August 2025 Newsletter
August 6, 2025
Dear Friends & Neighbours,
I hope this message finds you well. It’s been a sizzling summer across Simcoe–Grey, and I hope you’ve had the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends in our beautiful region.
As we step into August, many families are already looking ahead to the new school year. I’m pleased to share good news for parents, students, and educators in the Tottenham area: a significant milestone has been reached toward the construction of a new local school. You’ll find more details below.
Beyond our riding, the Ontario government continues to work hard to protect and grow jobs across the province. One key priority is strengthening interprovincial trade – removing barriers and creating more opportunity for Ontario businesses. With ongoing discussions around international trade, ensuring strong economic ties within Canada has never been more important.
As always, my team and I are here, ready to listen and assist however we can. My office can be reached by email at brian.saunderson@pc.ola.org for any questions, concerns, or feedback.
Wishing you and your family a safe and enjoyable Civic Holiday weekend.
Yours Truly
Brian Saunderson
Member of Provincial Parliament
Simcoe-Grey
Happy Civic Long Week
Next Generation of Doctors in Rural Ontario Medical Program
It was a pleasure to welcome the four newest physicians who are in residency in our area through the Rural Ontario Medical Program – ROMP.
For almost 40 years, this terrific program has been organizing medical students and residents in Ontario by arranging core and elective medical rotations.
It was a great evening meeting with leaders from the medical community and municipal government. We know there is a need for doctors in Simcoe-Grey, and ROMP helps inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals in rural Ontario.
Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation “Because of YOU” campaign re-launch
As the Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe–Grey, it was an honour and privilege to be part of the re-launch of the Because of YOU campaign in support of the redevelopment of Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH).
Providing world-class health care to Ontario families is a top priority for our government. We are committed to providing Ontarians in communities of all sizes across our great Province with access to high-quality care in modern, state-of-the-art facilities.
SMH is an essential part of Ontario’s health care system, and its redevelopment is an important and powerful example of what can be achieved through partnership and collaboration.
The success of the Because of YOU campaign is a critical aspect of the Foundation’s ongoing work. With thoughtful planning and tireless dedication, the Foundation’s staff and volunteers continue to lead with passion, working closely with the SMH Board, the community, and the generous donors. Their vision: to inspire community giving for hospital excellence is truly the face of this redevelopment project.
Cheers to Creemore Brewery!
I had the pleasure of visiting Creemore Springs Brewery for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most iconic and respected businesses in our region.
Nestled in the heart of Clearview Township, Creemore Springs has played a key role in shaping the economic and cultural identity of the Village of Creemore since it first opened its doors in 1987. What started as a small, community-driven brewery founded by John Wiggins has grown into a thriving operation that now employs over 70 people.
It was inspiring to witness firsthand how a local idea, born out of a passion for quality and tradition, has grown into a company with a national presence, all while staying true to its roots. During my tour, I had the opportunity to see how their beer is brewed and packaged, including their flagship amber lager that put Creemore Springs on the map nearly 40 years ago. The attention to detail, pride in craftsmanship, and commitment to quality were evident at every step of the process. What made the visit even more meaningful was meeting some of the long-serving employees who have been with the company since its early days. Their dedication and passion reflect not just a commitment to the product, but to the community as well.
Ontario and Alberta Working Together to Build New Energy and Trade Infrastructure
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to support Canadian workers by building new pipelines, rail lines and other energy and trade infrastructure that will diversify Canada’s trading partners by unlocking new markets for Ontario’s critical minerals and Western Canada’s oil and gas.
Built using Ontario steel, new pipelines will connect western Canadian oil and gas to new and existing refineries in southern Ontario and will expand export opportunities, including by way of a new James Bay deep-sea port in northern Ontario. New rail lines, also built using Ontario steel, will connect Ontario’s Ring of Fire region, critical mineral mining projects and processing facilities to western Canadian ports as Ontario builds an end-to-end critical minerals supply chain.
Alberta MOU July 2025 – 1
Gaming Revenue reinvested in Wasaga Beach
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s revenue is more than just numbers, it’s supporting jobs and vital community investments. This quarter, $353,482 in gaming revenue is being reinvested in the Town of Wasaga Beach.
Welcome Home!
New Habitat for Humanity Family moves to Stayner
Congratulations to Sarah, Mike, Olive, and Poppy, and for the entire community of Stayner!
This remarkable family was given the keys to their new home. It was built with care, compassion, and community spirit. This is more than just a house, it’s a symbol of resilience, hope, and new beginnings.
Sarah and Mike have endured a great deal, as Olive continues her treatment and prepares for a bone marrow transplant. The family’s courage is inspiring to all of us. This home is the 67th built by Habitat for Humanity Huronia, an incredible achievement as the organization marks its 30th anniversary. The legacy of Habitat’s work in our region is one of partnership and purpose, creating lasting impact through stable, affordable housing.
Thank you to the many volunteers for their time, energy, and commitment. Also to Clearview Township Mayor Doug Measures, Township Council, and staff for generously donating the land.
The need for affordable housing continues to grow across Simcoe–Grey. Our government is working closely with municipal partners in Clearview, across the County of Simcoe, and throughout the province, to support housing solutions that meet the needs of our communities.
Habitat for Humanity Huronia plays an essential role in that work, now serving Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, and Clearview Township.
To the new homeowners: they say that home is where the heart is, and today, your heart has a new place to grow. May this home bring you comfort, joy, and cherished memories for years to come. Congratulations, and welcome home!
Collingwood Music Festival hits high note with $20,000Experience Ontario Grant
It was a pleasure to attend the 2025 Collingwood Music Festival to announce a $20,000 grant from Experience Ontario, a program funded through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
Festivals like this enrich the lives of people in Simcoe–Grey, help strengthen our local economy, and contribute to a stronger Ontario. Now more than ever, we need to support homegrown events that showcase Ontario’s incredible talent and bring communities together.
The evening featured outstanding performances from local youth, including a show-stopping performance by soprano Sally Bruce. The energy in the room was electric, a true celebration of talent and community spirit. Congratulations to Festival Founder and Artistic Director Daniel Vnukowski on the Festival’s 5th season and another spectacular lineup. And thank you to the dedicated team of staff and volunteers who make it all possible.
Innovation in Agri-Tourism
Our farmers are among our original entrepreneurs, and their innovation continues to shape Ontario’s future.
My sincere thanks to Graeme Foers and the team at Lost Meadows Apiaries & Meadery for the tour of their incredible operation in Essa Township. They’re leading the way in pollinator health, working closely with the University of Guelph to breed some of the healthiest queen bees in the world, measured by longevity, size, and productivity. This is just one example of how innovation and agri-tourism go hand in hand, supporting our local economy, our environment, and our future.
61st Canadian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
This month, I took part in the 61st Canadian Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, which was held at the Assemblée nationale du Québec. We held some great discussions with colleagues from across Canada, as well as from Scotland and Wales. It is essential that we reflect together on the challenges that bring us together.
Next Steps for School Expansion in Tottenham
We’re getting closer to another school year!
I am pleased to announce that the Ontario government has provided the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board with approval to issue the tender for the new addition at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School.
This project is supported by a total investment of $18.9 million and will deliver 276 new secondary student spaces for local families. Through local infrastructure projects like the one in Tottenham, the government is meeting urgent needs to address growth related to demographic changes.
Celebrations across Simcoe-Grey!
New Wally Parr Store!
Congratulations to the team at Wally Parr Foods on the opening of their new store in Collingwood!
There are dozens of meats available for the BBQ this summer. We wish you all the very best of luck!
Happy 100th Birthday to Margaret Holmes from Stayner!
Burger King opens in Angus
Fresh off the grill. Adil and his team are now proudly serving burgers, fries, and more at the brand-new Burger King in Angus, Ontario! Congratulations on the grand opening, and thank you for choosing to invest in Essa Township.
ARO Technologies from Collingwood celebrates 35 Years! Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone. The remarkable contributions that you have made to Ontario’s manufacturing and automation sectors, as well as to municipalities across the province, are to be commended.
Torn Pages in Stayner celebrates 10 years Congratulations on 10 years in business. While I was browsing in the store, I was lucky to find a real hidden gem that I can’t wait to read. Congratulations, Troy, on reaching this exciting milestone, and I wish you all the best for the future.
REVEL Realty Inc. Grand Opening Congratulations to Jen and Mike Scholte, and the entire REVEL Collingwood team, on the Grand Opening of your beautiful new office in Collingwood!
50 Years of potato pancakes in Alliston
It was a pleasure to meet with John Morrison of St. John’s United Church in Alliston to offer congratulations in advance of an incredible milestone, 50 years of the Alliston Potato Pancake Breakfast, coming up in August 2025!
What began humbly at the corner of Victoria and Church Streets has grown into one of Alliston’s most beloved annual traditions. Over the years, more than 170,000 pancakes have been served and over $19,700 donated to local and global charities including Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Matthews House, S.H.I.F.T., and many others. Congratulations to St. John’s United Church and the dedicated volunteers who make this amazing event possible year after year!
