Mayor Don Allen News:
2022 Springwater Swing Golf Tournament Proceeds
I would once again like to thank everyone who supported the Township’s 14th annual Springwater Swing charity golf tournament at the Barrie Country Club. We had 121 golfers and 31 sponsors generously contributing to the event this past June. The final figure has now been determined and I am pleased to share that we succeeded in raising approximately $41,000! The proceeds will go towards the Community Assistance Program, physician recruitment, and charitable and community organizations, in accordance with Township procedures.
Resident Survey: 4-Day Work Week and Extended Hours
Last April, Council approved a pilot project to implement a 4-day compressed work week at the Township for a five-month trial period. Under the project, Township staff were given the option to take advantage of a 4-day work week, reaching their same 35- or 40-hour time requirement. The project allowed the municipality to expand its service hours by an hour each day, with the Township Administration Centre presently open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday. As we are now four months into the pilot project, the Township would like to hear from residents to understand the impacts and benefits of this work schedule on you. Please take a few minutes to complete our online survey at surveymonkey.com/r/4-Day-Work-Week.
Accelerated High Speed Internet Program
On August 4, 2022, the Ontario government announced a new investment to bring high-speed internet to up to 266,000 unserved and underserved homes and businesses in as many as 339 municipalities across Ontario. The project areas are still being finalized, though Springwater has been identified as a municipality to benefit from the investment. The Province has signed agreements with eight internet service providers, with Rogers Communications Canada Inc. selected as the provider to carry out most of the projects in Simcoe County. The contracts are part of Ontario’s $4 billion investment and plan to connect every corner of the province by the end of 2025. Further information and ongoing updates are provided on the Township’s website at springwater.ca/CommunityBroadband.
Memorial Tree and Bench Policy
At its August 3 meeting, Springwater Council approved a new policy that will allow members of the public to dedicate a memorial bench, tree and/or plaque in a municipal green space. Under the policy, such dedications may be made by individuals, organizations or corporations for:
- Springwater residents in memory of a loved one;
- Past Springwater residents who are deceased;
- Persons who are deceased and were non-residents, but who have made a significant contribution to public service, charitable works, or volunteering in Springwater; and,
- Past residents or non-residents who are deceased and have performed a heroic act in the service of others in Springwater.
Memorial benches and/or plaques will be in place for a ten-year term, after which the donor will have the opportunity to renew their contract. The purchase, supply, delivery and installation of commemorative items will be the responsibility of the donor, based on fees established through the Township’s Fees and Charges By-law.
North Simcoe Rail Trail Resurfacing
- Priest Services Inc. has been awarded the tender for improving the accessibility of the North Simcoe Rail Trail. The work will involve replacing 30 km of the existing trail surface with an accessible surface material, replacing culverts, leveling and resurfacing four trail entrance parking lots, and installing new entrance gates that meet accessibility standards. The project area spans from just north of County Road 90 to 5 km north of Elmvale. Of the $1,000,000 in total project costs, $750,000 will be provided through grant funding received through FedDev Ontario. The Township was also successful in its application for $30,000 through the County of Simcoe’s Trails Connecting Communities Program. This amount will help to offset the remaining project costs that are the responsibility of the municipality.
SCORRA Trail Use Agreement
Prior to 2019, the Simcoe County Off Road Riders Association (SCORRA) had an agreement with the Township to use road allowances and parts of the North Simcoe Rail Trail as off-road vehicle (ORV) routes. In February 2022, it requested a renewal of this expired agreement, with greater permissions to include the following trails and unopened road allowances:
- Coughlin – Phelpston Trail Link, from Flos Road 4 West and Horseshoe Valley Road West;
- Unopened road section between Williams Tract – Orrock Creek Tract;
- Unopened road section of Baseline Road between Flos Road 4 and Mill Street;
- Unopened road section of Flos Road 5 East between Baseline Road and the County Forest Caston Tract;
- Unopened road section of Flos Road 7 West of Penetanguishene Road; and,
- Unopened road section of Old Penetanguishene Road, north of Flos Road 7.
At its August 3 meeting, Council voted not to approve SCORRA’s request to access the North Simcoe Rail Trail (NSRT) between Coughlin Road and Phelpston. The Township has received many complaints of speeding and near misses with pedestrians and non-motorized trail users. Furthermore, a speed radar check conducted along the NSRT last year found 63 ORVs to be exceeding 40 km/h with a top speed of 85 km/h. Though access to the NSRT was not granted, staff are entering into negotiations with the Central Ontario ATV Club and SCORRA regarding operations, maintenance and access to the unopened road allowances included in the request.
Public Access Automatic External Defibrillator Policy
Since 2006, the Township has had an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) program in place, with the first AED unit installed at the Elmvale Community Arena. Since then, the program has expanded to include 17 public access AEDs throughout the municipality. Due to the significant interest our community has shown in the program, the Township has developed a new policy to guide public requests for AED units to be installed in Township parks and facilities. The approved policy will provide criteria for staff to objectively consider these requests and ensure consistency with the purchase of equipment, placement and maintenance of AEDs. During the 2023 budget deliberations, staff will bring forward a request to ensure adequate funds are allocated to support the policy and the ongoing maintenance, monthly monitoring and end-of-life replacement of all public access AEDs located on municipal property.
School Crossing Guard Program Policy
Council has adopted a new policy that provides a clear and consistent framework for the administration, evaluation, approval, implementation and review of school crossing guards within the Township of Springwater. The policy will help staff determine the most appropriate locations for a school crossing guard and where they are most needed. Under the policy, a crossing guard may be considered for a location if the following criteria are met:
- The location is a designated pedestrian crossing;
- School-aged pedestrians are attending schools operated under a local school board;
- School-aged pedestrians live within the school’s walking boundaries;
- School-aged pedestrians that cross at the location are between ages five 5 and 12; and,
- At least 30 school-aged pedestrians cross at the location (at specified times).
Requests for the consideration of a school crossing guard must be submitted in writing to the Manager, Recreation, Parks and Facilities.
CUPE Collective Agreement
At its August 3 meeting, Council approved a By-law to ratify the Collective Agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 2380-09 for the Township’s outside workers. The agreement was reached through joint discussions in which both parties worked collaboratively to negotiate mutually beneficial terms. I am pleased an amicable agreement was reached that values the work our employees do every day, without any disruption to Township programs and services. It is an affordable settlement that protects taxpayers’ interests while providing for fair and equitable compensation. In effect through December 31, 2024, the agreement includes a total wage increase of 2.5% in 2022, 2% in 2023 and 2% in 2024 for CUPE members. The Township has accounted for the immediate financial impact associated with the agreement in the approved 2022 Budget and the forecasted 2023-2024 Multi-Year Budget.
