Archives 2021

Collingwood-area task force has ideas for affordable housing

The Tourism Labour Supply Task Force is proposing two projects they believe will lead to more attainable housing for South Georgian Bay.

In a recent presentation to Town of The Blue Mountains council, the task force presented options about housing projects that could work as public-private partnerships.

Andrew Siegwart, president of the Blue Mountain Village Association, has been leading the task force, which includes representatives from municipalities and business leaders in the community.

“The tourism industry is very proud to have led this initiative,” he said. “We anticipate this work will serve as a catalyst for a broader strategy.”

The task force said there is a labour shortage in the community and the lack of affordable housing is one of the factors of the shortage.

The group hired Mark Conway of NBLC Consulting to do a study on the needs of the region and potential solutions.

Conway said housing issues are prominent in resort communities, but South Georgian Bay is unique. He said the housing market is largely being driven by retirees moving to the community.

“It’s not driven completely by the resort community,” he said.

Conway said while average wages have increased about 14 per cent in the last six years while house prices have jumped 58 per cent.

He said the report gathered information from 519 respondents, 70 per cent working in the tourism industry and 50 per cent paying more than $1,500 a month in housing costs.

About 33 per cent had incomes below $45,000 and 60 per cent said affordability is a barrier to living in the area permanently

Conway said 91 per cent indicated finding housing was a challenge and 71 per cent indicated improved transit would give them more choice.

“You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to realize it’s getting tougher and tougher for people to purchase and rent a home,” he said.

Conway recommended that a public-private partnership is the best way to build housing that’s affordable.

He presented the option of dormitory style housing, which would target the entry-level workforce. Conway said it would be a partnership between employers, the municipality and a developer.

He said the plan would see the employer guarantee rental of a certain number of units. He estimates rents would cost anywhere from $550-$650 per month depending if development charges were waived.

He said this is a popular option with college and university students who want to live off campus.

“Developers have figured out there is a market to provide very small units,” he said. “We think that very same model could be applied to employee housing.”

Conway also recommended an ownership apartment complex, which would see the municipality or the county offer second mortgages to residents thus reducing the down payment requirements.

He also suggested a tiny home park, which would require municipal approvals and there were some questions whether smaller homes would work in the climate of South Georgian Bay.

 

Penetanguishene to commission downtown art project

The Town of Penetanguishene will be directing part of a $43,000 grant to brighten up the downtown.

At the request of Deputy Mayor Anita Dubeau, council approved a motion to use $20,000 of the grant they received from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to commission and install multiple pieces of art within the Main Street corridor.

The proposal did see some opposition from a few councillors, who felt the entirety of the grant should be put toward debt.

“Our job is to have good roads, safe water and keep our taxes as low as possible, not worry about art. That is not our priority today,” said Coun. Doug Rawson.

In the end the motion passed 6-3, as the majority of council believed they needed to spruce up the downtown.

“I think we have a responsibility to our citizens far beyond just keeping the good roads and taxes down,” said Mayor Gerry Marshall. “We need to have a town that is vibrant, engaging and active and makes people proud to be a part of.”

An ad hoc committee, to be made up of public and council members, will debate exactly what the money is used for. The remaining $23,000 will go toward debt.

Steven Fishman — Innisfil deputy mayor

My name is Steven Fishman, and I’m running to be the next deputy mayor of Innisfil. I’m currently 54 years old and have a background in Marketing and Business administration. I first ran for office in 2007 as the Provincial Liberal Candidate in the riding of Simcoe-Grey. In 2010, while still living in Wasaga Beach, I ran for mayor. While I did not win either race, it was a great experience meeting residents across Simcoe County.

During my career, I’ve worked in a management position with the city of Vaughan. This gave me great insight into how municipal government works, and that experience, combined with my political experience, has prepared me to be the next deputy mayor of Innisfil.

Innisfil is at a crossroads with residents playing the highest taxes and hydro rates in Simcoe County. My goal, if elected, will be to review the towns operations and see where savings can be achieved. I want your council to be open and transparent; therefore, I will seek to have the expenses of town staff and members of council posted on the town’s website each quarter. 

In an effort to reduce our hydro rates, I have a plan that will see our hydro rates go down, improve service, and bring an influx of cash to the town. I have a plan to deal with issues at our beach park and parking in the surrounding area. I have a plan to expand Innisfil’s Uber program. I have a plan to deal with our traffic safety issues.

Change is coming to Innisfil, and it’s time that your elected council works for you. I encourage you to visit my website at , give me a call at 647-299-4146 or send me an email at . I can also be reached on Facebook at on Twitter,, and on Instagam at .

Innisfil man injured after early morning rollover

An 18-year-old Innisfil man has been charged with careless driving after a report of a vehicle rollover on Aug. 8.

Officers responded to the single-vehicle accident at 6:30 a.m. on the 20th Sideroad between the 5th and 6th Line.

The driver had minor injuries and was checked by paramedics at the scene.

Stayner bookstore a labour of love

Three years ago, as Troy Disabato was about to start moving his books into the Torn Pages storefront, an apartment fire devastated his collection.

But the burned books sparked Disabato’s romance with Stayner.

“That was an eye-opener,” Disabato, a 28-year-old born and raised in New Lowell, said. “It showed me how nice this town is.”

A number of residents raised books for the store and encouraged him to keep on. Students at the New Lowell Public School, Disabato’s elementary school, raised books for the shop.

“There’s a lot of love and passion for a used-book store in town,” Disabato said.

Now, Disabato said, he’s not only filled his apartment with books, his parents’ and grandparents’ homes are also full of books.

“We’re a book family,” Disabato said. “I didn’t know so many of them were book readers.”

Disabato said his store, and his love of reading, has made him even closer with his family.

With a large inventory, Disabato said he’s got a wide variety in his stock.

“I sell a bit of everything,” Disabato said.

In the summer, he needs to keep beach reads like romance novels and thrillers stocked. In the winter, Stayner’s readers are looking for true crime and horror novels.

But year-round, the trends seem to depend on what’s hot on Netflix.

The Crown spurred a fascination with the Royal Family and British novels, while Stranger Things attracted fans of supernatural thrillers to the store.

Part of running a book store is trying to entice customers to stop in.

For Valentine’s Day this year, Disabato offered a 50 per cent discount on romance novels with characters embracing on the cover.

“I want Torn Pages to be a fun store,” Disabato said.

“Now that I run the store, I read everything,” Disabato said. “I even read romance novels because I want to know something I can relate to customers.”

Disabato said he’s currently finishing Dan Brown’s latest thriller, Origin.

But one of his most memorable reads is Gabrielle Zevin’s novel The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, about a bookseller. Disabato has a copy, but it’s not for sale; he said he’s not even willing to lend it out.

As well as running the bookstore, Disabato is a member of the Stayner Lions Club and a director for the Stayner Chamber of Commerce. Before, opening Torn Pages, Disabato worked as a personal support worker.

“Confidence-wise, this store has been a life-changer,” Disabato said. “I wasn’t the most outgoing, and this store got me out there.”

Disabato said he’s at the store about 10 hours a day.

“Running the store is a lot of work,” he said, “but I’m in my element. I love what I do.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever be a millionaire,” Disabato said, “but I feel rich in so many ways.”

On Sept. 29, Torn Pages will host an event with local author Tamara Thompson.

Torn Pages is at and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shawn Scott — Oro-Medonte Ward 4

Your New Voice, Representing Your Concerns.

Personal background: I was born and raised in Mississauga and moved to Oro-Medonte over 15 years ago. I lived on Lakeshore Road in Ward 4 until my family and I bought a larger rural property, also in Ward 4.

Professional background: I retired in 2016 having served almost 33 years with a large municipal police service. I retired as a sergeant and served as an acting staff sergeant for three of my last five years. During the course of my career I worked in uniform patrol, criminal investigations, intelligence services, operational planning and resources, internal affairs and the communications (911) centre.

Notable Professional Attributes:

Recipient of the Police Exemplary Service Medal.

Recipient of the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for my contributions to Canada.

Past member of the International Association and Ontario Association of Law Enforcement Planners.

Authored and co-authored business cases to develop new initiatives and facilities, including joint use facilities, which in turn save the community unnecessary expenses.

Trained human rights investigator.

Guest instructor and facilitator at the Canadian Police College — Senior Police Administration Course.

My final posting was in the communications bureau (911) where I managed 141 personnel and a multimillion dollar budget.

Why vote for me?

My professional career has afforded me the opportunity to experience a wide range of sub-professions ranging from uniform patrol to corporate research. This experience has broadened my abilities to not only engage in conflict resolution but to prepare business cases, monitor and improve policies, manage a large workforce and manage multimillion dollar budgets.

I have volunteered to community events extensively throughout my life, most notably; Track Official — Oro World’s Fair; Victim Services; Cops for Cancer; United Way; MS Society and as a nonparent goalie coach.

I have proven throughout my life that I am an honourable servant of the community and will continue to do so if given this honour and responsibility — representing all of Oro-Medonte’s concerns.

I believe that we can preserve our heritage while encouraging responsible growth in farming, tourism, recreation and business.


Fram to present development concepts for Wasaga beachfront

The company developing Wasaga Beach’s municipally-owned properties in the downtown and on the beachfront is looking for your input.

Fram Building Group will be holding a redevelopment community meeting on Aug. 15, from 7 until 9 p.m.

The company will be presenting ‘starter development concepts’ for the first phases of the town square and beachfront projects.

Fram will be developing a residential and commercial project at the town square site at Beck and Main, and a residential development at Beach Area 2.

According to Fram, the development will “set the tone for the architectural style that will be used at the beachfront and Main Street.

Residents will have a chance to provide feedback on the development concepts, and provide input on potential design.

(Editor’s note: Story updated Aug. 14 to reflect the accurate time of the meeting. Simcoe.com apologizes for any confusion caused.)

Gateway signs deal for Simcoe County casinos

A 23-year agreement has been signed by Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Ltd. for ownership of Innisfil’s Georgian Downs, Rama’s Casino Rama Resort and a new casino in the Wasaga Beach/Collingwood area.

“I am very proud to invite our colleagues at Casino Rama Resort and OLG Slots at Georgian Downs to officially join the Gateway team today,” CEO Tony Santo said.

Back in March 2018, the British Columbia-based Gateway as the winning operator to run the casinos.

With 27 Ontario properties now, Gateway has already started investing in other projects it was awarded by the OLG, including $36 million on building the new Cascades Casino in Chatham. That project will create up to 200 jobs and will feature the Buffet and Match Eatery & Public House as well.

“Gateway is reinvesting in local communities and creating thousands of new jobs by introducing our signature gaming and restaurant brands throughout Western Canada and Ontario,” Gateway chair Gabriel de Alba said. “The acquisition of the Central Gaming Bundle is the next milestone in Gateway’s growth strategy and significantly enhances our customer offerings in Ontario with the addition of a casino resort property that can be leveraged throughout our Ontario portfolio.”

Barrie-based business Nutrafarms impacts Canadian liver health

A Barrie-based business has teamed up with a not-for-profit to raise awareness for liver health.

Nutrafarms Inc. is donating $100 to the Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF) for every food package sold at CLF events or by buyers who mention the CLF.

Nutrafarms offers natural, local, and organic fruits, meats, and vegetables delivered direct to homes.

“We control everything from farm to fork,” David Steele, vice-president of marketing at Nutrafarms, said. “Our mission is to provide people with a top quality, healthy alternative to commercially raised products and deliver it directly.”

“The CLF wanted to partner with corporations with like-minded ideals that dealt with products that were healthy for the liver,” Steeles said.

Nutrafarms fit with the CLF mission with its focus on healthy eating.

“Poor eating habits are a contributing factor to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,” Gary Fagan, president of the CLF, said in a prepared release.

Fatty liver disease affects 7 million Canadians and is primarily caused by poor eating habits.

The CLF is the only non-governmental organization in Canada providing research for liver diseases.

More information about the CLF is available at . More information about Nutrafarms is available at .

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