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