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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.