Tag: collingwood

How to Prepare for Snow Days this Winter

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do / Uncategorized

With winter officially here, and the New Year upon us, it will soon be time to start back up at school for the 2018 year.  And with those two combined, comes the threat of snow days, stormy weather and school cancellations.  Take these steps over the holiday break to prepare for the impending snow days in the New Year and know what to do so that you can initiate your action plan at a moment’s notice.

Get the Information

The most important thing when it comes to a snow day is to be informed.  This means to check the weather forecast and its predicted severity, as well as to inform yourself about what is closed or cancelled.  The local radio station is a good place to do this, and they will likely have regularly updating reports, as well as weather forecasts.  School websites typically post when school is cancelled on their website, and for other businesses or locations, visit their website as well to see if it has been updated.  In addition, social media options, such as Facebook and Twitter are great ways to see up to the minute information.  Finally, for school bus cancellations, you can view the Simcoe County Bus Information website.

Do something fun

Instead of seeing snow days as a cause of stress, or an unexpected burden, look at them as a chance to have some fun or do some things that you wouldn’t regularly get to do on a typical Tuesday or Wednesday.  If you have young kids, and are able to take the day off work, this will give you an uninterrupted day together, where you can do crafts, play games, bake treats, or maybe even play out in the snow if the weather subsides later in the day.  To set you up for this, get a container and create the “Snow Day Basket.”  In it, you can put things like arts and crafts supplies, a deck of cards, or a few board games.  You can also have a similar basket in the pantry so that you’re ready for snow day baking.  Keep a stock of the staples such as flour, baking powder, sugar, and vanilla.

Find a babysitter

If you know that it will be difficult for you to stay home and look after the kids on snow days, put a plan in place for what you can do for alternative childcare options.  For example, if there is a neighbor who could come over, a relative, or maybe there is a local student who is free certain days of the week.  Whichever option you are choosing, get in contact with these people and put a plan in place so that when the snow day arrives it can simply be put into action and you just have to make a call.

 

While snow days may be inconvenient for parents, and a celebration for the kids, there’s a way to meet in the middle and keep everyone happy.  Do a little planning, reach out for support, and make this the year that you all get to enjoy snow days together.

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Protecting Yourself Against Mosquitoes

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood News

While you may not recognize that summer is here because of the dreary weather, cooler temperatures and abundance of rain, it is definitely the middle of July. Unfortunately because of this weather, many cities and towns across Ontario are seeing a proliferation of the dreaded mosquito. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has released evidence that mosquitoes in Collingwood have tested positive for the West Nile virus this year. This doesn’t mean that Collingwood is seeing an outbreak of West Nile Virus, just that Collingwood, like other areas in Ontario, have a positive testing for the virus. While the majority of people won’t get sick if bitten by a West Nile infected mosquito, there are things you can do to protect yourself from getting bitten.

Mosquito Repellents

One of the best ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites during peak times (dusk and dawn) is to use a repellent. Consumer Reports did testing to determine the most effective mosquito repellents that deter mosquitoes from biting. Their testing found that natural repellents, like those made with plant oils were not very effective. Rather, the most effective ones were those that contained 15 to 30 percent deet, 20 percent picaridin or 30 percent OLE. Their recommended use is that you apply it on your clothes and only on exposed skin and applying to your face with your hands.

Find a breezy spot

If you are in a situation where you really don’t want to use repellant, but still want to keep the bugs away, consider a fan. Mosquitoes have a hard time flying in wind, so install a fan on your Collingwood deck or patio. Angle the fan down, as many mosquitoes fly close to the ground to avoid the wind.

Wear protective clothing

You definitely know that mosquitoes can bite you right through your clothes, but only certain ones. Clothing that has a tight weave, like high-tech athletic apparel or others made with synthetic fibers will be good to keep the mosquitoes out. On the other hand, cottons and linens are not enough to stop a bug from biting you through your pants or shirt. Mosquitoes are also attracted to dark clothing, so try to wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.

Remove mosquito habitats

As a Collingwood homeowner, you have a duty to ensure mosquitoes don’t breed in your yard. Any standing water is the perfect spot for this to happen so ensure you remove standing water in:

·         Gutters

·         Old tires

·         Plastic covers

·         Containers

·         Toys

·         Bird baths

·         Fountains

·         Wading pools

·         Potted plant trays

If the water is flowing or moving, then you are good, like in your swimming pool or hot tub or a fountain that stays on.

What doesn’t work?

Bug lights, zappers, traps, citronella candles or torches, and mosquito plants have been studied and found to not be good prevention from mosquito bites.

 

 

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New Additions to Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Real Estate

With the summer season, also comes the season of construction, but for many, that isn’t a bad thing. In Collingwood, there are a number of new and interesting developments that will only make the city a better place to live, work and play. From something for the kids to something for the adults, here are some of the best new construction projects happening in the Collingwood area!

New skateboard and BMX park

The kids are going to love the newest addition to Heritage Park in Collingwood, with construction to be completed by October. The ground was broken just a few days ago in anticipation of the building of the skate park. The cost is approximately $300,000 but will provide area teens with a fun, safe and interesting place to hang out and practice their tricks.

New paramedic station

With the increase in population in Collingwood, the current paramedic station built above a garage wasn’t adequate. A new 5,900 square foot facility will be built at the corner of Ontario and St. Paul streets and will include five garage bays and be fully accessible. The cost will be $3.6 million for the new station, including the land and it will be completed by the fall of 2018.

New condominium complex

The former Admiral Collingwood school site will now be a condominium and commercial complex. The property, located at the corner of Hume and Hurontario streets has been through a lot of hand-wringing and finally has a plan. The development will include unique and upscale condos, with construction set to start in 2018 and occupancy to be available in 2019.

Collingwood’s Harbourfront Plan

While it is going to take many years to come fully into fruition, Collingwood’s Harbourfront Plan is definitely a huge boon to the city. You can expect to see new pavilions in Harbourview Park, a non-motorized boating hub, cafe, skater’s lounge, skating trail, splash pad and more in the next few years. Sunset Park will also see some major developments with a new EnviroPark.

Whether you are just looking to visit Collingwood, or want to come here to stay, these major developments are helping to make our town a wonderful place to live and play.

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Biking in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

With the beautiful weather “starting” to peek through the clouds, we here in Collingwood know that summer is almost here. And what better season to get on your bike than in summer? South Georgian Bay is one of the most fantastic spots to ride a bike, whether you are an avid bicyclist or a novice. People of all ages enjoying biking through and around Collingwood, both on city streets and on trails. Here are some of the best spots for biking in our area!

The Heather Pathway

Starting at Sunset Point Park, you can bike 17kms on easy terrain around this loop. You’ll venture through Millennium Park and the Hen and Chickens boardwalk, while enjoying the very scenic views of Georgian Bay. If you want to stop for a breather, you can learn more about Collingwood’s history, reading the many interpretative signs along the trail. When you get back from your ride, there is food and washrooms at Sunset Point Park for you to use before you head to your next destination.

The Georgian Trail

Starting at 3 Birch Street, you’ll bike all the way to Meaford on this 68km round trip ride. Again, you’ll have beautiful scenic views of the water, as it makes it way along the waterfront on the south shore of Georgian Bay. You can stop along many of the beaches and rest points along the way and this trail is definitely family friendly. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Clearview-Collingwood Trail

Start at Station Museum and take this 28km round trip to Clearview and back. A crushed gravel trail, you can connect further on to the Collingwood Train Trail, an abandoned rail line that connected Collingwood to Toronto.

Creemore Loop

If you are looking for a longer ride, consider the Creemore loop, a 60km trek starting at Fisher Fields Park. This trail is definitely on the more challenging side with gentle, rolling terrain. The way back has a difficult climb called the Fairgrounds Road climb, so be prepared to work! With views of the Mad River, this is another very scenic trail to take your bike along and will be well-worth the challenge. Stop in Creemore for their fabulous restaurants or shopping and reward yourself for taking the trip.

Badjeros Loop

Starting at Fisher Fields Park, this ride is not for the uninitiated. With 85kms of steep climbs and some of the riding done on high-speed roads, the Badjeros Loops is definitely for the experienced biker. You’ll get views of Georgian Bay from the top of the hills you climb on and then you’ll drop steeply into Creemore. Your ride will be quiet at some points, as you hit Mennonite country, where you can stop and enjoy the pretty views.

Lake Eugenia Loop

Another ride for the advanced rider, start at Fisher Fields Park and proceed to the challenging route, full of climbs and descents. The Kimberley General Store is a well-known spot for bikers to stop and grab a butter tart and some fuel for your tank.

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Get Set for Golf in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood business

You may have already noticed a familiar happening here in Collingwood. Out for your morning stroll or on your drive to walk, you see them: golfers. Collingwood may be well-known for their skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports, but once that snow melts, the links are where it’s at. We’ve got a number of amazing courses, which is why we are rated one of Ontario’s best golf destinations. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the many choices and levels of golf we have to offer. Here are just a few examples.

Blue Mountain Golf & Country Club

One of the top mentions has to go to this fantastic course, with its natural beauty on the Niagara Escarpment. This 18-hole facility is semi-private, which means there is an application process to become a member, along with initiation fees, but you may also play as a member of the public. Green fees for the public go as low as $45 on Thrifty Thursdays, but are $80 regularly, unless you are a guest of a member. There are also season pass and junior options available. If you are interested in becoming a member, you can join now and get your 2017 membership dues free!

collingwood golf
golf / golfer

Monterra Golf

A favourite of visitors to the area because of its close proximity to the Village at Blue, this easygoing course features rolling bent grass fairways through ravines and creeks, 86 bunkers and some kick-butt elevated tee shots. The setting is of course top-notch and all carts feature GPS tracking. The spring seasons started last week and goes until the snow starts falling. Memberships let you play every day except Saturday all season long, but for 2017, they are already sold out for the season. That tells you how popular this course truly is. You may have to “settle” for a round at $69 with your cart included, or a sunset round for only $39!

Osler Brook Golf and Country Club

Another beautiful course taking advantage of what our area has to offer in terms of scenic views, rolling greens and natural water features, this championship course is the spot to play this season. With views of Georgian Bay, Osler Brook is known as an environmentally responsible course and they actually increased wetland acreage on the property during construction. It was designed by Graham Cooke, a world-renowned golf course architect and this site was chosen for its drama, with high ridges and deep forests on the property. Prior to your tee off, take advantage of unlimited driving range use. Non-member play is restricted to Monday to Thursday and memberships are available to adults, juniors and intermediates.

Are you going to be heading out onto the links in Collingwood this year?

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Collingwood Summer Theatre

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events

You don’t need to travel to Stratford or Toronto to see amazing theatre: we’ve got it right here in our great town! The Collingwood Summer Theatre Festival starts next month and it is something you truly don’t want to miss.

While The Historic Gayety Theatre holds shows all year, the Summer Theatre Festival features a number of plays that will literally knock your socks off.

Start the season off right at the theatre’s gala event, The Bowties and Bubbly Ball, held on May 5th at the Georgian Bay Hotel.

The season starts off with a marital comedy – “Sexy Laundry” – which portrays a weekend in the life of Alice and Henry, a couple married for 25 years after Alice wants to spice things up a bit and Harry just isn’t game. This show isn’t truly for kids, as there is some adult humour, language and situations. Get your tickets for this show that will play from May 16th until the 20th.

The second show of the summer season celebrates everything that this great nation has to offer. In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, “Oh Canada, We Sing For Thee” is basically a musical celebration that will feature music from Canada’s best musical icons like Shania Twain, Neil Young, Anne Murry and so many more. Check this one out from June 20th until the 24th.

collingwood theatre

“Barefoot in the Park” is the next play on the roster, a rendition of Neil Simon’s hit play and movie. Another marital comedy, this one features newlyweds contending with a life in their small and chilly Manhattan brownstone as they adjust to being married. This one plays from July 24th until the 27th.

Summer isn’t quite over when “Over the Rainbow: The Harold Arlen Story” plays from August 15th until the 19th. A musical tribute to the man who wrote the amazing music for the Wizard of Oz, this play will explore his life and music.

You definitely don’t want to miss the last play of the bunch – “Dean and Jerry: What Might Have Been” – a musical tribute featuring all the best hilarious bits and hits from Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Playing as the leaves start to fall, from September 12th until the 16th.

If you want to see all five plays this summer, your best bet is to buy a subscription, which costs $200 a person. If you think you may have to miss one, the 4-play subscription is also a fantastic deal at only $160. Single tickets are $45 each, which means you’ll save $20 on the best subscription. Student and youth tickets are only $20, so this is a great opportunity to enrich the lives of your children with some great theatrical performances. If you want to attend the matinees, you’ll save $7 off the cost of the single ticket and pay only $38. Groups of ten or more will also save with $35 matinee tickets and $40 evening tickets.

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10 Fun Activities for Snow Days in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

January is here and you can spend your time wallowing and complaining about snow, ice and cold and wondering why you live in the north, or you can take advantage of everything it has to offer. Snow squalls are definitely in the forecast in Collingwood this week (and definitely throughout the month), which could mean impacted travel plans, school and business closures and a lot of shovelling. Spend your snow days doing something fun in Collingwood!

1)      Go skating! We’ve got some great indoor and outdoor rinks in the area and there is nothing more Canadian than lacing up the skates and heading for a frozen pond.

2)      Make some snow cones or candy. A really fun tradition here in Canada is to make snow cones with real snow. It is incredibly easy and just requires Popsicle sticks, maple syrup and clean snow.

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3)      Go skiing. Anyone who lives in the area, already knows that skiing is important pastime in Collingwood. From beginners to more advanced skiers, our mountain offers the best in downhill and cross-country skiing.

4)      Have an indoor picnic. Dreaming of summer? Turn on the fireplace and host a picnic on your living room floor. You won’t miss the bugs or the heat and the snowflakes falling outside your windows will give you some great scenery to look at.

5)      Go winter caving. This adventurous pursuit is great for the entire family and gives you a break from the traditional activities of sledding and skiing. You’ll snowshoe to the caves, but then climb and crawl through them during this unique activity.

6)      Build snow castles. You don’t need to be at the beach to take part in this fun activity. In fact, snow may mold just a little better than sand and you can do it inside or out, if you choose (and can contain the mess!).

7)      Go swimming. Again, just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean it isn’t warm inside! There are a number of spots in the Collingwood area where you can swim with the family. Plunge! Aquatic Centre has pools, an indoor water playground and other fun. The Collingwood YMCA also has family swims and you don’t have to be a member.

8)      Do a photo shoot. Take advantage of the beautiful and snowy Collingwood backdrop and take some photos of your family doing what they do best in the snow. Be sure to adjust your aperture for the white background (or photos will look grey). Summer isn’t the only time of year to get out and take pictures!

9)      Borrow books from the library. You don’t even have to go outside for this one. While going to the Collingwood Public Library is always a treat, you can borrow ebooks right from your digital device at home.

10)   Have a movie day. With our lives being incredibly busy with work, errands and extracurricular activities, we probably don’t take much time for rest. Spend an entire day watching movies with your family while it snows outside. You won’t regret it!

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Be the Change Film Series

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events

If you are new to Collingwood, you may not have heard of the Be the Change Film series, now in its eighth year. This documentary film series presents films with thought-provoking topics about our world in an effort to inspire and educate the Collingwood community into action. Working with the Blue Mountain Watershed Trust Foundation and the Collingwood educational store Elephant Thoughts, along with many community partners, this film series is there to provide the audience with information about what our earth is facing.

All films are being played at the Simcoe Street Theatre and the cost is $8 in advance or at the door or $5 for students. If you want to see all six films, the cost is $40. The proceeds of the films support both Elephant Thoughts and the Blue Mountain Watershed Trust Foundation.

You can make your film screening a complete night out, with a very inexpensive, local dinner for only $15. The meal is prepared by Farm to Table – Market & Kitchen and the CC Food Co-op. There will also be snacks and beverages provided by the Creemore Coffee Studio and Earthlinks, an environmental student group from Collingwood Collegiate Institute.

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The Films

Koneline is an art film set in First Nations territory in Northern British Columbia and explores a beautiful and majestic area as it goes through change by modern development. This film is playing on January 18th. Musical guest Mike Reid will play between shows.

Misconception plays on February 15th and musical guest Craig Smith will play between the two shows. This film explores population growth and the misconceptions surrounding it.

Seed: The Untold Story lets us know how valuable seeds are to our survival and that the majority of seed varieties are now extinct. It will talk about our food legacy and how we can keep this treasured resource safe. It plays on March 15th and musician Jason Redman will play between shows.

After the Last River is the last film in the series, examining the Attawapiskat reserve and how the De Beers diamond mine destroyed their community.

Residents and visitors to the Collingwood area will not want to miss this film series. Not only entertaining, it will be enlightening and supports some great causes. Don’t wait to get your tickets, as past shows have sold out before the film’s viewing.

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Holiday Events in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

Collingwood is an amazing place to be over the holiday season. The snow-covered trees, the glistening blue water and the lit-up ski hill all make for brilliant scenery. There is also so much to do in December to celebrate the holiday season. Let’s take a look at some of the great holiday events in Collingwood this year.

A Christmas Carol Comedy at the Simcoe Street Theatre

This hilarious take on Charles Dickens’ story, you won’t want to miss this performance, happening November 25th and 26th at the Simcoe Street Theatre. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.

Visit with Santa Claus and his reindeer

From this Saturday and every Saturday until December 17th, you can visit with Santa Claus and his reindeer in downtown Collingwood. The kiddies will be delighted to give Santa their Christmas wish list and check out the reindeer in training, along with their trainers who are there to answer all of the kid’s fun questions about reindeer. Go down by the town hall from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm to meet with them.

Blue Mountain Christmas Gift Show

Happening November 26th and 27th, the gift show will have over 100 vendors, entertainment and even Santa Claus. Held at the Blue Mountain Resort, doors open at 4 pm.

lighted-santa-claus-decoration

Winter Decor Workshops at Not So Hollow Farm

Attend a three-hour workshop where you’ll learn how to and actually create winter decor like wreaths and urn inserts. Prices and dates vary and you’ll take home your new decor for your home.

Jingles & Joy at Blue Mountain Village

Experience the thousands of twinkling lights, the decorations and the entertainment, while you walk the pedestrian village at Blue Mountain. Stores will have extended shopping hours, plus there will horse and wagon rides, Santa at the bandstand and fireworks every weekend!

Pet Pics with Santa

On December 10th, head to the Village where your pup or kitty can get their photos with Santa from 1 to 4 pm. All donations will go to the Georgian Triangle Humane Society.

First Christmas Story at the First Presbyterian Church

Watch the beautiful story of “Peace on Earth” as presented by the Church with a number of free performances. Tickets are available at the church for one of a number of dates from December 7th until the 14th.

Take your pick of the best holiday events in Collingwood, or just enjoy one of the many restaurants and shops in the downtown core. The streets are decorated and beautiful too!

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Collingwood’s Waterfront Plan

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

With so much growth in Collingwood, it was only a matter of time before a master waterfront plan was put into place. Expected to cost about $50 million, it will be built over the next seventeen years in three phases.

Phase one

The first phase is going to cost about $20 million and will focus on the projects that will have the greatest impact in the community. Harbourview Park will be getting an 8,000 square foot pavilion and a non-motorized boating hub. There will be a café, skater’s lounge and boat storage. As well, the community will be thrilled with the new skating trail and splash pad that will be located there.

The second part of phase one will also see maintenance and servicing on Heritage Drive and the boardwalks that span the east and west side of Collingwood’s waterfront. Sunset Point will be getting a new EnviroPark.

Phase two

Phase two will take five years to complete, starting in 2023 and cost $22 million. Catering to the needs of boaters, this phase will include the building of a Marina Services building that will house and support local and transient boaters. A restaurant and more local shops will be added at what will be called Watt’s Wharf.

marina

Visitors and residents alike will be pleased that there will be more room for more Collingwood events with the improvements to Millennium Park that will happen during phase two. Easier access to swimming in Millennium Park will also be available with a proposed swimming dock in the plan.

Beer drinkers will be happy to know a brewpub will be opened next to the grain terminals, as well as LED lights to light up the harbourfront. The town also plans to add about 340 parking spaces during this phase.

Phase three

Phase three, the final phase, should include improvements to Sidelaunch Way, an expanded amphitheatre and more docks for boaters. This phase won’t begin for another 13 years, with completion by 2034.

The next 18 years holds a lot of promise for Collingwood’s waterfront, with some great advances and improvements that will not only make this city one of the best waterfront cities in the province to live in, but also to visit.

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