September 2023 E-Newsletter

September 2023

A Closer Look at the Commercial Development Process

The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to provide information to the public about the process of building or renovating commercial properties and buildings, such as retail stores, restaurants and commercial plazas.

Whether the project includes minor renovations to an existing retail store, refurbishment of an existing venue or construction of a new commercial building, the Town is excited to work with property owners and commercial developers, and staff are here to help every step of the way.

However, it is important to understand that there are rules and processes to follow to ensure that safe building and construction practices are followed in accordance with the Ontario Building Code and other applicable legislative requirements, such as the Planning Act and the Conservation Act. Before starting any work, including demolition, plumbing or minor renovations, it is highly recommended that you contact the Planning Department to have a preliminary discussion and get a general understanding of the process, steps involved, timelines and application requirements.

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Community Improvement Plan Accepting Applications

The Town of The Blue Mountains is pleased to announce that the fall intake period for applications to the Town's Community Improvement Plans opened on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

The Town has two Community Improvement Plans, which are detailed below:

The Town Wide Revitalization Community Improvement Plan encourages private property improvement and revitalization. Applications open on September 5, 2023 and will be accepted until October 6, 2023.
The Housing Within Reach Community Improvement Plan facilitates the development of attainable housing. Applications open on September 5, 2023 and will be accepted until December 15, 2023.

The Community Improvement Plans aim to serve as a long-term strategy to revitalize the community, improve residents' quality of life, better utilize under-developed properties, and promote private investment in land and buildings through grants or loans to private property owners and tenants.

To learn more, please visit the project page.

60 Trees Planted Through Thornbury West Phase 1A Reconstruction Project

The Town of The Blue Mountains is pleased to announce that 60 new trees will be planted along Victoria Street South, Louisa Street West and in the new Beaver Street Parkette as part of the Thornbury West Phase 1A Reconstruction Project. The plantings include 15 different species specifically chosen for their hardiness and tolerance to roadside and urban conditions.

Phase 1A of the reconstruction project is expected to be completed in early September. Phase 1B of the project, including Elma Street from Louisa Street to Alfred Street, Louisa Street from Bruce Street to Elma Street, Lorne Street, Park Lane and Alice Street from Bruce Street to the end of the Phase 1A construction area, will be constructed beginning in 2024.

For more information regarding the Thornbury West Phase 1 Reconstruction or to subscribe to the project email list, please visit the project page.

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The Blue Mountains Farm Tour Coming September 30

The Town of The Blue Mountains is excited to announce the launch of a new agricultural event this fall called “Open Fields: The Blue Mountains Farm Tour.”

The free, self-guided farm tour will give participants a chance to visit a variety of farms throughout the community, meet local producers, and learn firsthand about the processes and work that goes into bringing food from farm to table. This free, family-friendly event is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., rain or shine.

Each farm tour location will provide educational tours, workshops and demonstrations, with some stops offering additional vendors, live entertainment and fun family activities. The farm locations will be announced in early September.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

Beaver Valley Fall Fair

Date: Sept. 8 & 9, 2023
Location: Beaver Valley Arena Community Centre

The Beaver Valley Fall Fair is held annually on the weekend after Labour Day and showcases the very best of rural living in The Blue Mountains!

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Guitar Trail Music Festival

Date: Sept. 9, 2023
Time: 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: Blue Mountain Village

Follow the Guitar Trail around the Blue Mountain Village and up the Village Way hiking trail to discover dozens of amazing entertainers.

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Apples Harvest Weekend

Date: Oct. 7 - 9, 2023
Time: All Day
Location: Blue Mountain Village

Apple Harvest Weekend features live music, fall colours hiking, cider tasting, AGORA: Path of Light and more!

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FEATURED PROJECTS

Upcoming Public Meeting

The Town will be holding a Public Meeting on September 19, 2023 to provide information to the public and to allow the public the opportunity to review and comment on the following items:

B.1 Notice of Public Meeting Re Waste Management, Anti-Littering and Administrative Monetary By-Laws

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Thornbury Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion

Site excavation work has been progressing well. The Town's contractor has completed the initial concrete pours for the bases of the new aeration tank, clarifier, Return Activated Sludge/Waste Activated Sludge building and Mixed Liquor Chamber. Installation of underground piping and concrete formwork will be completed next.

To learn more about the Water Tower Rehabilitation project, visit the project page.

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Thornbury West Phase 1 Reconstruction Update

Arnott Construction is currently completing the finishing touches to Phase 1A of the project. Topsoil is being placed, and sod and tree planting is expected to be completed in the next week. In total, 60 new trees will be planted throughout the Phase 1A project area. Furniture will also be installed in the Beaver Street Parkette once it arrives on site.

For more information on the project, and to subscribe to the project email list, please visit the project page.

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