December 2020
Published monthly
Newsletter
Vol. 2, Edition 6
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Have a safe and
Merry Christmas
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This is our final edition of The Monthly report for 2020.
We want to start by thanking you for welcoming us into your e-mail inbox each month!
And thank you for reading the information we provide.
Our aim with this e-newsletter is to keep you up-to-date on town news. That includes council decisions, information about programs, details about investments we are making in local infrastructure, and so much more.
Rumours and intentional misinformation can be found in all sorts of places. The Monthly Report - along with the town website and social media pages - is where you can get the facts about town business. Facts are not partisan.
In our December edition, we share with you details about the 2021 budget. It contains significant investments for our community.
You'll also find details about the provincial shutdown that is starting on Boxing Day.
Plus we share with you information from our last council meeting of 2020.
This has truly been a year like no other in recent memory. At the Town of Wasaga Beach, we have continued to provide valuable services for our community. This includes investments in roads and bridges, clean drinking water and sewage treatment, public transit, our library, parks and trails amenities, special events, and planning for our future. We have helped our business community through such projects as our Support Local marketing campaign.
We remain committed to providing services and we are optimistic about the year ahead. Our community - just like our country - has seen tough times before. But we are a resilient people. We know that things will get better.
Have a great holiday with your loved ones. And please remember to follow all of the public health regulations.
Enjoy our latest edition and we'll be back with our next e-newsletter at the end of January.
Again, thanks for reading this edition and if you haven't subscribed you can do so by visiting here: http://bit.ly/2nyvDpX. |
Council approves 2021 budget, significant community investments for year ahead |
Members of Wasaga Beach Town Council approved the 2021 budget on Dec. 22, charting an ambitious and progressive course that will result in improved services, programs, and amenities for the community.
“We strived to find the balance between addressing the impacts of COVID-19 on taxpayers, while planning for the future. This budget contains several meaningful investments that allow us to build a more complete community and ultimately move Wasaga Beach forward,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “COVID-19 has been hard on everyone, but we want to be strong coming out of the pandemic when the economy starts to rebound. I want to thank our staff and members of council for all of the hard work that went into creating this detailed financial plan.”
The budget contains a 2.99 percent increase to municipal taxes, which works out to a total 1.70 percent increase when the county and school board rates are considered.
In 2021, for the average house assessed at $330,000, property taxes will increase by $55.31 for the year or an extra $4.60 per month. For a home assessed at $450,000, the increase will be $6.29 per month.
Taxes, plus other rates and fees the town collects, support the delivery of important municipal services and capital projects that touch the everyday lives of local residents.
See here to review an informative presentation on the budget and the community services it supports.
The town’s operating budget sits at $42-million and the capital budget is $54-million.
The budget includes significant investments in the following areas:
· New twin-pad arena and library;
· Road and bridge improvements;
· Water and wastewater infrastructure;
· Drainage improvements
· Public transit;
· Physician recruitment;
· Fire Department;
· Refurbished trail bridges and parks;
· Planning studies that support community development.
A key part of the capital budget is funding for the twin-pad arena and library project. See information on page 61 for full financial details. This project will start construction in 2021 after several years of planning and setting aside funds. Situated at 544 River Rd. W., the new complex will replace the town’s current and aging inadequate facilities. This is positive news for our minor hockey association, our adult hockey leagues, our figure skating club, active community members, as well as the many people and groups that use our library.
The new twin-pad arena and library will also provide space for special events, such as concerts, new programming, and additional indoor activities. Included with the project is an indoor walking track.
Wasaga Beach remains one of the most affordable places to live in Simcoe County, while offering residents a safe and quality lifestyle. The town’s tax rate is at the low end for its comparators. See the chart.
The town’s treasury staff are projecting modest tax rate increases in the years ahead to support service delivery and infrastructure development. In 2022, we are looking at a 2.2 percent tax rate increase, the 2023 rate will increase by 2.51 percent, the 2024 rate is 2.30 percent higher, and the 2025 rate is 2.04 percent more than the year before. These projected tax rate increases are based on conservative estimates and include carrying costs for the new twin-pad arena and library and numerous other capital projects that are detailed in the Capital Forecasts.
The Four-Year Operating Forecast identifies the funds required to continue the delivery of municipal services.
The 10-Year Capital Forecast notes funds required to support various capital infrastructure projects over the next decade.
Background information
The links below provide a look at the process that went into creating the 2021 municipal budget.
Click the link below to watch an informative presentation on the 2021 budget.
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Ontario moves into 'shutdown' on Boxing Day to help fight the spread of COVID-19 |
The Government of Ontario announced a province-wide shutdown, starting 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 26.
"The number of daily cases continue to rise putting our hospitals and long-term care homes at risk," said Premier Doug Ford. "We need to stop the spread of this deadly virus. That's why, on the advice of Dr. Williams and other health experts, we are taking the difficult but necessary decision to shutdown the province and ask people to stay home. Nothing is more important right now than the health and safety of all Ontarians."
Impact of province-wide shutdown on town services
Town hall, the RecPlex office, Wasaga Stars Arena, Public Works, Youth Centre, and the office at Fire Station 1 are CLOSED to the public during the shutdown period.
Indoor recreation and arena programs are suspended.
Civil marriage services are permitted with restrictions. Contact the Clerk's Department for details.
The Wasaga Beach Public Library is CLOSED to the public. Curbside and electronic services available. Limited in-person technology access. See library website for details.
Most town staff are off for Christmas break from Dec. 24 to Jan. 4. To reach staff during regular business hours, please see the contact directory. Regular operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri.
Town services at a glance
Arena - CLOSED to the public.
RecPlex - CLOSED to the public.
Youth Centre/Seniors Active Living Centre - CLOSED to the public.
Town Hall - CLOSED to the public. Regular operating hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri.
Public Works - CLOSED to the public. Regular operating hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri.
Fire Halls - CLOSED to the public.
Outdoor facilities - OPEN. These facilities are NOT for team use. If you utilize them please observe physical distancing. Gatherings must not exceed 10 people.
Open outdoor facilities include:
- Tennis courts
- Dog parks
- Skate park
- Soccer pitches
- Baseball fields
- Oakview Woods Outdoor Rink
Outdoor playgrounds - Open. Gatherings must not exceed 10 people.
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LACE UP YOUR SKATES! The Oakview Woods Outdoor Rink is ready for another winter of fun. |
Oakview Woods open
for the season
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The Oakview Woods Outdoor Rink is open for the season.
Residents and visitors can use the rink, at 1724 Mosley Street, beside the RecPlex, free of charge during regular hours of operation. The rink is for pleasure skating only. Due to the pandemic, the town is not allowing shinny or rental of the ice this season.
The rink is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
In maintaining the outdoor rink, the town is following all cleaning and disinfection procedures in accordance with COVID-19 public health guidelines.
People using the rink must observe the following protocols:
- COVID-19 health screening must be completed on site prior to entering the Oakview Woods facility;
- Physical distancing is required at all times;
- Face coverings are required in all areas except the ice surface;
In addition, the capacity of the rink is 25 people on the ice surface at any one time. NOTE: Starting Boxing Day a maximum 10 people are allowed on the ice per provincial regulations.
Skating times will rotate between Group A and Group B on an hourly basis. This means all skaters will leave the ice after a one-hour period to allow for proper ice maintenance and equitable skating times for others wishing to use the ice.
Please note that programming is subject to change due to direction from public health and the province.
For more information, contact the Oakview Woods Rink during operating hours at 705-429-2414 or call the Public Works Department at 705-429-2540.
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Three family physicians welcomed to community |
PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT Mayor Nina Bifolchi welcomed three new family physicians to the community on Dec. 22: Dr. Serena Deketele, Dr. Kevin Schreiber, and Dr. Wes Clayden (pictured separately with Mayor Bifolchi). Welcome to Wasaga Beach! To find a family physician, see here: https://bit.ly/2WFYYgg
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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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Do you have a license for your business? |
The Town of Wasaga Beach licenses all businesses operating within the Town that are not Provincially or Federally regulated (ie. Doctors, Lawyers, RMTs, Mechanics etc.)
This includes home occupations, contracting companies (ie. snow plow operators), food & beverage premises, retail businesses, transportation companies, and personal service establishments etc. Business licensing benefits local communities by ensuring that new and existing businesses comply with current by-laws, that businesses are held accountable for the maintenance of their properties (including the safety of staff and customers), and that businesses operate within the confines of municipal regulations.
Business licensing also provides protection for consumers and residents, confirming that businesses are insured and operating legally.
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Make sure you know where the snow goes |
'Tis the season for snow, and with that in mind, the Municipal Law Enforcement Department would like to remind residents to refrain from placing snow on the roadway when shoveling or plowing driveways, entrances and sidewalks.
Not only is this the courteous thing to do, but pushing snow into the municipal roadway is a violation of the Road Occupancy By-Law (#2019-33).
For more information, or to report a concern, please contact the Municipal Law Enforcement Department at (705) 429-2511.
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Need help with your driveway this winter? Maybe you can help a neighbour on your street |
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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Proudly delivering public services to the people of
Wasaga Beach
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Mayor Nina Bifolchi and CAO George Vadeboncoeur recently presented service awards to town staff. Congratulations to all of our employees recognized. We value your strong public service contributions. Thank you for your good work. |
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Brit Pampalone at the Wasaga Beach Public Library was recognized for 15 years’ service. Congratulations Brit and thanks for all the great work you do. |
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Brook Cushing was recognized for 10 years’ service, Robert Hendry for 30 years, and Derek Parsons for 20. All three support Public Works operations. Thanks for your contributions. |
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Dean Yovanovich was recognized for 30 years of service to the Town of Wasaga Beach. He is a member of our Public Works team. Congratulations on achieving such an impressive milestone, Dean. Great job! |
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Giuliano Duni was recognized for 25 years and Michael Latimer for five years of service. The two men support Public Works operations and do a great job. |
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Steven Ewing of Public Works was recognized for 30 years of service. We appreciate your dedication. |
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Jody Paterson, 15 years. Denise Henry, 10 years. George Vadeboncoeur, 15 years. Henry and Paterson work in our Human Resources Department. Vadeboncoeur is our CAO. Thank you all for your dedicated service. |
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Phil Eichler, 15 years. Allen McClure, 5 years. Eichler and McClure support operations in our Recreation, Events, and Facilities Department. Thank you for your service. |
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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 Tuesday, Dec. 22.
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
Did you know that with a Wasaga Beach Public Library membership you can access hundreds of movies, books, and magazines?
You can also gain access to thousands of electronic titles.
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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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FILL'ER UP, PLEASE From the Historical Advisory Committee. As the number of tourists that vacationed at the hotels, motels, cabins and cottages on the beach increased there became a need for gas for their vehicles. Sandy’s Sunset Cabins and Shell Station was one of a number of cottage courts that had a gas station on the beachfront to fill this need. You can see the gas pumps on the beachfront in front of the station and tuck shop. You could purchase gas, oil and other necessities for your vehicle, as well as some basic sundries and beach supplies. Sandy’s Sunset Cabins and Shell Station was located at the bottom of what was 2nd Avenue, which is now 26th Street. There is reference to Sandy’s Sunset Cabins into the early 1950s. |
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There's always something to do through the Wasaga Beach Public Library
See the library main website here
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Message from Mayor Nina Bifolchi |
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On behalf of council and staff, I wish everyone in our community a happy holiday.
I hope you find the Christmas break relaxing and fun. This is unlike any holiday season in our lifetime.
The Government of Ontario is imposing a province-wide shutdown, starting Boxing Day. This is being done to help stop the further spread of COVID-19.
As such, it is important we follow the rules.
That means close contact is limited to the people we live with.
We should also avoid social gatherings.
And please avoid holiday travel.
For full details on what the shutdown means, see here.
Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. It really is the best Christmas gift you can give this year.
The trips we do make outside the home should be for essential reasons or exercise.
If we all do our part, we can reduce the number of cases in the region and ultimately save lives.
Thanks to technology, we can still connect with our extended family and friends this Christmas. We can telephone or video-call.
If you are struggling this holiday season, please consider calling 2-1-1. They can connect you to resources that can help. If you know someone who needs assistance, please look for ways to lend a hand.
We look towards 2021 with a sense of hope. The COVID-19 vaccine will continue to roll out and we should gradually see life return to what we once knew.
In the meantime, it is important that we continue to do our part.
To all of our frontline workers, especially those who cannot be with their families on Christmas Day, thank you for everything you do to keep us safe.
In closing, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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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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