Timmins City in a strong and united voice last night called on the provincial government to regulate the high gasoline prices in Ontario.
The resolution introduced by first year councilor, Andre Grzela (Ward 1) was unanimously supported by councilors.
"This resolution is not solely about asking the government of Ontario to regulate gasoline prices for the benefit of Timmins, Ontario," Grzela told council.
"My research shows that all Ontario municipalities will benefit by provincial regulation of gasoline prices," Grzela added.
Undertaking a unique and wide sweeping research of gasoline price trends across the province, Grzela unveiled some startling facts. At some point in time, southern cities like Windsor and Toronto experience higher gasoline prices than in Timmins.
"There really seems to be no rhyme or reason for the bizarre trends in gasoline prices," Grzela said. "One would think that North Bay, because of the extra transportation costs (the industry explanation for why prices are higher in Northern Ontario ) would be consistently higher than cities in Southern Ontario."
"But this is not at all the case," explained Grzela.
He pointed to April 4 when North Bays gasoline price of 87.9 was lower than Windsor's 92.5 cents per litre for regular non-leaded fuel.
Grzela's research was launched by an experience Timmins Mayor Steve Black had recently when he drove to Kirkland Lake, two hours away and discovered when he went to gas up for the return trip home that Timmins gas prices were significantly higher despite the close geographic proximity.
Council's resolution will be shared with all political parties at Queen's Park as well as all municipalities and municipalities and the Good Roads Association of Ontario.
