Members Present: Mayor Milt McIver, Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Councillor Megan Myles, Deputy Mayor Myles (joined at 9:09 a.m.) via Zoom
Staff Present: Cathy Addison, Clerk, Tessa Swanton, Deputy Clerk, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, Chief Administrative Officer, Ryan Deska, Community Services Manager,
Others Present:
Jace Weir, Tobermory Meeting Place
Debbie Dover, Pike Bay Community Association
Trace McKay, Peninsula Community Development Initiative and Golden Dawn
Brian Taylor, Golden Dawn
Charlene Jordan, Lion’s Head Farmers’ Market
Nicole Gamble, Bruce Peninsula Society of Artists
Sharron Colter, Northern Bruce Peninsula Community Support Advisory Action Committee
Rod Steinacher, Tobermory Community Gardens
Beth Anne Currie, Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory
Nancy Forgrave, Bruce Peninsula Hospice
Rayne Bryla and Sheryl Roberts, Lion’s Head Pickleball Club
Sheryl Roberts, Lion’s Head Figure Skating Club
Mike Warkentin and Elizabeth Thorn, Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association
Donna Hambleton, Friends of the Lion’s Head Library
Peter Reid, Crime Stoppers Grey Bruce
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
Mayor McIver called the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m. and Council members were reminded to disclose any pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof that may arise during the meeting.
Councillor Myles declared a conflict of interest with respect to agenda item “#5- Golden Dawn because my dad works at Golden Dawn” and “#6- because I worked for a vendor at the Lion’s Head Farmers’ Market”.
Approval of the Agenda
Resolution #34-01-2021, Moved by L. Golden, Seconded by M. Myles
That the content of the agenda be approved as printed.
Carried
Consideration of Agenda Items
1. Treasurer Report No. TR 21-24
Re: 2022 Community Funding
Councillor Myles noted that the Community Development Initiative and Golden Dawn are non-profit organizations.
Resolution #34-02-2021, Moved by M. Myles, Seconded by L. Golden
That Council receives Treasurer’s Report TR21-24 regarding the 2022 Municipal Funding requests and directs staff as to the allocations to be included in the 2022 Budget.
Carried
Deputy Mayor Myles joined the meeting via Zoom at 9:09 a.m.
2. 9:00 a.m. $2,000 Request and Waiving of Fees- The Meeting Place Tobermory- Jace Weir
• Requesting funding for a multi-service project called “Connect to Community”
• The project is a redesign and expansion of the Community Information and Resource Coordinator (CIRC) project
• The program involves community information and resource coordination, outreach and social inclusion, community volunteer income tax program, community development, and collaboration
• Looking forward to the spring concert in 2022
• The Tobermory Meeting Place stayed open during the COVID-19 pandemic
• The organization is working well as a community hub in Northern Bruce Peninsula (NBP)
• The Community Information and Resource Coordinator (CIRC) has been a success by dispersing information to 121 residents via 363 contacts by phone and email
• A social media outreach focused on different themes, like mental health
• The Community Volunteer Income Tax Return helped residents with income tax filing
• Focus on encouraging transitions from short term rental accommodations to long term rental accommodations
• The Poverty Task Force supported hundreds of volunteers and workers in the non-profit sector
• Council supported a $2,000 grant
3. 9:05 a.m. $6,610.50 Request and Waiving of Fees for Building Permits and Waste Disposal- Pike Bay Community Association- Debbie Dover
• Pike Bay community purchased the building in 1965
• Have major concerns that need to be addressed, such as the deterioration of the floors and moisture issues
• The organization did not qualify for the Trillium grant as they are not a non-profit organization
• Electrical work is a priority as the building was inspected and the system is required be updated to meet code requirements, unsure of the scope of work
• Flooring in the men’s washroom is a concern
• Hope to replace the entire wood floor and replace carpet with vinyl
• Plumbing work is quoted at $6,611 and funding from the Municipality would allow the group to proceed with the project
• The community is growing substantially, and memberships have increased to 200 members
• The organization is interested in becoming a registered non-profit to increase funding opportunities
• The building is not a four seasons structure, so heating is not a concern
• The organization has about $24,000 in the bank to cover costs
• Council questioned the long-term plan for the building and revenue generation from other sources
• This facility is not a municipally owned building
• Council supported a $2,000 grant
Council proceeded with item #5 prior to item #4 to accommodate a presenter who had to leave the meeting.
4. 9:10 a.m. $3,000 Request- Peninsula Community Development Initiative- Trace MacKay
• The Northern Peninsula Coworking Space (NPCoWork) is a volunteer-led project that began with support from Council
• NPCoWork reopened in the Tobermory Meeting Place and Lion’s Head Rotary Hall after closing temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020
• The new joint project is called the Peninsula Community Development Initiative aiming to support local initiatives for vibrant community
• The coworking space is available four days per week and provides internet access for remote workers
• The fee structure is “pay what you can” and fees are waived for students
• The fee structure will become more formalized in the form of daily, weekly, and monthly memberships
• Council supported a $1,000 grant
5. 9:15 a.m. $3,000 Request- Golden Dawn Senior Citizen Home- Trace MacKay and Brian Taylor
• Councillor Myles declared a conflict of interest and did not participate in this portion of the meeting
• The Golden Dawn Redevelopment Task Force was launched in 2020
• The Golden Dawn is required to make improvements to the facility to meet Class A standards by 2025
• Circulated a community survey to obtain information/input from the community on the redevelopment
• The facility provides affordable housing to seniors through the apartments
• The Golden Dawn is a major year-round employer in NBP
• There is a clear need for more long-term living
• Asking the Municipality for a $3,000 grant to hire experts to assist with consultations and determine opportunities for funding
• The Non-profit organization is operated by a volunteer board
• Need to look at options for community impact bonds, exploring all options and opportunities
• Residents want to avoid going into an assisted living facility; ensure there is enough staff and equipment to look after people in their homes
• At home care is understaffed and underfunded
• No current local coordination for home care in NBP
• Council supported a $2,000 grant
6. 9:20 a.m. $2,000 Request and Waiving of Fees- Lion’s Head Farmers’ Market- Charlene Jordan
• Councillor Myles declared a conflict of interest and did not participate in this portion of the meeting
• The project is to add signage to indicate where and when the market takes place in Lion’s Head
• Want to add the Farmers’ Market to existing Lion’s Head signs
• Hoping to add the Farmers’ Market to directional street signs
• People in Lion’s Head are unaware that the Farmers’ Market is at the beach
• Want to establish a strong connection between the Ferndale Information Centre and the Farmers’ Market
• The signs can be shared to social media pages
• The Farmers’ Market does not pay a fee for use of the Lion’s Head Beach parking lot and pavilion; requesting a formal agreement be put in place
• The revenue from vendor fees pays for the salary of the Farmers’ Market manager role, purchasing of supplies to meet health requirements, and insurance costs
• The vendor fee is a low price so the vendors can make a profit
• Vendors pay $215 each for the season and occasional vendors pay $20 per market day
• The funds will be used to purchase signage that will be added to existing Lion’s Head signage, signs to be used on market days, and new signs to be posted in established locations (Ferndale Information Centre, Lion’s Head Marina, etc.)
• Council supported a $1,000 grant for signage specific to the time and date of the Farmers Market as opposed to directional signage
7. 9:30 a.m. $2,000 Request- Bruce Peninsula Society of Artists- Nicole Gamble
• Formed in 1997 by a small group of local artists
• 2022 is the 25th anniversary of the Co-op Gallery
• Became a registered non-profit in 2016
• There are 80 members who meet monthly
• $1,500 of the funds will go towards repainting the exterior of the building
• $500 will be used for website maintenance
• A local student will be hired in 2022 to work at the gallery as a summer job
• There exterior railing needs repaired
• The interior is in good shape
• The group wants to negotiate a longer lease for use of the building
• Don’t need the $1500 if this is included in the budget already
• Peggy and Ryan to discuss with Nicole about budget
• Council supported moving this project to the Capital Budget for considerations
• Council supported a $500 grant for website maintenance
8. 9:35 a.m. $2,000 Request and Waiving of Fees- Northern Bruce Peninsula Community Support Advisory Action Committee- Sharron Colter
• November 1, 2021 marks the first anniversary of the committee
• Starting in November, the members and volunteers look forward to enhancing the program by using Zoom video with a telephone option
• The program provides intergenerational opportunities- older adults helped with technology by younger people
• Program highlights environmental stewardship topics
• The committee stays focused on elements of age friendly communities
• The grant of $2000 will be used as described in the budget to continue with the program for 2022
• Received a grant from Ontario Hydro
• The request includes waiving of fees for use of the Rotary Hall
• The sessions average seven participants per session
• Council supported a $2,000 grant
9. 9:40 a.m. $963.00 Request- Tobermory Community Gardens- Rod Steinacher
• Operating since 2014
• 12 adult and 2 child gardeners
• Built additional garden beds
• 3 beds are for communal use- herbs, annual and perennials, tomato, and garden
• The remaining garden beds are for families
• The “taste and take garden” is intended to encourage visitors to sample fresh garden produce
• Educational opportunities for daycare and primary aged children
• There is a partnership with the National Park for the shared shed
• Financials were presented
• The grant request is the cost of the garden project expenses minus donations
• 50% of expenses are covered by donations
• Council supported a $963 grant
10. 10:00 a.m. $2,000 Request- Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory- Anne Range
• Operating for 20 consecutive years
• Constant need to supply energy to facilities
• Able to acquire an upgraded solar system to achieve a constant source of sustainable energy
• Proposing to address this need by installing a portable wind turbine
• Council supported a $2,000 grant
11. 10:05 a.m. $1,000 Request- Bruce Peninsula Hospice- Nancy Forgrave
• Started in early 90s
• Committed to trained volunteers providing nonmedical care and support to families who choose end of life support
• Social support was provided during the pandemic
• Grief support services are available online and by telephone
• Care is now being provided in person again
• Huge human health resource shortage in NBP
• Fully funded by the community
• The main expenditure is subsidizing the Client Care Coordinator position
• Council supported a $1,000 grant
12. 10:10 a.m. $2,000 Request- Lion’s Head Pickleball Club- Rayne Bryla and Sheryl Roberts
• Advertised in local newspaper in January 2020
• 24 active members and 23 on a waiting list
• Great desire and need for pickleball in Lion’s Head
• Reached out to the board of education and got a permit to use the Lion’s Head tennis court
• The Municipality can advertise on their website that the Municipality does have pickleball
• Seeking funding to assist the members with the cost to play
• Funds will help cover the cost of the permit to play at the courts
• Want benches and seating
• Want a professional pickleball instructor next spring to offer lessons at $50 a lesson
• Members pay a one-time fee of $15 to play
• The Community Services Manager is to clarify with the Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) the use of the tennis court for pickleball
• Council supported a $500 grant and noted the importance of the sport being accessible to everyone as opposed to members only
• Staff were directed to communicate with the group to discuss the usage fees and sustainability of the program
13. 10:15 a.m. $2,000 Request- Lion’s Head Figure Skating Club- Sheryl Roberts
• Largest club in Grey-Bruce counties
• 56 skaters attend the club
• Provide parents with reasonable registration costs
• Offer a locally based professional figure skating coach
• Largest expense is the cost of ice rentals
• Council supported a $2,000 grant
14. 10:30 a.m. $2,000 Request- Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association- Mike Warkentin and Elizabeth Thorn
• The funding request pertains to the Bayside Astronomy program
• The program explains that dark sky lighting is important
• The program launched in 2012
• Touched over 10,000 people so far
• The program operates in July and august
• The attraction is a great activity for evenings
• Offered in five locations throughout NBP
• Provides employment for students who are mentored in astronomy
• There are costs related to the repair of telescopes
• Sell easter eggs and host raffles to raise money
• This program costs $13,000 to operate
• Volunteers are there every Friday and Saturday
• Addresses environmental issues
• Have 10 dedicated volunteer astronomers
• There is no fee charged because the volunteers feel that the night skies are for everyone
• Could consider expanding the program into other months
• Council supported a $1,000 grant
15. 11:20 a.m. $1,500 and Waiving of Fees- Friends of the Lion’s Head Library- Donna Hambleton
• Non-profit group that supports the library through fundraising
• The goal is to establish closer ties with the library and its community
• Distributed over 100 books
• Purchased binoculars
• Funds are being set aside for a building reserve
• Hosted a successful book sale which will be a yearly event
• Planning on other various fundraisers throughout the year
• Books will be distributed through the daycare and Food Bank during the holidays
• Hope to purchase flags to draw attention to the library at a cost of $700
• Want to purchase $800 worth of books through scholastic and other sources
• Council supported a $1,000 grant
16. 11:30 a.m. $2,000 Request- Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce Inc.- Peter Reid
• Finished this year with a surplus of $17
• Received 56 tips from NBP in the last two years
• 10 tips resulted in arrests, recovery of stolen property, or seizure of drugs
• The golf tournament was cancelled last year but $14,000 was still raised
• Council supported a $1,000 grant
There was a break in the meeting at 11:11 a.m.
The meeting reconvened at 11:17 a.m.
Council discussed the importance of being presented with financial information and groups continuing their services through the COVID-19 pandemic.
17. Requests for $500 or Less and Waiving of Fees
• $500 and Waiving of Fees- Bruce Peninsula District School- Jodi Naves- Council supported a $500 grant and waiving of fees for use of the Rotary Hall from May 31 to June 2, 2022
• $500 and Waiving of Fees- Bruce Peninsula Minor Hockey Association- Kelly Arps- Council supported a $500 and waiving of fees for monthly meetings
• $500 and Waiving of Fees- Dance Classes for Local Youth- Siobhan Shred- Council supported a $500 grant- The Community Services Manager with discus the rental fee for the Rotary Hall with Siobhan Shred
• $500 and Waiving of Fees- Keep the Bruce Clean and Green- Deryn Harkness- Council supported a $500 grant and waiving of fees for use of the Rotary Hall on October 15, 2021
• $500 and Waiving of Fees- Lion’s Head and District Curling Club- Claudio D’Arcangelo- Council supported a $500 grant
• $500 and Waiving of Fees- The Rotary Club of Northern Bruce Peninsula- Douglas Greig- Council supported a $500 grant and waiving fees for use of the Lion’s Head Beach Pavilion
• $500 and Waiving of Fees- Tobermory Pickleball Group- Larry Stevens- Council supported waiving the fees for use of the Tobermory Community Centre on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
18. Requests for $500 or Less
• $500 or Less- Bruce Peninsula District School- Nicole Gamble- Council supported a $500 grant
• $500 or Less- St. Edmunds Public School- Stefanie Harpur- Council supported a $500 grant
• $500 or Less- St. John Ambulance- Grey Bruce Huron Branch- Kathy Murphy Ermel- Council did not support a grant
• $500 or Less- The Bruce Peninsula Art Show- Sue Dyment- Council supported a $250 grant
• $500 or Less- The Wiarton and District Agricultural Society- Caleb Hull- Council did not support a grant
• $500 or Less- Tobermory Health Services- Rob Davis- Council supported a $500 grant
Council supported a $500 grant for Lion’s Head Minor Softball and directed staff to contact the group to determine if they have any interest in the grant.
19. Requests for the Waiving of Fees
Waiving of Fees- Bruce Peninsula District School Secondary Government- Natalie Rouse- Council supported the waiving of fees for use of the Rotary Hall on June 9 and 10, 2022
Waiving of Fees- Mens Breakfast- Dave Robertson – Council supported the waiving of fees
Waiving of Fees- Peninsula SWANS- Cathy McLay- Council supported the waiving of fees for use of the Lion’s Head Community Centre/Arena on May 4 and 5, 2022 and a Fish Fry in September 2022
Waiving of Fees- St. Edmunds Property Owners Inc.- Udo Nixdorf- Council supported the waiving of fees for use of the Tobermory Community Centre on May 28, 2022
Waiving of Fees- Tobermory Coffee Club- Joan Garner- Council supported the waiving of fees for use of the Tobermory Community Centre from October 4, 2021 to May 14, 2022
Waiving of Fees- Tobermory Trail Race Committee- Tara Harpur- Council supported the waiving of fees for use of the Tobermory Community Centre on September 23, 24, and 5, 2022
Waiving of Fees- Top of the Bruce Wood Carvers- Mike Marshall and Stan McClennan- Council supported the waiving of fees
The Treasurer was directed to present a report to Council at the November 22, 2021 Council meeting outlining Council’s approved municipal funding allocations.
Other Business
CAO, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, listed delegation topics for the upcoming Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference. The top three topics selected by Council include traffic signals in Tobermory, the Tobermory watermain project, and fire and emergency access issues.
Deputy Mayor Myles left the meeting at 12:28 p.m.
Reading of By-Laws
Resolution #34-03-2021, Moved by L. Golden, Seconded by M. Myles
By-law No. 2021-111
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 15, 2021
That the listed by-law(s) be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted.
Carried
Adjournment
Resolution #34-04-2021, Moved by M. Myles, Seconded by L. Golden
That the meeting adjourns at 12:30 p.m.
Carried
