February 2020
Published monthly
Newsletter
Vol. 1, Edition 8
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Great things are happening in
Wasaga Beach
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Welcome to the latest edition of
The Monthly Report.
There continues to be a substantial amount of activity happening to move the town forward.
In this edition, we share with you an update on the new twinpad arena and library. We've brought an architect on board for the design phase of the project.
We also tell you about the program needs assessment for the new library.
It's an exciting time as we advance these two projects that will serve our community for generations to come.
We also discuss why the after-hours medical clinic is ending and why we are shifting our focus to a doctor recruitment program. Please take some time to read the information and a related staff report.
Once again, we have lots of information in this edition on an array of activities and programs happening in town.
For example, find out what's happening at the Seniors Active Living Centre and at the Wasaga Beach Youth Centre.
And we tell you about a volleyball tournament taking place in March, the new co-ed slo-pitch league happening this summer, and our in-school programs.
You'll also get an update on the latest town council meeting - including details on why we are keeping Beach Drive closed - and learn about a new way to watch our meetings online.
Do you like our fireworks photo above? It was taken during Snowman Mania earlier this month. Once again the winter carnival was a big success. Thanks to everyone who came out and all those who helped make the weekend possible.
Remember, reading the
The Monthly Report is a great way to stay up-to-date on town activities.
Thanks for taking the time to read this edition and if you haven't subscribed you can do so by visiting here:
http://bit.ly/2nyvDpX.
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We are redesigning our website and asking people to take a related survey to help us understand how the site is used.
You can access the survey
here.
Your participation in the survey is appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Please encourage your friends and family to take part as well.
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Kin Canada Week in Wasaga Beach
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KIN CELEBRATION On Feb. 14, Mayor Nina Bifolchi and members of council proclaimed Feb. 16-22 as Kin Canada Week and Feb. 20 as Kin Canada Day. Taking part in the proclamation reading and flag-raising were members of the Kinette Club of Wasaga Beach, as well as representatives of the broader Kin community. Kin Canada was founded 100 years ago. Learn more about the Kinette Club of Wasaga Beach here:
http://bit.ly/37qLLeg and more about Kin Canada here:
http://bit.ly/2UQSifJ. Read the proclamation here:
http://bit.ly/3bGbLph
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After-hours clinic winding down, doctor recruitment ramping up
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After a successful trial period of more than a year the Wasaga Beach After-Hours Medical Clinic is closing and the municipality is shifting its focus to doctor recruitment.
Tuesday night, council directed staff to discontinue the clinic, effective April 1, and concentrate on attracting doctors to the community.
The best long-term approach to meeting the needs of patients is additional family physicians in Wasaga Beach.
“The more physicians we can recruit to our community the greater number of people we can roster with a doctor,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “The clinic is a nice service but it is expensive, not a core municipal service, and it doesn’t address the primary need of our town and that is more doctors. We are taking steps to change the landscape. In recent months, two physicians have established practices in Wasaga Beach and we anticipate that trend continuing as we move forward with recruitment.”
The after-hours clinic launched in November 2018. The intent was to determine if there was a need for the clinic and, if so, would the local Family Health Organization (FHO) take over the operation. The FHO is a group of approximately 50 physicians in the area that provide primary care to residents of Wasaga Beach, Collingwood and the surrounding townships.
Since its inception, the clinic operated on a collaborative basis with local doctors and nurse practitioners providing the care. The clinic ran from space at the South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre. The town provided reception staff and the FHO facilitated access to medical records.
Community partners kept in regular contact during the after-hours trial. In November 2019, after one year, partners reviewed the statistics and determined that based on use the clinic was a success.
Talks moved to whether the FHO was interested in taking over the clinic. The FHO began a consultation with its membership.
In December 2019, council agreed to extend the clinic to the end of March to allow the FHO to complete its review. The town also started consultation with the province to see if funding was available to support the clinic.
But the FHO advised the town in mid-February its members were not able to take on the additional work. There has been no indication from the province that funding for the clinic is available. The town invested considerable funds into the operation of the clinic, having spent roughly $250,000 plus start-up costs.
“We recognize our doctors are not able to take over the clinic as their own,” Mayor Bifolchi said. “And we also realize it is not responsible long-term to use town funds to operate the clinic, either by paying doctors an attendance fee or by funding nurse practitioners. Our best options are to pursue funding from the province and attract physicians to our community.”
On behalf of council, the mayor thanks all members in the medical community for their support of the after-hours project.
“Your commitment to our town is truly commendable and we are grateful for your effort during this exercise,” she said.
Mayor Bifolchi paid special tribute to Dr. Harry O’Halloran, FHO lead physician.
“Dr. O’Halloran played a key role since the inception of the clinic. I thank him for his guidance and diligence as we navigated our way through this period. He is a credit to his profession and we look forward to continued good relations with Dr. O’Halloran and all members of the FHO,” Mayor Bifolchi said.
With the focus now on doctor recruitment, the town has budgeted $30,000 for this year to assist in attracting physicians to the community.
Already, staff are in high-level talks with physicians interested in coming to Wasaga Beach and these discussions will continue in the months ahead.
Last week, staff attended the Rural Ontario Medical Retreat at Blue Mountain and interacted with new physicians looking to set up practice.
The town will update the community on recruitment efforts going forward.
Background
WATCH
To understand why we are closing the Wasaga Beach After-Hours Medical Clinic and shifting our focus to investing in doctor recruitment for the community, watch a detailed explanation by our CAO George Vadeboncoeur.
It starts at the 2:07:28 mark.
View here.
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Project managers give overview of work for twinpad arena and library
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Colliers International, the firm retained as project managers for the new twinpad arena and library, appeared before council Feb. 25.
Project manager Malcolm Roll led the presentation and introduced his team.
Roll provided an overview of the $36-million investment that is being made in the community.
As part of the presentation, project milestones were unveiled for members of council and the public.
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Contract approved for architectural and engineering services for arena and library
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The contract for architectural and engineering services was awarded in principle to the firm MJMA, following a competitive request for proposal process.
The cost of the contract is $2.295-million.
MJMA was one of six firms to submit proposals.
The company is a multi-disciplinary firm based in Toronto with 32 years of experience designing arenas and libraries.
They have designed more than 50 ice pads in a variety of configurations and have also designed numerous libraries as major components of community recreation complexes.
Their proposal demonstrated a clear understanding of the town’s project and the allocated budget.
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Library needs assessment identifies opportunities for new facility
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Mayor Nina Bifolchi advised council that at the Feb. 6 Committee of the Whole meeting the committee received the New Library Programs and Services Needs Assessment.
Committee received a presentation from Chris Ellis of MASS LBP regarding the assessment.
During his presentation, he highlighted the extensive community consultation process undertaken as part of the assessment.
The approach involved participants from a broad cross-section of Wasaga Beach.
The assessment identified a number of needs for council’s consideration, including: more staff space, a more robust collection, a children’s zone, public lounge, public classrooms, maker space, heritage space, meeting rooms, presentation space, and a community kitchen.
Committee received the presentation for information. Recommendations will receive consideration during the design phase of the project.
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Share your views on the Conservation Authorities Act
Please take note that the Province of Ontario is reviewing the Conservation Authorities Act.
The intent is to define the core mandate of conservation authorities and their programs and services.
The public is invited to complete an online survey on the topic at the following website:
Approximately 5,000 properties in Wasaga Beach are subject to the regulatory authority of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. The survey is an opportunity for local residents to have a say.
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What you need to know about Snow Angels
We are now participating in the Snow Angels program.
Through an online platform, people can request help with clearing their driveway of snow and volunteers can find individuals in need of assistance with snow removal.
Snow Angels is strictly a volunteer program.
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Town partnering with school board for recreation facilities in new
Sunnidale Trails development
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The town will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Simcoe County District School Board for the provision of joint use recreation facilities in the Sunnidale Trails subdivision.
During the Feb. 13 Coordinated Committee meeting, the mayor and clerk were authorized to sign an MOU.
The Sunnidale Trails project, located east of Sunnidale Road, south of Knox Road, involves roughly 2,750 residential units.
Following a series of recent meetings with the board and the developer, both have confirmed interest in working with the town coordinating a variety of recreation features on a park block adjacent to a proposed elementary school site, along with features in the school that will permit community use.
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New development planned
for Stonebridge
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A local developer is planning to construct new homes in the Stonebridge neighbourhood.
A public meeting for the proposed development took place at the Feb. 13 Coordinated Committee meeting.
Hamount Investments Ltd., requires a Draft Plan of Subdivision and a Zoning Bylaw Amendment for a project that, if approved, will involve the construction of 48 townhouse units.
The development is on land bound by Beachway Trail, Sandy Coast Crescent, and Stonebridge Boulevard.
Staff are reviewing the application. They will bring a report and recommendation forward to committee once they have completed their review.
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Improved video access
to town meetings
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Through a recent investment in software and cameras the town is now live streaming all of its council meetings.
The meetings - including full recorded versions - are accessible through our YouTube channel here:
Watch
Coordinated Committee meetings and Committee of the Whole meetings have been live streamed since October 2016.
On a related note, thanks to our new agenda program through iCompass, you can access the video for specific items on an agenda. In otherwords, you no longer need to "scroll" through the video recording to the section of interest.
Simply go to the agenda page
here, click on the video tab above the agenda, find your agenda item and then click on the camera icon to the right.
The video enhancements are a direct result of council's commitment to improved communication with the public.
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Beach Drive closed for 2020 summer season
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Town considering long-term strategies to deal with high water
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Council has approved keeping Beach Drive closed for the summer.
At a recent Coordinated Committee meeting,
Public Works director Keven Lalonde highlighted the challenges faced during 2019 due to high water levels at Beach Drive.
He noted there were four major clean-ups due to high water at an average cost of $15,000 per incident. The incidents caused flooding and resulted in sand deposited onto the road.
It will also give the town and the Community the opportunity to fully evaluate the option of permanently closing Beach Drive in the future.
The town will embark on a marketing campaign to promote the expanded beach area as one of the few beach areas remaining on the Lake Huron and the Georgian Bay basin.
Based on various unknowns, including the result of an ongoing Municipal Class Environmental Assessment and potential redevelopment of Beach Area 1 and 2, along with how long the high water levels will last, closure is the most prudent option for now.
From information available to date, experts anticipate water levels on Nottawasaga Bay will exceed historic record highs experienced in 1986.
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Get your parking permit now!
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Parking permits for residents and non-residents are now available for the 2020 year.
A Resident Parking Permit is designed to offer access to municipal parking lots at a cost of $25.00 + HST per permit.
The permit is an exemption from paying the parking fee only. All other provisions of the Parking Bylaw still apply.
Where can you get a permit? They are issued by the Treasury Department at the Water and Tax Counter at town hall, 30 Lewis St. Residents must apply in person Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
How many permits can you obtain? Owners/tenants may obtain one permit only for the property.
Permit holders properly displaying the permit are exempt from paying for parking Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. in municipal lots.
Non-resident parking passes are available through the Honk Mobile App. The cost is $54.95 + HST. Each pass is valid for two licence plates and valid until Oct. 14.
To purchase a pass through Honk, download the app, create an account, and search for the Town of Wasaga Beach. The pass is valid in all municipal lots.
For more information, call the municipal bylaw office at 705-429-2511.
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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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REMINDER: 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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Nominations now open for
Wasaga's Finest Citizens Awards
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Do you know someone deserving of recognition?
Nominations are now open for the Wasaga's Finest Citizens Awards on May 9.
Visit our website to learn about the different award categories.
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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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Attention tourism business owners!
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Register today for the Tourism Mini Conference taking place on March 31 at the Georgian Bay Hotel & Conference Centre.
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It's going to be an inspiring and informative morning of presentations with topics on Creating Your Digital Footprint, High Impact Social Media and Tourism Marketing, Best Practices & more.
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Register Today - Limited Seating
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Did you know the town has policies and practices for winter maintenance of roads and sidewalks?
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In From The Cold program running at Lighthouse Church
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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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Wasaga Beach Council Highlights
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Wasaga Beach Town Council met on Tuesday, Feb. 25
For an overview of what took place, see our highlights package:
Here
You can watch the full council meeting here:
Watch
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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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Have fun at Oakview Woods Outdoor Rink
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Our Oakview Woods Outdoor Rink is a great spot for some fun.
The hours of operation are as follows:
Pleasure skating
Tuesday and Friday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday noon to 9 p.m.
Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
Shinny hockey
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Weekends 9 a.m. to noon
Use of the rink is free during operating hours.
After Hour private rentals
Please note ice rental is available after hours. The cost is $50 per hour. For more details, call 705-429-3321.
The Oakview Woods Outdoor Rink is at 1724 Mosley St., just west of the RecPlex.
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Older Adult - March programs
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Each month the Senior Active Living Centre offers a variety of programs and activities for the residents of Wasaga Beach to enjoy.
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Youth Centre - March programs
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Are you a young person living in Wasaga Beach?
We have lots of youth programing for the month. Check out our calendar for details:
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Spring and Summer Guide 2020
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Our Spring and Summer Guide was recently mailed to homes in Wasaga Beach.
If you did not get a copy of the guide please stop by the RecPlex at 1724 Mosley St., to pick one up.
You can also get copies at the Wasaga Beach Public Library at 120 Glenwood Dr., town hall at 30 Lewis St., and the Wasaga Stars Arena at 425 River Rd. W.
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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 John and Sarah McLean built the Capstan Inn in 1912 on the shores of Wasaga Beach. Prior to the building of the Capstan, the hotels, lodges and inns were on or near the Nottawasaga River. The McLeans came to Wasaga Beach in 1911 to operate the Ivandale Hotel. John and Sarah McLean had the foresight to purchase land on the beachfront and build the Capstan. It was a risky move, but they were incredibly successful, with customers returning yearly to enjoy their holidays. Fire destroyed the original Capstan in March 1915. A new building opened that summer. John and Sarah McLean ran the Capstan Inn until Sarah’s passing in 1931. It was then operated by their son Hugh and two daughters, Iva and Pearl, and then by Hugh and his children until 1958, when it was sold to three men from Sudbury. The Capstan Inn remained a landmark in Wasaga Beach until the 1980s, when it was demolished, having succumbed to the ravages of time. The Capstan Inn was located on Beach Drive, on the site that is now the children’s splash pad park and a small beachfront mall with several summer stores. From the Historical Advisory Committee.
From the Historical Advisory Committee
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Wasaga Beach Public Library
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Here is the March/April newsletter from the Wasaga Beach Public Library.
To access the newsletter click here:
Link
The library is at 120 Glenwood Dr. Stop by to access reading material, movies, computers, programs, and much more.
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Message from Mayor Nina Bifolchi
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Nominations are now open for our annual Wasaga’s Finest Citizens Awards.
The awards ceremony will take place Saturday, May 9 at the RecPlex.
They include the Volunteer Recognition Award, the Athlete of the Year Award, and of course the Order of Wasaga Beach, which recognizes a recipient for their significant contributions to community life.
If you know someone deserving of an award, please make sure you fill out a nomination form. They are available on our website and hard copies are at town hall.
Two award categories I want to focus on in this message are historical in nature. I highlight them because while we work to move Wasaga Beach forward we cannot forget our past.
Wasaga Beach is certainly one of the younger municipalities in Ontario but we nonetheless have a rich and interesting heritage.
The Historical Appreciation Award recognizes individuals and/or organizations that have played a role in the promotion or conservation of the history of Wasaga Beach.
Our Historical Significance Award recognizes cultural icons including residential properties, local artifacts, landmarks, building structures, businesses, or other locations that have value to Wasaga Beach.
Remember, when filling out a nomination form make sure you provide a detailed description of the nominee or the organization you are nominating. Related documentation, including newspaper clippings, is also helpful. Simply put, the more information you provide the better because it helps us understand the nominee.
If you would like to learn more about our local history there are two fantastic books you can access through the Wasaga Beach Public Library.
One is
Wasaga Saga: A History of Wasaga Beach, by the late Thelma Morrison. Thelma was a long-time local journalist who helped launch the town’s archives.
Another is
Sharing Memories, Stories of Wasaga’s Past, by Mary Watson, our town archivist.
Both of these books are rich in stories as well as photographs. Reading them will give you a better sense of our community.
Finally, I encourage you to visit our corporate Facebook page every Thursday, where we share local heritage images courtesy of our Historical Advisory Committee. The committee’s ‘Throwback Thursday’ social media campaign is a great way to celebrate our town’s past and I commend members for this initiative.
As always, thank you for your time and I look forward to writing you again soon.
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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