FoTTSA Report on Tiny Council Meeting June 7 and 28, 2023
Regular Meeting of Council – June 7 th , 2023
Funding Request from SSEA
Staff requested approval for $1,500.00 to offset travel costs for Julie Cayley, Executive Director, SSEA to attend the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiatives Conference. The Township had been successful in receiving a grant for $3,500.00 which Julie was to receive on behalf of the Township. Council approved.
Amendments to the Interim Control By-law
Council received a report from Jamie Robinson of MHBC consulting outlining proposed changes to the Interim Control By-law based on input received from the public and area businesses. Following are the amendments which were approved.
1. Section 2 of By-law 23-044 shall be amended by adding the following sentence to the conclusion of the Section: “No person shall erect any structure, fence or sign through the duration of this by-law. This includes, but is not limited to, boathouses, retaining walls, patios, landscaping, decks, fences, walls, or shoreline alteration.”
2. Section 3 of By-law 23-044 shall be amended by deleting the word “and” after (LSR) and adding a “,”; and adding the following after “Shoreline Residential (SR)”: “Greenlands (GL) and Open Space One (OS1).”
3. The following Section shall be added after Section 3: “Notwithstanding Section 2 and 3, the following shall be exempted from the Interim Control By-law:
a. Single Detached Dwelling;
b. Existing Accessory Buildings and Structures;
c. At grade walkways for accessibility purposes;
d. Buildings and Structures with site specific Planning Act approval or required as a condition of approval;
e. Alterations to a Building or Structure as a result of an order by the Chief Building Official;
f. New Accessory Buildings and Structures, at least 15 metres from the 178 metre contour. With the exception of boathouses, fences, or retaining walls;
g. Landscaping of ground cover vegetation such as grasses and flowers;
h. Temporary event tents;
i. Temporary snow fencing;
j. Sewage systems;
k. Municipal buildings, structures, programs or operations are exempt from the By-law.
Committee of the Whole June 7 th , 2023
Short Term Rental Update
S. Harvey, Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer advised that several Short-Term Rental complaints are being received which fall under other organizations/police, such as those regarding swearing, trespassing, speeding, real estate advertisements, ATV’s, etc. Mr. Harvey noted that these types of complaints should be reported to the appropriate agencies and not the By-law Department as they do not have the authority or jurisdiction for these matters.
Fire Chief Flewelling provided Council with an update on the short term rental accommodation licensing program. To date, 262 license applications have been received with 31 licenses approved.
Following the preliminary review of the applications, it was noted that all of the applications are deficient in one manner or another ranging from building code and septic infractions to missing information such as insurance confirmation documents or site plan/floor plans that are necessary to complete the application review and approval process.
In addition, approximately 50% of the applications indicate more bedrooms than the septic use permit allows. This means that over time people have added or converted rooms to bedrooms to a home without permits, inspections or septic modifications to accommodate the added flows unless these bedrooms were contemplated and planned for originally. It takes time to sort out issues such as these.
Staff involved in the licensing program are now meeting weekly to come up with and employ strategies to have the licensing process move more quickly and efficiently. One such strategy is to request outstanding information within a specified time period with consequences for failure to do so.
Chief Flewelling noted that no one anticipated that so many applications would have outstanding issues. He reassured Council that staff will continue to work diligently through the application process and develop strategies to address deficiencies.
Discussion of Open Deputations
Council considered the open deputations of May 17, 2023, from Nicholas Leblovic and Janice Murton regarding the Building Needs Assessment Project and determined that they be received as information.
Discussion of Deputation of May 17, 2023 by Don Chapman –
2023 Terry Fox Run
Council considered the deputation of May 17, 2023, from Don Chapman regarding the 2023 Terry Fox Run and the additional request of the Fire Department to conduct a boot drive in support of the run.
Council also reviewed the in-kind and financial support as approved for this event in the 2023 Budget.
AND THAT the in-kind and financial support for the Terry Fox Run, as approved in the 2023 budget, be allocated accordingly.
Mayor’s Ad Hoc Task Force on Community Wellness
Mayor Evans proposed the idea of an Ad Hoc Task Force on Community Wellness as a result of interest from members of the community in doing more to support local charities.
It was recommended that a Mayor’s Ad Hoc Task Force on Community Wellness be established to meet regularly to engage various activities to assist local charities, with the activities to include, but not limited to, the following:
1. Financial Assistance Programs: The Ad Hoc Task Force may identify grant programs specifically designed to provide financial support to local charities. These grants can be used for program development, operational expenses, capacity building, or other needs identified by the charities.
2. Capacity Building Workshops: The Ad Hoc Task Force may organize workshops or training sessions to help strengthen the capabilities of local charities. These workshops can cover topics such as fundraising strategies, volunteer management, governance practices, or marketing and communications.
3. Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: The Ad Hoc Task Force may facilitate networking events or foster collaborations among local charities. This can provide a platform for sharing best practices, leveraging resources, and promoting joint initiatives.
4. Resource Referrals: The Ad Hoc Task Force may serve as a central hub for connecting local charities with relevant resources and services. This can include connecting them with government programs, funding opportunities, or other support organizations in the community.
5. Advocacy Efforts: The Ad Hoc Task Force may advocate for the needs and interests of local charities to local government, businesses, and other stakeholders. This can involve raising awareness about the importance of supporting grassroots charities and advocating for policies and initiatives that benefit their work.
It was also recommended that staff report back on the terms of reference and
composition of the Task Force as well as the process to facilitate the activities as noted
above, including potential costs and staffing
requirements.
Regular Meeting of Council – June 28 th 2023
Oak Wilt Found in Canada
T. Leitch, Director Public Works advised that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed the presence of a forest invasive that targets oak trees, called oak wilt (Bretziella fagacearum), in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This is the first known case of oak wilt in Canada. The loss of oak trees would be felt in both urban and natural spaces as oaks are in many backyards, parks, woodlots, and forests.
Oak wilt is an invasive vascular disease of oak trees caused by a fungus that disrupts the movement of water and nutrients. All oaks are susceptible to oak wilt, but red oaks are particularly vulnerable and can die in 2-6 weeks following infection. The disease can cause widespread economic, ecological, and social impacts if left undetected or untreated.
To help prevent the spread of this disease, movement restrictions are in place on affected properties. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is working with other federal, provincial and municipal governments to survey the area and determine next steps.
“Invasive species education and awareness is important to make these types of detections,” says Sarah Rang, Executive Director of the Invasive Species Centre. “The earlier an invasive species is detected, the better the chances of eradication. I encourage people to learn more about the signs of oak wilt, keep an eye on trees in their area, and report any sick-looking oak trees to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.”
What Community Members Can Do
People can protect oak trees by not transporting firewood long distances and not pruning oak trees between April and October. Canadians are encouraged to monitor the health of oak trees and report signs of oak wilt.
What to look for:
– Wilting and bronzing of oak leaves, starting from the top of the tree and moving down
– Discolouration of the leaves, beginning at the leaf edges and progressing to the midrib
– Premature leaf fall
– White, grey, or black fungal mats, also referred to as “pressure pads”, just under the bark that sometimes emit a fruity smell
– Vertical bark cracks in the trunk and large branches from the fungal spore mat exerting outward pressure on the bark
Please report any suspect signs in Ontario to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). A good report includes an accurate location of the suspect tree and photos of the symptoms. The CFIA will respond to reports of oak wilt and take appropriate action, which may include site surveying and sample collection.
Streamlining of Approvals under the Aggregate Resources Act andSupporting Policy
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is proposing changes to the Aggregate Resource Act to expand the list of changes that can be made to existing pit and quarry site plans without Ministry approval, called self-filing changes, as well as other changes.
Acting Director of Planning & Development
CEO Lamb presented Kathy Suggitt, Registered Professional Planner, who has been appointed as the Acting Director of Planning and Development for the Township of Tiny. This is while a search for a replacement for Shawn Persaud takes place.
2024 Public Budget Survey
Tiny Township began surveying the public in 2021 to gather feedback on the various services, programs and activities so that as the budget planning occurs for the following year, public input was considered by Staff and Council. In 2021, 275 responses were received and in 2022, 287 responses were received.
A 2024 DRAFT Public Budget Survey for Council to consider has been included. If approved as presented, Staff recommend deploying the survey through all social media channels, on the website (tiny.ca) as well as through pre-printed paper copies available at the office for the public to pick up, for the period of June 30, 2023 to August 31, 2023. This period will also provide enough lead time for Staff to prepare and distribute the results to Council in September.
Committee of the Whole – June 28 th 2023
Delegation by M. Galluzzo – Zoning Changes
Mr. Mario Galluzzo made a deputation outlining his concerns with respect to zoning changes that have taken place since 1977.
He insisted that prior to 1977 most of the beaches along the western shoreline of Tiny were zoned OS (Open Space Public) and enjoyed freely by the Public, which included residents of Tiny. In the 2006 Official Plan these same beaches were rezoned to OS1 (Open Space PRIVATE).
He questioned under what authority did this take place.
Did the zoning amendment facilitate the increased number of applications to the boundaries act to be approved?
He requested that council and staff initiate an investigation into what has occurred over the past 30 years.
He further suggested that Council have the zoning maps corrected to show that all beaches existing in Tiny be zoned Environmentally Protected.
He also asked who was responsible for making the maps.
Council agreed to have an investigation take place and staff report brought forward.
Delegation by Chuck Stradling and John Jamieson, LASHA – Request for Community Safety Zone on Tiny Beaches Road North between Concessions 15 and 18.
LASHA Chair John Jamieson and President, Chuck Stradling addressed Council outlining the request for a Community Safety Zone designation on Tiny Beaches Road North between Concessions 15 and 18 as well as electronic speed radar signs. Council was presented with letters of support signed by over 100 households in the LASHA community. It was also pointed out that the recent re-paving of Tiny Beaches Road North in several locations has resulted in notable increased speeds. Council thanked the presenters and advised that they will take the request into consideration and pass on to staff.
Permitting alcohol in public parks/ Changes to the Ontario Liquor Licensing Act
Councillor Walma brought forward a recommendation that Council consider permitting alcohol in public parks given that this is being undertaken in several municipalities including a pilot program in Toronto this Summer. Council agreed to have staff provide a report on how this might be accomplished.
Public Works Report PWR-024-23 – Capital Projects Update – Marshall Road, Marks Point Road and Old School House Road, and Update on Approved Tall Pines/Forest Circle/Elm Lane
Council approved this project with some added locations and an update on the current
approved projects.
2022-2026 Strategic Plan
Council and Senior staff participated in a strategy session on March 27, 2023 at the Township of Tiny Community Centre. Public Notice of a Special Meeting of Council for the purposes of developing a strategic plan was given in early March, for any residents who wished to attend and observe the process only.
This session was facilitated by Erik Lockhart, of Lockhart Facilitation and the Queen’s Executive Decision Centre.
The session began with a review of the existing strategic plan document, its mission and vision statements, and corporate values. The previous Strategic Plan was circulated to all participants ahead of the meeting for review, and to identify any areas they wished to discuss further at this session. At the beginning of the session the consensus was that the Corporate Values would remain the same, subject to minor grammatical updates.
While the Corporate Values remained the same, amendments were made to the Corporate Mission and Vision Statements.
Previous Mission Statement:
‘Delivering extraordinary municipal services for all of our residents.’
Revised Mission Statement:
‘Creating a prosperous, engaged and healthy community that respects culture and diversity through responsible environmental and financial stewardship’
Previous Vision Statement:
‘An environmentally focused diverse family of communities providing an economically sustainable and healthy lifestyle’
Revised Vision Statement:
‘A culturally diverse community, that respects the traditions of the past, is future focused, while protecting our environment and heritage for generations to come’
Through the process, four key top priorities and objectives of the municipality emerged that will guide the direction of the Township’s Strategic Plan for the 2022-2026 Term of Council and beyond.
The following are key highlights of the priorities identified and their objectives to be completed by the end of 2025:
Asset Management Plan and Financial Planning
- Stay on course with Asset Management Plan. Meet legislative requirements by 2025 and complete all core and no-core condition assessments.
- Develope a long-term financial plan for the next 20 years by end of 2025 which includes a five-year budget outlook, reserves, reserve investments.
- Multi-year capital budgeting in place by 2025 (Council decision point).
New Building and Community Hub
- Public consultation & engagement on design and scope of community hub (4th quarter 2023 including communications).
- Site selection confirmed Summer 2023
- Request for Proposals for project management in 2023
- Financing in place for new building 2024
Public Lands Management Including Shoreline
- Multi-year capital budgeting in place by 2025 (Council decision)
- Delineation complete by 2023 (major beaches with Master Plans)
- Shoreline management by-laws completed and in front of Council by Spring 2024
- Encroachment Identification and Management strategy by August 2023
Organizational development & Structure
- New work structure implemented over three year period
- Flew work policy created
- Employee engagement survey and follow through with policy & program creation
- Performance Papraisal program modernized
The draft Strategic Plan document submitted for consideration can be found under Item F.2.3 in the COW agenda for June 28. In the first quarter of each subsequent year of the Strategic Plan, a formal report will be prepared for a special session to be held with Council, for a review of the previous year’s achievements and progress in accomplishing key aspects of the identified goals and priorities.
Taxing Places of Worship (Councillor Walma)
Councillor Walma brought forward a motion recommending that the Province be requested to give the Township authority to levy property tax on places of worship. He indicated that at current residential rates about $30,000.00 could be raised annually. Councillor Brunelle was the only negative vote and the motion passed.