Scugog July eNewsletter

2024 Meeting Schedule, Proclamations and Appointments

For all Council & Committee schedules, minutes and agendas, please visit scugog.ca/council. Comments / questions regarding agenda items can be directed to the department (contact us on scugog.ca), or to our general email: mail@scugog.ca or call 905-985-7346.

News

Blue-Green Algae Found in Water Samples Tested from Lake Scugog

Durham Region Health Department has been advised by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks that a water sample collected on July 15 from Lake Scugog, near Platten Island, indicates the presence of blue-green algae in the area.

In the summer months, as weather conditions vary, there may be more occurrences of blue-green algae throughout Lake Scugog and other bodies of surface water in Durham Region. While there is currently no evidence of blue-green algae at Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park, Port Perry), due to history of blue-green algae at Kinsmen Beach and the fact that blue-green algae has been observed in another part of the lake, the Health Department will be posting advisory signs at Kinsmen Beach as a precaution. If people observe algae mats that may be blue-green, olive-green, or red in colour, they are advised not to enter the water in the surrounding area as some can produce toxins which may be harmful to humans and pets. Residents are also reminded not to use the lake as a source of drinking water.

Blue-green algae are microscopic, plant-like organisms that occur naturally in ponds, rivers, lakes and streams. Although often blue-green in colour, the algae may also be olive-green or red. People can protect themselves and their pets from blue-green algae blooms by not swimming or playing in areas where water is discoloured or where foam, scum, or mats of algae on the water’s surface are present. Children and pets should not play in, or drink water from areas where a beach advisory is posted. Consuming fish from areas where mats of algae are present or where a swimming advisory is posted is also not advised.

The Health Department monitors 14 public beaches throughout Durham Region beginning in early June until the end of August. Information notices about blue-green algae are posted at all public beaches during the beach monitoring season. If blue green-algae are confirmed at these beaches, advisory signs indicating the presence of blue-green algae will also be posted. The Health Department’s beach monitoring program does not cover all areas where lake water is accessible in the region, or privately owned waterfront properties. However, blue-green algae may also be present in these waters and visitors are advised to be cautious of the possibility of blue-green algae in these areas.

For more information about blue-green algae, visit durham.ca/beaches or contact Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.

Scugog Council Appoints Ralph Walton as Acting CAO

Following a closed session meeting held on Thursday, July 11, Scugog Council announced the appointment of Ralph Walton to the position of Acting Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Mr. Walton will continue to serve as the municipal clerk to support Council as they undertake the hiring process for a permanent CAO.

Mr. Walton brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this position. He has more than 40 years of experience in the municipal and provincial sectors.

The Township of Scugog Council is very confident that Mr. Walton is the right person to guide the municipality during this transition period. Please join us in welcoming Ralph Walton to this interim role.

Avenu Properties Corp. Proposed Development Project Currently Under Review

On June 24, 2024, Township Council considered a Minister’s Zoning Order, under section 47 of the Planning Act for a new community in Port Perry. The request was referred to staff for review and comment. You can view the livestream through our Council Calendar.

A report will be presented to the Scugog Planning and Community Affairs Committee on September 16, 2024, to consider passing a resolution and request the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to enact the MZO to implement the proposed development.

In December 2023, Avenu Properties initially made a request to Council to consider a Community Infrastructure Housing Accelerator (CIHA) application. The Province of Ontario has, however, eliminated the CIHA program and Avenu Properties has subsequently requested the Township to support an MZO.

Fore Scugog Youth Initiative Grants: Now Accepting Applications!

The Fore Scugog Youth Initiatives Grant Program is now accepting submissions to receive funds from last year's Annual Fore Scugog Charity Golf Tournament.

The following criteria have been established for distribution of the funds:

• Must be a recognized Youth organization in the Township of Scugog

The objective of the Committee is to direct funds towards Scugog youth in one of the following areas:

• enhance/improve youth infrastructure in Scugog
• assistance to participate in a recognized youth organization and/or event
• assist with continued education

Submissions are to be emailed to cao@scugog.ca or mailed to:

The Township of Scugog, Golf Proceeds Committee

181 Perry St., PO Box 780

Port Perry, ON

L9L 1A7

Submissions will be received until Friday, August 16, 2024, at 4:30pm.

Please include in your submission:

• Contact information (name, email, address and phone number) for the group;
• Include details of whether the group has or will be applying for funds from additional sources for the initiative outlined in their submission;
• Outline the amount requested and how the funds will be used.

Recipients selected will be awarded funds at a Council meeting in September 2024.

If you are not sure if a youth initiative or youth group is eligible, we encourage you to submit a request or contact us for further information. Please call 905-985-7346 ext. 126 or email cao@scugog.ca

Park and Play Program Extended to 5 Days a Week

We are happy to announce that our Park and Play recreation program has been extended to 5 days a week!

This program will see participants join our wonderful camp leaders for FREE games, sports, crafts, and more in various parks across Scugog! As an extension of Camp Scugog, Park and Play strives to bring the ever-fun camp experience to local parks for children aged 4 to 12 years.

This program runs Monday through Friday from July 2 to August 23, 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm, with no registration required. Spots are limited to 20 participants on a first come, first served basis.

Each day will see a different location, with the following schedule set for the summer:

• Mondays: Ianson Park, 1222 Cragg Road, Greenbank
• Tuesdays: Palmer Park, 175 Water Street, Port Perry
• Wednesdays: Seagrave Park, 69 Coryell Street, Seagrave
• Thursdays: Apple Valley Park, between 9 and 11 Orchard Road, Port Perry
• Fridays: Pioneer Park, 3440 Church Street, Blackstock

There is also a theme for each week of activities, ranging from Sports of all Sorts to Spectacular Science. All scheduled themes as well as general information can be found on our Park and Play page.

Participants are required to wear closed-toed shoes and we suggest wearing a hat and sunscreen as well as bringing a water bottle.

For further information about recreation programs, email recreation@scugog.ca

Fore Scugog Charity Golf Tournament Registration Now Open!

We invite you to join the Township of Scugog's 23rd Annual Fore Scugog Charity Golf Tournament on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Proceeds from this year’s tournament will continue to assist youth initiatives in Scugog. These funds have provided a variety of opportunities to area youth, allowing them to attend camps and have access to enhanced programming at many youth organizations, along with an annual bursary program at the Port Perry High School. 

Mayor Wilma Wotten shared “We are looking forward to hosting the Fore Scugog Charity Golf Tournament again this season! I extend this invitation for you to join us for a day of golf and giving back to our community, supporting youth initiatives in Scugog. Your participation makes a difference; let’s tee off for a great cause!”

This year’s event will be hosted at Sunnybrae Golf Club and includes:

• 18 Holes of Golf
• Power cart
• On Course Contests
• Barbeque Lunch before golf
• Plated Dinner after golf
• Silent Auction

Further information can be found at scugog.ca/golf

Public Notices

Waterfront Action Plan: Water Street Rehabilitation Set to Start August 2024

The Township plans to start the rehabilitation of Water Street (from Scugog Street to Queen Street) on August 12, 2024. The scope of work for the Water Street project will include:

• Removing the existing asphalt
• Repairing the granular base
• Repairing the sidewalk and curb
• Repaving the road
• Constructing a new sidewalk on the east side between Mary Street and Queen Street
• Converting the angled parking to parallel parking to make space for the new sidewalk

During construction, vehicle and pedestrian access will be maintained to all businesses and parking lots, whenever possible. There may be short periods of time when vehicle access is not available.

Construction is expected to begin the first week of August 2024 and be completed by the end of November 2024.

We thank you for your patience during the construction. We understand that the work is disruptive and we will make every effort to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Further information about the project including the scope and FAQs can be found at my.scugog.ca/waterstreet

For general roads inquiries, please email works@scugog.ca  

To report an issue after hours, please call 905-434-2173.

Employment Opportunities

The following employment opportunities are available with the Township of Scugog!

• Student Arena Attendant (Part-Time) – posting closes Friday, August 2, at 4:30pm
• Parks and Recreation Associate (Permanent, Full-Time) – posting closes Friday, August 2, at 4:30pm
• Student Recreation Staff (Part-Time) – posting closes Friday, August 9, at 4:30pm

Information about Township of Scugog employment opportunities can be found at scugog.ca/employment