Tag Archives: Parks

Council Agenda Preview – May 16, 2017 (Revised)

14 Sunday May 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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

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

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

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

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

Correspondence

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

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

Deputations

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

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

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

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

By-laws

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Parry Sound

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council Agenda Preview – December 20, 2016

18 Sunday Dec 2016

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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It’s a light agenda this week, with the big issue being the Royal Bank’s request to have the Town’s Official Plan revised to allow them to move to the Walmart complex. There is other stuff and I encourage the reader to take a look at the topics below that I have identified as being of most interest.

I am wondering a little about 9.5.1, the investment of $35,000 in musical equipment for a new park. It looks interesting, but where does it fit? Do we have a plan for our parks and the services they offer? It seems that Staff gets an idea, or is fed an idea, and Council is looking at a $30,000 investment. I saw Council torture themselves about $4,000 for new chairs for the council chamber after 13 years of use, but I expect they will approve $35,000 with no discussion of need or alternate uses for the funds. I do resent that Trails will be kicking in $8,000 to fund the project. How about a new sign for the North Shore Rugged Trail? How about a footbridge over Thunder Creek? How about upgraded fitness equipment on the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail? Is Staff talking to the people who pay the taxes? It’s one thing for Staff and Council to invest in new infrastructure on the basis of a needs analysis and a plan, but it’s another matter when it comes to ‘nice to have’ investments that seem to appear out of thin air. Is it part of a waterfront plan? I don’t think so unless the waterfront plan from the 1990s that’s posted on the Town’s website is still the working plan. I somehow don’t think so, and if there is a new plan its a secret. No, actually its a SURPRISE.

Closed Session

a) the security of property of the municipality or local board. (Heritage Property).
I wonder if this concerns the $250,000 that is being proposed in the 2017 budget to repair and refurbish the Old Fire Hall for a new life. There has been little information provided to the taxpayers of Parry Sound about the what, and the why, of this quarter million dollar investment. (See my parks rant above. Please Staff and Council, no last minute surpises.)

Correspondence

4.1 – Kathleen McGill, 11 Belvedere Ave. Re: Supports the initiative to return Belvedere Avenue to a two-way street. Feels the extra space is unwarranted as there is a parking lot now.
Ah yes, but it’s not free parking. Perhaps the Town will get it into their head to reimburse Belvedere for the building of the parking lot and then make parking free. (They like to do that.) It’s a regional asset, sitting on the most attractive piece of real estate in Parry Sound; let the region cough up the dough.

4.2 – Wendall Fisher, 130 Gibson Street. Re: Supports restoring Belvedere Avenue to a two-way street. Amongst safety concerns with ploughing and ladder fire trucks having difficult access, he objects to having to subsidize vehicle parking for visitors and perhaps residents for Belvedere Heights Home for the Aged and Sunset Court Apartments.
I am a little surprised by the second argument. It seems that one of the benefits offered by Parry Sound is free parking. I believe Mr. Fisher’s guests have the option of free parking in front of his house. The people at the old age home I’m sure look forward to visitors; should these visitors be required to pay $2 to brighten up a senior’s day? Let’s be sure we understand the perspective of those who actually park on Belvedere Avenue, and those who depend on them.

Deputations

5.2 – Jamie Chisholm, President, New Urban Retail Inc. both representing the owner of the Oastler Park Shopping Plaza. Re: New information to provide to Council regarding RBC Official Plan Amendment.

5.3 – Brad Weiler, Community Recreation Programs Coordinator for the Town of Parry Sound. Re: Update on Canada 150.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Customer Service Manual update. Resolution. That Council adopts the updated Customer Service Manual, attached as Schedule “A”. The Manual was updated due to Provincial legislative changes to the Accessibility for Ontarians with a Disability Act.

9.1.2 – Update to Accessibility Plan. Resolution. That Council adopts the updated Accessibility Plan 2013-2018., attached as Schedule “A”.

9.5.1 – Quotation: Harmony Park – Playground Equipment. Resolution. That Council accept the quotation from Blue Imp for the Harmony Park project in the amount of $34,860.50, including HST, this being the lowest of three (3) quotations received, and; That Council approve $4,000 already in the Parks Reserves and previously designated for playground equipment to be used in 2017 for the installation of the new equipment, and; That the remaining $1,860.50 be funded through the Parks Reserve in 2017.
Well this is a surprise to me. I had to look at the R&R to understand not only what was being proposed, but figure out where Harmony Park is located. It seems we are creating a new ‘park’ and installing a ‘musical garden’ along the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail on Bay Street across from the public washrooms on the Town Dock.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Amendment to Animal control by-law – Dog Licensing. Being a By-law to amend Schedule “A” of By-law 2013-6285, being the By-law to regulate Animal Control in the Town of Parry Sound.

10.4.1 – Service Line Warranties Marketing License Agreement. Being a by-law to authorize the execution of a Marketing License Agreement between Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC) and the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound.

10.5.1 – Official Plan Amendment No.1 and Rezoning Application Z16-04 – Jamie Chisholm/Oastler Park Shopping Plaza Limited – 1 Pine Drive.
a) By-law to Adopt Official Plan Amendment No.1 – 1 Pine Drive – Royal Bank of Canada – Oastler Park Shopping Plaza Limited.
b) By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 1 Pine Drive (Royal Bank of Canada – Oastler Park Shopping Plaza Limited)

That’s it for public meetings in 2016. No more regular, or budget, meetings of Council. It’s time to snuggle up with the 2017 Budget and see how your tax dollars are being put to work.

Happy Holidays to all.

The North Shore Rugged Trail.
It gets no attention, no respect, and no budget.

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North Shore Rugged Trail User Group Needed

13 Sunday Nov 2016

Posted by in Boating/Recreation, Parry Sound, Suggestions, Town Council

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It seems a good time to establish a North Shore Rugged Trail Users Group. Anyone interested? If yes, please contact me at parrysounds@gmail.com. Let’s start a discussion of how best to support the North Shore Rugged Trail as it seemingly has become the centre of business interest.

Background:
The Town of Parry Sound recently passed a by-law (here’s a link to the agenda preview summary, it’s Item 10.5.1) that confirmed the Town’s willingness to negotiate the relinquishing of certain rights to portions of the North Shore Rugged Trail to help support development of the privately owned property that lies inland from the trail. Very limited information was provided in the by-law and the supporting documents regarding what was being considered. There was a suggestion that any concessions would be limited.

Here is a link to the draft bylaw and supporting documents that was approved by Council 2016-11-01.

The Trail:
The North Shore Rugged Trail is an interesting Town of Parry Sound asset. It is a rugged trail that runs from the Smelter Wharf along the coast past Zhiishiib Rock, Thunder Creek, and Monument Point all the way to the Parry Sound / McDougall boundary. If you have hiked it you know how special it is, rugged for sure.

I hike the trail no less than once a week, and as often as five times a week. It provides for the best views of the Big Sound, sunsets, and Parry Island. While hiking the trail I often come across people who are taking the opportunity, minutes from their home, to get away from it all and challenge themselves a little with  hiking over the rocks and around, or through, the water. The North Shore Rugged Trail is quite unlike the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail, the trail that runs from Champaigne to Salt Dock Road. While the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail welcomes people to take a stroll and relax, the North Shore Rugged Trail demands more physically and mentally, with the corresponding rewards. Nor is the North Shore Rugged Trail like the Voldemort Trail (see link), the informal trail that runs inland from Salt Dock Road and is a favourite of people walking their dogs. The Voldemort Trail is not mentioned in any of the Town’s official trail documents because it is an informal trail that passes over private property for which permission has never been obtained by the Town, or the users. To the credit of the property owners they have been generous in not restricting access or prosecuting those who do use the trail. It seems it is these property owners who would like to secure certain considerations regarding the North Shore Rugged Trail to better develop their property. The Town is interested in seeing the property developed so as to increase the assessment base.

The Challenge:
It is unlikely that the North Shore Rugged Trail would be deeded over to new property owners with no access for the Public. The question of course is what kind of concessions will be necessary to incentivize development, and how will that impact public access. Who will have input and who will decide?

My major concern is that I believe Town Council and Staff have no familiarity, or love for the North Shore Rugged Trail. While I have seen members of Council and Staff on the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail from time-to-time, I have never, in the hundreds of times I have hiked the North Shore Rugged Trail, seen anyone from Council or Staff on the trail. It’s my sense that they know no more about the trail than can be gleaned by looking at a Google Maps view, their distant childhood memories, or perhaps some of my photos at ParrySights (click the North Shore Rugged Trail tag for images). There has been no investment by the Town to promote the North Shore Rugged Trail or to even provide a map or guide for its exploration. Is this a conscious effort to deter people from using the trail because it is rugged? Perhaps Staff and Council believe that it is in the Town’s interest to restrict or limit use of the trail so as to limit liability. That would be a shame.

A formally constituted North Shore Rugged Trail Users Group, involving people who know and love the trail, would be able to secure a seat at the table in any negotiations to restrict public access to the trail. I would also like to sees a Users Group take a leadership role in keeping the trail tidy and suggest opportunities to make it more user friendly. (The trail does not suffer from the issue of litter and trash as is the case with the Voldemort Trail, but from time-to-time stuff washed onto the shores from the Big Sound needs to be removed.) Those of you who regularly use the trail are familiar with how Thunder Creek often makes the trail impassable unless you are willing to get wet feet, or venture further upstream. This gets to be a problem in the fall and early spring when the water is c-c-cold. Wouldn’t a footbridge be nice?

Interested? Drop me a line. Perhaps the group can form in alliance with other local nature groups who may not have the same love and appreciation of the North Shore Rugged Trail but are committed to supporting trails and ongoing public access. We all need to work together.

“They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot”

The Town’s lack of interest in the North Shore Rugged Trail is perhaps best illustrated with the photo below of the sign leading up to the trail. There was money for a new artist’s station, a sign announcing the new station that covered up part of the map, but not a new map?

Let’s make sure that the North Shore Rugged Trail gets the protection that it and it’s users deserve. I can be reached at parrysounds@gmail.com. Or if there is already an initiative underway let me know how I can help.

“Don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you’ve got til its gone”

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Walking the Dog

20 Tuesday Sep 2016

Posted by in Boating/Recreation, Parry Sound, Safety, Suggestions

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Well, this is a new one for me. I have seen people take their dogs out on a leash and walk with them. I have seen people take their dogs out on a run with them. I have seen people do both, with their dogs off leash. I have seen people ride their bikes with their dog or dogs both on and off leash. I have seen people take their dogs for a run while they drove beside them on a deserted country road. And just a few days ago I saw someone driving their ATV with the dog running alongside them. But, last night I saw something new and unexpected.

Taking their dogs, three of them, for a walk or hike or swim, whatever you want to call it, while boating.

We were out on the North Shore Rugged Trail yesterday evening when I saw a tin boat heading out along the trail. I could hear a dog on the boat start to whine as the boat went past Thunder Creek. Continuing along the trail, heading north past Thunder Creek and reaching Survey Monument along the trail, I saw what was up. Three large dogs, two German Shepherd type dogs and one Husky, had been let loose to run back along the trail, while their owner followed offshore in the tin boat.

Two of the dogs came running up at us barking and the dog owner started shouting at them. The third dog came along quietly a few seconds later. Fortunately, it all passed without incident.

What kind of inconsiderate idiot lets three dogs loose on a public trail? Oh, I guess the inconsiderate idiot type. Dogs in packs are unpredictable. And the owner is not there to offer some sort of supervision.

I have heard it all. “Oh, don’t worry they are friendly.” “They bark but don’t bite.” “Oh, it seems they don’t like you.”

I’m not dog-phobic. I grew up with German Shepherds, Bouviers, Rottweilers, and Giant Schnauzers before they became trendy. I have come to understand that unsupervised dogs are unpredictable, especially in groups.

The North Shore Rugged Trail is a public area that needs to be treated with respect and consideration. I have on several occasions been confronted by dogs, alone or in a ‘pack’, that have been let loose to run with their owners following far behind. It turns a pleasant walk into a confrontation with dogs and owners. The owners typically won’t back down and try to blame me for the behaviour of their dogs. At least I don’t have a dog on a lead. I would be more worried about my dog.

On the positive, a few minutes later we came across a couple hiking the trail with their dog on a lead.

Old man, get some exercise while pumping a little less carbon into the atmosphere; walk, don’t ‘boat’ your dogs, preferably on leads.

Shooting Me a Dirty Look from the Safety of His Boat

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Volunteer Support – the Good and the Ugly

08 Thursday Sep 2016

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections

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In my brief review of the Town of Parry Sound’s Key Performance Objectives earlier this week (link) I conveyed a sense of cynicism with respect to the plan to secure more volunteer contribution through better recognition of their efforts. Recognition is wonderful and admirable, but it’s not enough. How many employees are satisfied with having their name placed on the ‘employee of the month plaque’, but not receive an annual salary increase? A couple of events just this week reinforce my sense of cynicism, and sense that a total rethink of Town services and volunteers needs to be undertaken by Senior Staff and Council, with involvement of the rank, file and volunteers.

The Good

At this week’s council meeting there was a deputation by a pair of enthusiastic individuals who wanted Council approval to clean up the bottom of the Big Sound beside the Smelter Wharf (aka the Salt Dock). They were prepared to start the project in a couple of weeks and had assembled a team of divers and support people to not only ‘dive for dreck’, but to also cart it away. The presentation was positive and well done. The discussion thereafter quickly devolved into concerns about the Town’s possible liability for any untoward personal or environmental mishaps. It looked as though the project would not be approved. Shortly after the deputation and discussion a pair of Senior Staff members excused themselves and left the room while the other deputations were presented along with the Councillor reports. They returned perhaps ten minutes later with information and analysis that led Council to be confident that the project could go on with limited or insignificant liability concerns.

Well done. This is the type of action that shows the Town supports volunteer activity and will work to help make it work.

The Ugly

This occurred in the past few days as well and took place at one of the public spaces in Parry Sound. A local volunteer was there picking up garbage that had either been spread around by the gulls, the wind, or careless people. While picking up the garbage a Town of Parry Sound pickup truck drove up with two people on board. One of them hopped out and picked up the garbage bag in the container. At that point the volunteer spoke with the two employees and explained how the volunteer regularly came by to pick up the garbage and would appreciate it if staff would pick up the stuff lying around, not just what was in the garbage bag. At that point the driver reached out his window, tapped the side of the truck, and said, ‘we aren’t Parks and Recreation’. End of discussion as I understand it.

Jeez. How’s that for motivating volunteers. The people who are paid to take care of the Town’s interests blow off a reasonable request for attention to detail.

Yes, I understand that the summer students who usually handle the garbage have left and Public Works was probably tasked with garbage detail. No, it’s not fun, but I imagine that there are quite a few people who would like these jobs, even if it involves picking up the occasional piece of garbage, not just the garbage bag.

Let’s talk about a sliding scale of how I imagine the Director of Public Works would have liked to have seen that play out, from worse to best.

  1. Answer: ‘We aren’t Parks & Recreation’.
  2. Answer: ‘Thanks for the suggestion’, with no intention of ever getting out to pick up any garbage.
  3. Answer: ‘Thanks for the suggestion. We appreciate your efforts to help us keep Parry Sound looking the best it can’, with no intention of ever getting out to pick up garbage.
  4. Answer: ‘Thanks for the suggestion’, with an intention to pick up garbage, or ask their partner to pick up loose items as they deal with the garbage container.
  5. Answer: ‘Thanks for the suggestion. We appreciate your efforts to help us keep Parry Sound looking the best it can’, with an intention to pick up garbage, or ask their partner to pick up loose items as they deal with the garbage containers.

It’s discouraging enough when there are people who vandalize the toilets, pull out flowers, and just drop their garbage. But the Town needs to lead by example if we hope to have residents take pride in their town, and expect volunteers to step up to do much of the ‘dirty work’.

Yes, this is a harsh criticism that doesn’t apply to all Staff. It only takes a few underachievers to set an unfavorable image for Town Staff as a whole.

Volunteers depend on leadership and example to make their substantial contributions. Perhaps the volunteers aren’t suffering from burnout, perhaps people just think Town Staff and Council really don’t care. Giving out more gold stars won’t do it.

(FYI – no it wasn’t my wife who had this interaction with Town Staff. She has learned to take the good with the not so good and shrug it off. I know that she has had good support from Town Staff with respect to the efforts of the Tower Hill Heritage Gardeners.)

 

Disclosure: I really don’t like writing this type of a post, pointing out issues. I realize that it will cause pain and discomfort to some individuals who do care. I wish we could just snap our fingers and there would no more littering, no more vandalism, and people would take a minute or two out of their day to do something nice for the Town, a neighbour, or a visitor.)

Council Agenda Preview – September 6, 2016

03 Saturday Sep 2016

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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Summer break is over, back on your head. There are a variety of issues up for discussion, nothing particularly critical in my opinion, but many that are interesting. I offer some thoughts in the sections below. There is more on the agenda than I have listed below. Check out the full agenda at the Town’s website or the link at ParrySounds.com (top menu under TOPS AGENDA PACKAGES)..

Correspondence

4.1 – A. Edwards, 79 Gibson Street – August 2, 2016. Re: concerns about former William Beatty School property.
Oh dear. Much effort has gone into drafting this letter to Council concerning at least one resident’s objection to the redevelopment of William Beatty School. I was starting to feel some empathy for their position as I read the letter until I came across the repeated use of the word “blight” to refer to the new development. We need to realize that different people have different needs. I am not so pessimistic about the potential of this project, especially because it is multiuse, and there are several parties interested in ensuring that it meets standards of maintenance and security. It’s no fun being Municipal Staff or Council, everyone is your boss in one way or another. Time for this gentleman to share his concerns with OMB. I think that they will applaud the decision to create centrally located affordable housing using established infrastructure. I think Mr. Edwards realizes that and doesn’t like it, at all.

4.5 – B. Brisbane, Moose on the Loose Food Company – August 24, 2016. Re: Concerns with by-law dealing with their signs.
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign, junking up the scenery, ruining my mind. Of course you want to be able to put up your signs to direct people to your business, but so would every other business in Parry Sound. How much is enough, and how much is too much? The Town currently has a bylaw covering signage. Moose on the Loose needs to be preparing for 2017, right now, if they want to get the type of free advertising they are looking for. Personally, I hate these sandwich type signs. Junks up the scenery, distracts my driving.

Deputations

5.2 – Shawna Woods & Ian Little, William Street residents. Concerning cleanup of the Salt Docks.
This is not regarding cleaning up the mess that sometimes appears on the Smelter Wharf, but rather the garbage that has been tossed into the water. It’s September 16th, and looks like the type of community service that we should all applaud.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – August 2016 Key Performance Objectives Update. Resolution. That the August, 2016 Strategic Plan Implementation Update Report attached be approved.
This is a must read item for anyone interested in the status of the Town’s 2016 objectives. Yeah, I’ll take a look at it and report later this week on the more notable items.

9.1.2 – Ontario 150 Celebration Capital Grant Application. Resolution. That Council approves the submission of an Ontario 150 Community Capital Program grant application for the repair and replacement of roofing and siding at the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts & Bobby Orr Hall of Fame.
This is a project that seems to fit the grant criteria. The request is for $350,000. An original suggestion of a grant application to upgrade the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail for $150,000, was shelved in favour of the Stockey Centre proposal. While we are throwing around the these tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars for grant or budget consideration, how about investing a few thousand on upgrading the landscaping at the Stockey Centre? It’s a disgrace. Between the plantings and the sick looking grass, the place looks as though it was built on a contaminated oil farm.

9.1.3 – Town Office Landscaping. Resolution. That the Town Office Parkette Landscaping Plan as attached be approved and that $3,800 cost be financed from the Town Office Building Reserve.
So we have money for this but not the Stockey Centre? A world class performance facility with grounds that are reminiscent of a run-down urban tenement area.

9.1.4 – Town / Seguin Boundary Adjustment. Resolution. That lands identified in Schedule ‘A’ attached be proposed to be included within the boundaries of the Town and that negotiations be entered into with Seguin Township using as a template for guidance, the 2012 draft Boundary Adjustment Agreement. Direction: (For Direct Staff follow up)

That the Town’s representatives on the negotiating team be:

Mayor Jamie McGarvey, Councillor _______________, Councillor _______________ Taylor Elgie, Principal Planner, Rob Mens, CAO

This makes sense. If the Town is seriously thinking about investing in developing Parry Sound Road through to Oastler Road, it needs to get some payback from property on both sides of the road. Seguin might just be willing to give up the property if Parry Sound assumes the responsibility for the majority of the cost and the rail crossing. You win some and you lose some. Let’s see how this goes. There is a new Council in Seguin who might not be as inclined to throw a spanner into the works. I am surprised that Council and Staff seem prepared to get back on after having been thrown off. That type of determination can pay off.

9.2.1 – POA Write-Offs. Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound, hereby approves the write-offs for the Provincial Offences Act Court outlined in Schedule “A” attached.
The amount is almost $50,000 and as suggested in the report the cost to collect exceeds the expected return. Some of these collectables date to before 1980. This write-off is shared with other area municipalities in West Parry Sound.

9.3.1 – Tenders – 4-Wheelers. Resolution. That Council accepts the tender from Seguin Marina for one (1) 2016 Polaris Sportsman 450 EPS 4-wheeler in the total amount of $8,661.40, including taxes and the trade-in of one (1) 2002 Yamaha Kodiak 4-wheeler, this tender being the lowest tender of two (2) tenders received; and further, That Council accepts the tender from Seguin Marina for one (1) 2016 Polaris Sportsman 450 EPS 4-wheeler in the total amount of $7,192.40, including taxes and the trade-in of one (1) 2007 Yamaha Kodiak 4-wheeler, this tender being the lowest tender of two (2) tenders received.
Be sure to have Staff wear helmets and above all else, do not lend the machines to Seguin councillors. At least one of them doesn’t understand the concept of personal responsibility.

9.3.2 – Service Line Warranties of Canada Program. Resolution. Whereas residential property owners are responsible for the maintenance of the buried water and sewer lines that run from the municipality’s infrastructure to the exterior of their home; And whereas these lines can require maintenance or fail over time due to normal wear and tear; And whereas Local Authority Services (LAS) endorsed Service Line Warranties of Canada as a preferred service provider of sewer and water line warranty services; And whereas the Town wishes to make such a service available to residents of the Town of Parry Sound; Therefore, be it resolved that Council of the Town of Parry Sound endorses the Sewer and Water Line Warranty service offered by Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC); And further that Council direct staff to bring forward a by-law to execute an agreement with SLWC related to the marketing of the Sewer and Water Line Warranty Services to municipal serviced residents.
I didn’t realize that the lateral water and sewer lines are the homeowners responsibility in case of failure. The proposed annual insurance fee for a residence would be $137 per year for both water and sewer. Feeling lucky?

9.4.1 – Regional Marketing Plan Approval. Resolution. That on the recommendation of the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC), Council adopts the Regional Marketing Plan attached; and Whereas the Town has already made a 2016 contribution to CiiNO, the agency responsible for the implementation of the Regional Marketing Plan recommendations, further funding from the Town for Year 1 implementation will not be required.
A must read, both the R&R and the accompanying REDAC Regional Marketing Plan. It makes some honest statements, “death by a thousand cuts”, and “seven dwarves but no Snow White”. (Actually there are only five dwarves, Dopey and Grumpy decided not to participate.) I’ll take a look at this over the next couple of weeks and pass along my thoughts.

9.4.2 – 116 Bowes – Sign Variance (2016). Resolution. That the Chief Building Official is authorized and directed to issue a permit for a gravity ground sign, according to conditions and variances listed in Schedule A attached.
Sign, signs, everywhere there’s a sign. You would think with all the e-media technology available that there wouldn’t be a need for signs. But no, we need more signs, bigger signs.

9.4.4 – Request for Proposal: Yvonne Williams Park Dog Park Enclosure. Resolution. That Council accept the proposal from W.S. Morgan Construction Ltd. for the Yvonne William Dog Park Enclosure project in the amount of $16, 060.00 plus H.S.T., this proposal being the only received, and; That Council finance the $6,060.00 budget shortfall from Parks Reserve.
It promises to be a bit bigger and better. Release the hounds.

By-laws

10.4.3 – Community Improvement Plan – Brownfield Remediation – Reduce Environmentally Unfit Sites Effectively (REUSE) Program. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a preliminary agreement between Ryan Mercier and the Town of Parry Sound under the REUSE program.
This concerns property on Louisa Street that was the former site of a municipal dump. The Town would agree to subsidize a portion of the costs. There is some concern that the proposal is for redevelopment as residential lots, rather than commercial as specified as under the REUSE Program.

10.4.4 – Community Improvement Plan – Brownfield Remediation – Reduce Environmentally Unfit Sites Effectively (REUSE) Program. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a preliminary agreement between 1929330 Ontario Ltd. (Trestle Brewing Company Ltd.) and the Town of Parry Sound under the REUSE program.
This concerns the property beside Crofters on Great North Road. Staff feels this better fits the intent of the REUSE Program.

10.4.5  – Site Plan Approval Application – 1793951 Ontario Inc. / Greystone Project Management Inc. – 11 Salt Dock Road. Being a By-law to grant Site Plan Approval and authorize the execution and registration of a development agreement with 1793951 Ontario Inc./Greystone Project Management Inc. – 11 Salt Dock Road.
It looks as though Granite Harbour is getting a major expansion. I find it a bit confusing to understand who or what is going on with the development. A trailer has been moved on site, and the development is now referred to as the Breakers. The development is welcome, but the backstory would be interesting to understand after the project was stalled for a number of years to the chagrin of Parry Sound Council.

10.5.2 – Complimentary Parking – Traffic By-law amendments. Being a bylaw to amend Bylaw 2013-6205, as amended, known as the Traffic Bylaw, a bylaw to regulate and control traffic and parking in the Town of Parry Sound. Further being a bylaw to repeal bylaw 2016-6654, a bylaw amendment from August 9, 2016.
Bylaws to amend bylaws, or bylaws to replace bylaws, or is that to repeal bylaws? I’m confused but free parking remains.

See you at the meeting Tuesday night.

Preparations for Race Day (Sail Parry Sound, Summer 2016)

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Council Agenda Preview – August 9, 2016

07 Sunday Aug 2016

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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What appears to be a very full agenda does not include or raise any significant new items. So if you are on vacation, chill, things are pretty much moving along tracks that have been evident for the past few months.

Town Staff is recommending that the request for free space at the Stockey Centre (4.2, 9.4.2) for a Hydro One presentation be denied. They make the case that offering free space will set a troubling precedent. Not mentioned is that the party involved, Hydro One, has the resources to pay for the $250 rental, and the issue does not impact Parry Sound residents. We are served by Lakeland Power, not Hydro One. It would seem more appropriate to host the event in one of the neighbouring municipalities, perhaps the Foley Community Centre, or pay for the use of the Stockey Centre.

Popeye – “That’s all I can stands, I can’t stands no more”. That seems to be the best analogy I can come up with in regards to the complaints regarding Adams Brothers Construction and ACE Rentals. A series of letters has been sent to the Town questioning the expansion of the Adams properties as they relate to zoning and building permits. It will be interesting to see how the Town and Adams responds. With regards to the questions regarding building expansion (4.4, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6) I’m not sure I have seen any rezoning approvals for the property in the past few years.

Correspondence

4.2 – Norm Miller, MPP Parry Sound – Muskoka. Request to hold Public Forum with Fiona Crean, Hydro One Ombudsman Thursday September 8th from 1 – 3 pm at the Stockey Centre.

4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 – R. James Chapman, Resident William St. Complaints about the uncontrolled industrial growth of Adams Brothers Construction / ACE Rentals.
A Popeye and Bluto type of fight coming up?

4.7 – Allan Edward, Resident Gibson St. Response to T. Elgie email of June 27, 2016 concerning the proposed use of the former William Beatty School and T. Elgie responses.
Folks, it pays to stay on top of things. If there are things going on in your neighbourhood, pay attention and act quickly. This seems to be a case of too little, too late. Mostly too late.

4.11, 4.12 – Parry Sound Residents (2). Request for running water at Booth St. Community Garden.
It looks as though a permanent solution may be considered as part of the 2017 Budget with some immediate help from the Town in the interim.

4.14 – eCamion. Requesting support of Electrical Vehicle Fast Charging Stations across TransCanada Highway.
There is quite a bit of documentation in support of a docking station, presumably in Parry Sound. But it’s not clear what is being requested. Shouldn’t this be a private enterprise activity, albeit with municipal approval. I hope they are not asking Parry Sound to invest in a charging station for the benefit of transients, and those who have their mansions in the surrounding municipalities. I don’t believe anyone in Parry Sound owns a Tesla. There are hybrids in Town but they don’t require these types of charging stations.

4.15 – Near North District School Board. Re: School and community partners working to create “community hubs”.

4.16 – Gingrich & Harris. Audit of 2015 Financial Statements.

Consent Agenda

8.1 – That in response to Councillor Saulnier’s resignation, Councillor ______________ be appointed to the Belvedere Home For the Aged Board.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – Financial Variance Report for Q2 (June 30, 2016). Resolution. That Council hereby receives and accepts the Financial Report for Q2 2016 (June 30, 2016) attached as Schedule A; and Further that Council hereby approves the expenses for members of Council for the period January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016, attached as Schedule B.

9.2.2 – Parry Sound Public Library – ONE Investment. Resolution. Whereas the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound has established an account with the ONE Investment Program; and Whereas the Parry Sound Public Library is a board of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound; and Whereas the Parry Sound Public Library has requested to establish a sub-account with the ONE Investment Program under the Town’s main account; Therefore, be it resolved that the Council for the Corporation for the Town of Parry Sound supports the establishment of an investment account for the Parry Sound Public Library and that the Director of Finance and POA Court Services and a representative to be named by the Library board may sign on this account.
If it seems too good to be true, it isn’t.

9.3.1 – Tenders – Fleet Equipment. Resolution.
A total of about $120,000 in purchases is proposed, all in the budget, for a variety of tractors, mowers and similar to replace existing equipment. The requested equipment is itemized in the Agenda Package.

9.4.2 – Request for amendment to Rental Rates. Resolution. That Council declines the request for waiver of all fees to rent the Stockey Centre Performance Hall for a Public Forum with the recently appointed Ombudsman for Hydro One as requested by MPP Norm Miller.

By-laws

10.3.1 – Fowler Construction Company Limited Contract – Emily Street. Being a bylaw to authorize the execution of a Contract Agreement between Fowler Construction Company Limited and the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound for the reconstruction of Emily Street.
It looks as though the Town will soon be ‘ripped up’ at both ends.

10.4.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/16/3 – 20 Bowes Street – Schmalz. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 20 Bowes Street (Schmalz).

10.4.2 – Site Plan Amendment Application – Near North District School Board – 21 Beatty Street. Being a By-law to authorize a Site Plan / Development Amending Agreement between Near North District School Board and The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound.

That’s what caught my eye. I won’t be at the meeting on Tuesday, so please attend in my absence and show Council and Staff a little love.

Summer on the North Shore Rugged Trail (Real Parry Sound)

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Council Agenda Preview – April 19, 2016

18 Monday Apr 2016

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At first look this week’s meeting appears to be light, but does in fact move forward with a few important initiatives. Item 9.6.1 is an interesting series of proposals regarding business critical improvements for Parry Sound. The attachments offer little detail in terms of the group’s analysis, and for the most part simply summarizes the recommendations. I encourage people read the Resolution with attachments in the full meeting agenda.

There are also a number of fund transfers on the agenda, Items 9.1.1 and 9.1.2, none of which look controversial. The Parry Sound and Area Chamber of Commerce, Item 9.1.4 is on the agenda requesting forgiveness of property taxes in consideration of major capital improvements and maintenance of the CN Station by the Chamber over the past three decades.

Consent Agenda

8.1 – Rail Safety Week – April 25 to May 1, 2016. Resolution. Be It Resolved that Mayor and Council declare April 25 to May1, 2016 Rail Safety Week in the Town of Parry Sound.
Did you check out the CBC report on the 100 most dangerous railway crossings in Canada? I suspect that Cascade Street would have made the list had the Town not invested in the crossing arms.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Reserve and Reserve Funds transfers at December 31, 2015. Resolution. That Council hereby approves the transfers to and from reserves, as outlined in the Report and Recommendation – “Reserve Transfers at December 31, 2015” attached as Schedule “A”; and That Council hereby approves the transfers to and from reserve funds, as outlined in the Report and Recommendation – “Reserve Transfers at December 31, 2015” attached as Schedule “A”.
There are multiple Reserve Funds involved with these transfers. I suggest that the interested reader pull up the full agenda package to review the recommendations. I expect that it will be approved as per the Resolution.

9.1.2 – Charles W. Stockey Centre – Transfer to Bobby Orr Hall of Fame (BOHF) Reserve and to Unfinanced Capital Outlay. Resolution.

  1. That Council approve a reduction in the “Unfinanced Capital Outlay” (being the capital construction debt) relating to the Charles W. Stockey Centre in the amount of $27,745.69, this being the amount necessary to extinguish the unfinanced capital cost.
  2. That Council approve a transfer to the Stockey Centre Reserve in the amount of $32,954.65, being 50% of the remaining unspent municipal contribution from the 2015 budget for the Charles W. Stockey Centre.
  3. That Council approve a transfer to the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Reserve in the amount of $32,954.65, being 50% of the remaining unspent municipal contribution from the 2015 budget for the Charles W. Stockey Centre.

9.1.4 – Request for waiving of property tax – Chamber of Commerce. Resolution. That the request from the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce to waive outstanding taxes, be denied.
I will be doing a deputation on this issue. It turns out that the Parry Sound and Area Chamber of Commerce has invested tens of thousands of dollars over the years and is largely responsible for the CN Station surviving to the 21st Century.

9.3.1 – Tower Hill: Transfer from Parks Reserve. Resolution. That Council authorize the transfer of $5,000 from the Parks Reserve to the Tower Hill park operating budget for the purchase of furnishings for Tower Hill Gardens, per the attached Schedule “A”.
There are some interesting recommendations made in the full agenda package that should entice visitors to to the garden to stop and linger a little longer. Check out the full agenda package for more information.

9.3.2 – 60 Bowes Street – Application – Council Approved Sign. Resolution. That the Chief Building Official is authorized and directed to issue a permit for a standard sign on the premise of 60 Bowes Street according to the exceptions and Conditions in Schedule “A” attached.
This seems to relate to the new medical centre being built across from the hospital.

9.3.3 – One Time New Event Grant. Resolution. That Council approve the One Time New Events Grant program, attached as Schedule “A”.
The resolution proposes a total budget of $5,000 to be provided to organizations to support first time events in Parry Sound. It seems to be a way to help ‘make things happen’.

9.3.4 – Proposal from Jack Sports Group: GMHL Jr. A Team. Resolution. That the agreement proposed from Jack Sports Group for use of the Bobby Orr Community Centre, per the attached Schedule “A”, be denied.
This is an interesting issue. Jack Sports, owner of the Parry Sound Islanders hockey team, is requesting multiple considerations to keep the hockey team at the Bobby Orr Community Centre. Staff concerns range from financial, to logistics, to odours. It’s worth a read if you are interested in understanding the business of ‘for profit’ minor league hockey.

9.4.1 – EMS Power Stretchers. Resolution. That the Town of Parry Sound authorizes the expenditure of $48,672.00 +GST to Stryker EMS for the supply of three Power Stretchers.

9.4.2 – Decommissioned Ambulances. Resolution. That the Town of Parry Sound Council approve one ambulance being decommissioned in 2015 be donated to The Town of Kearney.

9.6.1 – Business Stimulus Report. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Business Stimulus Task Team, Council receives the ‘Business Stimulus Report’; and The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound Council Meeting Agenda April 19, 2016 that the following recommendations be approved:

  1. That cost estimates for the following new infrastructure upgrades be prepared. Cost estimates should be based on upsizing and the provision of service laterals:
  2. a) Great North Road, assuming maximum development possibilities;
  3. b) Champagne Street, assuming maximum development possibilities;
  4. c) Parry Sound Road to accommodate the potential of an in-town Industrial Park;
  5. d) Parry Sound Road to Oastler Park Drive
  6. e) Emily Street; and
  7. That funding strategies for the above upgrades be developed.
  8. That the Town develop Terms of Reference for a “Meet and Greet’/Ambassador team; and
  9. That the Town’s web page be enhanced to include a tab featuring private, municipal and senior government properties that are suitable for commercial or industrial development, and for sale. The property owners will be invited to participate in the development of the property profiles; and
  10. That the current Community Improvement Program (CIP) be reviewed, specifically with a focus on the Façade Improvement Program and the Tax Increment Equivalent Grant Program (TIEG), with recommendation to be brought to Council in August 2016; and
  11. That an application be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing (MMAH) requesting that the approval authority for Official Plan amendments be delegated to the Town; and
  12. That staff develop scope and terms of reference regarding the delegation of site plan approvals that are straight-forward to the Principal Planner.
  13. That staff develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town and property owner for the Beatty Big Sound property to ensure requirements for access and future servicing are considered.
  14. That staff research alternatives and efficiencies for delivery of Parry Sound Area Planning Board services.
  15. That staff develop weighting criteria to be used for the application of the ‘Principles and Guidelines for Private Sector Development’ policy; and
  16. That a priority planning session be scheduled with Council as establishing priorities will bring focus with a view to return on investment. (scheduled for May 19, 2016).

This is a large set of recommendations mostly summarized in the Resolution. I’ll take a later look at this and possibly provide a separate post on the recommendations. Take a look at the full agenda if you want to understand the basis of the recommendations.

By-Laws

None

I will be at the meeting this week, see you there.

Winter Finally Loosens It’s White Grip on the North Shore Rugged Trail

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Supporting Business in Parry Sound – 2016 Budget Discussion

14 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by in Budget/Financial, Parry Sound, Reflections, Suggestions

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Before starting in with an analysis of the Town of Parry Sound’s 2016 Budget I want to offer some thoughts on a topic that arose at the budget meeting on Tuesday night. I’ve sat through about one hundred council meetings at this point and, once the deputations are over, I am required to sit quietly and listen to the discussion. With no opportunity to speak, it provides me with the opportunity to listen and think about the issue at hand. Perhaps that’s why this blog exists, an opportunity to express an opinion that may or may not be heard, but at least forces me to put my thoughts together, with the understanding that it will be open to review and criticism. Hopefully it also stimulates some to think about an issue and perhaps take action.

During the discussion Tuesday night on how the 2016 Budget can be used to revitalize the Town and businesses I had a sense that the best intents of Council may not always be aligned with best outcomes when it comes to Town residents and businesses. As a town we are pretty much committed to Free Parking to support businesses in the downtown. That will mean a $150,000 annual loss of income. It has been argued that much of that income is offset by maintenance costs (repair, snow plowing, meter maintenance, etc.), parking attendant, with a net zeroing out of income and expenses. These expenses of course will now need to be cut, or accounted for in some other part of the budget. I’ll leave it at that, but if the parking revenue income is lost, there are still the same expenses, except perhaps meter maintenance. So it becomes a net expense, of about $100,000 a year. (Accounting at some point for 1% of your tax bill.)

Despite the cost of Free Parking, I’m happy to support the initiative and local businesses. I do object to the hiring of a parking attendant to supervise free parking. It seems pretty stupid to offer something for free, and then monitor that free isn’t abused.

So, Council seems prepared to make a major commitment to support the downtown businesses. This effective tax increase of course doesn’t really help any of the businesses that are not located in the downtown parking area. They have already paid for land to allow client parking, they pay for their parking area upkeep, and are taxed on the value of the parking area. But, I’m still okay with that. If the businesses want to complain, let them; as a resident it’s not hurting me. As an aside, if I were one of those businesses that provides free parking already I would probably ask that the Town rebate me all, or a large portion, of the property tax value of the parking area. That would seem to level the competitive space, and allow all businesses to benefit from ‘free parking’. But then that would cost the Town tax revenues and raise taxes for everyone.

What really caught my attention Tuesday night was the mention that attracting cruise ships to Parry Sound should be pursued more actively. It was felt that these cruise boats bring in visitors who will spend money, and support local businesses. Apparently the Pearl Mist is scheduled for ten visits in 2016.

Whoopee? No wait, let’s take a look at the figures.

So we will have ten visits of about 250 people. That adds up to a maximum of 2,500 visitors spending less than 24 hours in Parry Sound, or 2,500 visitor days. Will they be booking accommodation? No! Will they be buying meals? Perhaps, but probably no more than dinner. Will they be buying trinkets? Probably. Will they be buying gas, hardware supplies, groceries, or ….? Or how about a cruise on the Island Queen or the Chippewa III? No, of course not. And when it comes to trinkets, remember they have a dozen stops and limited storage space. No SUV to haul things back home.

Or perhaps they will simply get off the boat, hop onto a chartered bus, and be whisked away to see the sites and a catered lunch elsewhere.

What’s the dollar value of these visits. Let’s say they spend $50 on meals and $50 on trinkets. That adds up to an optimistic estimate of $100 per person and $250,000 spent in Parry Sound. More likely it tops out at $100,000. Not bad, but there is a much better place to spend money and invest Staff time if the Town wants to help the business sector, all of it, not just the downtown. Council is council for all of Parry Sound aren’t they?

It’s the provincial parks, which received no mention last night, or in any of the many council meeting I have attended. How many potential customers for Parry Sound businesses are there in the parks, and why might they be a much better opportunity for business development?

At peak, Killbear Park hosts about 5,000 people a day and peak pretty much lasts from July 1st to Labour Day, with significant numbers in the month before and after. To be conservative, let’s say there are about 3,000 people per day in Killbear Park for two months. That totals about 180,000 people days. And for the fun of it, let’s add in another 10% to account for Oastler and Grundy Lake Parks, and the shoulder seasons, bringing it to a nice round 200,000 people days. An optimist could suggest it’s more like 300,000.

So what money might the average camper drop in Parry Sound? Well they will need to buy gas, it’s a long way here and a long way to where they are going. How about groceries? Well they probably stocked up before leaving but there is always much more that they need. Prices in Parry Sound are very reasonable, so there is no reason not to buy supplies in Parry Sound, it’s not like buying a meal or a drink at the airport. And there is always something they forgot, didn’t realize they needed, or broke down at the moment of use. That means a trip to the hardware store, White Squall, Mitch’s, Canadian Tire or WalMart. Cold or hot weather can also mean the need for a sweatshirt, jacket, swimsuit, and a visit to the one of the local shops.

And even a good camping experience benefits from an occasional meal of pizza, fish and chips, or sausage on a bun, much less a sit down meal. More opportunity to support our local businesses.

And on a beautiful day is there anything better to do than come to Town and get aboard the Island Queen for a trip around Parry Island, or charter a fishing trip, or hop a boat ride down the South Channel? On a crummy day, it’s a visit for the kids to the Strand, or a visit to Parry Sound Books or Bearly Used Books for reading material. Perhaps it’s a trip to the library to catch some free Wi-Fi, followed by lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants or fast food establishments. It’s not fun sitting in a tent in the rain, much less cooking in the rain.

Speaking with local businesses it’s pretty obvious that Parry Sound already captures value from these provincial park visitors. What if we could capture just an additional dollar from each one of these 200,000+ visitor days? That’s $200,000. Make it $5 and you are pumping an additional million dollars into the local economy; all of the Parry Sound businesses can benefit, not just those in walking distance of the cruise ships. How many cruise ships would it take to capture this type of money?

What if we could encourage the local cottagers to drop by for an extra meal, or to take in a leisure activity? That might add another 50% to the total. These are people who are also around for the important shoulder seasons.

But Council expressed interest in exploring a $5,000 membership in the Great Lakes Cruising Coalition to possibly secure more cruise ship visits to visit Parry Sound? I understand the Great Lakes Cruising Coalition will be making a deputation at next week’s meeting of Council to make a case for Parry Sound taking a membership in their organization.

As an aside, and not really a consideration in this analysis, the cruise ships are a nuisance for those of us who actually walk around the Parry Sound Waterfront. For security and presumably customs reasons the Town Dock is off limits for the locals when the cruise ships are tied up. With ten visits in 2016 over the summer months the Town Dock will be off limits for more than 10% of the time. Our non-cruise boat summer visitors may make the lines longer at the grocery stores, and add to traffic, but they don’t keep us from enjoying our local attractions.

Another suggestion was made at Tuesday night’s meeting to add back in an expense that had been removed in the latest series of cuts – refurbishing the toilets at the Town Dock. Interestingly enough, it was also estimated to cost $5,000. Hmm, $5,000 that will serve thousands, or $5,000 to woo new cruise boat visits. I believe a town is judged more for it amenities, that in part is it’s toilets, than how many cruise boats visit. I doubt the cruise boat guests will be using the Town Dock facilities, it’s better onboard.

Enough of the carping. Going forward I’ll be taking a ‘dispassionate’ look at the budget and where we are spending the money.

Speaking with a local business owner about the suggestion to attract more cruise boat business, they just laughed. What is needed they suggested was lower taxes for the downtown businesses. Lower taxes will mean more financial resources for businesses to invest in their stores and services that can attract more customers to the downtown, be they locals, tourists, boaters, campers, cottagers, or even cruise boat patrons.

Council seems to believe that more Town sponsored and directed investment in Parry Sound can make the town more attractive for businesses and attract more development. That implies higher taxes. Is there a better way? You can’t easily cut your way to growth, and you can’t easily spend your way to success. I would be happy to see the Town present a plan that outlines the strategy, defines the actions, and most importantly identifies the metrics to assess the success of the plan. You can’t always be right but it’s nice to know where you went wrong. If you’re smart, you can make logical changes.

But, but, it adds so much class to the Town’s waterfront.

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Edited – Council Agenda Preview – December 1, 2015

28 Saturday Nov 2015

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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Note: this post has been edited, with strike-throughs, based on additional information received after this preview was posted. The key point is that while funds do come from the Park Reserve, they were put there as part of the 2015 Budget Big Sound Marina upgrade approval, because it was considered to be the most ‘appropriate’ reserve to ‘park’ the funds until they were needed. It does appear though that there is still an additional pre-budget approval request for about $142,000. The reason for the urgency is not only that the facility needs to be in operation for the 2016 boating season, but matching federal funds have an expiry date.

The original post, with strike-thoughs, starts here.

Once again it is a lighter agenda in terms of content. In my opinion there is only one thing that strikes me as an issue. It concerns Item 9.1.1 – “Redevelopment of Dock “B” – Big Sound Marina”. At first glance there doesn’t seem to be an issue, the dock needs upgrades to the tune of about $400,000. But digging a little deeper the concern becomes obvious. The Resolution proposes to fund a portion of the Parry Sound costs, about $140,000, from the Parks Reserve fund, prior to the 2016 budget deliberations. The balance, about $142,000 is to come from a debenture. It’s another pre-budget approval request, a very big one. But that’s not the big issue in my opinion.

My feeling is that the proposal to use the Parks Reserve to fund a major upgrade to Big Sound Marina is wrong, wrong, wrong. Since when was Big Sound Marina considered to be a park? Are there any facilities there that cater to the uses and interests of Parry Sound residents? It seems to me that Big Sound Marina is a service for touring boaters, businesses in Town who derive revenue from these boaters, and the for-profit operators of Big Sound Marina. A Parry Sound resident can’t tie their boat up at Big Sound Marina without paying a ‘parking’ fee. And most Parry Sounders don’t have a boat. So what qualifies this as a park upgrade, and why is Staff proposing to reach into the Parry Sound Parks Reserve to fund it? The Town doesn’t even own Big Sound Marina.

I will not argue with the need to make the described repairs, but I do object to the Parks Reserve funds being used to pay for it. These funds are intended to be used for upgrades and repairs to our ‘public parks’ which include Waubuno Beach, Yvonne Williams Park, Booth Street Park and the like. Much as the proposed use of the Parking Reserve to subsidize Free Parking Downtown, it’s much easier for Council to approve these expenses if they can pull them out of reserves and not face their reality as a budget item. It really isn’t appropriate to reach into a totally separate reserve fund to solve a problem. Big Sound Marina is not a park, and it certainly isn’t a Parry Sound park. It’s not quite like reaching into a reserve set aside for widows and orphans, but it seems to be a misuse of funds. I hope that Council will recognize the issue and require funding come from other sources. Let’s not drain the Parks Reserve for non-park related uses. But of course there may be a suggestion to put in a swing set and ‘create’ a new park. Let’s hope not.

Public Meeting

2.1.1 – “Council will hold a public meeting to consider a proposed Zoning By-law amendment under Section 34 of the Planning Act The purpose of the proposed Zoning By-law amendment is to amend the Highway Commercial (C3) zone to permit residential development subject to reduced site specific setbacks. The motel is proposed to be converted into 12 residential units, and a new 10-plex is proposed on John/Church Street.”

Correspondence

4.3 – James Chirico Medical Officer of Health. Re: update on the accommodation planning phase 2 – tender process for the new North Bay Parry Sound health unit, located in North Bay.

4.4 – Malcolm Fraser, Resident. Re: concerns regarding fluoridation of the town’s water.

4.5 – Joseph Maloney, Parry Sounders for progressive water management. Re: Provision of Dr. Limeback’s slide presentation as a response to Dr. Jim Chirico Medical Officer of Health presentation to Council on October 6 2015.

Deputations

5.1 – Brian Downing, President of OPSEU Paramedics, Local #342. Re: information regarding successor rights with respect to the proposed request for proposal for land ambulance services for the district of Parry Sound. I’m not sure what this concerns but there is a Land Ambulance item, 9.2.2, on the agenda that concerns budget and levy for 2016.

5.2 – Trevor Penn, Director of Finance and POA Court Services. Re: review of asset management and 20-year capital.

Consent Agenda

8.1 – Ombudsman investigation – Heads of Council Meetings. Resolution. “.… Now therefore the result that counsel for the town of Parry Sound acknowledge is receipt of the Ombudsman’s Report and will post it on the town website.” There seems to be a little bit of smoke here, but it doesn’t seem to qualify as a fire.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Redevelopment of Dock “B” – Big Sound Marina. Resolution. “That Council excepts the tender received from Kropf Industrial Inc. in the amount of $393,323 (excluding HST), for the Big Sound Marina Redevelopment project, this being the lowest of four tenders received; and that Council grant 2016 pre-budget approval.” Let’s not start the practice of dipping into reserve funds to cover unrelated expenses. If this is a legitimate expense let’s put it into the budget and pay for it as part of the 2016 levy, or increase the size of the debenture. And what is with this pre-budget approval request for $267,000? This is an expense that should have been considered last year, and put in to the 2015 budget. I understand that the upgrades need to be made prior to the boating season, but it shouldn’t be a surprise requiring pre-budget approval. This ‘pre-budget’ approach means that the request doesn’t need to compete for funding with other priorities, a competition that may delay it for a year or two.

9.2.1 – Free Parking Downtown. Direction. “That Council direct Staff to continue the Free Parking Downtown program until June 1, 2016. A recommendation on a future parking strategy will return to Council as part of the comprehensive strategic review for the downtown.” This seems a necessary action given the decision to expand and extend the review of Free Parking Downtown.

9.2.2 – Land Ambulance 2016 Budget. Resolution. “That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee, Council of the Town of Parry Sound approve the 2016 Land Ambulance budget with a 3% municipal levy increase in the total amount of $8,572,705.81, attached as Schedule “A”.” And it looks as though it will be a 3% increase for each of the next four years.

9.4.1 – 2015 Parry Sound Public Library Budget. Resolution. “That the Council for the Town of Parry Sound hereby approves the 2015 budget for the Parry Sound Public Library, attached Schedule “A”.”

By-laws

10.3.1 – Renewal of contract with Integrity Commissioner. “Being a By-law to appoint an Integrity Commissioner for the Town of Parry Sound and to authorize the execution of an agreement with Suzanne Craig.” I’m glad to see Ms Craig continues as the Town’s ombudsman. Her review of a complaint last year let the Town off on a technicality; you haven’t done something wrong if there isn’t a rule/law prohibiting it.

There is more but you will need to take a look at the agenda to see if there is anything I missed that is important to you. I did notice that the agenda now does not allow content copying. I’m not sure if this is, or isn’t, deliberate; but it really doesn’t work. It only makes it a bit more work to prepare this Parry Sound Council Preview.

See you Tuesday night.

The Jewel of the Jewel? (Parry Sound in Glorious Colour)

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