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Wow – this was a packed session and ended at 10:00. I feel that there were some considerate decisions made with respect to the 2021 budget. The rezoning of property on George Street / Tower Hill brought out the expected comments and concerns. You may want to read the comments to get a sense of sentiments. My feeling as someone who interacts regularly with the folks is at the Museum and the Tower Hill Heritage Garden is that the development will not negatively impact either of them. We have a problem in Town, and it is housing, particularly affordable (not necessarily subsidized) housing. The tradespeople and professionals we desperately need would be happy to move into the area and enjoy the many amenities if there was suitable housing. I am not sure the Town can afford to let land stand idle because the neighbours won’t like the ‘traffic’.

I am happy to see that the issue of erosion on the waterfront, both the Sunset Trail and the bridge to Silbow Point at Waubuno Beach is getting the necessary attention, if not yet the budget. It is better in my opinion to have a plan before budgeting and spending money.

The is a bit of a change in format with the abridged minutes presented below. I will start to apply Bold and Underline to the topics listed. This may make it easier to wade through the minutes and pay attention to items that are of particular interest. As always, refer to the official minutes package at the Town of Parry Sound’s website if you want the unabridged minutes.

Meeting Minutes (Abridged)

Closed Session
b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, (Taxi License Appeal Hearing); 

Public Meeting
2.1 – Z/21-02 – George Street (John Jackson Planner Inc. on behalf of Ravi Prasher).
After the Mayor adjourned the regular meeting and declared the public meeting open, Clerk Rebecca Johnson advised that notice had been given by prepaid first-class mail to the required prescribed agencies and property owners within 120 metres, posted on the property and placed on the Town’s website.
Manager of Building and Planning Services Taylor Elgie advised that the purpose of the first proposed Zoning By-law amendment is to change the zoning of the property from Residential Medium Density (R2) to Residential High Density (R3). The effect of the proposed Zoning By-Law amendment is to allow for creation of a 36-unit apartment building.
John Jackson, agent for applicant Ravi Prasher, responded to the Mayor’s invitation to speak in favour of the proposed Zoning By-law amendment.
Mr. Jackson reported that the application was filed with a number of supporting components, pre-consultation was undertaken with staff, and the following reports were prepared: a planning justification report, environmental report, traffic impact report, noise impact study and a preliminary engineering report. Mr. Jackson said he believed the proposal is in conformity with policies of the Official Plan, and that creation of housing is supported in the Provincial Policy Statement, and in the growth plan for Northern Ontario. Mr. Jackson said it was his belief that many concerns expressed by neighbours would be addressed through a more detailed site plan process, and that screening could alleviate privacy concerns. Mr. Jackson acknowledged that sight lines from George to Forest Street are not good, but that this problem is being addressed in the engineering report. Mr. Jackson concluded with the suggestion that the proposal will help respond to what we know is a housing crisis both in Town and throughout the province and country.

The following members of the public responded to the Mayor’s invitation to speak in opposition to the proposed Zoning By-law amendment:
Sarah Priaulx of 53 Forest Street addressed Council with the following questions and concerns: development is in her backyard bordering her fence line, effects of blasting beside foundation, location of sewer and water lines and who pays for this, potential increase in taxes for this development, increased density impacts on safety, liability as a result of location beside trestle, treacherous turning from George Street onto Forest Street, traffic study done in February when it should be done in July when population is high. Ms. Priaulx said she had a number of questions which she would address with staff.
France Beaulieu of Forest Street addressed Council with the following questions and concerns: environmental feasibility in a nice wooded area, opposed to the building going up, concerns with traffic study and questioning when it was undertaken, questioning if the Town is contributing money towards water and sewer; concerned about population in backyard; will fence be put up, will there be too much light on at night in the parking lot; will the developer receive grant money from municipal sources to build; is there money available if neighbours want to consult with a lawyer; what happens if building foundations are damaged due to blasting; will a fence be provided to help with privacy; Ms. Beaulieu also expressed concerns that during winter, Forest Street will become more busy as a means of getting in and out of the development since the George Street hill becomes slippery, and this increased traffic will cause an accident. She also expressed concerns with potential increased population density and overcrowding in this area.
Mr. Elgie advised that he had received the following items of correspondence expressing concerns or in opposition to the proposed zoning by-law amendment:
Ken Webb, George Street – ok with density but height is too much overall degrading the intrinsic value of Tower Hill and Museum; 36-unit building does not celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Tower Hill well; safety concerns with the entrance on to Forrest Street.
David Juffs – concern with drainage and trespass problems of the roadway area; wants roadway and offsite storm water considered as part of any approval; concerns with the entrance between Forest and George Streets and suggests a 3-way stop may be advisable; opposes rezoning to R3.
Ray & Roxanne Priaulx – question the number of stories, and whether it is subsidized housing; concern with intersection of George and Forest Streets and Parry Sound Road; question the impact on wildlife, stormwater and traffic, and resulting wear and tear on other roads such as Parry Sound Road.
Chris & Angela Clark – concern with the intersection; safety will become a greater issue with this proposal; concern with the quality of George Street and lack of sidewalks; property is unsafe due to proximity to train tracks and soil quality due to previous oil tank storage; this will negatively impact the Museum and Tower Hill.
James Bisson & Brenda Regan – concern that location too close to back yard; lighting from parking lot; number of vehicles going in and out, impeding upon privacy; traffic and intersection concerns; Forest Street currently has no sidewalks and is quite rough; noise, mess, and disruption will affect privacy and blasting will affect wildlife.
Dan Connaghan – as he is looking after elderly family, concern that this proposal will bring risk of COVID-19 closer to his property through portable toilets and imported workers; traffic concerns at the intersection; question whether adequate water and sewer capacity, concerns about wildlife, noise, and visitors trespassing on his property.
Reg Goslett – concern with intersection and feels a 3-way stop is necessary; agrees with applicant report that George Street needs to be repaved, upgraded, and widened and wishes for this to be extended to the Museum.
Lee Smith – concern with traffic and intersection; soil should be tested due to previous presence of oil tanks; due to vegetation removal, storm water may be an issue; improvements to be at cost of developer not taxpayer.
Dean Timson & Margo Houston – concern about negative effect on peace and quiet for themselves and adjacent property owners; adding 100 people on half a hectare of property is poor planning; zoning should be down zoned for less development. Forest Street was poorly designed and repaved years ago; intersection with George Street is dangerous; adjacent rail line is dangerous; application is misleading as shows different information on different spots
Canadian Pacific – comments provided in an extensive technical document.
Sarah Priaulx – concern regarding easement, foundation, blasting, who pays for improvements on road, timing and year when traffic study undertaken. George St & Forest St intersection is dangerous; questions whether railway contacted; sights drainage as a problem; safety concerns with rail line as sparks have caused small brush fires; high density doesn’t fit criteria for this location; backfilling will flood neighbouring properties. OPP is there frequently as it is not a safe area with needles found and having more people will be troublesome.

After Mr. Elgie concluded his summary of comments received in opposition, the Mayor advised that Council, at its discretion may approve the proposed Zoning By-law amendment and if so, must either circulate notice of passing of the by-law or give notice in the local press. Objections to the passing of the by-law will be received by the Clerk within 20 days from the date such notice is given, which objections will be forwarded to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. If an appeal is submitted and the appellant has not provided Council with an oral or written submission before the passing of the by-law, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal may choose to dismiss the appeal.

2.2 Z/21-01 – Louisa Street (John Jackson Planner Inc. on behalf of Kingshott and Hurd).
Clerk Rebecca Johnson advised that notice had been given by prepaid first-class mail to the required prescribed agencies and property owners within 120 metres, posted on the property and placed on the Town’s website.
Mr. Elgie advised that the second proposed Zoning By-law amendment would amend the S.P. 26.72 Zone to a Rural Residential zone and recognize a reduced lot frontage of 34 metres for two provisionally created lots along Louisa Street, and that a rezoning was a condition of consent for related application B/37A/37B/2020 (TPS).
John Jackson responded to the Mayor’s invitation to speak in favour of the proposed Zoning By-law amendment, noting that the application is straight forward and satisfies a technical issue.
No one spoke in opposition to the proposed Zoning By-law amendment. Mr. Elgie advised that he had received no correspondence with regards to this matter.

The Mayor advised that Council, at its discretion may approve the proposed Zoning By- law amendment and if so, must either circulate notice of passing of the by-law or give notice in the local press. Objections to the passing of the by-law will be received by the Clerk within 20 days from the date such notice is given, which objections will be forwarded to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. If an appeal is submitted and the appellant has not provided Council with an oral or written submission before the passing of the by-law, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal may choose to dismiss the appeal.

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding street sweeping plans, Director of Public Works Mike Kearns reported that this year street sweeping was able to commence a little earlier than usual. Sidewalk sweepers are not collectors – they simply move material out off the sidewalk and where possible, out into the street for the street sweeper to collect and transport to the Public Works Yard.
3.2.2 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding movement of salt at the Salt Dock, Director of Development & Protective Services Dave Thompson reported that according to the agreement with the Salt Company, a certain area of the Salt Dock must be clear of salt for public use during the summer, and the Salt Company is therefore currently using heavy equipment to move salt on site to a smaller surface area of the Salt Dock.
3.2.3 – Cllr Borneman reported that he wished to pass on to the Mayor concerns from seniors about the trouble they have had booking vaccinations – waiting for hours on the phone and being sent to vaccination centres outside the area. Mayor McGarvey responded that he has heard the same thing and would raise this issue with the Board of Health in an attempt to improve the roll-out with more clinics locally and the booking process made easier.
3.2.4 – In response to Councillor McCann’s inquiry regarding fire fighter training and recruitment Chief Dave Thompson reported that the Parry Sound Fire Department, along with Carling, McDougall and McKellar were given a great opportunity to use the Friendship Centre for a two-day training exercise, which offered experience with a large building, forcible entry, and other technical exercises. Chief Thompson also reported that the Fire Department does need members in Town, but that COVID-19 regulations have delayed recruitment efforts for a women’s information session and a general information session until May, when face to face meetings might resume again.

Correspondence
4.1 – Steve Barnes, applicant for Hillcrest Ave. lot severance.
Two letters of request for Council reconsideration of its recommended denial of severance.
Copied to Manager of Building & Planning Services and filed.
4.2 – Chris MacQuarrie, Natural Resources Canada Canadian Forest Service.
Research Project proposed for Killbear Provincial Park.
Copied to Director of Public Works for consideration.
4.3 – Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance.
Funding of $5,000 to Parry Sound under the Ontario Cannabis Legalization Implementation Fund.
Filed
4.4 – Susanne Borup-Powell, Parry Sound Resident.
Support for Council’s position to deny construction of a vehicle bridge over the Fitness Trail.
4.5 – Stephen Heder, Parry Sound Resident.
Support for Council’s position to deny construction of a vehicle bridge over the Fitness Trail.
4.6 – Nancy Fraser, Parry Sound Resident.
Concerns with the posting of a “No Trespassing” Sign at Rabbit Canyon path.
4.7 – Carmen Quesnel, Parry Sound Resident.
Concerns with the posting of a “No Trespassing” Sign at Rabbit Canyon path.
4.8 – Linda Chase, Pat Clarke, Don Brickett, Ray Brown, Rachel Brown, Pauline Brown, Renate Koslowski, John & Donna McGill, Conrad van der Valk, Janet Patterson, Jill Murphy, Thom Morrissey, David & Jody Brunatti, Shelby Seegmiller, Brandon Seegmiller, Cameron Dunkin, Julia Mader, Roberta Smart.
Individual letters of the same text supporting Council’s position to deny construction of a vehicle bridge over the Fitness Trail.
All above letters related to the Fitness Trail were filed.

Ratification of Matters from Closed Agenda
7.1 – Taxi Driver’s License.
Resolution
That Council of the Town of Parry Sound approves Applicant #001-2021’s appeal and grants a temporary Taxi Driver’s Licence; and
That Council hereby directs the Issuer of Licences to issue the Applicant a six (6) month Probationary Taxi Driver’s Licence with the following conditions:
a) That a Level 2 Criminal Record Check be provided at the end of the temporary period (6 months), and annually thereafter as a part of the regular renewal process, without any new convictions; and
b) That subsequent Driver’s Abstracts, checked every six (6) months while holding a valid Taxi Driver’s Licence, do not contain any new convictions; and
c) That the owner of Parry Sound Taxi sign a responsibility agreement; and
d) That if the Town becomes aware of any violation of the applicant’s probation conditions set herein the licence be revoked immediately.
Carried

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.2.1 – 2020 Statement of Remuneration Paid to Council and Appointed Board Members.
Resolution
That the 2020 Statement of Remuneration Paid to Council and Appointed Board Members, attached as Schedule “A”, be accepted.
Carried

9.2.2 – 2021 Operating Budget.
Following introductory statements by CAO Clayton Harris, Director of Finance Stephanie Phillips presented an overview of the 2021 draft operating budget covering such topics as impact to the taxpayer, historical tax rate increases, 2021 capital budget recap, draft operating budget highlights, COVID-19 fiscal challenges, COVID-19 funding applied, summary of net levy changes by division and items for Council consideration.

With respect to items for Council consideration as contained on page 43 of the 2021 budget binder, Council agreed to the following:
1. $6,150 increase contribution to Public Library.
2. $2,000 increase contribution to the Museum on Tower Hill, (with a motion moved by Councillor Keith, seconded by Councillor McCann and carried by Council to round up the draft increase of $1,674 to $2,000.).
3. $5,000 contribution to Tower Hill Children’s Garden.
4. Remove the draft $50,000 to replace the pedestrian bridge to the Point at Waubuno Beach. Council agreed per Director of Public Works Mike Kearn’s recommendation that before funds are committed to this work, engineering reports should be undertaken to determine what is needed to stabilize the path and bridge against erosion.
5. Remove the draft $20,000 for remediation of erosion on the Rotary Sunset Trail. Council directed CAO Clayton Harris to bring forward a resolution to set aside in reserve $20,000 using the Gas Tax Fund (which is now under a new name) for area redevelopment when a detailed proposal for the area is provided, and funding partnerships and the long-term intentions of Sail Parry Sound with respect to its lease (which expires in approximately four years) are known.
6. $8,200 contribution to Georgian Bay Forever for Plastic Diversion 2.0 Seabin and Education, with staff recommending at the time the budget by-law is considered, sources upon which to draw, such as from a relevant reserve.
7. No increase in funding provided to Park to Park Trail over the annual contribution of $6,000 already budgeted.
Resolution
That the 2021 Operating Budget as amended, be approved; and
That the Budget By-law be submitted to the April 20th, 2021 Council meeting for ratification.
Carried.

The following additional motions were considered by Council:
Direction for Staff Follow-up
That lighting be investigated, and costing done for the intersection of Pine Drive and Bowes Street.
Carried

Direction for Staff Follow-up
That staff be directed to refer the Park to Park (P2P) Trail issue to CiiNO as a regional body and consider the issue on a regional basis, to investigate whether other funding sources could be accessed, and/or a grant could be applied to hire an intern to respond to the administrative issues that P2P has put forth with respect to their funding ask.
Carried

By-laws
None beyond a confirming by-law for the meeting.