New Year’s Message from MPP Jill Dunlop: A Year of Growth and Looking Ahead
As we step into 2025, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all of you in our wonderful community. I hope the new year has already brought you moments of joy, peace, and time spent with those you hold dear. It’s a time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together and look forward to all the opportunities ahead.
Looking ahead, we’re focused on making significant improvements for our community in 2025. One of my top priorities this year is enhancing winter maintenance services. As the winter months continue, we’re committed to ensuring that our roads and pathways are safe and accessible for all. Upgrading winter maintenance services means faster response times, better road conditions, and a safer environment for everyone to enjoy.
Additionally, I’m excited to share that Ontario is expanding access to dementia care in our communities. We’re working to connect more individuals and families to the care and support they need, closer to home. Whether it’s through improved services or new programs, this is an important step forward for those affected by dementia and their loved ones. We are committed to providing better support and resources to ensure that everyone can age with dignity and respect.
While we’re focused on these critical initiatives, I also encourage you to take part in the many activities and events that bring us together as a community. One event that I’m particularly excited about is the Family Day Free Skate and Swim on February 17th. Swimming will take place from 11am to 12:30pm at the Midland YMCA and skating will be from 12pm to 1:50pm at Orillia Rotary Place and it’s completely free to participate.
Here’s to a wonderful 2025—filled with growth, progress, and new opportunities. Together, we’ll continue to build a community that is stronger, more connected, and better for everyone. I look forward to seeing you around and wish you and your loved ones all the best in the months ahead!
Warmest regards,
Jill Dunlop
MPP for Simcoe North.
MPP Dunlop Hosts Free Skate Day in Simcoe North – January 2nd
December 18, 2024
Simcoe North, ON – Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North, is thrilled to announce a Free Skate Day for residents of Simcoe North on January 2nd, 2025. This event provides an exciting opportunity for families and individuals of all ages to enjoy the season’s outdoor activities, including ice skating, a cherished Canadian tradition.
“We are so fortunate to have access to so many outdoor activities in Simcoe North,” said MPP Dunlop. “Winter in our region is the perfect time for families to get outdoors and enjoy all that this season has to offer—from skating and snowmobiling to hiking our beautiful trails and skiing. I’m excited to be able to bring the community together for a day of fun on the ice, and to celebrate everything that makes Simcoe North such a special place to live and visit.”
The Free Skate Day will take place on January 2nd, 2025, with the following skating sessions across the region:
- Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Rotary Place, Orillia: 10:45 AM – 12:35 PM
- North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre, Midland: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Coldwater Community Centre: 1:00 PM – 2:20 PM
- Tay Community Rink: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This initiative encourages local families and residents to get outdoors and enjoy winter in Simcoe North. In addition to ice skating, the region offers a variety of winter activities, including snowmobiling on designated trails, skiing, and hiking through picturesque, snow-covered landscapes.
“Whether you’re gliding across the ice, skiing down a hill, or enjoying the quiet of a winter hike, there’s something for everyone this winter in Simcoe North,” added MPP Dunlop. “Let’s make the most of this season and get out there to enjoy the beauty and excitement that winter brings to our region.”
Residents are encouraged to dress warmly, wear proper winter attire and bring their own skates, although rental options may be available at some locations. Please contact the appropriate facility for skate rental options.
Ontario Supporting Cultural Tourism in Simcoe North
Submitted by Office of JILL DUNLOP, MPP, Simcoe North/Nord, December 20, 2024
MPP Jill Dunlop announces $60,000 investment in Mariposa Folk Festival in Orillia will create jobs and boost local economy
ORILLIA – The Ontario government is supporting the growth and sustainability of cultural tourism, creating jobs, and boosting the local economy in the City of Orillia. Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North, announced today that Mariposa Folk Festival will receive $60,000.00 in funding through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF).
“Our government understands the power of cultural events like the Mariposa Folk Festival to drive tourism, create jobs, and foster a strong sense of community. This funding is a testament to the value of arts and culture in Ontario and its role in supporting our economy. The festival brings thousands of visitors to Orillia each year, boosting local businesses, supporting local talent, and enriching the cultural fabric of our region. We are proud to support the continued growth of this iconic event.”
Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North
The Ontario government, through OCAF, is supporting Mariposa Folk Festival to develop, promote and present the 65th Anniversary of the Mariposa Folk Festival with special programming taking place July 4th – 6th, 2025 at Tudhope Park on the shores of Lake Couchiching in Orillia. The anniversary Festival will include over 60 acts appearing on 11 stages, plus camping for over 1000 attendees, food vendors, artisans’ village, community village, Artists’ Studio Point, and Children’s Folk Play.
Today’s funding announcement is part of the government’s overall investment of $6 million into OCAF projects across the province over the next three years.
“Cultural tourism events across Ontario enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike by providing unique experiences that showcase the best that local communities have to offer,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “The investments that our government is making in and through OCAF will help to bring these exceptional events to life, while boosting the local economy, attracting visitors and enabling patrons of all ages to experience distinct programming that will create lifelong memories.”
Doug Shipley
Dear Neighbour,
As 2024 comes to end, I would like to express that it is my honour to act as the voice of Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte (BSOM) on Parliament Hill.
This past year, my Conservative colleagues and I fought hard in the House of Commons to hold the government to account over policies such as the carbon tax, the high cost of housing and groceries, and the shocking increases in violent crimes in our communities.
As many of you know, I introduced my very own Private Member’s Bill in 2024, Bill C-389, which aims to take the federal tax off Automatic External Defibrillators. Bill C-389 has received widespread support from my parliamentary colleagues and members of our community and I look forward to seeing it come up for debate in the House.
Despite challenging economic times, my staff and I have remained focused on helping community members, their families, and local businesses navigate challenges and celebrate their successes.
In 2024, my staff assisted with over 900 passport applications and responded to thousands of inquiries related to federal matters, including telephone, email, and in person visitors.
I was also pleased to receive so many responses to my paper newsletters and e-newsletters. In 2024, I received 1,800 responses to my e-newsletters and thousands of responses to my paper newsletter surveys.
I am excited to see what the new year will bring for those in our community and across Canada. I look forward to continuing to serve you in 2025, with the support of my team. Remember, we are here to help.
From my family to yours, I wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.
As always, my constituency office is available to assist you with any matters related to the federal government. Please contact my office at Doug.Shipley@parl.gc.ca or 705-728-2596 for assistance.
Sincerely, Doug Shipley
Member of Parliament
Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte