Tuesday night’s Timmins City Council meeting was dominated by talk of public safety; homelessness and its associated issues; and vandalism.
One stark example proving that vandalism doesn’t only happen in the BIA came from the councillor for South Porcupine, Lorne Feldman.
He didn’t name who, but related the story of a professional from the GTA who chose to move to South Porcupine and buy an established business.
Twice in three days and five times in a year, glass on his storefront was smashed and goods were removed.
“He was very passionate about that this is a private business for him,” said Coun. Feldman, “and he just mentioned that he may not be able to go on, and he may have to close.”
“This is a situation that is not unique to South Porcupine,” Feldman observed. “It’s not unique to homeowners or business owners. We know it’s not unique to Timmins. But again, I think we need to take some action. It’s not enough to say it happens everywhere.”
That was only a small part of discussion during the council meeting around vandalism, theft and other problems in the city. Councillors and administrators are continuing their work to combat them.
