THANKS On Dec. 15, Mayor Brian Smith and members of council, as well as library CEO Pam Pal, recognized Wasaga Beach Public Library Board members Debbie Grant and Nancy Donnelly for their service. The two women are stepping off the board after serving 16 and 15 years respectively. We thank both women for their leadership over the years and wish them all the best.

SERVICE AWARDS On Dec. 19, Mayor Brian Smith presented employee service awards to three Wasaga Beach Public Library staffers: Cathy Turrie (20 years), Pam Pal (10 years), and Drew Murdoch (5 years). Thanks to each staff member for their dedication and hard work.

AND MORE SERVICE AWARDS On Dec. 20, Mayor Brian Smith and interim CAO Gerry Marshall recognized town hall staffers with employee service awards: Michael Gennings (5 years), Tracy Jarratt (20 years), and Jocelyn Lee (5 years). Thanks to our staff for their commitment and hard work.

WELL DONE, PUBLIC WORKS On Dec. 21, Mayor Brian Smith, interim CAO Gerry Marshall, and public works director Kevin Lalonde presented service awards to Public Works Department staff: Mark Taylor (5 years), Steve Weir (25 years), Philip Cooke (25 years), Darren Armstrong (5 years), and Elizabeth Turco (15 years). Congratulations and thanks for your dedication.

TOYS FOR TICKETS The Municipal Law Enforcement Department was pleased to deliver the toys received from this year's "Toys for Tickets Campaign" to the Kinette Club of Wasaga Beach. The Department was able to raise $1,545.00 in Toys for local children. A special thank you to everyone who participated and to Kathy Wilson of the Kinette Club!

Beachfront due diligence period ends without finalized agreement

The Town of Wasaga Beach and Bayloc Developments Inc. have concluded their due diligence process.

In August, the town announced that it was selling town-owned land at the beachfront to Bayloc Developments Inc., with Zancor as a partner, subject to a 120-day due diligence period.

“Despite best efforts we have not been able to agree on the timeline for the project,” interim CAO Gerry Marshall said. “As a result, the agreement will not be finalized and our talks have concluded.”

Mayor Brian Smith said that in the New Year council members will consider next steps for the redevelopment of the properties.

“On behalf of council, I thank Bayloc and Zancor for their interest in this project. It is disappointing that we could not reach an agreement within the due diligence period. Both Bayloc and Zancor are respected and established builders in our community and we wish them continued success. We look forward to working with both partners on other projects in the future,” Smith said.

The five parcels of land that make up the town’s beachfront properties are between Spruce and Third streets and north of Mosley Street.

Redevelopment of the area is a priority for council members. Mixed-use buildings and outdoor community space will rejuvenate the neighbourhood, making it more of a year-round destination. A public square to host events and gatherings is also part of the project.

While council must consider next steps, town staff continue with detailed design work for the infrastructure that will support the development area.

Watch for further updates in the New Year.

Beach Drive

sand removal starts

Staff in the Public Works Department have started to remove the sand from Beach Drive.

“It is very important to council that this road be re-opened for the enjoyment of our residents and visitors,” Mayor Brian Smith said. “I am pleased to see that the work is continuing now that we have received provincial approval and I know many in our community, including myself, look forward to once again accessing this historic area and enjoying the beautiful sunsets.”

Public Works staff will endeavour to remove as much sand as possible from Beach Drive before the onset of the winter storm, expected later in the week. The town is placing the sand back onto the beach, per provincial authorization.

Once the storm arrives, staff will shift their focus to keeping roads throughout the community clear of snow. As the situation allows, the focus will return to clearing the sand from Beach Drive.

Public Works staff estimate it will take a full two weeks – without winter storm interruptions – to clear the sand from Beach Drive and reopen the road.

Watch for updates on our website and social media channels.

Oakview Woods Outdoor Skating Rink open

for the season

The Oakview Woods Outdoor Skating Rink opened for the season on Thursday, Dec. 15.

The rink is at 1724 Mosley St., next to the RecPlex.

Skating at the rink is free.

The hours of operation for pleasure skating are Tuesday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

The hours for shinny are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. to noon.

Please note the facility will remain open throughout the day for public use, however, rink attendants will only be on-site during the above outlined hours.

The site includes a heated change room and washrooms.

Weather permitting, the rink will remain in operation through to the end of March Break.

For more information, contact the Oakview Woods Outdoor Rink during the operating hours at 705-429-2414 or call the Public Works Department at 705-429-2540.

Do you have a dog?

If so, it is time to renew your license for 2023! In the Town of Wasaga Beach all dogs must be licensed yearly. The Town partnered up with DocuPet, a program that allows you to license online in less then five minutes and includes added benefits for pet owners including an online profile for your pet to help you be reunited if your pet is lost, and local deals and discounts for pet owners with licensed pets.

The cost of a new license/renewal is $20 for a spayed/neutered dog and $25 for a dog that is unaltered. For seniors, the fee is $12.50 for the 1st dog and $15 for the second dog. To license online visit: www.wasagabeach.docupet.com or license in person at Town Hall located at 30 Lewis Street, Wasaga Beach.

PROJECT UPDATE Watch our latest video update on the twin-pad arena and library project.

Budget Update 1

Work has started on the draft 2023 budget.

Click on the button below to learn about the first draft.

Town writes province

regarding Bill 23

Recently, the Town of Wasaga Beach shared its comments about Bill 23 with the Government of Ontario.

You can review the letter that interim CAO Gerry Marshall sent Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark.

Legislative Services director departing for CAO role

Dina Lundy, director of legislative services and clerk for the Town of Wasaga Beach, is leaving in January to start a chief administrative officer role with another municipality.

“On behalf of council and staff, I thank Dina for her contributions to the town and wish her the best of luck in her new position,” Mayor Brian Smith said.

Our plow operators work hard all winter, keeping roads clear of snow and ice. See our Winter Maintenance Q&A to learn more.