Message from MP Doug Shipley
It’s that time of year again. You’re probably wondering whether I mean March Break or tax season. Well, I mean both. Each requires you to get things organized, do some planning.
For March Break you might be finding a March Break camp for the kids, creating a schedule for the week if you’re staying home to enjoy the snow, or packing a suitcase to head into the sun. For filing incomes taxes you’re getting T4s together, charitable donation receipts, and other pieces of tax documentation.
I admit, I don’t have advice for March Break; however, for those of us that need assistance filing taxes, there is a Volunteer Income Tax Program offered in conjunction with the CRA through the Elmvale Branch of the Springwater Library. The program is for the following tax brackets: $35,000 for one person, $45,000 for two people, and up to $50,000 for a family of four. Call the Elmvale branch at 705-322-1482 to book in-person or phone appointments. In-person appointments are available on these dates:
Saturday, March 14, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
Thursday, March 26, 10:30am to 1 pm
Saturday, March 28, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
Monday, March 30, 2 pm to 5 pm
Thursday, April 9, 10:30 am to 1 pm
Saturday, April 11, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
Monday, April 13, 2 pm to 5 pm
Saturday, April 18, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
Thursday, April 23, 10:30 am to 1 pm
Monday, April 27, 2 pm to 5 pm
For friends and family outside the immediate area there are other free tax clinics available. Simply search – FREE TAX CLINICS – online and you’ll find the Government of Canada website (Canada.ca). At the website you can search for clinics in your area.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can be reached at 1-800-959-8281 for general and personal tax information.
As always, my constituency office is available to assist you with 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
Community Update from Ward 1 Councillor Matt Garwood – Matt Garwood, Township of Springwater
Hello Springwater residents. I’m pleased to share updates on recent decisions and developments that are 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.
Elmvale District High School Fitness Centre:
Council approved up to $32,000 from the Elmvale District High School Donation Fund to purchase new fitness equipment. Staff will report back with options for providing public access to the upgraded facility.
Fire & Emergency Services Station 5 (Elmvale) Renovations:
Council approved funding for interior renovations at Fire Station 5 in Elmvale, including the construction of a new bunker gear room.
Restructuring Compensation Agreement:
Council authorized the Springwater–Barrie Restructuring Compensation Agreement valued at $22,080,000, along with an additional $850,000 dedicated exclusively to economic development staffing and initiatives.
Water Billing and Leak Detection Enhancements:
Council directed staff to report on the adoption of automated meter reading to provide real-time water data and improve leak detection and conservation. Staff will also assess the feasibility of monthly or bi‑monthly billing, as well as a potential leak forgiveness program, cost estimates, funding sources, and operational impacts.
Digital Speed Signs for Community Groups and Stakeholders:
Council directed staff to develop and implement a community cost‑sharing program for the installation of additional digital speed signs. This model would enable organizations, community groups, and stakeholders to proactively contribute to local road safety enhancements.
Thank you for staying engaged in our community’s progress.
Councillor Matt Garwood