Tag Archives: safety

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 Abridged Minutes – March 5, 2019

10 Sunday Mar 2019

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Here is an abridged version of the March 5thminutes of the Town of Parry Sound council meeting. I’ve highlighted the more important items in my opinion. Refer to the full minutes that are available at the town’s website for additional information – http://www.parrysound.ca.

The only interesting item from my perspective is Item 9.3.1. I am not surprised by the decision of Council to top themselves up with the change in deductibility of expenses. I am also not surprised that Councillors Borneman and Keith voted against the top up. They have a sense of duty, but the top up is appropriate in my opinion. The two new councillors and the mayor voted in favour of a report on providing health/dental benefits. It perhaps represents the different personal situations of council members. Some may have these benefits as part of their current or past employment. I think that council should be compensated for the considerable work they do, but it shouldn’t become a job.

I am not providing timing links to the available video of meeting as there really wasn’t anything of note beyond what was included in the minutes.

Questions of Staff

3.2.1 – In response to Councillor McCann’s inquiry about how frequently the fibre bins get emptied as they were full when he was at the Transfer Station recently, Director of Public Works Peter Brown indicated that typically they get removed before they reach or exceed capacity, and that a compactor is being purchased which should help to increase capacity in the future.
3.2.2 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry as to whether there is a plan for snow clearance around various fire hydrants, including having nearby residents participate in clearing them, Director of Public Works Peter Brown indicated that water treatment plant staff typically do the snow clearing, they have been out a couple of times already this year but typically don’t start the snow clearing until it stops snowing. A piece of equipment has been purchased which aids in more efficient clearing around the hydrants. Mr. Brown noted additionally, that “we’re experiencing residents who bury the hydrants” through snow-blowing and asked that residents cooperate by not doing this.
3.2.3 – In response to Councillor Borneman’s inquiry as to the status of the fog testing report as a result of work done last autumn to determine whether and/or where storm water is entering the sanitary system, Mr. Brown noted that the report is on his desk and he hopes to bring it to Council next month, after he has further opportunity to review it.

Correspondence

4.1 – Ed Horba, Project Manager, Transportation, GHD. Noise By-law exemption request for Highway 400 work at Parry Sound. Referred to By-law Enforcement Officer for follow-up.
4.3 – Marsha Rivers, CEO, Belvedere Heights. 2019 Municipal Levy for Belvedere Heights. Referred to Manager of Accounting.
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. Referred to Director of Public Works and copied to Manager of Accounting.
4.5 – Leah Harris, Town resident. Request that after-hours water service bills to shut off water be removed from their account. Referred to Manager of Accounting

Deputations

5.1 – John Cochrane, Near North District School Board Trustee Zone 4. Update on new Parry Sound High School. John Cochrane Vice Chair of Near North District School Board, accompanied by Jay Aspin, Chair NNDSB; and Craig Myles, Superintendent of Education, addressed Council with respect to Parry Sound High School, noting that the current school is 68 years old and in need of replacing. Mr. Cochrane recommended that Council pass a resolution urging the Education Ministry to quickly approve the plan, get shovels in the ground this spring, with copies to Premier Ford, Minister Lisa Thompson, Vic Fedeli and local MPP Norm Miller.
5.2 – Becky Pollock, Executive Director, Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. Proposed “Community Energy Plan” for the biosphere region. Becky Pollock, accompanied by David Bywater, Environmental Scientist with GBBR, addressed Council with a presentation entitled Towards a Regional Energy Plan & Community Climate Action. Ms. Pollock reported on climate change indicators on Georgian Bay over the last 50 to 100 years, resulting in more frequent and severe weather events such as floods, droughts, storms and forest fires causing damage to infrastructure, a psychological toll, and increased insurance rates. Ms. Pollock advocated working together to create corporate and community wide energy plans with the Town, Townships and First Nations throughout the area to combat this and referred to the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program, developed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), as an appropriate standardized framework to use. Ms. Pollock described the steps of using the PCP framework and requested that Council consider the following:
1. appoint a representative to the regional effort;
2. sign on to the PCP resolution;
3. provide seed funding of up to $5,000.
Ms. Pollock concluded noting that these requests were provided in a letter to Council, as follow-up to the deputation.

Ratification of Matters from Closed Agenda

7.1. – EMS Advisory Committee appointments. Resolution 2019 – 016. That the Council of the Town of Parry Sound approve the nomination to the EMS Advisory Committee of; Mayor Jamie McGarvey, Scott Sheard, Rod Osborne, Kim Dixon, Maurice Turgeon, Lyle Hall and Cathy Still for the current term of Council. Carried

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – 2018 Water System Summary Report. Carried

9.1.2 – RFP – Biosolids Haulage & Beneficial Re-use/Disposal. Carried

9.1.3 – 2019 Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiatives Annual Conference. Carried

9.2.1 – Revision to 2018 Land Ambulance Budget. Carried

9.3.1 – Council Members 1/3 Tax Exemption. 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.
Recorded vote requested by Councillor Keith
Councillor V. Backman Yes
Councillor P. Borneman No
Councillor R. Burden Yes
Councillor B. Horne Yes
Councillor B. Keith No
Councillor D. McCann Yes
Mayor J. McGarvey Yes
Direction Carried 5 – 2
Direction for Staff Follow-up: That staff bring Council group benefits options (health/dental) for consideration to a future Council meeting.
Recorded vote requested by Councillor Keith
Councillor V. Backman Yes
Councillor P. Borneman No
Councillor R. Burden Yes
Councillor B. Horne No
Councillor B. Keith No
Councillor D. McCann No
Mayor J. McGarvey Yes
Direction Defeated 3 – 4
Direction for Staff Follow-up:
That upon approval of Council direction regarding remuneration increases retroactive to January 1, 2019, staff present a comprehensive compensation by-law for Council members to the next Council meeting. Carried

9.3.2 – Request for Faster Response time from Provincial & Federal Grant Funding Authorities. Carried

9.3.3 – Director of Finance Recruitment – Sub-Committee of Council Appointments. 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:
Councillor Borneman
Councillor Horne
Councillor Keith
Carried

9.4.1 – Motorized Mobile Ice Cream Truck. Carried

9.5.1 – “Right to Approve” Landfill Developments. Carried

By-laws

10.2.1 – Appointment of Will Williamson as a Building Inspector. Passed, Signed and Sealed this 5th day of March, 2019.

10.2.2 – Site Plan Development Agreement with Infrastructure Ontario (OPP Station – 1 North Road). Passed, Signed and Sealed this 5th day of March, 2019.

 

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 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 – October 16, 2018

14 Sunday Oct 2018

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There are a surprising number of items on this week’s agenda. None of them are controversial, although several are interesting.

9.3.1– the Request for Quote related to sand and salt provides some insight into how much salt and sand is put down on Parry Sound streets and sidewalks each year. The number is 300 tonnes. That translates to 300,000 kilos (660,000 pounds) or about 100 pounds for every Parry Sound resident. Well, that’s not doing the environment any favours.

9.3.3– Train Whistle Cessation is moving forward with the request to contract with a firm to conduct necessary studies.

9.5.1– Cannabis Legislation is just around the corner and it appears that the Town of Parry Sound is just starting to do the necessary study. I suspect that just as Parry Sound is home to the area beer and liquor stores that we will also be home to a cannabis dispensary. Hmmm, should the requirement that the 3 Bs (booze, banks and bars) be located in the downtown be amended to 3-B and C? Or, since the RBC is moving to the south end and not to the downtown perhaps we can take the banks out of the 3 Bs and simply rechristen the requirement as the BBC rule.

10.4.1– Appointment of Clayton Harris. Our new CAO will be starting this week. I wish him all the best. The Town is in good shape and he can hopefully take us to the next stage. Thanks to Rob Mens for his contributions to getting us to this stage.

Correspondence

4.1 – David Pearce, Supply Chain Officer, Stewardship Ontario. Industry funding for Municipal Blue Box Recycling for the second quarter of the 2018 Program Year – Parry Sound received

Deputations

5.1 – Amber Gordon, Director of Development, Georgian Bay Forever. Georgian Bay Forever’s Pilot Project: Divert and Capture: The fight to keep microplastics/fibres out of our waters.

5.2 – Parry Sound Seniors Club, Board members Allen Smith, Gurneth Hoddy, Olive Duggan and Hilda Floyd. Requesting an increase in their grant and having a street sign put up advising drivers that seniors will be crossing in this area.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – Decommissioned Paramedic Response Unit (PRU). Resolution. That the Council of the Town of Parry Sound authorize the PRU being decommissioned in 2018 be donated to the Kearney Fire Department.

9.2.2 – Land Ambulance Contract. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound direct staff to enter into negotiations in January of 2019 with the West Parry Sound Health Centre (WPSHC) for a 4-year extension to the Land Ambulance contract, that will address the Value Added aspects of the service being leveraging of paramedics downtime, Community Paramedicine Initiatives and limiting Non Urgent Patient Transportation; and Further that staff report back to Council on the progress of negotiations by the beginning of February 2019 with a recommendation on proceeding with contracted services or preparing to take the Land Ambulance service in house for direct delivery.

9.2.3 – Consent Application. Resolution. That Consent Application No. B 31/2018 (PS) (Halvorson), be supported.

9.3.1 – RFQ – Gravel and Winter Sand. Resolution. That Council accepts the quotation from Fowler Construction to supply, deliver, blend, and stack approximately 300 tonnes of winter sand per delivery in the amount of $17.52 per tonne, for a total amount of $5,256.00, including tax, for the 2018-2019 year, this quotation being the only one received.

That Council accepts the quotation from Fowler Construction for approximately 60 tonnes of Granular A gravel per delivery in the amount of $15.26 per tonne, for a total amount of $915.60, including tax, for the 2018-2019 year, this quotation being the only one received.

9.3.2 – Tender – Snow Removal. Resolution. That Council accept the tender from Adams Brothers for snow removal on town streets during the 2018 fall & winter season and 2019 winter & spring season, including traffic control and labour costs to clear around infrastructure including tree pits and hydrants, as follows:
Tandem dump truck: $95.99 per hour
Wheeled loader: $111.81 per hour
Blower and control unit: $111.81 per hour

9.3.3 – Train Whistle Cessation RFP. Direction. (For Direct Staff Follow-up). That Council direct staff to secure the services of CIMA+ engineering to assess five level train crossings in Parry Sound for the purpose of train whistle cessation as required by Transport Canada, the Railway Safety Act, Grade Crossings Regulations and Grade Crossing Standards; and That staff bring a report back to Council with the results/findings from the engineering assessments and recommendations.

9.5.1 – Cannabis Legislation. Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-up). That the Manager of Building and Planning Services be directed to prepare a report advising on potential Zoning By-Law impacts regarding cannabis.

9.5.2 – Extension of Parking Limits for the Parry Sound Seniors at 80 James Street. Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-up)

By-laws

10.1.1 – 2018 Debenture. By-law 2018 – 6869. Being a by-law to authorize certain new capital works of The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound (the “Municipality”); to authorize the submission of an application to Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (“OILC”) for financing such capital works; to authorize temporary borrowing from OILC to meet expenditures in connection with such works; and to authorize long term borrowing for such works through the issue of debentures to OILC.

10.4.1 – Appointment of Clayton Harris. By-law 2018 – 6870. Being a By-law to appoint Clayton Harris as the Chief Administrative Officer/Deputy Clerk and the Alternate Head under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and to amend By-law 2013-6244 and 2015-6568 and to repeal by-law 1998-4000.

Council Agenda Preview – September 18, 2018

17 Monday Sep 2018

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A very, very light agenda this week as Council heads towards the election. Nothing caught my attention as being a major issue.

Deputations

5.1 – Susan Hrycyna, Executive Director and Brenda Ryan, Board Member Parry Sound Downtown Business Association (PSDBA). Presentation of the Downtown Business Association’s Beautification Plan

5.2 – O.P.P. Staff Sergeant Mike Gordon and Rob Gibson from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Update on the state of Parry Sound Fire 33.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – 2019 Council Meeting Dates. Resolution. That pursuant to By-law 2018-6814, Section 3, paragraph 4, Council approves Schedule “A” as attached, which provides the schedule of dates for the 2019 Regular meetings of Council.

9.2.2 – Updated Code of Conduct for Council, Boards and Committees. Direction. That Council direct the Clerk to provide notice of the new draft Code of Conduct on the Town’s website for public review and comment; and To bring back to Council a by-law for deliberation and discussion to the October 16, 2018 Council Meeting.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/18/7 – 32 Great North Road (Istvan). By-law 2018 – 6863. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 32 Great North Road (Istvan)

10.1.2 – Rezoning Application – Z/18/5 – 24 Albert Street (Jackson on behalf of Moore). By-law 2018 – 6857. Read a First and Second time on August 14th, 2018. Being a By-law to amend By-law 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 24 Albert Street (Jackson on Behalf of Moore)

10.1.3 – Rezoning Application – Z/18/08 – Church Street (Jackson on behalf of Microsuite Properties Ltd.). By-law 2018-6864. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for Church Street (Jackson on behalf of Microsuite Properties Ltd.)

10.3.1 – Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Mastercard Sponsorship Agreement. By-law 2018 – 6865 Being a By-Law to authorize the execution of an agreement between Mastercard International Incorporated and the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound for a Five-Year Event Sponsorship for The Bobby Orr Hall of Fame and Mastercard-Bobby Orr Celebrity Golf Classic (2019-2023).

Council Agenda Preview – August 16, 2018

11 Saturday Aug 2018

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

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

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

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

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

Closed Session

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

Correspondence

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

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

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

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

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

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

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

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

By-laws

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

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

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

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

 

 

Mean Streets of Parry Sound

28 Thursday Sep 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections

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“If you touch me I’ll punch you in the face” she screamed at me a half dozen times with her hand curled into a fist and cocked behind her right ear. Little did she realize that touching her was about the last thing I would want to do, for reasons beyond the prospect of being punched.

This went down Wednesday afternoon on the sidewalk on Bowes Street across from the construction going on at the corner of Louisa Street. I was walking on the sidewalk towards the downtown when this e-bike sped up the sidewalk assuming ownership of the right of way. I guess the person operating the e-bike assumed that if they were going fast enough I would jump out of the way. I didn’t, and that created the situation.

Forced to stop at the last moment, or hit me, the e-bike operator was pissed. It didn’t help that the first words out of my mouth was to tell them e-bikes should not be riding on the sidewalk.

What was surprising was who was operating this little red e-bike. It wasn’t some young person with an attitude. It was a woman who seemed to be about 50 years of age, no more than 5’2”, and 100 pounds of anger. And she was threatening to punch me out for making her stop. Actually she was threatening to punch me out if I touched her.

We all do things that ‘break the rules’ in one way or another. We have a choice as to how we respond when confronted with our transgression. Threatening someone with physical violence probably isn’t at the top of the list of suggested responses. It would have been simple enough for the person to explain why they were speeding up the sidewalk, or simply apologize, or simply accept the very short lecture and move on.

Neither of us probably learned a lesson with this confrontation. I’m sure she will continue to ride sidewalks fast enough to scare people out of her way. And I’m sure I’ll continue to not step out of the way and confront these folks. I’m able to move quickly, but there are others who might well get knocked over, and not bounce back up.

And in a short flashback to Hill Street Blues – “Let’s be careful out there”.

Trestle Logic

15 Thursday Jun 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Safety, Suggestions, Train

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When entering a parking structure in the Big Smoke have you noticed how there is generally a bar of some sort hanging from a couple of chains that you are required to drive under? There is also a sign that advises you the maximum vehicle height that can safely park in the structure. But, because people don’t like to read signs, or they don’t have a good sense of heights and numbers, the hanging bar acts as a check. If there is a bump as you pass under the bar you know that you have bigger problems ahead. Time to back up and park somewhere else.

So what do you think would happen if a parking garage posted the correct maximum height sign but set the bar a foot higher? Do you think people would look at the sign and think that the bar is set too high? Or would they simply ignore the sign and see if they fit under? If they are driving a vehicle that is a bit higher, perhaps a pickup truck with a camper unit on the back, they would probably inch forward cautiously, and once they passed under the hanging bar, assume they are okay and drive into the garage. Surprise!

This is basically the situation on William Street in Parry Sound and the CN trestle where there have been three ‘decapitations’ complete and partial in the past year. As you approach the trestle there is a frame structure about 15 feet in front of either side of the trestle. The sign on the trestle says that the maximum height is 10’6”. That seems like enough information to warn the truck driver with an 11’ height to take another route. What would you think if I told you that the clearance of the trestle, where the trucks hit the trestle, is greater than 11’, offering drivers a considerable margin of error. But perhaps 10’6” is actually more reasonable. As you look at the photo below you realize that there is a drop down as the truck travels under the trestle but the box of the truck would still be at the higher road level. That would lead to an angle which might actually make it an effective 10’6”, even if it’s actually three-quarters of a foot higher directly under the trestle.

The problem is not just professional drivers not knowing the height of their rig, or not paying attention, it’s also the support frame about 15 feet in front of the trestle. This structure has a clearance of 13’. I can well imagine that a truck driver might cautiously approach this 13’ frame and, discovering that they are able to get under it, assume they can fit under the trestle. It’s a bit of an optical illusion the way the road dips down, suggesting there is more clearance than there is.

The answer it seems is pretty simple. Suspend a bar on chains under the two support frames at 10’6”, much as you see in parking garages. A truck would pretty quickly figure out that they weren’t going to fit if they heard a thump well before they ventured forward and tore the top off their trailer.

We have had three such incidents just this year. You would think that CN would have figured it out by now that something needs to be done.

Has the Town received a formal report from CN attesting to the integrity of the trestle? Three dings in the past year and many more over the past few decades could mean there is unrecognized structural damage. But, it seems the railways always find it cheaper to apologize and make repairs after the fact than practice prevention.