December 2025 Newsletter
December 11, 2025
Dear Neighbour,
As we come to the end of another busy year, I want to extend my sincere thanks to the residents, volunteers, and community partners who continue to make our region such a vibrant and supportive place to call home. December is a time to reflect on the progress we’ve made together, celebrate our shared achievements, and look ahead to the opportunities that the new year will bring.
Over the past month, as you will see below, there has been much to celebrate in Simcoe-Grey. From grand openings to expansions and significant milestones, it has been a pleasure to recognize these important occasions.
As we enter the holiday season, I hope you are able to enjoy time with family and friends, and I look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.
Thank you for your ongoing engagement and for all that you do to contribute to the well-being of our communities.
As always, if you need help accessing provincial government services, my team and I are here to support you. Since being elected as your MPP in June 2022, we have proudly completed more than 4,400 cases on behalf of Simcoe-Grey residents, and helped individuals and families navigate programs, access services, and find solutions. This number continues to grow each month. Should you have questions, concerns, or feedback, please reach out to my office at: brian.saunderson@pc.ola.org
Together, we continue to build a stronger and more vibrant Simcoe-Grey. Thank you for your ongoing engagement and support.
Yours Truly,
Brian Saunderson, Member of Provincial Parliament, Simcoe-Grey
Remembrance Day Across Simcoe-Grey
Simcoe-Grey residents came together at local Legions and cenotaphs to honour Remembrance Day and pay tribute to those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The strong turnout at every ceremony was truly moving and reflects the deep gratitude shared across our communities.
We Will Remember Them.
Celebrating Local Recipients of the 2025 Age-Friendly Recognition Awards
This November, several outstanding businesses and organizations from across Simcoe-Grey were honoured with 2025 Age-Friendly Recognition Awards from the County of Simcoe.
I was pleased to help share this good news and sign a congratulatory certificate for each recipient.
These awards celebrate individuals, businesses, and community groups that demonstrate exceptional leadership in creating welcoming, accessible, and supportive environments for older adults.
Together, these award recipients demonstrate what it means to build a community where people of all ages feel valued, supported, and included. Their leadership and care are truly appreciated. Congratulations to the following recipients:
The Hive Restaurant & Pub – Wasaga Beach
Swiss Chalet – Wasaga Beach
Foodland – Beeton
Beach Builders Home Hardware – Wasaga Beach
Habitat for Humanity Huronia & Restores – New Tecumseth, Essa, Collingwood & Barrie
Congratulations to the Alliston & District Humane Society
Congratulations to the Alliston & District Humane Society on receiving a CARES grant to support their “From Sad to Rad” cat area renovation project.
This initiative will enhance feline housing and enrichment, improve animal welfare, expand shelter capacity, and further strengthen volunteer engagement.
CARES-funded projects across Ontario highlight innovative and compassionate efforts to improve animal well-being and support the human–animal bond in our communities. Congratulations to President Jane Clark and the entire team on this well-deserved support, and thank you for the remarkable work you do to care for pets and connect people across Simcoe-Grey.
2025 Recipient of the Murray J. Clerkson Award
Congratulations to Anna Holod, the 2025 recipient of the Murray J. Clerkson Award.
This annual award, established in 2010, recognizes emerging visual artists from the South Georgian Bay region whose work demonstrates exceptional promise and a deep passion for the arts. It was a pleasure to issue a congratulatory certificate to mark this achievement
Wrapped in Courage Campaign
I was proud to join colleagues, advocates, and community partners at Queen’s Park in support of the Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses’ Wrapped in Courage campaign.
This annual campaign raises awareness about gender-based violence and highlights the importance of supporting survivors and the organizations that serve them. The purple scarf, its signature symbol, represents our shared responsibility to stand with survivors and continue working toward ending gender-based violence in every Ontario community.
The event also underscored the vital contributions of advocates, frontline workers, and community organizations who provide safety, compassion, and support to women and children each day. Their dedication strengthens our communities and drives meaningful, lasting change. I remain committed to supporting their efforts and to working toward a safer, more inclusive province for all.
New School in Wasaga Beach
I was pleased to take part in marking the official opening of the new Wasaga Beach Public School an important milestone for both the Town of Wasaga Beach and the Simcoe County District School Board.
With its modern design and welcoming learning environment, this new facility will serve students, staff, and families for many years to come. More than a place of learning, it will also act as a true community hub fostering growth, opportunity, and connection. My sincere congratulations to everyone whose hard work and dedication helped bring this project to fruition. I look forward to the many achievements and memories that will be created within its walls.
Celebrating Agriculture in Simcoe-Grey
It was a pleasure to take part in the opening ceremony of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) District 10 meeting, held at the Beaver Valley Community Centre in Thornbury.
District 10 represents 24 agricultural societies across Grey and Bruce Counties, and the gathering brought together more than 150 delegates, including both Senior and Junior Ambassadors who proudly represent their local fairs and communities.
Agricultural societies are central to the fabric of rural Ontario. They preserve our traditions, strengthen community connections, and help inspire and support the next generation of leaders. My sincere thanks to all who participated in this year’s meeting, and to everyone involved in sustaining these valued institutions through your dedication and hard work.
Celebrations Across Simcoe-Grey!
New Business: Britt & Company Travel
Congratulations to Dana Britt, on the grand opening of her new office in downtown Collingwood.
New Business: Laryssas Flowers
Congratulations to Laryssa Woolley on the grand opening of her new shop in Alliston.
New Business: Common Thread
Congratulations to Amy Gilpin, Owner and Founder on her new used clothing store in Collingwood, Which supports My Friend’s House.
McDonald’s Opens in Stayner
Locally owned and operated by Brent and Rachel Kelly, the restaurant is located at 100 Grand Trunk Road in Stayner.
Thank you to Mayor Doug Measures and Clearview Council for helping welcome this new business, demonstrating once again our region’s strong support for local growth and investment
Expansion Coming Soon: Spy Cider House
Congratulations to Ian Smith and Darcy Hagerman, owners of Spy Cider House and Distillery, as they begin construction on a new permanent building at their site in The Blue Mountains.
New Business: The Wing House
Welcome to Beeton and congratulations to the team! Thank you for choosing to do business in the Town of New Tecumseth
Retirement Celebration:
After 31 years of dedicated service, we congratulate Karen Keogh on her well-earned retirement from the New Tecumseth Public Library
New Business: Mr. KOMO
Congratulations on the grand opening in downtown Alliston, this new business is a welcome addition to the community.
Grand Re-Opening: Subway
Congratulations to Subway located in the east end of Alliston. The upgrades & renovations look great
Celebrating A Milestone: 25 Years of the Beinn Gorm Highlanders
This milestone reflects a quarter-century of dedicated volunteer service from past and present members who have helped shape the character of our community. Congratulations on 25 years of outstanding service, and thank you for all you continue to bring to our region.
Celebrating A Milestone: The Wasaga Beach Youth Centre
Congratulations on your 15th Anniversary. The Centre continues to be a vital hub for young people across our region, it offers a wide range of programming, from cooking and sports to outings and community engagement.
Celebrating A Milestone: St. Luke’s Anglican Church
Congratulations to Rev. Lorna May and Church Warden Sheila Koss, and to the entire St. Luke’s community, on your 170th Anniversary.
New Business: Brunchie
Congratulations to Brunchie Modern Diner in Thornbury on its grand opening! Opened in October 2025, this bright and vibrant new spot is a wonderful addition to our local business community.
Celebrating A Milestone: Stayner Horticultural Society
Congratulations on celebrating your 100th anniversary. Residents will be able to enjoy a new bench and a native-species tree at Kinsmen Park in Stayner.
Celebrating A Milestone: CONTACT Community Services
Congratulations on the first anniversary of Rodger’s Way Home, a milestone that reflects the meaningful impact this program has made in our community
Grand Opening: LCBO
Congratulations on the grand opening of the newly relocated store in Stayner.
The new larger store offers an expanded selection of locally produced beverages a wonderful showcase of the talent and quality found across our region.