September 2019
Published monthly
Newsletter
Vol. 1, Edition 3
|
|
Moving forward in Wasaga Beach
|
Welcome to our third edition of
The Monthly Report.
In our latest installment we once again provide a look at a wide array of topics.
One subject we hope you'll read about is an update on 304 Main St. This is the property at Main and River Road West. There are big plans for the site and we are happy to tell you about them.
And we are happy to provide you with an update on the short-listing of potential sites for a new twinpad arena and library. On a related note, we are providing you a link to a survey we are doing, where you can indicate your site preferences. We hope you will take some time to share your thoughts.
Also, we have some news for you regarding the Request for Expressions of Interest that was issued for town-owned land at the beachfront.
As well, you can find information about events and activities in
The Monthly Report, plus details about council happenings.
We thank everyone for subscribing to our new e-newsletter.
Please encourage your friends and neighbours to sign up for
The Monthly Report. They can do so by visiting our website at
www.wasagabeach.com. You will find the sign-up link in the upper-right corner of the main page.
|
Mayor Bifolchi thanks responders for efforts following electricity outage
|
On behalf of town council, Mayor Nina Bifolchi extends a sincere thank you to everyone who helped following the power outage in the community on Friday, Sept. 27.
“In particular, I want to recognize our staff at Wasaga Distribution for the commendable job they performed getting power restored to all of the homes effected by this incident,” Mayor Bifolchi said. “I also must thank members of the Wasaga Beach Fire Department for the important role they played. Firefighters went door-to-door, checking on homes, in neighbourhoods where residential electricity meters were damaged due to the surge that occurred.”
Mayor Bifolchi also paid tribute to support staff at the town and WDI for the work they did communicating information about the outage to the public. As well, she recognized members of the OPP and County of Simcoe Paramedic Services for their assistance.
“This incident is a reminder of how fortunate we are to have such professional and diligent people delivering services to our community,” Bifolchi said.
The power outage occurred Friday around noon when a truck struck a hydro pole near the intersection of Golf Course Road and Marlwood Avenue.
The collision broke the pole, causing a high voltage line to touch a smaller local transmission line, resulting in a power surge that travelled to homes, damaging at least 100 residential electricity meters. The outage effected several hundred homes in the Leo Boulevard, Hometown, Park Place, and Marlwood Avenue area.
“Our frontline hydro staff were simply brilliant,” said Deputy Fire Chief Craig Williams, one of the people providing leadership at the scene. “They immediately de-energized the transmission lines to prevent additional hazard and worked well into the night to get residents back online. They remained incredibly professional and determined during the entire event. These people are heroes.”
|
|
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Wasaga Beach
|
|
FLAG-RAISING On behalf of town council, Mayor Nina Bifolchi declared September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. A flag-raising to mark the occasion took place at town hall on Friday, Sept. 13 with Candlelighters Simcoe – Parents of Children with Cancer. To read the proclamation see here:
http://bit.ly/2kAbxdT and to learn more about Candlelighters see here:
https://www.candlelighterssimcoe.ca.
|
|
Nine firms interested in developing on
town-owned land at the beachfront
|
|
The Town of Wasaga Beach has received nine submissions from organizations interested in developing town-owned property at the main beachfront.
The Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) deadline was 2 p.m. Sept. 20.
The goal of the RFEOI is to identify developer/builders that share the vision of council for the redevelopment of the beachfront area and are prepared to invest in Wasaga Beach.
The town issued the RFEOI in June.
“I want to thank everyone who took part in our RFEOI process,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “To receive such a great level of interest is truly exciting.”
Here is the list of firms:
1. FRAM Building Group
2. Pozeg Construction Ltd.
3. Wasaga Beach Brewery
4. Seventy Five Bars Inc.
5. Love Wasaga Beach EST. 1827
6. Cronnox Incorporated
7. Slate Asset Management L.P.
8. Baycliffe Communities
9. Friends of the Dard
A technical committee will now review the submissions and develop recommendations for council. The committee will do its work in October and bring its report to council's Coordinated Committee on Oct. 10. The selected firms will be invited to participate in the Request for Proposal process.
|
|
Conversation in the Park important part of community engagement
|
|
LISTENING Conversation in the Park took place on Saturday, Sept. 21. The event was at Nancy Island Historic Site. Conversation in the Park allows residents and visitors to chat one-on-one with members of council. Our next sesssion is Tuesday, Nov. 26 at town hall, 30 Lewis St. Stay tuned for additional details.
|
|
Wasaga Beach Fire Department utilizing new training facility at Station 1
|
|
On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Wasaga Beach Fire Department unveiled its new training structure.
Seven years ago, when the department moved into Station 1 on River Road West, firefighters had a vision to establish a training structure on site to provide realistic training scenarios for the department’s many disciplines.
Firefighters brainstormed many ideas, including buying an old portable from a school, using sea containers, or actually building a structure.
Several months ago, the department settled on buying three 48-foot tractor-trailer containers and sandwiched them together to make one large elevated structure.
Within these three trailers, the department cut out and created four interconnecting doors that allow access from trailer to trailer. Also installed were four doors leading into the structure, plus decks as well as windows.
A future addition will be a trap door with stairs to have access to under the three trailers to simulate basement and crawlspace fires.
Within the structure, there are moveable walls so the department can change the layout.
Local residents donated furniture to create an interior reflective of a typical family home.
During training, the department uses a smoke machine to fill the entire structure with smoke, simulating the conditions firefighters encounter while at a real fire.
The department will use the structure for many training scenarios: search and rescue, hose movement through a home, and fire suppression – to name a few.
“This is a wonderful new addition to our department,” training officer Jason Bavelaar said. “The entire project was created and constructed using the talent and skill of our firefighters.”
Mayor Nina Bifolchi congratulated the department on its new training facility.
“I want to thank the members of the department for their efforts and I want to commend Beach Builders Home Hardware for donating much of the materials used to create this structure,” the mayor said.
|
Generosity and thoughtfulness leads to new bench at Wasaga Beach Cemetery
|
THANKS There is a lovely new granite bench at the Wasaga Beach Cemetery thanks to Carol Cooper and her husband Gord Gough. The bench, created by Cooper’s son Don Wilson of Stoneworks Masonry in Orillia, is situated in the northeast corner of the cemetery. The stone came from Ontario Stone Depot in Huntsville. Mayor Nina Bifolchi and members of council were on hand with the family recently to formally acknowledge the bench. Cooper and Gough decided to contribute a bench to the cemetery – it will ultimately include a plaque with their information on it – in place of a headstone. The bench offers a place for people to sit and remember loved ones. Thank you Carol, Gord, and Don.
|
304 Main St.
What's happening here?
|
A property that figures prominently in the east end of town is poised for some major changes.
An Ontario numbered company has plans to redevelop 304 Main St., once home to a gas bar and coffee shop, but for the last few years void of any commercial activity.
The proposal calls for an eight-pump gas station and three-storey building containing a convenience store and restaurant with a rooftop patio.
But that’s not all. The company also plans to develop a four-storey hotel with 72-guest rooms.
Doug Herron, director of planning and economic initiatives for the Town of Wasaga Beach, says the proposal is a real watershed moment.
“This is an exciting concept. If it comes to fruition as planned, it means new amenities, jobs, development charges, and tax revenue, and those are all good things for our town,” he said.
Since 2015, a number of town-initiated land use planning projects have affected the property. Those include the Downtown Master Plan, an Interim Control Bylaw, Official Plan Amendment No. 52, and amendments to the town’s zoning bylaw to implement OPA 52.
Of those initiatives, the owner of the subject property disputed the Interim Control Bylaw, as well as OPA 52, for reasons including their continued desire to redevelop the property to include a motor vehicle station.
The dispute with the Interim Control Bylaw has been resolved and the appeal of OPA 52 is settled, allowing a motor vehicle station subject to conditions.
As a result, plans are in the works to bring the site back to life, making it a spot that will become a new focal point in the community.
Town staff are currently reviewing a zoning bylaw amendment for the property and a site plan amendment.
The proposal consists of a phased development, with the gas station, convenience store and restaurant being built first in the westerly half of the site, and the hotel being built on the easterly half in the second phase. They have proposed an open landscaped area in the easterly half with gateway features and public benches.
|
|
HAVE YOUR SAY Learn about the proposed locations for a twinpad arena and library. Visit our project page on Let's Talk Wasaga Beach here:
http://bit.ly/2lXTWNc. Take our survey and share your comments.
|
|
Applications now accepted for new affordable housing units in Wasaga
The Simcoe County Housing Corporation is pleased to announce it is now accepting applications for the new affordable housing units at 175 Zoo Park Rd.
|
Update: Zoo Park Road North project
Work continued in September on the Zoo Park Road North Storm Sewer Project.
The installation of sidewalks and the concrete box storm sewer is the primary focus.
Work started on the infrastructure initative in August and Public Works staff report the project should conclude in October.
|
Update: 58th Street Sidewalk project
Line painting was the focus for the 58th Street South Sidewalk project in September.
Now winding down, the sidewalks will make it far safer for pedestrians traveling in the area.
|
Update: Christopher Avenue Pedestrian Bridge
The Christopher Avenue Pedestrian Bridge project saw the old bridge and footings removed in August and in September the bridge was placed on new footings.
The trail approaching the bridge was also realigned to match the new bridge location.
|
Call us to arrange water shut off
If you are a seasonal resident and wish to have your water turned off, please contact the Public Works Department to schedule an appointment.
For water shut off, please drain your pipes and ensure the water meter is completely drained.
It is strongly recommended that a professional, licensed, insured plumber be obtained to winterize your residence.
|
Town processing site plan applications for 100-plus homes in the east end
Municipal staff are reviewing a site plan application for 39 townhomes in a section of the Elm Wasaga Beach project off River Road West.
During the Sept. 24 council meeting, Deputy Mayor Sylvia Bray spoke about the plans.
Bray is chair of the Development Services section of Coordinated Committee and said committee received an information report on the application during its Sept. 12 meeting.
Bray noted committee also received an information report for another site plan application by Elm, this one for 84 residential units – townhomes and detached units. Staff are processing the application.
|
|
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.
|
Need non-emergency medical care? Our clinic can help you out
|
Town applying for Age Friendly grant through the County
Council approved applying to the County of Simcoe for an Age Friendly Program grant of $8,550.
The funds would cover the consultant fees for the remaining work on the Seniors Active Living Centre strategic plan.
Work on the plan started in 2018.
Remembrance Day service set for Nov. 3 at town cenotaph
Town council approved the community’s annual Remembrance Day service for Sunday, Nov. 3.
They also OK’d related street closures.
Approval was granted at the Sept. 24 council meeting.
Lewis Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3.
Glenwood Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic between the library and Lewis Street at 10:30 a.m. for the parade.
Date set for Santa Claus parade
At the Sept. 24 meeting, members of council approved the Santa Claus parade for Saturday, Nov. 23, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The parade route is from Dunkerron Avenue and along Mosley Street to the RecPlex.
Related street closures were also approved.
Wasaga Beach considering sister city concept
The town is investigating what would be involved in setting up a sister city relationship with another municipality.
Councillor Stan Wells, chair of the General Government section of Coordinated Committee, told council on Sept. 24 that Dave Morrison appeared before committee on Sept. 12 to discuss the possibility of establishing a sister city partnership.
Morrison is a seasonal resident in Wasaga Beach. The retired high school teacher and long-time City of Barrie municipal councillor has substantial experience running sister city programs and youth exchanges.
Wells said the committee indicated an interest in establishing a sister city program and directed staff to meet with Morrison to discuss the matter further.
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!
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Do you like to go bargain hunting on the weekends?
Our handy list of authorized garage sales in town is just what you need.
The list is updated every Friday afternoon.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Older Adult - October programs
|
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 October:
|
|
|
|
|
Check out our Fall/Winter Guide
|
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.
|
|
Town helps fund outdoor classroom at Wasaga Beach Public Library
|
|
NOW OPEN Members of Wasaga Beach Town Council were on hand for the opening of the new Outdoor Classroom at the Wasaga Beach Public Library. The town contributed $4,571 to the Wasaga Beach Friends of the Library to help create the space. This unique area will enable the library to carry out programs and engage the community in new learning opportunities outside. Thank you to the Friends and public library staff for all of the good work you do.
|
|
Pink Week runs Sept. 29 to Oct. 6
|
|
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Mayor Nina Bifolchi has proclaimed Sept. 29 to Oct. 6 as Pink Week in Wasaga Beach. Pink Week is designed to raise awareness about breast cancer. Members of council recently met with Laura Rice (above) of the Canadian Cancer Society for the official proclamation reading. Click here
http://bit.ly/2m0Kd9f to read the proclamation and click here
http://bit.ly/2lTJcPM to learn more about the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, Oct. 6 at Blue Mountain.
|
|
Have your say in our Parks and Trails Master Plan
Time is running out to take part in the Town of Wasaga Beach's Parks and Trails Master Plan.
Our parks and trails help to define our high quality of life in many ways.
They encourage active lifestyles and active transportation, support recreational activities and special events, preserve natural heritage and wildlife habitat, strengthen tourist and economic development, and contribute to healthy communities.
We are committed to ensuring that the parks and trails system continues to meet resident needs into the future.
To achieve this, the Town is preparing a Parks and Trails Master Plan that will set priorities for improving and expanding its parks, open space and trail network over the next 10 years.
|
|
Work starts on Main Street bridge project
|
|
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
|
|
Check out Let's Talk Wasaga Beach here:
Click
|
|
Roadhouse offers new dining choice
|
|
DINING OUT On Monday, Sept. 30, Mayor Nina Bifolchi and members of council attended the grand opening for Chuck's Roadhouse at 707 River Road W. Welcome to Wasaga Beach and thank you for choosing to invest in our community. To learn more about the restaurant, see here:
https://www.chucksroadhouse.com/
|
|
New business has your vision in mind
|
|
OPEN FOR BUSINESS On Aug. 28, members of Wasaga Beach Town Council helped Eyes and Ears Inc., celebrate the opening of its new office at 1-207 Main Street. Congratulations to Mark Davies and his team. Learn more here:
https://www.facebook.com/wasagaeyesandears/.
|
|
Wasaga Beach Council Highlights
|
Wasaga Beach Town Council met on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
|
|
|
|
|
Find a meeting on 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:
|
|
Safety drives changes to intersection
|
|
NEW STOP SIGNS Recently, council approved making the intersection of Ramblewood Drive and Dennis Drive an all-way controlled stop. As a result, two new stop signs are being erected at the intersection (see map). With the continued residential growth and development in the area, including the Trillium Forest North Subdivision, together with the ongoing construction of the new concrete sidewalk to service the same, traffic and pedestrian volumes have increased accordingly. This all-way stop will facilitate a safe crossing on Ramblewood Drive at Dennis Drive for pedestrians and students in the vicinity of St. Noel Chabanel Catholic School.
|
|
Pocket dialing can tie up resources
|
|
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.
|
|
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:
|
|
|
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
|
|
Don't miss out on these fun opportunities!
|
|
OUR ROLE We all have a responsibility to look after the Nottawasaga River. You can learn more about how you can do your part by checking out our handy brochure. Download the brochure here:
http://bit.ly/2YxDVvp
|
|
New trees planted along Blueberry Trail
|
|
ONE TREE AT A TIME A tree planting occurred Sept. 26 along Blueberry Trail. Roughly 25 trees were planted by volunteers. The event is spearheaded each year by Home Hardware and Tree Canada with support from the Town of Wasaga Beach. Mayor Nina Bifolchi and members of council were on hand for the event with representatives from Home Hardware and local school children.
|
|
Strong support for Mayor's Golf Challenge, tourney raises nearly $13,000 for charities
|
|
The 12
th
annual Mayor’s Golf Challenge on Aug. 23 was a fun day, raising $12,949 for charity.
The sold-out tournament took place at The Links at Georgian Sands. Afterwards, golfers enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Georgian Circle Family Restaurant.
“I want to thank all of our golfers for taking part in this special day and I extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our generous sponsors for the important role they played,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “We had great fun, excellent weather, and we fundraised for some truly important causes that touch the lives of so many in our community.”
Funds will go to the Canadian Mental Health Association, My Friend’s House, Collingwood and District Special Olympics, and In From the Cold. Of the funds raised in the tournament, $5,000 will go to In From the Cold and the balance will be split between the other organizations.
“I also want to thank our dedicated staff for the effort they put into making the day a great success,” Mayor Bifolchi said. “And finally, I must recognize my council colleagues for their support and participation. I look forward to seeing everyone at next year’s golf challenge.”
|
|
Dedicated town employee retires
|
|
A JOB WELL DONE On Sept. 17, Mayor Nina Bifolchi, fellow members of council, and town staff helped Bruno Pisani celebrate his retirement from the Town of Wasaga Beach. The heavy equipment operator has served the municipality for 30 years. Thank you for your years of dedication, Bruno. Best wishes on the next chapter.
|
|
|
|
Wasaga Beach Public Library
|
The Wasaga Beach Public Library is a great spot to access reading material, movies, programs, and other types of information.
The library is located at 120 Glenwood Dr.
Check out the library's latest newsletter here:
Newsletter
|
|
|
|
Not sure where our town parking lots are located? Our map can help
|
The Town of Wasaga Beach offers several municipal parking lots around town. You can access a helpful map of where these lots are located here:
http://bit.ly/2IPsirh
|
|
|
Message from Mayor Nina Bifolchi
|
|
Like many of you, I was pleased to learn nine organizations are interested in building on town-owned land at the beachfront.
Our Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) closed on Sept. 20 and now the review period begins.
We will evaluate the responses. The results will then go to council. And council will decide which organizations are invited to participate in the formal Request for Proposals.
I want to thank all nine groups that responded to our RFEOI. We appreciate the interest in our community.
It was also great to see the level of interest in our latest Conversation in the Park session on Sept. 21. The event took place at Nancy Island Historic Site. Conversation in the Park allows residents and visitors to chat one-on-one with members of council.
I was delighted to speak with familiar faces, as well as new residents to our community.
On behalf of all members of council, I thank everyone who took part in Conversation in the Park. Our next session is Nov. 26. Stay tuned for additional details closer to the date.
As you know, we have now released the list of potential sites for a new twinpad arena and library. I encourage you to visit
www.letstalkwasagabeach.ca and take part in the survey. We want to know your thoughts on the possible locations.
I am also excited to tell you that applications are now being accepted for the county’s new affordable housing units on Zoo Park Road. Several residents have expressed interest in applying for one of these units so please visit the county website to learn more.
In early September, I returned to the Peak FM to speak with broadcaster John Eaton about municipal matters. You can listen to our discussion here:
http://bit.ly/2l9Sw27. John always does a great job and I thank him for the time he provides us to talk about Wasaga Beach.
It was a distinct honour to proclaim September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It was nice to have Candlelighters Simcoe – Parents of Children with Cancer, on hand for our flag raising. On behalf of council, I commend this organization for the truly phenomenal work it does to support our community.
I also must take a moment to thank Carol Cooper, her husband Gord Gough, and Cooper’s son Don Wilson, for the lovely new granite bench at Wasaga Beach Cemetery. This donation to our cemetery is a lovely and thoughtful addition.
As you can see from our latest edition of
The Monthly Report, we have lots happening on the economic development front. New businesses are opening, there are plans for 304 Main Street, and we have firms interested in developing our beachfront. On top of that, we are one-step closer to building our new arena and library.
This is truly an exciting time to live in our community. I look forward to writing you again next month.
Nina Bifolchi is mayor of Wasaga Beach.
|
|
Wasaga Beach Town Council
|
|
Mayor Nina Bifolchi
705-429-3844, ext. 2225
|
|
Deputy Mayor Sylvia Bray
705-888-1131
|
|
Councillor Joe Belanger
705-816-0733
|
|
Councillor David Foster
705-441-2211
|
|
|
Councillor George Watson
705-309-7653
|
|
Councillor Stan Wells
705-429-3239
|
|
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
|
|
George
Vadeboncoeur
Chief Administrative Officer
705-429-3844, ext. 2222
|
|
See what's happening on our social sites:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
