March 2026 Newsletter
March 12, 2026
Dear Neighbour,
February was an excellent month in Simcoe-Grey. I appreciated the opportunity to connect with residents, community organizations, businesses, and local leaders while continuing work on priorities such as strengthening health care, supporting economic growth, and investing in our communities.
In this month’s newsletter, you will find highlights from recent community visits, updates from Queen’s Park, and information on initiatives and investments that are helping support families and communities across Ontario.
It remains a privilege to represent Simcoe-Grey, and I am grateful for the conversations and feedback I receive from residents across our riding. Your engagement helps guide the work we do and ensures the voices of our communities continue to be heard.
Thank you for taking the time to stay connected.
$107,000 for Matthews House Hospice
I met with the team at Matthews House Hospice to learn more about how they used a $107,000 capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to make important improvements to their facility.
The funding supported flooring updates on the main and lower levels of the hospice, including repairs to the subfloor and the replacement of carpeting with vinyl flooring in key areas. These upgrades have improved safety and accessibility for clients, families, and visitors, particularly those who rely on mobility aids.
Matthews House Hospice provides compassionate care and vital support to individuals and families during some of life’s most difficult moments. I want to thank Margaret Bachle and the entire Matthews House team for the incredible work they do to ensure clients and their loved ones receive care with dignity and compassion.
Collingwood Blues Support Hockey Battles Cancer
I was pleased to join the Collingwood Blues to recognize the remarkable success of their annual Hockey Battles Cancer nights. During the event, I had the honour of participating in a ceremonial puck drop alongside Hockey Battles Cancer Chair Kathy Jeffery and Blues President David Steele.
Over the past three seasons, the initiative has raised more than $82,000 to support local patients, families, and health care organizations, including Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and Georgian Triangle Hospice.
Thank you to the many volunteers, past and present, whose dedication continues to make this important initiative possible. It is a powerful reminder of how sport can bring our community together in support of a meaningful cause.
Advancing the Barrie to Sudbury Transmission Line
The Ontario government is taking the next step to strengthen the province’s energy infrastructure by prioritizing the Barrie to Sudbury Transmission Line, an important project that will help deliver reliable power to northern and Indigenous communities.
I joined Associate Minister Sam Oosterhoff at the Essa Transformer Station for the announcement, where we highlighted the proposed 290-kilometre transmission line that will run from Barrie to Sudbury. Once complete, the project is expected to create more than 9,000 jobs and support long-term economic growth across Ontario.
Developed in partnership with the Energy Corridor First Nations, the project will also create new opportunities for Indigenous participation, including potential ownership and involvement in the development of the line. It was an honour to meet with Chiefs from the Energy Corridor First Nations and to introduce Chief Adam Pawis of Shawanaga First Nation during the announcement.
Clearview Chamber of Commerce’s 8th Annual Business Awards
Congratulations to the businesses and entrepreneurs recognized at the Clearview Chamber of Commerce’s 8th Annual Business Awards, held at Highlands Nordic. This annual event celebrates the innovation, dedication, and community spirit that help drive economic growth across Clearview Township.
Best wishes to all nominees and award recipients, and thank you to the Chamber, sponsors, and local suppliers who made the evening possible. Your continued efforts play an important role in strengthening the local business community.
2025 Award Recipients:
• Barb’s Clothes Closet – Best Presented
• Emily’s Place – Business Community Advocate
• Torn Pages – Champion of Diversity & Inclusion
• Kat’s Meow Beautiful Burlesque – Contribution to the Arts
• 1904 Social House – Food, Tourism & Hospitality
• eARTh Revival – Grower of the Year
• Creemore Springs Brewery – Industrial Excellence
• Tim Hortons Stayner – Retail Leadership
• The Belmont – Service Provider of the Year
• Brad’s Place Addiction Treatment of South Georgian Bay – Non-Profit of the Year
• Nottawa Cottage Bookstore – New Business of the Year
• Jewellery for You – Young Entrepreneur of the Year • Steer Enterprise Limited – Business of the Year
Our government continues to take action on key priorities including health care, worker safety, economic growth, and infrastructure. Here are a few recent provincial updates and initiatives underway across Ontario.
Improving dementia care in long-term care homes
Ontario is adding nearly 100 new behavioural specialized unit beds in long-term care homes across the province. This investment will help ensure residents living with dementia and other complex needs can receive the specialized care they need in a supportive long-term care setting.
Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007084/ontario-increasing-access-to-dementia-care-in-long-term-care-homes
Protecting workers with Canada’s first Occupational Exposure Registry
Ontario has launched Canada’s first Occupational Exposure Registry, a secure digital portal that allows workers to document workplace exposures such as asbestos and silica. The registry will help support prevention efforts and protect workers’ long-term health.
Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007074/ontario-launches-canadas-first-occupational-exposure-registry-to-protect-workers
Fast-tracking access to breakthrough cancer drugs
Ontario’s first-in-Canada initiative is helping patients access innovative cancer treatments sooner. Six new life-extending cancer drugs have already been approved through this program.
Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1006950/ontario-fast-tracking-access-to-six-breakthrough-cancer-drugs
Investing in the return of the Northlander
The province is marking the completion of more than $100 million in rail infrastructure investments as part of the plan to restore passenger rail service through the Northlander between northeastern Ontario and Toronto.
Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1006985/ontario-investing-over-100-million-in-northlander-rail-infrastructure
Training more long-term care staff
Ontario is investing over $21 million through the expansion of the Learn and Earn program to train approximately 700 new long-term care staff and provide more direct care for residents.
Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007002/ontario-investing-over-21-million-to-train-staff-in-long-term-care
Helping small businesses plan for the future
Ontario is investing nearly $2 million to launch Succession Ontario, the province’s first dedicated hub for business succession planning. The program provides resources and guidance for business owners preparing to sell, transfer, or wind down their business.
Learn more: https://successionontario.ca/
Celebrations Across Simcoe-Grey!
Grand Opening: Bakery By the Bay Congratulations to Stacey and Steve Bowden and their family on the opening of a new Bakery by the Bay location in Collingwood.
International Recognition: Collingwood Distillery Congratulations to Collingwood Distillery on being named Best Canadian Blended Whisky at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.
Celebrating a Milestone: 20th Anniversary Our Homes Magazine
Congratulations to Georgette, Jamie and team on celebrating 20 years of sharing and celebrating local stories across Southern Georgian Bay.
Congratulations to the Town of Wasaga Beach on being recognized as an Age-Friendly Community by the Honourable Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.
Together, let’s make every day, a better day, in Simcoe-Grey!