Article provided by the Town of Collingwood
Council has launched into a very busy 2024 and I encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunities to participate.
Here are some highlights of the matters which will be before the Council in 2024.
The Water Treatment Plant Expansion
A municipality cannot accommodate growth without infrastructure and first up for Collingwood is an expansion of our water treatment plant. Top of mind has been seeking a contribution of funding from the Province. Over the past three weeks, I have made presentations to ten different cabinet ministers about the regional importance of the Province’s participation.
This expansion will not only serve the future growth needs of Collingwood and our partner in our water plant for the past almost 25 years, New Tecumseth, but also three other municipalities in South Georgian Bay. An existing 60km water pipeline to New Tecumseh will continue to be used.
The Provincially mandated borrowing limits for municipalities stand in the way of Collingwood and New Tecumseth raising the needed funds. If Provincial funding is not forthcoming, Council has several alternative options to consider. One will be a smaller expansion suitable for just Collingwood’s growth needs and our budget.
The Arts Centre
The Town and its volunteer Steering Committee are now engaged in the phase 3 work which will finish with a “business case” being presented to Council for their consideration.
The Arts Centre would be a facility that would serve our local, regional, and tourist populations and be located downtown in support of our vibrant downtown business community. The vision for this community facility will be shared in the coming months.
Multi-Use Recreational Facility
During 2024 the Town will be engaged in looking at the “what/where/how” of a future sports facility for Collingwood.
The goal will be to plan for a facility that will serve our community for many decades to come. A report with options will be ready for Council and the public’s consideration before the end of 2024.
Master Mobility and Transportation Plan
Consultations have begun on the development of this important roadmap that will help guide Council decisions around future needs and priorities. How do we best accommodate regional (drive-through) traffic, local traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists as they move in and about our Town?
Our stakeholder groups of residents, businesses, and community groups will be consulted on several occasions through different engagement channels and methods.
Check out the project page to learn more and register to stay up to date and be notified of opportunities to provide input online here.
Strategic Plan & Downtown Visioning Master Plan
It is time to update our Strategic Plan and create a vision for our downtown.
This Master Plan will establish our highest priorities through a collective vision for our future. The February community engagement sessions are already listed, and in the spring, there will be more opportunities to share ideas on the long-term evolution of our downtown.
Learn more and subscribe to be notified of public engagement opportunities online here.
Revitalization of the Grain Terminals
Public consultations on our “Terminals Point” project will begin in the coming months. The plans and final proposed designs as well as information on the significant public amenities that will form part of this project will be available for review and input.
Please follow along with the project to stay up to date on opportunities for public input online here.
Whew! Get your thoughts ready. It could be a busy year for everyone.
Save the Date
The Collingwood Mayor’s Golf Challenge Cup will be held on Thursday, June 13th, 2024, at the Blue Mountain Golf & Country Club. More details to come.
Yvonne Hamlin
Mayor