Town finances in great shape

At the June 23 council meeting, Jay Anstey of Baker Tilly presented the results of the 2021 audit of town finances.

Baker Tilly is the auditing firm the town uses to review its financial activity.

Anstey said the town is in a strong financial position and can easily meet its obligations. He found no irregularities and issued a clean audit report.

Council received the report for information and approved the audited financial statements as presented.

Residents with an interest in town finances are encouraged to watch the report.



Watch the report. It starts around the 20-minute mark.

Negotiations extended until July 21

Negotiations regarding the redevelopment of town-owned land at the beachfront continue.

On June 30, during a special council meeting, members of council extended the negotiation period between the town and Bayloc Developments Inc. until July 21.

The town will provide further information when available.

See our website for more details about the town’s efforts to redevelop town-owned land at the beachfront.

Town submitting funding applications for EV charging stations

Council authorized staff to submit funding applications, that if approved will pay for the installation of five electric-vehicle charging stations at public locations in town.

Staff will submit applications to the EPCOR GO EV Funding Program and the Tourism Relief Fund – RT07 Public Sector Funding Program.

The five sites are as follows: town hall parking lot, Nancy Parking Lot, twin-pad arena and library site, Oakview Woods/RecPlex parking lot, and the Wasaga Sports Park.

Read the staff report to learn more.

SIGN Our new sign is now at the beachfront! We look forward to seeing your photos with it. Remember to tag us on social media.

Renovation work at Fire Station 2 moving ahead

Council, at its June 23 meeting, awarded the contract for renovation work at Fire Station 2.

The project goes to Cambria Design Build Ltd. at a cost of $949,760, excluding HST.

See the staff report to learn more.

WATCH - Check out our June update on the twin-pad arena and library building project. Learn the latest on the construction. Visit https://wb-legacy.ca/ to find out how you can contribute to this exciting investment in our community.

DONORS Thank you to the Donato family for their support. 

J. Donato Construction donates $10,000 to twin-pad arena

and library

The Town of Wasaga Beach is pleased to announce that J. Donato Construction Ltd. has donated $10,000 to the town’s twin-pad arena and library fundraising campaign.

“My family and I moved to Wasaga Beach in 1985 because it’s a great place to raise a family and operate a business,” said company president Joe Donato. “The community has always supported my businesses: The Donato House Hotel, my family’s restaurant, and of course, J. Donato Construction Ltd. Our donation is a small way to give back to the community that has given us so much.”

Mr. Donato said the new arena and library complex will serve a valuable purpose.

“The new facility will provide residents of all ages a space to play, learn, socialize, and improve their health and well-being,” he said. “It will become the centre for fun and community that our town deserves.”

Mr. Donato added he looks forward to seeing residents enjoy the new state-of-the-art building.

“My wife Antonietta and I are excited about this new facility and all it has to offer,” he said, adding his family has fond memories of the Wasaga Stars Arena. “The Donato family has practically lived in the arena since my children learned to skate. My grandson Michael has played on the Wasaga Stars hockey team for over 10 years, so you’ve likely seen me and my family in the stands cheering.”

Speaking on behalf of council, Mayor Nina Bifolchi thanked Mr. Donato for the generous contribution to the twin-pad arena and library project.

“This gift is greatly appreciated and will help provide a facility that has a real positive impact on residents and visitors to Wasaga Beach,” Mayor Bifolchi said.

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.

List of projects for the balance of the year

View the PDF version.

Building activity remains strong

Building activity remains strong in Wasaga Beach.

The Building Department Activity Summary Report for May notes the town issued 49 building permits for a total construction value of $5-million.

To date this year, the department has issued 273 building permits with a total construction value of $59-million.



Read the report to learn more.

CASINO On June 10, Gateway Casinos and Entertainment provided town officials, including Mayor Nina Bifolchi and Councillor George Watson, with a walkabout at the company's building site in Wasaga Beach. Construction of the new casino, located off Lyons Court, is coming along as planned. Watch for future updates on the casino, including details about employment opportunities and the opening date. Special thanks to Glenn Trickey, vice-president of operations - central, for the tour. Thank you to Gateway for investing in our community.

Façade grant OK’d

Council approved a façade improvement grant for Wasaga Family Foot and Orthotic Clinic.

The grant is for 50 percent of the eligible work, up to $1,456.

Wasaga Family Foot and Orthotic is at 587 River Rd. W., Unit 8.

See the related staff report.

PRESENTATION On June 25, Mayor Nina Bifolchi presented Rose Dunglinson with a certificate in recognition of her 90th birthday. Happy Birthday, Rose! Best wishes from council and staff on this very joyous occasion.

QUILT On June 20, local veterans Chantal Bellemare-Whiting and Devin Whiting were honoured with quilts through the Quilts of Valour - Canada Society. Nick Hereygers, representing the society, presented the quilts to the couple at town hall. Mayor Nina Bifolchi, on behalf of council, presented certificates to the residents, recognizing the special occasion. All quilt recipients are nominated. Quilts of Valour says the quilts are a hug from a grateful nation and a tribute to an injured Canadian Armed Forces member, past or present. Learn more about the organization here: https://quiltsofvalour.ca

The Municipal Law Enforcement Department is announcing its summer hours. Regular office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public can reach a department representative by calling 705-429-2511 at any time of day. Officers are patrolling Sunday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and Friday and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. On long weekends Friday and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m.

Are you interested in renting out your property as a short-term accommodation (only permitted in commercially zoned properties ie. CT, CA) or bed and breakfast (only permitted R1 or residentially zoned properties)? If so, you require a business license. In order to license your property, you will need to fill out our business licensing application. 

Are you being disturbed by nuisance noise from a loud party or persistent dog barking? If so, know that the Town of Wasaga Beach has a by-law #2019-15 prohibiting noise and nuisance activities. If you have a noise complaint, please call the by-law department at (705) 429-2511. Officers are on duty Monday-Thursday until 12:30am and Friday-Saturday until 2:30am. On long weekends, we have officers on shift until 3:30am. If the complaint is being made after the noise has ceased, fill out the Citizen's Confidential Complaint Form and email it to [email protected].

SPECIAL WEEK St. John Ambulance Week ran June 20 to June 26. On June 21, a flag-raising to mark the week took place at town hall with Mayor Nina Bifolchi, Councillor George Watson, and St. John Ambulance representatives Rick Muller and Tom McNeil. Read the proclamation: http://ow.ly/eMLL50JCXex Learn more about St. John Ambulance: http://ow.ly/vBFy50JCXes

WATCH - A special message from our Accessibility Advisory Committee. Learn more about our accessibility initiatives here: http://ow.ly/RHFy50JcvpZ

Is your dog or cat lost? Did you find a lost pet? If so, you have a number of resources. If your pet or the animal you found has a Town of Wasaga Beach tag please call the department at (705) 429-2511. If you have found a dog, please note that an Animal Control officer is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our goal is to reunite you with your pet before they are brought to our impound facility at the Georgian Triangle Humane Society. Our staff always checks the licensing database to get in touch with owners and facilitate their return so having your pet licensed is one of the easiest ways to help ensure they get home. To help in our searches, it is helpful to make sure that your licensing information is always up to date with your phone number, address, and even a photo of your pet. For more information on licensing visit www.wasagabeach.docupet.com

CLASS ACT Thanks to BEACH BUILDERS Home Hardware for the company's $500 donation to the Wasaga Beach Youth Centre. Company representative Jill Vanderburg popped by the centre last week to present the gift, accepted on behalf of the centre by youth programmer Brandon Dobson. We're grateful for the support. The centre is one of the many ways we are investing in our local youth. Learn more about the centre and its activities on our website: https://www.wasagabeach.com/.../explore.../youth-centre.aspx

CONGRATULATIONS On June 23 a retirement barbecue for longtime public works staffer Mike Ambeau took place. Members of council and staff were on hand. Ambeau, a roads maintenance employee, started with the town in 1988. Thanks for your service Mike and best wishes in retirement.

GOOD LUCK Our youth programmer Brandon Dobson has taken on a new role as parks, recreation, and culture supervisor at the Town of Hanover. Brandon's last day with us was June 24. On June 21, Mayor Nina Bifolchi and CAO George Vadeboncoeur thanked Brandon for his dedicated service and wished him best of luck in Hanover. Brandon, we'll miss you!

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Coffee with Council took place at the RecPlex on June 18. Deputy Mayor Sylvia Bray was among the members of council to spend time meeting with residents. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the event.

QUARTER CENTURY On June 18, Mayor Nina Bifolchi and members of council brought best wishes to the Wasaga Beach Garden Club on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Mayor Bifolchi also read a ’Year of the Garden’ proclamation and presented the club with a special plaque that will be mounted on a rock at the garden the club looks after, just west of Oakview Woods. The plaque acknowledges the club’s commitment to keeping the garden looking beautiful. Thanks to all club members for the great work they do in our community.

Make sure you are on the voters list for the 2022 municipal election. Learn more here.

Explore our Climate Action webpage.

Click on the link to learn what the town is doing to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

This webpage provides details about the steps the town has taken to date.

BYLAW Do you own a RV/Tent Trailer or Boat? These qualify as 'Special Vehicles' under the Zoning By-Law. As of April 1st, you are allowed to park your Special Vehicle in your driveway until October 31st with the following restrictions: 1) The vehicle including trailer does not exceed 7m (23 ft) in length (exclusive of hitch or tongue) 2) does not exceed 2.6 m (8.5 ft) in width. If your special vehicle does exceed these measurements then you are permitted to park it in the driveway for a maximum of 5 days per month. Review the bylaw.

INSPECTION On June 14, on behalf of council, Mayor Nina Bifolchi attended the annual review of the 714 (Wasaga Beach) Air Cadet Squadron. The review took place at the RecPlex. Mayor Bifolchi addressed the squadron, congratulating the cadets on their dress, deportment, and achievements during the training year. Mayor Bifolchi also recognized the unit's outgoing commanding officer, Capt. Serge Pleau, for his contributions and extended best wishes to the incoming commanding officer, Capt. Paul Ardan. Learn more about air cadets here: https://bit.ly/3OjeqHU