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39 comments:
I'm a member of the Rotary Club of Washago. We are always seeking ways to make our community a better place for everyone. If you have any suggestions or ideas for projects or needs of the community - please let us now. Do you think we need playground equipment in the park? A basketball court? Muskoka Street beautification? Let us know - right here or email us from our Rotary website.
When we moved to Washago in 1999 on the beautiful Green River, I was immediately "home". I grew up in North Bay but finished school and worked in Toronto for several years. I went home to North Bay every weekend for many years because I missed the North. Living on the water was always a dream and when my husband and I found one of the last lots on the Green River, we were ecstatic. From the moment I moved here, I felt compelled to learn about the history of the area and wanted to become involved in this community. So I joined the WAG group, became involved in Washagofest, the Canada Day Committee, Victorian Christmas and the Washago Community Centre. I started "www.washago.ca" because I wanted to showcase this beautiful area wanted a way for the community and tourists to know everything that was happening. But then reality set in and I had to get a job. The one thing I regret not pursuing when I had the time and energy was a new playground for Centennial Park. The equipment down there is dangerous I am sure. My son is now at the age where a basketball court or skateboard park would be ideal and I think Washago could and should have equipment for both children and youth to keep them active and off the streets in town. A lot of great things have happened in Washago since the Rotary started up and if they are even considering working on a project at the park for the youth, I'll be the first to sign up as a volunteer to help make it a reality. Thanks Dan for starting this blog - I think it is a great idea!
great job with the blog Dan.
Great job gang. Where do you get your energy/time Dan? Tx again!
Thanks... but lets try to keep the comments on all things Washago.
Dan the wood man here.
People make the place what it is! I've been in the area for over 30 years, but in Washago only 4 or 5 years.I was fortunate enough to be invited to help with the last 2 heats of the dragon boat race this year.I was so impressed with the spunk of our crew....and the great teamwork effort they put into it. Washago is made up of some fantastic people....proud to be part of it...and want to be more involved!
Dan
Love living in the area, but Washago the town it self is a disgrace. It looks so forgotten and rundown. With one store leaving their goods outside, making it look so so bad. The hardware store has fliers hanging off it...come on...clean up Washago...make it a place that people will be proud to visit. Washago needs a facelift!!!!
Ok... So any suggestions on how the main drag can be improved? Do we need decorations on the light standards? Or garbage receptacles? Better sidewalks? Flower Boxes? Home Hardware did a great job with their renos. Perhaps the fliers on the store are unique and could be encouraged even more. How many communities have such an outlet? What can we do as a community to make our main drag more attractive? To say "Washago needs a facelift!!!" is a bit of a cop out. Most small towns need a face lift. Let's consider some workable solutions.
John and Nelly here...We have lived in Washago for just over a year. Our spot on the Black River is a haven for many critters big and small. The mosquitoes tried to drive us away last summer but after nearly draining us dry, they went away. We'll be ready for them in the spring. Our folk band performed in Washago several times last summer and were welcomed with a real sense of community. The Dragon Boat race was also a fun day and we look forward to paddling again next time.
Thankyou.
About the facelift for Washago. I wouldn't mind seeing a few building facades looking not so dilapidated. A cleaning and a fresh coat of paint would suffice. And a garbage can or two on the street for those people who are too selfish to take care of their own garbage. But you know, I love the bulletin board, as messy as it is. It's a communication centre, of sorts. The "downtown core" might looks a bit hokey - but that suits me just fine.
I happen to like the bulletin board at Home Hardware. Yes, it is a bit messy but it does seem to be "the" place to go for local happenings. A banner festival such as the one in Orillia or a similar event could add some charm and raise a bit a funds for improvements in town. There are flower boxes in town that have been looked after for years by a group of volunteers and the gardens are looked after by the seniors and the garden club I believe. I think we are fortunate that these groups take the time to help out to beautify our area.
I moved to Washago from Ottawa a little over a year ago with my two sons. We all love the peaceful living out here and our proximity to little Lake St. George. The boys play outside all the time now that we have the room for it. I am very happy here except that I feel a little isolated. I enjoy the Soulvine publication and from it I've seen that there are a few clubs in Washago that one can join to get more involved. Trouble is none of them really appeal to me. I'm wondering if there would be any interest in the area for a Gourmet Club. Basically this would be a fun club for people who like to cook, eat and entertain. I am thinking that club members could take turns hosting dinners on a monthly basis. This would be an opportunity to enjoy different types of food, share recipes and have fun making a meal something memorable. I've heard of these clubs and how much people enjoy putting together themed meals and eating them with others who are equally passionate about food. Are there any others out there like me who would want to be part of such a club?
Dinner clubs are fun. We have enjoyed some great food and fellowship at some of our dinner club parties. It is important to limit your dinner club to 6 people. Any more than 6 is difficult to orchestrate both from availability of members and prep for meals. Any less... and you might as well invite another couple for dinner and hope they return the favour. We have found that quarterly dinners club events are easier to organize than monthly if you lead a busy lifestyle. Washago is a great place for dinner clubs because you don't have to travel far to enjoy good friends and good food. The river system offers a great transportation method.
Me and my family have lived in washago for 10 years now, for the last 3 years my friends and I have been into skateboarding and have had to get our parents to take us to Gravenhurst or Orillia to go skateboarding , I think that it would be great if we could get a skateboard park in Washago because their are many kids in the community that do skateboard , I know that me and many of my friends would be willing to help in any way. It wouldn't have to be anything too extream.
From: Joey
I spent every summer in Washago on the Black River (used to swim frequently off the brige over the Green River) at my family's cottage. Unfortunately we sold the cottage many years ago but I have always wished to return and spend some time nearby. I was wondering if someone could help me locate a cottage near Washago or in Washago (preferably) that I might be able to rent out. Or perhaps if someone knows of anyone who is looking for a house/cottage sitter I could provide references. I was interested in coming down there (I now live in Sudbury Ontario) in January because that is really the only time available to me.
Thank you for providing this site.
Amanda B
my email address is ablstrr@mta.ca
Hello!
My husband, daughter and I are thinking of moving to Washago. I am interested in the school system for a child in grade 8 and what is there to do in Washago.
This is a very interesting blog...
My husband and I moved to the Washago area 7 years ago, are now retired and we just love it here. We love the serenity, wildlife and the many friends we have met since being here. Washago is only a 10 minute drive from our home and we visit Home Hardware (we call it the "Washago Mall" as anything and everything you need is there)each time we're there. We really do like the Post-It Board. I love the trees along the main street in spring with all of their blooms. Absolutely think it is hilarious to see vehicles parked in any direction on either side of the street and how many u-turns can be made at one given time. Kinda makes it a real "home" town doesn't it? The additon of the new "Dollar Store"was very welcomed and their selection was amazing. Went to buy a greeting card a short while back and ooops...gone..What happened there? I certainly hope it is not what I have been hearing, that would be a shame. In our view there is no better place than Washago and the surrounding area...
Hi, I moved to washago 9yrs ago and I agree that we need a facelift down town. Some interlocking brick for sidewalks along the main street would be beautiful, along with those light post flags. At christmad time it would be great ti have someone get on a ladder to hang the tree light properly (i would help!) and i think most importantly the people on these committees need to allow change. I am 30yrs old and have young boys that have different needs than a 50-60+ yr old person. We want Washago to welcome young families like mine not drive them away with old fashioned ways!
Love this board and all the comments. All sound good to me. We purchased on the Green last June as a vacation property but love coming up every weekend we can, even in the winter.
My husband and I love to cook and entertain. I am in to a dinner club. Maybe not monthly since we entertain a lot ourselves but quarterly would be good.
I have lived on the Green River for the past 11 years and have simply loved the area, the wildlife and the village, however being a landuse planner by trade I have definate ideas that I would like to share with the community. In looking at the first photo of the main street it shows a series of cracks in the asphalt and this will need resurfacing before adding anything new. The buildings need a new look. I suggest new facades with a theme such as victorian or boating. I do like someones idea for a cycle path along Muskoka Road. I would also like to see the spagetti of overhead wires, buried but I know this is costly. ( Again look at the first photo). The green river is perfect for canoeing and kayaking and we should promote races and adventure trips, training etc. I for one plan to spend the rest of my life here. I think we could plan a special meeting for all the long time residents of Washago to tell us about the history of past families, businesses and events held in Washago. I would also like to welcome new residents somehow, even if it was a package of area business information, list of current events, gift certificates etc.
HI!
I was in Washago with my 2 boys, but had to move because there's just nothing for young kids to do and/or family stuff. Everything is in gravenhurst or orillia. Can't somehitng be done to resurect the park, hockey rink..make a skateboard park, bike paths, wlaking trails, etc> THIS is needed. We also need a REAL grocery store.
Hmmm, grocery store, absolutely would be great.
I love the Village and the Bulletin Board! I still hate the train whistles all night. I contacted CN a few years ago and they said said a study at a cost of $5,000.00 would be necessary. I approached Council and it took them 2 seconds to say NO! Interestingly enough, Barrie just passed a By-law banning all whistles. Severn as usual could care less; they have better places to put our money like in Coldwater!
What famous MPP lives in Coldwater?
I love, love, love the sound of the night train whistle. It's music to my ears. Hauntingly beautiful; reminiscent of times gone by. Love it. Barrie is becoming a cold, heartless city as do all suburbs of Toronto. The bulletin board gives me the warm and fuzzies, too. But Washago absolutely postively needs to have a licensed restaurant, on the water, with live music capabilities. Every successful cottage town has one.
Yeah I love love love the train whistles especially at 2:00 A.M. and evey half hour there after.
Successful cottage town; surely you jest!
The Peepers have started singing in Washago! Yippeee! Winter must be over for good! Love those Peepers!
Ummm...every successful cottage town has a licensed waterfront establishment...it's the 'key' to Washago's success as a destination...and stop calling me 'Shirley' :)
We Currently HAve A Cottage on Kahshe lake not too far from Washago and are looking to buy a new one here on the green river !
This Blog has really helped us take a look at all the amennities Washago has to offer.
We had always stopped by but never really thought of cottageing there.
BTW Do you know if you can Power Boat on the green river ?
Thanks and keep up the great work.
Anyone care to answer the above question?
The speed limit on the entire Severn River system is 9 km.per hr. and NO WAKE. Thankfully, this is strictly controlled by the OPP and residents living along the waterways who promptly report speeders to the marine patrollers. There are numerous narrow areas along the Green and youngsters are often swimming or playing in the waters so this enforcement will ensure their safety.
Wonderful!!
Thanks for your help !
I love this Board but I would also love one to post things like garage sales like the one outside Home Hardware. Any idea's how to do this.....?
We are having a garage/lawn sale this Sunday June 21, 2009 after a small reno. Please drop by and check it out or just come by and say hi!
7828 Riverleigh Drive 10 to noon (we would rather be boating and getting ready for summer soltice)
See ya there;
Theresa and Todd
Theresa & Todd;
We have added an Events Calendar to the site. Please try it out and let us know if you are happy with the results.
Thanks Dan for the Events Calendar.....though I did not have great traffic for my Garage Sale. I guess I am just too far in off the highway for passers by to come take a look. I had/have some great stuff but don't really want to do another one cuz too much work.
Anyway, Summer Solstics was awesome!!! Did anyone take pictures? I took some with my iPhone cuz my camera is being repaired but they did not turn out so great.
Theresa & Todd
I canoed a river just about 10 minutes from Washago ( ate at the Canoe ?? resaurant ) which closes after lunch is over. What is the name of that river ?
What were the two good places to park the car while canoeing ?
I forget how to get there ...anybody help ?
The Digital Scavenger Hunt this past weekend was so much fun. Thanks to The Rotary Club for organizing it. Our daughters can't wait to do it again next year.
Everyone should try it.
I would have to say that the previous suggestion of a good licenced resaurant/bar with live music is key...it would create more tourist/cottager traffic in the off season (winter) with snowmobilers, as well in the peak season...I've lived in Washago now for 5 years, but last night I wanted to take the family out for dinner...guess where we went? Orillia...would much rather have spent my money in the downtown core...
A Restaurant that is open at least Friday/Saturday nights for dinner; a gas station; a Bank Kiosk/Drive Thru; a Tim's; ANYTHING is better than what we have now!
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