May 2020
Published monthly
Newsletter
Vol. 1, Edition 11
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Welcome back to
The Monthly Report.
This marks our 11th regular monthly message to you, plus special reports we've issued periodically during the pandemic.
May was an odd month in terms of weather but it seems we are finally into spring temperatures - even some full on summer ones, too!
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a focus for council and town staff but we are working on other priorities as well.
- Building and planning staff are processing applications.
- Our parks staff are busy cutting grass and beautifying our green spaces.
- Our recreation staff are facilitating online programs.
- Library staff are delivering online programs and recently started providing curbside pickup.
- Facilities staff during the pandemic have continued regular duties but also enhanced cleaning practices. In addition, they have tackled such special projects as painting, floor polishing, and other valuable asset maintenance.
- Municipal law enforcement staff are helping enforce provincial orders and looking after other bylaw matters, and recently launched curbside parking pass purchases.
- Treasury staff are processing payments and monitoring departmental budgets, as well as preparing background work for the 2021 budget exercise, which starts later this year.
- Public Works staff, including our engineers, continue efforts to move ahead several key infrastructure projects.
- Our economic development staff are working with our COVID-19 Business Recovery Task Force to support the community as the economy reopens.
- Our Health and Safety Committee is leading the preparations for when we reopen town hall and our other facilities.
Read on to learn more about all of our activities in May. As always,
The Monthly Report includes council highlights and 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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COVID-19 Economic Impact Report outlines path to recovery
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“This report is designed to provide recommendations that the municipality can explore to proactively assist businesses during reopening and to facilitate community recovery in our local economy,” Tyler King, economic development officer, said in the report.
He added the report also looks at the economic composition of the Wasaga Beach community through an analysis of census data.
“Finally, and most importantly, this report lays out a framework that compliments the framework provided by the Province of Ontario,” King said. “This framework outlines the path to recovery and key areas that require attention and municipal support to facilitate that recovery in Wasaga Beach.”
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Wasaga Beach launches
COVID-19 Business Recovery Task Force
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Town council has launched the COVID-19 Business Recovery Task Force, its latest initiative to help the community during the pandemic.
“The purpose of the task force is to determine how the town can help businesses and organizations in the weeks and months ahead recover from the impact of partial or full closures over the last two and a half months,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said.
The task force is comprised of Mayor Bifolchi, Councillor George Watson, CAO George Vadeboncoeur, Director of Planning and Economic Initiatives Doug Herron, Economic Development Officer Tyler King, Senior Special Events Coordinator Angela Webster, and Communications Officer Michael Gennings.
The town’s economic development officer has been connecting with the business community throughout the pandemic and issuing bulletins to provide information. Going forward the task force will continue to consult with members of the business community, as well as other stakeholders, to determine how the town can facilitate a strong economic recovery.
Consultation will take place through a business survey and a residential survey on our community engagement site
www.letstalkwasagabeach.ca
and through one-on-one conversations.
“If the town is to provide meaningful assistance, we need to have a good understanding of what is required,” Mayor Bifolchi said.
The town will not duplicate assistance offered by federal and provincial governments. Municipal efforts could include:
- Tax measures, including suspension of interest and penalties;
- Streamlining permits for licensing, planning, and building;
- Adjustments to regulatory bylaws;
- Modifications to business licence fees.
The town might also be able to help through such things as marketing campaigns and collaboration on projects.
Following the consultation phase the task force will report to council with recommendations on next steps.
Individuals wishing to speak with staff about how the town can help should contact Economic Development Officer Tyler King at 705-429-3844, ext. 2274 or e-mail
edo@wasagabeach.com
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Sign variances allowed as part of COVID-19 recovery
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Council will allow businesses to use portable signs for 30-day increments up to Sept. 30 to promote the reopening of their businesses and continued service to the community.
Members also agreed to place no restrictions on the number of signs per property until Sept. 30.
The portable sign initiative is one of many steps that council members have implemented to help the business community recover from the financial impacts of the pandemic.
In order to use the signs, a business must obtain a permit from the town.
Permits will be subject to a one-time fee of $25. The permits can be renewed monthly until the end of September. To learn more, call the Municipal Law Enforcement Department at 705-429-2511.
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Support for frontline workers
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MESSAGES OF THANKS On May 25, Mayor Nina Bifolchi was at the County of Simcoe paramedic station on Oxbow Park Drive and later the Wasaga Beach Fire Department's Station 1 to present artwork created by students at Birchview Dunes Elementary School. The artwork contains messages of thanks and hope for frontline workers on duty during the pandemic. Watch a related video below:
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Keeping our community safe and healthy
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Town closing access to several municipal parking lots near main beachfront
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The Town of Wasaga Beach is closing several of its beachfront municipal parking lots, effective immediately, to discourage day trip visitors from accessing the area during the pandemic.
However, two town lots – Playland Park Square and Spruce Street – are staying open and starting Friday, June 5 will be for residents with municipal parking passes only. Discussed later in this release are details about how to obtain a pass.
These changes do not affect five privately operated lots in the beachfront area or lots serving individual businesses.
“At the request of the Ontario Provincial Police and Ontario Parks we have made the decision to close most of our beachfront parking lots to deter out-of-town visits,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “Since the arrival of warmer weather, we have seen day-trippers visit our community, congregating near the beachfront in larger gatherings, against provincial emergency orders in place due to the pandemic, and gathering on the beach itself, which is closed by provincial order. This type of activity is unacceptable and against the law.”
Mayor Bifolchi said the town is closing the lots to reinforce the intent of the provincial orders and to support OPP officers, Ontario Parks’ staff, and municipal law enforcement officers – all tasked with enforcing the orders.
“At the same time we realize most residents in our community are following the provincial directives. They are staying off the closed beach, which is part of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, and they are avoiding large-scale gatherings. We are providing them parking in two of our beachfront-area lots, if they purchase one of our passes, so they can continue to enjoy the town-owned sand-covered portion of Beach Drive, as well as the provincial park trail network that runs near the waterfront. Our residents deserve to enjoy the area they live in as long as they continue to follow all of the directives. All of our other lots in town remain open for use as per the posted rates and for parking pass holders.”
Another reason the town is keeping two beachfront-area lots open is to support easy access to businesses at the main beach.
“When the time is right we will welcome day trip visitors back to our community,” Mayor Bifolchi said. The town will continue to monitor provincial and health unit directives and re-open the lots when appropriate.
While the town is closing the bulk of its parking in the area, there remains roughly 185 privately owned parking spots near the beachfront. The town has no control over these lots. Owners of these lots determine the fees they charge.
Beachfront Municipal Lots open Resident Permit Holders Only
Playland Park Square
40 Mosley Street
Spruce Street Lot
17 Spruce Street
Municipal Lots Open for Regular Use
Town Hall Lot
30 Lewis St
Main Street Lot
128 Main St
Nancy Lot
137 Mosley St
Dunkerron Lot
16 Dunkerron Ave
Private Parking Lots
Five private parking lots (approx. 185 spots) near the beachfront remain open:
9 Main Street
10 Main Street
21 Main Street
24 Main Street
35 Mosley Street (opposite Playland Lot)
Obtaining a municipal parking pass made simpler
Residents can obtain a parking pass for $28.25.
The pass is good for any of the designated municipal parking lots.
There is a limit of one pass per address but the pass is transferrable from vehicle to vehicle.
For full details on how to obtain a residential parking pass, including information about curbside pickup at town hall, see our application
online
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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 or on the town's website:
Information Bulletins
Special e-newsletter updates
To date we have issued six 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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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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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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NATIONAL ACCESS AWARENESS WEEK On May 28, in celebration of National Access Awareness Week, May 31 to June 6, Mayor Nina Bifolchi, deputy clerk Laura Borland, and Councillor Mark Kinney took part in a flag-raising and proclamation reading at town hall. We look forward to when regulations allow gatherings so that larger groups can participate in flag-raising and proclamation events. Special thanks to our Accessibility Advisory Committee for all of their hard work. Read the proclamation here:
https://bit.ly/36F7Nv1
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Town finances in great shape
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Two presentations received by council, one from Treasurer Jocelyn Lee and the other from the town’s auditor, show the town enjoys good financial health.
“The town realized a large operating surplus that was used to offset the land purchase for the new arena/library site,” Lee said. “The cash position is strong with significant investments. Reserve balances at the end of 2019 had increased over 2018, and debenture (debt) levels have reduced compared to 2018. The town is in a sound financial position, and able to consider future opportunities related to growth, such as the new twin pad arena and library, and continue to maintain general financial sustainability.”
Anstey also said the town is in a strong financial position.
You can watch the
presentation
. It starts around the two-minute mark.
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Waiting for a lift? Sit a spell
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HAVE A SEAT Council recently approved new transit benches for our community. Creative Outdoor is the provider. The company has been busy installing the benches at transit stops around town.
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New transit benches for community
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Creative Outdoor has installed 35 new benches at transit stops in Wasaga Beach.
The Town of Wasaga Beach awarded the company a five-year contract in January following a Request for Proposal process.
Creative Outdoor, a Canadian company, holds contracts with more than 300 transit clients throughout North America and is an industry leader.
The company is providing the benches and their installation at no cost to the municipality.
In exchange for the right to supply and install the benches on municipal property, as well as provide advertising space on them, the company will provide the town $39,690 over the life of the agreement.
Through its contract with the town, the company is installing its Lexington model bench, billed as a rugged all-weather model ideal for the various types of weather in Wasaga Beach. The bench also meets provincial accessibility requirements.
“Corrosive-free and maintenance-free, the Lexington is constructed with high-strength heavy steel and aluminum that is coated with thermoplastic PVC,” the company said. “The Lexington is the strongest, most durable thermoplastic-coated bench on the market today.”
For more information about Wasaga Beach Transit, see
here
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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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Town moving forward with important infrastructure project
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Council awarded a $221,063 contract to Tatham Engineering to administer the geometric improvements and water main installation project on Veterans Way and Klondike Park Road.
Members of council awarded the contract following a competitive RFP process.
“The geometric improvements on Veterans Way, as well as the intersection of Veterans Way and Klondike Park Road, will address safety concerns of the town,” director of public works Kevin Lalonde said in a
staff report
. “The water main installation limits will extend from its current termination, south of Fernbrook Drive, to the northwest corner of the Klondike Sports Park. The system extension and upgrade becomes essential when the town commissions the fourth municipal well at the Jenetta Street well site.”
Lalonde added that as per the 2018 Water Distribution System Model Update, the well upgrade is estimated to be required in 2032, based on projected water demands.
“The intent of merging the road geometric improvements and the water main installation into one contract is to reduce the net cost to the town as there would be overlap of effort in terms of administration and construction, including grading and repaving,” Lalonde noted.
The town will advertise the tender for construction in June.
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Draft plan of subdivision approved
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Council approved a draft plan of subdivision for Elm Developments Wasaga Beach.
The application was submitted in October 2019.
Elm is planning to build 58 condominium-style homes at its site south of River Road West, east of Village Gate Drive.
Read the related staff report
here
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More development happening: Mosley Street subdivision draft plan authorized by council
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A draft plan of subdivision was approved for a site at 3219 Mosley St.
Council also approved a related zoning bylaw amendment.
The property is at the southwest corner of 62
nd
Street South and Mosley.
The applicant, Wasaga Beach Ventures Inc., is planning to build 10 single detached homes.
Review the related staff report
here
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GROWING ONCE AGAIN There are plans to add a new dining option in the western part of town. If you're a fan of the Grandpa Burger you'll be pleased.
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New restaurant in the works
for 45th Street
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Council members instructed staff to process an application for a site plan amendment that would allow construction of a restaurant at 75 45th Street.
The site is home to Canadian Tire and Mark’s Work Warehouse.
The applicant, Canadian Tire Properties Inc., wants to modify its land to accommodate a new restaurant with a drive-thru.
“Based on the applicant’s submission materials, the proposed tenant is represented as being an A&W restaurant,” town planner Alan Wiebe said in a report.
The proposed development would be on the northwest part of the property.
Read the related staff report
here
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Work proceeding with beachfront redevelopment, council OKs parking study
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The town is investing $50,000 on a parking study of the beachfront area, between Spruce Street, Third Street, Mosley Street, and Beach Drive.
Council approved allocating the funds for the study during its meeting May 21.
“The purpose of the study is to undertake a comprehensive review and assessment of the town’s current and future parking requirements for the beachfront area,” CAO George Vadeboncoeur said in
staff report
, adding, “Staff have identified that it is best that a consultant undertake this work due to the expertise required. It is expected that the proponent will analyze current parking demand and review future parking demand based on the future development potential of the area as outlined in the Downtown Development Master Plan.”
The parking study is one of many studies that supports the work already done as part of the Downtown Master Plan. One of the most important studies is an Environmental Assessment – now underway – of the street network in the area, including Beach Drive.
“A master parking strategy for the beachfront area is another critical background piece needed for the redevelopment of the area,” Vadeboncoeur said. “The intent is to identify parking needs of new development and visitors to the beach, the best way to meet these needs, and strategies to allocate costs.”
The town has issued an RFP for a consultant to carry out the study.
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Wasaga Beach Council Highlights
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Wasaga Beach Town Council met on Thursday, May 21.
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
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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 of Wasaga Beach Quick Fact
Our Clerks Department is responsible for the legislative needs for the municipality.
They draft procedural bylaws for meetings, they compile agendas for sessions of council and committee, and they oversee records management and Freedom of Information requests.
Staff in the department also issue marriage licences, conduct wedding ceremonies, and commission documents upon request.
In addition to this the department oversees Municipal Law Enforcement, Parking Operations, and Business Licensing for the town.
Our dedicated team is led by town clerk Dina Lundy.
To learn more about the department see
here.
Reach the department by calling 705-429-3844, 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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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 2019 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 In 1908, it was finally decided that a new bridge was required over the Nottawasga River as the Van Vlack Bridge was in poor repair and considered unsafe for passage. Plans for a new steel bridge were drawn up and the placement of the bridge was to the west of the Van Vlack Bridge. The bridge was to be built on the town line of Flos and Sunnidale townships. The site of where the bridge was to be built was not without controversy as there was a question as to whether or not there was an actual road to which it would be linked. The road was actually the beachfront and this was the argument that was made. The cost of the bridge was an estimated $15,000. The new steel bridge was built with concrete abutments on both sides and two central cement piers in the middle. It was two lanes in width and further opened Wasaga Beach to the growth of tourism. The narrow steel bridge remained in place until the Main Street Bridge was built on the site and opened officially on October 4, 1961.
From the Historical Advisory Committee
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There's always something to do through the Wasaga Beach Public Library
While the library is closed to the public the staff continue to provide great online programs and activities. The library is also now offering curbside pickup.
Learn more about the library by visiting the website.
See the library main website
here
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Learn more about programs
here
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Message from Mayor Nina Bifolchi
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As you can see in our latest e-newsletter, supporting our community through the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a top priority for your council and staff.
We recently established the Business Recovery Task Force to determine how the town can help businesses and organizations recover from partial or full closures since mid-March.
Part of the task force’s job is to formally consult with stakeholders in our community, building on the work already done by the Economic Development Department.
I encourage residents and business leaders to take part in the surveys. Community input is important if we are to understand how best the municipality can be of assistance.
Staff will also be holding one-on-one discussions with business people interested in sharing their views.
Steps we have already taken to help the business community include allowing portable signage on properties on a temporary basis for marketing purposes and creating a dedicated
business information page
on our website chalk full of information from various sources.
To use the signs you must obtain a permit, so please contact our Municipal Law Enforcement Department for details.
For our residents we continue to offer virtual programs online through our social media platforms and I am happy to tell you the Wasaga Beach Public Library is now offering curbside pickup.
Meanwhile, town staff are busy working on what is required to reopen our facilities to the public when the time is right. We look forward to welcoming the public back into our buildings but we must do so safely. We will share more details with you about this when we are close to reopening.
With the Phase 1 opening of the economy I am pleased to say to staff are busy providing the services the public expects. Activity has picked up and staff are responding to the challenge. On behalf of council, I once again want to thank staff for their dedication and professionalism. We are truly fortunate to have so many talented and committed individuals helping move our community forward.
On that note, I want to mention that provincial regulations have allowed all construction work to resume. You will see evidence of this around the community. This is exciting as we have several building projects on the go and our planning staff are busy processing new applications.
This month your council approved a draft plan of subdivision for Elm Developments in the east end of Wasaga Beach. Elm is planning to build 58 condominium-style homes at its site south of River Road West, east of Village Gate Drive.
In addition, we also approved a draft plan of subdivision for 3219 Mosley St. and a related zoning bylaw amendment. The applicant is planning to build 10 single detached homes.
And at 45
th
Street, on the parcel of land that holds Canadian Tire, we directed staff to process an application from Canadian Tire Properties Inc. that will accommodate a new restaurant and drive-thru on the site.
Beachfront redevelopment work continues, too. We are investing $50,000 on a parking study for the beachfront area, between Spruce Street, Third Street, Mosley Street, and Beach Drive. The study will help us plan the infrastructure required for parking in this part of our community.
These are just a few examples of the good things happening in Wasaga Beach.
I look forward to sharing more news with you next month.
Remember to stay safe and look out for one another.
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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