Tag Archives: Growth

Hold Them, Fold Them

07 Friday Jul 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections, Town Council, Urban Development

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You’ve got to know when to hold ’em
Know when to fold ’em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run
You never count your money
When you’re sittin’ at the table
There’ll be time enough for countin’
When the dealin’s done
(The Gambler, 1978, performed by Kenny Rogers, written by Don Schlitz)

Late last week I made the decision to fold my appeal of Parry Sound Council’s approval of the Oastler Park Rezoning and Official Plan Amendment and advised the Town and the lawyers for the Oastler Park Mall of this decision on June 29th.

I initiated my appeal in January of this year for three reasons that are worth listing:

  1. I believed, and still believe, that the rezoning will significantly change the Parry Sound downtown (Downtown). It may not hurt the Town overall in terms of tax revenue, but things will change, and the changes may be painful for some.
  2. I felt that the parties most likely to be impacted by the rezoning had not yet organized themselves and needed additional time to properly appeal the rezoning and Official Plan amendment decision.
  3. The work submitted by the applicant in support of the rezoning contained significant errors of fact that put into question the impartiality and conclusions of the applicant’s experts.

My original January appeal of the Oastler Park rezoning was appealed two months later (an appeal of an appeal) by the Town and the rezoning applicant wishing to have the Royal Bank relocate to the Oastler Park Plaza in the location previously leased by the Easy Home people. Last Friday I received a communication from the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) that my original appeal could go forward. This followed a communication earlier in the week from the Province of Ontario advising interested parties that the decision had been made to uphold the Town’s Official Plan Amendment (OPA) permitting a change in the Official Plan to allow for the rezoning of the Oastler Park Mall property to permit the Royal Bank to relocate there from the Parry Sound Mall. Existing Parry Sound Official Plan had required Banks, Booze outlets (LCBO, Beer Store) and Bars (licensed establishments), commonly referred to as the 3-B restriction (3-B) to be located in the Parry Sound Downtown.

If you find this issue confusing, be comforted by my suggestion that it is confusing. Unless you have been following the issue for most of the year you probably have read as much as you need to. For those of you more familiar with the situation, you may wish to read on and understand why the original appeal was an important part of process and my sense of what may be ahead for the Town of Parry Sound.

Background:

In January of the 2017 I filed an appeal with the OMB concerning the Town of Parry Sound’s (TOPS or Town) decision to permit a rezoning of the Oastler Park Plaza to allow the Royal Bank to move into an existing vacant building. In January I also filed a document with the Province outlining my concerns with the Official Plan Amendment (OPA) approved by the Town to permit the rezoning. The arguments in both filings are similar and I have linked a copy of my filing to the Province regarding the OPA rezoning for those who are interested in my specific concerns.

My appeal of the rezoning was appealed to the OMB by the Oastler Park Plaza folks. They wanted my appeal thrown out. A hearing, convened by the OMB, was held in Parry Sound in April with the lawyer for the Oastler Park Plaza, and me, presenting our arguments why my appeal of the rezoning should, or shouldn’t be heard, by the OMB. The appeal itself was interesting and a worthwhile exercise. On the Oastler Park side was their lawyer and his assistant, up from Hamilton, along with the Oastler Park Plaza’s planning consultant. On my side, it was me. The lawyers for the Oastler Park Plaza folks presented about 400 pages of documentation including precedents for why my appeal should be rejected. In all, the hearing took about 4 hours. As mentioned earlier, the OMB’s decision rendered this past Friday upheld my right to appeal. It’s a small consolation, but offers some validation for the merits of my concerns about the rezoning and the impact it might have on the Town.

The Process:

Since January I have been spoken to a number of people about the appeal, including those likely to be impacted by any lessening of the 3-B requirements in the Official Plan. Concern was expressed, but over time it became obvious that there was no interest in investing in the appeal process, either emotionally, publicly, or financially. My sense after the first appeal hearing was that it would take more than $20,000 to mount a credible appeal of both the Rezoning and the OPA. It’s likely that the Oastler Park Plaza people spent more than $10,000 to appeal my original Rezoning appeal, and that was just the first period of the game that would likely go into overtime

I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised by the response of the business people in the downtown with regard to the issue. There certainly was concern, but it was a shared concern that no single individual or business felt hurt them specifically or immediately. It’s a variation of the commonly discussed term – Tragedy of the Commons. Because no single individual would be immediately hurt, there was no obvious reason to stand up.

What surprised me was a party who contacted me early in the process and expressed support, with the suggestion of financial and logistic resources to put together the necessary documentation to support an appeal that might win the day. They took a bit of my time and in the end didn’t even have the courtesy to promptly respond to an email once push came to shove. They were playing a game that I recognized they might be playing early on in the process. But they claimed to be sincere, and in the absence of contrary information, and being the appeal’s best hope for success, I gave them the benefit of the doubt.

The Decision:

Late last week, and especially after the Province’s OPA decision, It became plainly obvious that the best intentions of others were not going to turn into material support. At that point I realized that no one cared enough about the implications of the Town’s rezoning and Official Plan Amendment to step up and support my appeal logistically or financially. Given that I would personally not be damaged by Council’s decision to allow the bank to move to the south end, and it would cost me thousands to properly carry the appeal forward, I decide to fold the appeal. Just like poker, if the cards don’t warrant raising or you are out of chips, the right thing to do is to fold. There was no room for bluffing when it would cost thousands to stay in the game and there was no personal payoff even if I had won the appeal. There would perhaps have been that nice warm feeling of having supported the Downtown. The same kind of nice warm feeling when you piss your pants?

The Future:

I think we can imagine the future already, not so much because of my decision to fold the appeal, but rather the Province’s decision to allow some grocery stores to sell beer and wine. You may have noticed that our local Sobeys has started selling beer and wine. My casual observation suggests that it has further increased their business. I have seen any number of people walking to the cash register with a six-pack in their carts, that didn’t require them to head to the Downtown. Of course perhaps they just wouldn’t have bought that six-pack or bottle of wine, so the Downtown lost nothing. Yeah, sure! In effect the second “B” restriction, booze, has already moved out of the Downtown. The only nail left to put in the figurative coffin is a restaurant in the south end serving alcohol. I understand there are individuals ready to make this happen. With the Royal Bank heading to the south end, and booze at Sobeys, I can’t imagine that Council will be in any position to oppose restaurant rezoning. The Town’s recent decision to apply for the right to approve their own Official Plan amendments would streamline the process. This is despite Mayor McGarvey public statement that he will not approve the move or establishment of any business that would be in contravention of the 3-B regulations. He has shown in the past that he can be ‘flexible’ if there are moneyed interests involved. These are the folks who can drive the local economy and they can’t be ignored or dismissed.

The real test will come in the next few months. The LCBO’s lease in the downtown will expire by October of 2018, and I understand that they are itching to get out of the Downtown and into a facility in the south end. And there are people with the land and resources to provide them with exactly the type facility they might want. And the Beer Store would like to do nothing more than get out of the real estate business and rent space in the south end. These are the near term ‘canaries in the coal mine’ when it comes to the future of the 3-B and the Downtown.

How will the fast food joints across the street from the LCBO do now that tourists or folks from Seguin and Carling who need (want?) a six-pack, or a bottle of wine, can avoid traffic and limited parking by picking it up at Sobeys? What about the downtown banks? How many people will move to the Royal Bank because it’s more convenient, and right beside Walmart? One stop less.

No, the town is not going to go to hell with this change, morally or financially. In fact the Town will probably benefit with booze and bars heading to the south end. Any development in the south end will result in additional property assessments that will increase the Town’s tax revenue base. It’s possible that the assessment base of the Downtown may drop, but not nearly as much as the south end development revenues will increase.

The Downtown will need to roll with this punch. Don’t bet on everyone’s hope that waterfront development will increase traffic and business to the Downtown. It won’t happen for the simple reason that the weather in Parry Sound sucks between November and April. You can’t create a stable economy based on four months of beautiful weather, especially if that weather is available to neighbouring communities. I love winter in Parry Sound, when there is snow and the Big Sound is frozen over, but that’s not November, December and April. Sometimes it’s not even January and March. Most people don’t like the snow, and certainly aren’t going to come to Parry Sound’s downtown in the winter to sit in a hotel or to shop. Casino anyone? Wait, that won’t be in the Downtown. Or might it?

There is the possibility though of turning Parry Sound’s downtown into a residential centre, with an emphasis on senior and social services. The Downtown has little charm in terms of wide treed streets and classy old buildings that can compete with Muskoka. Two very busy train tracks further detract from any charm that might be possible. But, the Downtown is perfectly functional and will appeal to many who have more limited means. This is a transformation that will be slow to develop and will be painful for many businesses.

Development in Parry Sound, even in the south end, has limitations as it currently exists. This may explain the Town’s interest is extending Parry Sound Road to Oastler Park Drive and their approval a couple of years ago of the rezoning of the properties north of Starbucks. If there is to be development there needs to be land. If Parry Sound doesn’t provide it, the development will move to Seguin, just up Oastler Park Drive. These Seguin properties may not have water and sewer services, but some businesses will not require them. Not all LCBO buildings are located in towns with water and sewer service. With property taxes in Seguin one-third those of Parry Sound, a well and septic, or holding tank, may just be financially attractive.

I do feel sorry for some of the business in the Downtown who will see things change, most notably those businesses that depend on regular traffic to sustain business. Things seem to have reached a point where change is assured. But, change isn’t necessarily a bad thing unless of course sea level is rising and you own beautiful oceanside property.

One Last Comment:

What really pissed me off about the whole process, and motivated me in part to appeal the rezoning, was the documentation provided in support of the rezoning application. An important part of the rezoning process is the requirement for the applicant to provide an independent opinion on the potential impact of the rezoning on the Downtown. In the case of the Oastler Park Plaza rezoning this involved planning and economic statements. These reports are expected to be independent and unbiased. While it’s possible to ‘shop’ for an opinion, I have seen this often done in legal situations, the analysis still needs to, at the very least, provide a sense of independence.

My concern is not with the conclusions reached by the reports that the rezoning would not have any negative impact on the Downtown. I think they are wrong, but we are all permitted our own analysis and conclusions. What pissed me off is that they actually didn’t do the necessary work to reach an unbiased opinion. This was evidenced by the reports, which are riddled with errors, most notably the location of businesses and even the Downtown. The Downtown area was expanded a couple of years ago, but this was not reflected in the two reports. They still made reference to the older footprint. Would the revised Downtown size have impacted their analysis and recommendation? Absolutely not. The consultants knew what their client wanted and they were prepared to deliver it. These are the same parties that advised the Town that the Walmart development would not negatively impact the downtown. At the very least they could have updated their earlier analysis to reflect the current situation even if their opinions were already fixed.

Is anybody else paying attention to the changes? Does anybody really care? It’s a sad consolation that regardless of what people do or don’t do it won’t impact my personal situation. You need to care, but not too much.

Council Agenda Preview – May 16, 2017 (Revised)

14 Sunday May 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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2017-05-15 9:00 PM: The original post has been edited to correct and expand certain points based on additional information received in the past 24-hours related to the purchase of property at 3 Bay Street. The original text remains with a strikethrough. The new text is underlined.

This week’s council meeting has a few items that caught my attention. There is correspondence (4.1) as well as deputations (5.1 & 5.2) directed to the activities of the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association. This is consistent with Council’s recent request for an update on the DBA’s plans and actions.

I have made a few comments on the south end Park to Park Trail agenda item (9.1.2). In a related matter, there was a short mention in the Staff R&R that the extension of Parry Sound Road to Oastler Park Drive feasibility study was “put on temporary hold”. The issue of deprioritizing the Parry Sound Road extension was discussed at the last meeting of Council, but no background was provided for the delay beyond that it was a closed session topic. This road extension would be a necessary improvement to support a casino in Parry Sound, so one would wonder if the casino is on the back burner. Some information may be revealed at the Town’s Review and Prioritization of the Town’s Strategic Plan on May 30 starting at 6:00 (Town Office).

I also offer some comments on the Town’s Park Management and Maintenance Plan that might be worth a look if you are interested in the Stockey Centre (9.2.3).

The Town continues to buy up property along the harbour waterfront, in this case the property between the OPP/Service Ontario building and Big Sound Marina (9.5.1). This is the same property as was originally labeld as the Darlington Boathouse. The price being paid is $862,000 which is consistent with the value as assessed by MPAC. An interesting clause in the resolution states that the funds for the purchase, which are taken from the Legacy Fund, will be repaid to the fund should the property be resold. Taken together with the recent purchase of the Darlington boathouse property, and the With the Feds divesting Big Sound Marina, it appears that there may be some near term commercial development planned for this section of the waterfront. When I asked the Town for additional information on the purchase of the Darlington property my request was shot down with the statement that the documents are confidential and would not be provided to me. Something’s going on and it’s a secret. Shhhh! The Town has released to the Public and posted to Town’s website today a copy of the announcement of the Darlington Boathouse purchase that was released to media outlets last month, but not to the Public. Here’s a link to the press release at the Town’s website.

Correspondence

4.1 – Dan DiNicolo, Business Owner. Suggestions regarding the operation of the Downtown Business Association

4.4 – Phillis M. Drury, resident. Questions about naming an island on Georgian Bay.

Deputations

5.1 – Daryl McMurray, President, Susan Hyrcyna, Executive Administrator, Parry Sound Downtown Business Association. Update on DBA’s activities regarding the Downtown Sustainability Report

5.2 – Dan DiNicolo, Business Owner. Suggestions regarding the operation of the Downtown Business Association

5.3 – Bill Parks, President of the South Seguin Snow Mobile Club and Vice-President of the Board for the Park to Park Trail Association. Park to Park Trail south end blockage.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – CN Station Sale. Resolution. That Council accepts the offer from Umair Ahmed Sharif for the purchase of the C.N. Station and property located at 1 Station Road, Parry Sound, in the amount of $100,500.00, this purchase offer being the highest offer of three offers received through Royal Lepage; and Further, that Council directs staff to retain the services of a solicitor to prepare the final Agreement of Purchase and Sale; and Further, that the net proceeds from the sale be placed in the Capital Asset Legacy Reserve fund.
We knew this was in the works. Lets hope the property gets the attention and investment that it deserves. It’s worth noting that the property had an MPAC assessed value of $277,000, and that number was the basis of the Chamber of Commerce’s rental agreement. It seems someone was paying too much.

9.1.2 – Park to Park Trail South End Blockage. Resolution. That in response to concerns from the Park to Park Trail Association and OFSCA regarding potential encroachment (allegedly created by Rona in Parry Sound) of municipal property known as the Parry Sound Colonization Road, and specifically the road allowance on or next to Lot 147, Concession A, West Parry Sound District, staff undertake to have a survey completed of where the most southerly points of the RONA property meet the Town’s road allowance; and Further, that staff take appropriate action to ensure free and clear occupancy of the property.
A note to Staff – black and white map of 09.1.2-ATT#1 sure is confusing. What is labeled as Highway 69 is now Bowes Street.  Are you sure that the original trail, the old colonization road, shouldn’t actually follow the dotted lines to what is now Oastler Park Drive, rather than head in from Bowes Street through what is now Rona?

9.2.3 – Parks Management and Maintenance Plan. Resolution. That Council approve the Parks Management and Maintenance Plan, per Schedule “A” attached.
This is a very comprehensive plan of action that is to be commended. There is one very obvious oversight – the Stockey Centre is not included on any of the plans. And it shows when you visit the Stockey Centre. The inside of the concert hall is first class while the grounds look like a former oil tanker field. The reason for why Waubuno Beach looks so much better is that the Stockey Centre is a non-union facility, and as a result Town Staff will not work on the property. That means the Town is required to hire a private contractor to maintain the property. And because the Stockey Centre operates at a loss there is little interest in paying for anything more than the bare minimum. As the current leader of the free world would Tweet: “Sad”.

9.4.1 – Service Line Warranty of Canada Program – Privacy Statement. Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound approve the Water & Sewer Account Privacy Statement and Notice of Collection, attached as Schedule “A”.
The cost is $73/year sewer, $64/year water, indoor plumbing $73/year. You can apparently choose one or more of the services. You may also want to check with local plumbers, or your insurance company, to see if they are able to offer similar warranty coverage. It’s better to buy local, but it may not be an option.

9.5.1 – Funding Land Purchases – Capital Asset Legacy Reserve Fund. Resolution. That Council hereby approves the use of $862,000 from the Capital Asset Legacy Reserve Fund for the purchase of properties located at 3 Bay Street; and Further, that any proceeds recognized on the disposal of said property up to $862,000 shall first be used to replenish the Capital Asset Legacy Reserve Fund.
This is the property between the OPP Station and the Big Sound Marina. It’s currently being used by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. This is the Darlington Boathouse property that was previously approved for purchase by Council and is also referred to as 3 Bay Street.

9.5.2 – Provincial Offences Act (POA) Write-offs. Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound, hereby approves the write-offs for the Provincial Offences Act Court outlined in Schedule “A” attached.
The amount in question is about $220,000 and it is from the 1991-1995 era. See, it pays to ignore those fines. Going forward the Town may be able to apply a little more pressure on those who refuse to pay their Provincial Offense Act fines by denying these folks the ability to renew their vehicle license plate registration.

By-laws

10.2.1 – Request for Deeming by-law – 22 Victoria Avenue and Lot 12 of Plan 123. By-law 2017 – 6739. Being a by-law to deem certain lots in the Town of Parry Sound not to be part of a registered Plan of Subdivision (MacDonald – 22 Victoria Avenue).

10.2.2 – Rezoning Application – Z/17/3 – 24 Addie Street (Habitat for Humanity). Consent Application – B/5/2017 (Habitat for Humanity). By-law 2017 – 6740. Being a by-law to amend by-law 2004-4653 (The Zoning by-law), as amendment, for 24 Addie Street (Habitat for Humanity).
Resolution. That Consent Application No. B/5/2017(PS) – Habitat for Humanity, be supported subject to conditions of consent which require:

  1. The payment of $2,677.00 for cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication.
  2. That the applicant enter into a site plan agreement with the Town of Parry Sound which requires wooden privacy fence and the driveway construction as per Attachment #3. The Mayor and Clerk will be authorized to execute the agreement. That the property be successfully rezoned to ensure compliance with the Zoning bylaw; and
  3. That the applicant be advised that each proposed lot requires individual water and sewer connections.

10.5.1 – Striking tax rates for fiscal year 2017. By-law 2017 – 6742. Being a bylaw to Strike the Tax Rates for Municipal Purposes for the Year 2017.

10.5.2 – Business Improvement (BIA) Levy by-law – Downtown Business Area. By-law 2017 – 6736. Being a by-law to Adopt the Estimates of the Board of Management of the Downtown Parry Sound Business Improvement Area and to Strike the Tax Rate Thereon for the Year 2017.

I was out of town for the last meeting of Council and watched it later on YouTube. That was great and I offer my thanks to Staff and Council for making the meeting proceedings available online. I do have a couple of suggestions:

  1. Increase the volume of the audio on the feed. It’s too low.
  2. Councillor Borneman needs to speak a little closer to the microphone. The same goes for Ms. Middaugh. The other councillors came through loud and clear.

No need to improve the video, it isn’t great, but it’s more than adequate. What is important is the audio, and it needs some fine tuning.

I’m going to catch this week’s meeting in person. The deputations should be interesting.

Our Parry Sound

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council Agenda Preview – April 18, 2017

15 Saturday Apr 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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There is nothing particularly controversial on the agenda. There is one item, 10.1.2 – Property Purchase – Oastler Park Drive that could use a bit of explanation on the part of Council. This purchase, about a quarter million dollars, concerns property across Oastler Park Drive from the Canadian Tire. It would be interesting to understand how this fits in with the Town’s Strategic Plan.

Item 4.4 – Kathy Morris, Manager, Navigation Protection Program, Transport Canada, is a little disappointing if you are looking for a quick answer. It seems the process of deciding the future of the Wasauksing Swing Bridge is ongoing and there is no interest on the part of the Ministry of Transport to have a ‘meet and greet’ type discussion with Council. If you had a statement to make about the situation I hope you filed it prior to March 15, 2017 when the period for public comment closed.

The more interesting items are noted below with comments as appropriate. Check out the full agenda at the Town’s website for complete information on agenda items and the supporting documents.

Closed Session

c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Property Purchase)

Correspondence

4.4 – Kathy Morris, Manager, Navigation Protection Program, Transport Canada. Declined the invitation by The Archipelago, Seguin and Parry Sound to have a Town Hall meeting to discuss the new operational restrictions with respect to the use of the Swing Bridge.

4.9 – Susan Hrycyna, Parry Sound Downtown Business Association Administrator Re: Provision of Busking Policy and request to delegate authority to approve Buskers to the PS DBA.

4.10 – Susan Hrycyna, Parry Sound Downtown Business Association Administrator. Lack of public washrooms during the construction stage of the new public washrooms on Seguin Street. Requesting to have either a porta pottie installed by the Information Kiosk or for the public washrooms at the town dock to be open with a sign directing people there.

4.11 – Susan Hrycyna, Parry Sound Downtown Business Association Administrator. Requesting approval for Kathryn Nemcsok to busk in the downtown area during the upcoming summer months.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) – Parry Sound Drive Paving and Trail Extension. Resolution. That Council approves utilizing the Town’s annual OCIF to fund the cost of paving Parry Sound Drive between Bay Area Electric and north Smith Crescent including paving a wide shoulder section which will link the Town’s trail with McDougall’s trail.

9.2.1 – Council Approved Sign Application – Downing – x2. Resolution. That pursuant to section 3.(4) of the Sign By-law, the Chief Building Official is authorized to issue permits for 2017 for two portable signs on Town Property (Bowes / Louisa W and Bowes / Louisa E) , and subject to the following conditions:
a) the signs are displayed only on Saturday and/or Sunday,
b) the signs shall not be installed unless a sale event is being carried out at the auction premise,
c) Town staff may give other users of road allowances priority over these signs and remove them temporarily,
d) The Chief Building Official is authorized to renew these permits upon payment of the sandwich board sign permit fee in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021,
e) except as authorized by this resolution, the rules for sandwich board signs shall apply.

9.2.2 – Council Approved Sign Application – Barker. Resolution. That pursuant to section 3.(4) of the Sign By-law, the Chief Building Official is authorized to issue a single permit for five flag/ground signs and one sandwich board sign, as shown in the application, to serve the business known as Kate’s Kart located on the premises known an 30 Pine Drive, subject to the following conditions:
a) Display not permitted after the Thanksgiving weekend of any year and March 31 of the year following,
b) The permit is to expire after Thanksgiving weekend of 2021,
c) except as authorized by this resolution, the general rules in the sign by-law continue to apply, and,
d) the signs shall be essentially as represented in the application.

9.2.3 – Consent Application – B 7/2017 (PS) (Fuller/Bush). Resolution. That Consent Application No. B 7/2017 (PS) (Fuller/Bush) 30 Hanna Road, be supported.
This seems to be a ‘tidy up’ application for a triplex in the Isabella and Beatty Streets area that currently is improperly accessed through an empty lot.

9.5.1 – Motorized Mobile Ice Cream Truck. Resolution. That Council for the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound hereby grants permission for Mr. J Athanasiou to operate one motorized mobile ice cream truck for the time period of May 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017 on municipally owned roads and lands of the Town of Parry Sound subject to the following conditions:
1. No parking/stopping or selling of products on any Class 3 road (Bowes, Seguin, Church, Joseph).
2. No parking/stopping or selling of products along any Class 4, Class 5 or Class 6 roadway without a shoulder or marked parking spaces.
3. No parking/stopping or selling of products in any municipally owned parking lot.
4. The operator will take necessary steps to ensure that public sidewalks are not obstructed.
5. No parking/stopping or selling within the prescribed distance (23 metres) of any eating establishment or seller of foodstuffs.
6. $3,000,000 public liability coverage for a refreshment vehicle is required as this is a motorized mobile vehicle.
7. The hours of operation will be from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm from Monday to Sunday.
8. Selling from any one location will be limited to 20 minutes.
9. Must receive owners written consent to park and sell on private property and a copy of the letter submitted to the Town’ s Licensing Officer.
10.That every employee who operates or works out of the motorized mobile ice cream truck must submit to a criminal record check.
That all other requirements under By-law 2006-49 Schedule I be met.
Ding-Ding, it’s the ice cream truck.

9.5.2 – Elimination of Vacant Unit Tax Rebate Program. Resolution. Whereas, Section 364 of the Municipal Act, 2001 requires a municipality to have a Vacant Unit Tax Rebate for commercial and industrial tax classes; And Whereas, this program provides a tax rebate to commercial and industrial properties only; And Whereas, these properties are privately owned by individuals or corporations and for an investment for these parties; And Whereas, the Province of Ontario has provided flexibility for the municipality to tailor the program to reflect community needs and circumstances, while considering the interests of local businesses; And Whereas, the Town of Parry Sound engaged the public to seek feedback on the potential elimination of the rebate program; And Whereas, the majority of feedback received supports the elimination of the program; And Whereas, Council for the Town of Parry Sound feels that the economic interests of the Town are best served through the elimination of the program; Now hereby be it resolved that the Town of Parry Sound asks the Minister of Finance for the Province of Ontario to pass the required regulations to eliminate the Vacant Unit Tax Rebate Program for the Town of Parry Sound.
This resolution follows up a public meeting that was held to gauge the interest of Parry Sound residents and businesses to continue providing a tax break for empty buildings who were claiming a vacant unit tax rebate. It appears that after consultation the Town has decided there is no significant interest in maintaining the rebate. This will result is somewhat greater revenue for the Town and act as a deterrent to property owners to sit on properties and not solicit lessees or a sale of the property for development. Property owners can still continue to do so, but they will not be able to benefit from lower property taxes because the property is vacant. Removing this rebate program will provide additional funds to the Town, the Downtown Business Association, and the local school boards.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Request for Deeming By-law – 22 Victoria Avenue and Lot 12 of Plan 123. By-law 2017 – 6729. Being a By-law to deem certain lots in the Town of Parry Sound not to be part of a registered Plan of Subdivision (MacDonald – 22 Victoria Avenue).
This is a simple consolidation of two lots, owned by a single party.

10.1.2 – Property Purchase – Oastler Park Drive. By-law 2017 – 6730. Being a By-law authorize the execution of an Offer to Purchase agreement with Ministry of Transportation Ontario.
This is a $245,000 purchase of property, about 3.5 acres based on the stated price of $75,000 per acre. I believe it is property across Oastler Park Drive from the Canadian Tire that extends from the Town Line to the unnamed pond/lake and along Oastler Park Drive for about 50 metres north to Bowes Street. I hope that the details will be provided at the meeting. Perhaps the Town will explain why they chose to purchase this unserviced plot of land for what seems to be a very high price. It is assessed by MPAC at $89,900. Perhaps there was a competitive bid for the property.

10.4.1 – Delegation of Authority for Permission to Busk Downtown. By-law 2017 – 6731. Being a by-law to delegate Council authority to approve busking in the Parry Sound downtown area to the Director of Public Works.

10.6.1 – Memorandum of Understanding – Town and Downtown Business Association (DBA). By-law 2017 – 6732. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association.

Does The Internet Know Something We Don’t? Can They See the Future?

This is not a Photoshop trick on my part. I clipped it from the bottom of a webpage that I was reading. Yes, the internet not only seems to be able see into the future, but it also knows where you are located. No I didn’t click the link. Time for a VPN!

 

 

 

 

Parry Sound EDO – Just in Time

15 Wednesday Mar 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections, Town Council, Urban Development

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I received a call today from a town resident who wanted to discuss the new Economic Development Officer (EDO) and my thoughts on whether the Town needed this position. Picking up my copy of the North Star a bit later and reading the editorial I understood where the question came from. The editorial suggested that the EDO position really wasn’t something the Town should invest in. I wish they would have thought about it a bit more. My sense is that the position is absolutely necessary.

The EDO position has much the same responsibilities that I held in Business Development working with multi-billion dollar corporations making investments globally. We were expected to identify opportunities, assess their contribution to the bottom line and, as approved by management, get the deals done.

The thing you quickly realize doing this type of job is that your responsibility is not only to identify and get the best deals done, your job is also to identify the opportunities that don’t make sense, and make the business case to walk away from them. Management often has their pet projects that they want to see done, sometimes because they ‘have a feeling’, and sometimes because they figure it will enhance their career prospects if successful. And if it’s not, well they can just move on before the you know what hits the fan. The job of the EDO or Business Development Officer is to understand the risks and make sure management doesn’t enter into a deal with an inflated sense of opportunity.

Looking back over my career I’m as proud of the deals that I turned down as those that I completed. In many cases, it took courage to stand up to senior management and make the argument that the idea wasn’t in the best interests of the company. It’s not easy, but it’s very necessary.

Right now, the Town is looking at multiple business investment opportunities being suggested by Council (aka Senior Management). Someone with real world experience needs to look at these opportunities, develop the business case, calculate the net present values (NPV) of the opportunities, and provide an opinion. The Town of Parry Sound doesn’t have that experience on staff. Hiring a consultant to do this type of job would be much, much more expensive, and they wouldn’t have any ’skin in the game’. If a consultant makes a mistake they just walk on to the next job and blame failure on poor ‘execution’ by the client. The individual being hired for the EDO position in Parry Sound seems as though they will have some ownership.

Doing a little bit of Sunshine List research reveals that Mr. Harris, the new EDO, earned a little more than $260,000 plus $16,000 in benefits in 2013. Someone thought he was pretty good.

I will take the North Star to task for a little bit of sloppy research. They stated that the current Town of Parry Sound debt is $1.5 million, and that figure will rise to $4.2 million in 2021. Oh, I wish! That’s just the carrying cost for the Town’s debt, basically the annual ‘mortgage payment’. According to 2017 budget documents the Town expects to carry about $24 million in debt by the end of 2017, which will drop to $20 million by 2021 if no additional capital investments are made. If one adds in the projects being discussed, the Town’s debt may rise to over $40 million in five years.

We currently have one member of Council who seems to be ready to go ‘all in’ with Town capital projects in hopes of stimulating more business and tax revenue. My worry is this individual doesn’t really have the experience to judge these opportunities and seems to not have a long term interest in Parry Sound, and probably won’t be here five years from now. It will be left to others to clean up any mess that may be left behind. But that’s being pessimistic, these suggestions may very well prove to be the type of investments that the Town needs to make and will pay off ‘hugely’.

That is exactly why we need an Economic Development Officer on staff. We need the expertise on staff to assess the many proposals that will come from Council and businesses, and make their best recommendation. Hopefully Mr. Harris will focus on the interests of the Town’s residents and businesses, not the egos of elected officials. Sometimes the best deal you ever made is the deal you didn’t make.

I’d rather be paying a little bit more and having the full attention of an EDO rather than trying to get a share of a regional EDO with too many constituencies to please.

Welcome aboard Mr. Harris. We very much need your contribution.

Parry Sound’s Business Stimulus Plan – v2016

01 Wednesday Mar 2017

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The recently issued Town of Parry Sound 2017 Key Objectives document presented and approved at a recent council meeting contained a couple of items that I thought were notable. In particular I noted the objective of having the Town gain control over the approval of Official Plan Amendments. At present the Town needs to get approval from the Province for these changes. As I have written earlier (Item 9.3.1) I don’t think this is a good idea. If Council can choose to make changes to the Official Plan against the stated opinions of the town’s residents and businesses we are likely to see some unpleasant surprises. At a recent Council meeting it was mentioned that this objective was previously approved by Council as part of the Official Business Plan. I have since tracked down a copy of that document.

The document is part of Resolution 2016-77 that was approved as part of the 2016-04-19 meeting of Parry Sound council (Item 9.6.1). Links to this open agenda document can be found hosted here on Parry Sounds.com. It’s worth taking a look at what the Business Stimulus Team has planned for Parry Sound. It explains a number of the initiatives listed in the 2017 Key Objectives document and the 2017 Budget. The original agenda package version includes the attachments not found in the approved by-law that was sent to me.

I have highlighted areas of interest, to me at least, in an annotated version of the approved by-law. Take the time to at least look over one of the documents and see if there is anything you are supportive of, or are concerned about. In either case, contact a member of Council and let them know what you think. Without input from the public they will do what they think is in the best interests of the community.

Council Agenda Preview – February 21, 2017

19 Sunday Feb 2017

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It’s a rather light agenda this week, no letters and only a single deputation. I suggest you take a look at the full agenda package to see if there is anything you feel is important that I might have missed. There are a couple of interesting items:

  1. Item 9.3.1 summarizes the 2017 goals for Parry Sound Staff. This is what is getting done this year. There may be some surprises. Because it’s a published document, but mostly buried, there is no question that the Town has announced its intentions. I have offered a couple of quick observations in my comments to 9.3.1.
  2. A development of 14 townhouses on Ansley Street is up for formal approval, Items 10.1.1 and 10.1.2. This was the subject of considerable neighbourhood comment a couple of years ago, and now seems ready to break ground with the necessary approvals this week.

Closed Session

c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Local Business Relocation, Relocation of the Ontario Provincial Police Detachment).
It looks as though the relocation of the OPP is moving forward. I suspect that they are moving to the 229 interchange on Hwy 400.

d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Performance Review)

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Consent Application – B/2/2017 (PS) (Gingrich, Kingshott and Crookshank-Hurd). Resolution. That Consent Application No. B/2/2017(PS) – (Gingrich, Kingshott and Crookshank-Hurd) – 82, 88, 94 and 98 Louisa Street, be supported.

9.3.1 – Staff Goal Plans. Resolution. That the 2017 Staff Key Strategic ‘Stretch’ Goal Summary and the Goal Plan Summary be approved as attached Schedule “A”.
There are a couple of interesting objectives. The first is the installation of live streaming of council meetings. This will make it much easier for folks to follow what’s going on at Council. The production qualities won’t be up to Cogeco, but it will be so much more accessible, and should cover budget meetings that are currently not being covered. The second item is more concerning, and involves the Town’s hope that they can forego Provincial approval of Official Plan Amendments. The recent decision by a bare majority of Council to approve an Official Plan amendment to permit the relocation of the RBC is currently undergoing Provincial review. If the Town can wrest control of Official Plan amendments from the Province it would mean the Town, at their whim, at odds with the Official Plan and even interests of the majority of residents, could make significant changes to Town policy. Thank goodness for the Ontario Municipal Board. Official Plan amendments, in my opinion, should be restricted to those occasions when the Official Plan receives a comprehensive, community involved, overhaul, or with the approval of the Province. Otherwise, we effectively have no Official Plan. It might mean that a simple majority of council could vote in favour of a rezoning of property to permit a casino, or convert a residential area to a mixed residential and industrial. I thing Staff and Council are reaching too far. Let’s not compromise our current set of checks and balances.

9.5.1 – Request For Proposal (RFP) – Public Washroom. Resolution. That Council accept the Public Washroom Design/Build proposal from Incon Construction Ltd. in the amount of $203,383.00, plus $26,439.79 for a total of $229,822.79, this being the only proposal received.

9.5.2 – Speed limit reduction in school and community safety zones. Direction. That Council direct staff to prepare a 21 day notice advising the public that an amendment to the Traffic bylaw to reduce the speed limit to 40 kph from 50 kph in School and Community Safety Zones, with an effective date of August 1, 2017, will be considered by Council on April 4, 2017; and Comments regarding this proposed by-law amendment should be directed to the Director of Public Works and received no later than 4:30 p.m. March 28, 2017.

9.5.3 – 2016 Water System Summary Report. Resolution. Whereas the Town of Parry Sound owns and operates the Parry Sound Drinking Water System (M.O.E. Designation Number 2200000585) which has been categorized as a “Large Residential” Drinking Water System, and Whereas Ontario Regulation 170-03 (as amended) under the Safe Drinking Water Act requires, according to “Schedule 22 Summary Reports for Municipalities” that all large Municipal Residential Drinking water systems have a report prepared no later than March 31st of each year addressing the items detailed in the Regulation and is given to the members of Council in the case of a drinking water system owned by a municipality; Therefore, be it resolved that Council of the Town of Parry Sound hereby acknowledges receipt of the report titled: “Town of Parry Sound Tony Agnello Water Treatment Plan, Large Municipal Residential Drinking Water System Summary Report 2016”, as prepared by Kyle Hall, Manager of Water Systems.

9.5.4 – Quotation – Western Star 7-ton truck and equipment. Resolution. That Council approve single sourcing and accept the quotation from B&I Western Star for one Western Star 4700, complete with Larochelle equipment in the amount of $179,344.00 including $13,000 for the trade-in of a 2002 Sterling L7501 and a 2006 Sterling L7501, taxes extra.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Site Plan Application – 11 Ansley Street Inc. By-law 2017 – 6712. Being a By-law to grant Site Plan Approval and authorize the execution and registration of a development agreement with 11 Ansley Street Inc.

10.1.2 – Rezoning Application – Z/17/01 – 11 Ansley Street – Lifting of “h” symbol. By-law 2017 – 6713. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law) as amended to remove a holding provision (“h” symbol”) from 11 Ansley Street

10.1.3 – Consent Agreement – B/3/2016 (PS) (Friendship Centre – 13 & 21 Bowes Street). By-law 2017 – 6714. Being a By-law to authorize a Consent Agreement for the Parry Sound Friendship Centre – 13 Bowes Street and 21 Bowes Street.
This concerns parking and water drainage.

 The Way it Was – View from Tower Hill

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Council Agenda Preview – January 17, 2017

15 Sunday Jan 2017

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Fill Out This Form with Your Name and Contact Information to Win Big. No Purchase Required.

This seems to the essence of Item 9.1.1 – Waterfront Casino and Hotel Conference Centre. You can’t win if you don’t enter, and Parry Sound would like to get lucky. In principle there is no downside, Council still needs to hear from the ‘community and ratepayers’ before being in a position to make any type of formal commitment to a casino and the required infrastructure upgrades. At this point I am open minded about the whole project. It’s not in my backyard, and there is no one in my immediate family that has a gambling addiction. Having lived in New Jersey I am familiar with the rise and fall of Atlantic City. It certainly starts out with the best of hopes and intentions.

Another item of economic development interest concerns Items 2.1.1 and 5.1, the Old Fire Hall. With the recent decision by Council to put the Old Fire Hall up for sale it appears from the zoning amendment and the deputation that we may soon have the opportunity to enjoy wood fired pizzas in the Old Fire Hall.

There are a number of additional issues on the agenda that advance and tidy ongoing matters. Comments are provided below in italics.

Public Meeting

2.1.1 – Council will hold a public meeting to consider a proposed Zoning By-law amendment under Section 34 of the Planning Act. The subject property is the old Fire Hall and is located at 25 Mary Street, or the southeast part of Market Square park, Plan No. 2, north side of Mary Street.
The applicant has requested to amend the Special Provision 26.28 (SP26.28) Zone to permit a restaurant, a seasonal outdoor eating space and an accessory liquor licensed premise that is subordinate to the main use. No new structures are proposed and the proposed uses would be within the existing structure. Currently, the Zoning By-law only permits upper floor dwelling units, a retail store, a business or professional office, a medical or dental clinic, a publishing establishment, a club and a public use. The building is currently vacant

Correspondence

4.1 – Bill Millar, McDougall resident. Re: Mr. Millar has some concerns over the proliferation of highway signage on highway #400 in our area.
I agree. At one point I thought about taking photos of all the signs between Parry Sound and the Airport and then hosting an online ‘ugliest sign’ contest. There are some real ‘winners’ in the bunch.

4.4 – Nancy Cunningham, 64 Gibson Street. Re: Although she feels that a restaurant at the old Fire Hall would be a good use of the property she has concerns about noise, lighting, refuse and the façade of the building.

4.5 – Zack Crafts and Nicole Collins, Co-Chairs of Treetops Community Forest Re: Requesting a $10,000 donation to the Treetops Community Forest Project.
I guess this request comes as no surprise.

4.6 – Rebecca Pollock, Manager Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. Re: Requesting Council’s support for appropriate signage along highway 400 that tourist and residents know that, “You Are Now Entering a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve”.

Deputations

5.1 – Ben Mascioli, Owner/Operator of Maurizio’s Inc. Re: Revitalization Plans for the Old Fire Hall.

Consent Agenda

8.2 – Resignation from the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association Board of Directors. Resolution. Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Dan DiNicolo, representing 30K Networks, from the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association Board of Directors, effective immediately. Council extends their thanks and appreciation to Mr. DiNicolo for volunteering his time to the Downtown Business Association.
Well that didn’t last very long. Lead, follow or get out of the way, and don’t take too long making a decision on which it is.

8.4 – Support for Biosphere Reserve Signage along highway #400. Resolution. Whereas Parry Sound is fortunate to be located within a world biosphere reserve designated by the United Nations; and Whereas these UNESCO landscapes should be showcased to tourist and residents alike along the highway #400 corridor using themed area signage; Now, Therefore Be It Resolved That the Mayor be directed to prepare a letter to the Minister of Tourism and Transportation supporting the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve’s request to have themed signage located along the highway #400 corridor; and Further that a copy of this letter be send to Norm Miller, M.L.A. for Parry Sound-Muskoka.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Waterfront Casino and Hotel Conference Centre. Resolution. That Council support in principle Shawanaga First Nation’s idea of developing a Casino and Hotel Conference Centre on the Town’s waterfront; and That a Public Meeting be held at a future date to allow the public to provide comments regarding the proposed project.

9.1.2 – ATV Update. Resolution. That Council acknowledge receipt of the ATV R&R submitted by Taylor Elgie, Principal Planner, attached as Schedule “A”.
The report is mostly positive with four reports of ATVs on the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail. I have also seen e-bikes with young riders on the trail.

9.4.1 – 2016 Asset Management Plan. Resolution. That Council hereby receives the December 31, 2016 Asset Management Plan for the Town of Parry Sound prepared by Public Sector Digest Inc. Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-Up): That Staff prepare an implementation plan for the Asset Management Plan recommendations and bring back to Council for approval.
A substantial 120-page document that is worth reading from start to finish, but I suspect in the end fewer than five people in total will bother, even if they are paid to do so. This report underlies the recommendation of Staff, and the agreement of Council, to increase the annual levy by 1.8% to build an infrastructure reserve.

9.4.2 – Provincial Offences Act (POA) Court Write-offs. Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound, hereby approves the write-offs for the Provincial Offences Act Court outlined in Schedule “A” attached.
The total is $6,202.99.

9.6.1 – Belvedere Heights Parking Ad-hoc Committee. Direction. That a Belvedere Parking Ad-hoc Committee be established consisting of:
– two Town representatives
– two Belvedere representatives
– two DSSAB representatives
– two Belvedere neighbourhood residents
That Council appoint Mayor McGarvey, Peter Brown, Director of Public Works and alternate Councillor _______________ to the Belvedere Parking Ad-hoc Committee as the Town’s representatives.

By-laws

10.1.2 – Site Plan Amendment Application – 1793951 Ontario Inc. / Greystone Project Management Inc. – 11 Salt Dock Road. Being a By-law to grant Site Plan Approval and authorize the execution and registration of a development agreement with The Breakers at Granite Harbour/1793951 Ontario Inc./Greystone Project Management Inc. – 11 Salt Dock Road and repeal By-law 2016-6661.
It looks like business is good and the developers want to add another floor to at least one the of the new buildings.

10.3.1 – By-law to Establish the Parry Sound Public Library and its Composition. By-law 2017 – 6698. Being a By-law for the establishment and composition of a Public Library Board for the Town of Parry Sound.

10.4.1– Appointment of External Auditor. By-law 2017 – 6699. Being a By-law to appoint auditors for the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and to repeal By-law 2012-6148.
BDO Canada will be the Town’s new auditors. I’m happy to see the change only because it is good practice to change auditors every five or ten years so that a new set of eyes are looking at the books.

10.4.2 – 2017 Interim Tax Levy. By-law 2017 – 6700. Being a By-Law to provide for an interim tax levy, for the payment of taxes, and for penalty and interest at 1 1/4 percent per month for the 2017 taxation year.

As always, please refer to the full agenda package found at the Town of Parry Sound website for a complete listing of agenda items and the supporting documents. Consider finding the documents at the Town’s website as your daily puzzler. It’s there, you just need to figure out where.

Dang, it looks more like boating season than ice fishing season.

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The Parry Sound Big Dig

08 Thursday Dec 2016

Posted by in Events/Activities, Parry Sound

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The folks of Trestle Brewery have finally put a shovel into the ground and started the necessary remediation for their brewery/restaurant build. Nothing like a little bit of public poking, as I did in my council preview post on Sunday, to get them moving.

Actually I think they missed a great opportunity to get started a little bit earlier and save a ‘hole’ lot of money. Some of you may have seen the article about ten days ago where Cards Against Humanity marked Black Friday by digging a hole for no apparent reason except perhaps to throw money into. They then proceeded to fill it back up. That’s exactly what the Trestle Brewery folks are doing, but apparently on their own nickel. The folks at Cards Against Humanity managed to get donations of over USD 100,000 to fund their project. Imagine if that hole could have been on the banks of the Seguin River. Dig ‘er up, then fill ‘er in. A perfect win-win. The funding, the publicity! Guys, you missed it.

Speaking to the principals at Trestle I understand they are planning to be up and brewing, and serving, this summer. Are there plans for cider? I’m not a beer drinker.

Parry Sound’s Very Own Big Dig, but Self-Funded

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2016-12-06 Parry Sound Council Meeting Reflections

07 Wednesday Dec 2016

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections, Town Council, Urban Development

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Well, last night meeting of Parry Sound Council was about as interesting a session as I have experienced in the past five years. The only exception might be last year’s fluoride sessions. Watching the crowd milling around the hall before the meeting it was jokingly asked if fluoride was on the agenda. The meeting met expectations in terms of entertainment value. It’s worth reviewing a few of the ‘acts’.

Belvedere Parking
There was a deputation by Donna Dellio, Chief Executive Officer Belvedere Heights (‘Belvedere’) concerning the issue of parking on Belvedere Avenue. Ms. Dellio’s deputation was in support of the existing traffic pattern to ensure there were adequate parking spots available for the public, staff and suppliers. I took exception to her deputation on two points that I believe are either incorrect or inappropriate.

  1. She claimed that the parking lot at Belvedere was consistently full, and she related that at on one occasion she was required to park down closer to the downtown. Well I call Bull Shitake on that. I have been up to Belvedere multiple times, at all times of day, all days of the week, and have yet to see the pay parking lot across the street full. On most occasions there are no more than one or two cars in the pay lot. Now, the lot beside the Belvedere building is almost always full. This is reserved parking for either residents or staff, I’m not sure. And of course, there have been times I have headed up to Belvedere to visit and have found the ‘free’ on street parking is full, but at the same time the parking lot is almost totally empty. There is more than enough parking up on Belvedere to meet the current needs, without on street parking, but it costs $2. We know how Parry Sounders, visitors and staff, hate to pay for parking. The deputation seems misleading with respect to a need for on street parking. There is enough parking, but it’s not free. Take down the parking arms and the problem is solved. But there is that parking lot to be paid for, $2 at a time. Oh dear, that’s a problem isn’t it?
  2. As part of the deputation Ms. Dellio suggested that part of the parking problem was that because of heritage considerations the pay parking lot was restricted to 19 spots, not the 32 that they originally requested. I am outraged. So, they took perhaps the most iconic outlook in Parry Sound, paved it, put up a pay parking lot, and then resent the fact that they were not allowed to pave even more? Shame on Ms. Dellio for blaming the locals for trying to trying to preserve a bit of what makes Parry Sound special. That’s another example of why we can’t have nice things in Parry Sound.

Whether or not there is a need for one or two-way access on Belvedere Avenue is immaterial to me. But let’s not be loose with the facts to support a particular position.

Closed Session Discussions and Decisions
There was an interesting by-law approved last night that flew right over the head of anyone at the meeting. After the RBC move was discussed and voted on, Council moved to the regular session. One of the first actions of Council was to vote upon a by-law that had been discussed and agreed in closed session. It presumably concerned the agenda item:

c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Property Purchases)

There was no discussion or explanation of the by-law during the meeting. It was simply brought forward and voted upon. After the meeting I spoke with the Clerk and asked to see the by-law. The by-law was an offer to purchase a property in the boundaries of Parry Sound from a government agency (I don’t recall the details). Turning to a couple of the Councillors after the meeting I asked what it concerned and why there was no discussion or explanation of the by-law before or after it was approved. They seemed a little hesitant to offer any details until I indicated it was approved as by-law so it was in fact public. They offered the barest of details, but enough to sniff what’s going on. I have in the past requested that Council be fully transparent with respect to items that are ‘agreed’ in closed sessions and simply brought forward to open session without any opportunity for the public to offer input, much less understand what’s going on.

There is something going on that also has an impact on the 2017 Parry Sound Budget. I have a sense of what it is and I’m surprised the Town hasn’t provided more information to the public. Perhaps it’s supposed to be a SURPRISE. I’m not sure how you feel about surprises, but I’m not a big fan of them when it comes to things that may impact my pocket book, in the near or long term.

I’ll see if the Town offers more information in the next week or so, either through a press release or an ‘interview’ with one of the official media outlets, before I offer what I’ve managed to discover. There is no conspiracy here, just a seeming desire of Staff and Council to get things done out of the view of the public. It surprising how many people think it’s easier to get things done in the dark. Well actually it’s about keeping others in the dark. That’s why we have Sunshine requirements.

Royal Bank of Canada Move
This was the big item on the agenda. The bank wants to move from their current location at the Mall to the Oastler Park Shoping Plaza (Walmart plaza). Any move would require approval by Council, an amendment to the Town’s Official Plan, and approval of the amendment by the Province. There was quite a bit of confusion and drama surrounding the decision that I won’t go into, I’ll leave it to the ‘official’ media to cover it. It’s the kind of news that captures online clicks. The bottom line is that no final decision was made and it will be back on the December 20th agenda. But I will make a few comments.

  1. I have written in the past that ‘I don’t have a dog in the fight’. That doesn’t mean I don’t have an opinion. In this case I support the status quo in terms of what the Town’s Official Plan states with respect to the location of banks. If there is an interest in allowing the free location of banks then let’s have a discussion of the issue and as appropriate change the Official Plan. Why have plans if they can be thrown out at the seemingly arbitrary whim of certain Councillors. It would seem to me that if the Official Plan were to be disregarded it should require a unanimous approval by Council, not a split vote, or one decided by the Mayor.
  2. We seem to have a a Trumpkin on Council. I’m referring to Councillor Saulnier. In general, I do not call out council members by name, but it’s appropriate here in my opinion. The Trumpkin approach in my opinion is to ignore facts and protocol/procedures. At last night’s meeting Councillor Saulnier, who was in support of amending the Official Plan and allowing the move, made the claim that the Town isn’t growing so we should do something different. This implied ignoring the Official Plan’s long standing rule that banks, bars and alcohol retailers be located in the downtown. Well actually Councillor Trumpkin, Parry Sound is growing. The last census (2011) found that the Town of Parry Sound had grown by 6.4% while McDougall was flat and Seguin was down by 6.7%. Compared to a few decades ago the population hasn’t changed much, but after a precipitous drop in population it seems that growth is back. Detroit would be delighted to see its population return to what it was three decades ago. And let’s remember that Parry Sound has little developable land, and what land we may have, notably Louisa Street, has been designated as a low priority because of the expected cost of infrastructure. The willingness to toss out plan and protocol, in this case the Official Plan, is so Trump-like. Parry Sound is not in a crisis situation where it is appropriate to encourage a free-for-all. Shooting from the hip is a valid approach, but be sure not to shoot yourself in the foot. It’s ready, aim, fire not, ready, fire, aim.
  3. The RBC wants to move right now. But won’t that take a change to the Official Plan, and don’t changes to the Official Plan need to be approved by the Province? I’m not up on municipal process and procedure but that presumably would take some time, probably several months. Does that fit with the apparent urgency to revise the Official Plan? Perhaps the Town can provide some clarity on the timelines to Council and Public.
  4. In case you are wondering who voted for and against the move, here’s a summary. For the move: McGarvey, Saulnier, Marshall. Against the move: Keith, McCann, Borneman. Absent: Horne. If you have an opinion I suggest you contact one of the councillors to express your thoughts on how they should vote to represent your interests.

Woo-hoo the best free* show it town. Let’s see if there is a plan to set up reserved seating for the December 20th meeting. I’ll be there.

Closed Sessions. Can North Shore Rugged Trail Users Expect a SURPRISE?

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  • Actually nothing is free. Consider it part of the bonus you get for paying taxes, sort of like your one free dump day tag. (Conditions apply)

The Mall Strikes Back

01 Thursday Dec 2016

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections, Seguin Township, Town Council

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Well, well, it seems that people are starting to pay attention to things being discussed at Parry Sound Council meetings. A little late, but perhaps not too late. The Royal Banks planned relocation is an issue raised on this site a couple of weeks ago. That’s why you subscribe to parrysounds.com isn’t it, to find out what’s before Council before a decision is made and you are aren’t left with scrambling to get decisions reversed? (I’m thinking about you, Fluddites.)

Well the Parry Sound Mall owners finally seem to have realized that one of its tenants, the Royal Bank, is asking for a special exemption from the Town’s Official Plan restricting banks to the downtown core, to allow it to move up the Walmart plaza. The nub of the Mall owners’ concerns is contained in a letter to the North Star that is a pleasure to read. It’s an argument that I would have been proud to have penned (actually keyboarded).

I’m neither in the real estate or banking business so I don’t have a position on this decision, but I do have an interest in consistency and transparency. Allowing the bank, which was permitted to operate outside of the downtown for unusual reasons, to relocate would seem to be at odds with the Town’s Official Plan. Why have a plan if you intend to consistently allow exceptions and exemptions? If rules can be broken, then there effectively are no rules. Businesses depend on knowing what the rules are, and that they will be consistently enforced. They don’t want to invest in a Town where they effectively get punished by following the rules while others don’t.

If Council allows the Royal Bank to move then I think it should in good conscience amend the Official plan to permit banks, bars and booze retailers to locate to any part of Parry Sound, not just the downtown. That would eliminate any need for an Economic Development Officer. It would be a free-for all. And if I were sitting in the Seguin town office I would be seriously thinking about how the municipality could put in just enough services to entice businesses to locate along the Oastler Park Drive corridor just across the Parry Sound Town line. With Seguin property taxes about one-third that of Parry Sound’s, it would be an easy sell for retail expansion.

Life offers many slippery slopes and the Royal Bank relocation seems to be sitting on top of one that may be much steeper than Parry Sound Council and Staff realize.

Who needs reality TV when you can watch small town politics with a front row seat? I’m looking forward to the next installment of Parry Sound Council. It will be live next Tuesday at the Town Hall, with reruns later in the week on Cogeco (if they show up).