Members Present: Mayor – Milt McIver, Deputy Mayor – Rod Anderson, Councillor – Todd Dowd, Councillor – Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Councillor – Aman Sohrab
Staff Present: Chief Administrative Officer – Peggy Van Mierlo-West, Clerk – Cathy Addison, Committee/Licensing Coordinator – Lindsay Forbes, Treasurer – Teresa Shearer, GIS/IT Coordinator – Kara Smith, Chief Building Official – Wendy Elliott, Bylaw Enforcement Officer – Carol Hopkins, Public Works Manager, Troy Cameron (Via Zoom), Treasurer (Interim), Tony Houad,
Others Present: MP Alex Ruff (Via Zoom)
Note: Members of Council and staff were present in the Municipal Office Council Chamber and the meeting was held via zoom, an electronic platform, for members of the public to attend.
Call to Order and Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
Mayor McIver called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.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
#02-01-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the content of the agenda be approved as presented.
Carried
Adoption of the Minutes
Re: Council Meeting No.22-32, December 19, 2022
#02-02-2023
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the minutes of Council Meeting No. 22-32, December 19, 2022, be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
Public Meeting – Nil.
Delegation
MP Alex Ruff (Via Zoom)
Re: Priorities and Future Partnership Discussions
Mayor McIver welcomed MP Alex Ruff to the January 9, 2023 Council meeting.
Members of Council, Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West and MP Alex Ruff engaged in discussions surrounding the priorities held for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula.
The following was noted:
· A prioritization session has been completed with the 2022 – 2026 Term of Council.
· Tourism is a critical economic driver within the Municipality and it is projected to grow substantially within the next few year due to the increasing popularity of Staycations within Ontario.
· Council has noted a need for partnerships with the Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park.
· Water and Wastewater infrastructure development is a priority for the Municipality and Council would like the Federal Government to recognize the importance of the Bruce Peninsula as a tourism playground and the corresponding importance of servicing for the area.
· Required and mandated upgrades to recreational facilities, which are supported through predetermined Federal Grants, have become subject to heightened costs due to supply shortages and inflation. Discussion ensued regarding the potential inclusion of additional funds to supplement the increased costs.
· There is a lack of transparency for decision making and communication for approval authority for proposed telecommunications projects to address the critical communications issues throughout the Municipality.
· With regard to the recent completion of the Climate Action Plan, it was noted that Federal grants should be available for municipalities to incentivize transitions to environmentally conscious facility and technology upgrade.
· Discussion ensued regarding the payments in lieu from the Federal Government for federal land within the Municipality. It was noted that Council would like to have discussions on retaining such payment or receiving a more equitable portion, as $40,000 of payments in lieu were lost in 2022.
· It was noted that the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula would like to pursue partnerships with Federal agencies to facilitate the needs of the Bruce Peninsula, such as attainable housing, medical needs, seasonal staffing needs and servicing development.
· Discussion ensued regarding the Operating Budget following the remittance of funds to the County and Government entities.
· With 1/3 of the country’s population within a few hours drive of the Bruce Peninsula, the area is quickly becoming one of the most visited areas in Ontario. It was noted that resident taxes are expected to provide services to support growing number of visitors who come to the area. It was further noted that the Municipality does not have the infrastructure or services to expand and meet the demands of the seasonal populations.
· It was noted that the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula is providing Fire and Emergency Services to Parks Canada, with a majority of the department’s annual calls originating from park locations.
· Discussion ensued regarding the need for Federal acknowledgement of the tourism generated by Parks Canada and the corresponding impact to the local community.
· Discussion ensued surrounding proposed incentives for Canadian companies to utilized Canadian recyclables.
MP Alex Ruff requested that a summary of the items indicated during the delegation be sent to him for further investigation. He noted that with the National Parks attracting substantial tourism to the Bruce Peninsula annually, that the Federal Government needs to be a fair stakeholder in addressing the stress felt by local infrastructure and servicing.
Mayor McIver thanked MP Alex Ruff for his delegation.
Consideration of Agenda Items
1. Committee and Licensing Coordinator Report No. CLC 23-01
Re: Proposed Amendments to By-law 2021-84, Short-term Accommodations
Committee and Licensing Coordinator, Lindsay Forbes, provided clarification for the miscommunication that is currently on social media regarding Report No. CLC 23-01. She noted that the report is an information report to Council regarding proposed amendments to By-law 2021-84, Short-term Accommodations. She further noted that the report would be placed on NBP Lets Talk for public comment for a period of 30 days.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, provided a brief overview of the public comment platform NBP Let’s Talk, which can be found on the Municipality’s website.
Discussion ensued regarding determining means to support the tourism industry and the importance of public input.
Discussion ensued regarding the rationale regarding the eligible zones for Short-term Accommodations.
Councillor Sohrab inquired regarding the selection of 350 as a proposed cap for STA Licences.
The Committee and Licensing Coordinator, Lindsay Forbes, noted that the number was based on the data collected over the first year since the implementation of the Short-term Accommodation Licensing Program, as only 20 applications were submitted within the last 5 months despite outreach to known unlicensed Short-term Accommodations. She further noted that if a cap is approved by Council that the limit would be at the discretion of Council.
Mayor McIver thanked Ms. Forbes for the information report, noting another report will be presented to Council following the 30 day public consultation.
#02-03-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives CLC Report No. 23-01, entitled “Proposed Amendments to By-law 2021-84, Short-term Accommodations”; and
That the report be uploaded to Let’s Talk NBP – Public Comment Corner for thirty (30) days for public comment; and
That a subsequent report is brought back to Council for discussion and amendments to By-law 2021-84, Short-term Accommodations.
Carried
2. Clerk Report No. C 23-01
Re: Owner: Robert Henning
Agent: Amanda Brennan
File No: B-2022-059 (Consent) and Z-2022-124
Legal Description: 7238 and 7224 Highway 6 (former Township of St Edmunds) Concession 1 EBR Pt Lot 50 and Concession 1 EBR S Part Lot 50 Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
Roll Number: 680-005-00200 and 680-005-00100
#02-04-2023
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
THAT Council directs staff to submit to the County of Bruce Planning and Economic Development Department, the Municipality’s position of no objection to a severance submitted by the agent, Amanda Brennan, on behalf of the owner, Robert Henning, for property legally described as 7238 and 7224 Highway 6 (former Township of St Edmunds) Concession 1 EBR Pt Lot 50 Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula;
THAT Council approves the imposition of conditions of granting of consent as follows:
1. That the owner enter into an Agreement with the Municipality, if deemed necessary by the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula to satisfy all the requirements, financial or otherwise of the Municipality, which may include, but shall not be limited to, the provision of parkland (or cash-in-lieu of land), roads, installation of services, facilities, drainage and the timing and payment of a development charge.
2. That a Reference Plan (survey that is registered) be completed and a copy filed with the Municipal Clerk and a digital copy (preferred), or a hard copy be filed with the Approval Authority, or an exemption from the Reference Plan be received from the Approval Authority.
3. That the Municipality provide written confirmation to the Approval Authority that the municipal conditions as imposed herein have been fulfilled.
4. That, pursuant to Section 53(42) of the Planning Act, the ‘Certificate of Consent’ be affixed to the deed within two years of the giving of the Notice of Decision. (Note: Section 53(43) of the Planning Act requires that the transaction approved by this consent must be carried out within two years of the issuance of the certificate (i.e., Stamping of the deed)).
5. That the applicant pays the applicable County of Bruce consent certification fee at the time of certification of the deeds.
6. That the Clerk of the Municipality provide written confirmation to the Approval Authority that Zoning By-law Amendment file Z-2022-124 is in force and effect.
Carried
3. Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 23-01
Re: Municipal Accommodation Tax
Discussion ensued regarding expanding the Municipal Accommodation Tax, from solely Short-term Accommodations, to additional accommodation providers. Discussion further ensued regarding the need for public comment prior to the expansion.
Deputy Mayor Anderson requested a report on expanding the Municipal Accommodation Tax to additional accommodation providers such as motels, hotels, B&B, etc.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, noted a report will be brought to Council regarding this request.
Discussion ensued regarding the allocation of funds to the Tobermory and District Chamber of Commerce.
It was noted that a minimum amount of $71,000 will be released to the Tobermory District Chamber of Commerce annually.
It was noted that funds will be distributed every 6 months to ensure the sustainability of the program.
#02-05-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives the report titled Municipal Accommodation Tax Agreement; and
That the attached agreement be approved
Carried
Other Business
Councillor Golden stated that there is a February 6, 2023, deadline to provide public comments regarding Transport Canada regulations in Big Tub Harbour. The proposal focused on improving safety in Big Tub Harbour that included two proposals. The proposals were 1) the expansion of the current restricted area at the head of the harbour; and 2) a proposed 10 km/h speed limit in the entire harbour area.
It was noted that Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, is brining a report regarding the regulations to the January 16, 2023, Council meeting.
Correspondence
1. Municipal Innovation Council (Information)
Re: December 2022 Newsletter
2. Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (Information)
Re: GSCA 2023 DRAFT Operating and Capital Budget
3. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Information)
Re: Legislative and regulatory changes to address Ontario’s housing supply
4. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Information)
Re: Municipal Intern Building Inspectors Program
5. MPP Rick Byers (Information)
Re: News Release – Community Infrastructure Funding
6. Ad Hoc Museum Committee (Information)
Re: Annual Report to Council 2022
7. Resolution – Northumberland County (Information)
Re: Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022
#02-06-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the correspondence items #1-7 be received as information as printed and circulated.
Carried
Reading of By-laws
By-law 2023-02
Being A By-Law to Provide for the Levy and Collection of an Interim Tax for the Year 2023
By-law 2023-05
Being A By-Law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council Meeting of The Corporation of The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Held Monday, January 9, 2023
#02-07-2023
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the listed by-law(s) be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted.
Carried
Closed Session
#02-08-2023
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council move into closed meeting at 2:06 p.m. pursuant to Section 239 (2) of The Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, for the following reasons: (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees; (Landfill Attendant), (e) Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality of local boards; (9 Sunset Drive – OLT)
Carried
Reconvene from Closed Session to Resume Council Meeting
#02-09-2023
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council reconvenes from Closed Session at 2:28 p.m. and resumes the Council meeting.
Carried
Following Closed Session, Mayor McIver advised that Council approved the previous minutes, Council were provided an update on the status of the Landfill Attendant position, and the Municipal Solicitor presented a verbal update on the status of an Ontario Land Tribunal hearing for 9 Sunset Drive.
Adjournment
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#02-10-2023
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the meeting adjourns at 2:30 p.m.
Carried
