October Newsletter
Almost $100 Million in Critical Infrastructure Funding is flowing to the Town of New Tecumseth, the Town of Collingwood and the Town of Blue Mountains!
It was a memorable month in Simcoe-Grey as two major infrastructure projects were announced.
In Collingwood, $69,999,999.58 will be committed to enable the construction of new homes in Collingwood and the Town of New Tecumseth. The funding is being delivered through the first round of investments under the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, which includes $970 million to help municipalities develop, repair, rehabilitate and expand drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
This funding will support the expansion of the Raymond A. Barker Water Treatment Plant.
This project will enable 59,731 housing units in Collingwood & New Tecumseth.
The government is also allocating an additional $250 million and accepting a second round of applications through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, bringing the province’s total investment in the fund to $1.2 billion.
We are helping municipalities build more homes. Homes can’t be built without connections to drinking water and wastewater.
Also, in the Town of the Blue Mountains, our government is investing $25,397,523.99 to support Wastewater System Upgrades and Rehabilitation to the Mill Street Sewage Pump Station and the Craigleith Sewage Lift Station. This infrastructure funding will enable 2,078 housing units in The Blue Mountains.
The Blue Mountains is home to the Best Tasting Water in Ontario!
Water utilities across the province were encouraged to submit a water sample to be entered into a blind taste test at the Ontario Water Works Association Conference. Participants at the conference taste the various samples and vote on the best tasting. Congratulations to The Blue Mountains!
Also, the Ontario Water Works Association recently announced the Town’s Drinking Water System inspection by the Province’s Safe Drinking Water Branch received a perfect 100% score.
Welcoming my caucus colleagues to
Simcoe-Grey!
It was an honour to welcome MPPs and Ministers from across the province to Simcoe-Grey. They got to experience the beauty and magic of our region. An excellent time was had by all.
Cheers to Choice in Simcoe-Grey!
All licensed convenience stores in Simcoe-Grey can sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, marking the largest expansion of consumer choice and convenience in provincial alcohol sales since the end of prohibition almost 100 years ago.
Our government’s phased expansion, which began earlier this year, is giving customers across Ontario more choice and convenience, supporting businesses and helping to promote Ontario-made beverage producers. By the end of October 2024, as part of the government’s plan to expand alcohol sales, every eligible convenience, grocery and big-box grocery store in Ontario will be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, if they choose to do so.
Seniors Care in Simcoe-Grey
It was an honour to have my colleague, the Minister of Long Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta in the riding in last month. We toured two local facilities: Bay Haven Care Community and Sunset Manor, both of which provide outstanding care to our seniors.
Happy 40th Anniversary to the
Stayner Care Centre!
Happy 40th anniversary to Stayner Care Centre! It was great to visit the residents, staff and volunteers and see what great plans are in store for their new facility.
Small Halls are a big hit in Clearview !
The Small Halls Festival is welcoming enthusiastic crowds at it celebrates its 10th year! There is plenty of time to take part as the Festival continues through October and November! Earlier this year, I was pleased to announce that the festival received a boost of over $17,000 from the Provincial government through an Experience Ontario grant. Congratulations to all involved!
For schedules and more information: https://www.smallhallsfestival.ca/
Premier meets Canadian Champion Collingwood Blues!
Premier Doug Ford returned to Simcoe-Grey last month to congratulate the Collingwood Blues Jr. A Hockey Team on becoming the 2024 Canadian Champions and bringing the Centennial Cup back to Ontario!
The Legislature resumes this month. Be sure to watch for updates here and on my Social Media channels !