Media Release
May 4th, 2020
For immediate release

TIMMINS, ON – The Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) is sharing the results of the City of Timmins and The Chamber’s Joint Business Continuity and Recovery Advisory Task Force April edition of the COVID-19 Timmins Business Impact Survey. The summary results reveal the impact on local businesses and non-profits, and the resilience and adaptability of some industries. 

“Feedback from local firms is essential to help us understand and communicate organizational needs to all levels of government,” said Mayor George Pirie. “The task force members can use the results to guide a course of action to help local organizations, but I am encouraged that 95% of survey respondents believe they will still be operating after the pandemic subsides.”

Fred Gibbons, chair of the TEDC board noted that, “Based on the results we noticed some businesses and non-profits are not aware what government programs may be able to help them.” Gibbons added, “We encourage everyone in need of assistance to contact the TEDC or to review The Chamber website for a list of government business supports.  The TEDC will issue the survey on behalf of the partners again in May to see what new challenges arise.

Val Venneri, president of The Chamber says “Our taskforce committee is now looking at projects that will help our community as we move forward and help to ensure our businesses stay open. The full survey results are posted on The Chamber’s website. 

Jamie Roach, president of the Downtown Timmins Business Improvement Association said “Our business community is facing significant challenges. The top 5 challenges are related to zero or reduced revenues, labour, demand, health and safety, and information technology.” Roach said, he is glad that all agencies are working together to ensure our community and our organizations survive the current shutdown.

To view the full report, visit timminschamber.on.ca/covid-19

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For more information, contact Kelsey Luxton at Kelsey.luxton@timmins.ca or 705-360-2656

About the City of Timmins and the Chamber’s Joint Business Continuity and Recovery Advisory Task Force

The task force aims to support business continuity and recovery in the City of Timmins through a coordinated and responsive manner. Member organizations include: City of Timmins, The Chamber, MPP Gilles Bisson and MP Charlie Angus, Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC), Downtown Timmins Business Improvement Association (BIA), The Venture Centre, Fednor, The Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, and the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB).

About the TEDC

The TEDC is the city’s non-profit community economic development team. We facilitate and support economic and social activity that creates jobs, diversifies the economy and improves quality of life.