TIMMINS, ON – The Timmins Regional Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots (RCIP-FCIP) are now accepting applications for designation from local employers within priority sectors who wish to participate in the pilots.

The process for the new immigration pilots is employer-driven and focused on priority sectors and occupation. Employers wishing to participate in the pilots have to apply to the Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) for employer designation, which involves completing mandatory IRCC onboarding training and intercultural competency training.

To be eligible for employer designation, employers have to be located within the geographic boundaries – east from Calstock to the Quebec border, south to Temiskaming Shores and west to Foleyet – of the pilots, be active and operating continuously for at least 2 years, and must do business in at least one of the five priority sectors: 1) Health, 2) Trades and Transport, 3) Natural Resources and Agriculture, 4) Education, Law and Social, Community and Government Services, and 5) Business, Finance and Administration. A full list of employer requirements, priority sectors and occupations, and a map of the geographic boundaries is available on the TEDC website. Interested employers can also contact the TEDC directly.

“We are excited to announce the selection of our priority sectors and occupations for these new immigration pilots and the start of our intake for employer designation,” said Brenda Camirand, Director of Economic Development for the City of Timmins. “Employers in these sectors who are unable to fill positions with Canadian citizens or permanent residents will now have an additional avenue to secure a workforce.”

The priority sectors and occupations were carefully chosen by the Community Steering and Selection Committee based on research and data from numerous sources, including an employer survey, consultations with stakeholders and community partners, job posting data, and labour market forecasts. Priority sectors and occupations are subject to change on an annual basis, as determined by the Community Steering and Selection Committee.

Employer information sessions will be taking place in communities across the region from April 22-25. Visit the TEDC Eventbrite page for details about the session nearest you.

In January 2025, it was announced that the City of Timmins and surrounding region were selected to participate in two new immigration pilots by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) will continue to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities and help employers find the workers they need to overcome labour shortages. The TEDC facilitates the Pilots in the region.

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

About Timmins Economic Development

Timmins Economic Development is the city’s community economic development team, which facilitates and supports economic and social activity that creates jobs, diversifies the economy and improves quality of life.

Land Acknowledgement

Timmins Economic Development acknowledges that we are located on the traditional Lands of Mattagami First Nation, Flying Post First Nation, and Matachewan First Nation, home to many Ojibway, Cree, Oji-Cree, Algonquin and Métis people. We also acknowledge that we are situated in Treaty 9 territory (also known as the James Bay Treaty), which is steeped in the rich Indigenous history of many First Nations, Metis and Inuit People.

We make this acknowledgement as a first step in recognizing First Peoples’ long history and living culture, made with respect to Elders, both past and present.

TORONTO, ON – The City of Timmins made a strong impact at the 2025 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention with the grand opening of its booth. As one of the richest mineral-producing areas in the Western Hemisphere, Timmins and its region continues to position itself as a leader in the mining sector, fostering investment and economic development opportunities on a global stage.

The City of Timmins booth #6924N officially opened on March 2 at 2PM at the PDAC 2025 Convention in Toronto, highlighting the city’s strengths in gold and critical minerals, its expertise in mining innovation, and its commitment to economic growth. Attendees have the opportunity to connect with representatives from the City’s Economic Development team and local industry leaders to explore investment and partnership opportunities.

“The PDAC Convention is the premier event for the global mineral exploration and mining industry, and Timmins has a long history of being at the heart of Canada’s mining sector,” said City of Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau. “This year, we are excited to showcase our city’s competitive advantages at our booth.”

Timmins is not only a mining hub but also home to a robust supply and service sector that supports operations worldwide.

In addition to exhibiting at this year’s event, the City of Timmins will host its first ever reception at PDAC. “The Timmins Reception is an opportunity to celebrate mining excellence in Timmins, and for the local mining supply and service sector to network with Indigenous leaders, government dignitaries, operating mines, junior exploration companies, and key industry stakeholders,” said Brenda Camirand, Director of Economic Development for the City of Timmins. 

The City’s presence at PDAC 2025 reinforces Timmins’ reputation as a key player in the mining industry.

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Media Inquiries:
Kelsey Luxton
Marketing and Communications Specialist
705-360-2600 x 7083
kelsey.luxton@timmins.ca

TIMMINS, ON – The Business Enterprise Centre is accepting applications for the Starter Company Plus program, offering entrepreneurs in Timmins and its region up to $5,000 in grants to start, expand, or purchase a business.

Mike Scott, Business Development Consultant with The Business Enterprise Centre, highlighted the program’s value: “Starter Company Plus provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the foundation they need to build successful businesses. Through virtual workshops and one-on-one mentorship, participants develop their business plans while gaining essential skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s market.”

The program has already helped dozens of successful businesses in the region, including Ciao Sandwich Co. in downtown Timmins. Co-owners Ryan and Kennedy Wilson shared their experience: “The Starter Company Plus program gave us the tools and confidence to bring our business vision to life. The grant funding helped us offset the cost of equipment, which has become essential to our operations and customer experience.”

Eligible applicants must be 18+, have completed their education, and commit to running their business full-time. The program includes 7 weeks of virtual workshops with hands-on training and individualized support.

For more information or to apply, contact James Parisi at james.parisi@timmins.ca or 705-360-2600 ext. 7079.

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TIMMINS, ON – The City of Timmins and surrounding region have been selected to participate in two new immigration pilots by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Building on the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), the new immigration pilots will continue to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities and help employers find the workers they need to overcome labour shortages. The Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) will facilitate the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) in the region.

“Both immigration pilots represent growth and prosperity for Timmins,” said Mayor Michelle Boileau. “With this opportunity we can work to expand our population base and attract new business and development, which helps us create sustainable infrastructure and maintain and improve key municipal services. We are ready to welcome skilled newcomers who will enrich our workforce and contribute to the vibrant fabric of Timmins.”

Although similar to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), the new immigration pilots will have significant differences and the process will be more employer-driven. Employers wishing to participate in the pilots will have to undergo an employer designation process, which involves completing mandatory IRCC onboarding training and intercultural competency training.

The TEDC is seeking feedback from employers throughout the region – from Calstock east to Highway 101 at the Quebec border, south to Temiskaming Shores and west to Foleyet – to determine their current and near-future labour demands, and develop a focused list of priority sectors and occupations.

“These immigration pilots are meant to assist our employers who are struggling to fill positions with Canadian citizens or permanent residents by providing them with an additional avenue to secure a workforce,” said Brenda Camirand, Director of Economic Development for the City of Timmins. “It is crucial that we engage employers and hear directly from them regarding their job vacancies and labour market needs.”

Employers can complete a short survey online in English or French until February 14. While applications for the pilots will not open until the Spring, employers interested in learning more or participating in the pilots can contact the TEDC.

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) ran for five years, ending in August 2024. Locally, RNIP helped over 268 businesses throughout the region address labour shortages and skills gaps, recommended 754 applicants from over 40 countries for permanent residence, and generated an estimated total value of $35 million in gross annual wages in the regional economy. RNIP also contributed to the highest population estimate for the City of Timmins in over a decade.

A French version of this media release is available upon request.

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

TIMMINS, ON – The Business Enterprise Centre is inviting students aged 15 to 29 to apply for the 2025 Summer Company program. This program provides an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to launch and manage their own summer businesses, gain valuable mentorship from experienced advisors, and access up to $3,000 in funding.

Mike Scott, Business Development Consultant with The Business Enterprise Centre, emphasized the program’s impact: “The Summer Company program gives students an incredible opportunity to explore entrepreneurship, gain practical experience, and build essential business skills. It’s a great way to inspire the next generation of business leaders while boosting the local economy.”

The program has already made a difference for participants like Maverick Carriere, owner of Carriere Property Services and a 2024 program graduate. Reflecting on his experience, Carriere noted: “The Summer Company program is a great resource and I would recommend it to students looking towards entrepreneurship as a career. It was rewarding to be able to make my own money my way while still having an advisor to provide me with feedback and guidance.”

Ready to take the leap? Applications are open now and will close on May 16, 2025. For more information or to apply, visit our website or contact James Parisi at james.parisi@timmins.ca or 705-360-2600 ext. 7079.

Don’t miss your chance to turn your ideas into a thriving summer business!

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About the Business Enterprise Centre
The Business Enterprise Centre is the Small Business Enterprise Centre serving Timmins and the Cochrane District. As part of Timmins Economic Development, the Centre provides resources, mentorship, and guidance to help entrepreneurs succeed.

About Timmins Economic Development
Timmins Economic Development is the city’s community economic development team, which facilitates and supports economic and social activity that creates jobs, diversifies the economy and improves quality of life.

Land Acknowledgement
Timmins Economic Development acknowledges that we are located on the traditional Lands of Mattagami First Nation, Flying Post First Nation, and Matachewan First Nation, home to many Ojibway, Cree, Oji-Cree, Algonquin and Métis people. We also acknowledge that we are situated in Treaty 9 territory (also known as the James Bay Treaty), which is steeped in the rich Indigenous history of many First Nations, Metis and Inuit People.

We make this acknowledgement as a first step in recognizing First Peoples’ long history and living culture, made with respect to Elders, both past and present.

TIMMINS, ON –Timmins Economic Development is proud to partner with MineConnect to host the Mini Mining Forum + Roadshow – Timmins Edition on December 5^th, 2024, highlighting the Timmins’ mining excellence and commitment to supporting the sector.

This full-day event brings together industry leaders, businesses, and community stakeholders to discuss the latest developments in mining and economic trends, explore hiring solutions, and learn about exciting projects and investment opportunities across Northeastern Ontario. Attendees will benefit from engaging presentations, insightful panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to help them navigate current challenges and capitalize on future growth opportunities.

Mayor Michelle Boileau emphasized the importance of mining to Timmins, “Mining has always been at the heart of our community and remains a cornerstone of Timmins’ economy. Events like the MineConnect Mini Mining Forum and Roadshow are vital to fostering innovation, collaboration, and investment in the mining sector. The City of Timmins is proud to support our local businesses and ensure they’re well-prepared to thrive in both local and global markets.”

Timmins Economic Development is committed to ensuring the success of local mining supply and service companies. Brenda Camirand, Director of Economic Development for the City of Timmins, shared, “Partnering with MineConnect for this event underscores our dedication to fostering growth in Timmins’ mining sector. By connecting businesses with resources and industry leaders, we’re helping to build a resilient and competitive mining ecosystem that can seize opportunities in emerging markets.”

MineConnect, Northern Ontario’s mining supply and service association, is equally enthusiastic about the event’s potential. Marla Tremblay, Executive Director of MineConnect, shared, “This event is more than a forum—it’s an opportunity to strengthen the partnerships and knowledge that drive innovation in our sector. We’re excited to bring together a diverse lineup of presenters and attendees who are passionate about the future of mining in Northern Ontario.”

This successful event highlights Timmins’ vital role in driving mining innovation, economic growth, and investment in Northeastern Ontario.

The MineConnect Mini Mining Forum + MineConnect Roadshow – Timmins Edition is hosted in partnership with Timmins Economic Development and is proudly supported by Northern Ontario Angels, TD Commercial Banking, Export Development Canada, Timmins Mechanical Solutions, Mammoet Canada Eastern Ltd., Highvec Canada, Cementation, and AST Group of Companies.

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For more information, contact Kelsey Luxton at kelsey.luxton@timmins.ca or 705-360-2600 x7083

About Timmins Economic Development

Timmins Economic Development is the city’s community economic development team, which facilitates and supports economic and social activity that creates jobs, diversifies the economy and improves quality of life.

Land Acknowledgement

Timmins Economic Development acknowledges that we are located on the traditional Lands of Mattagami First Nation, Flying Post First Nation, and Matachewan First Nation, home to many Ojibway, Cree, Oji-Cree, Algonquin and Métis people. We also acknowledge that we are situated in Treaty 9 territory (also known as the James Bay Treaty), which is steeped in the rich Indigenous history of many First Nations, Metis and Inuit People.

We make this acknowledgement as a first step in recognizing First Peoples’ long history and living culture, made with respect to Elders, both past and present.

TIMMINS, ON – The Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN) has released its 2024 living wage calculations, revealing that workers in Timmins now need to earn $20.30 per hour to cover basic expenses. This represents a 2.5% increase from the previous year’s figure of $19.80, reflecting ongoing challenges with the cost of living.

“The living wage is a crucial metric for understanding what it takes for individuals in our community to make ends meet,” said Noella Rinaldo, Director of Community Economic Development at the Timmins Economic Development Corporation. “With this updated figure, we can continue to identify gaps and better support our workforce in participating fully in the community,” Rinaldo added.

While the average increase across Ontario is 3.34%, the rise in Timmins is slightly lower. However, the impact of rising rental costs continues to strain household budgets.

Unlike the provincially legislated minimum wage of $17.20 per hour, the living wage is calculated based on actual local costs of essentials such as food, shelter, and transportation. This year’s living wage estimates integrate housing data from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Statistics Canada, with additional insights from the Canadian Rental Housing Index for smaller communities.

In addition to rising housing costs, other expenses such as food and transportation have also seen modest increases. However, families are experiencing some relief in childcare costs thanks to the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program, which has helped reduce fees for younger children, though costs for older children have seen a slight rise.

The living wage is not mandatory but offers local employers the opportunity to voluntarily commit to paying wages that align with the actual cost of living in their region. Employers who choose to become certified living wage employers sign a license agreement and pay an annual fee, which supports OLWN’s ongoing work to calculate living wages, recognize employers, and promote fair wages across the province.

Find a list of all certified employers here.

Learn how the living wage is calculated or become a certified living wage employer, visit ontariolivingwage.ca.

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For more information, contact Noella Rinaldo at noella.rinaldo@timmins.ca or 705-360-2600 x7083

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.

Land Acknowledgement

The TEDC acknowledges that we are located on the traditional Lands of Mattagami First Nation, Flying Post First Nation, and Matachewan First Nation, home to many Ojibway, Cree, Oji-Cree, Algonquin and Métis people. We also acknowledge that we are situated in Treaty 9 territory (also known as the James Bay Treaty), which is steeped in the rich Indigenous history of many First Nations, Metis and Inuit People.