DTSSAB and CMHA-CT Mark Opening of Mainstay Transitional Housing in Kirkland Lake

Timiskaming District, ON — The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB), in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association – Cochrane Timiskaming (CMHA-CT), is pleased to announce the opening of Mainstay, a new transitional housing program in Kirkland Lake that will support individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability as they work toward stable, permanent housing.

Owned by DTSSAB and operated by CMHA-CT, Mainstay is part of the district’s growing network of transitional and supportive housing options designed to strengthen the local housing continuum. The program provides a supported residential environment where individuals will be required to participate in life-skills programming, housing support services, and other resources needed to transition successfully into independent living.

“Stable housing is a critical foundation for health and recovery. Programs like Mainstay provide community members with secure environments to safely build practical life skills, connect with services, and take meaningful steps toward greater stability,” said Paul Jalbert, Executive Director of CMHA-CT. “This initiative reflects the impact that strong partnerships can have in supporting people through complex challenges.”

“Mainstay represents another important step in strengthening the housing continuum across the District of Timiskaming,” said Jeff Laferriere, Chair of the District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board. “By investing in facilities like Mainstay and partnering with experienced organizations such as CMHA-CT, we are helping ensure that individuals experiencing housing instability have access to the supports they need to move toward safe, stable, and permanent housing.”

Mainstay also complements other services within the district’s homelessness response system and supports a natural progression for individuals who may be transitioning from treatment and recovery programs, including services such as CMHA-CT’s Recovery Centre , into transitional housing before ultimately securing permanent housing.

DTSSAB has been working with community partners in recent years to expand transitional housing opportunities across the district. This includes the successful opening of Hope Haven, operated by The Salvation Army in 2022, as well as additional transitional housing initiatives in the southern portion of the district in partnership with CMHA-CT.

“Our board continues to focus on solutions that address housing instability in a meaningful and sustainable way,” said Mark Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer of DTSSAB. “Expanding transitional housing options like Mainstay helps create a pathway for individuals to move from crisis toward stability. These investments are part of a broader, coordinated approach that recognizes housing as a key component of health, well-being, and community resilience.”

The expansion of transitional and supportive housing reflects both provincial priorities and best practices identified through research and national initiatives focused on addressing homelessness. Evidence-based approaches to addressing homelessness have been widely documented by national organizations including the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, Built for Zero Canada, and the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, which emphasize coordinated housing systems, supportive housing, and strong community partnerships as critical components of reducing homelessness.

Through collaborative efforts, CMHA-CT, DTSSAB, and their partners continue to advance evidence-informed approaches that support individuals experiencing homelessness while strengthening the overall housing system across the district.

About the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Cochrane Timiskaming
CMHA-CT provides accessible public mental health and addictions care to community members across its vast catchment area. The organization offers many services, notably, case management, addiction, justice, and housing support, supportive peer groups, and public education. CMHA-CT’s mission is to help people living with, and touched by, mental illness in providing the supports and services needed on their journey to happy and fulfilling lives. This mission is something CMHA-CT strives to accomplish through education and advocacy for a caring community where everyone belongs. Further information on CMHA-CT’s available programs and services can be found at www.cmhact.ca.

About the District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB)
The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) is responsible for the provision and delivery of Ontario Works, Children’s Services, Housing Services and Paramedic Services (emergency medical services and community paramedicine) in the district of Timiskaming. The district consists of 23 municipalities and various unorganized townships.

Media Contacts:
DTSSAB
Michelle Sowinski
Communications and Executive Coordinator
communications@dtssab.com

CMHA-CT
Callie Renouf
Communications Specialist
communications@cmhact.ca

DTSSAB Adopts Balanced 2026 Budget Addressing Rising Costs and Appoints Board Chair and Vice-Chair

District of Timiskaming, ON - The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) has approved its 2026 budget on January 21st, 2026, using a balanced approach that carefully manages rising service delivery costs while moderating municipal impacts through the prudent use of reserves.

The Board also appointed new Board Chair, Jeff Laferriere, Mayor of Temiskaming Shores, and re-appointed Vice-Chair, Pat Kiely, Councillor of the Town of Kirkland Lake.

The 2026 budget reflects a complex cost environment. While overall expenditures have declined year over year, municipal contributions have increased due to cost pressures concentrated in specific service areas.

Key factors influencing the 2026 budget include:

• Increased operating costs in Paramedic Services, reflecting mandatory training and facility requirements, ongoing wage and benefit pressures, and targeted leadership and supervisory investments to support frontline staff, training, compliance and patient care.

• Ongoing inflationary impacts affecting salaries, benefits, utilities, and contracted services.

• Decreased provincial funding for Children’s Services, matched by corresponding reductions in spending.

• Proactive alignment of Capital Funds for investment in the maintenance, development and expansion of affordable and transitional housing within the DTSSAB’s housing portfolio

“This budget reflects disciplined financial management in a challenging environment,” said Mark Stewart, CAO. “Strategic reserve use helps us absorb cost increases while continuing to deliver dependable, legislated services.”

“Residents expect reliable emergency response, housing stability, and social supports,” said Jeff Laferriere, Board Chair. “This option allows us to meet those expectations while being mindful of the financial pressures facing municipalities and their citizens.

About the DTSSAB

The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) is responsible for the provision and delivery of Ontario Works, Children’s Services, Housing Services and Paramedic Services (emergency medical services and community paramedicine) in the district of Timiskaming. The district consists of 23 municipalities and various unorganized townships.

Quotes

“This budget reflects disciplined financial management in a challenging environment. Strategic reserve use helps us absorb cost increases while continuing to deliver dependable, legislated services.”

- Mark Stewart, CAO.

“Residents expect reliable emergency response, housing stability, and social supports. This option allows us to meet those expectations while being mindful of the financial pressures facing municipalities and their citizens.”

- Jeff Laferriere, Board Chair.

Media Contact

communications@dtssab.com                        

Community Action Award Presented to Harley Fire Department

Paramedic Services Chief sarah salvis of DTSSAB and chief logan miron of Harley fire department

On January 6, the District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) Paramedic Services proudly presented a Community Action Award to the Harley Fire Department, recognizing their professionalism, teamwork, and ongoing commitment to supporting tiered emergency medical responses in the community. 

The award was granted following a nomination from paramedics related to an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest response that resulted in a positive outcome. The nomination highlighted the essential role Harley Fire Department played as part of the chain of survival, demonstrating the importance of a coordinated, tiered response between emergency services. 

During the award presentation, Paramedic Services Chief Sarah Salvis emphasized the value of strong inter-agency partnerships in delivering effective emergency care.

“Outcomes like this are made possible through collaboration, trust, and shared commitment,” said Chief Salvis. “Harley Fire Department exemplifies what it means to be part of the chain of survival—working seamlessly with paramedic services to support our community when it matters most. 

Paramedics who attended the call testified to the excellent communication and teamwork observed between departments throughout the response. 

In addition to this specific incident, Harley Fire Department was recognized for their increasing involvement in emergency responses across the area, reflecting a sustained dedication to community safety and partnership with paramedic services. District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) Paramedic Services extends sincere appreciation to the members of Harley Fire Department for their continued collaboration, professionalism, and service to the community. 

DTSSAB Invests in Paramedic Wellness to Support a Strong, Sustainable Paramedic Service

Timiskaming District, ON – The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) continues to invest in the long-term well-being of its paramedic workforce through new provincial funding that will expand access to specialized mental health training for frontline staff and leadership within District of Timiskaming Paramedic Services.

Through Ontario’s Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel (MHS4PSP) Grant Program, DTSSAB has received up to $30,000 in one-time funding.  This funding will give DTSSAB paramedics access to evidence-based training initiatives designed specifically for public safety professionals through the Warrior Health program.

This initiative builds on DTSSAB’s existing mental health and wellness supports, including its Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and reflects a workplace culture that prioritizes resilience, peer support, and leadership awareness from recruitment through to long-term service.

“Paramedicine is a demanding profession, and supporting mental health is essential to retaining skilled professionals and attracting new ones,” said Sarah Salvis, Paramedic Services Chief. “This training equips both frontline staff and leaders with practical tools to recognize stress, support one another, and build a healthier, more sustainable work environment.”

The Warrior Health program includes training developed in partnership with organizations such as Wounded Warriors Canada and Boots on the Ground, with a focus on mental health literacy, trauma-informed leadership, and conflict resolution—key elements for those considering a career in paramedic services.

“Our paramedics are there for the community during some of life’s most difficult moments,” said Derek Mundle, Board Chair, DTSSAB. “As a Board, we believe it is just as important that they have strong supports behind them. This funding allows us to build on existing mental health resources and provide practical, evidence-based training that helps our paramedics—and those who lead them—stay well, resilient, and ready to continue serving the people of Timiskaming.”

DTSSAB’s participation aligns with the Province of Ontario’s broader expansion of mental health supports for public safety personnel and reinforces the organization’s commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and resilient workplace for current and future paramedics. Training supported through this funding will be delivered alongside existing EFAP services, providing staff with access to both preventative mental health education and professional support when needed.

Media Contact
communications@dtssab.com

Quotes

 “Our paramedics are there for the community during some of life’s most difficult moments. As a Board, we believe it is just as important that they have strong supports behind them. This funding allows us to build on existing mental health resources and provide practical, evidence-based training that helps our paramedics—and those who lead them—stay well, resilient, and ready to continue serving the people of Timiskaming.”- Derek Mundle, Board Chair, DTSSAB

“Paramedicine is a demanding profession, and supporting mental health is essential to retaining skilled professionals and attracting new ones. This training equips both frontline staff and leaders with practical tools to recognize stress, support one another, and build a healthier, more sustainable work environment.” - Sarah Salvis, Paramedic Services Chief, DTSSAB