09/01/2018
September 1st, 2018 - Today a resident emailed me expressing concern related to the proposed Beach Two condo development and asked if I was only concerned about Fram or the residents of Wasaga Beach. My response is below.
Dear Resident, my only focus is to enhance the lives of our residents! In making any decision we need to look at the entire development that we are working to achieve and how each element contributes to the total.
We are in great need of improved amenities; a new community hub, including a double pad arena, a new library (Discovery Centre) & Cultural Centre, a vibrant downtown and the redevelopment Beach 1 & 2.
We are 91% reliant on residential property tax and the burden on residential property tax can only be reduced by increasing town revenue through increased commercial, revitalization of tourism and intensification. This development will also create a high volume of new higher paying jobs. This development will have many spin off benefits attracting additional organic development in other areas of town, more appropriate housing options for seniors wanting single level, elevator accessible condo style apartments where they can walk to many of the products and services they need, additional affordable housing for those on fixed incomes and those families that currently have entry level jobs and need lower price housing options until they become more established in their careers.
There are many additional benefits and we need to focus on the entire development and how all of it fits together in making Wasaga Beach a complete community, with improved amenities, increased beautification, a more vibrant, economically viable economy, revitalized tourism, stronger shoulder seasons and much more.
I talk to hundreds of residents each week and the majority are in favour of the planned development and with continued public input we can make it even better and address identified concerns. I hope you are planning to attend the public meeting at the Recplex on Sept. 10th.
