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 Holds Inaugural Meeting and Welcomes New Board

The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) welcomed their new Board on January 19th, 2023. Derek Mundle, the representative of Area 2, was re-elected Chair, and Pat Kiely, from Area 1, was appointed Vice-Chair. 

The 2023 Board is comprised of five returning Board members, including Board Chair Derek Mundle from Evanturel, Vice-Chair Pat Kiely from Kirkland Lake, Clifford Fielder from Harley Township, Ian Macpherson from the Territories Without Municipal Organization (TWOMO) North, and Jesse Foley from the City of Temiskaming Shores. The DTSSAB welcomes four new Board members, Jeff Laferriere from the City of Temiskaming Shores, Lois Perry from Coleman Township, Mary Jo Lentz from TWOMO South, and Rick Owen from Kirkland Lake.  

“I am happy to be returning as Chair for DTSSAB, continuing with the work we started last term,” said Chair Derek Mundle, “I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the DTSSAB team to support the delivery of required services in the Timiskaming district.” 

“We welcome the opportunity to connect with returning and new Board members and convey the importance of the DTSSAB’s Vision, Mission, and Values and the services we provide. The Board serves as an essential role representing and communicating on behalf of the municipalities and territories they represent,” Mark Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer.  

The next meeting of the DTSSAB Board will be held on February 1st, 2023, at the Evanturel Township Hall, where the Board will continue their onboarding and be presented with program specific orientations and budgets.  

The 2023 Board Meeting Schedule was approved at the meeting and can be found at www.dtssab.com, along with past Board Minutes, upcoming Board Agendas, and Board Governance By-Laws and Policies.  

Any further queries can be directed to: communications@dtssab.com

July 5th Unveiling of Off-Road Response Unit (ORU)

Due to generous contributions from community partners – the DTSSAB will be formally unveiling the Off-Road Response Unit (ORU) on July 5th, at the Harbourfront Pavilion, in Haileybury.

Since its debut in Spring 2021 the ORU has been deployed on numerous occasions and has been instrumental in several emergencies.

The Off-Road Response Unit, and its accompanying fully enclosed response trailer, provide access to traditionally difficult to reach locations, including, but not limited to:

• Remote work sites

• Snowmobile/ATV trails

• Areas impeded by extreme weather

• Farming areas

The modifications to the unit, including being fully enclosed and climate-controlled, allow for safe transportation of paramedics and patients in an environment comparable to a traditional ambulance. In addition, the enclosed response trailer can be utilized as a mobile command post.

DTSSAB EMS paramedics have received basic training on operations of the ORU and will continue to train and develop the program in the future. This initiative is new territory for DTSSAB EMS and to most paramedic services in Ontario.

We wish to publicly acknowledge those sponsors who made this initiative possible:

• Frog’s Breath Foundation

• Trans Canada

• TC Energy

• Earlton Green Tractors

• OPG

• Co-Op Regionale

• Dr. Tarp

• Northern Signs

• The City of Temiskaming Shores

• Alamos Gold

• Kenogami Fire

• Rowland Emergency

• On Duty Equipment

• Hydro One

• Earlton RV

• Agnico Eagle

• EACOM

Paramedic Services Week 2022

May 22-28th, 2022, marks Paramedic Services Week. This year’s theme is #FacesofParamedicine. This week allows us to reflect and appreciate the paramedics who work every day to keep us and our communities healthy.

“On behalf of the DTSSAB Board, I would like to recognize all of our paramedics, this week and every week,” says DTSSAB Board Chair, Derek Mundle, “We are truly grateful for their contribution to the health and well-being of our communities. The services you provide is one that we all hope we never have to access, but that we take comfort in knowing we can count on you, should an emergency occur.”

This past year has seen the continued resilience of DTSSAB paramedics as they pivoted through the changing mandates and protocols of the pandemic. It saw the Leadership restructuring of the service, as well as the growth of the service through the welcome addition of the Off-Road Response Unit and Community Paramedicine program.

“Our paramedics form a team that I am honoured to lead,” said EMS Chief, John McCarthy, “they are dedicated to supporting the health of our community, through their dedication on duty, continued volunteering outside of regular duties, and constant push to expand their knowledge and skill base.”

The delivery of paramedicine requires a team including dispatch, training, logistics, specialities, and much more. The DTSSAB wishes to celebrate all paramedics and support staff that make up DTSSAB EMS as we graciously serve the district.