MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Milt McIver, Deputy Mayor Debbie Myles, Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Councillor James Mielhausen, Councillor Megan Myles
STAFF PRESENT: Peggy Van Mierlo-West, Chief Administrative Officer, Cathy Addison, Clerk, Tessa Swanton, Deputy Clerk, Ryan Deska, Community Services Manager, Teresa Shearer, Treasurer
OTHERS PRESENT: Jace Weir, The Meeting Place,
Nicole Gamble, Bruce Peninsula Society of Artists and Bruce Peninsula District School,
Brenda Kerton, Bruce Peninsula Society of Artists,
Sharron Colter, Northern BP Community Support Advisory Action Committee,
Peter Reid, Crime Stoppers,
Sheryl Roberts, Lion’s Head Figure Skating,
Donna Hambleton and Isla Carmichael, Friends of the Lion’s Head Library,
Lou Miedema, Lion’s Head Firefighters Association,
Deryn Harkness, Keep the Bruce Clean and Green
Debbie Dover, Pike Bay Community Association
Rod Steinacher, Tobermory Community Gardens Group
Trace MacKay, Golden Dawn Senior Citizen Home
Beth Anne Currie, Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory
John Grandy, Peninsula Bruce Trail Club
NOTE: Some members of Council and staff were present in the council chamber and the meeting was held via zoom, an electronic platform, for members of the public to attend.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
Mayor McIver called the meeting to order at 9:01 p.m. Council members were reminded to disclose any pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof that may arise during the meeting.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Moved by L. Golden Resolution #42-01-2020 Seconded D. Myles
THAT the content of the agenda be approved as printed.
Carried
ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
There are no Minutes to adopt for Special Council Meeting No. 20-41, November 9, 2020.
PUBLIC MEETING
There is no Public Meeting for Special Council Meeting No. 20-41, November 9, 2020.
DELEGATION
There is no Delegation for Special Council Meeting No. 20-41, November 9, 2020.
CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA ITEMS
1. Treasurer Report No. 20-24
RE: 2021 Municipal Funding
Moved by J. Mielhausen Resolution #41-02-2020 Seconded by M. Myles
That Council receives Treasurer’s Report TR20-24 regarding the 2021 Municipal Funding requests and directs staff as to the allocations to be included in the 2021 Budget.
Carried
2. 9:00 am – $2,000.00 request – The Meeting Place – Jace Weir – 2021 Funding Application
Ask: $2,000.00 and waiving of fees for the use of The Meeting Place
Appreciates past support from the Municipality and requests continued support
Committed to providing needed services
Community Information and Resource Coordination (CIRC) role is particularly important
Utilization has been growing year after year
CIRC coordinator assisted 121 additional individuals during the first four (4) months of Covid-19
Assist those with income, food, and shelter insecurity
Partnered with Northern Bruce Peninsula Community Support Advisory Council for their pilot project called Seniors Centre Without Walls
Organized the soft reopening of the mini gym
74% of people that accessed CIRC services are seasonally employed
Poverty is key barrier to life satisfaction and well-being
Learn what income insecurity looks like in NBP
Use current learning and broad-based network to provide CIRC services
Employing two (2) CIRC employees
More virtual options will be provided during the 2nd wave of Covid-19
Increased hours in 2020/2021 for CIRC; want this service to continue
Embrace different ways of providing support services to the community
Some individuals face difficulty maintaining a living wage for all months of the year
Will continue to adapt to provide services
Has received two (2) grants
The annual fundraising concert event was cancelled in May 2020, hoping to plan for the concert event in 2021
Shown capacity to raise more funds through other streams each year
Council supported a $2,000.00 grant and The Meeting Place
3. 9:10 am – $2,000.00 request – Bruce Peninsula Society of Artists – Nicole Gamble and Brenda Kerton – 2021 Funding Application
Ask: $2,000.00 and waiving of fees for the use of The Rotary Hall
Bruce Peninsula Society of Artists (BPSA) was formed in 1997 by small group of local artists
In 2016, the group became non for-profit organization
The group meets once each month
Organizes the annual Children Workshops, Annual Studio Tours, Christmas Festival of Art show and Co-op Gallery in Ferndale
The group draws people to the area
Organizer of several special Lion’s Head 100 projects
People from all over Ontario come to see the art
The gallery is well visited and advertised in radio and magazine advertisements
Act as ambassadors for our area
Funding that was requested last year that was not used due to cancellations will be used in 2021
Requesting $500.00 for the ongoing maintenance of the BPSA website; the website is critical for the group to reach the community
Requesting $1,500.00 for personal protective equipment for the Co-op Gallery and new signage for the BPSA Annual Studio Tour
Requesting the use of The Rotary Hall for the Children Workshops
Recognizing the historical significance of the building, work is needed
The stair railings, roof, etc. need repaired
Need to know how to partner with the Municipality to ensure it is a useful municipal asset and our time and investment is secure
Who do we work with to move this forward?
BPSA supports 80 artists
Lots of volunteer effort and time
Peggy Van Mierlo-West is the municipal contact, and a meeting will be arranged to discuss needs and requirements for the building
Has yet to apply for other sources of funding
Council supported a $2,000.00 grant and the waiving of fees for the use of The Rotary Hall
4. 9:20 am – $2,000.00 request – Bruce Peninsula District School – Nicole Gamble – 2021 Funding Application
Ask: $2,000.00 request
Plans for outdoor classroom and seating
Four (4) temporary learning spaces
One (1) whiteboard for each learning space, purchased through and installed through Blue Water District School Board (BWDSB) to be permanently mounted on the outside of the building
Student Council can purchase the whiteboards
The cost is $1,600.00 for each learning space
Planning on a 2nd outdoor classroom near the secondary section with scheduled time slots
One (1) outdoor classroom exists and has been used daily at the school
Wooden benches for seating
Will do other fundraising initiatives
A significant amount of money was fundraised for the playground equipment
Like to investigate building two (2) pavilions at the school
The learning spaces will be utilized beyond Covid-19
Have quotes coming in soon and can present to Council in the future
$1,000.00 of the funds will be allocated to the Breakfast Club program
Food is pre-packaged and delivered to each classroom
More students are taking food than ever before
When hot breakfast was served, the kids had 10 minutes to grab their food
60-70 kids would attend Breakfast Club under old the model, when buses ran late those kids missed out on the program
With Covid-19, bins are now packaged; plastic bins labelled with the classroom number filled with lots of pre-packaged snacks
The program cost was around $600.00-$700.00 dollars/week last year
This year the cost is $195.00/day to pack the bins; $1,000.00/week
Every student is taking something to eat everyday
Now feeding 270 students everyday
Bins come back empty everyday
Have not been able to do very many fundraisers this year due to Covid-19
Received $7,000.00 from Ontario Nutrition Program
Have a shortfall of about $20,000.00
Breakfast Club costs less than $1.00/day/student
Started a Facebook campaign; reluctant to ask school families for too much support as it has been a tough financial year for families
Not able to run the salad bar; hoping organizations will support Breakfast Club this year
Asking the Municipality for $1,000.00 towards Breakfast Club to support the program for one week
People are being very generous
Kara and Kyle of Hellyer’s Foodland are donating all groceries for November 2020 valued at approximately $1,800.00
The BWDSB does not contribute to anything outside of the school walls, therefore are not financially assisting with the outdoor learning spaces
Councillor Myles noted the importance of the BWDSB helping with the project and the value of outdoor learning spaces
Mayor McIver thanked Nicole for her creativity and outdoor learning initiatives
Supported a $2,000.00 grant
5. 9:30 am – $3,000.00 request – Northern BP Community Support Advisory Action Committee – Sharron Colter – 2021 Funding Application
Ask: $3,000.00
Seniors Centre Without Walls is a growing concept across Ontario
Seniors can feel lonely during the pandemic
Partnered with United Way Bruce Grey to apply for New Horizon’s for Seniors Grant and to implement a 5-month pilot project for Seniors Centre Without Walls in Northern Bruce Peninsula (NBP)
The project will begin March 31, 2021 to March 2022
Participants can talk via telephone and video (Zoom)
Chat lines on safety, health, and well-being topics
Included a copy of the sample program for November
Many opportunities for people to phone from NBP
In a rural area, the usual gathering areas are closed
There are many benefits to the program
Connection with others is important; loneliness was an issue before the pandemic
There is a large population of older adults who live alone in NBP
The program will help alleviate feelings of loneliness
Potential to become a program throughout Bruce Grey and for other municipalities to adopt the program
Sky is the limit
Focus on the prevention of elderly abuse, awareness of scams and frauds, gentle exercises, and important news of the day
Choose topics and speakers
The over 55 years of age demographic represents over 40% of the population in the Bruce Peninsula
Most will remain on the Peninsula this winter during the pandemic
Can have chat sessions with municipal staff
Hope to gain more partners
Support has been received from the Tobermory Meeting Place, Salvation Army, Council on Aging Grey Bruce, Pike Bay Comm Association, and the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula (CAO)
The $3,000.00 request will be used to fund speakers, chat sessions, office supplies and a logo
Appreciate the contribution that Council gave the Committee of $500.00; the funds are still in the bank account
Mayor McIver stated that the program is an interesting and necessary idea
Councillor Golden indicated that a representative from the Safe Communities Committee is enthusiastic about the program
Supported a $2,000.00 grant
6. 9:40 am – $2,000.00 request – Crime Stoppers – Peter Reid – 2021 Funding Application
Ask: $2,000.00 request
Proactive program to anonymously assist in solving crime and improving quality of life
A registered charity, not a police program
Still taking tips, very few tips in NBP
Some arrests this year based on tips in NBP, such as Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) issues
Will be providing updates to police service boards
Asking for $2,000.00 to cover core expenses
Had to cancel the fundraising golf tournament
The OPP have indicated that they will increase support to Crime Stoppers
Crime Stoppers can provide Council with a quarterly report
Mayor McIver stated that he appreciates Crime Stoppers and all their work
Supported a $1,000.00 grant
7. 9:50 am – $2,000.00 request – Lion’s Head Figure Skating – Sheryl Roberts – 2021 Funding Application
Ask: $2,000.00 request and a reduction in ice fees
Paying more for ice fees than registration can cover
Want low fees to include as many children as possible
Parents still cannot afford to send children
Installment payments have helped
Biggest expense is ice time fees
Figure skating times that are scheduled are not prime time slots
Students can come straight from school and get on the ice
Received a grant for the past year which only covers one month of ice fees
Tried to get some sponsorships from businesses and other funding
Ran at a deficit without Covid-19
Will see close to a $4,500.00 deficit this year if the group cannot proceed with fundraisers
It was noted that perhaps the group could collaborate with the Minor Hockey Association
Supported a $2,000.00 grant
8. 10:00 am – $750.00 request – Friends of the Lion’s Head Library – Donna Hambleton and Isla Carmichael – 2021 Funding Application
$750.00 request
Establish closer ties between the library and community
Promote knowledge
Assist in raising funds; has been successful in raising funds
In 2019, the group held its first book sale and raised $5,000.00
Unable to hold the book sale in 2020
Have applied and been successful in getting funds last year from the Community Foundation of Grey Bruce
Helped us with getting access to buy books for children at Christmas
Unable to have the book sale and do much fundraising
Wants to complete three (3) important projects organized by the Head Librarian, Catherine Hawke
Create t-shirts that say “I Love My Library- Lion’s Head Library” for children
Work with the local Lion’s Head Foodbank to place books in the Christmas food hampers
The project costs include $300.00 for books, $200.00 for t-shirts and $250.00 for take out kits
Mayor McIver thanked Donna Hambleton and Isla Carmichael for their presentation
Supported a $750.00 grant
9. 10:10 am – $1,500.00 – Lion’s Head Firefighters Association – Lou Miedema – 2021 Funding Application
Ask: $1,500.00 request
Funding will be used to supply the Civic Holiday fireworks display in Lion’s Head
Firework costs have increased
Funds are raised through bottle collection and setting up/disassembling the Lion’s Head Art Show
The annual fireworks cost is $5,500.00
It is a great community event
Would like to see the fireworks display take place at the Lion’s Head Marina rather than in the field; issues include clearance and busyness of the Marina due to the fishing derby
A barge requires suitable weather conditions and is expensive to rent
Mayor McIver thanked the volunteer firefighters for their service
Supported a $1,500.00 grant
There was a break in the meeting at 10:22 a.m.
The meeting reconvened at 10:27 a.m.
10. 10:20 am – $2,000.00 request – Keep the Bruce Clean and Green – Deryn Harkness – 2021 Funding Application
Ask: $2,000.00 request
Provide a service to people in Tobermory called Boots on the Ground Ambassador Program
The ambassadors will direct tourists in “hot spots” and inform them of best practices while raising awareness of sustainability and the environment
Partners with the Bruce Peninsula Environment Group (BPEG) and Bruce Trail Association
“Take your pictures and leave no footprints” concept
Mayor McIver thanked Deryn Harkness for the group’s work
Supported a $1,000.00 grant
11. 10:30 am – $2,000.00 request – Pike Bay Community Association – Debbie Dover – 2021 Funding Application
Ask: $2,000.00 request
Most southerly centre in NBP
The building is close to 150 years old
Owned and operated by volunteers of the Pike Bay Association
Aging buildings create problems
Thank you for offering the grants as they have been valuable
Move towards a proactive, preventative maintenance approach
Floor in one area of the building has reached a dangerous point
Hard to get in there to remove plumbing fixtures
The grant and funds raised will cover the project
Community hub for activities
350 individuals call the area home
Population increases throughout the summer months and this year the population will be high during the winter months
Centre was closed to the community this year
The group supplies a monthly newsletter, operates an active Facebook group, and hosts online fundraising
Lots of donations are received, maintain an active online presence with 450 members on the Facebook page
160 families hold a Pike Bay membership
Pike Bay is growing leaps and bounds; new construction is occurring
Volunteers want to offer classes at the Community Centre
2000 participant visits
Had to cancel some rental bookings this year
Mayor McIver stated that the building is important to the community and it is good to see the memberships increasing
Supported a $2,000.00 grant
12. 10:40 am – $1,025.00 request -Tobermory Community Gardens Group – Rod Steinacher – 2021 Funding Application
Ask: $1,025.00 request
Began in 2014 with raised tables at Tobermory Meeting Place
Steady growth since 2014
Currently, there are fourteen (14) beds and tabletop gardens
Tomato and garlic, sunflower circle, berry patches, beds dedicated for birds, beds for pumpkins and squashes for kids at the daycare and school
Increased demand for everything around gardening
Three (3) beds reassigned for individual gardeners
Expects demand to increase
Skate park, dog park, community garden and fitness equipment are all being used
Organic gardening techniques
Contributes to food security in NBP and provides some fresh product to the Tobermory Food Bank
Working relationship with Meaford Community Gardens
Asking for funding for 2021 to fund ongoing yearly items, such as compost, mulch, seeds and starter plants and the Tobermory Primary Place and St. Edmunds Public School educational event
Looking for a small garden cart, boxes and soils and bird netting and fasteners
$400.00 in donations and contributions from the community and 50 plus hours of general labour from volunteers
Beds can be requested through the Facebook page and there is a small turnover every year
Mayor McIver said that there is lots of interest in the program and it is educational for children
Supported a $1,025.00 grant
13. 10:50 am – $2,000.00 request – Golden Dawn Senior Citizen Home – Trace MacKay – 2021 Funding Application
Ask: $2,000.00 request
Grant is for a strategic planning session
Addressing redevelopment options
Some board turnover in the past two (2) years
Funds will be used to hire a facilitator to take the board though zoom sessions to create a strategic planning process
The workplan involves community consultations for potential partners and supporters; will be speaking with the Municipality and Bruce County
Ryan Deska can connect with Trace MacKay regarding the Affordable Housing Taskforce
Supported a $2,000.00 grant
The Clerk left the meeting at 10:55 a.m.
The Clerk returned to the meeting at 10:56 a.m.
The Peninsula Bruce Trail Club presented before the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory due to no representation at that time.
14. 11:00 am – $2,000.00 request – Peninsula Bruce Trail Club – John Grandy – 2021
Funding Application
Ask: $2,000.00 request
Want to be good partners to the community
Address residents’ concerns
Recognize that the Bruce Trail is one of the most important tourist attractions in Grey Bruce
Those using the trail are casual tourists
Trying to open new sections of the trail in different areas for workers and tourists so they do not go to Lion’s Head and the Grotto
Want to open a new parking lot south of Barrow Bay on the east side of Bruce Road 9 to reduce roadside parking congestion
Complaints regarding tourists parking in front of individuals’ properties
Intend to build an off-road parking lot in the spring
Received a quote from a local contractor to build a lot for twenty (20) vehicles
The total cost of the project is $6,005.00
Management is based on property ownership
Mayor McIver stated that he appreciates the work done by volunteers on the Bruce Trail
Supported a $1,000.00 grant
15. 11:00 am – $2,000.00 request – Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory – Beth Anne Currie – 2021 Funding Application
Ask: $2,000.00 request
Implications of highwater levels, shoreline adversities
As the waves have continued to bash and highwater is more hyperactive the group has been taking photo evidence of the effects of highwater and thrashing waves on the coastline
There is water moving through the historic cabin
Afraid they will lose the building
Hope with the use of an excavator and shovel, some concrete can be added to the corner of the building
Have fundraised in a variety of ways
Launching online fundraiser tomorrow morning
The long-term plan for the building was noted
The group has considered moving the building and has a MOU with Ontario Parks for stewardship
The group can recement the building without obtaining permits from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)
Mayor McIver thanked Beth Anne Currie for her presentation
Supported a $2,000.00 grant
Councillor Mielhausen left the meeting at 11:07 a.m.
Councillor Mielhausen returned to the meeting at 11:08 a.m.
Councillor Myles recommended that a long-term plan be determined for buildings, such as the Pike Bay Community Centre, Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory building, Artists Co-op building and Tobermory Meeting Place.
Teresa Shearer, Treasurer, informed Council of a request from the Lion’s Head Promotions Group for funds to pay for gifts for workers at the Golden Dawn Nursing Home. It was noted that this may set a precedent regarding funds being redirected to another group.
Peggy Van Mierlo-West advised that the Municipality will be considering a long-term funding arrangement for larger groups, such as the Tobermory and District Chamber of Commerce, Tobermory Primary Place and Lion’s Head Family Centre as they submit annual requests.
Teresa Shearer noted a late submission for funding for pickleball in Lion’s Head to supply equipment and an outdoor court. Ryan Deska, Community Services Manager, will connect with the submitter to discuss the project.
Following Council discussion, no approved 2020 municipal funding grants will be allocated to another project.
16. Requests for $500.00 and Under
– $500.00 request – Bruce Peninsula Art Show – Sue Dyment – 2021 Funding Application- Supported a $500.00 grant
– $500.00 request – St. Edmunds School Community Council – Stefanie Harpur – 2021 Funding Application- Supported a $500.00 grant
– $500.00 request – St. John Ambulance – Grey Bruce Huron Branch – Kathy Murphy Ermel – 2021 Funding Application- Supported a $500.00 grant
– $500.00 request – Tobermory Health Services Auxiliary – Rob Davis – 2021 Funding Application- Supported a $500.00 grant
– $500.00 request – Wiarton & District Agricultural Society – Caleb Hull – 2021 Funding Application- Supported a $500.00 grant
– $500.00 request – Woodland Recreation Association – Dianne Thomson – 2021 Funding Application- Supported a $500.00 grant
– $250.00 request- The Rotary Club Lion’s Head Santa Claus Parade- Supported a $250.00 grant
– $250.00 request- Tobermory Legion Ladies Auxiliary- The Ladies Auxiliary Santa Fund- Supported a $250.00 grant
17. Requests for the Waiving of Fees
The Treasurer will be providing a report to Council at an upcoming meeting regarding requests for the waiving of fees
– Waive fee request for Ferndale, Lion’s Head & District Lioness Club – Cathy McLay
– Waive fee request for Men’s Breakfast – Dave Robertson
– Waive fee request for Northern Bruce Walkers – Deryn Harkness
– Waive fee request for St. Edmunds Property Owners Inc – Udo Nixdorf
– Waive fee request for Tobermory Coffee Club – Joan Garner
– Waive fee request for Tobermory Tai Chi – Arlene Kennedy
– Waive fee request for Top of the Bruce Woodcarvers – Mike Marshall
18. Requests for $500.00 and the Waiving of Fees
– $500.00 request and waive fees – Bruce Peninsula Minor Hockey – Kelly Arps – 2021 Funding Application- Supported a $500.00 grant
– $500.00 request and waive fees- Central Peninsula Sno-Drifters – James Sauve – 2021 Funding Application- Supported a $500.00 grant
– $500.00 request and waive fees- Making Waves Festival – Lorraine Campbell – 2021 Funding Application- Supported a $500.00 grant
– $500.00 request and waive fees- Royal Canadian Ladies Auxiliary Br 290 – Jill Raney – 2021 Funding Application- Supported a $500.00 grant
– $500.00 request and waive fees- Lion’s Head Minor Softball – Carrie Thompson – 2021 Funding Application- Supported a $500.00 grant
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no Other Business for Special Council Meeting No. 20-41, November 9, 2020.
CORRESPONDENCE
There is no Correspondence for Special Council Meeting No. 20-41, November 9, 2020.
READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by J. Mielhausen Resolution #41-03-2020 Seconded by L. Golden
THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd reading and enacted:
2020-100 BEING A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF NORTHERN BRUCE PENINSULA HELD MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020
Carried
CLOSED SESSION
There is no Closed Session for Council Meeting No. 2020-42, November 9, 2020.
RECONVENE FROM “CLOSED SESSION” TO RESUME COUNCIL MEETING
There is no Closed Session for Council Meeting No. 2020-42, November 9, 2020.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by D. Myles Resolution #41-04-2020 Seconded by J. Mielhausen
THAT the meeting adjourns at 11:52 p.m.
Carried
