MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Milt McIver, Deputy Mayor Debbie Myles, Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Councillor Megan Myles, Councillor James Mielhausen
STAFF PRESENT: Bill Jones, Chief Administrative Officer, Mary Lynn Standen, Clerk, Cathy Addison, Deputy Clerk, Tessa Swanton, Administrative Assistant, Teresa Shearer, Treasurer
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
Mayor McIver called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and Council members were reminded to disclose any pecuniary interest and general nature thereof that may arise during the course of the meeting.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Moved by L. Golden Resolution #34-01-2019 Seconded by M. Myles
THAT the content of the agenda be approved as presented.
Carried
ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
There are no Minutes to adopt for Special Council Meeting No. 19-34, November 12, 2019.
PUBLIC MEETING
There is no Public Meeting for Special Council Meeting No. 19-34, November 12, 2019.
DELEGATION
There is no Delegation for Special Council Meeting No. 19-34, November 12, 2019.
CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA ITEMS
1. Treasury Department Report No. TR 19-31
RE: 2020 Community Funding
Mayor McIver stated that he appreciates the work of the various community groups noting that they play an important role in our community.
Moved by J. Mielhausen Resolution #34-02-2019 Seconded by D. Myles
THAT Council receives Treasurer’s Report TR 19-31 regarding the 2020 Municipal Funding requests as information.
Deferred
2. 9:00 a.m.- Tobermory and District Chamber of Commerce- Neda Sarbakhsh and Bev Warren
Ask: $49,500.00 and waiving of fees for the use of the Tobermory Community Centre
thanked Council for their ongoing support
interacts directly with visitors to the area and promotes the community
works with Parks Canada and redirects visitors
assists visitors with paid parking questions/frustrations
seeking 40% of the Tobermory Chamber and Ferndale Information Centre operating costs to be funded by the Municipality for the upcoming 2020 season
interested in implementing signage for photo opportunities in Tobermory similar to the sign at the Lion’s Head Harbour, but will wait until the proposed Lion’s Head Waterfront Plan is in place
Neda Sarbakhsh will be presenting the results of the Tobermory Harbour 2019 pilot project at the head of the harbour at a future Council meeting noting that a portion of the money being sought through the Community Funding application will be used for the pilot project
Two (2) budgets were presented (the second budget depicting costs associated with providing visitor services at the Ferndale Information Centre for the 2020 season)
Councillor Myles discussed options for the Tobermory Chamber and Ferndale Information Centre including hours of operation, the trend of financial constraints, making the best use of the funds and determining the best and most efficient way to provide information to visitors
Councillor Golden expressed her appreciation for the work being done by the Tobermory Chamber frontline staff
Mayor McIver asked if the Tobermory Chamber had met with the Ferndale Information Centre staff to discuss turning over management of the Ferndale Information Centre to the Tobermory Chamber, to which Ms. Sarbakhsh indicated that they had yet to meet
3. 9:15 a.m.- The Meeting Place Tobermory- Noreen Steinacher
Ask: $2,000.00 and waiving of fees for the use of the Tobermory Community Centre
Jace Weir and Jennifer Cuffe presented the funding request on behalf of The Meeting Place Tobermory
thanked Council for their continued support
seeking funding to subsidize the Community Information and Resource Coordinator (CIRC) position, 23 hours/week
the CIRC is dedicated to supporting residents who have financial difficulty(ies) by identifying available resources
in 2018/2019, the CIRC helped 87 individuals/families through hundreds of face-to-face visits
funding will also be used for the “Building Social Capital to Address Human and Economic Risks in a Seasonal Economy” project
Councillor Myles stated that The Meeting Place is a model community hub, does well at evaluating project successes and adapts to the needs of the community
Councillor Myles asked Mr. Weir and Ms. Cuffe if they had any insight on how to reduce poverty and increase social well-being in Northern Bruce Peninsula (NBP), to which Ms. Cuff said that the new project they will be undertaking will likely produce some beneficial insight
Councillor Golden discussed the positive effects that an improvement to the employment insurance program would have on the community
Council briefly discussed employment insurance and Councillor Mielhausen suggested a future meeting with MP, Alex Ruff, to discuss this matter and the topic of Northern Ontario designation
Councillor Myles recommended collecting data from the unemployment office to determine trends
Ms. Cuff informed that 72% of individuals she has assisted in 2018/2019 were seasonally unemployed
4. Lion’s Head Skating Club- Rhonda Lawrence
Ask: $2,000.00 and waiving of fees for the use of the Lion’s Head Community Centre
The Lion’s Head Skating Club representative did not attend the meeting
5. 9:31 a.m.- The Lion’s Tail- Dan Cassel
Ask: $1,000.00 and the waiving of fees for the use of the Lion’s Head Community Centre
provided a brief background on The Lion’s Tail, including that it is a tourism initiative offering a premier destination motorcycle route across the Bruce Peninsula
The Lion’s Tail has been featured on various radio stations and has an abundant Facebook following
money raised from the annual ride was donated in 2019 to the five (5) school breakfast clubs located on the Bruce Peninsula
the requested funds are needed to continue The Lion’s Tail initiative and the use of the Lion’s Head Arena is being requested for the vendor fair and dance proposed to take place after the ride
in response to an inquiry from Councillor Myles, Mr. Cassel advised that participants are travelling from all over Ontario to attend the event
brief discussion ensued in regards to the cost associated with waiving the fees for use of the Lion’s Head Arena
6. 9:39 a.m.- Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory – Mary Houston
Ask: $2,000.00
Ms. Houston, Treasurer for the Bird Observatory, indicated that they are one of 26 national bird migration monitoring sites in Canada and has banded a total of 56,208 birds since 2002
there is a staff station scientist who works for the Bird Observatory as well as a part-time contractor
funding initiatives undertaken include annual dinner fundraisers, grant applications, membership fees and the Stewardship Program
funds would be used to upgrade power sources as frequent power outages are experienced
Ms. Houston listed the many projects that have recently been undertaken, such as the sewage system replacement, fixing the roof leak, front porch replacement on the cottage and potential water damage due to the increasingly high-water lake levels
Councillor Myles spoke on the importance of the Bird Observatory and requested a report be brought back to Council on their work
Ms. Houston indicated that she would prepare a report and invited Council to visit the Bird Observatory and witness some banding of the birds
further discussion ensued in regards to some expenses presented, specifically the Progressive Results Group expense
7. 9:52 a.m.- Bruce Peninsula Family Centre – Katherine Crivea
Ask: $20,500.00 and the waiving of fees for the use of the Lion’s Head Community Centre
Ms. Crivea, Supervisor of the Bruce Peninsula Family Centre, stated that she is proud of the centre and the long-term employees who are staying committed to the work even though they offer the lowest wages in Bruce County in this area of work
all staff are qualified or working towards their Early Childhood Education qualifications
the centre is aiming to act as an extension of the family/home rather than as a daycare centre
large amounts of fundraising are undertaken by the volunteer Board of Directors
requesting the use of the Lion’s Head Arena as a rain location for the annual Street Dance
receives grant money from Bruce County for specific projects
want to encourage more young families to the area
funds from Bruce County were used in 2019 for the installation of a new fence around the play yard which now meets Ministry standards
wants to purchase shade sails and/or construct a pergola structure due to the lack of shade in the play yard, lack of shade limits the amount of outside time the children get during the warmer months
thanked the Municipality for support
Council discussed funding options, including Bruce County grants for the shade project and allocation of funds donated by Caframo
Ms. Crivea advised that the By-law Officer requested that the shipping container be removed from the property as it is not permitted, to which Councillor Myles suggested that the Zoning By-law be revisited
Council and Ms. Crivea discussed childcare subsidy options for families who qualify
Councillor Myles recommended that resources be shared between the Lion’s Head and Tobermory child care centres, when possible
Ms. Crivea indicated that her Program Advisor suggested expanding and partnering with Bruce Peninsula District School (BPDS) in order to house more school aged children during the summer months as registration is always full, however there is extensive work that would be required in order to obtain the necessary licencing
8. 10:17 a.m.- Pike Bay Community Association- Debbie Dover
Ask: $2,000.00
Debbie Dover, President of the Pike Bay Community Association, thanked Council for their ongoing support
Provided a brief background of Pike Bay and the Association, including that Pike Bay is the most southerly community in Northern Bruce Peninsula and the Pike Bay Community Centre is owned and operated by volunteers
the aging building has posed challenges, the current challenges being faced relate to the well, water heater and underground plumbing
the centre hosts many activities for locals and visitors, such as tai chi, crochet classes, euchre and a variety of workshops
the Association has a membership of over 120 families who fundraise to help fund the annual Canada Day Fireworks display and costs associated with the daily operation of the centre
Ms. Dover encouraged Council to follow their Facebook page to keep informed on the activities the Association is offering
9. 10:23 a.m.- Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce Inc.- Peter Reid
Ask: $2,000.00
Crime Stoppers has been in operation for around thirty (30) years
the grant will be used for ongoing operational expenses
operating expenses are paid through fundraising initiatives
the Provincial government funds after hour telephone answering services only
reserves are depleting, therefore starting to approach municipalities for funding
Councillor Myles questioned whether the OPP are assisting Crime Stoppers
the OPP has yet to replace the full-time officer they provided to Crime Stoppers; this has placed more strain on the sole Crime Stoppers employee to perform duties for both positions
Councillor Golden noted that there is the perception that Crime Stoppers is funded, however it is evident that they are operating on their own fundraising dollars
10. Peninsula Bruce Trail Club- Grant Ehrhardt
Ask: $5,000.00
the Bruce Trail Club did not attend the meeting
11. 10:30 a.m.- Lion’s Head Promotions Group- Marydale Ashcroft
Ask: $2,000.00 and the waiving of fees for the use of the Rotary Hall
Marydale Ashcroft listed the projects the group organizes: advertising for the Canada Day and Homecoming Weekend events, Canada Day Parade, Community Potluck, Sandcastle Contest, Christmas pipe and drum band, printing of downtown walking maps, Canada flags in downtown core (need to be replaced in 2020) and flowers for planters
collaborated with the Biosphere Association to have the Lion’s Head Promotion Group’s walking map included in the Biosphere’s Eco Adventure Guide
hired Zach Rogers to make videos of Lion’s Head
has a $100 membership fee to belong to the Promotions Group each year
donated $750.00 to fund the salad bad at BPDS for one month
donated new tricycles to the kindergarten class at BPDS (from Harbourside Music proceeds)
donated funds to the Golden Dawn Senior Citizens Home for day trips and may look at donating to the Bruce Peninsula Family Centre in 2020
Ms. Ashcroft expressed interest in a dog park in Lion’s Head and advised of certain sidewalks that need replaced for safety reasons
Councillor Myles commended the group on their collaboration with the Biosphere Association
Councillor Myles and Ms. Ashcroft briefly discussed the process of adding Municipal facilities to the visitlionshead.ca (Tourist Town) website, possible locations for a dog park and the Public Works Department’s process of determining priority for sidewalk replacement
Mayor McIver asked Ms. Ashcroft how the group earns revenues, to which Ms. Ashcroft advised that revenues are gathered through membership fees and Harbourside Music donations
12. 10:46 a.m.- Central Peninsula Sno-Drifters- Jim Sauve
Ask: $1,500.00 and the waiving of fees for the use of the Lion’s Head Community Centre
interested in the Municipality focusing more on winter tourism initiatives
need funds in order to make a connection to the snowmobile trail for Stokes Bay residents and visitors, requires a new trail to be constructed for this purpose
short term accommodations, motels and restaurants being open year-round promotes winter tourism
requesting fees to be waived for the use of the Lion’s Head Arena August 29th, 2020 for a dance
Councillor Myles was in agreement with Mr. Sauve regarding supporting and promoting a diverse year-round economy and being ready to meet visitors with experiences
13. 10:42 a.m.- Tobermory Snowmobile Club- Jim Sauve
Ask: $1,500.00
requesting funds for brushing of the Tobermory snowmobile trail
holds an annual poker run and helps the County during hazardous household waste day
14. 10:52 a.m.- Tobermory Firefighters Association- Laura McFarlane
Ask: $1,500.00 and the waiving of fees for the use of the Tobermory Community Centre
the Tobermory Winter Carnival is approaching its sixth year in 2020
there is no cost to attend and many events take place throughout the day, such as face painting, a magic show, guided snow shoe hikes, crafts, book sale, snowmobile rides and more
requesting funding for entertainment costs
attracts visitors to the area in the winter months
Councillor Myles commented on the great community collaboration that occurs leading up to and during this event
Councillor Golden mentioned that the carnival taking place on Family Day weekend draws more visitors to the area
15. 10:57 a.m.- Woodlands Recreation Association- Dianne Thomson
Ask: $2,000.00
had previously requested that the Municipality be the lead applicant in a Trillium Foundation Grant application for the Woodlands Recreation Association
looking to apply for charitable organization status, acquire insurance coverage and have signage made for trail entrances
confident in the support from the community towards the construction of the trail
Councillor Myles asked Ms. Thomson what she anticipates the membership costs to be, Ms. Thomson estimated $10 for a family membership and insurance/maintenance costs to be approximately $600-700.00 annually
16. 11:02 a.m.- Lion’s Head United Church- Sharon Winegarden
Ask: $1,200.00
requesting funding for the Lion’s Head labyrinth, a circular outdoor pathway for locals and visitors to walk around and enjoy a quiet and peaceful environment
the labyrinth will be maintained by members of the church and is estimated to cost $4,000-5,000
17. 11:07 a.m.- Friends of Cabot Head (FOCH) – Ron Wheeler
Ask: $2,000.00 and the use of the Council Chambers at the Municipal Office
all materials are currently boxed up in one room as requested by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)
want to focus on opening the Cabot Head Museum and operate three (3) days a week staffed by volunteers
need to repair and repaint the walls, catalogue items, purchase a laptop and Past Perfect software, plaque historical photographs, add additional artifacts and displays, plaster and paint tools for lighthouse and repair interactive dioramas
Funds have been depleted from the temporary closing of the site
Mayor McIver requested an update on where the Friends of Cabot Head (FOCH) are at with their projects
Mr. Wheeler advised that he wrote an email to the coastguard expressing frustration with how long the work has taken, he informed that the work should be finished in a few months
the FOCH are working on a new business plan to be presented to Council as well as looking into partnership opportunities
Councillor Myles stated that Council has yet to have a discussion on plans for the Cabot Head Lighthouse including renewing the agreement with FOCH
Councillor Myles said that is it difficult to support an agreement renewal without a long-term financial plan as that site requires incredible resources
Mr. Wheeler indicated that this is the first step to reopening the site
18. 11:23 a.m.- Tobermory Primary Place Daycare- Gillian Ceaser
Ask: $10,000.00
the daycare loses about $10,000.00 annually when operating year-round
a benefit to year-round operation is access to programs offered though Bruce County, such as speech and behavioural therapy
important that families have access to childcare all year as there are families with full-time jobs residing in the community
costs to operate are rising and enrollment is declining; however, the daycare is profitable and full during the summer months
a flood was experienced last year which resulted in an unexpected expenditure to replacing $5,000.00 worth of appliances
during the flood, the daycare had to move to St. Edmund’s Public School and hire another staff member during that time
Mayor McIver asked Mrs. Ceaser as to the capacity of the daycare to which she replied that they have 54 children in the summer and 12 children in the winter
Councillor Golden stated that the daycare is one of the most important facilities and it should be a Council priority to support the daycare
in response to Mayor McIver, Mrs. Ceaser informed that they fundraise about $15,000.00 each year
Councillor Myles mentioned the concept of shared administration options for the Lion’s Head and Tobermory Centres
19. 11:34 a.m.- Bruce Peninsula Hospice Inc. – Nancy Forgrave
Ask: $1,000.00
serving since 1995 and has made over 1,000 visits with the need for service growing
four (4) new volunteers will be joining
visits in the home, long term care facilities and hospitals
Ms. Forgrave shared some quotes from those receiving care and support services
NBP has a large percentage of the population over 65 years of age
developed and distributed the Stepping Stones book
created and distributed a survey regarding what residents need/want in order to stay in NBP
Councillor Myles asked Ms. Forgrave if she could share the survey results with Council
20. 11:42 a.m.- Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association- Graham Thomas
Ask: $2,000.00
requesting funding for the Bayside Astronomy Program
volunteers and summer students run the program while educating the public on the importance of dark sky communities
over 17,000 people have experienced the program
funds are raised through their raffle program, Eco Adventures and summer student grants
Mayor McIver inquired on the attendance to Bayside Astronomy to which Mr. Thomas indicated that 100-120 people attend each night on average
Councillor Myles suggested that Council consider removing the $2,000.00 cap for Municipal funding requests so that applicants are required to generate a sound argument for a specific ask
Councillor Myles asked Mr. Thomas if he had any idea of how to better increase the economic impact of the program
Mr. Thomas noted that there have been some “dark sky” merchandise sales, which were not expected and the program can be offered during the shoulder seasons to increase tourism at those times
21. Requests for Waiving of Fees
The following requests for the waiving of fees at municipal facilities were deferred.
Beverly Warren- Community Potlucks
Brenda Kearney- Lion’s Head Hospital Auxiliary- Hospital Auxiliary Garage Sale
Deryn E Harkness- Northern Bruce Walkers
Ferndale, Lion’s Head and District Lioness- Lioness Fundraisers
Joan Garner- Tobermory Coffee Club
Lakewood Preservation Partnership Non Profit Corporation
Men’s Breakfast
Mike Marshall- Top of the Bruce Wood Carvers
Peninsula Adventure Sports Association (not for profit organization)
Tobermory United Church
VON Grey Bruce SMART Exercise and Falls Prevention Program
Women’s Information Network, Tobermory- Luncheons
Moved by M. Myles Resolution #34-03-2019 Seconded by J. Mielhausen
THAT Council defers consideration of Agenda Items #21-23 in regards to Municipal funding requests to the November 18, 2019 Special Council meeting.
Deferred
22. Requests for $500 and Under
The following requests for $500 and under were deferred.
Badge of Life Canada Registered Charity- Lynne Rusk
Bruce Peninsula Co-op Gallery- Nicole Gamble
Bruce Peninsula District School- Breakfast Club
Bruce Peninsula District School Cafeteria- Nicole Gamble
Keep the Bruce Clean and Green- Deryn E Harkness
St. Edmunds Public School- Sandra Paccanaro
St. John Ambulance- Grey Bruce Huron Branch
The Bruce Peninsula Art Show- Sue Dyment
Tobermory Community Gardens Group- Jacqui Wakefield
Tobermory Health Services Auxiliary- Rob Davis
Tobermory Tennis and Pickleball Club- Rob Davis
Wiarton and District Agricultural Society- Lacey Thompson
23. Requests for $500 and Under and Waiving of Fees
The following requests for $500 and under and the waiving of fees at Municipal facilities were deferred.
Bruce County Country Fest- Brooklyn Hewton
Bruce Peninsula Minor Hockey Association
Bruce Peninsula Society of Artists- Nicole Gamble
Halloween Spooktacular- Sue Dawson
Lion’s Head Minor Softball- Carrie Thompson
Making Waves Festival- Lorraine Campbell and Wendy Perkes
The Community Support Committee- Sharron Colter
Tobermory Legion Ladies Auxiliary Br 290
OTHER BUSINESS
Council discussed the Special Council Meeting on November 18, 2019, specifically the inclusion of Parks Canada in the discussion. Mr. Jones was instructed to advise Parks Canada Superintendent, John Haselmayer, that he is welcome to attend and listen into the discussion at the meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
1. Lindsay Miller de Malmanche- Miller’s Family Camp- letter of support in regards to Bayside Astronomy’s community grant application
Moved by D. Myles Resolution #34-04-2019 Seconded by L. Golden
THAT the correspondence be received for information, as printed and circulated.
Carried
READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by M. Myles Resolution #34-05-2019 Seconded by J. Mielhausen
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd reading and enacted:
2019-95 BEING A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF NORTHERN BRUCE PENINSULA HELD TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2019
Carried
CLOSED SESSION
There is no Closed Session for Special Council Meeting No. 19-34, November 12, 2019.
RECONVENE FROM “CLOSED SESSION” TO RESUME COUNCIL MEETING
There is no Closed Session for Special Council Meeting No. 19-34, November 12, 2019.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by M. Myles Resolution #34-05-2019 Seconded by L. Golden
THAT the meeting adjourns at 12:06 p.m.
Carried
