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

Some important decisions were taken at last Tuesday’s meeting. In addition there were a couple of interesting points raised that warrant some comment.

3.2.3 – swimming and thus risking injury at the Champaign St and Salt Dock boat launches.
These are activities that have been going on for decades with sufficient safety to have not warranted earlier ‘regulation’. In the case of the Champaigne (original spelling) boat launch the folks who use it to swim are kids who live in the neighbourhood. Asking them to walk a couple of kilometers along the trail later in the evening is probably riskier than allowing them to continue to swim at Champaigne based on experience. I would also like to remind Council and Staff that probably 95% of the folks swimming at the boat launches are residents, that is the folks who pay the taxes. The people who are launching boats, probably 95%, don’t pay taxes and probably don’t even spend much money in Town.
A radical suggestion; let’s close the boat ramps except for residents with permits and with enforcement like the other municipalities. That should improve the safety of the boat launches for swimming. And if we totally close the boat launches we can probably save $500,000 in taxes over the next 10 years in the maintenance and upgrades required to keep them operational. That money could go towards supporting the inevitable overruns of the pool complex (see below).
Or we could put up signs reminding boaters that it is a privilege to use the boat launch and advising them to consider the safety of other boaters and swimmers: put boaters on notice that they are responsible for damage and injuries. 

7.1 – Recreation and Culture Centre, Update and Amended Partnership Agreement.
It seems the municipalities have finally agreed to support ‘da pool’ and accepted the upper-level government funding. It would have been a disaster if we hadn’t and might have caught the attention of Queen’s Park and suggested the need for amalgamation. Once again, the Town of Parry Sound is carrying the heavy load, but Seguin has chipped in generously.

10.1.2 – Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/20/07 – Backyard Hens.
As predicted, the Town has approved backyard hens. I do have a question about the process? Why was a recorded vote requested? At one point understanding how Councillors voted was hard to understand because the votes were not recorded in the minutes. You had to be there to know who voted up or down on any issue. With video broadcasting and archiving this is now a moot point.
I don’t believe historians will need to have this type of information. I don’t think is the type of information that would be included on anyone’s Wikipedia page.

Council Minutes – Abridged

Closed Session
(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board, (Road Allowance at 60A Seguin);
(e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, (Contractor Work on Town Property);
(f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; (Contractor Work on Town Property), (Status of Geewadin Road);
k) a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board, (West Parry Sound Area Pool & Recreation Centre), (Road Allowance at 60A Seguin).

Public Meeting
2.1 – Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/21-11 – 15 Forest Street (Lightfoot Victory Holdings Inc.)
Council held a public meeting to consider a proposed Zoning By-law amendment under Sections 34 of the Planning Act, as amended. After the Mayor adjourned the regular meeting and declared the public meeting open, the Clerk advised that notice had been given by prepaid first-class mail to the required prescribed agencies and property owners within 120 metres, posted in the newspaper, on the property and placed on the Town’s website.
Mr. Elgie advised that the proposed Zoning By-Law amendment would change the zoning of the property at 15 Forest Street, former Victory School, from R2 to R3 to permit a multiple residential development of up to 26 rental units.

No one spoke in favour of the proposed Zoning By-law amendment.

The following individuals responded to the Mayor’s invitation to speak in opposition of the proposed Zoning By-law amendment.
1. Ms. Beckett of 10 Meadow Street addressed Council noting that she has questions and concerns about the proposal per the following:
– since there is not much information available about the proposal, she is not sure what exactly is being planned and not sure if the proposal is what is needed to address Parry Sound’s housing concerns.
– concerns about drainage; although she has heard the pipes will tie into Forest Street storm water system, she believes all other storm water from this large property will run down the sloping hill onto Meadow Street and cause flooding.
– concerns about parking; with property owners extending their lawns to the pavement, there is no street parking and many homes have multiple cars. With more people added, even more cars will be needed, making worse the parking problem and snow storage.
– concerns about what kind of housing is being proposed, i.e. affordable? geared to income? seniors? – with the latter requiring more parking for potential visitors and care givers.
Ms. Beckett concluded with noting that most houses in the area are single family homes and that she did not think it a good idea to put that much density into that small a space. In response to her question about how to be kept informed of the progress of the project, Manager of Building and Planning Services Taylor Elgie noted that he expected more information soon and would forward that to her.
2. Carrie Ahrens, representing her parents who live at 19 Forest Street directly beside the existing kindergarten area reported that their concerns are with respect to traffic management. Ms. Ahrens said there are no sidewalks on the side streets, the road is not in good shape, it is difficult to access Bowes from Meadow, and there is quite a bit of traffic over the tracks on Forest St. Ms. Ahrens suggested that it would be good to see a site plan to understand the actual proposal and how the developer will address traffic management, not only with respect to parking, but how to get people in and out of the area safely.
Ms. Ahrens noted that questions her parents had are: Where is the proposed access to the development? Are the 26 units in the school or spread out in the former playground area? How many bedrooms are in each unit – 1, 2 or multiple? How high or low is the building(s)? Is there a grass area, or playground? What type of housing is the focus – affordable or something else? Will there be an impact on property tax?

Mr. Elgie advised that he had received comments from CP Rail only, which he will include in his subsequent report to Council.

The Mayor advised that Council, at its discretion may approve the proposed Zoning By- law amendment and if so, must either circulate notice of passing of the by-law or give notice in the local press. Objections to the passing of the by-law will be received by the Clerk within 20 days from the date such notice is given, which objections will be forwarded to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. If an appeal is submitted and the appellant has not provided Council with an oral or written submission before the passing of the by-law, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal may choose to dismiss the appeal.

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – In response to an inquiry from Mayor McGarvey on what happened to the downtown hanging baskets, Director of Public Works Mike Kearns reported that upon examining them recently, root rot was noted as a result of full reservoirs from the substantial rains this year. Weather and the basket type will be something kept in mind when ordering baskets for subsequent years.

3.2.2 – Mr. Kearns also introduced new Manager of Operations Vinnie Bonazza.

3.2.3 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding how to prevent people from swimming and thus risking injury at the Champaign St and Salt Dock boat launches, Mr. Kearns reported that signage may be helpful, as well as engaging with folks to educate them on the prohibition on swimming at these locations, noting other more suitable areas such as Waubuno Beach and the Old Town Beach. Councillor Keith followed up suggesting that there may be a type of barrier that could be installed to act as a deterrent to swimmers.

Correspondence
4.1 – Township of the Archipelago.
Public Health Cost Sharing for 2022.
Filed

4.2 – McMurrich-Monteith.
Public Health Cost Sharing for 2022.
Filed

Deputations
5.1 – Howard Oldham, Oldham Law Firm. Subdivision Amending Agreement.
Inhibiting Order – W.E.H. Developments (Thunder Creek Homes Inc.).
Withdrawn

Ratification of Matters from Closed Agenda
7.1 – Recreation and Culture Centre, Update and Amended Partnership Agreement.
Resolution
Whereas there have been changes to the West Parry Sound Recreation and Cultural Centre Municipal Service Board Agreement since Council initially approved the Wellness Centre and Pool Committee (WCPC) recommendations in December 2020;
Whereas addressing the impact of McKellar’s and Carling’s decisions are not reflected in the attached Partnership Agreement;
Whereas all 6 area municipalities must agree on the Partnership Agreement;
Whereas the objective is to finalize the Partnership Agreement prior to September 10th so the ICIP Funding Agreement can be executed by September 10th by the Municipal Service Board, if the date is not extended,
Now Therefore, subject to all area municipalities, with the exception of Whitestone participating, the Council of the Town of Parry Sound hereby approves a revised West Parry Sound Recreation and Cultural Centre Municipal Service Board Agreement, substantially in the form as attached.
Carried

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.2.1 – 2021 AMO Delegations.
Resolution
That the report on delegations made to Provincial Ministries at the 2021 AMO Conference be received for information purposes.
Carried

9.2.2 – Council appointment to the new Recreation Culture Ctr Municipal Services Board.
Resolution
Whereas in 2019 the Wellness Centre and Pool Committee was created by the seven (7) area municipalities to undertake due diligence and submit a grant application for a new Recreation and Culture Centre;
Whereas in December 2020 the Town of Parry Sound approved the creation of a Municipal Services Board (MSB) for the purposes of designing, constructing and managing the new Recreation and Culture Centre;
Whereas in December 2020 the Town approved entering into a partnership agreement with the other funding municipalities;
Whereas in May 2021 the Provincial and Federal governments, through ICIP have approved 73.3% funding for the new Recreation and Culture Centre;
Whereas in August 2021 ICIP requested the Funding Agreement be executed by September 10, 2021;
Whereas it is anticipated that all municipal funding partners will approve the partnership agreement prior to the September 10, 2021 deadline;
Whereas Mayor McGarvey currently represents the Town on the Wellness Centre and Pool Committee, the predecessor to the MSB and Councillor Backman is the alternate;
Now therefore be it Resolved that Mayor McGarvey be appointed to the Municipal Services Board (MSB);
And Further that Councillor Backman be appointed as the alternate.
Carried

9.2.3 – COVID-19 Reopening Fund for Heritage Organizations – Museums Assistance Program Grant Application.
Resolution
THAT Council authorizes that application be made to the COVID-19 Reopening Fund for Heritage Organizations – Museums Assistance Program for the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame; and
THAT Caitlin Dyer be confirmed as the person with signing authority.
Carried

9.2.4 – Tourism Relief Fund Grant Application.
Resolution
THAT Council authorizes that application be made to the Tourism Relief Fund administered through FedNor for the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame; and
THAT Clayton Harris be confirmed as the person with signing authority.
Carried

9.3.1 – Reserve and Reserve Fund Annual Report; 2020 Surplus Allocation.
Resolution
That Council receives the 2020 Reserve and Reserve Fund Annual Report, attached as Schedule A, in compliance with the Town’s Reserve and Reserve Fund Policy;
That Council authorizes that the 2020 Stockey Centre/BOHF deficit be funded through the general surplus resulting from cost containment after the onset of Covid-19; and further
That Council hereby approves the allocation of the remaining surplus as identified in Schedule B.
Carried

9.3.2 – 2020 Audited Financial Statements.
Resolution
That Council for the Town of Parry Sound does hereby approve the Draft Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2020, in Schedule “A” as attached; and
That the 2020 Draft Financial Statements for the Provincial Offences Act in Schedule “B” be approved as attached; and
That the 2020 Draft Financial Statements for Administration of Land Ambulance Services in Schedule “C” be approved as attached.
Carried

9.5.1 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Resolution
WHEREAS the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report on June 2, 2015, which included 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation;
AND WHEREAS the recent discoveries of remains and unmarked graves across Canada have led to increased calls for all levels of government to address the recommendations in the TRC’s Calls to Action;
AND WHEREAS all Canadians and all orders of government have a role to play in reconciliation;
AND WHEREAS Recommendation #80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process;
AND WHEREAS the Federal Government has announced September 30th, 2021, as the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (National Orange Shirt Day) and a statutory holiday;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Parry Sound does hereby commit to recognizing September 30th, 2021, as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (National Orange Shirt Day) by sharing the stories of residential school survivors, their families, and communities.
Carried

By-laws
10.1.1 – Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/21-10 – 14 and 18 Bowes Street (Upton).
By-Law 2021 – 7162
Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for Z/21-10, 14 and 18 Bowes Street (Upton).
Passed, Signed and Sealed

10.1.2 – Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/20/07 – Backyard Hens.
By-Law 2021 – 7163
Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for Backyard Hens.
Carried

By-Law 2021 – 7164
Being a by-law to regulate Backyard Hens in the Town of Parry Sound.
As two draft by-law options were available regarding the regulating of Backyard Hens, Mayor McGarvey called for a vote on which by-law Council would like to consider. Council voted unanimously in favour of considering the “Alternate” by-law draft which has a licensing component.
Carried

10.1.3 – Subdivision Amending Agreement – Inhibiting Order – W.E.H. Developments.
By-Law 2021 – 7168
Being a By-law to authorize a Subdivision Amending Agreement with W E H Developments Limited regarding an inhibiting order (Thunder Creek Homes Inc.).
Passed, Signed and Sealed

10.2.1 – Hiring Policy.
By-law 2021 – 7165
Being a By-Law to adopt a Hiring Policy.
Passed, Signed and Sealed

10.2.2 – Remote Work Policy.
By-law 2021 – 7166
Being a By-law to adopt a Remote Work Policy that permits employees to work from home.
Passed, Signed and Sealed

10.3.1 – Approval of Transfer Payment Agreement – Municipal Modernization Program Intake 2.
By-law 2021 – 7167
Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a Transfer Payment Agreement with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding funding under the Municipal Modernization Program Intake 2.
Passed, Signed and Sealed