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Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – April 16, 2019

19 Friday Apr 2019

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You are busy people, so I focus on what I consider to be the key issues. The highlights of the meeting along with my comments are at the beginning followed by a more comprehensive summary. Refer to the full agenda and minutes at the Town’s website as well as the online recording (YouTube) for additional information and details.

2.1 – Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/02 – Pine Drive. It looks as though there will be a 75 to 100 unit Best Western hotel going up across from The Source on Pine Drive. There are some complaints from the Big Box stores about blocking views and creating additional traffic, but these are unlikely to gain traction. I expect that some of the smaller hotels in Town will either need to upgrade their services or think about a conversion to apartments. There is only so much of a need for hotel rooms outside of the summer season.

7.1 – Settlement for an Appeal for Acorn Ridge. It also seems that the Acorn Ridge development on Louisa Street will be going forward. A settlement of some sort was reached with the folks on Louisa Street opposing the development. That’s good news for the Town in terms of additional tax revenue. It also means that Louisa Street will be upgraded from the mess it currently is.

9.3.1 – Sidewalk Patios in the Downtown. It will be possible for folks to have a sandwich on James Street this summer. I’m not sure about a beer or a cigarette, or heaven forbid a toke. It seems that the use of these patios will be restricted to customers. No brown bagging it folks. The after-hour folks should be able to have a beer and a toke if no one is watching too closely. Actually they will be able have a toke, but not a beer if I understand current provincial regulations.

9.4.1 – Canadore College Rental of Space for Non-College Uses. The Town put its foot down and said no. Seems reasonable to me. I understand how Canadore would like the guaranteed revenue, but you shouldn’t ask the kids to share a single bedroom so that you can take on boarders unless it’s make or break situation.

9.4.2 – 2019 Municipal Assistance Program Allocation. A copy of Schedule A was not included with the minutes so you may need to ask the Town if you are interested. It’s not much money.

Closed Session

(e) – litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board: (Planning Matter).

Public Meeting

2.1 – Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/02 – Pine Drive (John Jackson on behalf of V G Cox Limited). Clerk Rebecca Johnson reported that notice was given by prepaid first-class mail to the required prescribed agencies and property owners within 120 metres, posted in the newspaper, posted on the property, and was placed on the Town’s website. Manager of Building & Planning Services Taylor Elgie reported that the applicant has requested relief from the C3 zone for a hotel with a maximum height of 15.1 metres when currently only 10.5 metres is permitted and reduce sparking space sizes to 2.75 x 5.75 metres from the current requirement of 3 x 6 metres. The property is a vacant, cleared lot on Pine Drive, described as Part Lot 26 Concession 1, more particularly described as Parts 1 & 2 on 42R18868, in the Town of Parry Sound.

2.1.1 – Representing the proponents, John Jackson provided an update, noting that the property originally owned by Parry Sound Fuels has been transferred to the developers. Mr. Jackson reported that the developers are proposing to build a hotel of 75-100 units – the numbers dependent upon final architectural drawings with Best Western. The unconfirmed roof design may require a height of 15.1 metres, greater than 10.5 metres, which is the Town’s cap and will consist of 3 or 4 stories, like the Parry Sound Microtel. Location proposed is behind the car wash. In response to expressed concerns made by nearby big box businesses, Mr. Jackson said that the single storey in the sight lines of the big box stores will not block the view of them and that individual parking space sizes have been reduced to enable lots of parking without constraints. Mr. Jackson noted that the application is coming forward now, without certainty on roof height, because the proponents wish to move on the project so that it can be closed in by fall.

2.1.2 – No one spoke in opposition to the proposed zoning by-law amendment. Mr. Elgie reported that one letter, from Gerald Asa, had been received in opposition to the proposed zoning by-law amendment, citing the following concerns:
1) increase in height as it impacts negatively on the visibility of our buildings.
2) servicing works which may impact traffic flow along Pine Drive as the shopping centre is extremely busy in the summer time and requires all lanes be open and freely passable.
3) parking requirements.
4) sight lines for the access point to ensure that any vehicles exiting the hotel lands onto Pine Drive can be clearly visible to drivers leaving the shopping center.
5) exiting the hotel lot and ensuring a stop sign is a requirement.
6) storm water flows and ensuring none is directed onto our property.
Mayor McGarvey gave the following explanation on next steps: The public should contact staff or check the Town’s website to see when this amendment will come back for a decision. Council, at its discretion, may approve the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment. If so, it 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 how to improve the pedestrian crossing situation at Waubeek Street/Avenue Road/Belvedere Avenue, Director of Public Works, Peter Brown proposed that crossing be improved by better signage in the area, and more definitive lines on the road. Mr. Brown suggested that this be included as part of the Wabueek Street reconstruction plans.

Correspondence

4.2 – Federal Minister of Infrastructure & Communities. Notice of the 2019 special 2.2 billion additional gas tax fund top-up to municipalities. This letter has been referred to all members of Council, the CAO and Directors.

Ratification of Matters from Closed Agenda

7.1 – Settlement for an Appeal for Acorn Ridge – Z/18/04. Whereas the Council for the Town of Parry Sound approved Zoning By-law Amendment Application Z18-04 – Acorn Ridge by By-law 2018-6871 on November 6, 2018; and Whereas this By-law applied to the lands described as Part of Lot 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 on the west side of Louisa Street on Plan 21, or more particularity described as Part 3 42R9332, Part 2 of 42R9754, and Parts 2 and 8 of 42R10238 (“the Subject Lands”); and Whereas this By-law was then appealed by Louis and Elise Rensonnet (the “Appellants”) to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal and assigned case number PL180936 (the “Appeal”); and Whereas the Town of Parry Sound (the “Town”), the Appellants and Acorn Ridge Properties Inc. (the “Applicant”) have engaged in settlement talks to reach a compromise; and Whereas Minutes of Settlement have been negotiated which reach a settlement on the Appeal.
Now therefore be it resolved that the Mayor and Clerk are authorized to execute the Minutes of Settlement, attached as Schedule “A” to this resolution, And Further that Council directs staff to inform the signatories of the Minutes of Settlement when a site plan agreement is achieved, provide 30 days notice to the Appellants prior to the lifting of a holding provision on the subject lands, and that the site plan agreement be registered on title of the Subject Lands.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1– Ontario Regulation 284/09 – Excluded Expenses from the 2019 Budget. Resolution. That Council hereby adopts the compliance report for expenses excluded from the 2019 budget outlined in the staff Report and Recommendation “Ontario Regulation 284/09”, attached as Schedule “A”, as a requirement of Ontario Regulation 284/09 passed under the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25. Carried

9.2.1 – Water Inflow & Infiltration Study. Direction. That Council direct staff to continue working on the program of storm water separation from the sanitary sewer system, with the goal of removing all storm water inflow and infiltration from the sanitary sewer system. Carried

9.3.1 – Sidewalk Patios in the Downtown. Resolution. That the Council of the Town of Parry Sound adopt the Guiding Principles for Sidewalk Patios and endorse a one-year pilot project for a maximum of 4 Sidewalk Patios; and further That fees as required in the Guiding Principles be waived for the one-year pilot project only. Carried

9.3.2 – EMS Base in Seguin. Direction. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee, Town of Parry Sound Council direct staff to pursue in a cooperative fashion with Seguin Township, an agreement that will change the location of the EMS base from the Foley Fire Hall #2 to the Humphrey Fire Hall. Carried

9.3.3 – Greystone Development. Resolution.
1. That Council authorizes Joshua Morgan Planning & Development Inc. and Greystone Project Management Inc. to apply for applications under the Planning Act for Town owned lands described as Parts 1 and 2 of 42R21034; and furthermore, all costs related to these applications, including but not limited to the preparation of studies, infrastructure upgrades and defending an appeal, shall not be the responsibility of the Town of Parry Sound; and
2. That despite paragraph 1. of this Resolution, the Town’s fees in the amount of $3,335 for rezoning and official plan amendment applications shall be waived for Greystone Project Management Inc.; and
3. That the Clerk and Mayor are authorized to execute an amendment to the Agreement of Purchase and Sale as per the attached Schedule “A” to this Resolution.Carried

9.4.1 – Canadore College Rental of Space for Non-College Uses. Resolution. Whereas the Town of Parry Sound has long recognized the demand for skilled trades and the need for a post secondary educational institution to serve the Parry Sound area; Whereas in 2010 the Town of Parry Sound provided Canadore College with land to construct a post secondary college in Parry Sound; Whereas the Canadore College West Parry Sound Campus was established to deliver programs in the trades, adult and post secondary education serving the West Parry Sound area; Whereas the Town of Parry Sound provided Canadore College with an interest free forgivable mortgage, with Restrictive Covenants to ensure that the college remains a post secondary educational and training facility; Whereas it has been brought to the Town’s attention that the College is considering leasing a significant portion of the campus’s classroom space for use as an elementary school offering French language education up to Grade 8; Whereas concerns have been raised by the community with respect to undermining the quality of post secondary programming and the appropriateness of elementary age school children in an adult college environment; Whereas the Town of Parry Sound and the area municipalities are actively pursuing economic development opportunities and a post secondary college is integral to achieving the area’s economic development objectives; Whereas the Province has continued to voice significant concerns regarding the shortage of skilled workers in Ontario; Whereas Canadore College has not finalized the lease arrangement for the French elementary school. Now therefore be it resolved that Canadore College be advised of the Restrictive Covenants which are part of the Purchase and Sale Agreement and mortgage and they do not permit leasing space to an elementary school; And further that the importance of a post secondary college to the Parry Sound area economic development strategy be conveyed to Canadore College; And further that this Resolution be forwarded to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, the Canadore College Board of Governors, the President of Canadore College, the West Parry Sound Canadore College Campus Administrator, M.P.P. Norm Miller and the West Parry Sound area municipalities.
The following Motion to Postpone was made: That the resolution be postponed to the next Council meeting for the collection of further information from Canadore College on the intention to rent space for non-College use. Defeated
The original motion was voted on and Carried

9.4.2 – 2019 Municipal Assistance Program Allocation. That Council approve the 2019 Municipal Assistance Program allocations per Schedule A attached. Carried

9.4.3 – Investing in Canada Infrastructure Project. Resolution. That the Town of Parry Sound supports a joint project with the Township of Seguin for the realignment and lengthening of the runway at the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport; and That the Town of Parry Sound will submit an application in the amount of $4.996 million for this joint project to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), for a total project cost of $9.996 million; and That the Town of Parry Sound supports the Township of Seguin as the lead applicant for the joint project, understanding that Seguin will cashflow the project, including the recipient’s total share of $1.167 million; and That the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport Commission is responsible for all cost overruns and ineligible expenses of the joint project, should the provincial and federal funding for the joint project be approved. Carried

By-laws

10.1.1 – 2019 Budget. By-law 2019 – 6910. Being a By-law to Adopt the Operating and Capital Budget Estimates for the Year 2019 Read a First, Second & Third time, Passed, Signed and Sealed.

10.1.2 – Temporary Borrowing Authorization. By-law 2019 – 6911. 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. Read a First, Second & Third time, Passed, Signed and Sealed.

10.3.1 – Parking & Traffic Control By-law for the Town of Parry Sound. By-law 2019 – 6912. Being a By-law to Regulate and Control Parking & Traffic in the Town of Parry Sound. Read a First, Second & Third time, Passed, Signed and Sealed.

10.3.2 – Burks Falls EMS Base lease. By-law 2019 – 6913. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with the Village of Burks Falls for the use and occupation of 150 Huston Street, known as the Ambulance Garage on the Almaguin Highlands Health Centre Site, for a five (5) year term. Read a First, Second & Third time, Passed, Signed and Sealed.

10.3.3 – Zoning By-law Amendment – Barker, 21 Miller Street. By-law 2019 – 6914. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 21 Miller Street (Barker). Read a First, Second & Third time, Passed, Signed and Sealed.

10.4.1 – Horticultural Society MOU for Town flower beds. By-law 2019 – 6915. Being a by-law to authorize execution of a memorandum of understanding with the Parry Sound District Horticultural Society for Town flower beds. Read a First, Second & Third time, Passed, Signed and Sealed.

Council Agenda Preview – April 16, 2019

14 Sunday Apr 2019

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Here’s what up at the Town of Parry Sound’s upcoming council meeting. Refer to the full agenda package for more detailed information. My comments are below followed by an abridged version of the agenda document.

9.3.3 – Greystone Development. This concerns the vacant property behind the Tony Agnello Water Treatment Facility that is being developed by the company behind the Granite Harbour project. It’s nice to see them moving forward.

9.4.1 – Canadore College Rental of Space for Non-College Uses. Staff is recommending that the French School not be located in the Canadore facility largely because it would limit the intended use of the facility. If Canadore were to house a public school I imagine that it would have created all sorts of issues in terms of security and access given the regulations surrounding public schools. Isn’t there a suitable facility in McDougall?

9.4.3 – Investing in Canada Infrastructure Project. The application between the Town of Parry Sound and Seguin is for $10 million to support an airport expansion and longer runways. That sure seems to be a high price. Who locally actually uses the airport? Is the expansion for the benefit of high-end cottagers to fly in with their jets? I sure as heck don’t fly in and out of the airport and don’t know anyone who does. Seguin seems to be willing to cover any necessary municipal contributions which pretty much tells you who will benefit. Parry Sound will not be able to apply for grants to support a development of Louisa Street – there is only one application permitted per municipality, this is our’s.

10.1.1 – 2019 Budget. The 2019 tax rates are increasing 2.66%. Individual taxes may be higher if a property received a higher MPAC assessment in 2016.

10.3.3 – Zoning By-law Amendment – Barker, 21 Miller Street. This concerns the former restaurant up the street from the Bobby Orr Community Centre and permits a 4-unit residential conversion.

Town of Parry Sound Agenda (Abridged)

Closed Session
(e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board: (Planning Matter).

Public Meeting
2.1 – Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/02 – Pine Drive (John Jackson on behalf of V G Cox Limited)

Correspondence
4.1 – Jo-Anne Demick, Executive Director, Community Living Parry Sound. Declaration of month of May as Community Living Month in Parry Sound.
4.2 – Minister of Infrastructure & Communities. 2019 additional gas tax fund top-up.
4.3 – Mike Konoval, Mayor, Township of Carling. Invitation to Carling Community Centre Grand Opening June 8, 2019.
4.4 – Georgian Bay Forever. April 27th, 2019 Workshop re: Practical Tips To Reduce Your Plastic Footprint.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Ontario Regulation 284/09 – Excluded Expenses from the 2019 Budget. Resolution. That Council hereby adopts the compliance report for expenses excluded from the 2019 budget outlined in the staff Report and Recommendation “Ontario Regulation 284/09”, attached as Schedule “A”, as a requirement of Ontario Regulation 284/09 passed under the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25

9.2.1 – Water Inflow & Infiltration Study. Direction. That Council direct staff to continue working on the program of storm water separation from the sanitary sewer system, with the goal of removing all storm water inflow and infiltration from the sanitary sewer system.

9.3.1 – Sidewalk Patios in the Downtown. Resolution. That the Council of the Town of Parry Sound adopt the Guiding Principles for Sidewalk Patios and endorse a one-year pilot project for a maximum of 4 Sidewalk Patios; and further That fees as required in the Guiding Principles be waived for the one-year pilot project only.

9.3.2 – EMS Base in Seguin. Direction. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee, Town of Parry Sound Council direct staff to pursue in a cooperative fashion with Seguin Township, an agreement that will change the location of the EMS base from the Foley Fire Hall #2 to the Humphrey Fire Hall.

9.3.3 – Greystone Development. Resolution.
1. That Council authorizes Joshua Morgan Planning & Development Inc. and Greystone Project Management Inc. to apply for applications under the Planning Act for Town owned lands described as Parts 1 and 2 of 42R21034; and furthermore, all costs related to these applications, including but not limited to the preparation of studies, infrastructure upgrades and defending an appeal, shall not be the responsibility of the Town of Parry Sound; and
2. That despite paragraph 1. of this Resolution, the Town’s fees in the amount of $3,335 for rezoning and official plan amendment applications shall be waived for Greystone Project Management Inc.; and
3. That the Clerk and Mayor are authorized to execute an amendment to the Agreement of Purchase and Sale as per the attached Schedule “A” to this Resolution.

9.4.1 – Canadore College Rental of Space for Non-College Uses. Resolution. Whereas the Town of Parry Sound has long recognized the demand for skilled trades and the need for a post secondary educational institution to serve the Parry Sound area; Whereas in 2010 the Town of Parry Sound provided Canadore College with land to construct a post secondary college in Parry Sound; Whereas the Canadore College West Parry Sound Campus was established to deliver programs in the trades, adult and post secondary education serving the West Parry Sound area; Whereas the Town of Parry Sound provided Canadore College with an interest free forgivable mortgage, with Restrictive Covenants to ensure that the college remains a post secondary educational and training facility; Whereas it has been brought to the Town’s attention that the College is considering leasing a significant portion of the campus’s classroom space for use as an elementary school offering French language education up to Grade 8; Whereas concerns have been raised by the community with respect to undermining the quality of post secondary programming and the appropriateness of elementary age school children in an adult college environment; Whereas the Town of Parry Sound and the area municipalities are actively pursuing economic development opportunities and a post secondary college is integral to achieving the area’s economic development objectives; Whereas the Province has continued to voice significant concerns regarding the shortage of skilled workers in Ontario; Whereas Canadore College has not finalized the lease arrangement for the French elementary school.
Now therefore be it resolved that Canadore College be advised of the Restrictive Covenants which are part of the Purchase and Sale Agreement and mortgage and they do not permit leasing space to an elementary school; And further that the importance of a post secondary college to the Parry Sound area economic development strategy be conveyed to Canadore College; And further that this Resolution be forwarded to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, the Canadore College Board of Governors, the President of Canadore College, the West Parry Sound Canadore College Campus Administrator, M.P.P. Norm Miller and the West Parry Sound area municipalities.

9.4.2 – 2019 Municipal Assistance Program Allocation. Resolution. That Council approve the 2019 Municipal Assistance Program allocations per Schedule A attached.

9.4.3 – Investing in Canada Infrastructure Project. Resolution. That the Town of Parry Sound supports a joint project with the Township of Seguin for the realignment and lengthening of the runway at the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport; and That the Town of Parry Sound will submit an application in the amount of $4.996 million for this joint project to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), for a total project cost of $9.996 million; and That the Town of Parry Sound supports the Township of Seguin as the lead applicant for the joint project, understanding that Seguin will cashflow the project, including the recipient’s total share of $1.167 million; and That the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport Commission is responsible for all cost overruns and ineligible expenses of the joint project, should the provincial and federal funding for the joint project be approved.

By-laws

10.1.1 – 2019 Budget. By-law 2019 – 6910. Being a By-law to Adopt the Operating and Capital Budget Estimated for the Year 2019.

10.1.2 – Temporary Borrowing Authorization. By-law 2019 – 6911. 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.

10.3.1 – Parking & Traffic Control By-law for the Town of Parry Sound. By-law 2019 – 6912. Being a By-law to Regulate and Control Parking & Traffic in the Town of Parry Sound.

10.3.2 – Burks Falls EMS Base lease. By-law 2019 – 6913. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with the Village of Burks Falls for the use and occupation of 150 Huston Street, known as the Ambulance Garage on the Almaguin Highlands Health Centre Site, for a five (5) year term.

10.3.3 – Zoning By-law Amendment – Barker, 21 Miller Street. By-Law 2019 – 6914. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 21 Miller Street (Barker).

10.4.1 – Horticultural Society MOU for Town flower beds. By-law 2019 – 6915. Being a by-law to authorize execution of a memorandum of understanding with the Parry Sound District Horticultural Society for Town flower beds.

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – April 2, 2019

07 Sunday Apr 2019

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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Once again, I’m back to posting the outcome of Town of Parry Sound council meetings. The intent is to provide folks with a more easily digested summary of what is going on at Town Hall. The local media covers, at most, a couple items. The official documents, while comprehensive, are a slog to get through. This council meeting ‘wrap’ is intended to provide an abridged summary of the council meeting minutes as a means to keep people updated on events in our town. These summaries are not intended to be comprehensive. If you want to completely understand what went down at council meetings I suggest you attend the meetings, watch the meetings live or as recorded on YouTube, and/or read the full agenda package and minutes of the meeting.

These posts complement the official agenda issued by the Town of Parry Sound and the Council Agenda Preview posted at this site. Refer to either of these documents for background information on the agenda items.

The most notable items on the agenda were:
7.1 – The Town has approved extending an offer of employment for the position of Director Finance/Treasurer.
9.3.1 – The Bobby Orr Community Centre ice surface rebuild was approved. It should be ready for September.

Reminder: the 2019 Town of Parry Sound Budget discussion will be held in the council chambers on April 9th starting at 6:00 PM. The meeting is open to the public.

Public Meeting

2.1 – Notice of a Complete Application and Public Meeting Concerning a Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/01 – 21 Miller Street (Barker). After an explanation of how notice of the Public Meeting was given, Manager of Building & Planning Taylor Elgie advised the public that the applicant has requested relief from the C1 zone to permit four residential dwelling units within a Converted Dwelling, in addition to all the uses in a C1 zone. Mayor McGarvey invited any members who wished to speak in favour of, and then in opposition to the proposed Zoning By-law to come forward. No members of the public spoke either in favour or, in opposition to the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment. Mr. Elgie reported that one adjacent property owner, Mr. Brian Moore, wrote in support of the application, indicating that housing is in demand and that this type of application is in the best interests of the community.

Questions of Staff

3.2.1 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry as to the train stuck on CNR tracks impeding road traffic in Town, Director of Public Works Peter Brown reported that he was not informed by rail company as is the protocol, and that it was by his own night crew staff at 8:30 P.M. last evening that he was alerted to the situation. In response to additional questioning regarding consequences to the rail company for this breach of protocol, Mr. Brown reported that he would be following up with a fairly aggressive email and phone call advising that the company needs to follow the notification procedures as required.

3.2.2 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry as to how it is determined when plows are taken off the trucks, Mr. Brown reported that plows are kept on the trucks as long as there is possibility of snow.

Correspondence

4.1– Request for Silver level sponsorship of the 1st Annual Rotary 3 Pitch “Strikes. This item has been circulated to members of Council, the CAO and forwarded to the Manager of Parks & Recreation for follow-up, as well as forwarded to the budget process for Council’s consideration.

4.2 – Regarding concerns that a portion of the Canadore College building will be rented out to an organization that does not fit with the intended use of the building. This item has been circulated to members of Council and the CAO, with a motion added to the agenda under Other Business to address the issue.

4.3 – Request that before the Town considers a resolution urging the Ministry of Education to release funds for the building of a new school, which would effectively close Nobel and McDougall Schools, that a proper accommodation review commence to allow for public consultation. This item has been circulated to members of Council and the CAO, with a motion added to the agenda under Other Business to address the issue.

4.4 – Audit Plan for 2018 This item has been circulated to members of Council, the CAO and the Manager of Accounting for information purposes.

4.5 – Concern with Stockey Centre’s decision to not renew agreement with ARTS. This item has been circulated to members of Council, the CAO and the Programming & Events Manager at the Stockey Centre for follow-up. A related item #10.3.1 is on the agenda this evening, with respect to accepting a proposal in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP) and signing an agreement for an art exhibition over the 2019 season at the Stockey Centre.

Deputations

5.1 – Dave Brunton, Linda West and Adam Jeffery; Rotary Club of Parry Sound. 3 Pitch Against Cancer.

5.2 – Anne Bossart, Tower Hill Gardeners. Tower Hill Update.

5.3 – Mr. Joe Bossart complemented staff on a well-done 2019 budget.

Ratification of Matters from Closed Agenda

7.1 – By-law 2019-6909. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an employment agreement for the position of Director Finance/Treasurer. Read a First, Second and Third time, Passed, Signed and Sealed.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – RFQ – Sewer Flushing and Cleaning. Carried

9.1.2 – Tender – Sewage Pump Station 9 Modifications. Carried

9.3.1 – BOCC Ice Surface Rehabilitation Project – Tender Award. Carried

9.3.2 – Tender Award – BOHF Gift Shop Renovation. Carried

9.3.3 – 2019 Canadian Association for Sport Heritage Conference, Fredericton, New Brunswick. Carried

9.3.4 – Drinking Water Inspection Report. Carried

9.4.1 – 2019 Budget Presentation. Carried

9.5.1 – Canadore College Space Rental for non-College Purposes. Resolution 2019 – 035. That the Cormier/Shipman letter regarding concerns about the rental of Canadore College building space for non-College purposes, be referred to staff to report back to the next Council meeting. Carried

9.5.2 – Status Update Request of Education Ministry re: Parry Sound High School. Resolution 2019 – 036. Whereas the Town has been approached by the Near North District School Board requesting support to move the new Parry Sound High School project forward on the site of the existing Parry Sound High School, and Whereas the Town has received correspondence from the Municipality of McDougall requesting an updated accommodation review, Now Therefore Be It Resolved that: Staff be directed to send a letter to the Minister of Education, requesting a current status update on the proposed new school, and the process for moving forward. Carried

By-laws

10.3.1 – Charles W. Stockey Centre & Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Art Exhibition. Resolution 2019 – 037. That Council accepts the Art Exhibit proposal from 18 James Street for the Charles W. Stockey Centre & Bobby Orr Hall of Fame. Carried.
By-law 2019 – 6904. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with 18 James Street for rental of wall space for an art exhibit at the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts. Passed, Signed and Sealed.

10.3.2 – Hatchets Rowing Centre use of Yvonne Williams Park MOU. By-law 2019 – 6905. Being a by-law to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hatchets Rowing Centre for the use of Yvonne Williams Park as a rowing training centre. Passed, Signed and Sealed

10.3.3 – Tower Hill Gardeners & Tower Hill Park MOU. By-law 2019 – 6906. Being a by-law to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tower Hill Gardeners & Georgian Bay Master Gardeners for maintaining gardens at Tower Hill Park. Passed, Signed and Sealed.

10.3.4 – Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, Northern Ontario Internship Program Agreement. By-law 2019 – 6907. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation accepting the terms and conditions of the approval of the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Marketing & Digital Media Intern. Passed, Signed and Sealed.

 

Town of Parry Sound 2019 Budget – First Impressions

31 Sunday Mar 2019

Posted by in Budget/Financial, Parry Sound, Town Council

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Well, it took a long time to be delivered but it was certainly worth the wait. This year’s budget document is ahead of last year’s in terms of clarity and the wealth of background information that it presents. I am only part way through the 162 page document but wanted to offer my compliments to the team for what they have put together. I also wanted to provide readers with easy access to the budget document. It is available at the Town’s website as part of the April 2, 2019 Council Agenda package. It is apparently on the Town’s website as a standalone document but I was unable to find it with a cursory search.

So, I extracted the budget document from the agenda package and made it available through this link. Or you can just click the image below.

Council Agenda Preview – April 2, 2019

30 Saturday Mar 2019

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The big issue this week from my perspective is the presentation of the draft Town of Parry Sound budget for 2019. I will not offer comments here. I hope to review the budget document this weekend and provide thoughts in a post prior to the formal presentation at Tuesday’s council meeting.

There are two topics on the agenda that reflect a little bit of area conflict. The first is a concern from McDougall about the decision to rebuild the current high school as a ‘mega school’ of sorts at the expense of schools in McDougall (Item 4.4). The second concerns the display of art at the Stockey Centre (Items 4.5 and 10.3.1). It seems to me the Town has made the appropriate decision. Sometimes community organizations just get a little lazy and start to take things for granted.

I’ll be at the meeting on Tuesday for the budget presentation.

Closed Session

  1. d) labour relations or employee negotiations: (Director of Finance/Treasurer employment agreement)

Public Meeting

2.1– Notice of a Complete Application and Public Meeting Concerning a Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/01 – 21 Miller Street (Barker)

Correspondence

4.1 – David Brunton and Linda West, President and President Elect of Rotary Club.  Request for Silver level sponsorship of the 1st Annual Rotary 3 Pitch “Strikes Against Cancer in support of Cancer Care in our WPSH and our local parry Sound Rotary Club’s Beneficiaries”, formerly The RACH! This June 14-15, 2019.
4.2 – J. Shipman and W. Cormier. Copy of letter to Honourable Norm Miller, MPP for Parry Sound regarding concerns that a portion of the Canadore college building will be rented out to an organization that does not fit with the intended use of the building.
4.3 – Dale Robinson, Mayor, Municipality of McDougall. Request that before the Town considers a resolution urging the Ministry of Education to release funds for the building of a new school, which would affectively close Nobel and McDougall Schools, that a proper accommodation review commence to allow for public consultation.
4.4 – Giselle Bodkin, Partner, BDO Canada LLP. Audit Plan for 2018
4.5 – Marc de Groote, Artists Round The Sound (ARTS). Concern with Stockey Centre’s decision to not renew agreement with ARTS.

Deputations

5.1 – Rotary Club of Parry Sound. Pitch Against Cancer.
5.2 – Anne Bossart, Tower Hill Gardeners. Tower Hill Update

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – RFQ – Sewer Flushing and Cleaning. Resolution. That Council accept the quotation from The Pipe Spy Inc. in the amount of $45,426.00, HST included, for sewer flushing, cleaning and camera inspection of approximately 12,000 meters of sanitary sewer, this quotation being the lowest of three (3) quotations received.

9.1.1 – Tender – Sewage Pump Station 9 Modifications. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of Triton Engineering Services Limited, Council award the tender for the modifications of Sewage Pumping Station 9 to E.A. Shipman Electric, in the amount of $420,382.27, including HST, this tender being the lowest of five (5) tenders received.

9.3.1 – BOCC Ice Surface Rehabilitation Project – Tender Award. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of Quinin Construction Ltd., Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound accept and award the tenders for the Bobby Orr Community Centre Ice Surface Rehabilitation Project as follows:
A – Concrete slab demolition and excavation from Fowler Construction Limited in the amount of $86,064.20, this being the lowest tender of four (4) tenders received;
B – Concrete reinforcement steel and mesh supply from Harris Rebar in the amount of $40,688.75, this being the lowest tender of two (2) tenders received;
C – Concrete supply from Parry Sound Ready Mix in the amount of $40,528.00, this being the only tender received;
D – Place and finish concrete slabs from Centis Tile & Terrazzo in the amount of $38,255.00, this being the lowest tender of four (4) tenders received;
E – Rigid insulation supply from Simcoe Building Centre – Bracebridge in the amount of $43,299.03, this being the lowest tender of seven (7) tenders received;
F – Dasher boards, glazing and netting from Athletica in the amount of $152,500, this being the lowest tender of three (3) tenders received;
G – Slab refrigeration piping from Black and McDonald in the amount of $134,950.00, this being the only tender received.

9.3.2 – Tender Award – BOHF Gift Shop Renovation. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of Brenda Ryan, FAD Architects, Council award the tender for the renovation of the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame gift shop to CFC Contracting, in the amount of $41,000, this tender being the lowest of two (2) tenders received, negotiated down from the original tender of $77,010.90.

9.3.3 – 2019 Canadian Association for Sport Heritage Conference, Fredericton, New Brunswick. Resolution. THAT Council authorizes Caitlin Dyer to attend the Canadian Association for Sport Heritage Conference in Fredericton, New Brunswick June 19-21, 2019, further to By-law No: 2019-6902 which requires prior Council approval for attendance at seminars, conferences and conventions outside of the Province of Ontario.

9.3.4 – Drinking Water Inspection Report. Resolution. That the report on the January 24, 2019 MECP Parry Sound Drinking Water Inspection Report be received for information purposes.

9.4.1 – 2019 Budget. Resolution. That the staff report, 2019 Draft Budget Package and presentation be received for information purposes.

By-laws

10.3.1 – Charles W. Stockey Centre & Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Art Exhibition. Resolution. That Council accepts the Art Exhibit proposal from 18 James Street for the Charles W. Stockey Centre & Bobby Orr Hall of Fame. By-law 2019 – 6904. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with 18 James Street for rental of wall space for an art exhibit at the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts

10.3.2 – Hatchets Rowing Centre use of Yvonne Williams Park MOU. By-law 2019 – 6905. Being a by-law to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hatchets Rowing Centre for the use of Yvonne Williams Park as a rowing training centre.

10.3.3 – Tower Hill Gardeners & Tower Hill Park MOU. By-law 2019 – 6906. Being a by-law to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tower Hill Gardeners & Georgian Bay Master Gardeners for maintaining gardens at Tower Hill Park.

10.3.4 – Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, Northern Ontario Internship  Program Agreement. By-law 2019 – 6907. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation accepting the terms and conditions of the approval of the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Marketing & Digital Media Intern.

Council Agenda Preview – March 19, 2019

16 Saturday Mar 2019

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A couple of quick notes and then my thoughts on selected agenda items.
1. The next post in the Amalgamation series will be a bit later than hoped. I continue to do research and don’t want to bother municipalities for more detailed information given their involvement in budget preparations.
2. What costs more: money foregone as income, or the same amount paid out as expenses? They seem the same to me, but other municipalities act as though they think the Town of Parry Sound, by hosting almost all of the non-taxable charitable and not-for-profit, organizations in the district breaks even. It doesn’t. There is not only the incremental expense to the Town associated with these organizations it is the assessment revenue lost on the land they occupy. A real-world example of the issues facing the Town is seen in Item 9.3.2.

4.4– Seguin Township. Donation of $10,000 towards Stockey Centre operating expenses. In my Amalgamation posts I did not acknowledge this donation. It doesn’t change the figures but it does reflect a positive sentiment on the part of Seguin that covers about 3% of the operating loss for the Stockey Centre.

9.1.1– Tender – Isabella Street Reconstruction. Ouch! The lowest tender came in at $600,000, almost 50%, above the budgeted amount. The difference will be paid with additional debentures.

9.1.2– Salt Dock Road Culvert payment. The parties have agreed to split the costs above the budgeted amount 50/50. That seems reasonable to me given the circumstances. Stuff happens.

9.2.1– Consent Application – B 04/2019 (PS) (L.U. Maughan Co. Ltd on behalf of The Barrie YMCA). The YMCA wants to sever a portion of their property for the development of residential properties. See the map at the bottom of the post for details about the location of the severed lot.

9.3.1– Pool & Wellness Centre report. This is a report that is interesting in the scope of communities involved. It’s very vague, but arguably a starting point. Refer to the full agenda for the Draft Committee Structure. All in or no deal, in my opinion.

9.3.2– DSSAB pay property taxes for HUB. The amount would be $78,000 annually. If the Town of Parry Sound is to support affordable housing for the district it needs to be appropriately compensated for the services it provides. I agree 100% with the benefits of affordable housing and the need for the Town not to be left alone to subsidize these necessary resources.

9.3.3– Budget Meeting Schedule. Okay we have a schedule. April 2ndfor a general overview of the budget and April 9thfor a Special Budget meeting commencing at 6:00 pm.

10.3.1– By-law for Council. Remuneration that compensates for lost expenses.

Agenda Items (Abridged)

Correspondence

4.1– Gurneth Hoddy, President, Parry Sound Seniors Club. Request for 2019 increased grant, for increased time limit to four hours for parking in the seniors area from Mary to Rosetta Street, and placing a seniors crossing sign near the club from Mary to Rosetta Street.

4.2– Nathan Beatty, Chair of Board of Directors, Beaconview Condominiums. Request for placement of no parking signs on Salt Dock Road adjacent to the private drive.

4.3– Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. Request to adopt resolution to participate in Partners for Climate Protection, to appoint a representative to area wide initiative and make a financial contribution to support establishment of Committee Terms of Reference.

4.4– Seguin Township. Donation of $10,000 towards Stockey Centre operating expenses

Deputations

5.1– Susan Hrycyna, Brenda Ryan. DBA Downtown Beautification Plan.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1– Tender – Isabella Street Reconstruction. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of Triton Engineering Services Limited, Council award the tender for the reconstruction of Isabella Street from Tudhope Street to William Street to Weeks Construction Inc., in the amount of $1,989,503.78, including HST, this tender being the lowest of three (3) tenders received.

9.1.2– Salt Dock Road Culvert payment. Resolution 2019 – 008 (as postponed from February 5, 2019 Council Meeting) That Council accepts the report regarding the additional costs encountered at the Salt Dock Culvert Replacement Project, and the additional costs be taken from the Salt Dock Reserves.

9.2.1– Consent Application – B 04/2019 (PS) (L.U. Maughan Co. Ltd on behalf of The Barrie YMCA). Resolution. That a decision on Consent Application No. B 04/2019 (PS) (L.U. Maughan Co. Ltd on behalf of The Barrie YMCA) be deferred until an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment has been adopted and approved.

9.3.1– Pool & Wellness Centre report. Resolution. That the Pool & Wellness Centre Report be received for information purposes.

9.3.2– DSSAB pay property taxes for HUB. Direction. That staff be directed to request the District Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB) pay to the Town of Parry Sound an amount equivalent to the amount of property taxes that would be payable each year by the HUB, beginning with 2018, had they not received 100% property tax exemption from MPAC.

9.3.3– Budget Meeting Schedule. Direction. That the dates as set out in this report for the 2019 budget deliberations be approved, including a Special Meeting on April, 9, 2019, and that staff update the Town’s Web site and Council calendar accordingly.

9.5.1– Bottled Water Reduction. Resolution. Whereas water is essential for human life to exist on earth, and access to clean drinkable water should be a basic human right, and water has been commodified by the sale of bottled water; and
Whereas Canada is a participant to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change; and
Whereas the United Nations has called on all countries to reduce green house gas emissions; and
Whereas single use plastics are significant items of unnecessary waste that damage our environment; and
Whereas Canada as a country and all of the provinces and territories are not likely to reach our targets to reduce green house gas emissions by 2030; and
Whereas many scientists and environmental advocates are asking us to end the fossil fuel-based economy as soon as possible;
Be it Resolved That the Town of Parry Sound will undertake a review/audit in 2019 of the Town facilities to identify areas where the use of municipal water can be further optimized, and the use of bottled water can be reduced or eliminated wherever possible; and
Further that a policy be developed to promote the use of municipal drinking water in the Town; and
Further be it resolved That the Town of Parry Sound will encourage our immediate neighbours in West Parry Sound Area to do the same; and
Further be it resolved that the Town of Parry Sound will forward this motion as an aspirational objective to the following partners: City of Quinte West who passed the original resolution on the topic; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), all other similar provincial and territorial organizations in Canada, all Premiers and the Prime Minister and the leaders of all Provincial and Federal Parties in Canada with the request that they enact legislation to do the same.

By-laws

10.2.1– Load Charge By-law. By-law 2019 – 6901. Being a By-law to amend by-laws 99-4113 The Heavy Load By-law and 2010-5408 Fees and Service Charges, and repeal 99-4114 The Water and Sewer Load Charge bylaw.

10.3.1– By-law for Council remuneration. By-law 2019 – 6902. Being a By-Law with respect to remuneration and expenses for members of Council and Local Boards.

Council Agenda Notes – February 19, 2019

20 Wednesday Feb 2019

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Here are some quick note/comments about yesterday evening’s meeting of the Town of Parry Sound Council. Rather than record and edit the video, this summary proves a link to the recording on YouTube and identifies the timings for the relevant sections. It’s easy enough to just scrub forward and watch the sections that are of most interest.

Questions of Staff:

Pothole repairs – they are underway as weather permits (0:01:40)
Budget Status – Late March or Early April (0:02:56)

Council Reports – Nothing caught my attention, but I did skip through it. (0:36:30)

DBA Appointments – It seems that change is in the offing. (0:51:20)

9.2.1 – Seguin Zoning Comments. Nothing new here but the benefit of the Town offering comments is that it permits the Town of Parry Sound to file a later appeal. (I’ve been through something similar and suggest that case law is not supportive of a successful appeal of a neighbouring municipality’s zoning decision.) (0:52:30)

9.3.1 – Council Members 1/3 Tax Exemption. This item was postponed until the next meeting when a full council was present – two members were absent. (0:57:30)

9.3.3- Economic Development Report. There seems to be quite a bit of activity ongoing to attract businesses to Parry Sound. I wonder though if most of the benefits will accrue to our neighbouring municipalities given the availability of land and lower taxes. The Town of Parry Sound, in theory at least, does not provide financial incentives for new businesses to help subsidize cost differentials. But even more businesses in the larger area will be good for the Town. It’s worth watching to get an update. (1:03:45)

Here is a link to the full meeting video on YouTube.

Council Agenda Preview – February 19, 2019

17 Sunday Feb 2019

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I want my 2019 Draft Budget (to the tune of I want my MTV). I can empathize with the Town’s challenges with regards to their Finance Director, but that is where senior management is supposed roll up their sleeves and get it done. Stuff happens but we still get the roads plowed, if not in the next hour or two, at least in the next six hours. Even the Director of Operations will get behind the wheel if necessary. I am concerned that we will have a budget administered to us without any public review and input. I am usually sympathetic to the challenges of running any type of operation but this is starting to have overtones of negligence.

There really is nothing of importance on the agenda. The finance folks are investing time in making sure that members of Council are properly topped up with respect to salaries (Item 9.3.1). Council and Staff are spending time on telling our neighbours what they would, and would not, like them to do with the zoning of their properties (Item 9.2.1). It’s a bit like asking your neighbour for input on an in ground swimming pool you are planning to have installed and they say they would rather you didn’t. What are you going to do?

We finally get a report from the Economic Development Officer (Item 9.3.3).

Council and Community Member remunerations are reported (Item 9.4.1). I have pasted the most relevant tables from that section at the end of this Council Agenda Preview.

One last thought: Where is the draft 2019 budget?

Closed Session

b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (Planning Matter); (Board Appointments).

Correspondence

4.1– Marion Cross. Recycling Policy at BOCC.

4.2– Georgian Bay Forever. Requesting partnership support regarding Divert & Capture Program: The Fight to Keep Microplastics out of our Water.

4.3– Chris Cardy. Rotary Splash Pad Positive supporters advocacy to install Splash Pad.

4.4– Anna May Gillingham. Concerns about sidewalk conditions on William Street.

Deputations

5.1– Mayor Ted Comiskey, Town of Ingersoll. Ontario Municipalities Demand of “Right to Approve” Landfill Sites in jurisdiction.

5.2– Christina Bossart, Ian Sproule. Hidden Bay March Break Camp.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1– Comment on Seguin Zoning By-law Amendment Application. That Council directs staff to advise the Township of Seguin that Parry Sound Council is generally supportive of regional economic development initiatives and requests that:
1. The property be rezoned to a site-specific zoning category rather than a general C3 Zone that only permits the requested uses;
2. Outlet retail uses be defined to ensure that they are not uses which would be more suitably located within the Town of Parry Sound as per Section 1 of the PPS or which would negatively impact the vitality and viability of the Parry Sound Downtown (ex. beer or liquor stores, banks or boutique retail uses);
3. Innovative technology-type uses be specifically defined in a manner which ensures they are not uses which compete with the Seguin Airport Industrial Park (in which the Town is a partner), which would be more suitably located in a serviced Settlement Area or negatively impact the environment;
4. The Zoning By-law Amendment specifically note that municipal water and sewer services will not be provided to the subject property unless the property becomes part of the Town of Parry Sound. This is to ensure the natural environment is protected and that any potential developer does not have expectations about the extension of Town of Parry Sound municipal services;
5. The appropriate studies are undertaken and implemented to ensure the protection of the natural environment, which includes the northerly waterbody (Anderson Lake) which is partially within the Town of Parry Sound, or the property be split zoned to ensure these commercial uses do not have a negative impact upon the waterfront’s features and functions; and
6. The Township of Seguin provide a notice of decision to the Clerk of the Town of Parry Sound.

9.3.1– Council Members 1/3 Tax Exemption. Direction. That staff be directed to implement remuneration increases of elected officials retroactive to January 1, 2019, as recommended in this report and consistent with Council direction as set-out in By-law 2015 – 6554.
Direction. That staff bring Council group benefits options (health/dental) for consideration to a future Council meeting.
Direction. That upon approval of Council direction regarding: remuneration increases retroactive to January 1, 2019; and consideration of Council group benefits (health, dental); staff present a comprehensive compensation by-law for Council members to a future Council meeting.

9.3.2– Bobby Orr Gift Shop Renovation. Resolution. THAT the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame gift shop renovation budget of $50,000 be approved; and the required funds be withdrawn from the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Special Projects Reserve Fund.

9.3.3– Economic Development Report. Presentation for Council Information.

9.4.1– 2018 Statement of Remuneration to Council and Board Members. Resolution. That the 2018 Statement of Remuneration Paid to Council and Appointed Board Members, attached as Schedule “A”, be accepted.

By-laws

10.4.1– Debenture By-law. By-law 2019 – 6896. Being a By-law to Authorize the Borrowing Upon Amortizing Debentures in the Principal Amount of $4,585,451.59 Towards the Cost of the Reconstruction of William Street with Drainage Improvements, and Reconstruction of Emily St.

No, Parry Sound is Not Bankrupt

28 Tuesday Aug 2018

Posted by in Budget/Financial, Parry Sound, Seguin Township

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A couple of weeks ago friends of ours in Seguin Township told us that a Seguin candidate had dropped by their home and in the course of the discussion said, or implied, that Parry Sound taxes were as high as they were was because the Town of Parry Sound was bankrupt. These are knowledgeable folks who were surprised by the statement and mentioned it to us for confirmation, or not.

I ended up speaking with the Seguin candidate about what our friends had heard. The candidate said that was not what they had said. I simply advised the candidate that this was the message that was received, probably because of what was, or how it was, communicated. The candidate did say, perhaps in their own defense, that a recent KPMG report stated Parry Sound carried a higher debt load than the neighbouring municipalities. To that I would reply – guilty as reported, but that is far from being bankrupt, or drowning in debt. It’s like criticizing a neighbour for having a larger mortgage for their more expensive property than you have for yours. If the debt is less than the value, and the mortgage payments are manageable, there is no problem. You may not prefer that level of debt, but then you are you, not them.

What also isn’t regularly mentioned is reserves and assets. The Town of Parry Sound maintains reserves that are higher than average in terms of both dollars and percentage of tax revenues.

A saying we have in our house is that you don’t need to put other people down to make yourself look better. The Town of Parry Sound and Sequin Township have quite different business models that are built to meet the needs of their residents. Comparing the two isn’t fair, and Parry Sound’s debt is actually a benefit for Seguin residents by providing the infrastructure that can support big box stores, an area hospital, and even places of worship and social services that would be less tenable if they had to depend on well and septic systems. As a Parry Sound champion, I understand the benefits that we bring to our municipal neighbours. I am not so sure what benefits our municipal neighbours provide for Parry Sound residents. I know I can’t park my car in many municipalities to go kayaking without worrying about a ticket. Some may argue that our municipal neighbours spend their dollars and support Parry Sound businesses. If you look closely you will find that many, if not most, of these Parry Sound businesses are owned by folks who live not in Parry Sound, but in the surrounding municipalities.

In the end it all works pretty well. There is no need to throw stones at each other’s business model.

For those of you wanting to better understand the Town of Parry Sound financial situation, hopefully Parry Sound Council candidates who have never attended a budget meeting, here are a couple of documents that should be helpful.

2018 Town of Parry Sound Budget Presentation (2018-12-12)

2017 Town of Parry Sound financial Statements (Draft)

(Note: original post edited to clear up the ‘they’ references.)

 

Council Agenda Preview – August 16, 2018

11 Saturday Aug 2018

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Reviewing the Town of Parry Sound Council Agenda and the attachments provides insights into the issues the Town faces and is wrestling with that don’t surface in most discussions or editorials. This week’s agenda is a reminder of a couple of these issues:

4.5, 10.1.2 – Intensification. The Town of Parry Sound occupies a unique position in the larger region with respect to real estate and services.

Properties represent an especially interesting dilemma. With two trans Canada train lines running through the Town with the accompanying noise and pollution, and no available waterfront property, there is little incentive for the construction of higher end residential properties in Parry Sound. If you want peace and quiet, albeit with a bit of travel for services (and limited high-speed internet) you build your dream home in one of the neighbouring municipalities. As a bonus you pay about half the property taxes that you would in Parry Sound. That leaves Parry Sound property best suited for lower cost, and higher density, development, including subsidized housing. Since there is such a shortage of lower cost rental properties in the area, renters really can’t quibble about the trains. This is neither good nor bad, it reflects market realities. There is little possibility that Parry Sound will ever be subject to gentrification. It’s all about the trains, an issue that no one wants to acknowledge and address. (Yes, there is little that can be done, but sometimes acknowledging a reality can lead to creative solutions.) The issue is that Parry Sound is undergoing the opposite of gentrification, and that’s probably not ideal, certainly not balanced. There are too many landlords, and would be landlords, in Parry Sound who want to cram as many people as possible in the smallest space possible with the lowest construction costs possible. There is nothing wrong with this approach, it makes the best possible use of the available land. This may explain in part why Parry Sound isn’t as pretty as Port Carling or Bracebridge or Huntsville. Why spend money on aesthetics if it’s a rental property? An architect with an inspired design, and a few more windows, only cost more and likely will have higher operating costs. Many of the stately older homes in Town have been renovated to permit multiple apartments, and it’s likely that more and more will be converted. Why would an individual spend the money to buy and update an older home when they can get more for less in one of the neighbouring municipalities?

Both 4.5 (subsidized housing) and 10.1.2 (triplet to quadplex) represent another step in this direction. Like putting on a few pounds, it’s best to acknowledge the change rather than ignore it or pretend our underwear has shrunk. Perhaps adding on a few more pounds is exactly what we wanted, or perhaps not.

9.3.1– Expenses: The most interesting part of this short item is the decision by Council to refinance the Smelter Wharf loan rather than pay it off as planned. I wonder what the thinking was on this? Also notable is the uncollectable amounts related to tax appeals. It seems that the Big Box stores continue to appeal for lower assessments, and the town doesn’t expect to win. From the agenda package (bold highlights are my addition):
“Total tax levy surplus in 2017 amounted $197,319, mainly due to the refinancing of the Smelter Wharf loan ($324k) which was budgeted to be paid off, and a one-time grant from the Province to compensate for the loss of tax revenue on the Lakeland Long-Term Care facility ($173k), offset by higher allowance for anticipated uncollectable tax amounts for the properties under appeals (-$240k)and winter control expenses (-$83k). During the year, staff adjusted the timing of some approved expenditures based on operational needs and resource availability. As a result, some expenditures that would be funded by reserves or reserve funds have been delayed into 2018. The delay will have no impact on the 2018 levy.”

Closed Session

(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; (Agreement of Purchase and Sale)

Correspondence

4.1 – Parry Sound Active Transportation Committee. Writing with concerns about the safety of St. Charles crossing on Isabella St for pedestrians and cyclists.

4.3 Parry Sound Anglers and Hunters Sportsman’s Gun Show, August 25th, 2018. Concerning denial of their request for a sandwich board sign near McDonald’s for their gun show which will be held in MacTier this year due to their temporary relocation due to scheduled renovations at BOCC.

4.5 – Parry Sound Affordable Housing Development Corporation. Requesting support in principle in the development of an affordable housing initiative on Waubeek Street in partnership with Parry Sound DSSAB.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Application for Council Approved Sign – 21 William Street. Resolution. That pursuant to section 3.(4) of the Sign By-law, the Chief Building Official is authorized to issue a permit for a ground sign in front of 21 William Street pursuant to the following conditions and variances:
a) The appearance and size of the sign shall be substantially according to the application,
b) The setback for the sign may be as little as 1.0m from the back of the sidewalk, and
c) All other regulations in the sign by-law continue to apply except for those revised by this resolution.

9.3.1 – 2017 Year End Transfers. Resolution. That Council approves the transfers to and from Reserves as summarized in Schedule A attached; That Council approves the transfers to and from Reserve Funds as summarized in Schedule B attached; And That 2017 capital projects which were previously budgeted to be funded from reserves or reserve funds may be completed in 2018.

9.3.2 – 2017 Audited Financial Statements. Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound does hereby approve the Draft Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 as attached in Schedule A.

9.5.1 – Sandwich Board signs for events outside of Parry Sound borders. Direction. That staff be directed to explore the option of delegating approval and terms/conditions for the placement of signs on town property to advertise events outside of the boundaries of the Town of Parry Sound to the CAO.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Declaration of Surplus Lands. By-law 2018 – 6856. Being a By-law to declare Lot 1 of Plan 63 in the Town of Parry Sound surplus to the Town of Parry Sound.

10.1.2 – Rezoning Application – Z/18/5 – 24 Albert Street (Jackson on behalf of Moore). By-law 2018 – 6857. Being a By-law to amend By-law 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 24 Albert Street (Jackson on Behalf of Moore).

10.1.3 – Big Sound Marina Agreement One Year Extension with Massasauga Management Co. By-law 2018 – 6858. Being a bylaw to amend By-law No: 2014-6428, the operating agreement between Massasauga Management Co. Inc. and the Town of Parry Sound for operation of Big Sound Marina and the Town Dock, and supersede amending By-law No: 2017-6704 conditional on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada approving the operating agreement and the extension of a head lease between the Town and Department of Fisheries and Oceans or the completion of the divestiture process.

10.4.1 – Establish Bobby Orr Hall of Fame (BOHF) Scholarship Reserve Fund. By-law 2018 – 6859. Being a By-law to provide for the establishment of a reserve fund to be known as the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Scholarship Reserve Fund.