Members Present: Mayor Milt McIver, Deputy Mayor Debbie Myles (via Zoom), 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, Teresa Shearer, Treasurer (via Zoom), Carol Hopkins, Bylaw Enforcement Officer (via Zoom), Wilf Barnes, Fire Chief (via Zoom), Ryan Deska, Community Services Manager (via Zoom), Troy Cameron, Public Works Manager (via Zoom)
Others Present: Nil
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.
Note: In the absence of the ability to vote by a show of hands, in accordance with By-law No. 2020-79, Section 3- 61.3, Council votes will be recorded for resolutions presented at electronic Council meetings.
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 the general nature thereof that may arise during the meeting.
Approval of the Agenda
Resolution #05-01-2021, Moved by L. Golden, Seconded J. Mielhausen
THAT the content of the agenda be approved, as printed.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
Adoption of the Minutes
There are no minutes to adopt for Special Council Meeting No. 21-05, February 8, 2021.
Public Meeting
There is no Public Meeting for Special Council Meeting No. 21-05, February 8, 2021.
Delegation
There is no Delegation for Special Council Meeting No. 21-05, February 8, 2021.
Consideration of Agenda Items
1. Treasurer Report No. TR 21-05
Re: 2021 Budget – Draft #2
The Treasurer noted that the actual figures from 2020 have been updated in Draft #2 of the 2021 Budget and some additional payroll, revenues and expenses still need to be reported.
The Treasurer confirmed that the Master Servicing Plan encompasses water and wastewater for the whole municipality. Funds will be budgeted from both the Tobermory and Lion’s Head sewer/water reserves and brought back to Council for approval after a cost estimate for the project is received.
Brief discussion was noted with respect to the budget for sidewalks, bridges, and roads projects. It was mentioned that the Public Works Manager has previously identified road and sidewalk projects for 2021.
Resolution #05-03-2021, Moved by J. Mielhausen, Seconded by M. Myles
THAT Council receives Draft #2 of the 2021 Budget as presented;
AND THAT upon consideration of any comments or input received from the review, Council directs staff to make the necessary revisions to Draft #2;
AND THAT the final draft be presented at a public meeting on February 22, 2021.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
2. Parking Workshop
Discussions-Review of municipal properties in Tobermory and Lion’s Head area for possible parking requirements
Council proceeded to discuss potential locations for parking areas within the Municipality. The CAO indicated that staff have been reviewing comments from the parking workshop in September 2020. Discussion was noted as follows:
Corner of Elgin Street and Harpur Drive
• Access was blocked during busy times last season to assist with traffic to Grant Watson Drive and access to Mermaid’s Cove
Grant Watson Drive
• Recommending no parking on Grant Watson Drive
• Parks Canada is supportive
• May be some concerns regarding residents and access
• No parking areas could be accessed by residents with current parking passes
• People who park in this location often want to access Mermaid’s Cove and Parks Canada without paying
• No vehicles permitted, walking and biking only
• Determine if a staff member would be required to assist with the road barricade and turn around visitors
The CAO clarified that the locations identified are proposals only and the public will be able to comment after today’s meeting.
Big Tub Road
• Paid parking is currently implemented on this road, causing traffic issues
• Proposing a barricade and allowing parking at the lighthouse area only
• Approximately 35 vehicles can park in this area according to the Bylaw Enforcement Officer
• There are around 20 designated parking spaces that are not being used in the area owned by Parks Canada towards the lighthouse; ask Parks Canada if the Municipality could control parking within their parking area
• Consider setting a maximum capacity to prevent overcrowding; ask Parks Canada if a capacity has been established
• Investigate a public/private partnership for a shuttle service/parking
• Educate visitors to make reservations; follow Parks Canada’s example
• Reduce parking on Big Tub Road as there is a safety concern associated with getting emergency vehicles to the lighthouse location
• Road width is an issue
• Consider public safety, pedestrians, emergency vehicles, no parking road side unless the road is wide enough, establish capacities, and plan for a shuttle
Legion Street and Tobermory Community Centre Parking
• No discussion noted
Brock Street Property Area
• Purchased by the Municipality
• Undeveloped
• Some environmental studies have been completed
• Recommend to develop the property for public washrooms and paid parking
• Use shuttle service
• Parks Canada has been consulted regarding partnerships
• Grading plan required; species at risk
• Public comments needed regarding aesthetic
• Possible housing development location
• A public comment period is required for an environmental assessment
• Design the parking in a way that it could be appropriate for development in the future
Chi Sin Tub Dik Road
• Partnership with Parks Canada
• Incorporate into the agreement that residents with a Parks Canada pass or municipal parking pass can park for free
• Will benefit both parties and improve customer service for Parks Canada customers
Dunks Bay
• Can accommodate 15 vehicles
• Eliminate parking on both sides of the road until where the road widens
• Designate the area as a local residents area as it is a small beach and bylaw enforcement cannot always be on site
• Designate some parking for locals only
• Designate the area in front of the cemetery for local parking
The CAO was asked to investigate the status of the MTO Hay Bay Road property.
Little Cove Road
• Proposed lease agreement with Parks Canada to rent the space for parking
• Municipality will manage the no parking areas
• Barricade Little Cove Road; there is a danger with people crossing the highway
Warner Bay Road
• Shuttle drop off area could be located at the Tobermory Airport
• No on street parking from the airport to the highway on Warner Bay Road
Other
• Protect some resident areas
• Consider the Tobermory Clinic as an alternative entrance; property is 6.54 hectares; could be used as additional parking space
• The Municipality requested that MTO approve a “no stopping” sign by the Tobermory sign; work towards a more welcoming sign experience; consider moving the sign to an alternative location
• Focus on a shuttle and moving parking off the roads
Cabot Head Road
• The Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association (BPBA) received funding to transition Cabot Head Road into a trail
• The road was closed in 2020 due to highwater and erosion issues
• Consider paid parking in the Dyers Bay parking lot
• There is no present lease for the Cabot Head Lighthouse with Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)
• The BPBA funding is for trail development and public consultation
• Consider implications of receiving funding and future options for the road
• BPBA is undergoing the public consultation phase
• Parking machines are approximately $10-11,000 plus maintenance and installation costs
There was a break in the meeting at 10:37 a.m.
The meeting reconvened at 10:44 a.m.
Cape Chin South
• Improved signage and enforcement recommended for 2021
• Approved increased presence through the security company
• Public Works will report back to Council with parking recommendations
• Consider installing a gate on a trial basis; the gate can pose issues with people moving the gate, going around the gate and breaking the gate
• No parking on the side of the road
• Fire access to remain clear, can accommodate 4-5 cars
• Issue with camping after hours
• Add “day use only” on signage
• The Public Works Manager was directed to investigate a parking lot for 6-8 cars
Black Creek Provincial Park
• Looking into a partnership with Ontario Parks for parking
Moore Street
• No parking signage posted in 2020
• The road beginning at the hospital was closed to assist with traffic management
McCurdy Drive
• Proposed paid parking
• Extend the parking lot to include more parking
• Implement a reservation software for the area
• Hire a parking attendant or a remote gate/ticket scanning system
• Consider this option as a pilot project
• The shuttle could use some parking area as a turnaround
• Residents could receive a free pass to use the shuttle
• Is there space for parking and a shuttle turnaround?
• Determine capacity limits
• Renting large billboards to be placed on Moore Street worked well last season
• Staff the area during weekends and weekdays
• The CAO will reach out to Ontario Parks and see if there is any opposition to the Municipality charging for parking and/or if they would be interested in leasing the land to operate a paid parking program
• Get information regarding the shuttle service finalized as soon as possible
Joseph Street
• No parking
Downtown Lion’s Head
• Consider a certain amount of time as free parking (1 hour or 15-20 minute zones)
• Directly contact business owners for input; defer the time limit to business owners for decision
Paid Parking in Lion’s Head (Lion’s Head Marina, Corner of Dock Street and Helen Street, Lion’s Head Beach parking lot, Main Street and Webster Street, Middle of Main Street and Alexander Street, Scott Street and Main Street, Cenotaph, Mill Street, Main Street, and Arena)
• Boaters park at the harbour for free
• Determine what sides of the roads are parking
The CAO, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, provided a presentation. The following was noted:
• Current issues include a lack of communication, parking, municipal regulations, space for tourists and a transit system to move visitors
• In 2020 there was no parking on Moore Street, the Municipality held a stakeholder parking workshop, established a Tourism Committee, security guards assisted with crowd control, and closed Little Cove Road and Big Tub Road
• Budgeting for security guards to work on weekends
• If necessary, the CAO can hire security for weekdays
• Planned for 2021: Expanding paid parking to Lion’s Head, hire security officers that can issue tickets, continue closing Moore Street, Little Cove Road, and Big Tub Road (as needed), improve signage
• Completion of water access inventory mapping; map would be public
• Usage of Let’s Talk NBP to report reoccurring situations
• Other options: proposed transportation system in Lion’s Head, reservation ticketing system, partnership with Parks Canada to lease parking areas, peak time shuttle service in Tobermory
• Communication: rent a large digital sign for the Ferndale parking area, use social media, partner with groups
• Communicate with other websites to remove inaccurate information
• Contact Bruce County to update information on Explore the Bruce
• Controlled access to areas
• Online parking reservation to access Black Creek and McCurdy Drive; gate access and staffing
• Update by-laws to include towing fees
• Shuttle service will stop at McCurdy Drive, downtown, beach and harbour; operator can decide on locations
• Consider shuttle for Tobermory
• The previous delegation requesting a
shuttle in Lion’s Head is recommended to operate the shuttle for 2021 as a trial
• Construct parking lots; vacant lands can be made into paid parking (Brock Street property)
• Comments from Let’s Talk NBP will be brought back to Council for consideration
Council and staff considered scheduling an additional Special Council meeting to have further discussion on parking options or the CAO will present Council with a report once she has additional information.
Other Business
There was no Other Business for Special Council Meeting No. 21-05, February 8, 2021.
Correspondence
Resolution #05-04-2021, Moved by J. Mielhausen, Seconded by M. Myles
That the correspondence be received for information as printed and circulated.
1. Alison Knight- Lion’s Head Nature Reserve- Parking- noted and filed
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Reading of By-Laws
Resolution #05-05-2021, Moved by L. Golden, Seconded by M. Myles
THAT the following listed by-law(s) be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd reading and enacted:
By-law No. 2021-15
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, February 8, 2021
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried.
Carried
Closed Session
There is no Closed Session for Special Council Meeting No. 21-05, February 8, 2021.
Reconvene from Closed Session to Resume Council Meeting
There is no Closed Session for Special Council Meeting No. 21-05, February 8, 2021.
Adjournment
Resolution #05-06-2021, Moved by J. Mielhausen, Seconded by L. Golden
THAT the meeting adjourns at 12:26 p.m.
The Clerk proceeded to call and record the votes of Council:
Councillor Golden: Yes
Councillor Mielhausen: Yes
Councillor Myles: Yes
Deputy Mayor Myles: Yes
Mayor McIver: Yes
The Clerk announced that the motion was carried. Carried
