BUYING OR SELLING A HOME? CALL:
June 2021
West Shore update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 jeanpaullogiacco@rogers.com
Township update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 14,957 protected acres. . . . . . . . . . 12 MP talks budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Our ‘township family’ serves the residents News and words from Severn Mayor Mike Burkett Now in the 15th month, the pandemic has tested all of us beyond imagination and those who work in the township administrative office are no exception. To keep staff well distanced from each other, they have been working alternate days, split into A and B teams instead of working from home full time. Their presence in the office is necessary so that they can access files and generally look after residents but the office feels a little lonely. Mayor Mike Burkett says the current arrangement is, of course, not ideal but it allows them to get the work done efficiently even though they never actually see all of their colleagues. He spends a significant amount of time in his office on Zoom meetings with council, committee and county meetings. Mike said, “Our staff and council are one big family. We are one team. The way things are now is difficult. We don’t see everyone. Many of us haven’t met the new hires. We’ve also had multiple retirements including several with 30+ years of service to the township. Because of COVID restrictions, we haven’t been able to recognize and celebrate their dedicated service – but we will as soon as we can.”
In addition to the day-to-day needs of the residents, the township has some very significant projects under way. Those include the Official Plan which determines the use of land in the community; the Recreation Master plan which deals with all parks and recreation facilities; the transportation master plan; and the review of the current by-law regarding Airbnb’s. These four projects have major impact on the future of the township and your input will be invaluable. The township’s new and easy-to-manage website includes a place for residents to submit their input. Stay tuned at severn.ca/haveyoursay. The most convenient way for residents to manage this is to subscribe to that page. As the projects progress, emails will be sent to subscribers with updates and requests for input. High speed internet has become, if possible, an even more important issue to resolve in Severn and the township is working with all levels of government to get funding. Mike said work from home is likely to be widely accepted by many businesses in the future, as will be the choice for children to continue with online in-home learning. Getting high speed to our entire township is critical. Everyone should have the same education and work opportunities. Mike’s comments to The Villager ended with remarks about COVID and how well the township has managed through these most difficult times. As of May 18th, there were only 72 reported cases in Severn. He is confident that it is because residents and businesses have followed the advice of our
Chief Medical Officer. “Today, the majority of those eligible in our community is taking advantage of getting protected through the vaccine. Case numbers across the region have been falling. We even had a community pop up clinic in Coldwater organized by Councillor Judith Cox, the Coldwater pharmacist and medical officials. This meant that anyone without transportation to Orillia or Midland, or those unable to book online, were able to get the shot. This is a remarkable example of community caring for each other.” The mayor’s last words were about those who live alone. “Please, please, please check on your neighbours who live alone. They may not always ask for help but you could call them regularly to make sure they’re okay, or just go knock on their door, keep your distance, and have a quick conversation. You will make a difference.”
Supply and Demand
Paul Cleary B.B.A.
The current supply of real estate inventory is low but demand is very high due to several factors.
705-327-6002
If you’re considering a move, I can help you make an informed decision. Call me today.
BROKER
paul@paulcleary.com