February 2022
Published monthly
Newsletter
Vol. 3, Edition 7
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Welcome to our latest edition of The Monthly Report.
We hope you are enjoying winter and all of the great things one can do this time of year.
In this edition, we cover a number of topics:
- the twin-pad arena and library. building project.
- new census data. We are growing!
- the public school board's plans for Wasaga Beach.
- new businesses.
- upcoming programs.
- what happened at the latest council meeting.
- ...plus much, much more.
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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Census shows Wasaga Beach one of Canada's fastest growing communities |
Newly released census data from Statistics Canada shows Wasaga Beach is one of the fastest growing communities in the country.
“We are not really surprised as we have had steady growth over the last few years,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “We believe people want to live here because we are an affordable and safe place to live.”
In addition, Bifolchi said a number of other factors contribute to making the community a desirable place.
“We have a growing number of housing choices, great schools and good access to health care, a public transit system, a beautiful waterfront, hiking trails, recreation facilities, good water and sewer infrastructure, we are close to larger urban centres and our overall cost of living, including property taxes and water rates, is low,” she said.
The town is achieving a population threshold that is attractive to new entrepreneurs, evidenced by the number of businesses that are opening. In the west end, Gateway Casinos and Entertainment continues construction of its new facility.
“We look forward to further releases of census data in the months ahead as this will help paint an even more detailed picture of our community,” Bifolchi said.
Additional resources
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'We love the people': New Canadian contributes to Wasaga ...
Rachelle Mathews was one of nearly 4,200 people who moved to Wasaga Beach between 2016 and 2021.
Read more
www.simcoe.com
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Wasaga education update: new elementary school in '23 and high school in '29-30 |
Trustees with the Simcoe County District School Board approved the board's Capital Priorities list for 2022-2023 on Wednesday, Feb. 23.
Watch the board meeting (see the 1:23-mark) to hear the full Capital Priorities discussion between trustees and board staff.
In addition, board chair Jodi Lloyd appeared before Wasaga Beach Town Council Thursday, Feb. 24 to provide an update on the board's plans for Wasaga Beach.
Lloyd outlined the status of the new elementary school in the Sunnidale Trails subdivision, slated to be open in September 2023, and confirmed that the board is hoping to have a high school open in Wasaga Beach for the 2029-2030 school year.
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Our new Climate Action web page is now live.
Click on the link to learn what the town is doing to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.
This web page provides details about the steps the town has taken to date. It will also contain information about future initiatives.
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THANK YOU! Mayor Nina Bifolchi, Councillor George Watson, and Councillor Stan Wells met with three generations of the Anstey family on Feb. 23. The family has donated $10,000 to the twin-pad arena and library building project. |
Anstey family contributes to twin-pad arena and library project |
The Town of Wasaga Beach is pleased to announce the Anstey family has donated $10,000 to the twin-pad arena and library fundraising campaign.
“We are grateful for this very generous contribution from a family that has a deep historical connection to recreation in our community,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said.
In recognition of the family’s donation to the new arena and library, the town will name a change room for Anstey, a well-known local plumber and realtor, and former town councillor from 1981 to 1985, who passed away in 2006.
“The construction of the current arena in the 1970s allowed Doug’s kids and grandkids to participate in minor hockey and figure skating in our own local arena. We look forward to Doug’s great-grandchildren having the same opportunity in the new twin-pad arena in our growing town,” the family said in a statement. “We’ve kept Doug’s memory alive through Wasaga Beach Minor Hockey with the ‘Doug Anstey Most Dedicated Player Award’ and we are pleased to make this donation in his name as we know he would be honoured to be a part of the next generation of skating in Wasaga Beach.”
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.
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Wasaga Beach Twin-Pad Arena and Library February Update
WATCH - Check out our February update on the twin-pad arena and library building project. Learn the latest on where we are at with construction....
Read more
www.facebook.com
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New arena and library building gets an official name |
Council approved the moniker for the community’s new twin-pad arena and library building.
The building will be called the Cortellucci Zancor Centre. This moniker will be on signs at the building and used in communication related to the facility.
The Cortellucci family and Zancor Homes contributed $1-million to the project last fall in turn for naming rights of the facility.
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Library year in review: 2021 |
Council received for information the Wasaga Beach Public Library’s year in review report.
The report notes the library had 17,500 visitors and that patrons borrowed 71,108 items.
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Our Recreation, Events and Facilities Department delivers important programs and services to our community.
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Building stats show good start to 2022 |
The Building Department Activity Summary Report for January paints a bright picture in terms of local construction.
For the month, the department issued 125 permits, including permits for 84 single-detached homes and 29 townhomes.
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Good year for new businesses opening in Wasaga Beach |
The economic development officer’s monthly report included statistics on the number of new businesses that opened in Wasaga Beach in 2021.
The town is aware of 74 businesses that opened and 45 businesses that closed, for a net gain of 29 new businesses.
The report notes that at the end of 2021, the town had 530 licenced businesses operating. These figures do not include regulated businesses, as they do not require a business licence.
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NEW ON THE BLOCK Congratulations to Beach Babes Beauty Bar on its grand opening Feb. 9. Mayor Nina Bifolchi and members of council were on hand for the occasion, which included a ribbon cutting with owner Faith Carlson. Beach Babes is at 1232 Mosley St., Unit 2. More here: http://ow.ly/6A1f50HQM2K
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2022 election information page now available |
“The page is a one-stop location for people to access information about the municipal election,” said Dina Lundy, director of legislative services and returning officer for the Town of Wasaga Beach. “We encourage everyone to visit the page, and subscribe to receive further updates as the year progresses. If anyone has questions, we are here to help.”
The municipal election is Oct. 24. Voters will have the opportunity to cast a ballot in-person or online for the following offices:
- Mayor
- Deputy mayor
- Five councillor positions
- School board trustee
The town’s election webpage currently contains information on the following subjects:
- Key dates
- Election methods
- Elected positions
- Voter requirements and information
- Candidate and campaign requirements
As well, the page includes a link to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation’s website www.voterlookup.ca, where people can confirm or update their electoral information, add an elector name to an address, and change their school board support. |
Have Your Say. Log On Today.
The next Ontario municipal and school board elections are October 24, 2022. If you are a resident, owner or tenant of property in Ontario, a Canadian citizen and 18 years of age or older election day, you can vote.
Read more
www.voterlookup.ca
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ANNIVERSARY On Feb. 28, Mayor Nina Bifolchi and chief administrative officer George Vadeboncoeur presented Public Works staff with employee service awards for five, 10, 15, 20, and 30 years of service. Congratulations recipients and thank you for the great job you do delivering services to our community. |
Announcing the opening of the 2022 Façade Improvement Application Period! Are you a business looking to update your sign, hard landscaping, lighting or another improvement to the frontage of your business? If so, this program is for you!
The program is a first come, first serve basis and is accepting applications until funds have been fully allocated. Apply today!
The program will provide a grant up to 50% of the eligible costs up to $2,000 per project.
The Façade Improvement Program is a FREE municipal Grant Program Package that assists property owners looking to revitalize and/or restore the frontage of their existing commercial, institutional and mixed-use buildings in town. Projects can include side and rear facing facades that have high public visibility.
The following are eligible building façade projects that deal in the rehabilitation, restoration and improvement of existing commercial, institutional and mixed-use buildings.
- Repair or restoration of masonry, brickwork, or wood;
- Repair, replacement or restoration of exterior architectural features;
- Repair or replacement of windows or doors;
- Re-painting, cleaning, or re-facing of façades;
- Improvements to the appearance or access to entrances of commercial units (including hard landscaping improvements such as fencing and stonework);
- Installation of appropriate new signage or improvements to existing signage;
- Installation of appropriate new canopies and awnings or improvements to existing canopies and awnings; and
- Installation of appropriate new exterior lighting or improvements to existing exteriors.
For more information please contact:
Kaitlyn Monsma
Economic Development Officer
(705) 429-3847 ext. 2284
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Online resources to support you during the COVID-19 pandemic |
Town of Wasaga Beach
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 Thursday, Feb. 24.
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
Did you know we update our community events listings on a regular basis?
You can visit the listings at any time and subscribe to receive updates to your e-mail inbox.
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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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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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THE HURONIA INN From the Historical Advisory Committee. The Huronia Inn was built on the Wasaga beachfront, just east of the Main Street, in the early 1920s. It was a large inn, with a second storey verandah where guests could sit and watch the beach and sunsets. The inn had a large dining room and a dance hall, bringing in the popular orchestras and musical groups of the era. The Huronia, like many other of the inns and hotels in Wasaga, was sold and it became the Strathcona Dance Hall and Roller Skating Rink. It was renamed again as the New Strath in the late 1940s, early 1950s. Of interest is St. Joesph’s Roman Catholic Church, which was built right next door to the Huronia/Strathcona in 1924. The church ran weekend services in July and August, until the late 1950s. |
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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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March Break is coming up quickly and we have lots planned for you and your family.
If you have not already, please take some time to review the Recreation, Events, and Facilities Department's March Break calendar in this edition to learn more.
The Wasaga Beach Public Library has six days of activities mapped out for March Break. See the poster in this edition for full details.
For older residents, the Seniors Active Living Centre has a virtual fair planned for March 14-18. Several informative presentations are in store thanks to representatives from the centre, the library, the South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre, VON Canada, the Prime Time Club, and the YMCA. Check out the poster in this edition.
At any time of the year, you can learn about upcoming 'Special Events' in our community. Just visit the online calendar on our website. You can even subscribe to have calendar updates delivered to your e-mail inbox.
Nominations are now open for the Wasaga's Finest Citizens Awards. The awards cover a number of different categories. Visit our website to learn more.
Statistics Canada's latest population census data is encouraging. The numbers show steady growth in our community. We believe people want to live here because we are an affordable and safe place to live. I encourage you to check out our census update to learn more.
Towards the end of February, I had the privilege of presenting service awards to six of our public works staffers. Employee service awards were given for five, 10, 15, 20, and 30 years of service. We have terrific staff at the Town of Wasaga Beach and each employee plays an important role in delivering services to our community. On behalf of council, I congratulate all our recent award recipients and I thank them for their dedication.
Lastly, it was an honour, along with other members of council, to attend the grand opening for Beach Babes Beauty Bar in February. Faith Carlson has a beautiful new store at 1232 Mosley St., Unit 2. You can learn more about the new business here.
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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