Council Reports November 2023
Council met on Wednesday, November 1 and 22 – Committee of the Whole and Regular Meetings of Council. The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and three Councillors were in attendance at all meetings.
A special Budget meeting was held on November 14th.
Council Meeting Wednesday November 1st, 2023
Open Deputation
Ola Kalodij objected to the fee increase for STR’s given that it is much higher than other municipalities. She argued that the renewal process should be much more streamlined and renewal fees reduced. The first year was extremely time consuming as it was a new system, and the costs would obviously be higher.
GPS Vehicle Tracking System
Staff reported that the Township’s fleet GPS tracking system, installed in 2016, only provides basic information. It cannot provide telematics from plows and other heavy equipment, such as tracking the application of sand/de-icing material, quantities, where plowing was performed, etc. This information is useful for managing plowing operations and is essential for insurance claims brought against the municipality.
The 2023 capital budget includes funds for upgrading the system.
The Public Works department had put out an RFP for a new system. Council approved proceeding with the proposal from Northern Business Intelligence costing $24,949.32 plus HST. These funds will be taken from the $50,000 capital budget for the project (02-300-2607-70305). Remaining funds will be carried over into 2024 for the installation of additional sensors on plows and heavy equipment.
Short Term Rental Licence (STR) Program Fees
Staff advised that one of the goals of the program is to ensure taxpayers are not subsidizing program costs, including enforcement.
Upon review of the actual revenue and expenses for the program, it was determined that the 2023 rate of $1,500/year should be increased to $1,750.00 to ensure that the 2024 program remains revenue neutral.
Council approved the increase. Councillor Brunelle voted against.
Drainage Superintendent
Further to previous presentations, Council approved by-law 23-063 appointing R. J. Burnside and Associates Limited as the Township’s Drainage Superintendent.
Committee of the Whole Meeting Wednesday November 1st, 2023
Deputations
Discharge of Firearms – Georgian Highlands
Dr. Jon Cooperman is a resident of Georgian Highlands located off Tiny Beaches Road North between Concession Roads 18 and 19. A gun range is currently being operated at the end of Raven Hill drive which is directly adjacent to homes in the neighbourhood.
Tiny Township has no By-Laws setting out guidelines for firearm discharge and as a result, discharging a firearm in a residential neighbourhood is technically ‘legal’. Without a by-law the OPP has nothing to enforce. Midland, Penetanguishene and Orillia all have such by-laws and Dr. Cooperman requested Council to adopt similar regulations. He submitted a petition from over 30 neighbours who endorse this motion and have expressed concern for their safety. He believes that the lack of a By-Law is creating a public safety risk, and asked the Mayor and Council to take the appropriate steps to address this issue.
He was advised that they will await a staff report prior to addressing further on November 22.
Stephen Voisin, Charles Werder and Dominic Belissimo supported Mr. Cooperman’s concerns.
Greg Patchell – Impact of New Construction on Infastructure
Mr. Patchell questioned comments by the Mayor in a recent issue of Midland Today on how recent new development impacts the need for increased infrastructure in Tiny. The Mayor will respond on November 22.
Dan O’Rourke
Mr. O’Rourke stated that he feels recent remarks made that were derogative to Township staff and council members were not deserved and thanked them for their work. He also requested that as promised pre-election, a group be re-stablished to review the whole STR program.
Dana Bradshaw, Woodland Beach Property Owners Assoc. (WBPA)- Pedestrian Safety
He requested that the Township of Tiny continue to actively encourage motorists to slow down, adhere to the posted speed limits, and use the road respectfully and carefully.
Request summary:
1. Implement “Community Safety Zone” for TBRS within Woodland Beach
2. Implement “Automated Speed Enforcement” system within Woodland Beach
3. Implement additional stop signs at unsafe intersections.
WBPOA offered to work with the township staff to make our community safer for all pedestrians who live, work or vacation here.
Peter Brzozowicz – Camping On Vacant Lot
Mr. Brzozowicz indicated that he had sent a letter to Council regarding his camping on his vacant property which he has been doing for the past 13 years. Apparently, a neighbour complained that he is contravening the by-law. He has a driveway permit, a chemical toilet, brings own food and water and has a 911 address. He requested an exemption to allow him to continue enjoying his property.
Reports of Consultants or Third Parties
Paul Marchildon, Board Director, Economic Development
Corporation of North Simcoe (EDCNS) – Innovation Hub Proposal
Mr. Marchildon presented the benefits of developing an innovation hub in North Simcoe.
- A PLACE Where Things Happen
- A SPACE For All to Have Equal Access
- An OPPORTUNITY for Industry Changing Innovators to Nurture Ideas
- Skill Development and Programming
- Mentorship and Coaching
- Networking and Events
- Building Community
- Access to Government Funding or Investments
Update on SSEA Farlain Lake Algae Causation Study
Aisha Chiandet, Water Scientist and Sarah Song, Inland Lakes Water Quality Stewardship Intern, Severn Sound Environment Association provided an update on the study requested by Council. The following were the conclusions:
• Blue-green algae are an important part of lake ecosystems
• They are an Issue when they become dominant and produce toxins
• Farlain Lake did not experience a significant bloom this year
• Warm temperatures coupled with rainfall events >25mm a week prior increased the occurrence of high PC:Chla, but exceptions occurred
• The likelihood of blooms is expected to increase with climate change effects and continued nutrient inputs
• It is important to control severity/duration through shoreline stewardship
Council received the report but requested that the SSEA update it to include recommendations on what can be done to mitigate these issues.
County Council Highlights – Meeting Held October 10, 2023
2023 Newcomer Recognition Awards
In 2012, the Simcoe County LIP published a community settlement strategy, providing recommendations to help develop welcoming communities. The strategy is based on four themes of Readiness, Opportunity, Celebrate and Inspire.
Age-Friendly Housing Grant Update
In 2018, County Council approved $500,000 in annual funding towards implementing the Simcoe County 2018–2023 Positive Aging Strategy which supports the development of age-friendly housing by including accessible, adaptable, and inclusive designs that would allow older adults to continue to live independently and participate in their communities. A recent report indicated that, of 110 applicants, 83 received support for various projects: bathroom modifications, stair lifts, ramps, etc.
Previous Matters for Consideration
Discussion / Deputation of October 11, 2023, from Lorenzo Biondi and Toms Lokamanis seeking to purchase a portion of a closed road abutting 1504 and 1506 Tiny Beaches Road North. More information is required from third property owner before a decision can be made.
Discussion / Deputation of October 11, 2023, from Louise Moreau requesting removal of Township fence on Bow Road. Fence to be left as is.
Clerk’s Report – New Fee Schedule By-law – the fee schedule was approved. Mayor Evans requested staff look at activities being made available to non-residents be reviewed.
Public Works Report – Township Incentive for EV Residential Charge Stations – The Mayor opined that he felt that this was not something the township should be funding. The rest of council agreed.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) – Dog Parks
A resolution from the PRAC requested staff review the potential for dog parks throughout the township. The resolution was approved.
CAMSafe Program.
The Southern Georgian Bay OPP introduced the CAMSafe Program, a partnership between the police, the municipality, and the public. This new initiative demonstrates the OPP commitment to providing programs that collaborate with community partners and service providers.
The program is aimed at creating a database of private (residential and commercial) security cameras in communities to be used as a resource for police when investigating offences/crime. If an officer requires access to footage, they will reach out to the property owner. The CAMSafe program is voluntary, and the registrant can withdraw their participation at any time.
The more cameras that are registered the greater positive impact these programs will have in addressing and preventing crime within communities.
Council endorsed the program.
Special Committee of the Whole Meeting (Budget) Tuesday November 14th, 2023
2024 Budget Funding Requests
Council received presentations from the following organizations requesting funding in 2024:
Huronia Seniors Volunteer Care Team; Community Reach; Alliance in the Heart of Georgian Bay; Economic Development Centre of North Simcoe; Business Association of Balm Beach; Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation; Southern Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment; Severn Sound Environmental Association; MTM Conservation Association;
Regrets were sent by Huronia Airport Commission and the Southern Georgian Bay Airboat Rescue although their presentations were received.
All funding requests will be considered during budget deliberations.
2024 Library Services
Mayor Evans outlined the issue with the Town of Penetanguishene. Penetanguishene found a glitch in their governance that prevented them from delegating to Tiny Council the authority to appoint a Tiny representative to the Penetanguishene Library Board. Rather than correcting the glitch, they decided to refute Tiny’s recommended representative and assign their own Tiny resident. Tiny council took exception to this calling it a breach of contract. Council requested this be corrected in January 2023. Penetang agreed to address it but not right away. Although library services continued to be provided to Tiny residents throughout 2023, the Township withheld the final two quarterly payments due to a lack of action on the matter. Apparently the first two quarterly payments were made by mistake and Council requested these payments be refunded, which Penetang refused to do.
After discussion it was agreed that staff negotiate agreements with the existing three libraries with the Township rather than individuals compensating the libraries.
Penetanguishene Public Library – Library Services Agreement
Council reviewed the letter from the Penetanguishene Library Board requesting that the last two quarterly payments be made. Council again refused to approve the payment.
Regular Council Meeting Wednesday November 22nd, 2023
Deputations
A large number of hunters (approx. 160) approached council to defend the shooting range that was the subject of a previous deputation complaining about noise and safety.
Council advised that no by-law was under consideration in this matter.
Tiny Beaches Road Design
The 2021 Transportation Master Plan identified the potential for multi-use lanes on Tiny Beaches Road between Concessions 8 and 11 due to the very narrow road allowances in the area. With these roads needing resurfacing in the near future, the 2023 budget includes funds for the hiring of a consulting firm to
- survey the road allowances in the area.
- review the existing road geometrics.
- review the sizing of critical drainage culverts.
- provide a report exploring the various options for adding active transportation along that corridor.
- prepare schematic design drawings.
This will include reviewing the possibility of converting portions of Oliver Drive, Second Street, and Tiny Beaches Road to one way traffic.
Council approved staff recommendation to proceed with the proposal from R.J. Burnside and Associates at an estimated cost of $58,660.
Municipal Heritage Register Review Project
The Ontario Heritage Act allows municipalities to maintain a publicly accessible register, known as the Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest, to help manage the conservation of local cultural heritage resources. The register includes a list of properties that are designated under Part IV (individual designation) and Part V (within a Heritage Conservation District) of the Ontario Heritage Act, and non-designated properties that have been listed as being of potential cultural heritage value or interest to the community.
Tiny’s register consists of 4 individually designated properties and 31 listed properties. See Municipal Heritage Register here.
It is a concern of the Heritage Advisory Committee that the majority of the Township’s heritage resources may not have adequate protection and as a result are subject to unsympathetic alteration and even demolition.
With the passing of Bill 23 in November 2022 came new requirements for municipal registers and the inclusion of non-designated properties on the municipal register. In particular, non-designated properties currently included on a municipal register need to be removed if council does not issue a notice of intention to designate (NOID) within two years of the amendments coming into force.
As a result, it has become necessary to undertake a comprehensive review of the Township’s heritage resources to determine if they warrant heritage designation.
Council approved the award of this project to MHBC with phase 1, at a cost of $29,380 which is within the approved 2023 budget for this work. Phases 2-4 at a cost $49,155 will be added to the 2024 draft budget as a pre-approved expense.
Ontario Ombudsman Report – Investigation into a complaint about a meeting held by the Huronia Airport Task Force of the Town of Midland, Town of Penetanguishene, and Township of Tiny on April 19, 2022
The Ombudsman received a complaint about a virtual presentation given by the Huronia Airport Task Force to the members of council for the Town of Midland, Town of Penetanguishene, and Township of Tiny.
The complaint alleged that the presentation was not broadcast by a television network on the network’s local television channel or its website, as had been advertised in a joint public notice issued by the three municipalities. The complaint alleged this was contrary to the notice provisions in the Municipal Act, 2001 (the “Act”)1 and the three municipalities’ procedure by-laws.
The investigation determined that the Town of Midland, Town of Penetanguishene, and Township of Tiny contravened the open meeting rules on April 19, 2022. His investigation also found that the three municipalities failed to record meeting minutes.
He subsequently made five recommendations.
The full report can be found here.
Council received the report and moved that the recommendations be taken into consideration.
Committee of the Whole Meeting Wednesday November 22nd, 2023
Deputation
The Georgian Shores Swinging Seniors (GSSS) Club, located at 300 Balm Beach Road West in Tiny, is celebrating its 50th anniversary on July 6, 2024. Paul Quick, President, requested a cash contribution of $1500 and an in-kind contribution of 100 folding chairs for the outdoor afternoon portion of the event. While our members will pay for the evening event, we would like the afternoon to be free to all who attend.
Mr. Quick was advised it would be discussed at the December 13th meeting.
Previous Matters for Consideration
Discussion/Deputation – Woodland Beach Property Association pedestrian safety concerns have been directed to staff for a future report.
Discussion/Deputation – Peter Brzozowicz’s request for permission to camp on his vacant lot was not supported.
Discussion/Deputation – discharge of firearms concerns have been directed to staff for a future report regarding gun regulations, municipal by-laws etc.
2023 Year to Date Comparative Building Permit Activity Report
For the period of January to September 2023 the number of building permits decreased by 10% from the same period in 2022. The construction value increased by 14%
Township of Tiny Town Hall October 19th, 2023 – Report
Staff reported (CR-16-23) a summary of issues that members of the public addressed to Council including:
- library services to Tiny residents – concern for losing service, cost to residents, cost of building a library in Tiny; concern for lack of funding support to area arenas and libraries and impact of same
- Woodland Beach clear cutting for new builds on residential lots
- short-term rentals (continuous by-law patrols, ghost hotels, application fee cost and associated inspections, costs associated with running program/legal fees, fearful of locals – trespassing, do not tie in short-term rentals with affordable housing)
- infrastructure deficit concerns
- poor state and lack of washrooms at Wyevale outdoor rink
- baseball diamond washrooms in bad state/ questioned status of septic system
- cost of building new Township hall / community hub including library / public input
- concern for increase in tax rate/look at ways to cut expenses
Legislation Act, 2006
Council approved supporting a recommendation by the Township of McKellar to amend the act by including digital media as an acceptable means of publication and notice requirements for provincial acts and regulations.
Firefighter Tax Credit
Further to a recommendation by Councillor Walma, Council approved supporting the letter from the Corporation of the Municipality of Wawa which called upon the Government of Canada to support Bill C-310 and enact amendments to subsections 118.06 (2) and 118.07 (2) of the Income Tax Act. This would see increasing the amount of the tax credits for volunteer firefighting and search and rescue volunteer services from $3,000 to $10,000 and reduce the 200-hour requirement to 150 hours.