The Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) has put forward a proposal for a Wellness Centre of Excellence (WCE) in our community, a low barrier access drug treatment centre.  Despite the project’s significant implications for our city, it lacks transparency, community consultation, and clarity on its true purpose. We deserve a plan that serves our needs, respects our voices, and uses public funds responsibly.

We, the undersigned, call upon the CDSB Board to withdraw the proposal for the Wellness Centre of Excellence due to the following:

A FAILED COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The people of Timmins deserve to be consulted on major initiatives that affect our city. To date, there has been minimal to no input from residents, business owners, and key community stakeholders-despite stated commitments from CDSB senior leadership.  We call for a genuine engagement process to understand community needs and concerns before proceeding.

CONTRADICTORY STATEMENTS FROM CDSB SENIOR MANAGEMENT

CDSB senior management statements have often contradicted the actual purpose and scope of the WCE. Clear, honest communication is critical for community trust, and the CDSB has failed to clarify what the WCE truly intends to provide. We demand that they fully disclose the objectives, services, and anticipated impacts of the WCE.

Further, after the withdrawl of the WCE proposal, we ask that the CDSB Board direct senior management to do the following:

SELL THE RAMADA INN AND USE THE PROCEEDS TO RELOCATE LIVING SPACE AWAY FROM RESIDENTIAL AREAS

This will create an environment where residents can truly thrive.  If the CDSB can allocate $12 million from their reserves to a misdirected project, then that funding should be redirected to undo the real, lasting harm that CDSB policies have inflicted on our community. This is an overdue responsibility that can no longer be ignored.

We also ask the CDSB Board for the following:

A FULL REVIEW OF SENIOR MANAGEMENT AT CDSB

We are calling on the CDSB Board to review the senior leadership team responsible for this project. We believe that community-centered leadership should be in place, ensuring that those overseeing public projects act transparently, respectfully, and in alignment with resident needs.

We urge the CDSB Board to withdraw the WCE project as it stands and implement the changes outlined above. This is our city, and our voices must be part of its future.

Sign this petition to make your voice heard and stand for transparency, accountability, and a project that truly serves the people of Timmins.