From the Desk of Mayor Rawson and Council #3
Bonjour, Ahneen, I want to thank Deputy Mayor La Rose for leading the tree lighting at the town dock on Friday supported by Councillors Waters, Desroches, Vadeboncoeur, Marchand and our town staff. By all indications it was a great night and well attended.
Swimming Registration Opens – December 7
Many residents have asked about our town swimming programs and we are happy to announce that the swimming program will be returning in January 2023. You can register for our municipal swimming programs on Wednesday December 7th, 2022 with our online registration portal RecDesk.
If you have any questions or require further information or help please contact the Town of Penetanguishene Recreation Department at 705-549-7453.
Past Week's Events
Last week your town council began its review of the towns operating budget and consideration for funding for partners. This was councils first opportunity to review the budget, as prepared by staff. Council will review the next draft with revisions made at the meeting last week and present to council on December 21, 2022.
If you want to review the budget agenda you can find it here, or you can watch a recording of the committee of the whole including the budget discussion on our Town’s YouTube channel.
As a review, staff have worked hard over the last several months and have presented an operating budget of 2.25% which on the surface is quite remarkable compared to many others in our sector. With rising costs everywhere, we are all challenged with the realities of increasing costs. This council is focused on providing value to our ratepayers while minimizing any costs to you.
There was a public deputation by a community member regarding the Towns proposed fees and charges by-law which council had some discussion. Staff will be reviewing these comments and returning with an amended version for councils consideration and adoption on December 14th council meeting.
In addition to the towns 2.25% operating budget that was presented, council was provided information, requests and deputations in support of further financial consideration. These additional considerations will be included in the next draft of the budget presented on December 21. The following amounts is the increase to what is already funded. Below is the increased amount that will be added to the 2023 budget cycle.
- $10,000 – Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation (Hospitals Impact Fund)
- $1,000 – Sistema Huronia Music Academy (Instrument purchase)
- $75,329 – Penetanguishene Public Library (Staffing Increase)
- $3,823 – Severn Sound Environmental Association (Budgetary Increases)
- $45,543 – Huronia Airport Commission (Capital Improvements, Operating)
- $6,500 – Community Reach (Accessible Transporation)
- $15,000 – Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment
The committee of the whole agenda carried late and council put off the capital budget presentations until this Wednesday December 7.
Last week, I completed my 1:1 meetings with our local Mayors, a breakfast meeting with Tay Township Mayor, Ted Walker.
Upcoming Council Events
Wednesday, December 7 @ 7:00 pm - Town of Penetanguishene Special Committee of the Whole Meeting (Budget). We will review the ten-year capital plan and 2023/2024 capital justifications. Access the Agenda here.
Wednesday, December 14 @ 7:00 pm - Town of Penetanguishene Council and Committee of the Whole. The first full meeting of the 2022-2026 Council. An update will be out a few days before informing you what is on the Agenda and how to participate. Access the Council Agenda here. Access the Committee of the Whole Agenda here.
Upcoming Special Events
Wednesday December 7 – Swimming Program Registrations Open. Register through the Online Portal RecDesk.
Wednesday, December 7 @ 6:00 pm @ Townhall - Town of Penetanguishene Public Consultation - Budget 2023
Please participate in the public consultation session and provide your feedback regarding the 2023 Budget, including the 2023 operating, 2-year capital plan and estimated tax impact. You can participate in council chambers Town of Penetanguishene's YouTube Channel by clicking here.
Staff is working on two more public consultations regarding the municipal budget and we will communicate this as soon as dates are secured.
Wednesday, December 14 @ 6:00 pm @ Townhall - Town of Penetanguishene Public Consultation - Water and Wastewater Utility Rate Study
Please participate in the public information session and understand the current water and wastewater utility rates and the proposed water and wastewater utility rates. You can participate in council chambers Town of Penetanguishene's YouTube Channel by clicking here.
Saturday December 17 @ 10:00am-1:00pm @ Penetanguishene Centennial Museum – Fun with Santa. Event includes an visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, scavenger hunt, letter to Santa, door prizes, take-away crafts and decorate your own snowball cookies. Admission is $6 per child (parents are free), and children must be accompanied by an adult 18+. Drop in at any time after 10 a.m., last admission is at 12:30 a.m. (event runs to 1 p.m.)
Registration is recommended due to limited supplies. Register on our website or call the museum at 705-549-2150.
County of Simcoe
County council Inaugural - December 13 @ 1:00 pm.
How to keep up to date with Community Events
You can find community events on the town's website by visiting the Community Calendar. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an event, and you can submit any community events you would like to share with the community.
All town council and committee meetings can be found on the town's website by visiting the Council Calendar. You can subscribe to ensure you never miss an event.
If you cannot make council meetings but would like to be part of the process, you can watch them online on the Town of Penetanguishene's YouTube Channel by clicking here, and most meetings can also be seen on Rogers local Tv Channel 53. All prior meetings can be seen through the Town's YouTube Channel.
The objective of this newsletter is to keep an open line of communication between your Council and the people we represent. This communication will be regularly sent before a council meeting, and we will send an update thereafter. Anticipate bi-weekly updates, initially with more regular updates will be provided. I appreciate any comments received about this message and welcome your feedback anytime. Please, subscribe and let others know about this communication. You can find this at Town Hall, Penetanguishene Arena, Penetanguishene Library and more to come.
In addition to meetings and conversations with residents, we will have a meeting with MPP Jill Dunlop this coming Friday December 9th regarding the increased costs for policing directly related to the Central North Correctional Centre. I will provide updates as we learn more and know that this is a community priority! I will work alongside our council to ensure success for our community.
Thank you, Meegwetch, Merci, on behalf of Council,
Doug
Mayor Doug Rawson