Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is investing in the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) and Indigenous Supporting Housing Program. The additional funding will help those experiencing or at risk of homelessness and support community organizations delivering supportive housing.
Read MoreThe 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
“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
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
