Despite restrictions, Mayor Allen wants to "make this year special"

** The following is part of a regular column by Springwater Township Mayor Don Allen **

COVID-19

The latest COVID-19 numbers in Springwater are showing a concerning trend as the numbers continue to rise locally. As of Monday, November 23, all municipalities in the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit area were moved to the orange-restrict category of the provincial COVID-19 response framework. This means tighter restrictions on gatherings, retail, restaurants, recreation and personal services. To learn more about the restrictions in place visit www.ontario.ca/covid19. To prevent us from moving into the red zone and incurring further restrictions, we all must do our part. Please refrain from gathering with anyone outside of your household, only go out for essentials, wear a mask, and wash your hands often.

Ministry provides approval for Carson Road Stage 1 infrastructure in Midhurst

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) has provided confirmation to the Township that the conditions related to the Midhurst Environmental Assessment (EA) have been fulfilled and infrastructure works related to the Carson Road Stage 1 Subdivision (Micks) may proceed. As a result, the developer of the project is permitted to proceed with external works associated with this stage of the Midhurst Secondary Plan, specifically:

• Midhurst Interim Wastewater Treatment Plant;

• Effluent discharge pipe from the Wastewater Treatment Plant along Wilson Drive and Highway 26;

• Carson Road Interim Water Treatment Plant and associated wells; and

• External road upgrades related to this phase.

For additional information on the Midhurst Secondary Plan and the EA, visit www.springwater.ca/MSP.

Budget 2021

The draft 2021 Budget has been tabled for Council’s consideration. Council has been deliberating the budget at meetings throughout November and have upcoming meetings on December 7 & 9. All meetings are live streamed online at www.springwater.ca/live and additional information can be found at www.springwater.ca/budget.

Merry Christmas

Although COVID-19 is preventing us from hosting our traditional Christmas events or public gatherings, organizations throughout the Township want to make this year special. The Midhurst Community Recreation Association will be hosting a Virtual Tree Lighting on December 5 at 6:30 p.m., a Festival of Lights and Christmas Eve Bells on December 24. Learn about these events and more online at www.midhurston.ca. The Township will also be hosting Light Up Springwater and has encouraged organizations and associations around Springwater to ‘light up’ for the holidays from December 12-24. A map will be created so that families can take a magical tour through Springwater. Visit www.springwater.ca/lightupspringwater for details. The firefighters will be keeping the tradition alive and touring with Santa on December 24 in Midhurst. Visit springwater.ca for route maps and details. However you decide to celebrate this holiday season, I hope you have a safe and wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year.

Don Allen is the Mayor of the Township of Springwater. He can be reached at don.allen@springwater.ca.