Tag Archives: Parks

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – December 17, 2019

17 Friday Jan 2020

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These minutes showed up in my mailbox earlier this week, so I take some responsibility for posting them here a bit late. The council meeting agenda for the January 21st meeting will follow this weekend.

The only thing really worth noting in these minutes is Council’s input to the Strategic Plan (10.5.1). I’m sure that they are offering their best input based on personal experience and discussions with the public. I do object to their decision to direct Redbrick Communications to take the various inputs and create the Strategic Plan for their approval at the next council meeting. It may be a question of semantics, but the Strategic Plan is one of the few direct deliverables that Council has. Perhaps it would have been better stated that ‘Redbrick is directed to produce a draft Strategic plan for Council review and, as appropriate revision, and finalization’. I hope this is the case. Council needs to ‘own’ the Strategic Plan, not delegate it to consultants.

Closed Session

b) personal matter about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, (Director of Public Works Selection and Employment Agreement);

c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes, (Wellness Centre & Pool Cost Sharing Negotiations);

d) labour relations or employee negotiations, (Director of Public Works Selection and Employment Agreement);

n) a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board, (Wellness Centre & Pool Cost Sharing Negotiations).

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding traffic signal work being done at the Isabella and Joseph/Church Street intersection, Director of Public Works Peter Brown reported that electronic infrastructure is being replaced, and that there was enough money in the budget to install an audible traffic signal. Mr. Brown said that the signal is being tested now and hopefully by the end of the year will be up and running similar to that installed at the intersection of James and Seguin Streets.

3.2.2 – Councillor Keith recommended that the public go up to the Museum and view the outdoor decorations and Christmas light installation there.

3.2.3 – In response to Councillor McCann’s suggestion that signage indicating “please watch, our children are at play” might be preferable to speed limit signs on Riverdale Road, Mr. Brown cautioned that many municipalities are getting rid of those types of signs since it implies that children are allowed to play on the street and this may create a liability for the municipality. Mr. Brown recommended instead the purchase of a solar powered speed limit flashing sign in the 2020 budget which can be moved to different locations. Mr. Brown also reported that the Town’s traffic counter identifies the speed of vehicles and this information is immediately sent to the OPP.
Upon receiving this information, the following motion was made:
That staff be directed to include for consideration in the 2020 budget, purchase of a solar powered speed limit flashing sign. Carried

3.2.4 – In response to Councillor Borneman’s inquiry regarding Kinsmen Park and BOCC public skating through the upcoming holiday season, Manager of Parks & Recreation April McNamara reported that more cold days are necessary in order to make ice at the outdoor rink and when the rink is ready, notice will be posted on the Town website. Ms. McNamara reported that a full schedule of public skating at the BOCC sponsored by Tim Horton’s and the Town is posted on the Town website.

3.2.5 – In response to Mayor McGarvey’s inquiry as to whether staff is looking at lowering the speed limit in any other area of Town, including Waubeek Street which was the subject of a previous deputation, Mr. Brown reported that the 50 km speed limit signs have been re-installed on Waubeek Street after being taken down during road construction.
That staff be directed to include for consideration in the 2020 budget, review of Waubeek and Riverdale Streets for purposes of considering speed reduction. Carried

Correspondence
4.1 – Linda Taylor, Program Director, West Parry Sound Community Support Services. 2020 Funding Request. Circulated to Mayor, Council and Director of Finance for consideration in 2020 budget.

4.2 – Nadine Hammond, Curator/Manager, West Parry Sound District Museum. Update and 2020 Funding Request. Circulated to Mayor, Council and Director of Finance for consideration in 2020 budget.

4.3 – Reeve Bert Liverance, Township of the Archipelago. Copy of letter and resolution to Minister of Long-Term Care, Merrilee Fullerton, re support for an Ontario Health Team to cover Parry Sound District. Circulated to Mayor and Council.

Deputations
5.1 – Bill Mardimae, Gardens Retirement Developments Inc.- withdrawn. Gardens Retirement proposed development.

5.2 – Keith Smith – withdrawn. Handicapped parking spaces at The Gardens proposed new building.

5.3 – Chris Pettinger, Chair of 2019-2020 Parry Sound Area Founders Circle; & Dan DiNicolo, Chair of Marketing Committee of the Founders Circle. Parry Sound Area Founders Circle. Chris Pettinger and Dan DiNicolo addressed Council with an overview of the Parry Sound Area Founders Circle noting that it was established in October 2019 by a group of business and community leaders “who share the belief that entrepreneurism and innovation are essential to meaningful local growth and sustainable development; they move that belief into action by providing up-and-coming ventures with direct financial support through a competitive award program, and opportunities to network with established mentors.” Each Founder contributes $1000 to the Circle and funds are used to provide no-strings-attached prizes to start-ups and existing businesses selected by the Founders according to criteria that they establish.
Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network (in turn supported by FedNor) supports the meetings of the Founders and covers costs of an annual gala event known as the Impact Awards, at which the entrepreneurship prizes are announced. Membership is open to all individuals and businesses living and/or operating in the Parry Sound Area.
Mr. Pettinger listed the 32 current Founders including: the Town of Parry Sound, RBC Foundation, Paul Schoefield, Lakeland Holdings, Ritchie Insurance, Parry Sound Insurance, Trestle Brewing Company, 18 James Street, Claudette Boyd, Scotia Bank Parry Sound, Boston Pizza Parry Sound, Parry Sound Area Community Business Development Centre, Rotary Club of Parry Sound, InXpress Canada, Parry Sound Fuels, Crofters Foods Ltd., Orr’s Fine Meats, William Beatty Company, Tamarack North, Torrance Funeral Homes, Georgian Bay Whole Foods, Oldham Law Firm, Ted Scott, Bayshore Financial, Air Rider Hovercraft International, Hall Construction, Adams Bros. Construction, Connor Industries, CIBC Parry Sound, Peter Istvan Photography.
Mr. DiNicolo reported that applications will be open January 1 to March 1, 2020 and winners will be decided upon after the application deadline and awarded at the April 23, 2020 Impact Awards at the JW Marriott. Awards will include: 1) a Parry Sound High School Award sponsored by RBC Financial (amount not yet confirmed); 2) $5,000 second place prize and 3) $10,000 grand prize, with the remainder of the money held in reserve for the next year. Mr. Pettinger reported that the Circle is still accepting Founders until December 31st this year, with the hope that existing founders will continue to participate in subsequent years.
Mr. Pettinger requested that the Town support the project by posting relevant information on the Town website and otherwise broadcasting and promoting the program.
In response to an inquiry as to the geographic catchment area of Founders and eligible applicants, Mr. Pettinger noted that it is not entirely firmed as the Founders want to tend to the inclusive as opposed to exclusive. There are members from the east side of the District, but most are concentrated in the West Parry Sound Area.
Council members congratulated and thanked the deputation for their achievement in getting the Founders Circle started.

5.4 – Ron Jenkins. Sidewalks – repairs and accessibility. Mr. Jenkin inquired as to whether there was any action on the development of a committee to address the accessible sidewalk issue that he raised in a previous deputation.
At the invitation by Mayor McGarvey to respond, CAO Clayton Harris reported that there have been discussions at the staff level with the Human Resources Coordinator taking the lead, currently researching Terms of Reference for such a Committee, with a recommendation scheduled to come back to Council in early 2020.
Mr. Jenkins inquired as to when the sidewalks would be fixed and noted that he recently broke a wheel on his wheelchair.
Mayor McGarvey responded that sidewalk construction, repair, etc. would be considered within the 2020 budget deliberations.
Mr. Jenkins reported that two years ago he fell down stairs located at 49-51 William Street, and that the Director of Public Works was called and viewed the situation. Mr. Jenkins said that nothing has been done. Mayor McGarvey responded that his concerns have now been noted.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Low Pressure Forcemain Parry Sound Drive. Resolution. That the report updating Council on the low pressure forcemain on Parry Sound Drive and concerns raised by Bayside Family Church be received for information purposes. Carried

9.3.1 – BOCC: Emergency Floor Scrubber Replacement. Resolution. That Council authorize the emergency purchase of a new mechanical floor scrubber for the Bobby Orr Community Centre at a cost not to exceed $10,000 including HST; and
That the mechanical floor scrubber be funded with the reallocation of unspent capital funds as follows: $5,000 from the BOCC LED Light conversion project and $5,000 from the BOCC Olympia Laser Level. Carried

9.4.1 – General Insurance Renewal. Resolution. That Council hereby approves the renewal of the Corporation’s general insurance policy with BFL Canada at the premium of $350,914 plus tax for the one-year period ending December 15, 2020. Carried

By-laws

10.2.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/19/14 – College Drive (M2 Developments Inc.). By-Law 2019 – 6999. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for Z/19/14 – 12 College Drive (M2 Developments Inc./Gardens of Parry Sound). At the request of the developer who was not able to be in attendance, Council agreed to postpone the by-law to the January 21, 2020 meeting.

10.4.1 – 2020 Interim Tax Levy. By-law 2019 – 7001. 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 2020 taxation year. Passed, Signed and Sealed.

10.5.1 – Strategic Plan Public Consultation Feedback; Council Input/Workshop Presenter/Facilitator: Andrea Montgomery, Redbrick Communications
Agenda for Strategic Plan – Council Input/Workshop attached:
CAO Clayton Harris introduced the evening’s Strategic Plan (SP) exercise identifying the SP purpose as helping to guide the Town’s decision making well into the future. Mr. Harris reported that Redbrick Communications was hired to do community consultation done through on-line survey, focus groups – including with high school students, and open house forums. Mr. Harris introduced Ms. Andrea Montgomery and Mr. Steph Loch to provide the results of the community consultation and lead the exercise in soliciting Council’s feedback prior to a proposed final report back to Council in January, 2020.
Ms. Montgomery addressed Council from a prepared power point presentation circulated with the meeting agenda. Ms. Montgomery suggested that the Strategic Plan Focus for 2020-2022 was to set a common vision for the future, set a framework for decision making and to support a more efficient organization. The consultation process included meetings with senior leaders, on-line survey, focus groups, youth session, open house and now this evening’s Council session. If captured in the feedback forum, Ms. Montgomery provided a breakdown of participants/respondents by municipal residence, age, time lived in Parry Sound, education, income, and employment. Ms. Montgomery identified the key themes and highest priorities for each feedback forum and put together reported that the following three priority areas emerged: Growth, Development and Housing; Partnerships and Quality of Life; and Organizational Excellence.
Ms. Montgomery set members of Council into two pairs and a triad to review in small groups and provide their feedback on the three priority areas keeping in mind the following: setting priorities that are fiscally sustainable; thinking long-term – beyond 3 years; determining where it is possible to align with public feedback; and considering promises kept and reported back on. After approximately 30 minutes involved in this exercise, Ms. Montgomery took feedback from each small group in turn.

Table 1 – Mayor McGarvey, Councillors Borneman and McCann
Table 2 – Councillors Burden and Horne
Table 3 – Councillors Backman and Keith

Growth, Development and Housing

Table 1
– Recreational Complex – partnerships with Area Municipalities, First Nations, Provincial and Federal governments; opportunity for private sector investment; extends recreational opportunities for all ages; provides incentives for new growth and housing, i.e. people (employers, employees) want to locate here because of amenities.
– Housing – support housing across the housing spectrum; the working population whether rental, attainable rental, attainable home ownership – lobby province to support attainable housing.
– Waterfront – support development of brownfields property; redevelopment of MNR/OPP property; make sure Official Plan and zoning flexibility; upgrades to infrastructure or new development takes into account climate change.
– Facilitate business retention strategies.
Table 2
– Be development ready with infrastructure; reduce red tape; reduce duplicated services i.e. with Area Planning Board, slows down processes and doesn’t necessarily attract development;
– infrastructure services; i.e. swing bridge as an economic driver
– development and utilization of Town owned industrial park, and EDO working on that piece of land.
Table 3
– advocate for a financial sustainability plan with respect to economic development in order to know how Parry Sound can economically grow, with objectives which can be measured on an annual basis; useful for budgeting and as information to the public.
– Infrastructure development – targeted investments in specific technology, revitalization and waterfront plans all built into the Strategic Plan, in order that one can look at the Plan and see progress on the various plan initiatives.
– Recommend longer term Strategic Plan, such as at least 10 years.
– Variety of housing options and look at what can be done with zoning by-law changes to accommodate a mix of population in neighbourhoods.
-Town act as broker for development; facilitate development; Town facilitate connection and realignment of business with economic development organizations in increasing business retention and expansion strategies.

Partnerships and Quality of Life

Table 2
– Maintain and improve ongoing partnerships that exist with service clubs, business community, environmental groups, non-profit agencies; e.g. current municipal and First Nations commitment towards pool & rec centre as well as a number of economic development partnerships which enhance quality of life and increase employment opportunities; look for shared services opportunities which save money for all municipalities.
Table 3
– Need for Recreation Plan and a Mobility Plan, (which takes into account infrastructure, accessibility) and which considers seniors and youth who want to be involved in activities.
Table 1
– Events such as winter light up the Town (bigger than light up park); support private sector events; e.g. women’s weekend; downtown events. As Town can’t afford to do and run every event, there are ways we can support other events. E.g. used to support dragon boat event, now because Rotary supports Rach, we can support event in a particular way that makes it easier for service organizations to run the events.
– Partnership with Lakeland Power re: the Net Zero Community, i.e. a system being designed through the Town to use solar and water generating stations to produce enough power with battery back-up that outside power isn’t needed. This will green up the community, make the community locally sustainable and save money. This project the first in Canada, to be realized within 5 years.
– Opportunities with other municipalities to purchase supplies and equipment.
– Opportunities with area municipalities and other organizations for marketing, tourism opportunities and recreation.

Organizational Excellence
Table 3
– Clear communication to public regarding sustainability and how we are meeting goals. – Interconnection and increased efficiency in administration and shared services.
– Better recognition (i.e. showcasing) of employees’ attributes (e.g. someone who is really good at volunteering), and goals at all levels of organization as it results in increased morale, more employee pride in the organization and community, and good marketing for the Town and community as a good place to work and live.

Table 2
– Defined by employee engagement and the value they see in working for the Town of Parry Sound; this comes with training and educational opportunities, leadership development.
– Value of why we’re here; i.e. for residents and taxpayers of the Town of Parry Sound what is the value of the services that are rendered.
– Defined succession planning for employees.

Table 1
– Look at all aspects of communication with the public; and determine what is working and what is not; consider getting one person to pull all this information together and communicate with the public;
– Fiscal responsibility
– Design of future infrastructure to consider Town’s population; i.e. prepare for growth, physical abilities, age.
– Staff training and employee pride

Ms. Montgomery reported pursuant to direction approved by Council this evening, that all this feedback would be taken into account within the three identified priorities and reported back to Council.

Direction for follow-up
That upon receipt of feedback from the public consultation process and with the input provided by Council at its December 17th meeting, that Redbrick Communications be directed to produce the Strategic Plan 2020-2022 for the January 21st, 2020 Council Meeting for approval. Carried

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – December 3, 2019

09 Monday Dec 2019

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It seems last Tuesday’s meeting was a bit of a marathon in terms of the deputations. There continue to be requests made by the social service and not-for-profit sectors who serve much more than the Town itself to provide services, support and/or considerations. It’s a bit of a Catch-22. These organizations do not pay taxes but occupy prime real estate that is not available for uses that would provide the Town with revenues to provide the requested services. The Town of Parry Sound property tax rates are more than 100% higher than some of the surrounding municipalities, and no less than 50% higher than the others, not because we are spendthrifts but because we are effectively required to provide support to the organizations that service the District, not just the Town.

And now we are looking at taking on the largest individual municipal share of a multi-municipal aquatic and wellness centre. We can’t afford everything, and I think the locals would revolt if there were cutbacks in local services like snow management to subsidize organizations that support a much larger district wide population.

Thanks to the Town Clerk for the summaries of the deputations. I suggest you watch them live for their full impact. Here is the link on YouTube.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
1.4.1 – Councillor Horne Declared Pecuniary Interest on item 9.2.1; the land ambulance budget was developed in conjunction with the West Parry Sound Health Centre, as his spouse Heidi Stephenson is the Chief Operating Officer of WPSHC.

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry as to how things went with the last snowfall and whether there was any change with respect to citizens’ response to the request for patience, Director of Public Works Peter Brown reported the following: the snow event in question started on Sunday afternoon, response was a bit slower than usual because of the amount of snow that fell. A truck was out until 11:30 pm with a full crew on at 4:00 am. There were a few phone calls received with one being very rude and extremely abusive to staff. Someone took a swing with a shovel at the wing of a plow, and Mr. Brown indicated that if that happens again, he has instructed staff to call the OPP. People are shovelling snow onto town streets after a plow has gone by which is an offense under the Highway Traffic Act. There are still problems on Belvedere Ave., as it is difficult to get through with a 7 ton. Mr. Brown appealed to people to be patient and urged Council members to take a turn in the wing seat this winter to learn what staff are up against, to which Councillors Keith and Backman responded that they would take up that opportunity.

3.2.2 – In response to Councillor Backman’s inquiry regarding the status of Belvedere Ave. vis-à-vis 1-way vs. 2-way street, Mr. Brown reported that he regrets that the issue of returning Belvedere Ave. to a 2-way street was not completed during his time as Director of Public Works. Mr. Brown reported that it is extremely difficult to drive the 7- ton truck through this street at anytime, and he advocated that the street be returned to a 2-way street, and that on street parking be eliminated in winter months.

Correspondence
4.1 – Eric McIntyre. Request for improving and installing sidewalks; areas cited include Avenue Road, Margaret, Marion, Ethel and Victoria Streets.

4.2 – Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. Response to Town inquiry on status update on consolidated school project.

4.3 – Tamara Wilson, Health Outreach Coordinator, Parry Sound Friendship Centre. Warming Centre to accommodate 20 clients overnight.

4.4. – Rick Zanussi, Chair, DSSAB. Request for support of District of Parry Sound Ontario Health Team

Deputations
5.1 – Tamara Wilson, Health Outreach Coordinator, Parry Sound Friendship Centre. Warming Centre to accommodate 20 clients overnight.
Ms. Wilson addressed Council with respect to the Parry Sound Friendship Centre and partner Mary Street Centre/St. James United Church intention to provide a warming centre for homeless over the coming winter months. Ms. Wilson requested financial support for this project.
In response to inquiries, Ms. Wilson provided the following additional information: In her position as Health Outreach Coordinator, she has done research and consulted with representatives of the Salvation Army and DSSAB and concludes that homelessness in the area is at a crisis point that needs to be addressed. The proposed warming centre is specifically for men, since Esprit Place does exist and takes in women and children, but there is no men’s shelter. Weekly anticipated costs are estimated at $896, with $40 for utilities, $776.05 for 1 staff member for three nights, and $50 for incidentals.
The following motion was made: That the warming centre as identified in correspondence and deputation at the December 3, 2019 Council meeting be considered in budget deliberations for 2020. CarriedIn response to additional inquiries, Ms. Wilson provided the following information:
There is a member of DSSAB on the Committee addressing this issue, and DSSAB has offered to pay for cots and a steamer to clean them. DSSAB has indicated that they have no more additional funding for this project.
The following motion was made: That the Town send a letter to DSSAB reminding them of their role on housing and homelessness and asking them for further support given that they represent the District of Parry Sound where many of the homeless needing shelter may come from. Carried
Again, in response to additional inquiries, Ms. Wilson provided the following information: Trillium Foundation funding has been researched, but unfortunately the process will take so long, that by the time any funding is received, the shelter would be closed. This funding option may be more useful for establishing a permanent shelter. Ms. Wilson has not contacted other municipalities with a similar request for funding, but upon the suggestion from a member of Council, indicated that she would do so. The warming centre is proposed for only Monday-Wednesday to get it up and running and if it goes well, may open for more nights. It is proposed to start on December 9th with volunteers only, because there isn’t the funding yet for staff. When the centre is opened, there will be an intake and registration process that will capture information on the men. Councillor Keith suggested that it would be useful if the intake process captures information on the registrant’s home base, as that information may be useful in determining if x number of people are coming from certain municipalities. Ms. Wilson confirmed that she has called all the churches and there were about 17 in attendance at a first meeting; there are now about 13 people involved with the Committee. Councillor McCann suggested contacting service clubs like the Lions Club and Knights of Columbus who might not be so constrained to a budget process as organizations like the Town are.

5.2 – Deborah Randall-Wood, Chief Nursing Officer and Director Patient & Family Centred Care; Heidi Stephenson, Chief Financial Officer, West Parry Sound Health Ctr. Our Changing Health Care Environment.
Ms. Randall-Wood and Ms. Stephenson addressed Council from a prepared power point presentation on the changing health care environment.
Ms. Stephenson began with an overview of the recent move to electronic health records (EHR) which went live on October 1st, perhaps the biggest transformation since the new health centre opened in 2005. The project began two years ago and in addition to IT staff, involved physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, lab & pharmacy technicians, as well as finance and procurement staff. Ms. Stephenson indicated that they worked with Sault Area Hospital and North Bay Regional Health Centre and because they were the first in the Region to go live, had an extra 50 people on site the first 3 days. 140 nurses were trained with 18 hours of training each. The command centre was running for 24 hours/day for the first 14 days. By 2022, the other 21 hospitals in what was the Northeast LINH will be going live with EHR and will look to what the WPSHC has created.
Ms. Stephenson reported that another big project of the WPSHC is the purchase of a new CT scanner, superior to the current scanner purchased in 2005. The new scanner costs $1.5 million instead of $4 million, has 128 slices instead of 64, and releases a lower radiation dose. Currently there is a trailer parked outside the emergency entrance with a portable CT scanner while the old scanner is being removed.
Ms. Stephenson credited the Foundation and supporters in the area for financially supporting both of these projects and making them happen.
Ms. Randall-Wood addressed Council with respect to changes happening in the Ontario health system, noting that a new agency called Ontario Health has been created to partially replace the LHIN (Local Health Integrated Network). A number of agencies which used to report directly to the Minster of Health, now report to Ontario Health, a transition that has been happening over the last two years. In addition, the LHIN system of 14 regions has been reduced to 5 regions. Parry Sound has remained in the North Region which has a lot of advantages. In so doing, the LHIN functions have carried on as usual with staff transferring to Ontario Health. The only agency which has not yet transferred is the Trillium Gift of Life Network, due to complications in making sure that people who are involved in an organ transplant process are not disrupted.
Ms. Randall-Wood reported that additionally there will be reconfiguration of other systems including public health, land ambulance, and ambulance communication, with public consultation to be undertaken on the future of these services. Ms. Randall-Wood noted that the West Parry Sound Ontario Health Team would be advocating as strongly as possible for services currently managed in Parry Sound to stay in Parry Sound due to efficiencies of that model, as a larger province-wide EMS system doesn’t make sense for rural and northern communities.
Ms. Randall-Wood said that the biggest news is the formation of Ontario Health Teams (OHT) which is different than Ontario Health, the latter being a large provincial organization. OHTs which would still work together, are under Ontario Health.
Ms. Randall-Wood identified the various organizations that worked together in submitting an application to create an Ontario Health Team for West Parry Sound (OHTWPS), and reported that they were assigned by the Ministry of Health the “In Development” status, which means essential elements are in place. Ms. Randall-Wood reported that in actively working on full application, the OHTWPS recognizes that Muskoka, Algonquin, Nipissing and Sudbury are moving forward into “full application” with announcements coming out now.
Working on full application includes recognizing what populations the Team is going to be working with. Ms. Randall-Wood noted that the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) out of the University of Toronto has identified referral patterns. The system therefore is built around where people go for care, starting with primary care where the physician is, then to where the physician sends people; i.e. to where specialists practice. ICES then attributes populations to that. Most physicians in WPS refer people into WPSHC. Specialists who come to work, work within WPSHC. When patients move they tend to go north to Sudbury and south to Royal Victoria, and from time to time to Toronto Sick Kids or to Waypoint. Some patients go to Orillia including high-risk Moms and babies but most referral patterns are north and south, so the Team is trying to understand how to service people in these corridors.
Ms. Randall-Wood noted that the “in development” status allows the Team a chance to watch how other OHTs are developing, and what they are using for governance structure.
Ms. Randall-Wood noted that priorities in the next application stage are seniors and those in long term care, and people living with mental health and addictions issues because of the high population in those two categories.
In response to Council members questions, Ms. Randall-Wood and Ms. Stephenson clarified the structure with Ministry of Health at the top, Ontario Health delivering health care to the population, divided into 5 regions responsible for the business of Ontario Health, with about 40 Ontario Health Teams. The advantage of the OHT is that for the first time all services can be pulled together under one governance structure which will cut down barriers, reduce application processes, time, etc. West Parry Sound was successful in convincing the Ministry of Health that although the area does not meet the suggested minimum population threshold, it constitutes a unique entity, and there is no benefit to enlarging the area and linking with hospitals, north, east or south. Other OHTs have already been approved at full application which also don’t meet the minimum population threshold. With respect to boundary divisions in the district, Ms. Randall- Wood noted that the attributive population is considered; i.e. people in Burk’s Falls would be associated with the Muskoka-Algonquin Health Team; Powassan with Nipissing; and McKellar, Dunchurch and Magnetawan with West Parry Sound.

5.3. – Nick Ryeland, President; Peter Searle, Executive Director & General Manager. Park to Park Trail update and budget.
Mr. Ryeland addressed Council from a prepared power point presentation, providing background on the Park to Park (P2P) Trail Association, noting that they operate over 230 km of highly rated trails just outside of Killbear to just outside of Algonquin Park, in relatively close proximity to Toronto, which brings in tourism, and people looking for an adventure. Mr. Ryeland suggested that the trail contributes culturally, environmentally, economically and socially to the area. The trail essentially runs from Hwy 400 to exit 214, then east to Huntsville – the most populated area of the trail and is used by ATVs dirt bikes, bicyclists, and hikers.
Mr. Ryeland reported that they are seeking an investment from Parry Sound of $6,000 for 2020, more than has been asked for in previous years. Mr. Ryeland noted that most money comes from trail passes sold to ATVers and dirt bikers, and sales in 2019 of $80,000 contributed to 2/3 of revenue. This amount has almost doubled in the last three years, likely as a result of good social media presence, proximity to Toronto and the quality and landscape of the trail. Mr. Ryeland noted that in 2018, the Parry Sound 33 Fire negatively affected trail pass sales, and that the number of passes sold was 952, which jumped in 2019 to 1143, up 19%.
Mr. Ryeland made comparison to Eastern Ontario Trail Alliance which had trail pass sales in excess if $500,000 in 2019 and to the Hatfield McCoy Trails which raised $1,500,000. The P2P annual Father’s Day Rally raised over $10,000 in 2019 and $10,000 donation was received from Henvey Inlet Wind.
Using Ontario’s Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model (TREIM), Mr. Ryeland reported the economic impact of the P2P Trail included total visitor spending of $731,000; full-time employment of 5; retail trade of $50,000; accommodation of $70,000; food & beverage of $50,000 and indirect tax of $106,000.
With respect to social impact, Mr. Ryeland reported that people inevitably go with friends, and/or family.
Mr. Ryeland reported that trail work in 2019 addressed bridges, as P2P manages 14 aging bridges. 4 bridges were re-decked in 2019, with plans to do 4 more in 2020. One additional original rail bridge needs to be replaced in its entirety and is currently closed. P2P is working with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) to source funds from the province to complete this expensive work.
In response from Councillor inquiries, Mr. Ryeland confirmed that no funding comes from the province to pay for the P2P trail maintenance, including bridge repairs. P2P trail manages the trail under a land use permit from Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF). For major repairs like the old rail bridge, P2P works with OFSC, and otherwise uses its own funds from trail pass sales and municipal contributions.
Mr. Ryeland noted that the number of volunteer person hours of labour spent on the trail was estimated to be at approximately 1,000.
With respect to the “One Pass” system, being a pass to access various trails, Mr. Ryeland indicated that it has proved be difficult because organizations can be defensive of their trails; P2P is concerned that a pass bought elsewhere to be used here, does not contribute financially to P2P for trail upkeep.
Mr. Ryeland noted that although he doesn’t see ATVs frequently in Parry Sound, the decision by Parry Sound to permit them on Town streets is a forward step as it helps send a message that Parry Sound is open for business and helps build acceptance of the sport.
Councillor Keith suggested that although the cost to maintain the bridges is an issue, the number of bridges might be considered as part of a marketing campaign.
Mr. Ryeland agreed that the main purchases by trail users were for food, gas and lodging, but also suggested that they make other goods and services purchases contributing to the area economy.
In response to an inquiry regarding naming rights and sponsorship, Mr. Ryeland reported that CF Motor, manufacturer of ATVs, is a corporate sponsor and provides 5 side by sides for annual use to work on trails, and that a number of organizations sponsored the Seguin Falls bridge repair in 2007 and they are named on the bridge. Mr. Ryland said that P2P will be making deputations to other municipalities requesting financial assistance.

5.4 – Fritz Distler, Tyson Shurr, Bayside Family Church. Mr. Shurr read from a June 17th, 2019 letter addressed to Council reporting that for the past 9-10 years there have been intermittent problems with their sewer line and sewage pump and that they believe the problems relate to uninsulated sewer lines buried 2′ below ground in front of Bayview and Homestead Plumbing which freeze, reversing pressure back to their location and burning out their pumps, resulting in flooding of their basement.
Mr. Shurr requested that the Town correct the installation of the sewer lines in the low area in front of Salvation Army Thrift Store, Homestead Plumbing and Bayview by providing more insulation or lowering the line; and that the Town consider paying a portion of the approximate $10,500 since 2009 borne by Bayside Family Church for their repairs.
Mr. Distler said that Bay Area got a new grinder pump installed by the Town and that The Salvation Army Thrift Store pump was looked after by the Town.
In response to the Mayor’s invitation to provide more information, Director of Public Works Peter Brown reported that the June 17th letter read from this evening has been responded to by his office with copies already circulated to members of Council. Mr. Brown said that with respect to Bay Area Electric and Bayview, the Town’s agreement with them stipulates that the Town maintains their system. It is clear in the agreement with Bayside Family Church, that the Town does not maintain their system. Mr. Brown indicated that in good faith, the Town has helped Bayside Family Church by providing a pump two times in the last year without charge.
Mr. Brown reported that the forcemain recently installed was a minimum of 6′ deep in most areas and where it was only 5′ deep, was insulated, and the pipe itself in that area had a layer of insulation. Mr. Brown reported that in addition, a check valve was installed at the Pentecostal Church as an extra security measure.
Moved and Seconded: THAT a report on this issue be provided by staff and brought back to the next Council Meeting. Carried

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – Update on Sidewalk repairs and replacements in the Town of Parry Sound, Resolution. That the Sidewalks Repairs and Replacements Report, 2015-2019 be received for information purposes. Carried

9.1.2 – Pedestrian Crossing at Waubeek Street & Avenue/Belvedere intersections. Resolution. That the report on Pedestrian Crossing at Waubeek Street & Avenue/Belvedere intersections be received for information purposes. Carried

9.2.1 – 2020 Land Ambulance Budget. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee the Council of the Town of Parry Sound approves the 2020 Land Ambulance Budget in the amount of $9,995,709.00. Carried

9.2.2 – EMS Ambulance and Paramedic Response Unit Replacements for 2020 Spokesperson: Dave Thompson, Director of Development and Protective Services. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee the Council of the Town of Parry Sound approves the replacement of two ambulances to be delivered in late winter 2020 and further that the supplier of record, Crestline, be awarded the contract for the supply of these two ambulances in the amount of $129,427.21 +HST each; said ambulances funded from the EMS equipment reserve fund; and
That the upon delivery of the 2020 ambulances the two being replaced be deemed surplus and donated to First Response Teams within the District of Parry Sound. Carried
Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee the Council of the Town of Parry Sound approves the replacement of one Paramedic Response Unit (PRU) to be supplied by Rowland Emergency Vehicle in the amount of $70,475.00 + HST; said PRU funded from the EMS equipment reserve fund. Carried.

9.2.3 – Reappointment of Councillors to Committee of Adjustment Spokesperson: Taylor Elgie, Manager of Building and Planning Services. Resolution. That Councillors Horne and Keith be reappointed to the Parry Sound Committee of Adjustment until December 31, 2020. Carried

9.2.4 – Re-Parking, Downtown Parry Sound. Direction. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound receives the Re-parking report and directs staff to bring the proposed changes forward in January 2020. Carried

9.3.1 – Information Update: Town of Parry Sound Culture, Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Resolution. That the staff update on the Town of Parry Sound Culture, Parks and Recreation Plan be received for informational purposes. Carried

9.3.2 – Modernization Program – Intake 1, Digital Strategy. Resolution. WHEREAS the Province announced the provision of the Municipal Modernization Program which is a funding program to identify efficiencies,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that staff be authorized to indicate to the Province the Town’s Expression of Interest and subsequently submit an application for municipal modernization funding resulting in a third-party assessment of opportunities to utilize information technology to achieve efficiencies, taking into consideration needs, resource requirements, best practices and also the identification of cost saving/sharing with other municipalities through shared technology opportunities. Carried

9.4.1 – Financial Variance Report for Third Quarter 2019. Resolution. That Council hereby receives and accepts the variance report for the Third Quarter 2019 (September 30, 2019); and
Further that Council hereby approves the expenses for Council members for the period from July 1, 2019 to September 30, 2019. Carried

9.5.1 – Council Selection Sub-Committee for Director of Public Works. Resolution. That due to a conflict of interest, Councillor Horne be removed from the Council Selection Sub-Committee for the hiring of the Director of Public Works and that Councillor Burden be appointed in his place. Carried

By-laws
10.1.1 – Stewardship Ontario MHSW Amending Agreement. By-Law 2019 – 6996. Being a by-law to execute the Stewardship Ontario MHSW amending service agreement and amend Bylaw 2008-5281. Passed, Signed, and Sealed

10.1.2 – Encroachment Agreement – 4 River Street. By-Law 2019 – 6997. Being a by-law to execute an encroachment agreement between the owner of 4 River Street and the Town of Parry Sound. Passed, Signed, and Sealed

10.1.3 – Electronic Waste Agreement. By-Law 2019 – 6998. Being a by-law to amend Bylaw 2011-6029 to continue the electronic waste agreement and to reflect the change in ownership from Global Electric Electronic Processing (GEEP) to Quantum Lifecycle Partners and to execute the Notice of Assignment to confirm the Town of Parry Sound’s agreement with the change in ownership. Passed, Signed, and Sealed

10.2.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/19/14 – College Drive (M2 Developments Inc.). By-Law 2019 – 6999. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for Z/19-14 – 12 College Drive (M2 Developments Inc./Gardens of Parry Sound). Carried to table

 

Council Agenda Preview – December 3, 2019

29 Friday Nov 2019

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Mr. McIntyre’s letter (4.1) is worth reading and can be found in the full agenda package available at the Town’s website. He points out some of the safety issues faced by pedestrians in the Avenue Road area. While I don’t walk there I am conscious of the issues when cycling in the area. Although the issues may be reduced with Waubeek Street open, the area remains dangerous because of the narrow winding streets with limited sight lines.

A quick review of the summarized agenda as presented below will give you a good sense of whether you should look at the full agenda.

Note: I went to the Town’s website to provide a link to the full agenda and found it hadn’t been posted as of 5:20 Friday. A number of us subscribe to receive the agenda and minutes by email, so I’ll host the agenda package at this site. The full agenda can be accessed through this link.

Correspondence

4.1 – Eric McIntyre. Request for improving and installing sidewalks; areas cited include Avenue Road, Margaret, Marion, Ethel and Victoria Streets.

4.2 – Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. Response to Town inquiry on status update on consolidated school project.

4.3 – Tamara Wilson, Health Outreach Coordinator, Parry Sound Friendship Centre. Warming Centre to accommodate 20 clients overnight.

Deputations

5.1 – Tamara Wilson, Health Outreach Coordinator, Parry Sound Friendship Centre. Warming Centre to accommodate 20 clients overnight.

5.2 – Jim Hanna, Communications Officer, West Parry Sound Health Centre Our Changing Health Care Environment.

5.3. – Peter Searle. Park to Park Trail update and budget

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Update on Sidewalk repairs and replacements in the Town of Parry Sound. Resolution. That the Sidewalks Repairs and Replacements Report, 2015-2019 be received for information purposes.

9.1.2 – Pedestrian Crossing at Waubeek Street & Avenue/Belvedere intersections. Resolution. That the report on Pedestrian Crossing at Waubeek Street & Avenue/Belvedere intersections be received for information purposes.

9.2.1 – 2020 Land Ambulance Budget. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee the Council of the Town of Parry Sound approves the 2020 Land Ambulance Budget in the amount of $9,995,709.00

9.2.2 – EMS Ambulance and Paramedic Response Unit Replacements for 2020. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee the Council of the Town of Parry Sound approves the replacement of two ambulances to be delivered in late winter 2020 and further that the supplier of record, Crestline, be awarded the contract for the supply of these two ambulances in the amount of $129,427.21 +HST each; said ambulances funded from the EMS equipment reserve fund; and
That the upon delivery of the 2020 ambulances the two being replaced be deemed surplus and donated to First Response Teams within the District of Parry Sound.
Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee the Council of the Town of Parry Sound approves the replacement of one Paramedic Response Unit (PRU) to be supplied by Rowland Emergency Vehicle in the amount of $70,475.00 + HST; said PRU funded from the EMS equipment reserve fund.

9.2.3 – Reappointment of Councillors to Committee of Adjustment Spokesperson: Taylor Elgie, Manager of Building and Planning Services. Resolution. That Councillors Horne and Keith be reappointed to the Parry Sound Committee of Adjustment until December 31, 2020.

9.2.4 – Re-Parking, Downtown Parry Sound. Direction. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound receives the Re-parking report and directs staff to bring the proposed changes forward in January 2020.

9.3.1 – Information Update: Town of Parry Sound Culture, Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Resolution. That the staff update on the Town of Parry Sound Culture, Parks and Recreation Plan be received for informational purposes.

9.3.2 – Modernization Program – Intake 1, Digital Strategy. Resolution. WHEREAS the Province announced the provision of the Municipal Modernization Program which is a funding program to identify efficiencies, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that staff be authorized to indicate to the Province the Town’s Expression of Interest and subsequently submit an application for municipal modernization funding resulting in a third-party assessment of opportunities to utilize information technology to achieve efficiencies, taking into consideration needs, resource requirements, best practices and also the identification of cost saving/sharing with other municipalities through shared technology opportunities.

9.4.1 – Financial Variance Report for Third Quarter 2019. Resolution. That Council hereby receives and accepts the variance report for the Third Quarter 2019 (September 30, 2019); and
Further that Council hereby approves the expenses for Council members for the period from July 1, 2019 to September 30, 2019.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Stewardship Ontario MHSW Amending Agreement. By-Law 2019 – 6996. Being a by-law to execute the Stewardship Ontario MHSW amending service agreement and amend Bylaw 2008-5281.

10.1.2 – Encroachment Agreement – 4 River Street. By-Law 2019 – 6997. Being a by-law to execute an encroachment agreement between the owner of 4 River Street and the Town of Parry Sound.

10.1.3 – Electronic Waste Agreement. By-Law 2019 – 6998. Being a by-law to amend Bylaw 2011-6029 to continue the electronic waste agreement and to reflect the change in ownership from Global Electric Electronic Processing (GEEP) to Quantum Lifecycle Partners and to execute the Notice of Assignment to confirm the Town of Parry Sound’s agreement with the change in ownership.

10.2.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/19/14 – College Drive (M2 Developments Inc.). By-Law 2019 – 6999. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for Z/19-14 – 12 College Drive (M2 Developments Inc./Gardens of Parry Sound).

 

 

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – October 15, 2019

19 Saturday Oct 2019

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Well, I was little disappointed reading the minutes of Tuesday’s meeting. One of the items was, depending on the decision of Council, prime for comment and criticism. The item in question, 9.4.1, concerned a reduction in the number of regular annual council meetings. In the end Council, as I expected, unanimously rejected the proposal and returned to the usual schedule of meetings. Earlier in the day I had a chance to speak to a senior staff member and offered my opinion that approving the reduced meeting schedule might not impair the operations of the Town, but it would compromise the ability of the public to make deputations before Council. The optics also would not be good if Council decided to reduce their public face time without public input.
It already is tough to secure a deputation spot for anything that might have come up on the council meeting agenda the previous Friday and would benefit from public input. Many deputations are being used by folks to provide updates, make requests, and even pitch business opportunities. Many of these are better handled perhaps with written documentation. But a letter or email doesn’t get the same attention as a deputation. Perhaps it doesn’t really need the attention. A suggestion – let’s revise the deputation protocol to allow for up to 5 or 6 deputations, but each of them no longer than 5 minutes. If a presenter can’t make their point in 5 minutes they are possibly grandstanding rather than communicating a point. If more time is required they can follow up with Staff. At the least, formally allocate 30 minutes for deputations and consistently cut folks off at the 8 minute point to allow for questions. That may free up time for unscheduled deputations that are relevant to items before Council that evening.

The idea of fewer council meetings may have merit as long as procedural changes are made to ensure the public isn’t restricted in their access to Council through the deputation process. Seems like a ballot initiative that the public should decide. I would also suggest that a raise for Council, at least cost of living, should be on the next ballot. Council is a little too shy to give themselves what is a reasonable raise. If they don’t give themselves a raise they don’t get a raise, even if they deserve it. (It’s a more ‘taxing’ job than most people realize in terms of time and criticism.)

I am listing by-law items as Carried rather than Passed, Signed and Sealed. The minutes have changed in how decisions are reported and I assume that the items have been approved even if not listed as Passed, Signed and Sealed.

Nothing else warrants comment in my opinion.

Closed Session

b) personal matter about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (Taxi License Appeal Hearing)
e) litigation of potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; (Rezoning – 1 College Dr.)
f) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; (Rezoning – 1 College Dr.)

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

1.4.1 – Councillor Keith is employed by the Solicitor General and as such declared conflict on item 7.1 related to Applicant #001-2019’s appeal for a Taxi Drivers’ License. Councillor Keith left the room, did not participate in discussion nor vote on the matter.

Public Meeting

2.1 – Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/14 – 12 College Drive (M2 Developments Inc. – The Gardens). Subsequent to an explanation of how the public was notified of application Z/19/14 – 12 College Drive (M2 Developments Inc. – The Gardens), Manager of Building & Planning Services Taylor Elgie gave an explanation of the purpose of the proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment (ZBA), being to amend the existing S.P. 26.88 Zone. The property currently permits a four storey Retirement Residence in addition to all the uses in the C3 zone. The applicant has requested the additional use of a four storey Apartment Dwelling to provide flexibility subject to reduced easterly and rear yard setbacks, and a reduced parking standard of 30 parking spaces for 60 units. The portion of the property subject to the rezoning is currently vacant.
Mayor McGarvey invited those in favour of the proposed ZBA to address Council.
Bill Mardimae of M2 Developments, owner and operator of the Parry Sound retirement home The Gardens addressed Council, noting that the original project was developed in 2013 with 70 suites, and an additional 37 has just been added. Mr. Mardimae reported that with increasing demand, the developer proposes to put a 40 to 50-unit apartment building for seniors adjacent to the retirement home, on the west side. Mr. Mardimae noted that the land was severed earlier this year which allows for a retirement home and some commercial uses. As the developers believe the proposed seniors’ apartment units fall somewhere in between the existing zoning permissible uses, thus the rezoning application has been made to clearly define it.
Mayor McGarvey invited those in opposition to the proposed ZBA to address Council.
Keith Smith addressed Council noting that he is not opposed to the development per se but questioned how many dedicated handicapped parking spots there would be if there are only 30 parking spaces for 50 or 60 units. Mr. Smith noted that government regulation calls for .04 dedicated handicapped parking spaces per unit, which only totals approximately 1.2 for the proposed development. Mr. Smith reported that he is a resident of The Gardens, and that there are 18 parking spots assigned for residents, 7 spots not assigned at all, and only 3 spots dedicated handicapped. Mr. Smith noted that there are two residents in wheelchairs and 16-17 people with handicapped permits and he suggested that therefore there should be 17 dedicated handicapped spots. Mr. Smith said that if the new building is going to have 30 parking spots, there should be dedicated handicapped parking over and above governmental regulations, i.e. with 50% of the spots marked for residents, and 30% of that 50% as dedicated handicapped parking.
Mr. Elgie reported that one letter has been received from Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP on behalf of Canadore College, expressing concerns with the definition of a retirement residence vs. apartment dwelling with the latter permitting any person to live there. The proposed reduced parking provisions may result in parking on Canadore property. Fasken Martineau DuMoulin requested that this technicality be addressed, or that the application its current form be denied.

2.2 – Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/15 – 32 Great North Road (Distler/Ambraska) Subsequent to an explanation of how the public was notified of application Z/19/15 – 32 Great North Road (Distler/Ambraska), Manager of Building & Planning Services Taylor Elgie gave an explanation of the purpose of the proposed rezoning from S.P. 26.109 to a R3 Zone. The property was zoned R3 prior to a recent rezoning, and the applicant wishes to return to R3 zoning status. Additionally, the applicant has requested a reduced parking space size of 2.7m x 6m. Previously the property was used as a fourplex, but this structure suffered a fire.
No members of the public were present to speak either in favour or in opposition to the proposed rezoning, and Mr. Elgie reported that no letters had been received.

2.3 – Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/16 – Dennis Drive and Macklaim Drive (Town of Parry Sound). Subsequent to an explanation of how the public was notified of application Z/19/16 –Dennis Drive and Macklaim Drive (Town of Parry Sound), Manager of Building & Planning Services Taylor Elgie explained that the Town proposes to rezone the subject properties from R1(h) to a R2 zone due to the recent installation of water, sewer and storm services. The properties were zoned with a holding provision to preclude development until municipal services were made available, which has occurred. The 20 properties are currently vacant.
Mayor McGarvey invited those in favour of the proposed ZBA to address Council.
Suzanne Young, resident on Macklaim Drive spoke in favour of the proposed rezoning noting that affordable housing is needed, and that with the location’s proximity to a local elementary school, it ought to attract young families. With the requirement for water, sewer and storm sewer availability, Ms. Young asked that sidewalks be included in any future development plans, and specifically that a sidewalk be installed on Macklaim Drive for pedestrians, including children walking to school, as the current design with the presence of the hill makes it dangerous for pedestrians.
No one spoke in opposition to the proposed ZBA and Mr. Elgie reported that no letters had been received either in favour or, or in opposition.
Mayor McGarvey concluded the public meeting with notice that objections to the passing of the amendments 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.

Questions of Staff

3.2.1 – In response to Councillor Borneman’s question regarding the status of the Wellness Centre Pool Complex, CAO Clayton Harris reported that a lot of progress has been made by the area municipalities working together collectively and agreeing earlier this year on three important issues: i.e. 1) a simplified decision making process for the 7 area municipalities and 2 First Nations; 2) undertaking due diligence before committing money towards a project that could cost as much as $25 million before grants; and 3) engaging a third party with expertise to undertake the due diligence. Mr. Harris reported that the due diligence is underway, and that while there has been much said on the issue of site selection, only about 1/3 of the consultant’s work is related to site selection, with the majority of work related to understanding what the community’s needs are, capital costs based on those needs and the location, servicing costs and a business plan to address operating costs once it is built.
Mr. Harris noted that the due diligence work was awarded to a qualified firm at the October 3rd, 2019 Council meeting, after all area municipalities had agreed on cost sharing for due diligence. Mr. Harris also noted that there is a federal-provincial grant available with a November 12 submission deadline, which could fund up to 70% of the project, and that efforts are focussed on getting that grant application in by November 12th.

3.2.2 – In response to Councillor Backman’s inquiry as to whether there was any plan for lighting the Town of Parry Sound sign on Highway 400 in the 2020 budget, Director of Public Works Peter Brown reported that the lighting is solar powered, has been there for as long as the sign has been there, and that he will be putting in to the 2020 budget funds to improve the intensity of the lighting there.

3.2.3 – In response to Councillor McCann’s inquiry as to who looks after the now deteriorated Parry Sound population sign on Oastler Park Drive, Mr. Brown reported that it is the provincial Ministry of Transportation responsibility, and that he will have a conversation with MTO to learn what their time frame is for repairing/replacing it.

Correspondence

4.1 – Bill Liggins. Request for Accessible Pedestrian Signal at Church-Isabella intersection. Circulated to Mayor & Council and Director of Public Works.

4.2 – Tom Dowswell. Suggestion that DSSAB budget go towards small business. Circulated to Mayor & Council.

4.3 – Belvedere Heights Home for the Aged. RE: Notice of Annual General Meeting – October 17th, 6:30 PM, Belvedere Heights. Circulated to Mayor & Council.

4.4 – Roger & Olga Little. Request for Waubeek Street speed reduction to 40 km/hour and stop sign at Wood St. Circulated to Mayor & Council and Director of Public Works.

Deputations

5.1 Bill Liggins. Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS). Mr. Liggins, resident on Winnifred Ave, addressed Council with a request for consideration in the 2020 budget for an audible pedestrian (APS) signal at the Isabella-Church intersection. Mr. Liggins contrasted the Isabella-Church intersection which has no APS, with that at James and Seguin, noting that the latter uses a beep, which directs the pedestrian to the button, which has a directional arrow. About halfway across, the APS on other side beeps, helping the person navigate across correctly.
Mr. Liggins noted that with the mega school proposed near the Isabella-Church intersection, there will be even more pedestrian traffic including elementary school aged children, a few who have vision loss and will need safe crossing. Mr. Liggins reported that there are approximately 80-84 people in Parry Sound who have identified themselves as blind or visually impaired with that number increasing in summer months, and that he is personally aware of 4 persons in the immediate area. Mr. Liggins noted that he would like to see the Town budget annually to have traffic lights throughout the Town include APS by year 2025 in order to meet AODA guidelines.
Moved – That Staff be directed to include for consideration in the 2020 budget, APS at the Isabella-Church intersection. Carried

5.2 – Roger Little. Waubeek Street maximum speed limit. Mr. Little addressed Council regarding safety concerns on Waubeek Street where he is resident. Mr. Little noted that prior to the reconstruction work on Waubeek Street, its condition had a speed calming effect, however now he and others believe that people drive too fast on it, exceeding by 10 or 20 km/hour the unposted default speed limit of 50 km/hour.
Mr. Little reported that he did not believe Waubeek Street could be similarly compared with Parry Sound Drive, Bowes, William and Church Streets, and identified features of Waubeek Street, such as its steep hill and curve which in other jurisdictions would warrant consideration of such a street for speed reduction. Mr. Little noted that Waubeek Street is susceptible to deer crossing from Georgian Bay, and that a 40 km/hour speed limit would reduce the risk of collision or injury from collision. Mr. Little also noted that Prospect Street is 40 km/hour to address safety concerns for pedestrians who walk to the beach in summer and questioned why this shouldn’t then also apply to Waubeek Street, which is the street access to Prospect Street.
Mr. Little concluded by noting that Waubeek Street is a busy road and advocating for the posting of the speed limit at 40 km/hour and putting a stop sign at Waubeek at Wood Street out of safety concerns for pedestrians.

Ratification of Matters from Closed Agenda

7.1 – Appeal the Denial of Taxi Driver’s Licence. Councillor Keith left room and did not participate in discussion. Resolution. That Council approve Applicant #001-2019’s appeal and grant a temporary Taxi Driver’s Licence; and directs the Issuer of Licences to issue the Applicant a six (6) month Probationary Taxi Driver’s Licence with conditions identified as confidential Schedule A. Carried.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.3.1 – Director of Public Works Selection – Sub-Committee of Council Appointments. Direction. That pursuant to the Town hiring policy, the Sub-Committee for the hiring of the Director of Public Works position be composed of the following Members of Council: Councillor Borneman, Councillor Horne, Councillor Keith. Carried.

9.3.2 – Parry Sound Founders Circle. Direction. That staff be directed to bring back a partnership agreement between the Founders Circle and the Town regarding the collection and administration of the funds, including issuing charitable receipts for the donations to the Parry Sound Founders Circle award; That the agreement specify that the funds must be donated to the Town, are held in a Town bank account, and the Town has sole discretion on disbursements; and That the Town create a specific Reserve for the funds; and That the payment of the award be made based upon the recommendation by the Parry Sound Founders Circle to the Town. Carried.

9.3.3 – 2020 Council Meeting Dates. Resolution. That pursuant to By-law 2018-6814, Section 3, paragraph 4, Council approves Schedule “A” as attached, the 2020 schedule of Regular Meetings of Council. Councillor Keith requested a recorded vote. (JB Note – all voted No). Defeated.
The following motion was made: Resolution. That pursuant to By-law 2018-6814, Section 3, paragraph 4, Council approves Schedule “A” as attached, the 2020 schedule of Regular Meetings of Council, based on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month with the usual exceptions of January and August. Carried.

9.3.4 – Strategic Plan Resources. Direction. That staff be authorized to single source the resources necessary to undertake the updating of the Town’s Strategic Plan in the amount of $17,000. Carried.

9.4.1 – 2020 Budgeting Schedule. Resolution. That Council hereby approves the 2020 Budgeting Schedule as set out in the attached Schedule “A”. Carried.

9.5.1 Skatepark. Resolution. Whereas Council through the 2019 Budget, approved the development of a comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan, and Whereas the 2019 budget also allocated $30,000 towards skatepark resurfacing and expansion; and Whereas it may be advantageous to await the results of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan with respect to a skatepark Now therefore be it resolved that Council put the Skatepark resurfacing and expansion project on hold. Carried.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Encroachment Agreement – 5 Gibson Street. By-law 2019 – 6978. Being a by-law to execute an encroachment agreement with the owner of 5 Gibson Street. Carried.

10.2.1 – Official Plan Amendment No. 3 and Rezoning Application Z/19/06 – Smith Crescent (YMCA/Wickman). By-Law 2019 – 6974. Being a By-law to Adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 3 – Smith Crescent (YMCA/Wickman). Carried.
By-Law 2019 – 6975. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for Rezoning Application Z/19/06 – Smith Crescent (YMCA/Wickman). Carried.
Resolution 2019 – 117. That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a consent agreement as per Parry Sound Area Planning Board Resolution 2019-061 for application B/04/2019 (PS). Carried

10.2.2 – Rezoning Application – Z/19/13 – 17 Miller Street (Walsh/Ben Prichard Law Corporation). By-Law: 2019 – 6976. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 17 Miller Street (Walsh/Ben Prichard Law Corporation). Carried.

10.3.1 – Procedural By-law Update – Permit WCPC electronic participants voting rights. Resolution . Whereas the Wellness Centre Pool Committee established by the seven area municipalities is desirous of enabling electronic participants to vote at its open meetings; and Whereas the Town`s Procedural By-law 2018-6814 does not permit electronic participant voting at Council, nor at its boards and committees; and, Whereas proposed By-law 2019-6977 updates the Procedural By-law with minor amendments: i.e. permitting Council by resolution to authorize as it sees fit electronic participants of committees to vote; and making minor housekeeping amendments;
Now Therefore Council waives the 21-day public notice provision of amendments to the Procedural By-law as normally required by Provision of Notice Policy as contained in Resolution 2011- 242. Carried.
By-law 2019 – 6977. Being a By-law to govern and regulate the proceedings of Council of The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound, its Committees and where applicable, its Boards and to repeal By-law 2018-6814. Carried.
Resolution 2019 – 119. THAT pursuant to By-law 2019 – 6977, Council authorizes electronic participating members of the Wellness Centre and Pool Committee as established by Resolution 2019-087, to vote at its open meetings. Carried

10.4.1 – Renewal of lease with Strong-Sundridge-Joly Arena & Hall for POA Court. By-Law 2019 – 6973. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with the Corporations of the Township of Strong, Village of Sundridge and Township of Joly, operators of the Sundridge-Strong-Joly Arena and Hall and the Town of Parry Sound, Administrators of the Provincial Offences Court, for the leasing of court facilities. Carried.

 

Council Agenda Preview – October 15, 2019

11 Friday Oct 2019

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It seems to be a pretty bland agenda but looking a little closer there are a few issues that are worth noting and perhaps following up on. It could be reasonably assumed that Staff and Council are trying to reduce transparency and the opportunity for public input into decisions before Council.

9.3.3 – 2020 Council Meeting Dates. The proposal is to drop 4 of the regular meetings and fiddle around with the remainder to have a 2 per month followed by a 1 per month schedule. In my opinion I think that the current meeting schedule is consistent with the obligations that Council assumed when they were elected. If they want to change it they should consider making it a ballot issue at the next municipal election. The proposed reduction in meetings will reduce the opportunities for the Public to interact with Council and present their positions by means of the Deputation process. This has too many transparency ramifications with enough intangible benefits to Council and Staff to permit Council to make the decision on behalf of the taxpayers of this Town.

9.4.1 – 2020 Budgeting Schedule. The proposed schedule has no allowance for a public presentation and then the possibility for taxpayers to provide input into the Budget. Our Town – Our Taxes – Our Budget.

10.1.1 – Encroachment Agreement – 5 Gibson Street. This is the tip of an iceberg. In this case a property has minimally encroached on a Town road allowance for some time and the property owner wants the Town to approve/permit the existing encroachment by agreement. This case seems to be pretty innocuous, but it is something that goes on in numerous places in Town. Why is it an issue? In most cases there is a much larger piece of property involved and these property owners get the exclusive use of land they did not purchase, a saved sum, and they don’t pay property taxes on it, another savings. If there is encroachment and the Town wishes to grant permission to occupy, even only if temporary (years), then there should be an annual lease amount for the land added to the property tax.

If you have an opinion on what’s before Council the time is short to provide your input with Thanksgiving on Monday.

Closed Session

b) personal matter about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (Taxi License Appeal Hearing)

Public Meeting

2.1 Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/14 – 12 College Drive (M2 Developments Inc. – The Gardens)

2.2 Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/15 – 32 Great North Road (Distler/Ambraska)

2.3 Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/16 – Dennis Drive and Macklaim Drive (Town of Parry Sound)

Correspondence

4.1 – Bill Liggins. Request for Accessible Traffic Signal at Church-Isabella intersection.

4.2 – Tom Dowswell. Suggestion that DSSAB budget go towards small business.

4.3 – Belvedere Heights Home for the Aged. Notice of Annual General Meeting – October 17th, 6:30 PM, Belvedere Heights

Deputations

5.1 – Bill Liggins. Accessible Traffic Signals (ATS).

5.2 – Roger & Olga Little. Waubeek Street maximum speed limit.

5.3 – Fritz Distler. Parry Sound Drive sewer concerns.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.3.1 – Director of Public Works Selection – Sub-Committee of Council Appointments. Direction. That pursuant to the Town hiring policy, the Sub-Committee for the hiring of the Director of Public Works position be composed of the following Members of Council: (Presumably to be completed at the meeting.)

9.3.2 – Parry Sound Founders Circle. Spokesperson: Clayton Harris, CAO. (Read the full agenda for information, it’s really about tax deductible charitable receipts.)

9.3.3 – 2020 Council Meeting Dates. Resolution. That pursuant to By-law 2018-6814, Section 3, paragraph 4, Council approves Schedule “A” as attached, the 2020 schedule of Regular Meetings of Council.

9.3.4 – Strategic Plan Resources. Direction. That staff be authorized to single source the resources necessary to undertake the updating of the Town’s Strategic Plan in the amount of $17,000.

9.4.1 – 2020 Budgeting Schedule. Resolution. That Council hereby approves the 2020 Budgeting Schedule as set out in the attached Schedule “A”.

9.5.1 – Skatepark. Resolution. Whereas Council through the 2019 Budget, approved the development of a comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan, and Whereas the 2019 budget also allocated $30,000 towards skatepark resurfacing and expansion; and Whereas it may be advantageous to await the results of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan with respect to a skatepark Now therefore be it resolved that Council put the Skatepark resurfacing and expansion project on hold.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Encroachment Agreement – 5 Gibson Street. By-law 2019 – 6978. Being a by-law to execute an encroachment agreement with the owner of 5 Gibson Street.

10.2.1 – Official Plan Amendment No. 3 and Rezoning Application Z/19/06 – Smith Crescent (YMCA/Wickman).
By-Law 2019 – 6974. Being a By-law to Adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 3 – Smith Crescent (YMCA/Wickman)
By-Law 2019 – 6975. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for Rezoning Application Z/19/06 – Smith Crescent (YMCA/Wickman)
Resolution: That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a consent agreement as per Parry Sound Area Planning Board Resolution 2019-061 for application B/04/2019 (PS).

10.2.2 – Rezoning Application – Z/19/13 – 17 Miller Street (Walsh/Ben Prichard Law Corporation). By-Law: 2019 – 6976. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 17 Miller Street (Walsh/Ben Prichard Law Corporation).

10.3.1 – Procedural By-law Update – Permit WCPC electronic participants voting rights. Resolution. Whereas the Wellness Centre Pool Committee established by the seven area municipalities, is desirous of enabling electronic participants to vote at its open meetings, and
Whereas the Town`s Procedural By-law 2018-6814 does not permit electronic participant voting at Council, nor at its boards and committees; and, Whereas proposed By-law 2019-6977 updates the Procedural By-law with minor amendments: i.e. permitting Council by resolution to authorize as it sees fit electronic participants of committees to vote; and making minor housekeeping amendments; Now Therefore Council waives the 21-day public notice provision of amendments to the Procedural By-law as normally required by Provision of Notice Policy as contained in Resolution 2011- 242.
By-law 2019 – 6977. Being a By-law to govern and regulate the proceedings of Council of The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound, its Committees and where applicable, its Boards and to repeal By-law 2018-6814.
Resolution. THAT pursuant to By-law 2019 – 6977, Council authorizes electronic participating members of the Wellness Centre and Pool Committee as established by Resolution 2019-087, to vote at its open meetings.

10.4.1 – Renewal of lease with Strong-Sundridge-Joly Arena & Hall for POA Court. By-Law 2019 – 6973. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with the Corporations of the Township of Strong, Village of Sundridge and Township of Joly, operators of the Sundridge-Strong-Joly Arena and Hall and the Town of Parry Sound, Administrators of the Provincial Offences Court, for the leasing of court facilities.

Counci lMeeting Minutes (Abridged) – August 13, 2019

20 Tuesday Aug 2019

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There is quite a bit to unpack from the decisions of the Town of Parry Sound Council’s August 13, 2019 meeting.

Closed Session. – multiple items are ongoing of which a couple have been decided and are included in the decisions coming out of the Closed Meeting. Among the ongoing items not yet disclosed it seems that the discussions with Seguin about a boundary change are still active.

7.1 – Wellness Centre & Pool Committee. It seems that things are still moving forward.

7.2 – Big Sound Marina Divestiture. Carried. This is an interesting issue. Because it came out of the Closed Session there is no documentation regarding the terms of the agreement to acquire the facility. I have requested a copy of the agreement and will provide an analysis once it has been received and reviewed.

9.4.1 – Big Sound Marina – Floating Breakwater and Dock C replacement. Carried. I would like to better understand where the Town is going with this major investment which is linked to 7.2 above.

10.4.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/19/08 – 1 College Drive (Canadore College Board of Governors). By-law 2019 – 6949. Defeated. I have commented on this in an earlier post and I have nothing more to offer on the subject. I will be interested to see how this plays out and what comes next. Municipal Chess? Perhaps it’s just Municipal Checkers. Hopefully it’s not Municipal Hangman.

Closed Session

b) personal matter about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, (conflict of interest opinion);
c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purpose, (potential property disposal), (2 potential property purchases);
e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, (municipal election court application update), (contractor services);
f) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose (municipal election court application update), (conflict of interest opinion), (servicing agreement);
n) a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board, (potential property purchase), (boundary negotiations).

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
1.4.1 – Mayor McGarvey declared pecuniary interest on item 10.4.2 Home Hardware Lease Agreement as he works for another Home Hardware store. Mayor McGarvey left the room for the item, did not participate in discussion nor vote on the item.

Public Meeting

2.1 – Official Plan Amendment No. 3 and Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/6 – Smith Crescent (YMCA/Wickman). Subsequent to an explanation of how the public was notified of application Z/19/6 Smith Crescent (YMCA/Wickman), Manager of Building & Planning Services Taylor Elgie gave an explanation of the purpose of the proposed concurrent Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA), being to re-designate the lands from Public Open Space to Rural Residential.
Mayor McGarvey invited those in favour of the proposed OPA and ZBA to address Council. No one spoke in favour.
Mayor McGarvey invited those in opposition of the proposed OPA and ZBA to address Council. June Smith addressed Council on behalf of herself and husband Verne who live at 40 Smith Crescent in a house built by her husband`s family 60 years ago, and separated from the open space by the driveway on Smith Crescent going into the YMCA property. Ms. Smith expressed concern about the potential for environmental harm as a result of the proposed rezoning and development, including the loss of wetlands which are a critical part of the environment and have a complex ecosystem. Ms. Smith also expressed concern that blasting might compromise the structure of their house, and well.
In conclusion, Ms. Smith requested that the proponents provide a detailed environmental assessment and engineering report outlining the impact of a building project on the ecosystem and existing neighbourhood buildings, prior to considering the zoning by-law amendment.
Mr. Elgie reported that one letter had been received in opposition, also from June & Verne Smith outlining similar concerns to that given orally by Ms. Smith this evening. Mayor McGarvey concluded the public meeting with notice that objections to the passing of either of the amendments 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 a strong odour coming from a storm drain experienced in particular during dry spells, on the east side of James Street near the theatre and County Gourmet, Director of Public Works, Peter Brown said that this problem has been noted in a few other locations in the downtown and the concern is that it may be an illegal sanitary sewer connection into the storm sewer. Mr. Brown said that the Town has hired a contractor to run a lateral camera up the storm sewer, and the work is scheduled in the next week or so, early morning before traffic starts with results expected within a few weeks after the camera work.

3.2.2 – In response to Councillor Borneman’s inquiry as the status of Waubeek and Isabella Street projects, Mr. Brown provided some details on project status supporting his summary that the projects were going well, on time, and should be finished before end of the construction season.

3.2.3 – In response to Councillor Borneman’s inquiry as to the status of the BOCC renovation project, Manager of Parks & Recreation April McNamara reported that the BOCC renovation project is going well and on time, with walls painted last week, boards up this week and that ice should be in ready for the season start in September.

3.2.4 – In response to Councillor Backman`s inquiry as to the tree planting program, Manager of Parks & Recreation April McNamara reported that a tree assessment was undertaken in early summer, with some trees removed in Market Square and on William Street, and that trees will be replanted in late fall at two trees for every one taken down.

Correspondence

4.1a – Peter Scully. Request for traffic calming sign on Church St. at McMurray referred to Director of Public Works for follow-up.

4.1b – Peter Scully. Appreciation for traffic calming sign on Church St. at McMurray

4.2 – Barbara O’Brien. Advocacy for Splash Pad. Circulated to members of Council and Manager of Parks & Recreation.

4.4 – David Coles, Chair, Downtown Business Association. Advocacy for Reinstatement of Waterfront Advisory Committee. Circulated to members of Council and the CAO for consideration.

4.5 – Dave Coles, Chair, Downtown Business Association. Request Town’s assistance in helping keep downtown clean and beautiful. Circulated to members of Council, to the Director of Public Works and Manager of Parks & Recreation.

4.6 – Dave Coles, Chair, Downtown Business Association. Request Town`s assistance in addressing safety in the downtown area, including an invitation to participate in a walk-about tomorrow evening to go over issues. Circulated to members of Council with some available to attend the walk about.

4.7 – David Sweetnam, Executive Director Georgian Bay Forever. Responses to Council 3 questions raised at GBF June 4th, 2019 deputation regarding: Phragmites and invasive species funding, Parry Sound deployments of the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), and data sharing from shoreline cleanups. Circulated to members of Council and filed.

4.8 – Indigenous Services Canada. Wasauksing Swing Bridge – Public Consultation re: future operations, to be held 6 PM Wednesday, August 21st at the Bobby Orr Community Centre. Circulated to members of Council and posted on bulletin board.

4.9 – Michelle Sims. Request for 4-way stop at James/William/Rosetta intersection. Circulated to Council members for consideration on direction and to the Director of Public Works.

Deputations

5.1 – Linda West, Hands Off Our Trees. RE: Potential loss of trees along Fitness Trail as a result of proposed development. Linda West addressed council from a power point presentation requesting that the existing open space zoning as identified just west of the Fitness Trail remain so. Ms. West referred to the Town’s website which references the Town’s Trail Master Plan of 2015 listing the Waterfront Trail as one of the Amazing Places. Ms. West also noted that the Waterfront Trail contributes to the Town economy, as tourist trail users purchase goods and use services in the community. Ms. West also referred to the physical and mental health benefits of walking and that a return walk along the Fitness Trail between Salt Dock Road and Bay Street is the equivalent of 2 miles, a recommended daily minimum exercise.
Ms. West expressed concern that the proposed development will not improve Waterfront Trail users’ health, and instead will likely have negative results. Ms. West concluded by noting that many communities are trying to achieve what Parry Sound has done with respect to physically connecting greenways, trails, open space corridors, waterways and natural areas; and asked why not leverage the Trail Master Plan.

5.2 – Vince Kulchycki – Chief Operating Officer, and Jennifer Montpetit – Advanced Planning and Communications Lead, Lakeland Holding Ltd. SPEEDIER and DEMOCRASI projects as part of ToPS-Lakeland solar agreement Vince Kulchycki and Jennifer Montpetit addressed Council from a prepared power point presentation on two new projects.
The project objective of SPEEDIER (Smart, Proactive, Enabled, Energy Distribution; Intelligently, Efficiently, Responsive), is to shift towards a net-zero smart community through among other initiatives: increasing solar and energy storage; reducing load on locally constrained transmission stations; electric vehicle (EV) adoption reducing greenhouse gas; developing a net metering solution utilizing solar and waterpower; developing greater automation and integration within the utility environment; developing smart residential demand management via controllable hot water tanks EV chargers and battery storage.
The problem identified in the project DEMOCRASI is that Distributed Energy Resources (DER) aggregators provide their services through the distribution network to the system operator at a cost to local distribution companies, leading to grid instability and asset degradation, thereby increasing the need for higher capital expenditures borne by ratepayers.
The project objectives are to expand from single feeder to complete network, leading Parry Sound to reach the net-zero goal; and management and control of various DERs (Hydro, hot water heaters, demand response, solar, EVs, batteries (residential and substation).

Ratification of Matters from Closed Agenda

7.1 – Wellness Centre & Pool Committee. Resolution. That Council supports the CAO continuing in his role on the CAO Wellness Centre and Pool Committee. Carried

7.2 – Big Sound Marina Divestiture. By-law 2019 – 6947. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with Her Majesty the Queen in right of Ontario as represented by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans for the divestiture of the Big Sound Marina. Passed, Signed and Sealed

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Civic Scholarship Award. That upon the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee, Council awards the 2019 Civic Scholarship to Nicole Babcock-Ritchie in the amount $500.00. Carried

9.1.2 – Parks & Recreation Master Plan: Letter of Invitation to Participate. Direction. That staff send the invitation to the Municipality of McDougall & Seguin Township to participate in an Area Parks & Recreation Master Plan (or update) per Schedule A.
The following amendment was moved:
That the invitation to the Municipality of McDougall and Seguin Township to participate in the update of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan be extended to the other 4municipalities in West Parry Sound and to the First Nation Communities of Wasauksing and Shawanaga. Amendment Carried. The amended direction was voted on: Direction carried as amended

9.1.3 – Market Square Park – Public Wi-Fi Hours of Service. Direction. That Council direct staff to contact Vianet and have the public Wi-Fi hours in Market Square Park amended to be available from 7am – 7pm daily. Carried

9.1.4 – Memorial Bench & Tree Policy. Resolution. That Council approve the combined Memorial Bench & Tree Program, per Schedule A. Carried

9.1.5 – Appointments to Library Board and EMS Advisory Committee. Resolution. That Resolution 2018-142 appointing individuals to various Boards and Committees, be amended by ratifying Parry Sound Public Library Board appointments of Tom Lundy representing the Township of The Archipelago, Susan Murphy representing the Township of Carling, Lynne Gregory representing the Municipality of McDougall; and that Colleen O`Hare be appointed as a member at large instead of representing the Town of Parry Sound; and
That Resolution 2018-143 appointing members of Council and staff to various Boards and Committees be amended by removing Dave Thompson from the Parry Sound District Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee, as Mr. Thompson is a staff resource person, not a Committee member. Carried

9.1.6 – Exemption Received from Provincial Approval of Official Plan Amendments. Direction. That the report be received for information purposes. Carried

9.4.1 – Big Sound Marina – Floating Breakwater and Dock C replacement. Resolution. That the Council for the Town of Parry Sound authorize staff to develop a Request for Design Build services in conjunction with Tatham Engineering for the replacement of the floating breakwater and Dock C at Big Sound Marina; and further further that staff release an RFP for replacement of the Floating Breakwater and Dock C as a Design Build project. Carried

Other Business

9.5.1 – Deposit/Return Program for Single Use Plastic/Aluminum/Metal Drink Containers. Resolution. WHEREAS the Province of Ontario, through the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, has posted a discussion paper entitled “Reducing Litter and Waste in our Communities”; and WHEREAS producer responsibility has not been adequately addressed by the Province of Ontario; and WHEREAS a successful deposit-return program for single use plastic, aluminum and metal drink containers has been in existence in other Provinces in Canada including Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and British Columbia; and WHEREAS these successful programs have eliminated many of these containers from the natural environment;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Parry Sound endorses the Corporation of the Town of Halton Hills’ Resolution 2019-0141 calling upon the Province of Ontario, through the discussion paper entitled “Reducing Litter and Waste in our Communities”, to review and implement a deposit/return program for all single use plastic, aluminum and metal drink containers; and further THAT that the Province of Ontario review current producer requirements and look for extended producer responsibility for all packaging; and further THAT a copy of this motion be sent to the Premier of Ontario; the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks; the Minister of Municipal Affairs; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and all municipalities in the Province of Ontario. Defeated
The following direction was moved:
That staff draft a resolution for the next Council meeting, incorporating information from Halton Hill’s Resolution 2019-0141 regarding deposit/return program, in addition to new information as provided by Special Advisor David Lindsay in his report on Recycling and Plastic Waste, Direction Carried

9.5.2 – Opposition to Changes in 2019 Provincial Budget and Planning Act. Resolution. BE IT RESOLVED that Council for, accepting the facts and sentiments expressed in the City of Stratford’s resolution attached as Schedule A regarding opposition to Changes in the 2019 Provincial Budget and Planning, does hereby request a meeting with MPP Norm Miller, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, and other related ministries on the effects of downloading onto municipal governments; and
THAT this resolution be forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), to initiating municipality the City of Stratford, and to all other municipalities in Ontario.
The following motion to postpone was made: That the resolution be postponed to September 3rd, 2019. Carried to postpone

By-laws

10.1.1 – Agreement: Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services. By-law 2019 – 6948. Being a by-law to execute an agreement with Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services for the provision of a school bus transfer site at the Kinsmen Park. Passed Signed and Sealed

10.4.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/19/08 – 1 College Drive (Canadore College Board of Governors). By-law 2019 – 6949. Being a Temporary Use By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 1 College Drive (Canadore College Board of Governors and Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario).
Councillor Borneman requested a recorded vote.
Councillor Backman no
Councillor Borneman no
Councillor Burden no
Councillor Horne no
Councillor Keith no
Councillor McCann no
Mayor McGarvey no
0-7. By-law Defeated

10.4.2 – Lease Extension Home Hardware Reciprocal Lease for Fitness Trail. By-law 2019 – 695. Being a By-law to Renew a Lease with Home Hardware Stores Limited until December 31st, 2029 for lands known as the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail and Town Owned Lands. Passed, Signed and Sealed.
The following direction was moved: That staff be directed to approach the property owner with respect to a formal land swap with respect to these properties. Carried

Council Agenda Preview – August 13, 2019

10 Saturday Aug 2019

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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Is there anybody out there?

While it’s the middle of the summer there are still interesting/important topics on the upcoming Town of Parry Sound council meeting agenda. I want to remind people that I abridge the agenda presented below to exclude items that I think are neither controversial nor particularly interesting. Always refer to the full agenda at the Town’s website for the full agenda and the accompanying agenda documentation.

The top items on the agenda this week as far as I’m concerned are the following:

Closed Session c) – a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purpose, (potential property disposal), (2 potential property purchases)

Closed Session e) & f) – litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, (municipal election court application update), (contractor services). The receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose (municipal election court application update), (conflict of interest opinion), (servicing agreement). There may be more of an issue here than I had ever imagined.

9.1.6 – Exemption Received from Provincial Approval of Official Plan Amendments. Direction. That the report be received for information purposes. This is a big ‘issue’. The Town is now able to approve items that are in conflict with the existing Official Plan without requiring Province of Ontario approval. It is possible that the Town may take advantage of this new power to approve items that are in conflict with the Official Plan and at odds with the wishes of impacted businesses and residents. It will make the approval process much quicker and hopefully promote more ‘appropriate’ development. Residents and businesses will still be able to contest any approvals by appeal to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. There will be recourse through the Tribunal but there presumably won’t be any appeal to the Province on the basis of a conflict with the Official Plan. Overall, I guess it’s okay.

9.4.1 – Big Sound Marina – Floating Breakwater and Dock C replacement. (Direction or Resolution?) That the Council for the Town of Parry Sound authorize staff to develop a Request for Design Build services in conjunction with Tatham Engineering for the replacement of the floating breakwater and Dock C at Big Sound Marina; and further further that staff release an RFP for replacement of the Floating Breakwater and Dock C as a Design Build project. Okay, I have a big issue with this item. It proposes to look into an upgrade to Big Sound Marina that would cost on the order of $1.3 million. The are dire warnings of “imminent failure” of the breakwater without further explanation or reasoning for this investment. This would be about the third upgrade we’ve made to Big Sound Marina in the past 10 years and I estimate total costs with this new improvement would bring the expense up to $2.5-$3 million. This is to support transients with their 30-, 40- and 50-foot boats for a period of about two months. In theory the season is longer than that but in June and September we see less traffic and the marina is never filled to capacity, so there is no extended need for dockage. Yet we can’t find $150,000 to invest in a splash pad for the kids. I think before going and requesting engineering proposals, which will also be expensive, the Town should present the financial benefits of making this upgrade and the proposed payback. Is the Town itself making any money with Big Sound Marina? The contract with the operators is confidential so we have no idea who is benefiting financially from the upgrade. Full disclosure: my brother-in-law owns and operates Sound Boat Works. The proposed investment in Big Sound Marina from what I understand will neither benefit nor damage his business. Nonetheless, I’m sure he would be delighted if the town were to invest $1 million in his business so that he can better serve his customers who also come to Parry Sound, spend money in Parry Sound, and come back year after year. They are certainly not transients.
Let’s get information on the financial benefits for making this investment. Assuming a 10-year amortization for the $1.3 million suggests that our taxes will need to go up by about 1.5-2% for that period. Or equivalent services will need to be cut.
Yet Council quibbles and debates about $150,000 for the kids and people who can’t afford these half million dollar boats. Where are our priorities?

10.4.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/19/08 – 1 College Drive (Canadore College Board of Governors). By-law 2019 – 6949. Being a Temporary Use By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 1 College Drive (Canadore College Board of Governors and Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario). Staff is proposing that Canadore be permitted to host the French language school for one year. After that, who knows. Given that it is the middle of August I’m glad some accommodation has been reached. Not ideal, but it seems reasonable.

10.4.2 – Lease Extension Home Hardware Reciprocal Lease for Fitness Trail By-law 2019 – 6950. Being a By-law to Renew a Lease with Home Hardware Stores Limited until December 31st, 2029 for lands known as the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail and Town Owned Lands. Well this was news to me. The Town doesn’t own the trail that runs by ‘Beaver Lumber’ but does own land that runs through the lumber yard. The two entities have been swapping access rights for the past 20 years and the agreement is up for renewal. It seems to be a win-win with the bigger win for McNabb Lumber Home Building Centre. I was totally confused reading the agenda item summary until I read the supporting documentation.

Closed Meeting

c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purpose, (potential property disposal), (2 potential property purchases);
e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, (municipal election court application update), (contractor services);
f) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose (municipal election court application update), (conflict of interest opinion), (servicing agreement);
n) a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board, (potential property purchase), (boundary negotiations).

Public Meeting

2.1 – Official Plan Amendment No. 3 and Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/6 – Smith Crescent (YMCA/Wickman).

Correspondence

4.1a – Peter Scully. Request for traffic calming sign on Church St. at McMurray.
4.1b – Peter Scully. Appreciation for traffic calming sign on Church St. at McMurray

4.2 – Barbara O’Brien. Advocacy for Splash Pad

4.4 – David Coles, Chair, Downtown Business Association. Advocacy for Reinstatement of Waterfront Advisory Committee

4.5 – Dave Coles, Chair, Downtown Business Association. Request Town’s assistance in helping keep downtown clean and beautiful.

4.6 – Dave Coles, Chair, Downtown Business Association. Request Town`s assistance in addressing safety in the downtown area.

4.7 – Georgian Bay Forever. Responses to Council questions raised at GBF June 4th, 2019 deputation.

4.8 – Indigenous Services Canada. Wasauksing Swing Bridge – Public Consultation on future operations.

4.9 – Michelle Sims. Request for 4-way stop at James/William/Rosetta intersection.

Deputations

5.1 Vince Kulchycki – Chief Operating Officer, and Jennifer Montpetit – Advanced Planning and Communications Lead, Lakeland Holding Ltd. SPEEDIER and DEMOCRASI projects as part of ToPS-Lakeland solar agreement.

5.2 – Linda West, Hands Off Our Trees. Potential loss of trees along Fitness Trail as a result of proposed development.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Civic Scholarship Award. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee, Council awards the 2019 Scholarship to Nicole Babcock-Ritchie in the amount of $500.00.

9.1.2 – Parks & Recreation Master Plan: Letter of Invitation to Participate. Direction. That staff send the invitation to the Municipality of McDougall & Seguin Township to participate in an Area Parks & Recreation Master Plan (or update) per Schedule A.

9.1.3 – Market Square Park – Public Wi-Fi Hours of Service. Direction. That Council direct staff to contact Vianet and have the public Wi-Fi hours in Market Square Park amended to be available from 7am – 7pm daily.

9.1.4 – Memorial Bench & Tree Policy. Resolution. That Council approve the combined Memorial Bench & Tree Program, per Schedule A.

9.1.5 – Appointments to Library Board and EMS Advisory Committee. Resolution. That Resolution 2018-142 appointing individuals to various Boards and Committees, be amended by ratifying Parry Sound Public Library Board appointments of Tom Lundy representing the Township of The Archipelago, Susan Murphy representing the Township of Carling, Lynne Gregory representing the Municipality of McDougall; and that Colleen O`Hare be appointed as a member at large instead of representing the Town of Parry Sound; and
That Resolution 2018-143 appointing members of Council and staff to various Boards and Committees be amended by removing Dave Thompson from the Parry Sound District Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee, as Mr. Thompson is a staff resource person, not a Committee member.

9.1.6 – Exemption Received from Provincial Approval of Official Plan Amendments. Direction. That the report be received for information purposes.

9.4.1 – Big Sound Marina – Floating Breakwater and Dock C replacement. (Direction or Resolution?) That the Council for the Town of Parry Sound authorize staff to develop a Request for Design Build services in conjunction with Tatham Engineering for the replacement of the floating breakwater and Dock C at Big Sound Marina; and further that staff release an RFP for replacement of the Floating Breakwater and Dock C as a Design Build project.

9.5.1 – Deposit/Return Program for Single Use Plastic/Aluminum/Metal Drink Containers. Resolution. (Introductory text removed.)
THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Town of Parry Sound endorses the Corporation of the Town of Halton Hills’ Resolution 2019-0141 calling upon the Province of Ontario, through the discussion paper entitled “Reducing Litter and Waste in our Communities”, to review and implement a deposit/return program for all single use plastic, aluminum and metal drink containers; and further
THAT that the Province of Ontario review current producer requirements and look for extended producer responsibility for all packaging; and further THAT a copy of this motion be sent to the Premier of Ontario; the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks; the Minister of Municipal Affairs; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and all municipalities in the Province of Ontario.

9.5.2 – Opposition to Changes in 2019 Provincial Budget and Planning Act. Resolution. BE IT RESOLVED that Council for the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound, accepting the facts and sentiments expressed in the City of Stratford’s resolution attached as Schedule A regarding opposition to Changes in the 2019 Provincial Budget and Planning, does hereby request a meeting with MPP Norm Miller, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, and other related ministries on the effects of downloading onto municipal governments; and
THAT this resolution be forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), to initiating municipality the City of Stratford, and to all other municipalities in Ontario.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Agreement: Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services. By-law 2019 – 6948. Being a by-law to execute an agreement with Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services for the provision of a school bus transfer site at the Kinsmen Park.

10.4.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/19/08 – 1 College Drive (Canadore College Board of Governors). By-law 2019 – 6949. Being a Temporary Use By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 1 College Drive (Canadore College Board of Governors and Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario).

10.4.2 – Lease Extension Home Hardware Reciprocal Lease for Fitness Trail By-law 2019 – 6950. Being a By-law to Renew a Lease with Home Hardware Stores Limited until December 31st, 2029 for lands known as the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail and Town Owned Lands.

Council Agenda Preview – January 15, 2019

12 Saturday Jan 2019

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This week’s council meeting has a number of Closed Session items that are worth noting. I’m most interested in the whole issue of “Claim Against the Municipality Regarding 2018 Municipal Election”. Oh boy. This is the same person who suggested that a high-rise development in town should not be approved because there were not enough fire department resources to handle a fire at this new development and one of the existing higher rise developments. OMG – what if we had a fire at all four of the high-rises at Silver Birch, the three high-rises at granite Harbour and the hospital. Oh, and don’t forget the old hospital development. Would one more complex really raise the threat level? Sheesh.

I note the continuing interest and complaints regarding the proposed Splash Pad (4.1, 4.2). My suspicion is that some folks are concerned that a splash pad at Waubuno Beach would delay any potential pool complex. So, putting a stop to the splash pad would be good for a pool complex. It’s a bit Trumpian. The suggestion that the splash pad be constructed at another site makes no sense. There are no other public properties in Parry Sound that have the necessary existing space, parking, supervisory staff (lifeguards) and infrastructure (bathrooms and such) to support a splash pad. Only a pool complex would have the necessary infrastructure if Waubuno Beach can be knocked out. If Waubuno Beach is eliminated, and you really want a splash pad, then you need to support the pool complex. I wonder how many of the people chiming in on the splash pad discussion have really spent time in the public spaces in Parry Sound to realize what alternate options exist. If they had they would recognize there is no real alternative. And if they really want a quiet place to live without the ‘bother’ of visitors and tourists they should move to one of the area municipalities. They could be on a lake, or the bay, and enjoy lower taxes.

There is a resolution before Council (9.2.1) to opt-in and permit cannabis stores in the Town of Parry Sound.

Item 9.2.2 raises a point that has come up before. The Town’s effective subsidizing of regional community social services by hosting a number of tax-exempt resources (public housing, places of worship, social services …) creates a burden on Town services and by extension a financial burden on Town of Parry Sound taxpayers. This resolution acknowledges and accepts the Town’s responsibilities but requests that it be able to more easily address the unreasonable burdens placed upon it by existing legislation.

Closed Session

b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (Lay Appointees to Boards)
c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Town`s Input as Interested Third Party to a Land Lease application)
d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Municipal Office Hours during Festive Time)
e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board. (Claim Against the Municipality Regarding 2018 Municipal Election)
f) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose. (Claim Against the Municipality Regarding 2018 Municipal Election)

Correspondence

4.1 – Susan Telford. Request for more discussion on location of proposed Splash Pad
4.2 – Colleen O’Hare. Opposition to splashpad at proposed Waubuno Beach location.
4.3 – J. Hinchliffe. State of property after infrastructure work on 40 Waubeek Street easement.
4.4 – Harald Themer. Request for formal permission to use area at 60 Seguin Street for parking.

Deputations

5.1 – Darrin O’Brien, Gord Harrison. Appeal of municipal taxation on 86 Gibson St.
5.2 – John Myer, Rebecca Pollock. Parry Sound Area Active Transportation Current Priorities
5.3 – Ruth Beattie, Nancy Regan, Parry Sound High School Parent Council. Recommended amendments to provincial guidelines governing retail cannabis stores.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – Opt-in to permit Cannabis Retail Stores. Resolution. That Council for the Corporation of The Town of Parry Sound opts-in to permit cannabis retail stores in its community.

9.2.2 – Increasing Housing Supply. Resolution. Whereas the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Hosing has requested comments by January 25, 2019 in regard to Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario consultation document, as part of the Housing Supply Action Plan; and Whereas the Town of Parry Sound supports the goals of this document, being to expand the housing supply in Ontario, increase quality rental housing and enable home ownership; and Whereas the consultation document wishes to expand all housing types, which includes affordable housing; and Whereas Section 3(1)12iii. of the Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.31 provides an exemption from property taxation for any land owned by a charitable, non-profit philanthropic corporation organized for the relief of the poor if the corporation is supported in part by public funds; and

Whereas the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) has determined this provision has been applied to certain affordable housing initiatives in Ontario and resulted in a 100% tax exemption for some of these developments; and Whereas these developments still place a demand on municipal services and their tax relief must therefore be recouped from other property owners, resulting in increased taxation; and Whereas this Section of the Assessment Act will adversely impact the goals contained in the Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario consultation document, by creating a negative stigma towards affordable housing and a reluctance to support future affordable housing projects; and Whereas it is very difficult to monitor an exempt development over time to determine if the development has changed its mandate or operations such that it would no longer qualify for the exemption; and Whereas an appeal of MPAC’s decision to exempt a property cannot be appealed to the Assessment Review Board but must be done through a Court Application which can be time consuming and costly.

Now therefore be it resolved that the Town of Parry Sound supports increasing the overall housing supply and supports affordable housing projects; and That Section 3(1)12iii. of the Assessment Act which places an unfair tax burden upon municipalities, should be amended such that the local municipality that bears the financial burden should be permitted flexibility and the ability to determine the extent of any financial relief provided in their community; and further That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Honourable Steve Clark, MPP, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Mr. Norman Miller, MPP, Parry Sound – Muskoka, the Director of the Market Housing Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

9.2.3 – EMS Ambulance Replacements for 2019. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee, the Town of Parry Sound approves the replacement of three ambulances to be delivered in late winter 2019; and That the supplier of record, Crestline, be awarded the contract for the supply of these three ambulances in the amount of $126,578.78 + HST each, with funding from the 2019 EMS equipment reserve fund; and That the upon delivery of the 2019 ambulances, the three being replaced be deemed surplus with two of them being donated to the First Response Teams in McKellar and Argyle, and the third being traded into Crestline for the sum of $10,000.00.

 

By-laws

10.3.1 Downtown Business Association/Town of Parry Sound Memorandum of Understanding: Downtown Standard of Care. By-law 2019-6888. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association for Downtown Standard of Care, and to repeal By-law No: 2017-6783.

Council Agenda Preview – December 18, 2018

16 Sunday Dec 2018

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I initially thought that the meeting on the 18thwould simply be a public meeting to get public opinion on the retail cannabis stores but it seems to be a full meeting of Council. I provided my written comments to the Town regarding the retail cannabis store issue a month ago. I support the establishment of a cannabis retail store presence in Parry Sound. It seems that it will be some time before Parry Sound might see a commercial presence based on a recent announcement that the Province intends to start with only 25 retail stores. I suspect that Parry Sound won’t be among the twenty-five. The local cannabis black market will be secure for at least another year or two.

The other notable issue that seems to be getting people’s knickers in a twist is the issue of a splashpad. I’ll share my thoughts on this later in the week after I’ve had a chance to hear arguments on the issue at Tuesday’s deputation portion of the council meeting.

An abridged version of the agenda is presented below. Refer to the full agenda package at the Town’s website for a complete agenda with the supporting documentation.

Closed Meeting

b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (Appointments to Boards and Committees);
d) labour relations or employee negotiations; (Non-union Salary Schedule); (Personnel Update)
e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; (Assessment appeal/court application); (Planning Matter);

Public Meeting

2.1.1 Public Consultation on Permitting Cannabis Retail Stores in Parry Sound.

2.1.2 Cannabis Retail Stores and the Municipal Option to Permit or Prohibit

Correspondence

4.1 – Julia Mader, Keep Waubuno Green. Request that an alternative location to the Waubuno Beach Park be considered for the proposed splash pad.

4.2 – Colleen Moore, Parry Sound resident. Opposition to proposed splash pad and request to support pool instead.

4.3 – Peter Scotland, Parry Air H.T.G. Parking by-laws in place at lower end of James Street.

4.4 – Jim Marshall, Chair, West Parry Sound District Museum. Request for 2019 contribution of $31,800 from the Town of Parry Sound.

4.5 – Susan Hrycyna, DBA Executive Administrator. Appointment of Directors for term 2019-2022.

Deputations

5.1 – Julia Mader, Keep Waubuno Green. Request that an alternative location to the Waubuno Beach Park be considered for the proposed splash pad.

5.2 – Peter Scotland, Parry Air H.T.G. Parking by-laws in place at lower end of James Street.

5.3 – Nadine Hammond, Curator/Manager, Museum on Tower Hill. 2018 Museum statistics and 2019 Museum special exhibits

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – 2019 Land Ambulance Budget. Resolution. That upon recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee, the Council of the Town of Parry Sound adopts the 2019 Land Ambulance Budget in the amount of $9,734,405.00.

9.3.1 – Recognizing Employer Support of our Volunteer Firefighters. Direction. That Mayor and Council send a letter of appreciation to those employers that permit their employees to respond to emergency calls during work and to those who are self-employed.

9.3.2 – Support the Creation of a Founders Circle in Parry Sound. Resolution. That Council hereby supports the Parry Sound Muskoka Community Networks (PMCN) initiative to create a Founders Circle in Parry Sound by the Town becoming a member at a cost of $1,000 annually.

9.4.1 – General Insurance Renewal and Cyber Insurance. Resolution. That Council hereby approves the renewal of the Corporation’s general insurance policy with BFL Canada at the premium of $283,050 plus tax for the one-year period ending December 15, 2019; and That Council hereby approves the purchase of a cyber insurance policy from BFL Canada at the premium of $12,494.00 for the period from the policy inception date to December 15, 2019.

9.5.1 – Status Update on the Parry Sound Area Cultural and Recreation Master Plan. Direction. That staff be directed to provide a status update on the Parry Sound Area Cultural and Recreation Master Plan as part of upcoming budget deliberations, for consideration of 2019 budget allocation for a revised or new Parry Sound Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan.

By-laws

10.4.1 – 2019 Interim Tax Levy. By-law 2018 – 6886. 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 2019 taxation year.

Council Agenda Preview – July 3, 2018

29 Friday Jun 2018

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Here are the key agenda items for the upcoming meeting of Parry Sound Council. I have nothing to add in the way of comments or analysis.

Closed Meeting

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

Correspondence

4.1 – Rebecca Pollock, Chair, Parry Sound Area Active Transportation. A thank you letter for the Town’s work developing, signing and formally recognizing “Wink’s Link”.

4.2 – Chris McDonald, Erin Cardy, Co-Chairs, Sound Splash Pad Steering Committee. Requesting that the Manager of Parks and Recreation be provided the go ahead from Council to begin the application process for the 2018 Trillium Capital Grant.

4.3 – Mary Jane Zissoff, Trilogy of Art. Transfer of the stained glass artwork, “Canadian Pacific Railway Bridge” from the Town office to the Trestle Brewing Company on Great North Road.

4.4 – Christy Cafovski, Executive Director, Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce. A letter of appreciation to the Town for donating funds to the Chamber of Commerce.

Deputations

5.1 – Brenda Muller of Whispering River Orchestra. Information regarding the Whispering River Orchestra and the search for a new home for the Orchestra in Parry Sound.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – Splashpad – Trillium Grant Application. Resolution. Resolution. That Council of the Town of Parry Sound supports the Sound Splash Pad Steering Committee’s request for submission of a Splash Pad Trillium grant application.
Direction for Direct Staff Follow-up): That staff be directed to coordinate development of a comprehensive operational plan to include design details, infrastructure and operating impacts as well as capital and operating costs in conjunction with the Sound Splash Pad Steering Committee and that the plan be prepared in time for Council’s deliberations during the development of the 2019 Budget.

9.2.2 – Re-purposing of 2018 Triathlon Budget. Resolution. Whereas the 2018 Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Triathlon, budgeted for and approved in 2018, will not be taking place this year due to road reconstruction on Prospect Street; Therefore, Be It Resolved That Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound reallocate the funds from the 2018 Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Triathlon to a new 2018 Waubuno Beach Canteen budget as identified in Schedule “A”, attached.

9.5.1 – Advancement of a Housing Summit. Spokesperson: Mayor Jamie McGarvey

By-laws

10.2.1 – Site Plan Agreement Exemption – Century 21 – 51 Bowes Street. Amendment to Site Plan Control By-law. Resolution. Whereas By-law 2017-6723 requires site plan approval for commercial additions in excess of 50 sq. metres; and Whereas Section 11 of this By-law permits Council to omit any development from aspects of the site plan control by-law; Now Therefore be it resolved that Council omits the requirements of By-law 2017-6723 for an addition to 51 Bowes Street, except that drainage largely occurs in the format as detailed on Schedule “A”; and Further That 50% of the application fee be returned to the applicant due to the simplicity of this request.

10.3.1 – Memorandum of Understanding: Hatchets Rowing Centre Yvonne Williams Park. By-law 2018 – 6844. Being a by-law to approve the memorandum of understanding for the use of Yvonne Williams Park as a rowing training centre, between the Town of Parry Sound and the Hatchets Rowing Centre.

10.4.1 – Investment Policy Update / Powerpoint Presentation. By-law 2018 – 6845. Being a By-law to approve the updated “Investment Policy” for the Corporation of Town of Parry Sound and repeal By-law 2017-6768.