Strategic Plan

Priority 

Review planning and development policies (including partnerships) with a view to encourage increased development of housing and, specifically, affordable housing

Actions to date:

• Our Consultant continues to work on revising and updating the draft Official Plan: researching demographic data and community context/history for Introduction section; reviewing general policies; re-organizing Introduction and Vision sections; revisions to Introduction, Definitions and Growth Management sections; revisions and updates to policies for Land Use Designations (Waterfront, Residential, Commercial); revisions to interpretation policies; revisions to policies for Settlement Areas, Housing, Additional Residential Units, Congregate Housing and Waterfront policies. Staff anticipate the first draft will come forward in 2026.
• Discussions with developers/builders concerning planning policies and Development Charges.
• Staff are preparing a housekeeping By-law to amend the Zoning By-law. The proposed changes would simplify wording and clarify the intent of ambiguous provisions and purposes. The by-law will be brought forward in 2026.
• Education of Council as to planning framework legislation.
• Increased education respecting affordable units (accessory unit/basement apartments & secondary suites).
• By-law has been passed, and a handout has been created for accessory dwelling units.
• Working on 2 plans of subdivision agreements for development in Waverley and Port McNicoll.
• Working with Consultant on application fee review.

Priority

Approve and implement a road maintenance strategy which ensures a timely, sustainable, and economically responsible approach to maintaining and replacing local roadways throughout the municipality.

Actions taken to date:

• Third party reviewed Retroreflectivity and sign inventory throughout the Township. This has been completed and signs are on a two year cycle to be replaced where needed.
• Signs at the Boat Launch re: no trailer parking have been replaced and it has been reviewed by both OPS and bylaw staff.  
• Continuing to utilize and collect traffic count and speed data throughout the Township on a two week rotation. Related data is provided to the OPP.
• Purchased an additional portable interactive speed sign.
• Rosemount Bridge 5 replacement. Tender came in at $1.6 million. Staff were able to work with Northern Bridge and Mat and install the bridge for $723,000.
• Both bridges on Rosemount have been replaced.
• The 2024 roads program involved asphalt paving and surface treatments at 14 locations with approximately 9.92 kms of road being resurfaced.
• Staff continue to pave priority roads based on our evaluation criteria.
• Replaced Streetlights throughout the Township with LED bulbs. This project enhances public safety, sustainability and cost efficiency.
• Replacement is continuing into 2026. All lights should be done this year, with only maintenance required going forward.

Priority

Proceed with a formal assessment of the appropriate staff complement required for service delivery in Tay Township and align existing resources with prescribed staffing levels.

Actions taken to date:

• Continued to review and adjust the organizational design and structure to align staffing levels with current and evolving service delivery needs. This ongoing evaluation supports operational efficiency, responsiveness to community needs, and appropriate allocation of resources across departments.
• Implemented a temporary administrative and customer service support resource to assist Municipal Law Enforcement Services and Operational Services, with the intent of strengthening administrative capacity, supporting coordination, and enabling staff to focus on core operational and service delivery functions, while allowing time to establish systems and tracking processes to support improved efficiency for Municipal Law Enforcement Services.
• Introduced a temporary Equipment Maintenance Technician position to support the in-house Mechanic function and Fire and Emergency Services logistics needs. This position supports preventative maintenance and asset reliability while maintaining service continuity. Assessment of the role is ongoing.
• Placed an experienced, internal staff member (Operational Services Assistant) in the Operational Services Executive Assistant role in an acting capacity during a leave period. This approach, in this case, supports service continuity, leverages existing organizational knowledge, and reduces transition and onboarding time.
• Transitioned the Human Resources Assistant position to a Human Resources Coordinator role with the intent of enhancing capacity within the HR and Health and Safety functions, strengthening the Township’s ability to manage compliance requirements, and supporting ongoing efforts to be considered an employer of choice. This change provides an additional professional resource for staff and leadership, supporting internal consistency and organizational resilience through increased responsibility and autonomy within the role. The role will also assume responsibility for payroll administration, previously overseen by the Deputy Treasurer, with the intent of supporting alignment of responsibilities and internal processes.
• Implemented a temporary Building Inspector/Plans Examiner resource during peak seasonal demand to support Building Services operations and maintain service levels while an internally promoted staff member completes required training for the role. This approach supports continued service delivery, as well as internal progression and staff development.

Priority

Establish guidelines for frequent communication about what is happening in Tay to increase transparency about decision-making that affects the community. Utilize the range/variety of channels available to a diversity of residents (electronic signs, direct mail, social media, and Township website).

Actions taken to date:

• Continued to expand proactive communication efforts by increasing social media updates, maintaining digital electronic sign messaging and producing the annual digital Year in Review to keep residents informed about Township services, projects and initiatives.
• Launched and promoted a new resident information webpage to provide residents with easy access to essential municipal services, programs and community resources through a centralized and user-friendly webpage.
• Expanded opportunities for community engagement through initiatives such as the Township Open House held during Simcoe County’s Week of Welcome, providing residents with opportunities to meet Township staff and Council members, learn about municipal services and projects, and explore ways to stay informed and involved in the community.

Priority

Resolve Victoria Harbour Boat Launch issues

Actions taken to date:

• Education and public awareness continued, and staff have seen an improvement in the voluntary compliance of the public.
• The parking pamphlet continues to be provided as a handout and attached to warning tickets during the first 2 weeks of May.
• The boat launch and parking ran efficiently in 2025 from both a staffing and complaint standpoint. 
• Staff attended the "Meet the Fleet" event to offer boat launch permits outside of regular business hours. This also provided an opportunity for staff to educate residents/visitors on the boat launch parking without having to issue tickets. 
• Staff continue to receive feedback from the public requesting additional parking spaces during peak times, but people seem to be understanding that there is parking outside of the permitted area also. 

Priority

Review current recreational offerings to determine opportunities to introduce new programing for young residents (children/teens) and older (seniors) to ensure their recreational needs are met.

Actions taken to date:

• The Township recently adopted a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan through the help of thinc design (consultant).  This master plan document will help guide the Parks and Recreation division over the next 20 years.  Staff will now begin the process of reviewing all 81 recommendations from the report and implementing some of those recommendations as time and resources allow.  
• Township Staff continue to work with local Recreation Committees to expand Youth programming offerings.  Some new Youth Activities created through these Committees in 2025 included: Kids Planting Workshops, Halloween and Christmas themed craft nights, Bowling Nights and various other activities associated with special events.
• The Township Offered Youth Home Alone and Babysitting Courses through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).  
• We continue to partner with the Georgian Bay VON SMART Program to offer Adult 55+ FREE fitness classes at the Oakwood and Port McNicoll Community Centres.
• We continue to partner with Early Years Ontario to offer parent and tot drop in FREE programming on Tuesday mornings at the Harbour Shore Community Room.
• The Township offers free sign out of portable Pickleball Nets at the Township Office to allow residents to utilize our various multi-sport surfaces for pickleball use.
• The Township replaced and rehabilitated signage along the Tay Shore Trail to improve the user experience and encourage the community to get out and be active. 

Priority

Empower the Seniors Committee of Council to develop a plan to support ageing in place strategies (including housing, transportation and recreational services).

Actions taken to date:

The Seniors Advisory Committee has undertaken a number of initiatives over the past year to support aging in place by promoting access to information, social connection, and community services:

Events and Recreation:

Seniors Talk Series: Continued delivery of the Seniors Talk series, a committee-led initiative providing free, interactive learning opportunities for Tay seniors and caregivers. Sessions were offered on a bi-monthly basis and provided attendees with take-home materials and contact information for further support. Each session focused on one to two relevant topics and was delivered by subject matter experts. Topics over the past year included:

• Wills, Estate and Funeral Planning (June 2025);
• Retirement Living and Senior Support Services (October 2025);
• 211 Services and Money Saving Tips (February 2026); and
• Online Safety (April 2026)

Seniors: A Festive Social: Hosted a social event (December 2025) featuring activities such as cookie decorating, dancing, and a free lunch. This event encouraged socialization and community connection.

Seniors: Have Your Say: Hosted a drop-in event (June 2026) that provided seniors with the opportunity to engage directly with Committee members. The event included a free breakfast and opportunities for feedback and discussion to inform future planning.

Nordic Poles:

Nordic walking poles were obtained by the Committee through a Provincial grant and were made available for day-use rentals year-round at all three Tay Township Public Library branches and the Township Office. This initiative supported physical activity and healthy aging.

Information Sharing and Awareness:

Maintained and regularly updated the Seniors webpage (www.tay.ca/seniors), based on feedback from the Committee. This page serves as a central hub for information on community programs, supports, and services relevant to seniors.

Accessibility:

Ensured all promotional materials for Committee events were available in both digital and printed formats. All events were hosted in accessible facilities (including parking, entryways, and washrooms). The Committee also reviewed key procedures and policies related to Municipal and School Board Elections to help ensure that residents of all ages and abilities can vote with confidence, independence, and secrecy. These initiatives supported accessibility and reduced barriers to participation.

Transportation:

Provided free transportation to and from Committee-organized events. This service was made available to Tay seniors to improve access and encourage participation.

Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility - Ontario Age Friendly Community Recognition Award:

In December 2025, Tay Township received official recognition as an Age-Friendly Community from the Province of Ontario. This designation reflects the collective efforts of Council, Committees, and Staff in advancing accessibility and inclusion for residents of all ages and abilities. Age-friendly communities foster inclusive physical and social environments that enable older adults to live safely, maintain good health, and remain active and engaged. This recognition highlights Tay Township’s commitment to building a supportive community where seniors can successfully age in place.