Kim Dwyer, an employee at Lyne’s Variety store in Timmins for almost 25 years, now exercises extra caution after surviving a brutal attack in March 2024. She shared how the incident has made her more vigilant in public spaces, always feeling like she’s being followed and constantly checking her surroundings.
This personal account of Dwyer’s harrowing experience is just one of the many concerns raised by residents and business owners in Timmins ahead of the upcoming municipal election. Various candidates have put forward strategies to tackle these issues, such as boosting police presence, enhancing social services, and relocating the downtown encampment away from residential neighborhoods.
As the community prepares to vote for a new council on October 26, the level of emphasis placed on crime prevention and public safety remains uncertain. Police data reveals fluctuations in Timmins’ crime rates, with the city’s crime severity index increasing by approximately nine percent in 2025 due to a few high-profile incidents, despite an overall decrease in the total number of reported crimes.
Timmins Police Service Deputy Chief Darren Dinel highlighted the evolving nature of crime trends in 2026, noting a concerning rise in assaults, weapons-related incidents, thefts, and impaired-driving cases. The police force closely monitors crime statistics and adapts resource allocation to address emerging challenges, including deploying additional officers at public events and intensifying drug enforcement efforts.
Dinel emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to public safety, stating that law enforcement is just one component of the justice system. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts to address the complex interplay of social disorder, mental health issues, and addiction within the community.
Similarly, Paul Jalbert, the executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Cochrane-Timiskaming branch, highlighted the growing demand for specialized mental health and addiction services in Timmins. He underscored the need for government intervention to bridge existing gaps in housing, mental health care, and addiction treatment, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive and compassionate response to community safety concerns.
In response to rising security challenges, Lyne Boileau, the owner of Lyne’s Variety, shared her experiences of adapting to increased theft and violence risks since purchasing the business in 2014. Following a traumatic incident in 2024 where her employee was stabbed, Boileau implemented enhanced security measures, including fingerprint-secured gates and security shutters, to ensure the safety of her staff and customers.
Boileau’s proactive approach to security reflects the unanticipated realities of running a business in a changing environment, where safety concerns have become a top priority. The measures implemented have provided a sense of security for her employees, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential threats.