Report on Council: September 24, 2012

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
September 24, 2012
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 11:58 am
Public Hearing under the Planning Act: 7:00 pm -7:19 pm
Regular Meeting: 7:19 pm – 7:38 pm
 Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart

Regrets: Mayor Millar

In the absence of Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence took the chair for all meetings

Municipal Property Assessment Corporation Report
Tiny Newsham, Municipal Relations Representative of the MPAC, presented a summary of the services provided by MPAC including the roles and responsibilities in the property assessment system, the property assessment cycle, AboutMyProperty, request for reconsideration and convenient methods of contacting MPAC. Council received the report for information and instructed staff to post the presentation on the Township website.

Shelter Now Awareness Presentation
Elinor Kirby, Resource Developer of Shelter Now, provided an overview of the organization “Shelter Now” including information on “What is Shelter Now, Why the Need, Who Do We Help, Programming, Mission/Vision/Values/Beliefs; Accomplishments and Letters of Support/In Focus-Seeking Shelter”. Her main focus was to make the public aware of the program. Council voted to receive the presentation as information.

County Council Update
Deputy Mayor Lawrence reported that on September 25th County Council will discuss the County- governance structure, specifically addressing the position of Warden and the size and composition of County Council, as well as the County Official Plan.

Private/Unassumed Street Site Plan Agreement McQuillan RP 750, Conc. 11 West
Council reviewed a report from Shawn Persaud, Manager of Planning & Development, regarding a request from the owners of Lots 27 and 28, Registered Plan 750, Concession 11W to bring their use into conformity with the Township zoning by-law. Council passed By-Law 12-086 to require Site Plan Control on the lots, and to authorize entering into a Site Plan Control Agreement for the lots.

Meeting on lake levels in Ottawa
Deputy Mayor Lawrence reported that an important meeting in Ottawa is scheduled for October 1, 2012, and requested the Committee’s consideration to attend. The meeting with the Minister of the Environment and other important government officials will involve direct presentations from Georgian Bay municipalities on the serious problems facing this area from low water level in Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. Council authorized Deputy Mayor Lawrence to attend this meeting.

Meeting held under the Planning Act
The owner of the motel located at 95 Centre Beach Road, Thunder Beach, has applied for by-law amendments to enable the motel to be demolished and various adjacent lots to be used for seven residential lots. Three letters of objection were received from members of the public, and two members of the public made oral objections.

Council will decide on the applications in the near future.

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Report on Council: September 10, 2012

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
September 10, 2012
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:58 pm
Confidential Closed Session: 12:22 am – 12:57 pm
Public Hearing under the Planning Act: 7:00 pm -7:08 pm
Regular Meeting: 7:08 pm – 7:38 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart

Cedar Point Canada Postal Delivery
Correspondence and petition from Andrew W. Combes, President of the Cedar Point Cottagers Association, indicated that the residents and Canada Post have secured a satisfactory undertaking which has resolved the matter.

Petition for Safe Children Signage and Reduction of Speed Limit
The Committee considered a letter and petition dated September 4, 2012 from Martha Boyd requesting safe children signage and a reduction in the speed limit in the area of Tiny Beaches Road North between Trillium Lane and Concession 14W. Staff was instructed to provide input on the request for Council consideration.

Official Plan Amendment #13 on industrial wind turbines
Deputy Mayor Lawrence reported that the Township’s Official Plan Amendment #13 to control the impact of industrial wind turbines was on the agenda for the upcoming Corporate Services Committee meeting at the County of Simcoe. The matter was discussed, and Council agreed that it would not be in favour of modifying the amendment and would then let the County of Simcoe make a decision on the original adopted version. Simcoe County is insisting on the inclusion of the Green Energy Act in the official plan. Tiny does not want it included but if they don’t include it they will just be voted down at Corporate Services Simcoe County and at the provincial level. Tiny reserves the right to hold discussions with county and municipal staff to work towards a mutually agreeable clause in the new Official Plan.

Reduction of Securities for sewage by Le Villageois
Le Villageois de Lafontaine has requested a reduction of securities for the sewage system. Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution to authorize that the existing securities for Sewage in the amount of $278,520 be reduced by 50 percent to no less than $139,260 in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Municipal Responsibility Agreement.

Proposed Champlain Look-out on Concession 8W
As the Council representative on the Historical and Heritage Advisory Committee, Councillor Claire presented a motion passed at the August 16, 2012 meeting. The Champlain Commemorative Committee is proposing to construct a lookout on municipally owned property on Concession 8W in commemoration of the 400th Anniversary of Champlain’s time in Huronia. The site might include an elevated platform, parking space and a boardwalk. Council directed staff to work with the Historical & Heritage Advisory Committee to prepare a site plan and budget (2014) for the Champlain Look-out project

Request to Erect a Sign at Public Beach Access (890A Tiny Beaches Rd S.).
Nearby residents requested that the Township place a sign to mark the path for public beach access at 890A TBRS. The width of the beach is a 50 foot laneway. Tiny does not mark boundaries but agreed to erect a sign delineating the public beach property. There are some situations where a public access ends in a private beach. They would not automatically put a sign at the beginning of the path because residents may not want to draw attention to a pathway to the beach. It is the policy not to comment on property other than that owned by the municipality.

Strategic Planning Session
Councillor Wishart requested that the Committee consider arranging a Strategic Planning Session to discuss two significant issues facing the municipality; the first issue being the Memorandum of Understanding with the five Parks and Recreation Associations, the second issue being the ownership of shoreline properties. The Committee agreed to discuss this matter after the 2013 Budget has been approved.

Wyebridge Parks & Recreation Association potential Property Purchase.
The Wyebridge Parks and Recreation Association has the opportunity to purchase land adjacent to the Wyebridge Community Centre which would allow an expansion of the parking lot. At the moment parking is a problem. Council has agreed to purchase the property and bear all acquisition related costs (legal, survey and appraisal costs) if the Association provides a certified cheque for $30,000. Under the memorandum of understanding when the Recreation Associations were formed Associations have the opportunity to invest in property.

Planning Act Hearing
Some twenty items of a “housekeeping” nature were presented for consideration by Shawn Persaud, Manager of Planning & Development. Nine items are intended to clarify definitions and imprecise wording in the present By-law No. 06-001. A further eleven items address site specific issues. Since no objections were raised, staff was directed to prepare the changes for Council approval.

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Report on Council: August 27, 2012

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
August 27, 2012
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:33 pm
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:58 pm
 Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart
Regrets: Mayor Millar
In the absence of Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence chaired the meetings

Champlain Commemorations Huronia 2015
Gregory King, Chair of the Infrastructure Committee for the Commemorations, addressed the Committee requesting municipal assistance in the celebration of Champlain Commemoration 2015 marking the 400th anniversary of Champlain’s visit to Huronia. He noted that the bulk of funding for programs and events will likely be provided by the federal and provincial governments, but at this time, he is requesting that each municipality (Midland, Penetanguishene, Tay and Tiny) set aside in their next three or four (2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016) budgets to assist in the Commemorations. Staff was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution at the Regular Meeting of Council to further discuss the funding request during the 2013 budget deliberations.

Bill 32, Great Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage Act, 2011
The Committee reviewed a request by Dominic Mifsud to make an oral submission regarding the Right of Passage legislation. Because the Bill is still at the first reading in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, staff was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution at the Regular Meeting of Council to deny the request.

Solar Farm Support Letter
At the August 13, 2012 Regular Committee of the Whole meeting the Committee discussed the request by Trevor Lindsay for municipal support for the Hay Solar Farm.. A legal opinion from Barriston Law with respect to this matter was also received and reviewed, and on this basis staff was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution to advise the requester that Council is not prepared to endorse his request.

Wyevale Intersection Pedestrian Signal and School Zone Warning Signs
Two tender submissions were received for the signals and signs in Wyevale. Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, reported on the result of the tender call, and staff was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution at the Regular Meeting of Council to award the contract to Walkers Electric 2000 in the amount of $70,743.08 (including HST).

Emergency Services Report
If an ambulance is delayed for 15 minutes or more the fire department is dispatched for medical emergency calls. There were 2 fire calls and 16 medical assists for the period ending July 31, 2012. Volunteers are paid for a minimal of 3 hours when dispatched. If a truck is dispatched to a fire and the owner does not have a permit they are charged $500 per vehicle.

Petition from R. Doering re: Road Allowance between Conc. 18 and 19, Thunder Beach.
Under a court order, the fence partially blocking access to the road allowance between Concessions 18 and 19 is allowed to remain.

Municipal Investments Limited
Deputy Mayor Lawrence referred to a letter dated August 12, 2012 from J. Axler of Municipal Investments Limited regarding a proposed development on Blocks B & C, Registered Plan 1371. Staff was instructed to advise Mr. J. Axler to contact the County of Simcoe for his proposed development. Municipal Investments has brought forward this proposal with every council since the 1960’s.

Cabell Road/Park
Deputy Mayor Lawrence inquired if the park at the end of Cabell Road was municipally owned. If it is not then should the signage and fencing be removed? Doug Luker, CAO/Clerk, advised that this matter will be included in the in-camera session on the September 10, 2012 Regular Committee of the Whole agenda for further discussion.

IJC’s International Upper Lakes Study Report
Councillor Warren suggested that Committee discuss the IJC’s International Upper Lakes Study report with respect to the lake levels in the upper lakes, and the General and Specific Comments and Recommendations outlined in the report. Council directed staff to forward a letter to the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLSLCI) expressing concerns regarding Recommendation #1 contained in the IJC’s International Upper Lakes Study report; and further that a copy of the joint municipal letter regarding the Great Lakes water levels be forwarded to the GLSLCI.

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Report on Special Meeting of Committee of the Whole: August 16, 2012

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Webmaster

Report on SPECIAL MEETING OF CoMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE:
August 16, 2012
Special Meeting: 3:00 pm – 4:26 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and ,Wishart

Simcoe County Official Plan -Proposed Modifications
Draft Letter from K. Menzies, MHBC Planning
Kris Menzies of MHBC Planning Council presented a draft letter containing comments with respect to the draft modified Simcoe County Official Plan. A comprehensive report on proposed modifications of the Simcoe County Official Plan was presented by Bryan MacKell of MHBC Planning at the August 13, 2012 Regular Committee of the Whole meeting. At the special meeting, the Committee had an active discussion of Mr. MacKell`s report and of the implications for Tiny. They used the opportunity to pose further questions to Mr. MacKell and made several recommendations for inclusion in the final letter to the County of Simcoe.

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Report on Council: August 13, 2012

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
August 13, 2012
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:12 pm; 12:45 – 2:26 pm
Confidential Closed Session: 2:22 am – 2:.25 pm
Public Hearing under the Planning Act 7:03 pm -7:07 pm
Regular Meeting: 7:08 pm – 7:37 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart

Solar Farm Support Letter
Trevor Lindsay provided a brief overview of the proposed Hay Solar Farm Building Program on Part Lot 9, Concession 18 East. As part of the Hay Solar application process, the Ontario Power Authority requires that a letter of support from the municipality be provided. This matter will be further discussed at the next Regular Committee of the Whole meeting.

Simcoe County Official Plan Proposed Modifications
Bryan MacKell of MHBC Planning provided a comprehensive overview of the proposed modifications of the Simcoe County Official Plan. He reported that the deadline for comments to be submitted is August 27, 2012. County hopes to hold a review of comments prior to approval by County Council on September 12, 2012. Council agreed to hold a Special Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday, August 16, 201 2 at 3:00 pm to consider a letter containing Tiny’s comments on the proposed new County Official Plan.

Cedar Point Post Office
On behalf of Canada Post, Donna McCreary discussed changes to the postal services subsequent to the closure of the Cedar Point postal outlet which will impact thirty-two customers in the Cedar Point area. Ms. McCreary outlined two options that are available to provide adequate postal services for these customers. At this time, she is seeking input from the Township on how to best service the affected residents. This matter will be further discussed at the next Regular Committee of the Whole meeting.

Discussion on Encroachments on Township Property
At the July 30, 2012 meeting of the Committee of the Whole, owners of a property on Silverbirch Drive sought to reach an encroachment agreement for an existing deck that lies partly on Township property. Staff was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution at the Regular Meeting of Council to authorize the entering into an Encroachment Agreement and that staff meet with the property owners in preparation of the agreement.
Several Councillors raised the general issue of encroachments, noting that a broader policy review discussion should take place. There have been two previous staff reports dated November, regarding proposed amendments to By-law 05-099, the Township Encroachment Policy

Rental Property on Spruce Street
Two residents of Spruce Street in Woodland Beach outlined their concerns about noise and general nuisance emanating from a rental property on the street. They questioned the adequacy of existing By-laws to deal with extreme situations. The Committee instructed staff to bring forward a draft resolution at the Regular Meeting of Council to review the Township’s fine schedule to determine if an escalating fine structure would help prevent repeat violations of the Township’s By-laws.

Discussion of Low Georgian Bay Water Levels
Deputy Mayor Lawrence referred to the critical low lake water levels of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay and the need for political action at the federal government level to address them. He suggested that Council draft a joint letter for presentation by Bruce Stanton, MP, at the upcoming Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference on behalf of the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene and the Townships of Tay and Tiny. Staff was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution at the Regular Meeting of Council to have staff prepare the joint letter to Bruce Stanton, MP.

Audio Recordings of Council Meetings
The Committee considered a report from Anita Weatherell, Deputy Clerk, regarding the audio recording of Council meetings. Staff was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution to purchase the necessary equipment to audio record the Council meetings and amend the Retention By-law to reflect the retention period for the audio recordings of five (5) years and to amend the Fee Schedule By-law to charge a cost-recovery fee for the provision of audio recordings when requested by the public.
In a recorded vote Council approved the measure 4-1, Councillor Wishart opposed.

Township Office Front Entrance Accessibility Renovation
Four tenders were received for improvement of the accessibility to the front entrance of the Township Offices. Staff was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution at the evening meeting of Council to award the contract to Elmara Construction Company Limited in the amount of $164,100.00 exclusive of HST. In addition, it is anticipated the works will commence by September 4, 2012 with all works to be substantially completed by November27, 2012.
Approval of the tender was carried by a vote of 4-1.

Septage Class EA Update and Preferred Alternative Solution
Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, reported that the Septage Class Environmental Assessment Update has completed Phase 2, and that the Notice of Completion of Phase 2 can be processed. Staff was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution at the Regular Meeting of Council to accept Alternative 4 – Construct Full Septage Treatment Works – as the preferred alternative solution.
On a recorded vote, the report by Mr. Blom was accepted by a vote of 4-1, Mayor Millar opposed.

Parking on Balm Beach Road for Church Access
Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, reported on the parking situation along Balm Beach Road West adjacent to St. Patrick’s Church. The concern was potential conflicts between parking and users of the designated bike path along Balm Beach Road. The Township insurer no concerns but noted that the Township should clearly sign the parking spaces and the bike lane so that those parking and those riding their bikes are aware of their surroundings. Staff was instructed to bring forward a draft resolution at the Regular Meeting of Council to authorizes staff to delineate a 1.5 m bike path with appropriate signage along the south side of Balm Beach Road West from County Road 6 to #39 and that Open Parking be maintained on Balm Beach Road West from County Road 6 to #19.
On a recorded vote, the report by Mr. Blom was accepted by a vote of 4-1, Councillor Warren opposed.

Restoration and Accessibility of Bluewater Beach Park Boardwalk
As Council representatives on the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Bluewater Dunes Restoration Advisory Committee, Deputy Mayor Lawrence and Councillor Warren presented a motion passed at the August 1, 2012 joint meeting recommending the immediate creation of a temporary access solution to the Bluewater Beach Park boardwalk (le. temporary straight platforms) and that a platform be built to connect the Trew Avenue and the Nicole Boulevard entrances for accessibility. This connection should be incorporated permanently in the Phase 2 Boardwalk Realignment project. Staff was directed to seek input from the Township insurer regarding liability concerns.

Planning Act Hearing
An owner of property in Registered Plan 1244 (Silverbirch) applicant was given provisional consent by the Committee of Adjustment to facilitate lot additions with some of the abutting neighbours on Registered Plan 1244 to add additional land to the rear of the properties The amendment of By-law No. 06-001 and By-law 77-30 is required to recognize the new land uses and to implement one of the conditions of approval as part of the severance decision by the Committee of Adjustment. Since no objections were raised, Council approved the necessary amendments.

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Tiny Cottager Cup Challenge 2012!

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Webmaster

As our glorious summer rolls on it is time to remind you of the Tiny Cottager Cup Challenge.

So we encourage our membership to give generously to the cause of their choice. Those choices are listed below.

Cheques should be made out to:

Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation
or
Friends of the Wye Marsh
or
Huronia Communities Foundation. (Physician Recruitment)

The two Foundations are based at the Hospital, and the Wye Marsh cheques go to the Wye Marsh.

Associations should indicate that the contributions are part of the Tiny Cottager Challenge and should let the various institutions know that the support comes from a particular association.

Go for the cup !!

Paul Cowley
President of FoTTSA

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Report on Council: July 30, 2012

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Webmaster

Report on Council:
July 30, 2012
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 11:51am, 12:25 am -3:57 pm
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:46 pm
Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Warren, Wishart and Claire
Regrets: Mayor Millar
In the absence of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor Lawrence took the chair

Encroachment Agreements
Nancy Linton and Steve Siekierko addressed the Committee regarding their request to enter into an encroachment agreement with the Township of Tiny in order to retain their existing dock at 442 Silver Birch Drive. Councillors raised the question of how the Township should deal with encroachments generally. This matter will be further discussed at the next Regular Committee of the Whole meeting.

Petition on Nuisance from a Rental Property
Cheryl Forsythe and William Stewart addressed the Committee regarding a summer rental property located on Spruce Street in Woodland Beach, expressing concern about the loud noise, the number of people renting the property, garbage strewn about and illegal bonfires during the fire ban. Their presentation included a petition signed by area residents in support of their concerns. The house is not zoned for business operations and it is rented out constantly. Forsythe and Stewart made several suggestions to help the situation: enforce the zoning so that you cannot have short term rentals; change the bylaw regarding rentals in residential areas to have a minimal rental period of 31 days; create a bylaw similar to the Innkeepers Act where after warnings renters would be evicted with no refund of their rent; change the noise bylaw to fine property owners as well as renters and make the fine substantial enough to have some impact.
Council resolved to discuss the matter further at the next Regular Committee of the Whole meeting.

Update on Class EA of Georgian Sands and Lafontaine Water Supply
Cecil Gratrix, Senior Project Manager, and Don McNalty of R.J. Burnside and Associates Ltd., provided an update on the Class Environmental Assessment for the Georgian Sands and Lafontaine Water Supply. The system demands and water quality data are being monitored to determine the timing of providing a new well off of Concession 17. On May 16, 2012, the Township received a copy of a letter of concern sent to the Ministry of the Environment requesting a Part II order because of concerns regarding the quality of a private well if the new municipal well was constructed. The MOE has commenced a review of these concerns. The Township, Burnside and Golden remain in discussions with the appellant. If the discussions can lead to a solution that meets the appellant’s concerns the appellant can withdraw their request for a Part II order and the class Environmental Assessment can close.
Council authorized staff to proceed with the project, including an additional $7500 related to the discussion with the appellant, to be covered by the Water Reserve fund.

Septage Management Class Environmental Assessment Study
Anne Egan, Project Manager and Don McNalty of Burnside and Associates Ltd., provided an update on the Septage Management Class EA Study. Phase 2 of the process is nearing completion. Burnside found the most cost effective approach would be to construct a treatment and disposal facility within Tiny to fully treat solid and liquid portions of septage. A site selection process would be required. Treated liquid and solids would be disposed of within the Township. Several approaches to treatment were discussed: geotubes with liquid treatment using a membrane bioreactor and composting of solids; anaerobic digestion of solids, liquid treatment using a membrane bioreactor; lagoon system with liquid treatment and composting of solids; reed beds with liquid disposal to leaching beds and composting of solids. Infrastructure Ontario owns a small Waypoint Wastewater Facility that services the Waypoint mental health facility. A local agency could take over the project and use Infrastructure Ontario money and some federal Phase 3 money (up to 25% of project cost) to manage flows from Waypoint, Penetang and surrounding areas.
The Public Information component of Phase 2 of the Schedule B Class EA is now complete. Council approved funding in the amount of $21,317.77 be paid and taken from the Phase 3 approved Budget and covered by the Garbage Disposal Reserve. Council decided that the matter of recommending an alternative solution be deferred until such time as all members of Council are present.

Draft Property Standards By-law, Property Standards Committee and Clean Yards By-law
The Committee considered Clerks Report CR-030-12 dated July 30, 2012, from Steven Harvey, Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, regarding Draft Property Standards By-law, Property Standards Committee and Clean Yards By-law. Councillors expressed several concerns about the draft property standards and clean yards by-laws. Council decided to defer the matter until such time as various concerns expressed by Council are addressed and a legal opinion has been obtained.

Heritage Designation of Concession 2 East Bridge
As Council representative on the Historical and Heritage Advisory Committee, Councillor Claire presented a motion to designate the Concession 2 East Bridge as an historical structure. The designation passed unanimously.

Picnic Tables
Deputy Mayor Lawrence noted that Edmore Beach Association has requested eight picnic tables for an event on September 1, 2012. Council authorized staff to provide the tables and further directed staff to review the picnic table policy.

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Sign a Petition to help Restore our Water Levels!

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Webmaster

PETITION REQUEST TO RESTORE GREAT LAKES WATER LEVELS

We have begun to collect signatures on a petition in order to encourage the Federal Government to act on the Great Lakes Water Levels issue. Please sign the petition, and pass along the link to it (there are sharing buttons on the petition site) to anyone you think would be interested – spread it far and wide!

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Georgian Bay Water Levels In the News (1)

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Webmaster

International Joint Commission to hold public hearing on lowering Great Lakes levels next month (rabble.ca)

Georgian Bay Water: Disappearing down the drain hole in the St. Clair River (ed-op in the Toronto Star, July 7, 2012)

Status quo recommendations for levels of upper Great Lakes should alarm Canadians and Americans (Morning Post Exchange)

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Report on Council: July 9, 2012

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Webmaster

eport on Council:
July 9, 2012
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:29 pm
Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:25 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and ,Wishart

International Joint Commissioner (IJC) Hearing
Deputy Mayor Lawrence announced that a hearing on the International Upper Great Lakes Study (Final Report) is scheduled for Monday, July 16, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the North Simcoe Recreation Centre in Midland. He intends to attend and speak at the hearing, and encourages other Council members to do likewise. He will be contacting Mayors and Deputy Mayors of neighbouring municipalities to seek their support for restoring water levels in Georgian Bay.

Water Quality in Farlain Lake
Keith Sherman, Executive Director of the Severn Sound Environmental Association, delivered their comprehensive report on the study of the water quality in Farlain Lake. It included information on the size and depth of the lake; concentration levels of metals, phosphorous, ammonia, nitrate and Phytoplankton (Algae)/Zooplankton. He noted that the lake has moderately low nutrient concentrations, low algal biovolume and high clarity. Council resolved to receive the report as information and discuss the matter further at a future meeting of Council.

Historical Designation of Concession 2E Bridge
Lyn Downer and Joe Allevato, members of the Historical & Heritage Advisory Committee, addressed Council requesting to have the Concession 2E Bridge designated as historical. Mr. Downer noted that he appeared before Council in 2008 with a proposal to designate the bridge and was turned down because of the Site 41 “fiasco”. The bridge was the first one built in Tiny and is the last one still in existence. He stressed the bridge is an integral part of the heritage of Tiny Township and is worthy of designation as a site of cultural and historical importance. Council resolved to receive the presentation and further discuss it at a future meeting of Council.

Trent Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal
Deputy Mayor Lawrence reported on a discussion at a recent North Simcoe Heads of Council regarding potential cutbacks at the Parks Canada Trent Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal. He noted that the local MP and MPP are fully engaged on the situation and that no cutbacks are forecast for 2012.

County Council Update
Mayor Millar reported on the Strategic Planning session at County Council on July 3, 2012. He noted that County staff would begin reporting relevant information from the County Council meetings to member municipalities. In addition, County staff will be readily available to make presentations to member municipalities on issues that are of concern (e.g., garbage pickup, Great Lakes water level, etc).
He also reported that the County budget has a surplus of $8.8 million which will be allocated to projects including social housing ($3.8), roads ($2.0) and the balance towards the debt incurred for the expansion of the Administration Centre.

Three-way Stop Sign for the Intersection of TBRS and Lawson Road
Council approved a recommendation from Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, to place three-way stop signs at the intersection of Tiny Beaches Road South and Lawson Road as requested by the Woodland Beach Property Owners’ Association.

Community Infrastructure Investment Fund Initiative
Doug Luker, CAO/Clerk, reported on launch of a new Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CHF) in Ontario by the Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Ontario (FedDev Ontario). It provides funding for rehabilitation and improvements to community, cultural, recreational and tourism facilities. Council authorized staff to prepare and submit two funding applications: i) rehabilitation and improvements to the Perkinsfield Pavilion asphalt surface, boards, and ancillary building and ii) rehabilitation of the existing heating/cooling system with a new HVAC system for the Township of Tiny Community Centre.

Modification of the Boardwalk at Bluewater Beach Park
It was moved by Lawrence, seconded by Claire, that Council refers all further modification in regards of the front boardwalk to the Bluewater Beach Park to be reviewed by the Township Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Bluewater Dunes Restoration Advisory Committee; and that they present a joint plan for Council and staff to review. No further action is to be taken on this issue at the park until Council approves the plan and its funding.

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