The Town of Collingwood is committed to providing all people with consistent opportunity and access to all Town goods, services, and facilities while ensuring that policies, procedures, and practices are provided promptly and address integration, independence, dignity, and equal opportunity.
The Town recognizes that accessibility is essential to build on our unique profile as a major tourist destination, a retirement community, and a community that attracts businesses.
To ensure the needs of residents who require accessible transportation are met, in addition to our accessible buses, the Town offers Transit PLUS taxi service, with a more customized door-to-door transportation solution. Transit PLUS provides accessible transit service for residents of Wasaga Beach, Clearview, and Collingwood. Pre-registration is required by contacting Landmark Bus at 705-446-1196 or [email protected].
The Town wants to hear from current and potential Transit PLUS users and is consulting with the Accessibility Advisory Committee to learn about the potential options residents are interested in.
Please visit the project page at engage.collingwood.ca/accessible-taxi to take a brief survey. Printed copies are also available at Town Hall, 97 Hurontario Street.
The deadline for survey submissions is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024.
Midhurst/September 26, 2024 – The County of Simcoe has partnered with CONTACT Community Services, with support from the South Georgian Bay Community Health Clinic, to operate and manage programs at the County’s Supportive Rapid Re-Housing Program (SRRP) temporary facility in Collingwood. Earlier this summer, the County of Simcoe worked closely with The Common Roof and the Town of Collingwood to bring this new program to the town to help address system-wide housing needs.
The County has secured a contract with CONTACT Community Services, with support from the South Georgian Bay Community Health Clinic, to provide comprehensive, 24/7 on-site services, staffed with trained professionals. This SRRP will begin welcoming its first residents this fall. Full operating details will be posted to simcoe.ca/SRRP.
Quotes
“We want to thank all our partners who have joined together to build up housing options in the Collingwood area for seniors who find themselves living unhoused. With support from CONTACT Community Services and the South Georgian Bay Community Health Clinic, we know that many seniors in our community will have a fresh start on life. A start that gives people the specific support they need to thrive within their community.”
~Warden Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe, County of Simcoe
“We are so pleased that the County of Simcoe has moved forward and selected CONTACT Community Services to operate the SRRP facility in Collingwood. This facility will support seniors (55+) experiencing situational homelessness and assist them in securing long-term housing. Thank you to the County of Simcoe, The Common Roof, and CONTACT Community Services for working together to bring this much-needed initiative to our community.”
~Mayor Yvonne Hamlin, Town of Collingwood
“CONTACT Community Services is thrilled to be able to deliver this much-needed service to seniors in need. Collingwood is an incredible community, and we are keen to build out the collaborative foundation with the Town and South Georgian Bay Community Health Clinic to ensure the program is successful.”
~ Jennifer Lloyd, Board Chair, CONTACT Community Services
“Being a part of this program proposal was one of the most memorable experiences. Over the last decade, we have witnessed a significant rise in seniors experiencing homelessness. Knowing that this supportive housing model will be available is an integral part of the overall regional effort to address homelessness in our communities and CONTACT is poised to continue our person-centered and community-driven model to help address this need.”
~ Emily McIntosh, former Executive Director, CONTACT Community Services
“CONTACT Community Services is known in South Simcoe for quality seniors programming. Offering this supportive housing service in Collingwood is a natural extension of what the organization does so well. Seniors are the heart and history of our communities. Working with partners such as Community Connection, the SGBCHC, and other service delivery providers such as Elizabeth Fry, is an incredible example of what is accomplished when community comes together. We are excited to launch the program and to work with residents to ensure its tenants are appropriately supported.”
~ Brenda Pufek, Acting Executive Director, CONTACT Community Services
“We are excited to welcome CONTACT to our Collingwood Common Roof and Rotary Hub location as the service provider for the SRRP. One of the goals of The Common Roof, and our shared service approach, is innovation through collaboration, which is being demonstrated through this partnership to support a community need.”
~ James Thomson, President and CEO, The Common Roof
About the Supportive Rapid Re-Housing Program (SRRP) in Collingwood
Supporting vulnerable individuals in our community
The County of Simcoe and the Town of Collingwood are committed to expanding support for and availability of supportive housing in the area. Through the County, this expanded system provides capacity to better transition individuals who have been identified as situationally homeless into permanent housing while alleviating pressures on regional shelter systems. This strategy is one of the pillars within the County’s 10-Point Homelessness Prevention Strategy.
Affordable Housing has been a key priority for Collingwood Council and staff for many years. The Town recently completed an Affordable Housing Master Plan (AHMP) in November 2023, which provided the Town a set of 26 recommendations for tackling the housing issue. The Town is committed to collaborating with other levels of government to facilitate affordable housing initiatives that bring much-needed housing to our community.
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.
About The Town of Collingwood
The Town of Collingwood is a progressive community located in the heart of a four-season recreation area on the southern shore of Georgian Bay. The area is well known for its many natural amenities and its rich heritage. Collingwood is a destination for tourism and many business, sporting, and cultural events Collingwood acts as a gateway to the South Georgian Bay region, with stunning landscapes that encourage an active lifestyle, and inspire the local arts and culture community. Downtown Collingwood might just surprise you with 30 plus restaurants, 60 plus boutique shops, spas for relaxing, and live music for grooving…all in the only downtown core recognized by Canada’s Registrar of Historic Places! More recently, the harbourfront area is emerging as an extension of the downtown district. Plans for expanding the amenities and events in the harbourfront area promise to make this a much more prominent tourism destination.
About CONTACT Community Services
For more than 40 years, CONTACT Community Services has proudly served the communities of South Simcoe. CONTACT Community Services is a proactive leader in South Simcoe providing responsive services in housing, employment, and community support. CONTACT remains an active, innovative, and responsive community leader. Today, they have a community office in Alliston, an employment office (with housing support) in Bradford, and community thrift stores in two locations.
About The Common Roof The Common Roof seeks to lead in the development and empowerment of strong, compassionate social communities through innovative shared services. We are a community-based social enterprise providing sustainable and professional workspace for human-service not-for-profit agencies. At its core, The Common Roof seeks to inspire and empower change in the following areas:
Encourage organizations to operate efficiently and effectively.
Mobilize community support to meet local community identified needs.
Develop and manage philanthropic investment.
The Common Roof is a registered charitable organization based in Simcoe County.
Together, we are building inclusive, healthy communities for children, youth, and their families. To learn more about The Common Roof, to donate, or get involved please visit www.thecommonroof.ca, follow us on social media Twitter and Facebook or sign up for The Common Roof Newsletter.
Collingwood, ON [25 January 2024] – The Town of Collingwood and New Tecumseth are excited to share that earlier today, Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey announced that the Ontario government is investing $69,999,999.58 into the Town of Collingwood’s water treatment plant expansion to enable the construction of new homes in Collingwood and the Town of New Tecumseth as part of the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund. Both municipalities extend our sincere thanks to the province for critical funding, which will be instrumental in supporting the success of this significant project.
The Water Treatment Plant Expansion Project Tender with the lowest bidder Kenaidan Contracting Ltd (“Kenaidan”) is estimated to be in the range of $270M.
“I am proud to announce that we have secured a provincial grant of $70 million dollars towards our water treatment plant expansion. This project is the largest investment in Collingwood and New Tecumseth’s history and tremendous effort has gone into reaching this point,” says Mayor Yvonne Hamlin. “Numerous meetings and discussions which I have been honoured to arrange and attend with the Premier, Minister Calandra, and the provincial Budget Committee, amongst many others, have yielded results for which we are so thankful. I very much look forward to continuing to work with the Province to achieve our joint goals to enhance our community.”
Staff continue investigating all options to finance this project, including contributions from the federal government. We are also developing an advocacy strategy for the upper tiers of government and have an appreciation for the continued support we are receiving from our development community in our efforts. We are committed to finding a solution that gets the plant built, quickly, and without subjecting our communities to financial hardship.
“The Province of Ontario’s significant commitment and investment in the Towns of New Tecumseth and Collingwood is remarkable. We have worked together tirelessly to develop partnerships and solutions for funding assistance, and we are grateful for the province’s support that ensures we have the services and water needed to continue to prosper today and into the future,” says Mayor Richard Norcross, New Tecumseth.
New Tecumseth and Collingwood are committed to continuing to work collaboratively to ensure the water needs of our respective growing communities are successfully met. This is an example of how the provincial government and our municipalities have worked proactively to provide the infrastructure and planning, so businesses and people can thrive in our communities.
“This is a transformational investment in a generational project that will build sustainable and resilient communities in Simcoe Grey,” said MPP Brian Saunderson. “By partnering with the Towns of Collingwood and New Tecumseth, the Government of Ontario is making sure that the proper linear infrastructure is in place to support responsible growth that includes much-needed housing, schools, hospitals, and businesses.”
Background
September 12th, 2023, Collingwood Mayor, Yvonne Hamlin and Richard Norcross, Mayor, of New Tecumseth issued a Joint Statement which announced that 3 bids were received from the pre-qualified contractors for the Raymond A. Barker Water Treatment Plant Expansion project.
The unofficial low bid was $212M for construction alone. The total project costs are now estimated to be in the range of $270M, and the timeline to complete the project has also been extended by about two years longer than originally projected. Construction of the expansion has begun and the current schedule for commissioning of the 59,000 m3/d is July 2029, with work continuing at the WTP site until 2031.
This project is an essential and urgent project for Collingwood, New Tecumseth, and the surrounding area, as it can supply significant additional drinking water to the existing 60km pipeline southerly from Collingwood, and westerly to the Town of the Blue Mountains. Without this plant expansion, we will have limited ability to collaborate with our municipal partners to build new homes, meet provincial housing targets, and continue to support commercial and industrial expansions.
Under the Collingwood and New Tecumseth collaborative agreement, grant funding will be used to reduce the overall costs, with the remaining costs shared proportionally to the water taken from the new plant, at 37% for Collingwood and 63% for New Tecumseth. For more information about the project, please visit engage.collingwood.ca/water-treatment-plant-expansion
Midhurst/September 25, 2024 – With the support of the Province of Ontario, the County of Simcoe is improving emergency medical response to communities across the region. This fall, the County of Simcoe Paramedic Services will join services throughout the province in implementing the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS).
MPDS is an internationally recognized medical call triage and decision support tool that improves the dispatching of paramedics to patients in life-threatening situations, such as a cardiac arrest, unconsciousness or choking.
When calling 9-1-1 to request emergency medical assistance, callers should expect to be asked more detailed questions than in the past. These questions will help dispatchers gather vital information regarding a patient’s condition so that they can assess the situation, determine the nature and urgency of the emergency, and assign the priority level and type of response required.
Patients with non-life-threatening needs may receive a delayed response from paramedics as a result, however dispatchers will remain in contact with callers, ensuring they remain stable and are able to safely wait until paramedics can respond to their needs. A delayed response would only occur if all available paramedics are tasked with more urgent emergencies.
The new system will become active in November 2024. Full details on the MPDS system and what it means for callers of 9-1-1 can be found at simcoe.ca/mpds.
About County of Simcoe 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.
It’s hard for me to imagine what life must be like for young people today. Once again, they took to the streets this month — along with older allies — to call for action on the climate crisis. Yet, here in Canada and elsewhere, politicians are campaigning on whether or not to maintain effective climate policies such as carbon pricing. We need more policies and regulations to address global heating, not fewer!
It’s heartbreaking to see this critical issue being politicized and polarized, to see how little some politicians care for the children and grandchildren and those yet to be born — or for the planet and its life-support systems. Appallingly, some appear to have no understanding of the crisis or deny that it’s even occurring. It’s especially sad when so many solutions are at hand. Whether it’s out of ignorance or avarice, backtracking on necessary climate policies hurts everyone.
The argument that we should elevate the human-invented economy over the natural systems that keep us alive and healthy didn’t hold much water to begin with, but now we’re seeing clearly that they’re interconnected. The climate crisis is costing us more every day.
Longer periods of intense wildfires, fuelled by drier forests and hotter weather; droughts affecting agriculture and food costs; increasing numbers of migrants leaving inhospitable areas; insurance rates spiking as climate-related disasters increase; rising sea levels swallowing homes and flooding coastal areas; pollution affecting health and causing death — all come with steep and increasing costs.
Renewable energy with energy storage — wind, solar, geothermal and more — are now far more cost-effective than fossil fuels, and prices are quickly dropping. And although no energy source is without problems, renewable energy doesn’t cause nearly as much damage to land, water, air and human health as coal, gas and oil.
A just transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy (along with greater efficiency and reduced energy use) creates good jobs, spurs innovation, moves us away from boom-and-bust resource economies and gives everyone greater independence from greedy oil and gas profiteers and their politician puppets.
There is no valid economic argument against getting off fossil fuels. That said, the economy shouldn’t even be a factor. Those who study climate disruption and its many impacts have been warning for decades that pumping more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and destroying carbon sinks and natural systems will push us closer to tipping points and planetary boundaries beyond which the hope of resolving the crisis dwindles.
The potent greenhouse gas carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for hundreds or thousands of years, so even if we stopped burning fossil fuels today, the planet would continue to heat. But we can slow and eventually reverse the heating by heeding the warnings and ending our addiction to the fuel creating the crisis.
With so many important issues to contend with — housing, health care, affordability and inflation, pollution, overpopulation, crime, violence and war — focusing election campaigns on whether or not to maintain effective climate policies is insane. Our children, many too young to vote, deserve better. We all deserve better.
Much of the problem is that we’re still living under an outdated consumerist economic system that prioritizes profit and encourages greed and waste. It’s a system that was designed when “resources” or “natural capital” seemed abundant and built capital scarce. That’s no longer the case. In shifting to cleaner energy sources and creating greater equity by removing the ability to hoard energy wealth while so many suffer, we must also rethink our economic systems.
Elections should be about things that matter to people, including those too young to vote. They shouldn’t be about scoring points through fear-mongering and propaganda in the service of a dying industry that threatens our health and survival.
I’m a grandfather nearing the end of my life, but I worry that greed, cowardice and ignorance will make life worse for those with lives ahead of them.
Young people are speaking up because their future is on the line. Do they matter to us or not?
David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington.
Collingwood, ON [24 September, 2024] – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed on September 30, a day to reflect on the painful and lasting impacts of the residential school system and to honour the survivors, their families and communities. Reconciliation means acknowledging the truth of our shared history. Take this time to learn more.
Ways Community Members can honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
Flag Raising Event Date: Friday, September 27th Time: 4:00 p.m. Location: Community Flag Pole, Collingwood Public Library, 55 Ste. Marie Street
Join us as we raise the Every Child Matters Flag to commemorate the tragic history of the residential school system and honor the innocent lives taken and the intergenerational survivors. Attendees are invited to add a feather of intention to the Every Child Matters artwork created by CCI students in 2023, reflecting on individual actions that can strengthen relationships and pave the way towards reconciliation.
Poetry Installation Starting: Monday, September 30th Location: Harbourview Park
Explore a new poetry installation by Collingwood Poet Laureate Jillian Morris, featuring the poem “Spare a Moment.” This installation can be found along the trail through the forest, just west of the Awen’ Gathering Circle. A dedicated Truth & Reconciliation sign will be positioned at the entrance to the snowshoe trail. We encourage visitors to take a moment to reflect and engage with the poem as they walk the trail.
Wear Orange on September 30th In honor of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, we invite all community members to wear orange on Monday, September 30th. Every Child Matters buttons will be available at Town Hall, while supplies last, starting Monday, September 23rd during regular business hours.
Orange Feathers in the Community To further commemorate National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, orange feathers will be mounted to the light standards downtown. Each feather will feature a QR code that links to resources available on the Awen’ Gathering Place webpage.
Together, let’s reflect on the truths of our shared history and work towards a reconciled future for all.
*The Town Hall & Municipal Offices, the Collingwood Museum and Collingwood Public Library will be closed on September 30th in recognition of this important day. Transit will operate as scheduled.
Gather your friends & join us for our Trivia Night FUNdraiser!
Test your knowledge, enjoy great company, & support a great cause. Our silent auction features exclusive items: consumable treats, memorable experiences & handmade items from local artisans!
Friday, October 4th, 2024 – Side Launch Brewing Co.
$35 per person (incl. drink ticket + snacks)
Trivia
Trivia starts at 8:00 pm and ends at 10:00 pm
Teams should consist of at least 2 people
There will be 7 rounds of trivia
Food & Drink
Your ticket includes one alcoholic beverage ticket & yummy eats
Additional drink tickets can be purchased for:
Alcohol ticket $8.50
Beverage ticket $3.00
Silent Auction
Our silent auction will include exclusive items: consumable treats, memorable experiences & handmade items from local artisans!
The busiest segment of the US-Canada border is set to open a brand new major crossing: The Gordie Howe International Bridge!
Once completed, it will connect the city of Detroit in Michigan to Windsor, Ontario, providing uninterrupted traffic flow between Canada and the US. For more skyscraper & megaproject content make sure to subscribe to MegaBuilds!
Up to five people to be inducted during spring ceremony
September 20, 2024, Mississauga, ON – …. The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) Hall of Fame is welcoming nominations for its second class of inductees, the league announced today. Nominations will be welcome every year from September until the end of November.
Nominees’ names can be put forth by using a nomination form available by going to www.ojhlhalloffame.ca.
Nominees can be inducted from the Original Era and other leagues or the Modern Era. A special category consists of the Central Junior B Hockey League (CJBHL) 1954 – 1993 where hockey franchises that have a lineage to current OJHL franchises will be eligible for an OJHL HOF Award of Distinction.
The OJHL Hall of Fame has three categories consisting of Player, Builder and Award of Distinction, which can be a Player, Coach, Builder, member of the Media, Trainer, Athletic Therapist or Volunteer. Nominees can come from three distinct areas that include the Original Era and other Leagues, Modern Era or have played in the Central Jr. B Hockey League in which teams have a lineage to the current members of the OJHL.
The virtual hall was officially opened last May with the induction of Bob Hooper, Josh Soares and former NHLers Paul Coffey, Steve Thomas and Adam Oates.
“We are extremely proud to offer to the public a nomination process for qualified players and builders who participated in OJHL both past and present,” said OJHL Commissioner Marty Savoy. “I encourage anyone who believes an athlete, coach, builder is worthy of the OJHL Hall of Fame to submit a nomination for our selection committee to review.”
The OJHL Hall of Fame was established to honour and preserve the history of the great athletes and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development and advancement of the OJHL and who have performed with highest distinction in the OJHL and beyond.
The OJHL Hall of Fame highlights the history of Provincial Junior A Hockey in Ontario and all the pioneer leagues that built the OJHL into what the 24-team league is today.
The OJHL Hall of Fame website features information about the inductees, history of the leagues, league historical records, including the listing of all-time leaders in statistical categories and award winners and the history of OJHL champions.
About the OJHL –“ League of Choice”
The Ontario Junior Hockey League is the largest Junior ‘A’ league operating under the auspices of the Canadian Junior Hockey League with 24 member clubs. A proud member of the CJHL and Ontario Hockey Association, the OJHL was originally named the Ontario Provincial Junior ‘A’ Hockey League and it was formed out of the Central Junior ‘B’ Hockey League in 1993-94. With a long and storied history of developing players for the next level, including U SPORTS, the NCAA, CHL, minor pro ranks and the NHL, the OJHL had more than 45 NCAA Division I scholarship commitments last season.
For more information on the Ontario Junior Hockey League, please visit www.ojhl.ca
#RENTED – Experience the charm of this authentic 140-year-old hand-hewn log home which is ski in/ski out to Blue Mountain.
Thoughtful details throughout the home enhance its character, including a fieldstone fireplace, wide plank flooring, antique doors and windows, and a working Jewett-Buffalo Oak fridge. Alongside these timeless touches, modern conveniences have been seamlessly integrated, such as lower level radiant heat, a Jenn-air stove/oven and Miele dishwasher. Step into the breathtaking double-height living room, featuring a wood-burning fireplace for morning coffee and an apres ski glass of wine. The open concept kitchen and dining room flow into the wrap-around deck with views of Georgian Bay. After a day of skiing or exploring the surrounding trails, unwind in the hot tub. The main home has two bedrooms and two full baths, while the guest cabin provides an additional two bedrooms and a bathroom, offering ample space for family and friends to share in the experience.
Brokerage Remarks: Roof, Windows (Double Hung Pella), Navion Tankless Combo (domestic water and In-Floor Heating), hot tub, parking for 4 cars, available Dec 15 to April 30. $29,995 Season
