September 2021
Published monthly
Newsletter
Vol. 3, Edition 3
The Monthly Report
September update
Fall is finally here.

The leaves are changing. There is a bit of a nip in the air at times. And summer is now just a memory. We hope you had a great one - making memories with those who matter most.

Another opportunity for memory-making is just around the corner - our Hootenanny festival is coming up Oct. 9 at the RecPlex. Learn more about it in our latest edition of The Monthly Report.

We have lots of other great activities and programs happening this fall and we tell you about that in this edition, too.

Big news - our ground breaking for the twin-pad arena and library happened in September. Learn the full details further down.

Other great news - our youth centre won the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce Diversity and Inclusion Award in September. The centre provides great programs and opportunities for local youth and we are proud of the recognition from the chamber.

Read on and you'll learn about our new open fires bylaw, the new playground that's on its way for Glendale Park, plus much more.

Again, thanks for reading and if you haven't subscribed you can do so by visiting here:
BREAKING GROUND Members of council and Zancor representative Fabrizio Cortellucci at the ground breaking for the community's new twin-pad arena and library at 544 River Rd. W. Zancor Homes is donating $1-million towards the project's fundraising campaign.
Town breaks ground for new twin-pad arena and library
A ground breaking for our community’s new twin-pad arena and library took place Sept. 22, as well as the official launch of the fundraising campaign for the project, including a special announcement of a $1-million donation by Zancor Homes.

“This marks a historic moment in our community as we officially start the construction phase for a building that will serve the needs of current and future residents,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “Entertainment, healthy living, learning, and sports will take place in this new space, touching lives in so many positive ways.”

In launching the fundraising campaign, Mayor Bifolchi thanked Zancor and the Cortellucci family – owners of the company – for their generous contribution towards the project. Zancor has a long history of building in Wasaga Beach and a real track record of local philanthropy.

“This sizeable donation is greatly appreciated and is a terrific way to begin our fundraising efforts. We aim to raise more than $1.7-million for this project and I encourage people to visit our campaign website to learn how they can contribute,” Mayor Bifolchi said.

Speaking on behalf of Zancor, Fabrizio Cortellucci said the company is pleased to be a part of such an important development.

“The Cortellucci family and Zancor Homes build in Wasaga Beach because we believe in this community. Wasaga Beach is a truly great place to live and we are so proud to be a part of it. We know that the twin-pad arena and library will be a real gathering place for people and it honours us to play a role in making this important new space a reality,” he said.

Earlier in September, council awarded a $43.4-million (plus HST) stipulated price contract to Aquicon Construction Company Ltd. to build the new facility. Aquicon’s price falls well in line with the council approved $59-million budget for the project.

“Aquicon is delighted for the opportunity to deliver the Wasaga Beach twin-pad arena and library project. We look forward to working closely with the town, consulting and trade partners to bring this exciting community space to life,” Aquicon president Daniel Aquino said.

Located at 544 River Rd. W., in the east end of Wasaga Beach, the town anticipates construction of the new complex will be complete by summer 2023.

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 overall budget for the project is $59,970,306. The construction component of the budget is $44,573,921. Aquicon’s price, including HST, is $44,245,248.
Colliers Project Leaders are the project managers. MJMA Architecture and Design are the architects.

Learn more about the project on our website.

Visit our fundraising website and learn how you can contribute.
WATCH OUR VIDEO - Learn how our twin-pad arena and library will have a positive impact on so many. #MovingWBForward
Meet our twin-pad arena and library fundraising coordinator
Val Dickson is one of the newest members of our team at the Town of Wasaga Beach.

Dickson is our fundraising and sponsorship coordinator for the twin-pad arena and library project.

“I’m really happy to be a part of this exciting and important community project,” Dickson said. “Two ice surfaces, an indoor walking track, and a new library with adequate meeting space for programs will be a real benefit to Wasaga Beach.”

For the last several months, Dickson and other staff members have worked to develop a fundraising campaign that is rolling out this fall. Watch our website and social media channels for details.

Prior to joining the town, Dickson worked for the YMCA and in partnership with Lakehead University. She also served three terms on the board of directors for Breaking Down Barriers and the South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre.

If you would like to meet with Dickson to learn more about fundraising opportunities for the arena and library project, please contact her at 705-429-3321, ext. 2260 or e-mail [email protected].
REFLECTION Wasaga Beach municipal buildings were closed for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Thursday, Sept. 30. More about the day here: http://ow.ly/v5Ho50GiEe2 Read our related proclamation: http://ow.ly/ClAa50GiEe1 In addition, flags were at half-mast at town facilities. Earlier in the week, related programs took place at the Wasaga Beach Public Library and the Wasaga Beach Youth Centre.
CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS September was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Wasaga Beach. Mayor Nina Bifolchi and members of council met with representatives of Candlelighters Simcoe for a proclamation reading and flag-raising Sept. 9. Learn more about the organization: http://ow.ly/YzOa50G78Qo Read the proclamation: https://bit.ly/3Cb96Rd.
MEXICAN On Sept. 21, members of council and town staff attended the grand opening for Sierra's Mexican Cabana. Featuring authentic Mexican food, the restaurant is at 72 Main St. in Wasaga Beach. Learn more about the business here: http://ow.ly/9FoV50Ge5CC.
WELCOME TO WASAGA Members of council and economic development officer Kaitlyn Monsma attended the opening for the Metamorphosis Centre for Change Sept. 16. The centre, at 135 32nd St. N., is a treatment centre helping people with addiction issues. More here: http://ow.ly/Laxq50GbnoV.
NEW BUSINESS Sept. 16, Mayor Bifolchi, members of council, and economic development officer Kaitlyn Monsma attended a grand opening for Eat, Sleep, Grow & Repeat at 930 River Rd. W. The store sells gently used children's clothing. Learn more here: http://ow.ly/jlbU50GbnR9
ARCHIVES On Sept. 27, members of council toured the town's new home for the Wasaga Beach Archives. The municipal facility is at 140 Main St. and features a fantastic collection of artifacts related to our town's history. Thanks to volunteers who helped bring the space to life. Watch for details on hours of operation. More on the archives.
OUTREACH Deputy Fire Chief Craig Williams spoke to the Wasaga Beach Builders and Contractors Association Sept. 15. The deputy gave an informative talk about the pandemic, including the town's efforts during this period to ensure the continued delivery of important public services.
NEW STAFFERS On Sept. 16, Mayor Nina Bifolchi and Public Works operations manager Gerald Reu welcomed Niall Donnelly to the town. Donnelly is a new water/wastewater operator with us. Mayor Bifolchi and Mr. Reu also welcomed staffer Dave Guarasci to his new position as water/sewer foreman. Congratulations gentlemen on your new roles!
NEW RECREATION AND YOUTH ASSISTANT
Mayor Nina Bifolchi and recreation/youth coordinator Josh Pallas welcomed Emma Holmes to the Town of Wasaga Beach on Sept. 8. Holmes is a recreation/youth assistant with the Recreation, Events, and Facilities Department. Welcome, Emma!
ON THE JOB On Sept. 8, Mayor Nina Bifolchi welcomed Anmol Rana and Brittany Migotto to the Town of Wasaga Beach. Rana is a computer support specialist in our IT Department and Migotto a revenue clerk in our Treasury Department. Welcome to the team!
Playground construction contract awarded
Council awarded the contract for the Glendale Park Playground Reconstruction project to M&S Architectural Concrete at a cost of $291,000, plus HST.

Equipment will be installed in early spring 2022.

Contract awarded for
wayfinding signage
Council awarded a contract to Steel Art Designs to design, make, and install 11 wayfinding signs in town at a cost of $49,548.

The town used a competitive request for proposals process to select the company.

The project is part of the town’s new Comprehensive Wayfinding Strategy, which council approved in July.

Installation should start in October and be completed in January, representing the first phase of the project.


New Santa float on the way
At the Sept. 9 Coordinated Committee meeting, the committee received the Santa Claus Float and Trailer Purchase Report for information and authorized staff to purchase a 24-foot replacement trailer at a cost of $12,675, excluding HST, from Scott Reinhart Trailer Sales Ltd.

At the Sept. 28 council meeting, members of council approved specifications for the holiday float design, as outlined in the trailer purchase report.

In addition, council authorized staff to award the design for the float – up to a limit of $15,000 – to the proponent with the best submission from at least three formal quotes gathered.

Insurance will partially cover the costs of the float with the balance coming from reserves.
The previous float was destroyed when the poll barn it was kept in collapsed in the winter.

Town finances in good shape: report
Council received the May to July 2021 Financial Report for information.

Financial results for the period are within budget for the most part, aside from some areas affected by the pandemic.

The town continues to be in a healthy financial position with the ability to maintain service levels and address growth-related capital works, the report states.

Building stats strong for August
The town issued 70 building permits in August for construction valued at $13-million.

Forty-nine of the permits issued were for new homes.

Staff have issued 306 residential permits to date and almost 140 permit applications are in the queue for review.

The numbers were part of the Building Department Activity Report, which Coordinated Committee received for information at its Sept. 9 meeting. Council received highlights from the report at its Sept. 28 meeting.

LEARN MORE For additional information about our Municipal Law Enforcement Department visit our website.
Charges resume
in October
Reminder, the charging of specific fees, penalties or late charges related to tax and water/wastewater accounts that were waived by council on April 22, 2021 due to COVID-19 are back in effect as of Oct. 1.

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, Sept. 28.

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 our fundraising campaign is under way for the new twin-pad arena and library?

Visit our website and see how you can be a part of this awesome community project.

Learn more here.
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. Please fill out the form and submit it to the Municipal Law Enforcement Department either by email at [email protected] 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.
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...
IN THE WATER From the Historical Advisory Committee. When people think of the water in Wasaga Beach, they might remember seashells, some small pebbles and stones, and the muck that sometimes accumulates at the water’s edge. On entering the bay, you walk out over a smooth, sandy surface, crossing over numerous sandbars before reaching deep water. Few would remember the large boulders that could be found in the far parts of Springhurst Beach, Brock’s Beach and Bower’s Beach. There were rocks/boulders, in the water, that were large enough to hold several people standing, to sit and sunbath on. Most of these have been removed from the water, some may remain, but it demonstrates how the beachfront has changed over time.
There's always something to do through the Wasaga Beach Public Library




Message from Mayor Nina Bifolchi
Despite the soggy weather, we had a great day for our twin-pad arena and library ground breaking on Sept. 22.

I again want to thank Zancor Homes for donating $1-million towards our fundraising campaign.

In addition, it was terrific to have so many of our community partners join us for the big day. Representatives from Wasaga Beach Minor Hockey, Friends of the Library, plus several others were on hand.

The day marked a historic moment in our community as we officially launched the construction phase for a building that will serve the needs of current and future residents. Entertainment, healthy living, learning, and sports will take place in this new space, touching lives in so many positive ways.

While reserves and financing will pay for the bulk of our arena and library project, we aim to fund-raise more than $1.7-million. We are well on our way to reaching this goal thanks to Zancor and the Cortellucci family. I encourage people to visit our campaign website to learn how they can contribute. You will find the site here.

We look forward to completing the new facility in the summer of 2023. It will be great to open the doors to our entire community.

As you can see in The Monthly Report, we have a lot going on in our community. Great programs and events are in store and we look forward to rolling out even more in the months ahead. It's so nice to be able to gather again.

Thanks for staying in touch with us through The Monthly Report. Remember you can also get updates from us by visiting the town website and by following us on social media.

In closing, stay safe and I look forward to updating you 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 [email protected]
George
Vadeboncoeur
Chief Administrative Officer
705-429-3844, ext. 2222
Town of Wasaga Beach | www.wasagabeach.com