October 2025 Newsletter
October 7, 2025
Dear Neighbour,
As we move into October, I’m pleased to share highlights from a very busy September across Simcoe-Grey. This past month, we celebrated new business openings, recognized community milestones, and announced significant provincial investments to support local infrastructure, health care, and cultural events.
It is truly a pleasure to serve you as your Member of Provincial Parliament. Each visit, conversation, and event is a reminder of how fortunate I am to represent such a dynamic and engaged community. From local volunteers and small business owners to dedicated municipal leaders, the people of Simcoe-Grey continue to inspire me with their commitment and passion.
I hope you enjoy this month’s update, which captures just a few of the many ways our community continues to grow and thrive.
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 4,050 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
Celebrating DECAST’s Expansion in Utopia
I was honoured to welcome Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, to Simcoe-Grey for the grand opening of DECAST’s expanded facility in Utopia. This expansion represents a major milestone for the company and our region, creating 25 new good-paying jobs right here in our community.
DECAST is one of Canada’s leading manufacturers of critical infrastructure products, supplying the Ontario-made materials that build our tunnels, bridges, highways, and transit systems. As a homegrown success story, DECAST continues to demonstrate the strength of Ontario’s skilled workforce and the importance of investing in domestic manufacturing. This expansion not only supports local families through job creation, but also reinforces our province’s commitment to building strong, reliable, and modern infrastructure. I look forward to seeing DECAST’s continued success and the positive impact it will have on Utopia, Simcoe-Grey, and Ontario as a whole.
Blue Mountain Village Association Receives Funding
The Ontario government is investing $166,636 in the Blue Mountain Village Association, a local non-profit organization. The BMVA had a successful application through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund and will use the grant to upgrade the Plunge! Aquatic Centre.
For over 20 years, Plunge! has been a destination for fun, learning, and skill-building. These upgrades, including a new water slide, pool deck improvements, and multi-purpose room renovations, will strengthen community infrastructure, support local jobs, and ensure Plunge! continues to serve families and visitors for years to come. Congratulations to the Blue Mountain Village Association and thank you to all partners who made this possible.
Ontario Invests in Collingwood’s Outdoor Rink
Great news for Collingwood! Our government, through the Ministry of Sport and the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, is investing $980,600 to help install a roof over the outdoor rink at Central Park. This roof will extend the ice season, protect the rink for year-round use, and support everything from hockey and figure skating to pickleball and community events.
The outdoor rink has long been a cornerstone of Collingwood’s recreation infrastructure, and this investment will ensure it continues to serve residents and visitors for years to come.
$146,500 OTF Grant for Camphill Communities Ontario
It was wonderful to celebrate $146,500 in provincial funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Capital Grant Stream with Camphill Communities Ontario at Novalis Hall in Angus.
This investment has made it possible to renovate and restore their community hub, ensuring it remains a vibrant space that supports adults with developmental disabilities and fosters programs, services, and connections across the community well into the future.
Kite Fest Brings Colour and Community Spirit to Adjala-Tosorontio
The skies over Adjala-Tosorontio were filled with colour and excitement during this year’s annual Kite Fest. Families, friends, and neighbours gathered to enjoy a day of kites, music, and activities that truly showcased the strong community spirit of our region.
This wonderful event was organized by the non-profit group Friends of Adjala-Tosorontio, whose hard work and dedication made the day possible. Congratulations to the organizers and volunteers for another successful year!
Long-Term Care Community Engagement Day 2025
As part of the Ontario Long-Term Care Association’s Community Engagement Day 2025, I had the opportunity to visit two local homes: Collingwood Care Centre and Stayner Care Centre.
In Collingwood, I met with Executive Director Wendy Curran, along with residents and staff, and learned more about their plans to move into a modern new building in the coming years.
Later in Stayner, I connected with residents, Executive Director Crystal Chittenden and the team as they prepared for their move into their new home.
Community Engagement Day is an important opportunity to hear directly from residents, families, and staff. The OLTCA represents 70% of Ontario’s long-term care homes and continues to work with government partners to strengthen funding, expand the workforce, and modernize infrastructure to meet the needs of Ontario’s seniors
13th Annual Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival Hits the Right Note
I had the pleasure of attending the opening ceremonies of the 13th Annual Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival in Wasaga Beach. This year’s festival featured 20 world-class musical acts and brought a weekend full of music, culture, and community spirit to our region.
Through the 2025 Experience Ontario program, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming provided $20,000 in support to help make this year’s festival possible.
Congratulations to the organizers, volunteers, and performers who brought this year’s festival to life. Events like this not only celebrate music and culture, but also strengthen our local economy by attracting visitors and supporting businesses across Simcoe-Grey.
It was inspiring to see how the festival brings people together, showcases local talent, and highlights the incredible work of volunteers who make it all possible. Experience Ontario 2025 is supporting more than 350 festivals and events across the province, helping communities like Wasaga Beach thrive and celebrate what makes Ontario so unique.
$179,000 OTF Grant for Tuff Therapeutic Riding Foundation
I enjoyed visiting with the team at the Tuff Therapeutic Riding Foundation in Loretto to learn more about the $179,000 grant they received through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund.
This two-year grant has allowed Tuff to expand its equine therapy programs, giving more at-risk youth in our community the opportunity to build confidence, resilience, and hope through therapeutic riding. Their work is making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across Simcoe-Grey.
Kicking Off Ontario Craft Cider Week 2025
It was a beautiful morning in The Blue Mountains to help kick off Ontario Craft Cider Week 2025! With more than 16,000 acres of orchards across the province, many right here in Simcoe-Grey, Ontario is proud to be home to nearly 100 craft cider producers.
It was great to have my colleagues MPP Dave Smith, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance, and MPP Paul Vickers, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, join me in celebrating and congratulating our local cider producers. A special thank you to Mayor and Warden Andrea Matrosovs and Councillor Gail Ardiel for taking part in the celebration.
From September 19–26, cideries across Ontario raised a glass to the apple harvest with exclusive releases, special events, and community gatherings. A big thank you to the Ontario Craft Cider Association for organizing such an outstanding week and congratulations to all the growers and producers who make Ontario’s craft cider industry a true success story.
Congratulations to the Georgian Triangle Humane Society
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new David and Helen Capin Regional Centre for Pets and People in South Georgian Bay marked an exciting milestone for our community.
This impressive 19,000 sq. ft. facility will be three times the size of the existing building, giving the organization the space and resources it needs to continue its vital mission. Each year, more than 1,500 homeless animals are given shelter, care, and the chance to find a forever home. Beyond animal care, the Centre also plays a critical role in supporting families through programs, education, and community services that strengthen the bond between pets and people.
This new Centre represents years of dedication and vision from staff, volunteers, and community members who believe in the power of compassion. It will serve as a hub for animal welfare, education, and outreach, ensuring that generations to come benefit from its programs. Congratulations to the entire team, the many volunteers, and the generous donors who have made this milestone possible. The David and Helen Capin Regional Centre will stand as a testament to what a community can achieve when it comes together to create lasting change.
Celebrating Legion Week Across Simcoe-Grey
In recognition of National Legion Week, certificates were presented to the Legions across Simcoe-Grey to acknowledge the vital role they play in honouring veterans and strengthening our communities.
National Legion Week is a time to reflect on the important contributions each branch makes, supporting veterans, providing a welcoming place for fellowship, and enhancing the well-being of our communities. The dedication of Legion members and volunteers ensures that the proud tradition of service, remembrance, and community spirit continues for future generations.
While most branches were visited in September, we look forward to meeting with the Lisle Legion in October to present their certificate.
Celebrating Dr. Charles Gardner’s Leadership
A large crowd gathered to honour Dr. Charles Gardner for his two decades of leadership as Medical Officer of Health and CEO of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
Dr. Gardner’s dedication, vision, and advocacy have left a lasting impact on the health and well-being of communities across the region. His calm and strategic leadership through pandemics and policy changes ensured the safety and care of residents of all ages throughout Simcoe Muskoka.
On behalf of the residents of Simcoe-Grey, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Gardner and wish him a retirement filled with adventure, joy, and happiness.
Collingwood Fashion Week Receives Provincial Support
Congratulations to Sue Nicholson and the Collingwood Downtown BIA team on receiving a $20,000 Experience Ontario grant to support Collingwood Fashion Week 2025.
This year, six festivals and events across Simcoe-Grey received a combined $155,000 through the Experience Ontario program, part of nearly $20 million the province is investing to help organizers grow their events, attract more visitors, and support local businesses. Collingwood Fashion Week is an exciting celebration of style, creativity, and community. This funding will help enhance programming, showcase local talent, and encourage visitors to shop, dine, and explore the vibrant downtown core. Events like this are an important part of building our tourism economy and supporting the prosperity of Simcoe-Grey’s main streets.
$35M Invested in Emergency Care for Simcoe-Grey
The Ontario government is investing more than $35 million in Simcoe County to strengthen emergency care and ensure paramedics and ambulances are available when families need them most.
This includes a 10% increase in land ambulance funding, bringing the province’s total investment in the region to $34.5 million this year, and $800,000 through the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program to reduce ambulance offload delays in hospitals.
Thanks to these investments and the dedication of health-care professionals, ambulance offload times have been reduced by 65% since 2022, helping paramedics return to the road faster and improving access to life-saving emergency care across our communities
Big News for Ontario Campers!
The Ontario government is investing nearly $60 million in the largest expansion of Ontario Parks in 50 years. This investment will create up to 300 new campsites and upgrade 800 existing campsites with electrical service.
New campsites will be added at Driftwood, MacGregor Point, Bon Echo, and Killarney provincial parks, while upgrades are planned for Sandbanks, Arrowhead, and Bon Echo, with more to follow.
This expansion will make it easier for families and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy camping in Ontario while boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs.
Celebrations across Simcoe-Grey!
New Business: Gym Giant
Congratulations to Mark Gott and the team at Gym Giant on their grand opening in Collingwood! This new 16,000 sq. ft. facility brings a world-class fitness experience to South Georgian Bay, featuring 120 pieces of state-of-the-art equipment and a strong sense of community.
New Business: Party Bros Co.
Congratulations to brothers Javier and Julian Becerra on the grand opening of Party Bros Co. in Collingwood! Their new business is helping make events of all sizes both memorable and effortless.
New Business: Clearview Family Dental
Congratulations to Anita Singh and the team at Clearview Family Dental on the opening of their new office in Stayner! It’s always exciting to see new health care professionals choosing Simcoe-Grey.
New Location: Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre
Congratulations to the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre on the Grand Opening of their new location! The Centre plays an important role in our community by providing hope, connection, and support to those affected by cancer.
New Business: Big Daddy’s
Congratulations to Marsha Miller and her daughter Dasha on the grand opening of Big Daddy’s Kitchen in Alliston! This family-owned and operated business is bringing authentic Jamaican flavors to our community, sharing delicious food and culture with everyone.
Celebrating A Milestone: All in One Supplements
Congratulations to Brian Fitzsimmons, owner of All in One Supplements in Alliston, on 10 years in business! For the past decade, All in One has supported healthy, active lifestyles in our community with quality products and great service.
Celebrating A Milestone: Essa Township
Congratulations to Essa Township on its 175th anniversary!
For 175 years, Essa has been defined by agricultural strength, community spirit, and proud military service at CFB Borden. This milestone is a tribute to generations of residents who have shaped the township’s past and future
Celebrating A Milestone: Stayner Home Hardware
Congratulations to André Belisle and the team at Stayner Home Hardware on celebrating one year under new ownership! The store is a cornerstone for customers and farmers across Clearview Township.
Celebrating A Milestone: IWA Spa
Congratulations to Michelle and Cam Ubell on the 10th anniversary of IWA Spa in The Blue Mountains. For the past decade, IWA Spa has been a valued part of our community, welcoming residents and visitors, and contributing to the strength of our local tourism economy.
Celebrating A Milestone: McGoey Insurance
Congratulations to President Tod McGoey and the entire team at McGoey Insurance on celebrating 125 years in business! From 1900 to 2025, this family business has been a cornerstone in our community, building trust and providing exceptional service for generations.
