How to Get Involved in Local Decision-Making in Temiskaming Shores
Why Do So Many Residents Think Their Voice Doesn't Matter?
There's a persistent myth in our community—that local politics and municipal decisions happen behind closed doors, and that regular residents have no real say in how Temiskaming Shores grows and changes. You've probably heard someone at the Temiskaming Square or waiting in line at the Haileybury post office complain about a new development, a road closure on Farr Street, or changes to garbage collection—only to shrug and say, "Well, what can you do?" The truth is, you can do quite a lot. Temiskaming Shores operates under the Municipal Act, which mandates public participation, and our city council has multiple avenues for residents to influence decisions before they're finalized. This guide walks you through exactly how to make your voice heard—whether you want to speak up about the waterfront redevelopment, have concerns about property taxes, or simply want to understand how our three former towns (New Liskeard, Haileybury, and Dymond) work together as one municipality.
What Are the Best Ways to Stay Informed About Council Meetings?
Before you can participate, you need to know what's happening—and when. The City of Temiskaming Shores holds regular council meetings, and unlike some larger municipalities where you need insider connections to understand the agenda, ours is refreshingly accessible.
Start with the city's website. The official Temiskaming Shores website posts council agendas and minutes for every meeting. Agendas typically go live the Friday before Wednesday council meetings, giving you time to review what's coming up. Don't just skim the agenda titles—click through to the staff reports. These documents explain the reasoning behind decisions and often include maps, financial breakdowns, and background information that councillors themselves are reading.
Attend in person—or watch from home. Council meetings take place at the Temiskaming Shores Municipal Office on Whitewood Avenue in New Liskeard. If you can't make it in person (and let's be honest, winter roads on Highway 11B can be unpredictable), the city livestreams meetings on their YouTube channel. Past meetings are archived, so you can catch up on debates about the Haileybury waterfront or the Thornloe cheese factory area developments at your convenience.
Sign up for notifications. The city's notification system will email you when new agendas are posted. This is particularly useful if you're tracking specific issues—like the ongoing discussions about the Lake Temiskaming waterfront trail or downtown parking changes.
How Can You Actually Speak at a Council Meeting?
This is where many residents get intimidated—but it shouldn't. Presenting to council in Temiskaming Shores is straightforward, and councillors genuinely want to hear from constituents (they're our neighbours, after all).
Request to speak during delegations. On every council agenda, there's a section called "Public Presentations" or "Delegations." To sign up, contact the Clerk's office at City Hall before noon on the day of the meeting. You can email clerk@temiskamingshores.ca or call 705-672-3363. Tell them which agenda item you want to speak to—or if you want to raise a new issue.
Prepare your three minutes. Delegations are typically limited to three minutes. That's not much time, so practice what you want to say. Start with your name and address (required), state your position clearly in the first 30 seconds, and back it up with one or two specific points. If you're concerned about the proposed development near the New Liskeard waterfront, for example, mention specific impacts—traffic on Lakeshore Road, stormwater management, or preservation of public access.
Bring written copies. Print six copies of your speaking notes—one for each councillor and the mayor. This ensures they have your exact words for reference during deliberation. You don't need to be a professional speaker; you just need to be clear and respectful.
Stay for the discussion. After you speak, councillors might ask you questions. This is a good sign—it means they're engaged. Answer honestly, and if you don't know something, say so. Offering to follow up with additional information shows you're serious about collaboration, not just complaining.
What Other Ways Can You Influence Local Decisions?
Speaking at council is the most visible form of participation, but it's not the only one—and for many issues, it's not even the most effective.
Join a committee. Temiskaming Shores has several standing committees that advise council: the Planning Advisory Committee, the Parks and Recreation Committee, and the Economic Development Committee, among others. These committees meet monthly and do the detailed work of reviewing proposals, gathering input, and making recommendations. Committee members are volunteers—regular residents like you. Applications open periodically, and while some positions require specific expertise, many just require interest and commitment. Sitting on the Parks and Recreation Committee, for instance, gives you direct input into how our community uses spaces like the Haileybury beaches or the New Liskeard recreation centre.
Participate in public consultations. When the city undertakes major projects—like the recent waterfront master plan or the downtown revitalization study—they hold public consultation sessions. These aren't just box-checking exercises. Staff compile all feedback into reports that directly influence final recommendations. Attend these sessions, bring your neighbours, and submit written comments if you can't attend in person.
Talk to your councillor one-on-one. Our ward system means you have specific representation. Find out which ward you live in (it's listed on your property tax bill) and who your councillor is. Send them an email, give them a call, or chat with them at the Wednesday farmers market in Haileybury (when in season). Councillors can't make decisions outside of council meetings, but they can raise issues, ask staff questions, and bring forward motions based on constituent concerns.
Engage with the planning department. For development-related issues, the planning department is your first stop. Planner Kristine Young and her team handle zoning changes, official plan amendments, and site plan approvals. They're accessible by phone and email, and they can explain why a particular development is being proposed, what the zoning allows, and how the approval process works. Understanding the process helps you identify where intervention is actually possible—and where it's not.
How Do You Build Lasting Influence in the Community?
One presentation or letter is a start, but real influence comes from sustained engagement and relationships.
Connect with community associations. Temiskaming Shores has active community groups—the Haileybury Heritage Society, the New Liskeard Business Improvement Area, and various neighbourhood associations. These groups often have established lines of communication with city staff and council. Joining them amplifies your voice and connects you with neighbours who share your concerns.
Follow the money. Municipal budgets are dry reading, but they're where priorities become real. Every winter, Temiskaming Shores holds budget consultations before finalizing the next year's spending. This is your opportunity to advocate for specific investments—better snow removal on residential streets, improved lighting at the Lions Park, or funding for the Temiskaming Nordic Ski Club. Show up with specific asks and, ideally, with neighbours who agree.
Run for office—or encourage someone who should. If you find yourself consistently frustrated with how decisions are made, consider running for council yourself. Temiskaming Shores is a small enough city that you don't need a campaign machine—just good ideas, genuine engagement, and a willingness to knock on doors. Elections happen every four years, and the next one is in 2026. In the meantime, municipal politics has a high turnover rate; openings on committees happen regularly.
The reality is that Temiskaming Shores is still defining itself as a merged municipality. New Liskeard, Haileybury, and Dymond each have distinct identities and needs, and balancing them requires active participation from all three communities. When you get involved—whether by speaking at council, joining a committee, or simply staying informed and voting—you're not just influencing decisions. You're helping shape what our city becomes as it grows.
Your voice does matter here. The trick is knowing where—and when—to use it.