Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – March 16, 2021

19 Friday Mar 2021

Posted by Jo Bossart/ParrySounds.com in Parry Sound, Town Council

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Archipelago, BOCC, By-Law, Carling, Council Minutes, economic development, Health, McDougall, McKellar, Rezoning, tourism, Town Council, Water Management

There were no surprises in terms of Council’s decisions. Item 9.3.1 – Consent Application B/06/2021 – Barnes, is worth reviewing if you are thinking about subdividing your property. Council and Staff have been very accommodating in approving the addition of secondary residence units, but there apparently is a limit. This decision may help better define where the actual limit might lie.

Council Minutes (Abridged)

Closed Meeting
(f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; (Sifto Canada Corporation lease of Smelter Wharf).

Questions of Staff
3.2.1 – In response to Councillor Keith’s inquiry regarding whether the Town should put up signage at the Salt Dock launch warning about ice conditions, Director of Development and Protective Services Dave Thompson reported that while it does not seem the Town bears responsibility for a casualty on the ice, the Town could promote a message advising people to stay off the ice as the weather warms, and that a media campaign with the same message would be beneficial.

3.2.2 – In response to Councillor Backman’s inquiry as to estimated completion date of repairs on the CN trestle over William Street, Director of Public Works Mike Kearns reported that it will be about one month, as there is only a short window of time each day within which the crews can work. As the times that the crews work there vary, signage indicating closure at certain times would be misleading and therefore not recommended.

Correspondence
4.1 – Municipality of McDougall.
Defeated Resolution to support Parry Sound removal from Planning Board.

4.2 – Don Brisbane, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit Board Member.
Resignation from the Board of Health effective March 1, 2021

4.3 – Seguin Township.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.
Support Resolution requesting more proactive communication from Health Unit.

4.4 – Township of The Archipelago.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.

4.5 – Municipality of McDougall.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.
Support Resolution requesting more proactive communication from Health Unit.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit establish bi-weekly meetings with WPS Area Mayors.
Appointment of Mayor Jamie McGarvey to Health Unit Board.

4.6 – Township of Carling.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit establish bi-weekly meetings with WPS Area Mayors.
Appointment of Mayor Jamie McGarvey to Health Unit Board.

4.7 – Township of McKellar.
Appointment of Mayor Jamie McGarvey to Health Unit Board.

4.8 – Municipality of Magnetawan.
Support Resolution requesting more proactive communication from Health Unit.

4.9 – Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health/Executive Director NBPSDHU (Health Unit).
Response to municipal request to publish COVID-19 data for WPS.
Establishment of bi-weekly meetings with WPS Area Mayors.
Notice of Don Brisbane resignation from NBPS District Health Board.

4.10 – Margaret McCullough.
Request to enact animal welfare legislation to combat puppy mills.

All items of correspondence were filed, with notice that item 4.2 being Don Brisbane’s letter of resignation from the Board of Health of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Board, as well as any resolutions received from area municipalities appointing a member to the Board of Health were considered under item 9.4.2.

Deputations
5.1 – James Murphy, RTO12-Explorers’ Edge.
Activities Update in support of Tourism sector in Parry Sound and Area.
James Murphy opened his presentation with an acknowledgement that it is being conducted on the traditional lands of the Anishnabek people – party to the Robinson- Huron Treaty of 1850.
Mr. Murphy addressed four issues in his presentation – Business Landscape, Work-to-Date/Upcoming; Business and Operational Plan – new direction; and Workforce development/catalyst housing.
With respect to the business landscape, Mr. Murphy identified statistical participation by Parry Sound businesses with Explorers’ Edge, industry webinars and newsletters issued, and local participation on the Explorers’ Edge (EE) Board.
Projects undertaken were the Cottage Country Spirit Local Travel Packages for Summer/Fall and again in Winter which provided vouchers to encourage shopping at local participating businesses; the Winter Arts Collective promoting ceramic artists, metal/wood workers, performance arts, musicians, fashion/jewellery designers, painters, etc; Fat Bike Friday phone in to CKLP Moose FM for prize vouchers to local businesses; and Great Lakes Cruising Coalition Support. Mr. Murphy described efforts to recruit students to tourism and hospitality programs as enrollment has dropped; he reported that a new website is set to launch with the successful Great Canadian Wilderness branding; and introduced a work-integrated housing ecosystem model to develop and sustain a tourism workforce in the area.
In response to questions from members of Council, Mr. Murphy said that a satellite office in Parry Sound was trialed and did not seem to provide value, but that EE welcomed the opportunity to make presentations and welcomed partnerships with associations, with the ultimate goal of supporting the small business operators. Mr. Murphy suggested that perhaps a survey to small business operators on what they want from EE would be useful. Mr. Murphy noted that the Great Canadian Wilderness brand, proximity to an international airport and the large urban GTA, as well as existing and proposed marketing efforts will poise the Parry Sound area well for tourism coming out of the pandemic.

5.2 – Steve Barnes, proponent for the consent application to sever property on the William Street/Hillcrest Ave. corner in Parry Sound addressed Council in support of his application, and in opposition to the staff report which recommended denial of his application, (item 9.3.1). Mr. Barnes noted that on the existing property there are 2 separate homes with separate addresses and that within the larger home, an additional residence has been created, satisfying the intent of the Official Plan’s promotion of secondary dwelling units throughout Town. Mr. Barnes suggested that if successful in severing the single unit dwelling and it goes to market, it would make a good starter home for a first-time homebuyer which should also be important. Mr. Barnes acknowledged that the lot sizes would be small, however suggested that many lots in Town and especially in this neighbourhood were small.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.2.1 – 2020 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 2020”, as prepared by Kyle Hall, Manager of Water Systems.
Carried

In response to a councillor inquiry, Director of Public Works Mike Kearns confirmed that year over year information could be provided, preferable in a different report, to compare, for example, the capacity that the Water Treatment Plant operates on as an average maximum daily flow, which might relate to development growth, etc.

9.3.1 – Consent Application B/06/2021 – Barnes.
Prior to Council’s consideration of the resolution, Mr. Elgie responded to aspects of Mr. Barnes deputation under item 5.2, noting that his main concern was that if he recommended approval for the severance of this very sub-sized lot, it would set precedent, with an expectation for approval of future applications to sever garage- turned rental accommodation into freehold units. This would result in circumventing the intent of the provincial policy statements which support secondary rental units on residential property.
Resolution
That Council of the Town of Parry Sound hereby recommends denial of Parry Sound Area Planning Board Application Number B/06/2021 – Barnes.
Carried

9.4.1 – Extension of Virtual Council Meetings.
Resolution
Whereas the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 18 expanded the opportunity for Municipal Councils, Local Boards and their Committees to meet electronically, and
Whereas in response, Council passed By-law 2020 – 7061 permitting by means of a resolution, certain expanded terms of electronic participation at meetings of Council, Local Boards and its Committees; and
Whereas pursuant to By-law 2020-7061, Council extended by Resolutions 2020-082 and 2020-112 until March 31, 2021 expanded terms of electronic participation at meetings; and
Whereas best-case COVID-19 vaccine roll-out plans suggest an autumn, 2021 date before all residents of Canada desiring a vaccine will be able to receive one; and
Whereas public health experts advise that as the vaccine is rolled out, practices such as physical distancing, masking, and limiting the number of individuals in gatherings continue to be important measures to combat transmission of COVID-19 virus and its variants;
Now Therefore Be It Resolved that Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound extends until December 31, 2021 the terms of electronic participation at meetings of Council, Local Boards or Committees of either them per the following:
a) electronic participation counts towards quorum;
b) electronic participants are permitted to vote; and
c) electronic participation is permitted in a meeting closed to the public.
Carried

9.4.2 – Appointment to the North Bay Parry District Health Unit Board.
Resolution
That Whereas Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound has received notice of the resignation of Don Brisbane from the Board of Health of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, representing the West Parry Sound municipalities; and
Whereas Council has received resolutions from the Township of Carling, Municipality of McDougall, and the Township of McKellar nominating/approving the appointment of Mayor Jamie McGarvey to fill the vacancy, with similar nominations being considered by the Township of The Archipelago, Seguin Township and the Municipality of Whitestone at their next respective Council meetings;
Now Therefore Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound accepts, effective March 2, 2021, the resignation of Don Brisbane from the Board of Health of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit with appreciation for his sixteen years of service in this capacity; and
That effective upon nomination/appointment from all seven West Parry Sound municipalities, Mayor Jamie McGarvey is hereby appointed as joint representative for the seven West Parry Sound municipalities on the Board of Health for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit for a term ending November 30, 2022, or until a successor appointment is made.
Carried

By-laws
10.2.1 – Delegation of Authority: MOU with NBPSDHU for use of BOCC as mass vaccination site.
By-law 2021 – 7113
Being a by-law to delegate signing authority to Clayton Harris, CAO, for the purpose of authorizing an MOU for use of the Bobby Orr Community Centre by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit as a mass COVID-19 public vaccination location.
Passed, Signed & Sealed.

10.2.2 – Partnership with STEM Camp to Deliver Youth Camp Programs at the Bobby Orr Community Centre.
By-law 2021 – 7114
Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a agreement with STEM Camp for the delivery of education based youth camp programming.
Passed, Signed & Sealed.

Council Agenda Preview – March 16, 2021

13 Saturday Mar 2021

Posted by Jo Bossart/ParrySounds.com in Parry Sound, Town Council

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Agenda, BOCC, Health, Infrastructure, McDougall, parry sound, Rezoning, tourism, Town Council, Water Management

There are a few ‘interesting’ items on the agenda. Your definition of interesting may not align with mine.

Closed Session – Sifto Canada Corporation lease of Smelter Wharf.
The Town has the burden of hosting any number of salt trucks rolling through town abusing the infrastructure. It’s not through any fault of the operators, but the weight of the trucks and the ongoing freeze-thaw creates significant damage annually to our roads, the expense of which is added to our taxes. I am sure that there many people who would like to have the noise and traffic of these trucks eliminated. As is the case with many other issues, it is the residents of the Town of Parry Sound who bear the burden for the benefit of the neighbouring communities.

9.2.1 – 2020 Water System Summary Report.
It seems we have considerable excess capacity in terms of water supply. It may not be the case for water treatment, but that is a separate report.

9.3.1 – Consent Application B/06/2021 – Barnes.
This application is being recommended for denial on the basis of community character and the need for rental properties. More importantly the request would result in lots that would not meet the minimum requirements in terms of coverage, set back, etc.
On a tangentially related planning matter, it seems we will have a cannabis dispensary on Pine Drive. If Bars, Booze and Banks are required to be in the downtown, why does the cannabis dispensary get a break? It turns out that there are some good reasons related to provincial regulations, but it is likely that we will see alcohol in the south end. There already is a bank. And the cannabis store will be close to munchies stores. A coincidence?

10.2.1 – Delegation of Authority: MOU with NBPSDHU for use of BOCC as mass vaccination site.
I suppose we won’t be going to the medical clinic for vaccinations.

Abridged Agenda

Closed Session
That pursuant to Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act, R.S.O. 2001, Chapter 25, as amended, the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound move to a meeting closed to the public in order to address matters pertaining to:
(f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; (Sifto Canada Corporation lease of Smelter Wharf).

Correspondence
4.1 Municipality of McDougall
Defeated Resolution to support Parry Sound removal from Planning Board.

4.2 – Don Brisbane, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit Board Member.
Resignation

4.3 – Seguin Township.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.
Support Resolution requesting more proactive communication from Health Unit.

4.4 – Township of The Archipelago.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.

4.5 – Municipality of McDougall.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.
Support Resolution requesting more proactive communication from Health Unit.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit establish bi-weekly meetings with WPS Area Mayors.
Appointment of Mayor Jamie McGarvey to Health Unit Board.

4.6 – Township of Carling.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit publish WPS Area COVID statistics.
Support Resolution requesting Health Unit establish bi-weekly meetings with WPS Area Mayors.
Appointment of Mayor Jamie McGarvey to Health Unit Board.

4.7 – Township of McKellar.
Appointment of Mayor Jamie McGarvey to Health Unit Board.

4.8 – Municipality of Magnetawan.
Support Resolution requesting more proactive communication from Health Unit.

Deputations
5.1 – James Murphy, RTO12-Explorers’ Edge.
Activities Update in support of Tourism section in Parry Sound and Area.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff
9.2.1 – 2020 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 2020”, as prepared by Kyle Hall, Manager of Water Systems.

9.3.1 – Consent Application B/06/2021 – Barnes.
Resolution
That Council of the Town of Parry Sound hereby recommends denial of Parry Sound Area Planning Board Application Number B/06/2021 – Barnes.

9.4.1 – Extension of Virtual Council Meetings.
Resolution
Whereas the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 18 expanded the opportunity for Municipal Councils, Local Boards and their Committees to meet electronically, and
Whereas in response, Council passed By-law 2020 – 7061 permitting by means of a resolution, certain expanded terms of electronic participation at meetings of Council, Local Boards and its Committees; and
Whereas pursuant to By-law 2020-7061, Council extended by Resolutions 2020-082 and 2020-112 until March 31, 2021 expanded terms of electronic participation at meetings; and
Whereas best-case COVID-19 vaccine roll-out plans suggest an autumn, 2021 date before all residents of Canada desiring a vaccine will be able to receive one; and
Whereas public health experts advise that as the vaccine is rolled out, practices such as physical distancing, masking, and limiting the number of individuals in gatherings continue to be importance measures to combat transmission of COVID-19 virus and its variants;
Now Therefore Be It Resolved that Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound extends until December 31, 2021 the terms of electronic participation at meetings of Council, Local Boards or Committees of either them per the following:
a) electronic participation counts towards quorum;
b) electronic participants are permitted to vote; and
c) electronic participation is permitted in a meeting closed to the public.

By-laws
10.2.1 – Delegation of Authority: MOU with NBPSDHU for use of BOCC as mass vaccination site.
By-law 2021 – 7113
Being a by-law to delegate signing authority to Clayton Harris, CAO, for the purpose of authorizing an MOU for use of the Bobby Orr Community Centre by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit as a mass COVID-19 public vaccination location.

10.2.2 – Partnership with STEM Camp to Deliver Youth Camp Programs at the Bobby Orr Community Centre.
By-law 2021 – 7114
Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a partnership agreement with STEM Camp for the delivery of youth camp programming.

Council Agenda Preview – January 15, 2019

12 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by Jo Bossart/ParrySounds.com in Parry Sound, Town Council

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Agenda, By-Law, DBA, Fire Department, Parks, parry sound, Taxes, tourism, Town Council

This week’s council meeting has a number of Closed Session items that are worth noting. I’m most interested in the whole issue of “Claim Against the Municipality Regarding 2018 Municipal Election”. Oh boy. This is the same person who suggested that a high-rise development in town should not be approved because there were not enough fire department resources to handle a fire at this new development and one of the existing higher rise developments. OMG – what if we had a fire at all four of the high-rises at Silver Birch, the three high-rises at granite Harbour and the hospital. Oh, and don’t forget the old hospital development. Would one more complex really raise the threat level? Sheesh.

I note the continuing interest and complaints regarding the proposed Splash Pad (4.1, 4.2). My suspicion is that some folks are concerned that a splash pad at Waubuno Beach would delay any potential pool complex. So, putting a stop to the splash pad would be good for a pool complex. It’s a bit Trumpian. The suggestion that the splash pad be constructed at another site makes no sense. There are no other public properties in Parry Sound that have the necessary existing space, parking, supervisory staff (lifeguards) and infrastructure (bathrooms and such) to support a splash pad. Only a pool complex would have the necessary infrastructure if Waubuno Beach can be knocked out. If Waubuno Beach is eliminated, and you really want a splash pad, then you need to support the pool complex. I wonder how many of the people chiming in on the splash pad discussion have really spent time in the public spaces in Parry Sound to realize what alternate options exist. If they had they would recognize there is no real alternative. And if they really want a quiet place to live without the ‘bother’ of visitors and tourists they should move to one of the area municipalities. They could be on a lake, or the bay, and enjoy lower taxes.

There is a resolution before Council (9.2.1) to opt-in and permit cannabis stores in the Town of Parry Sound.

Item 9.2.2 raises a point that has come up before. The Town’s effective subsidizing of regional community social services by hosting a number of tax-exempt resources (public housing, places of worship, social services …) creates a burden on Town services and by extension a financial burden on Town of Parry Sound taxpayers. This resolution acknowledges and accepts the Town’s responsibilities but requests that it be able to more easily address the unreasonable burdens placed upon it by existing legislation.

Closed Session

b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (Lay Appointees to Boards)
c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Town`s Input as Interested Third Party to a Land Lease application)
d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Municipal Office Hours during Festive Time)
e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board. (Claim Against the Municipality Regarding 2018 Municipal Election)
f) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose. (Claim Against the Municipality Regarding 2018 Municipal Election)

Correspondence

4.1 – Susan Telford. Request for more discussion on location of proposed Splash Pad
4.2 – Colleen O’Hare. Opposition to splashpad at proposed Waubuno Beach location.
4.3 – J. Hinchliffe. State of property after infrastructure work on 40 Waubeek Street easement.
4.4 – Harald Themer. Request for formal permission to use area at 60 Seguin Street for parking.

Deputations

5.1 – Darrin O’Brien, Gord Harrison. Appeal of municipal taxation on 86 Gibson St.
5.2 – John Myer, Rebecca Pollock. Parry Sound Area Active Transportation Current Priorities
5.3 – Ruth Beattie, Nancy Regan, Parry Sound High School Parent Council. Recommended amendments to provincial guidelines governing retail cannabis stores.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – Opt-in to permit Cannabis Retail Stores. Resolution. That Council for the Corporation of The Town of Parry Sound opts-in to permit cannabis retail stores in its community.

9.2.2 – Increasing Housing Supply. Resolution. Whereas the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Hosing has requested comments by January 25, 2019 in regard to Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario consultation document, as part of the Housing Supply Action Plan; and Whereas the Town of Parry Sound supports the goals of this document, being to expand the housing supply in Ontario, increase quality rental housing and enable home ownership; and Whereas the consultation document wishes to expand all housing types, which includes affordable housing; and Whereas Section 3(1)12iii. of the Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.31 provides an exemption from property taxation for any land owned by a charitable, non-profit philanthropic corporation organized for the relief of the poor if the corporation is supported in part by public funds; and

Whereas the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) has determined this provision has been applied to certain affordable housing initiatives in Ontario and resulted in a 100% tax exemption for some of these developments; and Whereas these developments still place a demand on municipal services and their tax relief must therefore be recouped from other property owners, resulting in increased taxation; and Whereas this Section of the Assessment Act will adversely impact the goals contained in the Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario consultation document, by creating a negative stigma towards affordable housing and a reluctance to support future affordable housing projects; and Whereas it is very difficult to monitor an exempt development over time to determine if the development has changed its mandate or operations such that it would no longer qualify for the exemption; and Whereas an appeal of MPAC’s decision to exempt a property cannot be appealed to the Assessment Review Board but must be done through a Court Application which can be time consuming and costly.

Now therefore be it resolved that the Town of Parry Sound supports increasing the overall housing supply and supports affordable housing projects; and That Section 3(1)12iii. of the Assessment Act which places an unfair tax burden upon municipalities, should be amended such that the local municipality that bears the financial burden should be permitted flexibility and the ability to determine the extent of any financial relief provided in their community; and further That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Honourable Steve Clark, MPP, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Mr. Norman Miller, MPP, Parry Sound – Muskoka, the Director of the Market Housing Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

9.2.3 – EMS Ambulance Replacements for 2019. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee, the Town of Parry Sound approves the replacement of three ambulances to be delivered in late winter 2019; and That the supplier of record, Crestline, be awarded the contract for the supply of these three ambulances in the amount of $126,578.78 + HST each, with funding from the 2019 EMS equipment reserve fund; and That the upon delivery of the 2019 ambulances, the three being replaced be deemed surplus with two of them being donated to the First Response Teams in McKellar and Argyle, and the third being traded into Crestline for the sum of $10,000.00.

By-laws

10.3.1 Downtown Business Association/Town of Parry Sound Memorandum of Understanding: Downtown Standard of Care. By-law 2019-6888. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association for Downtown Standard of Care, and to repeal By-law No: 2017-6783.

Council Agenda Preview – April 17, 2018

14 Saturday Apr 2018

Posted by Jo Bossart/ParrySounds.com in Parry Sound, Town Council

≈ 4 Comments

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Agenda, BOCC, By-Law, DBA, economic development, Growth, Infrastructure, parry sound, Seguin, Strategic Plan, tourism, Town Council

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).

Council Agenda Preview – February 20, 2018

17 Saturday Feb 2018

Posted by Jo Bossart/ParrySounds.com in Parry Sound, Town Council

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Agenda, By-Law, parry sound, tourism, Town Council, Water Management

There seems to be little of importance on the agenda beyond 2.1.1/10.2.1, whether the matter of fluoridation should be on the 2018 ballot. It seems that Council promised a vote would be held when they chose to remove fluoride from the municipal water system at the request of a vocal community group.

Selected agenda items are noted below.

Closed Session Agenda Items

d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Performance Review-Director of Public Works)
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 (Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport Update)

Public Meeting

2.1.1 – Council will hold a public meeting to consider comments from the public regarding the placement of the following question on the ballot for the 2018 Municipal Election per the Fluoridation Act, R.S.O. 1990: Are you in favour of the fluoridation of the public water supply of this municipality? Council will hear from the pubic regarding the placement of the question on the ballot. This is not a forum to debate the issue of fluoride in the public drinking water supply.

Correspondence

4.2 – Lauren Scott. Correspondence about the dangers of a 5G system.

Deputations

5.1 – Simon Blakely, Employment Officer, Professions North*Nord (PNN). Presentation of PNN’s services and programs

5.2 – Lynn Middaugh, Director of Development and Leisure Services, Parry Sound. The Ontario Business Case for Cruising the Great Lakes, by Cruise Ship Industry Group (CSIG)

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – Update of Procedural By-law, a by-law to govern the proceedings of Council and Committee Meetings. Direction. That staff be directed to post for the public the updated draft procedural By-law that governs the meetings of Council and Committees per Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act (MOMLA), which introduced a series of reforms to the Municipal Act, Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, and City of Toronto Act affecting Parry Sound’s procedural by-law.

9.3.1 – Approve Signing Authorities. Resolution. Whereas the Council for the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound approved Resolutions 2014-030 and 2014-228 approving signing authority and credit card authority to Members of Council and certain members of staff; and Whereas there are no changes to the position or authority levels at this time; and Whereas there has been a change in the Director of Finance and POA Court Servicesposition;
Now therefore be it resolved that Resolution 2014-030 be amended to remove Trevor Pinn, Director of Finance and POA Court Services as a signing authority; and Further that Kim Chen, Director of Finance and POA Court Services be added as a signing authority.

By-laws

10.2.1 – Fluoride Question on the Ballot-2018 Municipal Election. By-law 2018 – 6802. Being a bylaw to submit a Question to the Electors on the 2018 Election Municipal Ballot.

10.2.2 – Appointment of Treasurer. By-law 2018 – 6803. Being a By-law to appoint a Treasurer for the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and to repeal by-law 2017-6786.

10.5.1 – Department of Canadian Heritage – Cultural Spaces Canada – Funding Agreement. By-law 2018 – 6804. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a funding agreement with the Department of Canadian Heritage – Cultural Spaces Canada – for the Stockey Centre specialized equipment for the performance hall.

Council Agenda Preview – June 20, 2017

18 Sunday Jun 2017

Posted by Jo Bossart/ParrySounds.com in Parry Sound, Town Council

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Agenda, By-Law, Parking, parry sound, Planning, Rezoning, Taxes, tourism, Town Council

It’s a very, very light agenda this week. The points of interest include:

Formation of the Belvedere Avenue Parking Ad-Hoc Committee (1.2).
Goal Plan Update (4.1).
2016 Annual Investment Report (5.1)
Wasauksing Bridge Restriction (6.1)
Claw Back Percentages (5.1)

Depending on the weather I’ll either be at the meeting or out on a trail. It’s that time of the year where you had better have a good reason to attend a council meeting. Getting paid to attend qualifies as a good enough reason.

Correspondence

4.1 – Harry Kleinhuis, Rosseau resident. Concerns about the lack of sidewalks on Pine Drive. Response provided was that the property is private.

4.3/8.1 – Susan Hrycyna, ED, Parry Sound Downtown Business Association. Re: Request to add a member to the Board of Directors for the DBA

Deputations

5.1 – Vanessa Backman, Parry Sound Tourism. Update on Parry Sound Tourism for 2017

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.2 – Belvedere Avenue Parking Ad-Hoc Committee. Resolution. That Council approve the Belvedere Avenue Parking Ad-hoc Committee Terms of Reference, attached as Schedule “A”, and further; That Council appoint the following members to sit on the committee:

Marsha Rivers, CEO, Belvedere Heights Home for the Aged
2. Mario Buszynski, Board Member, Belvedere Heights Home for the Aged
Kathleen McGill, Home owner, Belvedere Avenue
John Patterson, Home owner, Belvedere Avenue
Representative, DSSAB
Representative, DSAAB

9.2.1 – Council Approved Sign Application – Georgian Bay Airways – Bay St. 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 Bay Street road allowance pursuant to the following conditions and variances:
a) The appearance of the sign shall be substantially according to the application,
b) The location of the sign shall be to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official,
c) The Town reserves the right to remove or relocate the sign on occasion should the lands be required for municipal purposes,
d) A permit may be issued pursuant to this resolution, for the summer of 2018, 2019, and 2020 upon payment of a fee of $50 per season,
e) The 2017 permit pursuant to this resolution shall expire on October 31, and
f) All other regulations in the sign by-law continue to apply except for those revised by this resolution.

9.2.2 – Permit minor variances within two years of a zoning by-law amendment. Resolution. That in accordance with Section 45 (1.4) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, minor variance applications are permitted before the second anniversary of the day of a zoning by-law amendment.

9.4.1 – Goal Plan Update – 2nd Quarter. Resolution. That Council approves the June, 2017 Second Quarter Goal Plan update, attached as Schedule “A”.

9.5.1 – 2016 Annual Investment Report. Resolution. That Council accepts the 2016 Annual Investment Report, attached as Schedule “A”, in accordance with the Town’s Investment Policy.

9.6.1 – Wasauksing Swing Bridge Restrictions. Direction. That a follow-up letter be sent to the Ministry of Transportation regarding the planned restrictions to the operation of the Wasauksing swing bridge.

By-laws

10.5.1 – By-law to specify claw back percentages for 2017 property taxes. By-law 2017 – 6749. Being a by-law to Specify the “Claw-back Percentages” in Respect of Properties in the Commercial Class for the 2017 Taxation Year.
I don’t get it, but the amount is too small, $824, to worry about. I’ll need to ask for a tutorial on the whole claw-back process.

Honeysuckle Blooming along the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail (June 2017)

Parry Sound Town Dock – Summer Closure Schedule

11 Tuesday Apr 2017

Posted by Jo Bossart/ParrySounds.com in Boating/Recreation, Parry Sound, Reflections

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Opinion, parry sound, tourism, Town Dock/Big Sound Marina, Waterfront

The Town announced yesterday the days that the Parry Sound Town Dock will be closed to residents and visitors. This is to accommodate the cruise ships.

I am at a loss to understand why people are not permitted to use the Town Dock while these cruise ships are tied up in Parry Sound. I can understand that there might be an hour of so when access is restricted while the vessel ties up and people disembark. Yes, there may be an issue of customs and immigration to deal with on arrival, but once this is settled there shouldn’t be an issue with opening access to the public. The vessel itself has security measures in place, and it’s not as though anyone can just jump aboard from the Town Dock.

I guess we should just shut up and be honoured that these cruise lines have chosen to grace Parry Sound with their presence. I have no issue with their arrivals and vists, and even a brief period where the dock is off limits when there are procedures to be followed, but all day, for eleven days? Perhaps they will be rainy days and there will be no net loss to the hoi poloi.

Or the Town could look into finding a procedure by which access to the Town Dock would be permitted when these vessels are tied up. If no one asks or complains, it’s easier to keep doing what they have been doing than it is to figure out a workable option of sharing the Town Dock. And of course there is always the stock answer of, “oh, but that’s out of our control – sorry”. Nah, not really sorry.

From the Town’s website.

2017 Cruise Ship Visits

This summer the Pearl Mist and the Victory 1 will return to Parry Sound and be in port at the Town Dock on the following dates:

Pearl Mist:
Monday June 5 – 8:30am – 5:00pm
Wednesday June 14 – 8:30am – 7:00pm
Sunday June 25 – 8:30am – 6:30pm
Thursday July 6 – 8:00am – 7:00pm
Monday July 17 – 8:30am – 5:00pm
Wednesday July 26 – 8:30am – 7:00pm
Sunday August 6 – 8:30am – 6:30pm
Thursday August 17 – 8:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday August 19 – 9:00pm to Sunday August 20 – 6:30pm
Thursday August 31 – 8:00am – 7:00pm

Victory 1:
Sunday June 4 – 5:00am – 6:30pm
Friday August 25 – 7:00am – 11:00pm

Don’t Let the Wake Slap You on Your Stern on the Way Out

Council Agenda Preview – December 6, 2016

04 Sunday Dec 2016

Posted by Jo Bossart/ParrySounds.com in Parry Sound, Town Council

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Agenda, By-Law, parry sound, Planning, Rezoning, tourism, Town Council

The item of most interest to businesses in Parry Sound will be the recommendation of Staff (Item 9.5.2) to deny the application to move of the Royal Bank from the Mall to the south end big box ‘megaplex’ (kidding). There would be a little bit of irony in having a bank move into the former Easy Home location. I support Staff’s recommendation as an approval would basically undermine the Town’s Official Plan. I have been watching how consultant planners are bit-by-bit nibbling at the Town’s Official Plan. I have no problem with these consultants making recommendations to amend the Official Plan in the context of the review process, not when a client is in need of a change.

There are major changes in the elections process (9.2.1 & 9.2.2) that will impact candidates more than voters. I won’t attempt to summarize the changes or opine on the implications, they are too many and too complicated to easily present properly. I suggest that people take the time to review the agenda package, available at the Town’s website or through this link (it’s a rather large download), especially if they are thinking of running for office.

Closed Session

c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Property Purchases)

Correspondence

4.1 – Rick Kerr, resident. Re: Requesting Parry Sound signage at both entrances to Town.

4.3 – Jo Bossart, resident. Re: Suggestions to enhance the public’s budget experience to encourage greater input into the budget process. 4.3an– Response: Trevor Pinn – Responded to Mr. Bossart’s suggestions and outlined ongoing improvements that have been made to the budget process.
I suppose that since it seems only Anne and I attend the budget meetings the request should have been better phrased, ‘to enhance the Bossart’s budget experience’. Several of the requested changes were implemented at the last budget meeting, and from where I sat it made a difference. Thank you.

4.4 – Hans de Vries, Chair of the Habitat for Humanity Steering Committee, Parry Sound Chapter. Re: Mr. de Vries is requesting a waiving of fees for development, variance application and permit fees as well as a reduction in the cost of connecting up sewer and water for an upcoming project scheduled to commence in the spring of 2017.
This shows up again as Item 9.5.4.

4.5 – Tim Dyer, Parry Sound Business Owner. Re: Concerns regarding the relocation of the Royal Bank to the south end of town. He feels it goes against the Town’s own planning policies and principles.

4.6 – Tim Dyer, Parry Sound Business Owner. Re: Concerns regarding the proposed Casino project for the Parry Sound harbour.

4.8 – Glen Hodgson, Chair, West Parry Sound District Museum Board Re: Requesting the 2017 contribution to the Museum on Tower Hill in the amount of $30,900. A 3% increase over last year’s request.

Deputations

5.1 – Donna Dellio, Chief Executive Officer, Belvedere Heights. Re: Letter and petition provided to Council regarding parking in and around Belvedere Heights.

5.2 – James Gray and Auelio Baglione, Winchester Financial. Re: Proposed Official Plan amendment/Rezoning for the Royal Bank.

5.3 – Dan DiNicolo, Parry Sound Business Owner. Re: Downtown Sustainability.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1, 9.1.2, 9.1.3, 9.1.4 – A series of resolutions related to the EMS 2017 budget and the purchase of equipment for EMS. In total the request is for three new ambulances and sixteen defibrillators, a total of about $760,000.
It’s worth noting that the sixteen defibrillators cost more than the three ambulances.

9.2.1 – Amendments to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. Resolution. That Council acknowledge receipt of the Report by Jackie Boggs, Town Clerk, entitled “Amendments to the Municipal Election Act, 1996”, attached as Schedule “A”.

9.2.2 – Ranked Ballots – Municipal Elections. Resolution. Whereas the Province of Ontario has passed Bill 181, amendments to the Municipal Election Act, 1996; and Whereas one of the amendments would allow municipalities to implement a ranked balloting system for the upcoming 2018 municipal election; and Whereas the Clerk has provided a Report and Recommendation reviewing Council’s options regarding ranked balloting, attached as Schedule “A”; Therefore, Be it Resolved that Council maintain the existing first-past-the-post-election model for the 2018 municipal election; and Further That the Town Clerk be directed to monitor ranked ballot elections in Ontario and report back to Council with a comprehensive report after the 2018 election.

9.3.1 – General Insurance Renewal December 15th 2016 to December 15th 2017. Resolution. That Council hereby approves the renewal of the Corporation’s general insurance policy for a one year period based on the premium breakdown of $281,670 plus tax, attached as Schedule “A”, for the one year period ending December 15, 2017.

9.4.1 – Pre-budget Approval – Seguin Street Public Washroom. Resolution. That Council authorize pre-budget approval in the amount of $200,000 for the design/build of a new accessible public washroom facility to replace the existing Seguin Street structure.
Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-Up): That the Public Works Director be directed to call for design-build proposals for the replacement of the existing public washrooms at the Gibson St. parking lot.
That’s why we can’t have nice things in Parry Sound, people trash them. The new facility is intended to upgrade the current facility and hopefully deter vandalism. While vandalism of the existing facility has cost about $5,000 this year, the real cost is the distraction of Staff making the repairs and lack of availability of the facility for public use for weeks at a time. Let’s get it started in time for the 2017 tourist season. The Town has made a major investment in the downtown with free parking, let’s get the full benefit of that investment.

9.5.2 – Official Plan Amendment No.1 and Rezoning Application Z16-04 – Jamie Chisholm/Oastler Park Shopping Plaza Limited – 1 Pine Drive. Resolution. That the request for Council to amend the Town’s Official Plan and Amend the Town’s Zoning By-law be denied.

9.5.3 – Consent Application – B/30/2016 (PS) (Georgian Bay Medical Building Co. Ltd. – 57 James Street and 12 Miller Street). Resolution. That Consent Application No. B/30/2016(PS) (Georgian Bay Medical Building Co. Ltd. – 57 James Street and 12 Miller Street), be supported subject to the following conditions:
1. The payment of cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication in the amount of $2,622.00;
2. That the applicant demonstrate compliance with the Town of Parry Sound Zoning By-law 2004-4653 either by amending the consent application, or applying for a minor variance/zoning by-law amendment; and
3. That the proposed right-of-way permit off-site parking in accordance with Section 4.30 (l) of the Town of Parry Sound Zoning By-law 2004-4653.

9.5.4 – Habitat For Humanity – Request for Fee Relief. Resolution. That staff is directed and authorized to arrange for a non-cash donation to Habitat for Humanity in the amount of $3000 according to Schedule “A” attached.

By-laws

10.5.1 – Community Improvement Plan – Reduce Environmentally Unfit Sites Effectively (REUSE) Program – 9 Great North Road. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement between 1929330 Ontario Ltd. (Trestle Brewing Company Ltd. – 9 Great North Road) and the Town of Parry Sound under the REUSE program.
Okay guys, no more delays, let’s start digging.

A reminder, the next 2017 Parry Sound Budget Meeting is Tuesday, the 13^th, starting at 6:00 PM. I expect that this where most of the decisions will be made. If you have an opinion be sure to contact Staff and Council with your comments prior to the meeting, or it might be too late. There is no opportunity to lob in your comments as part of the meeting, although there should be an opportunity to provide some post meeting input.

Down By the River

Feeling Lucky? Prospects of a Parry Sound Casino

23 Wednesday Nov 2016

Posted by Jo Bossart/ParrySounds.com in Parry Sound, Reflections, Town Council, Urban Development

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Growth, Opinion, parry sound, Planning, Taxes, tourism, Town Council

I’ll start this post by stating my support for gambling and casinos. I would also like to confirm my support for cigarettes and alcohol sales. I look to these simple human pleasures as contributing to lower taxes for those of us who choose not to indulge. In this regard I guess I’m painting myself as a libertarian; people can do what they want as long as they are aware of the consequences, and they don’t impact the rights of others. But, I think we need to ensure that people are properly informed of the possible consequences of indulging these simple human pleasures. Businesses and individuals who profit off these activities should not be permitted to suggest that they don’t have possible, and quite likely, consequences.

I have been asked by a few people what I think about a casino in Parry Sound. I don’t have a strong opinion at this point, but I am interested in understanding what the impact of a casino might be on tax revenues, expenses and the community. I have read that Mayor McGarvey supports the idea of a casino in Parry Sound as it will be a boon to businesses on a twelve month a year basis. I won’t dispute this suggestion, but I wonder how it will benefit me as a Parry Sound taxpayer, and what provisions can be made to ensure I don’t end up subsidizing a casino, in the near and long term.

Let me explain.

The Town of Parry Sound currently has two major sources of revenue – government grants and property taxes. Yes, there are other sources of revenue, for example water services, but these are largely self-sustaining and have no impact on the property taxes that we pay quarterly. How might a casino in Parry Sound impact taxes?

Well, the obvious benefit to the Town is that a casino will involve the creation of facilities and businesses that would be subject to municipal taxation at a commercial rate. One could imagine that the development would include a casino building, probably one or more waterfront hotels to house the visitors, and possibly a marina to service clients who prefer boating, rather than driving, to make their supplemental tax payments.

What might the tax revenues be from these facilities? Will Parry Sound end up ahead, break even, or end up in a hole? Well I could imagine that a reasonably full build of a casino and supporting hotels might have a property only assessment on the order or $20 to $50 million. (Let’s hope for the sake of all of us it won’t be done on the cheap. The quality of any casino will have an impact on how Parry Sound is viewed, upscale or tacky.) How much might the Parry Sound tax revenue be increased? At first I thought the assessment would be based on the value of the buildings with a commercial tax rate applied to that figure. Doing a little research, it seems that this isn’t the case. The value of a casino and probably the associated hotels is more likely to be calculated based on what these businesses generate in revenues. But I’m not sure. Here is a link to an article at MPAC that outlines the process for assessing the value of a casino. MPAC presents three different approaches to determining valuation for assessment purposes, not all of which necessarily converge. I’ll be looking forward to a detailed analysis from the Town and the developers at an appropriate time, well before any decision is made to approve a casino development.

What expenses will the Town be responsible for in any casino development? We have considerable infrastructure in place but I suspect that there will be a need for upgrades ‘all round’; water services as well as new and upgraded roads immediately come to mind. There will also be considerable legal and consulting fees. Do we pay for all of this upfront with a hope that it will be paid off in the near term? Probably not, which suggests we will be taking on long term debt for future generations to pay. Let’s remember that the only way the Town benefits from a casino is from taxes related to property or business assessment. The Town doesn’t get a cut of the take unless that’s part of the assessment model decided by MPAC.

But what about the jobs that will be created and the construction work itself? Well, that benefit is not likely to flow to Parry Sound directly if recent history repeats itself. At best, it may help the surrounding municipalities, but that might be a stretch. The hospital certainly created jobs, but Parry Sound saw less of the municipal tax benefits benefits than the surrounding municipalities. Most of the higher end people, physicians, nurses and administrators, choose not to live in Parry Sound because of more desirable properties (waterfront) and lower taxes in Seguin, McKellar and Carling. Why live in Parry Sound if you can have a waterfront property a kilometre away on Rose Point Road? Will it be different with a casino? Not really, casinos don’t deliver that many high paying jobs, so it would be unlikely to raise local residential property values and taxes. What about new construction jobs? Hmmm, is a local company doing the Cascade Street build? And how many of the high value materials that are required for the Cascade project, notably concrete and the pre-engineered parts, come from businesses in Parry Sound? Concrete might be coming from Seguin, helping a business in that municipality, or it might be coming from as far away as Bracebridge. The engineered parts are coming from Southern Ontario. The trades doing the work also seem to be sourced from outside Parry Sound. It was the same situation with the build on Seguin Street across from Tulloch. The work was contracted to out-of-town, actually out-of-district, suppliers.

But the added traffic, twelve months a year, will be good for local businesses, won’t it? Yes, but Parry Sound won’t be sharing in the upside unless these businesses receive a higher assessment value and pay higher property taxes. It’s interesting that what is good for businesses doesn’t necessarily show up in increased tax revenues for the Town, and then pay for the associated increase in costs for town services.

What about the social issues? The new Parry Sound District OPP commander has stated that his experience suggests casinos attract seniors, especially if they are slot type casinos. Seniors are beyond any type of criminal activity aren’t they? Who knows, but let’s assume there will be additional policing costs associated with a casino if only because there will be more people and there will be more ’social friction’. You don’t add more of this type of activity without a corresponding increase in police services, and probably EMS services as well.

Will people on the Carrington side of Parry Sound bit by bit be pushed out by the local development? Possibly, but probably not. There is enough land with redevelopment of the former petroleum properties that there shouldn’t be too much real estate pressure. Perhaps it won’t be a very family friendly area to live. I don’t know. I don’t frequent casinos nor have I studied their impact on local communities. A good proxy for a Parry Sound casino might be the casino in Gananoque, a small town about 50 km outside Kingston. For those of you interested, an article in the Kingston Whig-Standard goes into considerable detail, financial and social, about Ganaonoque’s casino as part of a decision by the voters of Kingston to reject a casino in their own town. I suspect much of the analysis is well considered as it was probably developed in discussions with the Queen’s University School of Urban and Regional Planning. Here is a link to that 2014 Kingston Whig-Standard article. I heartily recommend the article to anyone interested in the topic of a Parry Sound casino. It’s well written and easy to understand. It has a conclusion that may be surprising.

Here are some other casino related links that may be of value to the interested.

http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/2013/02/24/city-of-niagara-falls-fuming-over-casino-tax-cuts

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/ontario-casinos-to-pay-host-municipalities-more-money-1.1304652

http://business.financialpost.com/financial-post-magazine/can-casinos-spearhead-economic-development-efforts-in-canadas-cities

http://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Real-Cost-of-a-Casino_Wellesley-Institute_2013.pdf

Still feeling lucky? Let’s hope that Parry Sound Council decides to provide local residents and businesses with a full analysis of the implications of a casino if the discussion ever get that far. Let’s not have one of those Closed Session discussions that is then brought into Open Session and voted on without any input from the residents and businesses of Parry Sound. It’s our town, and we have a right to not only understand what is going on, but to express our support or opposition.

Will This Be the Way It Was?

Commentary – Parry Sound KPO, August Update

06 Tuesday Sep 2016

Posted by Jo Bossart/ParrySounds.com in Parry Sound

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By-Law, economic development, Infrastructure, Opinion, parry sound, Planning, Rezoning, Strategic Plan, tourism

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

Parry Sounds

~ Ideas, Opinions and 'Green Shoots' In and Around Parry Sound

Tag Archives: tourism

Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) – March 16, 2021

Council Agenda Preview – March 16, 2021

Council Agenda Preview – January 15, 2019

Council Agenda Preview – April 17, 2018

Council Agenda Preview – February 20, 2018

Council Agenda Preview – June 20, 2017

Parry Sound Town Dock – Summer Closure Schedule

Council Agenda Preview – December 6, 2016

Feeling Lucky? Prospects of a Parry Sound Casino

Commentary – Parry Sound KPO, August Update