After-HoursHealthClinic WouldBenefitWasagaBeach &SurroundingCommunities

At the Council th Meeting of June 29 , Council of the Town of Wasaga Beach directed staff to move forward with plans to establish a community health centre and after-hours clinic, and to fund it using the municipal portion of proceeds from the local OLG Playtime casino.

“Wasaga Beach is in need of physicians and nurse practitioners to accommodate the number of families in our community without access to a family doctor or routine, preventative health care services,” said Mayor Brian Smith. “Residents have spoken clearly and consistently on the need for a Wasaga Beach based medical and after hours clinic and that is why this is one of Council's top priorities.”

“This Council believes that the proceeds of our local casino must be used for projects that will build a more resilient Wasaga Beach, build capacity in our community, and benefit the long-term health and well-being of our people and local economy,” added Smith. “Using the proceeds from the town's casino revenue to create a much-needed health centre and afterhours clinic ticks off all these boxes. The benefits of this project will extend beyond Wasaga Beach and support the health and well-being of our friends and families in neighbouring communities, including Collingwood, Clearview and Springwater Townships.”

The proposed Medical Centre and After Hours Clinic will be a fully equipped, turnkey medical office.

A plan to operate the health centre and after-hours clinic is being developed in discussion and cooperation with leadership at the Georgian Bay Family Health Organization. The Town would provide administrative staffing and support to ensure its success. With the support of Georgian Bay Family Health Organization, the community health centre and walk-in clinic could open as soon as September 1, 2023.

Volunteers are what makes this whole thing work. Wayne Hawk, master organizer of the event, with the help of many, and he makes it look smooth and easy. Believe me, it's far from the truth.

The parking crew made it easy for participants to migrate to your chosen parking spot. Shade tents, washrooms and vendors for both Ladies and something for the guys too. Thanks to all the amazing volunteers who gave the day their best. It turned out great.

The day started early with some rain and long faces, but soon it becomes something of a very special day! Vehicles turned the far corner and filled the field with cars, trucks and hot rods of all designs and shapes with glorious paint schemes for all to be in awe. The sun poked through the clouds and “The Wolfman Charlie” is playing music. The smell of Canadian Back Bacon on the grill, Oh Yeah. Gotta have one. Vendors were displaying their offerings for all to see and enjoy.

Before you know it “Elvis” is on stage, belting out his famous songs of the day. Thanks Terry. Great as always.

The best as always, is saved for the for last. The Top Ten Vehicle awards. CONGRATULATIONS to all who took home an award. Special thanks to Bod Harasowsky for making the three members picks trophies.

Leaving the Fun Run behind us, the next event will be the Wasaga Beach Cruiser's car show at The Edenvale Aerodrome August 12.

The Club is operating the door for “Classic Cars” for the museum. $10.00 entrance fee with your classic (and passenger) will get you a great day at this amazing museum. Come see a large piece of history, a full size replica of the world famous Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow. The most advanced plane of the era. Many aircraft will be flying in during the day and there will be lots to see in the hangar. See you all there!

Until next time... “Keep your hands on the wheel”!

WellKnownLocalVolunteer ReceivesOntarioSenior oftheYearAward

Mayor Brian Smith presented the Ontario Senior of the Year Award at the recent Seniors Expo to Christina Armstrong, who has given countless hours as a long term senior volunteer with the Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank and to her church community.

This award is well-deserved for her outstanding dedication and commitment to making a difference for so many in the Wasaga Beach community. Christina is also the recipient of the Age-Friendly Committee's Senior of the Year Award which she will receive at a Town event later in the year as one of Wasaga's Finest Citizens.

Thank you for all you do Christina! Congratulations!