REPORT ON COUNCIL March 31, 2008 Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:01 a.m. – 12:53 p.m. and 1:16 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Regular Evening Meeting: 7:06 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. All Members of Council present.
CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: 3:43 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
SSEA FINAL REPORT RE INVESTIGATIONS INTO BEACH WATER QUALITY: In the summer season each year from 2003 and 2007, the Severn Sound Environmental Association attempted to ascertain sources of pollution along the shores of Tiny Township. At first the focus was Balm Beach, Jackson Park, and Woodland Park and streams associated with these public beaches. Later some work was done on effluent from the Nottawasaga River, which emerges in Wasaga, south of Tiny and has a negative effect on water quality in Concessions 1-3. More recently the SSEA did work on the Lafontaine Creek, which emerges south of Concession Road 13.
For the streams, the SSEA collected data concerning such things as flow, temperature, E. coli (usually not a problem itself, but an indication that dangerous bacteria may be present), nitrates, nitrites, suspended solids, phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and pH.
Not surprisingly, it looks as if the E. coli (and associated bacteria) in streams affects beaches near their mouths. Because the Nottawasaga River and the Lafontaine Creek are large, they have a strong impact on beaches near their mouths, but smaller creeks may also have a negative effect. Sampling showed that the streams and creeks pick up E. coli on the way through built up areas. It is encouraging to read in the Report that “It would appear that a significant source or sources of E. coli contamination to Balm Beach Creek have been eliminated through the Township’s re-inspection program.” (The Balm area was the first to be re-inspected and all septics found to be faulty have been repaired, replaced or upgraded.)
The Report recommends five actions –
Continue to inspect and abate faulty or substandard private sewage systems.
Consider treatment of storm water runoff to provide retention and reduction of solids and bacteria prior to discharge near beaches
Consider moving the stream outlets discharging directly onto the Balm and Jackson Beaches (and other beaches). Where feasible these outlets should be directed off the points where dispersion and mixing of their discharge would be accomplished more effectively.
Consider removal or modification of selected groynes in order to improve water circulation in stagnant beach areas, especially in the case of more northern beaches.
Prepare shoreline landowner guides that include care of sewage systems, the value of dune systems to beach quality and the value of naturalization rather than the development of turf grass next to beaches. Measures to protect public beach areas from the modification by adjacent landowners should be considered by the Township.
There was not enough explanation as to why most of the different kinds of stream monitoring were undertaken, and there was no recommendation that monitoring continue at intervals to keep an eye out for trends and sudden changes that might require action. Also, it would be useful if all the raw data (all the sample results, the flow results, the rain gauge measurements etc.) were compiled for future reference.
Members of Council asked many probing questions and asked Staff to report on actions that might be taken.
DEPUTATION ABOUT INVASIVE COMMON REED (PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS): Judith Grant, on behalf of the Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations (FoTTSA), asked to give an oral presentation about actions needed regarding the invasive form of Phragmites australis (Common Reed), which has become established at points along the shore of Tiny Township. Council directed staff to prepare a report by the end of April. For the deputation, click HERE.
SECOND ANNUAL MAYOR’S GOLF TOURNAMENT: This is to take place at 1 p.m. on August 16 at the Balm Beach Golf Club. A maximum of 72 golfers may take part. The funds raised are to go to the Huronia Hospitals Foundation for needed equipment.
VISUAL IMPACT STUDY (WIND TURBINES) AUTHORIZED: Council decided to have the University of Guelph’s School of Environmental Design & Rural Development conduct a “Wind Energy Facilities Assessment” for the Township of Tiny. The study is to consider the visual impact of wind turbines. The cost of the study — $40,430 – is to be borne by the Coalition of Residents of Tiny (CORT). Township staff is to act as Project Manager.
TOWNSHIP PROPERTY RECORDS UPDATE: Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, reported that identification of Township-owned roads, beaches, laneways, lands, and blocks is continuing, and is complete for
66% of 22 roads, 3 beaches & 12 laneways in Concession 8
66% of 19 roads, 2 beaches and 6 lands in Concession 9
90% of 31 roads, 3 blocks in Concession 10, and
66% in Concession 11.
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REPORT ON COUNCIL
April 14, 2008
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:02 a.m. – 10:47 a.m.
Four Members of Council present.
Mayor Breckenridge away on vacation. Deputy Mayor George Lawrence chaired the meeting.
CONFIDENTIAL / CLOSED SESSION: None.
PLANS OF SURVEY REGISTERED BY TOWNSHIP FOR PARTS OF PLANS 735 AND 776: If we understand the maps aright, in Plan 735 this concerns the beach in front of the properties along Trew Avenue plus one lane, and in plan 776 this includes the Township-owned beach from Marina Road west to Jackson Park and north to Lundy Lane.
