April 2020
Published monthly
Newsletter
Vol. 1, Edition 10
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Supporting you through the COVID-19 pandemic
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April was another unusual month due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But our focus, as always, was the continued delivery of services for the community.
We are happy to tell you in this edition of
The Monthly Report the town is gaining two more doctors.
These physicians are in addition to two other doctors who joined the community earlier this year. Four new physicians before the half-way mark of the year is something we are proud of and we will continue to focus on doctor recruitment in the months ahead.
Earlier this month, we made two tough decisions due to COVID-19.
One is we postponed and cancelled some of our special events. Details about that decision make up part of this e-newsletter.
As well, we had to lay off some of our staff due to the pandemic. We hope to have them rejoin us soon. More about our decision later on in the e-newsletter.
On the bright side, the province announced a plan to restart the economy. This is good news but it will clearly take time before we see commercial activity like we knew prior to the pandemic. Details about this plan can also be found in this edition.
Also in
The Monthly Report are details about Wasaga Distribution's review of its business operations.
WDI says that this review will help guide the organization over the next three to five years. As part of the review, WDI is asking residents to participate in a survey and we provide you a link to access the survey.
We also share with you the following:
- information about new virtual programs;
- links to video messages;
- council meeting updates;
- a message from Mayor Nina BIfolchi.
Remember, reading
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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Helping families and businesses in Wasaga Beach
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We have suspended a number of fees and charges, effective April 1, 2020 with most in place to Sept. 30, 2020.
The following is a list of
suspended fees and charges
:
- Bus passes and cash fares. Free May 1 to May 30.
- Reprint of Tax or Water Bill or Account Statement.
- Business Licensing – Late Renewal Fee.
- Penalties and interest will not be applied on the March 15 and May 15 property tax billings for the period April 1 to September 30, 2020.
- Penalties and interest will not be applied on 2020 water and wastewater utility bills, for the period of April 1 to September 30, 2020.
The Personal Authorized Payment Plans will continue with the present scheduled payment periods. If you do not want to pay per these scheduled payment periods, you will need to opt out of the program and return to the regular instalment program. Residents who wish to opt out are asked to call the town at 705-429-3844, ext. 2234 or e-mail
taxes@wasagabeach.com
.
Please note that on a temporary basis the town is also taking credit card payments over the phone.
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Keeping you informed
during COVID-19
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Since the pandemic started, we are providing regular Information Bulletins to the community to keep you up to date on what the town is doing to support you at this time.
In addition, we are publishing special e-newsletters.
You can access our past content here:
Information Bulletins
Special e-newsletter updates
To date we have issued four special e-newsletters. Read them here:
We have also provided direct messaging to our business community in order to support businesses at this time.
You can access this information here:
Business Newsletters
For future messaging please visit our website
here.
You can also find regular updates on our corporate
Facebook page
here
And on our corporate
Twitter page
here
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Video messages from town council
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Throughout the pandemic, Mayor Nina Bifolchi and members of council have shared video messages with our community.
You can watch the videos here:
Mayor Nina Bifolchi
Members of council
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And live on the air with Max FM
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Mayor Nina Bifolchi appears regularly on local radio station 97.7 Max FM.
Listen to her most recent appearances here:
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Advisory committee meetings cancelled, Committee of the Whole and Coordinated Committee, too
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Due to the pandemic, council cancelled all advisory committee meetings until further notice and all Coordinated Committee meetings and Committee of the Whole meetings.
Special council meetings may be called to address particular issues that arise.
Dates for upcoming special council meetings:
- May 21 at 9 a.m.
- June 11 at 9 a.m.
Please check the town's website for agendas.
All public council meetings are streamed on the internet.
You can watch the meetings
here
.
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Online resources to support you
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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
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Visit the main newsroom
here
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Check out our map showing provincial park trail closures:
MAP
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Beach 1 and 2 map
Where you can and cannot go
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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.
Ridership is currently free.
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.
Note: Local transit is free in May.
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.
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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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Changes made to types of medical calls firefighters will respond to during pandemic
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Town council directed Deputy Chief Craig Williams to scale back the type of medical calls the Wasaga Beach Fire Department responds to during the pandemic.
The department will continue responding to suspected cardiac arrests and unconscious person calls, but County of Simcoe paramedics will handle all other medical emergency calls.
Dr. Michael Feldman, medical director for the County of Simcoe’s Quality Care Program, recommended the change in a letter to local fire departments on April 5.
The intent is to decrease firefighter exposure to COVID-19 and reduce the use of personal protective equipment.
“Adopting this recommendation will improve firefighter safety and help to ensure that firefighters will remain available for other core services, including fire and rescue,” Deputy Chief Williams said.
The change will remain in place until further notice.
Read the related staff report
here
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Municipal law enforcement stepping up hours during COVID-19
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Council, meeting on April 9, directed staff to start an increased level of service for the town’s Municipal Law Enforcement Department.
Municipal law enforcement officers are currently helping OPP enforce provincial orders during the pandemic.
The increased level of service will allow municipal law enforcement staff to be of greater assistance to the OPP.
The department’s normal hours at this time of year are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
However, with the new service level, the department will operate Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
“The [department] currently has a staff of five officers. The officers will be working two shifts, and not incurring overtime, therefore the department is able to achieve the increased service level without any additional expenditures,” said Jeff Regan, coordinator of municipal law enforcement and property standards. “This is simply a reallocation of staff time in order to serve the community and collaborate more effectively with the OPP.”
This will be in place while the provincial orders and provincial state of emergency remain in effect.
If the situations continues beyond May 15, summer hours would start for the department, which include later weekday evening hours and weekends, as well as additional staff.
Staff are helping the OPP with enforcement of the following provincial orders:
- The closure of non-essential businesses;
- Limiting public gatherings of more than five people;
- Closure of outdoor recreational amenities.
Read the related staff report
here
.
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Temporary concrete barriers and block walls for main beachfront
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The town will use temporary concrete barriers and block walls to mitigate the effects of high water on municipal operations at the main beachfront.
Council at its April 9 meeting approved spending $51,184 with Unilock Ltd. for the provision of concrete block walls.
The walls will be on Beach Drive, along the face of the sidewalk, between Main and Third streets, to help keep back the sand.
“The retaining/block wall system will help mitigate migration of sand onto the sidewalk and assist with daily maintenance efforts along this corridor,” public works director Kevin Lalonde said in a staff report.
He noted the block wall would generally maintain a maximum height of 24 inches in front of the existing sidewalk.
In addition, council approved spending $43,125 with McLean Taylor Construction Ltd. for the provision of temporary concrete barrier walls.
Standard concrete barrier walls will control movements at the cul-de-sac at the end of Spruce Street.
Taller walls will be along a section of the asphalt surface along Beach Drive, adjacent to the curb at the beachfront, in front of The Dard, to mitigate the force of wave action during windy days and stormy periods.
See a related map, photos, and additional information in a staff report
here
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“Delivery of the materials is upwards of two to three weeks from authorization,” Lalonde noted. “Public Works staff will be coordinating the immediate installation of the wall system as we look to have all appropriate measures in place as soon as possible, and prior to the summer season.”
He added the town would repurpose the block walls and temporary concrete barriers when water levels recede or when the reconstruction of Beach Drive takes place.
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Wasaga Beach Council Highlights
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Wasaga Beach Town Council met on Thursday, April 9.
For an overview of what took place, see our highlights package:
Here
You can watch the full April 9 council meeting here:
Watch
Council also met Thursday, April 30. See our highlights package:
Here
You can watch the full 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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Town recruits two physicians to Wasaga Beach
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Mayor Nina Bifolchi, on behalf of town council, announced April 9 that two new physicians will set up practice in Wasaga Beach.
“I am happy to report to the community that today, during a council meeting, we approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Wasaga Beach and Dr. Victoria Dawson and Dr. Rick Furtado,” Mayor Bifolchi said. “Dr. Dawson and Dr. Furtado are currently Emergency Department physicians at General and Marine Hospital and they look forward to starting a family practice in our community.”
Dr. Dawson and Dr. Furtado are planning to move into a space at
587 River Road West
in the town’s east end. They are working with the building owners to ensure the space is refurbished and ready for them. Both are planning to start their practice on June 1, 2020. They plan full practices of between 1,200 and 1,500 patients each.
As part of the Memorandum of Understanding, which covers a five-year period, the town will invest a total of $65,000 each in the two practices. These funds will support the set up of the medical office, including an Electronic Medical Records system, computers, printers, and a new phone system.
“The recruitment of Dr. Dawson and Dr. Furtado will help address the family physician shortage in Wasaga Beach and I am pleased to say that other physicians have also expressed interest in establishing practices in our community,” Mayor Bifolchi said. “The town will continue to pursue these opportunities and I look forward to sharing more with residents when the time is appropriate.”
In addition to Dr. Dawson and Dr. Furtado, two other physicians started family practices earlier this year. Dr. Randall Mintz and Dr. Wes Clayden opened a family practice at
940 Mosley Street
taking over practices from Dr. McGinnis and Drs. Rainer and Barb Loiskandl.
Background information
Read the related staff report
here
. And an April 30 report
here.
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Town of Wasaga Beach raises local concerns with
Premier Doug Ford
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As the weather is warming up and there is talk of easing pandemic-related restrictions, Mayor Nina Bifolchi today wrote Premier Doug Ford and asked for the province’s help on several fronts.
“I want to commend the province for its exemplary handling of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayor Bifolchi said. “I know Premier Ford has many issues to deal with but on behalf of residents I am putting a number of matters on his radar.”
The letter to the premier addresses the following three points:
- The need for a plan to deal with public complaints about garbage in the provincial park;
- The need for proper provincial resources to patrol the park and enforce the provincial order prohibiting public access;
- The need for proper signage and barricades telling people they cannot enter the park.
“We are very fortunate to have Wasaga Beach Provincial Park located within our boundaries,” Mayor Bifolchi said. “As the weather warms-up, we are expecting more people visiting Wasaga Beach regardless of what rules the province has in place. We need a solid plan between the Province/Ontario Parks, OPP, and the town to deal with this influx of people. The Victoria Day long weekend is just three weeks away and we are concerned.”
In addition, the town is asking the premier and his government to consider four points when starting to ease pandemic-related restrictions:
- That the province allow servicing for approved developments to proceed. The town has builders that want to start construction as soon as the government lifts restrictions. Allowing this work to begin will stimulate the local economy;
- That the restrictions pertaining to community gardens be lifted. This is an important community service that adds to the food supply. The planting season starts early in May;
- Designate lawn care maintenance firms as an essential service. Several seniors have contacted the town stating they rely on these companies. Individuals employed by these firms pose little health threat as they usually work alone;
- That the province inform municipalities, in advance, of the restrictions it is lifting so town facilities can be prepared for public use.
“Through proper planning and cooperation with our provincial partners we intend to relaunch our local economy and restore community services,” Mayor Bifolchi said. “It is my hope Premier Ford will take our issues seriously.”
See the full letter to Premier Doug Ford
here
.
At the writing of this newsletter, the town is pleased to note that the provincial park has installed additional signage along park entrances and the province has permitted community gardens to open.
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Wasaga Beach adjusts summer lineup due to pandemic
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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the Town of Wasaga Beach has made changes to its event schedule.
Please see below to learn the status of events up to June 21.
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Town staff are working to establish events later in the year. In addition, the town continues to explore opportunities for virtual events and will share more details later. If further changes are made, the town will update the summer event schedule.
For more information on town services during the COVID-19 pandemic, see our page
here
.
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Town of Wasaga Beach temporarily lays off employees
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The Town of Wasaga Beach will temporarily lay off four staff members and suspend six contract employees, effective May 1.
These layoffs and contract suspensions are required due to the slow-down in municipal business because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These types of decisions are never easy. We find ourselves in an unprecedented situation,” CAO George Vadeboncoeur said. “Right now we are facing tough choices during the pandemic. I thank all of our staff for their efforts. They are dedicated professionals and I look forward to when we can return to normal operations. The Town will re-evaluate its position after May 14 when there may be further direction from the province.”
In addition to the layoffs, the town is redeploying 10 staff to other departments. These employees are moving to core operation roles. Another staff member will work reduced hours and four others are going on an approved leave for the month of May.
The Town of Wasaga Beach relies on two revenue sources. One is user fees and the other property taxes. The town expects revenue to drop significantly.
Since the early days of the pandemic, the town has offered free public transit. The municipality has also suspended a number of fees and charges to help the community. At the same time, since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, we have suspended all our regular recreation programing.
“Wasaga Beach is not the only municipality in Simcoe County to make the tough decision to lay off staff. We have also seen similar choices made by municipalities across the province and elsewhere in the country,” Vadeboncoeur said.
Speaking on behalf of council, Mayor Nina Bifolchi said the staffing adjustments are unfortunate but the decision is responsible at this time.
“My heart goes out to our staff impacted today, just as I feel for everyone in our community who has lost a job during the pandemic,” she said. “We will do our best to get everyone working again as soon as possible.”
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Wasaga Distribution looking for your help with survey
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Wasaga Distribution is undertaking a review of its strategy so that it can better serve its community.
This review will help guide the organization over the next three to five years, identifying how the company can grow and adapt to the challenges and opportunities and better serve its customers.
To ensure a thorough review, it is important to hear from residents and customers to get their views and feedback.
In the coming weeks, WDI had originally planned to hold a public input opportunity, where members of the Wasaga Beach community could come and share their feedback and ideas on how we can better serve our community.
With the reality of the spread of COVID-19 and our collective responsibility to contribute to the public health effort, WDI made the decision to cancel the public event and obtain input via a survey process.
The utility provider encourages customers to participate in this public survey to share your feedback on how it can serve you better.
If you do not have access to a computer, or would like assistance with completing the survey, please call customer service at 705-429-2517, who will fill out the survey on your behalf.
This survey will be available online until May 15th at 11:59 PM.
This survey should take around 10 minutes to complete.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call 705-429-2517 or email at
hydro@wasagadist.ca.
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Town of Wasaga Beach Quick Fact
Our Public Works Department is responsible for many services that touch your daily life.
This includes water distribution system maintenance, sanitary sewer collection maintenance, storm water management and collection system, snow plowing, road construction, sidewalk maintenance, drainage works and improvements.
Our dedicated team is led by Director of Public Works Kevin Lalonde with staff working from the Public Works building at 150 Westbury Rd.
Reach the department by calling 705-429-2540, Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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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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All of our special events are on hold due to the pandemic. But we are planning a variety of virtual activities. Check out our website at
www.wasagabeach.com for full details.
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Did you know you can catch a glimpse of Beach Area 1 whenever you want?
Just check out our live camera
here
Take a trip to the beachfront from the comfort of your home.
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Main Street bridge project
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UNDER WAY As we outlined in our July 2020 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 The Van Vlack Bridge was built in 1872. The bridge was originally built to allow easier access for the workers at the Gowanlock/Van Vlack Mill. Prior to the bridge being built workers had to boat or take a ferry across the river to get to the mill. The Van Vlack bridge was situated east of where the Main Street Bridge is now located. The bridge was a wooden structure, described as very narrow, and it required constant repairs. The County of Simcoe granted a sum of $400 towards the initial building of the bridge. In 1879, Richard W. Coiner made a request for funds to raise a span of the bridge so tugs could pass beneath it. The County of Simcoe granted $75 towards this cost. The bridge opened up the beachfront, not only to the settlers of Van Vlack but also to the tourists who were just beginning to discover the beachfront of Georgian Bay. The Van Vlack Bridge required ongoing repairs and it was eventually replaced by a steel bridge that was built in the location of the current Main Street Bridge. From the Historical Advisory Committee
From the Historical Advisory Committee
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There's always something to do through the Wasaga Beach Public Library
For the latest on children's programs at the Wasaga Beach Public Library see
here
For the latest on adult programs at the Wasaga Beach Public Library see
here
See the library main website
here
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Message from Mayor Nina Bifolchi
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I am so proud of our community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While there are certainly exceptions, for the most part I see people following the requests of health experts.
Residents are limiting their travel as much as possible. When people do go outside, they are observing physical distancing.
It is only by following the directives of the health unit, as well as provincial and federal directives that we can successfully combat COVID-19.
Thankfully, the evidence shows we are making great strides but we cannot let up.
I encourage everyone in our community to stay the course.
Recently, in light of concerns I received from residents, I wrote Premier Doug Ford and asked him to ensure there is a plan in place to manage Wasaga Beach Provincial Park during the pandemic.
Due to COVID-19, the province closed the park in March but we continue to hear reports of people accessing park property.
The park is comprised of more than 4,500 acres, including 14 kilometres of sandy shore and 50-plus kilometres of trail.
There are several access points to the park and if you are not sure of the park boundaries, or are unaware of the closure of the park, it is easy to find yourself where you should not be.
Regardless of provincial directives, as the warm weather continues and we near the Victoria Day long weekend, we know there will be an influx of people in our community and in turn people attempting to access the park.
We need a plan to ensure the closure of the park is enforced. This includes proper patrols of the park. We need the province to take the lead since the park is its jurisdiction. Unfortunately, residents and visitors do not always make that distinction. As such, we often hear about provincial park concerns at town hall.
We also need a plan for dealing with the garbage that is collecting in the park, which is another concern I received from residents.
Premier Ford has shown strong leadership throughout the COVID-19 crisis so I am optimistic he will address our concerns.
Finally, I encourage everyone in our community to keep practising kindness. Look for ways to help one another. Call your neighbours and see how they are doing. If you need help with anything, please reach out to someone you trust.
Thank you and remember to stay safe.
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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