February 2026 Newsletter
February 11, 2026
Dear Neighbour,
January was a busy month across Simcoe-Grey. I enjoyed connecting with residents, community leaders, businesses, and organizations while advancing work on health care, education, infrastructure, and economic growth.
This newsletter highlights some of the key investments, local visits, and updates on issues that matter to you and your family. It is an honour to represent our riding, and I remain committed to being available to residents and focused on delivering results for our communities.
Together, we continue to build a stronger and more vibrant Simcoe-Grey. Thank you for your ongoing engagement and support.
Yours Truly,
Brian Saunderson
Up to $12.5 Million in Funding for the Town of New Tecumseth
I was pleased to announce that the Ontario government is investing up to $12.5 million to rehabilitate water infrastructure in Alliston. The funding, delivered through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS), will be used to rehabilitate clarifiers at the Alliston Wastewater Treatment Plant, improving system capacity and treatment effectiveness.
“This provincial investment will help ensure Alliston’s wastewater system can increase operational capacity,” said MPP Brian Saunderson. “By strengthening core infrastructure today, we are helping New Tecumseth plan with confidence for the years ahead.”
Congratulations to Mayor Richard Norcross, Council and Staff!
Supporting Local Manufacturingand Job Creation
The Ontario government is welcoming a $7.3 million manufacturing investment by AGNORA Ltd., which will create 20 new good-paying jobs in Collingwood.
By supporting strategic investments from regional businesses, our government is protecting Ontario’s workers and creating the conditions for a strong, stable, and resilient economy that can weather any storm,” said MPP Brian Saunderson. “AGNORA’s investment will support growth and innovation across the local manufacturing sector and create well-paying jobs for workers and families in the region.”
With this investment, AGNORA will operate a new, fully automated Insulated Glass (IG) line that can handle the largest units in North America. Additionally, this change will increase their production capacity over 40% while ensuring an exceptional quality standard that AGNORA is known for.
In support of this investment, the province is providing $1 million in funding through the Regional Development Program’s Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream.
Congratulations to Richard Wilson and the entire AGNORA team on this exciting expansion!
Up to $29.9 Million in Additional Funding for the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio
I was pleased to announce that the Ontario government is investing up to $29,980,769 to support Everett wastewater system upgrades and new housing servicing in Adjala-Tosorontio.
This funding builds on more than $35M that was previously announced in August 2025. It comes from the province’s MHIP-HSW Stream, which has increased by $700 million for a total of $875 million to support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events.
“Planning for growth means investing in the systems that make it possible,” said MPP Brian Saunderson. “This investment will support important upgrades in Everett while helping ensure Adjala-Tosorontio has the servicing capacity needed to move forward with new housing. It is about making sure families today, and in the years ahead, can count on safe, dependable infrastructure in their community.”
Congratulations to Mayor Scott Anderson, Council and Staff!
Families in Wasaga Beach are one step closer to a new K–12 Catholic school, following provincial approval for the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board to issue the tender for construction.
“The approval to issue the tender for the new Wasaga K-12 Catholic School marks another important milestone for families in Wasaga Beach,” said MPP Brian Saunderson. “This project will deliver modern learning spaces, additional child care capacity, and room for a growing community. It reflects our government’s commitment to moving projects forward and ensuring students have the facilities they need to learn, grow, and succeed.”
The project is supported by a $64.9 million investment and will deliver 1,008 new student spaces and 49 licensed child care spaces. The school will be located on River Road West and will include shared community spaces that benefit both students and residents.
2026 Pre-Budget Consultations
In January, I traveled across Ontario as a member of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, meeting with stakeholders from every sector to gather input on the challenges and opportunities facing the province for the 2026 provincial budget.
From Niagara Falls to Pembroke, London to Ottawa, and Kapuskasing to Thunder Bay, these discussions with residents and community leaders are a vital part of ensuring the budget reflects the needs of communities across Ontario.
Supporting Ontario’sCraft Cider Industry
While attending budget meetings in Niagara Falls, I had the opportunity to meet with Janice Ruddock, Executive Director of the Ontario Craft Cider Association, to learn more about the important work being done to support Ontario’s apple growers and independent cidermakers.
The Association represents a collaborative community of producers who turn Ontario-grown apples into high-quality craft ciders, while supporting local agriculture, environmental stewardship, and rural economies. I am proud to support the farmers and producers who help showcase the very best of Ontario-grown and Ontario-made products
Celebrations Across Simcoe-Grey!
New Business: Side Door Studio Congratulations to Galina, Laura, and Tiffany on the Grand Opening of Side Door Studio Alliston.
International Recognition: Becker Shoes
Congratulations to Becker Shoes in Collingwood on achieving outstanding international recognition. Becker Shoes has made history as the first Canadian retailer to receive the National Shoe Retailers Association’s Retailer of the Year award.
Celebrating a Milestone: 20th Anniversary of the Westin Trillium House at Blue Mountain Congratulations to Jarett Schutt, Hotel Manager, and Jesse Hamilton, VP Hospitality who received this scroll on behalf of the Blue Mountain team.
New Business: Angus & Area Health Boutique Congratulations to Carson MacNeall and the team at Angus & Area Health Boutique on the Grand Opening of their store on Mill Street in Angus.
Celebrating a Milestone: 20th Anniversary of MyCollingwood.ca Congratulations to Julie Card and the team behind MyCollingwood.ca on achieving 20 successful years of promoting and celebrating all the great things happening across the region. The role you play in helping shine a spotlight on the South Georgian Bay region is to be commended!
Celebrating a Milestone: 45th Anniversary of The Print Shop Congratulations to Michael Donovan and the team at The Print Shop in Collingwood on celebrating 45 years in business.
Celebrating a Milestone: 100 Years Young Congratulations and Happy 100th Birthday to Olga Severn of Alliston. When asked her secret to longevity, Olga shared her advice: a glass of beer a day!
Winter Wonderland Dinner: Sunset Manor Over two nights, more than 200 residents and family members gathered at Collingwood’s Sunset Manor for the Resident and Family Winter Wonderland Dinners.
New Business: The Judge Congratulations to Jennifer Belanger and award-winning restaurateur Jonathan Gushue on the Grand Opening of The Judge, a new pasta bar located in Collingwood.
New Business: The Monarch & Co. Congratulations to Amanda and Kiel on the launch and growth of Monarch Momentum. Their work through The Monarch & Co. is a strong example of how social enterprise can strengthen Ontario’s economy.
New Business: Polpette Congratulations to sisters Sydney and Shelby Turner on the opening of their beautiful new restaurant in Thornbury.