Cory Robin, the director of Downtown Timmins BIA, is on a mission to show everyone there’s nothing scary about our main streets. If you’ve been hesitating to visit downtown because of scary headlines about break-ins or shootings, give Cory a call—he’ll gladly walk you around himself. He’s overseen upgrades to lighting and security, and he’s even blocked off hidden corners that once made people uneasy. “The shops are open, the folks behind the counters are just as friendly as ever,” he says, still bouncing in his inflatable orange costume at July’s Halloween-themed Urban Park Market.

Every Wednesday, Third Avenue between Cedar and Spruce springs to life for the Urban Park Market. Local artisans set up stalls alongside non-profits sharing information—and drawing kids in with games and crafts. Francine Denis from the Timmins Public Library was there promoting an upcoming bilingual puppet show on August 12: “We’ll act out the pirate tale, hunt for treasure, then break out the puppets. Kids can even make their own little parrot finger-puppets.”

Nearby, the EarlyON Child and Family Centre was teaching counting and letters through “potion making,” complete with bubbling concoctions and spell-like recipes. Program coordinator Breann McLaughlin explained that families can drop in free of charge for playgroups, workshops, and activities designed to boost early development. “Older kids challenge themselves with reading-based crafts and sensory bins,” she added.

Also on hand, Akhilesh Bhatt from the Northeastern Public Health Unit dressed as a bat to warn about rabies. He reminded everyone that rabies hides in the saliva of infected animals—often bats, raccoons, or even household pets—and, if untreated, is almost always fatal. “But it’s 100 percent preventable,” he stressed. “Keep your pets’ vaccines up to date, never pet wildlife, and if you’re bitten, call 1-877-442-1212 immediately for post-exposure treatment.”

Despite a soggy few weeks, downtown was buzzing on July 30. “I think everyone’s just happy to get out,” Cory laughed. He’s optimistic August will be just as busy. The Urban Park Market runs—rain or shine—10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday through September on Third Avenue. For details, call (705) 264-8733.

Source: “Downtown Timmins BIA director says public has nothing to fear,” Timmins Daily Press. Read the full story at www.timminspress.com