Monthly Archives: January 2021

Council Agenda Preview – February 2, 2021

30 Saturday Jan 2021

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Well, well some good news in this week’s Town of Parry Sound’s council agenda in terms of Item 4.2.

4.2 – Parry Sound District Social Services Administration Board. Response to Town’s request to pay property taxes on social housing.
It seems that the Parry Sound District Social Services Administration Board has approved the payment of an amount equivalent to the property taxes that would be owed on a number of properties supported by the Parry Sound District Social Services Administration Board. The amount to be paid appears to be significant but I will refrain from providing an amount. I am sure this will a major the subject of discussion Tuesday night. I offer my congratulations and thanks to Town Staff for pushing this issue.

9.1.2 – 2021 Budgeting Schedule (Revised).
A revised and delayed schedule has been proposed. It pushes final budget approval back to April. It is not clear from the information provided when the Public will be able to access the draft budget to permit some analysis and feedback.

9.2.2 – Pre-budget Council expenditure approval – Water/Wastewater capacity study.
This is interesting and acknowledges that the Town doesn’t have a handle on the future water and wastewater needs of the Town. Better late than never. There certainly will be much more demand than forecast in the recent Water Report. The needs could explode if Acorn Ridge were to be realized and the properties on Emily Street with fabulous views of the waterfront and the setting sun were to move forward. There is also the possibility of serious waterfront development. Put it all together and supply will exceed demand if it hasn’t already. Parry Sound is becoming a mid-market destination and not to be compared with Muskoka. It would be nice to have a handle on what that might mean for Town infrastructure demands.

9.4.1 – 2020 Economic Development Report
According to the recent Water Report future economic development in the Town will not increase water use. It was obvious that this estimate was wrong, but it will be nice to understand what Town Staff is thinking and planning in terms of economic development.
Note – there was no presentation attached with the minutes as noted in the agenda.

10.4.1 – Lakeland Holdings Shareholders Agreement Amendments.
I really don’t have much to offer from a contract perspective. What is interesting is the summary of ownership of Lakeland Holdings and the various generators and business sectors they are involved in. I have pasted two tables from the Agenda at the end if you are interested in this information.

Abridged Agenda

Correspondence
4.1 – Krista St. Amant, on behalf of community members.
Request that ice remain in BOCC to resume programs after lock-down.

4.2 – Parry Sound District Social Services Administration Board.
Response to Town’s request to pay property taxes on social housing.

Deputations
5.1 – ED David Sweetnam, Nicole Dimond, Brooke Harrison, Georgian Bay Forever.
Divert & Capture Program Update; Introducing Diversion 2.0.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – COVID-19 Pandemic – Property Tax Support for Taxpayers.
Resolution
Whereas on January 12, 2021, the Province of Ontario once again issued a State of Emergency order; and
Whereas the Province has ordered non-essential businesses to close to the public during this time; and
Whereas fewer businesses were deemed non-essential under this newest order allowing more businesses to carry on their business and keep their employees working; and
Whereas there should be an incentive for property owners to continue to pay their property taxes and not encumber their property into the future; and
Whereas property taxes are the Town’s primary source of revenue and it is important to encourage payment to maintain sufficient municipal cashflows to fund operations and meet the Town’s payment obligations; and
Whereas the Province of Ontario currently makes small business support grants available to businesses and these programs include property taxation and energy rebates; and
Whereas not all taxpayers are unable to pay their property taxes;
Therefore, given the Provincial financial assistance program for small businesses, staff be directed to work with those taxpayers having difficulty paying their taxes, including developing payment plans as an alternative to an across the board waiving of penalty or interest on tax and water/sewer accounts in 2021.

9.1.2 – 2021 Budgeting Schedule (Revised).
Resolution
That Council hereby approves the Revised 2021 Budgeting Schedule as set out in the attached Schedule “A”; and
That the Special Budget Meeting scheduled for February 9th, 2021 is hereby cancelled; and,
That Resolution 2020-122 is hereby revoked.

9.2.1 – Pre-budget Council expenditure approval – Computer Hardware.
Resolution
That Council authorize a pre-budget expenditure related to the procurement of computer hardware equipment and devices.

9.2.2 – Pre-budget Council expenditure approval – Water/Wastewater capacity study.
Resolution
That Council authorize a pre-budget expenditure related to the procurement of professional services to assess water and wastewater servicing/capacity and develop computer models for these systems.

9.3.1 – EMS Paramedic Response Unit Capital Purchase.
Resolution
That Council for the Town of Parry Sound authorize the purchase of two Ambulances from Crestline in the amount of $152,957 + HST, and
That Council approve the purchase of one Paramedic Response Unit from Rowland Emergency Vehicles in the amount of $71,219.00 +HST; and
That said units to be funded from the EMS Capital Reserve Fund.

9.4.1 – 2020 Economic Development Report, and;
Introduction of Regional Economic Development Officer James Cox.
Resolution
That the 2020 Economic Development Report attached as Schedule A be received for information purposes.

9.5.1 – Support to Keep Ontario Fire College Open.
Resolution
WHEREAS the Ontario Fire College has been in existence since 1949; and
WHEREAS the Ontario Fire College is one of the primary sources of certified training for Ontario Firefighters; and
WHEREAS the Ontario Fire College has built a reputation of integrity, credibility, and reliability in providing some of the best training to our Fire Services within the Province of Ontario; and
WHEREAS the Ontario Fire College has been used to train and certify both Volunteer, Part-Time and Career firefighters throughout Ontario; and
WHEREAS the Ontario Fire College gives Ontario Firefighters another option other than Regional Training Centers to obtain National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certifications; and
WHEREAS the Ontario Fire College is the most cost-effective method to certify Firefighters to NFPA Standards in Ontario; and
WHEREAS the Ontario Government enacted and revoked 0. Reg. 379/18: Firefighter Certification in 2018; and
WHEREAS when the Ontario Government revoked 0. Reg. 379/18: Firefighter Certification, it was made known by the Office of the Solicitor General that the act would be amended and brought back in the future;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town of Parry Sound requests that the Province of Ontario reverse their decision to close the Ontario Fire College as the OFC is one of the best and most cost-effective methods for municipalities to train their firefighters which assists us in protecting our residents; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this Resolution is forwarded to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; the Honourable Sylvia Jones, Ontario Solicitor General; Norm Miller, Member for Parry Sound Muskoka; the Ontario Fire Marshal, Jon Pegg; District of Parry Sound municipalities, ROMA, OSUM and AMO.

9.5.2 Support for Pet Grooming to be Declared an Essential Service.
Resolution
That Whereas pet grooming is important to the health and welfare of these animals, and
Whereas pet grooming businesses have adapted best practices during the COVID pandemic, developing high standards of health and safety, and making their businesses contact-less;
Now Therefore the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound authorises the Mayor to send a letter to the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health requesting that pet grooming be deemed an essential service, for purposes of enabling pet grooming businesses to stay open during the current Stay-At-Home Order.

By-laws
10.1.1 – Appointment of Deputy Treasurer.
By-Law: 2021 – 7101
Being a By-law to Appoint Suzanne Diller as Deputy-Treasurer for the Town of Parry Sound.

10.3.1 – Amendment to the Fees & Service Charges By-law 2010-5408.
By-law 2021 – 7102
Being a By-law to amend the Fees & Service Charges By-law 2010-5408 to include an Appeal Fee, Property Standards and Clean Yards Administrative Fee, Planning Fee and Cost Recovery for Damage to Municipal Property by Motor Vehicle Accident Fee.

10.4.1 – Lakeland Holdings Shareholders Agreement Amendments.
By-law 2021 – 7103
Being a by-law to authorize the execution of Lakeland Holding Ltd. Amended Shareholders’ Agreement, substantially in the form attached as Schedule A.

Water Rates – an Uncomfortable Reality

24 Sunday Jan 2021

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Well, I am a little annoyed. I feel as though I have been patted on the head by a teacher who actually doesn’t understand the issue at hand. Or perhaps is trying to avoid the issue.

At the last meeting of Council the proposed water rates, applicable for the next decade, were approved. I’m okay with that. There is a price increase, but it is not too onerous and at least I can afford it. What annoyed me was the statement that the consultants did a sensitivity analysis on the rates based on comments received and estimated that the possible difference amounted to a $3 or $4 a year cost reduction for the average residential customer. They stressed the forecast by increasing the number of new accounts annually from 3 to 20 connections. What wasn’t provided in the council minutes was how that impacted water consumption. If the Report now estimates that consumption will increase by 0.6% over the next decade, it suggests the ‘high connection’ forecast figure is a 4% increase over the same period.

Well, let’s take a look at the history of the Town of Parry Sound water consumption over the past eight years, 2011 to 2019. (Staff, don’t you just hate it when taxpayers save old reports?) The increase over that period was 17.4%, from 160,222,866 to 188,077,355 Imperial Gallons.

It’s interesting to note that in the 2012 report by the same consultants it was stated – “Factoring in potential for further conservation of this period, no consumption growth has been assumed in the forecast.” I guess they that feel if they fooled us once they can get away with it again. Or perhaps they aren’t paying sufficient attention. Or these are the number that Staff wanted them to use.

So, in the past nine years the Town saw an increase in water consumption of 17.4% with a forecast of 0%, for the next decade we are to believe that consumption will only go up by 0.6%, or 4% in the ‘high connection’ scenario?

At the most recent council meeting Mayor McGarvey announced the following progress in 2020:
112 building permits issued
16 new residential units
4 commercial units
1 Best Western Plus hotel

That’s one year of development, and all of that development will be part of the coming decade’s water forecast.

Given the very obvious population migration north and the Town’s hot real estate market do you really think we will be seeing a development depression for the remaining nine years?

I call BS on Town Staff for the report and water rate recommendation. They are sandbagging and covering their asses. While there is nothing wrong with using a pessimistic, and arguably unrealistic, estimate of future water consumption growth, that scenario needs to clearly stated. But, explaining that the scenario was unreasonably pessimistic, and that proposed rates are probably higher than they need to be, would take courage because water customers would complain. It’s so much easier to pretend that the low growth numbers are ‘reasonable’ and avoid any complaints about the rates by stating something to the effect of ‘the rates fall out of the forecast costs and revenues’.

A question – is there any chance the Town of Parry Sound taxpayers will see the 2021 draft budget before it is approved?

A remembrance – Trevor, Christine, Brenda, I miss the courage and transparency you provided.

A reality – ignore me, but don’t try patting me on the head. I might bite.

Here is a link to the 2012 Report.

Here is a link to the 2020 Report.

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – January 19, 2021

22 Friday Jan 2021

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There are no real surprises in the minutes of the January 19, 2021 meeting of the Town of Parry Sound Council.

9.2.1 – Provincial State of Emergency – Bobby Orr Community Centre Ice Out.
The ice will be removed from the Bobby Orr Community Centre with the possibility that it will be reinstalled if/when provincial restrictions are lifted and there is committed use of the ice.

10.1.2 – Water and Wastewater Rates.
There was discussion and a very slight rework of projected water use and how it impacted rates. It was felt that any increase would only negligibly impact rates. I continue to believe that there is sandbagging going on but agree there is little reason to alter the proposed rate structure. I will be following water consumption over the next few years to see how close it comes to the consultant’s report forecast. I won’t be surprised if there is a larger than forecast deviation from the report’s consumption assumptions.

A final question – when will we see the 2021 draft budget? I hope that it will not be rammed through to approval without community review and input. I am finding that transparency in the operation of the Town and Council is being reduced.

Abridged Council Minutes

Closed Session
That pursuant to Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act, R.S.O. 2001, Chapter 25, as amended, the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound move to a meeting closed to the public in order to address matters pertaining to:
d) labour relations or employee negotiations; (Collective Agreement Union Negotiations; and Employee impacts resulting from Provincial Declared Emergency Lock-Down);
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, (Collective Agreement Union Negotiations).

Presentations:
1. 2020 Order of Parry Sound
Mayor McGarvey presented the 2020 Order of Parry Sound to Linda West, recognizing her leadership role in establishing a COVID Response Committee within the Rotary Club of Parry Sound of which she is currently President.
Under this Committee, Ms. West organized a shopping and curbside pick-up/delivery service supported by Rotarians, Sobeys and many volunteers to ensure a safe, continued supply of groceries to area residents.
Ms. West recognized a need to supplement the Breakfast Club Program which has offered nutritious food items to all students attending physical school facilities. Students in need, learning at home on-line, were provided with grocery cards to be able to get those nutritious items previously provided at the school. High School students also struggling with on-line learning benefitted from a tutoring program set up through grants applied for by Ms. West.
Other projects initiated and/or coordinated by Ms. West included the organization of Christmas hampers, distribution of residential patio planters complete with soil and starter veggies, and bus delivery of grocery orders for a local First Nations community under temporary COVID lock-down.

Ms. West accepted the award, expressing appreciation in turn, saying: “I will cherish it for ever; nevertheless, it has been earned by a team who made great decisions, took action together, attracted support and delivered the services our community needed during this challenging year.”

2. 2020 Year in Review
Mayor McGarvey reviewed development in the Town over the last year, with accompanying photos illustrating building development and economic stimulus initiatives such as buy local campaigns.

3. Coping with COVID
Mayor McGarvey concluded his presentation with appreciation for the work of medical staff, front-line workers and volunteers during this COVID pandemic, as well as reminding the public on means of obtaining latest information with regards to the pandemic.

Additions to Agenda/Notice of Motion
1.1.1 Councillor Backman reported that she would like an opportunity to describe a Youth Founders entrepreneurial initiative. This was added as item 10.5.1 to the agenda.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
1.4.1 Councillor Horne declared pecuniary interest on item 10.4.1 regarding donations to the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation and Lakeland Long Term Care from the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Reserve Fund as these two organizations are governed and operated by the West Parry Sound Health Centre (WPSHC) and his spouse is the Chief Operating Officer for the WPSHC. Councillor Horne left the meeting for the item, did not participate in discussion, nor vote on the issue.

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – In response to Councillor McCann’s inquiry expressing concerns regarding low lighting at the Pine Drive and Bowes Street intersection, Director of Public Works Mike Kearns reported that he would review the lighting and cautioned that there might be restrictions in terms of light standards because of the congestion of transformers and wire-sets and set back requirements and clearances at that location.

3.2.2. – In response to Councillor Backman’s inquiry regarding the deterioration of boat houses near the Sailing School, Director of Development and Protective Services Dave Thompson reported that staff has been attempting since last summer to address this situation with property owner MNR and presumed property lessees who own the boat houses, however to date have not been able move the issue forward, as MNR has not provided requested paperwork confirming the lease arrangements.

3.2.3 – In response to Councillor Borneman’s inquiry as to what tourism marketing activity Explorers’ Edge has or is undertaking throughout the COVID pandemic, CAO Clayton Harris reported that he would contact both the Town’s Economic Development Officer Vladimir Shehovtsov and the new Regional Economic Development Officer James Cox to follow-up with Explorers’ Edge and report back to Council.

Correspondence
4.1 – Wayne Major
Concern regarding wait time & crowding at Town boat launches.

4.2 – Susan Heder
Appreciation for Rugged Trail.
Filed

4.3 – Lynne Atkinson
Request for Proclamation of Feb 6, 2021 as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
See item 9.5.1 on Agenda

4.4 – Layla MacCallum
Request that ice stay in at BOCC, citing benefits of healthy activity for youth in particular.

4.5 – Dan Hildebrand, President, Parry Sound Hockey Club
Request that ice stay in at BOCC, until lock down has ended, i.e. Feb. 11 with commitment to use existing ice time to end of season, including extending use beyond March should the option be available.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.2.1 – Provincial State of Emergency – Bobby Orr Community Centre Ice Out.
Resolution
That Council approve the closure of the ice surface at the Bobby Orr Community Centre in response to the Provincial Emergency Order/Closure of non-essential services.
Defeated

Resolution
That Council direct staff to proceed with the removal of ice at the BOCC; and
Further that staff be directed that should the state of emergency issued by the Province of Ontario be lifted before Feb 20th and, the demand for ice time rental is at or exceeds the current level that the ice be re-installed promptly so long as no other directives from either the province or the Health Unit prohibiting the use of the facility are issued in the interim.
Carried

9.2.2 Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Covid Stream – Local Government.
Resolution
That Council receive the report Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – COVID Stream – Local Government for information purposes.
Carried

9.3.1 Declaration of Second Provincial Emergency.
Resolution
That Council receive the report Declaration of Second Provincial Emergency for information purposes.
Carried

9.4.1 Rural Economic Development Grant.
Resolution
Be it resolved that the Town of Parry Sound supports the DBA’s request to submit a grant application under the Rural Economic Development (RED) program; and
That the Town of Parry Sound provide 50% match funding up to $25,450.
Carried

9.5.1 – Proclamation of Zero Tolerance for FGM.
Resolution
Whereas International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed around the world and provides an opportunity to honor those women, girls, boys and men who are actively and courageously working towards an end to this harmful practice.
Whereas this day invites us to reflect on the fact that 4.1 million girls are still at risk of mutilation each year, including girls in Canada.
Whereas on this day, we acknowledge that female genital mutilation is an issue in more than 90 countries and on every continent except Antarctica, and that there are at least 200 million FGM survivors in the world, including more than 100,000 in Canada.
Whereas we acknowledge that FGM has no basis in any religious text and is recognized by the United Nations and other world bodies as child abuse and an abuse of a girl’s fundamental human rights.
Whereas we acknowledge that FGM has no benefits and causes only harm, including death, difficulties with urination, menstruation, sexual intimacy, post-traumatic stress disorder and increased maternal and child mortality.
Whereas on this International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, we acknowledge and celebrate all national and international efforts being made, especially at the grass roots level, to achieve United Nations Sustainable Millennium Development Goal #5, which calls for the elimination of FGM and other harmful traditional practices by 2030.
Whereas on this Day of Zero Tolerance, we call for increased, concerted global and Canadian action to end female genital mutilation, and ask all governments-international, national, and local- to fully uphold the human rights of women and girls so they can live a life free from the violence that is female genital mutilation.
NOW THEREFORE, Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound does hereby proclaim February 6, 2021, as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation in the Town of Parry Sound.
Carried

By-laws
10.1.1 – Temporary Borrowing Authorization.
By-law 2021 – 7096
Being a by-law to authorize temporary borrowing to meet the current expenditures of the Town of Parry Sound until taxes are collected and other revenues are received.
Passed, Signed & Sealed

10.1.2 – Water and Wastewater Rates.
Director of Finance Stephanie Phillips introduced Watson & Associates managing partner Andrew Grunda who provided an explanation of underlying assumptions made within the November 9, 2020 Water & Wastewater Rate Study, in response to some comments received from the public. Mr. Grunda noted that a review of the number of water connections made since 2010 at roughly 7 per year, combined with a review of the number of developments approved by Council, registered and building permit-ready helped to determine a projected number of 3 connections over the coming 10 years, which supports the recommended rates. At the request of Town staff in response to public comments concerned that the assumed projected development was too low, Mr. Grunda undertook a sensitivity analysis assuming an increase to 20 annual connections. This resulted in a projected annual reduction of only $3.00 to $4.00 per year for the average residential customer and therefore Mr. Grunda expressed confidence in the report’s recommended rates.
CAO Clayton Harris confirmed in response to Council discussion that staff could provide annual or more frequent reports on the number of connections and consumption as a means of keeping abreast of whether the report projections are on target or not and whether any rate adjustments should be made as a result of discrepancy between the projection and actuals.
By-law 2021 – 7097
Being a By-law to establish water and wastewater rates in the Town of Parry Sound, starting with the consumption month of March 2021.
Passed, Signed & Sealed

Resolution 2021- 007
That the Town of Parry Sound’s Ontario Regulation 453/07 Water Financial Plan prepared by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. dated January 15, 2021 be approved; and
That notice of availability of the Financial Plan be advertised; and
That the Financial Plan dated January 15, 2021 be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. (O.Reg. 453/07, section 3 (1) 6); and further
That the resolution of Council approving the Financial Plan be submitted to the MECP, satisfying the requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act. (S.D.W.A. section 32 (5) 2.ii.)
Carried

10.3.1 – Agreements for the use of public property for Georgian Bay Airways/Tailwinds.
By-law 2021 – 7098
Being a By-law to authorize the execution of agreements with Georgian Bay Airways for the lease of a water lot; and maintenance of a Town parking lot.
Passed, Signed & Sealed

10.4.1 – Donations to the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation and Lakeland Long Term Care from the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Reserve Fund.
By-law 2021 – 7099
Being a By-law to Authorize Donations from the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Reserve Fund, transfer the balance, and close the Fund.
Passed, Signed & Sealed

10.5.1 – Youth Founders Entrepreneurship.
Councillor Backman reported on and requested that a program entitled Youth Founders Entrepreneurship, aimed at working with youth aged 14 to 24 to help overcome barriers to finding meaningful work, be considered by the Founders Circle, of which the Town is a contributor. CAO Clayton Harris confirmed that in the first year of the Founders Circle some monies were set aside for consideration of high school student entrepreneurship, and that he would bring forward this issue for the Founders Circle to consider as well.

Council Agenda Preview – January 19, 2021

17 Sunday Jan 2021

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There are a couple of surprises in this week’s council meeting agenda. And of course, the water rate proposal ignores comments from members of the public because that would create too much extra work.

9.2.1 – Provincial State of Emergency – Bobby Orr Community Centre Ice Out.
Town Staff is suggesting that the ice surface be removed from the Bobby Orr Community Centre as a cost saving measure with the current restrictions prohibiting public use and the concern that the restrictions will continue through end of the usual season. The rink costs $3,250 per week in energy costs. This does not include staffing expenses, maintenance of the building, and capital costs. Some Staff might then be deployed to other Town activities.

10.1.2 – Water and Wastewater Rates.
I have already shared my comments in an earlier post. I will note that Mr. George Ashford provided a well-reasoned letter to the Town in response to the proposal. I know that he ran for Council at the last election and was not elected. I think he deserves your vote if he chooses to run again at the next election. He made the effort and took the time to comment. There is at least one not so pretty face on Council who seems to be asleep and perhaps should be given every second Tuesday evening off to catch a few winks.

10.4.1 – Donations to the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation and Lakeland Long Term Care from the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Reserve Fund.
This concerns a $100,000 donation to these two facilities from a reserve fund that was formed in 2007. I think this is a very generous donation that was requested by Mr. Orr. As I wrote in an earlier post, I do not think that his earlier support for the current Republican administration should be held against him anymore than one’s religion or ethnicity should be held against them for the actions of some extremists.

Spelling Lesson:
The device that measures your water and electrical consumption is a meter, not a metre. A metre is a unit of measurement, which the Yankees spell meter.

Closed Session
d) labour relations or employee negotiations; (Collective Agreement Union Negotiations; and Employee impacts resulting from Provincial Declared Emergency Lock-Down);
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, (Collective Agreement Union Negotiations).

 Presentations
1. 2020 Order of Parry Sound
2. 2020 Year in Review
3. Coping with COVID

Correspondence
4.1 – Wayne Major
Concern regarding wait time & crowding at Town boat launches.

4.2 – Susan Heder
Appreciation for Rugged Trail.

4.3 – Lynne Atkinson
Request for Proclamation of Feb 6, 2020 as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.2.1 – Provincial State of Emergency – Bobby Orr Community Centre Ice Out.
Resolution
That Council approve the closure of the ice surface at the Bobby Orr Community Centre in response to the Provincial Emergency Order/Closure of non-essential services.

9.2.2 – Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Covid Stream – Local Government.
Resolution
That Council receive the report Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – COVID Stream – Local Government for information purposes.

9.3.1 – Declaration of Second Provincial Emergency.
Resolution
That Council receive the report Declaration of Second Provincial Emergency for information purposes.

9.4.1 – Rural Economic Development Grant.
Resolution
Be it resolved that the Town of Parry Sound supports the DBA’s request to submit a grant application under the Rural Economic Development (RED) program; and
That the Town of Parry Sound provide 50% match funding up to $25,450.

9.5.1 Proclamation of Zero Tolerance for FGM.
Resolution
Whereas International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed around the world and provides an opportunity to honor those women, girls, boys and men who are actively and courageously working towards an end to this harmful practice.
Whereas this day invites us to reflect on the fact that 4.1 million girls are still at risk of mutilation each year, including girls in Canada.
Whereas on this day, we acknowledge that female genital mutilation is an issue in more than 90 countries and on every continent except Antarctica, and that there are at least 200 million FGM survivors in the world, including more than 100,000 in Canada.
Whereas we acknowledge that FGM has no basis in any religious text and is recognized by the United Nations and other world bodies as child abuse and an abuse of a girl’s fundamental human rights.
Whereas we acknowledge that FGM has no benefits and causes only harm, including death, difficulties with urination, menstruation, sexual intimacy, post-traumatic stress disorder and increased maternal and child mortality.
Whereas on this International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, we acknowledge and celebrate all national and international efforts being made, especially at the grass roots level, to achieve United Nations Sustainable Millennium Development Goal #5, which calls for the elimination of FGM and other harmful traditional practices by 2030.
Whereas on this Day of Zero Tolerance, we call for increased, concerted global and Canadian action to end female genital mutilation, and ask all governments-international, national, and local- to fully uphold the human rights of women and girls so they can live a life free from the violence that is female genital mutilation.
NOW THEREFORE, Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound does hereby proclaim February 6, 2021, as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation in the Town of Parry Sound.

By-laws
10.1.1 – Temporary Borrowing Authorization.
By-law 2021 – 7096
Being a by-law to authorize temporary borrowing to meet the current expenditures of the Town of Parry Sound until taxes are collected and other revenues are received.

10.1.2 – Water and Wastewater Rates.
By-law 2021 – 7097
Being a By-law to establish water and wastewater rates in the Town of Parry Sound, starting with the consumption month of March 2021.
Resolution
That the Town of Parry Sound’s Ontario Regulation 453/07 Water Financial Plan prepared by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. dated January 15, 2021 be approved; and
That notice of availability of the Financial Plan be advertised; and
That the Financial Plan dated January 15, 2021 be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. (O.Reg. 453/07, section 3 (1) 6); and further
That the resolution of Council approving the Financial Plan be submitted to the MECP, satisfying the requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act. (S.D.W.A. section 32 (5) 2.ii.).

10.3.1 – Agreements for the use of public property for Georgian Bay Airways/Tailwinds.
By-law 2021 – 7098
Being a By-law to authorize the execution of agreements with Georgian Bay Airways for the lease of a water lot; and maintenance of a Town parking lot.

10.4.1 – Donations to the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation and Lakeland Long Term Care from the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Reserve Fund.
By-law 2021 – 7099
Being a By-law to Authorize Donations from the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Reserve Fund, transfer the balance, and close the Fund.

Town of Parry Sound Proposed Water Rates

14 Thursday Jan 2021

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In this post I offer my analysis and comments concerning the proposed water rates for the Town of Parry Sound as presented in the November 8, 2020 report from Watson & Associates. I have separately been concerned with certain figures used in the report regarding customer numbers and water usage estimates. I have sent my concerns to the Town. A copy of my letter can be read through this link.

Top Line Numbers
The report presents the water and wastewater expense and revenue estimates for residential and non-residential water users. I have clipped and pasted the most relevant portions below.

The report, page 6-2, states (italicized for emphasis):

For water services, monthly base charges are forecast to increase by 5.0% annually for the period 2022-2028 and then by 3.9% in 2029. The consumptive rate is forecast to increase by 0.04% over the forecast period.

For wastewater services, monthly base charges are forecast to increase by 3.2% annually for the period 2022-2028 and then by 2.5% in 2029. No change in the consumptive rate is forecast over the period to 2029.

 The detailed calculations of the proposed water and wastewater rate calculations are contained in Appendices A and B to this report, respectively.

And on pages 6-4 and 6-5:

High volume non-residential users would either benefit (reduction in annual costs) or experience minimal increases in their annual water and wastewater bill. It is anticipated that the annual bill for a small residential customer would decrease slightly in 2021 (i.e. 1% decrease), while the bill for an average residential metered customer would increase by 9%. Greater bill impacts in 2021 would be seen for residential customers consuming greater than average annual water consumption (i.e. greater than 26,704 gallons). Bills for all customers would increase by approximately 2% each year for 2022-2029.

Comments

  1. The rates as presented use the forecast fixed and variable costs related to providing water and wastewater services. These forecast costs are then allocated over the expected number of customers (base rates) and volume used. An underestimate of either customers or usage will raise the recommended rates as presented in the report.
    I believe that the report is seriously underestimating the expected increase in water and wastewater usage. They are estimating an increase in customer number of 1.2% over the next ten years, all of them metered. Their estimate of billed water usage is expected to increase by less than 1% over the next decade, or 0.1% per year. This is despite the construction of some very obvious new multi-unit residences and the real possibility of an aquatic center, ‘da pool’.
    This underestimates the reasonable revenue that can be expected and increases the proposed rates represented in the report.
  2. The report suggests that billed water usage will essentially remain flat for ten years. That certainly is optimistic given the proposed rate structure. As proposed, the base (fixed) rate for metered residential customers will increase annually, but the consumptive rate is proposed to remain effectively unchanged over the next decade as presented in the report (below in italics).
    For water services, monthly base charges are forecast to increase by 5.0% annually for the period 2022-2028 and then by 3.9% in 2029. The consumptive rate is forecast to increase by 0.04% over the forecast period.
    For wastewater services, monthly base charges are forecast to increase by 3.2% annually for the period 2022-2028 and then by 2.5% in 2029. No change in the consumptive rate is forecast over the period to 2029.
    If the base cost increases annually but usage prices remain fixed there is little reason to conserve water, at least not to save money. Typically, organizations who wish to dissuade consumption increase the variable, or unit cost of an item. A good example is cigarette pricing. At $2 a pack there is little disincentive to buy a package of cigarettes. Raise the price to $13 and smokers either stop smoking or ration their usage. In the case of those water users who are not metered and enjoy an ‘all you can eat’ deal there is absolutely no reason to ration. Heck, you could get into the water business on a casual basis for our neighbours in the surrounding communities who are not sure their well water is really that safe. (Those water tests are such a pain.)

The Bottom Line
It really doesn’t matter what we say or point out, this report presents the Town of Parry Sound water rates for the next decade wrapped in a polished consultant veneer. I can afford the proposed increase but I worry about some of the folks in town who live on a fixed income.

As a consultant, I am more than annoyed with some of the assumptions underlying the conclusions and the lack of transparency. This includes, omitting historical customers and water usage, and not defining the terms underlying the forecast of customers and water use. It’s hard to comment on forecasts when the basic information and assumptions are missing. I suspect that the consultants expect the report will be received, not really understood, and accepted as written. These are competent folks and it would be hard to push back against their recommendations without some experience in the area. How often do you push back against your physician’s recommendations?

The net/net is that Council will accept the water rates as proposed in the report. Council unfortunately will not be able to claim that the rate structure encourages water conservation. The only way to accomplish conservation would be to require all residences to install water meters and make water incrementally more expensive with use above some sort of baseline. That is, as they say, a ‘third rail’ issue. They won’t touch it.

If you have particular comments, I encourage you to contact a member of Council. The formal commenting period has closed and the item is on this Tuesday’s agenda.