The Timmins City Council voted on Jan. 27, 2026, to restore more than $700,000 for local sports projects, overriding Mayor Michelle Boileau’s use of Ontario’s Strong Mayor powers and ensuring planned recreation upgrades move forward in Timmins, Ontario.
Council reinstated about $737,000 for two recreation items that had been removed from the 2026 municipal budget: $597,000 for a six‑court pickleball facility in Schumacher (near the McIntyre Community Building) and $140,000 for soil/landscaping work at seven local ballfields, including Pete Landers Park.
Mayor Michelle Boileau invoked the province’s Strong Mayor veto powers on Jan. 12, 2026, saying the city should be mindful of the budget and that some projects warranted further planning or the pursuit of grant funding. A super‑majority of council disagreed and voted to overturn the veto; the recorded result was 7–2 in favour of reinstating the spending.
City councillors and community groups argued there is strong demand for dedicated pickleball facilities and noted that several ballfields have deteriorated to the point of safety concern because of poor ground conditions and overgrowth. Councillors said the funds will allow the city to proceed with improvements this year rather than defer the work.
The override allows the two projects to move ahead in 2026 despite the mayor’s earlier veto and the budgetary caution that prompted it.
