Dead Fish & Birds in South-Eastern Georgian Bay

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Webmaster

The Ministry of Natural Resources is investigating several reports of dead fish and birds in south-eastern Georgian Bay. It says more than 120 dead lake Sturgeon have been disposed of in Wasaga Beach and more than 300 dead birds including ducks and Canada geese have also been reported. The Ministry says the affected area stretches from Collingwood up to Parry Sound. It believes botulism is to blame for the deaths, but is still waiting for test results to come back. According to public health agencies, no cases of human illness have been attributed to outbreaks of botulism in the Great Lakes, which is not considered uncommon at certain times of the year.

The MNR has issued the following tips if you find a dead fish or bird on your property:

-Make sure your pet does not eat dead fish or birds that have washed up on the shoreline.
-You are responsible for disposing of dead birds and fish on your property, so bury them or dispose of them in the garbage.
-Wear rubber gloves or cover your hands with plastic bags while handling the carcasses, and dispose of the gloves or bags in the garbage.
-Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the carcasses.
-Wash any tool that came into contact with the animal with a disinfectant.

Shoreline property owners and others who want to report dead or dying waterfowl may call the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre toll-free at 1-866-673-4781.
To report fish die-offs, call the Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-866-929-0994.

Dead fish and birds have been seen in Addison Beach and Kingswood, and a resident diving on the Maple Dawn wreck spotted large numbers of dead fish on the bottom as well, if you see any follow the above advice.

 

NOTE: The MNR recommends that the dead animals be double bagged and put in the garbage vs. buried. Dead Fish And Birds In South-Eastern Georgian Bay

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Report on Council: October 11, 2011

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Webmaster

Report on Council: October 11, 2011
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:26 pm
Confidential closed session 11:07 pm – 12:25 pm
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:14 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart present
(Councillor Wishart sent regrets for the Regular Evening Meeting)

Boundary Issues Along TBRN/Ardmore Beach
Richard Galas requested permission to make an oral submission on resolving the ownership of a strip along Tiny Beaches Road from Balm beach to TBRN 96. It seems that properties to the west of the road are “landlocked“ by this strip. This has been brought to the attention of the Township before. It was decided that the issue will be discussed on November 14th, when a staff report should be available.

Discussion on Speeding Problems at Farlain Lake
Council agreed that there is a problem at Farlain Lake, but this is a broader issue as speeding is a problem in other areas also.  A report has been requested from Public Works on methods and costs of traffic calming, their costs, criteria and trial periods.

Safety Issues in Jackson Park and Cove Area
CAO Doug Luker informed Council that they had neither jurisdiction nor liability over Federal waters. As a result Council resolved that it does not support the municipal distribution of buoys in the waterways due to liability concerns. (Note: They do have control over signage at the park, and in the past we had two Small Watercraft Committees fully supported by two separate Councils.)

Proposed Wyevale Park Master Plan
The question of a Master Plan for Wyevale Park was discussed. It was seen as needed, but there was discussion about how to fund such a Plan. It was proposed that Township land – Lots 29 & 30, Plan 51M361 – be declared surplus and be sold in order to help fund the Master Plan.  Several Councillors were concerned.  Deputy Mayor Lawrence said we should check the Park and Recreation finances and this could be putting the cart before the horse.  There is a need, but not necessarily funded by selling this land. A motion by Mayor Ray Millar, calling for staff to initiate, through an RFP process, a comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan for the Wyevale Park died for lack of a second.

Senior Staff Hiring Process
Councillor Claire expressed concern about the process for hiring senior staff (at the moment a Fire Chief is being hired).  CAO Doug Luker felt he makes the final decision.  Councillor Claire felt that was not clear and he felt that Council should make the final decisions.  Councillor Claire requested a review so that that by Nov. 30 there will be no uncertainty

Dead Fish and Birds on Tiny’s Shores
Councillor Claire noted that residents have reported sightings of many dead fish and birds on the shoreline. Dawn LaCroix, engineering technologist, presented information on dead fish and dead birds found on the shores of Tiny.  She has contacted MNR and more information can be viewed on Tiny’s website.  Tests are being done. Although the results have not been received at this time, the Ministry has indicated that the death of a large number of fish and wildlife is not uncommon at certain times of the year and is cyclical in nature. The cause is most likely due to botulism and no cases of human illness are attributed to this according to public health agencies. The Ministry has provided the Township with a fact sheet outlining the cause and what private shoreline owners can do to dispose of the dead fish or birds. This information will be provided on the Township website.
Note: there may have been thousands of birds washed up on Tiny’s shores. They should NOT be buried in the sand!

Budget Meetings for 2012 Budget Year
A slightly revised schedule for budget meetings was adopted. All meetings are open and start at 9:00 am on: November 2nd, November 23rd, December 5th

*** edit: this report as originally posted had an incorrect set of dates for the 2012 Budget meetings.  The correct dates are now listed in the post.

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Report on Council: September 26, 2011

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Webmaster

Report on Council
September 26, 2011
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:15 pm and 1:00 pm – 1:20 pm
Confidential closed session 1:25 pm – 3:40 pm
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:50 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart present

FARLAIN LAKE COMMUNITY SPEEDING PROBLEM
On behalf of the Farlain Lake Community, Bob Allan expressed concerns with vehicles speeding along Andrew Drive and Military Road. A discussion took place regarding the conduct of speeding patterns during the months of May, June, July and August to obtain true statistics. This matter will be further discussed at the next Regular Committee of the Whole meeting.

SAFETY ISSUES IN JACKSON PARK AND COVE AREA
Ron Burger addressed members of Council regarding the safety of swimmers in close proximity to watercraft at Jackson Park. He suggested that areas for swimmers and watercraft should be delineated to prevent injuries. It was noted that the municipality lacks the authority to install buoys in the water for watercraft to follow. This matter will be further discussed at the next Regular Committee of the Whole meeting.

BLUEWATER BEACH PARK BY-LAW
Council considered a report from Steven Harvey, Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, regarding a draft by-law to prohibit, regulate and control the use of Bluewater Beach Park. After considerable discussion Council directed that a comprehensive by-law be prepared for implementation by March, 2012

EXTENSION OF THE RURAL CONNECTIONS BROADBAND PROGRAM
Doug Taylor, Manager of Administrative Services/Treasurer, recommended an extension from March 31st, 2012, to March 31st, 2013, for the completion of the Rural Connections Broadband Program with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).

TRAILS AND ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN ADOPTED
As the Council Representative on the Community Recreation Advisory Committee, Councillor Wishart reported that the Committee recommends the adoption of the Final Trails and Active Transportation Master Plan and supports the Establishment of a Township of Tiny Trails and Active Transportation Committee (TTAT) to implement the plan. Council voted to adopt the Master Plan and to establish the TTAT.

CANADA POST ADDRESS CHANGES
Councillor Warren reported that he has yet to receive a notice from Canada Post regarding the changes in his mailing address. Other members of Council have received numerous calls relating to the postal changes, specifically the implementation and use of the unique identifier “TINY” and the use of alternates (i.e. of Wyevale, Perkinsfield and Wyebridge). Staff was instructed to follow up with the Canada Post representative to obtain clarification of the concerns expressed.

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Report on Council: September 12, 2011

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Webmaster

Report on Council
September 12, 2011
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:15 pm and 1:00 pm – 1:20 pm
Confidential closed session 1:25 pm – 3:40 pm
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:50 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councilors Claire, Warren and Wishart present

LE VILLAGEOIS DE LAFONTAINE LETTERS OF CREDIT DISCUSSED
Three representatives of Le Villageois de Lafontaine requested that Council consider reducing the letters of credit that are currently being held against the water and sewage works. Council discussed a letter from R. J. Burnside & Associates Limited explaining the various issues and options to meet the Drinking Water Objectives of the Safe Drinking Water Act with respect to the water supply at Le Villageois complex. Council decided that the existing securities in the amount of $167,860.00 for water be retained in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Municipal Responsibility Agreement.

MCMAHAN WOODS DEVELOPMENT TO BE OPPOSED AT THE OMB
McMahan Woods Development, owner of Part Lot 23, Concession 4 West, was earlier denied Council approval for a plan of subdivision in the present greenbelt area. Council voted to direct Burgar Rowe, Township Solicitor, to attain party status at the Ontario Municipal Board hearing and support the position of the County of Simcoe. In a recorded vote only Mayor Millar voted `no`.

SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY OPP HAS A NEW DETACHMENT COMMANDER
Inspector Jacques Bois introduced himself to members of Council as the new Detachment Commander. He has been with the Ontario Provincial Police for the past 23 years in various capacities. He is now in the process of developing a policing plan for the Township. A discussion took place with respect to shoreline ownership and ways the Township could assist the officers when they are called out on trespassing issues in the Township.

COUNTY UPDATE ON SITE 41
Mayor Millar provided an update on Site 41. Site 41 consists of 4 lots: On the west side there are 147 acres of tile drained Class 1 agricultural land. On the east there are 112 acres of non tile drained Class 2 farmland plus a ½ acre building lot. In the middle are 63 acres of disturbed land plus 23 additional acres. The County of Simcoe passed a motion to the effect that Site 41 falls under the jurisdictions of the County and the Ontario Farmland Trust. They drafted an agricultural easement to cover all lots so that when potential purchasers do a title search they will see that easements prevent the land from being used for anything other than agricultural. The remaining 86 acre parcel (63 acres of disturbed land plus an additional 23 acres) is being held in abeyance until March 15, 2012, pending receipt of an acceptable business plan for a water research facility at the site from Dr. W. Shotyk. He heads up the Elmvale Water Foundation and has served as Director of the Institute of Earth Sciences at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, and starting in October will hold the Bocock Chair in Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Alberta. If Dr. Shotyk’s business plan is not accepted, county staff have been authorized to declare the parcel surplus and report back through the Performance Management Committee with recommendations that it be sold.

POPLARS, INVASIVE & NOXIOUS WEEDS
Councillor Claire asked about the impact of spraying on the wells in the township. Henk Blom, Manager Public Works explained that the chemical spraying is tightly controlled by licensed applicators and that in the case of poplars the trees are wicked with a glove to limit distribution of the chemical. Henk’s staff are also mowing saplings so that the roots will eventually die. Invasive and noxious weeds in the ditches are hand wicked as well. The idea was floated to certify and train staff to become licensed applicators and thereby save money. Andre Claire suggested engaging a naturalist to develop a Master Plan covering the process for handling complaints, and Henk is including a person in the 2012 budget discussions to be responsible for township flora.

POTENTIAL PROPERTY STANDARDS BY-LAW
Shawn Persaud, Manager of Planning & Development, presented a report on adding a Property Standards By-law to the Official Plan. Council directed staff to provide a further report outlining the advantages and disadvantages of the enforcement and effectiveness of a Property Standards Bylaw and exploring all other options available under the Municipal Act.

BLUEWATER DUNES RESTORATION PROPOSED 4-YEAR PLAN
Council considered a proposed four-year plan for the Bluewater Dunes from Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works. Blom was instructed to arrange a site meeting of his staff with the Bluewater Dunes Restoration Advisory Committee members and the consultant. Various items can be implemented this year and others can be carried forward to the 2012 budget.

WOODLAND BEACH PROPERTY OWNERS REQUEST FENCING
Deputy Mayor Lawrence referenced a letter dated September 6, 2011, from Linda Lockyer, President of the Woodland Beach Property Owners’ Association, regarding the installation of sand fencing at Township-owned rights-of-way in the Woodland Beach area. Council instructed staff to meet with Linda Lockyer to discuss the location for installation of fencing by the Township for the winter of 2011/12.

WASTE
Mayor Millar updated members of Council with respect to the discussion at County Council regarding the collection contract for waste management and the standardization of a collection agreement for all municipalities within the County of Simcoe. The annual heavy garbage pickup has been dropped. The Corporate Services Committee is looking into options for collection. One is a phone in with a $25 charge. The large item would be taken to a transfer station where it could be recycled. They are also looking at a tag system for regular garbage where every household would be given a set number of tags for the year. This would be advantageous to seasonal residents because there would be no limit on the number of bags picked up during the summer and they don’t need bags in the winter. Deputy Mayor Lawrence asked that members of Council and the public forward options and alternatives for waste management that he can convey to Corporate Services during the on-going waste management deliberations.

BLUE COMMUNITY RESOLUTION
There was a lengthy discussion of a proposal from Simcoe County to all municipalities re becoming a ‘Blue Community’. Finally, Council voted in favour and Tiny became the second municipality in Simcoe County to go blue. With a motion by Lawrence and a second by Claire, in a 5-0 vote, Tiny recognized access to clean drinking water as a right and will call upon the provincial and federal governments to enshrine this as a human right in federal and provincial law. A resolution, moved by Warren, seconded by Wishart, was passed banning the sale of single use bottled water in public facilities and at municipal events where there is access to municipal water in the form of a faucet in the bathroom or a drinking fountain. Council passed another motion 5-0, moved by Lawrence, seconded by Claire, to oppose the privatization of water treatment services, including P3s (Public-private partnerships), to retain these services in the public domain; and to continue to lobby the Federal and Provincial governments to fulfill their responsibilities to support municipal infrastructure by investing in a national water infrastructure fund that would address the growing need to renew existing water infrastructure and build new systems; and that Council forward this resolution to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for circulation to its members. P3s have a lack of transparency and accountability to the public; increased costs and higher user fees. P3 projects can also be delayed or cancelled leaving governments to deal with the consequences. The privatization of municipal water services through P3s or contracting out turns water into a commodity to be sold for profit.

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Report on Council: August 29, 2011

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL
August 29, 2011
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am to 9:40  am, and 12:45 to 1:12 pm;
Confidential closed session 11:10 am to 11:38 am;
Public Meeting under the Planning Act: 7:00 pm to 7:18 pm;
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:21 pm to 8:15 pm
Councilors Claire, Warren and Wishart present Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence absent
In the absence of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Councilor Claire was appointed to act as Head of Council for the meeting of the Committee of the Whole and the Regular Meeting of Council

MAINTENANCE AT CONCESSION 8 END DISCUSSED
Dorene Trunk addressed members of Council on the problem of poplar trees growing along the Concession 8 road allowance and affecting her private property. She requested answers on how her property and the municipally owned property can be maintained. Henk Blom was asked to investigate how to control the growth of the poplar trees. He was also directed to stabilize the drainage outlet annually prior to the May 24th weekend and that the channel for the outlet be maintained annually from May 24th to September 15th. In addition, Phragmites plants should not be disturbed early in the season so as to be mature for treatment annually in August/September, as required.

LHIN VISION & 3-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN PRESENTED
Bob Morton and Bernie Blais of the North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) presented an overview of the next three years on the implementation of the LHIN-wide programs and initiatives of Care Connections. The North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN oversees approximately $700 million of health services in our region. As one of 14 LHINs across Ontario, the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN plans, integrates and funds local health services, including hospitals, community care access centres, community health centres, long-term care homes, mental health and addiction programs and a variety of community support services agencies.

FARLAIN LAKE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION/SPEEDING CONCERNS
Bob Allan spoke on behalf of the Farlain Lake Community Association regarding speeding in the Farlain Lake area. Staff was instructed to deploy the radar trailer in the Farlain Lake area to gather speeding data. Council further resolved to continue working with the OPP and to deploy the radar trailer for the months of September and October and the 2011 radar trailerdeployment be reviewed over the winter so that Council can provide direction for 2012.

WEST SHORE DRIVE ROAD REALIGNMENT APPROVED
Council passed the necessary by-law to allow the realignment of West Shore Drive on Part of Lot 15, Conc 20.

BY-LAW INFRACTIONS & ANIMAL CONTROL REVIEWED
The number of by-law infractions increased in most categories in 2011. Animal control reported a large increase in the number of cats picked up, and staff was asked to place an item on the next Heads of Council meeting to discuss a spay/neuter program.

MONTHLY COMPARATIVE BUILDING PERMIT REPORT
Construction in July fell from a value of $3,608,000 for July 2010 to $2,650,000 for July 2011. For January to July, construction fell from $21,171,000 in 2010 to $14,706,000 in 2011.

BY-LAW DESIGNATES A COMMUNITY SAFETY ZONE ON CONCESSION 5
By-laws were passed designating a Community Safety Zone on Concession 5 for 920 metres westerly from County Road 6 and 900 metres easterly, in the village of Wyevale, and to reduce the speed limit on Concession 5 East from County Road 6 to Shayne Drive inclusive.

COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED
1. Robert Easto and Katherine Wiele, letter and petition re: Public Parking onTrew Avenue.
2. Linda Lockyer, letters re: Slowing Traffic at Woodland Beach.
3. Dorene Trunk, letter re: Township Information Article/Coyote and BeachSafety.
4. Residents/Andrew Drive, letter and petition re: Renaming of Military Road.
5. Yvonne Kerpis, letter and petition re: No Parking Request on Pennorth Drive.
6. Rosita M. Desroches of Le Villageois de Lafontaine, letter re: Letters ofCredit (This matter was deferred to the September 12, 2011 Regular Committee of the Whole meeting.)

AMENDMENT OF THE OFFICIAL PLAN: ZONING FOR WIND TURBINES
Council passed an amendment of The Township of Tiny Official Plan to add new policies to Section D10 Electric Power Facilities. The new policies relate to the siting of industrial wind energy facilities (wind turbines). They originate from the recommendations of the Visual Landscape Guidance for Industrial Wind Energy Facilities Study dated June 2009 prepared by the School of Environmental Design and Rural Planning of the University of Guelph.
These policies provide a framework for the development of industrial wind energy facilities in the Township of Tiny.
The amendment divides the Township into three management zones; Protected Zone, Sensitive Landscapes, and Less Sensitive Landscapes. The majority of the Township is within the Protected Zone. Within the Protected Zone, industrial wind energy facilities are prohibited. Within the Sensitive Zone, industrial wind energy facilities may be allowed with supporting studies including a visual impact assessment, cultural heritage report, environmental impact statement, and noise study. In addition, within the Sensitive Zone and Less Sensitive Zone there are required setbacks prescribed.
Three written submissions were received and two oral comments were made. Al Taylor, spoke on behalf of CORT in support of the proposed Official Plan Amendment, as the visual impact of wind turbines would be very great on the Township. Peter Steinmetz also spoke in favour of the Official Plan Amendment because of the impact wind turbines would have on real estate values, health, lifestyle, character and nature of the Township. It is his opinion that it is better to have policies in a local Official Plan even though provincial legislation may supersede it.

BISHOP WATER TECHNOLOGIES/GEOTUBE DEWATERING TECHNOLOGY
Kevin Bossy of Bishop Water Technologies presented an overview of the Geotube Dewatering Technology for the management of biosolids and septage.

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Report on Council: August 8, 2011

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL
August 8, 2011
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 12:40 pm – 2:10 pm
Confidential / closed session 9:30am – 10:30am
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:44 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart present

Nitrates in Georgian Sands/Lafontaine Municipal Drinking Water
Council heard a presentation by Peggy Slama, Water/Wastewater Engineer, R.J. Burnside and Associates, and Mike Fairbanks, Hydrogeologist, Golder Associates, regarding the Georgian Sands/Lafontaine Water Supply.  A public information center was held in the area on August 6th. There are increasing levels of nitrate concentration which are approaching the MOE maximum acceptable levels. There are three approaches that can be taken. One is to remove the nitrates by nanofiltraton or electrodialysis but this leaves the problem of dealing with the waste stream. A second approach is to replace the wells.  Thirdly, the water with elevated nitrate levels could be blended with water that doesn’t have elevated nitrate levels and the end result would be water with acceptable nitrate levels. Council voted to receive the report, and further engineering work on a preferred solution will follow.

Balm Beach Pay Parking Shelved Until 2012 After Public Meeting, July 8, 2011
Council considered Public Works Report PWR-036-11 dated August 8, 2011 from Henk Blom, Manager of Public Works, which provided a summary of comments and feedback received from the public with respect to the pay parking at Balm Beach. The comments covered a time limit for parking in front of businesses; the development of off beach parking within walking distance; the implementation of cheaper parking fees; drop off/pick up only areas; safe paths for biking & walking from remote parking to beach; a consideration of density of parking with respect to density of beach users; the erection of signage informing residents and visitors about other public beach areas and their access points; the implementation of one side street parking to ensure safe walking paths; the inclusion of parking alternatives in the Master Plan; the implementation of pay parking from May 15 to Sept. 15 and a review of current parking violation penalty fee amounts. Staff were directed to report back to Council on a recommended pay parking implementation plan taking into account Council’s concerns/comments and stakeholder feedback, and to purchase four parking machines for the Balm Beach area based on the 2011 budget allocation, for installation in 2012.

 

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Retailers Discounts for FoTTSA Members updated

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Webmaster

As you will see in the side menu the Retailers’ Discounts for FoTTSA has been updated for 2011-2012. You can take advantage of these discounts using your FoTTSA membership card which is available through the FoTTSA representative in your association.

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Notice: Public Meeting: Official Plan Amendment – Wind Turbines

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Webmaster

Date: August 29, 2011
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Township of Tiny Municipal Office (Council Chambers)
130 Balm Beach Road West, Perkinsfield

To discuss an Amendment to Tiny’s Official Plan to ‘provide a framework for the development of industrial wind energy facilities in the Township of Tiny.” All interested parties are invited to participate.

See this link for the full text of the Township’s Notice of Public Meeting

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Report on Council: July 25, 2011

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Webmaster

Report on Council: July 25, 2011
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 4:25 pm (confidential / closed session 2:24-4:07 pm)
Public Meeting under the Planning Act: 7:00 pm – 7:12 pm
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:12 pm – 7:25 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart present

Trails and Active Transportation Master Plan
John McMullen presented the final draft of the Trails and Active Transportation Master Plan which included the active transportation component, motorized trail uses, community consultation events, as well as identifying trails and user types and major destinations.
Staff was directed to forward the final Trails and Active Transportation Master Plan to the Community Recreation Committee, the Historical and Heritage Committee and the Champlain Commemoration Committee for comment. Moved by Wishart, seconded by Warren, carried 5-0

Water Consumption
H. Blom, Manager of Public Works, provided the Committee with an update regarding water consumption. Due to the heat and dry conditions, Mr. Blom implemented a Township wide watering ban on July 18, 2011. Too much water was being drawn from the municipal water systems creating a danger of depleting the water supply for fire protection. It was noted that the Wyevale water reservoir has been depleted three times, with the Bluewater system also running dangerously low. Water sprinkler systems were mentioned as a big part of the problem.

Community/Seniors’ Centre in Georgian Bay Estates shelved
Councillors discussed the presentation by Steve Coffey on behalf of the Sawlog Bay Association at the July 11, 2011 meeting regarding concerns with a Community/Seniors’ Centre in Georgian Bay Estates. They noted that a formal business plan for a Community/Seniors’ Centre would be required before consideration is given to the matter.

Draft Noise Control By-law
Steve Harvey, Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, reported on a draft noise by-law. Councillors discussed the challenges of enforcing the existing by-law because By-law Officers lack the equipment to quantify the noise. By-law tends not to use such equipment because it has to be calibrated each time, a qualified person has to calibrate it (which entails training costs) and they have to be able to verify that the noise they captured was the same noise that presented the problem if it goes to court. The Committee directed staff to prepare a report regarding a quantitative approach to the noise by-law for 2012 budget consideration. Moved by Wishart, Seconded by Warren that By-law 11-065, be presented for formal consideration. Carried 5-0 (474/11)

OMB Appeal/McMahan Woods Development Ltd.
As a result of the Township not making a decision on their subdivision application within the Planning Act requirement of 180 days, McMahan Woods Development filed an appeal to the OMB on Nov. 4, 2010. The Committee discussed correspondence received from Mr. David White, solicitor for McMahan Woods Development Ltd., inquiring as to whether the Township will be represented at the upcoming OMB Pre-hearing Conference.
Moved by Warren, seconded by Wishart, that Council directs staff to retain its legal counsel, Burgar Rowe, regarding legal and planning representation at the Pre- Hearing Conference; and that the designated legal and planning representation be invited to attend the August 8, 2011 Committee of the Whole Meeting to discuss the matter. Carried 4-1. (In June Councillors voted 3-2 to not approve the subdivision application.)

Pay Duty Officers at Woodland Beach
Council discussed an inquiry from the Woodland Beach Association regarding the possibility of hiring pay duty officers at their expense to patrol the beach. Council directed that the Woodland Beach Association be advised to submit a written request for consideration at a future Committee of the Whole. Moved by Lawrence, Seconded by Claire Carried 5-0

Official Plan Amendment Meeting
Council passed an OPA to create one residential lot in Part Lot 13, Concession 4E (PT. 1, 51R-15154)

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Report on Council: July 11, 2011

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Webmaster

REPORT ON COUNCIL
July 11, 2011
Committee of the Whole Meeting: 9:00 am – 11:52 pm (confidential / closed session 11:24-11:52)
Regular Evening Meeting: 7:00 pm – 7:20 pm
Mayor Millar, Deputy Mayor Lawrence, Councillors Claire, Warren and Wishart present

PEEK A BOO TRAIL ACCESS
There were several options put forward to resolve the issue of access to the Mailloux property at the end of an unopened road allowance. Councillor Claire moved, and it was approved by Council, that a 175 metre long road way/ driveway fronting the Mailloux property would be constructed from the end of the existing road with turn arounds provided along the road. The costs would be born by Mailleux and a legal agreement would provide that Mailloux cannot develop the property nor obtain building permits until he builds the road to municipal standards. The Mailloux would have to provide a security deposit of $3000 for legal and engineering consulting costs upon written agreement to proceed. No mention was made of whether the public beach could be accessed by this road.

REPORT ON GEORGIAN BAY GENERAL HOSPITAL
The hospital CEO, Paul Henrich, reported that Georgian Bay General has some of the shortest wait times in Ontario for physician assessments in its emergency department. The Hospital needs $12 million to complete the rebuilding of its Emergency Department ($2 million from the community, $2.6 from Simcoe County and $8 million from the Ministry of Health). It has not secured all the money but is moving ahead with the planning phase in order to avoid delays down the road. They are seeking new avenues of funding and have received $1,100,000 in grant money for performance improvements. The problem is that they have to do better than the best in the province in order to continue to receive those grants. They are focusing on three areas of improvement: wait times, patient harm (errors) and customer service. The Minister of Health has visited and has seen the constraints the hospital is working under but no moneys have been forthcoming.

PROPOSED COMMUNITY/SENIORS’ CENTRE IN NORTHEASTERN TINY
The Sawlog Bay Association made an oral submission regarding their concerns for a proposed development of Part Lot B, Concession 20 East as a Community /Seniors’ Centre. The lot was created by Council in 2004 as a buffer zone between Champlain Road and the land sold to Mr. Belanger for a hunting camp. The land supports wildlife and the quality of the stream winding through. Due to the land’s low elevation and high water table Council directed staff to report on the viability of the property as a building site and have Tatham & Associates comment on septic system placement which were not addressed in Planning Report PD-49-11. Council will further discuss the submission at the July 25th meeting.

BLUEWATER BEACH DUNES RESTORATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Bylaw Department is aware of problems with drinking, fires, the use of snow fences for the fires and general trespassing on the dunes. Bylaw feels it is difficult to enforce the rules without monetary consequences. Councillor Warren and the committee would like to see a bylaw with fines attached governing the restoration areas. The Committee put forward recommendations regarding boardwalks, dunes and the planting of vegetation. Councillor Lawrence moved that Public Works review the recommendations and come back with recommendations and costs. Staff is also to work on the development of a by-law to protect environmental restoration projects undertaken by the municipality.

MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS CONCERN WITH NEW LOTS
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs is sending a Provincial Development Facilitator (Paul Madill) to meet with municipal planners on July 14th to gather information on the planner’s concerns regarding the Official Plan and report back to the Minister. The concerns fall on developing new or additional lots.

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