OUR STORY
Promote, Beautify and Enhance the Village of Baysville
Our involvement in the community has been ongoing for over 30 years. First begun as a business group in 1988, the Baysville Community Group published the first South Shore Times paper that year and promoted a July Sidewalk sale that was renamed the next year and has been known every year since, as the “Baysville Walkabout”. The 1st Baysville Walkabout had about 12 vendors; it now has approximately 120 vendors and is our largest event.
The South Shore Times, which started out as a 4 page quarterly newsletter is now a 32 page annual publication that is available in May with a 4 page extra edition published in December. Our group has also put out a Baysville Tourist map and brochure, placed an updated large map at the corner of Brunel Road and Muskoka Road 117, and an electronic notice board on the corner of University and Muskoka Road 117.
Many members of the community have belonged to our group and each has brought to it their own unique abilities. Because of these individuals our projects grew and new ones developed. In 1998, we sponsored a series of discussions with members of the community and a planner, and in 1999 the Baysville Community Plan was published. Also in 1999, we were instrumental in pulling the community organizations together to decide on a Millennium 2000 Project from a list of proposals from each group. Based on the idea of a riverfront walkway from the Baysville Community group, it was decided to go forward with a riverfront project which included a walkway along the river and boat docks on the town side of the bridge. Subsequently, after 2000 the group re-formed as the Baysville Riverfront Group and continued with the walkway and other projects.
Each season we decorate the village. In the spring we plant the barrels around town which adds a splash of colour during the summer months, and then replace some with mums in the fall. We decorate with cornstalks in October and in November put up Christmas decor. Additionally, we have organized Christmas house tours as well as an outdoor Christmas decorating contest.
In 2001 we recognized the need for a Farmers’ market, so we organized the first one which was located on the corner of Brunel and 117. As the market expanded we have had to change locations a couple of times and for 2020 we turned the management of the Farmers Market over to Season2Season Garden Market greenhouse. It is enjoyed by everyone during the summer on Fridays from 11 am to 5 pm.
We have been doing an ongoing riverbank restoration project, planting native plants and bushes along the river to protect the banks from erosion. Last year we started our streetscape project, placing brightly coloured chairs and benches throughout the village. In 2010 we received G8 funding and were able to replace the street signs, add new planters and put solar lighting on the dam. We also replaced the garden at the community information sign and had eight “Group of Seven” murals placed around town, so be sure to take a walk around town to view them.
We donate to community groups such as the Horticultural Society, Autumn Leaves Seniors Group, Skating Club, Baysville Library, Fire Dept, Riverfront Group and the Baysville Youth Group. The money we raise through our events goes back into our community.
The Baysville Community Group would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who have helped us this year. Without volunteers, many of our events and projects would not happen.
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