November 2019
Published monthly
Newsletter
Vol. 1, Edition 5
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Great things happen in
Wasaga Beach
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Pour yourself a cup of something hot and check out the latest Town of Wasaga Beach news in this edition of
The Monthly Report.
We have all kinds of great content to share with you this month.
For example, you will learn about Project Zero, which will see Enbridge Gas and the Wasaga Beach Fire Department provide smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to residents in need.
We have coverage from our Remembrance Day service as well. We had a great turnout at the cenotaph.
And we share with you details about organizations receiving funds from the Mayor's Charity Golf Tournament. Did you know four different groups were helped thanks to supporters of the tournament?
Snowy weather is here now so make sure you read our FAQ on winter maintenance. It will help you gain a better understanding about how the town looks after local roads.
You should also check out our FAQ on the Wasaga Beach After Hours Clinic. Misinformation about the clinic is circulating in the community and we set the record straight.
We also have the latest on the 2020 budget process and the highlights from the last council meeting.
Plus we tell you what to do if motorists are driving too fast on your road.
You will also find links to surveys we are doing - one on recreation programs and facilities, and another on library services. Please take some time to provide your input.
And we share with you details about upcoming town programs and events.
As always, thanks for reading
The Monthly Report. Please tell your friends and neighbours about our e-newsletter and encourage them to sign up.
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Birchview Dunes students visit town hall for Municipal 101
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MEETING WITH OUR YOUTH Grade 5 students at Birchview Dunes Elementary School dropped by town hall on Nov. 20 to learn about municipal government. They met with staff and Mayor Nina Bifolchi in the council chamber. The students asked some great questions and later toured the Treasury Department. Thanks for stopping by, kids.
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Council adopts youth strategy for Wasaga Beach
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Council approved a youth strategy for Wasaga Beach during its Nov. 26 meeting.
Council also directed staff to work through the nine recommendations found in the strategy.
Students Commission of Canada prepared the strategy.
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Senior of the Year Award nominations now open
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Nominations are now open for our annual Senior of the Year Award.
Nominees must be at least 65 years of age and have contributed to the Wasaga Beach community or in a location beneficial to Wasaga Beach residents.
Nominations will be accepted until 2 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2020. Completed nominations can be returned to the Wasaga Beach Public Library at 120 Glenwood Dr.
The town’s Age-Friendly Community Advisory Committee (AFCAC) spearheads the Senior of the Year Award program.
The AFCAC is a standing advisory committee of council. The committee assists and guides the implementation and ongoing development of the Wasaga Beach Age-Friendly Community Plan.
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CLICK HERE TO TAKE SURVEY:
Survey
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SAFETY Enbridge has provided the Wasaga Beach Fire Department with 126 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Project Zero. On hand for the presentation was Chris Vanberkum, Enbridge representative (from left); John Doucet, Office of the Fire Marshal; Councillor George Watson, Town of Wasaga Beach; Deputy Chief Craig Williams, Town of Wasaga Beach; Councillor Joe Belanger, Town of Wasaga Beach; Chief Mike McWilliam, Town of Wasaga Beach; Joe Corrigan, Enbridge representative.
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Enbridge helps fire department reduce fire and carbon monoxide deaths through Project Zero
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On Nov. 6, Enbridge Gas Inc. and Wasaga Beach
Fire Department announced they are working to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.
Wasaga Beach Fire Department received 126 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Project Zero, – a public education campaign that will provide more than 9,100 alarms to residents in 40 municipalities across Ontario.
This year, Enbridge Gas Inc. invested $275,000 in Project Zero, and over the past 11 years, the program has provided more than 44,356 alarms to Ontario fire departments.
When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels.
“Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ for a reason, and we have proof that prevention saves lives. We know that the best way to avoid carbon monoxide exposure is to eliminate it at the source by properly maintaining fuel-burning equipment, and that the alarms are a critical second line of defense to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning,” says Grant Kilpatrick, Operations Manager, Enbridge Gas Inc.
“The objective of Project Zero is to deliver combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to Ontario communities who need them the most,” said Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chief, Emergency Management. “It’s a program that municipal fire departments can adopt to help educate their communities about the requirement for all Ontario homes to have a CO alarm if they have a fuel burning appliance or an attached garage.”
“I want to thank Enbridge for its generous donation to our community. We are extremely grateful for this initiative,” said Chief Mike McWilliam.
“This contribution will certainly be put to good use in our community,” said Mayor Nina Bifolchi. “Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives and no home in Wasaga Beach should be without them.”
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Food bank grant gets the nod
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Council at its Nov. 26 meeting approved payment of a $24,000 grant to the Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank.
The funds will help the food bank address future capital needs, as well as years when donations are lower.
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Golf tourney proceeds awarded to community organizations
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DONATION 1 In From the Cold representatives accept $5,000 from members of council. Representing the organization is Carlvin Renwick, Andrea Renwick, Bruce Enright, Carmela Mallia, and Rob Slote.
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DONATION 2 Canadian Mental Health Association representative Liz Grummett accepts a $2,500 cheque from members of council.
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DONATION 3 My Friend's House representative Judith Hartley accepts a $2,500 donation from members of council.
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DONATION 4 Collingwood and Area Special Olympic representatives Jim Torrie, Fraser Torrie, and Sonya Torrie accept a $2,500 cheque from members of council.
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Mayor's Charity Golf Challenge supports valuable local causes
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On Nov. 14, Mayor Nina Bifolchi and members of council presented proceeds from the annual Mayor’s Charity Golf Challenge to four local organizations.
“I want to once again thank everyone who supported the golf tournament in August. It is because of your generosity that we are able to hand over these funds today,” Mayor Bifolchi said.
Organizations receiving funding:
- My Friend’s House - $2,500;
- Collingwood and Area Special Olympics - $2,500;
- Canadian Mental Health Association - $2,500
- Lighthouse Church/In from the Cold Program - $5,000
“Each group provides vital services to our community and so I am pleased we are able to help them financially,” Mayor Bifolchi said.
The 12
th
annual Mayor’s Charity Golf Challenge, a sold-out event, took place at The Links at Georgian Sands on Aug. 23. Each year the event raises funds for local organizations.
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INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY
The Town of Wasaga Beach presented Home Hardware with a cheque for $2,000 through the municipality’s Façade Improvement Program. On hand for the occasion was Home Hardware representative Jill Vanderburg (from left), Home Hardware representative Todd Young, Mayor Nina Bifolchi, economic development officer Tyler King, Councillor David Foster, and Home Hardware representative Jamie Vanderburg.
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Town awards facade improvement grant to
Home Hardware
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On Nov. 29, through the Town of Wasaga Beach’s Façade Improvement Program, Mayor Nina Bifolchi presented $2,000 to Beach Builders Home Hardware.
“On behalf of town council, I congratulate the team at Beach Builders Home Hardware for its recent façade improvements,” Mayor Bifolchi said. “The town is pleased to offer the Façade Improvement Program annually to help local businesses and commercial building owners with the cost of keeping up their storefronts.”
Grants, subject to council approval, are available for 50 percent of the eligible work, up to a maximum of $2,000.
Home Hardware applied for its grant in September and council approved the application in October.
The façade improvement involved refurbishment of wood and metal elements of the hardware store’s Mosley Street building. Work included new coats of paint and stain. The result is a clean, inviting, fresh new look for the exterior of the structure.
“I’d like to thank the town for creating the Façade Improvement Program to help the business community,” Home Hardware representative Todd Young said.
Business owners and commercial building owners interested in learning more about the Town of Wasaga Beach’s Façade Improvement Program should contact Tyler King, economic development officer, at 705-429-3844, ext. 2274 or by e-mail at
edo@wasagabeach.com
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Report speeding and aggressive driving concerns to OPP
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Speeding and other forms of unsafe driving put us all at risk.
What should you do if you are concerned about unsafe operation of a motor vehicle in Wasaga Beach?
Your best course of action is to contact the Ontario Provincial Police. The OPP are responsible for enforcement of the Highway Traffic Act and other types of legislation that apply to motorists.
In an emergency situation, you can contact the OPP by dialing 9-1-1. For a non-emergency, you can call 1-888-310-1122.
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Beach Drive closed for the winter months
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At council's Nov. 14 Coordinated Committee meeting, council members approved closing Beach Drive for the winter months.
The decision was made following a high water-high wind incident Nov. 1 that deposited sand on Beach Drive.
"As we transition from the fall to winter season, the water levels are projected to remain seasonally high and it is anticipated that the frequency of northerly and north-westerly winds will persist," director of public works Kevin Lalonde told committee in a report. "As such, any attempt to remove the sand from Beach Drive at this time may prove short-lived as there is a high probability of further deposition following any successive or future storm event."
He said for this reason staff recommend closing the road until spring 2020.
"Resources will be allocated accordingly in the spring to ensure that all material is removed and streets are cleared and cleaned of sand in advance of the May long weekend," Lalonde said.
To date this year there have been four high water-high wind incidents, resulting in sand deposited on Beach Drive. Not including the November episode, the clean up costs for this year are $46,796.
In his report, Lalonde noted work on the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for Beach 1 and 2 Reconstruction and Streetscaping continues.
"As part of this EA, the assessment of Beach Drive, including future location, function, design, and streetscaping alternatives will be considered, together with flood hazard protection," Lalonde said. "However, in response to the significant weather event on Nov. 1, we have asked our consultants to advance the project timeline associated with evaluation and presentation of interim shoreline protection strategies along Beach Drive for committee's consideration and discussion.
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Coffee with Council - November 2019
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CHATTING Councillor Mark Kinney spent some time chatting with local resident Ken Birse at Coffee with Council on Nov. 26.
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MEETING WITH RESIDENTS Mayor Nina Bifolchi spoke with several residents during Coffee with Council. The final Coffee with Council for 2019 took place Nov. 26, prior to the start of council's regular monthly meeting.
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Firm retained to provide project management services for new arena and library project
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At its Nov. 26 meeting, council agreed to engage Colliers International to provide project management consulting services to the town, to oversee the design and construction of the town’s new twinpad arena and library.
The company’s services come at a cost of $513,500 plus HST, subject to council’s formal approval of the contract for project management services.
This purchasing action was conducted using a competitive process.
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Town consulting on backyard chickens
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Councillor Stan Wells advised that during the General Government Section of Coordinated Committee on Nov. 14 the committee authorized staff to prepare a consultation process to determine the appropriate requirements and policy to allow a backyard chicken program in town.
Staff and members of council have received inquiries regarding the possibility of allowing backyard chickens on residential properties.
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IN REMEMBRANCE The Royal Canadian Legion colour party parades towards the Wasaga Beach cenotaph during the town's Remembrance Day service on Sunday, Nov. 3.
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IN REMEMBRANCE The wreaths placed at the cenotaph during the service. Special thanks to the Royal Canadian Legion and other organizations that participated in the day.
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Celebrating the
Santa Claus Parade
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CHRISTMAS SPIRIT The community marked the annual Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, Nov. 23. Thank you to everyone who took part in the parade, as well as the tree lighting afterwards and Funderland on Sunday.
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Municipal Engineers Workshop and AGM
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Mayor Nina Bifolchi attended the Mayor's Luncheon at the 2019 Municipal Engineers Association Workshop and AGM at Blue Mountain Resort on Nov. 27. The MEA is a professional association of engineers in the full-time employment of Ontario municipalities. Engineers from across the province attended the event at Blue. The mayor was joined by Collingwood mayor Brian Saunderson and Blue Mountains mayor Alar Soever in bringing greetings during lunch. Joining Mayor Bifolchi at the event was the Town of Wasaga Beach's Director of Public Works Kevin Lalonde (from left) and Manager of Engineering Services Mike Pincivero. Thanks to both men and their teams for the important role they play in the delivery of services for the residents of Wasaga Beach. Learn more about our Public Works Department here:
http://bit.ly/2OqeYj9.
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REMINDER: Our Winter Parking Bylaw is now in effect
The Winter Parking Bylaw is in effect Nov. 1 to April 1 each year.
No person shall park a vehicle on town streets between the hours of 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. during the period outlined above.
No person shall park a vehicle on town streets in such a manner as to interfere with the clearing of snow.
Any vehicle found to be in contravention of the bylaw may be issued a parking ticket and have their vehicle towed.
For more information, please contact our Municipal Law Enforcement Department at 705-429-2511.
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REMINDER: Snow shoveling safety tips
Sooner than later it will be snow removal season.
Please remember the following before heading out to clear your driveway.
- Warm your muscles before starting. Some simple movements can help prepare you for the task ahead.
- Push the snow rather than lift. And when you must lift bend your knees.
- Lighten your load.
- Take a break after 20 or 30 minutes.
- Keep up with the snowfall.
- Stay hydrated.
- Wear layers so you can maintain a comfortable body temperature.
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New rates and fees for next year
Committee of the Whole approved new rates and fees for 2020.
The new fee structure was approved by committee at its Nov. 19 meeting and ratified by council on Nov. 26.
The bylaw to implement the fee increases will be considered by council on Dec. 17.
The rates and fees charged by the town for various services are reviewed each year to assess financial appropriateness.
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Lighthouse Church launches cold weather shelter program
Did you know Wasaga Beach now has an In From the Cold program?
The program is run at Lighthouse Community Church, 800 Sunnidale Rd.
What exactly is In From the Cold?
In From the Cold provides free shelter to people experiencing homelessness.
Lighthouse states that shelter and meals will be provided from November to April when temperatures drop to -15C or -20C windchill.
On those nights, the shelter is open for registration between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
If transportation is an issue to the church, individuals can telephone 705-351-2487.
People interested in volunteering at the shelter should pick up an application form at the church.
Donations of shelter supplies, bedding, and meals can be dropped off at the church.
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County of Simcoe service delivery
The County of Simcoe is responsible for the delivery of several services in the community.
This includes waste management, children services, social housing, Ontario Works benefits, Ontario Disability Support Program, and much more.
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Recreation, Events and Facilities
The department is responsible for such things as the youth centre, Wasaga Stars Arena, parks and trails, and the RecPlex.
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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.
The fare is $6 one way.
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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Need non-emergency medical care? Our clinic can help you out
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Learn the latest on the draft 2020 budget
Staff and council are hard at work crafting the 2020 budget.
The budget is a financial roadmap for the year ahead and beyond.
Have your say! Attend our public meeting on the budget, Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. at town hall, 30 Lewis St.
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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.
Neighbours Helping Neighbours
The changing seasons are upon us! In the spirit of our age-friendly community, individuals are encouraged to assist those who may have difficulty raking leaves, clearing snow and performing other such tasks that are a challenge when trying to remain independent in their own homes.
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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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Did you know the town has policies and practices for winter maintenance of roads and sidewalks?
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Wasaga Beach Council Highlights
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Wasaga Beach Town Council met on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
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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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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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There are always fun things to see and do in Wasaga Beach. Check out the Special Events section of our website to learn what's coming up.
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Older Adult - December programs
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Each month the Senior Active Living Centre offers a variety of daily programs and activities for the residents of Wasaga Beach to enjoy.
Check out what is happening in November:
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Check out our Fall/Winter Guide
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Did you know our fall/winter recreation guide is available online?
You'll find all kinds of information about upcoming programs, activities, and events in Wasaga Beach.
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Main Street bridge project
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UNDER WAY As we outlined in our July newsletter (see here:
https://conta.cc/2SAZjhJ), work has started on the Main Street Bridge rehabilitation project. This $6.1-million investment will see a refurbished bridge when the work is completed in 2021. Due to the work taking place, the bridge is now down to one lane. Signals are used to advise motorists about right-of-way. We have received reports of some motorists ignoring the red lights. Please do not do this. Ignoring the lights is against the Highway Traffic Act and you could be subject to charges. Furthermore, you put yourself, your passengers, and other motorists at risk of injury. You can access our map, outlining the placement of signals and a detour route, by clicking here:
http://bit.ly/2kTjtXI
***Please note the bridge
will be opened to two lanes
for summer 2020.***
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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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BACK IN THE DAY This is the main street, also known as the main drag, in the early 1960s. Cars were still allowed on Main Street at this point in time. The plow is working on clearing snow off the street but there was very little room to maneuver.
Photo courtesy Wasaga Beach Archives
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Wasaga Beach Public Library
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The transition of early autumn into late heralds in a much needed slowing of pace.
At the library this fall we transition into this season by offering programs for all ages covering a wide range of topics such as early childhood literacy, youth programming, computer training, maker/crafts, and literary events - including the Tales, Mocktales and Strings event on Monday, Nov. 25 featuring local poet Mary Barnes and internationally recognized author Craig Davidson.
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Message from Mayor Nina Bifolchi
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It is hard to believe but we are nearing the end of 2019.
Dec. 4 marks the one-year anniversary of council’s inauguration at the RecPlex. That was truly a fun night as we celebrated with residents the start of a new term.
Since that evening, we have worked closely with staff to accomplish a great deal on behalf of our community.
One of our biggest accomplishments over the course of the past year was choosing a site for a new twinpad arena and library.
Following a public consultation process and a rigorous review of all potential sites, council in mid-October settled on 544 River Rd. W.
We are now in the process of bringing Colliers International on board as project managers. We have also submitted an application for a Canada Infrastructure Grant. If the application is successful, the grant will help cover project costs.
There is other work happening in regards to this project. The Wasaga Beach Public Library has launched a program and service needs assessment. Financial modeling for the project continues, too.
Design work for the new arena and library will take place in 2020 and then construction will follow. As I have said before, we do not yet have a firm date for an opening but we are aiming for 2022.
This is an exciting project for our community. This facility will serve our town for several decades.
Another significant project this year involved our beachfront.
We recently selected six firms to advance to the Request for Proposals (RFP) phase for the development of town-owned land at the beachfront. These firms are Slate Asset Management L.P., FRAM Building Group, Cronnox Inc., Seventy-Five Years Inc., Baycliffe Communities, and Pozeg Construction.
Council settled on these firms based on the quality of their submissions and their experience.
Work will now take place to draft the RFP documents. We anticipate issuing the RFP by the end of the first quarter of 2020.
We look forward to learning what ideas developers have for these lands.
I want to shift gears now and talk a bit about the Christmas season.
Several organizations in our community are running initiatives to help the less fortunate during this time of year. I encourage you to provide what support you can.
One organization I ask you to help, if possible, is the Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank. They do tremendous work to support families and individuals in need. You can learn more about the organization by visiting its website at
www.wasagafoodbank.ca.
The Salvation Army is another organization that does great work in our community. They will have kettles at various locations in our town to collect monetary donations. Please help if you are in a position to do so.
You can also drop off unwrapped toys at town hall, 30 Lewis St. The Kinette Club of Wasaga Beach will distribute the toys to families in need through its Toys for Kids program.
Finally, I want to commend Lighthouse Community Church for launching an In From the Cold program. In From the Cold provides free emergency shelter for people in need. This shelter will be open when the temperature drops to -15C or the windchill is -20C. You can learn more about this service here:
http://www.wasagalighthouse.com/in-from-the-cold.
Thank you for reading our latest edition of
The Monthly Report and I wish you a Merry Christmas.
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 Wells
705-429-3239
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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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