Press Releases

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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Jim attends Habitat Huronia Alliston ReStore's Grand Re-Opening

(June 12, 2017) Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson stopped by Habitat Huronia Alliston ReStore's Grand Re-Opening on the weekend. The ReStore sells donated used furniture, building materials, appliances, cabinetry, sinks, countertops and other household items. All proceeds go directly to support affordable homeownership. Jim is pictured here with staff and other local dignitaries.

Wilson wants government to stop unaffordable electricity rate increase

(June 12, 2017) – Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson wants the government to stop a planned increase in electricity distribution rates.

Hydro One recently put forward an application to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to increase rates for electricity consumers. An average family would see its bill increase by $141 per year.

“Ontario families can’t afford this electricity rate increase,” Wilson said. “We know the Liberal government plans to increase rates after the election, now they’re also going to do it before the election.”

Patrick Brown, Leader of the Opposition, recently wrote Premier Wynne a letter asking the government to stop the increase.

“This hydro rate increase, which begins January 1, 2018, is extremely unfair and unaffordable,” Brown wrote. “I am urging you to immediately reject this application and all subsequent applications, until executive compensation is reined in at Hydro One and the government has stopped signing expensive, new, unneeded power contracts.”

Last week, Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault said he does not intend to use his authority to stop the unaffordable rate hike.

“I’m not going to ask them to consider rejecting anything,” he said during an interview on AM980.

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VIDEO: Wilson pleased with support for hospital resolution

(June 1, 2017) Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson today was pleased by the government’s response to his private member’s resolution calling for the immediate approval of planning grants for hospital re-development projects in Collingwood and Alliston.

The resolution received support from all three parties in the legislature.

“I want to thank my constituents who came to Queen’s Park for the debate today and thank all those who signed petitions in support of the hospitals,” said Wilson. “Today was an important day for both hospitals. The government has recognized it is time to move these projects forward. I pleased with the support my resolution received and look forward to the next step in the process.”

Wilson said there is still a long way to go in the process.

“I want to thank the government for recognizing the need for the re-developments, but until the cheques are sent I’m going to keep the pressure on,” said Wilson. “I encourage constituents to continue writing letters, sending emails and signing petitions. We’re not out of the woods yet.”

Close to 100 constituents from the two communities came to Queen’s Park to see Wilson’s speech on the matter.  Stevenson Memorial Hospital President and CEO Jody Levac and Collingwood General and Marine Hospital President and CEO Guy Chartrand were in attendance.

Both thanked Wilson for his support and help with the two hospital projects.

“Today is a monumental day thanks to Mr. Wilson galvanizing our two communities,” said Levac. “It’s our turn.”

“It’s all about continuing to build awareness and moving the file forward,” said Chartrand.

Before the vote, Wilson spoke about both hospitals and praised volunteers and staff for their commitment and hard work on behalf of the facilities.

“Each of these hospitals is staffed by incredibly caring, talented and well-educated individuals,” Wilson said. “And, they are supported by legions of dedicated volunteers.”

Wilson said the time has come to move the projects to the next phase.

“These facilities were built in the 1950s and 1960s. The infrastructure is old and outdated and badly in need of redevelopment,” he said. “This is not about partisan politics. This is about planning for the health care needs of Ontarians into the future.”

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Jim attends Matthews House cheque presentation

(May 30, 2017) Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson was pleased to be in Alliston yesterday for a Matthews House Hospice cheque presentation. Mr. Shakir Rehmatullah, President of Flato Developments, gifted Matthews House $150,000 to go towards their “Walking the Journey Together” Capital Campaign.