Tag Archives: Seguin

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – September 15, 2020

18 Friday Sep 2020

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The minutes are rather long as the presentations from the public meeting and a deputation are summarized. You may wish to take a look at the summaries to get a better sense of the issues being discussed.

As expected, Council passed all of the items presented to them. Key portions of the minutes are presented below.


Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
Councillor Horne Declared Pecuniary Interest on items 9.1.1 & 9.1.2, as the property identified on these items is owned by West Parry Sound Health Centre, his spouse is the CFO of the Health Centre and is named on the lease.
Councillor Horne neither participated in discussion nor voted on the matters.

Public Meeting
2.1 – Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/20/02 – 2 Oastler Park Drive (John Jackson Planner Inc. on behalf of Waltmar Inc.)
Council held a public meeting to consider a proposed Zoning By-law amendment under Sections 34 of the Planning Act, as amended. After the Mayor adjourned the regular meeting and declared the public meeting open, Mr. Elgie advised that notice had been given by prepaid first-class mail to the required prescribed agencies and property owners within 120 metres, posted on the property and placed on the Town’s website.
Manager of Planning & Building Services Taylor Elgie advised that the proposed Zoning By-Law amendment would amend the C3(h) and EP zones zone to a C3 zone.
John Jackson responded to the Mayor’s invitation to speak in favour of the proposed Zoning By-law amendment. To recognize future commercial development on the southeast quadrant of Oastler Park Drive & Bowes St. already zoned commercial, this step is to recognize placement of an access road to be placed alongside the access ramp to southbound Hwy 400. This parcel is the last of the 4 corners to be developed. The owner is extremely sensitive to the need to promote a high value project which will be a gateway to the town and will to be undertaken in a manner which is sensitive to environmental conditions. This access road will cross a flooded bay which was historically a pasture which got flooded by a dam which leads to McGown Lake from this tiny lake known as Anderson Lake. The entire lake is currently zoned environmental protection and will remain EP except for this tiny corridor where they propose to access

the 2 parcels on either side of the flooded embayment. The owner to this point has expended significant resources to ensure the required assessments for environmental protection, which will have regard for not only Provincial policy statements, the Town’s official plan, the Endangered Species Act, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. And those programs we’re working closely with the planning staff of the Town that are close to being in an implementable stage. We realize there have been submissions, as there tends to be in these kinds of applications, where there are concerns about making sure that proper assessments are being done. It is his intention, together with Mr. Elgie to reach out to the persons and agencies that made submissions be sure that their concerns have been regarded by the many qualified consultants that the owner has retained. We believe this is going to be an important project for the town, it will meet the policies, have regard for any environmental sensitivities, and we would like the town to take this 1st step which will be the beginning of still considerable details to come forward.

Henry Lowry responded to the Mayor’s invitation to speak in opposition of the proposed Zoning By-law amendment. Mr. Lowry sent in a letter objecting to the zoning change. His biggest concern is the environmentally protected portion of this property. The application didn’t make clear that it was just a road across the environmental area. Also, of concern is the land to the east of the environment land which is a very small remnant piece of the property and he questions its commercial value at all. To go in and destroy the natural environment he thinks will do great harm to the entry to the Town as well as well as the views from his property across the street. The real commercial property is the portion along Oastler Park Drive and he finds it questionable why this little eastern piece is even being considered. He stands by his submission as sent in.

Mr. Elgie advised that he had received the following 5 letters of opposition with regards to this matter.
– From Eric Thompson, a property owner on McGown Lake wrote in opposition. Seguin recently dealt with a request to rezone to a commercial use, and they put in place a vegetative buffer to ensure clean waters. He notes that McGown Lake is at risk of sodium contamination due to the highway, he hopes that Parry Sound will also require a buffer. He feels that this is the only area of the lake to filter road salt and other chemicals.
– From Henry Lowry, letter of opposition. Mr. Lowry spoke to his reasons for objection during the livestreaming of the meeting.
– From Paul McGown, letter of opposition with several concerns: if lake infilled where would water runoff to, what are the impacts to McGown Lake, last time lake impacted by highway an algae bloom occurred, where will runoff from development be directed, will municipal sewage be supplied to the property, McGown Lake is at capacity, Blandings turtles have been noted in the area and not accounted for.
– Scott McGown letter of opposition: questioning if the intended purpose of the property has been described and requesting to be notified of decisions.

– Township of Seguin letter of opposition: application is premature without further study, lands form part of a much larger watershed and are concerned that no studies have been submitted which examine the hydrological impacts of this development and request that this request be deferred. They request a copy of any submitted studies which have been supplied to them.

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – Mayor McGarvey asked Mr. Kearns what the town is doing for Rail Safety Week. Mr. Kearns advised that initial discussions concerning Operation Lifesaver have been undertaken and also going to be participating in their LookListenLive.ca initiative which adds signage at crossings. This information has been shared with the area schools via contact with the principals. The information will be shared on our website & social media next week.
3.2.2 – Councillor McCann inquired of Mr. Kearns if, with home schooling and students learning on-line, if they also have the ability to connect to these initiatives. Mr. Kearns will investigate and advised that it will be on our website and social media and hoped that the media will also assist with sharing the information.
3.2.3 – Councillor Backman asked Mr. Harris for an update on the Strategic Plan. Mr. Harris advised that the plan is available digitally and by hardcopy if requested. Staff are working on their KPO’s (Key Performance Objectives) with some delays due to covid-19 issues and other matters arising. He expects a report to come forward either at the next meeting or at the October 20th meeting.
3.2.4 – Councillor Backman asked Mr. Harris about the Regional Economic Development Initiative. Mr. Harris responded that when Mr. Barns resigned in March this also was the end of the 3-year term for funding. A further funding grant was applied for and which has been successfully approved. The EDO recruitment process has been underway with a final interview taking place last week. In the meantime, Vladimir Shehovtsov, the Town’s EDO has been responding to inquires as they come in. Additionally, he has been reaching out to area businesses to see how covid has affected them and what role the Town and the Collaborative may play to assist them.
3.2.5 – Councillor Borneman asked Mr. Pengra about the activity by Speedier staff at the transfer station grounds. The Speedier project is moving forward with the solar field, all piles are in, waiting for concrete to set after which the racking and panels can be installed. The Speedier components can then be installed.

Correspondence
4.1. – Lori West, Clerk, Municipality of McDougall.
4.1a – Support of Lake of Bay’s resolution and support in principle for Muskoka Parry Sound Riding Cooperative Broadband Initiative.
Filed
4.1b – Support of Whitestone’ Resolution requesting federal funding of broadband internet.
Filed
4.1c – Support of Archipelago’s Resolution requesting provincial funding of WPSHC recognizing population.
Filed

4.2 – April Denman, Executive Administrator, Downtown Business Association.
4.2a – DBA resignations
4.2b – September 9 Board Minutes appointing Doug Wilton.
Agenda item 8.1

4.3 Waste Reduction Week in Canada.
Request to proclaim October 19-25 Waste Reduction Week in Canada.
Agenda item 9.5.1

4.4 – Lee-Ann Turner.
Requesting On-Street parking on Waubeek Street.
4.4a – supplementary email of September 13, 2020 with a copy of this evening’s deputation.
Copied to Director of Public Works

Deputations
5.1 – Lee-Ann Turner.
Requesting On-Street parking on Waubeek Street.
A copy of Ms. Turner’s deputation is attached and available on the website as a presentation.
Ms. Turner is requesting a return of parking to Waubeek St. which she understands has a 50+ year history of allowing on street parking on the side the sidewalk is on. This was disallowed due to road improvements. The absence of a bike lane, removal of parking, a very smooth straightaway and continued pedestrian activity supposes an increase in risk. A bike lane was not created; waterfront trail is bike accessible and noted in the master plan but she feels it would have been appropriate to have a secondary bike lane.
Two crosswalks were created based on complaints and concerns which was admirable. No pedestrians have been hit on Waubeek St. the cost for 1 crosswalk was $30,000.00.
The straightway creates increased speeds, especially at night when traffic is light. In 2019 a request was made to decrease the speed to 40 kph, which I disagreed with as I feel the 50 kph speed limit is appropriate but vehicles need to follow the speed limit.
Vehicles continue to exceed the posted limits. The smooth road is enticing drivers to higher speeds which increases risk to pedestrians.
Parking on the sidewalk side slows traffic and naturally provides a safety barrier for pedestrians. Parking increases risk for cyclists whereas bike lanes reduce their risk.
No parking signs have been installed on the asphalt median as opposed to on the grass, which was a surprise to her due to the risk of impalement, which she understood fencing and signage is usually placed so far away from the edge of a curb.
The crosswalk at Belvedere meets the criteria of the accessibility plan of 2013 and I have no comment on crosswalk # 3. The comment made is in relation to the sidewalk on Waubeek St which is now only separated from vehicles by a curb and asphalt boulevard, the greater speeds of vehicles creates a greater danger for those using the sidewalk.
Within the Trail master plan it recommends priority area for sidewalks, including routes to schools and along busy roads, signage and other measures to promote safe use, bike lanes and trails on main arterial & collector roads, and looping of the waterfront trail. Notes from the trails master plan: The importance of good design applies also to the improvement and retrofit of existing facilities. Pedestrians want areas that are safe, attractive, convenient and easy to use. She maintains that the design did discourage pedestrians and that it is an unintended consequence.
The sidewalk design installed was alternative # 3 which was the least preferred method and it increases the risk to pedestrians as it removes the buffer. Parking will assist in making pedestrians feel safer with a buffer in place. Landscaping has not been completed which would act as a buffer and is within the plan.

Consent Agenda
8.1 – DBA Resignations and Appointment.
Resolution
That upon notice and recommendation of the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association (DBA), Council of the Town of Parry Sound accepts the resignations of Tanis Mack and Sue Sullivan, and makes the appointment of Doug Wilton to the Parry Sound DBA; and
That the DBA Board appointing resolution 2019-012 be so amended.
Carried

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – Sign By-law Variance Application – 97 Bowes Pylon.
Resolution
That Council authorizes and directs the Chief Building Official to issue a permit for revision to the Pylon Sign at 97 Bowes Street according to the terms and conditions attached as Schedule A; and
That if the applicant does not agree to the terms and conditions attached as Schedule A, that the request for a variance is effectively denied.
Carried

9.1.2 – Sign By-law Variance Application – 97 Bowes Read-o-Graph.
Resolution
That Council authorizes the Chief Building Official to issue a permit for a Read-O-Graph sign at 97 Bowes Streets according to the terms and conditions attached as Schedule A; and
That if the applicant does not agree to the terms and conditions attached as Schedule A, that the request for a variance is effectively denied.
Carried

9.2.1 – Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts Performance Hall Reopening Plan.
Resolution
That Council of the Town of Parry Sound accepts the Reopening Plan of the Stockey Centre Performance Hall per the Reopening Plan attached as Schedule A.
Carried

9.5.1 Waste Reduction Week.
Resolution
Council of the Town of Parry Sound does hereby proclaim October 19-25, 2020 as Waste Reduction Week in Canada, and commits to the following:
a) We commit to waste reduction, resource conservation, and community education for sustainable living.
b) We recognize that losing waste to disposal and as litter are local and global threats to the environment.
c) We will take action to reduce our waste and support the circular economy.
Carried

By-laws
10.1.1 – Site Plan Application S20/01 – 20 Salt Dock Road/Lighthouse (1793951 Ontario Inc.).
By-Law 2020 – 7069
Being a By-law to authorize a Site Plan Agreement S201/01 with 1793951 Ontario Inc. (20 Salt Dock Road/The Lighthouse)
Passed, Signed & Sealed.

10.1.2 Big Sound Marina Agreement One Year Extension with Massasauga Management Co.
By-law 2020 – 7070
Being a bylaw to amend the agreement with Massasauga Management Co. Inc. for operation of Big Sound Marina and the Town Dock and supersede amending By-law 2019-6854.
Passed, Signed & Sealed.

Sunshine List – Expanded Summary

24 Tuesday Mar 2020

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By popular demand here are the figures for all of the West Parry Sound District. There are some interesting observations to be made.

  1. The CAOs for the most part all make the same money. For other positions it seems the Town of Parry Sound is at the low end of salaries, notably Public Works. I wonder if Mr. Kearns took a pay cut to take a similar position in the Town of Parry Sound. Perhaps next year’s list will tell us. He has much greater responsibilities in his new position (water (supply and sewer), facilities, …). Even sidewalks and traffic lights are a challenge he didn’t face in his last position. It seems we were underpaying out last Director of Public Works.
  2. The Archipelago certainly has a larger number of ‘chiefs’ for the population they serve when compared with the other municipalities. They also have the best Christmas party from what I’m told.
  3. The Town of Parry Sound actually has a smaller total considering that it is responsible for the largest population, provides many more services, and supplies oversight for a number of district services, most notably EMS.

In the case of Carling, McKellar and McDougall it could be that they have a number of employees just below the $100K cut-off for reporting. It also could be that they replaced staff in 2019. Salaries are reported by individual, not position. That means a person who was earning $120K per year and left the end of October would have only earned 3/4 of a full-year salary or $90K, and would not have been reported.

 

Council Agenda Preview – March 17, 2020

15 Sunday Mar 2020

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I hope everyone is safe and healthy with access to an appropriate supply of toilet paper. I wonder if there was a similar run on the LCBO.

There are a few interesting items on the agenda.

9.3.1 Consent Application – B/03/2020 (PS) – Kondwani Corporation. This relates to an application to separate the property on Emily Street, the former helicopter service facility, to allow for potential residential and commercial development. There are about 20 hectares involved.

10.3.1 – Amendment to Parking and Traffic Control By-law 2019-6912 for the Town of Parry Sound. This change will permit reparking in the downtown. This will be to the advantage of downtown employees who are too lazy to walk up from the Bobby Orr Community Centre but at the expense of customers and clients. It doesn’t bother me, I can walk or ride my bike to our downtown.

10.3.3 – New Smoking By-law for the Town of Parry Sound. This new By-law adds in restrictions on the use of cannabis and electronic cigarettes, i.e., vaping devices.

9.1.1 – 2019 Statement of Remuneration Paid to Council and Appointed Board Members. I expect you are all interested in these numbers so I have clipped them from the agenda and pasted them below.
Closed Session
c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes; (potential acquisition of property for municipal purposes)
e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board (potential claims regarding issues on private property);

Correspondence
4.1 – Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing. Provincial Policy Statement, 2020.

4.2 – Kami Johnson, Administrator, Belvedere Heights. 2020 levy.

4.3 – Frank Fernandez, Stop the Great Lakes Nuclear Dump. OPG’s plan to build a nuclear waste repository in Kincardine abandoned.

4.4.a – North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. Health Unit Preparing for Covid-19.
4.4.b – Ministry of Health. Province Implementing Enhanced Measures to Protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

Deputations
5.1 – Leslie Mapstone. Film Festival June 4-6, 2020

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.1.1 – 2019 Statement of Remuneration Paid to Council and Appointed Board Members.
Resolution. That the 2019 Statement of Remuneration Paid to Council and Appointed Board Members, attached as Schedule “A”, be accepted.

9.2.1 – 2019 Water System Summary Report.
Resolution. Whereas the Town of Parry Sound owns and operates the Parry Sound Drinking Water System (M.O.E. Designation Number 2200000585) which has been categorized as a “Large Residential” Drinking Water System, and
Whereas Ontario Regulation 170-03 (as amended) under the Safe Drinking Water Act requires, according to “Schedule 22 Summary Reports for Municipalities” that all large Municipal Residential Drinking water systems have a report prepared no later than March 31st of each year addressing the items detailed in the Regulation and is given to the members of Council in the case of a drinking water system owned by a municipality;
Therefore, be it resolved that Council of the Town of Parry Sound hereby acknowledges receipt of the report titled: “Town of Parry Sound Tony Agnello Water Treatment Plant, Large Municipal Residential Drinking Water System Summary Report 2019”, as prepared by Kyle Hall, Manager of Water Systems.

9.3.1 Consent Application – B/03/2020 (PS) – Kondwani Corporation.
Resolution. That a decision on Consent Application No. B/03/2020 (PS) (Kondwani Corporation / 58 Emily Street) be supported, subject to conditions of consent that require:
1. The payment of cash-in-lieu of parkland;
2. The retained lands be rezoned to recognize the lands do not have frontage and access onto a year-round maintained road, and also that a holding symbol be applied which requires the submission of Record of Site Condition and the evaluation of the landfill site prior to any sensitive use; and
3. The submission of an environmental impact study supporting the proposed consent application.

9.4.1 Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) Grant Application 2021-2024.
Resolution. THAT Council authorizes that application be made to the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) for the 2021-2024 Stockey Centre programming season; and THAT the CAO, Clayton Harris be authorized to execute the application and other relevant documents.

9.4.2 – Grant Funding Opportunity Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport.
Resolution. WHEREAS on the 21st day of August, 2000 The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and The Corporation of the Township of Seguin entered into an Agreement for the operation, control and management of the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport;
AND WHEREAS The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and The Corporation of the Township of Seguin hold title to the Airport lands;
AND WHEREAS the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport Commission has prepared applications to FedNor and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for funding for a Runway and Airside Business Development Project;
AND WHEREAS the Town of Parry Sound and the Township of Seguin as contributing funding partners to the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport, in the event there are cost overruns for this project, the Town of Parry Sound (20%) and the Township of Seguin (80%) are obligated to provide financial assistance to the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport Commission as required;
THEFEFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, as owners of the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport lands, the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound does hereby support the applications for funding from FedNor and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for capital improvements at the Airport (Runway and Airside Business Development Project);
AND THAT the Township of Seguin will provide cash flow assistance to the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport Commission as required for the municipal portion, in the form of a long-term repayable loan of a maximum of 2.5 million, with specific terms of repayment to be determined at a later date;
AND THAT Council approves the Township of Seguin to act as the lead Applicant for the above referenced Project;
AND THAT the Township of Seguin, as lead applicant will establish appropriate measures, project oversite, including status updates to minimize the risk of cost overruns.

By-laws
10.1.1 – MPAC Lease Agreement – Extension.
By-law 2020 – 7022. Being a By-Law to authorize extension of lease agreement with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) for office space from November 1, 2020 to October 31, 2025.

10.3.1 – Amendment to Parking and Traffic Control By-law 2019-6912 for the Town of Parry Sound.
By-law 2020 – 7023. Being a By-law to amend the Parking and Traffic Control By-law 2019-6912.

10.3.2 – Updated agreements with Chris Everitt, Earl Smallwood and Gary Kloetstra for on call after hours Municipal Law Enforcement services.
By-law: 2020 – 7024. Being a by-law to enter into an agreement with Chris Everitt, Earl Smallwood and Gary Kloetstra for the provision of on call after hours Municipal Law Enforcement services.

10.3.3 – New Smoking By-law for the Town of Parry Sound.
By-law 2020 – 7025. Being a By-law to Prohibit Smoking on Town of Parry Sound Property.

Counci lMeeting Minutes (Abridged) – August 13, 2019

20 Tuesday Aug 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closed Session

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

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

Public Meeting

2.1 – Official Plan Amendment No. 3 and Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/19/6 – Smith Crescent (YMCA/Wickman). Subsequent to an explanation of how the public was notified of application Z/19/6 Smith Crescent (YMCA/Wickman), Manager of Building & Planning Services Taylor Elgie gave an explanation of the purpose of the proposed concurrent Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA), being to re-designate the lands from Public Open Space to Rural Residential.
Mayor McGarvey invited those in favour of the proposed OPA and ZBA to address Council. No one spoke in favour.
Mayor McGarvey invited those in opposition of the proposed OPA and ZBA to address Council. June Smith addressed Council on behalf of herself and husband Verne who live at 40 Smith Crescent in a house built by her husband`s family 60 years ago, and separated from the open space by the driveway on Smith Crescent going into the YMCA property. Ms. Smith expressed concern about the potential for environmental harm as a result of the proposed rezoning and development, including the loss of wetlands which are a critical part of the environment and have a complex ecosystem. Ms. Smith also expressed concern that blasting might compromise the structure of their house, and well.
In conclusion, Ms. Smith requested that the proponents provide a detailed environmental assessment and engineering report outlining the impact of a building project on the ecosystem and existing neighbourhood buildings, prior to considering the zoning by-law amendment.
Mr. Elgie reported that one letter had been received in opposition, also from June & Verne Smith outlining similar concerns to that given orally by Ms. Smith this evening. Mayor McGarvey concluded the public meeting with notice that objections to the passing of either of the amendments will be received by the Clerk within 20 days from the date such notice is given, which objections will be forwarded to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. If an appeal is submitted and the appellant has not provided Council with an oral or written submission before the passing of the by-law, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal may choose to dismiss the appeal

Questions of Staff

3.2.1 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding a strong odour coming from a storm drain experienced in particular during dry spells, on the east side of James Street near the theatre and County Gourmet, Director of Public Works, Peter Brown said that this problem has been noted in a few other locations in the downtown and the concern is that it may be an illegal sanitary sewer connection into the storm sewer. Mr. Brown said that the Town has hired a contractor to run a lateral camera up the storm sewer, and the work is scheduled in the next week or so, early morning before traffic starts with results expected within a few weeks after the camera work.

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

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

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

Correspondence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deputations

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

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

Ratification of Matters from Closed Agenda

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

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

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Business

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

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

By-laws

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

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

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

Council Agenda Preview – August 13, 2019

10 Saturday Aug 2019

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Is there anybody out there?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closed Meeting

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

Public Meeting

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

Correspondence

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

4.2 – Barbara O’Brien. Advocacy for Splash Pad

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deputations

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

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

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By-laws

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

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

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

Council Agenda Preview – May 21, 2019

17 Friday May 2019

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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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 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 19, 2019

16 Saturday Mar 2019

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A couple of quick notes and then my thoughts on selected agenda items.
1. The next post in the Amalgamation series will be a bit later than hoped. I continue to do research and don’t want to bother municipalities for more detailed information given their involvement in budget preparations.
2. What costs more: money foregone as income, or the same amount paid out as expenses? They seem the same to me, but other municipalities act as though they think the Town of Parry Sound, by hosting almost all of the non-taxable charitable and not-for-profit, organizations in the district breaks even. It doesn’t. There is not only the incremental expense to the Town associated with these organizations it is the assessment revenue lost on the land they occupy. A real-world example of the issues facing the Town is seen in Item 9.3.2.

4.4– Seguin Township. Donation of $10,000 towards Stockey Centre operating expenses. In my Amalgamation posts I did not acknowledge this donation. It doesn’t change the figures but it does reflect a positive sentiment on the part of Seguin that covers about 3% of the operating loss for the Stockey Centre.

9.1.1– Tender – Isabella Street Reconstruction. Ouch! The lowest tender came in at $600,000, almost 50%, above the budgeted amount. The difference will be paid with additional debentures.

9.1.2– Salt Dock Road Culvert payment. The parties have agreed to split the costs above the budgeted amount 50/50. That seems reasonable to me given the circumstances. Stuff happens.

9.2.1– Consent Application – B 04/2019 (PS) (L.U. Maughan Co. Ltd on behalf of The Barrie YMCA). The YMCA wants to sever a portion of their property for the development of residential properties. See the map at the bottom of the post for details about the location of the severed lot.

9.3.1– Pool & Wellness Centre report. This is a report that is interesting in the scope of communities involved. It’s very vague, but arguably a starting point. Refer to the full agenda for the Draft Committee Structure. All in or no deal, in my opinion.

9.3.2– DSSAB pay property taxes for HUB. The amount would be $78,000 annually. If the Town of Parry Sound is to support affordable housing for the district it needs to be appropriately compensated for the services it provides. I agree 100% with the benefits of affordable housing and the need for the Town not to be left alone to subsidize these necessary resources.

9.3.3– Budget Meeting Schedule. Okay we have a schedule. April 2ndfor a general overview of the budget and April 9thfor a Special Budget meeting commencing at 6:00 pm.

10.3.1– By-law for Council. Remuneration that compensates for lost expenses.

Agenda Items (Abridged)

Correspondence

4.1– Gurneth Hoddy, President, Parry Sound Seniors Club. Request for 2019 increased grant, for increased time limit to four hours for parking in the seniors area from Mary to Rosetta Street, and placing a seniors crossing sign near the club from Mary to Rosetta Street.

4.2– Nathan Beatty, Chair of Board of Directors, Beaconview Condominiums. Request for placement of no parking signs on Salt Dock Road adjacent to the private drive.

4.3– Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. Request to adopt resolution to participate in Partners for Climate Protection, to appoint a representative to area wide initiative and make a financial contribution to support establishment of Committee Terms of Reference.

4.4– Seguin Township. Donation of $10,000 towards Stockey Centre operating expenses

Deputations

5.1– Susan Hrycyna, Brenda Ryan. DBA Downtown Beautification Plan.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1– Tender – Isabella Street Reconstruction. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of Triton Engineering Services Limited, Council award the tender for the reconstruction of Isabella Street from Tudhope Street to William Street to Weeks Construction Inc., in the amount of $1,989,503.78, including HST, this tender being the lowest of three (3) tenders received.

9.1.2– Salt Dock Road Culvert payment. Resolution 2019 – 008 (as postponed from February 5, 2019 Council Meeting) That Council accepts the report regarding the additional costs encountered at the Salt Dock Culvert Replacement Project, and the additional costs be taken from the Salt Dock Reserves.

9.2.1– Consent Application – B 04/2019 (PS) (L.U. Maughan Co. Ltd on behalf of The Barrie YMCA). Resolution. That a decision on Consent Application No. B 04/2019 (PS) (L.U. Maughan Co. Ltd on behalf of The Barrie YMCA) be deferred until an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment has been adopted and approved.

9.3.1– Pool & Wellness Centre report. Resolution. That the Pool & Wellness Centre Report be received for information purposes.

9.3.2– DSSAB pay property taxes for HUB. Direction. That staff be directed to request the District Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB) pay to the Town of Parry Sound an amount equivalent to the amount of property taxes that would be payable each year by the HUB, beginning with 2018, had they not received 100% property tax exemption from MPAC.

9.3.3– Budget Meeting Schedule. Direction. That the dates as set out in this report for the 2019 budget deliberations be approved, including a Special Meeting on April, 9, 2019, and that staff update the Town’s Web site and Council calendar accordingly.

9.5.1– Bottled Water Reduction. Resolution. Whereas water is essential for human life to exist on earth, and access to clean drinkable water should be a basic human right, and water has been commodified by the sale of bottled water; and
Whereas Canada is a participant to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change; and
Whereas the United Nations has called on all countries to reduce green house gas emissions; and
Whereas single use plastics are significant items of unnecessary waste that damage our environment; and
Whereas Canada as a country and all of the provinces and territories are not likely to reach our targets to reduce green house gas emissions by 2030; and
Whereas many scientists and environmental advocates are asking us to end the fossil fuel-based economy as soon as possible;
Be it Resolved That the Town of Parry Sound will undertake a review/audit in 2019 of the Town facilities to identify areas where the use of municipal water can be further optimized, and the use of bottled water can be reduced or eliminated wherever possible; and
Further that a policy be developed to promote the use of municipal drinking water in the Town; and
Further be it resolved That the Town of Parry Sound will encourage our immediate neighbours in West Parry Sound Area to do the same; and
Further be it resolved that the Town of Parry Sound will forward this motion as an aspirational objective to the following partners: City of Quinte West who passed the original resolution on the topic; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), all other similar provincial and territorial organizations in Canada, all Premiers and the Prime Minister and the leaders of all Provincial and Federal Parties in Canada with the request that they enact legislation to do the same.

By-laws

10.2.1– Load Charge By-law. By-law 2019 – 6901. Being a By-law to amend by-laws 99-4113 The Heavy Load By-law and 2010-5408 Fees and Service Charges, and repeal 99-4114 The Water and Sewer Load Charge bylaw.

10.3.1– By-law for Council remuneration. By-law 2019 – 6902. Being a By-Law with respect to remuneration and expenses for members of Council and Local Boards.

West Parry Sound Amalgamation – Part 4 (Crude Models)

10 Sunday Mar 2019

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It’s time to take a look at how the amalgamation numbers shake out. Step One – take a deep breath. Step Two – be patient as you review the numbers. There are two scenarios, each of which are presented with two different sets of assumptions. These are not the final figures but are the easiest to model and understand. There will be additional scenarios presented in the next post that hopefully better model what amalgamation might mean for the individual municipalities. But, let’s start simple and work from there.

Key Assumptions and Descriptors:

  1. There are two basic scenarios, Scenario 1A with the five core municipalities – Carling, McDougall, McKellar, Parry Sound and Seguin. Scenario 2A has the core five municipalities plus Archipelago. This second scenario is a change in direction from an earlier post where I said I would not include the Archipelago. My decision to include a scenario with Archipelago results from my look at the Muskoka model. In Muskoka there are very urban and very non-urban centres, not unlike West Parry Sound. During the amalgamation process it was obviously felt that Muskoka Lakes was not that different and would benefit from, and contribute to, the district.
  2. Each of Scenario 1 and 2 are a simple summing of the tax revenues for all of the municipalities divided by the total assessment for the 5 and 6 municipality scenarios. This is a very crude first estimate and sure to raise complaints in a couple of the municipalities. Additional scenarios, 1B and 2B, are presented showing the impact of an overall 10% savings with amalgamation. I suspect that this is too optimistic but is worth sharing.
  3. The numbers presented include both the dollar and percentage increases and decreases for each scenario. There are enough figures provided to permit the interested person to work out their own numbers or simply check mine.
  4. The scenarios present the Residential tax rate figures, but the percentages can generally be applied to the Commercial and Industrial tax rates. To simplify the tables, a single $250,000 assessment is used for calculation purchases. For a $500,000 assessment just multiply by 2. For those lucky folks in Seguin, Carling and Archipelago multiply by 5, 10, 20 or 50 as appropriate.
  5. The scenarios also include Education taxes which have the same rate for all municipalities. Education taxes are a much higher proportion of total taxes in Seguin, Carling and Archipelago than the other municipalities.

Scenario 1A

This scenario is a simple add and divide exercise. All of the property tax revenues for Carling, McDougall, McKellar, Parry Sound and Seguin were added up and divided by the sum of the assessments for these municipalities. Here are the numbers.

Quick Comments:

  1. I can imagine the howls coming from Seguin and they are deafening. On the other hand, the people in Carling are saying – okay, that’s much better than I imagined. In Parry Sound the response is “YES”. The folks in McKellar are voicing complaints, but what’s new?
  2. This is the crudest of the calculations and does not properly reflect what would be seen with a well thought out amalgamation process. Future scenarios will try and model something more sophisticated that takes account of service levels.

Scenario 1B

This scenario is the same simple add and divide exercise. All of the property tax revenues for Carling, McDougall, McKellar, Parry Sound and Seguin were added up and the total was reduced by 10% to reflect some sort of amalgamation savings. As was the case for the previous scenario this figure was divided by the sum of the assessments for these municipalities.

Quick Comments:

  1. Okay, these numbers are a bit better for Seguin, but doubtless still unacceptable to a municipality that is addicted to low tax rates. McKellar ends up pretty much neutral and there are savings in Carling, McDougall, and Parry Sound.
  2. Scenario 1B sees that $250,000 property in Seguin paying an additional $342 per year. That’s a 26% increase over the current property tax rate. The same assessed Parry Sound property owner is seeing a $1,900 decrease.

Scenario 2A

This scenario uses the same approach as 1A and adds up the property tax revenues for Carling, McDougall, McKellar, Parry Sound, and Seguin plus Archipelago which is then divided by the sum of the assessments for these municipalities.

Quick Comments:

  1. Now the folks in Archipelago are howling and the Seguin folks are not any happier with only $100 shaved off the scenario without Archipelago. The folks in Carling, McDougall and Parry Sound all have smiles, some bigger than others. The folks in McKellar are sulking.

Scenario 2B

This scenario is the same as Scenario 2A with a 10% savings in the total amalgamated expenses as discussed earlier.

Quick Comments:

  1. The Seguin tax increase under Scenario 2B is $250 for a $250,000 property, about a 0.1% increase on the basis of the property value and 19% more than the pre amalgamation taxes. Archipelago goes up $200 or 15% for the same property. Carling and McDougall see not insignificant decreases and Parry Sound can’t believe their luck. McKellar is seeing a savings for the first time under an amalgamation scenario.

The Fine Print

Did I mention that these are crude estimates and will benefit from some tinkering? One of the obvious areas of tinkering has to do with garbage service. I’ll try to adjust for that in the next set of scenarios. There are also other adjustments that would seem to be reasonable to include. Overall, I’m not sure that these adjustments will make the people in Archipelago and Seguin much happier, but I think there is another way to make the increased cost of amalgamation worth considering for all municipalities. I’ll get to that two posts from now, #6 in this series.

McKellar, I am teasing you for your general demeanor when it comes to cooperation with area municipalities. Much of that attitude was seen in the behaviour of the two previous councils. How can we forget the entertaining coverage of council meetings and ‘Business Cardgate’ by the North Star? I am hopeful that the new council will take a more outward looking approach to regional cooperation. Reputation rests not on what you are now, or what you hope to be. It rests on what you have done. That can be changed for the better.

Supplemental Reading

So why does Parry Sound have such a large property tax burden in proportion to its assessment? There are some reasons worth understanding or considering.

Parry Sound Shot Itself in the Foot

  1. One of the biggest costs for Parry Sound is associated with the losses arising from the operations of the Bobby Orr Community Centre and the Stockey Centre. Together they account for about $600,000 or 5% of the annual tax bill. The Stockey Centre underwent renovations, roof and siding, last year that amounted to about $1.2 million. The Bobby Orr Community Centre had roof repairs that exceeded $100,000 and an expansion will cost close to $1 million. (I’m plugging in these numbers from memory. Feel free to send me a note with corrections.) Personally, I only get into the Bobby Orr Community Centre once a year for the Mayor’s Levee. I don’t think that I have been inside the Stockey Centre, or on the deck, in two years. But it costs me $250 annually in taxes to support these facilities. The Town would be better off selling both facilities for $1 and taking the savings. What would that do for the local and larger community? I suspect that West Parry Sound would be poorer without these facilities. There wouldn’t be the Festival which appeals to many of the seasonal residents in the surrounding municipalities. Do we need really another Pink Floyd or Eagles ‘note for note’ album performance? People must like it because they keep coming back, again and again. What about the community events hosted at the Stockey Centre? Parry Sound effectively subsidizes people who will be attending the upcoming Gordon Lightfoot concert. It promises to be a remarkable show in an intimate setting and without the added cost and time to travel to a Sudbury, Barrie or Toronto performance? Could locals even get decent tickets to these events in another urban centre? Do events like the visiting bonspiels, the Hockey Canada event or even local minor hockey cover their true costs? Of course not, it’s the right thing to do for the town and the larger community.
  2. The big box stores were effectively subsidized by Parry Sound. It seemed like a better deal at the time than it was. When push came to shove the town was obliged to take on considerable unbudgeted infrastructure expenses for services that support the much larger West Parry Sound community. And in the last couple of years these big box stores won a court case provincially that reduced their assessments by about a third. The difference in tax revenue directly hit the Parry Sound tax rates. Our neighbours? They just tell us how lucky we are to have them patronizing these stores.

For the Greater Good

Remember that sign as you head south on 400 and head into Simcoe County? “For the Greater Good” It should be Parry Sound’s motto.

  1. As I have noted earlier Parry Sound hosts many if not all of the local social service facilities. These institutions do not pay any local property taxes yet expect a full suite of services. More importantly, they occupy high value land that could be generating tax revenue to support services.
  2. Hosting schools is not without local Town of Parry Sound cost. In addition to occupying what is often prime real estate and not paying property taxes, these facilities use town resources and incur town supported expenses. The town is obliged to do extensive review to approve the building permits for these public facilities. The costs are not covered by any fees that might be charged. More importantly, these facilities often require infrastructure upgrades that are the responsibility of the town. The recently built William Beatty School presented the town with many infrastructure costs that were not budgeted or covered by the school board. And the conversion of the old school to affordable housing and a community hub has come with surprises in addition to the taxpayer infrastructure costs that came with the conversion. Now the organization behind the property renovation is petitioning to be exempted from property taxes. Their logic follows the thread that the property was not previously taxed as a school so it shouldn’t be now. With that type of logic I would be against any further efforts to provide public low income housing in Parry Sound. Low income housing like many other social issues is not a Parry Sound issue, it is a district issue, but as usual Parry Sound bears the brunt of the administration and infrastructure costs. And it trickles down to the taxpayer.
  3. Parry Sound is also home to the District Court House. That honour comes with a $50,000 or so annual bill for OPP protection. This is a district resource but a Parry Sound cost.
  4. Parry Sound also provides management oversight at the staff and council levels for district wide services such as EMS.
  5. And then there is the West Parry Sound District Hospital. They don’t pay property taxes yet require town resources. I would imagine that Parry Sound provided considerable infrastructure support at no cost to the hospital when it was built. Another rub for me at least is that most of the high-end folks working at the hospital, let’s say more than 90%, do not live and pay taxes in Parry Sound but rather support the tax base of the neighbouring municipalities. I don’t blame them. Why pay higher taxes and have to deal with the noise and the stink of a railway close by?

Possibilities

Four ideas that come to mind that can help address the imbalance of support for services that impact the whole West Parry Sound community.

  1. Go forward with amalgamation. It not only seems a reasonable way to address current imbalances, but it provides the basis to make the whole district better by providing for a shared vision of a larger community.
  2. Tack on a 1% salary levy to folks who work in Parry Sound that would be remitted to Parry Sound. If you pay property taxes in Parry Sound that amount would be deducted from your property taxes. If you live in one of the area municipalities you would not have the deduction, unless your municipality wanted to subsidize it. That’s the situation I faced when I lived in one township and worked in another in Pennsylvania. The tax was used by the township I worked in to pay for the required infrastructure to support the businesses. The 1% tax was deducted at source.
  3. Add 1% to the local sales tax for purchases in Parry Sound. This would be a relatively minor cost and would be remitted to Parry Sound. Heck, just 1% of the purchases at the LCBO and the Beer Store would probably go a long way to helping cover the many infrastructure costs assumed by Parry Sound.
  4. Add 1% to the bill for local services. That might range from tax preparation to massages to dental services. Would people start driving to Bracebridge to save 1% for a massage or an eye check up?

It’s always fun to ride for free or at a discount. But someone has to pay the bill. Right now that’s Parry Sound residents and businesses. If the community at large is to prosper we need to have everyone paying their fair share.

In the next post I look at the impact of adjusting the numbers presented earlier to account for differing service levels.

West Parry Sound Amalgamation – Part 3 (Muskoka Model)

07 Thursday Mar 2019

Posted by in Amalgamation, Budget/Financial, Parry Sound

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I’m glad that I didn’t try and squeeze the Muskoka Model into the last post. The District Municipality of Muskoka (Muskoka) presents a complex model of amalgamation, at least to this rookie. I will provide a superficial overview of the tax rate structure for Muskoka with the hope of better understanding how amalgamation might be implemented between Carling, McDougall, McKellar, Parry Sound and Seguin.

This post is neither a graduate thesis nor a consulting (paid) project so I will stick to top level assessments and comments and not bother with detailed research. I am comfortable that this first level examination will provide generally valid observations.

The Basics

Muskoka is composed of district municipalities.

Table 1 – Muskoka Demographics and Assessments

There are all sorts of interesting observations that can be made with this limited dataset. The key points that jump out at me are:

  1. This is a diverse municipality in terms of population and assessments.
  2. Individually the property assessment values of the individual urban centres are on a par with the more rural and cottage areas despite a considerable population difference.
  3. And then there is Muskoka lakes with 11% of the district municipality population and 37% of the assessment value. That has some similarities with the West Parry Sound District.
  4. Wow – Muskoka has almost $25 billion is assessments.

Well that’s a start and it’s time to slice up the data. I could overwhelm you right now and post up a simplified summary of the Muskoka Tax Rates. But I did not do that. You can find the tables at the end of the post for those who don’t believe what follows or want to do their own analysis.

Muskoka Tax Rates

Muskoka has separate tax rate schedules for all six of the district municipalities. These schedules have twelve different property classes. (The simplified summary only lists the three most important classes.) In addition to different tax rates for six municipalities there are five schedules for different services that are provided/taxed by Muskoka. Not all properties in all municipalities are subject to all tax schedules. (Yes, the details are complex but it’s not too hard to get a general grasp of the intent.)

Table 2 – Tax Rates and Applicability, Muskoka

General Tax Rates & Levies

In seems that all of the properties in all district municipalities are subject to, and pay, the same tax rates for general services and the hospital capital fund. The latter is an interesting concept for those of us who pay Parry Sound taxes and effectively subsidize a hospital that benefits all area residents and cottagers. It amounts to about $400,000 annually in Muskoka. It has been suggested to me that because of the area residents/cottagers we enjoy a better hospital than if they weren’t present. (Yup, because you have kids you get a government subsidy. Well, that covers their costs and makes life so much easier doesn’t it?)

The net/net is that if you have a home in Bracebridge or a cottage on Lake Muskoka your basic tax rate is the same regardless of the level of general services, and value, you believe you are receiving.

Waste Management Tax Rates & Levies

There are differences in Muskoka when it comes to the add on services, water, sewer and garbage. All properties in all municipalities pay for garbage services. But the waste management tax rate varies in terms of what municipality the property is located. The rate is highest in Bracebridge and is a bit lower in Gravenhurst (-10%) and Huntsville (-5%). Why? It’s probably an issue of service levels. The garbage tax rate in Georgian Bay is about the same as in Huntsville. For Lake of Bays and Muskoka Lakes the garbage rate is about 40% of that in the highest municipality, Bracebridge. Again, that probably represents different service levels. The important thing to note is that irrespective of the tax rate for waste management services, all properties in all municipalities pay for this service at a higher or lower tax rate.

Urban Areas A – Water Services

Things are different when it comes to water services. Water supply it seems is not available to all properties in all municipalities. That means some properties do not have a water assessment associated with their properties. For example, even in Bracebridge only a third of the assessed value of properties are taxed for water services. The figure is much lower in the nonurban municipalities. In Lake of Bays about 1% of the assessment is subject to water taxes. For all of Muskoka only 17% of assessed value is subject to this tax.

Urban Areas A – Sewer Services

A similar situation is seen with sewer services although it is not exactly the same. Why, I’m not sure and won’t investigate it further. The net/net is that if you have sewer service you pay in your tax bill. It’s also likely that the properties that receive Muskoka water and sewer services also pay for consumption. I can’t imagine that a car wash would be flat rated. In total about 15% of the assessed value in Muskoka is subject to sewer services taxes. It’s important to note that the Sewer Services rate, where applicable, is the most expensive of the services except for the General Taxes & Levy. In Bracebridge the sewer rate is 73% of the general levy rate. That is remarkably high and probably reflects the cost of replacing decaying infrastructure.

Muskoka Rates Summarized

With an understanding of what might be included in a property tax bill it’s time to look at the rates. These will be very top-level figures. Remember that tax rates are assigned by property class. These property class tax rates are the same in all municipalities when it comes to General Taxes and Hospital Capital Funding. For this discussion we will look only at the Residential, Commercial and Industrial property classes.

Table 3 – Muskoka General Tax Rates & Levies (2017)

Some quick analysis of the above table. Residential properties account for 93% of the Assessments and the same proportion of the taxes collected within rounding errors. This is reflected in part by the small premium, about 9%, charged to Commercial and Industrial properties. The discrepancy in the rounded figures, if you are wondering, is accounted for by the contribution of the other classes not included in the table above, for example Landfill, Pipelines, Farmlands and Managed Forest. It’s also worth noting that the Commercial and Industrial rates are the same.

Overall Muskoka Tax Rates

It’s possible to put together a highest and lowest tax rate for properties in Muskoka. This is done by adding the highest rates for a property that would be fully serviced (Water, Garbage and Sewer) and comparing it with a property that only is required to pay the General Tax Rate, Hospital Capital and Garbage (at the lowest rate).

Muskoka Tax Rates 2017

Table 4 – Highest Rate Possible (Bracebridge, 2017)

Table 5 – Lowest Rate Possible with Full Services (Muskoka Lakes, 2017)

Table 6 – Lowest Rate Possible with No Services (Muskoka Lakes, 2017)

The tables above summarize the tax rates depending on the services received. They define the high, the low and a middle scenario. It is possible to be located where there are no water or sewer services and that makes a huge difference on the tax bill. Depending on where the property is located the waste tax rate is higher or lower, but there is always a charge.

Total Tax Rates – Muskoka Versus Selected West Parry Sound Municipalities

The obvious next step is to compare these rates with those for the various municipalities outlined in the previous posts. In the case of the West Parry Sound municipalities the tax rates are what they are and are applied to all properties depending on class. The services provided for each municipality are defined by the municipalities themselves. The real tangible difference in terms of service concerns waste management. Parry Sound has curbside pickup once a week and this cost is included in the base tax rate. The other municipalities offer ‘bag and drag’ service to the local municipal waste facility. In theory at least, Parry Sound does not include charges for water and sewer services in the tax rate. These are accounted for separately and charged directly to the user. I’m not sure if there isn’t some ‘bleed’ into the tax rate. But a residence with a $200,000 assessment would pay about $1,300 per year for water and sewer service above the tax bill. That equals an effective rate of about 0.00650. For a $400,000 assessment it’s .00325 and for an $800,000 assessment it’s .00162. In Muskoka you pay a fixed rate on your assessment not a flat fee. Should a property assessed at $800,000 pay more for water and sewer services than a $100,000 property if they use the same service amounts? I’ll let you think about that.

Other than the items noted above the rates are broadly comparable with the understanding that the Parry Sound rates are even higher in comparison to Muskoka if you add in the water and sewer bills. Note – none of these tax rates include any Education Taxes.

Table 7 – Tax Rate Comparison, Muskoka and Selected West Parry Sound (2017)

Okay there you have it. Some quick comments:

  1. Parry Sound has by far the highest overall tax rates for Residential properties. It’s not even close. It’s the same case for Commercial properties. With Industrial properties Parry Sound is not that far from some other West Parry Sound municipalities but well above Muskoka .
  2. Seguin and Archipelago Residential tax rates aren’t that much higher than the lowest Muskoka rates, about 10% more. I assume that these are often seasonal cottage, albeit $10 million cottage, type properties. The same is true for Commercial and Industrial properties in the lowest tax areas, all of which probably enjoy the same service levels.
  3. I wonder how much the highest rates in Muskoka, presumably for the urban centres, are moderated by the high assessment value of the non-urban properties. The non-urban municipalities in Muskoka account for 65% of the total Muskoka residential assessment base. Since there is only one rate for all Muskoka properties regardless of their municipality it is possible to imagine that urban properties might well have a 20-30% higher tax rate if they were required to fund themselves.

Enough of the foreplay. In the next post we’ll start looking at amalgamation in West Parry Sound. After looking at all the numbers for Muskoka I think that I’ll put together a series of scenarios. It’s probably not as simple as adding all the numbers together, adding in a little bit of cost savings and dividing by the total amalgamated assessment value. But I’ll probably start with that to get everyone in the area who doesn’t live in Parry Sound hot and frothy. (It’s cold out there.)

Here are the more detailed Muskoka tax rates noted earlier. (Click on the image for a larger, easier to read, version.)