Midhurst/December 10, 2024 – The County of Simcoe has created a new resource sheet supporting unhoused individuals across the region. This sheet includes details on various programs that are available throughout winter 2024-2025 and will be regularly updated on the County’s website as supports continue to open for the region’s most vulnerable individuals.
The resource sheet outlines investments in unhoused individuals across the region made through the County’s 10-point homelessness prevention strategy, which provides significant investments and resources to help unhoused individuals across the region. It includes recent announcements, such as expansions to the County’s Supportive Rapid Re-Housing Program (SRRP), expanded domiciliary care agreements housing more vulnerable seniors, warming centres, and more.
The 10-point homelessness prevention strategy makes affordable housing even more attainable by increasing supply, creating “deep rent subsidies”, increasing eviction prevention services, and improving available shelter. It commits the County to find new opportunities, enhance community shelter services, and improve safety throughout the community.
Those in need of shelter or warmth can always call 2-1-1 to connect with a nearby shelter. The County’s Winter Warming Supports 2024-25 Resource Sheet is attached.
About the County’s 10-point homelessness prevention strategy The County of Simcoe’s 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy provides a strong, data-driven plan to help vulnerable residents and our communities. The strategy includes a considerable added investment toward the goal of preventing and ending chronic homelessness. For further details and ongoing updates to the homelessness prevention plan, visit simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem.
About the County of Simcoe The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
Collingwood, ON [10 December 2024] – The Town of Collingwood is excited to announce the launch of DocuPet, an innovative, user-friendly platform now available to all dog owners in our community. This service makes it easier than ever to licence your dog, create a personalized pet profile, and access valuable services that support your dog’s well-being in one convenient location.
“By transitioning to DocuPet, the Town of Collingwood is not only making the dog licensing process more efficient and convenient for our residents, but also enhancing the safety and well-being of pets in our community with DocuPets HomeSafe 24/7 lost pet service, says Adam Harrod, Acting Manager, By-law Services.” We’re excited to offer this service and look forward to the positive impact it will have on Collingwood dog owners and their pets.”
Why is the Town of Collingwood Moving to DocuPet?
The Town of Collingwood has collaborated with DocuPet to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the dog licensing process. Our goals include:
Increasing Dog Licensing Compliance: DocuPet makes the licensing process more accessible and raises awareness of licensing requirements, encouraging greater compliance among dog owners.
Enhancing the Licensing Experience: The online platform provides a user-friendly, convenient way to navigate the licensing process.
Ensuring Community Safety: Licensing dogs helps ensure that pets are identified and tracked in case they go missing. DocuPet’s HomeSafe 24/7 Lost Pet Service is a major feature that helps reunite lost pets with their owners quickly, improving both pet and community safety.
Community Engagement: DocuPet enables the Town to engage with residents more effectively through digital communication channels, making it easier to inform dog owners about updates, laws, and events.
Increased Administrative Efficiencies: The platform automates many tasks, such as reminders, renewals, and data management, saving time and resources.
Benefits of Using DocuPet
Simplified Licensing: The online platform offers a quick, convenient, and user-friendly licensing experience.
Community Safety: Licensing helps ensure the safety of dogs and the broader community.
Unique Features: One of the key features is the HomeSafe 24/7 Lost Pet Service, which is included with each dog licence. When you register your dog, you will receive a unique tag linked to your pet’s online profile. In the unfortunate event that your dog goes missing, the finder can quickly create a Found Pet Report, and you can file a Lost Pet Report immediately. DocuPet’s dedicated team is available around the clock to assist with reuniting lost pets with their families.
Donations: Make an optional donation to the Safe&Happy Fund and help support the Georgian Triangle Humane Society.
365-Day Licensing: We’re pleased to announce a significant change to our animal licensing! From now on, every licence tag purchased will expire 365 calendar days from the date of purchase, rather than December 31. This change provides greater flexibility and convenience for pet owners, making it easier to keep your furry friends licensed and safe throughout the year.
Important Reminder: All dogs over the age of six months are required to be licensed in the Town of Collingwood. For more information on responsible pet ownership, please visit the Town of Collingwood’s Canine Control webpage.
Get Started Today: Dog licences can be purchased conveniently online at collingwood.docupet.com or in person at Town Hall, 97 Hurontario Street, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
My name is Raymond Francis Hardisty. I’m 35 years old. I live in Stayner, Ontario with my parents, Steve & Mary Hardisty, and my sister, Lisa. I’m a former part-time employee at the Stayner/Wasaga Beach Dairy Queen.
My life from the very beginning has been both challenging, yet inspiring. When I was born, I had numerous infections. When I was just 5 months old, I was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called Kostmann’s Neutropenia, which caused my immune system the inability to produce white blood cells, which helps the body fight off bacterial diseases. Doctors at Sick Kids Hospital tried everything they could think of to try & cure me of this disease, even going as far as to inject an IV in both of my hands & feet, but nothing they were using was working & time was slowly running out for me. Along the way, I developed symptoms of sepsis as well.
Then my mother read an article in the newspaper about a new universal drug that had just been created called Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (GCSF), which stimulates the bone marrow to produce white blood cells & release them into the bloodstream. Took 4 branches of Government to get the drug sent up to Sick Kids in Toronto to be tested on me (California, United States, Canada & Ontario). After a few shots of the drug & blood tests doctors slowly started seeing signs that the drug was working & that I was starting to feel better. My parents noticed right away before the doctors came back with the test results.
After more injections of the drug, the Kostmann’s Neutropenia eventually went away. Until my parents received bad news from the doctor at Sick Kids Hospital, saying that although the blood disorder was gone; I was now facing a new challenge: Cancer. In September 1993, at the age of only 4 years old I was diagnosed with Acute-Myeloid Leukemia (AML), and since I was born with a faulty bone marrow; the doctors told my parents that if they are to save me from my cancer, I will need to undergo a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT). So, a worldwide search for a successful match was underway. In the meantime, I had undergone Chemotherapy & Radiation treatments. I also underwent a splenectomy due to full exposure to the cancer. I had also suffered from certain side effects such as Chicken Pox, Shingles & a couple of seizures. I was in & out of the hospital from September 1993 – June 1994.
In early February, a successful match had been found from a woman in Tilley, New Brunswick. The transplant took place on April 28th, 1994 & I was finally released from the hospital in early June (June 6th, 1994). 11 days later, I turned 5 years old.
TODAY I’M OFFICIALLY 30 YEARS CANCER FREE!!!!
A year after my transplant, a rare condition took place within my body called Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD); a rare medical complication following the receiving of transplanted tissue from a genetically different person. It’s commonly associated with stem cell or bone marrow transplants. The disease traveled throughout my whole entire body & attached itself to the tendons & ligaments within the soft tissue of my skin & gradually pulled it tight onto my bones & locked them into place right on my joints, which is why I look the way you see me now.
With GVHD come some challenges that I have to face everyday for the rest of my life, such as gripping, reaching & bending. But everyday, I’m always improvising & coming up with new strategies to overcome my disadvantages/obstacles, especially when at work. I have tools & supporters who help with assisting me with my disabilities; however, I always try to be more independent & do things on my own, so that I don’t always have to rely on others all the time for help. But I nevertheless welcome the help & assistance when it’s offered to me. I manage to amaze & inspire others with my ability of independence.
When I was in Grade 4, I felt ill and my parents brought me to Sick Kids to find out what was wrong with me. Doctors were concerned with 2 possibilities: either my Cancer had come back or I had Meningitis. Tests results confirmed that I had developed Meningitis. My parents were relieved. Unfortunately, though after successfully recovering from my Meningitis battle, I got home, fell ill all over again, went back to Sick Kids, run some more tests again & discovered that I had then come down with the flu. We managed to regain my health just in time for Christmas that year.
I had been going to Sick Kids Hospital starting when I was 18 months old until 2007, when I turned 18 years old; then I was discharged. Ever since my departure, I have been working for Stayner Dairy Queen in May 2008, until my retirement in 2023.
Through Dairy Queen, we proudly support & sponsor Sick Kids Hospital in association with Children’s Miracle Network. Every year, every employee is required to sell CMN Balloons to customers as they take their orders. We ask them to make a donation of $2.00 & the choice of writing their name or any name onto the balloon(s). This happens in the summertime.
Every year, I set myself a goal to sell a certain amount of balloons & raise money as my way of giving back to Sick Kids Hospital for giving me my life back & to help all sick children get their health back as I strongly feel that no child should have to spend the first years of their lives or their Birthdays/Christmases in the hospital. I do it for all the children in the hospital who say to their parents “I don’t want to stay here anymore. I want to go home. When am I going to be going home with you, Mommy & Daddy?”.
I do it also for any child that says that they miss their home, their backyard, sleeping in their own bed, their pets, their grandparents, friends, school. To me, children are smart to know that being in the hospital is not fun at all & they want go home & get back to where they know the fun is; At Home. But most of all what are they saying? I wanna live! I’m not done with living yet.
And every year I always manage to reach my goal & surpass it. I go on long walks, knocking on neighbors’ and friends’ doors, local businesses & social events asking for donations for Sick Kids. As well, I participate & help out at golf tournaments associated with Dairy Queen with running the Putting Contest (now called “Ray’s of Light”, in honour of me) & staff members for our annual CMN DAY are required to bake desserts for our bake sales.
All donations made through this link will receive an automated tax receipt via email. CLICK HERE
Because of all that I had done over the past 10 years for Sick Kids, Children’s Miracle Network & Stayner Dairy Queen with my fundraising, that everyone felt it was time to give back to me as their way of saying thank & showing appreciation for all that I’ve done & continue to do. So, on July 26th, 2018 everyone, including my family got together & threw me a surprise where Ace the mascot from the Toronto Blue Jays was present, pulled out a cellphone & put me on speaker with Buck Martinez, who proudly said that I had been chosen by Dairy Queen to come down to the Rogers Center on August 8th, 2018 & throw out the 1st ball for the team. People from CTV New Barrie, Global News & Rock 95 were all there to cover the story.
I was then presented with my own Toronto Blue Jays jersey with my last name on the back & #55 (Russell Martin’s number), a Blue Jays cap, my own baseball glove & ball. An SUV limousine service compliments of DQ Canada came & pick my family & I up on August 7th, & drove us to the Intercontinental Hotel in Toronto.
The following day, officials from the Rogers Center came to meet up with us & we all walked together to the Rogers Center. We were given VIP passes, a tour of the place where we got to see the World Series trophies, the technical trailer where the games are recorded/broadcasted, and got to meet the commentators of Blue Jays Central. I had the honour of stepping down right onto the turf of the baseball field for interviews & to watch the ballplayers warm up. That’s when I got the honour & privilege of meeting Buck Martinez in person. Family members & friends from all over came down to watch my tremendous moment of fame. The place was packed with over 36,000 people there.
The next day, the DQ Canada SUV limousine service drove my family & I home. We got home just in time for me to go to work for Children’s Miracle Network Day. CTV News Barrie came & did a follow-up story to get my reaction from throwing out the 1st ball for the Toronto Blue Jays. To this day, I still get reaction from customers & friends, who come into Dairy Queen or see me out & about saying that they saw me either on TV or at the game.
Hey Community, let’s help Raymond reach his goal of raising $200,000 for Sick Kids!
World famous astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson returns to Uncensored to discuss his recent criticism of Elon Musk’s Mars mission and more.
Turning his intellect to the subject of Mars colonisation, Tyson sets the record straight on the challenges it would throw up, as well as his relationship with Space X founder Elon Musk. He also speaks on the controversial topic of trans women in women’s sports, giving a decidedly diplomatic response.
(TAY TOWNSHIP, ON) – Credit goes to a community member who placed a call to the OPP Communication Centre near 3:27 p.m. December 7, 2024 reporting a possible impaired driver in the commercial area of Pine Street near Highway 12, Waubaushene in Tay Township.
Officers from Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attended the area at 3:35 p.m. and located the suspect vehicle, a black Volkswagen plated as Ontario CZMC397 parked tightly next a white Mazda with Ontario plate CTTT350 in a commercial parking lot off Pine Street.
The operators of these two vehicles upon being woken up by the officers were spoken to and detained at the scene then transported to Detachment for further investigation along with a quantity of suspected methamphetamines, Canadian currency, aerosol cans and assorted drug paraphernalia which was seized.
Investigating officers were assisted by an OPP Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) officer and as a result of these investigations the following persons have been charged.
Joey Bernard GRAVELLE 36 years of South Glengarry Township and Erika Karla QUESNEL-SEFCSIK 31 years of Williamstown have each been charged with Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.
Both accused persons were released from custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on the December 19, 2024, and were each served a 90 day drivers licence suspension. The involved two vehicles were towed and are both subject to a 7 day vehicle impound in accordance to the Ministry of Transportation (ADLS) guidelines.
Although the OPP runs its annual Festive RIDE campaign during the holiday season, RIDE spot checks are conducted throughout the year, 24/7. The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you know or suspect that a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1. In doing so, you may save a life. The OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead and to use a designated driver, cab, public transit, or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements. Enforcement and education is essential to save lives and reduce injuries on our trails, roadways and waterways.
“Nobody expected this to happen. I think it surprised everybody, including probably the rebels themselves.” Syrian-American journalist Hassan Hassan joins Mehdi Hasan to break down how Aleppo fell to the Syrian opposition — and what happens next. Hassan is the founder and editor-in-chief of New Lines magazine and author of the New York Times bestseller “ISIS: Inside the Army of Terror.” Who are Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading the anti-Assad offensive? Could we see the end of the Bashar al Assad regime? Hassan and Mehdi discuss this complex conflict, and Zeteo (paid) subscribers ask questions. This live town hall Q&A was exclusive to Zeteo’s paid subscribers.
(ORILLIA, ON) – The Central Region of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reminds drivers to slow down, stay alert, and stay in control.
Winter driving conditions can be unpredictable, with icy roads, heavy snowfalls, and reduced visibility creating challenges for drivers.
The snowfall is expected to continue throughout the weekend in central Ontario. Slow down and adjust your driving to the current road and weather conditions and leave extra space between vehicles as stopping distances are more than double on snow or ice-covered roads.
The OPP reminds motorists to ensure they are prepared for any situation by carrying a survival kit in their vehicle. To learn what to include in your survival kit, visit the Ministry of Transportation’s (MTO) Winter Driving page. Recommended items include a shovel, blanket, warm clothes, food, booster cables, flashlight, high energy foods, matches and a candle.
Ensure your cell phone is charged at all times in order to contact emergency services if you experience trouble. If you are in a life-threatening situation, call 9-1-1. Please call the OPP non-emergency number, 1-888-310-1122 for all other matters.
Visit the MTO website for up-to-date information on road conditions and closures at www.511on.ca.
(MIDLAND, ON) – As a result of an ongoing police investigation, members of the OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) from Southern Georgian Bay, Huronia West and Collingwood Detachments of the Ontario Provincial Police executed search warrant at a Dominion Avenue, Midland address and a Flos Road 8 East, Springwater Township address simultaneously at approximately 11:00 a.m. December 5, 2024.
CSCU investigators assisted by uniform OPP officers along with members of the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), OPP Canine (K-9) seized a quantity of a drug like substances believed to be Cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy) Psilocybin (magic mushrooms), 9mm ammunition, Canadian currency along with cell phones and other related drug paraphernalia with an estimated street value in excess of $60,000. (See attached photograph).
A 2017 Infinity automobile was also seized as part of the investigation.
Investigators have arrested and charged the following listed individuals and their charges contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada and the Controlled Drug and Substances Act of which they were all released from custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 16, 2025.
Avery Lawrence DORION 26 years of Midland
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Other Drugs
Possession of a Schedule III substance for the purpose of Trafficking
Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Opioid (other than heroin)
Trafficking in Schedule I substance- Cocaine
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000 – in Canada
Trenton Mel DUFF 25 years of Elmvale
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Other Drugs
Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada
A 36 year old female of Midland
Possession of a Schedule III Substance
Possession of a Schedule III substance for the purpose of Trafficking
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Other Drugs
Investigators are looking to further arrest a Coldwater resident in this ongoing investigation.
Anyone having knowledge of drug or property related investigations is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, [email protected] or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).You can submit your information online at https://www.crimestopperssdm.com/ Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.
Among the many proposed developments across the Southern Georgian Bay area, few carry as much historical significance—or potential—as the redevelopment of Collingwood’s iconic waterfront lands.
The closure of the Collingwood Shipyards in 1986 marked the end of an era for our community. Once a hub for maritime activity, the shipyards were vital to the local economy and a symbol of our industrial heritage. Similarly, the closure of Collingwood Terminals in 1993 brought a halt to the harbor’s bustling activity. The loss of these facilities was deeply felt, but it also opened the door to reimagine this important part of our town.
Collingwood Terminals
For decades, many of us have envisioned transforming Collingwood’s waterfront from an industrial space into a vibrant destination that serves residents and visitors alike. Imagine strolling along the water’s edge, visiting unique shops, dining at restaurants with stunning views, or enjoying a museum that celebrates our rich maritime history. Today, not so much as a cup of coffee are available to enjoy by the waters edge. These ideas represent more than just a facelift. Personally I believe they offer a chance to boost the local economy while creating a vibrant waterfront accessible to everyone.
Why Waterfronts Matter
Waterfronts are inherently magnetic. Whether it’s the calming view, the sound of waves, or the joy of walking along a shoreline, people are drawn to water. Many cities have capitalized on this, transforming their waterfronts into thriving hubs of activity. From Toronto’s Ontario Place to waterfront parks in Vancouver, San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf and Chicago’s Lake Michigan shoreline and others, waterfront developments and amenities have demonstrated their ability to enrich communities and drive economic growth. Prior to entering real estate I travelled extensively on business across Canada and the U.S. As such I have visited many cities and towns that have leveraged and benefitted from their waterfront locations.
Here in Collingwood, however, much of our prime waterfront has thus far been reserved for residential condominiums—many of which are beyond the financial reach of the average consumer. While these developments have contributed to housing supply, they have help drive area home prices higher while limiting limited public access and use of our cherished harbor views.
Hope on the Horizon: Introducing “Terminal Point”
Thankfully, change may be on the way. A proposal has been selected to redevelop the Collingwood Terminals complex, aptly named “Terminal Point.” Acquired by the Town in 1997, this historic property has remained largely dormant—until now.
The proposed plan is a balanced blend of uses:
Residential and Hotel Space: Welcoming residents and visitors alike.
Retail and Dining: Restaurants, shops, and commercial spaces to bring energy and commerce to the area.
Event Spaces: Venues for cultural and community activities.
Public Waterfront Access: Outdoor amenities for walking, swimming, fishing, and more.
Community Engagement and Next Steps
While the proposed design may not be what we would ultimately like, it’s better than doing nothing thus letting this historic structure deteriorate further. Public interest in this project is high, as demonstrated by the packed attendance at a recent meeting at Simcoe Street Theatre. The session focused on the exterior land use surrounding the terminals, with a clear message from the community: this development must prioritize public access and create a welcoming space for everyone.
A second public meeting will be scheduled for January to discuss plans for the terminal building itself. In the meantime, I encourage you to visit the town’s Engage Collingwood website for updates and to participate in the “Public Lands Survey.” Your voice matters in shaping the future of this transformative project.
The developer, Streetcar Developments, has engaged landscape designer DTAH to plan and design the outdoor spaces. With their expertise and community input, “Terminal Point” has the potential to become a cornerstone of Collingwood’s identity—a place where history meets opportunity, and where everyone can enjoy the beauty of our waterfront.
From a business perspective, I personally believe that redeveloping the waterfront will be of great benefit to downtown Collingwood area as well. Once completed, many visitors to “Terminal Point” would also visit the shops and restaurants on Hurontario Street as well. All it would take is some creative, effective marketing and collaboration including the Town, the downtown Business Improvement Association and the Chamber of Commerce to make that happen
Let’s embrace this opportunity to redefine Collingwood’s waterfront for generations to come! For a copy of the Terminal Point brochure with additional information Click Here.
📧 Have questions about this project or its potential impact on real estate? Contact me at [email protected] or 705-443-1037.
NOTE: The author is a Broker, Market Value Appraiser-Residential with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada and a Past President (2008) of the Lakeland’s Association of REALTORS®.
SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY CANADA, COLLINGWOOD
243 Hurontario Street (next to Scotiabank) Collingwood, ON L9Y 2M1
Rick Crouch Direct: 705-443-1037 Office: 705-416-1499
