DTSSAB Announces TWOMO Representatives Elected by Acclamation

KIRKLAND LAKE, ON — The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) has concluded the nomination process for the 2026 Territories Without Municipal Organization (TWOMO) election. 

At the close of nominations at 2:00 p.m. on August 21, 2026, one certified candidate had been nominated for each of the two available representative positions on the DTSSAB Board. 

As the number of certified candidates did not exceed the number of available positions, the following candidates have been elected by acclamation: 

• Area 6: Michelle Lafreniere of Grenfell Township 
• Area 7: Mary-Jo Lentz of Tudhope Township 

Lentz is the incumbent Area 7 representative, having served on the DTSSAB Board during the previous term. Lafreniere will serve as the representative for Area 6. 

Accordingly, voting will not be required for either TWOMO position on October 26, 2026. 

The representatives’ new terms will take effect January 1, 2027. They will represent the interests of residents of their respective territories without municipal organization in DTSSAB governance and decision-making. 

DTSSAB thanks both candidates for their willingness to represent their communities and contribute to the work of the Board. 

For more information about TWOMO representation, visit www.dtssab.com/twomo.

DTSSAB Announces Affordable Family Housing Project to Strengthen the Housing Continuum Across the District

Temiskaming Shores, ON – The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) is pleased to announce the development of its Affordable Family Housing Project (AFHP) in the City of Temiskaming Shores, comprising of two, four-plex buildings. The project represents an investment in addressing the growing need for safe, stable, and attainable housing while strengthening the housing continuum across the District of Timiskaming.

The Affordable Family Housing Project will provide modern, family-oriented, affordable, rental homes, helping meet the growing demand for quality housing for families at a range of income levels. Affordable rent rates are calculated at 80% of market rate amounts as determined by Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) annual report.

Located near to the DTSSAB's existing four-plex developments in Temiskaming Shores, the project has been thoughtfully planned within an established neighbourhood offering convenient access to public transit, schools, shopping, healthcare services, recreational amenities, and nearby retirement communities. The location supports families in remaining connected to employment opportunities, essential services, and the community resources they rely upon every day.

Designed with future growth in mind, the project's infrastructure will support additional residential development should future funding opportunities arise, ensuring today's investment can continue meeting the district’s evolving housing needs while maximizing the value of public resources. With present collaboration opportunities at regional and provincial tables, it is paramount to have projects ‘shovel ready’ should funding streams be made available.

The Affordable Family Housing Project represents another important step in DTSSAB's ongoing commitment to strengthening the district’s housing continuum. Through strategic investments in affordable housing, housing stability, transitional and supportive housing, and collaborative partnerships, DTSSAB continues to build a more coordinated and responsive housing system that reflects the needs of local residents. As the organization prepares to launch its renewed 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan later this fall, projects such as the AFHP demonstrate the practical actions already underway to create a more connected system of housing and supports for individuals and families throughout the District.

"The Affordable Family Housing Project reflects DTSSAB's commitment to addressing one of the District's most pressing challenges by creating housing that meets the needs of families today while strengthening our communities for the future," said DTSSAB Board Chair Jeff Laferriere. "We recognize that building a strong housing continuum requires thoughtful planning, responsible investment, and collaboration. This project is another important step toward ensuring families have access to safe, affordable housing in communities where they can live, work, and thrive. It is especially rewarding to see this investment taking shape in Temiskaming Shores, a community I am also proud to serve as Mayor."

"Building new housing is only one part of the solution," said Mark Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer of DTSSAB. "Our responsibility is to understand the changing needs of our communities and respond with practical, sustainable solutions that support people across the district. The Affordable Family Housing Project demonstrates how strategic planning, responsible stewardship of public resources, and strong community partnerships can come together to create lasting housing opportunities for families across the District."

As the District's Service Manager for housing and homelessness, DTSSAB continues to assess local housing needs and make evidence-informed investments that maximize available resources while delivering long-term value for the communities it serves. Guided by a commitment to responsible service delivery, collaboration, and community well-being, the organization remains focused on ensuring individuals and families have access to the housing and supports they need to thrive. Construction began in July.

About DTSSAB: 
District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB), one of 11 service providers in northern Ontario, is comprised of nine locally elected representatives who serve 23 municipalities and Territories Without Municipal Organization. DTSSAB is responsible for the provision and delivery of Children’s Services, Housing Services, Ontario Works, and Paramedic Services. 

Learn more about DTSSAB here:
https://www.dtssab.com/

Media Contact – communications@dtssab.com – 705-648-1715

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