July 2020
Published monthly
Newsletter
Vol. 2, Edition 1
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Well Happy Birthday to us.
This marks the one-year anniversary of
The Monthly Report.
Council's aim each month with this report is to provide you an overall look at what is taking place to move Wasaga Beach forward.
We do that by sharing information about council decisions, programs, events, activities, and much more.
If you've been a subscriber to
The Monthly Report since the beginning, then you've read about the variety of residential and commercial development taking place in our community. If you've missed out we recommend you read our
back issues.
Regular readers of our e-newsletter know about the many programs and services we provide our community: the Seniors Active Living Centre, the Wasaga Beach Youth Centre, the Wasaga Beach Public Library, our recreation activities, special events - just to name a few. They've also had the chance to access our Q&As on different topics and to read a monthly message from Mayor Nina Bifolchi.
In this issue, and in future editions, we aim to provide you with accurate and timely information.
Thanks for reading this edition and if you haven't subscribed you can do so by visiting here:
http://bit.ly/2nyvDpX.
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Community safety plan allows safe use of Beach Drive
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On July 14, members of Wasaga Beach council approved a
Community Safety Plan
for the sand-covered portion Beach Drive, allowing the makeshift beach to reopen.
“Public health and safety has always been our prime concern during the pandemic and that is why we had to close the Beach Drive area earlier this month. People were not observing physical distancing and public health was at risk due to COVID-19. This new plan ensures we can manage the space properly, allowing visitors and residents to once again enjoy this part of our waterfront,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said.
Council closed the beach on July 2 and reduced municipal beachfront parking to 50 percent capacity after improper physical distancing occurred the weekends of June 20, June 27, and on Canada Day.
As a result, the sand-covered portion of Beach Drive was fenced off and roped off. The town established three corridors through the space, allowing public access to the beachfront north of Beach Drive, an area that is part of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park.
In establishing a perimeter around the sand-covered portion of Beach Drive, the town created four pods. The town is using these pods to accommodate people wishing to access the area.
Pod 1 has an area for residents
and another area for the general public. Pods 2 to 4 are for the general public.
The Community Safety Plan that applies to the area is the creation of town staff and endorsed by the town’s Command Team. The OPP were advised of the plan and indicated their support.
Integral to the creation of the plan was the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit’s document
COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for Public Beaches.
Council granted approval of the plan at a special meeting July 14.
“Through our plan and the use of our pods we can control access to specific areas of the sand-covered portion of Beach Drive and control physical distancing within the pods,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “Each pod has been assigned a certain capacity based on the amount of space taken up.”
Access to the pods is controlled by one of nine beach ambassadors that council recently approved hiring.
Other elements of the plan include prohibited activities in the space, such as sports and barbecues. Also prohibited in the area are pets.
The town is using signs and face-to-face conversations, initiated by ambassadors and municipal law enforcement staff, to educate visitors on the rules of the space. The town is also using its website and social media channels to share information about the plan and the related rules. An extensive media outreach campaign has also taken place.
“I want to thank our beachfront businesses for their patience as we have worked through this process,” Mayor Bifolchi said. “Our commitment is to provide a safe experience for everyone utilizing the sand-covered portion of Beach Drive.”
Council continues to adapt as quickly as possible to changing circumstances. Further changes may be required to ensure the safety of residents, businesses and visitors while visiting the beach area.
Background
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Wasaga Beach council takes additional steps to support business community
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Members of Wasaga Beach Town Council are advocating for changes to the Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program so that commercial tenants can apply directly for rent relief.
Under the program’s current stipulations, only commercial property owners can apply to the program on behalf of tenants. In addition, the program prohibits municipalities that own commercial properties from applying for relief on behalf of tenants. As a result, the town is ineligible, under the existing rules, to seek relief for its tenants in town-owned buildings at the main beachfront.
“We need to level the playing field for commercial businesses including our tenants,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “They should not be penalized in terms of access to relief because the town owns their buildings.”
Council on July 16 approved Mayor Bifolchi writing the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, asking for the required changes to the program.
Town council is also calling on Simcoe-Grey MP Terry Dowdall and Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson to support changes to the rent relief program so tenants can apply directly. Mayor Bifolchi sent letters to both members asking their assistance.
As well, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario will receive a letter from the town, asking it to support the changes to the rent assistance program.
Letters went out to the town’s tenants too, advising them of the steps council is taking to have the rules changed.
Council also agreed to waive the one percent annual “event fee” that is applied to its beachfront tenants.
“Due to COVID we are not able to have any events and so we are removing this fee,” Mayor Bifolchi said.
Council also approved, for the 2020 season, a temporary exemption to the sign bylaw that allows beachfront-area tenants to place town-approved advertising on the fencing that surrounds the pods along Beach Drive.
“We will continue to advocate for our business community as we always do,” Mayor Bifolchi said. “Recent steps we have taken to support the business community include our Shop Local marketing campaign, our
Flavours of the Beach
restaurant campaign, and our
Wasaga Open For Business Recovery Portal
on our website.”
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OPP commit additional resources to community
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On behalf of council, Mayor Nina Bifolchi wishes to advise the community that the Ontario Provincial Police are committing additional resources to the region.
The additional staffing will assist with increased needs for service during the summer months and help with enforcement of regulations in place through the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act due to the pandemic, along with other enforcement priorities such as speeding on local roads and the Nottawasaga River.
Six members of the provincial force are joining the detachment until the end of the Labour Day weekend.
“I want to thank the Government of Ontario and the OPP for providing these officers to help keep our community safe,” Mayor Bifolchi said.
In a letter to Premier Doug Ford, dated
April 23, Mayor Bifolchi asked for additional OPP resources to help enforce COVID-19 regulations. She again made the request in a letter to Premier Ford on
June 4.
“Police play an important role in helping keep our community safe and I am grateful to the province for recognizing the need to deploy six more officers to our area as we deal with an influx of visitors and the health measures that are in place because of COVID-19,” Mayor Bifolchi said. “Public safety is vitally important and that is why we pressed for this.”
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PROCLAMATION On July 29, on behalf of council, Mayor Nina Bifolchi proclaimed July 27 to Aug. 9 as Fierte Simcoe Pride in the Town of Wasaga Beach. A flag-raising took place at town hall to mark the occasion. Mayor Bifolchi and members of council were on hand for the event, along with Meg Minnikin, representing Simcoe Pride. To learn more about local Pride events, see
www.fiertesimcoepride.com. Read our proclamation here:
https://bit.ly/3hPYInM
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COME ON IN Our Visitor Information Centre is now operational for the season. People stopping by can access free wifi, brochures, and maps. Staff are on hand to answer questions about the area.
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Visitor Information Centre
opens for 2020
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The Town of Wasaga Beach is pleased to announce the official opening for the 2020 season of the Visitor Information Centre at Nancy Island Historic Site.
Located at 119 Mosley St., the centre is open from Thursday to Monday, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., until Labour Day. Staff will be available to answer questions and provide tourism information in the form of maps, brochures, and guides. A wi-fi hot spot is provided for the convenience of visitors.
The town wishes to acknowledge the Friends of Nancy Island and Ontario Parks for their support with this initiative.
Please be advised that Nancy Island Historic Site remains closed and there will be no access to the Treasure Chest store and interactive interpretive displays.
Public washrooms will be available from outside from Thursday to Monday.
Please note Wasaga Beach is within the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit jurisdiction and visitors are asked to wear a mask or face covering when visiting indoor facilities.
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Provincial grant funds staffing and customer service delivery review for town
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Council has approved using funds from the Municipal Modernization Grant to pay for a review of future staffing requirements for the Facilities Division and the Wasaga Beach Public Library when the new twin-pad arena and library are opened in 2022.
Funds will also support a customer service delivery and Administration efficiency review.
MNP Consulting Firm will conduct the review work on behalf of the town.
This project was not budgeted as the town only received notice of the provincial grant in March.
The project budget is roughly $60,000 before taxes and the grant will fund all of the work.
Read the staff report
here
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Speed tables aim to reduce lead-footed driving on Golf Course Road
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The town is moving ahead with the installation of three speed tables on Golf Course Road.
The work was approved during the July 16 Coordinated Committee meeting. Committee directed staff to award the speed table-installation project to McQueen Vue Paving.
The town will spend $15,000 to $18,000 for two of the speed tables. Funds will come from the Public Works road maintenance/day labour accounts.
Funds for a third table will come from the Public Works Year End Surplus account and are not to exceed $8,000.
A traffic study determined excessive speeding on Golf Course Road. Staff recommended the speed tables as the course of action to remedy the problem.
Speed tables are a raised section of the road that deter vehicles from travelling too fast.
One speed table will be north of the Marlwood Avenue intersection and two others to the south.
Read the related staff
report
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Contract awarded for Trillium Creek berm project
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Council awarded the Trillium Creek Flow Containment Berm construction contract to Seely and Arnill Construction for $2.4-million.
Seely and Arnill was one of five firms to bid for the project.
Town staff reviewed all bids and determined Seely and Arnill met the requirements and was the lowest bid.
The Ainley Group is serving as contract administrators for the project.
The project extends from 45
th
Street westerly along the north side of Trillium Creek for approximately 1.6 kilometres to the Carly Patterson Trail.
The purpose of the berm is to contain flows within the creek.
Learn more in the staff report
here
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SUPPORT We've partnered with Max FM to support our local restaurants during the economic reopening. Learn more about the initiative
here.
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DINING We're here to help. Thinking of expanding or establishing a patio on a temporary basis now that your business has reopened? Learn more here:
https://bit.ly/2zsGqIA
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Urbanization improvements coming to Ramblewood Drive
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The agreements will be between the town, Zancor, and the benefiting Local Improvement property owners within the Robinson Road/Mapleside Drive checkerboard plan of subdivision.
Council also directed Tatham Engineering to serve as contract administrators.
The work includes the full urbanization of Ramblewood Drive, between 58
th
Street South and Trillium Way, including curb and gutter, sidewalks, and bike lanes.
Construction should start later this year.
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OPEN PARKS Our Open Parks program is geared to help recreation-based businesses in the community. Learn more
here.
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Town investing in new canoe launch at Klondike Sports Park
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The town is replacing the canoe launch at the sports park.
Council awarded the project contract to Canadian Waterfront Services Ltd. for $35,640.
The town selected the company through an RFQ process.
The project involves replacing the existing dock and related materials. The new dock will extend an additional 10 feet to 40 feet.
It is anticipated the construction of the docking system and delivery will take four to six weeks.
Canadian Waterfront Services Ltd. is the firm the town used for the Second Street Boat Launch upgrades in 2019.
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Mills Park the formal name for town hall green space
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Council agreed to re-establish the name of the park at town hall as Mills Park.
For many years, the park next to town hall was referred to as Town Hall Park but recently staff learned the land was actually known as Mills Park for a number of years, in recognition of a generous land donation in 1939 by Anabel Sage Mills.
Originally, a school and park were part of the block.
The school closed in 1972.
In 1974, the town’s municipal offices moved into the space.
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Pre-authorized payment occurred in error: Report
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Councillor Stan Wells, at the July 28 council meeting, explained how a pre-authorized payment error occurred earlier this year, affecting some taxpayers.
He said Jocelyn Lee, the town’s treasurer, submitted a report on the matter to the General Government section of Coordinated Committee on July 16.
He said the report notes that on a tax due date in May a batch of pre-authorized payments was processed twice on a Friday, back-to-back, due to a staff error, resulting in amounts being withdrawn from customers’ bank accounts twice.
Once staff realized the error, they acted promptly over the weekend to correct the mistake.
The town incurred some charges because of the incident. This was due to reimbursing some ratepayers who received charges from their bank because of insufficient funds related to the duplicate payment.
The cost incurred by the town is about $388.
A review of what happened has led to changes to ensure that staff processing the pre-authorized payments are provided an uninterrupted period to complete the process.
The town once again apologizes to taxpayers affected by the error.
Learn more in the related staff report
here
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Council, at its meeting on July 28, approved a schedule for the creation of the 2021 budget.
As well, they authorized budget development guidelines.
Work on the budget starts to ramp up at the end of July with council getting its first look at draft 1 in October.
A public meeting on the budget is set for Dec. 15 and council will consider final approval on Dec. 22.
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THANKS On July 13, Mayor Nina Bifolchi presented local resident Art Sigouin a certificate of recognition for more than three decades of service at the committee level to the Town of Wasaga Beach. Art recently stepped down from the Committee of Adjustment in order to allow more opportunity to travel. Thanks for all of your dedicated and diligent service to the municipality, Art.
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Keeping you informed
during COVID-19
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Since the start of the pandemic, we have provided regular Information Bulletins to the community.
In addition, we are publishing special e-newsletters.
You can access our past content here or on the town's website:
Information Bulletins
Special e-newsletter updates
To date we have issued nine special e-newsletters. Read them here:
You can also find regular updates on our corporate
Facebook page
here
And on our corporate
Twitter page
here
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Online resources to support you
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Town of Wasaga Beach
County of Simcoe
Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit
Ontario Ministry of Health
Health Canada
Government of Canada
World Health Organization
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Government of Ontario COVID-19 updates
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Visit the main newsroom
here
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Take the LINX bus to Barrie
The route runs weekdays between Allandale Station in Barrie and the Real Canadian Super Store in Wasaga Beach.
Ride the Wave ... hop on Wasaga Beach Transit to get around town
Wasaga Beach Transit is an affordable and economical way to get around our community.
Our buses run seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Leave the car at home and take the bus.
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When to call 211 or 911
211 is a tremendous community connection program, where a live person assists callers 24 hours a day to find information about a wide range of health and community services.
911 is strictly for emergencies (fire, ambulance, police) when help is urgently required.
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Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Search "Town of Wasaga Beach" on Facebook and Twitter and follow us for daily updates on town activities and services.
Be the first to know what's new!
Get information about agendas, town programs, council happenings, and much more.
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Eligible electricity customers may qualify for a one-time COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) credit for half of the electricity charges that are overdue on the date of their application for CEAP, up to a maximum of $115 ($230 for electrically heated homes). The funds are limited and will be allocated to customers on a first come first serve basis. Wasaga Distribution customers can visit the WDI website
here to learn more and access the application form.
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The Municipal Law Enforcement Department is reminding everyone of their summer hours: The office is accessible Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. but officers are patrolling and on-site Sunday-Thursday until 12:30 a.m. and Friday-Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m. On long weekends Friday-Saturday 8:30 a.m - 3:30 a.m. The department can be reached 24 Hours, seven days a week at 705-429-2511.
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Farmers' market returns in August at RecPlex
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CAO George Vadeboncoeur said at the July 28 council meeting the Wasaga Beach Farmers’ Market is ready to launch.
He said the market is planning to operate on a limited basis, starting Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Council later approved a bylaw authorizing the market.
The market must have its safety plan in place to operate and must meet all Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit requirements.
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Town launching small events with safety in mind
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During his update to council at the July 28 meeting, CAO George Vadeboncoeur said the Command Team granted approval for town events staff to start holding small events.
Jazz in the Park will begin at the Rotary Pavilion, behind the Recplex, on Aug. 4. Concerts will run Tuesday nights.
Wednesday Night Movie events are starting as well in August.
Vadeboncoeur said the province is allowing outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people. Physical distancing requirements remain.
He said staff would enforce all safety requirements at the upcoming events.
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Wasaga Beach Council Highlights
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Wasaga Beach Town Council met on Tuesday, July 28.
For an overview of what took place, see our highlights package:
Here
Watch the meeting below:
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Find a meeting in our calendar
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Looking for information on when town meetings take place?
Check out our website for dates and times. You can see the whole month at a glance.
Learn more here:
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Town of Wasaga Beach Quick Fact
Did you know we have nine beachfront ambassadors in place to promote public health guidelines and assist visitors using the pods on the sand-covered portion of Beach Drive?
The ambassadors welcome people into the pod, review the public health regulations, and confirm that each person entering the pod is feeling well. We ask people to self-assess. Once the person has completed the self-assessment, an admission wristband is provided for a single day use of the pod.
Once a pod has reached capacity, the ambassador will direct people to an open area.
By maintaining physical distancing, people are less likely to be exposed to COVID-19. While at the beach, physical distancing should be maintained in the water and on the shore.
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Waste collection service notice
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Please note the County of Simcoe says Waste Connections of Canada may be commencing collection services one hour earlier on heat warning days going forward.
This move is to reduce potential health and safety impacts of strenuous work in extreme heat and will be voluntary for drivers, therefore it may not affect all locations.
Waste Connections has indicated that collections may occur as early as 6 a.m. but that areas serviced prior to 7 a.m. will be checked again to ensure all material is collected.
For more information, contact the county’s Customer Service Centre at 1-800-263-3199 or e-mail
info@simcoe.ca
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Waste collection information
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The County of Simcoe is responsible for waste collection in the Town of Wasaga Beach.
You can learn more about waste services by visiting the county's website.
The site includes a variety of information, including waste collection schedules and landfill locations. Learn more here:
http://bit.ly/2m4oVad
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Water conservation rebates are available!
The Town of Wasaga Beach has a water conservation rebate program.
When you install a low flow or dual flush toilet you are eligible for a $70 rebate.
Residents who install a rain barrel can get a $30 rebate.
Please note that only property owners on municipal water are eligible for the rebate.
You can find rebate forms at
www.wasagabeach.com or pick one up at town hall, 30 Lewis St. Applicants must include copies of receipts indicating that they purchased the particular item.
Completed forms and supporting documentation can be presented at town hall. The rebate will be applied to your next water bill.
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You've got payment options through Plastiq
Through the town's website using Plastiq (third party), you can pay your property tax and/or water/wastewater bill by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
There will be a service fee of 2.5 percent applied by the service provider, Plastiq.
Please note that there are several low or no-cost means of paying your bill with the town. These include equal payment plan, telephone banking, mailing a cheque, or placing a payment in our drop box.
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Learn more about recreation programs
here
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Check out Let's Talk Wasaga Beach here:
Click
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Pocket dialing can tie up resources
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When inadvertently dialing 911 on your cell phone, please remember you are activating an emergency service.
In doing so, emergency personnel are committed to determining the origin and extent of the emergency that may be happening.
This means they have to locate the individual who inadvertently dialed 911.
This response can draw needed resources away from actual emergencies. To prevent this please, when not using your phone, lock it so that unintentional calls do not happen.
If you do dial 911 by mistake, please do not hang up on the operator. Explain the call is in fact not an emergency, tell the operator where you are and stay there. This is because an officer must attend your location to determine an emergency is not taking place.
By hanging up or leaving your current location, you create a situation where emergency services must try to locate you, and in the process tie up precious resources.
Only you can stop 911 misdials.
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Are you familiar with MedicAlert Connect?
MedicAlert Connect provides Ontario Provincial Police with 24/7 direct access to a person's medical information including conditions, anxiety triggers, and de-escalation techniques, to assist with reuniting you and your loved ones.
To learn more about this program, see here:
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Did you know the OPP has an online crime reporting site?
The site lets you report a crime without visiting an OPP detachment. Learn more here:
http://bit.ly/2n3EoI8
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DAY AT THE BEACH Watson’s Pavilion was located near the mouth of the Nottawasaga River. Watson’s Pavilion was a bit of a chameleon, holding various activities throughout the day/week. You could go roller-skating during the day, dancing in the evening and listen to a concert. On Sunday, beginning around 1912, you could attend a non-denominational summer church service at Watson’s Pavilion. The pavilion was an open sided wooden structure and one could feel the breeze from the bay and hear the sound of the water.
From the Historical Advisory Committee
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There's always something to do through the Wasaga Beach Public Library
Learn more about library programs
here.
See the library main website
here
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Message from Mayor Nina Bifolchi
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My message this month is a simple one: let us all do our part to support local businesses.
In Wasaga Beach, we are so fortunate to have a great variety of local businesses, but if we don’t support them, they can’t survive.
It’s been a tough past few months for our business community because of closures and changes to business practices forced by the pandemic and we need to step up and help to the best of our ability.
I can’t stress enough the importance of considering what a local business can provide before seeking out-of-town online choices or hopping in the car and driving to a neighbouring community.
Spending money at a local business is one of the best investments you can make in Wasaga Beach.
Not certain what I mean by that statement?
Let me explain. Shopping locally protects jobs in Wasaga Beach and if we do enough local shopping, we can help create new jobs here, too.
But shopping locally is also a great way to show support for businesses that do so much for our town.
Yes, they create employment but they also contribute to fundraisers, minor sports, and the efforts of local service clubs.
The Town of Wasaga Beach has taken significant steps to help the business community find its footing as the economy gradually reopens.
Council recently approved a Support Local marketing campaign that is rolling out on social media, in radio, and in newspapers. You can also find our Support Local signs at strategic points around town. This messaging serves as a reminder to us all.
As well, we launched our Flavours of the Beach contest in partnership with Max FM. Dine at local restaurants and you could win a gift card for a future dining experience. See
here for full contest details.
In addition, our regional marketing partners, such as South Georgian Bay Tourism, are also helping spread the word about all that is great in Wasaga Beach.
On our town website, we have launched our Wasaga Beach Business Recovery portal.
The portal includes a business directory, a section for businesses to display local deals, and a spot full of resources that can help businesses.
Not sure where to get PPE and safety supplies? Our recovery portal has that information.
Are you looking for COVID-19 public safety signage to support your business? Our portal can help you out.
We have even set up sector specific resources that businesses can access.
Another step we have taken is the creation of certain programs to help local businesses.
For example, we launched our Open Patios program. It helps restaurants get a patio set up.
Our Open Parks program is another new support we’ve implemented. It allows recreation businesses and personal trainers to have a temporary permit to operate in municipal parks.
And our Open Builds Development Charge Deferral Program allows developers to defer the payment of development charges that apply to their project to when their buildings are occupied.
You can learn more about these programs
here.
Thank you and stay safe.
Nina Bifolchi is mayor of Wasaga Beach.
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Wasaga Beach Town Council
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Mayor Nina Bifolchi
705-429-3844, ext. 2225
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Deputy Mayor Sylvia Bray
705-888-1131
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Councillor Joe Belanger
705-816-0733
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Councillor David Foster
705-441-2211
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Councillor George Watson
705-309-7653
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Councillor Stan Well
705-429-3239
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Your town council...
Members of Wasaga Beach town council are elected to represent the people of Wasaga Beach.
You can discuss town matters with a member of council by calling or e-mailing them.
If you would like a member of council to attend a special event please contact Pam Kenwell at 705-429-3844, ext. 2246 or e-mail
eamc@wasagabeach.com
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George
Vadeboncoeur
Chief Administrative Officer
705-429-3844, ext. 2222
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See what's happening on our social sites:
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