By John Francis, Bruce Peninsula Press
MNBP Council’s January 10, 2022 Meeting began with the first draft of next year’s municipal budget (fiscal 2023 begins April 1). As the budget covers everything, the discussion ranged widely.
There was a discussion of the public consultation process around the renovations at the arena in Lion’s Head. It was pointed out that there is a lot of online confusion and kitchen table rumour on the subject. Councillor Megan Myles agreed that the public consultation process was confusing — what’s being handled through open houses, what’s being done using the online app “Bang the Table”? “These are dates we should be aware of”, she continued. A summary of all public consultations would be helpful.
A discussion of the language used in the new STA Bylaw was next in line. Deputy Mayor Debbie Myles pointed out that some of the language used is ambiguous. What is a tourist cabin? What is a cottage? Councillor Smokey Golden agreed that this language is confusing. Deputy Mayor Myles insisted that a clarification is needed, otherwise “people will think cottages don’t qualify as STAs”.
Under “other business”, Councillor Golden mentioned an online petition demanding improvements to “The Tugs” deck on Bay Street North in Tobermory; the deck is heavily used by snorkelers and SCUBA divers to access the historic wrecks and wreckage in Tobermory Harbour. Councillor Myles brought up the viewing deck (Minch Anchor Deck) proposed for the south side of Little Tub Harbour in Tobermory. She noted that the Chamber of Commerce suggested a range of options, with price tags varying from $100,000 to $250,000. The Chamber would like to bring a delegation to Council to discuss this.
What about the Chamber’s lighthouse shaped information kiosk? Mayor McIver wondered. Is it lost or proceeding? “Good question,” answered Councillor Myles. It is not mentioned in this proposal.
The January 24 Council Meeting began with a delegation concerning the proposal to upgrade Cabot Head Road to a pedestrian/cycling trail. Elizabeth Thorn, assisted by Mike Campbell, presented, representing the three charities that are spearheading the initiative. (An excellent ten-page PowerPoint is included in the Agenda for the Meeting).
The three charities (Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Ass’n, Friends of Cabot Head Lightstation and Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory) all need access to Cabot Head. The road has been closed since 2017 and washed out since 2019. It is still passable to pedestrians, cyclists and 4WD vehicles, but the organizations need better access. They have lined up $250,000 in grants, donations and discounts, with a view to converting Cabot Head Road into a pedestrian/cycling trail which would also serve as a one-lane emergency road and as a service road for the stakeholders.
They propose that the grant could be used to bring the road back to useable condition and the decision on converting it to a trail could be made later.
The key to all of this, they explained, is that the Trillium Grant — half of the total commitments — will expire if the municipality’s application is not received by the end of February.
Councillor Smokey Golden was concerned that the municipality would be seen as disingenuous by Trillium, because “we were told previously that the Trillium money could not be used for road repair” — only to build a pedestrian/cycling trail.
The proponents stated that preserving the road bed — so that it could eventually be used as a trail — would meet the conditions.
Deputy Mayor Myles asked about the ownership of the road bed. Municipal CAO Peggy Van Mierlo-West explained that the expropriation of the properties was begun 60 years ago, but the process was never completed; the papers were never filed and no money was paid to the landowners. As such, the municipality owns the wheel track road and no more. It would be a lengthy process to change it to a trail; first close the road with a bylaw, then redesignate as a trail. She warned that it would be a lengthy and expensive process.
Mike Campbell suggested that the best solution was to fix the road now and keep it open while the charities continue to raise money for the conversion.
Councillor Golden liked the idea of getting the road vehicle-ready again, but reiterated her concerns about being disingenuous to Trillium.
Councillor Myles spoke in support of the proposal, suggesting that the Trillium grant would provide funds for minimum maintenance to keep the roadway open and maintain access to Cabot Head.
Mayor McIver shared Councillor Golden’s concerns regarding the Trillium money.
Elizabeth Thorn explained that Trillium have been kept fully apprised of events. She pointed out that Ontario Parks owns a 5/9 share of all the lands along the road except the lighthouse station which makes Ontario the major stakeholder here. She agreed that this is a difficult process but the most important aspect of it is preserving access to the bird observatory, a nationally important science facility. “We have been transparent with Trillium; they understand.”
Mayor McIver replied that he is not objecting to improving access but thinks some people might object to turning it into a trail and closing it to access. Thorn pointed out that the road has been washed out for two years. “If this quarter million walks, is anyone going to have access? Does the municipality have the funds or the will to do the repairs?”
Councillor Golden argued that the Dyers Bay community was not 100% in favour of the trail proposal. “It’s more diverse than that.”
Thorn agreed; but insisted that a large majority were in favour — nothing is ever unanimous. “This is an extremely complex issue,” she continued, “with a million moving parts. But we are all skilled managers and have stuck with it, roadblock after roadblock for nearly two years. We’re getting discouraged — we’ve brought $250,000 to the table…”
“What are your alternatives as a council?” she asked. Mayor McIver replied that Council would need a report from the CAO. He promised that there would be a report presented at Council’s February 14 Meeting and that Council would make a decision.
The Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) came up for discussion later in the Meeting, specifically what to do with the 50% of the revenues which must be given to a non-profit Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) mandated to improve tourism.
Three possible DMOs were discussed: current tourism entity; a new Municipal Service Corporation, and the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce.
Council decided to ask Tobermory Chamber of Commerce to attend a meeting to discuss this.
