February 2025

As we move through the winter season, it's wonderful to reflect on the events that have taken place in February. It started with a special proclamation declaring February 1st to 28th as Black History Month in Tay Township. This was a chance for us all to celebrate the rich contributions and history of Black Canadians and the impact they have had on our community.

Council also approved the 2025 budget. Council and staff have worked closely to craft a budget that meets the needs of our residents while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Tay Township’s municipal tax increase for 2025 is 4.006%. For the median single-family detached residence in Tay Township assessed at $220,000 this will mean an estimated increase of $7.36/month. Read the full news release including budget highlights at tay.ca/news.



On February 28th we celebrated Pink Shirt Day - a day to promote kindness, inclusion and stand against bullying. It was great to see our staff proudly wearing pink shirts and we encourage everyone to join us in making kindness a part of our everyday lives.

As winter winds down, now's the perfect time to squeeze in a few more memorable moments at the Tay Community Rink. Whether you're skating, spending quality time with family or simply soaking in the winter scenery, don't forget that the rink closes for the season on March 23rd. Make the most of these last days of winter before spring arrives!

Looking ahead, we’re already gearing up for our Tee Off with Tay Mayor's Charity Golf Tournament! Mark your calendars for Friday August 15th, for a great day of golf, fun and fundraising. This event is an important one with proceeds going to support Youth Empowerment at our two local schools Tay Shores and St. Antoine Daniel, enhancing seniors’ care through Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care and elevating healthcare at Georgian Bay General Hospital. If you're interested in sponsoring this event or would like to learn more, visit tay.ca/golf for all the details.

Lastly, for those eager to stay active as we transition into spring, registration for our Active Living Programs opens online on Monday March 10th. We are excited to offer a variety of programs again this year including Tai Chi, Zumba, Yoga, Pilates and more!

Stay active, stay engaged and as always, stay connected with your community.

Until next time, Mayor Ted Walker twalker@tay.ca. 

Upcoming Meetings

Fire Department Master Plan Survey

Tay Township has partnered with The Loomex Group to conduct a review of its emergency services and create a comprehensive Fire Master Plan for the Tay Township Fire Department.

This plan will outline strategies and actions to ensure the fire department continues to meet the needs of our community now and in the future.

As part of this project, The Loomex Group has developed a survey to gather feedback from Tay Township residents and community partners about the emergency services currently provided. The survey takes approximately seven minutes to complete and includes an opportunity to share additional comments at the end. You can complete the survey here.

For more information, visit: tay.ca/input

Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment

Tay Township Fire is recruiting Volunteer Firefighters!

For more information check out the Joint Firefighter Recruitment Orientation Guide at tay.ca/fire or contact recruitment@tay.ca.



Apply by March 21, 2025 at 12pm.

Tay Township Operations - Thank you!

A huge thank you to our dedicated #TeamTay Operations staff for their hard work this winter! From clearing roads to maintaining sidewalks and facilities, your efforts keep our community moving safely. For more information on winter maintenance in Tay Township visit tay.ca/WinterMaintenance

Tay Community Rink

The Tay Community Rink will close on March 23, 2025, so pack up your family, call your friends and lace up those skates.

Thank you to all involved for another amazing season! Check out the schedule and updates at tay.ca/rinks.

Spring Active Living Programs

Get active this spring Tay Township! The recreation program schedule will be available SOON! Please visit tay.ca/recreation. Registration for ALL programs will be open online March 7 at 8:30 a.m. at tay.ca/register.

Celebrating the Grand Opening of

Cherry Blossom Farm

On February 21st, Council and Staff had the honour of presenting a plaque at the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Cherry Blossom Farm.

This incredible 49-acre therapeutic farm community features the state-of-the-art Cherry Blossom Village, providing care for 24 adults with complex needs.

The farm also offers individual homes tailored to the needs of both children and adults requiring specialized care. We’re excited to see the positive impact this new community will have! 

Notice of Board Vacancies:

Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment Board

The Southern Georgian Bay (SGB) OPP Detachment Board is currently seeking applicants to fill - Two provincial appointee positions (appointed by the Province of Ontario)

The SGB OPP Detachment Board plays a key role in overseeing local policing priorities, working alongside the OPP Detachment Commander to ensure effective and responsive policing in the community. Responsibilities include setting objectives and priorities, monitoring performance, and reporting to local councils.

If you would like to apply to the board as a Provincial appointee please follow this link and create an account to apply. or visit the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment Board website.

Tay Township Staff Supports the OSPCA Cupcake Event!

We’re thrilled to share that our Tay Township staff participated in this year’s OSPCA Cupcake Event, a heartwarming fundraiser dedicated to supporting animals in need. Our team hosted a bake sale and collected online donations, raising a total of $380!

In addition to the monetary donations, we were also able to contribute essential items such as laundry detergent, toys, blankets and more to help care for the animals. It’s always incredible to see how much of an impact we can have when we come together as a community.

Georgian Bay Snowriders Charity Ride: A Big Success

The first-ever Georgian Bay Snowriders Charity Ride was a huge success, bringing the snowriding community together to support the Georgian Bay Airboat Rescue initiative. With a fantastic turnout, the event raised funds to support the purchase of a specialized water and ice rescue boat.

Local first responders, including OPP and Tay Township Fire were also on hand, showcasing the strong partnership between the community and those who keep us safe.

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this important cause. Your generosity will make a difference in ensuring swift and effective rescue operations in Simcoe North. We look forward to next year’s ride!

Waubaushene Truck Stop Celebrates One Year of Success

Members of Council recently had the pleasure of presenting a certificate to the owner of the Waubaushene Truck Stop, Manjinder Kaur, in celebration of her first year in business.

This milestone marks a successful year of serving the local community and travelers alike, providing essential services. The Truck Stop has quickly become a favourite among drivers and residents for its exceptional service and friendly atmosphere.

Congratulations to the team at the Waubaushene Truck Stop on this impressive achievement and we look forward to many more years of success!

Be Emergency Ready Tay Township!

Emergencies can happen anytime. Make sure your household is prepared.

Remember the three steps:

• Make a Plan: Know how you’ll communicate and where you’ll go during an emergency.
• Build a Kit: Pack essentials like water, food, medications, flashlights, and more.
• Be Informed: Stay up to date with alerts and information from reliable sources, including #TayTownship

Visit tay.ca/emergencyplanning to learn more and get started on your emergency preparedness today.

Is the Nearest Fire Hydrant Clear of Snow?

In an emergency, every second counts. Tay Fire and Emergency Services are asking residents to help keep fire hydrants accessible this winter. If there is a fire hydrant near your home, please assist the fire department by clearing the snow within a one-metre radius around the hydrant. This will ensure it can be quickly located and used if needed.

Thank you for helping to keep our community safe!

2025 Waste Collection Calendar

County of Simcoe waste collection calendars will not be automatically mailed to Simcoe County residents in 2025. Instead, the County of Simcoe is offering residents the following options:

✅Pickup: Physical copies of the calendar are available at the Municipal Office, 450 Park Street in Victoria Harbour.

✅Simcoe County Collects App: Access your personalized calendar based on your zone. Receive alerts, look up collection information more directly on your smartphone!

✅E-Calendar: View a downloadable, printable, online version at simcoe.ca/waste

✅Request a copy: Call the Simcoe County Contact Centre at 705-735-6901 or email service@simcoe.ca.

Winter Parking Regulations

Help us clear the roads

Reminder! Winter Parking Regulations started November 15 and run until April 1.

Please do not park your vehicle on or within 3.05 metres (10 feet) of roads between 3:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

For more information visit tay.ca/WinterParking or call us at 705-534-7248 x248 to connect with a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer or email mleo@tay.ca

Tay Township Public Library

Storytime for Babies and Tots is back this month on Wednesdays in Victoria Harbour and Thursdays in Waubaushene both at 11 AM. 

The event you won’t want to miss: Our next Family Craft Party is Saturday, March 15th at 1pm in Victoria Harbour and is all about St. Patrick’s Day!

Sweetwater Festival at Wye Marsh: We will be there on Sunday March 23^rd from 9 AM - 5 PM. Come and find us in the kids zone to see our display, book sale and make a button.

Read all the details about our programming in our March Newsletter.

Overdue items?

Our overdue fine policy will begin again soon. There is a grace period while we all get used to it again. Just make sure you are renewing or returning items on time and you will have nothing to worry about. All books are 25 cents per day overdue, everything else is $1.00 per day. We have also notified patrons with long overdue material. Please remember to return items that are overdue before May 1st to avoid late fees. Ask Library staff for more details.

Don't miss out on another Library event - subscribe to our newsletter.

There is so much more in branch; don't take our word for it. Plan to visit your Library today.

Tee Off With Tay

Save the Date for the Mayors Charity Golf Tournament

Friday, August 15, 2025 at the Midland Golf & Country Club

Funds raised will help Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care deliver specialized geriatric services, improving the care and quality of life for frail older adults and their caregivers through the North Muskoka Specialized Geriatric Services program. Additionally, donations will contribute to Georgian Bay General Hospital’s commitment to patient and staff safety with the purchase of a Portable Patient Lift. Lastly, the tournament will support local students at Tay Shores Public School and St. Antoine Daniel Catholic School. Funds will go towards nutrition programs, outdoor learning initiatives and technology enhancements, ensuring students have access to healthy meals, dynamic hands-on educational experiences and the digital tools needed to support their learning.



Sponsorship Opportunity: The success of this tournament is made possible by the generosity of sponsors like you. We would love to showcase your business and involve you in our Tournament. Review the Sponsorship Opportunities.

Register your team for Golf at tay.ca/golf.

After School Program in Tay Provided by BGC North Simcoe

Are you looking for an after-school program? The North Simcoe Boys and Girls Club has you covered with a program at Oakwood Community Centre in Victoria Harbour. Pickup from St. Antoine Daniel & Tay Shores schools included! For more information contact ashleigh@bgcnorthsimcoe.com

ONE ticket gets you access to TWO fantastic sites!

Join the Friends of Wye Marsh and Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons,

March 22 & 23, for a maple syrup experience. Programs run 9 am-5pm (last admission at 2:30pm)

Celebrate a uniquely Canadian tradition in a distinctively Canadian landscape. Escape to a time when maple syrup was made over an open fire. Experience history and explore nature at its best.

For more information, visit the Wye Marsh.

March Break Day Camp

March 10-14 | 9am-4pm |Ages 5-12

A March Break filled with endless opportunities to escape, explore, experience all that the Wye Marsh has to offer. Your child will have the opportunity to experience snowshoeing, see a working sugar shack, see live reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey, learn about Trumpeter Swans plus much, much more!

For more information, visit the Wye Marsh.

Adventures in Time Travel

March Break: March 10 to 14 from 10am-4pm

Looking for family-friendly activities during March Break? Feed your curiosity and travel back in time at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons! With take-home crafts, historical demonstrations, storytelling and more, we guarantee your journey to the 17th century will be both educational and fun. No time machine or reservations required.

For more information, visit Saint-Marie among the Hurons.

A Message from Tay Township

Fire and Emergency Services

© The Corporation of the Township of Tay

450 Park Street, PO Box 100

Victoria Harbour, ON L0K 2A0

Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 705-534-7248

Fax: 705-534-4493

www.tay.ca