Tag Archives: Strategic Plan

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council Agenda Preview – May 2, 2017

29 Saturday Apr 2017

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It’s the Town of Parry Sound sign and tax levy special edition. For the most part there is little to note about the meeting that requires much public reflection. The Tax Rates for 2017 will be formally approved (10.5.1), I offer a few comments in that section of this post. The Downtown Business Association levy is also being approved (10.5.2). The Town is tidying up sign permits (9.2.1, 9.2.2, 9.2.3) and re-establishing a Façade Improvement Committee (9.2.4, 9.2.5).

I do note that there is not a closed meeting of Council this week, which is a bit of a surprise. Note that there are plans for a Strategic Plan review on May 30th(8.3). I suggest you be there to understand what Council is planning, and ask questions. It’s my sense that Council has a number of things they are working on that they are not sharing with the public. My request for information on the purpose of the purchase of two pieces of property by the Town were refused on the basis of confidentiality. It’s our money they are working with. Perhaps they are taking some cues from what has been going on south of the border. Why bother to be transparent when there is nothing the public can do beyond complain. Or can they?

Public Meeting

2.1.1 – Council will hold a public meeting to consider two proposed Zoning By-law amendments under Section 34 of the Planning Act.The purpose of the first proposed Zoning By-law amendment is with respect to a vacant lot known as 24 Addie Street, or Lot 12, north side of Addie Street, Plan 89 in the Town of Parry Sound. The applicant has requested relief from the Residential Second Density Zone to reduce the minimum lot area from 300 square metres to 253 square metres for each semi-detached unit, reduce the required rear yard setback from 10.5 metres to 5.5 metres, permit an additional 0.5 metre projection for the front staircase and increase the maximum lot coverage from 30% to 35.9%.

2.1.2 – The purpose of the second proposed Zoning By-law amendment is with respect to 11 Salt Dock Road, or as part of Lot 20, Concession A and part of the original road allowance between Concession A and 2, formerly Township of McDougall, now in the Town of Parry Sound, and Part of Parcel J, Registered Plan 137, more particularly described as part of Parts 1, 2 and 3, Plan 42R-19106 located on the north side of Salt Dock Road. The applicant has requested to amend the Special Provision 26.73 zone which would have the effect of permitting an additional eight units on the entirety of the property (previously permitted 84 units between three buildings, now requesting 92 units between three buildings). The existing height restriction of 16.5 metres and all other requirements of the R3 zone shall continue to apply as per the current Special Provision zone restrictions.

Deputations

5.1 – Brad Weiler. Canada 150 – Update

Consent Agenda

8.3 – Notice of Special Meeting of Council. That Council call a Special Council Meeting for May 30th at 6:00 p.m. to review and prioritize the Strategic Plan.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – Council Approved Sign Application – Bowes Street – Homelife – Al Boucher. Resolution. That pursuant to section 3.(4) of the Sign By-law, the Chief Building Official is authorized to issue a permit for a sign on the Bowes Street road allowance in front of number 70 Bowes pursuant to the following conditions and variances:
a) Sign shall not be displayed between October 1 and March 30 of the following year,
b) The permit will be valid from 2017 through 2021,
c) The Town reserves the right to revoke a permit related to this resolution and remove the sign if it finds it necessary to use the lands appurtenant to the sign for municipal purposes,
d) Distances from property lines shall be to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official, and
e) All other regulations in the sign by-law continue to apply except for those revised by this resolution.

9.2.2 – Council Approved Sign Application – Hurd Richard`s Pine Drive. Resolution. That pursuant to section 3.(4) of the Sign By-law, the Chief Building Official is authorized to issue a permit for a sign on the Pine Drive road allowance in front of number 119 Bowes pursuant to the following conditions and variances:
a) The first permit will be valid until October of 2017,
b) The permit may be renewed for a six-month period in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 upon payment of the fee for a temporary read-o-graph sign,
c) The Town reserves the right to revoke a permit related to this resolution and remove the sign if it finds it necessary to use the lands appurtenant to the sign for municipal purposes,
d) The sign may be displayed May until October of a year where a valid permit has been issued,
e) Distances from property lines shall be to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official,
f) The permit holder shall trim the grass in the area occupied by the sign and 0.3m beyond it, no less frequently than every two weeks, and
g) All other regulations in the sign by-law continue to apply except for those revised by this resolution.

9.2.3 – Council Approved Sign Application – Remy Group – 64 Parry Sound Drive. Resolution. That pursuant to section 3.(4) of the Sign By-law, the Chief Building Official is authorized to issue a permit for a sign on the Parry Sound Drive road allowance in front of number 64 pursuant to the following conditions and variances:
a) The permit will be valid for five years,
b) The permit may be renewed according to the signs over road allowances section of the sign by-law provided the sign will not be altered,
c) The Town reserves the right to revoke a permit related to this resolution and remove the sign if it finds it necessary to use the lands appurtenant to the sign for municipal purposes,
d) A new resolution and permit will be required if the sign is altered,
e) Distances from property lines shall be to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official,
f) The applicant shall submit an accurate drawing of the sign, which will form part of this resolution, and
g) All other regulations in the sign by-law continue to apply except for those revised by this resolution.

9.2.4 – Façade Improvement Program Committee – Terms of Reference. Resolution. That Council adopt the Façade Improvement Program Committee – Terms of Reference per the attached Schedule “A”.

9.2.5 – Appointments to the Façade Improvement Committee. Resolution. That Council appoint Anne Bossart, Alex Distler and Kathy Dyer to the Façade Improvement Program Committee.

9.3.1 – EMS Power Cot purchase. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee the Town of Parry Sound authorizes the expenditure of 56,748.00 +HST to Stryker EMS for the supply of three Power Stretchers.

By-laws

10.3.1 – Renewal of lease for the Seguin EMS base. By-law 2017 – 6734. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with The Corporation of The Township of Seguin for the leasing of a portion of Foley Fire Stn. #2 located at 18 McKaig Road.

10.5.1 – Striking tax rates for fiscal year 2017. By-law 2017 – 6735. Being a bylaw to Strike the Tax Rates for Municipal Purposes for the Year 2017.
Here are the tax rates and tax levies for 2017 including the Education Rate. Be nice to our local businesses, especially Commercial, they are carrying a proportionately much heavier portion of the education costs. I’ll provide a quick comparison of Town of Parry Sound and The Township of Seguin 2017 Tax Rates in a separate post.

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.
The levy for 2017 is the same as 2016, $67,000. Despite this the DBA assessment tax rate is going up by 4.9% to account for the drop in the 2016 MPAC Commercial Property reassessment. The net/net should be about the same for Downtown businesses in terms of their out of pocket cost to support the DBA.

10.5.3 – Refinancing Smelter Wharf Loan. By-law 2017 – 6737. Being a By-law to authorize the borrowing of funds between the Bank of Nova Scotia and the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound for the Smelter Wharf Port.
The Town purchased the Smelter Wharf in 2007 from the Canadian Government with a loan from the CIBC. It’s time to refinance the loan and i/staff is recommending a five-year loan from the Scotia Bank for an amount of about $350,000 at a 2.67% interest rate.

I have business out of town this coming week and won’t be able to attend. But I should be able to catch up on the meeting with the newly introduced online streaming of Town of Parry Sound council meetings. We’ll see, literally and figuratively.

April in Parry Sound (When it’s not Overcast)

Parry Sound EDO – Just in Time

15 Wednesday Mar 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections, Town Council, Urban Development

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I received a call today from a town resident who wanted to discuss the new Economic Development Officer (EDO) and my thoughts on whether the Town needed this position. Picking up my copy of the North Star a bit later and reading the editorial I understood where the question came from. The editorial suggested that the EDO position really wasn’t something the Town should invest in. I wish they would have thought about it a bit more. My sense is that the position is absolutely necessary.

The EDO position has much the same responsibilities that I held in Business Development working with multi-billion dollar corporations making investments globally. We were expected to identify opportunities, assess their contribution to the bottom line and, as approved by management, get the deals done.

The thing you quickly realize doing this type of job is that your responsibility is not only to identify and get the best deals done, your job is also to identify the opportunities that don’t make sense, and make the business case to walk away from them. Management often has their pet projects that they want to see done, sometimes because they ‘have a feeling’, and sometimes because they figure it will enhance their career prospects if successful. And if it’s not, well they can just move on before the you know what hits the fan. The job of the EDO or Business Development Officer is to understand the risks and make sure management doesn’t enter into a deal with an inflated sense of opportunity.

Looking back over my career I’m as proud of the deals that I turned down as those that I completed. In many cases, it took courage to stand up to senior management and make the argument that the idea wasn’t in the best interests of the company. It’s not easy, but it’s very necessary.

Right now, the Town is looking at multiple business investment opportunities being suggested by Council (aka Senior Management). Someone with real world experience needs to look at these opportunities, develop the business case, calculate the net present values (NPV) of the opportunities, and provide an opinion. The Town of Parry Sound doesn’t have that experience on staff. Hiring a consultant to do this type of job would be much, much more expensive, and they wouldn’t have any ’skin in the game’. If a consultant makes a mistake they just walk on to the next job and blame failure on poor ‘execution’ by the client. The individual being hired for the EDO position in Parry Sound seems as though they will have some ownership.

Doing a little bit of Sunshine List research reveals that Mr. Harris, the new EDO, earned a little more than $260,000 plus $16,000 in benefits in 2013. Someone thought he was pretty good.

I will take the North Star to task for a little bit of sloppy research. They stated that the current Town of Parry Sound debt is $1.5 million, and that figure will rise to $4.2 million in 2021. Oh, I wish! That’s just the carrying cost for the Town’s debt, basically the annual ‘mortgage payment’. According to 2017 budget documents the Town expects to carry about $24 million in debt by the end of 2017, which will drop to $20 million by 2021 if no additional capital investments are made. If one adds in the projects being discussed, the Town’s debt may rise to over $40 million in five years.

We currently have one member of Council who seems to be ready to go ‘all in’ with Town capital projects in hopes of stimulating more business and tax revenue. My worry is this individual doesn’t really have the experience to judge these opportunities and seems to not have a long term interest in Parry Sound, and probably won’t be here five years from now. It will be left to others to clean up any mess that may be left behind. But that’s being pessimistic, these suggestions may very well prove to be the type of investments that the Town needs to make and will pay off ‘hugely’.

That is exactly why we need an Economic Development Officer on staff. We need the expertise on staff to assess the many proposals that will come from Council and businesses, and make their best recommendation. Hopefully Mr. Harris will focus on the interests of the Town’s residents and businesses, not the egos of elected officials. Sometimes the best deal you ever made is the deal you didn’t make.

I’d rather be paying a little bit more and having the full attention of an EDO rather than trying to get a share of a regional EDO with too many constituencies to please.

Welcome aboard Mr. Harris. We very much need your contribution.

Parry Sound’s Business Stimulus Plan – v2016

01 Wednesday Mar 2017

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The recently issued Town of Parry Sound 2017 Key Objectives document presented and approved at a recent council meeting contained a couple of items that I thought were notable. In particular I noted the objective of having the Town gain control over the approval of Official Plan Amendments. At present the Town needs to get approval from the Province for these changes. As I have written earlier (Item 9.3.1) I don’t think this is a good idea. If Council can choose to make changes to the Official Plan against the stated opinions of the town’s residents and businesses we are likely to see some unpleasant surprises. At a recent Council meeting it was mentioned that this objective was previously approved by Council as part of the Official Business Plan. I have since tracked down a copy of that document.

The document is part of Resolution 2016-77 that was approved as part of the 2016-04-19 meeting of Parry Sound council (Item 9.6.1). Links to this open agenda document can be found hosted here on Parry Sounds.com. It’s worth taking a look at what the Business Stimulus Team has planned for Parry Sound. It explains a number of the initiatives listed in the 2017 Key Objectives document and the 2017 Budget. The original agenda package version includes the attachments not found in the approved by-law that was sent to me.

I have highlighted areas of interest, to me at least, in an annotated version of the approved by-law. Take the time to at least look over one of the documents and see if there is anything you are supportive of, or are concerned about. In either case, contact a member of Council and let them know what you think. Without input from the public they will do what they think is in the best interests of the community.

Council Agenda Preview – February 21, 2017

19 Sunday Feb 2017

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It’s a rather light agenda this week, no letters and only a single deputation. I suggest you take a look at the full agenda package to see if there is anything you feel is important that I might have missed. There are a couple of interesting items:

  1. Item 9.3.1 summarizes the 2017 goals for Parry Sound Staff. This is what is getting done this year. There may be some surprises. Because it’s a published document, but mostly buried, there is no question that the Town has announced its intentions. I have offered a couple of quick observations in my comments to 9.3.1.
  2. A development of 14 townhouses on Ansley Street is up for formal approval, Items 10.1.1 and 10.1.2. This was the subject of considerable neighbourhood comment a couple of years ago, and now seems ready to break ground with the necessary approvals this week.

Closed Session

c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Local Business Relocation, Relocation of the Ontario Provincial Police Detachment).
It looks as though the relocation of the OPP is moving forward. I suspect that they are moving to the 229 interchange on Hwy 400.

d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Performance Review)

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Consent Application – B/2/2017 (PS) (Gingrich, Kingshott and Crookshank-Hurd). Resolution. That Consent Application No. B/2/2017(PS) – (Gingrich, Kingshott and Crookshank-Hurd) – 82, 88, 94 and 98 Louisa Street, be supported.

9.3.1 – Staff Goal Plans. Resolution. That the 2017 Staff Key Strategic ‘Stretch’ Goal Summary and the Goal Plan Summary be approved as attached Schedule “A”.
There are a couple of interesting objectives. The first is the installation of live streaming of council meetings. This will make it much easier for folks to follow what’s going on at Council. The production qualities won’t be up to Cogeco, but it will be so much more accessible, and should cover budget meetings that are currently not being covered. The second item is more concerning, and involves the Town’s hope that they can forego Provincial approval of Official Plan Amendments. The recent decision by a bare majority of Council to approve an Official Plan amendment to permit the relocation of the RBC is currently undergoing Provincial review. If the Town can wrest control of Official Plan amendments from the Province it would mean the Town, at their whim, at odds with the Official Plan and even interests of the majority of residents, could make significant changes to Town policy. Thank goodness for the Ontario Municipal Board. Official Plan amendments, in my opinion, should be restricted to those occasions when the Official Plan receives a comprehensive, community involved, overhaul, or with the approval of the Province. Otherwise, we effectively have no Official Plan. It might mean that a simple majority of council could vote in favour of a rezoning of property to permit a casino, or convert a residential area to a mixed residential and industrial. I thing Staff and Council are reaching too far. Let’s not compromise our current set of checks and balances.

9.5.1 – Request For Proposal (RFP) – Public Washroom. Resolution. That Council accept the Public Washroom Design/Build proposal from Incon Construction Ltd. in the amount of $203,383.00, plus $26,439.79 for a total of $229,822.79, this being the only proposal received.

9.5.2 – Speed limit reduction in school and community safety zones. Direction. That Council direct staff to prepare a 21 day notice advising the public that an amendment to the Traffic bylaw to reduce the speed limit to 40 kph from 50 kph in School and Community Safety Zones, with an effective date of August 1, 2017, will be considered by Council on April 4, 2017; and Comments regarding this proposed by-law amendment should be directed to the Director of Public Works and received no later than 4:30 p.m. March 28, 2017.

9.5.3 – 2016 Water System Summary Report. Resolution. Whereas the Town of Parry Sound owns and operates the Parry Sound Drinking Water System (M.O.E. Designation Number 2200000585) which has been categorized as a “Large Residential” Drinking Water System, and Whereas Ontario Regulation 170-03 (as amended) under the Safe Drinking Water Act requires, according to “Schedule 22 Summary Reports for Municipalities” that all large Municipal Residential Drinking water systems have a report prepared no later than March 31st of each year addressing the items detailed in the Regulation and is given to the members of Council in the case of a drinking water system owned by a municipality; Therefore, be it resolved that Council of the Town of Parry Sound hereby acknowledges receipt of the report titled: “Town of Parry Sound Tony Agnello Water Treatment Plan, Large Municipal Residential Drinking Water System Summary Report 2016”, as prepared by Kyle Hall, Manager of Water Systems.

9.5.4 – Quotation – Western Star 7-ton truck and equipment. Resolution. That Council approve single sourcing and accept the quotation from B&I Western Star for one Western Star 4700, complete with Larochelle equipment in the amount of $179,344.00 including $13,000 for the trade-in of a 2002 Sterling L7501 and a 2006 Sterling L7501, taxes extra.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Site Plan Application – 11 Ansley Street Inc. By-law 2017 – 6712. Being a By-law to grant Site Plan Approval and authorize the execution and registration of a development agreement with 11 Ansley Street Inc.

10.1.2 – Rezoning Application – Z/17/01 – 11 Ansley Street – Lifting of “h” symbol. By-law 2017 – 6713. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law) as amended to remove a holding provision (“h” symbol”) from 11 Ansley Street

10.1.3 – Consent Agreement – B/3/2016 (PS) (Friendship Centre – 13 & 21 Bowes Street). By-law 2017 – 6714. Being a By-law to authorize a Consent Agreement for the Parry Sound Friendship Centre – 13 Bowes Street and 21 Bowes Street.
This concerns parking and water drainage.

 The Way it Was – View from Tower Hill

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Commentary – Parry Sound KPO, August Update

06 Tuesday Sep 2016

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The Town of Parry Sound has issued its regular report of progress being made towards Key Performance Objectives (KPO). This flows from the Town’s Strategic Plan. I took some time to review the document and identify items that were interesting or unexpected. The following list follows the order set in the report. Here is a link to the report itself as extracted from the Parry Sound Council Agenda package, with sections highlighted that caught my attention.

Topic / Item Comment
Aquatic / Recreation Centre 1% complete. The delay now is related to the Near North School Board decision on a new site for the K-12 school.
Trail Networks / Links 25% complete. A $10K budget, it is in the process of reforming.
Waterfront 40% complete. This concerns the relocation of the OPP & MNR and development of the waterfront. Next step appears to be reforming the Waterfront Committee which recently lost two key members.
Tourism 50% complete. Organizing the ‘cats’ to provide a regional coordinated tourism offering.
Tourism 100% complete. This concerns the Visitior information Centre at the Stockey Centre. Although it’s marked as complete, my feedback has been that it really isn’t doing a very good job. Anything is better than nothing, but I’m sure the operation will be reviewed and revised after the season is complete.
Industry 100% complete. This refers to a business stimulus plan that was approved by Council in June. Hmmm! I guess the plan is one thing while implementation and results are another.
Housing / Affordable Living 10% complete. The identification and support for local partners to provide these services. A key issue is a zoning bylaw update that requires consultant support.
Support & Pursue Area Cooperation 12% complete. This empowers Staff to dentify and implement opportunities for cooperation with area municipalities. It notes that McDougall has withdrawn from the Trail Link.
Area Identity / Brand 80% complete. This directed to establishing a coordinated brand and marketing of the area (5 area municipalities). The plan has been prepared and is being reviewed at tonight’s meeting of Council. I’ll offer my comments on the plan later this week.
Beautification 75% complete. It seems the major initiative is to get volunteers involved in improving the look of Parry Sound rather than through the use of staff. Does Huntsville and Bracebridge similarly depend solely on volunteers?
Infrastructure William Street, Emily Street – planned and/or ongoing.
Infrastructure (New) Aditional Emily Street development based on possible developer partnership.

Beatty Street extension is listed as a potential project.

Fitness Trail Link Extension – awaits a response from FedNor to support $100K of the funding.

Cascade Generation Project – will require ~$300K to address water main issues.

Great North Road Extension – design and pre-engineering underway.

Champaigne Street – potential project based on possible developer interest.
Communications and Volunteer Development 50% complete. An attempt to revitalize local volunteers, particularly for beautification programs. A volunteer recognition program has been drafted and is being reviewed. Sigh!
Communications 0% complete. Live streaming of council meetings. Interesting and may be included in 2017 budget.
Service Delivery Excellence (Bylaw Organization) 35% complete. This refers to a reorganization of the Bylaw department because of staff reductions.
Service Delivery Excellence (Stockey Centre) 10% complete. It seems the general manager will be retiring and this refers to the succession plan.
Service Delivery Excellence (Outdoor Burning) A new bylaw has been drafted and is being reviewed internally.

Volunteer Wind Power at Work on the Big Sound

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