Monthly Archives: May 2016

Council Agenda Preview – May 17, 2016

15 Sunday May 2016

Posted by in Events/Activities, Parry Sound, Town Council

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Another packed agenda with a variety of new and postponed issues. Council members will need to choose their issues wisely if they hope to get through the agenda in a timely fashion.

The big issue on the agenda relates to the proposed ATV By-law (Item 10.3.1) permitting ATV traffic on specific streets. I believe the By-law is flawed, but I support it as written. Let’s give it a try for a year and assess what changes might be useful. A number of the residents of William Street object to the route based on concerns about neighbourhood disruption (Item 4.2). There is a question of whether the ATV path should or shouldn’t make use of the 100 metres or so the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail as it crosses the Seguin River (Items 4.5, 9.3.2). This is a portion of the trail that we share with snow machines in the winter, and they travel much faster than ATVs. I have not found this to be an issue, people are courteous in confined spaces. I would prefer a path that bypasses the trail and proceeds directly down River Street to William Street, but this raises issues of safety and commerce. I know some people are worried that the Great North Road/Bowes Street intersection, and the high traffic levels. I suspect this really won’t be an issue, there won’t be hundreds of ATVs at a time running through Parry Sound. This isn’t Thunder Run. The bigger issue for me concerns where the ATVs can park if a River Street option is chosen. I’m sure that many of them would like to park and stop for lunch or dinner. The Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail option leads to the Bobby Orr Community Centre where it’s easy to imagine the bikes can park and people can walk up to the Downtown for a meal or refreshments.

Staff seems to have found a reasonable compromise allowing the Parry Sound Islanders to use the Bobby Orr Community Centre. It seems that while the Islanders are a successful hockey team, they still stink, and new ventilation needs to be installed to handle the issue. (Items 5.3, 9.3.4)

June will see a couple of Parry Sound supported events. This starts with the Rotary Dragon Boat Festival on June 11 (Item 9.3.6), followed ten days later with the unveiling of the Francis Pegahmagabow Commemoration on the 21st (Items 9.3.5, 9.6.1)

Not to be forgotten, it seems the William Street reconstruction is set to get started with the awarding of a contract to Fowler Construction (Item 9.2.1). Let’s hope there aren’t as many surprises as there were with the Forest Street project. At least there’s no rail lines to cross.

Letters

4.1 – Jean Scott, 46 Church Street. Re: Opposed to Zoning By-law amendment regarding the old William Beatty School citing decrease in property values, too dense, increased traffic, reduction of parking on Rosetta, reduction of green space, the high number of parking spaces and reduced size of the spaces, lack of dock loading facility and overload of existing sewer and water.

4.2 – Petition from Williams Street residents (38 names). Re: Opposition to the ATV route suggested along William Street.

4.5 – Wendall Fisher, Chair, Parry Sound Area Active Transportation. Re: Opposed to the use of the Rotary/Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail as part of the proposed route for ATVs and suggests an all road option from William Street to Cascade Street to River Street and then to Great North Road.

Deputations

5.1 – George Burton, President Canadore College. Re: Update on activities of Canadore College

5.2 – Malcolm Fraser, resident. Re: ATV Route

5.3 – Ken Thomas, Jack Sportsgroup: GMHL Jr. A Team – Parry Sound Islanders. Re: Proposal for the Parry Sound Islanders to use the Bobby Orr Community Centre

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – Tender – William Street Reconstruction. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of C.C. Tatham and Associates, Council award the tender for William Street Reconstruction to Fowler Construction Company Limited, in the amount of $2,847,315.78, plus HST, this tender being the lowest tender of two tenders received.

9.3.2 – Proposed ATV Thoroughfare through Town. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Waterfront Development Advisory Committee, Council defeat the proposed ATV route as it relates to use of the Fitness Trail.

9.3.4 – Proposal from Jack Sportsgroup: GMHL Jr. A Team. Resolution. That the agreement proposed from Jack Sports Group for use of the Bobby Orr Community Centre, per the attached Schedule “A”, be denied.

The following new resolution is proposed: That Council approve the following as renegotiated terms with Jack Sports Group, for the use of the Bobby Orr Community Centre.

  • $10, 000 payment up front for facility usage, invoices to be deducted as incurred • Reduction in day time hourly rate $70/hr + HST for practices. If the day-time ice

can be sold at the Council established rate, the practice would be cancelled (provided five (5) days notice.

  • Ice time hourly rental rate for games $124/hr + HST (rental rate will fluctuate January 1st, 2017 based on the Consumer Price Index)
  • Hall and meeting room rental rates at the Council established rates
  • Provide approval for a qualified contractor to install a ventilation system in dressing room 8; an expense to be split between the Team and the Town
  • Provide approval for a qualified locksmith to install new locks on interior doors, and re-key the laneway exit door, and room 8; an expense to be split between the Team and the Town
  • Term of use five (5) years, renewal is based on a review of the impacts of the previous season

9.3.5 – One Time Events Grant: Francis Pegahmagabow Commemoration 2016 Unveiling. Resolution. That Council approve the One Time Event Grant allocation to the Francis Pegahmagabow Commemoration 2016 Unveiling, per attached Schedule “A”.

9.3.6 – 2016 Rotary Dragon Boat Festival. Resolution. Resolution. That Council approve the request from the Parry Sound Dragon Boat Festival to host the 15th annual Parry Sound Dragon Boat Festival fund-raising event on Saturday June 11, 2016 at Waubuno Beach and Park from 8am – 9pm, by waiving fees for park usage as well as waiving the rental fee for the bleacher unit; and That Council approve the use of an ATV (insured and licensed driver) on the Rotary and Algonquin Regiment Fitness trail for the purpose of equipment transportation on Saturday June 11th from 7am – 9pm.

9.6.1 – Reception for Heads of Council-WPS and Chiefs of Georgian Bay First Nations – June 20, 2016. Resolution. Whereas as the Francis Pegahmagabow commemorative statue unveiling is taking place on June 21, 2016 at the Stockey W. Centre for the Performing Arts; and Whereas from the beginning of this project Council and staff for the Town of Parry Sound have provided support for this project commemorating the most highly decorated First Nation’s soldier in WWI Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow; and Whereas a number of First Nation’s officials and Chiefs will be attending the ceremony on June 21st at the Stockey Centre; and Whereas the Mayor, in the spirit of the occasion, has offered to host a reception at the Stockey Centre the evening before, on June 20, 2016, for National Chief Parry Bellegarde, the Chiefs of Georgian Bay First Nations and the Heads of Council for the West Parry Sound area; Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that in the spirit of regional co-operation, Council for the Town of Parry Sound approves the event and the approximate expense of $1,120.00 for hosting this reception against the tax stabilization reserve

By-laws

10.3.1 – ATV By-law. Being a By-law to permit and regulate the operation of “Off Road Vehicles” on Town of Parry Sound Municipal Highways.
Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-Up): That this be considered as a one-year pilot and a report be brought back to Council November 2016, and March of 2017.

I will be there Tuesday night. The full agenda package is now available at the Town’s website or through the link in the top menu at this site (ParrySounds.com).

On the Rock (Parry Sound in the Evening)

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Council Agenda Preview – May 3, 2016

01 Sunday May 2016

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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This week’s Parry Sound council meeting agenda is ‘meaty’ with a number of issues that will have a longer term impact on the Town, its businesses and residents. The biggest news is that the Town is now providing the whole agenda package on the Town’s website, not just the list of agenda items. This will significantly improve transparency and at the same time reduce the workload for Staff in responding to requests for the detailed agenda information.

There are two issues on the closed session that are concerning. The first is an issue related to the Integrity Commissioner. The second is a litigation issue. I’m not sure what’s up, but it ‘smells’ like trouble.

Item 2.1.1 provides more insight into what’s planned for the former William Beatty School. The plans seem to further solidify Parry Sound as the hub of the district. Is it time to seriously start discussing amalgamation? No, that won’t happen. The high-end cottagers (mansions on the water) don’t need more services, they just need low taxes. If they want services they’ll just head back home, except of course for the internet. Perhaps the Province should offer to subsidize internet infrastructure in exchange for amalgamation. It was a carrot like this that led to amalgamation and creation of a single Muskoka, another collection of mansion of the water municipalities.

Another topic worth highlighting is Item 9.3.6 – Downton Sustainability Report. There are no remarkable insights or surprises. Success will depend on investing the time and money to do the obvious, that has been ignored for too long. I offer some additional comments in the text accompanying 9.3.6 below. The report supports Free Parking in the Downtown area.

Closed Meeting

b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (Integrity Commissioner Appointment)

e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board. (Legal Matter, Local Board)

Public Meeting

2.1.1 – Council will hold a public meeting to consider a proposed Zoning By-law amendment under Section 34 of the Planning Act. The purpose of the proposed Zoning By-law amendment is to amend the Residential Second Density (R2) zone to a Special Provision Zoning on 82 Gibson Street, being the former William Beatty School, to develop up to 55 residential units in the former school. Additionally, the applicant seeks to permit the Parry Sound Friendship Centre (Club), Early Years (Day Nursery) and One Kid’s Place (Business and Professional Office) to relocate into the existing school. A new building is proposed which would contain 16 residential units. A reduced amount of parking spaces, reduced size of parking spaces (59% of spaces will be 2.5 metres by 6 metres) and no loading zone are also requested.

Resolutions and Directions to Staff

9.1.1 – Motorized Mobile Ice Cream Truck. Resolution. That Resolution 2016-045 be amended to remove the requirement for a “vulnerable sector check” from the list of conditions for permission to sell on municipally owned property.
This is a bit strange. I wonder if there is an issue with the vendor or their intention to use casual employees. It seems I heard comments from Council when the ice cream truck was first proposed that this very definitely was a service that would be serving a ‘vulnerable’ sector. I’m sure there will be an explanation.

9.2.1 Tenders – Fleet. Resolution. Basically the Town is ordering a total of 4 pickup trucks and one car.
The only surprising thing is the request for a fiberglass truck cap at a cost of $19,700 plus tax. This is more than the price of the 2016 Ford Focus they are requesting. What am I missing here?

9.2.2 – Salt Dock Boat Launch Repairs. Resolution. That Council directs staff to expedite repairs to the salt dock boat launch and that the cost of repairs estimated at $14,000 be funded by the emergency capital replacement reserve.
A boat is described by some as a hole in the water that you pour money into. This boat launch perhaps is more boat than launch.

9.3.6 – Downtown Sustainability Report. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Downtown Sustainability Task Team, Council adopts the Downtown Sustainability Report and recommendations, dated May 3, 2016 per Schedule ‘A’ attached, with the exception of the following recommendations which will be forwarded to the May 19th, 2016 Council priority-setting meeting for decision making considerations:
4.3.1e) That the Downtown Steering Committee develop a position description and budget for a downtown custodian; and That the Town and the DBA fund the position for a 2016 tourist season recruitment.
4.3.1i) That the Downtown Steering Committee develop a position description and budget for a 3-year contract position (position title yet to be determined), to implement the Downtown Sustainability Report recommendations, and that an application be made to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for funding. If approved, the position would be advertised for a 2016 hire. Council and the DBA be requested to contribute the 50% matching funding from reserves.
Well, it’s a start so that a great first step. I wonder about the Town and the Downtown Business Association applying for a Trillium Grant to hire someone to implement the Downtown sustainability Report. I thought Trillium Grants were used for purposes other than furthering municipal and business interests. There is lots of stuff worth reading in the proposal, more than I have time to write about. Yes, Free Parking will be adopted.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Business Improvement Area (BIA) Levy By-Law – Downtown Business Area. Being a By-law to Adopt the Estimates of the Board of Management of the Downtown Parry Sound Business Improvement Area and to Strike the Tax Rate Thereon for the Year 2016.

10.1.2 – Striking tax rates for fiscal year 2016. Being a bylaw to Strike the Tax Rates for Municipal Purposes for the Year 2016.

10.5.1 – Cellular phone contract renewal / refresh with Bell Mobility Inc. Being a by-law to authorize the execution of a contract with Bell Mobility Inc., for the purpose of updating / renewing / refreshing cellular the phone, voice and data contract for Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound.
It’s worth reviewing this section in the full agenda package to see what type of a premium you are paying for your mobile service. Are regular subscribers to Bell subsidizing the Town’s phone usage, or are we just adding to Bell’s profits?

The full agenda package is available online through this link. I’ll continue to host the packages at Parry Sounds for completeness and continuity. I don’t expect that the Town will post up past full agenda packages. See you Tuesday evening.

Heading North (Parry Sound – Spring 2016)

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(Click on the image for a better view.)