Press Releases

Wilson: Highway 26 completion is overdue

 (August 10, 2017) MPP Jim Wilson is happy the provincial government is finally moving ahead to complete the long-delayed Highway 26 reconstruction project in Collingwood.

Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca was in Collingwood today to make the announcement.

The project, which Wilson has been lobbying the government to complete for a number of years, includes: widening the highway to five lanes with a median shared turning lane, reconstruction of the intersection of Highway 26 and Hume Street/Pretty River Parkway, closure of 6th Line at Highway 26 with a cul-de-sac and connecting it to Highway 26 via an extension of Sir Sandford Fleming Drive and construction of a recreational trail on the north side and a sidewalk on the south side of the highway between Pretty River Parkway and Marine View Drive.

"Although it took the Wynne government five years to respond to our pleas and petitions and motions from council, I am grateful Minster Del Duca came to Collingwood today to announce the widening of Highway 26," Wilson said. "We have been waiting for this project for a long time."

For more than five years, Wilson demanded the government finish the highway reconstruction. He raised the issue in the Legislature, wrote letters to the Minister and toured the affected areas with local officials. The government's hold up of the project delayed important economic growth in Collingwood.

"The delay was holding up the creation of more than 70 new retail and commercial jobs," Wilson said. "The extension of Sir Sandford Fleming Drive though to Highway 26 will spur significant commercial development in that section of town."

Simcoe County Warden Gerry Marshall echoed Wilson's comments about the importance of the project for the local economy at the announcement.

"We have nine million tourists visit us each year and three million of them travel up this section of road. It connects a lot of dots," Marshall said.

Construction on the project is expected to begin in the spring of 2018. Wilson thanks the community for its determination to make sure the project was completed.

Wilson has spent a significant amount of time on the issue. Below are two examples of his efforts:

April 6, 2017 - Press Release: Liberals won’t commit to finishing Highway 26

June 30, 2015 - Press Release: Provincial Portion of Hume Street Project Remains Concern for Wilson

Wilson pleased with disaster assistance for local residents

(August 4, 2017) - MPP Jim Wilson is pleased the provincial government has activated the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program for New Tecumseth and Adjala/Tosorontio residents hit by recent flooding.

“I’m happy the government is taking action,” Wilson said in response to the government’s announcement on August 3. “The heavy rainfalls and flooding have caused extensive damage and local residents need assistance.”

Wilson called for government assistance following a tour of the impacted areas after the June 23 storm. He is encouraging those affected by the flooding to get their applications for assistance in to the government quickly.

The program includes four categories of applicants: homeowners and residential tenants; small owner-operated businesses; small, owner-operated farms and not-for-profit organizations.

Wilson continues to work on securing financial assistance for local farmers who had crops damaged or destroyed by the flooding.

“We’re not out of the woods yet, we’re still working with the Ministry of Agriculture on this issue,” he said.

Details about the program are available online at: www.ontario.ca/disasterassistance

Congratulations to new Collingwood General and Marine Hospital CEO

(August 1, 2017) - I was happy to attend the recent announcement at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital that Norah Holder has been appointed the hospital’s new President and CEO.

This was a very exciting day for the board and staff of the hospital and the entire community. Norah’s appointment to the President and CEO position is a testament to the strength of the hospital’s entire organization. She is an inspiring leader and I look forward to working with her now and in the future.

Hospital Board chair Thom Patterson said Norah is “the voice of the patient” and I agree with his comment. Norah has been with the hospital as Vice President of Patient Services and the Chief Nursing Executive since 2009. She has more than 30 years of healthcare experience and has strong relationships with numerous healthcare organizations at all levels.

Norah officially assumed the CEO/President job on August 1 after serving as Interim CEO following the departure of Guy Chartrand. I want to take this opportunity to thank Guy for his service to the hospital and the local area. He did a tremendous job and I wish him the best of luck in the future.

Norah’s leadership will be instrumental in the coming months and years as the redevelopment of the hospital moves forward. The hospital redevelopments in Collingwood and Alliston are incredibly important projects for this entire region. It is important for Norah and Jody Levac and both hospital boards to have the full support of our communities as the plans move into the next phase.

The projects received a significant boost on June 1 when my Private Members resolution to approve planning grants for the redevelopment of the hospitals was supported by all three parties at Queen’s Park. Close to 100 Simcoe-Grey residents made the trip to Toronto for the debate and I want to thank the Members from the other two parties for their support of my resolution. It’s not a done deal yet and we all need to keep working hard, but it was an important step in the process.

The redevelopment of the hospitals will be a huge win for the entire region. They are multi-million investments by the province in Simcoe-Grey and the projects will be led by the hospital boards and the Ministry of Health. I am committed to doing whatever it takes to move these projects to Stage 2 and to get the funding approved by the province.

I want to thank the County of Simcoe for its support of the redevelopment project in Collingwood. The county has committed $20 million over 15 years. It is this kind of full support from local municipalities that is necessary to convince the provincial government of the critical nature of getting the hospitals redeveloped.

The staff and board at the hospitals have amazing visions for the future and I will be working as hard as possible to ensure those visions becomes a reality.

Ontario families are facing an affordability crisis

(July 27, 2017) - Fourteen years of Liberal mismanagement have left families in this province facing a financial squeeze that threatens their future economic prospects. The Wynne Liberals have driven up costs for families with their pursuit of a reckless political agenda that has forced costs for everyday people higher and damaged the economy.

While families struggle to make ends meet, the Wynne government has driven up the cost of just about everything in Ontario with its disastrous energy policies. The Liberals have handed out unaffordable contracts to wind and solar energy firms, which have driven electricity costs through the roof.

When I speak with my constituents and business owners in Simcoe-Grey, one of their top concerns is their increasing Hydro bills. As the recent Fraser Institute report tells us: Ontario has the fastest rising Hydro rates in all of Canada. In 2016, rates increased 15% over the previous year.

Unfortunately under the current government, it’s only going to get worse.

Hydro One is currently before the Ontario Energy Board asking for an increase to electricity rates. Despite the government’s repeated promises to get hydro costs to consumers under control – they will increase by $141 per year on January 1 if the OEB approves this request. My party’s leader, Patrick Brown, has repeatedly called for the government to step in and stop the proposed increase. So far, they have refused and Ontario families can expect to get hit in the pocketbook again.

Not only are hydro rates across the province getting out of control for consumers. The Ontario Energy Board has approved an increase to natural gas prices that will see bills rise by $36 per year. It will cost hard working citizens even more to heat their homes. Gas prices are on the rise because of the Liberals cap and trade program. The government was aware this would happen and hid cap and trade costs on gas bills. My colleague, MPP Monte McNaughton, has brought forward a Private Members Bill that will show all consumers how much cap and trade has cost them on their gas bills.

The Liberals are forcing hard working Ontarians to pay more to keep the lights on and their homes heated, but they have shown no ability to control their own costs. The total provincial debt is now more than $300 billion. Interest on that debt is costing Ontario taxpayers $1 billion per month. That’s greater than the cost of brand new hospitals for both Alliston and Collingwood. When I consider those numbers, I wonder: what important services and programs that people rely on have or will be cut to pay to pay those interest costs? The Liberals can’t continue to borrow money to pay interest costs on the debt they have incurred. It is not sustainable.

Ontarians are tired of the waste, the misspending and Liberal incompetence. It’s time for a change.

Wilson launches petition requesting better maintenance of beachfront areas

(July 13, 2017) – Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson has launched a petition urging the provincial government to take action and properly maintain beachfront areas in Wasaga Beach.

The petition calls upon the government to immediately start cleaning up beachfront areas under its control and to provide funding for washroom upgrades.

“We have to get the beachfront areas cleaned up and in better condition,” said Wilson. “The Town of Wasaga Beach relies on tourism and visitors to drive its economy. A well-maintained and attractive beach is one of keys to attracting visitors to the community.”

Many areas of the beach are now overgrown with weeds and other vegetation. In addition, a number of washroom facilities have required upgrades for many years. Wilson has been raising the issue with the government for some time.

“I’m asking everybody who wants the beachfront cleaned up and maintained properly to sign this petition,” said Wilson. “We need to get the government’s attention. The current state of the beach is unacceptable.”

Residents can sign the petition at Wilson’s office in Collingwood (50 Hume Street) or copies are available online at www.jimwilsonmpp.com/services/petitions. To be presented in the Ontario Legislature, the petition requires original signatures. Completed copies can be dropped off at the Collingwood office

Wilson asks government to help farmers hit by flooding

(July 4, 2017) – MPP Jim Wilson is calling on the provincial government to offer financial assistance to local farmers facing the total loss of their crops due to flooding caused by heavy rains in recent weeks.

In an open letter to Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Wilson asks the government to offer help to local farmers affected by the flooding, some of whom have no insurance.

“The rainfall and flooding has caused extensive damage to crops in the south end of my riding,” Wilson said. “I have toured the area personally and can attest that the damage is significant. Farmers have lost hundreds of acres of crop.”

Wilson said local reviews to assess the total damage are ongoing and asked the government to look at the situation immediately.

“I would appreciate if you would review the situation as soon as possible and advise what types of assistance are available to help those impacted,” he wrote to the Minister.

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Abilities in Motion receives Trillium grant for $6,700

(June 28, 2017) Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson was at Earl Rowe Provincial Park this morning to award Abilities in Motion with a trillium grant for $6,700. The money will go toward new kayak and canoe equipment for people of all abilities. Abilities in Motion offers kayaking and canoeing coaching, certification for all abilities. They have adaptive equipment, a dock lift, and boats to cater for each person’s needs.

Wilson continues to advocate for cleanup of beachfront in Wasaga Beach

 (June 28, 2017) Today, Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson penned an open letter to the Minister of Natural Resources over concerns he continues to hear over the maintenance of the beachfront in Wasaga Beach. Wilson hopes the Minister will act before the summer tourist season heats up.   

“I am writing to you again concerning the state of the beachfront in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park,” wrote Wilson. “As you know, I have raised this issue with the Ministry many times dating back years, and frankly, to what seems like no avail.” 

“Minister, with the summer months now underway the problem has again been underscored … why is the government year after year taking no action?” wrote Wilson.  

Wilson continues to work with the Town of Wasaga Beach and various local advocacy groups to pressure the government into better protection and maintenance of the beachfront.  You can read the full text of his letter to the Minister HERE.  

To provide context, here is part of an email Wilson recently received from a constituent.  

“One year ago I wrote your group an email regarding the deplorable conditions on New Wasaga Beach off John Street. Conditions have become much worse. It's still a mosquito breeding ground hindering anyone everyone in the area. As well the grounds in the beach is a mess. Please read the letter below from another resident who's among many frustrated by the entire lack of respect being shown. Taxes are increasing and less work is being done.”

 Here is a quote from the letter he refers to,  

“When we first took possession of the property 10 years ago, the beach outside our property was pristine.  The sand was fine and stretched almost from the edge of our property to the water. Over the last several years, the condition of the beach has deteriorated considerably.  Vegetation is taking over the beach which now extends  almost all the way to the water's edge, leaving very little space for people to lounge and enjoy the beach and the water. The beach is no longer groomed as it once was, which has resulted in the accumulation of stones and shells and worse, sand dunes now exist as a barrier between our property and the remaining beach area.”

“At this point, it comes down to getting the Liberal government to act,” said Wilson. “This may be another one of the Liberals backward attempts to save a little to make up for their mismanagement. But, as one of the biggest tourist destinations in Ontario this doesn’t make sense to me or my constituents.”

"Year after year the province has promised to put in new flush toilets, but it has never happened," continued Wilson. "The areas of the beach maintained by the Town of Wasaga Beach are in excellent condition, why can't the province do the same with its beach property?"

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Jim speaks to Women's Probus Club of Alliston

(June 28, 2017) On Monday, Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson was pleased to speak to the Women’s Probus Club of Alliston.  He was also happy to learn of their recent donation to Stevenson Memorial Hospital.

Wilson encourages farmers and business owners to participate in hearings on minimum wage increase

(June 16, 2017) – Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson is encouraging all business owners and farmers to participate in upcoming hearings about the proposed $15 minimum wage increase.

The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs is holding hearings on Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 during the week of July 10 – 14 in Thunder Bay, North Bay, Ottawa, Kingston and Windsor-Essex. The second week of hearings will be July 17 – 21 in London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Niagara, Hamilton and Toronto. Presenters not able to appear in person can make a presentation via teleconference.

“It’s very important for business owners and farmers to make their feelings known about the proposed minimum wage increase,” Wilson said. “It’s imperative for the government to hear directly how this policy will affect the business and farming sectors.”

The deadline for requests to appear for week 1 is 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4, 2017. The deadline for requests to appear for week 2 is 10 a.m. on Monday, July 10, 2017. Those unable to appear in person are welcome to send a letter or brief to the committee for consideration.

Anybody interested in making a presentation or sending a letter can contact:

Eric Rennie

Clerk of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

Tel: 416-325-3506

Fax: 416-325-3505

99 Wellesley Street West, Room 1405

Whitney Block, Queen’s Park

M7A 1A2

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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