County of Simcoe to Move Forward

Site 41 Voted Down - Council to Refocus Priorities

Midhurst / September 22, 2009 – Simcoe County Council today passed a motion directing that the construction and all future development of the North Simcoe Landfill Site be discontinued.

“The debate over the future of Site 41 has overshadowed many other important issues in our County. Today, County Council has spoken and we will move forward to gather the information we need to redevelop a forward looking waste management strategy for the region,” stated Warden Tony Guergis.

The County remains a leader in reducing and diverting waste destined for landfills. It is currently diverting approximately 60 per cent of its residential waste, a number that has more than tripled since 2003. These efforts alone place Simcoe County amongst municipal leaders in waste management in North America. The County continues to raise the bar by regularly exploring and implementing new waste management initiatives.

“With the Site 41 notice of motion vote now over, it is time to refocus our attention. The County is committed to good governance and sound environmental, economic and social stewardship. Managing the collective growth of our region is a significant priority for the County. I want to remind residents of the many superior programs and services we provide each and every day,” added Warden Guergis.

The County’s Recent Accomplishments:

Residents of Simcoe County have made huge strides in improving the programs and services available to our 16 member municipalities and the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. County Council and the 1,600 hard working municipal staff remain committed to supporting the County’s residents. Below are just some of the County’s recent key accomplishments:

· Committed $30 million to the Simcoe County Hospital Alliance with $20 million geared to the Royal Victoria Hospital’s new cancer care centre and hospital expansion

· Worked with Health Unit partners, school boards, Local Health Integration Networks and other regional partners.

· Provided over 160 defibrillators in County public areas through the Public Access Defibrillation Program. Almost 1,800 people have been trained in defibrillation and CPR

· Developed a new Official Growth Plan with a vision rooted in sustainable growth, responsible stewardship and creating a diverse economic base

· Administered $1.4 million to the Homeownership Program allowing the County of Simcoe to help 175 households move from renting to owning

· Supported people who were at risk of being evicted from their rented homes through the Rent Bank program

· Offered low income families suitable housing with rent geared to 30% of their gross income

· Provided over $30 million in infrastructure improvements including over $6 million in funding through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund:
- $ 500,000 for the Rehabilitation of Avening Bridge
- $1.6 million for Improvements to Highway 400 detour routes
- $1.37 million for municipal buildings archives expansion
- $1.15 million for local road infrastructure improvements to Highway 400 detour routes
- $1.66 million for County Road 44 improvements - Rama Rd.

The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca