Meunier hopes to earn council seat in Ward 4

'I want to make sure that people know that I'm approachable, that I'm going to listen.'

Article content Steve Meunier is a familiar face around the city, although certainly not from the political sphere. However, the recently retired police officer has stepped forward to run for city councillor in Ward 4 in this fall’s municipal elections. He has been in public service for many years, including 28 as a police officer, and 17 as a volunteer firefighter.

Recommended Videos “I enjoy public service, and I feel that this is another opportunity for me to continue to serve, but in a different way.” He officially retired from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in May of this year. “I’ve only been out for less than two months,” he said with a laugh, before being asked how the adjustment is going.

“I like it. I’m not going to lie, I miss the people, and I miss the job. It was something I had done for so long.

Saying goodbye was tough, but I’m also enjoying the schedule that comes with retiring.” Meunier said he enjoys staying busy, and is looking to use some of his newly found free time to help the community by earning the Ward 4 (Porcupine-Connaught) seat around the council chambers. “I live in Porcupine.

Born and raised in the east end. My father worked at the Pamour Mine, so we lived on the Pamour property, at the town site, for many years,” he said. “I’ve lived in the east end my whole life, and I know a lot of people out there, and I feel like I can certainly attest to some of the issues that they face, as a taxpayer myself.”

Meunier brings some interesting leadership perspectives to the race, as he previously served as an English public school board trustee for the past eight years, starting in 2018 and being re-elected in 2022. He is also the president of the McIntyre Curling Club, and was the chair of the 2026 Canadian U18 Curling Championships held at The Mac in February. “I feel that I’m community-minded, and that I can do my best to be a strong voice for the people of Ward 4, and for the whole city,” he said.

Since officially filing his papers and announcing his candidacy on social media, Meunier said the reactions so far have been positive. “I’ve had a lot of good supportive comments, and some have even reached out asking if they can help out with my campaign, which is amazing. Obviously I’ll take any of the help that I can get, it is much appreciated.”

While he hasn’t had any specific municipal issues or concerns brought up directly to him, Meunier said he is open to hearing from citizens. “I’m all ears right now. I want to make sure that people know that I’m approachable, that I’m going to listen, and I’m going to hear them.

Because that’s one of the most important things, not only when you’re running, but if you’re elected, you need to be a voice for the people you represent, and share their concerns.” With his experience as a first responder, and in law-enforcement, Meunier may have some unique perspectives on some of the challenges facing Timmins, and many other cities. “As a police officer, I saw firsthand how the opioid crisis is a huge issue for our community, and for many other communities – large and small,” he said.

“It’s obviously not just the city council that would have to tackle it. It’s going to need to be a multi-agency response.” Meunier said issues surrounding the homelessness and affordability crisis will take a lot of hard work – from every level of government.

“I know there is a lot of concern about encampments. That’s another thing that doesn’t get solved in a day. It’s going to require a lot of work, and work that I’m prepared to be involved in.”

Meunier acknowledged that ever-present issues such as road quality will be an ongoing challenge for the incoming council. “Nobody wants to drive over roads that are full of potholes.” Being heavily involved in the local sports and recreation scene, Meunier said he is pleased with some of the commitments and advancements the city is making, including the construction of some additional pickleball courts outside the McIntyre Community Building.

He is also very excited for the completion of the sports dome at Northern College. He feels his trustee experience will help him to work collaboratively around the council table. “Everybody doesn’t necessarily always agree on everything, or how things go, but in the end, we act as one voice, and we support the decisions that are made,” said Meunier.

“A lot of people don’t hear about trustees, right? It’s not something that’s out there in the media all the time. But it was awesome work.

I enjoyed every minute of it. I felt it was meaningful.” He said his next few months will consist of some door-to-door canvassing across Ward 4, which has more rural areas than all the others.

“To make sure people know who I am, and to hopefully garner their trust and support. It’s about hearing what the community wants and needs,” said Meunier. “I think every person running for office wants to see our tax dollars spent in a responsible way, and I feel the same way.

I won’t make a promise that is outside of my authority as a councillor, or make a promise that I obviously can’t keep. But if I’m elected, I can be the voice to get answers.” The municipal election will take place Monday, Oct. 26.