Tay declines joining non-resident user fee study for north Simcoe

For those who look to north Simcoe for a free recreation getaway, Tay Township might be the best option within the area.

Non-resident user fees have been a source of concern for area residents when it was announced that Midland was running an annual $1.8-million deficit to keep its North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre operating, and wanted neighbouring municipalities who use the facility to pitch in with the cost and upkeep.

At a meeting earlier this month, the mayors and CAOs of Midland, Penetanguishene, and townships of Springwater and Tay met to discuss non-resident user fee impacts on their communities; Tiny Township had been invited but did not attend.

Tay had expressed solid opposition to the request for contribution, even going so far as to not show along with Tiny during a stakeholder meeting in early spring.

At the recent meeting of regular council, Coun. Gerard LaChapelle raised the request letter formed at the July meeting that would have the north Simcoe municipalities, excluding Tiny, participate in a recreational amenities and services study through Penetanguishene staff.

“I was at a meeting with the other two mayors,” replied Mayor Ted Walker, “Tiny Township didn’t attend the meeting – and the letter was something that came up and the three of us agreed to at least co-sign it to get it before the councils.”

Walker thanked LaChapelle and asked members of council for their opinion. LaChapelle said the issue wasn’t Tay’s issue.

“This is something that the two municipalities incorporated into their planning, and it’s not our take,” said LaChapelle. “I had hoped that we as a group would deny any participation moving forward with the request.”

Deputy Mayor Barry Norris read aloud his written response against joining the study, which touched upon his comments in May when he’d called the facility an albatross around the neck of Midland.

“When one looks at who in fact uses the facilities, it goes way beyond the boundaries of the local municipalities, whether it's visiting sports teams, tournaments, shows or events,” said Norris.

Norris stated it was like “opening Pandora's Box” as he referred to historic user fee explorations in the 1980s and 1990s, noting how provincial justifications to redraw municipal boundaries and explore financial alleviation had resulted in amalgamation in 1994.

“It was even expressed back then by the province, in some cases the boundaries didn't go far enough; and that pending how the newly created municipalities performed at a point down the road it would be reviewed again,” Norris continued. “In my opinion until such time that the province feels a further adjustment is required, we wait until those new lines are drawn in the sand.”

Praise was given to Tay’s course of action by Norris, including an upcoming recreation master plan which could include county-driven initiatives. “However at this point, I don't see the benefit of our municipality to engage in the study that is being proposed.”

Walker replied that Norris’ statement was “well thought out”, and the consensus by council was to not participate in the study with a letter of response to be sent back to the other municipalities as such.

Following the meeting, MidlandToday spoke with Walker regarding the discussion to not participate.

“We have our own rink,” said Walker. “We have parks and trails that are open to everyone – we welcome everyone – and we would not consider charging a fee to non-residents; because they bring a lot of economic benefits as well.”

The north Simcoe letter for user fees and charges for all recreation amenities and services can be found in the agenda page on the Tay Township website.

Tay council meets for committee of the whole meetings every second Wednesday of the month, and regular council meetings every fourth Wednesday of the month. Archives and livestreams of council meetings are available through the Tay Township YouTube channel.