Newsroom

Public information meeting slated for April 25 in Ravenna

Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) is hosting a public information meeting on Thursday, April 25, 2019, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. to discuss water quality and fish habitat enhancements proposed for Black Ash Creek later this year. The meeting is taking place at Ravenna Hall, 628299 Grey Road 119 in the Town of The Blue Mountains.

These improvements will see an earthen dam at Petun Conservation Area removed, and Black Ash Creek returned to a more natural and healthy state.

Black Ash Creek runs from the top of the Niagara Escarpment and through the Town of Collingwood before reaching Georgian Bay.

Historically, the creek was home to native brook trout. Today, while the creek supports a healthy rainbow trout population, only a few wild brook trout remain in the upstream reaches.

Trout need cold water to thrive. Removing the Petun dam and the stagnant head pond it supports will lower water temperatures in the creek. This will enhance habitat for rainbow trout and provide an opportunity to reintroduce native brook trout. It will also improve water quality overall.

NVCA is partnering with the Town of The Blue Mountains, Bruce Power and other groups on this project, which will enhance and protect this important fishery.

About NVCA: Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority is a public agency dedicated to the preservation of a healthy environment through specialized programs to protect, conserve and enhance our water, wetlands, forests and lands.

Media contact: Heather Kepran, Communications Coordinator 705-424-1479 ext.254, hkepran@nvca.on.ca

• Media Release (175 KB)

The Public Health Agency of Canada has encouraged health units to share with local healthcare providers the following:

At the end of March, influenza continues to circulate in Canada. Although A(H1N1) was the predominant subtype this season overall, an atypical spring wave of influenza A(H3N2) has been observed across the country. Influenza A(H3N2) has been the predominant circulating subtype nationally since mid-February. In contrast, very little influenza B is circulating this season to date compared to previous seasons.

Canadian estimates of vaccine effectiveness against A(H3N2) for the 2018-19 season to date are anticipated shortly. Health care providers should advise patients at high-risk of influenza complications to contact their provider promptly if they have symptoms of influenza. Consider timely administration of antivirals (e.g. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or Zanamivir) to persons at high-risk for influenza complications presenting with influenza symptoms, regardless of immunization status.

All lab-confirmed influenza cases and institutional respiratory outbreaks are reportable to public health to ensure timely follow-up.

For additional information or to report influenza cases and respiratory outbreaks, please contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit Infectious Diseases Team at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 and dial 6.

Here are some resources that may be of assistance:

PHO Fact Sheet on Antiviral Use
http://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/eRepository/Antiviral_Medication_Influenza_Fact_Sheet.pdf 
Flu Algorithm
https://www.ammi.ca/Content/Guidelines/Flu_Algorithm.pdf 
Public Health Ontario’s Ontario Respiratory Pathogen Bulletin:
http://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/ServicesAndTools/SurveillanceServices/Pages/Ontario-Respiratory-Virus-Bulletin.aspx 
Grey Bruce Health Unit Influenza Bulletin (weekly local bulletin)
https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Portals/0/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/HealthCareProfessionals/Influenza_Bulletin.pdf 

• Grey Bruce Public Health Unit Notice (170 KB)

Health Survey Opportunity in The Blue Mountains

Statistics Canada, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is performing the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS).  This survey will collect physical measurements from Canadians aged 3 to 79, across the country.  Data from this survey will:

• Provide Canadians with accurate and comprehensive information on the health of the population
• Highlight current issues and identify future challenges to health and health care
• Provide researchers and health professionals an important source of data that is not available elsewhere

The process includes an in-home interview with a Statistics Canada interviewer (approximately 1 hour) and a visit to a mobile clinic.

A mobile clinic has been setup in Town of The Blue Mountains until May 15, 2019 and will be located at the Beaver Valley Community Centre – 58 Alfred Street West in Thornbury.

For more information or to participate in the survey, please contact:

Statistics Canada

Toll-free:1-888-253-1087

Email: statcan.chms-ecms.statcan@canada.ca  

TTY: 1-866-753-7083

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is seeking public feedback on the Reducing Litter and Waste in Our Communities: Discussion Paper, which expands upon commitments in Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations: A Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan. The paper poses questions that will help guide future decision-making to divert more waste from landfill.

Currently, Ontario generates nearly a tonne of waste per person every year and our overall diversion rate has stalled below 30% over the last 15 years. Ontario needs to reduce the amount of waste we generate and divert more waste from landfill through proven methods like Ontario’s curbside Blue Box Program, existing and emerging municipal green bin programs and other waste recovery options. Existing and emerging technologies are increasingly allowing us to recover and recycle materials back into our economy rather than sending them to landfill. This is helping us to better protect our communities and keep our air, land and water clean and healthy.

The discussion paper sets out goals, actions and performance measures and outlines how we will:

• decrease the amount of waste going to landfill
• increase the province’s overall diversion rate.

The discussion paper provides more details on the actions and commitments related to waste that were outlined in the Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan. The feedback on the discussion paper will help the province to move forward with a clear, comprehensive and outcome-based approach to reducing litter and waste in our communities while keeping this province clean and beautiful for future generations.

Eight areas for action

The discussion paper outlines eight key areas for action:

1. prevent and reduce litter in our neighbourhoods and parks
2. increase opportunities for Ontarians to reduce and divert waste at home, at work and on the go
3. make producers responsible for the waste generated from their products and packaging
4. reduce and divert food and organic waste from households and businesses
5. reduce plastic waste going into landfills and waterways
6. provide clear rules for compostable products and packaging
7. recover the value of resources in waste
8. support competitive and sustainable end-markets for Ontario’s waste

These eight areas of action are the steps we will take to make waste reduction, reuse, and recycling easier for the people of Ontario, not only at home or at work, but throughout our communities.

Purpose of policy

We developed the discussion paper to seek feedback from the public on how we propose to implement waste commitments included in Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations: A Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan. The feedback will be used to inform future waste management policy.

Other public consultation opportunities

We used input we received through the following methods to help us develop the discussion paper:

• public and stakeholder feedback on the Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan (013-4208)
• one-on one meetings with interested and affected stakeholders

For more information, please visit: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/013-4689

FILM PREMIERE – May 4, 2019, Beaver Valley Community Centre, doors open at 6:00 pm.

REEL HISTORY: Mary Ward Shipwreck, and Pathway to the Village of the Souls

Dive to the Mary Ward shipwreck without getting your feet wet or traverse the edge of the escarpment along the spiritual path to the Village of the Souls.  Mary Ward and Pathway are the next films in the Craigleith Heritage Depot’s film series REEL HISTORY. Both films can be viewed in virtual reality, providing the viewer a unique experience each time they visit.  On May 4, 2019 our film premiere will feature these new films in addition to the original REEL HISTORY films. Tickets are $25.00 each and funds raised at this event will be used to develop future local history documentaries. 

Join us for a full evening of historical storytelling.  The original three films will be shown first to introduce the history behind The Apple Industry, Indigenous History and the Ski Industry in The Blue Mountains.  These films have been appreciated by audiences worldwide from Europe, North America and throughout our region. 

Marine Curator, Historian and Folklorist Ian Bell will present a musical foray into the history of shipping around Georgian Bay, revealing what it would have been like for ships like the Mary Ward.  Among his many accolades, Ian was nominated for a CFMA award for his album of traditional songs of the Great Lakes: Forget Me Not When Far Away.

Be the first to see behind-the-scenes of the making the virtual reality films Mary Ward and Pathway.  Then immerse yourself through the magic of the big screen, or through your own smart phone device, as a virtual experience. 

Local historical organizations and partners will be on hand with exhibits before the show and during intermission to share their insights into our dynamic natural and cultural history. Come early and put yourself back in time with our green screen experience.  Make sure you have a chance to use our virtual reality headsets to experience the new films.

The museum worked with local film company Mountain Goat Films for production along with the support of the Blue Mountain Village Foundation.  The museum appreciates the support of this night’s event sponsor, Royal Lepage Locations North, for helping us bring the films to our community.

The doors open at 6:00 pm and the program starts at 7:00 pm. Complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments and popcorn are available as well as a cash bar.  Tickets are $25.00 and available at the Craigleith Heritage Depot and LE Shore Memorial Library.

Come out and enjoy a visual journey through time.

Online Survey ends Friday, April 12, 2019

Take the Survey: https://greycyclingandtrails.metroquest.ca/

Grey County is developing a long-term, comprehensive Cycling and Trails Master Plan to guide future planning and decision-making to enhance cycling and off-road trail opportunities within the County and its local municipalities. The plan is meant to be used by County staff, decision makers and community partners to support and provide direction for future investments in cycling and active transportation infrastructure network by identifying a network and programs that supports commuter cycling, cycle tourism and non-motorized recreational trail use.

The County has retained WSP Canada Group Limited (WSP) to support the development of the Cycling and Trails Master Plan. The plan will incorporate previous work completed by the County and its partners including on-going projects such as the Recreational Trails Strategy. The plan will be developed using a three-phased process and is expected to be completed by Spring 2019.

For more information, please visit: https://www.grey.ca/programs-initiatives/grey-county-cycling-and-trails-master-plan

Online Cycling and Trails Survey

An interactive survey is available until mid-April as we continue to collect feedback on the strategy.  The tool will help us understand:

• Key priorities and topics to be addressed in the master plan
• User experience using cycling routs and trails, and these routes could be improved
• Ideas for cycling and trail improvements

Take the Survey: https://greycyclingandtrails.metroquest.ca/

More ways to get involved...

There are a number of way that you can get involved. The following are some of the ways that you can provide your input over the course of the study

• Check this page for updates around the study and about cycling and trails in Grey County.
• Attend public events and provide your input. Check this page regularly for updates on dates and times of events.
• Email or contact one of the study team representatives – please use their contact information below.

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.
In the fall of 2018, it announced a bold re-branding to South Georgian Bay Tourism, based on a new platform and industry first focus, becoming a Destination Education Organization (DEO).
It now announces the next phase of its evolution… the creation of new Visitor Information Centres. Driven by the insight that digital has become the leading source of information for tourists planning to visit any destination, these new Information Centres will provide ‘last mile’ education to tourists about all the great things to do in South Georgian Bay. The new Information Centres will be located in hotels, restaurants, attractions, as well as other businesses and organizations that meet a specific set of criteria. Starting April 1, 2019, there will be locations in each of South Georgian Bay’s participating municipalities which include Town of Meaford, Town of The Blue Mountains, Town of Collingwood and Township of Clearview.

The new Visitor Information Centres will also be highlighted on the 2019 Visitor Map and on the website at www.SouthGeorgianBay.ca. The website will include new enhanced portals for each of the participating municipalities’ towns and villages, reinforcing one of the region’s unique attributes as a ‘collection of communities.’
With the tourism organization staff focus shifting to keeping these new Visitor Information Centres educated about all the great things happening in South Georgian Bay every season, the organization will be moving out of the Collingwood Museum which has served as a central office for many years. In exchange for space at the Collingwood Museum, the association provided welcoming services for Museum visitors.
“The information office at the Museum has been a mutually beneficial arrangement but our organization needs to evolve based on our new strategic focus and the emergence of the ‘digital tourist’,” commented Mylisa Henderson, a Board Member for South Georgian Bay Tourism and Co-Owner of Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain.

As of the start of September, the tourism association will vacate the Collingwood Museum.

Dean Collver, Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture for the Town of Collingwood oversees the Collingwood Museum, recognizes this as mutually beneficial decision. “Tourism is definitely evolving, and the static Information Centre model is being replaced by new technology and other opportunities. We are grateful for the partnership with the tourism association over the past several years, but we are excited for the progressive direction that South Georgian Bay Tourism is taking with this new model and we are fully supportive of the change.”

About South Georgian Bay Tourism
The Destination Education Organization (DEO) helps enhance the visitor experience through seamless connections between visitors and the region’s highly unique products and experiences, educating both tourists and businesses on South Georgian Bay and why it is Ontario’s Four-Season Playground. It provides visitors 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 tourism businesses. South Georgian Bay is the regional seal of quality as the destination information authority for visitors. It is governed by an eight-member Board of Directors, with public and private sector representation from the regional tourism industry.

For more information or media interviews contact:

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

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:

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).

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.                         

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 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