Archives September 2021

Oro-Medonte to allow ATVs on some roadways in one-year trial

All-terrain and off-road vehicle users will be able to ride on some Oro-Medonte roadways as part of a one-year trial period.

On July 18, Oro-Medonte council amended a bylaw to allow the vehicles on some roadways in the township for a trial period, beginning Aug. 7.

Residents will be able to ride their vehicles in wards 2, 4, and 5, with the exception of settlement areas, between April 16 and Nov. 14. Under a previous bylaw, riders are also permitted in another area south of Highway 11 from Line 1 to Line 14/15 between Jan. 1 and March 15.

Oro-Medonte resident Allan Baker was vocal in his opposition to the bylaw amendment, presenting a petition of 600 residents who supported the status quo to council.

He said residents have a number of concerns.

“The biggest one obviously is safety,” Baker said.

Enforcing the boundaries of the permitted areas and rules surrounding the bylaw also present a challenge, he said.

He noted there is an ATV/ORV user group who plans to act as a “neighbourhood watch” and help enforce the rules, but he said he doesn’t see what authority they’ll be able to exercise. “Ultimately the enforcement lies with the OPP and they just don’t have the resources.”

Shawn Scott, the Oro-Medonte resident who spearheaded the ATV/ORV proposal to council, said he has at least 50 people who have volunteered to help with enforcement through a program called Safety Through Observation Reporting and Education.

Scott said they can approach people seen not safely obeying the bylaw and educate them.

“If offenses continue to be observed, what those people can do is they can notify myself, or one of the other four people that are going to be the points of contact with the OPP,” he said, adding the OPP Snow-Vehicle, All-Terrain Vehicle, and Vessel Enforcement team has told him they are willing to assist.  

As for why ATV/ORV users want to access the roadways, Scott said it will make it easier for them to access recreational activities and to do other things like snowplowing and wood harvesting.

“It’s not to be a mode of transportation per-se, it’s more to allow us to get to and do certain activities.”

There are no approved trails for the vehicles in the Simcoe County forests in Oro-Medonte, but riders could use the roads to access trails in Severn Township.

Oro-Medonte’s Deputy Mayor Ralph Hough also shared concerns about the bylaw during the July 18 meeting, including liability if someone were to sue over an accident on township roads.

“If somebody sues and names the township, even if we’re found one per cent responsible, we could be liable for 100 per cent of any award,” he said, adding, “They’re not designed for road use.”

Despite the opposition, Scott hopes ATV/ORV users will get a chance to prove themselves responsible road users.

“I’d like the people who oppose this to at least give it an opportunity,” Scott said.

For more information about ATV/ORV use in Oro-Medonte, visit

Penetanguishene residents’ loyalty helping businesses through construction impact

The impact of construction on businesses along Penetanguishene’s Main Street has been softened thanks to the tremendous effort the community has made in shopping locally, according to owners of several shops and restaurants that line the downtown.

“My customers have been very loyal to the business,” said Phil Karpathios, owner of Phil’s Family Restaurant at 48 Main Street. “If your customers aren’t loyal and still coming here to support your business, then (the construction) could impact you even more.”

While the massive reconstruction project has caused some headaches in regards to parking, building accessibility, noise, and resulted in numerous detours, residents are still coming out to support local businesses.

“There were slow days … and some of the clientele that have mobility issues obviously didn’t come out, but a lot of people made an effort to come here,” said Karpathios.

While Karpathios has noticed a drop in sales over the summer months, impact from the complete overhaul of Main Street hasn’t been as painful as he thought.

“I think it went better than expected,” he said. “During this whole time, the (construction) company has done a great job. I have nothing negative to say. There have been a few hiccups, but they have dealt with them and accommodated businesses as much as they can.”

These sentiments were reiterated by several other business owners along Penetanguishene’s main corridor, with many uttering nothing but praise for the work the crews have done.

“The crews have been amazing. They will stop everything they are doing and will direct people and make sure they know where they need to go,” said JoAnn Menard, owner of OMG Men and Women’s Fashions.

Construction crews were paving part of the street directly in front of Menard’s store at 77 Main Street late last week. While the front entrance to her store was difficult to access, she still had a positive outlook on the situation.

“I just keep reminding people that we should be so lucky to get a brand-new street,” said Menard, believing the town is going to be better off in the long run.

The overall Impact from construction is about what she expected, as walk-in traffic has dwindled while crews tear up and rebuild the main street.

“The only difference that I’ve noticed is (the lack of) tourists that would normally be walking the street,” said Menard, estimating she has done 15 to 20 per cent less business than usual.

Like Karpathios, she credits the locals for going over and above to help ensure her business survives the challenges create by the construction.

“Local people are coming in on the regular and they are trying to support local even more because they don’t want us to go out of business. That’s what I have found,” said Menard.

Dianne Bald of Arbour’s Flower Shoppe has had a similar experience throughout the construction with walk-in traffic down and her sales suffering because of it.

“The (lack of) traffic on the Main Street has impacted all businesses. My sales are down from last year,” said Bald. “Flowers are a perishable product and that makes a difference.”

While she has definitely noticed a decline in sales, she credits locals for helping her business stick around through the tough times.

“We do a lot of local business. It is down a bit, but many locals have really gone the extra mile to send flowers or stop in at the shop. They have been supportive, that’s for sure,” said Bald.

The construction workers have also gone the extra mile, according to Bald. Often helping people cross the street and even stopping by to see how they are doing.

Nick Boudouris, owner of World Famous Dock Lunch, completely agrees with the praise.

“I congratulate the Town. I think the contractor is doing a fantastic job,” Boudouris said.

The Dock Lunch dealt with the impacts of construction early in the summer, as the restaurant is situated down at the Town Dock, where construction began.

Although construction shut down Main Street access to the restaurant from April through to the end of June, Boudouris ensured signs were in place and up-to-date routes were known so patrons could make their way to his restaurant and the waterfront.

“When I found out that this was going to happen, I personally reached out and did some different promotions to say that we were still going to be open,” said Boudouris. “We also talked to our staff, explained what was happening and told them how to direct people to come down to the business.”

He understands the realities of the project and believes the end result will be worth it.

“It is something that needs to be done, no matter what, and it is only going to be good for us in the long run,” said Boudouris.


George Cabral — Springwater Township Ward 1

This year marks my 30th year a resident of Springwater. During this time I’ve been very fortunate to enjoy the wonderful lifestyle that the Village of Elmvale, and the surrounding township of Springwater, affords everyone by combining its unique small-town charm with a vibrant rural farming community.

My two children grew up here, attended school here, and continue to maintain close connections here. My spouse and I are proud to live here, and cherish the relationships we’ve built along the way. Over the years I’ve been involved with Scouts Canada, Elmvale figure skating, community fundraisers, and for eight years as director of the Ontario Police Badge Ride, a charity motorcycle event.

I’m a retired police officer, having served more than 30 years, two of them as an instructor at the Ontario Police College. My experience in community service, and building community partnerships, provides me the skills and abilities to unite and engage others to move forward. I pride myself on being fair and open, always looking past road blocks that stop others, in order to achieve consensus and produce solutions.

Since 2008, while under seasonal contract to Springwater, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside very dedicated individuals. This experience has provided me unique insight and understanding into the workings of our township, both inside and out.

I’m grateful to our community for all its provided, and now it’s time to give back. I am seeking the privilege to represent you, to be your voice, to press your concerns and issues on your behalf. I believe it’s critical to keep our rural flavour intact, and even more so given the significant changes coming with more housing, more development and the added strain on our infrastructure. We all work hard for our living, and I will strive to make sure your tax dollars are working hard for you every single day.

Email: [email protected]

Phone:

Website:

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Shawn Leis — Protestant Separate School Board trustee Penetanguishene

My name is Shawn Leis and I have been a resident of Penetanguishene for 23 years. I am a proud father of two Burkevale Protestant Separate School graduates. As a trustee for the past seven years, my primary goal has been to advocate at all levels of the school system — the board, school, staff, parents and students. Having had two sons attend Burkevale for their elementary education, continuing to support this excellent school is a top priority and personal goal. Activities involving children and youth continue to be an extracurricular focus, having recently completed four years on the Penetanguishene Minor Hockey Association board and working as a part-time college instructor.

The attributes I possess, that contribute to fulfilling my role of trustee, include board experience, business acumen and a strong value of a quality education. I have completed board directorship training from DeGroote Business School/Conference Board of Canada and have served on multiple boards, including church stewardship chair and member (10 years) and church vision committee member (one year). As finance chair of the PSSBP, we have moved from an ongoing deficit to five straight years of surpluses (2013-2017), with an additional surplus projected this year.

During my seven-year tenure as a trustee, in addition to holding the finance chair position, I am also a member of the hiring committee and have been the chair of transportation and chair of supervised alternative learning. If elected, priorities will continue to focus on providing the constituents with a balanced budget, while effectively managing our current significant growth patterns.

Being a professional accountant with a master’s degree has led to a successful executive career in manufacturing. Combining my love of education with my business acumen provides a well-rounded professional capable of serving our school’s vision. I want to continue to promote, and celebrate, a school that provides a unique Faith-based education within a tight-knit, family-oriented community.

My contact information is and

Wasaga contractor looks to be a construction leader

Jeffrey Fuhre wants to lead the pack on home renovations.

Fuhre — whose name translated in English is ‘leader’ — launched Packleader Construction in March. His company does commercial and home renovations and additions.

“I wanted to go with Leader Construction, but someone already had it,” he said with a laugh. “I was several months trying to think of a name; every good name I thought of, someone had.

“One night I thought, ‘pack leader.'”

Fuhre said his family has been in the construction and contracting business for decades, so it’s only natural he fell into the trade. 

To learn more visit Packleader’s website: 

Residents voice concerns about townhome, condo proposals for Beeton

were met with major concerns from residents and council at a public meeting held July 11.

Many expressed worries about flooding and traffic.

The meeting was held to discuss three proposals: Oxnard Beeton’s plan to build 116 townhomes on the western boundary of Beeton, Willow Glen’s proposal to construct 59 townhomes south of Mill Street East between Proctor Gate and Turner Drive and the Beeton Station Condominiums, which calls for two, four-storey buildings containing 87 units to built on the west side of Dayfoot Street, south of Danielle Gate.

The Beeton Station project is also slated to include a two-storey club house and a 200-parking space underground parking garage.

Ryan Guetter, the consultant for Oxnard Beeton’s townhome project, said they are well aware of the flooding issues in the community.

He said they have taken steps to ensure the development wouldn’t cause further problems through the use of various controls, including storm water management ponds that release water in a controlled manner. Still,  many residents were skeptical this would be sufficient.

He also said the system is also being modelled for a 100-year-storm event, which occurred last summer.

Guetter was questioned about their plan to replace habitat that will be lost for endangered birds.

They were originally going to use a town-owned property that is already a habitat for the birds, but said they are reviewing this after a resident pointed out this doesn’t actually replace the land.

The owner of Borden Metals, which has operated for 63 years, also spoke to council to request a bigger buffer zone like a park be created between the homes and the business due to the noise the facility generates.

An additional public meeting will be held to allow the developer to respond to the concerns.

The top issue for the Willow Glen proposal was increased traffic on neighbouring side streets, with many residents calling on the developer to add an entrance from Mill Street in addition to the one from Sharpe Crescent.

The Beeton Station project was criticized for bringing too much density to the area, which many fear will cause traffic chaos on local roads, and for the shadows it will cast on neighbouring properties.

The town’s engineering department isn’t supporting the development until the owner can show it won’t adversely impact the infrastructure on Dayfoot Street. The town has also called it premature to begin construction until the street is rebuilt and urbanized.

But the developer argues that it has shown the infrastructure can handle the project, and that the traffic study was reviewed and accepted by the town’s consultant.

Flooding and storm water management was also questioned, but the developer noted the NVCA has confirmed a detailed flood hazard study is not required for the property.

Residents questioned why none of the proposed developments included affordable housing.

But it was noted by the presenters that townhomes are typically more affordable than other types of housing, and that the condo project is aiming to allow younger people and seniors to stay in the community by offering lower priced and smaller sized living spaces ranging between 900 to 1,200 square feet.

Correctional officers assaulted by ‘problematic inmate’ at Penetanguishene jail

Continuous assaults on correctional officers at the Central North Correctional Centre (CNCC) has union officials calling for increased safety measures.

Correctional officers at the Penetanguishene jail were assaulted during two incidents on June 18 and June 19, with one involving a problematic inmate.

“Three correctional officers and a sergeant were kicked and spat at as they were trying to deal with him,” said Richard Dionne, president of OPSEU Local 369.

The incident came days after the same inmate bit a correctional officer and a week after he tried to yank an officer into his cell through an open hatch causing injuries to his hand.

“There is just no end with this inmate,” said Dionne. “Unfortunately, he does have some mental-health issues, which seems to be one of our biggest problems at this point. Every time we are dealing with him he is combative and assaultive.”

There have been six incidents involving this inmate in which correctional officers have been assaulted, including the ones on June 11, 13 and 19.

While the one inmate has caused a lot of the recent problems at CNCC, he isn’t the only one assaulting correctional officers.

On June 18, a female officer was injured while dealing with another combative, non-compliant inmate.

“It didn’t escalate, but there was an issue that required extra response,” said Dionne. “It just seems to be never ending.”

Dionne believes part of the blame should be on the recent legislation changes introduced by the Liberals, which has limited the amount of time an inmate can be kept in segregation.

“Assaults on staff seems to have increased drastically since the Liberals introduced new legislative changes,” said Dionne.

He also believes that there needs to be more of a deterrent for assaulting correctional officers in Ontario, including stiffer minimum sentences.

“I have seen some assaults where charges are pursued by the officers and the inmates get time served or a sentence that is minimal,” said Dionne. “There needs to be more of a deterrent.”

Concerns around segregation limits and a lack of minimum sentences for assaulting a correctional officer are two items OPSEU officials plan to discuss with the new provincial Conservative government.

Southern Georgian Bay OPP opens new office in Port McNicoll

Southern Georgian Bay OPP has opened up a new extended-service office in Port McNicoll.

A small two-desk office has been created inside a large brick building at , just north of the Tay Community Rink.

“The new (office) provides greater efficiencies for the township and its citizens, along with maintaining community engagement through better visibility and increase contact with the community by OPP officers,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Burton.

This office is not a staffed police station and officers will not be there at all times. It will serve a convenient location for officers on patrol in Tay Township to complete reports, make calls and meet with members of the community.

Burton doesn’t want residents in the area to rely on the office always having an officer available. However, if a police cruiser is parked out front, residents are welcome to knock on the door and ask for assistance.

The OPP had been working out of another building in Port McNicoll, but it no longer met their needs. The township helped find them a new location.

“Tay Township is pleased to celebrate the grand opening of this newly relocated extended service office,” said Mayor Scott Warnock. “We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with the OPP.”

Chigamik launches Indigenous perinatal mental-health program in Midland

The Chigamik Community Health Centre has launched a new perinatal mental-health program to serve Indigenous communities in north Simcoe and Muskoka.

Through this program, expectant mothers and their families will have access to mental, emotional and spiritual support including a personalized care plan, counselling, health education and navigation to a number of Indigenous resources at Chigamik and externally.

“Mental illness doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone at any time and it disrupts life not just for mothers, but for the entire family,” said Jodi Blue, Indigenous perinatal mental-health worker at Chigamik. “I look forward to working with local families to provide the support and resources needed for good emotional health of mom, baby and family.”

Unlike some mainstream North American treatment models, the goal of the Indigenous perinatal mental-health program is to promote good mental health based on the medicine wheel. The program encompasses the whole person in mind, body and spirit and focuses on being connected to family, community and nature.

The service will provide help navigating the system, housing support, baby/parenting supplies, counselling, access to a dietician and healthy food, traditional healing ceremonies, primary care, Indigenous doula and midwifery, and support groups.

“The Indigenous perinatal mental-health program is so important in our community because we know Ingenious families in remote areas don’t have access to perinatal services that are culturally relevant to customs and beliefs,” said David Jeffery, executive director of the Chigamik Community Health Centre. “This program will give parents and families across the region access to support when they need it most, which could prevent more serious mental-health issues.”

The Indigenous perinatal mental-health program is free and available to anyone who self-identifies as First nation, Métis or Inuit across north Simcoe Muskoka, on or off reserve.

Services will be offered at the main Chigamik Community Health Centre clinic at in Midland. They will then transition over to the new Chigamik/Waypoint Community Health Hub, which is currently being constructed on Bayshore Drive.

For more information and to book an appointment, please contact Jodi Blue at ,ext. 232.

Collingwood staff recommend tax increases to fund capital projects

Collingwood staff is recommending tax increases in order to fund capital projects over the next several years.

Treasurer Marjory Leonard presented the five-year capital plan at the July 9 Strategic Initiatives Committee meeting.

She recommended an annual one per cent tax increase to fund $309,000 in capital projects.

The plan also calls for a one per cent levy to fund the Waterfront Master Plan.

The town has several large projects it will have to pay for over the next several years, including repairing the terminals ($8 million) and the waterfront plan ($15.4 million).

Leonard said by 2022, water and wastewater reserves will be overdrawn by more than $13 million.

The report was received by council.