Political Opinions
Update from Doug Shipley, MP Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte
Winter Wrap Up
March is almost here which means spring is inching closer and sugar bush season is starting to gear up! Many local maple syrup producers did their first tapping earlier this February and it looks like we are headed into a record-breaking production season. With the sap starting to flow, it’s a nice reminder that sunnier and warmer days are almost here.
As much as I’m looking forward to warmer weather, I’ll be out enjoying the last bit of winter as much as I can. The season may be wrapping up, but now is the time to take advantage of some “winter only” outdoor activities if you haven’t had the chance yet. Visit Springwater Provincial Park and try out their trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing or scout out some neighborhood hills to go tobogganing. If the weather stays cold enough, there may be time to get in some skating on one of the many outdoor rinks and trails around town.
Take some time to try out a new-to-you local restaurant or shop to explore the Springwater area while staying warm. If you’re looking for a quick escape from the cold, your local library is the best place to pick out your next great read and offers a ton of fun activities for a wide range of ages. Is a winter storm heading your way? Plan to stay in and get together with family and friends for a movie night, just be sure to offer up a cup of hot chocolate to your guests!
With the newest batch of maple syrup flowing, I am looking forward to trying it out with a delicious pancake breakfast.
As always, my constituency office is available to assist you with any matters related to the federal government. Please contact my office at Doug.Shipley@parl.gc.ca or 705-728-2596 for assistance.
Sincerely, Doug Shipley, Member of Parliament, Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte
Update From Doug Downey
Ontario Provides More Money for Public Transit in Barrie & Simcoe County
Province tops up gas tax funding to make up for lower gas sales
February 23, 2023 SIMCOE COUNTY – The Ontario government is providing more money to support the expansion and improvement of public transit services in Simcoe County The funding is part of the province’s gas tax program which will allocate more than $379.5 million to help 107 municipalities operate and improve local transit. The funding for Simcoe County is as follows:
County of Simcoe – $1,375,022
City of Barrie -$2,274,100
“Our government knows that municipal transit systems are essential to the success of our local communities, connecting people and families to jobs, housing and wherever they need to go,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte, “Our government has continued to step up to the plate to provide the funding municipalities need to ensure transit remains a safe and reliable option in communities across Simcoe County and all throughout Ontario.”
Funding for the gas tax program is determined by the number of litres of gasoline sold in the province during the previous year. Municipalities that support public transit services in their community receive two cents per litre of provincial gas tax revenue collected.
To make up for reduced gas sales due to ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s gas tax program includes one-time additional funding of $80 million to help ensure municipalities can continue to support their transit systems.
“This investment of $3,649,122 to support the improvement and expansion of Simcoe County’s public transit services is so important, as efficient public transit is the backbone of livable communities”, said Andrea Khanjin, MPP for Barrie-Innisfil. “Better transit for the people living in Barrie, Innisfil and the surrounding region means less congestion, more convenience, faster commutes, lower emissions, higher productivity, and more time spent with loved ones. Transit options builds better lives”.
“Public transit is a key driver of economic growth in Ontario, helping people get to where they need to go, whether it is to work, school, or run errands,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “As more people return to public transit, our government is providing municipalities with the funding they need to accommodate growing ridership, while ensuring they can continue to deliver safe and reliable transit service for people in their communities.”
Gas tax funding can be used to extend service hours, buy transit vehicles, add routes, improve accessibility or upgrade local infrastructure.
QUICK FACTS
The 2022-23 gas tax program will support public transit in 144 communities in 107 municipalities across the province, representing more than 92 per cent of all Ontarians.
The provincial and federal governments are providing up to $2.65 billion through the Safe Restart Agreement to support municipal transit systems in response to COVID-19.
Ontario is developing regional plans that will help build a better transportation system across the province. The province has released four draft regional transportation plans for Northern Ontario, southwestern Ontario, the Greater Golden Horseshoe and eastern Ontario.
Submitted from Doug Downey MPP for Barrie –Springwater – Oro-Medonte Doug.downey@pc.ola.org 705-726-5538
