Parry Sounds ~ Ideas and Opinions, In and Around Parry Sound

A not so interesting or controversial agenda except for Item 10.5.1. The item appears for the first time before an Open session of Council as a By-law, although I suspect it has been the subject of repeated discussion in Closed sessions. It seems to suggest that the Town of Parry Sound is willing to relinquish some of ‘our’, that’s yours and my, waterfront access rights along the North Shore Rugged Trail in hopes of stimulating development and tax revenues for private property north of the Smelter Wharf. I have commented previously that the railway tracks north of the Smelter Wharf have largely ‘sterilized’ these properties, although I was later advised that these properties are accessible. I’m not sure exactly what right of way access rights might be provided for the property owner through a waterfront access deal. There is a suggestion in the supporting documents that the public will lose some access to the North Shore Rugged Trail. That is a concern to me. I am on the trail at least once a week, sometimes as often as five. But, I don’t want to get too dramatic, nothing is agreed. There is just the suggestion that the Town will consider relinquishing some of our access rights to support development. Terms in the Council report include “mutually beneficial” and “landlocked”. I suggest people take a look at this item and contact Staff and Council if they have any concerns. My major concern at this point is that this matter is being introduced for the first time as a by-law, and there is no obvious intention to provide more information on the implications to the Public. A note to Council: humour us, let us know what the potential implications might be concerning access. Why not ask for input?

The rest of the agenda is not that meaningful in my opinion. A pair of deputations, 5.2 and 5.3, promise to offer some Reality TV type entertainment. It’s always a shame when neighbors can’t work things out instead of appearing in front of Judge Judy, or the Parry Sound equivalent.

Comments on other agenda items are offered below.

Correspondence

4.4 – FONOM – Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities
4 updates attached from CN Rail re: Gogama derailment March 2015.

4.5 – R. A. Rosewell, 128 Gibson St. 
Requesting relief from penalty & interest on tenant account
On tonight’s agenda as item 9.3.1.
The Town is denying the request. I guess it’s insisting on making landlords responsible for their tenant’s obligations for water service. It appears a tenant was not paying their water bill for years and the Town wants the landlord to pay up. There are no winners here, except perhaps for the tenant. The Town doesn’t need to be chasing people for payment, and I suspect suspending service may not be a reasonable option given the need for potable water.

Deputations

5.1 – Patti Jenkins, Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Parry Sound.

5.2, 5.3 – Christie Hamilton, Re: dirt bike track at 11 Margaret St. Mike Morrison, Re: dirt bike track at 11 Margaret St.
There are two separate deputations on either side of the issue. The council package includes the arguments of both groups if you don’t have the time to attend the meeting.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – 2017 Council Meeting Dates. Resolution. That pursuant to By-law No. 2015-6573, Section 3, paragraph 4, Council approves Schedule “A”, as attached, which provides the schedule of dates for the 2017 Regular meetings of Council.

9.3.1 – Request for Interest and Penalty Waiver – 128 Gibson St. Resolution. That the request for relief from penalties and interest on the water account at 128 Gibson from Mr. Rosewell be denied.

9.3.2 – POA Write-offs. Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound, hereby approves the $44,804.68 in write-offs for the Provincial Offences Act Court outlined in Schedule “A” attached.
This is an old issue reviewed at an earlier meeting. It’s like throwing out old socks with holes in them. In theory they have some value, but not enough to be worth darning.

9.5.1 – Downtown Steering Committee Terms of Reference. Resolution. That Council approve the Downtown Steering Committee Terms of Reference per Schedule “A” attached; and That Council appoint the following to the Downtown Steering Committee for the term ending November 30, 2018: Cllr. Paul Borneman, Gail Burrows, Dan DiNicolo,
Cathy Downing, Susan Hrycyna, Greg Mason, Daryl McMurray, Heather Murch, Chris Pettinger.
It’s nice to see the interest of a new generation of individuals in creating momentum in the downtown.

9.5.2 – Downtown Sustainability Plan. Resolution. That Council receives the Downtown Steering Committee’s recommendation which supports the inclusion of an EDO position, hiring a Public Works summer student dedicated to the Downtown Business Area, and the Façade Improvement Program in the 2017 budget.
The plan suggests the position be established for a three year period. That’s a good idea in my opinion. As much as we would like to believe that results can be delivered Day 1, it takes a year for any individual to properly understand the challenges and opportunities of a position like this and then start to deliver results. That’s one of the problems with the federally supported internship positions. As soon as the interns are capable of making a positive contribution their funding ends.

9.6.1 – RV Pumpouts. Direction. That the Director of Public Works be directed to prepare a report and recommendation on recreation vehicle pump-outs at the Waste Water Treatment Plant including past experience, and past and proposed user rates.

By-laws

10.3.1 – Amending By-law for New Multi-Residential Property Tax Class. Being a By-law to amend By-law 2006-4898 A By-law to create a New Multi-Residential Property Tax Class for the Town of Parry Sound.
The obvious follow up to last meetings discussion.

10.5.1 – Waterfront Development. Being a By-law to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and William Beatty Lands and Timber Limited, per the attached Schedule “A”.
Let’s keep an eye on this. I would be very disappointed to lose access to the full North Shore Rugged Trail. I’m happy to share.

10.5.2 – Request for Deeming By-law – 3 Avenue Road. Being a By-law to deem certain lots in the Town of Parry Sound not to be part of a registered Plan of Subdivision (Drummond – 3 Avenue Road).
Nothing strange here, it seems to be a tidying up exercise.

There is more on the agenda than what is covered in this report. Take a look at the full agenda to see if there ae issues that you feel are important. As always, contact staff and Council before the meeting if you want to have your input considered on any issue  before Council.

I won’t be at the meeting this week. It’s not a lack of interest, but rather I will be out of town that evening.

I Won’t Be the Only One Crying the Blues, as well as the Pinks, Yellows, and Oranges if we Lose North Shore Rugged Trail Access.