Monthly Archives: November 2020

Council Agenda Preview – December 1, 2020

28 Saturday Nov 2020

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There are lots of interesting items on the agenda in terms of topic and the supporting information. Here are a few points that folks might want to follow up on.

4.5 & 9.3.1 – Support for Parry Sound Affordable Housing Development Corporation.
After a series of interactions it seems the Affordable Housing Corporation (PSAHC) has finally accepted the reality that the Town will not support more affordable housing if PSAHC insists on seeking exemptions from property taxation. PSAHC has stated that it, and any successor organizations, will not seek exemptions. It’s worth noting that their taxation rates are still lower than for residential properties.

9.2.2 – 2021 Land Ambulance Budget.
Our neighbouring municipalities will be squawking about the almost 5% increase in EMS costs. Because the expense is based in part on an assessment basis it is one of their highest expenses and one they can’t ‘finesse’.

9.3.2 – Xplornet’s proposal to the Province under the Improving Connectivity for Ontario (ICON) program.
It seems that after being ignored by internet providers we will now have two groups, Xplornet and the Smart Community Network Hub (Vianet), providing additional infrastructure. Does this mean competition or cooperation? This will primarily benefit of our neighbours as the Town already has good, if not exceptional, internet connectivity. (How about fibre on Redwood Drive???)

9.4.1 – Financial Variance Report for Third Quarter of 2020.
There is lots of juicy financial information in this report for those of you who like to understand what things in the Town cost to operate.

9.4.2 – RFP – General Insurance and Risk Management Services.
Insurance costs are going up 30%. This was previously suggested by our current provider. Any ideas on why prices are up this much? COVID-19 doesn’t seem a reasonable culprit.

10.2.1 – Appoint a Chief Building Official and Amend other building official appointments.
John Este is stepping down as CBO. He is pretty much the last of a management team that did a great job for the Town. I wish him the best. He served the Town as a true professional without any ‘attitude’.

Abridged Agenda

Closed Session
i) a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization, (EMS Human Resources issue)
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, (EMS Contract)

Correspondence
4.1 – Nick Ryeland, Park to Park Trail
2020 Funding Request.

4.2 – Beth Morton, Clerk-Administrator, Township of Perry
Opposition to Closure of Drive Test Centre in Sundridge.

4.3 – Minister Cho, Ministry of Seniors & Accessibility
Response to request for extension of Website compliance deadline.

4.4 – Hanif Datoo
Request for winter maintenance Geewadin Road extension.

4.5 – Parry Sound Affordable Housing Development Corporation
Support request for PSAHDC’s outreach to increase affordable housing.

Deputations
5.1 – Becky Pollock, Benjamin John, Georgian Bay Biosphere
ICECAP (Integrated Community Energy and Climate Action Plans) Progress Report.

5.2 – Nadine Hammond, Curator/Manager, Museum on Tower Hill
2021 Funding Request and 2020 Annual Report

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – Waste Diversion and Transition Legislation Comments
Resolution
That Council receive the Report attached as Schedule A and direct staff to provide comments consistent with the Report, on the proposed legislation as listed in the Environmental Registry as – ERO number 019-2579 prior to the December 3, 2020 deadline.

9.2.1 – Building Permit Software
Resolution
That Council accepts the proposal from Evolta Software Inc. for e-permitting (building permit) software (“Cloudpermit”) and authorizes staff to enter into an e-permit Service Agreement with Evolta Software Inc.

9.2.2 – 2021 Land Ambulance Budget
Resolution
That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee the 2021 Land Ambulance Operating Budget be approved with a 4.85% levy increase over the 2020 approved budget in a total amount of $9,986,873; and
That a Land Ambulance Capital Budget be approved in the amount of $460,000 to be funded from the EMS Capital Reserve Fund.

9.2.3 – Sign Variance – 1 Pine Drive
Resolution
That Council authorizes and directs the Chief Building Official to issue a permit for 4 signs on the site of 1 Pine Drive pursuant to the variances and permissions attached as Schedule A.

9.3.1 – Support for Parry Sound Affordable Housing Development Corporation
Resolution
Whereas the Parry Sound Affordable Housing Development Corporation has submitted a letter and would appreciate support from the Town of Parry Sound in their efforts to increase the number of affordable housing units serving West Parry Sound;
Whereas there is an ongoing demand for affordable housing units in Parry Sound and the surrounding area; and
Whereas the Parry Sound Affordable Housing Development Corporation works in partnership with many organizations to increase the number of affordable housing units to serve Parry Sound, and
Whereas the Parry Sound Affordable Housing Development Corporation commits that neither it nor its successor organization(s) will seek an exemption from property taxes under the Assessment Act,
Now Therefore the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound does hereby support the Parry Sound Affordable Housing Development Corporation’s efforts in search of opportunities to increase the number of affordable housing units to serve Parry Sound.

9.3.2 – Xplornet’s proposal to the Province under the Improving Connectivity for Ontario (ICON) program
Resolution
Whereas Xplornet has requested support from the Town of Parry Sound for their submission to the Province under the Improving Connectivity for Ontario (ICON) program, and
Whereas the past months have demonstrated the importance of connectivity, especially for the more rural areas of Ontario, and
Whereas the post-pandemic recovery offers the opportunity to provide the necessary tools for rural Ontario’s success in the digital economy, including education through virtual learning, eHealth, economic development and by supporting residents working from home, and
Whereas Xplornet’s project will build 2,650 km of new fibre across the province, providing direct fibre connections in the rural areas of Parry Sound, including the connection of 1 new macro tower site and 1 new wireless microsite to fibre in Town,
Now Therefore the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound does hereby support Xplornet’s proposal to the Province under the Improving Connectivity for Ontario (ICON) program.

9.4.1 – Financial Variance Report for Third Quarter of 2020
Resolution
That Council hereby receives and accepts the variance report for the Third Quarter of 2020 (September 30, 2020); and
That Council hereby approves the expenses for Council members for the period from January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020.

9.4.2 – RFP – General Insurance and Risk Management Services
Resolution
That Council accept and award the proposal for the Corporation’s general insurance and risk management services to BFL Canada, including Wharfingers/Terminal Operators insurance, at the premium cost of $451,169 plus sales tax for the one-year period ending December 15, 2021; and
That staff be authorized to negotiate and award other coverages up to a value of $15,000.

By-laws
10.1.1 – Community Sharps Bin – Agreement North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit
By-law 2020 – 7090
Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with the North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit for a Community Sharps Bin Program.

10.2.1 – Appoint a Chief Building Official and Amend other building official appointments
By-law 2020 – 7085
Being a By-law to Appoint Mark Vandermeer as Chief Building Official and amend or revoke other related Building Official Appointment By-laws.

10.2.2 – EMS Lease of a portion of the Humphrey Fire Hall
By-law 2020 – 7086
Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with the Township of Seguin for the lease of a portion of the Humphrey Fire Hall for an EMS Base.

10.2.3 – Big Sound Marina Breakwater and Dock C contract execution
By-law 2020 – 7087
Being a bylaw to authorize the execution of a contract with Kropf Industrial Inc for the replacement of the Breakwater and Dock C at the Big Sound Marina.

10.3.1 – Return of Financial Donation to Phil Morse for Outdoor Rink Project
By-law 2020 – 7091
Being a By-law to Authorize the Return of a Donation to Phil Morse.

10.4.1 – Commencement of Fees and Charges for Servicing Dennis & Macklaim Drive
By-law 2020 – 7088
Being a By-law to impose fees/charges for the recovery of the cost of capital works within portions of Plan M405 (Servicing Dennis and Macklaim Drive).

10.4.2 – Intermunicipal tax roll agreements with Whitestone, Magnetawan, Strong, and Armour
By-Law 2020 – 7089
Being a By-law to authorize the execution of four intermunicipal tax roll agreements with: the Corporation of the Municipality of Whitestone; the Corporation of the Township of Magnetawan; the Corporation of the Township of Strong; and the Municipal Corporation of the Township of Armour, for the purposes of adding POA defaulted fines to the tax roll.

 

 

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – November 17, 2020

25 Wednesday Nov 2020

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Once again there are no real surprises with the exception perhaps of 7.1.1 which came out of the Closed Session (brief discussion follows). Those of you interested in the activity and plans for the Town of Parry Sound Downtown Business Association will appreciate the summary of their deputation, 5.1.

7.1.1 – Town Position on Parry Sound Public Library Building Ownership.
This is interesting because it suggests the Library Board had requested the Town to take over ownership and responsibility for the Library building. This is very understandable. There are a number of publicly funded services in Town that are only sufficiently resourced to support basic operational functions, not the care and maintenance of the associated building.
We have been reminded of the costs involved with the Town’s decision to spend more than $1 million on each of the Stockey Centre, the Bobby Orr Community Centre, and Big Sound Marina for only necessary infrastructure upgrades and repairs. This is in addition to about $400,000 annually in direct support for each of the Stockey Centre and Bobby Orr Community Centre to cover their losses on operations. In total this adds up to more than a million dollars annually to support these operations without the cost of facility maintenance and upgrades. And now the Town wants to build a new recreation facility, Da Pool, which will most likely add a half million dollars annually in additional operational expenses. And there will be carried expenses related to the construction.
This reminds me of a deadbeat father who supports his current family, is planning for his next family, and tells his ex and her children to support themselves.
Dear Town Leaders – You created it, you support it.

Closed Session
b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, (staff member performance review).
c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes, (request for Town to take ownership of a property).
e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, (claim against Town funds).
n) educating or training council members and no member discusses or otherwise deals with any matter in a way that materially advances the business or decision-making of Council, (Site Locations for Parry Sound Area Recreation Centre)

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding the storm this past Sunday, Director of Public Works Mike Kearns reported that there were some issues due to downed trees and power outages, and Lakeland Power changed a pole at the north end of Town due to damage; however given the nature of the strong storm surge, damage was relatively minimal.

3.2.2 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding the status of the installation of the railing on Cascade St. hill east of the tracks, Mr. Kearns reported that this work should be completed soon.

3.2.3 In response to Councillor Borneman’s inquiry on an update on the usage, revenues and costs associated with the reopening of the Bobby Orr Community Centre and the Stockey Centre, Director of Finance Stephanie Phillips said that a report would be forthcoming to the next Council Meeting and that the finances are on track with projections. CAO Clayton Harris also reported that the Senior Leadership Team will be meeting tomorrow to discuss how to respond if the province does issue further lock- down directives.

Correspondence
4.1 – Mackenzie Taylor, Deputy Clerk, Township of Carling.
Carling Township opposition to EMS Surplus Levy

4.2 – Mackenzie Taylor, Deputy Clerk, Township of Carling.
Future Special Meeting to be held to hear recommendations from Wellness Centre & Pool Committee after the grant has been determined.

4.3 – Rita Orr, CEO, Parry Sound Public Library.
Budget request of $211,150.00 for 2021.

4.4 – Parry Sound Affordable Housing Development Corporation.
Copy of letter to Parry Sound District Social Services Administration Board requesting that it continue to pay property taxes for the Housing Dev. Corporation’s properties if MPAC grants a tax exemption; and e-mail to the Town regarding current and proposed initiatives related to a seniors housing complex and purchase of a local motel to provide housing.

(Note – no indication was offered as to the action taken with respect to these Correspondence items.)

Deputations
5.1 – April Denman, Executive Director, Downtown Business Association; Amy Black, Chair Events Committee; Seanan Megyesi, Chair Marketing Committee; and Brenda Ryan, Chair Beautification Committee.
2020 Year in Review
DBA Executive Director April Denman addressed Council noting that this year is the 50th anniversary of Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) – a made in Ontario innovation, with 500 across Canada now, including 300 in Ontario. Ms. Denman expressed appreciation for the working relationship with the Town’s Public Works Director, Parks & Recreation Manager and their teams. The fundraising meter campaign raised $256.78 for each of RISE, The Salvation Army, Hope Pregnancy Centre, and the Mary St. Centre; and the recipients of the next parking meter fundraising campaign will be the Guides, Georgian Jumpers, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, and Whispering River Orchestra. Ms. Denman introduced Committee Chairs and each spoke in turn.
Events Committee Chair and co-owner of Pardon My Garden Amy Black reported on two events held this year – Hallowe’en in the Downtown partnering with Parry Sound Public Library; and the Parry Sound Girlfriends weekend extended this year to a week- long event to accommodate spacing out of store visits, with 188 registrants so far, good feedback and a good base from which to build on again for next year.
Marketing Committee Chair and owner of Boston Pizza Seanan Meygesi reported that in light of the COVID pandemic, marketing was adjusted from a focus on events to highlighting local businesses, introducing the hashtag #localfirst and sharing members’ posts to expand local reach. Along with launch of a new website, the DBA created an instagram account making it easier to share news with 480 followers, and restructured twitter. “New Feature Fridays” are running on facebook telling background stories on new business owners and sharing members’ posts, with an increase of 25-30 followers a month since March. Going forward the DBA will work alongside the Events Committee to develop safe social distancing events that will continue to focus on shopping locally.
Chair of the Beautification Committee and owner of FAD Brenda Ryan reported that the Beautification Committee has almost completed its plan, implemented to meet the goal of creating an atmosphere that attracts more people to explore the downtown core. The following points were made by Ms. Ryan:
– The installation of 10 in-ground gardens – the biggest project is now complete. Logging 250 hours this year, 4 volunteers working Saturdays starting at 7 AM clean up the gardens, weed and dead-head. With the garden expansion program that also includes 2 “living room gardens” in the parking lot, the DBA is looking at having a more structured volunteer program assigning volunteers to certain gardens
– Continued with seasonal installation of the black planters in front of businesses.
– Removal of many of the overhanging metal signs, replaced by more quaint wooden carved blade signs projecting from businesses, making a more visually attractive and pedestrian-friendly feel. Businesses that didn’t get them this year are asking for them. 3- 4 signs are still to be installed at the Beatty building once their renovations have been completed.
– Trillium banners added to the collection, with the hope that banners will be installed all the way down Bay Street.
– Sidewalk cafes became more of a reality this year, with hopes that Council will support extending the patio season.
– Installed cigarette butt receptacles with good feedback received on these. – Plan to work over next years with building owners to improve facades.
– When veterans banners come down, Christmas decorations will go up, and a multi- year plan being developed for those.
– Lights installed in Jukes Lane.
– Appreciation extended to Town staff for helping, in particular April McNamara and Mike Kearns, as well as Mayor & Council for their support in transforming the downtown.

Ratification of Matters from Closed Agenda
7.1.1 – Town Position on Parry Sound Public Library Building Ownership.
Resolution
Be it resolved that Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound does hereby advise the Parry Sound Public Library Board, that the Town does not wish to own the Library Board’s building on Mary Street.
Carried

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – Letter of support to Ministry of Energy regarding net-metering.
Resolution
That as measure of the Town’s commitment to energy management, grid resilience and moving toward being a net-zero community, Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to sign the attached letter of support to the Ministry of Energy regarding net-metering in the Town of Parry Sound.
Carried

9.2.1 – Respond to Council Direction Regarding Payment of Cash-in-Lieu of Parking
Resolution
That, as a result of staff’s review as documented in the attached report, no changes will be made to the cash-in-lieu of parking policy/By-law.
Carried

By-laws
10.1.1 – Funding Agreement for Installation of Access Controls (Fobbing).
By-law 2020 – 7082
Being a by-law to authorize ratification of the execution of an agreement with PMCN for a Business Technology Improvement Grant for access controls (fobbing).
Passed, Signed & Sealed

10.4.1 – 2020 Debenture Capital Works – Waubeek & Isabella Streets.
By-law 2020 – 7083
Being a By-law to approve the submission of an application to Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (“OILC”) for the long-term financing of certain capital works (Isabella and Waubeek Streets) of The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound (The “Municipality”); and to authorize the entering into of a rate offer letter agreement pursuant to which the municipality will issue debentures to OILC.

About Bobby Orr

20 Friday Nov 2020

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections

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I do not share the political position that Mr. Orr put forward in an ad in the New Hampshire Union Leader. But I understand why he did and the politics he was supporting.

Politics is much like religion. You either actively search for what you believe to be most consistent with your interests and values, or you adopt the religion and politics of your family and community.

I believe Mr. Orr’s politics were learned and adopted from the community that he politically ‘came of age in’. Not his teens or twenties, but rather his thirties and beyond.

When Mr. Orr finished his hockey career, he was a legend and bankrupt. He probably had limited professional skills beyond his considerable hockey abilities. What he had developed was determination, a good heart, and a world-class reputation. This is what he needed to leverage to succeed in his post hockey years.

I suspect that Mr. Orr’s financial success depends in large part on people, particularly businessmen, who valued his company and his endorsement. Given the regional nature of hockey almost a half century ago this probably meant he was supported by businessmen in the U.S. northeast. Having a legendary hockey star on hand to shake hands at a car dealership, or to speak at a sales meeting, would have been a good business investment. Although I do not know the details of Mr. Orr’s business activities, we have seen how his presence at a Parry Sound event can bring out folks and open wallets for charitable causes. That ability can be leveraged for charity and business.

The politics of these northeast U.S. businessmen would have been conservative and Republican. Being adopted by this community, not as a shill, but as a legend who could connect to people, meant that he learned their style and their politics. It wasn’t a matter of not biting the hand that feeds you but rather a belief born out of experience that these are good people, and their politics make sense. Until some four years ago taking out an ad in support of a Republican president would not have been newsworthy or polarizing.

I worked in the U.S. for the better part of three decades. I would estimate that more than 80% of my American business friends vote Republican. These are good people with whom I don’t agree when it comes to politics. Some are mortified by the behaviour of the current president and just don’t want to discuss it. How they voted last month I don’t know, but I suspect most voted Republican down ballot and did not check the box for president. While they might not have been willing to support Trump, they certainly weren’t going to vote for a Democrat. They have a conscience but are still Republicans to the core.

I think Mr. Orr was encouraged by his ‘community’ to place the ad. If you benefit from having Republican connections, you sometimes have to prove you are ‘all-in’. It’s not unlike a religion where you are expected to demonstrate your commitment by going door to door to share the faith, or standing on a corner and asking for donations, or even going to war. Fortunately, it’s not like an inner-city gang where you prove your loyalty by ‘offing’ a member of an opposing gang.

Let’s cut Mr. Orr some slack and appreciate him for what he is and what he does. We shouldn’t judge people by their race, religion or politics. Let’s judge people by their actions, not their opinions.

Council Agenda Preview – November 17, 2020

13 Friday Nov 2020

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Nothing of note in this week’s Town of Parry Sound council meeting agenda. It’s very short so take a quick look for anything that might be important to you. Item 4.1 is sort of interesting – cheap, cheap, cheap.

Closed Session
b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, (staff member performance review)
c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes, (request for Town to take ownership of a property);
e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, (claim against Town funds);
n) educating or training council members and no member discusses or otherwise deals with any matter in a way that materially advances the business or decision-making of Council, (Site Locations for Parry Sound Area Recreation Centre)

Correspondence
4.1 – Mackenzie Taylor, Deputy Clerk, Township of Carling.
Carling Township opposition to EMS Surplus Levy.

4.2 – Mackenzie Taylor, Deputy Clerk, Township of Carling.
Future Special Meeting to be held to hear recommendations from Wellness Centre & Pool Committee after the grant has been determined.

4.3 – Rita Orr, CEO, Parry Sound Public Library.
Budget request of $211,150.00 for 2021.

Deputations
5.1 – April Denham, Executive Director, Downtown Business Association; and Brenda Ryan, Chair Beautification Committee; Amy Black/Karen Hobson, Chair, Events Committee; Seanan Megyesi, Marketing Committee.
2020 Year in Review

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – Letter of support to Ministry of Energy regarding net-metering.
Resolution
That as measure of the Town’s commitment to energy management, grid resilience and moving toward being a net-zero community, Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to sign the attached letter of support to the Ministry of Energy regarding net-metering in the Town of Parry Sound.

9.2.1 – Respond to Council Direction Regarding Payment of Cash-in-Lieu of Parking.
Resolution
That, as a result of staff’s review as documented in the attached report, no changes will be made to the cash-in-lieu of parking policy/By-law.

By-laws
10.1.1 – Funding Agreement for Installation of Access Controls (Fobbing).
By-law 2020 – 7082
Being a by-law to authorize ratification of the execution of an agreement with PMCN for a Business Technology Improvement Grant for access controls (fobbing)

10.4.1 – 2020 Debenture Capital Works – Waubeek & Isabella Streets.
By-law 2020 – 7083
Being a By-law to approve the submission of an application to Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (“OILC”) for the long-term financing of certain capital works (Isabella and Waubeek Streets) of The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound (The “Municipality”); and to authorize the entering into of a rate offer letter agreement pursuant to which the municipality will issue debentures to OILC.

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – November 3, 2020

06 Friday Nov 2020

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There were no surprises or important decisions arising from the November 3rd meeting of the Town of Parry Sound council meeting. A summary is presented below.

Closed Session
c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board, (developer interest in municipal property purchase)
Carried

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding response time by the electrical utility to a fire at Joseph Street yesterday, Director of Development & Protective Services Dave Thompson reported that the response time was very respectable, and staff continue to work on gathering necessary information for the Mayor to meet with Lakeland Power as was directed at the last Council meeting, following the report of a lengthy response time by the utility to another recent fire.

Correspondence
4.1 – Brenda Paul, Clerk, Township of Machar.
Concerns regarding permanent closure of Drive Test Centre in Sundridge.
Filed

4.2 – Don McArthur, Clerk, South River.
Concerns regarding permanent closure of Drive Test Centre in Sundridge.
Filed

4.3 – William Patterson, Director, Near North Crime Stoppers.
Request to proclaim January, 2021 as Crime Stoppers Month.
See item 9.5.2

4.4 – Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment.
Request to proclaim November 26, 2020 as Day of Recognition for Survivors of Financial Abuse and Economic Injustice.
See item 9.5.1

4.5 – Jason Predie, Parry Sound EMS.
Request for monetary donation towards 2020 Toy/Food Drive.
Filed

4.6 – Chris Pettinger, Co-Founder Trestle Brewing Company Limited.
Request for Town support permitting patio extensions beyond January 1, 2021.
Forwarded to relevant staff

4.7 – Lawrence & Sandra Mulligan.
Concerns regarding assessment, property taxes and trespassing on property.
Forwarded to relevant staff

Deputations
5.1 – Andrew Ryeland, Park to Park Trail Association.
Mr. Andrew Ryeland addressed Council with respect to the work of Park to Park (P2P) Trail Association’s work of connecting Killbear and Algonquin Provincial Parks with a multi-use 230 km trail. Further details provided by Mr. Ryeland included the following:
– COVID-19 this year meant a delay in trail opening, and loss of revenue both through a reduction in membership sales and cancelled fundraising rally. Trail usage was limited to local users and detailed COVID-19 health and safety precautions were approved by Local Health Unit. With ATV riding being an outdoor activity and vehicle spacing requiring distancing, P2P Trail was the only major tourism attraction permitted in Parry Sound by the province due to COVID-19 restrictions, in late spring and early summer, 2020 and ATV sales have increased this year.
– Trail activities have positive social impacts, and the Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model (TREIM) last analyzed in 2018 shows total visitor spending of $731,000, retail trade of $50,000, accommodation at $70,000, food and beverage at $50,000, indirect tax at $106,000, and the creation of 5 full-time jobs.
– Bridge repair of the 14 aging bridges continues to require labour and supplies.
– In response to a Council inquiry, Mr. Ryeland confirmed that while argoes are not tailored for trails, they are permitted on the P2P Trail.
– Organizational issues include the need to gather and organize governance and administrative documents and engage an accredited external auditor. P2P is managed with many volunteers and only 1 employee who is responsible for all governance issues, admin activities, grant applications, filing and day to day activities.
Mr. Ryeland concluded his presentation noting that their budget for additional administrative and maintenance staffing requires $100,000 from municipalities and that the specific request of the Town is for $20,000 which is an increased ask over last year.
Council member response included support for funding more administrative support to apply for grants which in turn could decrease the funding asks of municipalities. Mayor McGarvey directed that the budget request be referred to the budget process and encouraged Mr. Ryeland to follow-up with a formal letter of request.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways.
Resolution
That Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound receive the attached report on Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways for information purposes.
Carried

9.2.1 – Consent Application B/37/20 (PS) – (Kingshott/Crookshank-Hurd).
Resolution
That B37/2020 (88 and 94 Louisa Street) – Kingshott/Crookshank-Hurd, be supported subject to:
1. The payment of cash-in-lieu of parkland for the two newly created lots;
2. That the severance lot lines be reconfigured to ensure that the entirety of the ROW is on the Retained parcels;
3. That the existing 51(26) agreement apply to the newly severed lots as well as the retained lots;
4. That the lands be rezoned to ensure compliance with the Zoning By-law; and
5. That a scoped report be required to ensure the proposal complies with Section 4.5 of the Town’s Official Plan.
Carried

9.5.1 – Canadian Centre For Women’s Empowerment request for proclamation. Resolution
Whereas economic abuse is a deliberate pattern of control in which individuals interfere with their partner’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain economic resources; and
Whereas a lack of access to economic resources undermines a woman’s independence and agency, such as limiting her access to social support services, undermining mental well-being and exacerbating other risk factors contributing to poverty and other forms of marginalization affecting women; and
Whereas each day in Canada, approximately 51% of women staying in shelters for women and children report experiencing financial abuse, economic abuse is a seldom- talked about yet prevalent issue faced by survivors of domestic violence in Canada; and
Whereas economic abuse has happened to many generations of Canadian women and continues to happen regardless of socio-economic status, race, age or other identity factors; and
Whereas it is of utmost importance that government, at all levels, take action to protect victims and support survivors of economic abuse;
Now Therefore Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound does hereby authorize the Mayor to proclaim November 26, 2020 as “The Day of Recognition for Survivors of Financial Abuse and Economic Injustice” in the Town of Parry Sound.
Carried

9.5.2 – Proclamation of January, 2021 as Crime Stoppers Month.
Resolution
Whereas Crime Stoppers, an internationally recognized program, is a partnership of the public, the police and the media providing citizens with a proactive program to anonymously assist our police partners in the solving of crime, contributing to an improved quality of life in our communities and 

Whereas since inception, anonymous calls to Near North CRIME STOPPERS have assisted the Police and other investigative agencies in making 1,715 arrests, recovering stolen property valued at over $4 million and seizing almost $52 million in illegal drugs;
Now Therefore Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound hereby authorizes the Mayor to declare January 2021 as Crime Stoppers Month in the Town of Parry Sound.
Carried

By-laws
None