Parry Sounds ~ Ideas and Opinions, In and Around Parry Sound

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Public Meeting
2.1 – Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment Z/22-01 – 22 Albert St.
Council held a public meeting to consider a proposed Zoning By-law amendment under Sections 34 of the Planning Act, as amended. After the Mayor adjourned the regular meeting and declared the public meeting open, the Clerk 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.

Director of Development & Protective Services Dave Thompson advised that the proposed Zoning By-Law amendment would rezone the property from R2 to R3 to allow for a fourplex, relief from the R3 requirements of required frontage from 20 metres to 18.71 metres, and reduced parking space sizes to 2.75 metres by 6 metres. The lands are known as 22 Albert Street, legally described plan 104, PT lot 3, E/S Albert Street; RP 42R9595 Part 4.

Brenda Ryan of FAD, representing the applicant, responded to the Mayor’s invitation to speak in favour of the proposed Zoning By-law amendment. Ms. Ryan advised that the current R2 zoning would allow for a triplex which is defined as units stacked one on top of another. The request for R3 zoning is to accommodate a fourth unit, achieving greater density with a design that looks more like a two-story single-family dwelling, appropriately scaled for the lot and better fitting into the existing neighbourhood. The one-bedroom units are nicely sized with the lower two providing barrier free access. The building will be well constructed with additional insulation installed for energy efficiency. A natural clearing in behind will be used for parking and include an electric car charger, attractive to certain renters.

No one spoke in opposition to the proposed Zoning By-law amendment.

Mr. Thompson advised that the Town has received 9 letters identifying concerns regarding the reduced lot frontage, smaller parking space sizes, possibility of parking overflowing onto the road and blocking access to fire hydrants. One letter supporting the re-zoning has been received following concessions between the applicant and the concerned neighbour.

The Mayor advised that Council, at its discretion may approve the proposed Zoning Bylaw 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 Borneman’s inquiry, Manager of Infrastructure and Technology Forrest Pengra provided an update on ICECAP’s work noting that in 2022 the collective of area municipalities and First Nations communities is working on milestones 2 & 3, which are respectively: setting a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target; and establishing a local action plan to address those targets.

3.2.2 – In response to Councillor Backman’s inquiry regarding the timeline for hiring of the Climate Change Intern, Mr. Pengra reported that the start time will depend upon Council’s approval of the budgeted item, as well as successful application for funding.

Correspondence
None

Deputations
None

Mayor & Councillors’ Reports
Members of Council gave reports on meetings attended and matters arising. As part of Mayor McGarvey’s report, he identified that subsequent to release of the 2021 census data showing a growth in population of the Parry Sound Area, a letter to be signed by area mayors is proposed to be sent to Minister of Education Steven Lecce as follow-up to the delegation on January 24th at ROMA regarding concerns that the Near North District School Board’s projected enrollment and design of the JK-Grade 12 school is inadequate. Council members signaled their support for sending such a letter.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.2.1 – Rehabilitation of Public Works Building for COVID Physical Distancing.
Resolution
That Council accept the Request for Proposal Submission from Adams Brothers Construction Ltd. In the Amount of $178,511.75 Tax included for the rehabilitation of the Public Works Building to accommodate safe physical distancing of employees necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Carried
By-law 2022 – 7220
Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an Agreement with Adams Bros. Construction Ltd. for the rehabilitation of the Public Works Building.
Passed, Signed and Sealed

9.2.2 – Municipal Modernization Program – Intake 2 – Geographic Information Systems Maturity Study Final Report.
Resolution
THAT Council receive the attached Report on Municipal Modernization Program – Intake 2 – Geographic Information Systems Maturity Study.
Carried

9.3.1 – 2022 EMS Vehicle Purchases.
Resolution
That Council approve the purchase of three (3) Ambulances from Crestline in the amount of $181,879.75 +HST each as a sole source purchase and that the purchases be funded from the EMS Equipment/Capital Reserve Fund.
Carried

9.4.1 – Provincial Actions to Expedite Residential Planning Approvals.
Resolution
That Council hereby directs staff to respond to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing ‘s February 7, 2022 request for information by providing the comments contained in the following report.
Carried

By-laws
10.4.1 – FedNor Tourism Relief Funding Agreement.
By-law 2022 – 7218
Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a funding agreement with FedNor.
Passed, Signed and Sealed

10.4.2 – Contract for 2022 Municipal Election eVoting Services.
By-Law 2022 – 7221
Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a contract with Intelivote Systems Inc. for the provision of an electronic voting system incorporating voting through telephone and secure internet connections for the 2022 Municipal Election.
Passed, Signed and Sealed
Through an inquiry by a member of Council on assurances of security and confidentiality with respect to the election software, Clerk Rebecca Johnson agreed to access information from Intelivote on this issue and provide to Council.