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Posted On: Monday, March 16, 2020
A dedicated webpage regarding COVID-19 has been created for the Town of The Blue Mountains. To view the webpage, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/covid-19.cfm
The Town of The Blue Mountains (Town) has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) to determine the preferred solution to address Water Storage and Distribution System needs in the western limits of the Town, roughly encompassing the settlement areas of Camperdown, Thornbury and Lora Bay.
Figure 1: Key Map
The purpose of this project is to enable the construction of municipal water infrastructure which will meet the Town’s immediate, long-term and build-out needs.
The project will follow the MCEA Schedule ‘B’ process to evaluate alternative solutions and will consider the social, environmental and financial impacts of each alternative that is identified. Once the preferred solution is determined through the Environmental Assessment, the Town will also develop preliminary engineering designs.
As part of the MCEA process, the public and key stakeholders will have the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the project.
A Public Information Centre (PIC) / Virtual Public Open House, including a presentation of the project followed by a question period, will be held on:
Thursday, June 25th, 2020
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
To register for this event and/ or for additional information please contact:
Operations Department
The Town of The Blue Mountains
WestSideWaterStorage@thebluemountains.ca
Phone: 519-599-3131 x 304
A second PIC will also be held later in the year. It is expected that the study and preliminary design will be completed in December 2020.
Project updates will also be posted on the Town’s webpage: https://www.thebluemountains.ca/west-side-water-storage-ea.cfm.
This notice provides an update regarding closures of Town of The Blue Mountains facilities, including parks, trails and beaches.
To help provide clarification and consistent messaging the Town would like to remind residents that an interactive map confirming the open/closed status of parks, trails, greenspaces, beaches and recreational areas within the Town of The Blue Mountains is available on the Town website: https://www.thebluemountains.ca/covid-19-open-and-closed.cfm
In addition, the Town would like to emphasize that all Town-owned public washrooms remain closed, and there are only a limited amount of garbage receptacles available. In addition, all common touchpoints are not sanitized. Please plan accordingly.
Closed Town Facilities
The following municipal facilities remain closed until further notice to ensure and encourage physical distancing:
Although Provincial restrictions may be lifted for some of the above properties or facilities, temporary closures may remain in place to allow for seasonal preparation or for modifications to be implemented to allow safe and effective use.
In addition, The Blue Mountains Public Library is open for Curbside Holds Pickup. Branches are physically closed to the public, with programs and services being provided virtually. Please check The Blue Mountains Public Library website for more information: https://thebluemountainslibrary.ca/
Open Town Owned Parks and Properties
The following chart outlines key updates / changes. To view the full list and for specific information on each property, please visit: https://www.thebluemountains.ca/covid-19-open-and-closed.cfm
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Beaches |
In late March, the Town of The Blue Mountains initiated the closure of Town owed facilities, parks, trails and beaches in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 15, 2020, the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ian Arra, ordered municipalities to close all municipal managed beaches in Grey and Bruce Counties. On May 28, 2020, the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit rescinded the order to close all beaches in Grey and Bruce Counties. To view the full press release from the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit, please visit: https://www.thebluemountains.ca/document_viewer.cfm?doc=1337 Although the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit order has been rescinded, the Town would like to advise residents that access to beach areas remains limited. The Town will be re-opening additional beach areas over the next month as management and control measures are put in place to ensure that physical distancing can be maintained. To view the status of each beach area, please visit: https://www.thebluemountains.ca/covid-19-open-and-closed.cfm The Town would like to remind residents that the Provincial Orders remain in effect and beach areas will actively be monitored and enforced by the Ontario Provincial Police and the Town’s By-Law Department. |
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Baseball Diamonds
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Baseball diamonds are open for walkthroughs and for use by people from the same household and single-person activities. Gameplay is not permitted unless you are from the same household. Please note that common touchpoints are not sanitized. |
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Tennis Courts |
Tennis Courts are open for use by people from the same household and single-person activities. Gameplay is not permitted unless you are from the same household. Please note that common touchpoints are not sanitized. |
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Dog Park |
The Dog Park is open for public use. Please allow others to use the space by practicing physical distancing and not loitering within off-leash areas. Users are asked not to touch other individuals which includes the sharing of animal toys or equipment. Please note that off-leash areas are not cleaned or sanitized, this includes but is not limited to: Water Fountains, Shade Structures/Gazebos, Benches and Tables, Fences, Gates and Message Boards. |
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Thornbury Harbour
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As of May 16, 2020, the Thornbury Harbour opened for recreational use. The launch ramp docks have now been installed and secured and are available for use. Please note that access to the Thornbury Harbour will be limited to boat owners only on Sunday, May 31, 2020 to allow for boat launch operations to take place. |
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Parks & Trails |
The following parks and trails are now open:
To view the status of individual parks and trails, please visit: https://www.thebluemountains.ca/covid-19-open-and-closed.cfm A reminder when using public parks and trails that a limited number of garbage receptacles are available and public washrooms are not open. Please plan your visits accordingly. |
A reminder to residents that Town staff continue to remain available by phone and by email during regular business hours. Online services can be accessed 24/7 by visiting: www.thebluemountains.ca/online-services.cfm
For more information, please contact:
Ryan Gibbons
Phone: 519-599-3131 x 281
The following video message was provided by Mayor Alar Soever as an update related to COVID-19.
Direct video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA2C91gWULI&feature=youtu.be
Please be advised that the June 2, 2020 Committee of the Whole meeting Agenda has been revised to include the following items:
Item B.15.1 PDS.20.52 Towns of Thornbury Site Plan Approval was revised to indicate the following: Landscaping and Tree Preservation from seven (7) white spruce to ten (10) white spruce.
Full meeting details are available on the Council Calendar.
NOTE: The Blue Mountains Town Hall is currently closed to the public to assist with social distancing with respect to COVID-19. Comments received from the public that have not been included on the Agenda, will be read at the meeting by the Town Clerk.
The meeting will be livestreamed and an archived recording of the meeting will be posted to the Town's website.
Please be advised that the June 1, 2020 Council meeting Agenda has been revised to remove the following item:
B.1 Deputation: George Irwin, Trebor RX Corp Re: Proposal for Town of The Blue Mountains Property at 171 King Street East, Thornbury, ON
Full meeting details are available on the Council Calendar.
NOTE: The Blue Mountains Town Hall is currently closed to the public to assist with social distancing with respect to COVID-19. Comments received from the public that have not been included on the Agenda, will be read at the meeting by the Town Clerk.
The meeting will be livestreamed and an archived recording of the meeting will be posted to the Town's website.
Regular Board Meeting - June 4, 2020 1:00 p.m.
Special Members Meeting - June 4, 2020 4:00 p.m.
These meetings are being held virtually.
NOTE: The Blue Mountains Town Hall is currently closed to the public to assist with social distancing with respect to COVID-19. Comments received from the public that have not been included on the Agenda will be read at the meeting by the Executive Assistant. The meeting will be recorded, and the archived recording will be posted to the Town's website. The meeting will not be livestreamed.
To provide comments, please contact:
Please be advised that contractors will be spraying the edges of the Georgian Trail to control the growth of poison ivy. Spraying is scheduled to take place between June 15 and June 19, 2020.
Please be advised that the June 2, 2020 Committee of the Whole meeting Agenda is now available. Full meeting details are available on the Council Calendar.
NOTE: The Blue Mountains Town Hall is currently closed to the public to assist with social distancing with respect to COVID-19. Comments received from the public that have not been included on the Agenda, will be read at the meeting by the Town Clerk.
The meeting will be livestreamed and an archived recording of the meeting will be posted to the Town's website.
Please be advised that the June 1, 2020 Council meeting Agenda is now available. Full meeting details are available on the Council Calendar.
NOTE: The Blue Mountains Town Hall is currently closed to the public to assist with social distancing with respect to COVID-19. Comments received from the public that have not been included on the Agenda, will be read at the meeting by the Town Clerk.
The meeting will be livestreamed and an archived recording of the meeting will be posted to the Town's website.
The June 5, 2020 Grants and Donations Committee meeting will be held virtually at 1:00 p.m.
NOTE: The Blue Mountains Town Hall is currently closed to the public to assist with social distancing with respect to COVID-19. Comments received from the public that have not been included on the Agenda will be read at the meeting by the Executive Assistant. The meeting will be recorded, and the archived recording will be posted to the Town's website. The meeting will not be livestreamed.
To provide comments, please contact:
Watering Restrictions are implemented annually from June 1 to September 1
Stage 1 Water Use Restriction
The permit will enable watering for a period up to THIRTY (30) days from the issuance of the Permit between the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. during any day within said THIRTY (30) day period for the purpose of watering new sod or new landscaping.
To obtain a Landscape Watering Permit please complete the Application form and submit with payment (cheque in the amount of $100 to the Town of The Blue Mountains)
The following video message was provided by Mayor Alar Soever as an update related to COVID-19.
Direct video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0mMyjwsQhE
This notice provides an update regarding closures to Town of The Blue Mountains (“Town”) facilities, parks, trails and beaches.
Please be advised that Town Parks and Trails remain limited to walkthrough/passage only. Town-owned public washrooms remain closed and there are only a limited amount of garbage receptacles available. Please plan your trips accordingly.
On May 14, 2020 The Grey Bruce Public Health Unit issued an Order to Close all Beaches in Grey and Bruce Counties. To view the Heath Unit’s Media Release, visit: https://www.thebluemountains.ca/document_viewer.cfm?doc=1337
To help provide clarification and consistent messaging the Town would like to remind residents that an interactive map confirming the open/closed status of parks, trails, greenspaces, beaches and recreational areas within the Town of The Blue Mountains is available on the Town website: https://www.thebluemountains.ca/covid-19-open-and-closed.cfm
Additionally, the following municipal facilities remain closed until further notice to ensure and encourage physical distancing:
As of May 16, 2020 the Thornbury Harbour opened for recreational use. The launch ramp docks have now been installed and secured and are available for use.
Tomahawk Golf Course and Recreational area remains closed until further notice.
Baseball diamonds, tennis courts and the dog park remain closed. They are expected to open by May 27, 2020. New rules based on provincial restrictions and public health guidance for these facilities will be posted at each location upon opening.
A reminder that although Provincial restrictions may be lifted for some properties or facilities, there are some that remain closed for seasonal preparation or we are preparing guidance on safe opening or modified use.
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority has provided the following information on their website:
A phased reopening of some GSCA properties will begin this Saturday (May 23, 2020) after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We would like to remind everyone that amenities like washrooms and garbage receptacles will not be available, so please plan your visit accordingly.
Waterfalls, beaches, some escarpment sites and some other properties will remain closed at this time.
Please note that most of the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority properties in the Town of The Blue Mountains remain closed at this time.
A link to the GSCA website can be viewed by visiting: https://www.greysauble.on.ca/accessing-conservation-areas-during-covid-19/
A reminder to residents that Town staff continue to remain available by phone and by email during regular business hours. Online services can be accessed 24/7 by visiting: www.thebluemountains.ca/online-services.cfm
For more information regarding facilities, parks, trails and beaches, please contact:
May 21, 2020 Special Board Meeting - 3:00 p.m. - CANCELLED
Matters included on the May 21, 2020 Special Board Meeting will be deferred to the regular June 4, 2020 Attainable Housing Corporation meeting.
May 21, 2020 Special Members Meeting - 4:00 p.m. - CANCELLED
A Special Members Meeting will be scheduled for June 4, 2020 to consider matters included on the May 21, 2020 Special Members Meeting agenda.
The May 19, 2020 Committee of the Whole meeting has been adjourned due to technical difficulties.
A Special Committee of the Whole meeting will be scheduled to address Agenda items B.9.3 onwards. The May 19, 2020 Committee of the Whole agenda is included for ease of reference.
Link to May 19, 2020 Agenda (meeting adjourned at item B.9.3 due to technical difficulties)
Annual General Meeting of the Thornbury Business Improvement Area - June 3, 2020 at 8:00 a.m.
Regular Meeting - to take place June 3, 2020 immediately following the Annual General Meeting
NOTE: The Blue Mountains Town Hall is currently closed to the public to assist with social distancing with respect to COVID-19. Comments received from the public that have not been included on the Agenda will be read at the meeting.
Please be advised that this Board meeting will be recorded and an archived recording will be posted to the Town's website. The meeting will not be livestreamed.
The agenda has been revised for the May 21, 2020 virtual/remote Special Board Meeting for the Attainable Housing Corporation.
NOTE: The Blue Mountains Town Hall is currently closed to the public to assist with social distancing with respect to COVID-19. Comments received from the public that have not been included on the Agenda will be read at the meeting by the Executive Assistant. The meeting will be recorded, and the archived recording will be posted to the Town's website. The meeting will not be livestreamed.
To provide comments, please contact:
The following video message was provided by Mayor Alar Soever as an update related to COVID-19.
Direct video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YADdZ-SODU
This notice provides an update regarding closures to Town of The Blue Mountains (“Town”) facilities, parks, trails and beaches.
Please be advised that Town Parks and Trails remain limited to walkthrough/passage only. Town-owned public washrooms also remain closed.
On May 14, 2020 The Grey Bruce Public Health Unit issued an Order to Close all Beaches in Grey and Bruce Counties. To view the Heath Unit’s Media Release, visit: https://www.thebluemountains.ca/document_viewer.cfm?doc=1337
To help provide clarification and consistent messaging the Town would like to remind residents that an interactive map confirming the open/closed status of parks, trails, greenspaces, beaches and recreational areas within the Town of The Blue Mountains is available on the Town website: https://www.thebluemountains.ca/covid-19-open-and-closed.cfm
Additionally, the following municipal facilities remain closed until further notice to ensure and encourage physical distancing:
• Town Hall
• Beaver Valley Community Centre
• Craigleith Community Centre
• Ravenna Hall
• The Blue Mountains Public Library
• The Craigleith Heritage Depot
As of Saturday, May 16, 2020 the Thornbury Harbour will be open for public pedestrian/boat owner access only. The launch ramps remain closed until further notice as the Thornbury Harbour seasonal opening process is underway.
Tomahawk Golf Course and Recreational area remains closed until further notice.
The Blue Mountains Public Library would like to remind residents that although the library is physically closed, programs and services are being provided virtually. Please check the Blue Mountains Public Library website for more information: www.thebluemountainslibrary.ca/
Ontario Parks Staff provided the following information regrading the May 15th Craigleith Provincial Park opening:
On May 15, 2020 the Craigleith Provincial Park will open for self-guided recreational activities including walking, hiking, biking and bird watching. Some parking will be available at the overflow parking lot where the public normally pulls off the highway to go for a walk in the park.
At this time, camping and other activities are not permitted at any provincial park or conservation reserve. All buildings and facilities including washrooms, water taps, campgrounds, backcountry campsites, roofed accommodations and playgrounds continue to be closed. Over the next several weeks Ontario Parks staff will be conducting critical maintenance and other parks start-up procedures so that more recreational activities and facilities will be available when it is safe to do so.
In order to stop the spread of COVID-19, we all need to do our part. That is why we are asking that Ontarians only visit Ontario Parks close to where they live and to come prepared with hand sanitizer, extra water and other supplies, just in case.
A reminder to residents that Town staff continue to remain available by phone and by email during regular business hours. Online services can be accessed 24/7 by visiting: www.thebluemountains.ca/online-services.cfm
For more information regarding parks, trails and beaches, please contact:
Ryan Gibbons
Director of Community Services
519-599-3131 ext. 281
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public that a contractor will begin work at the Thornbury Wastewater Treatment Plant starting May 25, 2020 and continuing until the end of the year.
Residents are advised that there may be increased noise and a slight odour as a result of construction activities.
For more information please contact:
Senior Infrastructure Capital Project Coordinator
Town of The Blue Mountains, Operations Department
Phone: 519-599-3131 x 236
Please be advised that staff have begun to remove signage regarding half load restrictions. All half load restrictions within the Town of The Blue Mountains, pursuant to By-Law No. 2010-54 will be removed as of May 15, 2020. Where Axle Weight Restrictions signs are in place, the By-Law is in full force and effect until May15, 2020.
Operations Department
Phone: 519-599-3131 x 276
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise residents that Curbside Waste Collection will occur as usually for Victoria Day, Monday May 18, 2020 and for the remainder of the week. The Town Solid Waste Disposal Site will be Closed on Monday May 18, 2020. Residents are reminded that;
“TBM Waste Resource” app available for download from Apple and Android. Also access waste information from www.thebluemountains.ca/solid-waste.cfm.
Please review the Waste Resource Guide for proper sorting techniques.
The following video message was provided by Mayor Alar Soever as an update related to COVID-19.
Direct video link: https://youtu.be/C3uXZkk2zGI
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise residents that open air burning restrictions have been lifted. Residents are reminded that the open air burning guidelines as outlined below must be followed at all times.
The Ontario Fire Code states that property owners conducting open-air burning must do so in approved areas. This guideline will provide property owners in The Blue Mountains with the information required to ensure their properties meet the following minimum requirements for recreational open air burning such as campfires. This will also pertain to the use of appliances used for outdoor burning, which do not conform to the Technical Standards and Safety Act.
The Blue Mountains Fire Department should be notified prior to the ignition of any outdoor fire which would not be considered a typical backyard campfire. This notification process is to ensure that fire bans are not in place due to poor air quality or extremely dry conditions. To notify the Fire Department, please call 519-599-5411. Please be prepared to provide the name of the property owner, telephone number, date of burning and the civic address. This is a notification process only and should not be considered as approval. It is also important to understand that By-law 2004-23 will be enforced if smoke or particulate from open air burning becomes a nuisance to the public or could affect the health and wellness of the public.
It is the property owners’ responsibility to ensure the following minimum requirements are in place prior to burning. They include but are not limited to:
Residents are also reminded that leaves and garden waste that produce excessive smoke are not permitted to be burned. The Town Waste Disposal Site accepts leaves, garden waste and brush for disposal at no charge.
Open Air Burning Complaints
All complaints related to open air burning should be directed to the Town By-Law Enforcement Department by calling 519-599-3131 ext. 249. The extension is monitored 24/7. In the event the Fire Department is requested to respond to open air burning complaints where the above noted requirements have not been met or a fire is out of control, the fire will be extinguished and a user fee will be charged to the owner of the property in accordance with by-law 2020-14 schedule B, “emergency response services”, item #5.
If you require further information, please contact The Blue Mountains Fire Department during normal business hours at 519- 599-5411.
For more information, please contact:
Blue Mountains Fire Department
Phone: 519-599-3131 x 101
The Town of The Blue Mountains is providing this advance notice to rural residents to advise that the annual noxious weed control program to manage Wild Chervil will be continuing for 2020.
The pesticide application will be conducted by a licensed technician and only applied to grass roadside areas that appear to be visually unkept and where there is evidence of noxious weeds. In addition, a map has been included in this notice to help identify the approximate areas where the pesticide will be sprayed. Click here to view the map.
The noxious weed control program is regulated under the Weed Control Act and is used to control and eradicate Wild Chervil, which is deemed as a noxious weed in the Province of Ontario. The spraying will occur over four consecutive days, between the middle of May to early June, depending upon the weather, and the Town will issue a formal notice on the newsroom of the Town website before the spraying starts.
Opt-out of Pesticide Spraying and Do Not Spray Signs
To opt-out of pesticide spraying on the road allowance fronting a property, residents should contact the Town to receive a ‘Do Not Spray’ sign that can be installed on the road allowance at the limits of the property’s frontage. In addition, the contractors have been advised to only apply the pesticide to grass roadside areas that appear to be visually unkept and where there is evidence of Wild Chervil.
It is important to note that Under the Provincial Weed Control Act, the Town is required to control Wild Chervil. Regardless of posted signs, unmaintained sections of the Town road allowance will still be sprayed if there is evidence of wild chervil.
If you have questions about this process or would like to request a sign, please call 519-599-3131 ext. 276. If you live along a County Road, please direct your inquires or questions to 519-376-7337 or via email at roads@grey.ca.
Proactive Monitoring & Cooperative Compliance
The Town remains committed to ensuring that the spread of Wild Chervil is managed and controlled. To that end, the Town recently appointed an additional Weed Inspector who will be trained on Wild Chervil identification and who will be available to assist residents. Enforcement of the Town’s Noxious Weed Bylaw continues to place emphasis on education and cooperative compliance. In addition, Town staff will be monitoring Wild Chervil throughout the season in an effort to assess the effectiveness of control and reducing spread.
Shared Stewardship
Wild Chervil is detrimental to agricultural lands. The Town encourages all property owners and residents to actively identify and eliminate Wild Chervil on their own properties in fields, lawns and gardens to help reduce the spread of this noxious weed. To assist with identification and elimination options, please visit the following Wild Chervil FAQ page on the Town website: https://www.thebluemountains.ca/roads-drainage.cfm
Additional Information on Wild Chervil can be found by visiting the Ontario Invading Species Awareness Program website: http://www.invadingspecies.com/wild-chervil/
It is also important to understand that Wild chervil can be confused with Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota). However, the leaves of wild chervil are more distinctively fernlike in shape. The umbels of Queen Anne’s lace have bracts below them, while the umbels of wild chervil do not have bracts. Wild chervil usually flowers in mid- to late spring; Queen Anne’s lace flowers later in the season. https://cisma-suasco.org/invasive/wild-chervil/
Road Jurisdiction
It is also important to understand that the Town of The Blue Mountains will only be spraying rural roads that are within the jurisdiction of the Town of Blue Mountains.
All County roads are within the jurisdiction of County of Grey, which administers their own noxious weed control program. For information, please visit: www.grey.ca
What is Wild Chervil?
Wild chervil is a herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial from the parsley family, introduced to North America from Europe. It was first brought to North America as part of European wildflower seed mix used for plantings along hedgerows and meadows.
This species is short-lived, forming a rosette of only leaves in the first year, then flowering and producing seeds in the second year. As a heavy seed producer, it is easily spread to new locations. Wild chervil has few checks on its population in North America and can quickly take over an area, displacing native species and forming dense stands that are difficult to control.
Source: Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program
What Chemical is Being Sprayed?
The licensed contractor will be using Truvist Herbicide, which contains the active ingredients, Chlorsulfuron and Aminocyclopyrachlor. PCP Registration Number 30920 in combination with Hasten NT Spray Adjuvant, which contains active ingredients Methyl and ethyl oleate (esterified vegetable oil). PCP Registration Number 28277 under the Pest Control Products Act. Truvist is an approved herbicide shown to be effective in controlling Wild Chervil along the Town road allowance.
To learn more or to view a detailed FAQ regarding the noxious weed control program, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/roads-drainage.cfm
For more information, please contact:
Operations Department
Phone: 519-599-3131 x 276
This notice is for 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:
The Blue Mountains Community Watch
Crime Stoppers - Grey Bruce or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
For more community news please visit the following local news outlet links.
For information please visit our Public Engagement page.
Visit our Public Notices page for an up to date list of Town public notices and public information centres.
