To be continued: Expect more on these Georgina projects, issues in 2022

#2021Newsmakers: What captured headlines in Georgina in 2021: MURC, Johnston cemetery, vaccine clinics, public water taps

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 11, 2022
Amanda Persico

While the pandemic captured countless headlines, a number of projects were started, and issues raised during 2021 in Georgina.

That means there’s plenty of work to be done in 2022.

Here’s a look back at issues, projects raised in 2021 that will have a greater impact in 2022.

JOHNSTON CEMETERY:

After learning the landowners of the Johnston cemetery in Pefferlaw applied to have the historical graves dug up and moved, the Pefferlaw community banded together to ensure the hamlet’s history remains front and centre.

The town is currently negotiating with the landowner about ownership of the heritage cemetery.

UPPER YORK SEWAGE SOLUTION:

There was supposed to be a final decision on the UYSS in 2021.

Instead, the province hit pause on the Lake Simcoe option and is looking at a Lake Ontario option. The province also created an expert panel that will include consultation with Indigenous communities -- the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation.

So far, the region has spent more than $100 million on assessments and studies for a Lake Simcoe solution.

MULTI-USE RECREATION COMPLEX:

Construction crews broke ground on the new $50 million recreation facility in Keswick and the MURC is expected to be completed by 2023.

The new community centre will be home to programming for the whole family including: a six-lane, 25-metre pool, leisure and therapy pool, double gymnasium, walking track, and a discovery library.

GEORGINA ICE PALACE:

The Georgina Ice Palace is one of York Region Public Health’s community vaccination clinics that’s still open. The town’s recreation staff were redeployed to supporting the vaccine clinic, which resulted in the cancellation of many recreation and summer camp programs.

Between March and November 2021, more than 64,000 vaccines were administered at the Georgina Ice Palace. As of Jan. 8, the mass vaccination clinic at the Georgina Ice Palace will revert to operating seven days a week, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Georgina has one of the lowest vaccination rates in York Region with about 80 per cent of those 12-years and older with two vaccine doses as of Jan. 5.

PUBLIC WATER TAPS:

In the fall, the town shut off its public water taps, primarily affecting rural residents. The town cited concerns over commercial use and water contamination. Residents must now obtain a key to access the remaining public tap on Black River Road.

More public tap upgrades are coming in 2022.

BRADFORD BYPASS:

The province announced it will fully fund the controversial 16.2-kilometre highway connecting highways 400 and 404. Environmental groups such as the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition, Environmental Defence and Forbid Roads Over Green Spaces hosted numerous protests throughout the year, calling the highway an environmental disaster.

Municipalities that support the highway, say the Bradford Bypass is a much-needed artery to move goods and services.

Georgina council wants to see all environmental studies made public. Future public consolations are slated for the fall 2022.

FEDERAL ELECTION:

There was much ado about nothing during the federal election, as the Liberal government won a minority government in September, almost mirroring results from the 2019 federal election.

The pandemic did play a part though, as the limited number of polls, coupled with the lack of emphasis on mail-in ballots, resulted in overcrowding and long lines at the polls on election night.

Scot Davidson became the three-peat conservative MP for York-Simcoe and was recently sworn into Parliament. Support for farmers, truth and reconciliation and health of Lake Simcoe are his top priorities moving forward.

2021 CAPITAL PROJECTS:

The pandemic had a major impact on capital projects planned for 2021. Of the 112 projects laid out by the town at the start of 2021, 56 of those projects remain on track and 27 were completed.

Another six projects experienced a minor delay, while 16 were delayed by more than three months, five were pushed to 2022 and two were cancelled outright.