Pilot project will see city picking up used needles in Timmins
Starting May 1, residents can call the City of Timmins if they want someone to collect used needles.
In a news release Thursday, the city said the goal is to simplify the process.
“Residents can call Service Timmins Monday to Friday during regular business hours, to have public works carry out collection,” the release said.
“Reports can also be made online through the Service Timmins customer portal.”
The service is part of a pilot project to address drug-related litter, after city council asked staff to explore if municipal collection was feasible.
“Discussions around safe needle pick-up started last July,” Meagan Baranyk, the city’s community programs manager, is quoted as saying in a news release.
“Collection was being completed by several local agencies, but without specific funding or direction, it was sometimes case-by-case, and resulted in some confusion around who to call. Our pilot project will test the capacity of public works to carry out collection on public property, with Service Timmins coordinating response.”
However, municipal staff don’t have the authority to enter private property for the purpose of collecting discarded needles or syringes.
“The service is available for public property only, such as municipal parks, trails, sidewalks, boulevards, and roadways,” the release said.
Collection is also limited to weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sharps reported over the weekend through the customer service portal will be addressed on the next available business day.
“Collaboration with local agencies and outreach will continue, to help address gaps in the collection schedule,” Baranyk added in the news release.
“This is a starting point. We will be collecting data around how many sharps are collected, from which areas, and how effective our response is. We are aware that the hours are limited; however, there is a commitment to monitoring and adjusting the hours as needed.”
Starting May 1, residents can request needle or syringe pick up by calling Service Timmins at 705-264-1331 or online under roads and sidewalks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.