Moose FM CHMT 93.1 - Timmins

The Timmins Downtown core has, over the last few years, been slowly getting a facelift.  One of the major contributing factors is the Community Improvement Plan.  At last night council meeting, Timmins Director of Community Development and services came back to council looking for more money.  While the City had budgeted 200000 for the program this year, 14 grants have seen those funds evaporate.  Jensen says there are 11 more applications on his desk.  Councilor Denis Saudino says the timing is all wrong but he would entertain further discussion come budget time.  Councilor Bill Gvozdanovic would rather use the money to spur new businesses rather than window dress those that are already in business. “I would like to see us use this money to fill some of the empty buildings because when you drive in the downtown area even though we have given all this money and all these building permits…there is still empty buildings.” However, the majority of Council sees the program as an economic juggernaut that according to councilor Gary Scripnick needs room to run. ”It’s got momentum now. Let’s not shoot it in the legs. Let it keep going.” Councilor Pat Bamford says it is a way for Timmins to keep up with the Jones’. A 6-2 vote leads to an additional $200,000 being directed to the C.I.P. for the Tax Stabilization Fund.