Declaration of Emergency

The following is an update for July 17, 2026. Direct command of the Neebing wildfire, which is reported to be 6 hectares, was officially transferred to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) yesterday afternoon. Although the fire has not grown over the last day, municipal crews have been relieved from the fire line to rest and reset. There is currently no threat to the public or private property.

We want to thank our Volunteer Fire Team members and neighbouring fire teams who worked extremely hard to assist in keeping the community safe. While recent rainfall has provided a temporary reprieve, lightning strikes may cause new flare-ups, and as such, all fire teams remain on alert.

Due to these changing circumstances, the Deputy Fire Chief has retracted the earlier instructions related to attendance at the checkpoint located on Palisades Road. There is to be no public attendance at the checkpoint on Palisades Road. Preparedness is always key, so we encourage everyone to stay mindful of potential changes in conditions and ensure your personal emergency plans remain up to date.

The next update will be on Monday July 20, 2026.

Fire Ban in Effect

July 13, 2026 at 12:00 AM (Midnight)

Please be advised that Fire Chief, Corey Santorelli has issued a fire ban for the 

Township of Gillies effective 

July 13, 2026 beginning at 12:00 AM (Midnight).

All fires are prohibited throughout Gillies Township until further notice.

Active Fire Notice

Gillies Emergency Services Update: Deputy Fire Chief Scott Hole has provided an update on the active fire in the Municipality of Neebing. As mutual aid partners, the Gillies Fire Department, the O'Connor Fire Department, and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) are actively assisting on-scene. Thanks to these collaborative efforts, steady progress is being made, though not yet fully under control. Further updates will be provided as new information is received.

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Draft Budget Meeting Dates

2026 Draft Municipal Budget Meeting Schedule Notice

Draft Budget Meeting (Option A Date)

CANCELLED - Meeting is cancelled and will take place on Wednesday July 15, 2026 - 6:30 PM.

Monday, July 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM

Tentative Meeting. If this meeting takes place, the July 15th meeting is canceled. If this meeting is canceled, the session moves to July 15th.

Draft Budget Meeting (Option B Date)

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM

Alternative Meeting Date. This meeting will only occur if the July 13th meeting is canceled.

Draft Budget Meeting

Monday, July 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM

Public Budget Meeting

Monday, July 27, 2026 (Time TBD)

First Meeting of the Evening: Public Consultation. This meeting is to present to the residents and for them to share feedback.

  • The exact start time is unconfirmed and will be updated here as soon as possible.

Final Budget Meeting & Adoption

Monday, July 27, 2026 at 6:30 PM

Second Meeting of the Evening: Budget Adoption. Following the public meeting, Council will officially meet to adopt the final 2026 Municipal Budget.

 

Hymers Fall Fair

A true classic country fair

The first Fair in Hymers was held on September 12, 1912. Since then, the Fair runs the Sunday and Monday of each Labour Day weekend. The grounds were purchased and many buildings added since 1912, but the true country spirit of that very first Fair and market remains. Intentionally, there is no beer garden and no midway; and to this day, the Fair remains uniquely country. The people in the rural area around Thunder Bay are still proud of producing their own food and raising their own livestock. They still like to compete with their neighbours when it comes to who can bake the best pumpkin pie or who has the nicest looking rooster, just like it was many years ago. The village of Hymers within Gillies jurisdiction and close to Thunder Bay, Ontario, is host to the Fair.

The Hymers Agricultural Society not owned or operated by the municipality.This page serves as a community information page.
Please contact the Hymers Fall Fair Website for more information.

Contact Us

Township of Gillies
1092 Hwy. 595,
Kakabeka Falls, ON P0T 1W0
Phone: 807-475-3185
Fax: 807-473-0767