November 2025

November has been a month filled with meaningful updates and events that showcase the spirit of our community. As the holiday season approaches, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on these achievements and celebrate the milestones we’ve reached together.  

During Veterans’ Week, November 5 to 11, I was honoured to attend several events recognizing the sacrifices of our veterans and those currently serving. Their courage is a powerful reminder of the freedoms we cherish, and I was grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute to them. 

We were proud to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Charles Talbot by unveiling ‘Dr. Talbot Way’, a street sign that marks the new roadway to Talbot Park in Port McNicoll. It was wonderful to see the family and friends of the late Dr. Talbot, and Tay Township Staff come together to honour his contributions to youth sports and the community. Learn more about Dr. Talbot and our celebration at tay.ca/news.

Tay took a significant step forward in our efforts to acquire a specialized rescue airboat. We were pleased to welcome the Southern Georgian Bay Airboat Rescue Committee to Council Chambers, where they proudly announced they had reached their $350,000 fundraising goal to purchase a customized vessel for Tay Fire and Emergency Services. This achievement is a remarkable example of community collaboration. Read the full details of the announcement at tay.ca/news. 

I wish to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the recent Toy & Food Drive, in partnership with the Tay Fire Department, St. Vincent de Paul Tay Food Bank, and the Port McNicoll Lions Club. Your generosity helps brighten the holidays for families in need. You can still donate to the Toy & Food Drive tomorrow, Saturday, November 29 at Garrette’s Convenience in Port McNicoll from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

The holidays are in full swing with two annual events just around the corner! Join us for the Waubaushene Santa Claus Parade on Sunday, November 30 at 1:00 p.m., and don’t miss the Annual Tay Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Tay Community Rink on Sunday, December 7 starting at 4:00 p.m. I’m looking forward to celebrating these cherished events with our community. For more information visit tay.ca/events.  

Until next time,

Mayor Ted Walker twalker@tay.ca.

Upcoming Meetings

Council meeting information and agendas available at tay.ca/calendar

Holiday Office Closure

The Municipal Office will be closed Friday, December 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a Staff Appreciation Event. The office will re-open at 2:00 p.m. and close at our regular office time of 4:30 p.m.

The Municipal Office will be closed from December 24 at 12:00 p.m. reopening January 2, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. For after-hour emergency service for Water, Wastewater, Roads and Parks please call 705-526-5762.

Veterans' Week 2025

Mayor Walker proclaimed November 5-11 as Veterans' Week in Tay Township. Veterans' Week is a significant time for Canadians to honour the sacrifices and contributions of veterans. It is observed from November 5 to 11 each year, with Remembrance Day on November 11 marking the end of the week.

To mark the week, Mayor Walker, Council members and Staff welcomed local Legion representatives for a flag raising at the Municipal Office. Read the full proclamation at tay.ca/news.

Seniors Advisory Committee: 
A Festive Social

Tay Seniors – You’re Invited! Join the Tay Township Seniors Advisory Committee for A Festive Social — a FREE luncheon and cookie decorating event! RSVP to confirm your spot by noon on Thursday, December 11 by emailing clerk@tay.ca or calling 705-534-7248 x257.

Date: Monday, December 15

Time: 12:45 PM – 2:45 PM

Location: Oakwood Community Centre

(290 Park Street, Victoria Harbour)

Winter Active Living Programs

Get active this Winter in Tay Township! Registration for Winter Active Living Programs OPENS December 5th at 8:30 a.m. Some of the programs being offered this year include Yoga, Pilates and HIIT.

Our team is finalizing programs and will post more information when available at tay.ca/register.

Tay Community Rink is Open

The Tay Community Rink is now open for public and private bookings.

The online booking portal at tay.ca/rinks is open for those interested in booking private ice rentals, or to view the schedule for open free public skating and shinny.

For more information, please visit tay.ca/rinks.

Cemetery Winter Closure

The Township of Tay’s Cemeteries, Victoria Harbour Union Cemetery, Waubaushene Protestant Cemetery and Waverley United Church Cemetery, will close for the winter on Monday, December 1, 2025.   

With the winter closure in effect from December 1 – April 1, no interments or monument installations will be permitted, and roads/paths will not be maintained. The Cemeteries will re-open on April 1, 2026, weather permitting.

Residents can still contact the Clerk’s Department for general cemetery inquiries by emailing clerk@tay.ca or by calling 705-534-7248 x257 or x240. Visit tay.ca/cemeteries for more information. 

Reminder Winter Parking Regulations In Effect

Reminder! Winter Parking Regulations are in effect from November 15 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 and press 2 to connect with a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, or email mleo@tay.ca.

Southern Georgian Bay Airboat Rescue Initiative Achieves Fundraising Goal and Transfers Funds to Tay Township

The Southern Georgian Bay Airboat Rescue fundraising initiative has successfully reached its financial target of raising $350,000 designated for the purchase of a specialized rescue airboat to serve the Southern Georgian Bay region. 

At a formal presentation held on November 21, 2025, in Tay Township Council Chambers, representatives of the Southern Georgian Bay Airboat Rescue fundraising committee announced the official transfer of the raised funds to Tay Township.

To read the full news release visit tay.ca/news.

Tay Proudly Supports Ontario SPCA Vaccination and Wellness Clinic

On November 15, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society held another successful vaccination and wellness clinic in Midland, aimed at promoting pet health and supporting local families.

Tay Township was proud to provide funding to the clinic. The clinic was open to individuals referred by social service agencies and those with limited income who may not have regular access to veterinary care. This clinic was one of three held in Midland this year, which together provided care to a total of 77 animals.

This clinic was made possible through Tay Township’s Grants and Donations Program, which supports the meaningful work of community organizations and volunteer groups that deliver programs, services, and events enhancing community well-being and quality of life for residents.

Learn more about Tay's Grants and Donation Policy.

Tay Supports Holiday 
Smile Cookie Campaign

Mayor Walker and Staff supported the Holiday Smile Cookie campaign! 100% of the campaign proceeds from the Waubaushene and Port Severn Tim Hortons locations went to Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Simcoe and Tims Camps. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who purchased cookies and made a difference.

Tay Township Public Library

Warm holiday cheer from the library staff and board! May your season sparkle with joy and your New Year be filled with wonderful possibilities (and lots of reading time!)

The holiday events you won’t want to miss: December 6^th – Drop-in Ornament Making, December 13^th – Family Craft Party, December 20^th – Macrame Christmas Workshop, December 31^st – Noon Year’s Eve Party! Registration needed for most events, read all the details about these programs and more in our December Newsletter.

Festive Fundraiser Success: Thank you to everyone who stopped by our Festive Fundraiser to support the library in November. Thank you to the vendors for their generous donations and thank you to Mrs. Claus and the Grinch who stopped by to have some fun. We raised almost $1000 for library collections and programming, and we can't wait for next year!

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.

Changes Coming to Recycling Collection in Simcoe County

Starting January 1, 2026, residential recycling collection will be managed by Circular Materials as part of Ontario’s move to a standardized, producer-led recycling system.

Circular Materials will oversee recycling services for single family residential units. The County of Simcoe will continue to provide garbage and organics collection, as well as operate local waste drop-off facilities as usual. For more details, visit simcoe.ca/recyclingchange.

Home Renovations Savings Program

The Home Renovation Savings program from Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy helps make energy-efficient home upgrades more affordable, with rebates for heat pumps, insulation, solar panels and storage, and more. Tay Township residents can apply at homerenovationsavings.ca.

Emergency Preparedness
Are you prepared Tay Township?

Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning. Be ready. With a little preparation, you can respond quickly to help yourself and others. Understand the risks in your area, create a household emergency plan and build an emergency kit.

It may take emergency workers some time to reach you. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours. Visit getprepared.gc.ca to learn how quick and easy it is to become better prepared to face a range of emergencies – anytime, anywhere.

National Day Of Remembrance and Action On Violence Against Women

First Light - November 27 to December 14

Now in its 25th year, First Light is an award-winning, must-see holiday event with a great lineup of family activities, a huge artisan market, and multiple nightly live musical performances, all amidst the spectacular glow of thousands of candles. This year, guests get to explore two attractions for the price of one: Sainte-Marie and Martyrs’ Shrine!

Learn more at saintmarieamongthehurons.on.ca

Four Season Trails to Walk or Snowshoe - Wye Marsh's hiking trails are OPEN from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Trails can be expected to range from icy to deep snow, depending on location onsite. Wye Marsh offers more than 25km of trails to explore! For more information visit the Wye Marsh.

A Message from Tay Township

Fire and Emergency Services

Starting January 1, 2026, updates to the Ontario Fire Code will require enhanced carbon monoxide (CO) alarm safety in residential spaces.

All residential occupancies including homes, apartments and other dwellings that contain a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage must have:



• A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm adjacent to each sleeping area.
• A CO alarm on each storey without a sleeping area (on every floor).

Tay Township Fire and Emergency Services is always available to help you with your CO and smoke alarms. Learn more at tay.ca/news.

© 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