The Creemore
ECHO
Friday, November 25, 2022 Vol. 22 No. 47 www.creemore.com
News and views in and around Creemore
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Creemore BIA supports levy increase by Trina Berlo The Creemore BIA has shown support for a levy increase and has endorsed the board’s 2023 budget, which will be forwarded to Clearview council for consideration and final approval. The majority of the 24 building owner and tenants within the Business Improvement Area (BIA) in attendance at the Nov. 22 (annual general meeting) AGM supported a $5,000 increase to the levy, bring it to $25,000. The levy is collected from property owners within the designated area along the commercial corridor of Mill Street and a portion of Caroline Street West to promote businesses and enhance beatification. At the meeting, BIA president Laurie Severn outlined the BIA’s activity in 2022 and treasurer Sara Hershoff presented the financial reports and the proposed 2023 budget. “We believe it is of great value, that we do more collectively than we do as individuals,” said Hershoff. “This is our gift to the next board, so they don’t have to scramble as much.” Members also approved setting a minimum levy of $250 and increasing the maximum levy from $2,000 to $2,500. The allocating is divvied up between all properties based on their MPAC assessments. With additional income from events like the Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox, grants, sponsorship, and
Staff photo: Trina Berlo
Creemore BIA board executive: President Laurie Severn (from right), treasurer Sara Hershoff and secretary Heather Harding. donations, the BIA had an income of just under $57,000 in 2022, with funds going towards events, marketing, beautification, and administration. Paul Vorstermans pointed out that $6,000 is budgeted to manage garbage in 2023. He suggested that the BIA get out of the business of waste management, street sweeping, sidewalk weeding, and tree pruning, which he considers to be basic municipal services. “It’s time to put our foot down,” said Vorstermans. “It is not a matter of discussion.” Members of the executive committee are recommending to the new board, to be elected in the New Year, that it draft a service agreement to be presented to the municipality that clearly sets out who
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is responsible for what, and that if the BIA expects a higher level of service on their schedule, that the BIA be willing to contribute financially. The municipality did create a bit of a windfall for the BIA by purchasing self watering planters that adorn the downtown in the summer. The BIA said it had been saving to buy new planters, and as a result now has almost $80,000 that could be used for a capital project. The BIA’s current term has come to an end and an election will be held for the next board of directors by secret ballot on Feb. 21. Nominations open on Jan. 30, BIA members will be able to nominate themselves or another member. Information will be circulated to members in the near future.
Vicki Bell, Broker 154 Mill St.Creemore 705-446-4539
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Police investigate break-in at Stayner Tim Hortons Huronia West OPP are investigating a break-and-enter incident at the Tim Hortons in Stayner. At about 1 a.m. on Nov. 17, police responded to a break and enter call for service at Tim Hortons located on Highway 26 in Stayner, Clearview Twp. Upon arrival, police met with employees and learned forced entry was made into the business. An audit revealed a large sum of money was found to be missing from the scene. As a result of the findings, members from the Central Region Forensic Identification Services (FIS) were notified and attended the scene to assist with the investigation. Surveillance footage was reviewed by police where suspect photos and CCTV footage was retrieved. The suspect is described as male with a large stature, wearing a grey Reebok hoody, dark pants, grey/black shoes with red laces, a black balaclava, and light grey backpack. Anyone with information is asked to call Huronia West OPP at 1-888-3101122, or to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
Many ways to give locally this holiday season This year marks the 20th anniversary of the County of Simcoe Paramedic Services Toy Drive, providing much needed support to individuals and families in need across Simcoe County. New, unwrapped toys, non-perishable food items and gift cards (with the gift card value denoted) are still appreciated and can be dropped off at two locations in Clearview Township: Town Hall in Stayner and at the Emergency Hub at 6993 Highway 26.
In the past 19 years, the Toy Drive has collected 94,263 toys, 46,442 pounds of food and more than $222,548 for families across Simcoe County. Online donations, new, unwrapped toys, non-perishable food items and gift cards with the value denoted will all be accepted. Online donations can be made at www.canadahelps.org/en/ charities/simcoe-county-paramedicassociation/. C l e a r v i e w To w n s h i p i s a l s o
supporting the toy drive through the ‘Toys for Tickets’ initiative, which allows anyone who receives a parking ticket between Oct. 15 and Dec. 15 the option to pay the early fee as indicated on the ticket, or to submit a gift card or toy of equal or greater value as payment for the ticket. Residents can donate to pay a parking ticket in person at the Administration Centre. Donations will stay within Clearview, supporting local families in need.
Toys and gift cards can also be dropped off to Clearview firefighters at the tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 2. The Creemore Echo will not be accepting food and toy donations this year but will be accepting donations of cash, cheques and Foodland gift cards for the Creemore Food Bank and the Clearview-Stayner Food Bank. Donations of gift cards to other retail stores are also welcome and will be passed on to the food banks.
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