After getting a taste what it’s like to serve on council for the past two years, Cory Robin has filed for re-election.
He is seeking one of four seats in Ward 5 (Timmins) for the fall municipal elections in Timmins.
“I like to think that I’m doing a good job and that the people who voted for me agree,” Robin said. “The things you do as a councillor for the community, you can drive certain things and have some conversations that really make or break some people’s lives here in town. Not earth-shattering things like building a development or putting up a building, but making sure some lines are painted (on the roads) in the area or listening to a petition to keep a park whole.
“Those are things I’ve really enjoyed doing. Little causes that I can champion at city hall.”
Nominations for the municipal election started May 2 and are open until Aug. 19. Election day is Oct. 24.
Robin was appointed to council after a resignation created an opening in Ward 5. He earned the appointment after finishing a close fifth in the 2018 election. He was behind fourth-place Andrew Marks by just two votes following a recount.
While on council, Robin has served on boards for the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre, Cochrane District Services Administration Board, Timmins Economic Development Corporation, Business Improvement Area, and the Audit Committee.
He said Timmins has an opportunity to grow.
“We have quite a few opportunities coming in the mining sector,” Robin said. “We are poised to open up a mine or two and we need all the people we can to fill those jobs and all their spinoffs, like the mining supply.
“The biggest challenge we see to get that opportunity is the people. We need people coming in and finding a place to live.”
He sees a number of key issues for his Ward and for the city overall.
“We have some challenges with the perception of safety downtown,” he said. “The city core itself is smack dab in the middle of this opioid crisis. That’s not a Timmins problem, it’s a countrywide problem. But we can’t play national politics, we have to figure out how to deal with our own problems in our own little slice of the country here.
“The biggest question I see is infrastructure — pipes exploding and potholes everywhere. That’s another focus that I’m always on, being committed to push as much scrape and pave as I can.
“Also, just to have a quality of life. On Friday, we’re going to be having Rock on the River. Last year when I was there, I was up to my knees in mud.
“I’ve spent the last year, with the help of other councillors, trying to figure out something to do about that. It resulted in figuring out the MAT Tax so we could put the money aside to scrape all that mud off. Even if it pours rain now, you’re not going to be standing in the mud.”
Robin currently works in economic development with the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund. Previously, he worked for many years at the Kidd Creek Metallurgical Site.
His work experience, combined with his background of being born in Schumacher, raised in South Porcupine and living in Timmins, plus being an indigenous person from a francophone family, gives him a unique perspective on the community.
“Coming from that indigenous background, I get to see the perceptions,” Robin said. “I’ve been a victim of racism in town. During my time as councillor, I’ve challenged some of those perpetuators of that racism.
“Having children, working in economic development and I’ve worked here my whole life. I have this life experience that kind of puts me in middle class, kind of a regular guy with a shovel. I’ve worked labour jobs and I’ve worked office jobs and I relate to people all across the spectrum.
“I am honoured to serves. Whether I’m here two years or 20. I’m honoured to be here and do the best job I can representing Timmins.”
In Timmins, one councillor is elected in Wards 1 (Mountjoy), 2 (South Porcupine), 3 (Schumacher) and 4 (Porcupine). Ward 5 (Timmins) is represented by four councillors.
There are currently two candidates filed for Ward 2, incumbent Mickey Auger and Marcus Niebler. Incumbent Rock Whissell has filed to run in Ward 1. Michelle Boileau is currently the only candidate for mayor.
There are currently three school board candidates for English Public Trustee, Mark Clemence, Bob Brush and Stephen Meunier.
There are two school board candidates for French Public Trustee, Liliane Frances and Nicole Arcand.
There is one school board candidate for French Separate Trustee, Langis Dion.
There are two school board candidates for English Separate Trustee, Colleen Landers and Ron MacInnis.
