Newsroom

The following information has been posted to the Town website upon request from the Species at Risk Program. 

This email is to inform you that the Governor in Council (GiC) is anticipating publishing in Canada Gazette, Part I on March 23, 2019 its intentions regarding whether or not to list a number of aquatic species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Receipt Order referring these species to the GiC for consideration is anticipated to be published in Canada Gazette, Part II on March 20, 2019.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has previously consulted with you on the potential listing of one or more of these species that may be of interest to you.  We wish to take this opportunity to further engage you in the next steps of the process. 

We therefore invite you to review the Regulatory Impact Statement Analysis (RIAS) once published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, which provides additional information and the rationale for the proposed decision whether or not to list for each of these species. Public comments may be made on the proposed listing decisions for 30-days following publication of the proposed decisions using the contact information provided in the RIAS. 

For further information on aquatic species at risk, you may also wish to view Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Aquatic Species at Risk website or the Species at Risk Public Registry.

Aquatic species for which listing decisions are being proposed by the Governor in Council under the Species at Risk Act:

The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise residents and business owners that the spring road cleanup is scheduled to start within the coming weeks, depending upon weather conditions.

As daily temperatures being to climb, crews will start to pick up winter sand, clean catch basins, repair road and boulevard damage, fix signs and complete a variety of other spring maintenance tasks.

Please be patient with the cleanup process as the Town has over 500 kilometers of roadsides to maintain. As a result, cleanup efforts will be ongoing until mid-May. Please keep in mind that some activities such as street sweeping are weather dependent. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

For more information, please contact:

Infrastructure & Public Works
(519) 599-3131 ext. 276

A revised agenda is available for the Committee of the Whole Meeting on March 18, 2019 at 1:00 p.m.

Additions to the agenda include:

B.3.4 FAF.19.044 Infrastructure Fund Program

B.5.1 Dr. Murray Miller Re: Support for Collingwood Hospital Redevelopment

B.5.2  Blue Mountain Resorts Re: Support for Collingwood Hospital Redevelopment Project

B.5.3 Clarksburg Medical Group Re: Support for Collingwood Hospital Redevelopment Project

B.6.2  Deputation: Michael Magonet Re: Peaks Bay Subdivision Waterfront Access

B.10.1 Michael Miller Re: Delphi Waterfront Access

B.10.2 James V. Leone Re: Peaks Bay Waterfront Access Support of Vic Vandergust's March 18 Presentation

B.11.1 Lynda Long re: Request to Remove Heritage Designation

For additional details, visit the Council Calendar

The Town of The Blue Mountains is seeking applications, in the form of letters of interest, from members of the public for appointment to the Agricultural Advisory Committee and The Blue Mountains Public Library Board. The committee appointment runs concurrent with the term of Council, being 2018 - 2022:

Call for Supplementary Committee Appointments

The Town of The Blue Mountains is seeking applications, in the form of letters of interest, from members of the public for appointment to the following Town Committees and Boards. The committee appointment runs concurrent with the term of Council, being 2018 - 2022:

Applicants are encouraged to include background information and any special qualifications or interest related to a particular Committee or Board.  Applicants may apply for more than one Committee and/or Board, and are asked to submit separate applications for each Committee/Board.

NOTE:  Applicants shall be qualified electors within the Town of The Blue Mountains

All Applications should be submitted no later than Friday, March 29, 2019 1:00 pm to:

Committee of the Whole Agenda Highlights for the March 18, 2019 meeting now available.

• Committee of the Whole Agenda Highlights - March 18, 2019 (191 KB)

The agenda for the Committee of the Whole Meeting on March 18, 2019 is available.

Please note the start time is 1:00 p.m.

For additional details, visit the Council Calendar.

ONTARIO ENERGY BOARD NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS OF ENBRIDGE GAS INC. (FORMERLY ENBRIDGE GAS DISTRIBUTION INC. AND UNION GAS LIMITED)

Enbridge Gas Inc. has applied to raise its natural gas rates effective April 1, 2019 to recover costs associated with the Federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act.

Learn more. Have your say.

The Ontario Energy Board approved the amalgamation of Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. and Union Gas Limited in August 2018. The companies have amalgamated to form Enbridge Gas Inc. (Enbridge Gas).Enbridge Gas has applied to the Ontario Energy Board for approval to increase rates to recover costs associated with meeting its obligations under the Federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (Act). The Act establishes a carbon pricing program under which Enbridge Gas is required to pay a carbon charge to the federal government for volumes of natural gas that Enbridge Gas delivers to customers starting April 1, 2019. The Act also imposes other obligations on Enbridge Gas related to emissions from the operation of its natural gas distribution system starting January 1, 2019.If the application is approved as filed, the bill of a typical residential customer within the former Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. and Union Gas Limited rate zones will increase by the following amounts per year:

Other customers, including small businesses, would also be affected.\

THE ONTARIO ENERGY BOARD IS HOLDING A PUBLIC HEARING
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) will hold a public hearing to consider Enbridge Gas’ request. We will also hear questions and arguments from individual customers and from groups that represent Enbridge Gas’ customers. At the end of this hearing, the OEB will decide what rate change will be allowed. The OEB is an independent and impartial public agency. We make decisions that serve the public interest. Our goal is to promote a financially viable and efficient energy sector that provides you with reliable energy services at a reasonable cost.

BE INFORMED AND HAVE YOUR SAY
You have the right to information regarding this application and to be involved in the process.

• You can review Enbridge Gas’ application on the OEB’s website now.

• You can file a letter with your comments, which will be considered during the hearing.

• You can become an active participant (called an intervenor). Apply by March 13, 2019 or the hearing will go ahead without you and you will not receive any further notice of the proceeding.

• At the end of the process, you can review the OEB’s decision and its reasons on our website.

LEARN MORE
Our file number for this case is EB-2018-0205. To learn more about this hearing, find instructions on how to file letters or become an intervenor, or to access any document related to this case, please enter the file number EB-2018-0205 on the OEB website: www.oeb.ca/notice. You can also phone our Consumer Relations Centre at 1-877-632-2727 with any questions.

ORAL VS. WRITTEN HEARINGS
There are two types of OEB hearings – oral and written. The OEB will determine at a later date whether to proceed by way of a written or oral hearing. If you think an oral hearing is needed, you can write to the OEB to explain why by March 13, 2019.

PRIVACY
If you write a letter of comment, your name and the content of your letter will be put on the public record and the OEB website. However, your personal telephone number, home address and email address will be removed. If you are a business, all your information will remain public. If you apply to become an intervenor, all information will be public. This rate hearing will be held under section 36 of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998, S.O. 1998, c.15 (Schedule B).

The County and Town are seeking input on development applications within 120 metres of your property that propose to enable the planned development of 145 single detached and 262 semi-detached dwelling units in Phase 4, 5 and 6 at the Windfall community. The proposed development represents an overall increase from the permitted 609 units in the Windfall community to 680 units. (Increase of 71 additional units). The proposed increase in total units does not create any additional lots. The additional units are created by increasing the ratio of semi-detached units to single detached units. SITE: Blocks 38, 40, 44, 45, 47, 60 Registered Plan 16M-42, Part of Lot 16, Concession 1, Town of The Blue Mountains

Rescheduled Public Meeting Notice - Windfall Phase 4, 5 & 6

The agenda for the Council Meeting of March 11, 2019 is available.

Please note the start time is 7:00 p.m.

For addional meeting details, visit the Council Calendar.

This Friday, March 8^th, 2019 is International Women’s Day. The Town of The Blue Mountains is proud to support International Women’s Day and to celebrate the achievements of women within the South Georgian Bay region and throughout the world.

This year’s theme is #BalanceforBetter, which represents that a gender-balanced world is a better world. As an equal opportunity employer, this theme holds true for the Town of The Blue Mountains. In total, the Town employs 41 full-time female staff of which 20 of those individuals work directly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Local Women’s Day Event

To celebrate local businesswomen for International Women’s Day, a community event is being held at the Marsh Street Centre from 8:30am – 11:00am. Hear passionate and personal business leadership stories from four distinguished local business women!

Speakers Include:

• Tracy Lafontaine, Couture Skin and Body Care, Thornbury
• Mary Lye, Colour Me Beautiful, Thornbury
• Irma Botden, Red Prince Apple, Thornbury
• Lori D’Agostino, Momento Events, Collingwood

The event is organized and sponsored by Stransky & Associates - IG Private Wealth Management. For event information and tickets, please visit: www.eventbrite.ca/e/women-worth-wellness-for-international-womens-day-tickets-55529256501

About International Women’s Day.: International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

To learn more about International Women’s Day, please visit: www.internationalwomensday.com

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact:

Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282

This Public Notice is being considered by the Committee of Adjustment on March 20, 2019

B01-2019 (Wells)

• Notice of Public Meeting (848 KB)

This Public Notice is being considered by the Committee of Adjustment on March 20, 2019

Minor Variance #A03-2019 (Posey)

This Public Notice is being considered by the Committee of Adjustment on March 20, 2019

Minor Variance #A04-2019 (Bay Growers Inc)

This Public Notice is being considered by the Committee of Adjustment on March 20, 2019

Minor Variance #A05-2019 (Lamperstorfer)

Please be advised that half load restrictions are now in effect for a variety of roads within the Town of The Blue Mountains, pursuant to By-Law No. 2010-54. Where Axle Weight Restrictions signs are in place, the By-Law is in full force and effect.

Half load restrictions may be extended beyond May 31, 2019 dependent upon the weather and road conditions.

To view a detailed map of the roads with reduced load restrictions, please visit: https://www.thebluemountains.ca/document_viewer.cfm?doc=756

Axle Weight Exemption Application Form
To request a copy of the Axle Weight Exemption Application Form please contact the Infrastructure and Public Works Department using the contact information below. 

For more information, please contact:

Infrastructure & Public Works
(519) 599-3131 ext. 276

Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282

Due to the cancellation of Waste Collection Service on Monday, February 25, 2019, the Town will waive the tag requirement for a second bag during the week of March 4th – March 8th, 2019. Please note that the third bag will still require a tag.

To best ensure that your waste is picked up, please have it curbside by 7:00 am on your collection day. Also, please check to ensure that your Full/Empty tab is clearly visible if using a stationary garbage box.

For more information, please contact:

Infrastructure & Public Works
(519) 599-3131 ext. 276

Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282

Notice of Case Management Conference - By-law (LPAT Case #PL180715)

Notice of Pre-Hearing Conference - Subdivision (LPAT Case #PL180810)

• Notice of Pre-Hearing Conference - Subdivision LPAT Case #PL180810 (85 KB)

The Town Water Department is actively monitoring the situation and will be conducting the necessary repairs. There are no structural concerns regarding the integrity of the water tower. The leak is a minor issue and as a result, there is no immediate safety or environmental concern.

Further updates will be posted to the Town website if deemed necessary.

For more information, please contact:

Water Supervisor
(519) 599-3131 ext. 321

Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282

With the ground still covered in snow, planting trees might not be on your mind yet, but with Wiarton Willie’s prediction of an early spring, it’s time to start planning your green investments!

Did you know planting trees can help reduce your home heating and cooling costs and can reduce your property taxes by up to 75%? Trees are also a cost-effective option to create a natural privacy barrier or a beautiful view and are a great way to make use of marginal/open or less productive acreage. Consider planting trees as an investment that increases over time and leaves a legacy for future generations!

Grey Sauble Forestry Service makes it easy for you to invest in trees and get your hands on some green with 3 great options:

• Get discounted prices using the landscape and seedling order forms, which make it easy to purchase high-quality trees in bulk (minimum 100 seedlings/no minimum for landscape). Order before March 21, 2019!
• If you are looking to save time and leave planting to the professionals, take advantage of the Spring Tree Planting Program. Grants are available for eligible projects to reduce costs by up to 70%!
• Visit the popular Annual Arbour Day Tree Sale event on April 27, 2019 (8:00am – 12:00pm) at the Grey Sauble Conservation Administration Centre (237897 Inglis Falls Road, Owen Sound). There will be many species of coniferous, deciduous, and fruit trees! This event is weather pending, so be sure to check the website for updates.

Not only will planting trees provide you with benefits for years to come, but you will be contributing to the health and resiliency of this unique region, which is priceless!

For more information and/or order forms contact:

Mike Fry, Forestry Coordinator at 519-376-3076/m.fry@greysauble.on.ca or visit www.greysauble.on.ca

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Background:

Our vision is a healthy watershed environment in balance with the needs of society.

Our mission, in partnership with the stakeholders of the watershed, is to promote and undertake sustainable management of renewable natural resources and to provide responsible leadership to enhance biodiversity and environmental awareness.                         

Watch for the Blue Mountains March 2019 Newsletter included in the Interim Tax Bill. To view the newsletter online, please open the following link: The Blue Mountains Newsletter March 2019

Revised Agenda

The revised agenda for the February 27, 2019 Special Committee of Whole is available.

Please note the start time is 10:00 a.m.

For additional details, visit the Council Calendar.

Please note that the Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for today, February 25th, 2019 has been cancelled due to inclement weather. 

The 5:00pm Public Meeting regarding Windfall phases 4, 5 and 6 will be rescheduled to a later date. 

The staff reports from today's meeting will be included on the Wednesday, February 27th, 2019 Committee of the Whole meeting. A revised meeting agenda with a new meeting start time will be posted tomorrow.

For more information, please contact:

Clerks Department
(519) 599-3131 ext. 232

Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282

Please note that all waste collection in the Town of The Blue Mountains has been cancelled for February 25, 2019 due to inclement weather and road closures. Collections will be pushed ahead by one day for the remainder of the week.

For example: Monday’s collection will be picked up on Tuesday. Tuesday’s collection will be picked up on Wednesday, etc.

For more information, please contact:

Infrastructure & Public Works
(519) 599-3131 ext. 276

Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282

The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public that a creek realignment and enhancement project is currently underway at the Peel Street and Highway 26 intersection.

The Town has confirmed that the landowner has obtained appropriate permits and approvals for the creek realignment and enhancement project from both the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA).

For more information, please contact:

Manager of Development Engineering
(519) 599-3131 ext. 276

Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282

Public Meeting - Windfall Phases 4, 5, 6

Notice of Complete Application and Public Notice

• Windfall Phase 4, 5, 6 (1.62 MB)

The Agenda for the Council Meeting of Wednesday, February 20, 2019 is available.  Please note the start time is 7:00 p.m.

For additional meeting details, visit the Council Calendar.

Take notice that the Town of The Blue Mountains will hold a Public Information Centre and Public Meeting regarding the 2019 Draft Budget and 2019 Draft Water and Wastewater Budget and Rates

The Blue Mountains Council will be holding a Public Information Centre and a Public Meeting to provide information to the public and to allow the public the opportunity to review and comment on the 2019 Draft Budget and supporting Tax Rate Changes as well as the 2019 Draft Water and Wastewater Budget and Rates.

Information and handouts will be available, with Town representatives in attendance to respond to inquiries and to receive comments from the public.

Notice is hereby given that the Council of The Corporation of the Town of The Blue Mountains, at its regularly scheduled Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, intends to adopt the Estimated Revenues and Expenditures for all departments of the Town for the year 2019 and intends to adopt the 2019 Water and Wastewater Budget and Water and Wastewater Rates.

Copies of the 2019 Draft Budget and 2019 Draft Water and Wastewater Rates were posted on the Town’s website on February 21, 2019, www.thebluemountains.ca.

For additional information, please contact Finance and IT Services.

• Public Information Centre and Public Meeting - 2019 Draft Budget & Water and Wastewater Rates (101 KB)

Take notice that the Town of the Blue Mountains will hold a Public Information Centre and Public Meeting regarding amendments to By-law 2018-8 for the Imposition and Collection of Fees and Charges for Certain Municipal Services and Activities, amendments to By-law 2018-9 for Solid Waste Management Fees, and amendments to By-law 2018-10 for Planning Matters and Engineering Services

The Blue Mountains Council will be holding a Public Information Centre and Public Meeting to provide information to the public and to allow the public the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed amendments to the Fees and Charges By-law, Solid Waste Management Fees By-law, and Planning Matters and Engineering Services By-law.

It is proposed that Council will consider enactment of these revised By-laws at its regularly scheduled Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 24, 2019.

Information and handouts will be available, with Town representatives in attendance to respond to inquiries and to receive comments from the public.

Copies of the proposed amendments to the Fees and Charges By-law, Solid Waste Management Fees By-law, and Planning Matters and Engineering Services By-law were posted on the Town’s website on February 21, 2019, www.thebluemountains.ca.

For additional information, please contact Finance and IT Services.

• Public Information Centre and Public Meeting - Various Fees and Charges By-laws (104 KB)

The 2018/2019 winter season has experienced a number of rain events and with the increasing frequency of mixed winter weather, the Town would like to remind residents and visitors to drive according to the road conditions and to be mindful of changing weather conditions. Special attention should be given when travelling on gravel roads as they may be ice covered which results in reduced traction.

To help remove ice from gravel roads, the Town dispatches heavy equipment graders to ‘ice-blade’ the affected gravel roads. The ice-blade carves a grooved pattern onto the road or snow-covered surface which provides significantly better tire traction. However, since the ice is generally caused by rain, the Town typically waits until the rain has finished before ice-blading occurs; otherwise, no progress would be made as the gravel roads would refreeze once the grader has passed.

In addition to ice-blading, the Town spot sands on hills, curves and intersections where required based on the local conditions. However, ice-blading is generally required before the sanding trucks can operate. The sand mixture contains 7% salt which may be applied to both gravel and paved roads. Using straight salt is not recommended as the salt only temporarily thaws the road which creates potholes and leads to further problems.

The Town operates according to the Town’s Winter Maintenance Policy, which is available on the Town website. The Town’s Public Works Department operates on a single shift with operators assigned to a specific route as directed by the Town’s Winter Maintenance Standards and Level of Service Policy.

For more information or to view the policies, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/roads-drainage.cfm

All snow removal equipment is out at this time. Main roads are in good condition and secondary roads may be slippery. Residents can expect delays in what they would consider normal snow clearing due to heavy drifting in open areas and limited visibility. Residents are reminded not to park vehicles on roadways to assist with snow removal operations.

For more information please contact:

Town of The Blue Mountains

Infrastructure and Public Works Department
Phone: 519-599-3131 x 276

The Town is considering the stop-up and close of Albert Street between the previous King Street road allowance and the Georgian Trail shown as Part 4, 5, and 6 on Registered Plan 16R-10914

This Public Notice is being considered by the Committee of Adjustment on February 20, 2019

#A01-2019 (Botden)

Public Notice #A02-2019 (Richpark Homes) is being considered at the February 20, 2019 Committee of Adjustment meeting

#A02-2019 (Richpark Homes)

1. February 4, 2019 Committee of the Whole Agenda Revised 2. February 5, 2019 Special Meeting of Council Package Available 3. February 7, 8, 11, 12, 2019 Special Committee of the Whole Agendas Available (2019 DRAFT BUDGET)

1. The Agenda for the February 4, 2019 Committee of the Whole Meeting has been revised to include:

• B.1.2 - Deputation: David Finbow, Blue Mountains Short Term Accommodation Owners Association (BMSTA) Re: Draft STA Licensing By-law and Staff Report FAF.19.018
• B.5.1 - Correspondence: Terry Kellar, Blue Mountain Ratepayers Assoication STA Committee Re: Comments on FAF.19.018 regarding Draft STA Licensing By-law

For full meeting details, visit the Council Calendar.

2. The Agenda for the February 5, 2019 Special Meeting of Council is now available. The full Council Package can be accessed through the Council Calendar.

3. The Agendas for the following Special Committee of the Whole meetings to discuss the 2019 Proposed Budget are now available:

2019 Propsed Budget

Agenda - February 7, 2019 (click here to access the Council Calendar)

Agenda - February 8, 2019 (click here to access the Council Calendar)

Agenda - February 11, 2019 (click here to access the Council Calendar)

Agenda - February 12, 2019 (click here to access the Council Calendar)

For your safety and the safety of your neighbors, it is important to keep hydrants clear and unobstructed so that they can be used by The Blue Mountains’ Fire Department in case of an emergency. 

The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to ask all residents and business owners to be mindful of not blocking or obstructing fire hydrants when clearing snow. If there is a fire hydrant in front of or adjacent to your property, please ensure the hydrant is clearly visible and unobstructed. Please help yourself, your neighbors, and your municipality, by ensuring it is kept free and clear of snow at all times. We appreciate your assistance. 

The February 4, 2019 Committee of the Whole Agenda is now available. 

To access the Committee of the Whole package, and for additional meeting details, visit the Council Calendar.

The Agendas for the Special Meeting of Council and regular Meeting of Council are now available.

Agenda - January 30, 2019 Special Meeting of Council (2:00 p.m.)

Agenda - January 30, 2019 regular Meeting of Council (7:00 p.m.)

For additional information, please visit the Council Calendar.

The following media release has been posted upon request. 

South Georgian Bay Tourism Organization New Look & Website

Collingwood, ON. Formally known as the Georgian Triangle Tourist Association, Visit South Georgian Bay, the region’s most experienced tourism organization, is reinventing how it does business to better reflect visitor needs in a booming tourism economy.
Now boldly called South Georgian Bay Tourism, it will be positioned as an industry first, Destination Education Organization (DEO). Its role will be to enhance the visitor experience through seamless connections between visitors and the region’s highly unique products and experiences. The South Georgian Bay DEO will become the regional seal of quality as the destination information authority for visitors.

We are excited to announce that South Georgian Bay Tourism recently launched a NEW website that will focus on highlighting key regional tourism events and festivals, as well as making it easier for visitors to discover the region’s remarkable towns and villages. Every season will bring a fresh look and new stories to the website and social media channels, helping local tourism operators and related businesses highlight their unique offers and experiences.

The new regional tourism website will support local tourism operators in the South Georgian Bay region by assisting both visitors and residents discover events, local gems, towns and villages.

It will provide consumers with specific in-market themed and activity-based itineraries of what to do, best of guides and content curation to encourage extended length of stay and increased spending at members businesses. The website is mobile and user friendly and was redeveloped in order to meet the dramatic shift on what visitors are expecting, researching and participating in during their travels to the region.

The annual Four Season Guide was also just released for 2019, reflecting this new brand look and approach to highlight key regional tourism events and festivals, towns and villages. This guide is the foundation for tourism information in South Georgian Bay, with distribution at over 40 brochure racks, businesses and public spaces.

South Georgian Bay Tourism Board Member and Director of Sales and Marketing at Scandinave Spa states: “Our region has grown and visitor needs have changed, so we seized the opportunity to create a robust organization that can add real value into the regional tourism economy. Our brand promise is simple: To gently nudge and guide visitors within the region to seize their day by discovering unique places, activities, experiences and people.” “We want to become the go-to source for motivational in-destination information” says Henderson.

South Georgian Bay Tourism is governed by an eight-member Board of Directors, with public and private sector representation from the regional tourism industry. It is a membership based organization with additional financial and in-kind support from counties, the regional tourism organization and local municipalities, including Clearview, Meaford, Collingwood and the Town of Blue Mountains.
Make sure to check out the brand-new website for everything there is to do in the South Georgian Bay area. For details go to: http://www.southgeorgianbay.ca

To download the guide, go to:

Summer
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1LgX_tTpy5e_lIOrhxuB9sHtraUpH-NWx

Winter
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1lfTZgEHrHi9UcUqfnkoAdh-8x4brd5Y9

For more information or media interviews contact:

Melissa 705-445-7722 ext. melissa@southgeorgianbay.ca

Starting this year, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority will be offering stewardship funding to agricultural landowners as part of the “Fertile Fields and Clean Streams” project. This funding has been made possible due to financial support from The W. Garfield Weston Foundation and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The primary environmental issue that “Fertile Fields and Clean Streams” will address is the diversion and

reduction of substances that negatively affect water quality, including: E. coli, sediments, phosphorus and nitrates. This project encourages responsible agricultural practices that will benefit the entire region. Granting options help enable landowners to access resources they need to undertake environmental projects that benefit the health of their soil, water, crops and livestock. This grant can also be combined with other funding options through organizations such as Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) or Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). Types of projects could include: native seedling plantings, livestock exclusion fencing, clean water diversion and cover crops.

Contact Grey Sauble’s Stewardship Technician today! We can arrange a time that works for you to walk your property, discuss your ideas and develop a project budget. There is very little paperwork involved to receive funding.

Do you have a project in mind, but are not sure if it qualifies for this grant? We want to hear from you too! Grey Sauble Conservation Authority is always looking to partner with landowners; rural or urban, large acreage or small. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your ideas; we would be happy to work with you to make them a reality!

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For more information contact:

Rebecca Ferguson, Stewardship Technician at 519 376-3076 ext. 247 or email r.ferguson@greysauble.on.ca

The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to encourage all local business owners to complete the EmployerOne Survey.

If you own/operate a business in the Town of The Blue Mountains, please consider completing the EmployerOne Survey.

The EmployerOne survey collects information on a range of issues including projected vacancies, hiring intentions, recruitment strategies and challenges, as well as your perspective on candidate skills, education and training. After analysis, the data is released to schools, community partners, government agencies and the public so that they may see the characteristics of the local labour market.

To take the survey, please visit: 2019 EmployerOne Survey

For more information, please contact: 

Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282

The Town of The Blue Mountains is pleased to confirm that an agreement has been reached between the respective parties to lower the water level in the Beaver River. The process of lowering the water level has been started.

In addition, Town crews are currently using a long reach excavator to remove frazil ice from the river in an effort to promote water flow. Staff will continue to work and actively monitor the situation.

Residents are strongly encouraged to keep off the ice and stay away from the banks of the Mill Pond and the Beaver River. As a result of the formation of frazil ice, it is difficult to identify stable ground from ice coverage.

The Town would also like to request that residents keep away from the excavator while it is in operation as the area around the excavator is an active worksite.

Further updates will be posted to the Town website when available.

Infrastructure & Public Works Department
(519) 599-3131 ext. 276

Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282

(THE BLUE MOUNTAINS, ON) At the Special Council meeting on January 16th 2019, Council voted unanimously to opt-in and allow provincially authorized cannabis retail stores to operate within the Town of The Blue Mountains.

Council also provided staff with direction to develop a cannabis policy statement which will guide municipal staff when submitting comments to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario related to proposed cannabis retail store sites. Developed through consultation, the policy will clearly outline standards related to where the community feels that cannabis retail stores should be permitted in keeping with the community interest.

In addition, Council directed staff to assess the financial and resource implications associated with further restricting the usage of cannabis within the Town through consultation with owners of privately owned commercial properties who provide public spaces.

Council also voted to approve that the Town make a formal request to the Province to provide additional funding resources to address implementation issues related to cannabis legalization.

 “The unanimous motion to approve cannabis retail stores is a clear demonstration that the Town of The Blue Mountains is a progressive, open and forward-thinking community,” said Mayor Alar Soever. “The decision was made easier in part due to the Provincial restrictions within the first round of licensing. The restrictions have allowed the Town to opt-in, while also taking the time to craft a careful approach towards conducting further public engagement and research related to cannabis usage.”

Under Ontario Regulation 468/18, only 25 cannabis retails stores will be permitted in Ontario by April 1st, 2019. Due to the minimum population requirement of 50,000, the Town of The Blue Mountains is not currently eligible for a store despite the decision by Council to opt-in.

To learn more about cannabis in the Town of The Blue Mountains, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/cannabis.cfm

For more information, visit:

Alar Soever
Mayor, Town of The Blue Mountains
(519) 599-3131 ext. 400
Click to email the Mayor

Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282
Click to email

The agenda documents are now ready for: Joint Special Meeting of Council - January 14, 2019 Committee of the Whole - January 14, 2019 Special Committee of the Whole - January 16, 2019 Special Meeting of Council - January 16, 2019

The Agenda for the 10:00 a.m. January 14, 2019 Special Meeting of Council, The Blue Mountains Council and The Blue Mountains Public Library Board is now ready.

The Agenda for the 1:00 p.m. January 14, 2019 Committee of the Whole is now ready.

The Agenda for the 9:00 a.m. January 16, 2019 Special Committee of the Whole is now ready.

The Agenda for the 1:00 p.m. January 16, 2019 Special Meeting of Council is now ready.

For additonal meeting details, visit the Council Calendar

Public Notice - Minor Variance #A28-2018 

Public Notice

Deadline for submissions February 28, 2019

Call for Artists’ Submissions

The Arts & Culture Council (ACC), on behalf of the Municipal Art Program (MAP), annually announces a Call to Artists for submissions for the coming year’s exhibition. Regional visual artists are encouraged to apply for this annual juried art exhibition. All art must be wall mountable. Selected art will be on exhibit at Town Hall for a period of 12 months. In the event of a piece being sold while on exhibit, the committee will co-ordinate with the artist to provide a juried selection to replace the sold piece. The ACC annually produces a full-colour brochure complete with information about each artist. The program provides a venue to showcase and promote the region’s artists at The Blue Mountains – Town Hall for all to enjoy.

The Call for the 2019-2020 MAP is now open.  Deadline for submissions is February 28, 2019.  Artists should submit applications electronically with all requirements by the deadline.

The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to notify residents that 2019 Dog Licences are now available. The Town of The Blue Mountains requires all dogs to be licenced in accordance with the Dog and Animal Care By-law. The By-law is applicable to both permanent and seasonal residents. Licence(s) must be purchased before March 31st each year.

Application forms are available at Town Hall or on the Town website at: https://www.thebluemountains.ca/animal-control.cfm

For more information, please contact:

By-law Enforcement Department
(519) 599-3131 ext. 249
Email Animal Control

The Town prohibits overnight parking on Town streets from November 1st, 2018 to April 1st, 2019 from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Snow Plowing Restrictions

Please be advised that Town By-law No. 2014-65 indicates that no person shall deposit snow or ice on a roadway, including those portions of the highway commonly referred to as the shoulder, sidewalk, walkway, pathway, boulevard or ditch, without written permission from the Director of Infrastructure and Public Works.

Parking Restrictions

Please be advised that the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990 Chap. H-8 Section 170(12) indicates that no person shall park or stand a vehicle on a roadway in such a manner as to interfere with the removal or clearing of snow from the roadway.  It should also be noted that Town By-law No. 2003-11 prohibits overnight parking on Town streets from November 1^st, 2018 to April 1^st, 2019 from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Let’s work together to make this a safe and enjoyable winter.

For more information please contact:

Town of The Blue Mountains
Infrastructure and Public Works Department
Phone: 519-599-3131 x 276

The Thornbury Pier is Closed for the Season

Please be advised that the Thornbury Pier has been closed for the season.  The pier will reopen on May 17, 2019.

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.