Tay Township News & Notes

April 2024

Message from the Mayor

As we bid farewell to April, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to a fantastic month filled with community spirit and participation. We kicked off the month by raising flags in recognition of two significant causes, BeADonor Month and Autism Awareness Day

Amidst our celebratory spirit, we encountered a 16-hour power outage in Port McNicoll and surrounding areas. My sincere thanks to NT Power for their swift cleanup and restoration efforts, and our Tay Township Fire Department and Township Staff for their proactive measures, including door-to-door notifications and the operation of the warming centre, ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents during this disruption.

The power outage served as a timely reminder of the importance of planning ahead for disasters. I encourage all residents to review the requirements for filling out the Accessibility and Functional Needs Registry as part of your Emergency Preparedness Plan. The information gathered will be used to alert public safety responders (police, fire, and EMS) that an individual residing at a specific address has a disability that may hinder evacuation or transport. People on the registry can be contacted by public safety responders when an emergency event is anticipated to make sure their plans are in place and to provide information from trusted, verified, and vetted emergency officials. For more information on this please visit tay.ca/AFNR.

On April 20, Council and Staff hosted a special lunch to honour and celebrate our invaluable volunteers for their selfless contributions to our community. This special event coincided with National Volunteer Week. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our Township, and we are grateful for all that they do.

Throughout April, we encouraged residents and community groups to participate in various clean-up efforts throughout the Township. On April 25, Council and Staff came together to clean up the area surrounding the Municipal Office and along sections of Park Street. It was an inspiring event filled with teamwork, laughter, and positive impact as we collected and disposed of litter, making our community even more beautiful.

A reminder that 2024 Albert Street Boat Launch Trailer Parking Permits are available for residents and property owners in Tay Township. Permits are available at the Municipal Office during regular business hours, and our Municipal Law Enforcement Officers will also have a kiosk set up at the Victoria Harbour boat launch on Saturday, May 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to fill out the online form at tay.ca/boatlaunch ahead of time to expedite the process.

Lastly, our local community groups have been busy planning events in Tay for the Spring/Summer season so be sure to visit tay.ca/events for updates! Registration for the popular Tay Summer Camp and TOTS Soccer opens May 3 at 8:30 a.m. To view the programs, visit tay.ca/register . Programs fill up fast so please register early!

Until next time, Mayor Ted Walker twalker@tay.ca.

Upcoming Meetings

Heritage Committee Meeting

May 7th at 2:00 p.m.

Committee of the Whole Meeting

May 8th at 9:00 a.m.

Seniors Advisory Committee Meeting May 13 at 10:00 a.m.

Library Board Meeting

May 14th at 1:00 p.m.

Horticulture Committee Meeting

May 14th at 2:00 p.m.

Committee of Adjustment Meeting

May 15th @ 6:00 p.m.

Council Meeting

May 22nd at 7:00 p.m.

Council meeting information and Agendas available at tay.ca/calendar

We're Hiring!

Join #TeamTay today! Two positions!

Postings Close at 4pm May 2, 2024

➡️ Operational Services Lead Hand

➡️ Operator/Labourer

📌 Full job descriptions and information on how to apply is available at tay.ca/jobs

2024 Citizen of the Year

Ruth Esterbrooks named 2024 Tay Township Citizen of the Year

Ruth Esterbrooks is highly respected and well-known within the community for her exceptional dedication to volunteerism. She is a valuable member of the Victoria Harbour Legion, Lions Club, and the Tay Canada Day event. Ruth spends countless hours organizing community initiatives such as pancake breakfasts, fish fry dinners and celebration of life gatherings for local families.

Humble to the core, Ruth continues to volunteer and take on leadership roles simply because of her love for volunteering and helping others. She is a true lifetime volunteer.

On behalf of all of us at Tay Township congratulations Ruth on this well-deserved award.

Welcome 2024 Summer Students

#TeamTay got a little brighter this month with the arrival of our summer students! Tay Township proudly offers students a hands-on learning environment based on a variety, development and mentorship.

Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Information Session

Interested in becoming a firefighter? Join us on May 11 for Demonstration Day!

Get hands-on practice with testing apparatus and learn the techniques necessary to perform your best in the physical testing while speaking to firefighters about their experience on the fire service.

Tay Township Meet the Fleet

Tay Township invites the community to experience the exciting world of Public Works in an up-close and interactive way.

Saturday May 25, 2024, 10am – 2pm

Veteran's Lane, Victoria Harbour

Learn more about what Public Works professionals do for our community to make it safe and fun all year round.

This event is free to the public. For more information and an updated list of activities please visit tay.ca/events

Summer Camp and Soccer Registration

Spaces are limited, so please register early. Registration will open Friday, May 3rd at 8:30 AM online at tay.ca/register for the following programs:

Summer Camp for youth ages 5-12
Soccer for youth ages 3 to 13

Participants can also register for programs in person at the Municipal Office, 450 Park Street, Victoria Harbour during regular business hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please note payment through the online portal is by credit card only. We accept debit, cheque or cash at the Municipal office. Space is limited so please register early.

For more information on our recreation programs contact us at studentc@tay.ca or visit us online at tay.ca/recreation.

Tee Off With Tay

Inaugural Tee off With Tay Charity Golf Tournament, set to take place on Friday, August 16, 2024 at the Midland Golf & Country Club.

Special thanks to the Port McNicoll Lion's Club for their $2,500 Sponsorship towards the Tee Off With Tay Charity Golf Tournament.

Proceeds will contribute to the acquisition of an MRI Machine for Georgian Bay General Hospital, as well as support mental health care through programs offered by Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, including the North Simcoe Youth Wellness Hub, Family, Child and Youth Program and the Youth Resiliency Program. And lastly, funds will enrich the educational experiences at our two local schools, Tay Shores Public Elementary School and St. Antoine Daniel Catholic Elementary School. Funds will go directly towards nutrition programs and outdoor learning, ensuring that students learn with full tummies and in an environment where they can thrive by being provided with outdoor education opportunities that will exercise their bodies and minds.

Sponsorship Opportunity: The success of this tournament is made possible by the generosity of sponsors like you. We would love to showcase your business and involve you in our Tournament. Review and fill out our Sponsorship Form.

We look forward to hearing from you and encourage you to reach out to us via email at teeoffwithtay@tay.ca, phone 705-534-7248 ext. 229 or at tay.ca/golf.

2024 Albert Street Boat Launch Trailer Parking Permits

Residents and property owners in Tay Township can obtain a 2024 Albert Street boat launch parking permit. The permit is required to park with a trailer in the trailer parking spaces located at 110 and 145 Albert Street.

Obtain your free permit by visiting the Municipal Office at 450 Park Street Victoria Harbour during regular business hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to fill out the online form available at tay.ca/boatlaunch ahead of time to speed up the process of obtaining a boat launch permit. Please note that you will need to provide proof of property ownership or residency and provide a license plate number of the vehicle the permit will be attached to, your drivers’ license or vehicle permit may be used as proof of residency.

Our Municipal Law Enforcement Officers will also have a kiosk set-up at the Victoria Harbour boat launch on Saturday May 11, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m to accommodate residents unable to attend the Municipal Office during the week. Again, please fill out the online form ahead of time to speed up this process.

Watermain Flushing 2024

Municipal water users are advised of the flushing or swabbing of drinking

watermains:

Flushing Schedule: Monday to Friday only between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Waubaushene Area – complete
Rope Subdivision Area – complete
Victoria Harbour – beginning April 29 to May 17
Port McNicoll/Midland Bay Woods – beginning May 20 to June 7

As a result of this work, you may experience a change in pressure and/or some discolouration, sediment in the water, or perhaps even no water for short periods of time. Should you experience discoloured water, following a flushing event, run your cold water for 10-15 minutes to clear the service line. If the water does not clear after this time, turn off the tap and wait 30 minutes and repeat the process.

Water use during the scheduled flushing periods should be kept to a minimum to avoid discolouration from entering your home or business. During these times, it is advisable to check the water prior to doing laundry.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Ontario Clean Water Agency at 1-866-775-7712.

2024 Bursary Program

Are you attending a post-secondary institution in Canada in the fall? Then you may be eligible for the 2024 County of Simcoe Bursary program.

In addition to the County bursary, Georgian College is offering up to five $1,500 bursaries to students registered at one of their campuses who were awarded a 2024 student bursary through the County of Simcoe.

Applicants must submit their online application by July 31, 2024.

For more information visit the County of Simcoe website.

Ontario Clean Water Agency Team Wins Quality Service Award

Congratulations to our Ontario Clean Water Agency team, who recently won the Quality Service Award at the 2023 OCWAmarine Awards held on Monday April 8, 2024.

The quality service award recognizes those who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to quality and consistently deliver excellent service for clients and stakeholders. Congratulations to OCWA team members Ryan Matchett, Joel Wilson, Mike Paul, Paul LaChapelle and Caitlin Maracle.

Tay Township Fire Wins

Ishkode Cup!

Tay Township Fire beat Orillia Fire in the Championship Game!

Thanks to all the teams who participated and helped raise money towards #Ivegotyourback911 a charity that supports front-line workers and first responder mental health units. The tournament also collected food donations for the Rama Food Distribution Program and the Sharing Place Food Centre.

#TeamTay Community Clean-up

On April 25th members of Council and Staff teamed up to clean along sections of Park Street and the Tay Trail for Earth Month! The crew took action picking up over 6 bags of trash!

Join the Agriculture Advisory Committee

As a Committee of Council, the role of the Agriculture Advisory Committee will be to provide agricultural perspectives related to municipal operations and practices.

The Agricultural Advisory Committee will focus on providing input related to the agricultural community, the implementation of Provincial and Federal legislation, policies and guidelines related to the agricultural industry, agricultural and rural policy directions pursued by Tay Township, and identification and implementation of programs which encourage public awareness and education of agricultural and related rural issues.

Tay Township welcomes members of the public to become involved and submit an application. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2024.

For more information, including the Terms of Reference for the Agricultural Advisory Committee please visit tay.ca/committees. ay.ca/committees.

Tay Township

Public Library Update

Support your Library today by buying a book bag for $3. Thank you for helping enhance our collections and programs!

Stop by the Port McNicoll Branch during Portarama for a Book Sale on Saturday, May 18th hosted by the Marjorie Young Volunteer Association from 11 AM - 3 PM. Fill a bag for $5, bring your own or purchase one of our new Tay Library bookbags for $3. The Horticultural Committee will also be out front for a Plant Swap at 11 AM.

Our Seed Library is ready for another great growing season, have you picked up your seeds yet?

Get up to 10 types of seeds with over 100 varieties to choose from, including many native seeds. Thank you to everyone who participated last year and saved seeds for us.

Visit a branch to browse our seed catalogue and pick out what to grow this year. For more information on how to borrow seeds please visit our website.

Sew and Sew Drop-in sewing sessions will continue on Saturdays in May, 1:00 PM at the Port McNicoll Branch. Bring your own project to learn how to sew or mend. Our volunteer can show you how to hem pants, repair seams, coat zippers etc. Use our sewing machines or sew by hand.Drop-in, no commitment.

Full details of all our programming is available in our May Newsletter.

Don't miss out on another Library program - subscribe to our newsletter, click here and fill out the form.

There is so much more in branch, don't take our word for it, plan to visit your Library today.

Volunteers Prepare

S.S. Keewatin for New Home

The Friends of Keewatin Volunteers have been helping volunteers at the Marine Museum of Great Lakes prepare the S.S. Keewatin for her debut season-opening, in her new home. The unpacking crew was heartened by the enthusiasm for the S.S. Keewatin shown by everyone they met and are delighted by the welcome they received.

OPP CAMSafe Program in North Simcoe

If you have a doorbell camera or security cameras on your home or business, you can register them with CAMSafe.

It's 100% FREE and voluntary to participate. If a crime happens in your neighborhood, investigators will then contact the owner of the camera and request that the owner review their video footage. If they locate images that could be of assistance, they can forward the images to officers and help solve crime in their community.

To learn more about the CAMSafe program and to register security cameras please visit camsafe.ca

Upcoming Community Events

Portarama Family Festival

Mark your calendars for the Portarama Family Festival, May 16th to 19th!

There's something for everyone at this fun-filled weekend celebration! Indulge at the Lions Club BBQ and Pancake Breakfast or grab a bite from the delicious Food Truck Galley. Shop unique finds at the artisan and vendor market. Relax by the water and enjoy live music and the dazzling fireworks display.

This is just a taste of what the Portarama Family Festival has to offer. Come join the fun!

Music On The Water

Victoria Harbour Legion

Waubaushene Legion

Wednesday Bid Euchre @ 12:30 p.m. 8 games for $5.00 including a light lunch (Every week) Open to the general public.

Thrifty Thursday Reduced drink prices (Every week).

Thursday Night Darts @ 7:00 p.m. Play only $2.00 (Every week).

Friday Night Steak Roll @ 6:00 p.m. 8 Rolls for $10.00 (Every week).

Friday Night Open Pool @ 6:00 p.m. Play only $2.00 (Every week).

Saturday, May 4th Social Euchre starting @ 2:30 p.m. $3.00 for the afternoon.

Saturday Kitchen Jams @ 3:00 p.m. (Second & fourth Saturday of the month- May 11 and May 25) Free admission. Bring a Shareable Snack.

Sunday, May 12^th Fun Sunday Bingo: @ 2:30 p.m. $10.00 for 3 cards, for eight games. Cash Prizes for every game. Must be of legal drinking age to attend.

Sunday, May 12^th Ladies Auxiliary Mother’s Day Draw: Get your tickets on a beautiful gift basket for Mom. Tickets $2.00 each or three for $5.00.

Sunday, May 19^th Meat Card Bingo: @ 3:00 p.m. 8 games for $10.00. Must be of legal drinking age to attend.

Customer of the Month: at the end of the month we pick one patron, from all customers who signed in during the month, and they receive a $10 voucher for our monthly Meat Card Bingo or our weekly Friday Steak Roll.

Southern Georgian Bay

Airboat Rescue

SGB Airboat Rescue is raising funds for the purchase of an airboat. An airboat would greatly assist Tay Fire and Emergency Services (TFES) in performing rescues in adverse weather, water and ice conditions in both a safe and expedient manner.

To help reach their goal, they are selling Smile Cookies in Waubaushene and Port Severn Tim Horton’s. Be sure to grab yours or pre-order now! in addition, Bourgeois Nissan is offering FREE delivery right to your doorstep! So go ahead, treat yourself to a Smile Cookie and help make a difference in our community. Pre-order SGB Airboat Rescue.

SGBAR & Tay Fire Truck Pull

Get your team together to have some fun raising money for Southern Georgian Bay Airboat Rescue (SGBAR) to acquire a rescue boat for our SGB Firefighters. This boat will help serve Georgian Bay 365 days a year.

WHO: Your team (10 pullers) and of course your cheerleaders (Friends & Family). Must be 15+ and all fitness levels welcome.

WHAT: Pull a Fire Truck 100 feet the fastest

WHERE: St. Antoine Daniel Catholic School (parking lot) - 460 Park Street. Victoria Harbour

WHEN: Saturday, June 15th: registrations @ 7:00 p.m. and Pull starts @ 8:00 p.m.

HOW: We are encouraging your team to raise $500 or more by collecting donations from family, friends or a business wanting to sponsor your team.

In the end it’s about having fun and any denomination will be greatly appreciated because it’s about coming together having fun and making the magic happen. For more information or to register, click here!