MINUTES

Meeting of Council

Friday, October 18, 2024 at 9:15 A.m. - 4:15 P.m.

Council Chambers

9 James Street, Parry Sound, Ontario

Members Present:

• Bert Liverance, Reeve
• Laurie Emery, Councillor Ward 1
• Tom Lundy, Councillor Ward 1
• Peter Frost, Councillor Ward 2
• Earl Manners, Councillor Ward 3
• Scott Sheard, Councillor Ward 3
• David Ashley, Councillor Ward 4
• Alice Barton, Councillor Ward 4
• Rick Zanussi, Councillor Ward 4
• Darlene Cade Fraser, Councillor Ward 5
• Dan MacLeod, Councillor Ward 6

Staff Present:

• John Fior, Chief Administrative Officer
• Maryann Martin, Clerk
• Cale Henderson, Manager of Development & Environmental Services
• Josh Badger, Director of Facilities and Operational Services
• Erin Robinson, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
• Alana Torresan, Deputy Clerk
• Shauna Lehtimaki, Director of Legislative & Information Services

---

1.

CALL TO ORDER

The Meeting was called to order at 9:16 a.m. 

1.1

National Anthem

1.2

Approval of Agenda

• 24-181
  Moved by: Councillor Lundy
  Seconded by: Councillor Emery

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the October 18th, 2024 Revised Council Agenda, be approved.

  Carried

1.3

Traditional Land Acknowledgement Statement

1.4

Announcement of Public Meetings

The Committee of Adjustment met at 1:00 p.m. to consider two applications.

2.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

2.1

Councillor Emery - West Parry Sound Community Support Services. Request for Support

I volunteer for West Parry Sound Community Support Services and benefit from the request to support.

3.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

3.1

Regular Meeting of Council

• 24-182

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council held on September 20th, 2024, be approved. 

3.2

Committee of the Whole Meeting

• 24-183

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting held on September 19th, 2024, be approved. 

4.

DEPUTATIONS

4.1

Don Carmichael and Pam Wing, Belvedere Heights Board of Management 

Reeve Liverance welcomed Don Carmichael and Pam Wing of the Belvedere Heights Board of Management to the meeting. 

Ms. Wing presented the renderings of the proposed renovations to the existing long term care building, which will accommodate the addition of 22 new beds.

Mr. Carmichael explained the opportunity to receive a $35 per diem construction funding subsidy to support the new building, as well as Belvedere Heights' proposal to enter into a loan agreement with the Township of Carling to guarantee payment of all financial obligations to Infrastructure Ontario related to the borrowing costs. Mr. Carmichael reported that the Board is seeking a resolution from Council endorsing the Belvedere Heights proposal to enter into a loan agreement with the Township of Carling. 

Council members posed questions regarding the project's funding structure and requested an update on the life lease units. Erin Robinson, Chief Financial Officer, sought clarification on the life leases, noting that the resolution passed by Council in December 2023 regarding the life lease line of credit is now outdated based on the recent updates.

In response, Mr. Carmichael stated that an updated resolution regarding life leases could be provided for Council's consideration for the next meeting.

Reeve Liverance thanked Ms. Wing and Mr. Carmichael for their presentation and noted that their proposed resolutions would be brought forward at the November Council Meeting. 

4.2

Steven Spearing, Skerryvore Ratepayers Association

Reeve Liverance welcomed Steven Spearing from the Skerryvore Ratepayers Association (SRA) to the meeting.

Mr. Spearing presented the SRA's community enhancement project and requested the Township's financial assistance for several initiatives, including the purchasing of new benches for water access points, buying and installing new signage, and replacing the culvert at 5 Tamarack Drive.

It was reported that the Association was unsuccessful in their recent application to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for their community beautification efforts. 

Staff were directed to prepare a report on the SRA's requests and provide recommendations on how to proceed, including potential implications for the 2025 budget.

5.

CLOSED MEETING

6.

OPEN MEETING

7.

UNFINISHED PLANNING BUSINESS

8.

OFFICIAL PLAN/ZONING AMENDMENTS

9.

CONSENT APPLICATIONS

10.

SITE PLAN CONTROL

11.

SHORE/CONCESSION ROAD ALLOWANCES

12.

CAO REPORT ON COUNCIL DIRECTIONS

• 24-184
  Moved by: Councillor Cade Fraser
  Seconded by: Councillor Lundy

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council receives the October CAO Report on Council Directions, as distributed.

  Carried

13.

REPORT OF TASK FORCES/COMMITTEES

13.1

Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative - Update

Reeve Liverance reported that the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Ontario Working Group presentation included in the agenda package is for Council's information. 

13.2

Georgian Cliffs Memorial Park Cemetery Advisory Committee - Update

Councillor Manners summarized his report on the October 9, 2023 Georgian Cliffs Memorial Park Cemetery Advisory Committee meeting. Updates on the upcoming Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies were given. Councillor Lundy, the Archipelago's representative on the West Parry Sound O.P.P. Detachment Board, was tasked with inquiring whether an OPP officer could attend the November 11 ceremony to lay down the Provincial wreath.

Councillor Manners informed Council that a resolution would be brought forward to the November Council Meeting recommending a revision to the Committee's Terms of Reference to increase the Committee membership from two citizen members to three. 

13.3

Floating Accommodations - Update

Councillor Frost provided an update on the recent activities of the Georgian Bay Association Floating Cottage Strategy Committee. He reported on Georgian Bay Township's recent open house concerning their proposed Zoning By-law Amendment aimed at regulating floating accommodations. Councillor Frost noted that if the Township of Georgian Bay's By-law is enacted, the Archipelago will need to consider how to address the issue of floating cottages within its own jurisdiction.

13.4

West Parry Sound Health Centre Update

Councillor Sheard provided a brief updated on the West Parry Sound Health Centre municipal partners meeting he attended on September 30, 2024 in the Reeve's absence. 

13.5

West Parry Sound O.P.P. Detachment Board Update 

Councillor Lundy provided an update on the West Parry Sound O.P.P. Detachment Board, formerly known as the Parry Sound Community Policing Advisory Committee. He reported that the Board held its first meeting in October. It was noted that the Municipality of McDougall is currently providing administrative support for the Board, however, there has been a request for assistance from other municipalities. Councillor Lundy emphasized that the Township's 2025 budget will need to include funds for insurance and administrative costs associated with the Board.

John Fior, Chief Administrative Officer, noted that he will raise the topic of administrative support at the next CAO meeting, but highlighted that the Archipelago has limited capacity to take on additional responsibilities at this point of time.

14.

CORRESPONDENCE

14.1

Council Correspondence

Councillor Manners requested that Tay Valley Township's resolution regarding public sector salary disclosure be added to the November Committee of the Whole Meeting for further discussion. 

• 24-185
  Moved by: Councillor Sheard
  Seconded by: Councillor Lundy

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council receives the Revised October Council Correspondence listing.

  Carried

15.

OTHER BUSINESS

15.1

West Parry Sound Community Support Services. Request for Support

• Councillor Emery declared a conflict on this item. (I volunteer for West Parry Sound Community Support Services and benefit from the request to support.)

Council recessed for a break at 10:49 a.m. and resumed business at 11:03 a.m. 

• 24-186
  Moved by: Councillor Lundy
  Seconded by: Councillor Manners

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council for the Township of The Archipelago hereby supports the Community Support Services funding application to establish a Seniors Active Living Centre Program, and commits to providing in-kind support valued between $1,000 and $2,000 for the use of the Pointe au Baril Community Centre facilities, which includes access to the kitchen, utilities, tables, chairs, and setup at a mutually agreed-upon time; and
  
  FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that this support shall remain in effect until the end of the current Council's term.

  Carried

15.2

Nigel Bellchamber CAO Recruitment

• 24-187
  Moved by: Councillor Sheard
  Seconded by: Councillor Lundy

  WHEREAS the Township of The Archipelago is commencing the process of recruiting a new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO); and
  
  WHEREAS it is deemed necessary to engage the services of an experienced professional to assist with the recruitment process. 
  
  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council agrees to hire Nigel Bellchamber to oversee the recruitment of the new of the CAO at a cost of approximately $25,000; and
  
  FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that a hiring committee, consisting of Councillor Laurie Emery, Reeve Bert Liverance, and Councillor Earl Manners, be established to assist in the selection process. 

  Carried

15.3

Creation of the Deputy Reeve Position

Reeve Liverance reported that several Council Members had raised concerns about the absence of a nomination process for the Deputy Reeve position. The Reeve inquired any other Council Members were interested in serving as Deputy Reeve. No additional interest was expressed.

Councillor Ashley pointed out that the Clerk's report on options for creating the Deputy Reeve position was not discussed at yesterday's Committee of the Whole Meeting. It was highlighted that this discussion needs to occur in order for the Procedural By-law to be amended to reflect the new position.

Council discussed the role and responsibilities of the Deputy Clerk position and the anticipated workload.

John Fior, Chief Administrative Officer, emphasized that there cannot be two Reeves in the municipality and that the Deputy Reeve role will only act in the absence of the Reeve.

Staff were directed to bring back the Deputy Reeve report to the November Committee of the Whole meeting for further consideration.

• 24-188
  Moved by: Councillor MacLeod
  Seconded by: Councillor Cade Fraser

  WHEREAS the Township of The Archipelago strives to model the characteristics of quality organizations and organizational best practices; and
  
  WHEREAS the traits of quality organizations include an unobstructed vision, effective leadership, open communication, strong teamwork, employee empowerment, customer focus, agility and adaptability, operational excellence, social responsibility, and innovation; and
  
  WHEREAS the principles supporting the Township of The Archipelago’s Organizational Review is based upon the characteristics of a quality organization for Staff; and
  
  WHEREAS Council has applied the characteristics of a quality organization to its organizational structure by promoting leadership at all levels and to the role and function of Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs within the Committee of The Whole and the Alternate Roles for Chair positions, board positions, and commissions; and
  
  WHEREAS the duties of the Reeve are increasingly demanding and require extensive commitment in time and attention; and
  
  WHEREAS a Deputy Reeve position would assist the extensive workload of the office of the Reeve and projects as determined by the Reeve and Council; and
  
  WHEREAS the addition of the role of Deputy Reeve to the organization provides the Reeve with an official delegate for absences; and
  
  WHEREAS the Reeve position advocates for the Township and its residents to senior levels of government and external organizations as would the Deputy Reeve position; and
  
  WHEREAS the Reeve position and the Deputy Reeve position provide North and South Archipelago perspectives in the interest of the communities they serve, the Township, Staff, and Council.
  
  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council hereby appoints Councillor Scott Sheard to the position of Deputy Reeve to assist the Reeve and Council for the remainder of this term of council; and
  
  FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Clerk be requested to amend the procedural by-law to recognize the role and function of the Deputy; and
  
  FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED that the remuneration of the Deputy Reeve position be reviewed and once finalized, made effective as of January 1, 2025. 

  Carried

15.4

Work Permit Application - Healey Lake Trail

• 24-189
  Moved by: Councillor MacLeod
  Seconded by: Councillor Cade Fraser

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council direct staff to circulate a Public Notice to seek public input on a proposed work permit application to upgrade an existing trail located on Healey Lake to a private road for the use of conventional motor vehicles, and that the notice be circulated to the owners within 1000 metres of the subject trail, the local cottage association, and to local marinas.

  Carried

15.5

 Site Alteration By-law 

• 24-190
  Moved by: Councillor Barton
  Seconded by: Councillor Sheard

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council direct Township staff and JLR to continue to refine and scope the draft Site Alteration By-law, and to bring to Council a revised draft for approval at a future meeting, which includes the provision to delegate authority to staff to grant relief from the by-laws on a case-by-case basis.

  Carried

15.6

Tree Preservation By-law

• 24-191
  Moved by: Councillor Manners
  Seconded by: Councillor Cade Fraser

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council direct Township staff and JLR to continue to refine and scope the tree preservation by-law; and
  
  FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that Council direct Township staff and JLR to proceed with revisions to the final Tree Preservation By-law, with particular attention to incorporating additional flexibility through activities that are exempted in the By-law and improving the language of the By-law in areas that caused confusion, concern, or misunderstanding from the public; and
  
  FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Tree Preservation By-law be further revised to incorporate Recommendation 3, Option 1 of JLR's October 2024 Report, being to include an exemption within the final draft Tree Preservation By-law which allows for the injuring or destruction of trees in the shoreline buffer area to a maximum width of 25% of the shoreline frontage, or 25 metres, whichever is the lesser; and
  
  FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED that staff and JLR bring to Council a revised draft of the Tree Preservation By-law for approval at a future meeting, which includes the provision to delegate authority to staff to grant relief from the By-laws on a case-by-case basis.

  Carried

15.7

West Parry Sound Economic Development Collaborative

• 24-192
  Moved by: Councillor Emery
  Seconded by: Councillor Ashley

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council of the Corporation of the Township of The Archipelago supports the West Parry Sound Area and the continuance of an Economic Development Collaborative with the remaining municipalities, through the use of an existing service provider, if possible, and
  
  FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that until decisions are made on the future of the Collaborative, the Township of The Archipelago offers no additional financial commitment at this time; and
  
  FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED if the Collaborative is discontinued, the Township of The Archipelago will consider either partnering with the Town of Parry Sound, if possible, or utilizing a consultant for economic development services for our community.

  Carried

15.8

Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere - International Day for Biosphere Reserves

• 24-193
  Moved by: Councillor Lundy
  Seconded by: Councillor Emery

  WHEREAS in November 2021, the 41st session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated November 3 as the International Day for Biosphere Reserves; and
  
  WHEREAS the purpose of this international day is to provide a wake-up call on the importance of caring for the environment and achieving a balance between human activities and the conservation of natural resources - and on the leading role that the World Network of Biosphere Reserves plays in this regard; and
  
  WHEREAS the intention of this international day is to mobilize and acknowledge the commitment, actions and solutions by the people, institutions and partners that make up the global network.
  
  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council of the Township of The Archipelago hereby proclaims November 3, 2024 and every November 3 thereafter as International Day for Biosphere Reserves in the Township of The Archipelago; and
  
  FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that Council of the Township of The Archipelago celebrates the Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere as one of the 738 biosphere reserves in the world and commends the organization’s work in protecting the environment, building vibrant communities, and supporting a healthy economy by building capacity through education and culture; and
  
  FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED that Council of the Township of The Archipelago hereby proclaims that the Georgian Bay Biosphere Flag shall be displayed at the Pointe au Baril Community Centre and at the Township Municipal Office located at 9 James St. in Parry Sound, annually on November 3rd.

  Carried

15.9

Municipal Grant Policies

15.9.1

Creation and Support of Community Recreational Facilites Policy

• 24-194
  Moved by: Councillor Ashley
  Seconded by: Councillor Manners

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council hereby adopts the Creation and Support of Community Recreational Facilities Policy. 

  Carried

15.9.2

Municipal Grant Policy

• 24-195
  Moved by: Councillor Ashley
  Seconded by: Councillor Lundy

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council hereby adopts the Municipal Grant Policy. 

  Carried

15.10

Request for Support. Resolution requesting the Province to establish regulations for ridesharing services

• 24-196
  Moved by: Councillor Lundy
  Seconded by: Councillor Sheard

  WHEREAS Council of the Township of The Archipelago received a request for support from the Town of Parry Sound to support the migration of rideshare regulations and licensing from the municipal level to the provincial level. 
  
  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council of the Township of The Archipelago hereby supports the Town of Parry Sound's resolution requesting the Government of Ontario to initiate the transfer of responsibilities in the interest of creating a more coherent and standardized regulatory framework for ridesharing services across the province; and 
  
  FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that a copy of this motion be distributed to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; the Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation; the Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Honourable Graydon Smith Member of Provincial Parliament; AMO, FONOM and ROMA.

  Carried

15.11

Report on Banko support for Councillor Communications

• 24-197
  Moved by: Councillor MacLeod
  Seconded by: Councillor Zanussi

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council hereby approve the Banko Creative Studio’s proposal for a hybrid Council Social Communications Training ½ day session at a cost of $1500, plus HST, to be allocated in the 2025 budget.

  Carried

15.12

Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) 2024 Conference - January 19 -21, 2024, Toronto - Approval of attendance

• 24-198
  Moved by: Councillor Sheard
  Seconded by: Councillor Emery

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the following members are hereby approved to attend the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference, scheduled for January 19-21, 2025 in Toronto:   Reeve Liverance, Councillor MacLeod, Councillor Emery, Councillor Ashley, Councillor Manners, Councillor Sheard and Councillor Cade Fraser.

  Carried

16.

BY-LAWS

16.1

Zoning By-law Amendment Z05-24

• A21114-24
  Moved by: Councillor Barton
  Seconded by: Councillor Cade Fraser

  That By-law A21114-24, being a By-law to amend By-law No. A2000-07 (the Comprehensive Zoning By-law) Part of Lot 38, Concession 12, being location JH48 and LOC 12972, Part 1, RP 42R-16393, PCL 9431 Sec SS, geographic township of Conger, The Archipelago (Boersma), be read and finally passed on the 18th day of October, 2024. 

  Carried

16.2

Plowing Agreement Seguin Blackstone Crane Lake Rd 

• 2024-39
  Moved by: Councillor Ashley
  Seconded by: Councillor Lundy

  That By-law 2024-39, being a By-law to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Township of The Archipelago and Seguin Township for Occasional Winter Maintenance  of a portion of Blackstone Crane Lake Road, be read and finally passed on the 18th day of October, 2024. 

  Carried

16.3

Bayfield Hwy 529A Plowing Agreement

• 2024-40
  Moved by: Councillor Ashley
  Seconded by: Councillor Lundy

  That By-law 2024-40, being a By-law to execute an agreement with Alcorp Ltd. Operating as The Bayfield Boat Club for the Snow Plowing of the Municipal Road Portion of Highway 529A in Bayfield Inlet, be read and finally passed on the 18th day of October, 2024. 

  Carried

17.

QUESTION TIME

Councillor Sheard reported that he will be attending a Parry Sound District Emergency Medical Services Committee meeting next week, at which time he will inquire about the closure of the MacTier Ambulance station.  

Council discussed the closure of the station in further detail.  

18.

NOTICES OF MOTION

19.

CONFIRMING BY-LAW

• 2024-41
  Moved by: Councillor Manners
  Seconded by: Councillor Emery

  That By-law 2024-41, being a By-law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Regular Meeting of Council Held on October 18th, 2024, be read and finally passed on the 18th day of October, 2024. 

  Carried

20.

ADJOURNMENT

• 24-199
  Moved by: Councillor Lundy
  Seconded by: Councillor Cade Fraser

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Regular Meeting of Council held on October 18th, 2024 be adjourned at 10:56 a.m.

  Carried