TOWN LAUNCHES NEW MUNICIPAL WEBSITE www.collingwood.ca offers fresh, accessible, transparent user experience
The Town of Collingwood is excited to announce the launch of the new municipal website: www.collingwood.ca.
Residents, Businesses, and Visitors can explore Collingwood’s vibrant Arts & Culture community, recreation programming, Town services, and infrastructure and development updates.
The new municipal website is mobile-friendly, AODA accessibility compliant, and offers an enhanced user experience. The website features an intuitive search function, an informational newsfeed and events calendar, as well as readily available Council meetings, agendas, and minutes.
With the goal of attracting entrepreneurs and new business investment to the area, as well as providing insight and growth opportunity to existing businesses, Economic Development resources showcase the lifestyle and amenities that make Collingwood a great place to live and do business.
The Engage Collingwood tool offers new public engagement opportunities where residents can find and share information on key initiatives, provide feedback, participate in discussions and surveys, and much more.
Town CAO Fareed Amin adds, “Our new municipal website is one of the many great steps we are taking to enhance customer service and government transparency in Collingwood. This website will be a reliable resource for news, promotion, and information coming from the municipality.”
Explore the Town of Collingwood’s new municipal website at www.collingwood.ca.
TOWN LAUNCHES ENGAGE COLLINGWOOD New online public engagement platform gives residents the chance to make an impact
The Town of Collingwood is excited to announce the launch of Engage Collingwood, the new online public engagement platform. Collingwood residents and stakeholders are encouraged to join the conversation at https://engage.collingwood.ca/.
According to Mayor Brian Saunderson, “The Town of Collingwood is committed to working closely with the community. Engage Collingwood was created to improve engagement and to better inform Council’s evidence-based decision-making.”
Residents can find and share information on key initiatives, provide feedback, participate in discussions and surveys, and much more. This participation will make a valuable impact on Town activities, strategies, and programs, and will help shape the future of the community.
Engage Collingwood is also a safe place, where comments are moderated for bullying, threats, and inappropriate language, and where personal information stays private and secure.
SEEKING PUBLIC INPUT ON WHERE TO INVEST ASSET SALE PROCEEDS Residents can share their ideas on the new Engage Collingwood platform.
The Town of Collingwood is eager to hear ideas from residents on where to invest $18.6 million in proceeds from recent asset sales.
On Engage Collingwood (https://engage.collingwood.ca/), the Town has created an opportunity for the public to share their ideas and provide feedback on the asset sale proceeds. A short survey presents a number of investment ideas including debt management, facility upgrades, waterfront enhancements, and legacy funds. There is also an opportunity for the public to share other ideas for consideration.
In March of 2019, the Town of Collingwood finalized the sale of the final 50 percent share of Collingwood Powerstream Utility Services and also the sale of the Collingwood Regional Airport. These asset sales provided the Town with $18.6 million in proceeds that are available for investment into the community.
The Town will be collecting ideas and feedback until Sunday, June 30, 2019. Stay tuned for updates and reminders about deadlines and next steps through this idea gathering and investment process.
ROADWAY LINE PAINTING IN JUNE The Town of Collingwood will begin roadway line painting operations for the 2019 season on the week of June 3, 2019. This notice is to inform drivers to obey all signage and warning signs in order to keep their vehicles clean and clear of all roadway paint, and to keep our roadways safe. The Town of Collingwood assumes no responsibility for paint damage claims from motorists who cross wet paint lines.
Line Painting FAQ
When does line painting occur?
The Town of Collingwood specifies that all line painting takes place during off peak traffic volume conditions. Therefore, line painting may be completed in the mid-day, evening, or night-time hours.
Why don’t line painters just paint at night?
The difficulty with painting at night arises when the temperature between the air and the road surface change at different rates, condensation occurs on the roadway making for poor conditions for paint to adhere to the roadway.
How long does it take for paint to dry?
Normal latex (water based paint) used for roadway application usually dries within two (2) minutes of application.
Paint operations are causing traffic backups, can we pass the warning trucks?
The intent of the warning trucks behind the line painter, is to provide enough space in between to allow for paint to dry. If you cross the centerline to pass line painting operations, chances are that your vehicle will end up with paint on it. Please be patient and follow the direction of the marking vehicles.
What can I do if I get paint on my vehicle?
If you find that you have paint on your vehicle, at your earliest opportunity go to a car wash or have your vehicle power-sprayed to try and remove the paint. If that does not remove the paint, spray WD-40 on your vehicle and let dry for two hours, and then rewash. If this has still not removed the paint, apply Vaseline to the affected area and let sit overnight, and rewash with soap and water. Do not scrub with any type of abrasive pad or cloth. This may ruin the clear coat on your vehicle. All washing should be done with soap and water, and a vehicle wash brush or sponge.
If I cannot remove the paint, is the Town responsible?
The Town of Collingwood assumes no liability for paint damages to vehicles that have crossed wet paint lines, or disobeyed the warning signs and vehicles.
SEEKING FEEDBACK ON THE URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN The Town of Collingwood is eager to hear feedback on the proposed Urban Forest Management Plan via two new surveys on Engage Collingwood. All residents, businesses, and stakeholders are welcome to provide feedback until Sunday, June 30.
The goals of the proposed Urban Forest Management Plan include:
Develop a vision for the urban forest
Conduct an inventory and assessment of the current status of the urban forest
Update the Tree Canopy Study
Develop a 10 year strategic plan with goals
Define objectives and actions based on information gathered
Produce an implementation plan with dates and responsibilities
Develop a monitoring plan with a matrix to check effectiveness and revise the plan as needed
The Urban Forest Management Plan, which is being built by the Town’s Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department with funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, will outline the opportunities and resources for a sustainable urban/community forest for the health and benefit of our citizens and the environment. The Plan applies to managing Town-owned trees along roads and in parks, and recommendations to improve policy supporting the urban forest in general; including privately-owned trees. The project team also seeks input on the Vision, Guiding Principles, and Goals of the Urban Forest Management Plan.
The feedback from these surveys, along with feedback received at an Open House on Wednesday, April 24 at the Central Park Arena, will help shape the Urban Forest Management Plan and the future of our community. Thank you to all who take the time to participate.
GREENER COLLINGWOOD: TOWN LOWERS ENERGY CONSUMPTION WITH HYBRID VEHICLE REPLACEMENTS Town of Collingwood to highlight and launch green corporate initiatives
The Town of Collingwood is deploying four recently purchased plug-in hybrid vehicles as part of its efforts to lower energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas production.
The purchase was made possible through the town’s current fleet vehicle replacement policy. The policy requires analysis of life-cycle fuel cost for light vehicles and includes incentives for hybrids. It ensures that consideration is given to more fuel-efficient vehicles and encourages hybrid vehicles where possible.
The vehicles purchased are plug-in hybrids that have a range of approximately 40 km on one charge. They can be charged from a regular 120 volt receptacle or by Level 2 or Level 3 electrical vehicle charging stations. When required, the gasoline engine will operate to charge the battery, propel the vehicle, or both at the same time. They also utilize regenerative braking to capture the kinetic energy of the vehicle and further charge the battery.
The vehicles will be utilized in the Public Works, Water, By-Law, and Building Departments. It is anticipated that they will operate on the electrical motor for most of their service life as the daily mileage will rarely exceed the 40 km range.
The greening of the Town’s corporate fleet also includes two new electric ice resurfacing vehicles for rink maintenance and two bicycles for By-Law road patrols.
The Town of Collingwood is recognizing many internal corporate efforts toward environmental sustainability and is taking action on new Greener Collingwood corporate initiatives like recycling, composting, and reducing single use plastics.
“As the Town of Collingwood moves forward with green corporate initiatives, I encourage the businesses of the region to also look for ways to implement new green practices, and reduce energy consumption and waste,” said Mayor Brian Saunderson, “We all have a role to play in the environmental stewardship of our beautiful community.”
Stay tuned to www.collingwood.ca for announcements on Greener Collingwood initiatives.
SIMCOE COUNTY UNVEILS NEW WASTE MANAGEMENT APP The County of Simcoe has unveiled a new waste management mobile application, Simcoe County Collects, to residents of Simcoe County. The new mobile app will provide residents with a one-stop location for all their waste collection needs and will feature:
Customized waste schedule
Reminders via push notification for collection events and service impacts
New and improved Waste Wizard
Directions to their closest Waste Facility
Reporting a problem with collection service
The Simcoe County Collects app is available for free through Google Play or the App Store. For more information or to download the app visit www.simcoe.ca/wasteschedule
Never miss another collection day - download the Simcoe County Collects app!
simcoe.ca/wasteschedule
Residents with questions can contact Service Simcoe at 1-800-263-3199 or info@simcoe.ca
REMINDER: The County of Simcoe is responsible for all garbage, recycling, and organic waste pick-up in Collingwood and other municipalities within Simcoe County.
JUDICIAL INQUIRY HEARINGS You can learn more about the Judicial Inquiry at www.collingwoodinquiry.ca
This Judicial Inquiry was requested by the Town of Collingwood by Resolution 042-2018, and is looking into the 50% share sale of Collingwood Utility Services Corporation to PowerStream Inc.
The Town of Collingwood continues to cooperate fully with the Judicial Inquiry process.
Judicial Inquiries are a way for governments to examine issues outside the regular legislative process. The Town of Collingwood looks forward to policy recommendations that the Judicial Inquiry makes to ensure accessible and transparent government.
SEASONAL TREE MANAGEMENT UNDERWAY IN COLLINGWOOD Residents will see tree markings and removals of hazardous trees on public land this summer
The Town of Collingwood has started seasonal tree management on public lands, including boulevards, parks, and trails. Residents will begin to notice tree markings and some tree removals throughout the summer of 2019.
Tree removal will occur where damage by the Emerald Ash Borer has been identified and where trees that present a hazard to immediate surroundings have been identified. Removal of a hazardous tree that has the potential to fall on a busy street or sidewalk will take priority over a tree along the side of a trail.
Trees marked with a yellow ‘X’ are Ash trees that will inevitably be killed by the Emerald Ash Borer.
Trees marked with a red ‘R’ will be scheduled for removal as a priority, and in most cases, within a 90 day period.
Trees marked with a green dot are identified as an Ash tree that will be injected with TreeAzin (a method of protection against the Emerald Ash Borer).
Trees marked with a green dot and a blue dot have been injected with TreeAzin.
The Town of Collingwood is currently undertaking an Urban Forest Management Plan for all trees on public lands. The Management Plan requires an inventory of trees and a rating of their health. This evaluation will help identify Emerald Ash Borer damage, as well as hazardous trees, and will guide summer tree management efforts.
The Town of Collingwood is committed to replacing trees and currently plants approximately 125 trees throughout the community on an annual basis. Replacement trees will occur as budget allows and if site conditions are favourable for a tree.
Residents and Businesses are responsible for trees growing on their private lands, and are encouraged to call a local Certified Insured Arborist to assess and manage their private tree concerns.
Please visit our website www.collingwood.ca for more information about our urban forest.
SUNSET POINT PARK PLAYGROUND PROJECT The Town of Collingwood’s Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department is working on the first phase of designing a new playground facility at Sunset Point Park.
Thank you to Residents and Park Users who provided feedback in our March 2019 survey. This feedback will help guide the process into the next stages of public engagement and design. Stay tuned!
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.
For more information, contact the Parks, Recreation & Culture department at 705-444-2500 Ext. 3236 or anorris@collingwood.ca
WEED CONTROL IN COLLINGWOOD NOXIOUS WEEDS
The main purpose of the Weed Control Act R.S.O. 1990, is to reduce the impact of noxious weeds on the industries or agriculture and horticulture. Primarily this act applies to agricultural and horticultural lands that generate income or other benefits to agriculture; this excludes lawns, gardens and private areas for personal enjoyment and leisure.
Under the Weed Control Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter W.5 sections 3, 13, 16 and 23, you are requested to destroy all noxious weeds on your property.
In Urban Areas
Section 3, 13, 16 and 18 do not apply to noxious weeds or weed seeds that are far enough away from any land used for agricultural or horticultural purposes, as they do not interfere with that use.
All properties within the municipality of Collingwood are hereby requested to be in compliance with the Weed Control Act.
LONG GRASS, GARBAGE, DEBRIS & STANDING WATER
Pursuant to the provisions of the Town of Collingwood By-laws 03-18, 03-19 and 03-38, all owners, tenants or persons in pos session of property shall:
Cut and maintain properties free of long grass and weeds;
Keep and maintain properties free and clear of garbage, refuse and debris; and
Keep and maintain properties free from standing and/or stagnant water.
Failure to comply with the provisions of By-laws 03-18, 03-19 and 03-38 may result in the prosecution of those persons through the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P33 as amended.
The cooperation of all owners, tenants or persons in possession of property is solicited.
LEASH YOUR PET & STOOP-N-SCOOP Its The Law!
Please leash your pet and stoop-n-scoop after your pet in the Town of Collingwood.
Fines:
$240min for Dog At Large
$240min for leaving excrement
(Responsible Pet Ownership By-Law 2012-016).
GREENER COLLINGWOOD: GUIDES & SCOUTS PLANT 100 TREES AT HARBOURVIEW PARK On Saturday, May 25, the First Collingwood Guides and the Third Collingwood Scouts planted 100 trees and shrubs at Harbourview Park in Collingwood.
This day of treeplanting was made possible through the Scouts Canada initiative called Scoutrees.
The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority donated the trees and shrubs. Many different species were planted, including Nannyberry, Dogwood, Silver Maple, and Shagbark Hickory.
These trees and shrubs were planted in the Harbourview Park naturalized area, which is located on the north side of the Awen' Gathering Circle.
COLLINGWOOD ELVIS FESTIVAL TICKETS Festival’s 25th Anniversary to feature more pro Elvis Tribute Artists than ever before
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 available at www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com, and they are going fast.
Celebrating the festival’s 25th anniversary in 2019, the theme ‘Homecoming’ was chosen to recognize and reminisce with fans, friends, and family.
Fans can save 10% with a 3-Pack General Admission Arena Show Tickets Package! Get in on the savings!
Join in all the fun! Elvis tributes, signatures shows, and back by popular demand, the Classic Car Parade on Saturday Morning. Stay tuned for more amazing event features at www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com.
By phone toll-free to Theatre Collingwood at 1-866-382-2200 or locally at 705-445-2200
Hours are Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing:
VIP Reserved $70.00 + tax & fees = First 5 rows, on floor, from stage
VIP Tickets for Saturday Night Signature Show and Sunday Grand Finals are SOLD OUT
Premium Reserved $50.00++ = Next 10 rows, on floor, from stage
General Admission $30.00++ = Last 15 rows on floor & all bleacher seats
General Admission Package deal for all 3 Shows saves 10% = $81.00++
Shows (at the Eddie Bush Arena):
Saturday Semi-Finals – Showtime is 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday Night Signature Show “Homecoming” – 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Sunday Grand Finals – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Vendor Opportunity: Vendors who are interested in a booth at the Collingwood Elvis Festival, please contact elvis@collingwood.ca.
Sponsorship Opportunity: Friends of Elvis are welcome to purchase ad space in the Souvenir Program for $250. There are limited ad spaces available. 1500 copies will be produced. Please contact elvis@collingwood.ca for full details and specifications.
Photo by Dave West Photography
NEW PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVER The Town of Collingwood is installing a pedestrian crossover on Hurontario Street at the Hamilton Drain Trail Crossing later this summer.
By law, drivers and cyclists must stop and yield to pedestrians intending to cross the road, and wait for them to completely reach the other side before driving.
Pedestrians
Make sure drivers or cyclists have enough time to stop before you begin to cross.
Make it clear that you want to cross.
Press the push button to activate the flashing lights.
Make sure the driver or cyclist sees you before you begin to cross.
Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop and you feel it is safe.
Drivers and Cyclists
Watch for pedestrians who would like to cross the road.
Stop for pedestrians at the marked yield bar.
Allow the pedestrian to cross the entire width of the road before driving.
Do not pass any other vehicle within 30 metres before a pedestrian crossover.
FESTIVAL FOR CANADA June 29 to July 1 - Music, Food, Fun, Fireworks, and More!
Celebrate the country and community we call home at the Collingwood Festival for Canada, June 29 to July 1. This glowing family festival in the historic, harbourfront community of Collingwood is a traditional tribute to this glorious country. Enjoy a full line-up of activities for the entire family including strolling entertainment, live music and on-the-water events. In the heart of historic Downtown Collingwood you will find unique shops, restaurants, including more than 25 outdoor patios to enjoy a quick coffee, leisurely lunch or a gourmet dinner. Of course Canada Day wouldn't be complete without the famous pancake breakfast, Citizenship Reaffirmation Ceremony, gigantic Canada Day birthday cake, and spectacular fireworks in Collingwood downtown!
Bring the family to enjoy the Collingwood Festival for Canada Weekend celebrations!
Check out Experience Collingwood for Collingwood Festival for Canada updates, live videos, photos, and more!
Experience Collingwood is the Official Town of Collingwood online community dedicated to celebrating all that makes our town the perfect place to live, work & play. Visit Experience Collingwood on Facebook or Instagram
Photo by Dave West Photography
SUMMER FIRE PIT SAFETY & PERMITS Open Air Burning Permits ARE REQUIRED for ALL outdoor fires within the Town of Collingwood. For further information please contact the Fire Department at 705-445-3920.
Fire Pits
“Fire Pit” means a pit not more than 1 meter (3 feet) in diameter, requiring not less than 7.5 meters (25 feet) of clearance between the fire and any building, structure, property line, tree, hedge, fence, roadway, overhead wires or any other combustible article;
The fire pit must be enclosed on all sides and constructed of masonry, concrete, stone, heavy gauge metal or other non-combustible materials. The flames from the fire are no higher than 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) above ground level.
Fire Pit (maximum 3 feet in diameter, 25 feet clearance)
Outdoor Fireplaces
“Outdoor Fireplace” means a manufactured non-combustible enclosed container such as fire bowls with spark arrestors on the top or chimineas. This type of permit requires not less than 4.5 meters (15 feet) of clearance between the fireplace and any building or structure, property line, tree, hedge, fence, roadway, overhead wires, or other combustible article.
Fire bowl (15 feet clearance)
Chiminea (15 feet clearance)
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS - MAY 13, 2019 The Rogers TV broadcast of this meeting will be available online at rogerstv.com.
Corporate & Community Services Standing Committee:
Council approved the new Video Surveillance Policy.
Council approved Condenser Tower Replacement at the Curling Club.
Council approved the Harbourview West Boardwalk Project
Motions:
Council approved amendments to the Communications Protocol by replacing Section 4.5 on Issues Management.
Council approved reconsideration of amendments to a development proposal at 580-590 Sixth Street, and proceeded to grant draft approval to subdivision plans and approved the Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments at this location.
Other Business:
Councillor Madigan requested that all Councillors be notified of all requests made to Staff by individual Council Members.
Councillor Hamlin suggested the Walkable City book as a good read.
Councillor Comi commented on Asset Sale Proceeds public engagement efforts.
In-Camera:
Council proceeded in camera for an update on the Judicial Inquiry.
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS - MAY 27, 2019 The Rogers TV broadcast of this meeting will be available online at rogerstv.com.
Community Announcements:
Council promoted a number of community events, including but not limited to National Health & Fitness Day, Treeplanting at Harbourview Park, Accessibility Info Fair at the Library, the Water Summit, and the Golf with the Mayor event.
Deputy Mayor Hull promoted the Simcoe County Collects waste management mobile app.
Councillor Hamlin encouraged residents to view the new Interactive Development Maps at www.collingwood.ca
Deputations:
Huronia Community Foundation presented on Community Fund opportunities.
Consent Agenda:
Council approved Municipal Regional Review comments.
Council approved Town involvement in an economic development trip to Katano, Japan.
Development & Operations Services Standing Committee:
Council approved the new Building By-law and Permit Fees.
Council approved repeal of By-law No. 2005-033 with amendment.
Council approved the request for a new Plans Examiner Position.
Council approved the discharge of Site Plan Agreement; 1104558 Ontario Inc. (Van Dolder); Registered Plan 51M-1154
Council approved a Part Lot Control Exemption By-law to allow 18 lots to be created within Block 3, 4, 5, 6 of Registered Plan 51M-1124.
Motions:
Council approved an amended motion regarding comment on the Ontario Government’s Bill 108.
Other Business:
Mayor Brian Saunderson commented on a recent tour of Simcoe County’s new affordable housing complex in Collingwood.
Councillor Comi and Director MacDonald commented on the planned construction of a crossover at the Hamilton Drain Trail Crossing at Hurontario Street.
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 is eager to hear feedback on the proposed Urban Forest Management Plan via two new surveys on Engage Collingwood. All residents, businesses, and stakeholders are welcome to provide feedback until Sunday, June 30.
Town of Collingwood to highlight and launch green corporate initiatives 
The County of Simcoe has unveiled a new waste management mobile application, Simcoe County Collects, to residents of Simcoe County. The new mobile app will provide residents with a one-stop location for all their waste collection needs and will feature:
Residents will see tree markings and removals of hazardous trees on public land this summer
The Town of Collingwood’s Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department is working on the first phase of designing a new playground facility at Sunset Point Park.
NOXIOUS WEEDS
Its The Law!
On Saturday, May 25, the First Collingwood Guides and the Third Collingwood Scouts planted 100 trees and shrubs at Harbourview Park in Collingwood.
Festival’s 25th Anniversary to feature more pro Elvis Tribute Artists than ever before
The Town of Collingwood is installing a pedestrian crossover on Hurontario Street at the Hamilton Drain Trail Crossing later this summer.
June 29 to July 1 - Music, Food, Fun, Fireworks, and More!
The Rogers TV broadcast of this meeting will be available online at rogerstv.com.