Archives September 2021

Collingwood-area home sales rebound in July

Residential sales recorded through the MLS system for the Southern Georgian Bay region totalled 313 units in July 2018. This was little changed from July 2017, rising by just one sale. That said, it was still the first year-over-year increase since March 2017.

On a year-to-date basis, home sales totalled 1,784 units over the first seven months of the year. This was down 26.5 per cent from the same period in 2017.

The Southern Georgian Bay region comprises two distinctive markets.

Home sales in the western region, which includes Wasaga Beach, Clearview Township, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains, the municipality of Meaford, and Grey Highlands, numbered 159 units in July 2018. This was down 4.2 per cent (seven sales) from July 2017.

On a year-to-date basis, home sales in the western region numbered 1,078 units over the first seven months of the year. This was down 24.9 per cent from the same period in 2017.

Meanwhile, home sales in the eastern region, encompassing the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, the townships of Tay and Tiny, Severn, and Georgian Bay townships, numbered 154 units in July 2018. This was up 5.5 per cent (eight sales) from July 2017.

On a year-to-date basis, home sales in the eastern region numbered 706 units over the first seven months of the year. This was down 28.8 per cent from the same period in 2017.

“The standout in the July housing data for the region was sales in the eastern district, which jumped 32 per cent on a seasonally adjusted basis compared to June,” said Matthew Lidbetter, president of the Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS®. “After a slow start to 2018, it was the first real sign that things may be starting to turn the corner. It comes alongside improving sales activity in a number of other markets in and around the GTA.”

There were 514 new residential listings in July 2018. This was little changed on a year-over-year basis, down just 0.2 per cent or just one listing. Still, it was the lowest supply of new listings to hit the market in July since 2002.

Overall supply remains near record lows. Active residential listings numbered 1,190 units at the end of July. This was down 2.9 per cent from the end of July 2017.

Months of inventory numbered 3.8 at the end of July 2018, little changed from the 3.9 months recorded at the end of July 2017 and well below the long-run average of 8.1 months for this time of year. The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.

The dollar value of all residential transactions in July 2018 was $141.5 million, up 6.7 per cent from this time in 2017.

Sales of all property types numbered 350 units in July 2018, down 1.4 per cent (five sales) from July 2017. The total value of all properties sold was $151.2 million, up 4.5 per cent from July 2017.

Rexall founder, former fighter pilot running for Collingwood mayor

Michael Blair believes his business and corporate administration background can be an asset for the Town of Collingwood.

It’s one of the reasons he has decides to run for mayor in the upcoming municipal election.

Blair was born in Moose Factory, Ontario and was a fighter pilot until 1974.

He joined General Electric and rose to senior vice president of corporate development before starting his own company, The Endfield Corporation.

“That company started with one factory in Cobourg that made plastic parts and through acquisition it grew to a billion dollars in assets and 10,000 employees,” he said.

He went on to operate a number of companies, including founding Rexall Drugs in 1991.

Blair has been in Collingwood part-time since 1988 and retired here in 2011. He believes taxes are too high and would be in favour of a tax freeze or a reduction.

He would also like to see the town investigate how to regulate short-term rentals such as Airbnb.

“I have time and I can make a contribution,” he said. “I see with my administrative background, the possibility that I can be of use by advancing the economics of the town.”

 

 

Harry Hughes — Oro-Medonte mayor

Albert Einstein’s words “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile” explains the desire to continue serving the residents of Oro-Medonte as their mayor.

The mayor’s role parallels that of a mechanic using all the tools at hand to find cost effective practical solutions.

I grew up on a farm where neighbours with limited resources, worked together. They overcame challenges through hard work and creative thinking.

These experiences established a solid foundation for the role of mayor.

Similar to having been a school principal, being mayor is mainly about assisting others.

Successes are celebrated as a collective family. This is achieved through active community participation and doing well beyond what is expected.

Extensive involvement in community building through sports resulted in being

recognized as Oro-Medonte Coach of the Year.

I was recognized with a National Award for Innovative Use of Technology.

This distinction resulted by applying the learning from a master’s degree in measurement and evaluation from the University of Toronto with actual experience.

While mayor, our councils have fulfilled every election promise.

Roads have been paved providing tremendous environmental and economic benefits. Our arena has been revitalized. A new school has been announced.

Quality and specialized health care is closer to home. Venturing outside the normal scope of a mayor’s duties by being the first municipality to utilize crowd funding was a novel approach for rescuing the historic African Church.

Yet, Oro-Medonte has retained its tax position in the lower third of all Simcoe County municipalities.

Being deputy warden of Simcoe County, chairing the audit and the governance committees for two multimillion dollar corporations has proven valuable.

The upcoming issues to champion include: more affordable and accessible internet services, even greater attention to road improvements, updating our Official Plan, enabling seniors to downsize and remain in Oro-Medonte, resolving the Airbnb challenges and ensuring community volunteers get more support.

Re-electing an experienced mayor with proven leadership will keep Oro-Medonte on the right course.

Home 705-487-2128, cell 705-229-8896.

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Michael Blair — Collingwood mayor

If elected mayor, Michael Blair will urge town council to take the following steps:

1.    Freeze property taxes for at least five years while studying ways to reduce property taxes. Collingwood enjoys a strong balance sheet and operates at a surplus. It does not make sense to burden Collingwood residents with property taxes beyond the taxes needed to support approved programs. Rising property values have seen a parallel increase in property taxes which risks forcing residents on a fixed income out of their homes needlessly.

2.    Improve cycling safety by providing paved shoulders and cycling lanes where practical as part of the town’s maintenance of its linear assets. Collingwood has an excellent trail system but exposes cyclists to dangerous cycling conditions on many roadways where the lack of a paved shoulder or cycling lane forces cyclists dangerously close to passing traffic.

3.    License and regulate short-terms rentals to alleviate the shortage of rental property facing the town while allowing residents the opportunity to earn additional income from their homes. Collingwood is a vacation destination and the availability of short term rentals such as Airbnb enhances the town as a destination.

4.    Ensure transparency of contracts with the town. Recent reports of potential conflicts of interest by members of the town council and the need for a judicial inquiry in respect of at least one such incident point to the need for greater transparency.  The town can require representations and warranties by all contracting parties that they are aware of no actual or potential conflict of interest and have made full disclosure of all relationships they have with persons involved in town management or town council and their relatives.

5.    Expand inventory of serviced industrial land. Long-term growth of industry in Collingwood is hampered by the limited availability of serviced lands and related infrastructure. Collingwood is an ideal location for knowledge-based industries but is uncompetitive in terms of the availability of serviced land.

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Colin Nelthorpe — Barrie Ward 6

I attended Georgian College for the Mechanical Technician program, and I got my first taste for politics when I ran successfully for vice-president of the Change-Maker’s space, a group that engages students to use technology to develop solutions for manufacturing and the environment.

In this role, I would meet with members of industry and college faculty members to ensure the program stayed relevant and up-to-date.

Currently, I am a CNC machinist at Maclean Engineering, a Barrie success story that builds advanced mining equipment and provides the quality jobs we need more of. When management listens to my feedback, I’m able to save the company thousands, producing better parts more efficiently. Barrie city hall may not be manufacturing mining equipment, but the need for efficient decision-makers who listen to the people doing the actual work is no different. Blue collar workers are the backbone of the city and are some of the hardest workers Barrie has to offer, and that kind of front-line mentality is needed at Barrie city hall.

People point to the Morrow Road re-construction delay and just accept it as “typical government,” but I don’t, and that is why I am running. It is time to elect a different kind of Ward 6 councillor, one who understands that a disconnect between corporate and front-line employees can lead to wasted time and money, like we see at Barrie city hall.

I will be door-knocking up until election day at your door to discuss my plan to achieve this, located on my website at

, and to earn your support.

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Volunteers needed to help removed invasive phragmites from Tay Township shoreline

Volunteers are needed to help fight the invasive species wreaking havoc on the shores of Sturgeon Bay in Tay Township.

Resident Donna Deneault, with the help of Georgian Bay Forever, will be out on Saturday, Aug. 18, removing phragmites from the local shoreline.

Volunteers are needed to assist and get out into the water to cut down the invasive plant and bring it to shore, where it will be properly disposed of.

Phragmites is a tall, fast-growing plant invading ditches and shorelines. It is a nutrient bully that disperses a chemical and chokes out the roots of other plants. The plant takes over shorelines killing other aquatic life and plants.

Tay Township residents are invited to come out on Saturday at 10 a.m. to the west shore at the south end of Robins Point Road.

Bradford opens cooling stations so residents can beat anticipated heat

With scorching temperatures being forecast running up to and including the long weekend, the following municipal facilities will be open this long weekend for the public to have a seat, use water fountains and take relief in the air conditioning.

Since all municipal facilities would otherwise be closed for Canada Day, the town is advising of a special cooling centre scheduled for Sunday, July 1 at the community centre where Canada Day celebrations will also take place from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• DAILY until 9 p.m.: Splash pads at Lion’s Park, Dreamfields Park, Kuzmich Park, Henderson Park (see for details)

• THURSDAY: Bradford West Gwillimbury (BWG) Public Library — 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; BWG Leisure Centre — 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• FRIDAY: Library — 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; leisure centre — 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• SATURDAY: Library — 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; leisure Centre — 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• SUNDAY: a special cooling centre will be held at the Bradford Community Centre at 125 Simcoe Rd. from noon to 10 p.m.

• MONDAY: Leisure centre — 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Dry conditions put Midland farmer’s fruit crop at risk

Don Foster is doing the rain dance.

The owner of Foster’s Family Farm in Midland is at the mercy of Mother Nature and his strawberry crop needs a good soaking.

“It’s very dry. We need a rain,” he said at his farm stand.

U-pick opened June 25 and while there are lots of berries, they’re a good rain away from ripening.

“The crop is good what we have. They are nice berries.”

According to Environment Canada, there has only been 29.6 millimetres of rain this month (until June 25 at its Coldwater/Warminster station).

Last June, the area received 168 mm of rain.

The seasonal average in Midland, according to the Weather Network, is 89 mm.

Foster was actually surprised that berries would be ready before Canada Day because he delayed the planting by a week or two due to the cold spring.

“And yet the strawberries seemed to catch up,” he said.

Due to his crop being on high land, it’s not economically feasible to install irrigation, he said.

But, the strawberry crop is very important to his business.

“It’s the main crop coming on right away,” said Foster.

The Foster Family Farm has been operating for more than 60 years.

The farm grows a wide variety of fruits and vegetables including asparagus, raspberries, corn, tomatoes, peas, beans, potatoes, squash, cucumber, zucchini, cucumbers and onions.

Foster’s also sells cut flowers including gladiolas, sunflowers and dahlias.

For more information, visit the Facebook page: .

Strawberry sauce a fresh and fast treat to make

The fresh taste of summer in the dead of winter – how great is that? Simply prepare this easy strawberry sauce, then come the cold season, thaw and customize with our variations. Of course, it’s perfect for serving over ice cream, yogurt or a simple cake. There’s even a savoury version for pork or chicken.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Makes about 1 cup (250 mL)

2 cups (500 mL) sliced Ontario Strawberries

3 tbsp (45 mL) granulated sugar

2 tbsp (25 mL) water

2 tsp (10 mL) fresh lemon juice

In food processor, purée berries, sugar, water and lemon juice until smooth. Turn into medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is completely dissolved and sauce is slightly translucent, about 3 minutes. Let cool; freeze in airtight container.

For variety, thaw sauce then follow recipes below.

Spice: Stir in 1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each nutmeg and aniseed. Makes 1 cup (250 mL).

Rhubarb Berry: In medium saucepan, combine sauce with 1/3 cup (75 mL) very finely chopped rhubarb; simmer, stirring, just until rhubarb is softened. Stir in 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla, and sugar to taste. Makes 1-1/4 cups (300 mL).

Savoury Compote: Stir in 4 tsp (20 mL) balsamic vinegar, 1 smashed garlic clove, 1 tbsp (15 mL) finely grated ginger root, and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and hot pepper flakes. Remove garlic. Best served warm or at room temperature over chicken or pork. Makes 1 cup (250 mL).

Orange Rosewater: Stir in 2 tsp (10 mL) each rosewater and finely grated orange rind. Makes 1 cup (250 mL).

Recipe courtesy of Foodland Ontario

Paul Whiteside — New Tecumseth deputy mayor

I, J.J. Paul Whiteside, am running for the office of deputy mayor in New Tecumseth as I have the required knowledge and experience to provide fiscally responsible representation at both the town and Simcoe County levels.

Being retired, I have the time to continue to listen to the concerns and suggestions of residents and businesses. I am a lifetime resident of Alliston and have served the community in many aspects including 17 years on the SMH Board (past president). I am a retired professional accountant (FCPA, FCMA) having several years of related experience in the accounting and municipal fields. In 2009, I retired after 28 years as the town’s chief financial officer/treasurer. I have served eight years as Ward 3 councillor and in 2018 served as the alternate Simcoe County councillor. During my term as councillor, I have served on the following committees: library board, physician recruitment committee, property standards/canine control committee, Alliston Memorial Arena Task Force, OSUM conference committee and New Tecumseth Improvement Society.

As deputy mayor, I will make the full-time commitment to serve and work with the residents of New Tecumseth to make the town a better place. I am a global thinker and consensus builder who is perceptive to the ideas of others and will work in the best interest of our town. I am an experienced leader who is accountable and transparent and will provide financial and business acumen.

My priorities include: Negotiating a new Collingwood water agreement; ensuring tax and utility rates remain reasonable; managing implications of rapid growth; public transit and traffic concerns; water pipeline to Tottenham; Beeton drainage issues.

It is imperative that council work jointly with other municipalities, our MPP and MP on the important issues.

On Oct. 22, elect J.J. Paul Whiteside deputy mayor for “leadership you can trust.”

Feel free to contact me by phone or email . Also visit my website: or Facebook page:

Sanitation truck catches fire on Hwy. 400 in Barrie

Your morning commute may have gone into the sewer Tuesday morning, thanks to a vehicle fire on Highway 400.

Around 9 a.m. on Aug. 7, emergency crews responded to a truck fire on the northbound 400, just south of the Mapleview Drive exit, in Barrie. A K. Winter sanitation truck caught fire on the shoulder of the 400, forcing the right and middle lanes to close.

Thick black smoke could be seen billowing for kilometres, and the heat from the fire could be felt by drivers as they passed by in the left lane.

Check Simcoe.com for more on this developing story as information becomes available.