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Council Agenda Preview – October 16, 2018

14 Sunday Oct 2018

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There are a surprising number of items on this week’s agenda. None of them are controversial, although several are interesting.

9.3.1– the Request for Quote related to sand and salt provides some insight into how much salt and sand is put down on Parry Sound streets and sidewalks each year. The number is 300 tonnes. That translates to 300,000 kilos (660,000 pounds) or about 100 pounds for every Parry Sound resident. Well, that’s not doing the environment any favours.

9.3.3– Train Whistle Cessation is moving forward with the request to contract with a firm to conduct necessary studies.

9.5.1– Cannabis Legislation is just around the corner and it appears that the Town of Parry Sound is just starting to do the necessary study. I suspect that just as Parry Sound is home to the area beer and liquor stores that we will also be home to a cannabis dispensary. Hmmm, should the requirement that the 3 Bs (booze, banks and bars) be located in the downtown be amended to 3-B and C? Or, since the RBC is moving to the south end and not to the downtown perhaps we can take the banks out of the 3 Bs and simply rechristen the requirement as the BBC rule.

10.4.1– Appointment of Clayton Harris. Our new CAO will be starting this week. I wish him all the best. The Town is in good shape and he can hopefully take us to the next stage. Thanks to Rob Mens for his contributions to getting us to this stage.

Correspondence

4.1 – David Pearce, Supply Chain Officer, Stewardship Ontario. Industry funding for Municipal Blue Box Recycling for the second quarter of the 2018 Program Year – Parry Sound received

Deputations

5.1 – Amber Gordon, Director of Development, Georgian Bay Forever. Georgian Bay Forever’s Pilot Project: Divert and Capture: The fight to keep microplastics/fibres out of our waters.

5.2 – Parry Sound Seniors Club, Board members Allen Smith, Gurneth Hoddy, Olive Duggan and Hilda Floyd. Requesting an increase in their grant and having a street sign put up advising drivers that seniors will be crossing in this area.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – Decommissioned Paramedic Response Unit (PRU). Resolution. That the Council of the Town of Parry Sound authorize the PRU being decommissioned in 2018 be donated to the Kearney Fire Department.

9.2.2 – Land Ambulance Contract. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound direct staff to enter into negotiations in January of 2019 with the West Parry Sound Health Centre (WPSHC) for a 4-year extension to the Land Ambulance contract, that will address the Value Added aspects of the service being leveraging of paramedics downtime, Community Paramedicine Initiatives and limiting Non Urgent Patient Transportation; and Further that staff report back to Council on the progress of negotiations by the beginning of February 2019 with a recommendation on proceeding with contracted services or preparing to take the Land Ambulance service in house for direct delivery.

9.2.3 – Consent Application. Resolution. That Consent Application No. B 31/2018 (PS) (Halvorson), be supported.

9.3.1 – RFQ – Gravel and Winter Sand. Resolution. That Council accepts the quotation from Fowler Construction to supply, deliver, blend, and stack approximately 300 tonnes of winter sand per delivery in the amount of $17.52 per tonne, for a total amount of $5,256.00, including tax, for the 2018-2019 year, this quotation being the only one received.

That Council accepts the quotation from Fowler Construction for approximately 60 tonnes of Granular A gravel per delivery in the amount of $15.26 per tonne, for a total amount of $915.60, including tax, for the 2018-2019 year, this quotation being the only one received.

9.3.2 – Tender – Snow Removal. Resolution. That Council accept the tender from Adams Brothers for snow removal on town streets during the 2018 fall & winter season and 2019 winter & spring season, including traffic control and labour costs to clear around infrastructure including tree pits and hydrants, as follows:
Tandem dump truck: $95.99 per hour
Wheeled loader: $111.81 per hour
Blower and control unit: $111.81 per hour

9.3.3 – Train Whistle Cessation RFP. Direction. (For Direct Staff Follow-up). That Council direct staff to secure the services of CIMA+ engineering to assess five level train crossings in Parry Sound for the purpose of train whistle cessation as required by Transport Canada, the Railway Safety Act, Grade Crossings Regulations and Grade Crossing Standards; and That staff bring a report back to Council with the results/findings from the engineering assessments and recommendations.

9.5.1 – Cannabis Legislation. Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-up). That the Manager of Building and Planning Services be directed to prepare a report advising on potential Zoning By-Law impacts regarding cannabis.

9.5.2 – Extension of Parking Limits for the Parry Sound Seniors at 80 James Street. Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-up)

By-laws

10.1.1 – 2018 Debenture. By-law 2018 – 6869. Being a by-law to authorize certain new capital works of The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound (the “Municipality”); to authorize the submission of an application to Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (“OILC”) for financing such capital works; to authorize temporary borrowing from OILC to meet expenditures in connection with such works; and to authorize long term borrowing for such works through the issue of debentures to OILC.

10.4.1 – Appointment of Clayton Harris. By-law 2018 – 6870. Being a By-law to appoint Clayton Harris as the Chief Administrative Officer/Deputy Clerk and the Alternate Head under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and to amend By-law 2013-6244 and 2015-6568 and to repeal by-law 1998-4000.

Council Agenda Preview – August 16, 2018

11 Saturday Aug 2018

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Reviewing the Town of Parry Sound Council Agenda and the attachments provides insights into the issues the Town faces and is wrestling with that don’t surface in most discussions or editorials. This week’s agenda is a reminder of a couple of these issues:

4.5, 10.1.2 – Intensification. The Town of Parry Sound occupies a unique position in the larger region with respect to real estate and services.

Properties represent an especially interesting dilemma. With two trans Canada train lines running through the Town with the accompanying noise and pollution, and no available waterfront property, there is little incentive for the construction of higher end residential properties in Parry Sound. If you want peace and quiet, albeit with a bit of travel for services (and limited high-speed internet) you build your dream home in one of the neighbouring municipalities. As a bonus you pay about half the property taxes that you would in Parry Sound. That leaves Parry Sound property best suited for lower cost, and higher density, development, including subsidized housing. Since there is such a shortage of lower cost rental properties in the area, renters really can’t quibble about the trains. This is neither good nor bad, it reflects market realities. There is little possibility that Parry Sound will ever be subject to gentrification. It’s all about the trains, an issue that no one wants to acknowledge and address. (Yes, there is little that can be done, but sometimes acknowledging a reality can lead to creative solutions.) The issue is that Parry Sound is undergoing the opposite of gentrification, and that’s probably not ideal, certainly not balanced. There are too many landlords, and would be landlords, in Parry Sound who want to cram as many people as possible in the smallest space possible with the lowest construction costs possible. There is nothing wrong with this approach, it makes the best possible use of the available land. This may explain in part why Parry Sound isn’t as pretty as Port Carling or Bracebridge or Huntsville. Why spend money on aesthetics if it’s a rental property? An architect with an inspired design, and a few more windows, only cost more and likely will have higher operating costs. Many of the stately older homes in Town have been renovated to permit multiple apartments, and it’s likely that more and more will be converted. Why would an individual spend the money to buy and update an older home when they can get more for less in one of the neighbouring municipalities?

Both 4.5 (subsidized housing) and 10.1.2 (triplet to quadplex) represent another step in this direction. Like putting on a few pounds, it’s best to acknowledge the change rather than ignore it or pretend our underwear has shrunk. Perhaps adding on a few more pounds is exactly what we wanted, or perhaps not.

9.3.1– Expenses: The most interesting part of this short item is the decision by Council to refinance the Smelter Wharf loan rather than pay it off as planned. I wonder what the thinking was on this? Also notable is the uncollectable amounts related to tax appeals. It seems that the Big Box stores continue to appeal for lower assessments, and the town doesn’t expect to win. From the agenda package (bold highlights are my addition):
“Total tax levy surplus in 2017 amounted $197,319, mainly due to the refinancing of the Smelter Wharf loan ($324k) which was budgeted to be paid off, and a one-time grant from the Province to compensate for the loss of tax revenue on the Lakeland Long-Term Care facility ($173k), offset by higher allowance for anticipated uncollectable tax amounts for the properties under appeals (-$240k)and winter control expenses (-$83k). During the year, staff adjusted the timing of some approved expenditures based on operational needs and resource availability. As a result, some expenditures that would be funded by reserves or reserve funds have been delayed into 2018. The delay will have no impact on the 2018 levy.”

Closed Session

(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; (Agreement of Purchase and Sale)

Correspondence

4.1 – Parry Sound Active Transportation Committee. Writing with concerns about the safety of St. Charles crossing on Isabella St for pedestrians and cyclists.

4.3 Parry Sound Anglers and Hunters Sportsman’s Gun Show, August 25th, 2018. Concerning denial of their request for a sandwich board sign near McDonald’s for their gun show which will be held in MacTier this year due to their temporary relocation due to scheduled renovations at BOCC.

4.5 – Parry Sound Affordable Housing Development Corporation. Requesting support in principle in the development of an affordable housing initiative on Waubeek Street in partnership with Parry Sound DSSAB.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Application for Council Approved Sign – 21 William Street. Resolution. That pursuant to section 3.(4) of the Sign By-law, the Chief Building Official is authorized to issue a permit for a ground sign in front of 21 William Street pursuant to the following conditions and variances:
a) The appearance and size of the sign shall be substantially according to the application,
b) The setback for the sign may be as little as 1.0m from the back of the sidewalk, and
c) All other regulations in the sign by-law continue to apply except for those revised by this resolution.

9.3.1 – 2017 Year End Transfers. Resolution. That Council approves the transfers to and from Reserves as summarized in Schedule A attached; That Council approves the transfers to and from Reserve Funds as summarized in Schedule B attached; And That 2017 capital projects which were previously budgeted to be funded from reserves or reserve funds may be completed in 2018.

9.3.2 – 2017 Audited Financial Statements. Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound does hereby approve the Draft Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 as attached in Schedule A.

9.5.1 – Sandwich Board signs for events outside of Parry Sound borders. Direction. That staff be directed to explore the option of delegating approval and terms/conditions for the placement of signs on town property to advertise events outside of the boundaries of the Town of Parry Sound to the CAO.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Declaration of Surplus Lands. By-law 2018 – 6856. Being a By-law to declare Lot 1 of Plan 63 in the Town of Parry Sound surplus to the Town of Parry Sound.

10.1.2 – Rezoning Application – Z/18/5 – 24 Albert Street (Jackson on behalf of Moore). By-law 2018 – 6857. Being a By-law to amend By-law 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 24 Albert Street (Jackson on Behalf of Moore).

10.1.3 – Big Sound Marina Agreement One Year Extension with Massasauga Management Co. By-law 2018 – 6858. Being a bylaw to amend By-law No: 2014-6428, the operating agreement between Massasauga Management Co. Inc. and the Town of Parry Sound for operation of Big Sound Marina and the Town Dock, and supersede amending By-law No: 2017-6704 conditional on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada approving the operating agreement and the extension of a head lease between the Town and Department of Fisheries and Oceans or the completion of the divestiture process.

10.4.1 – Establish Bobby Orr Hall of Fame (BOHF) Scholarship Reserve Fund. By-law 2018 – 6859. Being a By-law to provide for the establishment of a reserve fund to be known as the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Scholarship Reserve Fund.

 

 

Council Agenda Preview – July 4, 2017

03 Monday Jul 2017

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Summer is here and things are slowing down, but still moving along. Item 9.2.3 related to train air horn noise abatement is worth noting.

Closed Session Agenda

b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (Licensing Matter)

f) the receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose. (Zoning Matter)

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. (Performance Management)

Correspondence

4.1 – Peggy Hawthorn, Parry Sound Seniors Club. Request to waive building application fee for the new roof for their building.

4.2 – Wendy Kaufman, Manager, Community Planning and Development, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Approval of Official Plan Amendment No. 1 – Oastler Park Shopping Plaza – enabling the use of the subject land for either one bank or one financial office.
It looks as though the Royal Bank move to the Oastler Park Plaza will happen. I have advised the involved parties that I am dropping my appeal of the rezoning and will not appeal the Official Plan Amendment. I will be offering my thoughts on the whole process in a blog post later this week.

4.4 – Wendall Fisher, Chair, Parry Sound Area Active Transportation. Thank you letter for recent completion of cycling lanes on William Street.

Deputations

5.1 – Greg Mason, Chair, Downtown Steering Committee. Update on activities.

5.2 – Bob Griffiths, Sail Parry Sound. Update on activities.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – POA Write-offs. Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound, hereby approves the write-offs for the Provincial Offences Act Court outlined in Schedule “A” attached.
This concerns 608 cases from 1995 to 1998 and amounts to about $161,000 in provincial offence fines (traffic and other).

9.2.1 – Monument Restoration – Hillcrest & Sylvan Acres Cemeteries. Resolution. That Council award the tender to Sanderson Monument Co. Ltd. in the amount of Fourteen thousand, two hundred and eighteen dollars and seventy-nine cents ($14,218.79) taxes (1,635.79) included, for the repair and restoration of monuments at Hillcrest Cemetery and Sylvan Acres Cemetery, this being the lowest tender of three (3) tenders received.

9.2.2 – Quotation – Waste Water Treatment Plant Clean-Out Services. That Council accept the quotation from Bartels Environmental Services Inc. in the approximate amount of $74,030, based on estimated volumes of material, taxes extra, for Waste Water Treatment Plant clean-out services, this quotation being the lowest of two quotations received.

9.2.3 – Train Whistle Cessation. Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-Up): That upon budget approval for 2018, Council direct staff to proceed with the “Procedure for eliminating whistling at public grade crossings” consistent with the requirements of Section 23.1 of the Railway Safety Act, Section 104 of the new Grade Crossings Regulations and Appendix D of the Grade Crossing Standards.
This is an interesting initiative and I encourage interested people to read the resolution and report in the agenda package available at the Town’s website. Here are links (link1, link2) to a couple of articles related to Kingston’s experience in trying to abate train whistling, actually air horn blasting. It’s an expensive process and likely will involve the installation of fencing along sections of the rail line, at the Town’s expense. But let’s see what the consulting engineer suggests if Council chooses to head in this direction.

9.3.1 – Sign Variance – 46 Bowes Street. Resolution. That the Chief Building Official is authorized and directed to issue a permit for the sign at 46 Bowes Street according to the conditions and variances on Schedule “A” attached.

9.3.3 – Façade Improvement – 2017 Terms of Reference. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Facade Improvement Review Committee, Council adopts the revised Façade Improvement Program Terms of Reference, attached as Schedule “A”; and That Resolution 2009-201 be rescinded.

By-laws

10.3.1 – Bobby Orr Community Centre: Snack Bar Lease Agreement. By-law 2017 – 6751. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of an agreement with Jim Cox, “Mister Chips”, for a three (3) year term to provide services at the Bobby Orr Community Centre snack bar.

10.3.2 – Parks By-Law Update & Consolidation. By-law 2017 – 6752. Being a By-law to regulate the use of Public Parks within the Town of Parry Sound and to repeal 98-4016, 2003-4640, 2006-4016 and 2006-4917.

10.3.3 – Rezoning Application – Z/17/05 – Dennis Drive – Penco Homes Limited – Lifting of “h” symbol. y-law 2017 – 6753. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law) as amended to remove a holding provision (“h” symbol”) from Lots 47-49, Plan M405 in the Town of Parry Sound. Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-up): That if the above by-law is defeated, the Director of Finance, the Director of Public Works and the Principal Planner explore the possibility of a fees and charges by-law to provide municipal water and sewer services to all the lots zoned R1(h) in plan M405.

Happy 4th of July to all of our American friends and neighbors. (In their honor I have used American spelling.)

There Be Dragons in the Big Sound, and They Look Friendly (June 2017)

Trestle Logic

15 Thursday Jun 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Safety, Suggestions, Train

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When entering a parking structure in the Big Smoke have you noticed how there is generally a bar of some sort hanging from a couple of chains that you are required to drive under? There is also a sign that advises you the maximum vehicle height that can safely park in the structure. But, because people don’t like to read signs, or they don’t have a good sense of heights and numbers, the hanging bar acts as a check. If there is a bump as you pass under the bar you know that you have bigger problems ahead. Time to back up and park somewhere else.

So what do you think would happen if a parking garage posted the correct maximum height sign but set the bar a foot higher? Do you think people would look at the sign and think that the bar is set too high? Or would they simply ignore the sign and see if they fit under? If they are driving a vehicle that is a bit higher, perhaps a pickup truck with a camper unit on the back, they would probably inch forward cautiously, and once they passed under the hanging bar, assume they are okay and drive into the garage. Surprise!

This is basically the situation on William Street in Parry Sound and the CN trestle where there have been three ‘decapitations’ complete and partial in the past year. As you approach the trestle there is a frame structure about 15 feet in front of either side of the trestle. The sign on the trestle says that the maximum height is 10’6”. That seems like enough information to warn the truck driver with an 11’ height to take another route. What would you think if I told you that the clearance of the trestle, where the trucks hit the trestle, is greater than 11’, offering drivers a considerable margin of error. But perhaps 10’6” is actually more reasonable. As you look at the photo below you realize that there is a drop down as the truck travels under the trestle but the box of the truck would still be at the higher road level. That would lead to an angle which might actually make it an effective 10’6”, even if it’s actually three-quarters of a foot higher directly under the trestle.

The problem is not just professional drivers not knowing the height of their rig, or not paying attention, it’s also the support frame about 15 feet in front of the trestle. This structure has a clearance of 13’. I can well imagine that a truck driver might cautiously approach this 13’ frame and, discovering that they are able to get under it, assume they can fit under the trestle. It’s a bit of an optical illusion the way the road dips down, suggesting there is more clearance than there is.

The answer it seems is pretty simple. Suspend a bar on chains under the two support frames at 10’6”, much as you see in parking garages. A truck would pretty quickly figure out that they weren’t going to fit if they heard a thump well before they ventured forward and tore the top off their trailer.

We have had three such incidents just this year. You would think that CN would have figured it out by now that something needs to be done.

Has the Town received a formal report from CN attesting to the integrity of the trestle? Three dings in the past year and many more over the past few decades could mean there is unrecognized structural damage. But, it seems the railways always find it cheaper to apologize and make repairs after the fact than practice prevention.

 

Trains, Trains, Trains

11 Sunday Dec 2016

Posted by in Parry Sound, Train

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I have been rather quiet for the past few months on the issue of trains and how they impact Parry Sound. I don’t expect that will change for the foreseeable future. The railways are what they are, and they do whatever they want. I’m not ready to get over it, but I currently don’t have much to offer.

But, good news for those of you who do follow trains and are interested in their impact on local communities, Trainjane is back again at railandreason.com. This is a blog site that offers considerable information and insight on issues concerning the railways in Canada. They have been away for the last two years but have just announced their return. I highly recommend the site as a source of national information regarding rail activity.

In one of their first posts since returning they have provided a link to the document:

Guidelines for New Development in Proximity to Railway Operations

It’s an interesting read that highlights the more important considerations for new construction along railway corridors. Parry Sound certainly needs to understand and take note of the report’s recommendations.

guidelines-for-new-development-in-proximity-to-railway-operations

 

 

Council Agenda Preview – 2016-10-18

15 Saturday Oct 2016

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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It’s a very, very light agenda this week and I have identified in the section below those items that are of most interest, to me at least, with a few comments.

I’ll use the introduction to discuss an issue that is not on the agenda but came out as a news item. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. It’s about the toilets on Seguin Street almost directly across from Parry Sound Town Hall being vandalized for what seems to be the fifth time in the past year. The last time we had an ongoing issue like this, vandalizing of the pumping station across from the high school, the Town took action and set up a camera. Along with discussion and education, it brought results. I think it’s time to do that once again, only this time the setup would be much easier. I wonder if these individuals are also responsible for the damage at Tower Hill, the baskets on the bridge, and the Waubuno Beach toilets. I realize that common wisdom is to just fix the damage and that with time the individuals will either grow up, leave town, or grow tired of the activity. But I believe enough is enough. Let’s invest a little bit of time and effort to sort this out.

On another topic I read in the North Star on Wednesday the 12th that the CN Police have jurisdiction 500 metres on either side of the railway track. I guess that is so they can pursue individuals and make an arrest. A bit like in the southern police TV shows where the sheriff and deputy were restricted to conducting chases only as far as their county line. But, if we do have CN Police jurisdiction out to 500 metres perhaps we can reduce our OPP service and save a few bucks. (Just kidding of course. But it means all of my property is under the jurisdiction of the CN ‘brown shirts’. Presumably they can trespass at will. Authority but no real responsibility is not a desirable situation.)

The agenda items with comments follow.

Correspondence

4.2 – Wendy Pegahmagabow, Executive Director, Harvest Share Re: Reinstatement of Charitable Status for Harvest Share. I’m glad to see that this has been fixed up. It’s a good organization that deserves our support, and the tax deduction makes it a no-brainer.

4.6 – Dianna Allen, resident. Re: Request for Council to consider amendments to the Zoning By-law to allow Parry Sound residents to have backyard hens. I think I support this even though I have no intention of taking advantage of any by-law change. Let’s just make sure the number of chickens is limited, perhaps as a percent of the property square footage. The next question of course is, what about ducks and geese? Lambs and goats? I think it’s manageable but needs some reasonable limits. Will it attract wildlife is another question that needs to be addressed.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.5.2 – Tender – Snow Removal. Resolution. Tender – Snow Removal. That Council accept the tender from Weeks Construction Inc. for snow removal on town streets during the 2016/2017 winter season, including traffic control and labour costs to clear around infrastructure including tree pits and hydrants, as follows: Tandem dump truck: $ 95.00 per hour. Wheeled loader: $105.00 per hour. Blower and control unit: $105.00 per hour. This tender is the lowest tender of three tenders received.

9.6.1 – Feasibility of Establishing a Compost Facility. Direction. That the Director of Public Works be directed to prepare a report and recommendation on the feasibility of establishing a commercial, institutional and multi-residential composting facility for consideration during 2017 Budget deliberations. This makes sense to me, especially with the bear issues we are facing and the attraction of backyard composting. But a central composting facility would be gull and bear magnet. There are never any easy answers, even if intentions are good.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Rezoning Application – Z/16/5 – 84 Bowes Street (Breault). Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 84 Bowes Street (Breault).

10.1.2 – Site Plan Approval Application – The Parry Sound Affordable Housing Development Corporation – 82 Gibson Street. Being a By-law to grant Site Plan Approval and authorize the execution and registration of a development agreement with The Parry Sound Affordable Housing Development Corporation – 82 Gibson Street. This is the William Beatty School redevelopment.

I may not attend this week’s meeting given the light agenda and the rapidly disappearing evening light.

Friday Evening at the Champaigne Street Boat Launch

friday-evening-champaigne-street

 

REDAC Regional Market Plan Reflections

10 Saturday Sep 2016

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections, Seguin Township

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A few thoughts after reviewing the REDAC Regional Marketing Plan issued June 2016.

Positives:

  1. The report was not too shy in identifying some of the issues and challenges facing the region in terms of increasing economic development.
  2. There was a clear understanding that it is one thing to prepare a plan, and another to fund and effectively implement the plan.
  3. The plan appropriately identified the need for monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of any marketing programs.

Oversights:

Several meaningful issues were overlooked in the report. Was it a case of simply not recognizing the issues, or was it a case of ‘sweeping it under the carpet’. My sense of some important points that were overlooked:

  1. Services
  2. Tax differentials
  3. Housing value
  4. Railways

Services:

The services available to homeowners and businesses varies considerably throughout the area studied in the REDAC report (Parry Sound, McDougall, Seguin, and Carling). These include:

  • Municipal water
  • Municipal sewer
  • Natural gas

There was mention of the need for better internet connectivity. For the most part it’s not that big an issue except at the residential level. Wireless service is actually quite good, and for businesses it is not an unreasonable expense if it impacts business and profitability. They aren’t streaming video at work. Businesses out in the backwoods of the region really can’t expect ‘fibre’ type service, and if they really needed it they would not be located where they are. Homeowners who want to stream video at home have an issue as wireless can be expensive. Better, actually mostly cheaper, internet services are a nice to have that would help attract people and businesses to the area.

Real businesses that employ people and serve customers on site, not the retired consultant type shop, need water and sewer service. Yes, a well and septic bed can do the job, but it raises an unreasonable burden of effort for businesses that have other things to think about. Think about the new high school to be built in the area. Will they locate somewhere that depends on wells and sewers? Perhaps, but given their preferences they would rather not be doing weekly water tests to make sure the kids aren’t drinking contaminated water following that big rain. And how big a septic bed is needed for a high school of 1,000 students? Right, just about the size of a football or soccer field.

A bigger issue is the availability of natural gas. Electricity is expensive, especially for uses like heating. Natural gas is remarkably inexpensive, but it requires an infrastructure that is only available in Parry Sound and a relatively select number of addresses in the other municipalities. Propane is an option, but it’s not nearly as cheap or convenient as natural gas. I suspect a large number of people who installed electric baseboards when electricity was cheap regret not putting in more insulation, or installing a furnace and ducting that could be used with propane, a heat pump, or natural gas when it arrived along their road.

Tax Differentials:

The tax rates on property in the five municipalities vary about three-fold, with Seguin at the low end and Parry Sound at the top. Taxes reflect a balance of what services municipal residents and business want to receive and how much they are willing to pay for them. The lower taxes in the surrounding regions do not arise from happenstance, they reflect the interests of the taxpayers.

Municipalities like the Town of Parry Sound are stretched in terms of the taxes they can collect and the services they are expected to deliver. Adding new taxable residents and businesses is a priority as much of the infrastructure is already established and any increased revenues from new residents and businesses would be ‘profitable’, and help support necessary infrastructure upgrades for all. Economic development that leads to increased property values is very much in the interests of Parry Sound. The only real revenue the Town has is from the taxation of property and government grants.

The other municipalities do not have the same needs for more development and greater tax revenues. This is reflected in their lower tax rates. Economic development is something that is nice to talk about, because it reflects positively on councils. But do they really want it? Is it possible that more development will lead to a requirement for new services that might mean higher tax rates? Nobody likes to raise property taxes, especially if your municipality depends on being the low tax provider.

I think the residents of these municipalities would rather not promote development. Many of them like it the way it is. Seasonal residents are complaining about the development of certain lakes and are calling for a moratorium on new cottages. And I’m not sure that people really like the idea of losing the small town, or cottage area, feeling that comes with more development. If permanent and seasonal residents can enjoy low taxes and the services of a town like Parry Sound next door or Bracebridge a little further away, why do they need more ‘economic development’? There is no benefit, only the potential for change and higher taxes.

The tax differential between municipalities drives much more than was ever suggested in the REDAC report.

Substandard Housing Value:

This mostly applies to the Town of Parry Sound. Housing in Parry Sound is by Toronto standards cheap;  but it is a poor value. There are any number of reasons for this, none of which are easily fixed by politicians. In more affluent regions many of these houses would be leveled and replaced with the types of housing that young families need and can afford. The development of well-designed condo facilities offers some hope for better value housing in Parry Sound, but this type of housing will not appeal to those with families who want a backyard. They can get that type of housing in the Barrie, Orillia and Owen Sound areas, where there are also the jobs to support the associated cost of this housing. Chicken and egg, or egg and chicken?

The Railways:

Again mostly a Parry Sound issue. Canadian National and Canadian Pacific together run about twenty or more heavy freight trains through Parry Sound every day and represent a serious deterrent to business investment and residential development. Not surprisingly, the most substantial recent residential development, Silver Birch, is located far from the railway tracks. Bt it comes at a price, Highway 400 with it’s noisy weekend summer traffic. One development in Parry Sound close to the tracks, and subject to crossings that see trains going both ways, has struggled despite offering attractive ‘Southern Ontario’ single family homes. The issue is not just the risk of a Lac Megantic type event, or even the occasional road blockages, it’s the day-in, day-out, sound of air horns blasting at six crossings and the squeal of the wheels as they round the many curves, day and night. Why build a business in Parry Sound if you can build in Seguin or McDougall?  Oh, there’s the issue of services and infrastructure. Why not just go to communities like Orillia, Barrie and the ‘suburban’ areas of Muskoka, where you are not subject to trains in the same manner and you have access to more customers (retail and service), cheaper transport costs (manufacturing), and a larger employment pool?

 

Parry Sound Bay and Beyond can become an attractive destination for both people and businesses. The trouble is that there are too many other Southern Ontario municipalities that are already much more attractive. Once these destinations reach their limit to host businesses and new homes people will begin to look at Parry Sound Bay and Beyond. That is unless we can get our act together, work together, and create the infrastructure to compete. But area municipalities, with the exception of Parry Sound have more than enough money to continue operating as they have for the last twenty years, for another twenty years, without attracting any new residents or businesses. These municipalities have little motivation to do anything new. They just need to pretend to be interested lest permanent residents and businesses think they don’t play nicely with others.

Provincial and Federal civil servants are quite happy to facilitate and fund discussions of economic development in the West Parry Sound area. It their job to do it. And they are well paid jobs. By gosh they will do their best to get it done, regardless of the odds. It reminds me of the continuous negotiations in the Middle East between the Israelis and the Palestinians facilitated by the United States. The US State Department is tasked with getting a real agreement between these two parties and they try their best. It’s their job, even though there is no prospect of any type of agreement. At this point Israel has everything it needs in the region. It has the wealth, military strength and political influence to ensure nothing is taken from them. It is not in their interest to negotiate. Any appearance of willingness to negotiate is strictly a function of making nice with the President of the United States who gets it in their mind every now and then that they want to gain statesman status by brokering a grand peace agreement.

Final Thoughts

I started out this review of the REDAC Regional Marketing Plan expecting to be critical of Whitestone, McKellar and The Archipelago for not participating in the REDAC economic development process. Looking at things a little more closely I have come to realize that they are perhaps the only honest brokers in the region, willing to admit that not only do they not need regional cooperation, they are actually better off without it. I will give a pass also to the Town of Parry Sound. I believe they do support regional economic development because they desperately need the increased tax base to manage tax rates and support additional infrastructure necessary for the larger community.

Even Parry Sound tax rates are on the low end for Northern Ontario as was presented in a survey of Northern Ontario municipalities. I visited Elliot Lake in August and was impressed by the upkeep of the town and the facilities it offers. But it benefits from a population base about twice that of Parry Sound, a much larger geographic area (715 sq. km, versus 13 sq. km), and a tax rate 40% higher.

Regional economic development is something to keep Municipal, Provincial and Federal employees busy, and employed. If Ontario and Canada really want to see additional economic development in the area they need to provide incentives to McDougall and Seguin to hand over enough land to Parry Sound to allow for real economic development, by a municipality that is interested in economic development, and with established infrastructure. Incentives to McDougall and Seguin might include support for policing expenses, and/or broadband infrastructure, and/or an area athletic complex. But that would be a bribe I suppose. Given America’s experience with the billions they have pumped into the Middle East, I expect it wouldn’t work too well here. Take the money and run.

Aside: reading yesterday’s Beacon Star I saw that Seguin has started thinking about their 2017 budget. Their high priority items are summer weekend support for a nursing station in Rosseau, taking responsibility for unassumed roads, and a tennis court. All this with a potential 0% increase in taxes. Seguin is doing just fine with their current business model. Why take on development that might mean responsibility for building the services accompanying business and non-seasonal resident growth? It might mean tax increases and unfamiliar faces. That’s okay, the area municipalities have their cake and are able to eat it as well. They  seem to be riding as high on property values as were the Middle East oil kingdoms were when oil was $100 a barrel. As long as property valuation stay high, and seasonal residents don’t become permanent residents and expect Toronto level services, it’s all okay.

Mismatched Objectives, Taking Off and Heading to Port.
(Best to just get out of each other’s way.)

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Update: tracking down a link for the Beacon Star article I came across a squabble between Carling and the The Archipelago about phone bills. Yup, sure, let’s invest more in regional cooperation. (Not!) The Town of Parry Sound needs to take on a Singapore or Hong Kong frame of mind. Small is beautiful. It may not be cheap but it offers great value. Can we erect borders?

 

 

Council Agenda Preview – April 19, 2016

18 Monday Apr 2016

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At first look this week’s meeting appears to be light, but does in fact move forward with a few important initiatives. Item 9.6.1 is an interesting series of proposals regarding business critical improvements for Parry Sound. The attachments offer little detail in terms of the group’s analysis, and for the most part simply summarizes the recommendations. I encourage people read the Resolution with attachments in the full meeting agenda.

There are also a number of fund transfers on the agenda, Items 9.1.1 and 9.1.2, none of which look controversial. The Parry Sound and Area Chamber of Commerce, Item 9.1.4 is on the agenda requesting forgiveness of property taxes in consideration of major capital improvements and maintenance of the CN Station by the Chamber over the past three decades.

Consent Agenda

8.1 – Rail Safety Week – April 25 to May 1, 2016. Resolution. Be It Resolved that Mayor and Council declare April 25 to May1, 2016 Rail Safety Week in the Town of Parry Sound.
Did you check out the CBC report on the 100 most dangerous railway crossings in Canada? I suspect that Cascade Street would have made the list had the Town not invested in the crossing arms.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Reserve and Reserve Funds transfers at December 31, 2015. Resolution. That Council hereby approves the transfers to and from reserves, as outlined in the Report and Recommendation – “Reserve Transfers at December 31, 2015” attached as Schedule “A”; and That Council hereby approves the transfers to and from reserve funds, as outlined in the Report and Recommendation – “Reserve Transfers at December 31, 2015” attached as Schedule “A”.
There are multiple Reserve Funds involved with these transfers. I suggest that the interested reader pull up the full agenda package to review the recommendations. I expect that it will be approved as per the Resolution.

9.1.2 – Charles W. Stockey Centre – Transfer to Bobby Orr Hall of Fame (BOHF) Reserve and to Unfinanced Capital Outlay. Resolution.

  1. That Council approve a reduction in the “Unfinanced Capital Outlay” (being the capital construction debt) relating to the Charles W. Stockey Centre in the amount of $27,745.69, this being the amount necessary to extinguish the unfinanced capital cost.
  2. That Council approve a transfer to the Stockey Centre Reserve in the amount of $32,954.65, being 50% of the remaining unspent municipal contribution from the 2015 budget for the Charles W. Stockey Centre.
  3. That Council approve a transfer to the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Reserve in the amount of $32,954.65, being 50% of the remaining unspent municipal contribution from the 2015 budget for the Charles W. Stockey Centre.

9.1.4 – Request for waiving of property tax – Chamber of Commerce. Resolution. That the request from the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce to waive outstanding taxes, be denied.
I will be doing a deputation on this issue. It turns out that the Parry Sound and Area Chamber of Commerce has invested tens of thousands of dollars over the years and is largely responsible for the CN Station surviving to the 21st Century.

9.3.1 – Tower Hill: Transfer from Parks Reserve. Resolution. That Council authorize the transfer of $5,000 from the Parks Reserve to the Tower Hill park operating budget for the purchase of furnishings for Tower Hill Gardens, per the attached Schedule “A”.
There are some interesting recommendations made in the full agenda package that should entice visitors to to the garden to stop and linger a little longer. Check out the full agenda package for more information.

9.3.2 – 60 Bowes 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 premise of 60 Bowes Street according to the exceptions and Conditions in Schedule “A” attached.
This seems to relate to the new medical centre being built across from the hospital.

9.3.3 – One Time New Event Grant. Resolution. That Council approve the One Time New Events Grant program, attached as Schedule “A”.
The resolution proposes a total budget of $5,000 to be provided to organizations to support first time events in Parry Sound. It seems to be a way to help ‘make things happen’.

9.3.4 – Proposal from Jack Sports Group: 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.
This is an interesting issue. Jack Sports, owner of the Parry Sound Islanders hockey team, is requesting multiple considerations to keep the hockey team at the Bobby Orr Community Centre. Staff concerns range from financial, to logistics, to odours. It’s worth a read if you are interested in understanding the business of ‘for profit’ minor league hockey.

9.4.1 – EMS Power Stretchers. Resolution. That the Town of Parry Sound authorizes the expenditure of $48,672.00 +GST to Stryker EMS for the supply of three Power Stretchers.

9.4.2 – Decommissioned Ambulances. Resolution. That the Town of Parry Sound Council approve one ambulance being decommissioned in 2015 be donated to The Town of Kearney.

9.6.1 – Business Stimulus Report. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Business Stimulus Task Team, Council receives the ‘Business Stimulus Report’; and The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound Council Meeting Agenda April 19, 2016 that the following recommendations be approved:

  1. That cost estimates for the following new infrastructure upgrades be prepared. Cost estimates should be based on upsizing and the provision of service laterals:
  2. a) Great North Road, assuming maximum development possibilities;
  3. b) Champagne Street, assuming maximum development possibilities;
  4. c) Parry Sound Road to accommodate the potential of an in-town Industrial Park;
  5. d) Parry Sound Road to Oastler Park Drive
  6. e) Emily Street; and
  7. That funding strategies for the above upgrades be developed.
  8. That the Town develop Terms of Reference for a “Meet and Greet’/Ambassador team; and
  9. That the Town’s web page be enhanced to include a tab featuring private, municipal and senior government properties that are suitable for commercial or industrial development, and for sale. The property owners will be invited to participate in the development of the property profiles; and
  10. That the current Community Improvement Program (CIP) be reviewed, specifically with a focus on the Façade Improvement Program and the Tax Increment Equivalent Grant Program (TIEG), with recommendation to be brought to Council in August 2016; and
  11. That an application be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing (MMAH) requesting that the approval authority for Official Plan amendments be delegated to the Town; and
  12. That staff develop scope and terms of reference regarding the delegation of site plan approvals that are straight-forward to the Principal Planner.
  13. That staff develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town and property owner for the Beatty Big Sound property to ensure requirements for access and future servicing are considered.
  14. That staff research alternatives and efficiencies for delivery of Parry Sound Area Planning Board services.
  15. That staff develop weighting criteria to be used for the application of the ‘Principles and Guidelines for Private Sector Development’ policy; and
  16. That a priority planning session be scheduled with Council as establishing priorities will bring focus with a view to return on investment. (scheduled for May 19, 2016).

This is a large set of recommendations mostly summarized in the Resolution. I’ll take a later look at this and possibly provide a separate post on the recommendations. Take a look at the full agenda if you want to understand the basis of the recommendations.

By-Laws

None

I will be at the meeting this week, see you there.

Winter Finally Loosens It’s White Grip on the North Shore Rugged Trail

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Council Meeting Notes – September 1, 2015

04 Friday Sep 2015

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Lots of decisions, and nothing was decided that doesn’t make sense. It was a full agenda, and Council managed to plow through it. Here are the key summary points based on my reading of the meeting minutes which are available at the Town’s website.

Public Meeting

2.1.1 – Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment – Z/15/2 (6963510 Canada Incorporated) – Louisa Street. One objection was raised and related to the broad nature of the rezoning requested.

2.1.3 – Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment – Z15/4 (Van Gelder – 48 Bowes Street). The final proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is an application to amend an existing Special Provision 26.67 zone to permit a Business or Professional Office and an accessory dwelling unit. No objections were noted.

Deputations

5.1 – Mr. Frank Hinde. Re: Three near misses encountered on Great North Road and Bowes Street while trying to cross the street. The issue seems related to people turning right from Great North Road onto Bowes Street before pedestrians, and presumably mobility assisting devices, have cleared the walkway. It was noted that laws in Ontario have changed such that a vehicle may not turn right on red until the pedestrian walkway is clear. Let’s all remember this. 

Resolutions and Directions to Staff

9.2.1 – Olympic Sailing Bid. Resolution. Now therefore be it resolved that Council of the Town of Parry Sound supports Sail Parry Sound’s recommendation for 2024 Olympic sailing to be held in Parry Sound. CARRIED.

9.3.1 – Information Technology – Infrastructure Replacement. Resolution. DEFEATED. Council, rather than purchase the equipment from the identified supplier, has decided to purchase equipment through an open tender process. They also approved the transfer of the current GIS technician to the new position of IT Support Technician, and eliminated the positions of GIS Technician and IT Systems Coordinator.

9.3.2 – POA Write-offs for Under Payments. Resolution. CARRIED.

9.4.1 – Fluoride system upgrades for the Tony Agnello Water Treatment Plant. Resolution. CARRIED.

9.4.5 – Waubeek St. Reconstruction – Expression of Interest. Resolution. CARRIED.

9.5.1 – Regional Marketing Plan. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC), Council accept the proposal received from HCA Mindbox in the amount of $60,300 (HST extra), for the development of a Regional Marketing Plan. CARRIED.

By-laws

10.4.1 – CN Agreement – Isabella Street Grade Crossing. Being a by-law to execute an agreement with Canadian National Railway Company for modifications at the grade crossing of Isabella Street including the installation of flashing lights, gates, bell and constant warning device. CARRIED.

10.4.2 – Funding Agreement – Emily Street. Being a by-law to authorize the execution of a New Building Canada Fund – Small Communities Fund Agreement between Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Ontario, as represented by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound. CARRIED.

10.5.2 – NOHFC Funding Agreement: Regional Marketing Plan. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a funding agreement between the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC) and the Town of Parry Sound for the development of a Regional Marketing Plan. CARRIED.

There was more, and you will need to read the meeting minutes at the Town’s website for all of the decisions. The local news sources, Moose-FM and the North/Beacon Star, should have additional information and fill in the details.

Rather than attend the meeting I enjoyed the warm and humid last days of summer to cycle through Town and take some photos. If you attended the meeting, here is one view of what you missed.

Reach for the Top (Parry Sound in Colour)

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Council Agenda Preview – June 2, 2015

01 Monday Jun 2015

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The theme for Tuesday’s meeting is water. Water for drinking and water for swimming.

The Public Works report recommends that the Town stop fluoridating the Town’s water supply (9.3.2). The agenda includes a deputation by Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health, regarding fluoridation in the Town’s water supply (5.2). The content of the deputation was not included with the council meeting package. The Public Works opinion on fluoridation seems to boil down to the fact that they can’t make a recommendation on the basis of the medical or scientific information, but fluoridation is a cost to the Town and it is a challenge to implement. So if there is no clear medical reason to continue, they recommend stopping. There will be a period for public comment on the proposed change. I have an opinion, but it’s not worth sharing.

The other water related agenda item concerns a public pool. The Town is being asked to support a Carling Township initiative (5.2) requesting the Near North School Board consider including a pool and recreation complex with the future K-12 school. I have an opinion on the general merit of a pool that I shared in a post last week. Talk fortunately is cheap. Let’s pay more attention once it starts to get remotely serious. Internet for nothing and a pool for free? (Apologies to Dire Straits.) You can’t blame the municipalities for asking.

The Town also received a lengthy response from Canadian Pacific Railways in response to the Town’s concerns about crossing blockages and excessive speed. It’s worth reading but it’s only found in the full agenda package. It’s available upon request from the Town, or from this site at the ‘TOPS Agenda Packages’ page (see the top menu).

Sounding like a broken record, I suggest you at least review the Council agenda summaries available at the Town’s website before each meeting to see if there are items of importance to you and which weren’t covered in this preview post. You have the opportunity to make a short deputation at the council meeting if you want to express an opinion, or provide additional information, prior to Council discussion and vote. It’s harder to get things changed once they have been approved.

Correspondence

4.2 – Randy Marsh, Director, Government Affairs, CP Rail. Re: Response to Letter sent regarding track speeds, track maintenance and train braking systems. It’s long and it’s worth reading.

Deputations

5.1 – Brenda Ryan, Chair of the Waterfront Advisory Committee Re: Slide show presentation of Town Dock Improvements – Phase 1. The committee has been busy and it will be interesting to understand their vision and recommendations.

5.2 – Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health. Re: Fluoridation in the Parry Sound’s Drinking Water System. I suspect this presentation will support fluoridation, but let’s wait and see.

Consent Agenda

8.2 – Area Pool and Recreation Complex. Resolution. Whereas the Township of Carling has circulated a resolution in support of an opportunity to incorporate an area pool and recreation complex into the site planning for the new K-12 School which will serve not only the students the entire community of West Parry Sound, attached as Schedule “A”; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Town of Parry Sound supports the Township of Carling’s resolution and urges the other West Parry Sound Municipalities to join them in support of this and in requesting that the Near North Board of Education consider a process for collaboration regarding this concept; and Further that this resolution be copied to the Near North District School Board.

Resolutions and Direction To Staff

9.1.1 – Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. Resolution. That Council of the Town of Parry Sound supports the joint application with the Municipality of McDougall, for funding under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program for the Parry Sound to McDougall Trail Link Canada 150 Anniversary Project.

9.3.2 – Fluoride in Town’s Drinking Water. Direction. That Council direct staff to notify the Ministry of Health that it is the Town’s intention to cease adding fluoride to the Town of Parry Sound’s municipal water system, effective September 1, 2015; and That a 21 day Notice Period be invoked to provide the public an opportunity to provide input; and That the report and recommendation be considered at the July 7th Council meeting. That staff be directed to prepare a bylaw authorizing the ceasing of adding fluoride to the Town’s municipal water system. It would be a little cheaper to stop fluoridating (about one-third the cost of the hanging flower baskets), but would it be better, or even as good? That’s a question Council will be hard pressed to answer. I don’t think any of them have relevant medical or scientific training, and the Public Works report largely relates to the practical implementation of fluoridation, not its impact on health (for good or ill).

9.4.1. 9.4.2, 9.4.3 – Resolutions. Waterfront Advisory Committee Terms of Reference. Town Dock Improvements – Phase I. Big Sound Marina – Dock ‘B’ Redevelopment. A series of resolutions concerning the Waterfront. You’ll need to read the agenda package to get the details. There is movement and improvement.

By-laws

10.5.1 – Business Improvement Area (BIA) Levy By-Law. It’s up 5.8% this year. The cost will be on the order of $300 to $600 per building owner (probably more for those with multiple tenants and higher value). The council package has a summary of where the money is spent.

See you Tuesday night.

Going Grey. Fitting in with the Town’s ‘senior’ theme?
(Parry Sound in Four Colour)

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