January 2026 Newsletter

January 15, 2026

Dear Neighbour,

As we begin a new year, I want to wish you and your family a happy and healthy January. The start of the year is always a time for reflection and renewed focus, and I remain committed to working hard on behalf of Simcoe-Grey to support strong communities, a resilient local economy, and the services families rely on every day.

In this edition of the newsletter, you’ll find updates on recent investments in schools, health care, community safety, and local organizations, along with highlights from events and initiatives taking place across the riding.

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 4,500 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

Ontario Investing $20.2 Million in a New Public Elementary School for Tottenham

Families in Tottenham received welcome news this month with the announcement of a $20.2 million provincial investment to build a new public elementary school in the community. The new Tottenham Elementary School, to be located at 80 McGahey Street, will create 426 new student spaces and help meet the needs of a growing area. This project is part of Ontario’s broader commitment to build and expand schools in fast-growing communities across the province. Modern, well-equipped schools are essential to student success and community growth. The project will be delivered by the Simcoe County District School Board, which has confirmed the site is shovel-ready, positioning construction to begin this year.

Supporting Seniors Through Community Grants in Simcoe-Grey

At their recent Scam Safety Information Session, I was pleased to issue a congratulatory scroll to recognize Contact Community Services’ recent $24,495 Seniors Community Grant from the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility. This session was one of the valuable programs delivered through their Vibrant Veterans initiative to help seniors stay informed, safe, and connected. This investment reflects our government’s continued commitment to supporting the well-being of seniors across Ontario. Thank you to Minister Raymond Cho for his ongoing support of local seniors’ initiatives and I extend my sincere appreciation to Contact Community Services for their dedicated work serving seniors and veterans throughout Simcoe-Grey.

Recognizing Community Leadership During the 16 Days of Activism

As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I was proud to recognize Sylvia Biffis for her exceptional leadership, compassion, and decades of service to our community. Sylvia is one of New Tecumseth’s most respected community builders, who has had a steady focus on enhancing healthcare, local charities, and professional excellence in the hospitality sector. Through her leadership with the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation and her longtime involvement with the Nottawasaga Foundation, Sylvia has helped raise millions in support of healthcare, youth, food security, and social services across Simcoe County. A respected professional and mentor, she also continues to guide future leaders through her work in tourism, education, and industry organizations. Sylvia’s generosity, integrity, and commitment truly reflect the spirit of this campaign, and I thank her for the positive difference she continues to make in our community.

Ontario University Athletics Week Moves Forward

With the unanimous passing of my Private Member’s Bill #22, I am proud to announce that the first week of October in each year will now officially be celebrated as ‘Ontario University Athletics Week’ in the province. I would like to extend my thanks to all members of the Legislative Assembly for their support.

It was a privilege to welcome several special guests to Queen’s Park for the third reading. I was joined by leaders and supporters of university sports, including representatives from Ontario University Athletics, former Olympic teammates, and my son Cole. With more than 10,000 athletes competing across 22 sports, the OUA plays a vital role in developing leaders and strengthening communities. I look forward to celebrating the inaugural Ontario University Athletics Week in October 2026 alongside the OUA community.

Community Support in Action at Hope Chapel

I was pleased to visit Hope Chapel in Collingwood and see firsthand the meaningful work they do to support young people and families in our community. I am grateful to Pastor Jane for the warm welcome and for sharing how their programs are making a real difference locally. Each day, hundreds of students access a free, welcoming lunch-hour program that provides food, connection, and a safe space to gather. Hope Chapel also offers winter clothing for children in need and delivers essential supports through initiatives like The Community Cupboard and the Mobile Soup Kitchen. We are fortunate to have organizations like Hope Chapel strengthening our community through compassion and care.

Supporting Families Through the Jim Kenn Memorial Food Drive

I attended the 20th annual Jim Kenn Memorial Food Drive in Everett, hosted by the Alliston Lions Club and the Everett Firefighters Association. This longstanding community effort continues to make a meaningful difference for local families. This year, the program is supporting 300 children and 180 families, building on a legacy that has seen more than 100,000 pounds of food collected over the years. Thanks to the generosity of residents and the dedication of volunteers, food hampers will be distributed to families in need during the holiday season. I extend my sincere thanks to the Alliston Lions Club and the Everett Firefighters Association for their leadership, compassion, and continued commitment to our community.

Investing $1,004,878 in Hospital Infrastructure in Collingwood

Our government is continuing to protect local health care with an investment of more than $1 million for infrastructure upgrades at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital. This funding, delivered through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund, supports critical repairs and improvements that help ensure patients and health-care staff can rely on safe, modern facilities. This local investment is part of a broader $257 million commitment to upgrade hospitals and community health-care facilities across Ontario. By strengthening existing infrastructure while continuing to plan for a new hospital in Collingwood, we are helping ensure families in South Georgian Bay can continue to access high-quality care close to home, now and into the future.

Fighting Delays, Building Faster: New Housing Legislation Passed

I was pleased to join colleagues in marking an important milestone as the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act received Royal Assent. This legislation takes another step toward reducing barriers, improving efficiency, and supporting the creation of more housing options for people across Ontario. I want to thank Minister Rob Flack, Associate Minister Graydon Smith, Parliamentary Assistants Matthew Rae and Laura Smith, and all partners who helped move this bill forward. Their collaboration is helping address the housing challenges facing communities across our province. Our government remains focused on building a strong, sustainable Ontario where every resident has a place they are proud to call home.

Investing in Firefighter Safety Across Simcoe-Grey

Through the Fire Protection Grant, our government is making important investments to support firefighter safety and emergency response across Simcoe-Grey. Communities including Adjala-Tosorontio, Clearview, Collingwood, Essa, New Tecumseth, The Blue Mountains, and Wasaga Beach are receiving funding to strengthen local fire services and protect those who put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe.

These investments support cancer-prevention initiatives, equipment and training to respond to lithium-ion battery fires, and necessary infrastructure upgrades. By ensuring firefighters have the modern tools and protections they need, we are helping to enhance community safety and emergency preparedness across the region, while continuing to stand behind the dedicated first responders who serve our communities every day.

Adjala-Tosorontio: $36,000.00
Clearview: $83,331.81
Collingwood: $19,626.05
Essa: $36,223.56
New Tecumseth: $48,000.00
The Blue Mountains: $34,729.00
Wasaga Beach: $32,315.00

Celebrations Across Simcoe-Grey!

New Business: Pure Health Clinic Congratulations to Kelly Goorts on the grand opening of her new clinic in Stayner.

Grand Re-opening: The Avening Community Centre It was wonderful to join the community in celebrating the grand re-opening of the renovated Avening Community Centre. The turnout was incredible, reflecting just how much this hall means to the people of Clearview and Simcoe-Grey.

Celebrating A Milestone: Crowe Reflexology – 10 Years Congratulations to Sharron Brigham and Ashley Sajdik of Crowe Reflexology on 10 years of serving Collingwood and the surrounding area.

Celebrating A Milestone: The Blue Mountains Public Library – 30 years Congratulations to The Blue Mountains Public Library on celebrating 30 years of inspiring creativity, supporting lifelong learning, and preserving our community’s rich heritage

New Business: Boon Bakery Congratulations to Megan Cookson on the grand opening of Boon Bakery in Collingwood. Boon Bakery offers gluten free, dairy free, and vegan friendly baking.

New Business: Tip Top Smiles Congratulations to Danielle Haché on the recent opening of Tip Top Smiles in Wasaga Beach.

Celebrating A Milestone: 45 Years of Service

Congratulations to Fire Chief Dan Heydon in recognition of an extraordinary milestone, 45 years of dedicated service to the Town of New Tecumseth.

New Business: The Hockey Mill

Congratulations to Ben McNabb, Mark Bonta, and Justin Azevedo, owners and partners of The Hockey Mill, along with General Manager Katy Bloemendal, on the opening of this exciting new facility in Collingwood.

Year of Recognition: Thornbury Craft Co.

Congratulations to Derek Cartlidge and the team at Thornbury Craft Co. on a truly phenomenal year. 2025 has been exceptional, with national, continental, and international recognition at the World Cider Awards, the U.S. Open Cider Championship, and the Canada Beer Cup Awards.

New Business: Cocelli Doner Kebab House Congratulations to Aydin Cocelli, Yilmaz Cocelli, and Ali Sesen on the grand opening of Cocelli Doner Kebab House in Angus.

New Business: Bocado Restaurant Congratulations to Stuart Cameron on the grand opening of Bocado in Collingwood.

Retirement Celebration: Congratulations to Jackie Newton on her well-deserved retirement after 30 years at La Moda Hair Salon in Collingwood.

Toronto Sport Hall of Honour Induction: Congratulations to Matthew Fields on receiving the well-deserved honour of induction into the Toronto Sport Hall of Honour, a remarkable distinction that reflects more than two decades of dedication, talent, sportsmanship, and perseverance.

New Business: Pho Thao Lin Congratulations to Venh Liu on the grand opening of Pho Thao Lin in Collingwood

Celebrating A Milestone: 100th Birthday Congratulations to Patricia Adams on celebrating her 100th birthday.

Celebrating A Milestone: Bakery by the Bay Congratulations to Stacey and Steve Bowden on celebrating five years of Bakery by the Bay in Stayner.