Results of Negotiation for Next Waste Collection Contract
Negotiations with Miller Waste Systems, the successful proponent for the new waste collection contract, have now concluded and an agreement has been reached.
On June 23, Council received a public report on the results of the negotiation, costs and details about the automated cart system which will start November 2021.
Key benefits of the new waste contract include:
- Expansion of the labour force by removing the significant manual labour aspect from the job, which should help to address labour issues experienced under the current contract
- Reduced litter from windblown materials through the use of large lidded carts for recycling
- Increased and convenient storage capacity for recyclables and organic green bin materials, as the County works to increase diversion and reduce garbage (one large lidded bin instead of multiple under current system)
- Significantly reduced chance of injuries to drivers
For further details, click
here.
The Guesthouse Shelter - Request for Funding
The County of Simcoe provides leadership to local homelessness prevention community planning and funds numerous related programs and services. The County is not an operator/provider of these services.
Located at 522 Elizabeth Street in Midland, the Guesthouse Shelter is an 18-bed homelessness shelter, providing a myriad of services to homeless populations in North Simcoe. In 2017, prior to initiating operations from its current location, the agency undertook renovations to the building, which included a redesign of the top floor and the repair of water systems. However, based on numerous assessments, the Guesthouse Shelter’s roof now needs to be replaced and the related HVAC upgraded.
Last week, Council approved a grant of $35,000 and an interest free loan of $22,000 to assist The Guesthouse Shelter with capital costs.
County Orillia Campus Project – Preliminary Design and Costing
At the last session, County staff presented a preliminary design and costing for the County Orillia Campus project, which will encompass the development of a multi-use energy-efficient building in a campus-like setting, including a mix of approximately 130 affordable housing units, and community services, as well as potential County corporate and/or other supportive services intended to meet the diverse needs of the community and surrounding areas. This item was referred back to staff for more information.
Lake Simcoe Regional Airport Runway Widening Project
On January 1, 2020, the County of Simcoe became the majority shareholder of the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport (LSRA), signaling the County’s continued commitment to support the region’s economic asset. Through the LSRA Strategic Plan, which was approved by County Council in 2018, the Airport has been moving forward on developing their strategic advantage. One of the first objectives within the LSRA Strategic Plan is the expansion of the present runway to address operational constraints and allow for larger and heavier aircraft to access the Airport.
The current runway design, with a length of 6,001 ft. and a width of 100 ft. is a potential operational constraint to those who operate medium to large corporate aircraft. In addition to extending the runway, widening the runway from 100 ft. to 150 ft. provides additional margin of safety for larger aircraft, especially during periods when the runway is wet or contaminated with snow. To accommodate target design aircraft on typical non-stop routes to sun destinations, a minimum runway length of 7,000 ft. x 150 ft. is required. Widening of the runway is the first phase of the runway expansion.
Last week, Council approved the runway expansion project. Construction will begin by the end of 2020 and is anticipated to conclude by summer 2021.
COVID-19 Update: No additional cases at Simcoe Manor
The County of Simcoe is pleased to report that following extensive rapid COVID-19 testing at Simcoe Manor, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has confirmed that there are NO other positive cases at Simcoe Manor among staff or residents.
The sole resident who tested positive for COVID-19 remains in hospital and his health is improving. We wish him a healthy and full recovery. Simcoe Manor will remain in outbreak protocol until further notice from the SMDHU.
