Timmins business owners describe how crime is impacting their lives

Recent criminal activity in Timmins -- including two shootings and a rash of break-and-enters -- have raised concern among business owners.

Jean Carriere owns a building downtown at the corner of Third Avenue and Maple Street South. Last Friday morning, when the power was out throughout the city, Carriere and his wife were awakened by the sound of a breaking window.

A spike in crime in December has prompted Timmins business owners to share some of their experiences. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario)

"Somebody threw a piece of concrete through a business window where we live and we responded quickly," he said.

"What I can tell you is that the police were amazing. They were here within three minutes."

Carriere is one of dozens of owners who’ve witnessed and experienced crimes over the past few years, including physical violence, robberies, open drug use and vandalism.

Timmins police chief Sydney Lecky said crime is on a downward trend in the city compared to previous years, but he said the month of December is "a highlight."

Lecky said seven break-and-enters took place at businesses in city within a week and a half. So far, he said, two men have been charged.

"One of the two individuals (had) 181 interactions with police," he said.

"The other individual that we have in custody had 105 interactions with police. So (they have) a history of property crime, among many other offences."

There were also two shootings and, so far, one suspect has been arrested and charged.

Shootings are 'very concerning'

"There is no question that shootings that happened in our downtown core are very concerning," Lecky said.

"What has happened, though, is that these are very targeted events … We believe that the public in general are not at risk, other than the obvious risks that come from gunplay anywhere."

A psychotherapist who has run her private practice in downtown Timmins for 25 years said she’s seen many changes in that time.

"I can't tell you how many times I've had clients in my office get triggered when they hear screaming and sirens outside the window," said Joan Charlebois.

"It can trigger people that have had past trauma, experienced violence in their lives. So, they're coming here to get help, to get well and that's what they're faced with."

Charlebois said police are doing what they can, but she and others would like to see the city lobby the government for bail reform.

"That has to happen," she said.

"Longer sentences for repeat offenders. Something's got to be done because compassion can only take us so far."

The business owners who spoke with CTV News said they worry about lawlessness increasing if the health wellness centre opens at 1800 Riverside Drive.

"As a recovering addict myself, I understand the nature of some of addiction," said Paul Woodward, vice-president of The Bucket Shop.

"Having seen what's transpired with Living Space and understanding the concept behind it, I believe that the idea is right, but I believe the locations are all wrong. And I don't think where 1800 is headed is any better, frankly. I believe that the best treatment is in a more rural setting."

Other business owners who’ve been working for decades in the city, many of whom grew up in Timmins, said they are sad and feeling hopeless.

And they’re begging for change.

"I have a lot of staff that work evenings and that gets stuck inside of the businesses that they're cleaning, because … people that are blocking the door that are shooting up outside, that are banging on windows," said Christine Landry, manager of Reliable Cleaning Services.

"So it's been costing the company also a lot of money because we're having to pay overtime waiting for police to attend (and) clear the area so that our staff can get out safely."

Estela Chow, owner of Lady Luck Restaurant, said she’s experienced four break-ins so far and wants city officials to show their support for small business owners who are the "backbone of the community."

"Face this, we can't be blind, we can't pretend," Chow said.

"Face the reality that we have right now in order for us to live a happy life again here in Timmins with a heart of gold."

Calls for bail reform

Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau said the municipality continues to advocate, along with the Timmins Police Service, for bail reform at every opportunity, they can.

"I think the most important part that we play is being able to share the stories of the residents -- share stories that are coming from our community," said Boileau.

"I do believe that our provincial partners have a much better understanding of what it is, you know, we're dealing with here what the challenges truly are that we're facing."

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Lecky said officer recruitment efforts are also ongoing.

"I think we're one short of the most police officers we've ever had in Timmins," he said.

"We've got to get the tools. People are one thing, but the equipment to do the jobs -- whether it's vehicles, whether it's licence plate or plate readers, in-car cameras -- and the technology that we're going to use to help support how we do business and deliver that service on a day-to-day basis."

Carriere said he’s also willing to help organize a downtown neighbourhood watch group.

"Bringing not just the businesses but the property owners and the residents together, so that we can, you know, address some of the concerns and also bring some solutions to the table so that we can keep an eye out for each other and look out for each other," he said.

Timmins city council is meeting Monday at 5 p.m. in council chambers to discuss safety concerns. People can attend in person, watch it online or on cable TV.