Community Update from Ward 1 Councillor Matt Garwood, Township of Springwater
Hello Springwater residents. I’m pleased to share updates on recent decisions and developments shaping our community. My goal with these columns is to inform, not to offer opinions, so you can stay connected with what’s happening in Springwater.
Kraft Hockeyville 2026
Our beloved Elmvale Community Arena has been nominated for Kraft Hockeyville 2026, and this is our moment to rally together, celebrate, and show all of Canada what our rink means to this incredible community. For generations, the Elmvale Arena has been more than just ice and boards. When you walk into a small-town Ontario arena on a crisp winter night, there’s a feeling, a shared heartbeat that connects us all. From early morning practices to championship cheers, this place has been where our stories are written and our memories made.
The Elmvale Arena stands as the proud heart of our community, a place where tradition, teamwork, and hometown spirit come alive. It’s home to two of our most cherished celebrations: the Elmvale Fall Fair and the Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival. These events capture the essence of Springwater and bring neighbours together, year after year.
It’s also the home ice for the Elmvale Minor Hockey Association, the Elmvale Harvesters, the Elmvale Skating Club, and so many other local groups that embody the pride and energy that make Elmvale truly special. Now, we need your voices, stories, photos, and memories to help bring this title home. Share what the Elmvale Arena means to you, the moments, the people, and the pride that make it the beating heart of our town.
Here’s how you can help. Visit our Hockeyville page (https://hockeyville.kraftheinz.com/home), submit your stories, post your photos, and make a difference!
Together, let’s show the country that Elmvale isn’t just a town that loves hockey, it’s a community built by it. For the kids lacing up today, the families cheering in the stands, and the generations yet to come, this rink is Elmvale, and it’s ready for its next chapter.
Let’s bring Kraft Hockeyville home!
Submitted by: Councillor Matt Garwood
Community Update from Ward 1 Councillor Matt Garwood, Township of Springwater
Hello Springwater residents. I’m pleased to share updates on recent decisions and developments shaping our community. My goal with these columns is to inform, not to offer opinions, so you can stay connected with what’s happening in Springwater.
Kraft Hockeyville 2026
Our beloved Elmvale Community Arena has been nominated for Kraft Hockeyville 2026, and this is our moment to rally together, celebrate, and show all of Canada what our rink means to this incredible community. For generations, the Elmvale Arena has been more than just ice and boards. When you walk into a small-town Ontario arena on a crisp winter night, there’s a feeling, a shared heartbeat that connects us all. From early morning practices to championship cheers, this place has been where our stories are written and our memories made.
The Elmvale Arena stands as the proud heart of our community, a place where tradition, teamwork, and hometown spirit come alive. It’s home to two of our most cherished celebrations: the Elmvale Fall Fair and the Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival. These events capture the essence of Springwater and bring neighbours together, year after year.
It’s also the home ice for the Elmvale Minor Hockey Association, the Elmvale Harvesters, the Elmvale Skating Club, and so many other local groups that embody the pride and energy that make Elmvale truly special. Now, we need your voices, stories, photos, and memories to help bring this title home. Share what the Elmvale Arena means to you, the moments, the people, and the pride that make it the beating heart of our town.
Here’s how you can help. Visit our Hockeyville page (https://hockeyville.kraftheinz.com/home), submit your stories, post your photos, and make a difference!
Together, let’s show the country that Elmvale isn’t just a town that loves hockey, it’s a community built by it. For the kids lacing up today, the families cheering in the stands, and the generations yet to come, this rink is Elmvale, and it’s ready for its next chapter.
Let’s bring Kraft Hockeyville home!
Submitted by: Councillor Matt Garwood
MPP Jill Dunlop Announces Ontario Investing to Improve
Accessibility for Seniors in Simcoe North
Province funding $57,935.15 towards washroom upgrades project to meet & exceed accessibility standards & codes to build inclusive and accessible spaces for seniors in Simcoe North
PENETANGUISHENE — The Ontario government is investing up to $57,935.15 through washroom upgrades to create more inclusive and accessible space in Simcoe North. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the funding will help build stronger, more resilient communities by supporting over 40 projects that increase accessibility and create more opportunities for seniors and people with disabilities to participate in their community.
“The Royal Canadian Legion in Penetanguishene is a cornerstone of our community, and I am proud to support this important investment that will make their facility more accessible for everyone,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “These washroom upgrades will ensure that veterans, seniors, families, and visitors can comfortably participate in the many programs and events hosted at the Legion. Improving accessibility strengthens the Legion’s ability to continue serving as a welcoming gathering place for remembrance, connection, and community life. This funding helps ensure the Legion remains a vibrant, inclusive space for generations to come.”
“The Royal Canadian Legion in Penetanguishene is a cornerstone of our community, and I am proud to support this important investment that will make their facility more accessible for everyone,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “These washroom upgrades will ensure that veterans, seniors, families, and visitors can comfortably participate in the many programs and events hosted at the Legion. Improving accessibility strengthens the Legion’s ability to continue serving as a welcoming gathering place for remembrance, connection, and community life. This funding helps ensure the Legion remains a vibrant, inclusive space for generations to come.”
“The Royal Canadian Legion in Penetanguishene is a cornerstone of our community, and I am proud to support this important investment that will make their facility more accessible for everyone,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “These washroom upgrades will ensure that veterans, seniors, families, and visitors can comfortably participate in the many programs and events hosted at the Legion. Improving accessibility strengthens the Legion’s ability to continue serving as a welcoming gathering place for remembrance, connection, and community life. This funding helps ensure the Legion remains a vibrant, inclusive space for generations to come.”
“The Royal Canadian Legion in Penetanguishene is a cornerstone of our community, and I am proud to support this important investment that will make their facility more accessible for everyone,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “These washroom upgrades will ensure that veterans, seniors, families, and visitors can comfortably participate in the many programs and events hosted at the Legion. Improving accessibility strengthens the Legion’s ability to continue serving as a welcoming gathering place for remembrance, connection, and community life. This funding helps ensure the Legion remains a vibrant, inclusive space for generations to come.”
Message from Doug Shipley
As your federal Member of Parliament, I work to keep you informed on what the federal government is up to in Ottawa. While I am always happy to answer your questions about policy, a significant part of my job is to help constituents navigate federal government programs and services.
My team and I are happy to greet in person visitors and 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 can assist with the following matters:
- 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
- Any other federal matters
How we can help is determined on a case-by-case basis, so the best thing to do is contact my office by telephone or email to discuss your specific situation. Then we can let you know what steps we might be able to take to assist you.
When contacting my office, you will often reach one of my knowledgeable team members as I am juggling responsibilities both here in Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte and in Ottawa. 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
With the various demands on my time every day I may not be able to respond immediately. I do review all emails and if I think that you will be best served by a direct conversation with a member of my team then I will ask them to follow up. Otherwise, you will receive a response from me.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, Doug Shipley – Member of Parliament – Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte
Message from Jill Dunlop
I’m delighted to connect with you again to share some of the most recent provincial announcements and initiatives that will make a difference right here at home. This past month has seen meaningful progress on key issues, and I’m proud to highlight what our government is delivering for our region.
One of the most significant recent announcements came as part of a major investment in critical water and wastewater infrastructure across Ontario. The Province of Ontario is investing an additional $700 million to help municipalities and First Nations communities upgrade aging systems, protect public health, and support future growth. In Simcoe North, this means up to $78.4 million in funding for vital projects, including upgrades to Orillia’s Fittons Road West Sewage Pumping Station and investments in Ramara, Tay Township, Penetanguishene, and Tiny Township. These improvements will not only ensure reliable services for families today, but also help unlock new housing opportunities and support local jobs.
In addition, I’m pleased that Orillia’s Mobile Crisis Response Team is receiving provincial support of $240,000 to help keep our community safe and ensure that residents experiencing crisis receive the care they deserve. This funding reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to community safety and mental health supports.
Across the riding, we’re also seeing continued progress through grants and programs that support local organizations, nonprofits, and infrastructure, making Simcoe North an even stronger place to live, work, and raise a family.
As we move into a new season, I encourage everyone to stay connected and engaged with our wonderful communities. These investments and supports are only possible because of the partnerships we share with municipalities, local leaders, and residents like you.
Thank you for your continued involvement and care for Simcoe North. I wish you a joyous spring filled with good health, community spirit, and opportunities to gather with family and friends.