The race for mayor in Timmins is beginning to take shape, with two candidates confirming to CTV News they plan to run in the October municipal election. Lawrence Martin, director of lands and resources for Mushkegowuk Council, said he’s bringing decades of leadership experience to the mayoral campaign. Martin has been the mayor of Cochrane, mayor of Sioux Lookout and Grand Chief of Mushkegowuk Council. He said his focus will be on fostering unity at city hall and ensuring residents play an active role in decision-making. “I like listening to people, working with people,” Martin said. “I felt that here in Timmins, with the election, I can probably do the same thing. I want to contribute to the city and help bring unity, so people’s voices are heard and we can work together to achieve the community’s goals.” He added that Timmins is well-positioned for growth, citing opportunities in mining, forestry, and hydro development. “There’s a lot of good things going on around Timmins and we need to be able to network and work together to take advantage of them,” Martin said. Also entering the race is Rob Knox, a retired Tim Hortons franchise operator, former Ontario Provincial Police officer, and past president of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce. Knox said his experience spans emergency response, conflict resolution and workplace leadership. He said economic development and housing are his top priorities for the city. “With that comes housing and recreational facilities for the people of Timmins -- they go hand in hand,” Knox said. Knox also said he’s not oblivious to the social well-being of the community and the needs of disadvantaged people. “It’s a complicated issue, but council and the mayor need to get on the same page and deliver results,” he said. Proud of the work In an email to CTV News, Timmins mayor Michelle Boileau said she is proud of the work council has accomplished together. “We’ve made meaningful progress, and with six months left in this term, there is still important work ahead,” wrote Boileau. “My focus remains on delivering on that work and serving our community.” But she stopped short of saying whether she plans to run for re-election. “Regardless of any decision, my priority remains the same: fulfilling my responsibilities as mayor and serving the residents of Timmins.” The nomination period for the October municipal election opens May 1.
