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Politics – October 24

New ward could be added in Springwater as population balloons

By: Wayne Doyle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: BarrieToday.com

Oct 10, 2024

Over the next 10 years, Springwater Township is going to experience phenomenal growth — most of it in and around the village of Midhurst, just north of Barrie.

The growth may be so great, in fact, that another ward could be added in Springwater to ensure population parity in all township wards, a goal of the current ward boundary review that is being done by Watson and Associates Economists.

According to Jack Ammendolia, managing partner at Watson and Associates, the concentration of growth in Midhurst makes it difficult to create a plan that maintains parity today and also well into the future.

“The important part is the concentration of growth,” Ammendolia said Tuesday during one of the two ward boundary review public information sessions Springwater Township hosted at its administration centre. “Sometimes you work in a municipality that has four communities that are going to grow at an equal rate, so the parity can work for longer. In this case, the growth is concentrated in one spot,” he added. “There’s no system I can give you that’s going to be OK in ‘24 and OK in ‘34.” Ammendolia said his goal is to create a solution that reflects what’s most important to the people who live in Springwater Township. “What we want to know from the public is ‘what is acceptable?'” He laid out the choices: Play catch-up and fix the system for the 2026 election, monitor growth and do another ward boundary review in 10 years, or build a system in terms of what Springwater will look like in the future and grow into it. “The reality is, we look at the guiding principles, which are not all aligned with each other, and a lot of these things are in tension with each other,” Ammendolia said. “When you start to fix one thing, something else falls a little more out of balance.”

Tuesday’s public information session featured three options Watson and Associates had developed.

Option one, Ammendolia explained, looks at the 2024 population only. “We know things are going to happen in the future but we’re only going to look at 2024,” he said. “When we look at it, it works for 2024 but it doesn’t work for the future.”

Option two, he said, still has a couple of issues, but should work for the 2026 election and probably the 2030 election, too.

By 2034, Ammendolia thinks the township will experience the same issues it’s experiencing now.

“When you start to look at what does work for the future, option three really starts to focus more on the 2030, 2034 populations, but you lose a bit in 2034,” he added.

Ammendolia said he and his team looked at the existing system and concluded some of it works from a community of interest perspective — because villages in each ward have connections and similarities — but from a population parity perspective, “it’s really out of whack.”

Currently, Ward 4 stands out like a sore thumb.

While the other four wards have total populations between 3,890 and 4,750 people, Ward 4 has 7,660 residents.

According to Ammendolia, the system works best when all wards are within 25 per cent, plus or minus, of the ward average.

By 2034, if the ward boundaries are kept as is, Ward 4 will grow to almost 13,000 residents and Ward 5 will grow to about 11,500. The remaining wards will have populations between 4,500 and 5,500.

“As the municipality grows, everything falls out of balance,” Ammendolia said.

In option one, after the ward boundaries are modified, the 2034 population variance between wards is negligible, with wards having between 3,440 and 5,510 residents each.

By 2034, Ward 5’s population will be almost 18,000 — almost three times the population of the next largest ward, Ward 1 which will have about 6,200 residents. The other three wards will have populations of between 4,650 and 5,690 residents.

In option two, after the boundaries are readjusted, the population variance between wards is almost non-existent, as each ward has between 4,180 and 5,500 residents.

By 2034, Ward 3’s population will be almost 12,000 residents, 33 per cent higher than the next most populated, Ward 5, which will have about 9,000 residents. The remaining wards will have between 5,500 and 7,000 residents.

In option three, after the boundaries are moved, Ward 3 will be home to 3,200 residents, well below the ward average of almost 5,000 residents.

By 2034, Ward 5’s population will be almost 11,000, about 2,000 residents more than Ward 3 and more than 3,000 residents in each of the remaining wards.

Watson and Associates will draft final recommendations for council’s consideration in December.

Residents who missed the public information sessions can still make their voices heard by clicking here  to visit Springwater Township’s ward boundary review page.

Doug Shipley, MP Notes

I often receive correspondence from residents who are unsure of which level of government is best suited to assist them with their concerns. Accordingly, I have prepared a guide for residents to refer to if they are unsure of who to get in touch with.

As your federal representative, my office can assist with:

– Passports

– Canada Revenue Agency inquiries,

– Employment Insurance,

– Canada Pension Plan and Canada Pension Plan Disability,

– OAS and the Guaranteed Income Supplement,

– Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada inquiries, and other federal matters.

At the provincial level, your Member of Provincial Parliament can assist with:

– Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, and Marriage Certificates,

– Family Responsibility Office (FRO) Issues,

– Drivers Licensing, Health Cards, and Ontario Photo Cards,

– Healthcare and Trillium Drug Program,

– Highways,

– Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Ontario Works (Social Assistance),

– Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB), and other provincial matters.

At the municipal level, your local councillor can assist with:

– By-law Enforcement,

– Land Use Planning and Property Taxes,

– Local Public Transportation, Local Roads, and Snow Removal,

– Police and Fire Protection,

– Recreation,

– Waste Collection, Recycling, Water, and Sewer Services, and other municipal matters.

If you are having issues with any of these government programs or services, I encourage you to contact your representative at the appropriate level of government, who will be happy to assist you.

If you would like to reach me directly to share your concerns around policy, legislation, or government service the fastest way to connect with me is by sending an email to Doug.Shipley@parl.gc.ca

My team and I are happy to greet in-person visitors, answer phone calls, and emails Monday to Friday in my local office. You can find us at 48 Alliance Boulevard, Suite 104, in Barrie. You can also reach us by telephone at 705-728-2596.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Doug Shipley, Member of Parliament

Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte

 

Message from MPP Dunlop, Simcoe North

October 18, 2024 – As we observe both Remembrance Day and Indigenous Veterans Day this November, it is a time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve our country. We pay tribute to the men and women who have fought for our freedom, and a time to remember those who fought and continue to serve in the name of freedom, democracy, and peace. We owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans, and it is our responsibility to ensure their stories and contributions are never forgotten. Whether by attending local ceremonies, wearing a poppy, or taking a moment of silence on November 8th or 11th, each gesture is an important way to honour those who have given so much.

Looking forward, Ontario continues to make important strides in strengthening our province. I am pleased to share that the province is expanding class sizes at the Ontario Police College, enabling more recruits to be trained to serve and protect our communities.

This expansion reflects our province’s commitment to maintaining public safety and supporting our frontline heroes.

Additionally, Ontario and the federal government are investing up to $4 million in the Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative for the agricultural sector. This initiative will help address workforce shortages by supporting recruitment, training, and retention efforts, ensuring that our agricultural industry remains strong and capable of meeting growing demands. With this support, we are helping to secure the future of this key industry and ensuring that Ontario’s agricultural workers are well-equipped to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.

As we reflect on the past and look forward to the future, I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful fall season. Our region is particularly beautiful at this time of year, and I hope you have a chance to enjoy it with family and friends. Let us all take the time to appreciate the sacrifices of those who came before us, while continuing to build a strong, prosperous Ontario for future generations.

 

Ontario Helping Kids Stay Active and Healthy

Province investing in local after school programs for children and youth

By Office of  Jill Dunlop, MPP Simcoe North, October 10, 2024

SIMCOE NORTH – MIDLAND —The Ontario government is investing $30,000.00 through Ontario’s After School Program to support the Boys and Girls Club of North Simcoe (BGC) in Midland to deliver active recreation programming.

This investment is part of $14.6 million in funding that the province is providing to Ontario’s After School Program for the 2024-25 school year.

This program is improving the health and well-being of children and youth and encouraging their development of leadership skills through safe and supervised sport and recreation activities. Participants are also provided with a healthy snack and additional programming, such as academic support and arts and cultural activities tailored to meet the needs of the local community.

“Our government is proud to support opportunities for children and youth throughout Ontario to lead active and healthy lifestyles,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “This funding will expand access to vital resources and enable partner organizations to continue delivering high-quality, tailored active recreation programming that aligns with the needs of local communities.”

As part of the government’s $24 million budget to support initiatives that help promote equity in sport and recreation, this funding will create opportunities for children and youth across the province to be more physically active and engaged, and to develop leadership skills.

“As the local MPP, I am thrilled to see provincial funding for Ontario’s After School Program supporting the Boys and Girls Club of North Simcoe in delivering vital programming here in Midland, and that also support the outlying areas,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “This investment will provide our youth with safe, engaging activities that promote learning and healthy lifestyles after school hours. It is a meaningful step toward helping our children and families thrive in our community.”

Families interested in Ontario’s After School Program can contact an ASP delivery partner for more information about eligibility requirements and services that are offered by their program.

QUICK FACTS

  • Ontario’s After School Program was launched in 2009 and is currently delivered by 111 organizations across Ontario including municipalities, First Nations and community-based, non-profits with a sport and recreation mandate, such as YMCAs and BGC Clubs.
  • Ontario’s After School Program supports supervised sport and recreational activities for more than 13,000 children and youth, from kindergarten to grade 12, in more than 80 communities across the province.
  • Funding will support BGC North Simcoe Youth Development Programs offering a wide range of programs focused on personal development, education, and leadership, helping young people build confidence and life skills in a supportive environment.
  • Funding will have a Community Impact assisting the club to continue to provide a safe and inclusive space for children and teens in the region, providing activities that promote physical health, academic success, and social engagement, while fostering a sense of belonging in the community.

 

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

October 09, 2024

STRAFFORDVILLE – The governments of Canada and Ontario have awarded over $12.2 million in support to 213 projects designed to help farmers make their agricultural lands more healthy and resilient.

The funding, through the first intake of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, is supporting the planting of grasslands and trees, reducing tillage, and creating water retention ponds. These improvements help farmers increase their resilience against extreme weather events and enhance the health of their soil and water, while boosting biodiversity on their properties.

“Our hardworking farmers face many challenges that are outside of their control, especially when it comes to extreme weather events and the impacts from climate change,” said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, we can help them protect their land against these unpredictable challenges so they can continue to grow and succeed for generations to come.”

“We want to support our world-class Ontario farmers with lasting on-farm improvements to help secure long-term growth and environmental resilience for a stronger agri-food sector,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “We strongly encourage our farmers to apply and take advantage of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, as funding remains available and open for new applications. This is an exceptional opportunity that we want extended across Ontario’s almost $51 billion agricultural sector.”

Funding amounts vary according to the type and scope of the project. As funding is still available through the second intake of the initiative which opened on June 3, 2024, farmers are encouraged to apply through the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association website. Eligible applicants could receive $30 per acre for reduced tillage, and up to $25,000 per acre for the establishment of new wetlands on agricultural lands.

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.

Quick Facts

The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) is being delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) and is helping Ontario reach the goals outlined in the Grow Ontario Strategy, which includes strengthening the stability of the agri-food supply chain.

The second intake includes several continuous improvement updates to ensure the program continues to meet its intended purpose, including clarifying eligible activities and revising selected acreage-based rates and length of land use terms to better align funding incentives with intended outcomes.

Additional programming is being planned through RALP.

Quotes

“Ontario famers know good stewardship and best management practices are the key to soil health and building long term sustainability on our farms. OSCIA is pleased to deliver the Resilient Agricultural Landscape funding program under the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative to Ontario farmers to complete projects including reduced tillage, creating water retention ponds and wetlands, and establishing natural grasslands that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help sequester carbon.”

– Phil Oegema

President – Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association

 

Ontario Investing $500,000 to Stop Spread of New Harmful Aquatic Invasive Species

The investment will be provided to the Invasive Species Centre to mobilize rapid response to stop the invasive species from spreading

Submitted by the Office of Doug Downey, MPP

Ministry of Natural Resources, Oct. 17, 2024

LEAMINGTON —The Ontario government is investing $500,000 to manage and prevent the spread of two aquatic invasive plant species recently detected in Leamington and Lake Simcoe.Hydrilla was first detected in the Hillman Marsh Conservation Area located in Leamington, Ontario. Water soldier was also detected in Lake Simcoe waters for the first time. “Our government is acting quickly to prevent the spread of invasive species in Leamington,” said Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent—Leamington. “A quick response will prevent the spread of invasive species which degrades water quality and harms natural habitats.”

The funding will be provided to the Invasive Species Centre to mobilize a rapid response plan against these two high-risk aquatic invasive plant species. “With the recent findings of hydrilla and water soldier in Ontario, it’s more important than ever for us to take immediate action against these aggressive aquatic invasive plants,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources. “This funding will support the InvasiveSpecies Centre and local partners in quickly responding to these threats and protecting our natural environment and biodiversity in Ontario.”

This funding is in addition to the ministry’s $16 million investment to help municipalities, conservation authorities and Indigenous communities stop invasive species from establishing or spreading in the province.“This funding will help prevent the spread of this invasive species in Lake Simcoe and help protect the important ecology of our region,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte. “Ensuring invasive species are quickly and carefully dealt with will help keep Lake Simcoe safe and healthy for years to come.”

“This new investment from the Ministry of Natural Resources will enable the Invasive Species Centre and our partners to support rapid response against two of Ontario’s most  aggressive invasive aquatic plants,” said Colin Cassin, Invasive Species Centre Policy Manager. “Quick action and collaboration among partners are key to protecting Ontario’s lakes and rivers from the costly ecological and economic burdens these species present when left unchecked.”

The Ministry of Natural Resources will continue to work closely with the Invasive Species Centre and local partners to further assess the extent of these invasions and prevent, detect and respond to future threats. To support this work, Ontario is renewing the Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan to ensure we have the most robust plan possible in place.

 

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