Community Update from Ward 1 Councillor Matt Garwood
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.
Sponsor a Flower Basket:
Show your community pride while helping beautify downtown Elmvale by sponsoring a hanging flower basket. This simple yet meaningful program enhances the downtown experience for residents, visitors, and local businesses alike, creating a welcoming and attractive community space.
2026 Springwater Swing:
Be part of the 18th Annual Springwater Swing Golf Tournament on Wednesday, June 24 at Vespra Hills Golf Course. This popular event brings the community together for a day of golf while supporting important local initiatives. Every birdie, bogey, and bunker shot helps raise funds that are reinvested into programs benefiting residents across Springwater, making it both a fun and impactful way to give back.
Changes to Elmvale Community Garden:
The Elmvale Community Garden will be relocating from Bishop Park to Robinson Park following Council approval, as the new location has been identified by Staff as more suitable for its intended use. In addition, Council adopted a new Community Garden Policy to provide a clear, consistent, and well-managed framework to support community gardening initiatives moving forward.
Public Engagement on Natural Ice Rink Policy and Procedure:
Council has directed Staff to begin a public engagement process to help shape a potential policy and procedure framework for natural ice rinks on Township-owned property.
Following this engagement, Staff will report back to Council with recommendations, including proposed policies, procedures, and any associated resource or budget considerations.
Endowment Fund Policy and Investment Policy Amendments:
Council has approved the Springwater Endowment Fund Policy along with amendments to the Township’s Investment Policy. These updates are intended to strengthen financial stewardship and ensure a clear, structured approach to managing the $22,080,000 million dollars from the Barrie Restructuring Compensation Agreement. Endowment fund policy highlights include:
- That the funds principle be protected in perpetuity.
- That 25% of the annual return on investment earned from the fund be reinvested into the fund principle.
- That for the five years commencing in 2027 and concluding in 2031, a portion of the return on investment earned be allocated to offset the reduction in the tax assessment base arising from the provincially legislated boundary adjustment, thereby maintaining property tax rate stability.
- That the remaining investment income be directed toward offsetting debt financing for capital investment projects within the community.
Inter-Municipal Recreational Access and Subsidy Program Review:
Springwater residents have historically been able to access recreational programs offered by Barrie at resident rates. However, that agreement was discontinued by the city in 2025.
Council has directed Staff to report back with options, analysis, and recommendations to help support resident access to recreational programs in neighbouring municipalities, particularly where comparable services are not available within Springwater.
Feasibility of Establishing Dog Parks in the Township of Springwater:
Recognizing the benefits of safe, designated off-leash spaces for dogs, Council has directed Staff to explore the feasibility of developing dog parks within the Township of Springwater. This review will assess potential locations, associated costs, operational requirements, and implementation strategies, with findings and recommendations to be presented to Council.
Communication Strategy – Orr Lake Health Updates:
Council has directed Staff to work with the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) to implement a coordinated communications strategy regarding water quality in Orr Lake. With both seasonal and permanent residents in the area, the goal is to ensure clear, consistent communication that informs and educates the community about lake conditions.