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Council Agenda Preview – April 17, 2018

14 Saturday Apr 2018

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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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).

Council Agenda Preview – February 20, 2018

17 Saturday Feb 2018

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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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

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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:

  1. Marsha Rivers, CEO, Belvedere Heights Home for the Aged
    2. Mario Buszynski, Board Member, Belvedere Heights Home for the Aged
  2. Kathleen McGill, Home owner, Belvedere Avenue
  3. John Patterson, Home owner, Belvedere Avenue
  4. Representative, DSSAB
  5. 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 in Boating/Recreation, Parry Sound, Reflections

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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 in Parry Sound, Town Council

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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 13th, 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

redwood1890-_ds65724

Feeling Lucky? Prospects of a Parry Sound Casino

23 Wednesday Nov 2016

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

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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?

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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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Council Agenda Preview – May 17, 2016

15 Sunday May 2016

Posted by in Events/Activities, Parry Sound, Town Council

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Another packed agenda with a variety of new and postponed issues. Council members will need to choose their issues wisely if they hope to get through the agenda in a timely fashion.

The big issue on the agenda relates to the proposed ATV By-law (Item 10.3.1) permitting ATV traffic on specific streets. I believe the By-law is flawed, but I support it as written. Let’s give it a try for a year and assess what changes might be useful. A number of the residents of William Street object to the route based on concerns about neighbourhood disruption (Item 4.2). There is a question of whether the ATV path should or shouldn’t make use of the 100 metres or so the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail as it crosses the Seguin River (Items 4.5, 9.3.2). This is a portion of the trail that we share with snow machines in the winter, and they travel much faster than ATVs. I have not found this to be an issue, people are courteous in confined spaces. I would prefer a path that bypasses the trail and proceeds directly down River Street to William Street, but this raises issues of safety and commerce. I know some people are worried that the Great North Road/Bowes Street intersection, and the high traffic levels. I suspect this really won’t be an issue, there won’t be hundreds of ATVs at a time running through Parry Sound. This isn’t Thunder Run. The bigger issue for me concerns where the ATVs can park if a River Street option is chosen. I’m sure that many of them would like to park and stop for lunch or dinner. The Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail option leads to the Bobby Orr Community Centre where it’s easy to imagine the bikes can park and people can walk up to the Downtown for a meal or refreshments.

Staff seems to have found a reasonable compromise allowing the Parry Sound Islanders to use the Bobby Orr Community Centre. It seems that while the Islanders are a successful hockey team, they still stink, and new ventilation needs to be installed to handle the issue. (Items 5.3, 9.3.4)

June will see a couple of Parry Sound supported events. This starts with the Rotary Dragon Boat Festival on June 11 (Item 9.3.6), followed ten days later with the unveiling of the Francis Pegahmagabow Commemoration on the 21st (Items 9.3.5, 9.6.1)

Not to be forgotten, it seems the William Street reconstruction is set to get started with the awarding of a contract to Fowler Construction (Item 9.2.1). Let’s hope there aren’t as many surprises as there were with the Forest Street project. At least there’s no rail lines to cross.

Letters

4.1 – Jean Scott, 46 Church Street. Re: Opposed to Zoning By-law amendment regarding the old William Beatty School citing decrease in property values, too dense, increased traffic, reduction of parking on Rosetta, reduction of green space, the high number of parking spaces and reduced size of the spaces, lack of dock loading facility and overload of existing sewer and water.

4.2 – Petition from Williams Street residents (38 names). Re: Opposition to the ATV route suggested along William Street.

4.5 – Wendall Fisher, Chair, Parry Sound Area Active Transportation. Re: Opposed to the use of the Rotary/Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail as part of the proposed route for ATVs and suggests an all road option from William Street to Cascade Street to River Street and then to Great North Road.

Deputations

5.1 – George Burton, President Canadore College. Re: Update on activities of Canadore College

5.2 – Malcolm Fraser, resident. Re: ATV Route

5.3 – Ken Thomas, Jack Sportsgroup: GMHL Jr. A Team – Parry Sound Islanders. Re: Proposal for the Parry Sound Islanders to use the Bobby Orr Community Centre

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – Tender – William Street Reconstruction. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of C.C. Tatham and Associates, Council award the tender for William Street Reconstruction to Fowler Construction Company Limited, in the amount of $2,847,315.78, plus HST, this tender being the lowest tender of two tenders received.

9.3.2 – Proposed ATV Thoroughfare through Town. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Waterfront Development Advisory Committee, Council defeat the proposed ATV route as it relates to use of the Fitness Trail.

9.3.4 – Proposal from Jack Sportsgroup: GMHL Jr. A Team. Resolution. That the agreement proposed from Jack Sports Group for use of the Bobby Orr Community Centre, per the attached Schedule “A”, be denied.

The following new resolution is proposed: That Council approve the following as renegotiated terms with Jack Sports Group, for the use of the Bobby Orr Community Centre.

  • $10, 000 payment up front for facility usage, invoices to be deducted as incurred • Reduction in day time hourly rate $70/hr + HST for practices. If the day-time ice

can be sold at the Council established rate, the practice would be cancelled (provided five (5) days notice.

  • Ice time hourly rental rate for games $124/hr + HST (rental rate will fluctuate January 1st, 2017 based on the Consumer Price Index)
  • Hall and meeting room rental rates at the Council established rates
  • Provide approval for a qualified contractor to install a ventilation system in dressing room 8; an expense to be split between the Team and the Town
  • Provide approval for a qualified locksmith to install new locks on interior doors, and re-key the laneway exit door, and room 8; an expense to be split between the Team and the Town
  • Term of use five (5) years, renewal is based on a review of the impacts of the previous season

9.3.5 – One Time Events Grant: Francis Pegahmagabow Commemoration 2016 Unveiling. Resolution. That Council approve the One Time Event Grant allocation to the Francis Pegahmagabow Commemoration 2016 Unveiling, per attached Schedule “A”.

9.3.6 – 2016 Rotary Dragon Boat Festival. Resolution. Resolution. That Council approve the request from the Parry Sound Dragon Boat Festival to host the 15th annual Parry Sound Dragon Boat Festival fund-raising event on Saturday June 11, 2016 at Waubuno Beach and Park from 8am – 9pm, by waiving fees for park usage as well as waiving the rental fee for the bleacher unit; and That Council approve the use of an ATV (insured and licensed driver) on the Rotary and Algonquin Regiment Fitness trail for the purpose of equipment transportation on Saturday June 11th from 7am – 9pm.

9.6.1 – Reception for Heads of Council-WPS and Chiefs of Georgian Bay First Nations – June 20, 2016. Resolution. Whereas as the Francis Pegahmagabow commemorative statue unveiling is taking place on June 21, 2016 at the Stockey W. Centre for the Performing Arts; and Whereas from the beginning of this project Council and staff for the Town of Parry Sound have provided support for this project commemorating the most highly decorated First Nation’s soldier in WWI Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow; and Whereas a number of First Nation’s officials and Chiefs will be attending the ceremony on June 21st at the Stockey Centre; and Whereas the Mayor, in the spirit of the occasion, has offered to host a reception at the Stockey Centre the evening before, on June 20, 2016, for National Chief Parry Bellegarde, the Chiefs of Georgian Bay First Nations and the Heads of Council for the West Parry Sound area; Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that in the spirit of regional co-operation, Council for the Town of Parry Sound approves the event and the approximate expense of $1,120.00 for hosting this reception against the tax stabilization reserve

By-laws

10.3.1 – ATV By-law. Being a By-law to permit and regulate the operation of “Off Road Vehicles” on Town of Parry Sound Municipal Highways.
Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-Up): That this be considered as a one-year pilot and a report be brought back to Council November 2016, and March of 2017.

I will be there Tuesday night. The full agenda package is now available at the Town’s website or through the link in the top menu at this site (ParrySounds.com).

On the Rock (Parry Sound in the Evening)

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Council Agenda Preview – April 5, 2016

03 Sunday Apr 2016

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What seems like a sleepy little agenda, for example there are no by-laws under consideration, has some interesting elements. It starts in the Closed Session where there seems to be some intent to realign the Public Works department. A realignment of sorts was implemented a few months ago when a portion of the Public works group responsible for parks and recreation activities was transferred over to the Development and Leisure Services department. We’ll need to see what eventually is decided.

There are a couple of updates offered in the Deputations section (5.1, 5.3). A copy of the presentations is included the full agenda package for those who are interested and won’t be able to attend the meeting. I’m most interested in the status and plans for the generation station rebuild.

The Public Works department is planning to purchase a street sweeper for a little more than $200K (9.2.1). All that salt and sand used on the roads that hasn’t yet washed away and polluted the soil and water needs to be swept up.

There is also the issue of signs, there are a number of permits up for approval (9.3.3, 9.3.4, 9.3.7). Until the Town decides to develop a comprehensive sign policy in terms of ‘taste’ and consistency we will continue to look like a cheap south of the border ‘tourist town’.

The big item on the agenda is a Direction to draft a by-law permitting an ATV thoroughfare through Parry Sound (9.3.6). I support this first step initiative and feel that a future accommodation needs to be made for Town of Parry Sound residents who have an ATV and will be unable to access the thoroughfare. Let’s start with this and then see what needs to be done next rather than get it perfect the first time around.

Closed Meeting Agenda

d) labour relations or employee negotiations (2 Performance Reviews, Public Works Department Realignment) 

Correspondence

4.1 – Barbara Fisher, resident. Re. Town Dock Gazebo. Ms. Fisher is asking Council to consider asking Cedarland Homes to pay for the repair of the existing town dock gazebo instead of new construction.

4.2 – Gail Campbell, resident. Re. Town dock Gazebo. Ms. Campbell supports the new town dock gazebo and suggested using metal materials to cut down on maintenance and increase durability. Photos of cupolas, weather vanes and roofing options, attached.

Deputations

5.1 – Chris Litschko, Chief Executive Officer, Lakeland Holding Ltd. Update on Cascade Generation Station upgrade.

5.2 – Anne Bossart, resident. Heritage Preservation.

5.3 – Vanessa Backman, Parry Sound Tourism (Explorer’s Edge). An update and overview of Parry Sound Tourism.

Resolution & Direction to Staff

9.1.2 – Participation in MFOA Pilot Project – Long Term Financial Planning Tool. Resolution. Whereas the Council of the Town of Parry Sound recognizes the need for long term financial planning to ensure financial stability and proper planning; and Whereas the Municipal Finance Officers Association of Ontario (MFOAO) is providing a pilot project to test the scalability of a long-term financial planning tool developed by the Town of Petrolia; and Whereas the Town of Parry Sound has been asked to be the pilot municipality to determine the scalability of this tool; Now therefore be it resolved that the Council for the Town of Parry Sound hereby endorses its participation in this project.

9.2.1 – Tender – Public Works Road Sweeper. Resolution. That Council accept the tender from Joe Johnson Equipment for one used model Elgin Pelican road sweeper in the amount of $202,000., including delivery and trade-in of one 1995 Elgin Pelican road sweeper, this tender being the lowest tender of three tenders received for used model road sweepers.

9.3.1 – Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) – Treetops Community Forest. Resolution. That Council authorize the submission of an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant application for the purchase of property for the purpose of developing a naturalized park – Treetops Community Forest – contributing to the Town’s trail development inventory per the Trails Master Plan; and That the Town make an offer to purchase the property, conditional upon receipt of approval of the OTF grant application and sufficient funds having been raised through fundraising efforts to cover the full purchase price and legal fees.

9.3.3 – 117 Bowes Street – Application – Council Approved Sign. Resolution. That the Chief Building Official is authorized and directed to issue a permit for a second standard sign on the premise of 117 – 121 Bowes Street according to the Conditions in Schedule “A” attached.

9.3.4 – 31 Joseph Street – Application – Council Approved Sign. Resolution. That the Chief Building Official is authorized and directed to issue a permit for a standard sign on the Joseph Street Road allowance according to the Conditions in Schedule “A” attached.

9.3.5 – Consent Application – B/7/2016 (PS) (Harris – 15 Parry Sound Drive). Resolution. That Consent Application No. B7/2016(PS) – Harris – 15 Parry Sound Drive, be supported.

9.3.6 – ATV Thoroughfare. Direction. That upon the recommendation of the Trails Master Plan Steering Committee, notice be posted that the Town intends to bring forward a By-law which will permit ATVs to access a thoroughfare per the route attached as Schedule “A”; and That this be considered as a one-year pilot and a report be brought back to Council November 2016, and March of 2017. Unfortunately, the referenced Schedule A does not appear to be attached to the full agenda package.

9.3.7 – 14-18 James Street – Application – Council Approved Sign. Resolution. That the Chief Building Official is authorized and directed to issue a permit for a sign attached to the building known as 14-18 James Street according to the Conditions in Schedule “A” attached.

9.6.1 – 2017 Strategic Priorities Budget Meeting. Direction. That a Special Meeting of Council be called on _________, 2016 to discuss the Strategic Priorities for the 2017 budget.

I won’t be attending the meeting this Tuesday and look forward to reviewing the minutes later this week. The full agenda package is available though the links at the top of this page.

I Hope the Last One Out Turns Off the Lights (Parry Sound in Colour)

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Transparency – Worth the Time and Effort

27 Saturday Feb 2016

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections, Town Council

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I received a bit of feedback on yesterday’s Council Agenda Preview post and my comments on the planned removal of the structure on the Town Dock. I will repeat my position on this – I am neutral as to whether it should or should not be demolished, replaced, repaired or expanded. I am however not neutral on the process of transparency. It needs to be part of the spirit and process of Parry Sound.

I understand that the Waterfront Committee is composed of a number of capable and caring individuals. I do not in any way question their motives. I may or may not agree with their recommendations, but I am willing to accept the decision of the majority. Unfortunately, there is no process in place for the majority to understand what is being proposed.

Have we as a Town not learned some lessons over the past couple of years? A committee of the Downtown Business Association presented a plan for revising Market Square Park that was shot down because it did not include community involvement. And the Fluoride issue should be a reminder that an agenda item posted on a Friday for discussion and community input on the following Tuesday is probably not sufficient lead time for major issues with significant community impact. The Trails Master Plan is another case of a committee presenting a plan that had not been appropriately shared with the larger community for input. In the end the Community was in agreement with the plan and there shouldn’t be a cause for later protest. Feels good, doesn’t it?

The last I remember of the Waterfront Committee plans was a presentation about how the railings on the dock and the benches were going to be painted gray. At the same time there was discussion of a new structure at the end of the Town Dock. There were concept drawings of replacement structures that included a two story observation deck. But there wasn’t, to my recollection, any proposal advanced at that meeting as to the decision to actually remove the current structure, or what would replace it.

So if I attend pretty much every council meeting and have a fuzzy recollection of what has been presented, what is the awareness of the general public? Is this intended to be a surprise? People aren’t too good with surprises. Why not hold an open house with the proposed design and let people see what’s planned and listen to their input? This is done by the Public Works Department. Yes, attendance is low, but they at least can say people were given notice and a chance to provide their input. The structure at the end of the Town Dock is an iconic structure that has come to be a significant visual representation of Parry Sound. Perhaps it’s time for a change. I suspect that whatever is constructed, bigger, smaller, taller, more modern, more traditional, will not appeal to everyone. Let’s get the input in earlier rather than later.

Parry Sound has a bit of a problem with transparency. It’s not deliberate, but it mucks up the system. Let me explain.

In the absence of a formally announced public meeting to introduce a new concept or proposal the general process is that the item is simply added to the town council agenda for discussion. The timeline for this is as follows. A council agenda is usually published by noon on the Friday before a council meeting. It is available in short form, without any attachments or agenda on the Town’s website. It is available to the local press and interested parties at the same time with the full package, except for closed meeting details.

So the only way a ‘non-groupie’ would be able to know what is on the agenda would be by going to the Town’s website and looking for the upcoming agenda. And if there is an item of interest on the agenda they would need to contact the Town for a copy of the full agenda. If they were eager beavers they would be able to get the request in by the Friday, but most likely they might get around to reviewing the brief agenda on the weekend and putting in the request on Monday. Assuming Monday isn’t a civic holiday, they could expect to get it before the end of Monday. If not, it would probably be provided before the close of business on Tuesday. That really doesn’t provide much time for review. And if the person can’t work with an electronic copy of the full agenda package I guess they would need to schlep over to the Town Hall and ask to see a printed copy. If they wanted a copy of the agenda package they would probably need to pay for the paper copy.

Not everyone is a ‘groupie’ or an ‘eager beaver’. So they will typically only find out what has happened at any meeting long after it has been decided (unless they subscribe to this blog). That probably is okay for the majority of issues addressed by Town Council. But there will be issues that benefit from a more open and proactive communication, road plans, fluoridation, changes to parks and facilities, pumping stations, trail plans. I’m not kidding about the pumping station. It was a meeting held by Public Works, and ensured that Parry Sound residents had their chance to understand what was involved.

My recommendation regarding the gazebo? Council should receive the resolution, discuss it and request public comment prior to the next meeting of Council (March 15, 2016). That will then allow Moose-FM and the North Star/Beacon Star to get the word out that a change is planned. And the North Star/Beacon Star folks would probably be able to post (parrysound.com) some images for people to take a look at and form an opinion. The Town should also host images and details online and at the Town Office, with paper copies for those who want to drop by. This would ensure that input was received from the whole community, not just a committee and Staff. And this is not one of those 21-day public notice issues, so a week and a half should be more than enough to prevent a later revolt but not slow things up.

As an aside regarding transparency. I am unable to find any information on the Town’s website regarding a waterfront plan or minutes of the Waterfront Committee that might have provided some early warning of proposed changes. The minutes were readily available before the previous website design, so they may be there but I can’t find them. But then again perhaps I’m just an ‘old fart’ who can’t find his way around a computer and these darn fangled generation 2.0 websites. And I really must be getting old, because I don’t ‘chirp’, or is that ‘tweet’?

Yes, it’s more work to keep people informed and involved, but it can save time, effort and hurt feelings in the long term. Enough of this, it’s time to get started working on the Fluoride 2018 vote.

Actually, I Enjoy Preparing the Sights Much More Than the Posts

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