Timmins, ON – The Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) has confirmed that the Encampment Response Initiative (ERI) project will not move forward, following formal confirmation from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) that funding for the original Pine Street project cannot be transferred to the new Hwy 101 W project.
The ERI project was developed exclusively under the Encampment Response Initiative Fund, announced by the province in late December 2024. Under the direction of CDSB’s Board, the most recent proposal included the development of a 44-unit modular facility and an adjacent encampment support zone on Hwy 101 West, designed to address urgent community needs.
While this specific initiative will not proceed, the CDSB remains committed to working with municipal partners, Indigenous organizations and leaders, district service providers and those with lived and living experience to explore alternative strategies that prioritize safety, dignity and sustainability.
“Although we are unable to move forward with this ERI Project, our focus remains on collaborative solutions that meet immediate, critical shelter and housing needs in Timmins and across the Cochrane District,” shares Mayor Michelle Boileau, Chair of the Cochrane District Services Board of Directors. “We know that the current emergency shelter in Timmins is operating over-capacity and we are committed to workingto ensure immediate steps are responsive, inclusive and grounded in local needs.”
Recognizing that the current emergency shelter in Timmins has operated at and over capacity since the summer, and that infrastructure challenges identified through the Relocation Review process cannot be addressed within the existing facility, the CDSB is committed to supporting an urgent and coordinated response to redevelop and relocate shelter services.
These realities, combined with province-wide trends underscore the urgent need for a district-wide homelessness strategy – including James Bay Coast communities – that reflects a systems approach that holistically meets community needs. In alignment with the Board resolution passed on December 18th, 2025, CDSB Administration will continue to work towards establishing emergency shelter services that meet local needs and secure required funding to operate these services in partnership with Indigenous organizations and leaders and district service providers. This work will remain top priority, supported by the convening of a community leadership table to provide strategic oversight and direction to redevelop and relocate emergency shelter services.
Monthly progress reports will be provided to ensure accountability and transparency as this collaborative effort moves forward. The CDSB remains committed to working closely the Ministry in the new year to explore other project options and funding sources to alleviate affordable housing and homelessness pressures faced across the Cochrane District.
Information, including project timelines on the Encampment Response Initiative Project can be found here: https://cdsb.care/encampment-response-initiative-funding/.
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About the Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB)
The Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) is a regional leader in delivering essential social and emergency services across Northeastern Ontario. Serving a diverse and expansive region, CDSB provides integrated programs in paramedic services, housing, children’s services, and community development and services.
With a strong focus on community partnerships and equity, CDSB is committed to supporting the well-being of all residents—including Indigenous, Francophone, and other equity-deserving populations. Through innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of District needs, CDSB works to ensure accessible, high-quality services that build stronger, healthier communities.
For more information, please contact:
Kaileigh Russell
Communications Manager, Cochrane District Services Board
kaileigh.russell@cdsb.care
(O) 705-268-7722 Ext. 244
(C) 705-406-9286