May 2021
Published monthly
Newsletter
Vol. 2, Edition 11
The Monthly Report
May update
Our latest instalment of The Monthly Report contains a variety of new information for your review.

Read on and you'll learn about the following:

  • the company selected as the preferred developer of town-owned land at the beachfront, plus next steps;
  • the launch of new economic development initiatives;
  • plans to conduct a town branding strategy;
  • the return of the farmers' market;
  • an investment in public transit;
  • new public works infrastructure projects;
  • fun new programs you can access;
  • June library program calendar;
  • the latest on the twin-pad arena and library project
  • ...plus much more.

Again, thanks for reading and if you haven't subscribed you can do so by visiting here:

Slate selected as preferred beachfront developer, negotiations set to start
Council approved next steps in the redevelopment of town-owned land at the main beachfront.
 
Council approved Slate Asset Management L.P. as the preferred developer and authorized staff to assemble a team to negotiate with Slate the purchase and sale and development terms for the property.
 
“I am excited that committee has agreed with the evaluation team’s recommendation to proceed with Slate Asset Management LP as the preferred developer. As I indicated in an update to the community on May 17, we have reached an important mark in the process of redeveloping our beachfront,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “Now the negotiation period begins with Slate to work out the many important details about how this project will unfold. This includes price, design, phasing, and timing. We have reached this current stage through a process rooted in integrity and fairness and we shall maintain that approach throughout the negotiation period.”
 
The town used a Request for Proposals process, launched in November 2020, to identify Slate Asset Management L.P. as the preferred company to develop municipal property at the waterfront, just south of Beach Drive.
 
During the RFP process, the town’s evaluation team conducted a detailed technical review of proposals, followed by presentations to council. Through the review and presentation process, it was determined that Slate Asset Management proposed the best vision.
 
Prior to the RFP process, the town conducted a Request for Expressions of Interest exercise, which launched in 2019. Slate was one of the companies short-listed.
 
Slate is proposing a phased approach to the redevelopment, starting with mixed-use buildings, townhomes, and mid-rise condominiums. Landscaped areas, patios, and pedestrian walkways are an important component of the phased development.

 
Following successful negotiations with Slate, there will be opportunities for the community to learn more about the project. If the town is unable to move forward with Slate, it will invite the developer that finished second in the RFP process to participate in negotiations.
 
About Slate
 
Slate Asset Management is a leading real estate focused alternative investment platform with approximately $6.5-billion in assets under management. Slate is a value-oriented manager and a significant sponsor of all of its private and publicly traded investment vehicles, which are tailored to the unique goals and objectives of its investors. The firm's careful and selective investment approach creates long-term value with an emphasis on capital preservation and outsized returns. Slate is supported by exceptional people, flexible capital and a demonstrated ability to originate and execute on a wide range of compelling investment opportunities. Visit the company’s website to learn more.
 
Project background information
 
For a detailed look at the municipality’s efforts to redevelop town-owned land at the main beachfront, see our project page
 
The page includes background information, including the various steps taken to date, plus related staff reports.
 
Staying informed
 
Stay up-to-date on this project by visiting our project page regularly. Visit the page and sign up to receive e-mail updates from us whenever we add new information.
 
Watch our meetings
 
You can also stay informed by watching council meetings on the town’s YouTube Channel.
Contractors pre-qualified for twin-pad arena
and library project
Council approved the list of pre-qualified contractors for the twin-pad arena and library project.

They also authorized staff to provide the contractors a tender package when council deems it appropriate to release the tender for construction.

Read the staff report to learn more.

Council also directed staff to work with Colliers International – project leaders – as well as MJMA design consultants to develop the construction tender package.
Twin-pad arena and library donation and sponsorship agreements approved
Town council members, at their May 25 meeting, authorized staff to use, as proposed, donation and sponsorship agreements for the new twin-pad arena and library project.

The agreements will be used during the negotiation and contractual process with potential donors and sponsors.

School board priority list shows progress on high school
A report from CAO George Vadeboncoeur on the Simcoe County District School Board 2021-2022 capital priority list contained promising news.

The report, received for information by council, highlights the efforts the town has taken over the years to secure a high school for the community.

The update notes that with the board’s recent decision to place the Northwest Simcoe Secondary Schools project on the Capital Priority List the community reached an important milestone. The 10 project list will now be submitted to the province for consideration.

The board hopes to obtain provincial approval to undertake a review in the next few years to determine the best way to address the secondary student accommodation needs in our region. The town has indicated its interest in working with the board on this file.

An informative Q&A on the subject is available on the town website.
Internet voting and paper ballots chosen for 2022 municipal election
The Town of Wasaga Beach will use internet voting and paper ballots in the 2022 municipal election.

At its May 25 meeting, council received a report on the matter from Dina Lundy, director of legislative services, and directed staff to bring forward a bylaw that removes telephone voting as a method and replace it with paper ballot with tabulators.

Council also approved using Dominion Voting as the voting method provider for the municipal election.

Dominion provides a unique system for municipal elections – it allows for seamless integration between voter list management, electronic, and paper voting. The system includes strong audit controls.
Happy Birthday!
MAJOR MILESTONE A big congratulations to Wasaga Beach's Bernie Speisman on his 90th birthday! On May 18, Mayor Nina Bifolchi, on behalf of council, presented Mr. Speisman with a certificate in recognition of the occasion.
We will miss you, Darlene
LAND OF RETIREMENT Our very own Darlene Poole, customer service coordinator, has retired after 30 years with the Town of Wasaga Beach. Mayor Nina Bifolchi, CAO George Vadeboncoeur, and Darlene's colleagues in the Recreation, Events, and Facilities Department extended best wishes to her on May 19. *In case you don't know, that's Darlene waving from the playground equipment at Oakview Woods.
Welcome!
CONGRATULATIONS Wyatt Ocolisan (from left), Allen McClure, Joe Brittain, and Emily Sheffer have taken on new roles in the Recreation, Events, and Facilities Department. Mayor Nina Bifolchi welcomed them May 18.
New in treasury...
ON THE JOB On May 11, Mayor Nina Bifolchi welcomed Janet Farr to her new role as Revenue Clerk - Utilities in the Treasury Department. Farr joined the town in 2020 and has worked in various roles. Congratulations on your new position!
Calling all restaurants! Get ready for when it's safe to re-open for in-person dining. The Open Patios 2021 Program has launched and is now accepting applications for temporary patios.
Economic Development Strategy received
for information
At the May 25 council meeting, Mayor Nina Bifolchi said the draft Economic Development Strategy was received for information at the Committee of the Whole the meeting on May 20.

The town will use the strategy to establish a robust year-round economy while creating an environment favourable for retaining current business and attracting new and diverse investment.

Committee referred the strategy to staff for further review and recommendation.
Town applying for funds to tackle branding strategy
Council has directed staff to apply to the Simcoe County Economic Development Funding Program for $50,000 to develop a branding strategy for the municipality.

Council based its direction on a recommendation from Kaitlyn Monsma, economic development officer, and Bonnie-Lyn Gow, grants specialist. Read the staff report.

Members of council identified branding as a priority in the 2021 budget when they earmarked $14,000 for a branding project.

In addition, the Economic Development Strategy identifies the need for a branding exercise.

If the county funding is approved, the town plans to hire a consulting firm to develop a branding strategy that will highlight the community’s unique identity.
Council approves creation of Support Local
Parking Ticket Program
Councillors, at their May 25 meeting, approved the Support Local Ticket Program for the month of June.

The program allows residents who receive a parking ticket the ability to have the ticket cancelled, if they provide proof of purchase from a Wasaga Beach business in an amount equal to or greater than the ticket.

The program does not apply to tickets related to safety matters.
Funds allocated for Wasaga Sundaes event
choc_vanilla_ice_cream.jpg
Council has agreed to earmark $6,000 for costs associated with marketing, promotion, and prizes for Wasaga Sundaes.

The town-initiated event, created through the COVID-19 Business Recovery Task Force, will run every Sunday through the summer months of July and August, showcasing local businesses that offer ice cream treats.

Wasaga Sundaes will feature an ice cream trail map of all business that register to participate.

Information will be available on the town website.

Support Local Coupon Book in the works for this fall
Town council authorized $4,500 from the Economic Development advertising budget for costs associated with the development of the Support Local Coupon Book.

The book will feature great deals at participating local businesses.

Watch for the book this fall.

Good eats!
FRESH FINDS The Wasaga Beach Farmers' Market will once again offer great vegetables, fruit, and other delightful items.
Wasaga Beach Farmers' Market returning for another season
The Wasaga Beach Farmers’ Market is back for the summer.

Council approved the town entering into an agreement with the market to operate at the RecPlex parking lot, starting June 15.

The market plans to have 24 vendors this year.

Back to the Beach concert series in the works
The Back to the Beach Concert Series at Stonebridge Town Centre received council approval on May 25.

The series will take place over four Saturdays, starting July 31, provided gathering limits allow for 100 people or more.

Council also authorized $19,000 in sponsorship to offset festival costs. In addition, the town will provide a stage and tent for the concerts.

See the staff report to learn more.
New transit bus approved
The town is investing in a new transit bus at a cost of $103,000.

Council approved the purchase from Overland Custom Coach Inc.

The town used an RFP process to determine the purchase.

The town currently owns four transit vehicles, which rotate amongst two designated routes.

The vehicles normally have a service life of four years before they are retired.

The new bus will replace an existing vehicle at the end of its lifespan – purchased in 2015 and now with 497,000 kilometres on it.

The Facade Improvement Program is a FREE municipal Grant Program Package that assists property owners looking to revitalize and/or restore the frontage of their buildings in town. Projects can include side and rear facing facades that have high public visibility.

The program will provide a grant up to 50% of the eligible costs up to $2,000 per project.
Online resources to support you during the COVID-19 pandemic
Government of Ontario COVID-19 updates
Wasaga Beach Council Highlights
Wasaga Beach Town Council met on Tuesday, May 25.

For an overview of what took place, see our highlights package: Here

Watch the meeting below:
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:

Town of Wasaga Beach Quick Fact

Did you know the Wasaga Beach Cemetary was established in 1995?

The cemetery includes upright monuments, flat markers, a cremation garden section, mausoleum section, as well as columbarium.

Visit our website to learn more.
Did you receive a parking ticket and wish to have the charge re-examined? If so, you have the option of submitting a First Attendance form which can be found on our website at: Please fill out the form and submit it to the Municipal Law Enforcement Department either by email at wbbl@wasagabeach.com or in person or via mail at Town Hall located at 30 Lewis St., Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1A1. Once submitted, an officer will be assigned to re-evaluate the ticket and will be in touch with you based on the information provided on the form. Please see the new parking ticket program to support local business.
Unlike other municipalities, the Town of Wasaga Beach does not require residents or visitors to purchase a fire permit.

However, the Open Fires By-Law #2007-64 stipulates a number of restrictions for open fires within the Town.

Fires are only permitted during the following times: 7am-9am/ 11am-2pm/5pm-1am. Additionally, fires must be enclosed in a burning device (ie. a chiminea); must not exceed 1/2 m in height or 1m in diameter; must be within 4m of an extinguishing source and only dry seasoned firewood is permitted to be burned.

Fires lit outside of the permitted times, with fuel sources other than dry seasoned wood, or fires that set during fire bans, are prohibited and those responsible could be subject to fines up to $615.00.
Residents who do not wish to pay for parking in Municipal Parking Lots must display their resident parking permit. If you have not yet purchased your resident parking permit, please visit the Town office located at 30 Lewis Street to obtain your pass, or fill out the online form to have the pass mailed to your address. New this year, residents are able to purchase TWO parking permits per municipal address at $28.25 each. For more information, please call us at (705) 429-3844 or visit our website.
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.
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.
Water conservation rebates are available!
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.
You've got payment options
through Plastiq
wallet.jpg
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.
Check out Let's Talk Wasaga Beach here: Click
Pocket dialing can tie up resources
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.
Medic Alert Connect
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.

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.
The way we were...
SUNNYBROOK LODGE From the Historical Advisory Committee. Sunnybrook Lodge was on Mosley Street, west of Joan Avenue, and across from Wheeler’s I.G.A. The proprietors of the lodge were Mr. and Mrs. Manning Stroud and the building was erected in the 1940s. Located on the banks of the Nottawasaga River, the lodge offered fishing, boating and swimming. The lodge was a short walk, across Mosley Street and down what is now 19th Street, to the sands of the beachfront. Located in what was Oakview Beach, it offered guests a quieter experience than the inns and lodges at the main end. There were still activities within walking distance, the Oakview Bowling Centre and several restaurants and shops located on the beachfront were all accessible. The lodge had all of the city conveniences, hot and cold running water, and comfortable rooms with innerspring mattresses. The meals were home cooked and there was a snack bar/ice cream shop on site. There was also a lounge with large comfortable couches and a piano. For many years, Sunnybrook Lodge was also a Grey Coach stop. You could purchase your bus ticket in the lodge and board the bus on Mosley Street.
There's always something to do through the Wasaga Beach Public Library




Message from Mayor Nina Bifolchi
I am so pleased that we can report significant progress on the redevelopment of town-owned land at the beachfront.

Recently, council approved Slate Asset Management L.P. as the preferred developer. We also authorized staff to assemble a team to negotiate the purchase and sale terms.

So much effort has gone into reaching this point.

In 2014-2018, we saw the town purchase these beachfront properties and the creation of the Downtown Development Master Plan, complete with a community consultation process.

This term, we've continued to move forward with beachfront redevelopment by completing important related studies that were missing. See our project page on the town website to learn more about the history. We also went through a detailed and proper process to identify a preferred developer, which is the stage we are at today.

We started by hosting a Request for Expression of Interest process that shortlisted potential developers. We then issued a formal Request for Proposal call. Our staff, consultants, and council members vigorously reviewed submissions before settling on Slate.

As I have said before, we are now in the negotiation period with Slate. There are many important details to work out - including phasing and timing for the project. Watch our website for updates as we continue to move forward.

On another note, I was delighted to learn the province plans to start the re-opening of Ontario in June. A three-step plan for re-opening was announced May 20. This is certainly good news.

So many in our community have struggled during the latest shutdown. I know it has not been easy. The town has attempted to help by temporarily waiving certain fees and penalties. We have also rolled out Support Local messaging and that continues.

But the re-opening is what we really need. Businesses must be allowed to resume full operation. We need to get children safely back into schools. We need to see our family and friends.

To make sure that nothing puts the re-opening in jeopardy, please continue to follow the public health rules. The vaccine rollout continues and we hope for brighter days ahead.

Stay safe and talk again soon.
Wasaga Beach Town Council
Mayor Nina Bifolchi
705-429-3844, ext. 2225
Deputy Mayor Sylvia Bray
705-888-1131
Councillor Joe Belanger
705-816-0733
Councillor David Foster
705-441-2211
Councillor Mark Kinney
Councillor George Watson
705-309-7653
Councillor Stan Wells
705-429-3239
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
George
Vadeboncoeur
Chief Administrative Officer
705-429-3844, ext. 2222
Town of Wasaga Beach | www.wasagabeach.com