December 2021
Published monthly
Newsletter
Vol. 3, Edition 5
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Welcome to our latest edition of The Monthly Report.
We start by wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
In this edition, we share with you details about the town's 2022 budget. Several investments will be made in the year ahead to continue moving Wasaga Beach forward.
Also in the e-newsletter is a link to our update on council's goals and priorities for this term. As you'll see, significant progress has been made.
Read on and you will learn about other accomplishments, including the first-year success of our bookmobile.
As always, you'll also find details about upcoming programs and activities.
The Monthly Report is a great way to stay in touch with the town. Please feel free to share our e-newsletter with your neighbours.
Again, thanks for reading and if you haven't subscribed you can do so by visiting here:
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Council approves 2022 budget |
On Dec. 21, members of Wasaga Beach Town Council approved the municipality’s budget for 2022.
“This budget allows us to ensure the continued delivery of valued public services to families and businesses in Wasaga Beach,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “The budget will also allow us to make important new investments in infrastructure and programs, helping move our community forward, ensuring our long-term viability as a great place to live, visit, and invest.”
For 2022, the operating budget is $44-million and the capital budget is $57-million.
Taxes will support nearly $28.5-milion in the budget with the balance coming from reserves, fees, grants, and other revenues.
The tax rate for the municipal portion of taxes is 2.97 percent.
The blended tax rate – when the county and school board rates are considered – is 2.25 percent.
Wasaga Beach continues to have one of the lower tax rates in contrast to its municipal comparators in the region, while delivering a similar set of programs and services.
For a home in Wasaga Beach assessed at $450,000 in 2022, the municipal portion of taxes will increase by $77.16. The total property tax increase – factoring in the county rates and school board rates – will be $101.78, an additional $8.48 each month.
Factors affecting the budget in 2022 (increases over 2021) include, cost increases (inflation) on the various materials and services the town purchases, cost of living increases, new staffing (highlighted in the Dec. 14 slide deck presentation), debenture costs, declining grant money, and other general increases totalling $4.9-million. Costs outside the town’s control, such as OPP and Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority also contribute to the increase.
The Town of Wasaga Beach is taking a balanced and responsible approach to funding its capital plan for 2022, making use of reserves, debt, and the tax levy. Projects, planned for years, will be funded using reserves to help lower the tax burden. The town estimates reserves and deferred revenues will sit at $40-million at year’s end.
Highlights of investments for 2022 include:
Administration
- $35,000 for continued investment in physician recruitment;
- $7,000 for communication initiatives to serve the public
Fleet
- $2.16-million for various fleet vehicle investments;
Information Systems
- $274,000 to support information technology requirements;
Treasury
- $36,000 for new asset management software,
- $630,000 for the Main Street Bridge debenture and $91,000 for other construction financing;
Legislative Services
- $135,000 to run the municipal election;
Municipal Law Enforcement
- $175,000 to support municipal law enforcement services, including $110,000 for office renovations, and $4,000 for new radio equipment; and $15,000 for on-street parking enforcement initiatives
Fire
- $920,000 is earmarked for the renovation of Fire Station 2, while other fire investments include approximately $1.4-million for a new aerial truck (2021 purchase), $20,000 for personal protective equipment, and $9,000 for new computer and office equipment;
Recreation, Events and Facilities
- $21.8-million is earmarked for the twin-pad arena and library project,
- $145,000 for an electric ice resurfacer,
- $15,000 for RecPlex roof upgrades, and
- $15,000 for improvements at the youth and senior active living centre;
Library
- $9,000 will be utilized by the library to develop a new website;
- $30,000 will go towards a rebranding exercise;
- $5.4-million new library construction;
Public Works
Under Studies: $45,000 for the Public Works Department’s Transportation Study update exercise, $30,000 to conduct structural bridge inspections, and $130,000 for a town-wide drainage master plan;
- $490,000 for the second year of the Ramblewood Drive Urbanization Project;
- $765,000 for the River Road West utility relocations between Veterans Way and Blueberry Trail in preparation for the eventual widening of River Road West;
- $418,000 for various road resurfacing projects by Public Works;
- $6.45-million for the Beach Drive Reconstruction Project detailed design work and phase 1 of construction, between First Street and Third Street;
- $8.48-million for water and wastewater projects;
- $196,000 for drainage projects in various neighbourhoods, including the West End Drainage Study;
- $25,000 for two new bus shelters;
- $320,000 for two new buses;
- $291,000 for the Glendale Park Redevelopment Project;
- $290,000 for the Pridham Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement Project;
- $150,000 for the Sunnidale Trails Playground design;
- $250,000 for the replacement of playground equipment at Mills Park;
- $60,000 for new wayfinding signage;
Planning and Development
- $46,000 for final year of new software investment in the Building Department to allow for new digital service delivery;
- $52,000 for the Official Plan update;
- $166,000 for the West End Secondary Plan Study;
- $100,000 for the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw update;
- $100,000 for Growth Nodes Study;
- $40,000 for Affordable Housing Study;
- $70,000 for tourism marketing partnerships;
- $32,000 for town branding project;
- $40,000 for implementation of initiatives from the approved Economic Development Strategy;
See the breakdown for the funding plan for the twin-pad arena and library. See page 63.
Review earlier Budget Updates
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Check out our update on council's goals and priorities for this term.
Learn about the significant progress made to move Wasaga Beach foward.
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RE/MAX By the Bay makes major contribution to twin-pad arena and library project |
The Town of Wasaga Beach is pleased to announce that RE/MAX By the Bay is donating $75,000 to the town’s twin-pad arena and library fundraising campaign.
The town is happy to have RE/MAX as a part of the project. RE/MAX is a trusted real estate brokerage in Wasaga Beach and its agents are committed to the community.
Council and staff thank RE/MAX for its generous donation.
In recognition of RE/MAX’s contribution, the main floor multi-purpose room and kitchen at the new facility will carry the brokerage’s name.
RE/MAX representatives Marilyn Ruttan, Broker of Record, and Jason Ruttan, Broker, presented the donation to the town earlier this month. Deputy Mayor Sylvia Bray accepted the contribution on behalf of the municipality.
“So the community aspect is why we are getting involved. It’s a great opportunity for us to be a part of something like this,” Marilyn said.
As a part of Wasaga Beach since 1982, Marilyn knows firsthand the important role that community facilities play.
“We used the hall at the [Wasaga Stars] arena so much for Kinettes and Kinsmen over the years. We’ve used that space for weddings, Christmas parties – and so these types of places serve a valuable purpose,” she said.
Jason, who grew up in Wasaga Beach, can remember playing hockey as a youngster at the Wasaga Stars Arena. He also has fond childhood memories of going to the arena to visit Santa Claus.
He knows the new space at 544 River Rd. W. will play an integral part in community life for generations to come.
“This building will cater to everyone in our community,” he said. “Having witnessed the community’s past use of the Wasaga Stars Arena, I believe the new twin-pad arena and library will be an invaluable amenity for our growing municipality.”
Learn more about donation opportunities to the twin-pad arena and library project by visiting our website.
Project background information
In January 2019, town council identified the twin-pad arena and library project as a priority for this term. The Wasaga Stars Arena, built nearly 50 years ago, is at the end of its lifespan. The library, which opened in 1994, is too small to meet the needs of our growing community. A review, including a community consultation process, determined 544 River Rd. W. as the best site for a new 117,669-square-foot joint-use facility. When the new complex opens in the summer of 2023, it will include two NHL-size ice surfaces, an indoor walking track, a modern library with proper program space and meeting rooms. The town is funding the $59-million investment through reserves, long-term financing, and community donations.
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Local resident makes substantial donation to twin-pad arena and library project |
The Town of Wasaga Beach is pleased to announce that Alfred Cini has donated $58,000 to the town’s twin-pad arena and library fundraising campaign.
“On behalf of council and town staff, as well as the residents of our community, I extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Cini for his very generous donation,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said.
Cini visited town hall to make his contribution to the project earlier in December.
“It was my pleasure being able to give back to the community,” said the 21-year resident of Wasaga Beach. “Over the years I have met a lot of great people in this community. After learning about this project I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”
The donation is in memory of Cini’s stepson, Donovan Bass, who passed away three years ago.
“Being able to do this makes his mom (Donna) and I very delighted,” Cini said.
Specifically, in memory of Bass, the donation will go towards the basketball courts next to the building, as well as four benches along the courts.
Bass was an ardent fan of basketball and loved playing the game.
Cini said the facility’s basketball courts are something that local residents will get great use of over the years.
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Hockey club donates $3,000 to twin-pad arena and library project |
The Town of Wasaga Beach is pleased to announce that the Wasaga Beach Old Boys Hockey Club has donated $3,000 to the town’s twin-pad arena and library fundraising campaign.
“We thank the club for its generosity and commitment to our community,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said.
On hand for the presentation was Gerry Reinders (pictured, from left), Andy Hulme, and Dave Stavinga. Mayor Nina Bifolchi accepted the donation on behalf of the town.
The Wasaga Beach Old Boys Hockey Club is a grassroots institution in our community with roots that date back 40 years.
Camaraderie, fun, and giving back have been focal points for the organization since it started in 1980.
Many in the community will recall the club’s lip sync competition nights that ran from 1984 to 2005. Great music and good laughs were hallmarks of this event as locals tried their hand at well-known songs.
The club also organized hockey tournaments for 22 years, from 1982 to 2004, making extensive use of the Wasaga Stars Arena for these activities.
In addition, the club has provided scholarships to graduates at Collingwood Collegiate Institute and Stayner Collegiate Institute.
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RECOGNITION On Dec. 21, CAO George Vadeboncoeur presented service awards to Mayor Nina Bifolchi and Councillor Joe Belanger. Mayor Bifolchi was recognized for 15 years and Councillor Belanger for five years. Thank you for your service to our community. |
Oakview Woods rink open for the season |
The Oakview Woods Outdoor Skating Rink is open for the season.
Residents and visitors can use the rink, at 1724 Mosley Street, beside the RecPlex, free of charge during regular hours of operation. The rink is for pleasure skating only. Due to the pandemic, the town is not allowing shinny or rental of the ice.
The rink is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
In maintaining the outdoor rink, the town is following all cleaning and disinfection procedures in accordance with COVID-19 public health guidelines.
Please note the following:
- COVID-19 health protocols are in place;
- Change rooms are closed;
- Heated washrooms are open;
- Remember to be kind and enjoy the season.
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In addition, the town is allowing a maximum of 40 people on the ice surface at any one time.
Please note that programming is subject to change due to direction from public health and the province.
For more information, contact the Oakview Woods Rink during operating hours at 705-429-2414 or call the Public Works Department at 705-429-2540.
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Ombudsman clears town over complaint about ground-breaking |
Council, at its Dec. 21 meeting, received a letter from the provincial ombudsman, stating the town did not violate the Municipal Act when it held a ground-breaking for the twin-pad arena and library project in September.
The office received a complaint that in holding the ground-breaking the town held a meeting contrary to the rules of the Municipal Act. The ombudsman does not disclose who filed the complaint.
“Council for the Town of Wasaga Beach did not contravene the open meeting requirements on September 22, 2021 during the ground-breaking ceremony,” wrote ombudsman Paul Dube in his letter. “I would like to thank the Town of Wasaga Beach for its cooperation during my review.”
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Bookmobile helps with outreach |
The Wasaga Beach Public Library’s new bookmobile had a great first year.
The bookmobile visited more than a dozen locations over the year, providing access to more than 1,000 items in the library collection, including books, magazines, DVDs, games, and tablets.
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Expansion OK'd for paramedic station parking lot |
Town council, at its Dec. 21 meeting, authorized staff to work with County of Simcoe staff to expand the parking lot at the county’s paramedic station on Oxbow Park Road.
The town owns the building and land, leasing the property to the county.
The county will fund the expansion, which once complete will allow needed parking space for staff.
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50-unit condominium project can proceed once requirements met |
Council, at its Dec. 21 meeting, received a staff report for information regarding the removal of the Holding Symbol from lands at 80 River Rd. E.
The town will remove the hold once the owner, Dreamwood Developments Inc., enters into a site plan agreement and meets other related requirements.
Removing the Holding Symbol will allow the town to issue a building permit for a four-storey, 50-unit condominium project with a one-level underground parking structure.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW The Municipal Law Enforcement Department is reminding residents that as of November 1st, 2021 until April 1st, 2022, Winter Parking Restrictions will be in effect for all of Wasaga Beach. Under these restrictions:
• No person shall park a vehicle between the hours of 01:00 AM and
07:00 AM
• No person shall park a vehicle in such a manner as to interfere with
the clearing of snow
Staff will be on shift to enforce these restrictions.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Municipal Law Enforcement Department at (705) 429-2511 or by emailing wbbl@wasagabeach.com
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Online resources to support you during the COVID-19 pandemic |
Town of Wasaga Beach
County of Simcoe
Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit
Ontario Ministry of Health
Health Canada
Government of Canada
World Health Organization
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Government of Ontario COVID-19 updates |
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Take the LINX bus to Barrie
The route runs weekdays between Allandale Station in Barrie and the Real Canadian Super Store in Wasaga Beach.
Hop on Wasaga Beach Transit to get around town
Wasaga Beach Transit is an affordable and economical way to get around our community.
Our buses run seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Leave the car at home and take the bus.
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When to call 211 or 911
211 is a tremendous community connection program, where a live person assists callers 24 hours a day to find information about a wide range of health and community services.
911 is strictly for emergencies (fire, ambulance, police) when help is urgently required. More here. |
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Search "Town of Wasaga Beach" on Facebook and Twitter and follow us for daily updates on town activities and services.
Be the first to know what's new!
Get information about agendas, town programs, council happenings, and much more.
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Wasaga Beach Council Highlights |
Wasaga Beach Town Council met on Tuesday, Dec. 21.
For an overview of what took place, see our highlights package here.
Watch the meeting below:
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Find a meeting in our calendar |
Looking for information on when town meetings take place?
Check out our website for dates and times. You can see the whole month at a glance.
Learn more here:
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Town of Wasaga Beach Quick Fact
Are you looking to start a business in Wasaga Beach in 2022?
Our 'Start a Business' page on the town's website can help.
Access all kinds of information and resources that will help ensure success with your new venture.
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Waste collection information |
The County of Simcoe is responsible for waste collection in the Town of Wasaga Beach.
You can learn more about waste services by visiting the county's website.
The site includes a variety of information, including waste collection schedules and landfill locations.
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Water conservation rebates are available! |
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The Town of Wasaga Beach has a water conservation rebate program.
When you install a low flow or dual flush toilet you are eligible for a $70 rebate.
Residents who install a rain barrel can get a $30 rebate.
Please note that only property owners on municipal water are eligible for the rebate.
You can find rebate forms at here or pick one up at town hall, 30 Lewis St. Applicants must include copies of receipts indicating that they purchased the particular item.
Completed forms and supporting documentation can be presented at town hall. The rebate will be applied to your next water bill.
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You've got payment options
through Plastiq
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Through the town's website using Plastiq (third party), you can pay your property tax and/or water/wastewater bill by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
There will be a service fee of 2.5 percent applied by the service provider, Plastiq.
Please note that there are several low or no-cost means of paying your bill with the town. These include equal payment plan, telephone banking, mailing a cheque, or placing a payment in our drop box.
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Check out Let's Talk Wasaga Beach here: Click
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Pocket dialing can tie up resources |
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When inadvertently dialing 911 on your cell phone, please remember you are activating an emergency service.
In doing so, emergency personnel are committed to determining the origin and extent of the emergency that may be happening.
This means they have to locate the individual who inadvertently dialed 911.
This response can draw needed resources away from actual emergencies. To prevent this please, when not using your phone, lock it so that unintentional calls do not happen.
If you do dial 911 by mistake, please do not hang up on the operator. Explain the call is in fact not an emergency, tell the operator where you are and stay there. This is because an officer must attend your location to determine an emergency is not taking place.
By hanging up or leaving your current location, you create a situation where emergency services must try to locate you, and in the process tie up precious resources.
Only you can stop 911 misdials.
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Are you familiar with MedicAlert Connect?
MedicAlert Connect provides Ontario Provincial Police with 24/7 direct access to a person's medical information including conditions, anxiety triggers, and de-escalation techniques, to assist with reuniting you and your loved ones.
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Did you know the OPP has an online crime reporting site?
The site lets you report a crime without visiting an OPP detachment. Learn more. |
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GRAME HOUSE From the Historical Advisory Committee. The Grame House was a large home located on the beachfront in the center of Wasaga Beach and there were also several cabins available to rent. There were rooms to rent in the house that had cooking privileges and rates were reasonable. Bathrooms were shared in the house, which was not unusual for the times. The cabins were small but allowed tourists a comfortable area to sleep, the ability to prepare a simple meal and bathe. Reservations were required and these were done by mail to RR2 Stayner or by phone to 181 R31, via the Noisy River Phone Company.
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There's always something to do through the Wasaga Beach Public Library
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Message from Mayor Nina Bifolchi |
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On the surface, municipal budgets are all about spending.
But dig a little deeper and they are so much more than that.
They represent a community’s needs now and for the future.
Done poorly and a budget can be a very comfortable thing. No investments, no change in spending, and no preparation for the future. Great for today, some might say, but truthfully not so great for tomorrow. In short, a tunnel vision approach.
Done well and a budget can keep a community on track, meeting the needs of residents and businesses now and down the road.
Our 2022 budget strives to achieve the latter.
The budget allows us to ensure the continued delivery of valued public services.
It also allows us to make important, and needed, new investments in infrastructure and programs, helping move our community forward, ensuring our long-term viability as a great place to live, visit, and invest.
While the pandemic continues to provide a sense of uncertainty in our world, the economic development activity in Wasaga Beach tells another story.
There is, frankly, a sense of optimism.
We have new homes going in throughout our community. These will bring new residents, which will contribute to our businesses, our schools, and our sports and cultural life.
We continue to have new businesses opening in town.
Construction of the casino in our west end is under way and it will mean new jobs, a dedicated revenue stream for the municipality, plus new entertainment and dining choices.
Construction of our twin-pad arena and library is happening and this will serve as a catalyst for future development and job opportunities in the east end.
A new seniors’ complex at the plaza housing Foodland is set to start soon, adding another needed dynamic.
Simply put, Wasaga Beach is the envy of many other municipalities. Our strong position reflects decades of smart financial planning, community planning, and a healthy entrepreneurial spirit.
However, our best asset remains the people who live here, and it is for our community that we move forward with the 2022 budget.
On behalf of council, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Stay safe and I look forward to updating you again soon.
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Wasaga Beach Town Council |
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Mayor Nina Bifolchi
705-429-3844, ext. 2225
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Deputy Mayor Sylvia Bray
705-888-1131
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Councillor Joe Belanger
705-816-0733
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Councillor David Foster
705-441-2211
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Councillor George Watson
705-309-7653
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Councillor Stan Wells
705-429-3239
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Your town council...
Members of Wasaga Beach town council are elected to represent the people of Wasaga Beach.
You can discuss town matters with a member of council by calling or e-mailing them.
If you would like a member of council to attend a special event please contact Pam Kenwell at 705-429-3844, ext. 2246 or e-mail eamc@wasagabeach.com
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George
Vadeboncoeur
Chief Administrative Officer
705-429-3844, ext. 2222
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See what's happening on our social sites: |
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