24/7 Staffing at DTSSAB EMS Central Base to Improve Response Times

As part of a progressive and committed initiative to deliver prompt medical services, the DTSSAB EMS Base in Englehart will shift to a 24/7 staffing model, starting September 9th.

The transition will see the integration of two full-time paramedics at the base, a marked enhancement from the previous Monday-Thursday evening on-call system. As a direct consequence, the communities in the central part of the district can anticipate improvements in paramedic response times, especially during week-night emergencies.

Located strategically at the rear of the Blanche River Health, Englehart site, the DTSSAB EMS base benefits from its proximity to Highway 11. This location not only accelerates response times but also strengthens the collaborative relationship with the hospital, furthering the integrated, patient-centered care approach.

This improvement in staffing is aligned with the provisions in the approved 2023 DTSSAB budget. The move not only guarantees increased service quality but also promises economic efficiency by reducing the costs previously associated with on-call staffing and overtime.

About DTSSAB EMS:

DTSSAB EMS serves the Timiskaming District, consistently striving for excellence in emergency medical care. With a focus on community needs and service efficiency.

Quote from Paramedic Chief, John McCarthy:

As the DTSSAB EMS continues its mission in the Timiskaming District, the focus remains clear – to provide quality, compassionate care to every individual in need. Our EMS team remains committed to constant evolution in service standards. This investment into full-time staffing at the Englehart base will have a direct impact on response times and service of the central community members of the district.”

Quote from CAO:

"At the heart of our decisions at DTSSAB is always one question: "How can we best serve our communities while providing value for money?" Our shift to 24/7 staffing at the Central EMS Base in Englehart is a clear answer to that question. I want to take a moment to recognize our dedicated Board of Directors, whose insights and commitment to our communities have been instrumental in bringing this change to life." - Mark Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer, DTSSAB

Media inquiries can be directed to communications@dtssab.com

2023 DTSSAB Budget Approved

The 2023 District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board Budget was passed at the March 22nd, 2023, Regular Meeting of the Board. The Board approved the 2023 Budget of $40,135,287, with a municipal share of $6,982,520 and a Territories Without Municipal Organization (TWOMO) share of $1,879,667. To offset the increase, the Board elected to withdraw $200,000 from the Working Fund Reserve, resulting in an increase of 1.2% for municipalities and 2.7% for TWOMO, over the 2022 budget. Had the Board not elected withdraw from the Working Fund Reserve, the municipal increase would have been 3.54%.

"The past year has been financially trying for municipalities and citizens of the Timiskaming District, these pressures were at the forefront of our minds when electing to withdraw from the Working Fund Reserve," stated Board Chair, Derek Mundle. "Delivering programs and services, through effective use of available resources, in the best interest of the individuals we support is our mission, and the Board believes that this guiding principle was upheld in this decision," he continued. The Board, which consists of seven appointed municipal representatives and two elected representatives from the territories without municipal representation, bring the viewpoint of the local taxpayer and their municipality to the table and ensures that the budget is fair and responsible in delivering the services that the DTSSAB has been mandated to deliver.

Significant factors in the increased budget (2.68%) include provincial and federal funding for programs such as the Canada-Wide Early Learning Child Care Program, Community Paramedicine, and the Homelessness Prevention Program.

Any questions, request for comment, or concerns can be directed to communications@dtssab.com

Zack’s Crib Construction Under Way

“We are thrilled to announce that construction has started for Zack’s Crib,” Yves Paille, Chair of Zack’s Crib, “after starting this project in 2018, the Zack’s Crib team has been working hard with the help of our volunteers and community as a whole to make this Safe Bed Facility a reality.”

Despite challenges with cost increase, supply-chain issues, and delays, construction for Zack’s Crib is now under way with the intent to obtain occupancy and commence operations providing day support services and as a warming centre as of October 1st, 2023, in advance of the next winter season. Reaching this goal would mark the completion of Phase One of the project. Phase Two, of project completion, will be attained when Zack’s Crib can provide overnight safe beds. This will result in a non-gender-specific emergency shelter which will help address the immediate housing crisis in the area and support the efforts of individuals to progress to permanent long-term housing.

Zack’s Crib is a non-profit corporation dedicated to ending homelessness. Zack’s Crib was created by a diverse group of individuals who came together with the goal of ending homelessness in the Temiskaming Shores and area. Partners to Zack’s Crib include the District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) and the Ontario Provincial Police (Temiskaming detachment). Community partnerships with the Pavilion Women’s Centre (Violence Against Women shelter), the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Timiskaming Health Unit (THU) and local Indigenous groups continue to be developed to provide a network of support for individuals who enter the doors.

The Zack’s Crib project has been made possible due to funding through the provincial government and generosity of the local community. Fundraising efforts continue, including through the announcement of North on Tap Craft Beer Festival / Le Nord En Fut as choosing Zack’s Crib as a major recipient for the 2023 Festival.

Any concerns, questions, request for interview can be directed to: communications@dtssab.com

DTSSAB Announces Partnership with the Town of Cobalt

The DTSSAB is proud to announce a coordinated partnership with the Town of Cobalt to aid in ensuring the continued security and reasonable enjoyment for DTSSAB tenants in Cobalt. Due to the substantial number of building and units, and constantly evolving situations, the need for a collaborative effort was highlighted.

 “Fostering positive community partnerships allows innovative, sustainable solutions. This has included increasing the accessibility to tenants to access required community supports and improved communication. It is a benefit to all parties involved,” Mark Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer of the DTSSAB.

 Regular meetings are held with the DTSSAB Housing Services Team, the Mayor of Cobalt, Mita Gibson, and Town of Cobalt Manager, Steve Dalley. This platform has encouraged community partners to join the discussion and provide insight, such as the Ontario Provincial Police. This has the further benefit of easing the referral process of tenants to local community partners for services and supports they can benefit from.

 As the DTSSAB’s role as a landlord is governed by laws such as the Residential Tenancies Act, there are procedures, such as evictions, that fall victim to a backlogged Landlord Tenant Board. The DTSSAB and the Town of Cobalt will continue to monitor, strategize, and proactively discuss how to maintain the reasonable enjoyment and safety of DTSSAB tenants and Cobalt residents.

 Any questions or requests for further comments can be directed to communications@dtssab.com

DTSSAB, Northern College, College Boreal, Partner in Creation of Compressed ECE Program

DTSSAB, Northern College, and College Boréal, are partnering in the creation of a local Compressed Early Childhood Educator Program. The program will make it possible for 6 individuals in the district, presently working in the child care field, to continue their education to become a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in the span of 16 months, as opposed to two years.

Ontario is experiencing a critical shortage of Early Years and Child Care professionals. The Provincial and Federal government announced a $13.2 billion agreement to lower childcare fees to $10/day by Fall 2025. To meet demand, Ontario plans to create 86,000 new licensed child care spaces. The District Services Board funded ECE Program Project has been designed to support recruitment and retention strategies across the North to meet this objective.

DTSSAB will be sponsoring 6 students, employed across the district at Englehart and Area Child Care and Keepers of the Circle, to complete the program. The hybrid format of the program (synchronous and asynchronous) will allow the students to continue to support their respective child care centres during high demand periods, such as before and after school. The compressed program has 4 semesters, beginning January 9th and culminating in Winter 2024, ending with Early Childhood Educator Field Work Placement. Tuition and fees, including books, will be fully funded by the DTSSAB for registered students. The students will also receive their current hourly wage for work hours and school hours to a maximum of 40 hours per week.

This innovative partnership provides the opportunity to increase the capacity for child care in the Timiskaming district. The flexibility of delivery, made possible through Northern College and College Boréal, creates a feasible option for individuals who wish to continue their education but also wanted to keep supporting their day care centres.

“This program provides a great opportunity for child care staff, which is a win-win for both the participant and their child care centres in our district,” Lyne Labelle, Children’s Services Manager.

If you have further questions, please direct them to:

communications@dtssab.com

DTSSAB Holds Inaugural Meeting and Welcomes New Board

The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) welcomed their new Board on January 19th, 2023. Derek Mundle, the representative of Area 2, was re-elected Chair, and Pat Kiely, from Area 1, was appointed Vice-Chair. 

The 2023 Board is comprised of five returning Board members, including Board Chair Derek Mundle from Evanturel, Vice-Chair Pat Kiely from Kirkland Lake, Clifford Fielder from Harley Township, Ian Macpherson from the Territories Without Municipal Organization (TWOMO) North, and Jesse Foley from the City of Temiskaming Shores. The DTSSAB welcomes four new Board members, Jeff Laferriere from the City of Temiskaming Shores, Lois Perry from Coleman Township, Mary Jo Lentz from TWOMO South, and Rick Owen from Kirkland Lake.  

“I am happy to be returning as Chair for DTSSAB, continuing with the work we started last term,” said Chair Derek Mundle, “I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the DTSSAB team to support the delivery of required services in the Timiskaming district.” 

“We welcome the opportunity to connect with returning and new Board members and convey the importance of the DTSSAB’s Vision, Mission, and Values and the services we provide. The Board serves as an essential role representing and communicating on behalf of the municipalities and territories they represent,” Mark Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer.  

The next meeting of the DTSSAB Board will be held on February 1st, 2023, at the Evanturel Township Hall, where the Board will continue their onboarding and be presented with program specific orientations and budgets.  

The 2023 Board Meeting Schedule was approved at the meeting and can be found at www.dtssab.com, along with past Board Minutes, upcoming Board Agendas, and Board Governance By-Laws and Policies.  

Any further queries can be directed to: communications@dtssab.com

100% enrollment into the Canada-Wide Early Learning Child Care (CWELCC) system

The DTSSAB is pleased to inform that the Timiskaming District has reached 100% enrollment into the Canada-Wide Early Learning Child Care (CWELCC) system in advance of the November 1st, deadline. The Children’s Services Team has been diligently working to enroll the six (6) Child Care providers who provide care at sixteen (16) different sites throughout the area into the system.

For the full press release, click here.