Township mayors divided on value of reducing county council’s size
By: Wayne Doyle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: BarrieToday.com, Jun 20, 2025
When it comes to reducing the size of Simcoe County council, not everyone agrees.
Springwater Township prefers a smaller council, while Essa Township is fine with the status quo.
One of the reasons Springwater is for a smaller council is cost.
According to Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin, who is also deputy warden on county council, when county council meets it costs county taxpayers a bundle.
“When you do the math and the per diem, every time county council sits it’s over $10,000,” she said when the topic of changing the composition of county council came up at the township’s council meeting Wednesday. “I do feel that we can provide the same effective and efficient representation to our residents with half the amount.
“This is something that I have heard from our residents that they are in support of and I’m looking forward to this council being in full support of this,” Coughlin added.
The folks in Essa Township had a different view.
Essa council voted unanimously to oppose the reduction of county council composition for a number of reasons, according to Essa Mayor Sandie Macdonald.
Chief among Essa council’s concerns was the impact a minority of municipalities could have on decision making.
According to Macdonald, if county council is reduced to 17 members, the weighted vote could possibly allow six municipalities the power for all decisions to go their way.
Under the weighted voting system, each municipality’s vote is adjusted based on its population. This means a larger municipality will have more voting power than a smaller one within the council. The weighted vote system is triggered upon a recorded vote and is applied to the total number of votes allocated to each municipality based on its number of electors.
Macdonald also noted that reducing the size of county council would result in fewer voices being heard, less cumulative knowledge at the county council table and an increase in councillor workload.
“Keeping county council at 32 members allows for more diversity of opinion and a healthy representation,” she said. “We also have 32 members that are put out on different committees.
“Those same amount of committees would be drawn from 16 members,” Macdonald added.
She said Essa maintained the status quo on this issue because council had many unanswered questions.
“To make an educated decision you need all of the facts, which were not provided before this vote,” she said.
Lower-tier municipalities must deliver their decision to the county by June 30.
At its April 22 meeting, county council passed a bylaw to change the composition of council from 32 members, including mayors and deputy mayors of each of the county’s 16 lower-tier municipalities, to 17 members, comprised of mayors only of the 16 lower-tier municipalities and a head of council.
Currently, the warden is appointed from among members of county council and serves both on county council and their lower-tier council.
The bylaw will establish a head of council who serves exclusively on county council for a four-year term. The position will be appointed by county council from among eligible electors who put their name forward.
The bylaw also includes required updates to the existing weighted vote system, which allocates the existing number of votes for each municipality to the one representative.
By passing the bylaw, county council fulfilled the first step in the “triple-majority” process that is outlined in the Municipal Act, 2001.
However, the bylaw to change the composition of an upper-tier council is not valid until it achieves triple majority:
a majority of votes on county council in favour
a majority of lower-tier councils passing resolutions consenting to the bylaw
lower-tier councils consenting to the bylaw represent a majority of all electors in the upper-tier municipality.
At Springwater’s council meeting, Deputy Mayor George Cabral wondered if the township had received any comments from residents.
According to the township’s clerk, Jennifer Marshall, none were received. She suggested the lack of correspondence may have been due to residents providing comments directly to the county when it hosted a public meeting on the proposed change.
Update from Doug Shipley, MP
Dear Neighbours,
As the first Parliamentary session of Canada’s 45th Parliament ends, I would like to express that it has been my privilege to be trusted to discuss your views with my colleagues and to act as the voice of Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte on Parliament Hill.
This session, Conservatives made real progress in putting forward measures that will bring down the cost-of-living and holding the Liberal government to account for the promises made to Canadians. My Conservative colleagues and I are willing to work with the government when it is in the best interest of the nation. We will continue to demand that the Liberal government address Canada’s high taxes, unaffordable housing costs, and sky-rocketing crime rates.
I was honoured to be appointed as the Associate Shadow Minister for Combatting Crime. I am pleased to accept this new role and look forward to continuing my work on matters related to public safety and bail reform. Additionally, I will continue to work alongside my Conservative colleagues to fight for a Canada that is affordable, self-reliant, and united.
Over the summer, I look forward to spending more time in the community, meeting with constituents and celebrating milestone events like anniversaries, birthdays, and new business openings.
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, June
Province Taking Next Steps to Build Ontario Place
Project will result in 5,000 new jobs, more than 50 acres of free public space and a new revenue-generating parking structure
By Province of Ontario, June 24, 2025
TORONTO — The Ontario government has unveiled the final designs for the new Ontario Place public space, marking a major milestone in the transformation of Toronto’s waterfront that will create 5,000 jobs in the construction and tourism sectors and boost economic growth across Toronto and the region. The province also announced a new, publicly owned parking structure at Ontario Place, which will generate revenue for the province and help the public conveniently access Ontario Place’s many attractions, including public beaches, trails and parks, the state-of-the-art Ontario Science Centre, Live Nation’s revitalized year-round amphitheatre and Therme Canada’s family-friendly waterpark and wellness destination.
“We’re rebuilding Ontario Place into a world-class destination for families and tourists, with convenient connections for visitors coming by car, GO train or the Ontario Line’s nearby Exhibition Station,” said Premier Doug Ford. “The investments we’re making will help keep 5,000 workers on the job, despite the economic uncertainty caused by President Trump’s tariffs, and will help protect and grow Toronto and Ontario’s tourism sector for decades to come.”
The reimagined Ontario Place will offer more than 50 acres of free public trails, expanded green space, playgrounds, interactive fountains, new beaches, event spaces and an updated marina, all designed to create a world-class waterfront destination that will attract up to six million visitors every year.
“For too long, Ontario Place was neglected and without a vision, falling into disrepair,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Now, 54 years after welcoming its first visitors, our government is returning this iconic park to the people of Ontario. During these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever that we protect Ontario by investing in places of identity and culture and help keep workers on the job, no matter what.”
Highlights from the final designs for Ontario Place include:
A new entrance that will serve as a gathering and transit hub, connecting visitors to the new Exhibition Station on the Ontario Line, lakeside walking, cycle paths and onsite parking.
A reimagined Brigantine Cove featuring an urban beach, boardwalks and children’s playgrounds, including a multi-level interactive treehouse and turtle-shaped play structures.
New canoe and kayak launch sites and natural stone lookout points throughout the park will provide sunset views across Lake Ontario.
The Ontario Place marina will become a vibrant hub, with open-air pavilions, boardwalks and spaces for future programming and amenities.
A new forum space at the park’s centre will provide ample space for outdoor markets and festivals and showcase a one-acre splash fountain, with a core shaped like Ontario’s iconic trillium.
An up to 3,400 square foot Indigenous Cultural Pavilion on the East Island, offering a dedicated space for community gatherings, workshops and other learning programs.
“Ontario Place was once an iconic tourist attraction and a cornerstone of our province’s cultural and recreational landscape,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
The new public park at Ontario Place will preserve key heritage and recreational features of the site while connecting to all the new attractions and features, all while offering free public access to the waterfront for residents and tourists alike to explore year-round.
Ontario Helping Seniors Stay Healthy and Independent in Simcoe North
By Jill Dunlop, MPP, June 27, 2025
Simcoe North/Nord SIMCOE NORTH — The Ontario government is investing $112,668.00 in 7 projects across Simcoe North. Funding is part of the Seniors Community Grant Program (SCGP), which is designed to help seniors increase independence, reduce social isolation and create positive connections. The SCGP is being delivered alongside a suite of supports as Ontario marks Seniors Month.
“I am proud to announce that our government is investing in seven community projects right here in Simcoe North through the Seniors Community Grant Program,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “These initiatives will help seniors stay active, socially connected, engaged in their communities, which is vital for their health and well-being. By supporting local organizations, we’re creating opportunities for seniors to thrive and contribute their valuable experience and knowledge.”
The government is investing $7 million in the SCGP this year to protect seniors and older adults by supporting over 330 community projects that help them to stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected. SCGP recipients can receive up to $25,000 to support local programs, services and events to provide seniors with opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement. This year’s investment includes an additional $1 million, specifically for programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for senior veterans.
Funding for the 7 Seniors Community Grant (SCG) are being distributed as follows:
Coldwater and District Curling Club $20,225.00,Town of Penetanguishene $11,050.00, Orillia Lawn Bowling Club $9,048.00, Chippewas of Rama First Nation $18,100.00, Township of Tiny $22,105.00, The Township of Ramara $7,140.00 and City of Orillia $25,000.00.
North Simcoe Ontario Health Team Launches New Website to Better
by North Simcoe OHT, June 17, 2025
Serve Community and Partners
Midland, ON (June 17, 2025) – The North Simcoe Ontario Health Team (OHT) has launched a new website at www.nsoht.ca, designed to make it easier for residents, patients, caregivers, and health and social service partners to find information, learn about local programs, and stay informed about ongoing initiatives that support more connected and coordinated care in the region.
The redesigned website offers a centralized, user-friendly platform to access details about the North Simcoe OHT programs and services, opportunities to get involved, and updates on collaborative work taking place across North Simcoe.
“We created this new website to better reflect the needs of our community and our partner organizations,” said Tracy Coffin, Director of the North Simcoe Ontario Health Team. “Our goal was to make it easier for people to find clear, relevant information and to showcase how we’re working together to improve health and social care across the region.”
The new site was developed in partnership with the North Simcoe OHT’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) to ensure it reflects the lived experiences and voices of those who use the health system. The website is easy to navigate, written in plain language, and will continue to evolve with new features and content over time.
Visitors will find:
- Information about North Simcoe OHT programs and services
- Updates on current initiatives and priorities
- Opportunities for community and provider engagement
- Resources for patients, families, caregivers, and health care providers
- Information on how to get involved or join the North Simcoe OHT
The new website reflects the North Simcoe OHT’s ongoing commitment to improving access to care, enhancing collaboration among health and social service providers, and putting people at the centre of the health system.
To explore the website and learn more about the work of the North Simcoe Ontario
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Ontario Reducing Wait Times for MRIs, CT Scans and Endoscopies
Province investing $155 million for 57 community surgical and diagnostic centres to connect 1.2 million people to publicly funded procedures
By Premier’s Office, June 27, 2025
RICHMOND HILL — The Ontario government is investing $155 million over two years to add 57 new community surgical and diagnostic centres licensed to deliver MRI and CT scans, and gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy services across the province. The expansion will help 1.2 million people access publicly funded procedures faster and is part of the government’s plan to invest in and protect Ontario’s health-care system.
“The 57 new centres we are rolling out across Ontario will make a huge difference for people in the province, helping them get the care they need, when they need it,” said Premier Doug Ford. “It’s all part of our plan to protect and improve our health-care services, all while ensuring people always receive the care they need with their OHIP card.”
Following a Call for Applications, licences will be issued starting this summer for:
- MRI and CT Scan Services: 35 newly licenced centres will deliver MRI and CT scans, connecting up to 828,000 more people over two years to vital diagnostic imaging — more than four times the province’s original goal. This expansion of services will reduce wait times and ensure patients receive scans within the medically recommended timeframe in regions where the centres will operate.
- GI Endoscopy Services: 22 newly licenced centres will deliver GI endoscopy procedures, adding up to 420,000 procedures over two years, more than three times the province’s original goal. This expansion will ensure that every patient in the province in need of a GI endoscopy procedure receives it within the medically recommended timeframe.
The announcement was made at the Schroeder Ambulatory Centre in Richmond Hill. The Centre is receiving $14 million to provide MRI and CT scans, as well as GI Endoscopy procedures to over 115,000 patients over two years, significantly reducing wait times in the region. The other recipients will be announced in the coming weeks.
“When it comes to wait times for surgeries and procedures, the status quo is not acceptable. That’s why our government is taking bold, decisive action to protect Ontario’s health-care system by boosting access to vital surgeries and diagnostic imaging so that families can conveniently access the care they need sooner,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By licensing 57 new community surgical and diagnostic centres across Ontario, we are reducing wait times and ensuring more people can receive timely care in their community, for years to come.”
As the government significantly expands the number of surgeries and procedures being done through community surgical and diagnostic centres, it is ensuring these centres are integrated and linked with the broader public-health system. This includes requiring new facilities to provide detailed staffing plans that protect the stability of staffing resources at public hospitals, report into the province’s wait times information system and participate in regional central intakes, where available, to ensure people get the care they need as quickly as possible. All community surgical and diagnostic centres are under the oversight of Accreditation Canada’s new quality assurance program, which provides the same strong requirements as public hospitals to improve quality standards at facilities and ensure consistent patient safety and quality care.
As part of Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the government is taking action to protect Ontario by reducing surgical and diagnostic backlogs to make it easier and faster for more people to connect to publicly funded surgeries and procedures, when and where they need it.