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

There is little of note in this week’s council meeting minutes beyond the cancellation of Canada Day activities. With the closing of the Town’s facilities to public use there will be some savings in direct costs, fireworks, overtime, and summer students, that I am sure will be applied to other pandemic related expenses. There are no ‘winners’ here.

Closed Session
(e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; (property matter settlement)

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – In response to Councillor McCann’s inquiry as to whether people can drop off yard waste at the Transfer Station in light of closures during the COVID-19 Declared State of Emergency, Director of Public Works Mike Kearns indicated that he is looking at this issue and how to provide that service in a safe manner for staff and residents. In response to a follow-up question, Mr. Kearns reported that the Transfer Station is still accepting household recyclables.

3.2.2 – In response to Councillor Borneman’s inquiry regarding potential pick-up of bagged leaves throughout the community in lieu of opening up this section of the Transfer Station for drop-off, Mr. Kearns reported that this is one of the options being considered as the issue is being reviewed for a best recommended plan moving forward.

3.2.3 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry as to whether costs are being considered and factored in to any such program of curbside pick-up of bagged leaves and brush, Mr. Kearns responded that it is, and that since this is not something that staff typically do, such a program that included staff labour would shift staff work from their current essential services.

Correspondence
4.1 – Eric Cavanaugh, BDO Canada. Parry Sound Audit Planning Report. Filed

4.2 – Lori West, Clerk, Township of McDougall. McDougall Township endorsement of resolution calling for public health to be funded via provincial taxation. Filed

4.3 – Lori West, Clerk, Township of McDougall. McDougall Township request for Public Health Unit release of COVID-19 statistics specific to West Parry Sound Area. Filed

4.4. – Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing. Labour Deployment During Declared State of Emergency. Filed

4.5 – Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing. Land Use Planning Timelines during Declared State of Emergency. Filed

4.6 – Attorney General. Emergency Management & Civil Protection Order amended to lift suspension of limitation periods and procedural time periods under the Construction Act. Filed

4.7 – Nadine Hammond, Curator/Manager, West Parry Sound District Museum. Letter of appreciation for Town’s 2020 donation to the Museum. Filed

4.8 – James Chirico, Medical Officer of Health/EO, North Bay PS District Health Unit. Response to Town’s resolution requesting WPS area specific COVID-19 stats. Filed

4.9 – Simon Langer, Nat’l Mgr., Gov’t & Strategic Partnerships, National Diabetes Trust. Concerns with garbage dumped at charitable donation bins in municipalities. Locally reviewed with an acknowledgement and recommendation to be provided to the Diabetes Trust.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – Town Facilities Closed until June 30, 2020.
Resolution
That the staff report on Town facilities not open for use earlier than June 30, 2020 be received for information purposes.
The following amendment to the motion was made:
That the words “and be approved” be added to the end of the resolution.
Amendment Carried.
The amended resolution was voted on.
Carried as Amended
The following motion for Direction to Staff was made:
That a report and recommendation on extension of closure/limited access of Town facilities and/or how the facilities will operate through the summer months, including a financial impact analysis be brought to the May 19, 2020 Council Meeting.
Carried
The following motion as Resolution was made:
Resolution
That the Town cancel July 1st Canada Day celebrations.
Carried

9.3.1 – Weekend and after-hours interment scheduling and fees at Parry Sound Cemeteries.
Resolution
WHEREAS the Bereavement Authority of Ontario’s (BAO) directive related to the COVID-19 pandemic requires that effective March 23, 2020, cemeteries be open and available for interments immediately, or as soon as possible if restricted by ground conditions,
THEREFORE, notwithstanding By-law 2019-6952 (The Cemetery By-law), and until such time as the BAO lifts said directive, Council permits interments at Hillcrest Cemetery and Sylvan Acres Cemetery on Sundays, in addition to all-day Saturday and all weekdays; and waives weekend and after-hours cemetery surcharge fees; and
THAT regular interment fees shall apply per the cemetery fee schedule. 7
Carried

9.4.1 – Provincial Policy Statement – 2020.
Resolution
That the attached report entitled Provincial Policy Statement 2020 be accepted for information purposes.
Carried

9.4.2 – Provide Extension to Property Sale Closing Dates, Salt Dock Road.
Resolution
Whereas Council for The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound conditionally sold lands to 1793951 Ontario Inc. (Greystone Limited) in 2017 for the development of a residential project; and
Whereas progress has occurred on several conditions and these conditions can be waived; and
Whereas COVID-19 has restricted activity through social distancing and limiting business activity to essential services; and
Whereas the impact and length of time the COVID-19 restrictions will be in place is uncertain; and
Whereas conditions that relate to environmental due diligence require an extension.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Mayor and Clerk are authorized to execute an amendment to the Agreement of Purchase and Sale per the attached Schedule “A” to this Resolution.
Carried

9.5.1 – Half-Masting Flags in Acknowledgement of Nova Scotia Victims.
Resolution
Whereas at least 18 people lost their lives in a mass shooting in Nova Scotia on April 18th, 2020, the worst in Canadian history, and
Whereas across the country flags are being lowered to half-mast;
Now therefore in honour and memory of those victims, and in solidarity with communities in Nova Scotia, Council directs the lowering of its flags at the Town Hall to half-mast for three days from April 22 to 24th.
Carried
The following motion for Direction to Staff was made:
That staff be directed to bring to Council a policy recommendation on flag half-masting.
Carried
The following motion as Resolution was made:
Resolution
That as an additional mark of solidarity with communities in Nova Scotia, the Town fly the Nova Scotia flag at the Town Hall for one week following the half-masting of flags which concludes on April 24th, 2020.
Carried

By-laws
10.4.1 – Amendments to Licensing By-law in response to COVID-19 pandemic.
By-law
Being a By-law to amend By-law 2006-4937, as amended, to grant exemption from certain provisions of the Licensing By-law on a temporary basis.
Passed, Signed and Sealed.