Wasaga Beach Council Highlights - Dec. 21, 2021

Council approves 2022 budget

Members of Wasaga Beach Town Council approved the municipality’s budget for 2022.

“This budget allows us to ensure the continued delivery of valued public services to families and businesses in Wasaga Beach,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said. “The budget will also allow us to make important new investments in infrastructure and programs, helping move our community forward, ensuring our long-term viability as a great place to live, visit, and invest.”

For 2022, the operating budget is $44-million and the capital budget is $57-million. 

Taxes will support nearly $28.5-milion in the budget with the balance coming from reserves, fees, grants, and other revenues.

The tax rate for the municipal portion of taxes is 2.97 percent.

The blended tax rate – when the county and school board rates are considered – is 2.25 percent.

Wasaga Beach continues to have one of the lower tax rates in contrast to its municipal comparators in the region, while delivering a similar set of programs and services.

For a home in Wasaga Beach assessed at $450,000 in 2022, the municipal portion of taxes will increase by $77.16. The total property tax increase – factoring in the county rates and school board rates – will be $101.78, an additional $8.48 each month.

Learn about 2022 budget investments.

Ombudsman clears town over complaint about ground-breaking event

Council received a letter from the provincial ombudsman, stating the town did not violate the Municipal Act when it held a ground-breaking for the twin-pad arena and library project in September.

The office received a complaint that in holding the ground-breaking the town held a meeting contrary to the rules of the Municipal Act. The ombudsman does not disclose who filed the complaint. 

“Council for the Town of Wasaga Beach did not contravene the open meeting requirements on September 22, 2021 during the ground-breaking ceremony,” wrote ombudsman Paul Dube in his letter. “I would like to thank the Town of Wasaga Beach for its cooperation during my review.”

Review the ombudsman’s letter.

2-1-1 presentation

Representatives from 2-1-1 provided an overview of the organization’s services during a presentation to Coordinated Committee on Dec. 16.

Councillor Mark Kinney, chair of the Community Services Section of Committee, shared details about the presentation with members of council.

He said 2-1-1 is a non-emergency helpline that provides information about social services, community organizations, health programs, and government programs.

Learn more about 2-1-1.

Bookmobile helps with outreach

The Wasaga Beach Public Library’s new bookmobile had a great first year.

Coordinated Committee, at its Dec. 16 meeting, received a report on the bookmobile’s activities for 2021.

Councillor Mark Kinney, chair of the Community Services Section of Committee, advised council that the bookmobile visited more than a dozen locations over the year.

The bookmobile provided access to more than 1,000 items in the library collection, including books, magazines, DVDs, games, and tablets.

Read the related staff report.

Expansion OK’d for paramedic station parking lot

Town council authorized staff to work with County of Simcoe staff to expand the parking lot at the county’s paramedic station on Oxbow Park Road.

The town owns the building and land, leasing the property to the county.

The county will fund the expansion, which once complete will allow needed parking space for staff.

Read the related staff report.

Council approves Fun Run for June 2022

Council approved the Wasaga Beach Cruisers Fun Run for June 24 and 25, 2022.

For the event, council also authorized use of the grassy area between the soccer pitches, driving range, and baseball diamonds at the Wasaga Sports Park.

In addition, council approved using $2,500 to sponsor the event. The funding will assist in enhancing live entertainment.

As well, council authorized in-kind use of a town stage for the event.

Read the related staff report.

Capital works report highlights a variety of projects

Coordinated Committee received the monthly Capital Works Project Status Report for information at its Dec. 16 meeting.

Councillor George Watson, chair of the Public Works section of committee, told council the report outlines the status of several infrastructure projects throughout the community.

Watson said that in November work continued on a number of projects, including the Shore Lane Drainage Improvements project and preparing River Road West for further widening.

The report also highlights the planning work that is taking place for several initiatives.

See the report to learn more.

Transit ridership remains strong

Transit use remains strong in Wasaga Beach.

Councillor George Watson, chair of the Public Works Section of Coordinated Committee, said that in November people took 5,202 rides on Wasaga Beach Transit, compared to 4,285 rides the same period a year ago.

See the monthly ridership report.

Council adopts official plan amendment

Council adopted Official Plan Amendment Number 57 to streamline the planning approvals process by removing the minimum 20-day notice period before “Holding Zone” designations can be lifted on properties.

The change brings the town’s Official Plan into conformity with provincial regulations and planning practices throughout Ontario, and allows projects to move ahead quicker when developers have met all their conditions.

Read the related staff report.

50-unit condominium project can proceed once requirements met

Council received a staff report for information regarding the removal of the Holding Symbol from lands at 80 River Rd. E.

The town will remove the hold once the owner, Dreamwood Developments Inc., enters into a site plan agreement and meets other related requirements.

Removing the Holding Symbol will allow the town to issue a building permit for a four-storey, 50-unit condominium project with a one-level underground parking structure.

Read the related staff report to learn more.

Building activity remains strong in Wasaga Beach: report

The town issued 18 building permits in November for construction valued at $20-million.

Councillor David Foster, chair of the Development Services Section of Coordinated Committee, shared the information with council

The information was part of the November Building Department Activity Report, which committee received for information on Dec. 16.

Read the report here.

Municipal Law Enforcement Report

The Municipal Law Enforcement Report for November states bylaw officers responded to 174 calls-for-service during the month.

These calls related to a number of issues, including property standards, parking, noise, animal control, as well as business licensing.

Read the full report.

Investments made in Wasaga Beach Cemetery

The Wasaga Beach Cemetery Year-End Report highlights improvements made at the site in 2021.

Road improvements mean the cemetery road system is now complete.

For the year, the town sold 19 plots and 14 niches; 46 interments occurred.

In the spring of 2022, the town will plant more than 20 trees to improve aesthetics at the site, located at 610 Sunnidale Rd. S., at the corner of Orchard Drive.  

Read the related staff report.

Learn more about the Wasaga Beach Cemetery.

Town hiring energy consultant

Council approved using $22,000 to hire a consultant to prepare an energy management plan for the municipality.

The plan will include an energy audit of facilities, plus the creation of a conservation and demand management plan to meet regulatory requirements, and an energy action plan, which will outline the results of the audit and provide project recommendations.

The intent of the work is to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions as part of the Town’s actions to address climate change.

See the staff report to learn more.

Municipal Law Enforcement offices set for renovation

Council awarded a contract to renovate the Municipal Law Enforcement Department offices at town hall to Mighton Construction at a cost of $98,600, plus HST.

Council also approved an unbudgeted cost of $38,600, funded from the town’s COVID-19 grant reserve.

The renovations will allow for better physical distancing in the space and improved air quality.

The town used an RFQ process to select the firm, subject to the municipality’s purchasing policy.

The additional funding is required to cover rising material costs.

Read the related staff report.

Update on Slate negotiations

Mayor Nina Bifolchi advised council that at the Dec. 14 Committee of the Whole meeting members of council received an in-camera update on the purchase and sale negotiations for town-owned land at the beachfront.

Negotiations continue with Slate Asset Management, the firm council identified earlier this year as the preferred developer for the lands.

COVID-19 Restrictions

The Town continues to follow provincial and health unit guidance in the delivery of municipal services.  Capacity limits have been implemented across the Town’s indoor facilities and staff and visitors are being encouraged to follow public safety protocols, including wearing masks in all public places.

The Oakview Woods outdoor rink will operate with a capacity limit of 40 people.

Watch the meeting: