May 2025

With the return of sunshine and spring blooms, May in Tay is always a special time of year. 

First, I'd like to express my sincere appreciation to the volunteers and organizing committee behind this year’s Portamara Family Festival. The dedication of these volunteers, many of whom work quietly behind the scenes, ensures this event continues to thrive as a hallmark of community celebration.  

National Public Works Week gave us a chance to recognize our amazing Operational Services Team. They continue to go above and beyond providing the community with front-line services that safeguard and enhance the quality of life in our Township. On May 24, residents of all ages attended our “Meet the Fleet” event to get an up-close look at our equipment and meet our staff. From enjoying a BBQ lunch provided by the Victoria Harbour Royal Canadian Legion to adding your name to the snowplow, it was a great day to connect and show appreciation for the team that helps keep Tay moving. 

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for Tay Blooms on June 7 and the ‘Tay’ Canada Day celebrations on June 27 and 28.  

In addition, the Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament Tee Off With Tay takes place on August 15 at the Midland Golf and Country Club. This event brings our community together to raise funds for our local schools, hospital and mental health services. Sponsorship opportunities are available and are a great way for local businesses and community partners to support these important causes while gaining visibility at this high-profile local event. New this year! Enjoy live music from Kitty and the Boyz under the tent from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Concert tickets and dinner packages are also available for non-golfers. For registration, tickets and sponsorship details visit tay.ca/golf. 

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

Upcoming Meetings

Payment Options in the event of a Canada Post Strike

In the event of a possible Canada Post mail service disruption, Tay Township has several options available for making payments promptly and securely.

Payment options include:

• Pre-Authorized Payment Plans
• Telephone and Online Banking
• In Person
• Online Credit Card Payments
• After-Hours Drop Box

In addition, Tay Township recently launched E-Billing, a convenient, and environmentally friendly way to receive your tax and water/wastewater bill directly to your email. If you choose to enroll, you will no longer receive a paper copy in the mail and notices will be sent directly to your email. Sign up today by completing the online E-Billing Enrollment Form. 

If you have any questions, our Financial Services Department is here to help. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 705-534-7248 x227. For more information visit tay.ca/news. 

National Volunteer Week

On May 3, 2025, at the Tay Community Rink, Tay Township Council and Staff celebrated our amazing volunteers. This event coincided with National Volunteer Week, which promoted the theme "Volunteers Make Waves." 



Tay Township volunteers are the fundamental backbone of what helps make our community thrive. We are immensely grateful for what you do. Thank you to each and every one of you!

Are you looking for a way to become involved in Tay Township? Consider serving on a Township Committee. Check out the full list of available positions and fill out an application today.

Community Living Month & YIMBY Week

On May 1st, Tay Township Council and Staff raised the Community Living flag at the Municipal Office to launch Community Living Month. This province-wide campaign celebrates the achievements of the Community Living movement, which advocates for the full inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Mayor Walker proclaimed May 18–24, 2025, as Yes In My Back Yard (YIMBY) Week in Tay Township. Council and Staff joined Redwood Park Communities to raise the YIMBY flag, promoting inclusive, welcoming communities where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.

Firefighter Door-to-Door

Education Campaign

On Monday, May 26, 2025, Tay Township Fire and Emergency Services conducted just under 600 door-to-door visits to promote smoke alarm and carbon monoxide (CO) safety.

Firefighters from each hall visited targeted areas sharing educational materials, answering questions, and helping residents understand fire safety responsibilities under Ontario’s Fire Code.

This program will rotate to other areas of the Township each year. Our Fire Department is always available to help you with your smoke and CO alarms. The goal is to ensure that working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in every home in Tay Township.

For more information or to speak to the Fire Department, please contact:

Jenny Duffy Fire and Emergency Services Assistant 

705-534-7248 ext. 262 | jduffy@tay.ca  

To learn more about Tay Fire and Emergency Services please visit tay.ca/fire.

Tay Township Introduces Online

Dog Tag Licensing

Residents can now purchase and pay for their dog tags online.

Visit tay.ca/canine to complete your application, pay online and submit proof of rabies vaccination. Dog Tags are $35.00/dog. Tay Township has a two-dog limit per household.

For more information visit tay.ca/canine, email mleo@tay.ca or call our Municipal Law Enforcement Team at 705-534-7248 and press option 2. 

Street Sweeping Update

Tay Township Operations Staff are completing the first pass of street sweeping in Victoria Harbour. This work is expected to be finished by the end of this week or early next week, weather permitting.

Contracted street sweepers are currently finalizing sweeping in Port McNicoll and Waverley. Once complete, they will continue with Waubaushene and return to Victoria Harbour for the final clean up. Please note that the sweeping rotation changes annually. 

We appreciate your patience as this important seasonal maintenance work is completed. If you have any questions please reach out to our Operational Services Team at 705-534-7248 x230 or visit tay.ca/roads.

Horticulture Committee Beautifies Tay

A heartfelt thank you to our Horticulture Committee for their work in cleaning up and beautifying our community gardens, including those at the Municipal Office, Oakwood Community Centre and many other areas throughout the Township. Your dedication and green thumbs help

Tay Township bloom!

Meet the Fleet 2025 - Thank You!

Tay Township Operational Services would like to extend sincere thanks to all those who contributed to the success of our second annual Meet the Fleet event, held on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

We are especially grateful to the following external participants whose involvement made the day truly memorable:

• NT Power, for showcasing their bucket truck at both the school visit and public event.
• Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), for attending with their SUV cruiser and mobile support unit, giving residents a chance to explore inside.
• County of Simcoe Paramedics, for an engaging and educational display of a paramedic vehicle and medical stretcher.
• Tay Township Fire Department, for sharing their fire truck and marine rescue boat, and offering demonstrations that inspired both children and adults.
• Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA), for bringing their valve trailer and offering an informative look into local water system operations, an important and often unseen part of our community’s daily life.
• Tay Agricultural Committee and the Philips Family, for bringing a tractor and grain buggy to highlight the modern scale of farming in our region.

Thank you to all participants and attendees for helping to make this event a success. Your support and enthusiasm continue to strengthen our sense of community and pride in the essential services that serve Tay Township every day.

National Public Works Week

We’re proud to recognize the dedicated professionals in our Operational Services Department, whose efforts touch nearly every part of daily life in our community. Their work supports the essential services we rely on every day, including:

Road Operations - keeping our roadways safe and accessible

• Road maintenance and upgrades (street sweeping, pothole repair, grading, graveling, dust control, etc.)
• Roadside care, including grass cutting, litter pickup, tree removal/trimming, and removal of deceased animals
• Drainage system upkeep including ditching, culverts and structural maintenance
• Street signage, streetlights, sidewalks and more

Facility Services - Maintaining spaces that bring our community together

• Repair, construction, and maintenance of Township facilities such as fire halls, libraries, public washrooms, rinks, community centres and the municipal office
• Lawn and grounds maintenance across parks and public spaces

Fleet Management - Ensuring corporate equipment and vehicles are ready to serve

• Regular maintenance, repair, and diagnostics of Township machinery and fleet vehicles

Water & Wastewater Services - Protecting our health and environment

• Operation and maintenance of municipally owned water and wastewater treatment systems in partnership with the Ontario Clean Water Agency
• Infrastructure repair and upgrades to keep services reliable and safe

Engineering Services - Building for the future

• Planning and delivering capital projects across roads, bridges, water, wastewater, stormwater, and community facilities
• Oversight of lot grading, stormwater management, and more

Recreational Services - Enriching lives through community programs

• Coordinating special events, youth day camps, soccer programs, and a variety of recreational activities that bring people together

Watermain Flushing

Municipal water users are reminded that the flushing or swabbing of drinking watermains is taking place. Flushing Schedule: Monday to Friday only between 8am and 4:30pm.

• Port McNicoll/Midland Bay Woods – began May 20 and lasts until June 6
• All other areas have been completed

As a result of this work, users might experience a change in pressure and/or some discolouration, sediment in the water, or perhaps even no water for short periods of time. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Ontario Clean Water Agency at 1-866-775-7712.

2025 Albert Street Boat Launch Trailer Parking Permits 

Residents and property owners in Tay Township can obtain their 2025 Albert Street boat launch parking permit. This permit is required to park with a trailer in the designated trailer parking spaces at 110 and 145 Albert Street. Obtain your free permit by visiting the Municipal Office. More details available at tay.ca/BoatLaunch.

Smile Cookie Campaign

Success for SGB Airboat Rescue

From April 29 to May 4, the Waubaushene and Port Severn Tim Hortons' Smile Cookie Campaigns supported Southern Georgian Bay Airboat Rescue (SGBAR). Every dollar from each Smile Cookie sold went directly to this vital initiative, and the community’s response was incredible.

A total of $28,602.59 was raised, making the SGBAR campaign the #1 Smile Cookie Campaign in the Georgian Simcoe Region!

Stay tuned for more exciting updates on the Southern Georgian Bay Airboat Rescue Project! To learn more visit their website Southern Georgian Bay Airboat Rescue.

Horticulture Committee

Presents Tay Blooms

Join the Horticulture Committee for a plant exchange and free mulch pick-up. Bring a cutting from your perennials and exchange for something new! 



When: Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 9am to 12pm 

Where: Municipal Office Parking Lot, 450 Park Street, Victoria Harbour 

Mulch bagging and loading is self-serve!

Tee Off With Tay

The Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament – Tee Off With Tay is set for Friday, August 15, 2025, at Midland Golf & Country Club.

This tournament is a testament to the power of community, coming together to support our schools, hospital and mental health programs, creating lasting impacts that inspire growth, care and connection.

Sponsorship opportunities are available!

This is a great opportunity for local businesses and community partners to support meaningful causes while gaining visibility at a well-attended, high-impact event. Review the Sponsorship Opportunities.

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

New this year – Kitty and the Boyz! A high-energy local band known for classic rock hits and today’s top 40, will perform live from 6:30pm to 9:30 pm under the tent at Midland Golf & Country Club. Registered teams and single golfers can opt in to stay for the live show, inclusive of their registration.

Concert tickets for non-golfers are $25. Dinner and concert ticket packages are also available to non-golfers for $75. Get tickets or register for golf at tay.ca/golf.

Seniors Advisory Committee

Upcoming Event!

Join the Tay Township Seniors Advisory Committee for

the Seniors Event "Wills, Estate, & Funeral Planning"

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

There will be light refreshments, an engaging presentation given by Lawyer Jennifer Goldsmith (FDTLAW) and Funeral Director Katie Gadd (Nicholls Funeral Home), followed by an interactive question and answer session.

Transportation is available. Please contact Lacey McKay at 705-534-7248 x257 or lmckay@tay.ca by Friday, June 6th. Learn more about the Committee by visiting tay.ca/seniors.

2025 Portarama Awards

Congratulations to the winners of the Portarama Family Festival Awards. The festivities kicked off on May 16, 2025 with award presentations at the Port McNicoll Community Centre. Let's celebrate this year's award recipients for their outstanding achievements!

Portarama Family Festival Appreciation Awards - Presented to community members outside the Portarama Committee in appreciation of their support and contributions to Portarama over the past year.

Garrett’s Convenience, Ashok and Manisha Patel

Port McNicoll Youth Activity Group Committee

Vic Kelly Memorial Citizen of the Year Award - Presented to a community member in recognition of their extraordinary volunteer efforts dedicated to the betterment of the community.

Sarah Gadon, Waubaushene

Vic Kelly Memorial Youth of the Year Award - Presented to a youth community member in recognition of their extraordinary volunteer efforts dedicated to the betterment of the community.

Marina Green, Port McNicoll

Tay Township Public Library

Summer Reading Club Registration Starts June 20^th: Join us for a summer full of reading, fun activities, amazing special guests, and prizes! This year we are travelling around the world and learning about the different continents, what will you explore? Hosted in partnership with the TD Summer Reading Club.

The event you won’t want to miss: Book Bouquets on Saturday, June 7th at 1 PM in the Victoria Harbour Branch. Recycle an old hardcover book into a piece of blooming spring decor. Ages 10 and up. All materials provided. Please register to secure a spot. 

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

Don't have a DVD player? We have just added new portable DVD players to each branch that you can check out with your library card. Now you can enjoy our large collection of movies, TV series and Binge Boxes if you have been missing out! Click here for more info.

Overdue items? We started collection of overdue fines on May 1st. Just keep 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. Ask library staff for more information.

Don't miss out on another Library event - subscribe to our newsletter, click here and fill out the form.

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

Youth Open Gym Night hosted by the Victoria Harbour Recreation Committee will be on pause during the summer months. Stay tuned for updates on the fall schedule. Until then, have a safe and active summer!

Sunset Paddle - Join us for a peaceful and immersive evening on the water as we paddle through the tranquil marsh at dusk. Connect with nature and experience the Wye Marsh in a way that not many people have the opportunity to!

When: 7:30-9:30pm Running every Friday starting June 6th - August 29th.

How Much: Members $45 | Non Member $75. Includes all equipment and a gift to take home.

Who: Ages 18+

Dress for the weather - this program will run rain or shine! Pre-registration is required here. For more information visit the Wye Marsh.

National Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Legends of Lacrosse

A brand new event with lacrosse legend Jim Calder and pro player Chris Boushy of the Toronto Rock!​ Get hands-on instructional training from some of the world’s best lacrosse players​, and learn the fascinating history of the Creator’s Game – and Sainte-Marie’s place in it.

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, 16164 Highway 12 East

Contact Information: hhp@ontario.ca / 705-526-7838

Tickets: $12 (tax included)

Learn more at www.saintmarieamongthehurons.on.ca

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