Mayor Matrosovs' Statement on Strong Mayor Powers The Town of The Blue Mountains acknowledges the Province of Ontario's expansion of Strong Mayor Powers that came into effect on May 1, 2025. Town staff have been working with the Mayor to understand the scope of the powers and to learn about the impacts of the changes. “Municipalities, including Council and the Head of Council, are established by the Province under the Municipal Act, and we are required to operate within the framework it sets,” explained Mayor Andrea Matrosovs. “My continued commitment is to the community and to work within the new rules to continue to operate in a collaborative and democratic manner.” A dedicated webpage has been added to the Town website to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the use of Strong Mayor Powers. All Mayoral Decisions and Directives will be posted on the webpage. In addition, an information report regarding Strong Mayor Powers will be presented to Council from Acting CAO Adam Smith on Monday, May 12, 2025. Learn More | May is Building Safety Month! This May, the Town proudly recognizes Building Safety Month and the dedication of the professionals who ensure the safety of homes, buildings, and infrastructure. This year marks a significant milestone as the Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA) celebrates 50 years of the Ontario Building Code! Since 1975, the Ontario Building Code has played a key role in promoting public safety through establishing uniform building standards. Over the years, it has evolved to address emerging needs, incorporate new technologies and implement new safety standards. Similarly, the role of building professionals has expanded over the years to include plan reviews, zoning compliance, fire and safety enforcement and more. The Town extends its sincere appreciation to all building professionals for their integral role in ensuring the safety, strength, and growth of the community. Learn More | Get a Head Start on Spring Projects with Cloudpermit As the weather warms up and the ground begins to thaw, many residents are preparing for exciting construction projects. Whether it’s a new deck, a home addition, or building something entirely new, the first step is getting the necessary planning approvals or building permits. The Town would like to remind residents that Cloudpermit is now available to simplify the planning and building application process. This cloud-based system allows you to easily submit applications, track their progress, and communicate directly with the Town – all from the comfort of your home. Get Started with Cloudpermit | Volunteers Recognized at Awards Ceremony The Town of The Blue Mountains held its 4th annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony at the Beaver Valley Community Centre on Wednesday, April 30 as part of National Volunteer Week. The Town would like to congratulate this year's award recipients: - Sustainability Award: Jacob Proctor & Betty Muise
- Sports and Recreation Award: Sarah Clarke
- Blue Mountains Community Builder Award (Youth under 26): Parker Gordon
- Blue Mountains Community Builder Award (Adults 26+): Pamela Spence & Tom Kennedy
- Outstanding Community Group Award: 599 Garden Club & Thornbury Sparks/Ember Unit
A Volunteer Fair was also held as part of the event as an opportunity for local organizations to connect with individuals looking to volunteer in the community. Learn More | Outdoor Recreation Facilities Open For The Season The Municipal Golf Course, Pickleball Courts and Tennis Courts are now open for the season! As of May 5, 2025, outdoor facilities are now open across The Blue Mountains. Tee times can be booked up to five days in advance by calling (519) 599-3131 ext. 350, emailing the golf course, or visiting the starter shack. The Pickleball Courts are available for use free of charge with no booking required until Sunday, May 11. Seasonal outdoor bookings will begin on Monday, May 12. To book time on the courts, rental requests must be received five days prior to the rental date. Bookings can be made by contacting Community Services. The Town maintains three tennis courts across the municipality at Bayview Park, Boyer Park and Nipissing Ridge Park. A free play schedule for the courts is available online. Learn More | New Platform Launched for By-law Complaints The Town is pleased to announce a new online system for submitting by-law complaints and concerns. The launch of Cloudpermit for by-law allows the public to submit by-law complaints through the new map-based system using a mobile device, tablet or computer. The interactive map allows users to efficiently and accurately identify the location of their concern and provide additional information for the responding officer. The Town encourages all members of the community to use the Cloudpermit platform for by-law concerns related to issues such as property standards, parking, noise, animal control and other municipal by-laws. To access Cloudpermit for by-law enforcement services and submit an issue, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/BylawComplaints. Complaints can also be submitted by phone at (519) 599-3131 ext. 249 or via email to By-law Services. Learn More | Be on the Lookout for Invasive Species this Spring When you’re driving in the Town this spring, be on the lookout for Wild Chervil. Commonly found along field edges, roadsides, stream edges and pastures, Wild Chervil is an invasive species that outcompetes native plants and has a negative impact on agricultural lands. If you suspect or identify Wild Chervil growing on your property, there are actions you can take to eliminate its spread. - Mowing Wild Chervil weekly and removing its roots can prevent the plant from going to seed.
- If the Wild Chervil has already flowered, cut and bag the plants and leave them in direct sunlight for several days. Then, dispose of the plant by burning or burying it deep underground.
- Once the plant is removed, be careful not to move the infected soil and remember to thoroughly clean equipment, vehicles and footwear before leaving the infested site.
The Town of The Blue Mountains Operations Department will remove Wild Chervil that has grown on the Town’s Road Allowance. If you suspect or identify Wild Chervil on municipal roads, please contact the Town at:
operationsinfo@thebluemountains.ca
(519) 599-3131 ext. 276. If you suspect Wild Chervil on Grey County roads, please contact the Grey County Weed Inspector at (548) 877-0884. Additional invasive species, including Giant Hogweed, can be identified and removed by contractors. Learn More | Emergency Preparedness Week The Town of The Blue Mountains Fire Department wants to remind residents and visitors to be prepared and know their risks for Emergency Preparedness Week 2025. By taking a few simple steps, members of the public can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies – anytime, anywhere. - Know the Risks - Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to our community and our region can help you better prepare
- Make a Plan - Every second counts in the event of an emergency. Knowing - and rehearsing - what to do in an emergency will help you stay safe.
- Get an Emergency Kit - During an emergency, everyone will need some basic supplies. You may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in an emergency.
Visit www.getprepared.ca for more resources to help prepare for all types of emergencies. Learn More | Public Information Centre Being Held for 130 King Street West Property on May 8 The Town of The Blue Mountains is pleased to invite you to attend the in-person Public Information Centre for the Recreational Development of 130 King Street West. The event will begin with a presentation by the Town's Director of Community Services to review the details about the property, and to review what has led up to this event. The presentation will be followed by an interactive Open House where attendees will be able to share their thoughts regarding the recreational development of the property, and get answers to any outstanding questions. What: In-Person Public Information Centre
When: Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Town Hall, 32 Mill Street, Thornbury, ON Learn More | | | | |
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