Regular Meeting of Council
Wednesday November 20th, 2024
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and three Councillors attended the meeting. Mayor Evans in the chair.
Reports of Consultants or Third Parties
Open Deputations to Council
Karen Zulynik – Council Meeting Times
Ms. Zulynik raised concerns about the proposed changes to timing of the Council meetings. She felt the public should be aware of the fact overtime is being paid to senior staff who should be on salary and hoped that these costs would be made known during the conversation. Council had no comment or questions and thanked Ms. Zulynik for her comments.
Paul Bell – Damage to Ice Age Grass
Mr. Bell raised his concern that several thousand ice-age grass plants were damaged at the proposed new municipal building site even though they were made aware of this endangered species being on site. Council had no comment or questions and thanked Mr. Bell for his comments.
Deputations to Council – Scheduled
Vanya Gluhic – Public Feedback regarding New Administration Building
Ms. Gluhic noted the lack of concern for public input into the TTAC building process. She noted that the original Townhall Roadmap revealed in Dec 2023 indicated the high priority placed on engaging the public, at the very beginning, to ensure buy in. The current Roadmap has removed that need, as if it simply never happened. It changed the plan to reveal a far less inclusive approach, including multiple Information Sessions that tell, but don’t ask, beyond how big can we grow this thing.
She questioned how Council can justify proceeding given the overwhelming response from the public, three petition undertakings that have resulted in many thousands of signatures, (the most recent, presented to the Ontario Legislature, signed by 7600 Ontarians, the overwhelming majority of whom live right here), a thriving lawn sign campaign where thousands of signs adorn lawns and properties all over Tiny, multiple protests held in both frozen and sweltering weather conditions, repeated deputations, and concerns raised over destruction of species at risk.
Mayor Evans commented that the meeting Ms. Gluhic referred to in her presentation was supposed to be confidential and was concerned that contents of the meeting were included and in fact distributed within ten minutes of the meeting being held. Ms. Gluhic was thanked for her presentation.
Glenna Ritchie – Climate Protection Program – Recommended Withdrawal
Ms. Ritchie, a resident of Tiny, outlined in detail her concerns with the current program and recommended that Tiny Township formally withdraw from the PCP program. The primary issues of data collection, privacy, financial burden, and impacts on agricultural and land rights present significant risks to our community. Furthermore, the alignment of the PCP with international agendas may divert limited local resources from the township’s immediate needs and priorities, potentially undermining effective governance and transparency.
Withdrawing from the PCP program would allow Tiny Township to refocus on a locally driven environmental stewardship strategy that aligns with our community’s character, respects property rights, supports energy security, and prioritizes long-term resilience and economic sustainability. Such an approach would be better tailored to Tiny Township’s specific needs, values, and financial resources, allowing us to pursue environmental initiatives that are practical, achievable, and directly beneficial to our residents.
Council had no comments or question and thanked Ms. Ritchie for her thorough presentation.
Adopting/Receiving of Minutes of Previous Meetings
The Sept. 16 Township of Tiny Administrative Centre Committee Meeting minutes were pulled for discussion as follows:
– The phrase “The funding application will require Council approved Audit Statements, FRI statements and a By-law” was clarified by Finance Director Leblond who advised that it should have read FIR which stands for Financial Information Return which is submitted annually to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
– It was confirmed that no financing arrangements have been made regarding variable or fixed interest rates.
– It was suggested that residents should be made aware of the projected amount of interest to be paid on the amounts borrowed.
– Clarification on the steps in the minutes versus the project roadmap was requested.
– Project Manager is due to start in January 2025. No clarification was made as to whether the cost of the project manager is included in the building estimate.
– Director Leitch noted that Environmental studies will be completed shortly.
Council adopted all other minutes without discussion.
Notice of Motion
Councillor Walma requested that a Lobbyist Registry be adopted prior to the next election.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Wednesday November 20th, 2024
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and three Councillors were in attendance at the meeting. Mayor Evans in the chair.
Reports of Consultants or Third Parties
Melissa Carruthers, Manager Source Water Protection, Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) – Drinking Water Source Protection Update
Source Water Projection is for municipal water systems only, although it was noted that wells are not covered by the legislation but is now being considered by the Province.
She advised that under water protection, SSEA is responsible for managing existing and preventing future threats. It is both an association as well as a source protection authority.
Eleven (11) Risk Management Plans (RMP) are in place as of July 2024.
SSEA has two roles in water protection:
Risk Management Official – Contracted by Tiny. Negotiate RMP’s – Implement
Review development applications – provide Public information
Source Protection Regulator – Funded by Province
Lafontaine Nitrates
Mr. Leitch advised that improvements to the water system have kept nitrate levels at acceptable levels and continued monitoring has indicated a level of improvement from the top of the ridge. A fertilizer ban is currently in place in the well head protection areas of Lafontaine which is administered by the SSEA official.
Staff Reports
Matters for Consideration
- Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs/Georgian Bay Snow Riders (OFSC/GBSR) Trail Use Agreement – 2024 – 2028 Seasons
Within the agreement some highlights are:
1. Ensuring the trails remain as shared use for the full 12 months so users can continue to use the trail for non snowmobile use.
2. Maintenance requirements and agreements.
3. Liability responsibility.
4. Snowmobile use window from November 1 to April 1.
5. Trail map for agreed upon areas. This is important to ensure any groomed areas are agreed upon to avoid property damage, drainage impacts, infrastructure, and road/trail safety.
One point to note from previous years: the GBSR’s does not have Trail Wardens anymore and will rely on the OPP for trail enforcement. They will provide educational information on their website.
Staff had legal review the agreement to ensure it does not compromise the Township’s risk with this activity on Municipal property.
Council approved the agreement.
- Public Notice Policy
The policy (to comply with new statutory amendments) was received and approved to be presented at the December 11th Council meeting.
- Revised Proclamation and Flag Raising Request Policy
The policy (including evaluation criteria) was received and approved as presented.
Committees
Matters for Consideration
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Resolution re Tiny Trails By-law Amendment to include E-Bike Provisions
The resolution was received as information subject to further staff review of liability issues.
Discussion of Motion(s) of Which Notice has been Previously Given
Proposed Motion – Council Meeting Start Time (Councillor Walma)
THAT Council amend the current Council Meeting start time to 1:00 pm for cost savings, efficiencies, and better work-life balance.
After significant discussion the motion was defeated.
Communications
Consent Items
Paul Cowley on behalf of FoTTSA – Ice Age Grass Impact on Proposed New Administration Building
Correspondence from Mr. Cowley, on behalf of the Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations, voiced concerns for the significant adverse environmental impacts of the proposed Township of Tiny Administrative Centre Project (Administrative Centre).
It was noted that the Administrative Centre presents significant risks to endangered species, proposes development and site alteration to areas and habitat where such activity is prohibited, and severs natural areas and features.
The proposed development is contrary to provisions in the County of Simcoe Official
Plan (County’s Official Plan) and the Township of Tiny’s Official Plan (Township’s Official Plan) and violates sections 9(1) and 10(1) of the Endangered Species Act.
He recommended that:
- The Township conduct an adequate Environmental Assessment (not just a less intense Environmental Review) on of the impacts of the planned Administrative Centre.
- pursuant to sections 3.3.15 of the County’s Official Plan, and sections B.2.17.10 and B.2.18.3 of the Township’s Official Plan, an Environmental Impact Study should be conducted for the Administrative Centre and site alterations to the property. This assessment must consider the impact to the Greenlands and adjacent lands, as well as species at risk and their habitat.
- The Township must consult the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks regarding effects to species at risk and their habitat.
- Further and, in accordance with federal and provincial requirements, the Township consult the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks regarding the impacts of the proposed Administrative Centre to species at risk and their habitat.
- The Township also comply with sections 9(1) and 10(1) of the ESA to protect species at risk and their habitat.
Councillor Walma questioned the validity of receiving the correspondence given it did not follow the policy requirements of having a Board resolution supporting the position. He requested the letter be removed from the agenda.
Staff to follow up with Mr. Cowley
The following three consent items were discussed:
ROMA Conference Delegation Requests – Deadline, November 27, 2024
It was noted that the timelines were making it difficult to develop deputation topics but It was agreed that a delegation would be made regarding the slowness of the Bell Fibre installation.
It was noted that a sustainable funding model for municipalities to deal with infrastructure funding needs to be addressed.
Hon. Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing – Follow-Up to Municipal Delegation at AMO Conference.
A letter from Minister Calandra acknowledged the issues raised at the AMO conference indicated who to contact for further discussion.
Tom Mrakas, Mayor, Town of Aurora – Resolution of Support for Fair Share related to Provincial and Federal Funding Council supported the intent of the letter which was that local governments unite to advise the Federal and Provincial governments that local governments deserve predictable, long-term funding to support critical infrastructure.
The following five consent items were received as information:
Habitat for Humanity Gateway North – Affordable Housing
County of Simcoe Paramedic Services – Changes to How 911
Calls are Dispatched Across Simcoe County
2024 Public Beach Monitoring Summary Report SMDHU (including water testing results for the public beaches; see full report in agenda)
Ontario Energy Board – Notice of a Rate Hearing (Enbridge Gas Inc.) Ontario Energy Board
Township of Puslinch – Provincial Projects and Excess Soil Management Practices
Matters for Consideration
Letter from Mr. R. Graham – Recognition of Major Brent Handy of Wyevale.
Maj. Handy served as a senior flight instructor at 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School until returning to the Snowbirds in 2023 as Team Lead for the 2024 season. Maj. Handy brings over 5,500 flying hours to the team and is an accredited Aerobatics Competency Evaluator for the International Council of Air Shows.
The matter was referred to the Heritage Advisory Committee and Cultural Alliance for consideration.
Supplemental
Although not part of Council meetings, the following was recently released.
Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF)
The OMPF is the Province’s main general assistance grant to municipalities. The program primarily supports small, northern and rural municipalities across the province. Its objectives are to:
• recognize the challenges of small, northern and rural municipalities, while targeting funding to those with more challenging fiscal circumstances
• support areas with limited property assessment
• assist municipalities that are adjusting to year-over-year funding changes.
The government is increasing the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) by $100 million over two years, bringing the total funding envelope to $600 million by 2026.
For 2025 the OMPF will include an immediate increase of $50 million to provide $550 million in unconditional funding to 390 municipalities. The $50 million enhancement will be targeted to small, northern and rural municipalities and those with a limited property tax base.
This funding will assist municipalities in providing critical municipal services to people across the province.
With the introduction of the enhancement to the program in 2025, Transitional Assistance funding guarantees for core grant recipients will be enhanced to 100% of the 2024 allocation in 2025 only. This will ensure that all OMPF core grant recipients receive at least the same level of funding as they did in 2024.
Tiny Township will receive $1,877,500 in 2025 an increase of $75,200 over 2024. In comparison to our neighbours who will receive the same as in 2024. Midland $599,000 and Penetanguishene $294,600.