Back to SearchSchematic design approved for new twin-pad arena and library
Council has approved the updated schematic design for the new twin-pad arena and library. This is a major milestone in the development of the project.
In addition, they have approved the revised distribution of expenses for the project, based on the more refined design, while maintaining the total project budget of $59-million.
As well, council approved an amendment to the contract with the architectural firm for the project, MJMA Architects Ltd., increasing their fee by $168,193, based upon a proportional increase in the construction cost of the project.
The Community Services Section of Coordinated Committee, which met Jan. 14, recommended council grant the above approvals.
Councillor Mark Kinney, chair of the Community Services Section of Coordinated Committee, said that during the Jan. 14 committee meeting the committee received a presentation on the schematic design, including details on the various elements, as well as the related budget.
Council OKs issuing RFP for new waste and recycling receptacles
Council agreed to let a contract lapse with Caring Hands, which provides the silver waste and recycling receptacles around town.
They also approved issuing an RFP for the provision of new receptacles.
Public Works Director Kevin Lalonde noted in a related staff report that the recommendation to release a new RFP is not a reflection of poor performance by Caring Hands, but rather a need to replace the silver bins now at the end of their lifespan.
He said the town has enjoyed a good relationship with Caring Hands over the years.
Report highlights community investments planned for new neighbourhood park off Sunnidale Road
A new park in the Sunnidale Trails subdivision at the south end of town will contain significant community amenities when complete.
Councillor George Watson, chair of the Public Works Section of Coordinated Committee, said committee received a report on the park during its Jan. 14 meeting.
Watson noted the committee also accepted, in principle, the conceptual design for the park, which is part of the Sunnidale Trails Secondary Plan Development.
The secondary plan covers 635 acres in the south end of town, on the east side of Sunnidale Road.
When fully built out, the estimate is the development will include 2,750 new homes, as well as new commercial amenities, a new elementary school, and a new secondary school. The development of the park is in partnership with Pacific Homes, which is developing phase 1, representing 604 homes.
The park area is almost five acres and will include:
- A market area;
- Covered skating rink;
- Children’s play space with swings and structures;
- Mini-soccer field;
- Pickle ball court;
- Space for a splash pad in the future;
- And a trail system.
The report notes the soccer field and related amenities are slated for construction in the summer of 2022, in tandem with a new elementary school, which will be built by the Simcoe County District School Board and slated to open for September 2023.
Playground structures are slated for 2023 and a plaza in 2025.
The market area, rink, pickle ball court, and other amenities are planned for in the fall of 2026.
“This is an exciting development and another sign that Wasaga Beach is indeed moving forward,” Watson said.
Construction value hits $90-million: Report
The December 2020 Building Report notes the town issued 552 permits for the year, including 38 in December.
The Development Services Section of Coordinated Committee received the report for information during its Jan. 14 meeting.
The permits represent a construction value of $90-million for the year.
Permits brought in almost $700,000 in fees for the town in 2020.
The town issued 15 permits for commercial additions and renovations for the year, indicating strong activity in the business sector. These permits reflect work to expand existing businesses and to renovate space for new ventures. Most commercial developments around town are full and many new businesses are opening.
Town continues relationship with South Georgian Bay Tourism for another year
Council approved a $15,000 contribution to South Georgian Bay Tourism so the organization can continue to deliver visitor information services for the community in 2021.
Council also approved a one-time funding contribution to the organization’s Regional Recovery and Resiliency Plan.
Through the plan, South Georgian Bay Tourism is marketing the region to help support the local tourism economy during the pandemic.
Municipal Law Enforcement Department receives nearly 110 calls for service in December
The General Government Section of Coordinated Committee, at its Jan. 14 meeting, received for information the December Municipal Law Enforcement Activities Report.
Deputy Mayor Sylvia Bray, chair of the General Government section, told council the report noted the department received 109 calls for service.
Calls were for such matters as noise, property standards, parking, and animal control.
Town continues to support Blue Flag program and will try the Green Ribbon program, review to follow
Council agreed to continue the town’s participation in the Blue Flag program for another year, while also taking part in, for the first time, the Green Ribbon program.
Council will consider the value of the two programs at the end of the year.
The international Blue Flag program recognizes beaches and other public spaces such as marinas for their implementation of sound safety and environment management programs. Last year in Ontario, there were 22 beaches with the Blue Flag designation.
The town and Ontario Parks entered into an agreement with the Blue Flag program in 2007 and have participated ever since.
The Green Ribbon Program is a similar but more locally focused stewardship program.
Read a related staff report.
Public meeting OK’d for proposed planning amendments related to downtown development
Council authorized staff to hold a public meeting on proposed town-initiated amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw – as they relate to the downtown – and proposed amendments to the Downtown Community Improvement Plan.
Earlier in the term, council directed staff to amend the downtown planning policy framework to add flexibility, support the beachfront redevelopment initiative, and further implement council’s objectives. The proposed amendments will help achieve these goals.
Read the related staff report.
Watch the town’s website at www.wasagabeach.com and our community engagement page at www.letstalkwasagabeach.ca for details on the upcoming public consultation.
Town moving ahead with new development charges
Council received a report on the Development Charge Background Study Update for information and directed staff to prepare a new development charge bylaw.
The bylaw will reflect the new development charge rates, based on the recommended phased-in schedule in Option 3.
In addition, council approved the new non-residential rate of $122.50 per square metre. The new non-residential rate keeps the town competitive with adjacent municipalities.
Town receives more than $200,000 in funding from Ontario government
Council received for information a letter from the province stating the municipality will receive $222,282 in funding through the Gas Tax Program.
The funding will support operation of the town’s transit service.
Province commends town for Seniors Active Living Centre programming
Town council received a letter from Raymond Cho, minister for seniors and accessibility, recognizing the important role of the town’s Seniors Active Living Centre.
“I would like to thank Seniors Active Living Centre operators for their contributions to helping Ontario’s seniors stay socially connected from the safety of their home during these challenging times via virtual and remote programs,” Cho said. “The supports you have put in place help seniors age with dignity and independence.”
Residents can learn more about our Seniors Active Living Centre on the town’s website.
Changes will allow transit users to purchase bus pass online
Council has authorized staff to upgrade the bus pass system so transit users can reload bus passes online.
They will also be able to purchase a new pass online and report a lost or stolen pass.
The new features will be accessible through a portal on the town website at www.wasagabeach.com. Watch our website and social media channels for details about the launch.
The service enhancement is due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The recent closure of the municipal office and other town facilities to the public has made it difficult for transit users to reload their card or obtain a new one.
Riders must currently make an appointment to visit town hall or the RecPlex to purchase a buss pass or renew a pass.
The initial start-up cost for the new online functions is $9,000. The annual hosting fee of $9,250 will start in Year 2.
The online feature is through TransitFare, the system that provides the smart card bus pass already in use by the town, as well as the ‘next stop’ announcement system on all transit vehicles.
The cost of implementing the new online features is recoverable through the province’s COVID-19 relief funding.
Read the related staff report.
Council adopts cannabis retail policy and related bylaw
Members of council approved a cannabis retail policy and related bylaw.
The policy serves as a framework for the town when commenting on store licence applications filed through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
Council has delegated its commenting authority to CAO George Vadeboncoeur or his designate.
The policy identifies sensitive sites in the community, beyond schools, where youth gather. The policy enables council to apply suggested separation distances from identified sensitive sites. The Town cannot, by provincial law, prevent a cannabis store from opening in a location properly zoned for retail uses, but can request the AGCO to consider certain municipal requirements.
Review the related staff report.
Watch our website for a dedicated page about retail cannabis in our community.
You can watch the full council meeting below:
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