Tag Archives: Planning

Council Agenda Preview – May 21, 2019

17 Friday May 2019

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Interesting items of the agenda include:

Closed Session e) – Claim Against the Municipality Regarding 2018 Election. Well, this is a continuing distraction.

2.1 – Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment (W.E.H. Developments Limited) & 10.3.3– Deeming By-law. This concerns a development at the end of Winnifred Street. The image below may help to better explain where it is. It proposes to include singles to triplexes.

9.4.2 – Negotiating Team – Seguin-Town Boundary Adjustment. It looks as though the discussion is back up for discussion. Let’s see if there is more success this time around.

Closed Session

e) Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board. (Claim Against the Municipality Regarding 2018 Election; Town property matter)
f) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-Client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose. (Claim Against the Municipality Regarding 2018 Election; Town property matter)

Public Meeting
2.1 – Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/05 – W.E.H. Development Phase 2 (W.E.H. Developments Limited)

Correspondence
4.1 – Tom & Lianne Piddington. Concerns with water pooling on properties from Town plugged culvert.
4.2 – Kyle Boyko on behalf of Inspire Tech Canada Corp. Request for Financial Support to host Future Technology Expos in Parry Sound.

Deputations
5.1 – Shawna Woods. Concerns with planned removal of anchor from Georgian Bay.
5.2 – Renata Purcell, Debra Jones. Strings Across the Sky.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – Approve Signing Authority. Resolution. Whereas the Council for the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound approved Resolutions 2014-030 and 2014-228 approving signing authority and credit card authority to Members of Council and certain members of staff; and Whereas there are no changes to the position or authority levels at this time; and Whereas there has been a change in the Director of Finance position; Now therefore be it resolved that Resolution 2018-026 be amended to formally remove Kim Chen, Director of Finance/Treasurer as a signing authority; and Further that Stephanie Phillips, Director of Finance/Treasurer be added as a signing authority.
9.2.1 – Cemetery By-law Price List. Direction. That staff be directed to increase the price of Interment Rights only on the Cemetery Price List by 10%.
9.2.2 – Cemetery Truck (08-090) Replacement. Direction. That Council approve staff to single source a new model vehicle for the replacement of the current cemetery vehicle (08-090) after no bids were received through the tender process.
9.3.1 – Fire Department Health and Safety Policies. Resolution. That the Council for the Corporation of the Towns of Parry Sound approves the Fire Department Health and Safety Policies attached as Schedule A, And further, that upon the agreement of the Parry Sound Fire Department Joint Health and Safety Committee, the CAO and Fire Chief are authorized to make changes to the policies attached as Schedule A to ensure that they remain current and in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety standards
9.4.1 – Appointment of a Designate for the Lakeland Power Shareholder Meeting. Resolution. That Councillor ________________ be appointed as the Mayor’s designate for the purposes of Lakeland Power shareholder meetings.
9.4.2 – Negotiating Team – Seguin-Town Boundary Adjustment. Resolution. That Council appoint the Mayor, Councillor _____________, Councillor _____________ and the CAO, Mr. Clayton Harris to the Town’s Negotiating Team regarding Seguin Township-Town of Parry Sound boundary adjustment.
9.5.1 – Township of Essa Petition re: Provincial funding to Libraries. WHEREAS the Ontario Library Service North and Southern Ontario Library Service provide the support for interlibrary loans, staff and board training, bulk purchasing, collaborative programming, technological supports, shared electronic book collections and shared catalogue databases; and WHEREAS the Town of Parry Sound supports the Essa Public Library Board in their initiative to circulate a petition seeking support for the Ontario Public Library Board in their request for the reinstatement of funding to the Ontario Library Service (North and South) agencies to, at a minimum, 2017-18 funding levels, in order for these agencies to continue their day-to-day support of Ontario Public Library Services, and to continue to maintain base funding for Ontario Public Libraries; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT this resolution be forwarded to the office of MPP Simcoe-Grey Jim Wilson, MPP Parry Sound-Muskoka Norm Miller, AMO, and the initiating municipality – Township of Essa.

By-laws
10.1.1 – Business Improvement Area (BIA) Levy By-law – Downtown Business Area Spokesperson: Rob Beaumont, Manager of Revenue & Taxation. By-law 2019 – 6924. 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 2019.
10.1.2 – Striking tax rates for fiscal year 2019. By-Law 2019 – 6926. Being a bylaw to Strike the Tax Rates for Municipal Purposes for the Year 2019.
10.3.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/19/3 – 32 Riverdale Road (Laforme/Hubert). By-law 2019 – 6925. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 32 Riverdale Road (Laforme/Hubert).
10.3.2 – Housekeeping – Deem Planning Applications Complete. By-Law 2019 – 6927. Being a By-law to amend By-law 2007-5089 to Delegate Certain Powers and Duties of Council Under the Planning Act (Deem Complete).
10.3.3 – Deeming By-law – W.E.H Phase 2 – Lots 46 – 49. By-law 2019 – 6928. Being a By-law to deem certain lots in the Town of Parry Sound not to be part of a registered Plan of Subdivision (W.E.H. – Lots 46 – 49, Winnifred Avenue).
10.3.4 – Appointment Bylaw – Ulysses Gibson – Municipal Law Enforcement Officer. By-law 2019 – 6929. Being a bylaw to appoint Ulysses Gibson as a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer.

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – May 7, 2019

12 Sunday May 2019

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There is nothing unexpected in the meeting minutes of May 7, 2019. A couple of items are worth noting. Additional details are found below in the body of this post.

7.1. – Recommendation to Dispose of CP Station. It looks as though the CP Station will be sold. I hope it finds a useful future, that hasn’t been the case to date with the CN Station.

10.3.3 – Rezoning Application – Z/19/02 – Pine Drive. Best Western has received approval to land in Parry Sound.

Other

1.4.1 – Mayor McGarvey Declared Pecuniary Interest on item 6.3.1 on the Closed Agenda and item 7.1 on the Open Agenda, as his wife is the Executive Director of the Festival of the Sound. He did not attend the Closed Session; and left the room for item 7.1 on the Open Agenda, did not participate in discussion nor vote on the item.

1.4.2 – At the commencement of item 9.4.1, Councillor Backman left the room, did not participate in discussion, nor vote on the item. At the conclusion of the meeting, Councillor Backman submitted a written declaration of pecuniary interest on the item as she is a member of WPS SMART.

Public Meeting

2.1 – Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment– Z/19/03 – 32 Riverdale Road (Laforme/Hubert)
With reference to the first matter on Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/03 – 32 Riverdale Road (Laforme/Hubert), Clerk Rebecca Johnson reported that Notice was given by prepaid first-class mail to the required prescribed agencies and property owners within 120 metres, posted on the property, and was placed on the Town’s website. Manager of Building & Planning Services Taylor Elgie reported that the applicant has requested relief from the Residential First Density (R1) Zone to permit two residential units within the existing structure and to reduce the parking space size from 3 metres by 6 metres to 3 metres by 5.4 metres. The property is an existing building located at 32 Riverdale Road, known as Lot 72 on Plan 172, in the Town of Parry Sound. Mayor McGarvey invited anyone who wished to speak in favour of this proposed zoning by-law amendment to come forward. Marie Laforme, owner of 32 Riverdale Road addressed Council saying that she is in favour of the proposed zoning by-law amendment. Mayor McGarvey invited anyone who wished to speak in opposition of this proposed zoning by-law amendment to come forward. No person came forward. Mr. Elgie reported that no letters have been received either in favour of, or in opposition to the proposed zoning by-law amendment.
Mayor McGarvey advised that the public should contact staff or check the Town’s website to see when this amendment will come back for a decision. Council, at its discretion, may approve the proposed Zoning B-law Amendment. If so, it must either circulate notice of passing of the by-law or give notice in the local press. Objections to the passing of the by-law will be received by the Clerk within 20 days from the date such notice is given, which objections will be forwarded to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. If an appeal is submitted and the appellant has not provided Council with an oral or written submission before the passing of the by-law, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal may choose to dismiss the appeal.

2.2 – Proposed fee for the consideration of Alternative Solutions as defined by the Ontario Building Code.
With reference to the second matter on the Proposed Fee for Alternative Solutions Consideration under the Building Code Act, Ms. Johnson reported that Notice was given by advertisement in the newspaper and was placed on the Town’s website. With respect to the purpose of the proposed fee, Chief Building Official John Este reported that the building code act and the code itself make provision for compliance through the use of alternative solutions. The prescriptive part of the code is reasonably straight forward to review. Alternative solutions require great care during review since the Goals and Objectives must be evaluated, and, the alternative solution must be compared to an acceptable prescribed solution. Since this takes extra staff resources, it makes sense to levy a suitable fee to offset this resource cost. Some of this background was provided with the notice on the Town’s web site and has been circulated. No person came forward in response to Mayor McGarvey’s invitation for members to speak either in favour of, or in opposition to the proposed by-law amendment. Mr. Este reported that no letters have been received as a result of this notice. Mayor McGarvey advised that the public should contact staff or check the Town’s website to see when the proposed by-law will come back for a decision. Carried

Questions of Staff

3.2.1 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding what steps the Town has or can take to mitigate flooding in the Parry Sound area, Director of Public Works Peter Brown reported that the only location where there has been substantial flooding is on Parry Sound Road behind the Hospital. He noted that he has had extensive discussions with the Hospital representatives, private property owners and CN Rail and will continue to monitor over the summer months.

3.2.2 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding the fire rating process, Fire Chief Dave Thompson reported that forest fire regulations through the Forestry Act require fire rating on April 1st annually. The Town has three fire rating visual sites: one on Bowes Street entering Town; one on Church Street entering Town, and the third at the Waste Transfer Station. Area municipalities work together or maintain a common fire rating.

3.2.3 – In response to Councillor Borneman’s inquiry regarding construction projects underway, Mr. Brown reported that contractors are on-site blasting related to the Isabella Street project; that the Dennis Street project is finished; and the Macklaim Street project will start tomorrow. With respect to the Waubeek Street project, Mr. Brown reported that significant work has been done, however incidents of members of the public driving through red lights on Waubeek, putting staff at risk, has resulted in the decision made to close Waubeek Street for a couple of months to local traffic only starting next week.

3.2.4 – In response to Councillor Borneman’s inquiry regarding renovations at the Bobby Orr Community Centre, Manager of Parks & Recreation April McNamara reported that the floor is out, three feet of new compacted sand is in place, insulation is being laid, and the project is on-time.

3.2.5 – In response to Councillor McCann’s inquiry regarding the process for repair of wash-outs, Mr. Brown reported that the Town has a protocol to prioritize worst cases first. In all events it is necessary to call for locates which can take 5-7 days; On the list to attend to are ones on Brenda, Louisa and Edward Streets, and that the Town would appreciate receiving information from the public on Town road allowance wash outs, if the Town hasn’t already reached out.

3.2.6 – With respect to road line painting, Mr. Brown responded to Councillor McCann’s additional inquiry on this subject to say that line painting will likely commence within the next month when the road reaches a more consistent appropriate ambient temperature and the sand has been swept, the latter action being undertaken now.

Correspondence

4.4 – Scott Scarrow, Board member, Granite Harbour. Granite Harbour waste collection review request, specifically that the Town provide recycling and waste collection services, as opposed to Granite Harbour providing these services privately. Referred to Director of Public Works for follow-up, with a report brought back to the next Council meeting.

5.1 – Ian Fleming, Alison Scarrow, Dan DiNicolo, Donald Sanderson, John Sallinen, Festival of the Sound Board. Future of the CP Station/Festival Office – Withdrawn

Ratification of Matters from Closed Agenda

7.1 – Recommendation to Dispose of CP Station. Advise the current tenant (Festival of the Sound) of the Town’s intention to sell the CP Station property. Staff will ensure that the Festival of the Sound is aware that their business needs will be taken into consideration as it relates to timeline of the sale of the property;
Declare the CP Station surplus to the needs of the Town in accordance with Town policies; and Hire a realtor to dispose of the property in an “as-is” condition and make the Environmental Site Assessment available for review in the Town’s Office. Carried

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.4.1 – Appointment as a WPS SMART Member.That Clayton Harris, the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer be appointed as a member of WPS SMART to represent the Town, replacing the former representative, Rob Mens, the former CAO. Carried

By-laws

10.1.1 – Financial Assistance to Elderly Persons Centres. That staff be directed to process the grant payment to Parry Sound Seniors Club in the amount of $5,000, as approved through the 2019 Budget Process, being 100% of the budget for Seniors Assistance; and Provide correspondence to the Parry Sound Seniors Club indicating the October 31 deadline for their annual grant requests; and encourage the Club review their membership’s place of residence and request financial support from those area communities as well. Carried
By-law 2019 – 6917. Being a By-law to revoke By-law 2001-4399 regarding an out-dated funding provision for an Elderly Persons Centre. Read a First, Second and Third time, Passed, Signed and Sealed.

10.1.2 – Appointment of Treasurer. By-law 2019 – 6921. Being a By-law to appoint Stephanie Phillips as Treasurer of the Town of Parry Sound Read a First, Second and Third time, Passed, Signed and Sealed.

10.3.1 – Pointe au Baril EMS Base. By-law 2019 – 6918. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with the Township of The Archipelago for the use and occupation of the EMS Base located at 70 South Shore Rd., Pointe au Baril. Read a First, Second and Third time, Passed, Signed and Sealed.

10.3.2 – Primary Public Safety Answering Point. By-law 2019 – 6920. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with the OPP for the provision of 9-1-1 Primary PSAP Services. Read a First, Second and Third time, Passed, Signed and Sealed.

10.3.3 – Rezoning Application – Z/19/02 – Pine Drive (John Jackson Planner Inc. on Behalf of V.G. Cox Limited). By-law 2019-6922. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for Pine Drive (John Jackson Planner Inc. on Behalf of V.G. Cox Limited). Passed, Signed and Sealed.
Direction Approved for Staff Follow-up: That staff be directed to bring forward pole sign renewal until January 31, 2045 for Oastler Park Shopping Plaza Limited. Carried

10.4.1– Georgian Nordic Paddling MOU RE: William Street Park for Paddling Training Centre. By-law 2019 – 6919. Being a by-law to approve the memorandum of understanding with Georgian Nordic Paddling for use of William Street Park as a paddling training centre. Passed, Signed and Sealed.

Council Agenda Preview – May 7, 2019

05 Sunday May 2019

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This is a rather remarkable Town of Parry Sound council meeting with only a single resolution on the agenda.

Notable Items:

4.4 & Closed Session (c) – There seems to be activity afoot to sell the CP Station to the Festival of the Sound. It will be interesting to see what terms are agreed. For everything that the Festival provides for the Town it is interesting to see how much they are still dependent on the Town for direct and indirect support. It’s like having a 40-year child coming back for handouts.

10.3.3 – It looks as though we will have a Best Western in town. It will add another hundred or so beds. How many more beds have been created in town with the general acceptance of Airbnb? I hope the private individuals who are playing the Airbnb game have their fire detectors up to date. Is this something the Fire Department monitors? Do we have a safety issue hiding in plain sight?

Closed Session
(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; (CP Station)

Public Meeting
2.1 – Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/03 – 32 Riverdale Road. (Laforme/Hubert).
2.2 – Proposed fee for the consideration of Alternative Solutions as defined by the Ontario Building Code.

Correspondence
4.1 – Ontario BIA Association. Notice of Award at the 2019 OBIAA Conference to the Parry Sound DBA in the Special Events + Promotions – Small category judged on five BIA pillars: Innovation, Replication, Representation, Outcome, and Accessibility.
4.2 – Township of Seguin. Re: Official Plan Amendment No. 9 Recreational Water Quality Model Update.
4.4 – Scott Scarrow, Board member, Granite Harbour. Granite Harbour waste collection concerns.

Deputations
5.1 – Ian Fleming, Alison Scarrow, Dan DiNicolo, Donald Sanderson, John Sallinen, Festival of the Sound Board. Future of the CP Station/Festival Office.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.4.1 – Appointment as a WPS SMART Member. Resolution. That Clayton Harris, the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer be appointed as a member of WPS SMART to represent the Town, replacing the former representative, Rob Mens, the former CAO.

By-laws
10.1.1 – Financial Assistance to Elderly Persons Centres. Direction. To process the grant payment to Parry Sound Seniors Club in the amount of $5,000, as approved through the 2019 Budget Process, being 100% of the budget for Seniors Assistance; and Provide correspondence to the Parry Sound Seniors Club indicating the October 31 deadline for their annual grant requests; and encourage the Club review their membership’s place of residence and request financial support from those area communities as well.
By-law 2019 – 6917. Being a By-law to revoke By-law 2001-4399 regarding an out-dated funding provision for an Elderly Persons Centre.
10.1.2 – Appointment of Treasurer. By-law 2019 – 6921. Being a By-law to appoint Stephanie Phillips as Treasurer of the Town of Parry Sound.
10.3.1 – Pointe au Baril EMS Base. By-law 2019 – 6918. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with the Township of The Archipelago for the use and occupation of the EMS Base located at 70 South Shore Rd., Pointe au Baril.
10.3.2 – Primary Public Safety Answering Point. By-law 2019 – 6920. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with the OPP for the provision of 9-1-1 Primary PSAP Services.
10.3.3 – Rezoning Application – Z/19/02 – Pine Drive (John Jackson Planner Inc. on Behalf of V.G. Cox Limited). By-law 2019-6922. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for Pine Drive (John Jackson Planner Inc. on Behalf of V.G. Cox Limited)
Direction for Staff Follow-up: That staff be directed to bring forward pole sign renewal until January 31, 2045 for Oastler Park Shopping Plaza Limited.
10.4.1 – Georgian Nordic Paddling MOU RE: William Street Park for Paddling Training Centre. By-law 2019 – 6919. Being a by-law to approve the memorandum of understanding with Georgian Nordic Paddling for use of William Street Park as a paddling training centre.

 

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – April 16, 2019

19 Friday Apr 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closed Session

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

Public Meeting

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

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

2.1.2 – No one spoke in opposition to the proposed zoning by-law amendment. Mr. Elgie reported that one letter, from Gerald Asa, had been received in opposition to the proposed zoning by-law amendment, citing the following concerns:
1) increase in height as it impacts negatively on the visibility of our buildings.
2) servicing works which may impact traffic flow along Pine Drive as the shopping centre is extremely busy in the summer time and requires all lanes be open and freely passable.
3) parking requirements.
4) sight lines for the access point to ensure that any vehicles exiting the hotel lands onto Pine Drive can be clearly visible to drivers leaving the shopping center.
5) exiting the hotel lot and ensuring a stop sign is a requirement.
6) storm water flows and ensuring none is directed onto our property.
Mayor McGarvey gave the following explanation on next steps: The public should contact staff or check the Town’s website to see when this amendment will come back for a decision. Council, at its discretion, may approve the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment. If so, it must either circulate notice of passing of the by-law or give notice in the local press. Objections to the passing of the by-law will be received by the Clerk within 20 days from the date such notice is given, which objections will be forwarded to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. If an appeal is submitted and the appellant has not provided Council with an oral or written submission before the passing of the by-law, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal may choose to dismiss the appeal.

Questions of Staff

3.2.1 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding how to improve the pedestrian crossing situation at Waubeek Street/Avenue Road/Belvedere Avenue, Director of Public Works, Peter Brown proposed that crossing be improved by better signage in the area, and more definitive lines on the road. Mr. Brown suggested that this be included as part of the Wabueek Street reconstruction plans.

Correspondence

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

Ratification of Matters from Closed Agenda

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

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By-laws

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

10.1.2 – Temporary Borrowing Authorization. By-law 2019 – 6911. Being a by-law to authorize temporary borrowing to meet the current expenditures of the Town of Parry Sound until taxes are collected and other revenues are received. Read a First, Second & Third time, Passed, Signed and Sealed.

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

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

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

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

Council Agenda Preview – April 16, 2019

14 Sunday Apr 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

Town of Parry Sound Agenda (Abridged)

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

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

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

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By-laws

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

10.1.2 – Temporary Borrowing Authorization. By-law 2019 – 6911. Being a by-law to authorize temporary borrowing to meet the current expenditures of the Town of Parry Sound until taxes are collected and other revenues are received.

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

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

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

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

Council Agenda Preview – March 5, 2019

02 Saturday Mar 2019

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This coming week sees a rather full meeting agenda for Town of Parry Sound Council. The notable items are briefly commented upon below. The agenda itself follows.

Closed Session b) – proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board: (property appraisal). I wonder if this has anything to do with the property the Town purchased from the Province on Oastler Park Drive across from the Canadian Tire building.
Closed Session c) – labour relations or employee negotiations: (CAO employment agreement workplan).Hmmm!

9.3.1– Council Members 1/3 Tax Exemption. Councillor and Mayor remuneration is proposed to increase along with their benefits. The annual cost to the Town is about $35,000.

10.2.2- Site Plan Development Agreement with Infrastructure Ontario (OPP Station – 1 North Road). It looks as though the OPP facility move is ‘moving’ forward. That should mean a little less traffic in Town and ultimately the availability of prime waterfront real estate for development. A map showing the location of the new facility is included at the end of this post.

As always, refer to the full Council Agenda Package at the Town’s website for all included materials. The full package this week is 94 pages.

Heads Up – I have crunched the numbers on what amalgamation would likely mean for individual municipality tax rates. I’ll roll out the analysis in series of posts starting early this coming week.

Closed Session

b) personal matter about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees: (EMS Advisory Committee Appointments);

c) proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board: (property appraisal);

d) labour relations or employee negotiations: (CAO employment agreement workplan);

e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board: (assessment appeal); (property matter);

Correspondence

4.1– Ed Horba, Project Manager, Transportation, GHD. Noise By-law exemption request for Highway 400 work at Parry Sound

4.2– Stephannie MacDonald, Town resident. Appreciation for Operations staff’s work fixing watermain break on February 24th on Riverdale Road

4.3– Marsha Rivers, CEO, Belvedere Heights. 2019 Municipal Levy for Belvedere Heights.

4.4– Rebecca Pollock, Chair, Parry Sound Active Transportation. Request to allocate in the 2019 budget, monies to determine the feasibility of applying the road diet concept to Parry Sound’s arterial roads, including any necessary engineering and planning reviews.

4.5– Leah Harris, Town resident. Request that after-hours water service bills to shut off water be removed from their account.

4.6– Municipality of Neebing. Request for resolution of support to appeal to both AMO and ROMA to split Zone 9 into 2 geographical districts; and to ROMA, to limit the vote to one per municipality at its annual general meeting election for zone representation.

Deputations

5.1– John Cochrane, Near North District School Board Trustee Zone 4. Update on new Parry Sound High School

5.2– Becky Pollock, Executive Director, Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. Proposed “Community Energy Plan” for the biosphere region

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1– 2018 Water System Summary Report. Resolution. Whereas the Town of Parry Sound owns and operates the Parry Sound Drinking Water System (M.O.E. Designation Number 2200000585) which has been categorized as a “Large Residential” Drinking Water System, and Whereas Ontario Regulation 170/03 (as amended) under the Safe Drinking Water Act S.O. 2002, C. 32 requires, according to “Schedule 22 Summary Reports for Municipalities” that all large Municipal Residential Drinking water systems have a report prepared no later than March 31st of each year addressing the items detailed in the Regulation, and that the report is given to members of Council in the case of a drinking water system owned by a municipality;
Therefore, be it resolved that Council of the Town of Parry Sound hereby acknowledges receipt of the report titled: “Town of Parry Sound Tony Agnello Water Treatment Plant, Large Municipal Residential Drinking Water System Summary Report 2018”, as prepared by Kyle Hall, Manager of Water Systems.

9.1.2– RFP – Biosolids Haulage & Beneficial Re-use/Disposal. Resolution. That Council accepts the proposal from WESSUC Inc. for biosolids haulage and beneficial re-use/disposal in the all-inclusive amount of $20.33/ mÑfor a three-year term,to:
1. Locate, licence, certify or re-certify field(s) as or when required for the purpose of biosolids application and beneficial re-use, including soil testing and pH adjustment as required;
2. Provide the Town, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and farmers with all required documentation;
3. Haul and apply biosolids on licenced disposal sites.
This proposal being the lowest of two proposals received.

9.1.3– 2019 Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiatives Annual Conference. Resolution. That pursuant to By-law 2002-4549 which requires prior Council approval for attendance at seminars, conferences and conventions outside the Province of Ontario; Council authorizes the Director of Public Works to attend the 2019 Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiatives Annual Conference to be held in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, June 5 – 7, 2019.

9.2.1– Revision to 2018 Land Ambulance Budget. Resolution. That the Council of the Town of Parry Sound approve the revised 2018 Land Ambulance Budget that includes an additional $309,357 incurred for higher than normal sick time occurring in the 2018 fiscal year.

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

9.3.2– Request for Faster Response time from Provincial & Federal Grant Funding Authorities. Resolution. Whereas the Town of Parry Sound supports Bill 47, Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018; and
Whereas the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) promotes and stimulates economic development initiatives in Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects that foster the economic growth and diversification of the region; and
Whereas the NOHFC Northern Business Opportunity Program provides funding which is of special interest to small and medium-sized advanced manufacturing businesses from outside of Northern Ontario; and Whereas such businesses wish to establish their operations in Northern Ontario with support of the NOHFC funding; and
Whereas processing of NOHFC Business Expansion and New Investment Projects applications currently takes more than 8 months;
Whereas lengthy processing times are a challenge in Northern Ontario where construction seasons are shorter due to the climate and various environmental restrictions at certain times of the year; and Whereas, in some cases, lengthy approvals result in losing out on investment opportunities and applicants abandoning their applications and their plans to locate in Northern Ontario; and Whereas these delays adversely affect the objectives of the Program.
Now therefore be it resolved that the Town of Parry Sound supports the Provincial Government’s focus on how to cut government red tape, improve government programs and services; and That NOHFC Business Expansion and New Investment funding application procedures and processing times should be reviewed with the objective of reducing approval timelines to 6 months or less. That NOHFC expedite the application process by retaining more than one audit firm to undertake the auditing of the applications. That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to: the Honourable Vic Fedeli, MPP, Minister of Finance; the Honourable Greg Rickford, MPP, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines/Minister of Indigenous Affairs; Mr. Norman Miller, MPP, Parry Sound – Muskoka.

9.3.3– Director of Finance Recruitment – Sub-Committee of Council Appointments. Direction. That pursuant to the Town hiring policy, the Sub-Committee for the hiring of the Director of Finance position be composed of the following Members of Council:
_________________________________________

9.4.1– Motorized Mobile Ice Cream Truck. Resolution. That Council for the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound hereby grants permission for Mr. J. Athanasiou to operate one motorized mobile ice cream truck for the time period of May 10th, 2018 to September 30, 2018 on municipally owned roads and lands of the Town of Parry Sound subject to the following conditions:
Note: see full agenda for details. (Not included in this Council Agenda Preview)

9.5.1– “Right to Approve” Landfill Developments. Resolution.
WHEREAS municipal governments in Ontario do not have the right to approve landfill projects in their communities, but have authority for making decisions on all other types of development;
AND WHEREAS this out-dated policy allows private landfill operators to consult with local residents and municipal Councils, but essentially ignore them;
AND WHEREAS Ontario’s proposed “Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan” states that the province will grant municipalities a “greater say in siting of landfills”;
AND WHEREAS municipalities already have exclusive rights for approving casinos and nuclear waste facilities within their communities, whether to host cannabis retail in their communities, AND FURTHER that the province has recognized the value of municipal approval for the siting of power generation facilities;
AND WHEREAS the recent report from Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner has found that Ontario has a garbage problem, particularly from Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) waste generated within the City of Toronto, where diversion rates are as low as 15%;
AND UNLESS significant efforts are made to increase recycling and diversion rates, a new home for this Toronto garbage will need to be found, as landfill space is filling up quickly;
AND WHEREAS municipalities across Ontario are quietly being identified and targeted as potential landfill sites for future Toronto garbage by private landfill operators;
AND WHEREAS other communities should not be forced to take Toronto waste, as landfills can contaminate local watersheds, air quality, dramatically increase heavy truck traffic on community roads, and reduce the quality of life for local residents;
AND WHEREAS municipalities should be considered experts in waste management, as they are responsible for this within their own communities, and often have decades’ worth of in-house expertise in managing waste, recycling, and diversion programs;
AND WHEREAS municipalities should have the exclusive right to approve or reject these projects, and assess whether the potential economic benefits are of sufficient value to offset any negative impacts and environmental concerns;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town of Parry Sound calls upon the Government of Ontario, as part of its “Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan” to formally entrench the right of municipalities to approve or reject landfill projects in or adjacent to their communities;
AND THAT in the case of a two-tier municipality, the approval be required at both the upper-tier and affected lower-tier municipalities;
AND FURTHER THAT the Town of Parry Sound encourage all other municipalities in Ontario to consider this motion calling for immediate provincial action;
AND THAT the MOTION adopted by Council be forwarded to the DEMAND THE RIGHT COALITION OF ONTARIO MUNICIPALITIES.

By-laws

10.2.1– Appointment of Will Williamson as a Building Inspector. By-law 2019-6898. Being a By-law to appoint Will Williamson as a Building Inspector for the Town of Parry Sound.

10.2.2– Site Plan Development Agreement with Infrastructure Ontario (OPP Station – 1 North Road). By-law 2019-6899. Being a By-law to authorize a Site Plan / Development Agreement with Infrastructure Ontario (OPP Station – 1 North Road).

Council Agenda Notes – February 19, 2019

20 Wednesday Feb 2019

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

Questions of Staff:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Council Agenda Preview – February 19, 2019

17 Sunday Feb 2019

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

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

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

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

One last thought: Where is the draft 2019 budget?

Closed Session

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

Correspondence

4.1– Marion Cross. Recycling Policy at BOCC.

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

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

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

Deputations

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

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

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

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

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

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

9.3.3– Economic Development Report. Presentation for Council Information.

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

By-laws

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

Council Agenda Notes – February 5, 2019 (edit 2019-02-13)

06 Wednesday Feb 2019

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council, Video

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I have removed the link to the abridged version of the council meeting. My bandwidth limit was used up. I’ll have a different approach for the upcoming meeting that shouldn’t have the same bandwidth issues. The Town’s video link is still available.)

I’m trying something a little bit different with this post. Some short comments on the past Town of Parry Sound council meeting stream, and an abridged version of the stream for those interested in what I consider to be the key issues discussed at the meeting.

The full council meeting video is available online and lasts a little over 2 hours. My edited version of the meeting is a little bit over 42 minutes, a savings of about two-thirds. I have included all of the meeting discussion for the selected items to ensure that there is nothing ‘lost in translation’.

The items covered (with start time if you want to skip ahead) are:

  1. Questions of Staff – Snow Removal Policy and Realities 0.00.10
  2. Item 7.1 – Town Staff Salary Adjustment 0.04.32
  3. Item 9.1.2 – Smelter Wharf Culvert Replacement 0.5.15
  4. Item 9.1.1 – Four Way Stop Isabella & Gibson 0.19.31
  5. Item 9.2.1 – Seguin Zoning By-law Amendment 0.29.59

In some cases the discussions went on too long in my opinion. A couple of my thoughts on the issues:

Item 9.1.2 – A contract is a contract. I think the Town is being very generous. Council has been much tougher on homeowners who do not have the resources of a major corporation. These developers would not be here if they weren’t able to make money. And had they known what was under the ground they of course would never have agreed to the contract. Had I known how Apple stock would do I would have bought shares 15 years ago.

Item 9.2.1 – Really? You want to tell Seguin what they can do with their land? I think the advice suggested in the R&R was appropriate. Advise them that property owners will not be eligible for Town services. Putting retail on this plot of land is a smart business move if the environmental requirements can be met and the businesses won’t require Town services. A $50,000 municipal tax bill in Parry Sound would be only $20-25,000 on this property. (Note: school taxes are not included. They are based on assessment not municipal struck tax rates.) That’s a big savings. In the end Council decided to start discussions with Seguin to add the property to the Town of Parry Sound. Good luck on that. We know what happened last time when the property owners in a neighboring section of Seguin were asked the question. What you want and what you can demand or negotiate are two separate things. Ask the orange guy who is the self titled ‘master of the deal’.

Here is the link (removed 2019-02-13) to the abridged 2019-02-05 council meeting video. I am hosting the video on a service I contract with. The full version of the meeting is available on YouTube through this link.

Council Agenda Preview – December 18, 2018

16 Sunday Dec 2018

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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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.