November 2020
Published monthly
Newsletter
Vol. 2, Edition 5
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Stay safe and support local this holiday season
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We have two key things we want to share with you in our introductory message this month.
Firstly, COVID-19 continues to be a very real challenge in our region and across the province. As such, it is imperative that you follow the advice of public health officials.
Wear your mask when out in public. Wash your hands regularly. Stick to your household as much as possible.
If we are going to get COVID-19 under control, we need to follow the rules. Don't put yourself at risk. Don't put your loved ones at risk. Don't put others in our community at risk.
Our second theme for our introductory message is the importance of supporting local businesses. Since the start of the pandemic, many local shops, stores, and restaurants have struggled. The town has provided support through Shop Local messaging and as we head into the Christmas season we want to double down on the need to shop locally as much as possible.
When we shop local we not only support local businesses but we help sustain local jobs. And all of this has a far-reaching affect on other parts of our economy and community. So please, when doing your Christmas shopping this season, consider buying locally before you look elsewhere.
In terms of what you'll find in our latest edition of The Monthly Report, we are happy to share details about our plans to redevelop town-owned land at the beachfront. The latest is we've asked developers to put forward their proposals for consideration.
This edition also contains details about the 2021 draft budget.
And we're happy to share with you that Gateway Casinos remains committed to our community. Be sure to review the related information below.
The Monthly Report also includes information about new development activity and the latest on the twin-pad arena and library project, plus much more.
Again, thanks for reading this edition and if you haven't subscribed you can do so by visiting here: http://bit.ly/2nyvDpX. |
Beachfront redevelopment moves into next phase, RFP documents issued |
The Town of Wasaga Beach is formally inviting short-listed developers in good standing with the town to submit proposals to develop town land at the main beachfront.
At a special council meeting Nov. 12, council authorized staff to issue Request for Proposal documents to the developers, short-listed through a Request for Expressions of Interest process last year.
“Today marks a significant milestone for our community as we officially move into the next phase of the beachfront redevelopment process,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “Council is excited to see what plans developers have to revitalize this important part of our community.”
Developers are required to submit their proposals by February 2021. An evaluation team will then review and score the submissions. The evaluation team will consist of Mayor Nina Bifolchi, CAO George Vadeboncoeur, director of public works Kevin Lalonde, and director of planning and economic initiatives Doug Herron.
The town is retaining an independent “fairness monitor” to ensure the fairness of the evaluation process. This individual will attend evaluation team meetings during the scoring of proposals and related closed session council presentations and observe the process.
Each proponent is required to make a presentation to council in closed session and this will be subject to scoring by members of council.
Scores from the evaluation team and council will make up the total score.
The town anticipates the selection of preferred developers will take place in April 2021 and that the approval of developers and their specific projects will take place in July 2021.
“Redeveloping our beachfront is a priority that council identified at the start of this term. I am happy to share with residents that we are one-step closer to creating a new and vibrant neighbourhood,” Mayor Bifolchi said.
Background
In March 2017, council approved The Downtown Master Plan.
The plan identified several steps that needed to happen for the successful implementation of the plan.
The Downtown Master Plan recommended issuing a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) document to developers wishing to build at the beachfront. Following the RFEOI process, developers would be short-listed to participate in a Request for Proposals exercise.
In the summer of 2019, the town did issue an RFEOI and in October 2019, six developers were short-listed. Since then, staff have worked with consulting firm Deloitte to prepare the RFP documents and the related review process.
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Gateway Casinos remains committed to building in Wasaga Beach |
Recently, rumours were circulating in the community that Gateway Casinos no longer plans to build in Wasaga Beach.
Not so, said company spokesperson Rob Mitchell.
Mitchell set the record straight in an interview with Max FM's Catherine Thompson.
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Tree clearing can start at new arena and library site |
On Nov. 25, council awarded a contract for tree removal at 544 River Rd. W., the home of the community’s new twin-pad arena and library.
Council awarded an $18,000 contract to Nad-Core through a Request for Quotation process as stipulated in the town’s Procurement Policy.
Members of council also exempted the town from a permit to undertake the tree clearing in advance of site plan approval.
Read the related staff report here.
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Town providing financial assistance to YMCA so facility can open in January |
The Town of Wasaga Beach will provide the YMCA of Simcoe-Muskoka $49,147 so the local ‘Y’ can re-open on Jan. 4.
Council approved the funding at its Nov. 25 meeting.
The funding is subject to a Memorandum of Understanding between the town and the YMCA, outlined in a related staff report.
The YMCA has operated the fitness and aquatics centre at the RecPlex since the town built and opened the facility in 2006.
The YMCA had to close in mid-March when the pandemic started.
Re-opening will allow modified YMCA programs to return to Wasaga Beach for the benefit of local residents.
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Statement defending town staff from attacks on their integrity |
Council at the Nov. 25 meeting approved a resolution defending the town’s chief administrative officer, who has been subject to attacks on his integrity on social media.
The town will protect the reputation of all its employees subjected to false allegations.
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Town council welcomes Twisted Indian and supports Customer Appreciation event |
GREAT FOOD Members of council were at Twisted Indian Wraps Nov. 7 to help the new business celebrate Customer Appreciation Day. A ribbon cutting was also held to officially recognize the store’s opening. Thanks to Twisted Indian Wraps for choosing to invest in Wasaga Beach. They are at 30 45th Street. Learn more here: http://www.twistedindianwraps.com/
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Online survey supports town's Economic Development strategy |
The Town of Wasaga Beach is undertaking an Economic Development Strategy with the goal to further strengthen and diversify the local economy. The Strategy will help guide the economic development activities for the Town of Wasaga Beach over the long term.
At this time, we are seeking your input to help us further understand the Wasaga Beach economy, as well as define potential opportunities for growth.
Your views and opinions are important to the Town and will provide us with valuable insight into the Wasaga Beach economy and opportunities for future economic growth.
Learn more here and take our survey. |
Town launches Truth Corner on wasagabeach.com |
The Town of Wasaga Beach has launched a new page on its website that will deal with serious misinformation and disinformation in the community and online.
Truth Corner is a way for the town to quickly address incorrect stories circulating about the town.
Residents deserve to have the facts.
To date, Truth Corner has addressed the following topics:
We'll continue to update Truth Corner as required so that residents have the facts.
Remember, your best source for information about town activities is The Town of Wasaga Beach.
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Council and staff continue to work on draft budget for 2021 |
Significant investments in a number of areas |
Members of council received Draft 2 of the 2021 municipal budget on Nov. 12.
In preparing Draft 2, staff made payroll adjustments, added one new permanent facilities staff and two seasonal municipal law enforcement positions, deferred some projects, and revised budget estimates to build a more detailed financial picture for council’s consideration.
The budget continues to include significant investments in a number of areas, including facilities, roads and bridges, water and waste water infrastructure, transit, physician recruitment, the fire department, playground structures, and planning studies that support community development.
For Draft 2, the operating budget sits at $42.4 million, with a $15,740 tax supported increase over Draft 1, and the capital budget is $52.0 million, with a $102,180 tax supported increase over Draft 1. The proposed tax rate increase is now 3.46 percent, a small decrease compared to Draft 1. For a home assessed at $330,000, this translates to $1,911.92 in the municipal portion of taxes for 2021, an extra $5.33 per month compared to 2020.
The town’s tax rate remains at the low end for its comparators.
In her report, Jocelyn Lee, treasurer, noted the province has frozen the phase-in portion of the property tax assessment increases for 2021 due to the pandemic. She said the decision has an impact on the tax rate used to calculate property taxes. This year, municipalities in Ontario, including Wasaga Beach, will not have the benefit of the assessment increase, which can help lower increases in the average household taxes when the town budget increases.
Lee said had the 2021 phased-in assessment been received, the current Draft 2 tax rate increase of 3.46 percent would have been reflected as 0.84 percent, as the additional assessment would have supported most of the increasing costs. This would have reduced the municipal portion of the tax dollar increase from $63.92 per year to $15.50 per year for the average household assessed at $330,000.
She noted the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund Grant continues to decline as the province is phasing it out. This grant is decreasing by 15 percent for 2021. The town will receive $1.5-million, a revenue loss of $270,900, equivalent to a little more than a 1 percent tax rate increase.
The treasurer also discussed the financial implications of the twin-pad arena and library.
She noted the 2021 budget includes $6.6-million for the new library and $16.9-milion for the new arena.
Lee noted the financing portion of the project is a 30-year debenture loan at an interest rate of 2.59 percent, starting April 2023. The annual debenture payment of $1.5-million is funded by taxation. It is estimated that the new debenture cost in 2024 will add $99 to the taxes, and the new operating costs will add $71 to the taxes offset by decreases in taxes from other reductions ($30) and assessment growth ($77) for a net tax rate increase of $63.
Lee also reviewed the proposed rates and fees for 2021. To ensure that water rates are meeting provincial requirements, which stipulate rates must cover the cost of operating the system and provide for reserves for future asset replacement requirements, a 1.5 percent base rate increase and a 1.5 percent consumption rate increase were recommended. The new water rates would result in an increase for the average residential home of $7.13 per year. This presentation looks at the proposed new rates in detail. See this list to learn about other changing rates and fees. Council approved the rate increases, subject to final approval in December.
At the next meeting, on Dec. 3, staff will present the third draft of the budget and the 4-year operating and 10-year capital forecasts.
The following are the key dates in the coming weeks regarding the budget:
Dec. 3 – Draft 3 of the budget
Dec. 15 – Public meeting on the budget
Dec. 22 – Council considers approval of the budget.
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Wasaga Stars Arena closed to spectators, but livestreaming service rolling out |
In order to comply with the new ‘Orange’ COVID-19 status for the region, effective Nov. 24 spectators are no longer allowed in the Wasaga Stars Arena.
The exception to this is the town will permit one parent or guardian to enter the arena if they are supervising a child age 8 or younger.
The town is also permitting parents and guardians to enter the arena to complete COVID-19 screening for their children and to tie skates, if required. Parents and guardians must then depart the facility immediately.
The new rule prohibiting spectators at the arena applies to all on-ice programs, including games, practices, and training.
In addition, at the recommendation of the chief medical officer of health for Simcoe-Muskoka, the town will not allow individuals from ‘red or ‘grey’ zones to utilize any municipal recreation facilities.
At the same time, the town is planning to roll out a new free livestreaming service so that our community can watch on-ice activity at the arena. The service will be accessible through the town website at www.wasagabeach.com. The town anticipates launching the new live-streaming service soon. Please watch our website and social media channels for the launch date.
“The continued health and safety of all facility guests, as well as our staff, is paramount to the town,” said Deputy Fire Chief Craig Williams, a member of the town’s COVID-19 Command Team. “This temporary measure addresses public health guidelines and helps to ensure that our arena remains safe and open during the current stage of the pandemic.”
The rule prohibiting spectators from the arena will remain until the region returns to the province’s ‘Yellow’ status level.
“We thank all users of our facilities for their cooperation and we look forward to welcoming people back inside when it is safe to do so,” said Chris Roos, director of recreation, events and facilities.
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LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS ARE TOPS! On Nov. 24, Mayor Nina Bifolchi thanked Wasaga Beach Public Library volunteers for their service. The annual recognition program took place over Zoom due to the pandemic. Thanks to our volunteers for their support of the library. We're looking forward to getting our volunteers into the new library being built at 544 River Rd. W. |
Should the Town of Wasaga Beach allow backyard chickens? Visit Let's Talk Wasaga Beach and take our survey. Tell us what you think! |
Significant development activity continues at Elm project in east end |
On Nov. 25, council agreed to pass a bylaw to remove the (H) hold symbol on two different sections of the Elm residential development in the east end when the builder has met the related conditions.
Lifting the hold will allow Elm to build 39 residential townhomes on one section, and on another section 53 detached homes and 37 townhomes.
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Ten new homes coming to Mosley Street neighbourhood |
Council agreed to pass a bylaw to remove a hold designation on 3219 Mosley Street when the developer meets the related conditions.
Removing the hold will allow the town to issue building permits for 10 new homes.
On a related note, council agreed to enter into a subdivision agreement with Wasaga Beach Ventures Inc. for a draft plan of subdivision at 3219 Mosley, subject to the meeting of conditions.
Read the related staff report here and here.
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Report on pre-servicing agreement received, project involves 177 new homes |
Council at the Nov. 25 meeting received for information a staff report regarding a request from Zancor Homes for a pre-servicing agreement.
The property owner is seeking the agreement to carry out infrastructure construction for the first phase of their 177-unit detached home development.
The project is on a triangular parcel, bound by Mapleside Drive to the north and Ramblewood Drive to the south and 58th Street to the west. The property has draft plan approval for a plan of subdivision.
Members of council also received for information a staff report about the developer’s request for a Model Home Agreement for two homes on the site.
Council has delegated authority to the town’s CAO to enter into the agreements.
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Pre-servicing agreement supports home development at Stonebridge |
A staff report regarding a request for a pre-servicing agreement by Hamount Investments Ltd. was received for information at the Nov. 25 council meeting.
The proponent’s property is bound by Beachway Trail to the west, Sandy Coast Crescent to the south, Stonebridge Boulevard to the east and a stormwater management pond to the north.
The property owner is seeking a pre-servicing agreement to carry out infrastructure work on the site.
The property enjoys draft plan approval for 48 townhomes.
Council has delegated authority to the town’s CAO to enter into the agreement.
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Work moving ahead at
Sunnidale Trails development
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Council, at the Nov. 25 meeting, received for information a staff report on a request from Sunnidale Estates Ltd., for a site preparation agreement.
The subject lands are at 725 Sunnidale Road South and form the north portion of the Sunnidale Trails Secondary Plan.
The property owner is seeking a site preparation agreement to carry out activities on the lands to prepare them for development.
Council has delegated authority to the town’s CAO to enter into the agreement.
The lands currently have draft plan approval for a plan of subdivision allowing 1,067 homes, plus a block for up to 73 apartment dwelling units, five future lots for additional homes, plus blocks for potentially two schools, parks, and neighbourhood infrastructure.
In relation to the property, council received a staff report about a request from the developer to clear trees on a portion of the land required for sanitary sewer and water infrastructure.
Staff state they are planning to issue the permit subject to conditions outlined in the related report.
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You can get your
dog licence online
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Do you have a dog?
If so, it is time to renew your license for 2021!
In the Town of Wasaga Beach all dogs must be licensed yearly. Last year, the Town partnered up with DocuPet, a program that allows you to license online in less then five minutes and includes added benefits for pet owners including an online profile for your pet to help you be reunited if your pet is lost, and local deals and discounts for pet owners with licensed pets.
The cost of a new license/renewal is $20 for a spayed/neutered dog and $25 for a dog that is unaltered.
For seniors, the fee is $12.50 for the 1st dog and $15 for the second dog.
Licenses renewed after Dec. 31 will be subject to a late charge.
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Town will allow cannabis operations in the municipality |
Retail cannabis businesses will be allowed in Wasaga Beach.
The town consulted with the community on whether the municipality should opt in and the consultation found 74.6 percent of people supported retail cannabis outlets in town.
Read the related staff report here.
Council directed staff to advise the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario of the town’s decision to opt in.
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Some town rates and fees changing in 2021 to support municipal operations |
Council agreed to increase some town rates and fees next year.
Committee of the Whole, during its Nov. 12, meeting, received a report on the need for changes to fees.
Read the report here and see the supporting document here.
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Need help with your driveway this winter? Maybe you can help a neighbour on your street |
The Municipal Law Enforcement Department is reminding residents that as of Nov. 1, 2020 until April 1, 2021, Winter Parking Restrictions will be in effect for all of Wasaga Beach. Under these restrictions:
• No person shall park a vehicle on street between the hours of 01:00 AM and
07:00 AM
• No person shall park a vehicle in such a manner as to interfere with
the clearing of snow
Staff will be on shift to enforce these restrictions.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Municipal Law Enforcement Department at (705) 429-2511 or by emailing wbbl@wasagabeach.com
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WELCOME ABOARD On Nov. 16, Mayor Nina Bifolchi and municipal law enforcement coordinator Jeff Regan welcomed Danielle Dent to the Town of Wasaga Beach. Danielle is our new bylaw administrative assistant and licensing officer. Welcome aboard, Danielle! |
DIRECTORY See our handy online business directory. |
Online resources to support you during the COVID-19 pandemic |
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 |
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. More here. |
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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Wasaga Beach Council Highlights |
Wasaga Beach Town Council met on Wednesday, Nov. 25.
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 |
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
You can sign up to receive e-mail updates from us by visiting our website at www.wasagabeach.com.
Subscribe to receive news releases, notices, event information, and much more.
Stay in the know!
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Waste collection information |
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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SNOWY WEATHER These pictures were taken in the mid to late 1960s. You can see the old Fire Hall and the liquor store, surrounded by mountains of snow. You can also catch a glimpse of the Capstan Inn behind the snowdrift at the back of the liquor store. The front-end loader is working hard to clear the snow from the street, opening the access to the fire hall and clearing the side parking at the liquor store. Pictures are courtesy of the Bowles Family Archive. 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
Access the adult newsletter here
Access the children's newsletter here
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Message from Mayor Nina Bifolchi |
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I am very excited to tell you that we have invited short-listed developers to submit their proposals for town-owned land at the beachfront.
We have some great builders with proven track records who have expressed an interest in Wasaga Beach and we look forward to seeing what they have in mind for our main beach area, an important part of our community that we are revitalizing.
We continue to make progress on the new arena and library site. Recently, we approved tree clearing for the property. This is an important part of preparing the site for construction.
As you read in this month's edition, Gateway Casinos remains committed to building in Wasaga Beach. I thank the company for reaffirming its relationship with our community. The pandemic has slowed a lot of organizations down but we remain excited about the casino coming to our community. It will mean new job opportunities, entertainment, and revenue for the municipality.
In December, we will finalize our 2021 budget. I anticipate through the hard work of staff our budget increase will come in lower than the 3.46 percent in draft 2. Please join us for our public meeting on the budget on Dec. 15. Watch our website for details. Always check with the town for factual information. Our 2021 budget contains funds for several important investments that will help move our community forward. We are fortunate to be in such great financial shape.
I invite you to join us for our Santa Drive Thru at the RecPlex in December. Learn more about this fun new event and other holiday activities here.
In closing, let me say I am so proud of everyone in our community for their efforts to carry on through the pandemic. In particular, I want to recognize our health care professionals, our retail workers, truck drivers, and others who have supported the supply chain. On behalf of council, I thank our town staff for their efforts to keep municipal operations moving ahead. We really do have the best delivering public services for our community.
Stay safe and remember to support local.
Nina Bifolchi,
Mayor.
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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 Wells
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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