March 2022
Published monthly
Newsletter
Vol. 3, Edition 8
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Welcome to our latest edition of The Monthly Report.
Spring is slowly starting to appear in our neck of the woods, although winter doesn't quite want to let us go yet. Still, before we know it, shorts and sandals season will be upon us.
In this edition, we share with you the following:
- details about the new paramedic station coming to our community
- updates on the twin-pad arena and library building project
- the highlights of the most recent council meeting
- details about upcoming events and programs
- information about our new media literacy campaign
- a local business's grand opening
- ...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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New paramedic station coming to east end of Wasaga Beach |
The Town of Wasaga Beach and the County of Simcoe are pleased to announce that an approximately one-acre parcel of land in the east end of Wasaga Beach will be the home to a new County of Simcoe Paramedic Station.
Subject to County Council approval, the new Paramedic Station is anticipated to be completed in 2025, with the current Station in Wasaga Beach being maintained as a second post within the community.
The site of the new Station is at 544 River Road W., just northwest of the community’s new twin-pad arena and library, which is currently under construction.
Wasaga Beach council members approved the sale of the land parcel to the County on Thursday, March 10 and ratified their decision on Thursday, March 24.
“We are very pleased to work with our partners at the County of Simcoe on this project, which ultimately will provide a second paramedic station in our community,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “This represents an important investment in Wasaga Beach.
George Cornell, Warden for the County of Simcoe, said the County is pleased to be enhancing its service levels in the community.
“With our growing population, we’re experiencing rising paramedic call volumes across the region. To further address the expanding needs of our communities, we continue to make strategic investments to enhance our services. This includes collaborating with our municipal partners to plan for new facilities such as the future County of Simcoe Paramedic Services Wasaga Beach Station, which will serve residents in Wasaga Beach and surrounding communities. We’re proud to assist our partners at the Town of Wasaga Beach as they move this exciting community project forward."
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THANK YOU! Mayor Nina Bifolchi and Councillor Dave Foster with Tatham staff members and their family. The company has donated $25,000 to the twin-pad arena and library project. |
Tatham Engineering supports twin-pad arena and library fundraising campaign |
Tatham Engineering Ltd. of Collingwood is the latest contributor to the twin-pad arena and library fundraising campaign.
“On behalf of council and staff, I thank Tatham for its extremely helpful gift. We are grateful for this contribution, which will support an important new facility in our community,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said.
Tatham is donating $25,000 to the project. In recognition of the company’s generosity, the children’s zone in the library will carry the Tatham name. The zone is the place where children can gather at any time to share experiences – activities, technology, books, art. This will be where families seek entertainment and new adventures.
“Tatham is a proud and dedicated supporter of organizations and initiatives that enhance the communities in which we live and work,” said Allan Brownridge, Manager of Municipal Engineering for Tatham. “The twin-pad arena and library will offer residents of Wasaga Beach a central hub to stay connected, with amenities that will support the community’s continued growth.”
With multiple offices in Simcoe County, Tatham has staff who live in Wasaga Beach with their families and are arena and library users. They look forward to accessing the new facility when it opens in 2023. Brownridge, a Wasaga Beach Minor Hockey volunteer and father to three young hockey players, is excited about a modern facility that will help children develop and serve as a place for families to gather and build memories.
Through sponsorships and donations, Tatham proudly supports children and youth sports teams in our communities.
Learn more about donation opportunities to the twin-pad arena and library project by visiting our website. |
IN MEMORY On behalf of the town, Mayor Nina Bifolchi, Deputy Mayor Sylvia Bray, and Councillor George Watson accept a donation of $10,000 from the Patterson family in memory of former mayor Cal Patterson. Presenting the gift on behalf of the family was Deb Patterson - the former mayor's wife - and Hayley Piwtorak, the couple's daughter. |
Patterson family makes twin-pad arena and library donation in memory of former mayor |
The family of former mayor Cal Patterson, who passed away in August 2021, has made a financial contribution to the twin-pad arena and library project in his memory.
The family has donated $10,000 to the fundraising campaign. Another $5,000, given by various individuals in memory of Patterson, will also go towards the project.
“The arena was such an important part of his life and he was always pushing the need for a new one,” said Patterson’s wife, Deb. “We’ve outgrown the arena and library we have, and we are going into a much better space that will meet our needs for many more years to come. This new facility will be a very valued place in our community.”
She said the Wasaga Stars Arena holds many memories for her family and other families in town.
“We spent a lot of time in that old arena over the years,” Deb recalled. “Our kids skated there, Cal coached hockey there, he played old-timer hockey there, we went to functions upstairs – the building has been a real part of our Patterson family life.”
In recognition of the financial support for the building project, a change room in the new arena will carry Patterson’s name.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Patterson family for their gift and appreciative of those who donated in his memory,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “Cal contributed a great deal to our community as a private citizen and while serving as a councillor, deputy mayor, and mayor. He was a friend and it was my pleasure to serve on council with him. He was very passionate about recreation, sports, and culture, and it was during his time as mayor that we started to plan for the replacement of our arena and library.”
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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PROUD SUPPORTERS Special thanks to our Municipal Law Enforcement staff for their generous personal donation of $500 towards the twin-pad arena and library project. |
Council approves 'change order' for twin-pad arena and library project |
Members of council approved a ‘change order’ for the twin-pad arena and library project in the amount of $255,000, plus HST, for the provision of an alternate roofing system.
The project remains on budget and on schedule.
Change order requests for large construction projects regularly occur. They are reviewed and recommended by the town's technical team and approved by the Construction Steering Group, up to a value of $250,000. The town carries a contingency as part of the overall budget for the project to cover these costs.
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March update
WATCH - Check out our March update on the twin-pad arena and library building project. Learn the latest on the construction. #MovingWBForward...
Read more
www.facebook.com
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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.
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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY March 8 was International Women's Day. Women play an integral role in our organization. Our mayor and deputy mayor are women, we have women in department leadership roles, and we have women working in various other positions. Outside of their roles with the town, these women are awesome moms, wives, girlfriends, daughters, and community volunteers. Some even find the time to run their own businesses. |
Our new 'Media Monday' series kicked off on March 21.
The campaign aims to educate the public about disinformation and misinformation, as well as important related topics.
A new Media Monday post appears each week on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, as well as on our website.
See our first two items below:
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Our new recreation guide is now available. |
Contract awarded for new
playground at Mills Park
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Council, at its March 24 meeting, approved awarding a contract for the design, supply, and installation of a new playground at Mills Park.
The contract is with New World Park Solutions at a cost of $297,558, excluding HST.
The park is located next to town hall.
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Design work to start for new
Sunnidale Trails park
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Members of council awarded a contract to a company to design a new park block in the Sunnidale Trails development.
The contract is with Alexander Budrevics and Associates Ltd. at a cost of $148,500, excluding HST.
Part of Pacific Homes’ first phase, the park block represents about two hectares of land. The site, when complete, will include the following:
- a market area
- covered skating rink
- playground
- landscape features
- mini-soccer field
- pickle ball courts
- …plus various other elements.
The future market area and covered ice rink will not be part of the design work undertaken by Budrevics and Associates; the town will handle those through a separate design process.
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NEW BUSINESS On March 17, council members, town staff and reps from the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce attended the grand opening for CBhyDrate at 1360 Mosley St., Unit 2. The company provides various CBD products. Congrats to owner Trevor Childs! Learn more about the business. |
New homes proposed for off 45th Street |
A developer is looking to move ahead with their residential project on land just south of Canadian Tire.
Coordinated Committee hosted a public meeting on March 10 for Wasaga Heights Inc., regarding applications for a zoning bylaw amendment, proposed draft plan of subdivision, and proposed draft plan of common elements.
Councillor Mark Kinney, chair of the Community Services Section of Coordinated Committee, shared highlights of the public meeting during his monthly report to council.
He said town staff and the developer’s representative provided an overview of the project, located on a 15-acre parcel of land on the east side of 45th Street, just north of Knox Road.
This marked the second public meeting for the project due to revisions.
The developer is planning to build 100 townhomes and two semi-detached homes, subject to approvals from the town.
Staff will review the applications and provide a recommendation to committee.
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Financial statements show town in great shape: report |
Council, at its March 24 meeting, received for information the preliminary 2021 financial statements and approved the estimated carryover transfers, as specified.
The related staff report notes the town’s financial position remains strong.
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Contract awarded for Joanne Crescent servicing and construction |
A contract for servicing and related construction work was awarded to Arnott Construction Ltd. at a cost of $1.1-million.
Arnott was the most competitive of five bids the town received.
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WE STAND WITH UKRAINE On March 14, as a sign of support for the people of Ukraine, members of council raised the Ukrainian flag at town hall. |
Our latest Truth Corner instalments provide the facts about three different subjects.
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The Corvette Club of Wasaga Beach will hold its Spring Fling on May 29.
Council approved holding the event at the Stonebridge Gazebo and agreed to waive the town’s fees for use of the parklands, plus a town stage, tent, and tables.
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Trail tunes event
happening in June
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Trail Tunes got the go-ahead from members of council on March 24.
The new cycling event will take place on Saturday, June 4 as part of International Trails Day, and involve cycling on local trails and live music at trailhead locations.
The town is presenting the event in collaboration with Collingwood and Clearview Township.
Council agreed the town will contribute up to $5,000 from the Special Events budget for the event, and that the town will provide free use of a stage for the day.
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Beachfront area set to bustle this summer
The Town of Wasaga Beach has a busy summer planned for the main beachfront area of our community. We have a variety of events organized for residents and visitors alike. All of the town-owned beachfront properties are leased, including nine...
Read more
www.wasagabeach.com
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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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Calling all restaurants! The Open Patios 2022 Program has launched and is accepting applications for temporary patios. Visit our website for more information and to apply. |
Town investing in new ice resurfacing equipment |
Council approved the purchase of a new ice-resurfacer and related ice levelling system at a cost of $152,300, plus HST.
The new equipment will be one of two ice-resurfacing units based at the community’s new twin-pad arena.
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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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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, March 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 have an LDD Moths information page on our website?
Check out the page to learn more about the invasive species and how you can manage these unwanted creatures this year.
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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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BRIDGEVIEW INN From the Historical Advisory Committee. The Bridgeview Inn was on the corner of River Road, just over the Main Street Bridge, on the riverside. The inn was a large building that rented rooms to tourists. The rooms were furnished with a bed and basic necessities and had access to a bathroom. If you preferred not to stay in the inn, you could rent one of the small cabins behind the inn. If you really wanted to rough it, you could rent one of their tents and pitch it on the property. The proprietor of the inn was J.E Beardsall. The inn had a dining room for guests to take meals daily. It also had a small store attached where you could purchase meat, groceries, pop, tobacco and other basic sundries. Tourists could make a meal or take a picnic lunch to the beach. The Bridgeview was within walking distance to the beachfront hotels and dance halls, as well as the stores on Main Street, giving the opportunity for guests to explore all that Wasaga had to offer. Over the years, the Bridgeview Inn changed hands. In the late 1970s it became the Bridgeview Motel & Snack Bar. The building, inside and out, had a facelift. The dining room offered a complete menu, with their specialty being Italian food. The motel and restaurant eventually closed and the building became a convenience store. |
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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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Thank you for taking the time to read our latest edition of The Monthly Report.
We are pleased to share with you details about the new paramedic station next to our new twin-pad arena and library.
This will be our second paramedic station in the community. The station will address the expanding needs of Wasaga Beach and area.
Also in this edition, we share with you the latest on the twin-pad arena and library project. It is terrific to see the steel going up on site. I am happy to report that the project remains on schedule and on budget. We look forward to updating you again on this project later in April when we release our next video. Watch for the video on our social media channels and our website.
More great news in this edition: the busy summer we have planned for the beachfront. We have a number of events lined up for residents and visitors. Also in the months ahead, we expect to start demolishing some of the beachfront buildings to support the redevelopment of this area. And we expect to tender this summer for the reconstruction of the street network, another important step in revitalizing.
As well, this edition of the e-newsletter includes a link to our latest recreation guide. The guide contains details about several programs that you and your family can explore. I encourage you to set some time aside to review all of the programs available in Wasaga Beach. We are fortunate to have so many great opportunities.
A new program we are launching is our Business Job Fair. It takes place April 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the RecPlex. Through the fair, we hope to help local businesses fill job vacancies.
In closing, I hope you can join us for our upcoming Coffee with Council. It takes place at the RecPlex on Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to noon. Coffee with Council is a great way to chat one-on-one with council members.
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 [email protected]
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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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