Timmins

Timmins had undergone a dramatic political shift in 2022 when Progressive Conservative George Pirie, the city’s sitting mayor and a former mining executive, defeated long-time NDP MPP Gilles Bisson, ending over three decades of NDP representation. Pirie was rewarded with a cabinet appointment as Ontario’s Minister of Mines, a portfolio well suited to his thirty-five-year career in the industry. During the 2022–2025 term, the mining sector around Timmins saw significant investment, but the city also grappled with housing shortages, healthcare gaps, and a persistent addictions crisis. The 2025 snap election saw Pirie seek re-election against a young NDP challenger in a riding where the PC incumbency advantage appeared strong.

Candidates

George Pirie (Progressive Conservative) — Pirie had a thirty-five-year career in mining, including roles as President and CEO of Placer Dome Canada, Breakwater Resources, and San Gold Inc. He served as mayor of Timmins from 2018 to 2022 before winning the provincial seat. As Minister of Mines during his first term, he oversaw a period of mining expansion in the Timmins area.

Corey Lepage (NDP) — Lepage, 24, was a Franco-Ontarian born and raised in Timmins with a degree in business administration from the Université de Hearst. He worked as a financial advisor at Caisse Alliance and had been a long-time NDP campaign supporter and volunteer for former MPP Gilles Bisson. He ran on a platform focused on healthcare access, affordable housing, and mental health and addiction supports.

Dominic Casto ran for the Liberal Party, Marie-Josée Yelle for the Green Party, and David Farrell for the New Blue Party.

Local Issues

The mining boom around Timmins was the most significant economic development of the 2022–2025 term. Projects such as IAMGOLD’s Côté Gold mine and expanding operations by other companies promised to add hundreds of jobs to the area, driving population growth not seen in a decade. However, the influx of workers strained a housing market that was already tight, pushing vacancy rates lower and rents higher. The City of Timmins approved a housing action plan to encourage development and access provincial and federal funding for affordable housing construction.

Healthcare remained a critical gap. Physician recruitment was an ongoing struggle, with the city still short of family doctors despite active efforts by a local recruitment committee. Mining company Agnico Eagle contributed to physician recruitment efforts alongside the city and the hospital, offering financial incentives including housing loans to attract new doctors. Emergency room wait times and limited access to specialist care continued to frustrate residents.

The addictions crisis that had gripped Timmins during the previous term persisted. Overdose rates remained elevated, and mental health and addiction services were stretched thin. Candidates debated the adequacy of provincial investment in treatment beds, harm reduction, and supportive housing.