Time to think big, Timmins mayor says in State of the City address

Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau urges a 'think big' mentality at the Chamber's State of the City address. Lydia Chubak reports.

Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau addressed the Timmins business community at the Timmins Chamber of Commerce annual Mayor’s State of the City luncheon on Wednesday.

This year, Boileau suggested it’s time to set sights higher.

“The message I really wanted to give to the community was that, you know, this is the time to be thinking big,” she said.

“There are so many different stars that are aligning for us and so the city’s ready to start doing that. We have big plans, but we’re going to need the help of the community to really be able to achieve them.”

Boileau shared details of some of the key projects underway in the city, such as the Melrose Heights subdivision that will offer 241 residential lots, and the construction of a new water tower in the city’s east end.

With all the city wants to accomplish, the mayor said the city doesn’t have the capacity to do all the work on its own.

“We’re going to need to rely on our contractors, on our suppliers,” she said.

Offered some perspective

“Everyone’s very busy and so it’s almost even a little heads up that, you know, we’re going to have work for all of you. This might be the time to start thinking about growing, about expanding operations.”

Chamber president Melanie Dufresne said Boileau’s speech gave members some perspective.

“As you’re going through your day-to-day, sometimes you’re not always in the discussions as to what the priorities are for the municipality,” said Dufresne.

“I think this is a good time to be able to hear … where the focus is here, where the municipality is going and putting its efforts -- and how, as a community, we’re going to grow. And we heard today (that) we need to walk as one and I think, more than ever, we need to support each other through this growth.”

Boileau’s speech focused on the city’s strengths and progress, with little mention of any challenges it’s facing.

The next municipal election is in October.