October 2025

As we settle into the fall season, I’m reminded of how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful and welcoming community. The vibrant colours along the Tay Shore Trail are truly breathtaking at this time of year, a perfect reminder to pause and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. 

October was a month of exciting progress for Tay Township. We were pleased to welcome Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North, along with Mayors from Simcoe North to our Council Chambers for a significant announcement. Through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, the provincial government is investing over $7 million across Simcoe North riding to support vital upgrades to local infrastructure. As part of this investment, Tay Township will receive $625,221 to help fund priority projects such as road resurfacing and water and wastewater system improvements. These upgrades are essential to maintaining our services and preparing for future growth. 

We celebrated Local Government Week during the week of October 19-25 by highlighting the essential services that keep Tay Township running smoothly. We also welcomed Grade 5 students from St. Antoine Daniel Catholic School and Tay Shores Public School to the Municipal Office, where they learned about the roles of Council and Staff, explored our fleet vehicles, and discovered how local government impacts their daily lives. It was a pleasure to engage with these bright young minds and share the importance of civic involvement and public service. 

We are also delighted to launch a new E-Billing Contest starting November 3, 2025. Residents who sign up for E-Billing for their property tax and/or water/wastewater accounts will be automatically entered into monthly draws to win a $100 Visa gift card. If you're already enrolled in E-Billing, you're automatically entered. If not, signing up is quick and easy, just complete the online E-Billing Enrollment Form. It’s a great time to go paperless, reduce waste, and maybe even win a prize! 

Lastly, we invite you to join us on Wednesday, November 5, as we begin Veterans’ Week with a flag raising ceremony outside the Municipal Office. This week is a meaningful time for Canadians to honour the courage, sacrifices and contributions of our veterans. The week is observed annually from November 5 to 11, culminating on Remembrance Day on November 11. To find a list of local Remembrance Day ceremonies, please visit tay.ca/events. 

Until next time,

Mayor Ted Walker twalker@tay.ca.

Upcoming Meetings

Veterans' Week Flag Raising

Please join Tay Township as we gather to raise the Veterans' Week flag at the Municipal Office to mark the start of Veterans' Week.

When: Wednesday, November 5 at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Outside the Municipal Office, 450 Park Street Victoria Harbour

National Breastfeeding Week

Mayor Walker proclaimed October 1-7 as National Breastfeeding Week in Tay Township. Members of the North Simcoe Breastfeeding Coalition joined Mayor Walker, Council and Staff for a flag raising at the Municipal Office to recognize the week.

Visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website for breastfeeding resources in North Simcoe. Read the full proclamation at tay.ca/news.

Learning Disabilities Awareness Day

Mayor Walker proclaimed October 15, 2025 as Learning Disabilities Awareness Day in Tay Township! This day provides an opportunity to shine a light and focus attention on the unique challenges and achievements of individuals with learning disabilities. 

Visit the Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe for tools, guidance and support at www.ldays.org.

Read the full proclamation at www.tay.ca/news.

Go Paperless and Win!

Beginning November 3, Tay Township residents who are enrolled in E-Billing for their property tax and/or water/wastewater accounts will be entered into monthly draws to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Every month until September 2026, one lucky resident enrolled in E-Billing for their property tax account and one enrolled for their water/wastewater utility account will be randomly selected to win a $100 Visa gift card. 

To kick things off, the first draw on November 3, 2025, will feature double the winners, two from property tax accounts and two from water/wastewater accounts! 

For more information visit tay.ca/news.

Tay Community Rink Opens 
November 10, 2025

The Tay Community Rink will open on November 10, 2025 for public and private bookings.

The online booking portal at tay.ca/rinks will open on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. 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 or call us at 705-534-7248 x230.

Preparing Parks for Winter

Each fall, in the weeks following the Thanksgiving long weekend, Township Operations crews begin the process of preparing our parks for winter.

Proper winterization is crucial to prevent damage and ensure that park amenities remain in good condition for when they re-open in the spring. Key tasks include closing park washrooms, removing waste receptacles, maintaining gardens, and collecting leaves. Each of these actions plays a vital role in preserving our parks and enhancing the overall cleanliness and safety of our community spaces.

For a more detailed overview of the winterization process, please visit tay.ca/news.

Winter Parking Regulations Begin November 15, 2025

Reminder! Winter Parking Regulations start 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 and press 2 to connect with a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, or email mleo@tay.ca

We appreciate your cooperation. You are helping to make the Township snow clearing safer, more efficient and effective.

Tay Township Public Library

The Festive Fundraiser is only a week away!

Sunday, November 9, 2025 10 AM – 3 PM

Oakwood Community Centre, Victoria Harbour

This seasonal craft show is planned and hosted by the Marjorie Young Volunteer Association (MYVA) and library staff in support of Tay Township Public Library. Join us for a warm drink, check some names off your shopping list, or treat yourself! 

For the kids: Button making ($), face painting ($), Storytime with Mrs. Claus 11:30 AM, photos with the Grinch at 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM, and Santa letter kits to take home. 

Vendors this year include: home decor, maple syrup, decorative lanterns and centerpieces, outdoor planters, sublimation products, jewelry, knitting, crocheted animals and clothing, collectibles, Lego, action figures, 3D printing, clothing, wood working, gnomes, ornaments, local authors, art, crafts, and more! 

The event you won’t want to miss: Gardening for Nature – Hosted by Severn Sound Environmental Association on Saturday, November 8 in the Waubaushene Branch. Learn all about encouraging native plants in your garden, common invasive species to avoid, and get your hands dirty with some take-home winter seed sowing! Space is very limited so be sure to reserve your spot in-person, over the phone or by emailing library@taylibrary.ca.

We have a few special events and lots of regularly running programs happening in November. Read all the details about our programming and get a December sneak peek in our Newsletter.

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.

MPP Jill Dunlop Brings OCIF Announcement to Simcoe North

Tay Township was pleased to host Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North in Council Chambers for a Ontario Community Infrastructure Announcement.

The Ontario government is investing over $7 million in the Simcoe North riding to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure across eight municipalities.

Read the full announcement at tay.ca/news.

Changes to CO Alarm Requirements Coming Soon

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.

Battery Collection Week

Simcoe County Battery Collection Week runs from November 3 to 6, 2025. Place a sealed battery bag on top of your green cart on your regular collection day.

This year, battery bags won’t be mailed out — but don’t worry! You can use a clear zipped bag or pick up a battery bag at the Municipal Office located at 450 Park Street in Victoria Harbour.

Check your collection schedule and sign up for reminders by downloading the Simcoe County Collects App. Full details are available at Simcoe.ca.

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.

Topline Feed and Farm Supply Named Finalist in Ontario Made Awards

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is proud to share exciting news: Topline Feed and Farm Supply, located in Waubaushene, has advanced to the final round of judging in the fifth annual Ontario Made Awards.

A panel of industry experts will evaluate the finalists to determine the winners in each category. The results will be revealed during the Ontario Made Queen’s Park Reception in Toronto on December 2nd.



To learn more about the program and discover Ontario-made products, visit SupportOntarioMade.ca.

Gbay Gals Give

On October 20, 2025, Gbay Gals Give hosted their latest charitable event at Restaurant Saint Marie.

This season’s fundraising efforts resulted in an impressive combined total of $45,050 donated to two local organizations: the Midland Chapter of the OSPCA and We Are the Villagers.

Since its inception in 2018, Gbay Gals Give has contributed an extraordinary $593,625 to various charities throughout the community. For more information about Gbay Gals Give or to get involved, visit gbaygalsgive.com or contact them at gbaygalsgive@gmail.com.

Saint Vincent de Paul Tay Food Bank Christmas Hamper Applications

Tay Fire Department 
Toy & Food Drive

Port McNicoll Lions Club
Skate for Toys

Waubaushene Santa Claus Parade

Chair Yoga - A gentle chair yoga session surrounded by the peaceful sights and sounds of nature. This all-levels class will guide you through mindful movement, breathwork, and relaxation techniques to help improve flexibility, reduce stress, and reconnect with yourself and the natural world.

Where: Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre

When: November 7th from 10am-12pm

Members: FREE

Non-Members: FREE

Who: Tailored for caregivers and older adults

To register please call the front desk at 705-526-7809 or email cleblanc@wyemarsh.com. Walk-ins are also welcome. For more information visit the Wye Marsh.

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

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