Everything presented to Council was approved. The only real item of note was that with this meeting’s green light from Council, the developer is now on the hook to ‘get it done’, or not. The presentation from the West Parry Sound Regional Economic Development Officer reinforced the need for additional housing.

Deputations

5.1a – Gord Knowles, General Manager, CBDC. Introduction of new General Manager Gord Knowles, General Manager of CBDC introduced himself to the Town, noting that he has taken over the position since the recent retirement of Bill Spinney. Mr. Knowles expressed appreciation on behalf of the Board of Directors for the Town’s continued contribution to the CBDC, including support of the Regional Economic Development Project.
Mr. Knowles gave an overview of CBDC, noting that it provides about $1.1 million in small business loans, and that it is about 40% beyond that with five months left to go in the fiscal year, potentially necessitating additional finances to cover loans. Mr. Knowles noted that there is a lot happening in the service, industrial, metal fabrication and tourism sectors. He is seeing a lot of businesses starting up brand new or being taken over by young first-time entrepreneurs, including people coming from outside the community.

5.1b – Glen Barnden, West Parry Sound Regional Economic Development Officer. Status Update. Mr. Barnden addressed Council with an update regarding regional economic activity. With respect to CIINO, (Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario), Mr. Barnden reported that the investment attraction strategy, REDAC Regional Bargaining Plan, West PS Digital Marketing Plan and workforce strategy are completed. There is a community network of entrepreneurs available to meet with new businesses considering locating here. There is ongoing work at the airport, with a number of businesses expanding. The Industrial Park to the north has a new acquisition with Four Season Log Homes now located there.
Mr. Barnden noted that with any businesses considering establishing in the area, there is a tour available to showcase opportunities at the Industrial Park, and along the Oastler Park corridor where there are currently 16 manufacturers and 895 people employed by them. Many are international importers/exporters with opportunity to network for new businesses starting up.
Mr. Barnden reported that in terms of retention, economic development is moving in the direction of a grass roots approach, and that with the people he has encountered, he understands that there is a lack of workforce employee accommodation. There was a housing summit in April with local stakeholders, larger employers, businesses, and local government representatives to address this issue. Information gathered at that meeting suggests that over the next 18 months there are 238 new employees coming into the area in addition to the 99 employees coming with businesses soon, and there is very little accommodation; a problem which needs resolution.
With respect to employment opportunities for young people, Mr. Barnden said that there is gap in technology, with computer coding at the high school in its infancy. Mr. Barnden reported that participation at the November robotics demo at the BOCC was encouraging, which prompted the recent technology expo at the Stockey Centre with 130 youth in attendance, with presentations from northern colleges including Canadore on career possibilities in STEM. Mr. Barnden suggested encouraging the school board to incorporate coding into school curriculum and dovetail that with courses offered at Canadore to enable youth to have STEM coding skill set that will fit in with industry and help compete on a global scale.
Mr. Barnden noted that a summer market will be starting in June at the harbourfront, showcasing locally manufactured products. The local production and consumption helps keep money in the area, and additionally may support manufacturing opportunities if tourists buy locally, return home and can then obtain those items through export. In response to Councillor inquiries, Mr. Barnden confirmed that the majority of entrepreneurs looking to settle in the area are in the 30-40 year age group. Coding is essentially what used to be termed “basic programming”, and that with greater automation, any kind of coding with computers is an up and coming sector of the workforce, and a skill set that if learned by youth, can enable them to work globally, yet remain here making a higher than average income for the area.

5.2 – Lisa Cook, Team Leader, YMCA Employment and Learning Services. YMCA Employment and Learning Services. Ms. Cook gave an overview of programs and services provided by the YMCA Employment & Learning Services, information which was largely contained within a fact sheet circulated with the agenda.

5.3a – Heather Sargeant, Georgian Bay Forever; Feedback & Report from April 27th Reduce Your Plastic Footprint Workshop, and; Plastic-Free Parry Sound Pledge. Heather Sargeant, Communication Director for Georgian Bay Forever, a registered charity with a mandate of the protection of water, addressed Council with respect to current and planned programs and events. Ms. Sargeant reported that “Families for Change” has launched, offering a starting point for families to impact change with 49 tasks in 4 categories from which families can choose and work at their own pace and ability. Ms. Sargeant requested Council’s support in helping with communication around this.
Ms. Sargeant invited Council to an awareness event at Honey Harbour on July 3rd, between 1 and 3 PM to demonstrate the autonomous underwater vehicle. Ms. Sargeant said that this technology will revolutionize water quality testing in Georgian Bay, with sensors to navigate and map chemical and physical features of bodies of water, including such things as depth sensors, side scan and sonar. It can measure chlorophyll, torpidity, pH and dissolved oxygen. It can map the underwater landscape of Georgian Bay. Ultimately the data collected could help assess the effects of climate change, water levels, industrial and municipal spills, municipal sewage overflows, bacterial contamination and the success of conservation measures. In addition, Ms. Sargeant noted that at the July 3rd event there would be updates on the Divert and Capture program and mini-workshops given by GBF staff on microplastic reduction and phragmites removal.
With respect to the Divert and Capture Program, Ms. Sargeant reported that there are three prongs to this program being the washing machine study with 23 volunteers still needed for 100 in total and the filters installed by end of July; shoreline clean-up on June 29th at Champagne Street, July 22 at Waubuno Beach; and educating and encouraging the public to reduce plastic litter, focusing on the results of the April 27^thworkshop – Practical Tips to Reduce Your Plastic Footprint. With respect to the latter, Ms. Sargeant noted that with only 9-11% of plastic being recycled, and most ending up in landfill, the best way to deal with plastic is to reduce its use. There was lots of enthusiasm at the April 27th workshop, with Plastic Free Parry Sound offering some suggestions. Ms. Sargeant noted that a representative of Plastic Free Parry Sound was to present this evening however had to depart before the deputation, but promised to return.
In response to Council queries, Ms. Sargeant indicated that she would attempt to find a date when the autonomous underwater vehicle could demonstrate in Parry Sound Georgian Bay waters. Divert & Capture Coordinator Cassie Weston noted that anyone wishing more information on the washing machine program, could contact her at info@gbf.org.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.3.1 – Seguin EMS Base Memorandum of Understanding. Resolution. That the Council of the Town of Parry Sound authorize the Director of Development and Protective Services to enter into an MOU with the Township of Seguin for the relocation of an EMS Base to the Humphrey Fire Hall. Carried

9.3.2 – Council Approved Sign – 17 Miller – Prichard. Resolution. That the Chief Building Official is authorized and directed to issue a permit for a sign in front of 17 Miller Street according to the conditions and variances attached as Schedule A. Carried

9.3.3–  Health and Safety Policy. Resolution. THAT WHEREAS The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that organizations review their health and safety policy annually, and; WHEREAS the Town’s health & safety policy manual is under regular review by the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC), AND WHEREAS Council is aware of its role as the directing mind regarding Health and Safety of its employees, NOW THEREFORE Council directs that the health and safety statement attached be executed by the corporate officers and distributed to all holders of the health & safety policy manual, and that it be posted on all corporate safety bulletin boards. Carried

9.4.1 – The importance of advance Provincial Consultation with the Municipal Sector and other impacted stakeholders. Resolution. Whereas engagement and consultation are critical to finding sustainable solutions; Whereas a recent FCM survey found that Canadians believe municipal governments best understand the challenges facing residents; Whereas the FCM survey found that 61% of Canadians believe that municipal governments are best placed to find solutions to community problems; Whereas meaningful consultation creates buy-in and builds support; Now therefore be it resolved that the Provincial government be strongly encouraged to undertake meaningful consultation with municipalities, AMO and other associations which represent the interests of the municipal sector as part of development and implementation of proposed changes that directly or indirectly impact municipalities; and That this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario Doug Ford, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing Steve Clark, Minister of Health Christine Elliot, Minister of Finance Vic Fedeli, President of the Treasury Board Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP Norm Miller, and AMO.
The following amendment was proposed before the final paragraph. That meaningful consultation must include consideration of municipal budget cycles; and Amendment carried The amended resolution was voted on: Carried as Amended

By-laws

10.3.1– Winnifred Ave (W.E.H. Developments Ltd.) Zoning By-law Amendment. By-law 2019-6931. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for Winnifred Ave (W.E.H. Developments Ltd.) Passed, Signed and Sealed
Resolution 2019 – 060. That with respect to Rezoning Application – Z/19/05 – Winnifred Ave (W.E.H. Developments Ltd.), reduction of parking space sizes to 5.75 x 2.75 metres and additional regulations to the driveway dimensions does not require any additional circulation in accordance with Section 34(17) of the Planning Act. Carried

10.3.2– Amendment to Parking and Traffic Control By-law 2019-6912. By-law 2019-6932. Being a by-law to amend By-law 2019-6912, known as the Parking and Traffic Control By-law. Passed, Signed and Sealed