NEW PARAMEDIC SERVICES STATION IN COLLINGWOOD County of Simcoe celebrates grand opening of 6000 square foot facility
County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell was joined by Collingwood Mayor Brian Saunderson, Honourary Lieutenant General Richard Rohmer and representatives from County of Simcoe Paramedic Services to celebrate the grand opening of the County’s new Paramedic Station in Collingwood on March 1, 2019.
“The opening of this new station marks an important milestone in our continued efforts to provide the very best in emergency response and care to our residents and communities,” said Warden George Cornell. “This new Collingwood facility, along with recent additions in New Tecumseth and Orillia, and the ongoing builds in Barrie and Elmvale, demonstrate our ongoing commitment to adapt to growth and invest in infrastructure and resources that improve our 9-1-1 call response times across the region.”
The County of Simcoe established a Paramedic Services long-term strategic facility plan aimed at providing efficient and responsive paramedic services now and into the future. This plan outlines the need to establish a Paramedic response presence in various areas across the County to meet the needs of local residents and visitors.
Centrally located adjacent to the Collingwood Downtown Heritage Conservation District, this five-bay, 6,000 square foot facility underwent a heritage impact assessment as part of the development application and in February 2019 received the Heritage Award from the Town of Collingwood.
Benefits and features of new station:
Central location will support 9-1-1 response times and accommodate growth as Collingwood and surrounding communities expand
Pneumatic air controlled doors provide speed efficiencies to support with lowering response times
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) sensor system provides enhanced security with the flexibility of working with the entire fleet of vehicles. This unique system was designed internally by County maintenance staff
Green initiatives include a controlled lighting system (interior and exterior) and high efficiency heating and cooling systems
On-site generator allows station to continue operations in the event of a power failure
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY EVENTS - FRIDAY, MARCH 8 Speaker & Panel Discussion and Flag Raising Ceremony highlight this day of inspiration and advocacy
The Town of Collingwood's first annual International Women's Day Event, on Friday, March 8, will bring the women of Collingwood and the surrounding communities together to inspire and advocate for the advancement of gender equality.
Key panelists will discuss the importance of a work/life balance and share examples of challenges and opportunities they have encountered as women.
The event will start with Guest Speaker, Jennine Profeta, who is a Writer/Improv Facilitator for Girls Nite Out, a show that is playing at the Gayety Theatre on March 8 at 8PM. Heather Korol (Owner, Master Your Message) will moderate our talented and inspiring panel, which includes: Her Worship Mayor Lynn Dollin (Mayor of Innisfil), Karla Findlay (Founder, Market Made), Norah Holder (President & CEO, Collingwood General Marine Hospital), Nilusha Premasinghe (Regional General Manager, YMCA Collingwood), and Jill Proud (President and CEO, The Proud Group).
This event will take place on Friday, March 8 at that Simcoe Street Theatre. The Speaker and Panel Discussion will begin at 10:00 AM, with a Munch & Mingle at 12:00 PM.
This event features a fundraising opportunity to support My Friend’s House, a non-profit agency offering support for abused women and children living in the South Georgian Bay Region.
A flag raising and proclamation ceremony will be held in front of the Collingwood Public Library at 1:00 PM. All are welcome to come and celebrate International Women’s Day.
ANTI-BULLYING INITIATIVE KICKS OFF AT THE COLLINGWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Pink Shirt Day! On Wednesday, February 27, Local Campaign Organizers & Town of Collingwood Council raised an anti-bullying flag at the Collingwood Public Library in support of youth who are being bullied.
Anyone who is interested in registering for the Collingwood Public Library's new Anti-Bullying Club can visit the public service desk at the Library or call 705-445-1571.
MARCH IS #ITSTARTS AWARENESS MONTH County of Simcoe promotes multiculturalism and inclusiveness
#ITSTARTS month kicks off on March 1 as the County of Simcoe promotes multiculturalism and inclusiveness during its third annual social media awareness campaign.
#ITSTARTS aims to raise awareness about multiculturalism and reduce racism and discrimination in our communities. The social movement encourages Simcoe County residents to complete an #ITSTARTS card and share a photo or video through social media using the hashtag #ITSTARTS. Residents are asked to tag @simcoecounty (Twitter), @CountyofSimcoe (Facebook) and @ExperienceSimcoeCounty (Instagram) in their messages.
This year’s campaign adds a culinary component as residents are encouraged to share photos of recipes and meals from various cultures on social media. The County created a unique #ITSTARTS Cookbook and is asking partners and residents to test their culinary skills and share photos on social media of their meals and cooking experiences on March 1 and throughout the month – because #ITSTARTS with a meal!
#ITSTARTS cards, available in both English and French, are available through local libraries. It can also be downloaded through www.simcoe.ca/Itstarts which hosts resources, tips, and tools on taking safe and purposeful action against racism and discrimination. The Cookbook is also available on the webpage. Videos and photos throughout the month will be shared and promoted through the County’s website and social media channels.
The initiative, in its third year, is supported by the Local Immigration Partnership including Barrie Public Library, City of Barrie, Georgian College, the Ethnic Mosaic Alliance, Lakehead University, OPP, Simcoe County District School Board, South Simcoe Police, Welcome Centre Immigrant Services (mobile unit), YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka.
TOWN MOVES FORWARD WITH SALE OF REGIONAL AIRPORT An exciting opportunity for the Airport to grow and flourish
At the Thursday, February 28, 2019 Council Meeting, Town of Collingwood Council approved the execution of a Revival and Amending Agreement to the original Purchase and Sale Agreement entered into on July 31, 2018 between the Town of Collingwood and Winterland Developments Ltd. This agreement concludes the due diligence period with the sale scheduled to close the end of March.
After an extensive Request For Offers process in early 2018, Winterland Developments Ltd. was named the successful bidder and demonstrated the ability to implement the needed investments into the airport for it to grow to a level that could never be reached under the ownership of a municipal government.
The Town of Collingwood is excited about the future of the airport and sees the sale of the Collingwood Regional Airport to Winterland Developments Ltd. as an opportunity for the airport, and regional business community, to grow and flourish.
TOWN SEEKS INPUT ON NEW PLAYGROUND DESIGN AT SUNSET POINT PARK Survey is available for public feedback until Friday, March 22
The Town of Collingwood’s Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department is seeking input from the public for the first phase of designing a new playground facility at Sunset Point Park.
Residents and Park Users are encouraged to provide feedback by Friday, March 22 via a survey, which can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PXPZMR3
The current 2.33 hectare playground at Sunset Point Park, known as EnviroPark, was constructed in 1993. The playground was originally built out of wood and concrete, and designed around the theme of water protection and the environment. Park features, including the sand surfacing, do not meet current accessibility standards. After 26 years of community use, this playground now requires replacement.
The playground re-design will serve to revitalize the park environment, creating an inclusive and accessible area for active play, supporting healthy development for children across the community. The Town is eager to hear the feedback of the public.
ELVIS FESTIVAL RETURNS TO COLLINGWOOD Festival’s 25th Anniversary to celebrate with ‘Homecoming’ theme
Collingwood’s Elvis Festival returns on Friday, July 26 through Sunday, July 28, 2019, in what will be a thrilling ‘Homecoming’ event. Limited tickets are now available through Theatre Collingwood.
Home and family meant everything to Elvis Presley. He felt his fans were like family, and he strived to never disappoint them. The Town of Collingwoodshares that goal. Celebrating the festival’s 25th anniversary in 2019, the theme ‘Homecoming’ was chosen to recognize and reminisce with fans, friends, and family about all that makes Collingwood and Elvis so very unique and special.
Join in all the fun! Featuring Elvis tributes, signatures shows, a Saturday night performance by Memphis Jones & his Trio, a Sunday morning Sunrise Gospel Showcase, and returning Grand Champions and VIPs! Enjoy the revival of an old friend, the Classic Car Parade, on Saturday morning. Stay tuned for more amazing event features at www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com.
Put on your blue suede shoes and get all shook up with excitement and joy for this milestone anniversary that will feel just like coming ‘Home’!
Photo Credit: Dave West Photography
NOTICE OF PROPERTY ACQUISITION 11521 Highway 26
Take notice that Council of the Town of Collingwood has authorized the acquisition of a portion of land, approximately 15.7 hectares in size, located at the rear of property municipally addressed as 11521 Highway 26, being Part of Lots 47 & 48, Concession 11, Collingwood. The majority of the land being acquired is designated as Environmental Protection, and the acquired land will be used for the purpose of:
obtaining public ownership of a natural heritage resource containing a Category 1 provincially significant wetland; and
both current and future public trail connectivity.
For more information, please contact Planning Services at 705-445-1290 ext. 3270.
DATED at the Town of Collingwood, February 28, 2019.
COLLINGWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY IS THE PLACE TO BE FOR MARCH BREAK If you’re looking for ways to keep your kids and teens entertained during March Break week (March 11-15), come to Collingwood Public Library for fun-filled activities, crafts, and events.
“The library is the place to be for March Break,” says Ashley Kulchycki, Supervisor of Children and Teen Services. “We have an exciting lineup of programs, including old favourites like Library Mini-Golf and Coder’s Corner, and exciting new events such as Blanket fort Bonanza and Breakfast Bingo. Teens will have fun with Maker’s Market workshops where they can create vinyl mugs with the Cricut or book spine bookmarks, ending with the Markers Market where teens will have the opportunity to sell their creations. There is something for everyone between 3 and 18, and all programs are free!”
Events for children (ages 3 to 12) include:
Take Home Story Time Kits – starting Monday, March 4 (as long as kits last)
‘I Spy’ Challenge – Saturday, March 9 to Sunday, March 17
ArtParty – Monday, March 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Coder’s Corner – Monday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m., or Tuesday, March 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Blanket fort Bonanza – Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Library Mini Golf – Thursday, March 14 at 10:00 a.m.
Breakfast, BINGO and Books! – Friday, March 15 at 10:00 a.m.
For teens (ages 13 to 18):
Library Mini Golf – Thursday, March 14 at 10:00 a.m.
Maker’s Market Workshops – Wednesday, March 13, and Thursday, March 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Maker’s Marketplace – Friday, March 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Look for detailed program descriptions at www.collingwoodpubliclibrary.ca
While you’re at the Library, don’t forget to check out the creative expressions of local children in the Magic of Children in the Arts art exhibition on display throughout the Library from March 5 to April 28.
The Collingwood Public Library is committed to guiding our community in the pursuit of information, the wonder of lifelong learning, and the enrichment of social and cultural experiences. At the heart of the community, the Collingwood Public Library is an inclusive environment seeking universal accessibility.
TOWN OF COLLINGWOOD JUDICIAL INQUIRY UPDATE Judicial Inquiry into the 50% share sale of Collingwood Utility Services Corporation to PowerStream Inc.
As of February 26, 2019, the Inquiry has sent out summonses to those people likely to be called as witnesses during Part I of the Inquiry, which deals with the sale of Collus shares. That part of the inquiry commences April 15, 2019. Issuing summonses is a required legal process. It may be that not all witnesses who receive a summons will be required to testify. For example, in some cases, a witness’s evidence may be received in writing or, as the Inquiry progresses, it may be that a witness is no longer needed to give evidence.
Inquiry Counsel will continue to seek input from the participants in planning the hearings to assure that the hearings are conducted thoroughly and efficiently.
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS - FEBRUARY 11, 2019
The Rogers TV broadcast of this meeting will be available online at rogerstv.com.
Community Announcements:
Mayor & Council encouraged residents to take part in the following events:
Passage To Freedom: Secrets of the Underground Railroad display presented by Sheffield Park Black History & Cultural Museum at the Heritage Community Church all month.
Family Day events at Central Park on Monday, February 18.
Valentine’s Day at any of Collingwood’s fine establishments on Thursday, February 14.
Public Meetings:
Council heard Staff and Developer presentations, as a well as public comments, on the Georgian Bay Hotel & Conference Centre Proposed Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment. Discussion included such topics as roads, garbage, safety, storm-water, and environmental. The site plan application has been circulated. This Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment will come before Council on a future date.
Strategic Initiatives Standing Committee:
Council receives a report that provides a starting point for Council and the public to discuss the use of the proceeds (approximately $15million) from the sale of assets. Options presented in the report include: debt management, Collingwood Terminals, “Spit” services, waterfront expansion, accommodation study (Public Works building and yards), internal loan funds, reserve funds, and legacy funds.
Bylaws:
Council approves the appointment of members to the Collingwood Libraries Board, the Committee of Adjustment/Property Standards Appeal Committee, and the Collingwood Police Services Board.
Other Business:
Deputy Mayor Hull discusses intersection backlog, advanced greens, and future turning lanes at key intersections in Town.
Mayor Saunderson discusses news of plastics problems in the great lakes and suggests strategies that discourage single-use plastics, like making water-bottle refilling stations readily available.
The Provincial Review is on-going.
In-Camera:
Council defers discussion on the Collingwood Regional Airport Sale to a Special Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 13.
WILD WINTER WEATHER CANCELS COUNCIL MEETING ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25 The Town of Collingwood Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, February 25 was cancelled due to poor weather conditions. The items on that Council Meeting Agenda were postponed to a future date yet to be confirmed.
With this wild winter weather also came the temporary closures of the Collingwood Public Library, the Centennial Aquatic Centre, the Collingwood Museum, the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena, & the Central Park Arena & Outdoor Rink. Simcoe County’s Waste Collection was cancelled and the properties missed had double collection on their next scheduled collection day, Monday, March 4. The Wasaga Beach and Blue Mountain Transit Links experienced delays and closures as well. Colltrans routes within Collingwood remained operational and the Town of Collingwood snowplows were in operation throughout the weather event, working hard to clear local roads without disruption.
Thank you to everyone for your patience & understanding. Safety is the priority during wild winter weather.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Monday, March 4 - Strategic Initiatives Standing Committee Meeting - 1:00 PM at Town Hall
Monday, March 4 - Community & Corporate Services Standing Committee Meeting - 5:00 PM at Town Hall
Thursday, March 7 - Strategic Initiatives Standing Committee Meeting - 10:00 AM at the Collingwood Public Library, Community Rooms B & C.
Monday, March 11 - Council Meeting - 5:00 PM at Town Hall
Monday, March 18 - Development & Operations Services Standing Committee Meeting - 5:00 PM at Town Hall
Monday, March 25 - Council Meeting - 5:00 PM at Town Hall
COLLINGWOOD MUNICIPAL NEWSLETTER Every month this e-newsletter will help you stay up to date on what's happening at the Town of Collingwood. Please feel free to share any comments or feedback.
The Town of Collingwood's first annual International Women's Day Event, on Friday, March 8, will bring the women of Collingwood and the surrounding communities together to inspire and advocate for the advancement of gender equality.
#ITSTARTS month kicks off on March 1 as the County of Simcoe promotes multiculturalism and inclusiveness during its third annual social media awareness campaign.
At the Thursday, February 28, 2019 Council Meeting, Town of Collingwood Council approved the execution of a Revival and Amending Agreement to the original Purchase and Sale Agreement entered into on July 31, 2018 between the Town of Collingwood and Winterland Developments Ltd. This agreement concludes the due diligence period with the sale scheduled to close the end of March.
The Town of Collingwood’s Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department is seeking input from the public for the first phase of designing a new playground facility at Sunset Point Park.
Collingwood’s Elvis Festival returns on Friday, July 26 through Sunday, July 28, 2019, in what will be a thrilling ‘Homecoming’ event. Limited tickets are now available through Theatre Collingwood.
The Rogers TV broadcast of this meeting will be available online at 
The Town of Collingwood Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, February 25 was cancelled due to poor weather conditions. The items on that Council Meeting Agenda were postponed to a future date yet to be confirmed.