Monthly Archives: December 2020

The Town of Parry Sound Water Report – WTF?

29 Tuesday Dec 2020

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections

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I opened the Town’s recently issued water report prepared by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. to review it and take notes. It all started reasonably and then I hit page 2.1. (The report can be downloaded from the Town’s website through this link.) That’s where the WTF reaction arose.

The report states that there are currently 2,346 customers for water and 2,273 for wastewater services. Okay, that seems reasonable, the consultants have the Town’s account numbers. The report goes on to assume there will be a total of 30 new customers (three new accounts per year) for water and wastewater services over the period 2020 to 2030. I take this to mean from the beginning of 2020 to the end of 2029, a ten-year period. This is an increase of 1.3% over ten years. Water consumption is expected to increase by 0.7%.

How do you assume only 30 total new water customers when house conversions to multiple units are ongoing, the Lighthouse development will be coming on line, as will Thunder Creek? These two developments will create dozens of new accounts. There is also the Acorn Ridge development on Louisa Street with potentially hundreds of new accounts that is on the back burner for now but is more than likely to arrive in the next decade given the demand for housing in the Town and the willingness of people to pay whatever it costs to get out of the Big Smoke and retain the luxury of high speed internet without worrying about wells and septic systems.

What about the new Recreation Centre? Will they be filling the pool with water pumped directly out of the Big Sound?

The report states that it is presenting a ‘conservative’ forecast. There is ‘conservative’ and there is ‘sandbagging’. Town staff are pretty experienced at sandbagging. I see it regularly in the annual budgets and largely ignore it as it is not too egregious and there is no ulterior motive. If you put a budget item in at a higher cost than you actually expect to pay you are a hero for the savings. At the same time these ‘extra’ funds are now available to pay for other items that Council was not willing to consider because of the expense, or the savings can cover other items where there was an error made by underestimating a cost. Sandbagging is not hard to identify if you know what you are looking for.

It seems that in the case of the Water Report the sandbagging is being done to rationalize higher water rates. The largest part of water and wastewater costs are not related to the cost of purifying and pumping water or processing wastewater before discharge, it is related to the cost of building and maintaining the supporting infrastructure. This includes things like upgrading and servicing pumping stations, replacing pipe, and installing new pipe. With no growth in customers and water use there is no need for additional water related infrastructure; you take a maintain and upgrade only when necessary approach.

I have put off reading the cost and revenue estimates provided in the report pending an answer from the Town about the growth rate presented in the report. Once I have an explanation, I will take another look at the report and provide you with an overview of the report, the conclusions, and the implications. That won’t be until the ‘holiday week’ is over and Staff is available.

Do we need an economic development officer to get a total of 1% growth over ten years? Do we need a fulltime Chief Building Officer if there is no significant construction expected? What about a Planner?

Come on folks, was Staff unable to identify the discrepancy or did they actually request it? The Town would have seen and commented on the report before it was issued. Consultants know what they are doing. Forecasting a smaller than realistic growth in water accounts has the net effect of raising the rates the Town charges each of us for water and wastewater. It’s only a few percent points difference but it is meaningful. Screwing around with your assumptions to get the number you want is deceitful and ruins your credibility. Keep your assumptions realistic and be direct with the cost that will be required. Don’t sandbag it. Or if you do want to really lowball the numbers then state that in the assumptions. Don’t call it ‘conservative’.

Oh, in case you were wondering, WTF means What the Forecast.

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – December 15, 2020

23 Wednesday Dec 2020

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There are no surprises but there are issues you need to understand and possibly follow up on:
9.4.1 – Water & Wastewater Rate Study
9.5.1 – West Parry Sound Recreation & Culture Centre

Abridged Minutes

Closed Session
(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board (developer request to purchase land from the Town; MTO offer to sell land to the Town);
e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, (claim against Town funds);
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, (claim against Town funds);

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding a maintenance hole on Joseph St and the status of railing installation on Cascade St., Director of Public Works Mike Kearns responded that if temperatures moderate, a better patch work can be done for the rest of winter around the Joseph St. maintenance hole. With respect to the railing on Cascade Street, Mr. Kearns reported that although the railing was part of the contract installation, there was a decision made at some point not to re-install. Currently he is attempting to ensure design that will not impede snow removal and still allow for a 1.5 meter regulation width sidewalk.

3.2.2 – In response to Councillor Burden’s concerns on behalf of the Downtown Business Association (DBA) regarding garbage on James Street between Seguin and Mary, and their request for garbage containers mid-block, Mr. Kearns reported that the MOU between Town and DBA identifies that garbage receptacles are removed during winter conditions and a few remain. One of the challenges in wintertime is to place receptacles where they won’t impede snow removal.

2.3 – Councillor Backman commented that she would like the existing garbage receptacles in the downtownarea replaced by bins supporting recycling. In addition, Councillor Backman requested an update on the CIINO initiative to which CAO Clayton Harris responded per the following: The Regional Economic Development Collaborative is composed of all seven West Parry Sound area municipalities; the new EDO James Cox started December 7th with an office located in the Township of The Archipelago building; Chair Michelle Hendry and Mr. Harris met with him yesterday, and will set a meeting with Mr. Cox and the Town’s EDO Vlad Shehovtsov for Thursday.

3.2.4 – In response to Councillor Borneman’s inquiry as to potential for a rink at Kinsmen Park this winter, Mr. Kearns reported that the Health Unit has released guidelines on operating outdoor rinks, and that pending appropriate weather conditions, plans are in place to make an outdoor rink at Kinsmen Park.

3.2.5 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding winter solstice, Mr. Kearns reported that to his knowledge no celebratory plans were in place to recognize winter solstice this year.

Correspondence
4.1 – Rick Kerr
Request for amendment to Cemetery Regulations – for Council’s consideration.

4.2 – Ann MacDiarmid, Mayor, Seguin Township
Withdrawal from Boundary Adjustment Discussions.
Filed

4.3 – Aleesha Clark, Committee Chair, Absolutely Georgian Bay
Introduction of Absolutely Georgian Bay Tourism Cooperative Inc.
Filed

Deputations
5.1 – Tom Parks, OHE Consultants.
Request for exemption from Noise Regulations for Jail Demolition.
Mr. Park gave an explanation of the reason for the requested exemption from the noise regulations by-law and acknowledged that the Ontario Regulations 131/20 which prohibit municipalities from regulating construction noise between 6 AM and 10 PM may mean that his request is not necessary as contractors will be able to work from 6 AM to 9 AM prior to court, from 6 PM to 10 PM after court and on weekends and statutory holidays. In addition, Mr. Park responded to inquiries about how the work will be undertaken, including filling with uncompressible fill; and lighting during nighttime operations.

9.1.1 – Winter Control Level of Service Policy.
Resolution
That Council endorse and adopt the attached Winter Control Level of Service Policy for roads and sidewalks.
Carried

9.2.1 – Extension of Temporary Patio Permissions for Restaurants During COVID-19.
Resolution
Whereas on June 8, 2020 the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) permitted new patios or temporary additions to patios to provide more opportunities to local businesses while protecting health and safety, subject to municipal requirements, and provided an extension to these timelines on December 9, 2021; and
Whereas the Council for the Town of Parry Sound passed Resolution 2020-067 to permit temporary restaurant and bar patios and opted not to enforce the Zoning By-law or Site Plan Agreements as it related to parking infractions as a result of these patios until January 1, 2021; and
Whereas Covid-19 will be an issue affecting restaurants for the foreseeable future and the Town wishes to extend the timelines of this Resolution to be in tandem with the AGCO’s extension.
Now Therefore be it Resolved that the Council for the Town of Parry Sound supports an extension until January 1, 2022 to the terms noted in Resolution 2020-067.
Carried

9.2.2 – Consent Application B/45A&B/2020 – Macazer Holding.
Resolution
That Council of the Town of Parry Sound hereby supports Parry Sound Area Planning Board Application Number B45A&B/2020 – Macazer Holding.
Carried

9.3.1 – The 2019-2020 Annual Report.
Resolution
That Council receive the 2019-2020 Annual Report as attached, and direct staff to make copies of it available to the public and circulated to MP Scott Aitchison, MPP Norm Miller, the Downtown Business Association, the Chamber of Commerce and other agencies and organizations as appropriate.
Carried

9.4.1 – Water & Wastewater Rate Study
Sean-Michael Stephen of Watson & Associates Economists addressed Council from a prepared presentation regarding a proposed ten-year sewer and water rate structure to address Council’s previous direction to move to a structure that includes a base charge and consumptive rate that is uniform across all customers. The proposed recommendation includes a differentiated rate based on meter size with no distinction between residential and non-residential customers, and consumptive component based on actual usage for metered customer with no minimum consumption charge. Built into the rate structure are increased annual charges for operating expenditures plus inflation estimated at 2% per year, and capital related expenditure based on the capital funding plan.
Resolution
WHEREAS Council approved a change from the current water and wastewater rate structure to a rate structure with a monthly fixed charge, based on meter size, and a consumptive rate (per gallon/per cubic metre) that is uniform for all customers; and
WHEREAS pricing structure changes were deferred to investigate additional options;
NOW THEREFORE Council hereby approves the posting of the Town of Parry Sound Water and Wastewater Rate Study for public circulation and comment; and
THAT the Water Financial Plan be prepared in the format required under O.Reg. 453/07 and submitted to the Province to maintain the Town’s Municipal Drinking Water Licence; and further
THAT the recommended rates be brought forward for consideration.
Carried

Other Business
9.5.1 – West Parry Sound Recreation & Culture Centre.
Spokesperson: Donald Sanderson, Chair, Wellness Centre & Pool Committee
Wellness Centre & Pool Committee Chair Donald Sanderson introduced himself and consultants present, and then proceeded to give a presentation from a series of slides on the proposed West Parry Sound Area Recreation Centre.
In addition, questions posed were responded to by Mr. Sanderson or other members of the team per the following:
– it is unknown whether funding is jeopardized if a municipality pulls out; the project and funding formula would need to be reworked for approval by remaining municipalities.
– although the objective of the proposal was to develop program for the facility using 5 acres, there is an additional 10 acres available as well as 9 acres owned by the Town abutting the property that could be used for additional programming.
– Soil samples have been taken in the parking lot and play field area, and on the existing developed area, and all is buildable.
– the building can be re-oriented or expanding upon once an architect has been selected to proceed with finalizing siting and design.
– The Municipal Joint Service Agreement requires 100% agreement of members to release a municipality from the Agreement, with the rationale that any municipality on its own deciding to undertake a recreation project of this magnitude would be committed for decades.
– 2% of annual operating budget is put into a reserve fund to address future capital expenditures – an industry standard.
– Terms of Reference for the Joint Municipal Service Board are essentially contained within the Agreement – a broad constitutional document to set up the Board.
– with respect to the receipt by other municipalities of the presentation, the Townships of McDougall and The Archipelago have both passed resolutions endorsing the recommendations; the Municipality of Whitestone received the presentation and will decide at a future meeting, which was their planned approach to the issue.
– the operating agent will be determined by the Joint Municipal Service Board; the hope is that an arrangement can be made with the YMCA.
– The YMCA owns the land and is agreeable to leasing it for a nominal amount per year for 100 years. If as a condition of funding the land must be owned by the grant recipient, the YMCA is agreeable to sell the land for a nominal amount.
– consider changing the word “burden” to something more positive in the Joint Municipal Service Board Agreement vis a bis “municipalities shall share the burden of the annual contribution.”
Mayor McGarvey thanked Chair Sanderson and other presenters.
Resolution 2020 – 147
Be it Resolved that subject to all area municipalities agreeing to participate as outlined in the attached report presented by the Wellness Centre & Pool Committee at the December 15, 2020 Meeting of Council, and subject to ICIP funding approval, The Council for the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound approves the following recommendations:
1. That the YMCA property, as recommended by CS&P Architects be approved as the site;
2. That CS&P Architects Option A be approved for the purposes of designing and constructing the facility;
3. That the cost sharing formula be approved for the allocation of operating and capital costs;
4. That a Joint Municipal Service Board be used by the municipalities, for the purpose of acting as an agent on behalf of the Municipalities, in the constructing, maintaining, fundraising and operating of the West Parry Sound Area Recreation and Culture Centre; 5. That the Joint Municipal Service Board Agreement be approved, and the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement, substantially in the form attached;
6. That pending approval of the ICIP grant application the Steering Committee be directed to take the necessary steps to create the Joint Municipal Service Board;
7. That the Steering Committee be directed to enter into negotiations with the YMCA for the purposes of operating the facility; and
8. That the Steering Committee be directed to enter into negotiations with the YMCA to secure the approved site.
7-yes; 0-no – Carried Unanimously

9.5.2 – Request for Exemption from Noise Regulations By-law.
Resolution
Whereas Council has received a request per attached Schedule A for exemption from the Noise Regulations By-law 2009-5301; and
Whereas no concerns have been raised by Town staff with respect to the request for exemption, and
Whereas Ontario Regulation 131/20 filed April 7, 2020 and in effect for 18 months from date of filing, denies a municipality the power to prohibit and regulate noise with respect to construction activity in a municipality between the hours of 6 AM and 10 PM
Now Therefore the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound does hereby grant the applicant all requested exemptions from the Noise Regulations By-law 2009- 5301 per application attached as Schedule A.
Carried

By-laws
10.1.1 – Curbside Collection Contract Extension.
By-law 2020 – 7094
Being a bylaw to authorize the extension of an agreement with Waste Connections of Canada Inc. for curbside waste and recycling collection for two years, ending December 31, 2022.
Passed, Signed & Sealed

10.4.1 – 2021 Interim Tax Levy.
By-law 2020 – 7093
Being a By-Law to provide for an interim tax levy, for the payment of taxes, and for penalty and interest at 1 1/4 percent per month for the 2021 taxation year.
Passed, Signed & Sealed
Direction Approved for Staff Follow-up
That staff be directed to report back on the implications of waiving the 1-1/4% penalty under various options, i.e. over different number of months, etc.
Carried for staff follow-up.

Council Agenda Preview – December 15, 2020

12 Saturday Dec 2020

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It’s a packed agenda in terms of content. The agenda with attachments is 58 MB to download if you are interested in any of the particular items and the supporting documentation.
Well, there has been a cessation of boundary discussions between the Town of Parry Sound and Sequin Township at the direction of the Seguin Council (4.2). That still leaves Israel-Palestine, China-India, India-Pakistan, Turkey-Syria, and many other border disputes/discussions unresolved.
Winter Control Level of Service Policy (9.1.1) has been provided. This policy summarizes the priorities of the various roads in Town with respect to snow management. It’s a little bit misleading in that a Class 6 street might well be cleared before a Class 3 road (the lower the class the higher the priority – get it). It all depends on the equipment required. The higher class, lower priority, streets are often short cul de sacs that require a relatively small truck and blade and are quickly cleared while the lower class streets, think Bowes Street, require the largest machines and multiple passes.
The The 2019-2020 Annual Report (9.3.1) is out and probably will soon be found in your mailbox. Download the full agenda for an early read. Lots of images and self-congratulatory text. (Note to the report designer – the images are unattractively over saturated. Less is More.)
The Water & Wastewater Rate Study (4.1.1) has been issued in draft form for public review and comment. It looks like you have some more holiday reading.
The West Parry Sound Recreation & Culture Centre (9.5.1) is on the agenda with a request for approval to enter into further negotiations. This approval has the condition that no agreement is finalized before certain conditions are met. These conditions seem to include the agreement of the other area municipalities and upper tier government funding approval.

Those are my key takeaways from the agenda. I wish everyone a safe holiday season and may you be on Santa’s nice list for a COVID-19 vaccination. (With the exception of medical and related personnel I suspect we are lower on the list, which is actually a good thing for a number of reasons.)

Closed Session
c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board (developer request to purchase land from the Town; MTO offer to sell land to the Town)
e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, (claim against Town funds)
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, (claim against Town funds)

Correspondence
4.1 – Rick Kerr.
Request for amendment to Cemetery Regulations.

4.2 – Ann MacDiarmid, Mayor, Seguin Township.
Withdrawal from Boundary Adjustment Discussions.

4.3 – Aleesha Clark, Committee Chair, Absolutely Georgian Bay.
Introduction of Absolutely Georgian Bay Tourism Cooperative Inc.

Deputations
5.1 – Tom Parks, OHE Consultants.
Request for exemption from Noise Regulations for Jail Demolition [For Council’s determination by resolution].

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – Winter Control Level of Service Policy.
Resolution
That Council endorse and adopt the attached Winter Control Level of Service Policy for roads and sidewalks.

9.2.1 – Extension of Temporary Patio Permissions for Restaurants During COVID-19.
Resolution
Whereas on June 8, 2020 the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) permitted new patios or temporary additions to patios to provide more opportunities to local businesses while protecting health and safety, subject to municipal requirements, and provided an extension to these timelines on December 9, 2021; and
Whereas the Council for the Town of Parry Sound passed Resolution 2020-067 to permit temporary restaurant and bar patios and opted not to enforce the Zoning By-law or Site Plan Agreements as it related to parking infractions as a result of these patios until January 1, 2021; and
Whereas Covid-19 will be an issue affecting restaurants for the foreseeable future and the Town wishes to extend the timelines of this Resolution to be in tandem with the AGCO’s extension.
Now Therefore be it Resolved that the Council for the Town of Parry Sound supports an extension until January 1, 2022 to the terms noted in Resolution 2020-067.

9.2.2 – Consent Application B/45A&B/2020 – Macazer Holding.
Resolution
That Council of the Town of Parry Sound hereby supports Parry Sound Area Planning Board Application Number B45A&B/2020 – Macazer Holding.

9.3.1 – The 2019-2020 Annual Report.
Resolution
That Council receive the 2019-2020 Annual Report as attached, and direct staff to make copies of it available to the public and circulated to MP Scott Aitchison, MPP Norm Miller, the Downtown Business Association, the Chamber of Commerce and other agencies and organizations as appropriate.

9.4.1 – Water & Wastewater Rate Study.
Resolution
WHEREAS Council approved a change from the current water and wastewater rate structure to a rate structure with a monthly fixed charge, based on meter size, and a consumptive rate (per gallon/per cubic metre) that is uniform for all customers; and
WHEREAS pricing structure changes were deferred to investigate additional options;
NOW THEREFORE Council hereby approves the posting of the Town of Parry Sound Water and Wastewater Rate Study for public circulation and comment; and
THAT the Water Financial Plan be prepared in the format required under O.Reg. 453/07 and submitted to the Province to maintain the Town’s Municipal Drinking Water Licence; and further
THAT the recommended rates be brought forward for consideration.

9.5.1 – West Parry Sound Recreation & Culture Centre.
Resolution
Be it Resolved that subject to all area municipalities agreeing to participate as outlined in the attached report presented by the Wellness Centre & Pool Committee at the December 15, 2020 Meeting of Council, and subject to ICIP funding approval, The Council for the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound approves the following recommendations:
1. That the YMCA property, as recommended by CS&P Architects be approved as the site;
2. That CS&P Architects Option A be approved for the purposes of designing and constructing the facility;
3. That the cost sharing formula be approved for the allocation of operating and capital costs;
4. That a Joint Municipal Service Board be used by the municipalities, for the purpose of acting as an agent on behalf of the Municipalities, in the constructing, maintaining, fundraising and operating of the West Parry Sound Area Recreation and Culture Centre;
5. That the Joint Municipal Service Board Agreement be approved, and the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the agreement, substantially in the form attached;
6. That pending approval of the ICIP grant application the Steering Committee be directed to take the necessary steps to create the Joint Municipal Service Board;
7. That the Steering Committee be directed to enter into negotiations with the YMCA for the purposes of operating the facility; and
8. That the Steering Committee be directed to enter into negotiations with the YMCA to secure the approved site.

By-laws
10.1.1 – Curbside Collection Contract Extension.
By-law 2020 – 7094
Being a bylaw to authorize the extension of an agreement with Waste Connections of Canada Inc. for curbside waste and recycling collection for two years, ending December 31, 2022.

10.4.1 – 2021 Interim Tax Levy.
By-law 2020 – 7093
Being a By-Law to provide for an interim tax levy, for the payment of taxes, and for penalty and interest at 1 1/4 percent per month for the 2021 taxation year.

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – December 1, 2020

05 Saturday Dec 2020

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There are a large number of items contained in this week’s Town of Parry Sound council meeting minutes. None are a surprise. It’s worth taking a quick scan of the items to keep yourself up-to-date and avoid any future surprises. I try and limit my comments to the agenda preview except where a new item of interest is introduced. Once Council makes a decision, Resolution or By-law, it will be a challenge to get it amended or reversed. That’s why attention should be paid to the agenda, rather than the minutes. It’s much easier to head off bad ideas than correct them later.

Abridged Minutes

Closed Meeting
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)

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
1.4.1 – Cllr. Horne declared Pecuniary Interest on item 9.2.2 – 2021 Land Ambulance Budget as his spouse who is CFO of the West Parry Sound Health Centre is directly involved in the 2021 Land Ambulance 2021 Budget process. During the item, Councillor Horne left the room, did not participate in discussion nor vote on the resolution.

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – In response to Mayor McGarvey’s inquiry regarding the Christmas and Toy Food Drive, Fire Chief Dave Thompson reported that the Fire Department’s food drive usually conducted door to door, will instead this year be done by soliciting donations at numerous locations in Town this Saturday. The EMS Toy Drive is also being modified this year; donors are encouraged to send cheques to the EMS Base at 99 Bowes Street, or submit e-transfer to e-mail address psemstoydrive@gmail.com
Financial donations are spent locally to purchase toys.

3.2.2 – In response to Councillor McCann’s inquiry regarding a ratepayer’s concern about a notice received regarding parking on the lawn, Mr. Thompson reported that one of the major complaints the By-law Enforcement Department receives deals with clean yards, particularly front yards, and vehicle parking thereon. The zoning by-law governs parking including that of licensed and unlicensed vehicles, recreational vehicles, etc. The By-law Enforcement Department’s approach is to contact people who are mis- parking to educate them on options and opportunities to come into compliance with the By-law. The By-law Enforcement Department enforces both the Property Standards and Clean Yards By-laws as set by Council from both a pro-active and reactive approach. Council can change the by-laws to address different issues if it wishes.

3.2.3 – In response to Councillor Backman’s inquiry on whether there has been an increase in parking violations on properties as a result of the zoning by-law amendment recently passed permitting additional units, Mr. Thompson reported that they have not seen a direct relationship. Generally parking issues are related to funny shaped lots, small driveways, small side yards, etc.

3.2.4 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding the response to snowfall today and the seasonal lights up on Town property, Director of Public Works Mike Kearns confirmed that plowing operations went well in today’s first major snow fall and that it was indeed Town staff who put up lights on the evergreen trees at the Town office and at Market Square Park.

Correspondence
4.1 – Nick Ryeland, Park to Park Trail.
2020 Funding Request
Referred to Director of Financial Services

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

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

4.4 – Hanif Datoo.
Request for winter maintenance Geewadin Road extension.
Referred to Director of Public Works for research and response

4.5 – Parry Sound Affordable Housing Development Corporation.
Support request for PSAHDC’s outreach to increase affordable housing.
Referred to item 9.3.1

Deputations
5.1 – David Bywater, Benjamin John, Georgian Bay Biosphere.
ICECAP (Integrated Community Energy and Climate Action Plans) Progress Report.
From a prepared power point presentation, Mr. Bywater and Mr. John addressed Council with respect to progress that the ICECAP Regional partnership made in 2020 and plans for 2021, noting the following:
– The partnership is a regional approach with identified current members, potential members and community partners.
– Of the five milestones identified by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Partners for Climate Protection program, the first milestone to establish a baseline greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and forecast has been completed for both the community and municipal operations.
– highlights of 2020 included launching the “carbon calculator”, conducting webinars, studies, writing articles, and within the community assessment – including recreational vehicle emissions – the first communities in Canada to be including this category which is getting attention from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and federal partners.
– Corporate (i.e. the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound) baseline GHG emissions data was collected for transportation, buildings, streetlights, solid waste and water & wastewater with three major areas of GHG emissions being buildings, fleet, and water/wastewater infrastructure.
– combined numbers produced a baseline at year 2016 upon which to compare in future; if operations continue “business as usual”, the GHG emissions are anticipated to rise 12% by 2030; financial costs associated can also be expected to rise.
– the next milestone in the ICECAP program includes setting a target reduction rate.
– although a more complex task, similar data analysis was done for the broader community which shows community transportation produces the most GHG emissions, specifically from vehicles on the road, followed by commercial, institutional and residential sectors with values typical of an urban-rural community like Parry Sound.
– Combined numbers for the community also produced a baseline at year 2016, with a business as usual forecast of 11.8% increase in year 2030.
– The proposed 2021 workplan includes three program areas: ICECAP Regional Activities; Milestones 2 & 3 of the Municipalities Partners for Climate Protection Program; and First Nations Climate Action. Milestones 2 and 3 represent a significant body of work in setting corporate and community reduction targets and establishing a climate change action plan.
– In order to undertake the 2021 workplan, $14,500 is requested per municipal member which for Parry Sound represents 13.5% of the 2021 budget, with other funding coming from other ICECAP members, Georgian Bay Biosphere and other funding sources.

5.2 – Nadine Hammond, Curator/Manager, Rob Wood, Board Chair Museum on Tower Hill.
2021 Funding Request and 2020 Annual Report .
Ms. Hammond addressed Council with respect to a review of last year’s operations, including the following:
– March sprinkler system froze and burst causing water damage in the hallway; the company who repaired it also donated materials and services to repair exterior siding, seal off the attic from rodents and replace insulation.
– COVID altered how the public was able to access the museum spaces which reduced revenues from admissions and gift shop sales.
– Over 15 groups to date have experienced a new exhibit – the Adam Brown adventure, sponsored by Team Marshall and Georgian Bay Software – which has received positive feedback.
– Genealogy group continues to meet monthly.
– “Giving Tuesday” today raised $6,000 well in excess of the $1,000 goal with Sobey’s matching donations up to $500.00.
– Next year plans including fixing ageing building, opening new train exhibit, Trappers Cabin, launching a docent program to provide tours of the exhibition and launching new digital content.
Mr. Wood addressed Council commending Ms. Hammond’s work, committing the Board to supporting her work in 2021, and inviting members of Council to experience the Adam Brown Adventure at the Museum.
In response to Council questions about the financial state of the Museum, Ms. Hammond reported that the museum was not able in 2020 to generate the funds it normally does, because of COVID restrictions; museums are typically underfunded federally and provincially; available funding is often specific to programming and the challenge the Museum is facing is to fund basic building maintenance shortfall.
Mayor McGarvey noted that the Museum’s funding request would be part of the Town’s budget process.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – Waste Diversion and Transition Legislation Comments.
Resolution
That Council receive the Report attached as Schedule A regarding waste diversion and transition legislation 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.
Carried

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.
Carried

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.
Carried

9.2.3 – Sign Variance – 1 Pine Drive – 2020.
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.
Carried

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; and
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.
Carried

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.
Carried

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.
Carried

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 $16,295 plus sales tax.
Carried

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.
Passed, Signed and Sealed

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.
Passed, Signed and Sealed
Mayor McGarvey remarked upon just deputized John Este’s coming retirement and welcomed Mark Vandermeer to the role of CBO and employment with the Town.

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.
Passed, Signed and Sealed

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.
Passed, Signed and Sealed

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.
Passed, Signed and Sealed

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).
Passed, Signed and Sealed

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.
Passed, Signed and Sealed

Carling and COVID-19

01 Tuesday Dec 2020

Posted by in Reflections

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Oh boy, where to start?

A recent ParrySound.com article reviewed the discussion at a Carling Townhip council meeting concerning the municipalities concerns about COVID-19. Their concerns are understandable but unfortunately labeled folks who could not be immediately identified as Carling residents as ‘transients’. If like me, you don’t live in Carling you are a transient if you visit a friend or do business there. By that definition Carling residents who shop at Sobeys and NoFrills are also ‘transients’.

COVID-19 has everybody on edge. That’s no reason to point fingers and label people. It’s the type of response we abhor when there is a report of an African American being followed, and too often physically assaulted, by residents because he didn’t ‘look’ like he was ‘from there’. Or at least that is what they thought.

As home to one of the very largest Provincial Parks in Ontario I would have thought that at this point Carling Councilors would think of people ‘from away’ as visitors, tourists, or even guests.

As a resident of the Town of Parry Sound we are very used to sharing our town and our facilities with people from Carling, the other municipalities, and visitors/tourists/guests from the province, the country, and the world.

Do you want to launch a boat and leave your trailer there for the day? At Parry Sound you can do it. Want to enjoy Waubuno Beach? Please enjoy, be careful and be considerate.

There were recent rumblings in McDougall that folks wanted to limit beach use to residents. Both McDougall and Carling restrict, and in many cases prohibit, parking and by extension use of their municipal and federal boat launches unless you have a resident sticker. They will make arguments that there is limited space and residents should have first access. In many cases I see the parking spots empty. How about half reserved for residents and half for ‘visitors’? Or it just a ploy to keep the ‘transients’ out? It certainly keeps me out.

There is nothing like a threat to bring out the worst in people. And we wonder why the U.S. and Canadian large cities have problems with ‘profiling’. We have exactly the same instincts and flaws but are not put under typical urban stressors until something like COVID-19 brings our fears to the front.

Trust but confirm and be careful. People won’t infect you if you take the proper precautions. People camping on Crown Land are not a threat.