Regular Meeting of the Board. The Board approved the 2023 Budget of $40,135,287, with a municipal share of $6,982,520 and a Territories Without Municipal Organization (TWOMO) share of $1,879,667. To offset the increase, the Board elected to withdraw $200,000 from the Working Fund Reserve, resulting in an increase of 1.2% for municipalities and 2.7% for TWOMO, over the 2022 budget. Had the Board not elected withdraw from the Working Fund Reserve, the municipal increase would have been 3.54%.

"The past year has been financially trying for municipalities and citizens of the Timiskaming District, these pressures were at the forefront of our minds when electing to withdraw from the Working Fund Reserve," stated Board Chair, Derek Mundle. "Delivering programs and services, through effective use of available resources, in the best interest of the individuals we support is our mission, and the Board believes that this guiding principle was upheld in this decision," he continued. The Board, which consists of seven appointed municipal representatives and two elected representatives from the territories without municipal representation, bring the viewpoint of the local taxpayer and their municipality to the table and ensures that the budget is fair and responsible in delivering the services that the DTSSAB has been mandated to deliver.

Significant factors in the increased budget (2.68%) include provincial and federal funding for programs such as the Canada-Wide Early Learning Child Care Program, Community Paramedicine, and the Homelessness Prevention Program.

Any questions, request for comment, or concerns can be directed to communications@dtssab.com

Zack’s Crib Construction Under Way

“We are thrilled to announce that construction has started for Zack’s Crib,” Yves Paille, Chair of Zack’s Crib, “after starting this project in 2018, the Zack’s Crib team has been working hard with the help of our volunteers and community as a whole to make this Safe Bed Facility a reality.”

Despite challenges with cost increase, supply-chain issues, and delays, construction for Zack’s Crib is now under way with the intent to obtain occupancy and commence operations providing day support services and as a warming centre as of October 1st, 2023, in advance of the next winter season. Reaching this goal would mark the completion of Phase One of the project. Phase Two, of project completion, will be attained when Zack’s Crib can provide overnight safe beds. This will result in a non-gender-specific emergency shelter which will help address the immediate housing crisis in the area and support the efforts of individuals to progress to permanent long-term housing.

Zack’s Crib is a non-profit corporation dedicated to ending homelessness. Zack’s Crib was created by a diverse group of individuals who came together with the goal of ending homelessness in the Temiskaming Shores and area. Partners to Zack’s Crib include the District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) and the Ontario Provincial Police (Temiskaming detachment). Community partnerships with the Pavilion Women’s Centre (Violence Against Women shelter), the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Timiskaming Health Unit (THU) and local Indigenous groups continue to be developed to provide a network of support for individuals who enter the doors.

The Zack’s Crib project has been made possible due to funding through the provincial government and generosity of the local community. Fundraising efforts continue, including through the announcement of North on Tap Craft Beer Festival / Le Nord En Fut as choosing Zack’s Crib as a major recipient for the 2023 Festival.

Any concerns, questions, request for interview can be directed to: communications@dtssab.com

DTSSAB Announces Partnership with the Town of Cobalt

The DTSSAB is proud to announce a coordinated partnership with the Town of Cobalt to aid in ensuring the continued security and reasonable enjoyment for DTSSAB tenants in Cobalt. Due to the substantial number of building and units, and constantly evolving situations, the need for a collaborative effort was highlighted.

 “Fostering positive community partnerships allows innovative, sustainable solutions. This has included increasing the accessibility to tenants to access required community supports and improved communication. It is a benefit to all parties involved,” Mark Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer of the DTSSAB.

 Regular meetings are held with the DTSSAB Housing Services Team, the Mayor of Cobalt, Mita Gibson, and Town of Cobalt Manager, Steve Dalley. This platform has encouraged community partners to join the discussion and provide insight, such as the Ontario Provincial Police. This has the further benefit of easing the referral process of tenants to local community partners for services and supports they can benefit from.

 As the DTSSAB’s role as a landlord is governed by laws such as the Residential Tenancies Act, there are procedures, such as evictions, that fall victim to a backlogged Landlord Tenant Board. The DTSSAB and the Town of Cobalt will continue to monitor, strategize, and proactively discuss how to maintain the reasonable enjoyment and safety of DTSSAB tenants and Cobalt residents.

 Any questions or requests for further comments can be directed to communications@dtssab.com