Moving an historic baseball field has the support of the men's league that calls it home.
In 2024, Timmins has set aside $185,000 to relocate the Hollinger baseball field to École secondaire catholique Thériault. The item was included in the public budget presentation as one of the capital projects for the parks and recreation department. While the Timmins Men's Baseball League (TMBL) backs the move, it has concerns about timelines for this year.
"We completely understand the outcry about there not being baseball at Hollinger anymore. We understand the history behind it, and how long it took to get lights installed, etc," said Jamie Dallaire, TMBL president, in a statement.
"What most people don't understand is how hard a field of that size is to maintain (especially when the city is understaffed), how dangerous the current lights are when playing at night, and how unsafe the playing field actually is. If baseball were to stay at Hollinger, that historic field would require some much-needed tender, love, and care. If Thériault can provide that for us now and for the future, and if the city delivers on its promises, then baseball in Timmins will be in a much better place."
The historic grandstands at the field are staying. There have been talks during previous council terms to transition the area to a festivals and events space, and any decisions on the future uses of the site would be made at the council table.
This year, the city says it's committed to moving the new foul poles, outfield fencing and scoreboards to Thériault and providing the materials needed for a scorekeepers' booth. It's also supplying a two-unit storage container for the men's league and Timmins Little League to use. In 2025 permanent lighting will be installed, with the city providing temporary lighting this year.
The Thériault field is familiar to the league.
The eight-day Stars and Thunder music festival in 2017 booted play from the park and action only returned to the Hollinger in 2022.
Last year, Dallaire said the outfield grass was 80 per cent weeds.
"Needles have also been found close to the playing field, in the dugouts, and grandstands," he said.
"Considering the condition of Hollinger, which has deteriorated significantly and faces issues like theft and homelessness encampment, now appears to be the right time for this transition. Thériault's smaller dimensions, easier maintenance, and safer location, are also factors to consider, especially if we are expected to handle most of the upkeep from here on out."
The work to move the foul poles and fencing is being done by the original contractor, said the city in an email. The RFP for the temporary and permanent lighting will be brought to council for its approval.
"This is the first step required to prepare the area for future plans, with direction continuing to come from council," the city said.
Talks about transitioning Hollinger Park started back in 2022, months after the muddy return of Rock on the River Reconnect in 2021.
RELATED: $150K budgeted to restore section of Hollinger Park
The first large event held on the field after work had been done was muddy. The weather leading up to it was rainy and it rained heavily the first night of the festival. The ground was quickly saturated with water, with large sections of mud and puddles. For the second night, over 100 bales of straw were spread on the field to help people walk through the mud.
As the city works to further remediate the space, some council members were supportive of gradually transforming it to allow for events.
Talks between the men's league and city staff about relocating the ballfield started in 2022, said the city. Recently, Timmins Little League was also included.
In October 2023, the TMBL sent a letter of support to the city for the relocation. It included three suggestions — moving the playing field at the Hollinger back and closer to the grandstands, rebuilding the Thériault field for the men's league and Senior Little League, or finding another suitable field location to build a new diamond. They were ranked from least expensive to most expensive and included suggestions of the work that would need to be done.
"The reason we expressed our support through a letter is because we saw this transition as inevitable, whether it was now or in years to come. We believe doing it now gave us the best opportunity for the city to fully assist in improving our field situation, which is currently lacking at Hollinger. If we had our way, we would have more than likely chosen to stay at Hollinger but with necessary upgrades included," said Dallaire.
The timeline for moving the items is a concern for the league.
Its preference was to transition in 2025, but Dallaire said the city was "adamant that they could make it happen for 2024."
With the season less than a month away, he said not much has been done yet though it is expected to start the week of May 20.
"A positive spin to this transition is being able to share a field with the Senior Little League. While it may be a challenge to schedule games for 10-plus teams on one field, we are stronger in numbers. It may open up funding opportunities to upgrade the field and its surroundings even further. It could also help streamline the feeder system, and may entice more parents and players to volunteer for officiating and coaching positions. A well-maintained field and surroundings may also open the door for both leagues being able to host tournaments," he said.
