Monthly Archives: March 2021

Showdown on Rabbit Canyon Trail (Revised)

30 Tuesday Mar 2021

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections

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(The text has been lightly edited to correct grammatical errors and add a couple of clarifications. These changes are noted in italics)

What seems like a title for a Zane Grey novel is the best description I could come up with concerning a dispute between the Town and a property owner regarding property access and development. Until last week I had no idea a Rabbit Canyon Trail even existed, or at least not the name of the trail. Then the Town of Parry Sound’s news release kicked things off.

The Rabbit Canyon Trail refers to the small ungroomed foot and bike path that leads from Waubuno Beach past the old pumphouse to the Tony Agnello Water Treatment Plant. I have walked and cycled along this path hundreds of times over the past decade. A small portion of the trail is located on private property located to the northwest of Waubuno Beach. The image below highlights the property (red) and shows the two trails. The trail closest to the shore is the Rabbit Canyon Trail. The property in question is about two-thirds of an acre with an MPAC assessed value of $95,000.

Rabbit Canyon Trail

The history of the property is recounted in the Town’s news release pasted below.

My understanding is that the property was sold to an individual in 1998 as part of a larger deal that involved Town property on what is now Baycrest Drive. The sale of the larger property was made on the understanding, if not the condition, that the property would be developed as residences. This has been the case with almost all of the lots developed. The Baycrest Drive development has an approximate MPAC assessment value of $10 million. That is worth about $150,000 annually in tax revenue and perhaps another $25,000 a year in water services. My back of the envelope calculation suggests that the development has been worth about $2 million to date in property taxes with the promise of a similar ‘tax annuity’ going forward. That is in addition to the original purchase price paid by the Developer. It should be remembered that the Town has been collecting property taxes on the lot in question for more than two decades. (Note – this transaction was revisited by Council in 2006.)

The Developer and the Town entered into an agreement that has for the most part worked out well for all involved. The neighbourhood is one of the most desirable, and high priced, in the Town and has been a magnet of sorts for upscale folks interested in living in Parry Sound. While many professionals, like those who work at the hospital or in law offices, have chosen to live on a waterfront property in one of the neighbouring municipalities, a number would prefer to be closer to work and not have to worry about a well and septic. Beyond Baycrest Drive there are relatively few upscale residential options in the Town besides condo living. This relative scarcity of options has certainly helped the Developer in finding buyers. At the same time the Town has benefited from having upscale accommodations to attract necessary professionals. Housing is perhaps the number one challenge in the area, regardless of price. We are short on services because professionals from the GTA, and I include tradespeople here, who want to be close to nature can’t find reasonable accommodation, at reasonable prices.

The Developer it seems would like to develop the property that spans the two town trails. They had an agreement in principle to be permitted to construct some sort of a ‘bridge’ over the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail to access the property from Baycrest Drive. The Town, in reading their news release, has decided that while they may have agreed in principle to the access now feels that it is not now in the ‘public interest’ to permit it. I can understand their position. 

But, the Developer has delivered on the promises they made as part of the original agreement. Can the Town unilaterally decide that they will not honour this part of the agreement? It’s not as though there isn’t documentation regarding the expectations of both parties with regards to this property.

But, the Developer has a piece of property that is both desirable and undesirable as a residence. Yes, it does in theory have a view of the Big Sound, but the property is also sandwiched between two trails and on land that folks have come to use as a public park. Does any homeowner really want people on the trail checking out what’s going on in their yard and house at all times of the day and night? And building a ‘bridge’ to access the property will require a right-of-way from property from a Baycrest Drive, impacting lot value there. The logistics of building a bridge also seem difficult, expensive, and frankly, unrealistic. After a ‘landing spot’ for the bridge there isn’t that much land to work with for anything more than a bunkie.

The Town doesn’t want to negatively impact the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail, an Amazing Place, with a bridge running over it. There won’t be much traffic or sound, but it really won’t provide a sense of nature. Would a bridge over the trail be any worse than the multiple trestles that crisscross the Town?

But, I think the Town wants people who do business with it to believe that the Town’s word and agreement can be trusted, even if it is little more than a handshake. This is now in question for an agreement that is much more than a handshake. Two current members of council were on council in 2006 when it revisited the agreement or understanding with the Developer. Did they at the time have no intention of honouring the outlines of the agreement? Or, did they have every intention of honouring it but now find it more ‘convenient’ to ignore it. There are communities in Canada who have well over a century of experience with governments preferring not to honour earlier agreements because it is not in the ‘public interest’.

Arguably the town holds the hammer, if not the sickle, in this situation. They have apparently simply said ‘nyet’ to the counterproposals offered by the Developer to address the impasse. I have not found that to be an effective way to do business. Failing to honour earlier agreements means that new developers will be more cautious in trusting the word of Staff and Council. If they are smart, they will attempt to gain their own leverage that can be pulled out when the Town backs off its commitments.

It seems to me that there is an agreement to be reached that may require all the parties to give a bit more than they would like. In the business world this is known as ‘taking a haircut’. But they can then move on to more important activities that benefit the Town and their own business. 

I would suggest that if Staff and Council can’t handle this type of negotiation with some professionalism and ‘class’ they had better buckle up for when developers get ready to develop the property traversed by the Voldemort Trail. This the trail system that ‘shall not be mentioned’ on the other side of Salt Dock Road. There have been multiple no trespassing signs posted on the private property for more than a decade. This hasn’t stopped folks from treating it like municipal property. Securing legitimate public access to this trail if development on the property were to start will probably require the Town to exchange some waterfront rights to the actual North Shore Rugged Trail. I can imagine the screams that will be heard from people if the Town were to suggest that they won’t negotiate.

Let’s get this done, it’s a no-brainer. It’s time to head down to the barbershop and get a trim. Let’s not turn this into a Zane Grey sequel, ‘Shootout at Rabbit Canyon Trail’.

Disclosure: I have no financial or other material interest in the outcome of this issue, but I would like to have continued access to the Rabbit Canyon Trail. I would also like to see evidence that the Town does live up to its agreements, even if they are a handshake. It’s the basis of trust that permeates all parts of municipal government, and our trust in their decisions and actions. I have spoken to the representative for the Developer regarding this issue. I have not spoken to the Town. My experience has been that the Town will not discuss the issue with me because I am not a party to the matter. My understanding is that they won’t even speak with the developer’s representative in a constructive manner.

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – March 16, 2021

19 Friday Mar 2021

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There were no surprises in terms of Council’s decisions. Item 9.3.1 – Consent Application B/06/2021 – Barnes, is worth reviewing if you are thinking about subdividing your property. Council and Staff have been very accommodating in approving the addition of secondary residence units, but there apparently is a limit. This decision may help better define where the actual limit might lie.

Council Minutes (Abridged)

Closed Meeting
(f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; (Sifto Canada Corporation lease of Smelter Wharf).

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding whether the Town should put up signage at the Salt Dock launch warning about ice conditions, Director of Development and Protective Services Dave Thompson reported that while it does not seem the Town bears responsibility for a casualty on the ice, the Town could promote a message advising people to stay off the ice as the weather warms, and that a media campaign with the same message would be beneficial.

3.2.2 – In response to Councillor Backman’s inquiry as to estimated completion date of repairs on the CN trestle over William Street, Director of Public Works Mike Kearns reported that it will be about one month, as there is only a short window of time each day within which the crews can work. As the times that the crews work there vary, signage indicating closure at certain times would be misleading and therefore not recommended.

Correspondence
4.1 – Municipality of McDougall.
Defeated Resolution to support Parry Sound removal from Planning Board.

4.2 – Don Brisbane, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit Board Member.
Resignation from the Board of Health effective March 1, 2021

4.3 – Seguin Township.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.
Support Resolution requesting more proactive communication from Health Unit.

4.4 – Township of The Archipelago.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.

4.5 – Municipality of McDougall.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.
Support Resolution requesting more proactive communication from Health Unit.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit establish bi-weekly meetings with WPS Area Mayors.
Appointment of Mayor Jamie McGarvey to Health Unit Board.

4.6 – Township of Carling.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit establish bi-weekly meetings with WPS Area Mayors.
Appointment of Mayor Jamie McGarvey to Health Unit Board.

4.7 – Township of McKellar.
Appointment of Mayor Jamie McGarvey to Health Unit Board.

4.8 – Municipality of Magnetawan.
Support Resolution requesting more proactive communication from Health Unit.

4.9 – Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health/Executive Director NBPSDHU (Health Unit).
Response to municipal request to publish COVID-19 data for WPS.
Establishment of bi-weekly meetings with WPS Area Mayors.
Notice of Don Brisbane resignation from NBPS District Health Board.

4.10 – Margaret McCullough.
Request to enact animal welfare legislation to combat puppy mills.

All items of correspondence were filed, with notice that item 4.2 being Don Brisbane’s letter of resignation from the Board of Health of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Board, as well as any resolutions received from area municipalities appointing a member to the Board of Health were considered under item 9.4.2.

Deputations
5.1 – James Murphy, RTO12-Explorers’ Edge.
Activities Update in support of Tourism sector in Parry Sound and Area.
James Murphy opened his presentation with an acknowledgement that it is being conducted on the traditional lands of the Anishnabek people – party to the Robinson- Huron Treaty of 1850.
Mr. Murphy addressed four issues in his presentation – Business Landscape, Work-to-Date/Upcoming; Business and Operational Plan – new direction; and Workforce development/catalyst housing.
With respect to the business landscape, Mr. Murphy identified statistical participation by Parry Sound businesses with Explorers’ Edge, industry webinars and newsletters issued, and local participation on the Explorers’ Edge (EE) Board.
Projects undertaken were the Cottage Country Spirit Local Travel Packages for Summer/Fall and again in Winter which provided vouchers to encourage shopping at local participating businesses; the Winter Arts Collective promoting ceramic artists, metal/wood workers, performance arts, musicians, fashion/jewellery designers, painters, etc; Fat Bike Friday phone in to CKLP Moose FM for prize vouchers to local businesses; and Great Lakes Cruising Coalition Support. Mr. Murphy described efforts to recruit students to tourism and hospitality programs as enrollment has dropped; he reported that a new website is set to launch with the successful Great Canadian Wilderness branding; and introduced a work-integrated housing ecosystem model to develop and sustain a tourism workforce in the area.
In response to questions from members of Council, Mr. Murphy said that a satellite office in Parry Sound was trialed and did not seem to provide value, but that EE welcomed the opportunity to make presentations and welcomed partnerships with associations, with the ultimate goal of supporting the small business operators. Mr. Murphy suggested that perhaps a survey to small business operators on what they want from EE would be useful. Mr. Murphy noted that the Great Canadian Wilderness brand, proximity to an international airport and the large urban GTA, as well as existing and proposed marketing efforts will poise the Parry Sound area well for tourism coming out of the pandemic.

5.2 – Steve Barnes, proponent for the consent application to sever property on the William Street/Hillcrest Ave. corner in Parry Sound addressed Council in support of his application, and in opposition to the staff report which recommended denial of his application, (item 9.3.1). Mr. Barnes noted that on the existing property there are 2 separate homes with separate addresses and that within the larger home, an additional residence has been created, satisfying the intent of the Official Plan’s promotion of secondary dwelling units throughout Town. Mr. Barnes suggested that if successful in severing the single unit dwelling and it goes to market, it would make a good starter home for a first-time homebuyer which should also be important. Mr. Barnes acknowledged that the lot sizes would be small, however suggested that many lots in Town and especially in this neighbourhood were small.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.2.1 – 2020 Water System Summary Report.
Resolution
Whereas the Town of Parry Sound owns and operates the Parry Sound Drinking Water System (M.O.E. Designation Number 2200000585) which has been categorized as a “Large Residential” Drinking Water System, and
Whereas Ontario Regulation 170-03 (as amended) under the Safe Drinking Water Act requires, according to “Schedule 22 Summary Reports for Municipalities” that all large Municipal Residential Drinking water systems have a report prepared no later than March 31st of each year addressing the items detailed in the Regulation and is given to the members of Council in the case of a drinking water system owned by a municipality;
Therefore, be it resolved that Council of the Town of Parry Sound hereby acknowledges receipt of the report titled:
“Town of Parry Sound Tony Agnello Water Treatment Plan, Large Municipal Residential Drinking Water System Summary Report 2020”, as prepared by Kyle Hall, Manager of Water Systems.
Carried

In response to a councillor inquiry, Director of Public Works Mike Kearns confirmed that year over year information could be provided, preferable in a different report, to compare, for example, the capacity that the Water Treatment Plant operates on as an average maximum daily flow, which might relate to development growth, etc.

9.3.1 – Consent Application B/06/2021 – Barnes.
Prior to Council’s consideration of the resolution, Mr. Elgie responded to aspects of Mr. Barnes deputation under item 5.2, noting that his main concern was that if he recommended approval for the severance of this very sub-sized lot, it would set precedent, with an expectation for approval of future applications to sever garage- turned rental accommodation into freehold units. This would result in circumventing the intent of the provincial policy statements which support secondary rental units on residential property.
Resolution
That Council of the Town of Parry Sound hereby recommends denial of Parry Sound Area Planning Board Application Number B/06/2021 – Barnes.
Carried

9.4.1 – Extension of Virtual Council Meetings.
Resolution
Whereas the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 18 expanded the opportunity for Municipal Councils, Local Boards and their Committees to meet electronically, and
Whereas in response, Council passed By-law 2020 – 7061 permitting by means of a resolution, certain expanded terms of electronic participation at meetings of Council, Local Boards and its Committees; and
Whereas pursuant to By-law 2020-7061, Council extended by Resolutions 2020-082 and 2020-112 until March 31, 2021 expanded terms of electronic participation at meetings; and
Whereas best-case COVID-19 vaccine roll-out plans suggest an autumn, 2021 date before all residents of Canada desiring a vaccine will be able to receive one; and
Whereas public health experts advise that as the vaccine is rolled out, practices such as physical distancing, masking, and limiting the number of individuals in gatherings continue to be important measures to combat transmission of COVID-19 virus and its variants;
Now Therefore Be It Resolved that Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound extends until December 31, 2021 the terms of electronic participation at meetings of Council, Local Boards or Committees of either them per the following:
a) electronic participation counts towards quorum;
b) electronic participants are permitted to vote; and
c) electronic participation is permitted in a meeting closed to the public.
Carried

9.4.2 – Appointment to the North Bay Parry District Health Unit Board.
Resolution
That Whereas Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound has received notice of the resignation of Don Brisbane from the Board of Health of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, representing the West Parry Sound municipalities; and
Whereas Council has received resolutions from the Township of Carling, Municipality of McDougall, and the Township of McKellar nominating/approving the appointment of Mayor Jamie McGarvey to fill the vacancy, with similar nominations being considered by the Township of The Archipelago, Seguin Township and the Municipality of Whitestone at their next respective Council meetings;
Now Therefore Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound accepts, effective March 2, 2021, the resignation of Don Brisbane from the Board of Health of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit with appreciation for his sixteen years of service in this capacity; and
That effective upon nomination/appointment from all seven West Parry Sound municipalities, Mayor Jamie McGarvey is hereby appointed as joint representative for the seven West Parry Sound municipalities on the Board of Health for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit for a term ending November 30, 2022, or until a successor appointment is made.
Carried

By-laws
10.2.1 – Delegation of Authority: MOU with NBPSDHU for use of BOCC as mass vaccination site.
By-law 2021 – 7113
Being a by-law to delegate signing authority to Clayton Harris, CAO, for the purpose of authorizing an MOU for use of the Bobby Orr Community Centre by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit as a mass COVID-19 public vaccination location.
Passed, Signed & Sealed.

10.2.2 – Partnership with STEM Camp to Deliver Youth Camp Programs at the Bobby Orr Community Centre.
By-law 2021 – 7114
Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a agreement with STEM Camp for the delivery of education based youth camp programming.
Passed, Signed & Sealed.

Council Agenda Preview – March 16, 2021

13 Saturday Mar 2021

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There are a few ‘interesting’ items on the agenda. Your definition of interesting may not align with mine.

Closed Session – Sifto Canada Corporation lease of Smelter Wharf.
The Town has the burden of hosting any number of salt trucks rolling through town abusing the infrastructure. It’s not through any fault of the operators, but the weight of the trucks and the ongoing freeze-thaw creates significant damage annually to our roads, the expense of which is added to our taxes. I am sure that there many people who would like to have the noise and traffic of these trucks eliminated. As is the case with many other issues, it is the residents of the Town of Parry Sound who bear the burden for the benefit of the neighbouring communities.

9.2.1 – 2020 Water System Summary Report.
It seems we have considerable excess capacity in terms of water supply. It may not be the case for water treatment, but that is a separate report.

9.3.1 – Consent Application B/06/2021 – Barnes.
This application is being recommended for denial on the basis of community character and the need for rental properties. More importantly the request would result in lots that would not meet the minimum requirements in terms of coverage, set back, etc.
On a tangentially related planning matter, it seems we will have a cannabis dispensary on Pine Drive. If Bars, Booze and Banks are required to be in the downtown, why does the cannabis dispensary get a break? It turns out that there are some good reasons related to provincial regulations, but it is likely that we will see alcohol in the south end. There already is a bank. And the cannabis store will be close to munchies stores. A coincidence?

10.2.1 – Delegation of Authority: MOU with NBPSDHU for use of BOCC as mass vaccination site.
I suppose we won’t be going to the medical clinic for vaccinations.

Abridged Agenda

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:
(f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; (Sifto Canada Corporation lease of Smelter Wharf).

Correspondence
4.1 Municipality of McDougall
Defeated Resolution to support Parry Sound removal from Planning Board.

4.2 – Don Brisbane, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit Board Member.
Resignation

4.3 – Seguin Township.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.
Support Resolution requesting more proactive communication from Health Unit.

4.4 – Township of The Archipelago.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.

4.5 – Municipality of McDougall.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.
Support Resolution requesting more proactive communication from Health Unit.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit establish bi-weekly meetings with WPS Area Mayors.
Appointment of Mayor Jamie McGarvey to Health Unit Board.

4.6 – Township of Carling.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit establish bi-weekly meetings with WPS Area Mayors.
Appointment of Mayor Jamie McGarvey to Health Unit Board.

4.7 – Township of McKellar.
Appointment of Mayor Jamie McGarvey to Health Unit Board.

4.8 – Municipality of Magnetawan.
Support Resolution requesting more proactive communication from Health Unit.

4.9 – Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health/Executive Director NBPSDHU (Health Unit).
Response to municipal request to publish COVID-19 data for WPS.
Establishment of bi-weekly meetings with WPS Area Mayors.
Notice of Don Brisbane resignation from NBPS District Health Board.
4.10 – Margaret McCullough.
Request to enact animal welfare legislation to combat puppy mills.

Deputations
5.1 – James Murphy, RTO12-Explorers’ Edge.
Activities Update in support of Tourism section in Parry Sound and Area.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.2.1 – 2020 Water System Summary Report.
Resolution
Whereas the Town of Parry Sound owns and operates the Parry Sound Drinking Water System (M.O.E. Designation Number 2200000585) which has been categorized as a “Large Residential” Drinking Water System, and
Whereas Ontario Regulation 170-03 (as amended) under the Safe Drinking Water Act requires, according to “Schedule 22 Summary Reports for Municipalities” that all large Municipal Residential Drinking water systems have a report prepared no later than March 31st of each year addressing the items detailed in the Regulation and is given to the members of Council in the case of a drinking water system owned by a municipality;
Therefore, be it resolved that Council of the Town of Parry Sound hereby acknowledges receipt of the report titled:
“Town of Parry Sound Tony Agnello Water Treatment Plan, Large Municipal Residential Drinking Water System Summary Report 2020”, as prepared by Kyle Hall, Manager of Water Systems.

9.3.1 – Consent Application B/06/2021 – Barnes.
Resolution
That Council of the Town of Parry Sound hereby recommends denial of Parry Sound Area Planning Board Application Number B/06/2021 – Barnes.

9.4.1 – Extension of Virtual Council Meetings.
Resolution
Whereas the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 18 expanded the opportunity for Municipal Councils, Local Boards and their Committees to meet electronically, and
Whereas in response, Council passed By-law 2020 – 7061 permitting by means of a resolution, certain expanded terms of electronic participation at meetings of Council, Local Boards and its Committees; and
Whereas pursuant to By-law 2020-7061, Council extended by Resolutions 2020-082 and 2020-112 until March 31, 2021 expanded terms of electronic participation at meetings; and
Whereas best-case COVID-19 vaccine roll-out plans suggest an autumn, 2021 date before all residents of Canada desiring a vaccine will be able to receive one; and
Whereas public health experts advise that as the vaccine is rolled out, practices such as physical distancing, masking, and limiting the number of individuals in gatherings continue to be importance measures to combat transmission of COVID-19 virus and its variants;
Now Therefore Be It Resolved that Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound extends until December 31, 2021 the terms of electronic participation at meetings of Council, Local Boards or Committees of either them per the following:
a) electronic participation counts towards quorum;
b) electronic participants are permitted to vote; and
c) electronic participation is permitted in a meeting closed to the public.

9.4.2 – Appointment to the North Bay Parry District Health Unit Board.
Resolution
That Whereas Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound has received notice of the resignation of Don Brisbane from the Board of Health of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, representing the West Parry Sound municipalities; and
Whereas Council has received resolutions from the Township of Carling, Municipality of McDougall, and the Township of McKellar nominating/approving the appointment of Mayor Jamie McGarvey to fill the vacancy, with similar nominations being considered by the Township of The Archipelago, Seguin Township and the Municipality of Whitestone at their next respective Council meetings;
Now Therefore Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound accepts, effective March 2, 2021, the resignation of Don Brisbane from the Board of Health of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit with appreciation for his sixteen years of service in this capacity; and
That effective upon nomination/appointment from all seven West Parry Sound municipalities, Mayor Jamie McGarvey is hereby appointed as joint representative for the seven West Parry Sound municipalities on the Board of Health for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit for a term ending November 30, 2022, or until a successor appointment is made.

By-laws
10.2.1 – Delegation of Authority: MOU with NBPSDHU for use of BOCC as mass vaccination site.
By-law 2021 – 7113
Being a by-law to delegate signing authority to Clayton Harris, CAO, for the purpose of authorizing an MOU for use of the Bobby Orr Community Centre by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit as a mass COVID-19 public vaccination location.

10.2.2 – Partnership with STEM Camp to Deliver Youth Camp Programs at the Bobby Orr Community Centre.
By-law 2021 – 7114
Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a partnership agreement with STEM Camp for the delivery of youth camp programming.

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – March 9, 2021

13 Saturday Mar 2021

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This is a summary of the 2021 Budget meeting focused on the capital portion of the budget. There are no details provided regarding the discussion or any changes made to the proposed capital budget. The council meeting video is available online for those interested.
A second item was added to the meeting concerning the execution of an agreement with the Minister of Long-Term Care for the funding of a Community Paramedicine Long Term Care program

Abridged Minutes

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.4.1 – Draft 2021 Capital Budget.
Per a prepared power point presentation circulated with the agenda, Director of Finance Stephanie Phillips provided an overview of the Draft Capital Budget, including comments on benchmarking, funding the capital budget, reserves/debentures, tangible capital asset grant funding, dedicated capital levy, and the specific items included in the 2021 draft capital budget.
Resolution
That the staff report, the 2021 Draft Capital Budget and presentation be received for information purposes: and
That Council approve the Draft Capital Budget and directs staff to include it in the preparation of a By-law to set the estimates following the 2021 Draft Operating Budget deliberations.
Carried

By-laws
10.3.1 Community Paramedicine Long Term Care (CPLTC) Funding Grant.
By-law 2021 – 7112
Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with the Minister of Long-Term Care for the funding of a Community Paramedicine Long Term Care program.
Passed, Signed and Sealed.

 

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – March 2, 2021

13 Saturday Mar 2021

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The minutes only came out yesterday. There really isn’t much to note. I suggest you take a quick scan of the abridged minutes below.

Abridged Minutes

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – In response to Councillor McCann’s inquiry regarding Town response to contractors/residents who leave snow on sidewalks after plowing driveways, Director of Public Works Mike Kearns responded that it is the owner’s responsibility to keep the area clear. Many are aware and do keep it clear and assist with clearing areas around hydrants, etc. If the area is not clear and the Town has been made aware of it, the Townmakes the sidewalk passable, and discusses with the property owner so it doesn’t happen again. With respect to enforcement, Mr. Kearns suggested that the by-law dealing with obstructions would ultimately deal with this.

3.2.2 – Mr. Kearns confirmed in response to questions and comments from Councillors Keith and Backman that staff would utilize communication channels available to get information to the public in timely ways regarding the obligation to keep sidewalks clear from personal plowed snow.

3.2.3 – In response to Councillor Backman’s inquiry regarding a recent fire on Albert Street, Director of Development and Protective Services/Fire Chief Dave Thompson reported that there was a full structure residential fire on Albert Street last Friday, Feb. 26th at 10:20 AM. Because Fire Prevention Officer John Tuck, EMS attendant Olivia (Ostrom) Perry and nearby resident Steve Molyneaux were able to get to the scene so quickly, they were able to save the lives of the occupants. Chief Thompson confirmed that each of the three would be recognized with appreciation/commendation.

3.2.4 – In response to Councillor Backman’s inquiry regarding the potential of providing recycling/waste receptacles to deal with garbage by the boat launch at the Salt Dock, Mr. Kearns responded that although this is not part of normal winter activities, installation here can be considered. Mr. Kearns suggested an alternate message is to advocate that people pack out what they pack in. Councillor Keith requested that if receptacles are installed, that some analysis be undertaken of staff time required for maintenance, including snow clearing, to help determine appropriateness of installation there.

Correspondence
None

Deputations
5.1 – Anne Haines, Former Account Manager, Muskoka Parry Sound, MPAC.
2020 Municipal Partnership Report.
From a prepared slide presentation, Ms. Haines reported on the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation’s (MPAC’s) 2020 Municipal Partnerships, including how MPAC shifted priorities and transformed information sharing during COVID’s restrictions, MPAC’s role in the building permit process, ongoing information and training provided by MPAC, as well as confirming that property values used by MPAC continue to be based on the market at January 1, 2016 with is the current valuation date.

5.2 – Christy Cafovski, Executive Director, Gail Burrows, President, Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber of Commerce Year in Review; New Strategic Plan.
Ms. Cafovski shared a prepared video with messages from Gail Burrows and herself, reviewing activities from last year, and the Chamber’s current Strategic Plan focusing on membership, networking, how educational opportunities can help businesses, benefits of going virtual, marketing businesses in the area and generally focusing on providing value for membership.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – Budget Overview.
Ms. Phillips provided an overview of the budget from a prepared power point presentation, covering such topics as the managerial planning and review that goes on before Council’s deliberations, the fiscal policy framework, continuous improvement, benchmarking, external transfers, COVID-19 pandemic fiscal challenges, operating budget impacts, capital budget impacts, and the schedule of upcoming budget review meetings.

9.2.1 – Municipal Modernization Program
Intake 1 – Technology Review Final Report Municipal Modernization Program
Intake 2 – Introduction.
Resolution
THAT Council receive the attached Report on Municipal Modernization Program – Intake 1 – Technology Review Final Report; and
THAT Council authorize staff to submit an Expression of Interest for a GIS Maturity Assessment under the Municipal Modernization Program – Intake 2.
Carried

9.2.2 – Modernization Review – Allocation of Funding.
Resolution
Whereas the Town of Parry Sound received Municipal Modernization Funding from the Province of Ontario in 2019;
Whereas Council placed uncommitted Modernization Funding into a Modernization Reserve in March 2020;
Whereas the purpose of the Reserve is to fund projects that create efficiencies, lower and/or avoid future costs;
Whereas the effective use of technology represents a significant opportunity for creating efficiencies;
Whereas the Town initiated a Technology Review in 2020 under Intake 1, to identify opportunities for internal efficiencies using technology including infrastructure, business processes and systems;
Whereas the Review, completed under Intake 1 identified several important corporate projects;
Whereas the Town wishes to apply for Provincial funding under Intake 2;
Whereas one of the eligibility requirements for Intake 2 is that the municipality confirm that it has spent or allocated the Modernization Funding received in 2019;
Now Therefore be it Resolved That the uncommitted funds in the Modernization Reserve, $595,414.47 be allocated to initiatives identified in the Technology Review including a small contingency; and
Further That staff report back to Council for budget approvals should there be a need to reallocate funds as additional information becomes available, such as: changes in project scope; a need to change priorities; new priorities; etc.
Carried

9.3.1 – Regional Fire Training Centre in the Parry Sound Area.
Resolution
That the Council for the Town of Parry Sound support the submission of a formal request to the Office of the Fire Marshall to consider Parry Sound to be a Regional Training Centre
Carried

9.3.2 – Respond to request to stop-up-and close a portion of Macklaim Drive and Dennis Drive by Macazer Holding Corp.
Resolution
That Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound deny the request from Macazer Holding Corporation to stop-up-and-close a portion of Macklaim Drive and Dennis Drive road allowance.
Carried

9.5.1 – Letter of Support for NNDSB Grant Application for Bike Purchases.
Resolution
THAT Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound approves submission of the letter attached as Schedule A to the Near North District School Board in support of its application to the Ontario Active School Travel Fund to purchase a fleet of bikes for the purpose of training students in Grades 7 and 8 on safe cycling.
Carried

9.5.2 – (No Title Provided)
Resolution
Whereas community outreach and communication are critical to gaining community support for healthcare directives;
Whereas the Council for the Town of Parry Sound passed two (2) Resolutions on February 16, 2021: 1) Requesting greater community outreach and communication; and 2) Requesting the segregation of Covid related data between the East and West portions of the District of Parry Sound;
Whereas the Resolutions were endorsed by several West Parry Sound municipalities;
Whereas the Town of Parry Sound has not received a response or acknowledgement of either Resolution from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit;
Whereas municipalities fund a significant portion of the District Health Unit’s budget;
Whereas a lack of communication represents a missed opportunity to advocate a common message with a common voice;
Whereas collaboration and partnerships can create a united voice on critical issues, such as the advocacy of additional vaccines for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit Medical Officer of Health be requested to establish a bi-weekly information exchange meeting with the Mayors of the West Parry Sound District; and
THAT this Resolution be forwarded to the Chair & Board of the North Bay Parry Sound District Public Health Unit, municipalities of West Parry Sound, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams, Minister of Health Honourable Christine Elliott, Premier Doug Ford, Norm Miller – MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka and the Honourable Victor Fedeli – MPP Nipissing; and
That a press release be issued on behalf of the Town and those West Parry Sound municipalities in support of the Resolution.
Carried

By-laws
10.1.1 – Tax Policies – Capping and New to Class/New Construction.
By-Law 2021 – 7108
Being a bylaw to specify Tax Policies, including the claw back percentage, the capping threshold parameters, the minimum tax level for new-to-class / new construction and to exclude certain properties from the capping program for the year 2021.
Passed, Signed and Sealed.

10.1.2 – Tax Ratios for 2021.
By-Law 2021 – 7109
Being a by-law to set Tax Ratios for Municipal purposes for the year 2021.
Passed, Signed and Sealed.

Bitching and Moaning

07 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by in Reflections, Seguin Township

≈ 1 Comment

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A very recent article in the North Star (link) covered a discussion at the Sequin Township where one of the councillors, Mr. Daryl Moffat, raised an issue at a recent West Parry Sound District Museum board meeting. Mr. Moffat was unhappy about what he characterized as disrespectful and aggressive behaviour at the meeting by one of the other board members that led him to resign and also suggest that Seguin consider withholding the municipality’s annual contribution to the Museum.

I wish to out myself as the board member who made the comment he found offensive. The comment in question included the expression “bitching and moaning”. Had I realized he found it particularly offensive I would have been happy to apologize. The terms were used to better express my reason for undertaking certain previous activities to mitigate issues that Mr. Moffat had previously expressed concerning operations.

I would have apologized at the time had Mr. Moffat not chosen to abruptly, and without warning, leave the Zoom meeting. I have my thoughts about why he left the meeting abruptly and they don’t concern my use of the aforementioned words. I suspect Mr. Moffat was not happy with the position I was likely to take on an issue that was largely at the heart of the closed board meeting he had requested.

Mr. Moffat, I would like to publicly apologize to you for using the terms “bitching and moaning” during the board meeting. I also apologize for any aggressiveness that you might have felt threatened by.

For clarification purposes, I still hold the same position concerning the issue that was under discussion. It was important for me at the time to ensure that another board member did not mischaracterize my actions and motivations. I clearly should have used a less offensive expression.

It is unfortunate that this has become a public issue but it is perhaps a learning experience for all involved. I hope that Seguin Township will continue to provide its critical financial support to the Museum as well as the important oversight offered by their board representative. The Museum has made important advances over this very difficult year of which Mr. Moffat’s contributions were an important part.