Tay Township News & Notes

September 2025

Fall has arrived in Tay Township, bringing with it a beautiful display of changing leaves and vibrant colours. This season truly showcases the scenic beauty Tay has to offer.

#TeamTay has been busy with meaningful community events throughout September. On September 13, we proudly participated in the Batting for Brighter Futures charity baseball tournament, hosted on our ball diamonds in Port McNicoll by We Are the Villagers. The funds raised from the tournament will help support local families by providing children with access to extracurricular activities. The following day on September 14, #TeamTay laced up for the annual Terry Fox Run in the Heart of Georgian Bay, helping to advance cancer research through their fundraising efforts.

On September 18, we welcomed residents to our Open House at the Municipal Office as part of the County of Simcoe’s Week of Welcome. It was an evening filled with connection and community pride. Thank you to everyone who joined us to speak with members of Council and Township staff, and to learn more about the services and projects shaping Tay.

We marked two important flag-raising ceremonies at the Municipal Office. Raising the flag for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, in partnership with Candlelighters Simcoe and on September 30, we gathered to raise the Every Child Matters flag in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I encourage all residents to take time to learn about the impact of the residential school system and explore ways we can move forward together. To read both proclamations visit tay.ca/news.

I invite all residents of Tay to take part in the County of Simcoe's Emergency Readiness Survey. By sharing your household’s preparedness plans, you’ll help the County better understand how ready we are as a community and can ensure support is directed where it’s needed most. You can complete the survey at simcoe.ca/BePrepared until October 31, 2025.

As we look ahead to October, I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving weekend. May it be filled with warmth, gratitude and time well spent with loved ones.

Until next time,

Mayor Ted Walker twalker@tay.ca.

Upcoming Meetings

Heritage Committee Meeting October 7th at 2:00 p.m.

Committee of the Whole

October 8th at 9:00 a.m.

Horticulture Committee Meeting October 14th at 2:00 p.m.

Committee of Adjustment Meeting

October 15th at 6:00 p.m.

Library Board Meeting

October 16th at 9:30 a.m.

Council Meeting

October 22nd at 7:00 p.m.

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

Reminder! Municipal Office

Closed for Thanksgiving

The Municipal Office at 450 Park Street in Victoria Harbour will be closed Monday, October 13 for Thanksgiving and will reopen on Tuesday, October 15 at 8:30 a.m. For after-hour emergency service for Water, Wastewater, Roads and Parks call 705-526-5762.

Township Raises Flag for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30, Mayor Walker, Council and Staff gathered at the Municipal Office for a flag raising to recognize and commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Residents are encouraged to wear orange on September 30 to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors. Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30. Orange Shirt Day is a commemorative day led by Indigenous communities to raise awareness about the intergenerational impacts of residential schools on children, families, and communities. It honours Indigenous children who were lost in the residential school system.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

On August 27, Council and Staff gathered with Candlelighters Simcoe for a flag-raising to spread awareness for childhood cancer and to recognize the hard work of scientists, healthcare professionals, parent organizations, and volunteers who work to overcome childhood cancer and who provide aid to these families. Read the full proclamation at tay.ca/news.

Horticulture Committee
Fall Decorations

Fall has arrived in Tay Township and our Horticulture Committee has been busy bringing the season's charm to life! From sprucing up our community gardens to adding festive touches to signs and the Municipal Office, their creativity and dedication have brought stunning fall colours to Tay.

Learn more about Tay's Horticulture Committee at tay.ca/horticulture.

Canada Post Strike:
Mail Service Disruptions

How to receive your Tay Township Tax and Water/Wastewater bills and reminder notices during the Canada Post Strike:

Sign up for E-Billing! Choose to receive your tax and/or water and wastewater bills and reminder notices directly to your email. Sign up today, complete the E-Billing Enrollment Form .
Visit the Municipal Office during regular business hours to pick up a physical copy of your current bill or notice.

To avoid late fees, interruptions, or delays, Tay Township has several options available for making payments promptly and securely.

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

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.

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.

Simcoe County

Emergency Readiness Survey

Simcoe County’s Emergency Readiness Survey invites households across the region to share their preparedness plans. The insights gathered will help the County better understand local readiness and tailor support where it’s needed most.

You can complete the survey at simcoe.ca/BePrepared until October 31, 2025.

Celebrating the Success
of Tee Off With Tay

On August 15, our community came together for a memorable day at our second Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament, Tee Off With Tay. The event proved to be a tremendous success, raising $62,000 to support vital community initiatives.

We’re thrilled to share photos from the cheque presentations to this year’s beneficiaries: Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Georgian Bay General Hospital, Tay Shores Public Elementary School and St. Antoine Daniel Catholic Elementary School.

Watch the Thank You Video to see the impact firsthand. Read the full news release for more details at tay.ca/news.

Tay Township Continues to Invest in Local Health Care

Mayor Walker proudly presented a $37,500 gift to the Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation. This investment includes, $25,000 for the GBGH Foundation’s Impact Fund and $12,500 to support physician recruitment.

Tay Township is proud to continue supporting GBGH and the essential services it provides to our residents. For full details read the news release at tay.ca/news.

Township of Tay and Severn Sound Environmental Association awarded Intact’s Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants

In partnership with the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA), we are pleased to announce that Tay Township has been selected as a recipient of funding through Intact Financial Corporation’s 2025 Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants program. This project, led by SSEA with Tay serving as the treasurer municipality, received a $200,000 grant to implement a flood resilience project tailored to the needs of all eight SSEA member municipalities. To learn more read the news release at tay.ca/news.

Ebenezer United Church
Grand Reopening

Mayor Walker was pleased to attend the grand reopening of Ebenezer United Church, located at 5450 Ebenezer Side Road on September 13, 2025. The event marked a significant milestone for the historic congregation, which has been a cornerstone of the community for over 135 years.

After a devastating fire in 2021, the community came together with unwavering determination to rebuild the church. Through countless volunteer hours, generous fundraising efforts and strong local support, the newly restored church stands as a tribute to its enduring legacy.

Victoria Harbour Legion

Celebrates New Deck

Mayor Walker, Deputy Mayor Norris, and Councillor Sylvia Bumstead joined Branch 523 Executive Officers for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new deck and patio at the Royal Canadian Legion Sunset Post. Learn more about the new deck and celebration by visiting Branch 523's Facebook page.

Seniors Talk: Retirement Living and Senior Support Services

The Tay Township Seniors Advisory Committee invites you to their upcoming Seniors Talk on Retirement Living and Senior Support Services!

When: Thursday, October 30, 2025

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Where: Port McNicoll Community Centre – 560 Seventh Ave, Port McNicoll

More details are available at tay.ca/events.

Tay Township Public Library

The event you won’t want to miss: Artful Escapes - Beginner Watercolour Painting on Tuesday October 7, and November 4, 2025 from 5:30 PM - 6:45 PM in the Port McNicoll branch. Create your own work of art and learn some beginner watercolour techniques with video tutorials at the library.

We have three Halloween events and many regularly running programs, read all the details about our programming in our October Newsletter.

Mark your calendars for our Festive Fundraiser! Sunday, November 9 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM at the 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!

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, an author, art, crafts, and more!

For the kids: Button making, Storytime with Mrs. Claus at 2 PM, and Santa Letter kits.

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.

AORS Provincial Safety

Truck Roadeo

Colton Finlay-Zettler of #TeamTay proudly represented Tay Township as a competitor in the AORS Provincial Safety Truck Roadeo on September 24, 2025. Colton joined Ontario’s top municipal equipment operators to showcase skills in driving challenges, precision maneuvers, and safety checks. Colton finished impressively, ranking 20th among a field of 49 competitors. Way to go Colton!

Upcoming Community Events

Harbour Happy Hour

Returns October 10

Head down to Albert St. Park in Victoria Harbour from 2:00pm - 6:00pm for a Thanksgiving weekend Harbour Happy Hour!

'Gbay Gals Give' Host Next Charity Event

Gbay Gals Give next giving event is scheduled for October 20th at Restaurant Saint-Marie located in Saint-Marie Among the Hurons historical site from 5:30pm to 7pm.

The group's membership has chosen to support two incredible organizations through this event; the OSPCA Midland and District Animal Centre and We Are The Villagers.

Since its inception in 2018, Gbay Gals Give has made an incredible difference in the community, donating a total of $550,875 to various charities. For more information about the group and how you can get involved, please contact gbaygalsgive@gmail.com or visit www.gbaygalsgive.com.

Waubashene Legion

Victoria Harbour Legion

Wye Marsh

Autumn Colours Stained Glass Workshop - Bring the beauty of Autumn indoors, all year long. Enjoy "bending light" as you create your stained-glass Maple leaf suncatcher!

Where: Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre

When: October 19th from 12pm-4pm

Members: $55

Non-Members: $65 +HST

Who: Ages 18+

Pre-registration is required here. For more information visit the Wye Marsh.

Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons

Hometown Harvest Festival

Celebrate the abundance of the fall season at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons! Experience the beauty of the harvest with take-home crafts, live music, and family-friendly activities. Meet our friendly heritage animals. Support talented artisans at our vendor market, featuring only hand-made items. And more!

Learn more at saintmarieamongthehurons.on.ca