December 2019
Published monthly
Newsletter
Vol. 1, Edition 6
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Best wishes for the holiday season
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Welcome to our sixth edition of
The Monthly Report.
This also marks our final edition for 2019.
We have lots of great content for you in our latest installment.
Starting off, we recommend you take a look at our Year in Review. It provides a comprehensive snapshot of everything we have been up to in 2019.
Council also recently passed the 2020 budget and we tell you about that, too. Included is a link to a detailed report, plus related supporting documents.
Read on and you'll also learn about:
- the latest on the casino;
- Senior of the Year Award nominations;
- council recognizing local athletes for their accomplishments on the football field;
- changes to the county's waste management pick-up schedule;
- why changes are happening at the Main Street Market site;
- the three-month extension for the Wasaga Beach After Hours Medical Clinic;
- what took place at the latest council meeting;
- and much, much more.
Thank you for taking the time to read
The Monthly Report. Remember, if you haven't subscribed you can do so by visiting here:
http://bit.ly/2nyvDpX.
We hope you have a great holiday season with family and friends.
The Monthly Report will return at the end of January.
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Check out our Year in Review
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This has been an incredibly busy year here at the Town of Wasaga Beach.
Council and staff in all departments have worked on a number of initiatives to help move Wasaga Beach forward.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a better community for everyone.
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Town budget for 2020 approved
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Enhanced service delivery and infrastructure investments the focus for year ahead
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On Dec. 17, members of Wasaga Beach Town Council approved the municipality’s 2020 budget.
“I am extremely proud of council and our staff for all of the hard work that has gone into creating this budget,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “The result is a responsible financial plan for the year ahead and beyond. We are making significant investment in all service delivery areas, positioning us to better meet the needs of our growing community.”
The increase to the municipal portion of the tax rate is 3.79 percent. But when the prior year county and school board tax rates are factored in the total tax rate increase is approximately 2.09 percent.
The town’s total budget for 2020 is $74-million. Of that amount, $41-million is for the operating budget and $33-million is for the capital budget, funds that support a variety of infrastructure initiatives.
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Council extends after hours clinic three months
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December 13, during council’s Coordinated Committee meeting, council members approved extending the operation of the Wasaga Beach After Hours Medical Clinic to March 31, 2020.
The recommendation was ratified at council's Dec. 17 meeting.
“I am thankful to fellow council members for supporting this extension,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “This allows town staff to continue working with our partners to find a solution to keep the clinic open over the long-term.”
Prior to committee’s recommendation to council, the clinic was slated to close on Dec. 30. Over the last several weeks, staff have been in ongoing talks with the Family Health Organization, South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre, and the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital about how the clinic, established as a one-year pilot project, might continue on a more permanent basis.
In recommending the clinic operate for an additional three months, committee is also recommending council approve approximately $30,000 from the town’s reserve funds to pay for the clinic.
And committee is recommending council direct staff to report on the progress to keep the clinic open by March 17.
Background
The Town of Wasaga Beach launched the clinic as a one-year pilot project in November 2018.
The intent was to demonstrate to the broader health care community that the clinic is a needed service, to see if local physicians and nurse practitioners would support it, and to see if the clinic would be sustainable for a 12-month period.
The trial proved successful. To date, roughly 3,115 individuals have used the service.
Funded primarily by the municipality, with a budget of $171,750 for the first 11 months of 2019, the extension to the end of 2019 cost approximately $25,000. This brought the total operating costs for the clinic, since inception, to roughly $220,000, including start-up costs.
The clinic operates from rented space at the South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre, 14 Ramblewood Dr.
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BUILDING STARTS NEXT YEAR Town CAO George Vadeboncoeur (from left), Gateway CEO Tony Santo, Mayor Nina Bifolchi, and vice-president and general manager of Gateway Casino Rama Glen Trickey met Dec. 5 for an update on the Wasaga project. Construction will start in 2020.
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Gateway moving ahead with Wasaga casino in 2020
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On Dec. 5, Gateway Casinos and Entertainment said the ground breaking for its Wasaga Beach facility will take place in the second quarter of 2020 with an opening planned for the third quarter of 2021.
Mayor Bifolchi learned of the timeline while receiving an update from company officials at a meeting this morning.
“I want to thank Gateway for its continued commitment to our community,” Mayor Bifolchi said. “We are excited to have Gateway become a part of Wasaga Beach. The new casino means new direct and indirect jobs, as well as new entertainment and dining offerings.”
The town looks forward to Gateway representatives presenting their plans to council and the community in 2020.
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Council recognizes local youth for success on the football field
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WAY TO GO On behalf of council, Mayor Nina Bifolchi welcomed to town hall members of the Collingwood Collegiate Junior Football Team on Dec. 17. Mayor Bifolchi presented the team members with certificates in recognition of their regional title win in November. Way to go, kids! We are proud of you. Go Fighting Owls!
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CLICK HERE TO TAKE SURVEY:
Survey
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County changing curbside collection to bring consistency and predictability back
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The County of Simcoe is changing curbside waste collections to bring consistency and predictability back to pick-up schedules and support the growth of the County’s green bin program.
Starting February 3, 2020, garbage and recycling collection will occur on alternating weeks, while green bin collection will continue every week.
During the week of February 3 to 7, residents will receive garbage and green bin collection only.
The following week (February 10 to 14), residents will receive recycling and green bin collection only. Collections will alternate on this schedule moving forward.
What this means starting February 3, 2020:
* No change to your regular collection day. Collection times will change, so have your materials out by 7 a.m. on your collection day
* Green bin collection will continue to occur every week
* Garbage and recycling collection will alternate every other week (one week garbage the next week recycling)
* Residents can set out two bags/containers of garbage every other week (weight and size restrictions still apply)
* Recycling no longer needs to be separated into different bins. Materials will be sorted later in the process
* Excess recyclables can be placed in bins, cardboard boxes or see-through plastic bags
The County is hopeful this change will address the labour challenges experienced by its waste collection contractor throughout 2019 by reducing the number of collection vehicles required each day. This change will also support the environment and encourage residents to positively adjust their waste habits.
The County recognizes that this is a significant change for residents. For more information on how the County is helping households manage this transition, visit
www.simcoe.ca/collectionschange
or call 1-800-263-3199.
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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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Please note the clinic is closed over the holidays on the following dates:
Tuesday, Dec. 24
Wednesday, Dec. 25
Thursday, Dec. 26
Tuesday, Dec. 31
Wednesday, Jan. 1
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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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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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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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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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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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Check out our Q&A on the Main Street Market and the kiosks for a comprehensive look at why changes are happening at this town-owned site.
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Wasaga Beach Council Highlights
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Wasaga Beach Town Council met on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
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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 - January 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 January:
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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
As Wasaga Beach grew, it began attracting year round businesses. In 1954, Bowles Drug Store opened on Mosley Street. It was the first full-time pharmacy in Wasaga Beach, owned and operated by Ted and Grace Bowles. They rented the two-room building that was the original store until building and moving into their new store, on the lot next door, in 1958. From the Historical Advisory Committee.
Photo courtesy Wasaga Beach Archives
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Wasaga Beach Public Library
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Here is the January/February newsletter from the Wasaga Beach Public Library.
The library is at 120 Glenwood Dr. Stop by to access reading material, movies, computers, programs, and much more.
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Funds support Wasaga Beach
Ministerial Food Bank
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INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY On Dec. 3, on behalf of the Town of Wasaga Beach, Mayor Nina Bifolchi and members of council presented a $24,000 cheque to the Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank. The 2019 grant will support the food bank with its operations in the community. To learn more about the food bank and the great work it does see here:
http://www.wasagafoodbank.ca/
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Message from Mayor Nina Bifolchi
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On behalf of council and town staff, I want to wish everyone in our community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I hope that as we go through the holiday season you find time to relax, unwind, and enjoy your family and friends.
Our latest edition of
The Monthly Report provides a variety of important information: council approved the budget, we are extending our after hours medical clinic for three months, an update on the casino, changes to waste pick-up, and details about fun community activities, plus several other items.
On behalf of council, I invite you to attend our New Year's Levee at the RecPlex, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., on Sunday, Jan. 12. This is a wonderful chance to enjoy a cup of good cheer and celebrate the New Year with members of town council. I hope to see you there.
Again, all the best this holiday season.
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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