Members Present: Mayor – Milt McIver, Deputy Mayor – Rod Anderson, Councillor – Todd Dowd, Councillor – Laurie Golden (Left meeting at 2:13 p.m.), Councillor – Aman Sohrab
Staff Present: Chief Administrative Officer – Peggy Van Mierlo-West, Clerk – Cathy Addison, Committee/Licensing Coordinator – Lindsay Forbes, Public Works Manager – Troy Cameron
Others Present: Inspector – Paul Richardson, Staff Sergeant – Marla Barfoot, Constable – Alex McNeil, Amanda Hofstrand, Andrea Munn
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 view.
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
Due to Councillor Golden’s anticipated early departure from the September 25, 2023, Council Meeting, it was requested that Agenda Item #8, Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 23-17 Re: Bruce County Development Charge Study, be moved to Agenda Item #1.
#24-01-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the content of the agenda be approved as amended
Carried
Adoption of the Minutes
Re: Council Meeting No. 23-23,September 11, 2023
#24-02-2023
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the minutes of Council Meeting No. 23-23, September 11, 2023, be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
Public Meeting – Nil.
Delegation
Grey-Bruce O.P.P. – Staff Sergeant, Marla Barfoot, Inspector, Paul Richardson
Re: Police Service Report – January – June 2023
Acting Staff Sergeant, Marla Barfoot, Inspector, Paul Richardson, and Constable Alex McNeil, appeared in person for the September 25, 2023, Council Meeting.
Mayor McIver welcomed Marla, Paul, and Alex to the Council Meeting.
Inspector Richardson presented an overview of Police Service Report – January-June 2023 to Council. The following was noted:
· The Grey Bruce Major Crime Unit continues to follow up on leads, prepare for court, and investigate several ongoing Homicides.
· Heightened traffic levels were observed throughout the Bruce Peninsula within Q1 and Q2
· The Community Street Crime Unit Grey Bruce currently has 30 active drug or property crime investigations ongoing in various stages.
· In response to the number of Opioid related occurrences, officers are actively undertaking a number of proactive drug investigations in the area.
• It was noted that the Grey Bruce OPP is focusing their efforts on the drug manufacturer and distributer as opposed to the drug user, accounting for the low reporting on drug crime charges within the Police Service Report – January-June 2023.
• It was further noted that calls concerning drug users are referred to as a public health issue.
· The Mobile Crisis Response Team has been busy in Grey Bruce attending live calls with frontline officers, conducting follow-ups and making community referrals.
• It was noted that the Mobile Crisis Response Team encompassed mental health clinicians partnered with officers to provide a multi-prong initiative.
· The increased utilization of social media by Community Services and Media Relations Officer, Provincial Constable Krista Linthorne, has been successful in spreading information regarding the importance of road safety.
• It was noted that a post made in June 2023 regarding a stunt driving charge received lots of media attention, with over 4000 comments on Facebook.
· Discussion ensued regarding the auxiliary program within the Grey Bruce OPP.
• It was noted that Auxiliary S/Sgt Tom Buckley is a dedicated volunteer.
• It was noted that the auxiliary is an effective recruitment tool.
· An overview of the Statistics Summary was provided concerning calls for service, violent crimes, property crimes, drug crimes, criminal traffic offences and motor vehicle collisions.
· It was noted that traffic enforcement is a priority regarding the heightened level of traffic within Grey and Bruce Counties.
· It was noted that focus on commercial motor vehicles this past summer resulted in 66 vehicles being taken off the road for being unsafe.
· An overview of new technology employed by Grey Bruce OPP was provided to Council.
• It was noted that all police vehicles now possess cameras to aid in traffic enforcement, and assisting with licence plate identification abilities.
• It was noted that all emergency response members wear body cameras.
· It was noted a new interoperable radio program is being established within the Grey Bruce OPP which will possess the ability to work with other emergency response units.
Discussion ensued regarding the disbandment of the Safe Communities Group.
It was noted that Constable Adam Belanger of the Grey-Bruce OPP was instrumental to the operation of the Safe Communities Group.
Discussion ensued regarding the drug problem on the Bruce Peninsula concerning drug use and distribution.
It was noted that drug investigations originating in alternate regions but occurring on the Bruce Peninsula would not be captured within the Grey-Bruce OPP Report.
Discussion ensued regarding the benefits of local recruitment within Grey and Bruce Counties.
It was noted that the OPP is better able to serve the community when recruitment occurs at a local level.
Mayor McIver thanked Inspector Richardson for his presentation.
Tobermory Primary Place – Amanda Hofstrand and Andrea Munn
Re: Update
Amanda Hofstrand and Andrea Munn appeared in person for the September 25, 2023, Council Meeting.
Mayor McIver welcomed Amanda and Andrea to the Council Meeting.
Amanda and Andrea presented on the following topics:
· New facility at St. Edmunds Public School
· Current Tobermory Primary Place Facility
· Scope of the move to the new facility
· Families and Attendance
· School Collaboration
· Improved Community Vibrancy
· Funding Structure
· Fundraising Efforts
· Financials and Municipal Ask
The following was noted within the presentation:
· The new facility at St. Edmunds Public School is nearly complete.
· The new facility will encompass a substantial impact for the small centre, families and finances.
· The new location has been designed for the daycare’s needs, encompassing all age requirements.
· The Tobermory Primary Place is incredibly thankful for the utilization of the current facility over the last several years.
· It was noted that the close proximity to St. Edmunds Public School enables the children utilizing the daycare to begin their education journey at a younger age and provide a level of comfort regarding the transition to public school.
· It was noted that 14 new spaces will be available once licencing is achieved for the new location, with 9 new spots in the preschool age and 5 in school age children.
· It was noted that the Tobermory Primary Place is well supported throughout the community.
· It was noted that the Tobermory Primary Place is working to establish a full time year round facility.
· It was noted that a new service agreement with Bruce County will be arriving within the coming weeks, as the current agreement is set to expire.
· Discussion ensued regarding avenues for funding such as a funding agreement with Canada-Wide Early Learning & Child Care.
· Discussion ensued regarding the 2023 fundraising schedule of the Tobermory Primary Place.
· It was noted that the daycare does several fundraisers annually including, chicken and pizza fundraisers, the Chi Cheemaun Festival Food Booth, and the Family Fun Day Weekend.
· Amanda Hofstrand distributed an estimated budget for 2024 to members of Council for review.
· It was noted that 2023 reflected the most normal operating year since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
· A proposed timeline regarding moving into the new facility was noted.
• October 30, 2023, is the anticipated first day at the new facility following the organization obtaining the appropriate licensing.
Discussion ensued regarding the financial structure included with the Tobermory Primary Place 2024 Budget estimate.
Mayor McIver thanked Ms. Hofstrand and Mrs. Munn for their presentation.
Consideration of Agenda Items
1. Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 23-17
Re: Bruce County Development Charge Study
Due to an amendment of the agenda, Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 23-17, was moved to Agenda Item #1.
Discussion ensued regarding the original timeline associated with providing comments concerning the proposed implementation of Development Charges in Bruce County.
It was noted that the Development Charges By-law was referred back to staff with requests for further clarification on items such as exemptions from Development Charges, and definitions for items such as “affordable housing” at the September 21, 2023, County Council Meeting.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West noted that the timeline for comments on the proposed implementation of Development Charges within Bruce County has been extended.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed Development Charges.
Councillor Golden left the meeting at 2:13 p.m.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West noted that Report No. CAO 23-17, should solely be received at the September 25, 2023, Council meeting, due to the extended timeline for Council to draft and submit comments to the County.
#24-03-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives the report titled Bruce County Development Charge Study; and
That the attached letter be amended to reflect Council’s comments from todays meeting and be forwarded to the Bruce County Clerk for inclusion within the next agenda.
Carried
2. Chief Building Official Report No. BD 23-25
Re: Deeming By-law
Ms. Margaret Elizabeth Peterson
Lots 24-25 and 26, Plan 630, 100 Old Woman’s River Road (Former Eastnor), Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
Assessment Roll No. 41 09 620 003 13800 0000
PIN No. 33116-0236 (LT)
#24-04-2023
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the Chief Building Official proceed to register a By-Law to deem Lots 24-25 and 26, Plan 630, 100 Old Woman’s River Road (Former Eastnor), Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, not to be parts of a registered Plan of Subdivision pursuant to a request submitted by the owner, Ms. Margaret Elizabeth Peterson.
And further that this deeming by-law be presented to Council at its regular meeting on September 25, 2023, and pass at the next regular meeting on October 10, 2023.
Carried
3. Chief Building Official Report No. BD 23-26
Re: Partial No Demand for Services Site Plan Control Agreement
Owner: Ms. Margaret Elizabeth Peterson
Plan 630 Lots 24 – 25 & 26, 100 Old Woman’s River Road
Assessment Roll No. 4109-620-003-13800-0000
Property Identifier Number (PIN): 33116-0236 (LT)
#24-05-2023
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That, the negotiation, and registration of a No Demand for Services Site Plan Control Agreement requested by Ms. Margaret Elizabeth Peterson, owner of the property legally described as Plan 630 Lots 24 – 25 & 26 and located at 100 Old Woman’s River Road, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula be approved.
Carried
4. Chief Building Official Report No. BD 23-27
Re: Lift Holding (H) Zone
Owner: Ms. Margaret Elizabeth Peterson
Plan 630 Lots 24 – 25 & 26, 100 Old Woman’s River Road
Assessment Roll No. 4109-620-003-13800-0000
Property Identifier Number (PIN): 33116-0236 (LT)
#24-06-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the removal of the Holding “H” zone requested by Ms. Margaret Elizabeth Peterson of the property legally described as Plan 630 Lots 24 – 25 & 26; 100 Old Woman’s River Road, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula be approved, and;
The passage of By-law No. 2023-83 being a by-law to lift the Holding “H” zone, at its Council meeting on Tuesday October 10, 2023.
Carried
5. Parks and Facilities Manager Report No. PF 23-15
Re: RFP Results Lion’s Head Arena Construction Management
Discussion ensued regarding requests for further information surrounding Parks and Facilities Manager Report No. PF 23-15. The following information was requested:
· Scope of work
· Overview of Ball Construction Ltd.
· Overview of additional Request for Proposals submitted for the project.
It was noted that further information will be included within a report for the October 10, 2023, Council Meeting.
#24-07-2023
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives Parks and Facilities Report PF 23-15 regarding RFP Results Lion’s Head Arena Construction Management as information, and
That Council accepts the proposal from Ball Construction Ltd. to provide Pre-construction and Construction Management Services for the Lion’s Head Community Centre Redevelopment Project in the amount of $1,121,220.00 + HST.
Deferred
6. Treasurer Report No. TR 23-23
Re: Physician Recruitment
#24-08-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives Treasurer’s report TR23-23 as information regarding physician recruitment; and
That Council approves an incentive payment of $25,000 to Dr. Heather Reid to be funded by the 2023 budget allocation under Community Development; and
That By-law 2023-81, being a by-law to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute a Physician Retention Agreement between the Municipality and Dr. Heather Reid, be presented and considered for passage on September 25, 2023.
Carried
7. Planning Report
Re: Zoning By-law Amendment Z-2023-061 (Charette c/o Ron Davidson)
#24-09-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council approve Zoning By-law Amendment Z-2023-061 by Charette c/o Ron Davidson as attached and the necessary by-law be forwarded to Council for adoption.
Carried
8. Clerk Report No. C 23-34
Re: Zoning By-law 2023-80 Charette-840 Pike Bay Road
#24-10-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council supports the passage of By-law No. 2023-80, being a by-law to amend the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 2002-54, as amended, Charette – 840 Pike Bay Road. The amendment is required to rezone the subject land from C3 (Resort Commercial) to R2-Special (Restricted Rural); and
That Council consider passage of By-law No. 2023-80 at today’s meeting.
Carried
9. Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee Minutes
Re: June 28, 2023, Meeting
#24-11-2023
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee supports the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula entering into a Retention Agreement with Dr. Heather Reid; and
That the minutes of Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee Meeting No. 23-02, June 28, 2023, be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
Other Business – Nil.
Correspondence
1. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Information)
Re: Responding to the Housing Affordability Task Force’s Recommendations
2. Office of the Fire Marshal (Information)
Re: Interpretation of s.6(3) of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act
3. St. Edmunds Property Owners Inc (Information)
Re: Letter to Bruce County Council – Proposed Development Charges
4. United Way Bruce Grey (Information)
Re: Bruce Peninsula Safe Communities Committee – Committee Disbandment
5. Municipal Law Enforcement Officer’s Association (Information)
Re: Long Service Medal recipient Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, Carol Hopkins
Members of Council congratulated Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, Carol Hopkins, on her long service within Municipal Law Enforcement.
6. Alan Constant (Information)
Re: Tobermory Airport
#24-12-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the correspondence items #1- 6 and 9 be received as information as printed and circulated.
Carried
7. Linda Friend (Information)
Re: Traffic speed on Moore Street – Letter and Petition
#24-13-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council directs the Public Works Manager to review the Speed Limit By-law pertaining to Moore Street and to review the safety concerning in this area of Moore Street.
Carried
8. Resolution – Township of Cramahe (Information)
Re: Amendments to the Highway Traffic Act
#24-14-2023
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council supports the following resolution from the Township of Cramahe.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council support the City of Cambridge resolution; and
THAT speeding on our roads is a major concern in our community; and THAT speeding can occur in all areas of our community; and
THAT barriers and delays to enforcement pose a danger to our community; and
THAT our municipality has limited resources to implement speed mitigation road design and re-design; and
THAT our local police service has limited resources to undertake speed enforcement; and
THAT s.205.1 of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) provides that Automated Speed Enforcement systems (ASE) may only be placed in designated community safety zones and school safety zones; and
THAT, the Township of Cramahe request that the Ontario Government amend
s.205.1 of the HTA to permit municipalities to locate an ASE system permanently or temporarily on any roadway under the jurisdiction of municipalities and as determined by municipalities and not be restricted to only community safety zones and school safety zones; and
THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Ontario Minister of Transportation, the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, local area MPPs, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and all Ontario Municipalities.
Carried
9. Resolution – City of Hamilton (Information)
Re: Request to abandon Greenbelt Development
10. Resolution – Municipality of Arran-Elderslie (Information)
Re: Tile Drainage Loan Program Review
#24-15-2023
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council supports the following resolution from the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie.
WHEREAS installing tile drainage is a very common land improvement practice among farmers in Ontario and provides many benefits that allow for increased yields, improved soil conditions and reduces the risk of crop losses; and
WHEREAS the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie is proud of its strong agricultural heritage and continues to thrive as a growing agricultural leader; and
WHEREAS the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) provides landowners in a municipality in Ontario that are planning to install a tile drainage system on their agricultural land with the option for a tile loan under the OMAFRA Tile Loan Program; and
WHEREAS the cost of installing a tile drainage system has increased exponentially over the years with the average cost per acre reaching $2000 and beyond, coupled with the rising cost per acre of farmland further strengthening the need to invest in the lands to maximize profit realizations; and
WHEREAS the OMAFRA Tile Drainage Loan Program allows for a loan of up to seventy-five percent of eligible costs to install a tile drainage system to a maximum of fifty-thousand dollars in any fiscal year, to an individual, as an individual, or in their role in a partnership or corporation; and
WHEREAS the fifty-thousand dollar maximum has not been increased since 2004 at which time is was increased from twenty-thousand dollars to the current fifty-thousand dollar maximum; and
WHEREAS the Ontario Federation of Agriculture requested an increase to the maximum annual loan amount to $100,000 in 2021 and no changes to the program have been realized from that request; and
WHEREAS the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie urges the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to review the provisions of the Tile Loan Program to consider the economic changes that have occurred since the last review was undertaken nineteen years ago in 2004 and consider Increasing the maximum loan amount to $125,000; and
WHEREAS the Council of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie further urges the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to commit to regular reviews of the program to ensure it remains in line with the current economic conditions;
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Honorable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, Honorable Lisa M. Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Rick Byers, MPP Grey-Bruce- Owen Sound, the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, and all municipalities in Grey and Bruce Counties.
Carried
Reading of By-laws
By-law 2023-80
A by law to amend the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Zoning By-law 2002-54, as amended (Charette – 840 Pike Bay Road)
By-law 2023-81
A By-Law to Authorize a Physician Recruitment Agreement Between the Municipality and Dr. Heather Reid
By-law 2023-84
Being A By-Law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council Meeting of The Corporation of The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Held Monday, September 25, 2023
#24-16-2023
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted.
Carried
Closed Session – Nil.
#24-17-2023
That Council move into closed meeting pursuant to Section 239 (2) of The Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, for the following reasons:
Carried
Reconvene from Closed Session to Resume Council Meeting – Nil.
#24-18-2023
Carried
Adjournment
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#24-19-2023
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the meeting adjourns at 2:40 p.m.
Carried
