Timmins, Ont., mayor first to have baby while in office

A northern Ontario woman in her first term as mayor of Timmins has given birth to her second child.

Michelle Boileau's son Felix Francis Morrish was born early Monday morning, making her the first Timmins mayor to deliver a baby while holding office.

Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau, her husband Andrew Morrish and daughter Rosalie welcome a new baby Felix Francis Morrish. (Supplied)

He weighed eight pounds and three ounces and measured 20 inches long at birth, the City of Timmins said in a social media post.

"City of Timmins council and staff are excited to congratulate Mayor Michelle Boileau, husband Andrew Morrish and daughter Rosalie on the arrival of Felix," the post said.

"Mayor Boileau wishes to thank Dr. Kvas and the maternity staff at the Timmins and District Hospital / L'Hôpital de Timmins et du district for the wonderful care."

Boileau and her baby are resting at home.

"We couldn't be happier to welcome Felix into our lives," the second time mom told CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca in a message over social media.

"We'd also like to extend our thanks to everyone who have sent well wishes and gifts. People have been so kind and generous."

She said her daughter is happy and excited to be a big sister and to have a little brother.

"She's already being so helpful," Boileau said.

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Floral arrangements, stuffed animal and balloons gifted to Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau and her family on the birth of her son Felix. Sept. 25, 2024 (City of Timmins)

She announced in April that the baby was due in October.

"We are excited to be expanding our family," the mayor said in the announcement earlier this year.

"The roles of mayor and mother are extremely important to me. Timmins is where I was born and raised and it's where I am choosing to raise my family."

Felix Francis Morrish was born Sept. 23, 2024 to Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau and her husband Andrew Morrish. (Supplied)

Before being elected as the city's third female mayor in 2022, she served one term as city councillor.

The city's policy, which Boileau helped create, allows for five months of parental leave.

"I haven't decided if I'll be taking a set leave. For now, I'll just be taking a step back and the time I need to settle in and get into a routine, then I'll gradually get back to work. I plan to stay connected throughout, though," the mayor said.

"I can just miss up to five months worth of council meetings, according to the municipal act, before my seat can be declared vacant."

Michelle Boileau, the newly-elected Timmins mayor, is the third female to hold the position and first bilingual in decades. Nov. 15/22 (Lydia Chubak/CTV Northern Ontario)In her absence, city councillors Cory Robin and Andrew Marks will serve as deputy mayors.

 

"I am grateful for the support of my fellow councillors and city administration," Boileau said in an April news release.

"I was fortunate to help establish the city's pregnancy and parental leave policy for council members prior to having my first child. I am passionate about creating a space where women and individuals with young families are encouraged to participate in local government."