Attached is the list of candidates who filed nomination papers as of June 22, 2018 for the 2018 Municipal & School Board Elections.

• List of Candidates for 2018 Municipal & School Board Elections as of June 22, 2018 (140 KB)

The Tomahawk Golf Course will be Closed on June 30, 2018 in Order for Staff and Contractors to Prepare the Site for the Canada Day Fireworks Show

The Canada Day Eve Party and Fireworks show is taking place on June 30, 2018.  The event begins at the Beaver Valley Community Centre at 4:00 p.m. and the fireworks show will start at approximately 9:30 p.m. at the Tomahawk Golf Course.

For more information about this event, please visit our Canada Day Celebrations page.

Properly preparing the site and setting up the fireworks takes a great deal of time and must be conducted safely.  Please refrain from using the Tomahawk Golf Course on June 30, 2018 so that this work can be completed.

We apologize for the inconvenience this closure causes our many valued golfers and we appreciate your cooperation.    

NEWSFLASH In the meeting Wednesday evening, 100+ Women Who Care South Georgian Triangle selected Events for Life Centre. We expect to raise more than $18,000 as a result.

For those who were unable to attend in person please make your donation online.

There were three excellent presentations given by 3 of our members:  
•    Events for Life Centre - Catherine Butler
•    Habitat for Humanity - Cora O'Connor
•    Eat, Play, Thrive - Hania Krajewski
 

To learn more about how you can get involved with 100 women who care, visit us at:

On behalf of The Blue Mountains Public Library Board, I congratulate Dr. Sabrina Saunders on her achievement of the Master of Library and Information Sciences Degree (M.L.I.S.).  Sabrina completed the requirements for the degree in April, and yesterday, June 20th, she walked across the stage at the University of Western Ontario Graduation Ceremony to receive her degree.

June 21^st, 2018

On behalf of The Blue Mountains Public Library Board, I congratulate Dr. Sabrina Saunders on her achievement of the Master of Library and Information Sciences Degree (M.L.I.S.).  Sabrina completed the requirements for the degree in April, and yesterday, June 20^th, she walked across the stage at the University of Western Ontario Graduation Ceremony to receive her degree.

Dr. Saunders adds the M.L.I.S. degree to a Ph.D. in Theory & Policy Studies (University of Toronto), a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education, a Master of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies, a Master of Science in Student Personnel Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology (Buffalo State University), a certificate in EXCEL: Managing Small Public Libraries (SOLS), a certificate in Advancing Public Library Leadership (SOLS/University of Waterloo) and a number of other certifications.

Dr. Saunders models professional development to all of her staff, and inspires us all in her pursuit of life-long learning.

• Library CEO, Dr. Sabrina Saunders Congratulated by Library Board on achievement of M.L.I.S. (166 KB)

Attached are the highlights for the upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting June 25th.

• Committee of the Whole Agenda Highlights, June 25, 2018 (683 KB)

Clarksburg’s Black Bridge Reopens After Preservation and Rehabilitation Efforts (Town of The Blue Mountains, ON) Town of The Blue Mountains announces the grand re-opening of the Black Bridge in Clarksburg on June 23, 2018 at 2:30 pm. The Black Bridge rehabilitation will add 30 years to the life of this historic landmark in the heart of the Clarksburg community. This project was funded through the Provincial Gas Tax allocation and a grant from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF).

The Black Bridge is the key connection between two of Clarksburg’s larger parks as well as the community’s core commercial area. Without this connection, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers have to go around the area, a 1.5 kilometer trip through residential roads.
The Black Bridge is also an important transportation route for the local agricultural industry allowing them to move equipment and ship produce. Although not used heavily as a truck route, load restrictions have resulted in logistical challenges for the community’s agricultural industry and impacts Town services such as snow removal as well.

The restoration of the 95-year-old Black Bridge will preserve this important community connection and reduce the impact of Clarksburg’s increasing traffic volumes.

Safety was a key concern when planning the bridge’s rehabilitation. The existing concrete guide rails did not meet the current crash test requirements and were not considered strong enough to stop a car from crashing through the rails and entering the river below. The rehabilitative works included the installation of two types of metal guide rails and crash rated guide rails that resemble the current concrete railings. Adjacent to the walkway, a different, non-climbable guide rail section was installed; again, in keeping with the Bridge’s historical characteristics.

The Town of The Blue Mountains invested in Black Bridge to create a sustainable solution for a key, but deteriorating, transportation link. In doing so, the iconic Black Bridge will continue to connect residents and businesses in the community for the next 30 years.

Key Dates:

1923: Built
1991: Dedicated as Heritage structure; refurbished by the Town
2015: Load restrictions were placed on the bridge
2017: The desk and approaches to the bridge are rehabilitated

Quotes:

Jim McCannell, Manager of Roads and Drainage shared that, “The Black Bridge is single lane concrete bowstring, or `rainbow', arch bridge. It’s overall span of 25.3m, tall arches and overhead bracing are not typically seen in this style of bridge; making it unusual and, therefore, of historical and architectural significance. The Town was pleased that we were able to put our Gas Tax funding to this use and preserve this critical infrastructure link in Clarksburg.”

Mayor John McKean, said of the project, “We pride ourselves on being a Town that is ‘built to last’. The Black Bridge is an essential link for the Clarksburg community and an important agricultural route, and we were very pleased to be able to refurbish, rather than have to replace, the Black Bridge.”

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For more information and media inquiries contact:

Communications and Economic Development Coordinator

Town of The Blue Mountains
519-599-3131 ext 282

For technical information about the project contact:

Manager of Roads and Drainage
Town of The Blue Mountains
519-599-3131 ext 271

Georgian Trail is Being Resurfaced from Christie Beach Road to the Lora Bay Area June 19 & 20, 2018

Please be advised that the Georgian Trail is being resurfaced from Christie Beach Road to the Lora Bay Area on June 19 and June 20, 2018. 

Local residents have asked us to post information about where to call to report an animal in distress. We want to remind you that dogs should not be left in cars, even for a few minutes, on a warm day.

This question is very common at this time of year particularly but is also important to remember during cold temperatures. There is a Provincial Law (Here is the link to the law: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90o36#BK34) in place, and it would be enforced by the Police (local toll-free 1-888-310-1122) or SPCA.

The nearest SPCA is in Barrie (705) 728-7311, but the Georgian Triangle Humane Society may be helpful in these situations (705) 445-5204. Although there is no related specific Town of the Blue Mountains By-law, our By-law officer has responded to calls about Animals in Distress as well. By-law can be reached at (519) 599-3131 ext 256.

Many people ask the question about whether or not they can break a vehicle window to rescue an animal if left in a car.  Here is the answer from the Ontario SPCA https://ontariospca.ca/blog/5-commonly-asked-questions/

We have a growing community experiencing skilled labour shortages and is dependent on the attraction and attention of newcomers. But how do we work together to ensure we’re a welcoming community? This session is intended for employers, service providers and local community members.

We have a growing community experiencing skilled labour shortages and is dependent on the attraction and attention of newcomers. But how do we work together to ensure we’re a welcoming community?

OBJECTIVES:

• Understand the challenges newcomers face when settling in a new environment of a rural community
• Highlight the benefits of having cultural diversity within the community and workplace
• Build awareness of basic fundamentals in intercultural competency
• Enhance community connections

This session is delivered in partnership with the Town of the Blue Mountains and intended for employers, service providers and local community members.

Contact: Jacinda Rudolph
Phone: 519-372-0219 ext. 1270

Head injuries are a leading cause of serious injury and death to kids on bicycles. Even seemingly minor head injuries may cause permanent brain damage. A properly fitted and correctly worn bike helmet can cut the risk of serious head injury by up to 80 per cent (Parachute Canada)

(Collingwood and The Blue Mountains, ON) The Collingwood and The Blue Mountains detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) partnered recently with the Simcoe/Muskoka District Health Unit, Kamikaze Bikes and the Healthy Kids Community Challenge to support the helmet/bike safety campaigns within area elementary schools. 

Youths were instructed on Bicycle Safety Rules, Hand Signals, Helmet Safety and the importance of a properly fitting and safe bicycle. Kamikaze Bikes inspected the bicycles before the youths' were presented with an opportunity to try a skills testing course set-up outside the school. An important component of this school campaign is to also identify children in need of a new properly fitting helmet which were assessed during the school event. 

Head injuries are a leading cause of serious injury and death to kids on bicycles. Even seemingly minor head injuries may cause permanent brain damage. A properly fitted and correctly worn bike helmet can cut the risk of serious head injury by up to 80 per cent (Parachute Canada)

Contact: PC Martin Hachey

Phone: (705) 445-4321

Hosted at Copper Blues Bar and Grill, co-hosted by the Blue Mountain Village Association All Welcome!  Come to the Blue Mountains Chamber of Commerce "After Six" event held at and hosted by Copper Blues Bar and Grill next Wedneday, June 20th at 6pm.  The event will be co-hosted by the Blue Mountain Village Association.

Come to the Chamber's "After 6": Wednesday June 20th 

Hosted at Copper Blues Bar and Grill, co-hosted by the Blue Mountain Village Association

All Welcome!  Come to the Blue Mountains Chamber of Commerce "After Six" event held at and hosted by Copper Blues Bar and Grill next Wedneday, June 20th at 6pm.  The event will be co-hosted by the Blue Mountain Village Association.

Join us for networking, make new business connections and talk with Chamber leaders about important economic growth issues like infrastructure investment, solving the labour shortage, preparing for this year’s municipal election and more!

RSVP: info@bluemountainschamber.ca
When: Wednesday June 20th
Time:  After 6pm - of course!
Where: Copper Blues Bar and Grill, 156 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 0V2

The Grey Bruce Roots of Empathy program celebrated a dozen one-year-olds for their part in teaching some very important life lessons to nearly 400 students from across Grey Bruce over the past school year.

Participating with their parents in the Roots of Empathy program, these babies, dubbed ‘tiny teachers’, helped children from Kindergarten to Grade 8 in thirteen schools across Grey Bruce learn about expressing feelings, respect, inclusion, infant development and safety and the power of a loving bond between parent and child. A total of seventeen infants and their parents took part in the pilot program.

At the heart of the Roots of Empathy program is a neighbourhood infant and parent, who visit the classroom with a certified instructor nine times over the school year. Using a specialized curriculum, the instructor coaches the students to observe the baby’s development, celebrate milestones, interact with the baby and learn about an infant’s needs and unique temperament. The Roots of Empathy program reduces levels of aggression and bullying among school children while raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy.

Catherine Talbot, International Liaison for Roots of Empathy acknowledged the efforts made by families, instructors and schools to make the program such a success.

The Baby Celebration also recognized the many people who contribute to the local success of Roots of Empathy including Bluewater District, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, and Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Boards as well as community partners Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services and Kids & Us.

To learn more about Roots of Empathy, please visit www.rootsofempathy.org

For More Information:

Amanda McManaman

Roots of Empathy, Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1293

A.Mcmanaman@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca

Just a quick reminder that there's still time to sign up for the Annual RTO7 Info Session, being held on Thursday, June 21st at the Golf Club at Lora Bay. We've changed up the format with a guest speaker and a panel of your peers presenting and discussing tourism topics relevant to you. To sign up and for more info, please read below. Hope you're able to be there!

When:             Thursday, June 21, 2018

Time:               1 pm to 4 pm

Where:            The Golf Club at Lora Bay, 109 East Ridge Drive, Thornbury

                        (Large meeting room in lower level)
 
Agenda:
1:00 pm                       Welcome from RTO7 President

1:05 pm to 2:05 pm    The Sharing/Collaborative Economy, Michael Agema

What is it and how has it impacted the tourism industry? What will be the 
next set of “assets” to be shared regionally or globally? There is rapidly growing interest in the nature and impacts of the sharing economy amongst entrepreneurs, innovators, incumbent businesses, policy-makers and researchers alike. This conversation will clarify some definitions and insights into this new economy and what lies ahead in this still unchartered territory.
 
2:05 pm to 3:05 pm    Partnering with RTO7 (Panel format) 
Find out how RTO7’s Programs can work for you.  Hear from your peers to learn how partnerships with RTO7 have helped them to grow tourism.  

Panel members:
Johanna Griggs (Economic Development Officer, Wasaga Beach)

• Roxane Davidson (General Manager/Festival Coordinator, Georgian Bay Folk Society)
• Paulette Peirol (Tourism Marketing Coordinator, The City of Owen Sound)
• Louise Jackson (Marketing & Events Manager, Hardwood Ski and Bike)
• Candice Moreau (Coordinator, Marketing and Media Relations, Huronia Historic Parks)

3:05 pm to 3:20 pm    Nutrition Break
3:20 pm to 3:50 pm    Wrap up of 2017/18
3:50 pm                       Introduction of the Board of Directors
4:00 pm                       Adjournment
 
Reserve your spot now by visiting RTO7.ca to register.
 

A STOP workshop will be held in Owen Sound on Monday, June 25. For more information, to see if you are eligible to participate, and to register for the workshop call the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 1-800-263-3456 ext. 2231.

For many smokers, the cost of nicotine replacement products can be a barrier to quitting. The STOP (Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients) Program workshop offers eligible participants in Grey and Bruce Counties five weeks of cost-free nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation information to help them in their quit attempt.

Nicotine replacement therapy has been shown to effectively help people quit smoking by easing withdrawal symptoms. Workshop participants also receive educational material with quit smoking and relapse prevention strategies, along with information to address other unhealthy lifestyle factors that are known to accompany smoking.

A STOP workshop will be held in Owen Sound on Monday, June 25. For more information, to see if you are eligible to participate, and to register for the workshop call the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 1-800-263-3456 ext. 2231. The Grey Bruce Health Unit is partnering with the STOP Program to offer this local workshop. The STOP Program is led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as part of its Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy. CAMH is Canada’s leading addiction and mental health teaching hospital. Integrating clinical care, scientific research, education, policy development and health promotion, CAMH transforms the lives of people impacted by mental health and addiction issues.

For More Information:
Beth Karrow
Public Health Nurse
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-345 ext. 2231
b.karrow@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca

Marking the Passing of Past Town Employee Albert Townsend

Please be advised that the flags at Town Hall and the Parks Operations Centre are lowered to half mast until Tuesday June 19, 2018 to mark the passing of Albert Townsend, a former Town employee and valued member of our community.

Clark Street Between Margaret Street South and Lion's Park Lane

Please be advised that there will be a temporary road closure in the Clarksburg Area affecting residents on Clark Street between Lion's Park Lane and Margaret Street South.  This service disruption is scheduled to take place on:

• Saturday June 23, 2018 between the hours of 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Although a closure will be in place, access to private properties within the closed section will be permitted throughout the closure.

This road closure will be in place to accommodate the grand re-opening of Black's Bridge as well as other associated Clarksburg event activities taking place throughout the day.

For more information about events taking place on June 23, 2018, please visit our events calendar. 

Join us for the Bridge Opening, and then stay to watch the duck release into the Beaver River. Will your duck win?

The Town of The Blue Mountains is installing new sidewalks from June 14th to July 5th.

These sidewalks will make it safer and easier to walk to the services you need by connecting you to the existing sidewalk network. 

New sidewalks will be installed on portions of the following streets:
- Alfred Street
- Bruce Street
- Louisa Street
- Harbour Street
- Elgin Street

The map included provides more detail on the installation location. 

If your driveway is going to be affected, you will receive a notice. During this time, should you be unable to use your driveway, on-street parking will be permitted. Our goal is to make this project as low impact to residents as possible, and we appreciate your patience. 

The firm contracted to do the work is: 
Onsite Contracting Inc

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact: 
Cameron Wilson
(519) 599-6714

Temporary Lane Restriction on Arrowhead Road from Margaret Street to Alpine Springs Court intersection on June 12, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Time: From 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
There will be temporary lane restrictions on Arrowhead Road from Margaret Street to Alpine Springs Court intersection. Traffic control signage will be in place. Temporary Lane Restrictions for the purpose of: MSO will be doing road repairs.

For more information please contact 

Manager of Roads and Drainage 
Town of The Blue Mountains 
519-599-3131 x 271

Request for Letters of Support, Corporate Sponsorship and Members

Dear Community Member 

The Blue Mountains Curling Centre is a not-for-profit organization. Our mission is to bring back and encourage the growth of the great Canadian sport of curling within the Town of The Blue Mountains.

To do this we are seeking to use some of the available ice time within our municipal arena for regular curling and events, spectatorship and general participation. Our intention is to provide an inclusive community environment for all. This includes our local student and youth population, people with special needs, the general public and, from time to time, events that act as an economic driver within our community.

With our Easter event we launched our membership drive, and have already recruited over 80 members who have shown an interest in curling next year.  We are currently putting together our business plan.

We need to make a commitment to go ahead to the Town by June 1^st in order to secure the two days of ice we need.

We are asking you for your help to make this happen.

You can help us by:

1. Sending us a letter of support, which we can use in our presentation to the Town;
2. Becoming a corporate sponsor (We are only asking for expressions of interest at this time. We will only ask you to confirm your commitment, and level of involvement, once we have secured the ice time from the Town.)
3. Becoming a founding member (We are only asking for expressions of interest at this time. We will only ask you to confirm your commitment once we have secured the ice time from the Town.)

If you want to help us make this happen, please take the time to respond to this e-mail with a brief reply indicating how you are prepared to help, and indicating your name, and if applicable,  the name of your business and organisation.

Please respond by email to our secretary Julia Atkinson at julia@thornburylearningcentre.com.

In appreciation of your time and support,

- The Blue Mountains Curling Centre  

The Georgian Trail will be sprayed for poison ivy control between June 18 and June 22, 2018.

Joan Gaudet was named Senior of the Year 2018 at the June 4th Committee of the Whole Meeting. Read the Deputy Mayor's speech highlighting Joan's achievements.

Tonight we are here to honour Senior of the Year for 2018, Joan Gaudet. This award is part of a Provincial program that allows each municipality in Ontario the opportunity to honour one outstanding local senior, who after the age of 65 has enriched the social, cultural or civic life of his or her community.

To be considered for the award, the nominee must have made their community a better place to live. Since Joan arrived in Thornbury 12 years ago, more than one person has said, “I don’t know what we would do without her.”

While the award is for the work Joan has done since she arrived in The Blue Mountains, it is hard to talk about that without giving a little background on Joan’s beginnings as a volunteer.

Joan started volunteering at the bright young age of 10 when she began setting up and washing dishes for banquets at the YMCA. Born into a close-knit, hard-working community in Midland, she recalls being the richest child in the area, despite having no plumbing, heat or hydro. However, she was part of a community that valued respect, consideration and had incredible community spirit. Joan has maintained that desire to make a difference in the many communities she has lived in, volunteering in one way or another for over 70 years.

In reading about Joan’s volunteer experiences over the years, the words that consistently come up are “reliable”, “a force”, “commitment”, “energy”, and “enthusiasm.” One person wrote, “I am truly in awe not only of her commitment to the community but of her energy and enthusiasm in everything that she does. She is truly a role model for all of us and a great example of why we all need to get involved.”

Joan is an enthusiastic and committed member of any organization she works with. While working with the Lions, she coordinated the collection of thousands of used eyeglasses over the past few years, including over 2,500 pairs she has personally collected. She also collects and crushes thousands of pop cans yearly and holds home BBQ benefit events for needy individuals or groups. 

Joan has a great sense of fun, running about Town on her scooter while putting up posters for causes and events. Anyone who has been to her home can see that a creative and fun loving person must live there. From the immaculate gardens and art to her entryway where signs saying things like, “What if the Hokey Pokey really is what it’s all about” line the walls of her deck. And it’s worth phoning her just to hear the poem that greets those who call when she is not home.

Joan is never one to shy away from anything that is asked of her. She starts each morning at the crack of dawn, cleaning out the drop off bins at the BVO Treasure Shop. The bins fill constantly and we’re told that Joan makes sure to check in throughout the day to empty them, if needed.

Joan has also prepared delicious food for more events than anyone can recall, including food for the schoolchildren during their EQAO exams. She is an active and reliable volunteer for the Marsh St. Centre, and waters the plants at the library. In other words, she is everywhere.

Another attribute people have mentioned is Joan’s affinity for people of all ages. Her circle of friends ranges from children, to her own peers. She takes a special interest in people who need a friend, an advocate, or a shoulder to lean on. As one of them said, “In all these relationships she is accepting and never judging. The community is definitely a richer place because Joan is an active member.”

One thing you may not know about Joan is that she was born Margaret Joan McClung. She credits her great-great aunt Nellie McClung, the famous Canadian feminist, politician, author and social activist with inspiring her desire to fight for what is right. She believes her life of volunteerism has brought immeasurable rewards, and works to encourage parents and grandparents to get their children and grandchildren involved in volunteering.

Joan’s volunteerism has taken her as far as Mexico, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras, but I think that I speak for all of us when I say we are glad that Joan has chosen to settle down here.

Joan’s friendly smile and willing heart have earned her the gratitude of so many in our community. I would like you all to join with me in recognizing Joan and her countless contributions to the Town of The Blue Mountains.

Check out the Dominion Voting system the Town will be using in the 2018 Municipal Election

Check out this video produced by Dominion Voting, the system the Town will be using in the 2018 Municipal Election.

It takes you through the internet voting process screen by screen, showing you the steps and giving you tips, to ensure you feel confident voting in the upcoming election.

Link to Video - Internet Voting Guide

Candidate and Third Party Advertiser Information Session June 21, 2018 at the Flesherton Kinplex

A Candidate and Third Party Advertiser Information Session is being held at the Flesherton Kinplex Thursday, June 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The information session is free and open to anyone considering running in the 2018 Municipal or School Board Election, or registering as a Third Party Advertiser.

To register for the information session go to www.Eventbrite.com and click on "2018 Municipal Election Candidate Information Session".

For more information please review the Event Brochure. 

It is with great excitement and a huge amount of pride that Hospice Georgian Triangle (HGT) announces their recent accreditation with Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO).

Hospice Georgian Triangle in Collingwood achieves HPCO Accreditation

COLLINGWOOD, ONTARIO – June 5, 2018 – It is with great excitement and a huge amount of pride that Hospice Georgian Triangle (HGT) announces their recent accreditation with Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO).

HPCO Accreditation is an independent certification program dedicated to improving the quality of care for palliative individuals, their caregivers and the bereaved. Any hospice organization achieving this accreditation has undergone a detailed assessment, including multi?day on-site audits to ensure their organization has strong governance, operational, service delivery, fundraising and quality improvement processes in place. HPCO Accreditation gives assurance to individuals and families receiving care, partners, donors, funders and volunteers that HGT is in compliance with industry standards and has been accredited based on a rigorous review of operations and performance by industry peers.

Kelly Borg, Executive Director and accreditation lead, explains "this has been a significant undertaking for our organization, more so because we voluntarily undertook accreditation for our residential hospice, Campbell House, and our community program, Lighthouse Integrated Care, simultaneously. We wanted to reinforce the highest quality of care, compassion and innovation that our organization is known for with hard evidence that we work to recognized standards and best practices for hospice palliative care. In this respect, it was important for us to receive professional peer validation. We want our patients and their families to have peace of mind about their care, before they even walk through our doors.”

“It is because of the dedication and sheer hard work of our highly skilled and compassionate staff and volunteers that this achievement has been possible. I would like to thank HGT’s Accreditation Team who worked tirelessly over a two year period to pull together the policies, supporting documentation and descriptions of our processes in order to submit over 300 pieces of evidence for review by the accreditors. I would also like to thank our volunteers who have stayed the course through considerable change, and who have undertaken extensive training to ensure that, like our staff, they fully understand their scope of practice and the legislative and legal requirements that bind us. I am extremely proud of our entire team and I look forward to taking the next steps with them on our continuous quality improvement journey.”

On behalf of HPCO, Annalise Stenekes, Manager of Hospice Services shares “the HPCO accreditation process allows a hospice to be recognized for its compliance to provincial standards governing how the organization should operate.  Hospice Georgian Triangle has been awarded HPCO accreditation in recognition of its high-quality hospice services.  Congratulations on this major accomplishment!”

For more information regarding HGT’s accreditation, please contact Kelly Borg, Executive Director of Hospice Georgian Triangle at 705-444-2555, extension 7520.

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About Hospice Georgian Triangle: Hospice Georgian Triangle (HGT), a registered charity, provides trained volunteer and professional care and support to individuals living with life-limiting illness or in their last stages of living, to their families and to the bereaved. The staff and volunteers at Hospice Georgian Triangle provide this exceptional care within the Campbell House residence and in private homes and communities across the South Georgian Bay region through our Lighthouse Integrated Care team.  www.hospicegeorgiantriangle.com

About HPCO: Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) is a provincial association which provides leadership on behalf of its members by informing policy and promoting awareness, education, knowledge transfer and best practices in the pursuit of quality hospice palliative care in Ontario. Our members include nurses, social workers, case managers, palliative care specialists, family physicians, therapists, palliative care educators, hospices, long-term care homes, palliative care programs and hospitals. HPCO envisions a future where every person and family in the province of Ontario can quickly and easily access the finest standard of hospice palliative care when required.

Attached photo: Courtesy of Dave West Photography

Caption for photo: Staff and Volunteers of Hospice Georgian Triangle gather outside of Campbell House in Collingwood to celebrate their successful accreditation with Hospice Palliative Care Ontario.

Media Contact:

Janet Fairbridge

Hospice Georgian Triangle

Donor Relations Coordinator

fairbridgej@hospicegeorgiantriangle.com

705-444-2555 ext. 7521

• Hospice Media Release (94 KB)

Ms. Gaudet will receive her award from Council on Monday, June 4, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the regular Committee of the Whole meeting at Town Hall.
On June 4, 2018, Town of The Blue Mountains Council will honour Joan Gaudet as Town of The Blue Mountains, Senior of the Year for 2018. This award is part of a Provincial program that gives each municipality in Ontario the opportunity to honour one outstanding local senior, who after the age of 65 has enriched the social, cultural or civic life of his or her community.

Ms. Gaudet will receive her award from Council on Monday, June 4, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the regular Committee of the Whole meeting at Town Hall.

Ms. Gaudet moved to Thornbury, in Town of The Blue Mountains, 12 years ago after a somewhat nomadic life, moving a total of 29 times. Since her arrival in Town, her presence in our community and her commitment to the causes important to her, have earned her this recognition.

Ms. Gaudet is an active volunteer in our community, and an enthusiastic and committed member of any organization she works with. While working with the Lions, she coordinated the collection of thousands of used eyeglasses over the past few years, including over 2,500 pairs she collected personally. She also collects and crushes thousands of pop cans yearly and holds home BBQ benefit events for needy individuals or groups. She is now actively recruiting for members, and selling Lions Duck race tickets!

Ms. Gaudet is also very active with the BVO. Joan starts each morning at the crack of dawn, cleaning out the drop off bins at the Treasure Shop. The bins fill constantly and Joan makes sure to check in through the day to empty them.

Ms. Gaudet has also prepared food for more events than anyone can recall, including food for the schoolchildren during their EQAO exams. She is an active and reliable volunteer for the Marsh St. Centre, and can often be seen around Town posting flyers for the Marsh St. Centre, as well as many other organizations.

Ms. Gaudet also works at the library where she is often seen watering plants and helping out where needed. Ms. Gaudet shares her time with individuals and organizations alike. Her friendly smile and willing heart have earned her the gratitude of many in our community.

Please be advised that the Town of The Blue Mountains has launched a new website on Tuesday June 5, 2018. The Town’s website address is the same: www.thebluemountains.ca.

E-Newsletters

The Town will still offer e-newsletters, however, you will need to re-subscribe on the new website.  To re-subscribe, please visit the following link  www.thebluemountains.ca/subscribe-for-updates.cfm.

The new website will offer users an option of eight e-newsletter category options.  Some of the options (like the weekly recap) will send subscribers one email per week.  Other categories (like municipal updates) will send subscribers one email per update when the update is posted. 

When you re-subscribe you will receive an email from the Town that will require you to activate your account.  If you do not activate your account, you will not receive the e-newsletters you have subscribed to.

If you have any issues with subscribing or have questions about the various subscription options, please contact the Website Committee or call 519-599-3131 ext. 254.

Council Meeting Live Stream

The Town’s Council Meeting Live Stream will still be available from the Town’s new website.  To access the Live Stream, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/council-meeting-live-stream.cfm.   

Community Events Calendar

The new website will offer users the ability to post Community Events on the Community Events Calendar.  To add your community event, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/add-community-event.cfm.

Business Directory

The new website offers businesses within The Blue Mountains the ability to post their business listings on the Town’s Business Directory.  To add your business, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/add-your-business.cfm. All businesses currently registered will need to repost their business information to the new website.

Community Groups and Public Services Directory

The new website offers local groups and public services the ability to post their listings on the Town’s Community Groups and Public Services Directory.  To add your listing, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/add-your-community-service.cfm.

For more detailed instructions, please see the attached pdf.

• New Website Instructions (503 KB)

Stage 1 - Water Use Restrictions are implemented from June 1 to September 1, 2018.

Residents may water between the hours of 7:00am and 9:00am and 7:00pm and 9:00pm.
Properties with odd numbered addresses can water on odd numbered calendar days.
Properties with even numbered addresses can water on even numbered calendar days. 

For more information please contact:
Water and Wastewater Inquiries
Town of The Blue Mountains 

Golf Course will be closed for maintenance on June 11 and 12, 2018

The Tomahawk Golf Course will be closed for maintenance on June 11 and June 12, 2018 in order for Staff to perform maintenance.  We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate the public's patience while the maintenance is being performed.

For more information, please contact BVCC Staff at 519-599-3131 ext.350 or visit our Tomahawk Golf Course page.

All residents of the Town of The Blue Mountains who are supplied with Municipal water, please be advised that the annual flushing of fire hydrants and watermains is currently underway.

This is a routine maintenance procedure carried out in the Spring and Fall to ensure proper fire hydrant operation and water quality throughout the water distribution system. Lower water pressure due to hydrant flushing may be experienced in some areas. 

Minor water discolouration may occur periodically and can be rectified by letting faucets run until clear.

For more information please contact:

Water and Wastewater Inquiries  
Town of The Blue Moutnains
 

Notice of Public Open House and Notice of Public Meeting to consider a New Comprehensive Zoning By-law

• New Draft Comprehensive Zoning By-law (31 KB)

Online course opportunity through the Association of Municipalities Ontario for prospective candidates who wish to run in the 2018 Municipal Election!

The Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) is offering prospective candidates who wish to run in the 2018 Municipal Election an online course navigating various items including:

• What does it take to run for Council?
• What should I know before I run?
• The media and me.
• What are the powers and influence of municipal government?
• What rules, regulations and laws govern my actions as an elected official?

The course is offered online, and at an individualized pace, and costs $75.00 including HST.

Interested individuals may register through the Municipal Education Website.

'So You Want to Run for Council' Information Brochure

Do you need funds to help get seniors involved in activities in your community? The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) for community-based projects may have the funding you need!

New Horizons for Seniors Funding Extended to June 22, 2018!

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) supports projects that are designed by and for seniors. It is designed to help seniors improve the quality of life in their communities by participating in social activities and leading active lives. Eligible applicants may receive up to $25,000 in the form of a grant under the Community-based Projects Component and up to $5,000 in the form of a grant under the Small grants Initiative Pilot.

Projects must address one or more of the Programs Five Objectives:

• promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations;
• engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others;
• expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
• supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors; and;
• providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and programs for seniors.

NEW – National Level Priorities

The Department also has introduced the following three national-level priorities inspired by the desire to solicit applications designed by seniors, for seniors:

1. Projects that would benefit vulnerable seniors populations;
2. Projects focusing on the diversity of Canada’s seniors; and,
3. Projects that would use volunteerism to increase an organization’s capacity.

NEW PILOT – Small grants Initiative

This year, NHSP is testing new ways to expand support to seniors organizations that have projects for their vulnerable population including those that have not received funding in the last five years (since 2012-2013 Call for proposals). These organizations can apply for the small grants up to $5,000 per project or for the Community-based funding of up to $25,000 (but not for both). In the context of Small grants Initiative, priority will be given to projects for seniors and meet at least one of the three national priorities.

Under the Small grants Initiative, three sub-streams are proposed:

1. IT equipment upgrade: to purchase computers or tablets;
2. Capital assets for current or new activities; and,
3. Projects that increase volunteerism, mentoring, and social inclusion.

Details about the Program, including the Standard Grant Application for Funding and the NHSP Applicant Guide are available on the Web site: NHSP. For more information, you can also call 1-800-277-9914 and select “0” (TTY: 1-800- 255-4786).

The Town has received an Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications. The Town has deemed the applications to be complete however no public meeting has been scheduled to-date.

The purpose of these applications is to consider a development proposal for a proposed waterski wakeboard cable park and associated buildings and structures.

Notice of Complete Application - Wakeboard Park

For more information contact Planning Services.