Tag Archives: Strategic Plan

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – December 17, 2019

17 Friday Jan 2020

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

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

Closed Session

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

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

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

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

By-laws

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

10.4.1 – 2020 Interim Tax Levy. By-law 2019 – 7001. Being a By-Law to provide for an interim tax levy, for the payment of taxes, and for penalty and interest at 1 1/4 percent per month for the 2020 taxation year. Passed, Signed and Sealed.

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

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

Growth, Development and Housing

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

Partnerships and Quality of Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

Council Agenda Preview – December 17, 2019

14 Saturday Dec 2019

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There are a number of items on the agenda that are worth noting:

Closed Session Items
b) personal matter about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, (Director of Public Works Selection and Employment Agreement).
It looks as though the Town may be close to hiring a new Director of Public Works.
c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes, (Wellness Centre & Pool Cost Sharing Negotiations);
It’s not clear if the plans are to dispose of the property already purchased for the Pool, or to acquire a separate piece of property adjacent to the current YMCA complex. It looks as though if built the pool will be situated on either of the two locations. This item tends to suggest the Pool project is either ‘hotting up’ or the Town is cutting its losses.

Besides an accessible parking issue for The Gardens (10.2.1) the only other notable item on the agenda is the Strategic Plan presentation (10.5.1). I am not optimistic. It has been said that a camel is a horse designed by a committee. I think the input process and the comments received represent an important step in the process of developing a strategic plan. In the end any good plan needs to distill input and then proceed with vision that embraces reality. A strategic plan is not a shopping list of reasonable and unreasonable objectives. Focus, focus, focus. I am a little discouraged by the fact that the cover photo of the presentation includes a ‘historical’ photo. Not a good omen. Not at all a good omen.

Closed Session

b) personal matter about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, (Director of Public Works Selection and Employment Agreement);
c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes, (Wellness Centre & Pool Cost Sharing Negotiations);
d) labour relations or employee negotiations, (Director of Public Works Selection and Employment Agreement);
n) a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board, (Wellness Centre & Pool Cost Sharing Negotiations).

Correspondence
4.1 – Linda Taylor, Program Director, West Parry Sound Community Support Services. 2020 Funding Request
4.2 – Nadine Hammond, Curator/Manager, West Parry Sound District Museum. Update and 2020 Funding Request

 Deputations
5.1 – Bill Mardimae, Gardens Retirement Developments Inc. Gardens Retirement proposed development.
5.2 – Keith Smith. Handicapped parking spaces at The Gardens proposed new building.
5.3 – Chris Pettinger, Dan DiNicolo. Founders Circle.

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

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

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

By-laws
10.2.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/19/14 – College Drive (M2 Developments Inc.).

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

10.4.1 – 2020 Interim Tax Levy.
By-law 2019 – 7001. Being a By-Law to provide for an interim tax levy, for the payment of taxes, and for penalty and interest at 1 1/4 percent per month for the 2020 taxation year.

10.5.1 – Strategic Plan Public Consultation Feedback; Council Input/Workshop Presenter/Facilitator: Andrea Montgomery, Redbrick Communications Agenda for Strategic Plan – Council Input/Workshop attached.
Direction (proposed for adoption following Council’s workshop). That upon receipt of feedback from the public consultation process and with the input provided by Council at its December 17th meeting, that Redbrick Communications be directed to produce the Strategic Plan 2020-2022 for the January 21st, 2020 Council Meeting for approval.

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – November 19, 2019

22 Friday Nov 2019

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The major news from this week’s Town of Parry Sound council meeting is that the Lighthouse development on Salt Dock Road has a green light from Council to proceed.

As always there were questions of Staff about snow removal when we get an early season dump. I think the Town does a good job, but there are always people who want more and faster. Well we can have it, it just costs money. That also means we will have unused capacity if and when it doesn’t snow. How much buffer do you carry in your bank accounts; how much extra life insurance and disability insurance do you carry? I’m sure that if you are conscientious you do what is necessary with a little extra capacity but realize that you really aren’t prepared if we were to get two feet of snow in one day, or you had a house fire. You could survive it, but it will take patience and understanding. I would rather not raise the taxes so that we clear the snow an hour earlier. We shouldn’t be surprised when we get a dump with the quality of weather forecasts. We need to plan for it. If your street isn’t plowed as early as you like, park overnight at a friend’s house where there is earlier service and walk over to your car in the morning. If the sidewalks aren’t clear at 8:00, wait until they are cleared. Don’t play the role of victim. If you want better snow service, let Council know and be prepared to pay for it.

The day we received the dump of snow I had a meeting in the downtown, and I drove. The roads were okay as I traveled down Bowes and Miller Streets. I thought for a minute or two about Peter Brown, Director of Operations retiring at the end of the year. I realized that he doesn’t just worry about getting to work every day, he also has to worry about getting everybody else to work and school every day, and those folks who want to get out for an early coffee. I suddenly understood why he is retiring, at least from this position. When you are a public servant everybody thinks they are your boss and being experts they can tell you how to do your job better. Enough is enough. The job is still open if you think you can do a better job. And you get the benefits and scrutiny that comes with making the Sunshine List.

Closed Session

c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purpose, (property matter);
e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, (update on litigation of cases with the Town);
f) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose, (update on litigation of cases with the Town);
j) educating or training council members and no member shall discuss or deal with any matter in a way that materially advances the business of the Council (municipal finances);

Questions of Staff

3.2.1 – In response to Councillor Borneman’s request for an update on the progress on Waubeek Street, Director of Public Works Peter Brown replied that Waubeek & Melvin will be paved starting tomorrow morning and will be open for business Thursday morning. Some concrete work will be completed in the Spring.

3.2.2 – Councillor McCann inquired as to how staff manage & prioritize the plowing of roads and sidewalks, as he and other Councillors received complaints regarding the snowplowing during the last snowfall. Director of Public Works Peter Brown responded that the Town has a Winter Control Policy available on the website for residents to view which is mandated by Council. At that particular snow event the snow started about 1:30 am and crews were out by 4:30 am plowing & sidewalk clearing. Plowing is done on a priority and traffic flow basis per the policy and Mr. Brown reported that he feels staff are doing an excellent job. Each year the plan is modified to accommodate changes in the community such as the new placement of schools.

3.2.3 – Councillor Backman asked the Director of Development & Protective Services for an update on the strategic planning process. Dave Thompson responded that the process was started with focus group sessions yesterday morning and evening. On November 26th the group will be at the high school for input from the students and there will be an open house in the evening of the 26th at the BOCC from 7:00 to 9:00 pm that the public are welcome to attend. The consultants and senior staff will be present to answer questions. There is a web-based survey on the Town’s website which has over 180 surveys completed to date. After November 26th the consultants will consolidate the information and bring the information forward to the December 17th council meeting for Council’s review and input.

3.2.4 – Councillor Keith inquired of Mr. Brown if he was familiar with any community education programs concerning snowfall events and the need for residents themselves to also be prepared. Mr. Brown replied that he has seen some websites and twitter feeds with this information; he will ensure this information is circulated soon on the Town website and twitter feed.

Correspondence

4.1 – District of Parry Sound Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee. Request as part of national initiative, that the Municipal office flags be lowered to 1/2 mast on December 6, 2019 to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and specifically to remember the lives lost on December 6th, 1989 of 14 young university students at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. Circulated to Mayor & Council, on this evening’s agenda as item 8.1 and filed.

4.2 – Climate Action Parry Sound. They are a grassroots organization of concerned citizens committed to limiting and mitigating the effects of human-caused global warming introducing their group to Council. Their goals are to raise awareness, solicit petition signatures to be forwarded to provincial and federal governments and support youth commitment for multi- generational demonstrations in support of “Fridays for Future”. They will network and collaborate with other groups and organizations in our community on lowering our carbon footprint. Circulated to Mayor & Council and filed.

Deputations

5.1 – Glenda Clayton and Monica Moore, Parry Sound Area Food Collaborative. Community Oven. Glenda Clayton addressed Council, introducing the Parry Sound and Area Food Collaborative as a group of key community stakeholders and a number of individual residents who work at championing healthy sustainable food systems for the Parry Sound Area. They have a number of initiatives including the Parry Sound & Area Food Charter. Ms. Clayton reported that a new initiative is a Community Oven – an age-old multi-cultural tradition, and they propose to locate it at the Mary Street Centre, built outside on the green space between their building and the North Star building, now owned by the Ryans. The oven will be available to be rented by various groups and also used for community events. Oven masters will be trained to work with the users. They have conferred with Fire Chief Thompson on some of the safety aspects. It will be heated by wood which will be stored in a locked wood storage building. Ms. Clayton and Ms. Moore concluded by requesting support for this initiative.

5.2 – Ron Jenkins. Sidewalks and repairs required for his wheelchair. Mr. Jenkins addressed Council noting that he came here 6 years ago from Guelph, and loves being here. He said that the elevator in this building won’t accommodate his wheelchair so he walked up the stairs this evening. He & other wheelchair users get together to discuss which back streets to avoid, to minimize the damage to their wheelchairs. He requests that attention be paid to the state of the sidewalks and says it would be very appreciated by him and many other wheelchair users. He requests that Council members use a wheelchair on the sidewalks to see what he means.
The following direction was proposed: That staff develop a report with respect to developing a disabled citizens committee that could make recommendations to Council as to some needs in the community. Carried

5.3 – Nancy Cunningham Re: Lighthouse OPA & ZBA. Ms. Cunningham addressed Council requesting some assurances and clarification on the guarantees put forward by the developer on such items as: only the elevator shaft & no other additions being on the roof, preservation of the trees between the subject property and the Fitness Trail, information on the surveyor and clarification on what height compared to Beaconview – floor or ceiling level, what is the record of the developer with regards to parking, garbage storage & landscaping, and why is the independent planner’s report called a justification report. Ms. Cunningham reminded Council members that most of them were in office when both the Official Plan and the Trails Master Plan were being developed and that the residents rely on those members to support the legislation they helped create. Ms. Cunningham requested a recorded vote on this matter.

5.4 – Josh Morgan, Morgan Planning & Development. Lighthouse Official Plan Amendment/Zoning By-law Amendment (OPA / ZBA). Mr. Morgan, representing Greystone Project Management, addressed Council to summarize the primary topics & concerns expressed during the public meeting in July, the primary themes expressed in correspondence since the public meeting and the steps the applicant has taken since those comments were received and the summary of the land use control measures that would be in place should the by-laws be passed.
In response to the Primary Land Use comments: Triton Engineering Services Limited was retained to peer review the Traffic Impact Study, FRI Corp was retained to peer review the Species at Risk Assessment. The Town retained Jamie Robinson of MHBC Planning to provide his professional planning opinion regarding the appropriateness of the applications.
Riverstone Environmental Solutions Inc prepared an itemized response to the environmental peer review and FRI Corp confirmed that all of their peer review comments had been suitably addressed.
Tatham Engineering Limited prepared an itemized response to the traffic peer review and they accept that there will not be any appreciable level of service or capacity issues and that the entrance alignment and/or sight line improvements can be addressed via Site Plan Approval Process.
L.U. Maughan Company Limited, an Ontario Land Surveyor, was retained to confirm the finished 1st floor elevation of the adjacent Beaconview, which is 203.75 GSC. The elevation of the proposed roof is 203.6 GSC which is lower than the 1st floor elevation of Beaconview. An earth toned roof membrane will be utilized and air conditioning units will not be installed on the roof.
The site plan has been updated to increase the westerly interior side yard setback from 3.47m to 6.0m which allows a greater setback between the building and the fitness trail. With the trail being approx. 9.0m from the westerly property boundary this results in an approx. setback of 15m. Proposed are improvements to the existing trailhead with improved public parking, installation of a trail extension and crosswalk over Salt Dock Road.
Due to the topography of the subject property the designation of Open Public Space doesn’t fit well as its use as a public facility or park would be very difficult. It is more suited to the designation of Residential High Density.
Detailed servicing, grading and storm water management design drawings will be submitted as part of the Site Plan approval process.
Soil Engineers Ltd. have been retained to prepare Phase 1 and Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment once the ZBA and OPA have been approved to file a Record of Site Condition, if required.
The ZBA is proposed with a Holding provision. The holding provision will not be lifted until such time as the applicant has obtained Site Plan Approval and Record of Site Condition, if required.
Mr. Morgan requested approval of both the Zoning By-law Amendment and the Official Plan Amendment.

5.5 – Jamie Robinson, MHBC Planning. Mr. Robinson addressed Council, reporting that he has 17 years experience throughout central and northern Ontario as a professional planner, and he has been retained by the Town of Parry Sound to take an independent review of this site dealing with the 2 land use planning applications on the agenda this evening. Mr. Robinson said that the 2 by- laws are intended to establish the principle of use for the site; i.e. “is this an appropriate site for a building of the size, of the massing of the scale that’s proposed with the site specific amendments that are identified through the zoning by-law? That’s the question before Council with both the OPA and the ZBA”. Mr. Robinson said that the specific details would be considered through the site plan agreement that will be brought to Council at a later time.
With respect to the earlier deputation concerning guarantees to the surrounding area and residents with respect to the application, Mr. Robinson reported that Mr. Morgan identified that the site plan control process provides those guarantees and also the zoning by-law amendment that’s before Council this evening does specifically establish a building envelope of the site, and it does specifically establish a maximum height provision for this building so it effectively establishes a building location and a massing for development on this site. If the proposed development were ever to exceed those requirements, additional planning approval would be required and there would be a public meeting for that so the by-law itself is an important component to provide those assurances to the public. Mr. Robinson also noted that as Mr. Morgan mentioned, the site plan process does provide those specific details as well.
With respect to comments as to whether Mr. Robinson’s report was a “justification report”, or a “review report”, Mr. Robinson said that it is a “review report”. Mr. Robinson noted that there is a footer within his report which is incorrect, and for that he apologized and confirmed that it is a review report.
Mr. Robinson noted that the OPA relates to Schedule A of the Official Plan to be modified to re-designate the lands to High Density Residential. The lands currently are not being used as a park and in historical documents these lands are not identified for future parkland purposes.
In the ZBA there are a number of different modifications proposed: a height of 12.5 m, the height is measured from the front lot which in this case the front yard abuts Salt Dock Road. The elevations of 203.75 and 203.6 were provided by the surveyors. For assurances to the public those elevations would be encapsulated in the site plan agreement and the zoning by-law itself specified a maximum height of 12.5m. The specifics of the elevator are included in the ZBA and would require an amendment if proposed to be changed.
The by-law requires 50% front yard, the proposed reduction is to 29%; the front yard contains parking, snow storage and landscaped open space. While the front yard faces Salt Dock Road, the building itself faces Georgian Bay. Outdoor parking spaces are 3m x 6m which meets the requirement of the zoning by-law; however, each indoor parking space is proposed to be 2.7m x 6m.
A Holding “H” Symbol is added to a zoning by-law amendment and it effectively provides some conditions that need to be satisfied before a building permit can be issued. What the Holding symbol means is that site plan control is required. Specific items are included in the holding symbol and the site plan agreement which reflect the public comments and concerns. The details, “nuts & bolts”, of the site plan agreement will be ironed out by staff during the site plan process, details such as design requirements related to roof structures, restrictions on mechanicals on roof. As all this information has to be built right into the site plan agreement this gives assurance as it is a legal binding agreement between the property owner, the Town and any future property owner as it’s an agreement registered on title.
Mr. Robinson reported that in context of the surrounding developments, there are a number of high-density developments in the area, and in his opinion, he thinks the proposed development does make efficient use of existing infrastructure and is appropriate both from a scale perspective and a density perspective and is compatible with surrounding land uses.
With regard to the height, Mr. Robinson reported that he believed there have been some steps taken to protect the views for the existing condominium in the area.
Mr. Robinson reported that he believed there has been adequate consideration given to trail connection and parkland aspects.
The traffic study identifies there is existing transportation infrastructure in the area sufficient to support the additional demand that would be created.
The parking requirements do exceed the minimum requirements.
An Endangered and Threatened species assessment was completed and determined there is a very low likelihood of endangered or threatened species present. A timing window is recommended to be included in the site plan agreement.
In conclusion, Mr. Robinson reported that an independent look at each of the public comments was undertaken and addressed within his report. Having reviewed the Official Plan and having reviewed the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario and the Provincial Policy Statement, Mr. Robinson reported that he believed that the proposed development is consistent with the PPS and conforms both with the growth plan and the Town’s Official Plan and would represent good land use planning.

After the deputations Council dealt with prioritized Item 10.2.2

10.2.2 – Lighthouse Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA).
By-law 2019 – 6991. Being a By-law to Adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 2 – Part of Block Q of Plan 123 and a portion of Part 7 of 42R129.
A recorded vote was taken:
Yes – Councillor Vanessa Backman, Councillor Paul Borneman, Councillor Roger Burden, Councillor Brad Horne, Councillor Bonnie Keith, Councillor Doug McCann, Mayor Jamie McGarvey
Passed, Signed & Sealed

By-law 2019 – 6992. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for Part of Block Q of Plan 123 and a portion of Part 7 of 42R129. That the following amendment be included in the by-law:
Despite Section 8.2 of By-law 2004-4653, as amended, the property shall be limited to a maximum of 43 Apartment Dwelling Units. Carried
A recorded vote was taken:
Yes – Councillor Vanessa Backman, Councillor Paul Borneman, Councillor Roger Burden, Councillor Brad Horne, Councillor Bonnie Keith, Councillor Doug McCann, Mayor Jamie McGarvey
Passed, Signed & Sealed

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.3.1 – BOCC Championship Banner Display Policy. Resolution. That Council approve the Bobby Orr Community Centre Championship Banner Display Policy as attached as Schedule A. Carried

9.3.2 – West Parry Sound Area Recreation and Culture Centre (Wellness Centre and Pool Complex). Direction. THAT the update report on the West Parry Sound Area Recreation and Culture Centre (Wellness Centre and Pool Complex) be received for information purposes. Carried

9.3.3 – Parry Sound Wastewater Treatment Plant Inspection Report. Resolution. That the report on the September 4, 2019 Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) Parry Sound Wastewater Treatment Plant Inspection Report be received for information purposes. Carried

9.3.4 – Municipal Modernization Program, Expression of Interest. Resolution. Whereas Intake 1 for the Municipal Modernization Program was announced on November 12, 2019 by the Province; and
Whereas the program only applies to 405 small and rural Ontario municipalities, including Parry Sound; and
Whereas municipalities must submit an intention to apply by November 22, 2019; and
Whereas an Expression of Interest must be submitted by December 6, 2019;
Now Therefore staff be directed to submit the Town’s intention to apply to the Municipal Modernization Program for funding for a review of current waste management services with the objective of finding service delivery efficiencies and creating a long-term waste management strategy; and
That staff report back to Council prior to the December 6, 2019 deadline should an alternative project be determined as more appropriate. Carried

By-laws

10.1.1 – Curbside Waste & Recycling Collection Contract Extension Spokesperson: Peter Brown, Director of Public Works.
By-law 2019 – 6994. Being a bylaw to amend bylaw 2011-6048 and bylaw 2019-6890, to authorize the execution of an extension of the existing curbside waste and recycling collection contract with Waste Connections of Canada Inc. for one year, ending December 31, 2020. Passed, Signed & Sealed

10.2.1 – Municipal Office and Firehall Custodial 2020 and 202.
By-law 2019 – 6984. That Council authorizes the execution of a contract with Bernie Filiatrault’s Janitorial for Custodial services of the Municipal Office and Council Chambers set-up. Passed, Signed & Sealed
By-law 2019 – 6985. That Council authorizes the execution of a contract with Bernie Filiatrault’s Janitorial for Custodial services at the Firehall Complex. Passed, Signed & Sealed

10.3.1 – Parry Sound Area Founders Circle Agreement.
By-law 2019 – 6993. Being a by-law to authorize the execution of an Agreement with the Parry Sound Area Founders Circle to support business innovation and new business’s ideas. Passed, Signed & Sealed

10.4.1 – Debenture issue for completed 2018 and 2019 Capital Works.
By-law 2019 – 6989. A By-law of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound to Authorize the Borrowing Upon Amortizing Debentures in the Principal Amount of $727,779.50 Towards the Cost of the Stockey Centre Roof/Hardy Board Siding. Passed, Signed & Sealed
By-law 2019 – 6990. A By-law of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound to Authorize the Borrowing Upon Amortizing Debentures in the Principal Amount of $860,435.56 Towards the Cost of the Bobby Orr Community Centre Ice Pad Replacement. Passed, Signed & Sealed

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – October 15, 2019

19 Saturday Oct 2019

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

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

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

Nothing else warrants comment in my opinion.

Closed Session

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

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

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

Public Meeting

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

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

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

Questions of Staff

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

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

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

Correspondence

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

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

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

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

Deputations

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

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

Ratification of Matters from Closed Agenda

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

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

By-laws

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

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

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

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

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

 

Council Agenda Preview – October 15, 2019

11 Friday Oct 2019

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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

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

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

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

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

Closed Session

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

Public Meeting

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

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

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

Correspondence

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

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

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

Deputations

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

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

5.3 – Fritz Distler. Parry Sound Drive sewer concerns.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

By-laws

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

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

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

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

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

Council Agenda Preview – June 18, 2019

15 Saturday Jun 2019

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There are a few items of note on the agenda this week. I’m most interested in 9.2.1.

9.2.1 – Train Whistle Cessation within Parry Sound. Staff is recommending that the Town terminate the investigation of train whistle cessation in the Town. (Note: everyone likes to call them train whistles, but let’s be clear these are air horns. There is nothing about them that is quaint or romantic.) The Town commissioned an extensive report that is included in the full agenda package. The logic behind the recommendation is that the cost of cessation would be on the order of $750,000. But more importantly the recommendation basically says that with the inherent noise of the trains, stopping the air horn blasts would make very little difference in the overall noise. That’s a bit like the health system saying that we won’t treat your hearing loss because you live beside a rail crossing and the difference will be negligible. If you look at the sound plots, which are in beautiful colour and well done, you will see that those who get nailed the most by the air horns, really do get blasted. We are not in that situation at our house but I have empathy for those that are in the path of a 110 db air horn.
On the subject of trains, it has been a few years since CN and CP started routing northbound trains on the CP track and the southbound trains over the CN track. I have never been told the logic for this. The trains approach town on their separate tracks before switching to the designated line. As soon as they leave Parry Sound they get back on their own tracks. My suspicion is that with the ‘oilers’ running crude and LNG from the west the railways would prefer that if there were to be a derailment that it not be over the Seguin River trestle. That would be a real disaster for all concerned. Otherwise the split and assignment of lines makes no sense. It would seem more efficient to run the fully laden southbound trains over the CP Seguin River trestle. There is much less of an incline to climb with these very heavy rail cars. When we have train breakdowns in town it’s always on the southbound CN line that blocks Forest Street. They-just-can’t-get-it-up.

If you have an opinion on this either attend the meeting or speak with/email/write Council. The easy answer for Council is to say ‘we tried’ but it ‘doesn’t work’ given other priorities. (The agenda package this week is large, about 66 MB, but worth looking at.)

4.1 – Jim & Marian Ferris, 143a William Street. Locations suggestions for Georgian Nordic Ski and Canoe Club structures and programming. It’s worth understanding the concerns of these folks. I was as surprised as they were about the proposed location of the structures given past correspondence.

Closed Session

c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purpose, (local board property);
e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; (two property matters; zoning compliance matter);

Correspondence

4.1 – Jim & Marian Ferris, 143a William Street. Locations suggestions for Georgian Nordic Ski and Canoe Club structures and programming.

Deputations

5.1 – Ian Fleming, President; Dan DiNicolo, Member, Festival of the Sound Board. Festival of the Sound’s Upcoming 40th Anniversary Season

5.2 – Russell Becker, Community Relations Director, The Gardens. The Gardens – Expansion

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – 2018 Annual Investment Report. Resolution. That Council accepts the 2018 Annual Investment Report in accordance with the Town’s Investment Policy.

9.2.1 – Train Whistle Cessation within Parry Sound. Direction. That Council direct staff to not proceed any further with train whistle cessation in Parry Sound due to the risks to public safety and potential Town liability, as well as overburdening costs of implementing train whistle cessation.

9.2.2 – Tender – Equipment – 4-wheel drive articulating loader. Resolution. That Council accept the tender from Toromont Cat for a 2019 CAT 918M loader in the amount of $171,195.00, including taxes, delivery, and the trade-in of a 2009 CASE 521 E, this tender being the lowest of four received; and
That Council also accept the tender from Toromont Cat for a weigh scale attachment in the amount of $11,650.30, including taxes and delivery; and That additional funds required to purchase said equipment be taken from the Public Works culvert replacement capital project.

9.3.1 – Pick-up truck Replacement (Fire Department). Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound award the tender for a 2019 New Model 4X4 1/2 ton Pick up Crew Cab Short Box for the Fire Department to Williamson Chrysler/UBIC Vehicle Solutions Inc. in the amount of $45,263.28 including HST;
And further that the offering of $12,600 for the purchase of the replaced 2007 GMC by Gore Bay Gordon Barry Island Fire Department be accepted.

9.4.1 – WPS Geography Network wins MISA Award. Direction. That the report and presentation be received for information purposes.

9.4.2 – Join the FCM – ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) Partners for ClimateProtection Program. Resolution. That Council hereby adopts the resolution attached as Schedule A, being a resolution prepared by FCM–ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) Partners for Climate Protection Program to:
endorse the Government of Canada’s commitment to the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature increase to below two degrees Celsius and to pursue efforts to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius; and commit to reviewing the guidelines on PCP member benefits and responsibilities and then communicate to FCM its participation in the PCP program and its commitment to achieving the milestones set out in the PCP five-milestone framework; and further
That Council hereby appoints Forrest Pengra to oversee implementation of the PCP milestones and be the point of contact for the PCP within the municipality.

By-laws

10.1.1 – By-law to specify claw back percentages for 2019 property taxes. By-law 2019 – 6934. Being a By-law to Specify the “Claw-back Percentages” in Respect of Properties in the Commercial Class for 2019 Taxation Year.

10.1.2 – Strategic Asset Management Policy and regulatory changes. By-law 2019 – 6935. Being a By-law to approve the Strategic Asset Management Policy for the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound

10.2.1 – StreetScan Agreement for Road Assessment Service. By-law 2019 – 6936. Being a by-law to execute an agreement with StreetScan Canada ULC for a Road Assessment Service.

10.3.1 – Building Permit By-law amendment to include Alternative Solution proposals and Fees. By-law 2019 – 6937. Being a By-law to amend the Building Permit By-law to establish a process for evaluation of Alternative Solution proposals; and amend the Fees By-law to set fees.

10.4.1- MOU – YMCA Simcoe/Muskoka for drop-in recreational programs. By-law 2019 – 6938. Being a bylaw to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with Simcoe/Muskoka YMCA for delivery of drop-in recreation programming at the YMCA of Parry Sound.

Council Agenda Preview – April 17, 2018

14 Saturday Apr 2018

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This is a more interesting upcoming meeting of Parry Sound Council with a number of important issues on the agenda for review and approval. Here are the items that caught my attention:

4.3 – Boundary adjustment discussion with Seguin. See the full agenda for additional information on the resolution. The net/net is that Seguin is willing to discuss an adjustment of the Parry Sound / Seguin boundary to allow for the construction of a road from the back of the hospital to Oastler Park Drive. It’s easier to think about it as going behind the Canadian Tire and RONA and connecting up with the road behind the hospital. The Seguin resolution lists the benefits and considerations. It’s notable that they clearly state that they have no interest in assuming any costs for the road extension. That’s okay if the Town of Parry Sound can make a case to the taxpayers of Parry Sound that it is a good investment of tax dollars. I know this is a pet project of the Town and I think it’s time for the taxpayer to better understand the ‘dollars and sense’ of the project. Too little information has been shared with the Public to date.

9.1.1 – OMG. I read through the whole Downtown Business Association Strategic Plan and it is consistent with other documents I have seen in the past. I refer everyone to the story we all heard when we were children – The Emperor’s Clothes. You can only change what you can see and are willing to accept. In particular I think that the downtown retail businesses have not wrapped their heads around the reality of doing business here. With Amazon delivering in two days or less, and Barrie 75 minutes away, the consistent year-round active retail economy is pretty much limited to gas, groceries and alcohol. What does enjoy a rosy 12 month a year economy is services – medical, dental, auto repair, legal, financial, social services and the like where it takes weeks to get an appointment. Somehow the DBA hasn’t fully wrapped its head around that, and I’m not sure that there is an answer if/when they do. Retail was much simpler when it was a two-hour drive to Barrie down Highway 69, and you had to drive the Aspdin Road to get to Huntsville, and there wasn’t a Wal-Mart in town. Those times are long gone. The plan proposed by, and for, the DBA doesn’t seem to acknowledge these realities. Enhancing the Waterfront would be great, but it doesn’t change the retail environment. And even if we were to attract twice as many tourists in the summer with a beautiful waterfront what would they do? Where would they stay? Where would they eat? And can any business rationalize investing to build additional hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions if the tourist season is three months long? I suppose with a new strategic plan in hand the Town and the DBA can feel that they have done their work and they can move on to other priorities. After fifty years it seems the Toronto Maple Leafs are starting to win once again. Was that fifty-year drought a matter of back luck or was it a case of refusing to acknowledge reality and develop an effective winning strategy in the context of that reality? The business issue in Parry Sound is bigger than poor strategy and tactics. Until local businesses decide to engage and contribute, Parry Sound will continue to experience the same old, same old. I am not criticizing the people who were responsible for the new strategic plan, they showed up and did their best. A great plan depends on the involvement and commitment of the many, not the few, and a willingness to look in the mirror and acknowledge what they see, not what they want to see. The retail businesses in the DBA would like others to make things better but not change themselves, or contribute to the change. They need to stop acting like victims.

9.1.3 – The rink rebuild at the Bobby Orr Community Centre is pushed back a year.

9.2.1 – This is a more administrative point, but important. The Town it seems is a bit closer to gaining the ability to approve its own Official Plan amendments. This means shorter timelines for these approvals as the Province’s review and approval will no longer be required. It’s not clear if these Official Plan Amendments are still subject to appeal, but the documentation provided by the Town suggests that they will be.

9.4.1 – 2017 Statement of Remuneration Paid to Council and Appointed Board Members. Interesting but the information on what Council and Board members received, as indicated being summarized in Schedule A 1, is not included in the council meeting package. Actually the whole 9.4.1 section is not included. Hmmm! I’ll put in a request for the information and make it available in a separate post

10.2.1 – The Town is approving the installation of a septic system for a proposed triplex. The Town really wants more development and the resulting tax revenue. As per the CAO’s comments, “Requiring 120 meters of sanitary lines from the main to the property line would in all likelihood not result in the property being developed.”

Abridged Agenda Item List

Correspondence

4.3 – Andrea Spinney, Deputy Clerk, Seguin Township. Resolution enclosed for discussions with Parry Sound for proposed boundary adjustment.

Deputations

5.1 – Donald Sanderson and Jim Hanna, West Parry Sound Health Centre. Update on activities over the past year.

Consent Agenda

8.3 – Change of Dates for December 2018 Council Meetings. Resolution. Whereas Parry Sound’s Procedural By-law 2018-6814, stipulates that the Inaugural Meeting of Council shall be held no later than the second Tuesday in December at 8:00 p.m.; and Whereas Council’s current set of 2018 meeting dates has scheduled a Regular Council Meeting December 4, 2018; Therefore, Be It Resolved that Council for the Town of Parry Sound cancels the Regular scheduled meeting for December 4, 2018 and sets the date for the Inaugural Meeting of the 2019-2022 Council-Elect for December 11th, 2018; and Further that the scheduled Regular Meeting of December 18th shall remain unchanged.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Downtown Business Association Strategic Plan. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Downtown Steering Committee, Council receive the Downtown Business Association Strategic Plan, attached to Schedule “A”.

9.1.2 – Downtown Steering Committee. Resolution. Whereas the Downtown Steering Committee was appointed with the mandate to provide stewardship to the Downtown Sustainability Plan ensuring the long-term viability of the downtown; and Whereas a number of the recommendations have been implemented including the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Downtown Business Association and the Town and the development of a Downtown Strategic Plan; and Whereas the Downtown Strategic Plan recommends a number of strategic initiatives and further recommends that ad hoc/working committees be established to implement the initiatives: Now Therefore upon the recommendation of the Downtown Steering Committee, Council rescind Resolution No: 2016-207 being the Resolution approving the Downtown Steering Committee Terms of Reference and member appointments.

9.1.3 – Bobby Orr Community Centre Ice Surface Rebuild. Resolution. That Council proceed with the investigation, assessment and design phase for the Bobby Orr Community Centre (BOCC) Ice Surface Rebuild in 2018 and the actual construction in 2019; and That the 2018 capital budget for construction of the ice surface rebuild, which would be financed through a debenture, be deferred to 2019 budget.

9.2.1 – Town of Parry Sound/Parry Sound Area Planning Board. Resolution. Whereas the Town of Parry Sound has had ongoing conversations with the Minister and staff of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs as it relates to being exempted from Official The Corporation of The Town of Parry Sound Plan Amendment Approval and being released from the Parry Sound Area Planning Board; and Whereas the Province recently announced that it is proposing to expand its municipal empowerment strategy to exempt Parry Sound from Provincial Official Plan Amendment approvals.
Now Therefore be it resolved that the Town of Parry Sound supports this initiative and appreciates the Province’s proposal; And Further That a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to Minister Bill Mauro and the Northern Region of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

9.2.2 – Consent Application – B 10/2018 (PS) (Marynissen) – Macfarlane Street. Resolution. That Consent Application No. B 10/2018 (PS) (Marynissen) – 18 and 20 Macfarlane Street, be supported subject to the following conditions:
1. Payment for cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication for one new lot.
2. That the applicant be advised that each of the severed and retained lots have separate and individual water and sewer services.
3. That the severed and retained lots obtain relief from the Zoning By-law to ensure the newly created lots are compliant (frontage).

9.4.1 – 2017 Statement of Remuneration Paid to Council and Appointed Board Members. Resolution. That the 2017 Statement of Remuneration Paid to Council and Appointed Board Members, attached as Schedule “A”, be accepted.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Big Sound Marina/Town Dock – Lease Agreement – Department Fisheries. By-law 2018 – 6826. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a lease agreement between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Town of Parry Sound for Big Sound Marina and Town Dock.

10.2.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/18/3 – Hanna Road (Fuller). By-law 2018 – 6827. Being a By-law to amend By-law 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for a property on Hanna Road (Fuller).

Parry Sound Succession Plan – Must Read Item

14 Saturday Oct 2017

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This is a must read item for those of you interested in understanding what is happening in the Town of Parry Sound, and where the Town is headed.

The agenda for the upcoming October 17th meeting of Council included a rather obscure item 9.1.3, Succession planning and organizational restructuring.

It’s anything but obscure, and outlines significant planned changes in Town Office staffing as a result of impending retirements and opportunistic staffing realignment. I won’t offer any commentary on the proposed changes beyond applauding this type of transparency on the part of Staff and Council.

You can head over to the Town’s website and track down, and download, the agenda for the October 17th meeting. The report starts on page 85 of the agenda package. Or, you can click this link and get just the succession plan portion of the agenda hosted at this site. While I always prefer people read Town of Parry Sound documents in their entirety as provided by the Town, I believe this is important enough to make it a just a bit easier for folks to access.

Feel free to post comments on what you think about the proposed plan and the associated changes.

Council Agenda Preview – June 6, 2017

04 Sunday Jun 2017

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This week’s meeting of Council is light on ‘meaty’ issues, but sets the path for some  important future initiatives. I have listed a few of the more interesting items in the sections below, with comments as appropriate.

But first, a few comments on this past week’s Special Meeting of Council to Review Strategic Priorities. From my perspective, it seemed much like a made for show production. The meeting lasted about 35 minutes and was for the most part very formalized. This followed a 60 minute closed session where I imagine all of the relevant discussion was held and general agreements were reached. The ‘Dotmocracy’ process was conducted with little surprise, and even less prioritization. A suggestion to the organizers, if there are five topics for review, provide the users with only three green stickers. That will help folks to make some decisions in terms of what really is a priority. It has been noted that the enemy of the best is the good. Obviously, none of the projects, which included last year’s priorities and this year’s new ones, were likely to be outright rejected, especially if there was previous discussion in Closed Session. So which of the 5 strategic priorities were both important and urgent? I couldn’t tell from the voting or the discussion. One of the best ways to find yourself in debt is to decide that a new car, a new snow machine, braces for the nine-year old, and a nice winter vacation are all 6 Green priority items. Sometimes you need to decide what is really, really the most important, and most urgent.

Here are the Dotmocracy results from Tuesday night:
Great North Road Infrastructure – 6 Green
Parry Sound Road Extension – 6 Green
Closed Item A – 6 Green
Innovation Park – 4 Green, 2 Yellow
Tourism – 3 Green, 3 Yellow

So what is Closed Item A? It seems to be something new, and an initiative that requires Town infrastructure investment. I have an idea of what it might be, but I may be totally wrong. What do others think it might be? Here are some clues:

  1. It ranked among the top of strategic priorities. So it is ‘important’, at least for now.
  2. It’s something new, or at least something that has once again become a priority.
  3. It’s unlikely to be the casino project. That would largely be addressed with the Great North and Parry Sound Road priorities.
  4. The Town recently spent about $1 million on the boathouse properties on the waterfront.
  5. The Town also spent about a quarter million dollars on property across Oastler Park Drive from the Canadian Tire.
  6. The Town last year entered into a memorandum of understanding regarding access and future servicing with the folks at Beatty Big Sound Property. This relates to the property north of the Smelter Wharf.

If you have any ideas you can provide a comment to this blog post or, if you prefer privacy, send me an email at parrysounds@gmail.com. I will share your thoughts but keep your name confidential. Let’s use the “wisdom of the crowd” to see if we can figure this one out.

If you want to skip forward to the more interesting agenda items here is what I suggest: 8.1, 9.2.1, 9.2.2, 9.6.1 and 9.6.2.

Closed Session

b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (Licensing Appeal, Appointment)
c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; (Request to Transfer Lease)
d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Performance Review, Director of Emergency and Protective Services)

Correspondence

4.1 – Debbie White, Co-founder World Oceans Day. Raising awareness of World Oceans Day June 8, 2017 asking Parry Sound to recognize and support the need to protect our water, waterways and oceans for the life they give us and offering ways to educate the public on ways to protect our waters.

4.2a&b – Cheryl Gallant, MP Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. Removal of the tax-exempt portion of remuneration paid to local officials and the Municipality of East Ferris’ resolution. East Ferris Resolution in support of Ms. Gallant.
See 8.1 below for comments.

4.3a&b – Marlene Bisson. Questions about the Service Line warranty program, water and wastewater and tax concerns with responses from J. Boggs & T. Pinn

4.4 – Parry Sound Friendship Centre. Invitation to Mayor & Council to attend their 50th Anniversary celebration June 17th.

Deputations

5.1 – Vanessa Backman, Parry Sound Tourism. Providing an update on Parry Sound Tourism for 2017

5.2 – Margaret Walton. Regarding Habitat for Humanity.

Consent Agenda

8.1 – Removal of the tax-exempt portion of remuneration paid to local officials. Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound supports the letter from Cheryl Gallant, Member of Parliament for Renfrew, Nipissing, Pembroke and the resolution from East Ferris, attached as Schedules “A” and “B” which are against the removal of the tax- exempt portion of remuneration paid to local officials as stipulated in the 2017 Federal Budget; And further that copies of this resolution be forwarded to Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne, Local MP Tony Clement, Local MPP Norm Miller and the West Parry Sound Area municipalities.
This tax-exempt issue concerns the current situation that about 1/3 of the remuneration received by members of Council is not subject to tax. This is intended to compensate these individuals for their out-of-pocket expenses related to discharging their duties as a Councillor or Mayor. Since most councillors serve in addition to their regular jobs, the tax on this 1/3 of their council remuneration would be rather significant. I believe that members of Council currently are reimbursed for any significant travel expenses, and in some cases receive honoraria for serving on certain boards, so it may be time for this little perk to disappear. If they want to avoid the additional tax burden they should just tuck this amount into their RRSP.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – Revised Organization Chart for Development and Leisure Services Resolution. That Council approve the revised Organization Chart for the Department of Development and Leisure Services, per Schedule “A” attached; and That Resolution No: 2013-207 be rescinded.
The actual change here is a matter of tidying up the organogram for Development and Leisure Services. But the organogram is interesting, especially the large number of staff, full and part-time associated with the Stockey Centre. That certainly helps explain why the Town wants to keep it non-union. Click on the image below to see the ‘big picture’.

9.2.2 – 2017 Municipal Assistance Program. Resolution. That Council approve the 2017 Municipal Assistance Program allocations per Schedule “A” attached.
The numbers will be decided in closed session and announced in open session.

9.4.1 – Booth Street Park Water. Resolution. That a water service be installed to the Booth St. Community Park to be funded from the Parks Reserve.

9.6.1 – Train Whistle Cessation. Direction. That the Director of Public Works be directed to bring forward a report and recommendation for the July 4, 2017 Council meeting regarding train whistle cessation.
This is an interesting new initiative. Can they perhaps also look into having the railways better service their ‘greasers’ to reduce the amount of squealing as the trains round corners? We have a few curves in Parry Sound if you haven’t noticed.

9.6.2 – Potential Hotel Tax. Direction. That the Director of Finance be directed to bring forward to the September 5, 2017 Council meeting, pending release of regulations, a report and recommendation regarding a potential hotel tax.
Another interesting initiative. The Town almost totally depends on property taxation for revenue. If more tourists come to Parry Sound and spend more money it doesn’t translate into more revenue for the Town. That may explain why the Town has invested little in the Downtown with the exception of free parking. The bulk of new revenue will come from new construction like the Breakers project at the Smelter Wharf. Adding a hotel or hospitality tax would deliver a new and additional source of revenue. Better to get it in place now before any additional investment is made in capacity. Eventually a restaurant tax?

By-laws

10.2.1 – Bobby Orr Community Centre: Pro Shop Lease Agreement. By-law 2017-6743. Being a by-law to authorize the Mayor and Deputy Clerk/CAO to execute an agreement with 4 Sports Inc., for the purpose of Pro-Shop operation at the Bobby Orr Community Centre for a one (1) year period.

10.3.1 – On Call Municipal Law Enforcement Officer. By-law 2017-6744. Being a By-law to authorize the Mayor and Deputy Clerk/CAO to execute a service contract with Cameron Marshall for the provision of On Call Municipal Law Enforcement Services.

10.3.2 – Appointment Bylaw – Chris Everitt, Earl Smallwood, Tom Evans, Cameron Marshall, Municipal Law Enforcement Officers. By-law 2017-6745. Being a bylaw to appoint Chris Everitt, Earl Smallwood, Tom Evans, Cameron Marshall as Municipal Law Enforcement Officers.

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

Columbine on the North Shore Rugged Trail (May 2017)

 

 

 

Council Agenda Preview – May 16, 2017 (Revised)

14 Sunday May 2017

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

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

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

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

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

Correspondence

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

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

Deputations

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

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

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

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

By-laws

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Parry Sound