Springwater councillor slams proposed budget as ‘completely out of touch
By: Wayne Doyle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: BarrieToday.com, Nov 07, 2024
Springwater Township council’s reaction Wednesday night to the proposed 2025 budget was swift and expected.
There was no way council would support a proposed increase of 14.16 per cent to the municipal levy, which, when combined with the proposed four per cent increase from the County of Simcoe, would result in a blended tax bill increase of 8.31 per cent, or an annual increase of $367.21 for a typical single-family detached dwelling with an assessed value of $497,000. “I have received no less than 25 email messages and phone calls about the budget,” Coun. Anita Moore said when the topic came up for discussion. “Residents are really concerned. “I think it’s a large pill for us to swallow,” she added. Moore recommended staff take it back and bring back something more palatable.
And she wasn’t alone.
Coun. Danielle Alexander had issues with the proposed budget that were further exasperated when she included the proposed program changes that have been suggested. When those changes are added, she sees an increase closer to 20 per cent. (Program changes, largely comprised of staff increases, are recommendations that may or may not be approved.) “With program changes, I’m looking at just under a 20 per cent increase,” she said. “That’s just completely out of touch with the economic climate of the country, the province and this township. “I truly hope when we dive into this binder, staff are willing to prioritize what they really need,” Alexander added.
That’s already been done, according to Jeff Schmidt, the township’s chief administrative officer. He told council that the township’s senior management was well aware of what was being presented and they’d had numerous meetings and conversations before presenting it. “We are here to present to you our best professional advice,” Schmidt said. “You just received your budget binders here today and haven’t had the opportunity to really dig in. “I would respectfully ask that you give us the opportunity to engage in more discussions with you next week, one-on-ones, as well as through our deliberation meetings later this month so we can really unpack what’s being presented to members of council so that we can hopefully better inform you as to what are some of the pressures and challenges the municipality is facing,” he added. “In my opinion, It would be premature for council not to allow us to continue to have the conversation,” Schmidt said.
He told council the pressures the township is facing are not going to go away. “The number hopefully is not going to be the number that you’re seeing tonight,” Schmidt said. “We need to educate you on why the number is what the number is. There’s a lot there.”
Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin said nobody wants to see an increase like the one staff proposed, but she wasn’t totally surprised, either. She said the township has been putting off increases for too long and it’s finally catching up with them. “Kicking (a tax increase) down the road is what got us here,” Coughlin said, noting staff have, over the past few years, recommended tax increases, but council has cut it back to two, one or zero per cent every year. “That’s what’s led us to 14 this year,” she added. “I will not make this my children’s problem.”
The numbers bear out Coughlin’s view. Since 2017, Springwater residents have experienced an annual average blended tax increase of just 1.67 per cent. The single largest increase was in 2023 when the blended tax increase was 3.92 per cent.
In an amendment to the main motion, Deputy Mayor George Cabral suggested staff take the proposal back and return to council with three additional drafts: one with a 12 per cent increase to the municipal levy; one with a 10 per cent increase to the municipal levy; and one with an eight per cent increase to the municipal levy. Additionally, he requested staff prioritize the program changes.
In a recorded vote, council passed Cabral’s amendment and the main motion.
Coughlin, Cabral, Garwood, Alexander and Thompson voted in favour, while Moore and Fisher voted against the motion.
Township hopes renovated Grenfel hall becomes beehive of activity
By: Wayne Doyle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: BarrieToday.com, Nov 01, 2024
It’s not often that you get to use the word “charming” to describe a municipally owned facility, but it’s the only word that accurately describes the recently revitalized Grenfel Community Hall in Springwater Township. Sporting a welcoming colour palette and soft, diffused lighting courtesy of a series of wall sconces, the interior of the hall, located west of Barrie, looks more like a living room than a meeting space. The small kitchen at the back of the hall reinforces the residential vibe. The kitchen’s third sink, however, gives the hall a unique commercial advantage – it complies with health regulations for a separate sink for hand-washing — in addition to dish washing and dish rinsing sinks — making the hall a top pick for anybody who’s looking to host an event that is as focused on food as much as it is on entertainment and fun. “It’s cute, isn’t it?” Springwater Township Ward 4 Coun. Anita Moore said as she took a group of visitors on a tour of the facility, located at 1989 Sunnidale Rd., on Wednesday night. “We’ve got new electrical, new lighting, new windows, a new paved driveway and a new kitchen. “If you didn’t see it before, trust me, this looks fantastic,” she added.
The hall, which was built in 1953, was shuttered about seven months ago. It’s been back on the township’s facilities inventory for a few weeks after the municipality spent about $125,000 renovating and updating the building.
In August 2022, staff estimated the cost of improvements to the hall would be about $75,000. In November 2023, the project received an additional $49,500 from the recreation facility reserve due to escalating construction and renovation costs. “I think it’s a big success,” Dean Collver, Springwater’s director of recreation, parks and facilities, said near the end of the tour. “We want to bring some life back into these buildings.”
According to Moore, the hall used to be a beehive of activity, hosting everything from birthday parties and baby showers to weddings and family reunions.Over the years, she said, numerous community groups, including the Girl Guides, woodcarvers and euchre clubs, held weekly get-togethers. She’s hoping the recent sprucing up will lead folks back to the hall’s front doors. “We’ve got 50 acres here,” Moore said. “In addition to the hall, we’ve got two baseball diamonds, a playground, a covered outdoor skating rink and tons of parking. “And it’s cheap, real cheap.”
According to the township’s facilities fees, Grenfel Community Hall, which has an occupancy limit of 60 people, rents for $200 per day for a booking on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or statutory holiday. It also costs $200 per day if you require a licence to sell alcohol, regardless of the day of the week.
A full-day hall rental, Monday to Thursday, without a licence to sell alcohol, is priced at $150. The hourly hall rental rate is $30, Monday to Thursday. A security deposit of $150 is required for some bookings.
Springwater’s other community halls — in Anten Mills, Elmvale, Hillsdale, Midhurst and Minesing — have all had building condition assessments done, allowing the township the opportunity to pick and choose projects that can be managed and accomplished without breaking the bank.
The township is currently looking at support for the Anten Mills Community Centre, which requires a new floor, new drop ceiling and a variety of other upgrades.
Residential Fire in Springwater
Township of Springwater / November 12, 2024 – Just before 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Springwater Fire & Emergency Services received reports of a structure fire on Flos Road 4 West.
Two stations and two additional tankers responded. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a fully involved garage fire which was rapidly spreading to the residence. Crews were met at the road by one individual who was transported to Royal Victoria Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.
Additionally, two dogs were rescued from the residence. During the rescue one firefighter and one Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer received minor injuries and were treated on scene by Simcoe County Paramedics.
“Crews arrived and made an aggressive attack which helped aid in the rescue of the dogs,” says Deputy Fire Chief Jeff French. “Thank you to our partners from the OPP and Simcoe County Paramedics for their assistance on scene.”
As a result of the injuries, the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has been contacted. There were working smoke alarms in the residence. The cause of the fire is under investigation, however is not considered suspicious. Damage is estimated at $400,000.