This week’s agenda has few if any issues that are controversial and require significant analysis. I intend to attend the meeting to hear the presentation by Ms. Bray concerning regional housing. This is a very important issue that is too easily ignored by those who have no need for these types of services. For some life is not too difficult, for others it is much more challenging, often for reasons that are well outside of their direct control.
I am sorry to see Brenda Ryan and Alex Distler stepping down from the Waterfront Committee. These are arguably two of the most experienced individuals in Parry Sound with respect to urban design and planning. I realize that people’s lives are busy with seemingly little time to devote to community projects, but I suspect that their departures at the same time may reflect on the committee process. My limited experience with the committee process suggests that there is a need for rethinking how to best secure community involvement. I am reminded of the saying: beware of those requesting feedback, they are seeking validation.
There is a little bit of a change in formatting going forward to make it easier to skip through this agenda preview. The Item number and subject will use a bold font, while my ‘two bits’ will continue to be offered in italics.
Correspondence
4.1 – Allan Edward, resident. Re: Mr. Edward continues to have concerns regarding the development on the former William Beatty School site.
Deputations
5.1 – Janice Bray, Manager of Housing and Community Services. District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board Re: DSSAB’s 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan.
Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.2.1 – Establishment of a 2017 Budget Schedule. Resolution. That Council hereby approves the 2017 budget preparation schedule as set out per Schedule “A” attached.
The Finance Director is keeping Staff and Council on a schedule that effectively starts the budget process this summer. I heartily agree with the process and timetable. Some issues need to be raised early and often if they are to be properly evaluated and, as appropriate, included in the budget discussions. I believe this approach not only ensures better decisions, but it reduces the stress and errors associated with last minute discussions, decisions and surprises.
9.2.2 – Spokesperson: Trevor Pinn, Director of Finance and POA Court Services. Resolution. Whereas the Province of Ontario has delegated authority for the administration of the Provincial Offences Act Court for the District of Parry Sound to the Town of Parry Sound; and Whereas the Ministry of the Attorney General regulates how municipal partners may collect outstanding fines; and Whereas the Ministry of Municipal Affairs regulates how municipalities may utilize the property tax roll to collect outstanding fines and charges; and Whereas the collection of outstanding fines is considered encumbered by existing powers granted to the municipalities. Now therefore be it resolved that the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound asks the Province of Ontario to:
- Consider enacting regulations to eliminate the “cherry picking” of outstanding fines so that the oldest outstanding fine is paid first and then subsequent fines are paid in order;
2. That regulations regarding tax rolling of outstanding fines be amended to allow the tax rolling of fines onto property taxes regardless of the number of owners on the property;
3. That a common memorandum of understanding be provided to all municipalities, or changes in the Municipal Act be made, so that inter-municipal agreements are not required in order to collect fines from other municipalities. - That POA fines be treated as “priority lien”, similar to water and wastewater fees, to ensure that collectability is enforceable once added to the tax roll and that interest on outstanding fines may be collected.
And also be it resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Premier of Ontario, Norm Miller MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, the Ministry of the Attorney General, the Municipal Court Managers Association, Ontario Municipal Tax and Revenue Association, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, and all municipalities in the District of Parry Sound.
There is not much reason to fund a Provincial Offences Act court if you can’t collect the fines. And while most people do pay up, many don’t. It’s the same situation that cities face with respect to parking tickets. This Resolution requests the Province to enact legislation that would permit municipalities to place a lien against properties for outstanding POA fines and charges. It shouldn’t be people who obey the law, or pay their fines on time, who subsidize the court system for those who don’t.
9.4.1 – Waterfront Development Advisory Committee – Committee Members Resignation. Resolution. That Council accepts, with regret, the resignations from Alex Distler and Brenda Ryan from the Waterfront Development Advisory Committee; and That Council direct staff to advertise and solicit interest from the public for two new members for this Committee of Council.
9.4.3 – BOCC Ice Making Equipment – Quotation for repairs. Resolution. That Council accept the quote from Black & McDonald for repairs to the ice making equipment, in the amount of $18, 920.00 + HST, funds to be expensed from the BOCC equipment reserve; and further That the Equipment Replacement Reserve is to be replenished through taxes over a five (5) year period with an annual contribution of $4,000.
By-laws
10.3.1 – William Street Reconstruction Project Extension. Being a by-law to execute an Amending Agreement to the current funding agreement covered under by-law 2015-6509, a by-law to authorize the execution of a Contribution Agreement between Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Ontario, as represented by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), under the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF), and The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound for an extension of the William Street Reconstruction Project.
10.4.1 – Site Plan Approval Application – Parry Sound Mall Inc. – 70 Joseph Street. Being a By-law to grant Site Plan Approval and authorize the execution and registration of a development agreement with Parry Sound Mall Inc. – 70 Joseph Street.
This concerns the residential conversion at the Parry Sound Mall. A total of 44 residential units are planned in the space formerly occupied by the grocery store.
On Trail in Seguin (but not Parry Sound)
