Call the meeting to order. Please rise for the national
anthem.
Our. Home. And.
All.
The roll call will show that all members of council
are present and in their seats. Are there any disclosures
of pecuniary interest or general nature thereof? Seeing none. Will
now read the land acknowledgment. We will begin by acknowledging
that the land on which we gather is the traditional
territory of the three fires confederacy of First nations, comprising
the Ajibwe, the Adawa and the Potawatomi. Peoples and of
the Huron, Wendot and Wyndot peoples. We recognize the land.
As an expression of gratitude to those whose traditional territory.
We reside on and a way of honoring the indigenous
people who have been living and thriving on the land
since time immemorial. We value the significant historical and contemporary
contributions of local and regional first nations and all of
the original peoples of Turtle Island. Report out from in
camera thank you, worship. So the report out from the
incam recession of June 24, 2025, it was moved that
council enter into an in camera meeting of council pursuant
to section 239, Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, for the
following reasons. Item a an update from legal counsel on
activ. Active litigation that was under section 239 two e
and section 239 two f. An administration was directed to
proceed on the verbal direction of counsel. Item b was
legal advice and information pertaining to the Ontario Heritage act
and the Heritage conservation district. In the town of Amnesburg
under section 239, two b, section 239, two e, and
section 239 two f and council received the matter for
informational purposes. Thank you. It is now our honor to
recognize. An incredible young athlete from right here in Amherstburg,
Curtis Rielba, a 14 year old boxer from the fighting
Island Boxing Club is now a Canadian. National champion.
Curtis earned gold in the under 1748 kilogram division at
the Canadian National Championships in Quebec City with the final
day of the tournament taking place on June 1. He
won both his fights during the tournament, including the gold
medal match. Were he unknowingly defeated a 17 year old
opponent. On behalf of the town of Amherstburg, town council
and all our residents, congratulations, Curtis. You've. Made us incredibly
proud. Your gold medal. Your gold medal isn't just a
personal win. It's a community celebration. We're all cheering for
you as you take on your next challenge. Amherstburg will
behind you every step of the way. Keep training hard,
keep dreaming big, and keep raising your hand in. Victory.
And we should find out from the newspaper if you
want another photo. Okay, I'm going
to pass the gavel. To the deputy mayor. I'll be
right back. Does everybody want in the photo?
Thank you so much.
Thank you very much.
Okay, we are now on to the delegations portion. We
have five delegates, all for the same item 13.1, the
sign bylaw first listed. Delegate is Paul Peltier.
I work. Give my boy to have cancer once, so
do. OKAY. You worship the mayor, Michael Peru. Deputy mayor,
Chris Gibbon. Council members, my name is Paul. Pellet. I'm
here representing the KSC council 211110 in the Columbus community.
Hall, home of the nights of Columbus. I'm here regarding
the portable signed bylaw which will remove permanently. Or sign
from in front of our hall. We've had. The sign.
Not necessarily that one, but always had a sign similar
to that one for at least 30 years. No complaints,
no problems. New nesting was anything to do with the
sign? The current sign is we have the parking blocks
that are parallel with our front canopy, and they've been
there for at least 25 years. We have them behind.
The parking block so that they don't interfere with any
pedestrian traffic or anything like that. There. At least a
meter and a half away from. The parking blocks. And
the sign is behind them, so there's not a problem
with them. We've never had any problems whatsoever. This sign
is extremely important to us as well as the people
of Amherstburg. Its main use is for charitable purposes and
for advertising. The bingo and the weekly jackpot. We also
advertise the fish ride in any community. Events that we
might have. We use the funds from the bingo to
sponsor groups for the fish. Rise on Friday, the groups,
they'll get a donation and we will get money into
the hall to keep the hall open. The hall is
a nonprofit corporation, so no one's making money on this
at all. Our policy. Is to respond to groups that
are beneficial to our town and its residents. We have
donated almost half a million dollars since the beginning. And
donate tens of thousands of dollars each year. To the
group over $40,000 every year. If you include the 50
50 draws that usually go with the not often, but
some have that with the fish fries. The groups that
we do. Are all the schools for the students program.
So we donate to all them the local sports programs.
Like hockey, soccer and baseball teams. We all sponsor them.
Community and other groups include the Rotary Club, Miracle League,
CTC, Jump starts gain Amherstburg firewood youth camp. That's under.
The. Olympus. They goes to them anyways. Cadets. The finding
out in Boxing Club, Parkhouse Museum, St. John the Baptist
Church for their good Friday procession so they can afford
that and some other programs they have. This one here
is really dear. To me, the. Society of St. Vincent
de Paul. To up the less fortunate, families and residents
put food on tables. On the table and other needs.
In conclusion, I just hope something can be done because
we just want to do what we've. Always done. Just
do the fish fries. The bingoes. We want to make
this town a better place for everybody involved. And to
have the site permanently removed. We don't have any way
of advertising. To sign up front anymore. And it's not
going to be good for us at all. It's just
something. I hope something can be done. Because we do
this for the residents. Of our community, not for us.
I do hundreds of hours each year to sit and
have somebody come in and say, you, got to remove
it. You just hurt. Really did hurt. Anyway, thank you
for your time and letting me speak to you. Today.
Thank you. Any questions of the deputy councilor Puget. You
don't get off that easy, Councilor Poozle. Okay. Thank you,
Mr. Powche. And thank you for your delegation. I know.
How much and how hard the kfcs work. And you
do contribute so much. To the people of Amherstburg, and
you have for many, many years. And you do so
very quietly. Most people are not even aware. Of all
the donations that you make. So you're saying your sign
has been in that same location for 30 years? Well,
actually been in the front, then they move it out
a little bit here and there, but. Been in the
front of that building because I won't be a member
for around 28. Years now. And it was there before
I was a member. We've always had it there. I
can count on my fingers how many board meetings I
have missed in all those 28 years. And not a
single complaint about it or anything for any reason whatsoever.
He's just been there. We just continue going along with
it. And just try and do what we can to
help everybody on it. I know we don't. Normally. Do
sponsors? I'm trying to build a bingo account, but we
got enough in there and that we can take spots
now, so if anybody there was any sponsors, we'll take
them too. This summer, but yes. And. Your sign is
not on the sidewalk. Is behind the parking blocks. The
parking blocks are parallel with. The canopy we have. Then
the sidewalk is there and the sidewalks. At least a
meter and a half away from the parking lot and
are signed behind the thing, so. You'd have to deliberately
go out of your way to trip over the signer
and. Go over the parking blocks, which we've had there.
We did have their parking lot there. When we first
started, but people were parking there and walking the sidewalks,
says, okay, we got to stop that. So we made
a parallel with the canopy because we figured that's the
best. Place to put them and. Decide. Okay. Keep the
sign behind there. Don't put it up front. That way
nobody gets hurt. Nobody injures themselves, and everybody's in good
for that. Thank you so much. When the time is
right. I do have a question of administration. Well, I
mean, we have five deputies in five different places with
five different kinds of signs, so. I was going to
ask. After we've accepted this, then we'll have questions of
Mr. Tetler, not of. The whole thing, but just of
each location. In turn. And then we'll have questions at
the end about the signed bylaw. Is that acceptable to
council? Okay. So any other questions of the deputy? Yes,
Councilor Courtney thank you, Mr. Mayor. And for the other
delegates too. In particular. What are you looking that you
don't agree with with the actual proposed signed bylaw. Because
I need to understand, as a counselor, we need a
bylaw. Bylaws. Are important. But of the one that's being
proposed. What is not of your liking things that are
wrong with it. One thing is because they say it
has to be so far from the lot line. That
means it's permanently out and then it says you can
only do it for a certain period of time. It's
got to come out and then you can't leave. Have
any sign there and then it's. Got to go back
in after all. Well, we advertise the bingo every single
week. What the jackpot is. And you can't do that
if that happens. And the lot lines. They're funny. They
go all over the place, even on our property. They
go all over the place and across the street they
go right through a house. It's like, okay, we've got
this thing here. We've done it for all these years,
I haven't had a problem with anything, but the bylaw
literally takes. The sign, right? Out of the front of
our building and we can put in a parking lot,
but they put a parking lot and sign the parking
lot. Then you got to move it, pick it back.
Have another permit to put it back in. They rule
it again for a while. We just want to do
our binge ride. Advertiser. Bingo is in. Help out the
community. That's all we're asking. Okay, so what I'm hearing
is basically, one sign, but it's kind of a multipurpose
sign that you put up it. Comes down. So basically,
the way the language is, it's too descriptive and it
doesn't. Really apply to you, whether it be an annual
sign, a seasonal sign. A temporary sign, you're saying it's
just too problematic in regards to that. Okay. Yeah. The
main purpose of saying is to advertise for the bingo.
It's a chaired wall used for terrible purpose. Complaints? Not
perfect. Thank you. Anything else? Or a layer? Thank you,
Mr. Mayor. I threw you just one question. Are you
okay with the fee if you had to pay for
an say you could keep the sign on your property
and you had to pay a fee for it. Are
you okay with that? I don't know. Might it be?
An annual permit fee is $150 for the sign. That's
not that big of a problem? No, thank you. Something
like that. I'm not worried about it. I'm just worried
about losing the sign. Because we'll lose a lot more
than $150, that's for sure. Okay, councilor. That's for aframes.
This is not an Aframe sign. No. I don't want
you to. Okay, I understandably. Sorry. I have to ask
Mr. Teller to get the exact question. We'll ask him,
okay? Sorry through you, Mr. Mayor to Mr. Teller. Any
other questions of the deputy? Okay. A motion to receive
the deputation. Moved by councilor McCarthy, seconded by Councilor Oler.
All those in favor opposed that's. Carried. Thank you, sir,
for your deputation. Questions of Mr. Tetler. First of all,
I have Councilor puget, then councilor. Courtney. And then you.
Okay, councilor puge. Mr mayor. Mr. Teddler.
So we have heard and we've seen where the sign
is and the KFC is. A nonprofit organization. Why is
it that. His sign had to be removed. When it
does not. Through your worship. The sign that's in front
of the connights of Columbus is. Under the definition of
the sign. By law, a mobile sign therefore, requires a
permit under the current sign bylaw. It required a permit
under the previous signed bylaw as well. But they never
had a permit for all these years. Through your worship.
That is correct. I'm not aware of them ever having
a permit for. A mobile sign. Now, keep in mind
as well, any sign that does not move, I would
consider. A permanent sign, not a mobile sign as well.
Councilor Courtney. I'm good right now. I'm just listening. Councilor
O'Lear and then councilor MacArthur. Thank you. So which type
of sign would you consider the nights of Columbus sign
fall under? A sign by law. Permanent or mobile? Three
yearship? Mobile sign, portable sign, whatever you want to classify
as, okay. Can you just give me the cost for
clarity? Because I was reading under the wrong thing, apparently.
How much would the cost that I'm a year to
keep it out there permanently? You're not allowed under the
current bylaw. You cannot keep it out there permanently. You
could have it up for 200 days for a dollar
per day. And the business can choose the duration. At
any given time. Okay, perfect. And then they take it
down for 60, and then they can. Put it up
for another 200. No, the maximum is 60 days at
a time. There has to. Be a 14 day break
in between the maximum days of permits. But someone could
apply for a 15 day permit and then a 23
day permit. They can utilize their 200 days to the
best to their business, understandably. Could he make that a
permanent sign, just. For. Simpler terms through your worship, they
could contact our billing department and work with them about
erecting a permanent sign on that property, potentially with a
manual changing letters rather than having a mobile sign. Out
there. Okay. Thank you. Councilor macarthur. Thank you. I think
I partially just got an answer there, but just when
Mr. Tetler said, you consider a mobile sign? A permanent
sign if it doesn't move. I didn't understand that if
you have a mobile sign in front of your business
that's. Never moving. I would consider that to be a
permanent sign. And I would suggest that that business would
need to work with our billion apartment. A mobile site
is something that's temporary in nature that's able to be
moved. Okay, just when you say that, it sounds like
you're suggesting that you could use a. Mobile sign and
just apply it for it to be a permanent sign
when you phrase it that. Way. That's why I'm confused
through your worship. I apologize. That is not my. Intention.
A mobile. Sign is not a permanent sign. It cannot
be used as a permanent sign. But by definition, if
a mobile sign is never leaving the location. We could
be looked at as a permanent sign. Okay, I'll just
pass the Gaville. I just have one question. Can that
sign? It's movable if they move it somewhere else on
the lot. Will they be in any violation at all?
I would suggest after looking at the location of the
Knights of Columbus. They could apply for a mobile sign
permit and have it located elsewhere on the property and
it would not be illegal. That is correct. I'll take
the gavel back. Anyone else? No other questions of Mr.
Tetler on this sign. Okay, let's hear the. Next deputy.
The next deputy is. Lynn durfy.
Good evening, mayor and council members. Thank you for giving
me the opportunity to speak tonight. My name is lindurphy,
and I've owned Lind's variety at 203 Richmond street. For
the last 31 years. I am here to express concerns
about the current bylaw that prohibits prohibits. Sandwich signs and
aframe signs on the boulevard. For many businesses in town,
which is known as a quaint, small, charming town. We
close our streets to promote foot traffic. These sign. Signs
for a few affordable businesses. It's an effective way for
us to reach the foot. Traffic. Being the difference between.
People coming in and people just walking past us. My
sign has been on the boulevard for the last 24
years. Of the 31 years I've. Been in business. This
sign has been updated and kept well maintained as an
asset to my business. I understand that we need to
maintain and keep the sidewalks safe and prevent visual clutter.
However, many communities have found balance that permits these signs
with specific dimensions in ensuring placement doesn't. Obstruct. The pedestrian
flow in accessibility. I am asking for you to not.
Completely redo the bylaw. Just look at other ways of
us being able to keep our signs and follow your
guidelines with some bit of a restriction to us. But
these signs, it's been there for 24 years, and it's
never caused a problem. And no one has ever complained
until I had a bylaw officer standing in front of
me threatening a fine if it isn't moved in 24
hours. I move the sign. Into my parking lot. 3
meters. As I was told, I needed to be from
the sidewalk. Then I got a phone call saying that.
I still was going to be fined because it needed
to be 3 meters from the lot line. Which is
technically the front of my building. So the sign then
needs to be right up against the side of my
building to meet the bylaw. Thank you for the time,
and I hope that council will consider a little bit
of an update. On the behalf of our local businesses.
Questions. Seeing none. Questions of staff? No. I need to
receive the deputation both by councilor Larry, seconded by deputy
mayor. All those in favor? Opposed. That's carried. Questions of
Mr. Tetler. Any questions? Councilor Courtney. Mayor through you, Bill.
I know by law, the Aoda compliance is the big
thing Mr. V just mentioned about sightlines. For sure. That's
the safety of pedestrians, vehicles and things like that. The
setbacks seem very robust. Especially for signs that have been
in place for. Is there a way? Again, we've amended
many things, but this is going to go for the
next. There's got to be ways. To me. My takeaways
are this. Limit the number of signs, the size of
the sign. How secure the sign is and their non
violation of Aoda. That to me, as a municipality, Should
be our only real concerns here is that. We're following
Aoda compliance, that people have a safe way, the rate
width to get around with accessibility mobile device. There is
no safety issues with sight lines. Is there a way
that we can just monitor these things. The non compliance
part of it is these are owners that know they
follow many rules and regulations. Outside of even the town's
bylaws just to operate in Ontario, if we set the
standards and conditions of this is the acceptable size of
an aframe. This is the acceptable size. This is where
it needs to be, on a sidewalk. If you have
a sidewalk, this wide. You can do it. If not,
it's sorry about your lock, but you just can't. Because
now we're in contravention. Aoda, if you're in violation. Of
a, B and C and you inspect it, you will
be charged $150 for non compliance. And loses the rate
to have that. Sign this to me. Seems like I'm
just trying to generalize it all because everyone's situation is
going to be. Different. And we happen to have five
delegates tonight, and there's probably ten others that couldn't. Make
it, and they're going to be all different scenarios, too.
So I really don't think this council should be looking
at this bylaw. As an individual basis, because that's going
to be problematic in itself. I'm just trying to generalize.
Being responsible as a municipality to make sure that we're
in compliance with the AoD. With Sila, with and the
safety of pedestrians and traffic and that whoever does have
the good fortune of having the width in front of
their business is wide enough that they can actually put
a certain sized temporary sign aframe. That, to me is
really all I think that would work here, but I'll.
Continue to listen to the deli. You're asking the general
question. It is. Please just ask him the question at
Lynn's variety. Why is that sign not appropriate? Why? Is
it illegal at this point? We'll get into the general
question later. Could you answer that? Why is this illegal?
Through you. Your worship, the step back requirement of the
sign bylaw is 2 meters. As far as the sign
be legal, I would suggest that any business owner that.
Has enough property to have the sign on their property
is allowed to have it, so I would suggest that
most businesses would be allowed to have a sign, just
maybe not in the current location. It may have been
at in the past. Okay, worship, members of council and
Mr. Tutler will correct me if I'm wrong. I think
the issue for some of the signs to be more
general is that they are on town. Right of way
and not on the property's own property. So I think
what Mr. Tetler is saying is that if the. Sign
is on a property owner's own property within the setback
requirements. That's fine. And I believe the report outlined a
solution for council. For signs that would still remain on
the public right of way. But there's still enough width
for that. So that's outlined in your report as a
solution. Any other questions about this particular location and this
particular sign? Seeing none will go to the next deputy.
All right, the next deputy. Is peter liardi.
Your worship. Mr. Mayor, members of town council and administration.
Thank you for allowing me to speak. My name is
Peter Liardi. I've been in business in this community for
40 years. Now 21 years at our current location. I
would like to address the sign. By law and specific
to the issue of portable signs, I've had a portable
sign in front of my current location for 21 years.
I would use the portable sign for multiple reasons. One,
to announce new seasonal arrivals, two, to advertise promotional items.
Advertise end of season sales. The ability to advertise and
take advantage of all the traffic on Sandwich street was
one of the reasons I moved my business and spent
$600,000.21 years ago. That portable sign would help draw traffic
into my store and hopefully keep business here in our
community. Now. My sign was 4ft wide and 5ft tall.
It sat 3ft on my property. And 1ft on town
property. There existed 12ft of remaining sidewalk from the edge
of my sign to the road curb. In absolutely no
way was my sign. An impediment to pedestrian traffic, vehicle
traffic, and it was also Aoda compliant. In the 21
years that that sign has sat out in front of
my store, the only complaint that I've ever received was
from the town of Amesburg on the 25 April of
this year I received an order to comply. On that
order to comply. I said I didn't have a permit,
and it was too. Close to the lot line. Now,
the new bylaw has some conditions I'd like to speak
to. And I would. Also like to address my order
to comply. Firstly, in my order to comply, it stated
I didn't have a permit. I want everyone here to
know. That I have always paid my permit fee through
my signed supplier when it was presented to me. Number
two. The order to comply states that my sign is
too close to the lot line. That is absolutely true.
It sits on twelve inches of town property. But there's
12ft of sidewalk to the road curbside on the other
side of that sign. It was bothering no one. By
the way, for the last 21 years. That 12ft of
sidewalk and patio on the other side of that sign.
I've swept it, I've cleaned it, I've shoveled. The snow
off of it. I've salted it. And never once have
I sent the town a bill for that. And the
town never complained either about that. Number three. The new
bylaw puts a limit of 200 days on the use
of a portable sign. It goes on to say that.
In this time frame allowance is generous compared to other
municipalities in Essence County. Who says the other municipalities are
correct? Why limit the use of signs? And can someone
please tell me which 200 days of the year? Are
the best years to advertise. There should be no limits
on the usage of a sign. If you paid for
the. Permit for the year. Let the individual or business
use it for the year. I don't understand why the
town of Amnesburg would do anything to impede the success
of any small business in its community, unless the business
was doing something illegal or posing a harm to its
citizens. I was doing neither. Just in the month of
May this year and in June. My prom and grad
suit sales were down 54% and 45%, respectively. I had
to take my sign down on May the second. And
that's just one commodity. That doesn't count shirts, doesn't count
shoes. Temp belts, ties. And, oh, there's another thing to
consider. Not only. Was this affecting? My business revenue. What
about my two tailors that I use here in town?
That's less work that they had. They both live here
in town. They both hear shop. In town. I'd like
to share an email that I received from a parent
that was in my store. On June 13 it says.
Good morning, Peter. I just wanted to take a minute.
Thank you for. Your ever so memorable experience that yourself
and Colin gave my son and I yesterday. I was
in such a tizzy trying to find a place to
get my son a graduation suit for next. Week, and
you guys saved the day. I passed your store daily,
but I didn't think. You'd have anything for a grade.
Eight graduation. Luckily, I remembered that I had at one
time seen a sign out in front of your store
advertising prom and grad suit special. The sign was gone,
so I figured that I missed the sale, but I'm
so glad that I decided to pop in and check
anyhow like most parents, schedules are crazy. I didn't want
to take time to go to Windsor, but mainly I
prefer to shop. Local whenever possible. I wish you had
been able to keep your sino in front because after
speaking to some parents, they were disappointed that they weren't
able to take advantage of the sale. Or the experience.
I have three such emails to such the topic.
I've lost enough revenue in the last seven weeks to
pay for a sign permit for the next 75 years.
Given the current economic conditions and uncertainty out there, I
don't understand what the purpose of the zoo. Signed by
law. I sincerely believe that there's overreach here. I look
forward to town council enlightening the small businesses of our
town as to how the new bylaw is worth the
opportunity cost of lost revenues to the businesses affected. Thank
you. So much. Questions of the deputies. Seeing none. Motion
to receive the deputation councilor letter seconded by councilor puge.
Ovos in favor? Opposed? That's carried. Any questions of Mr.
Tetler on this? Particular sign. Councilor puge. Thank you, Mr.
Mayor. Through. You too, Mr. Tetler. So, Mr. Tetler. Why
would we? Make Mr. Deliardi remove his sign if it
was less than a foot away from. On our property.
Could we not have worked with him to make sure
that he was able to advertise? Because we knew this
was coming back to us. I made a motion that.
This report was coming back to us so they could
speak on it, so why couldn't. We have just compromised
with him during this period of time. I believe Madam
Cao has something. Do you want to say it first
or Mr. Teddler? Your worship, members and council. And again,
I'll defer to Mr. Tetler if he. Has something to
add, but I don't believe that council suspended the operation
of the bylaw. So we do not have the authority
to do that. That's up to council to make. That
motion to suspend that. Mr. Tetler. Anything you have, Dad.
Through your worship. The bylaw is in effect. Council did
not suspend it and we are carrying out our duties.
Okay, the next listed deputy I have is Sarah Brush.
Good evening. Mayor Peru, deputy mayor Gibb, councilors Allair.
Crane. Macarthur. Courtney. And Puge. My name is Sarah Brush.
And I proudly own. And operate specs restaurant here in
Amnesburg. For nearly 55 years. More than half a century.
My family and I have. Served this community through good
times. And bad. As a small, family run business. I
am proud of what we built. Specs isn't just a
restaurant. It's a gathering place. A part of the fabric
of this town. People come for the food. But they
return for the connection. For decades. We've supported this community.
Quietly. Consistently. Through local causes. Kindness and hard work. But
I will always. Stand up for what's right. To protect
what we've built and to ensure that small business. Businesses
like mine are treated with fairness. And respect. Over the
past year. I've come before this council. More than once.
Not because I want to be here. And while it
takes time, And energy. I will not back down. Because
this business matters. And so does the principle behind it.
When unfair policies threaten us, when I am suddenly told
I can't display a simple open flag. I've had. For
55 years. I have no choice but to speak up.
That flag never blocked a sidewalk, and it is on
my own property. I've never posed a safety hazard, and
it complies fully with AODA standards. It simply lets people
know we are open. Since being forced to remove it.
Customers are confused. Foot traffic is down. And our business
had suffered because of a bylaw. That was drafted. With
a real consultation with the people it affects most. I
have never paid a cent to the town to display
this flag, and I don't. Intend to now. This kind
of nickel and diming of small businesses isn't just unnecessary.
It's damaging. It sends the wrong message about who we
are as a town. Let me be clear. This just
isn't about specs. It's about every small business in Amnesburg.
Small businesses are the. Heart and soul of this community.
They create jobs. They attract visitors and they bring life
into our streets. When our visibility is restricted. So is
our ability to survive. These signs. And yes, even flags
aren't clutter. These signs are our connection. They're how we
let people know we're here and we're open. When our
signs come down. So does the energy and life of
this town. We want a council. That understands us. Respects
us. And lets us run our businesses the way we
always have. With pride. Honesty and care. Frankly, this bylaw
doesn't make sense. We're being told. To take our signs
down. But then. Told it's fine if we pay $150
a year. What kind of business logic is that? If
a sign. Is truly unsafe or inappropriate. Charging a fee
doesn't make it any less so. And if it's safe
and has never been a problem. Then why are we
being punished? For something that has worked for decades. Get
rid of this ridiculous bylaw. It's hurting the very people
who help build this. Town. I still believe in Amnesburg.
I believe in working together. And I hope that moving
forward, we can have more conversation. And not. More enforcement
so that Amesburg stays a place where small businesses feel
valued and not punished. Let's keep this town open, thriving
and welcoming. Just like it always has been. Thank you.
Questions of the deputy. Any questions of the deputy councilor
puge. Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Sarah. Excellent presentation. I just
want to clarify two things. So your sign. Was compatible
with Aoda. It was not in the way it's in
my garden. It's in your garden. So it was on
your property? Yes. I am 2.5 meters away from the
sidewalk. Okay. And your flag? You said it was. 5
meters from the sidewalk from the property. Okay. It's on
my own property. Okay. Thank you. Okay, I need a
motion. To accept the deputation moved by councillor Puche, seconded
by councilor Lere. All those in favor? Opposed? That's carried.
Questions of Mr. Tattler? A number of them. Okay. I
saw Councilor O'Leary. First. And then Councilor MacArthur and then
councilor Puge. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Just through. You to
Mr. Tetler. How was her sign? Illegal if it's 2.5
meters. From the sidewalk. Do you, worship? Just to clarify,
which sign are we referring to? Sarah's delegation. She said
it was her open sign. I'd have to understand what
type of sign that is. It's my understanding that I
believe there was two different types of signs there, and
I just want to make sure I'm speaking about the
correct sign. Verify with the delegate that it was the
flag open sign that you have stuck in your garden.
Thank you. Through your worship to council lair. The flag
signs. Are both flags, as they're referred to in the
bylaw, are prohibited in the HCD. Which the heritage confirmation
district, which is why the sign was asked to be
removed. Thank you for the clarification. So it wasn't because.
Of the signed bylaw that we have in place. It
was because of the Heritage district. Through your worship. I'm
sorry, council. There's talking. I couldn't hear your. Question. Okay,
it wasn't because of our current signed bylaw. It was
because of the heritage. District. It is through your worship.
It is because of the current science. Violence. There's a
heritage. Consternation district overlay in the sign bylaw. Those types
of flags in the downtown core. Thank you for the
clarification. Okay, Councilor MacArthur, then, councilor puge. Can we just
get some clarity on that, please? Because we haven't passed
the heritage conservation. District. That's actually, I don't understand. It
and with it only the flag. That was in contravention.
Or was it the sign? Like on this particular property,
on this particular issue. What was wrong and what was
done. Through your worship, I will defer to the planning
department to speak to the heritage conservation district. As far
as. The sign goes. We did the enforcement. So the
bylaw states that that type of sign is not allowed
in that area. Therefore, we did that. Enforcement. If we're
speaking about the aframe sign, we ask that aframe sign
to be relocated to the property line as per the
heritage concert Viation district overlay. Eight frame science are allowed
to be at the property line in that area. Mr.
Clerk through you, your worship. It's section b, two of
the signed by law, which deals with bioflag signs, and
it's the heritage district overlay. So although the district hasn't
been adopted. The area. Has been under consideration, and that
area was identified in the sign bylaw. So whether or
not you've adopted the district itself. You've identified the space
that you're studying currently, and when the sign, by law
is adopted, that study area was included as the overlay
to identify the area that would have those provisions. For
further clarity. So because of that, the flag is not
allowed in that geographic boundary. So that was one of
the thing you dealt with and the sign was in
the wrong place, and then. She moved it and now
it's fine. I'm just seeking clarity, that's all. Through your
worship not being personally on the property, it would be
hard for me to give an exact answer, but if
there was an aframe sign located on town property. We
would have asked that to be relocated to the private
property, and no permit would be required for that. Happen
here in this instance. Through your worship, my suggestion would
be, yes, I believe that did happen. Councilor puge. Mr
mayor. Euge Mr. Tetler. So I think Sarah hit it
the nail right on the head. When she's asked specifically.
How is it? Okay. For our businesses to put up
signs if they pay, but it isn't if they don't.
Pay. So. Aren't we more worried about? Keeping. Our residents
safe and to follow the rules of Aoda. If we're
making them move. There's signs because we're saying. They're not.
In the correct area, then why would it be okay
for them to put their signs there if they pay.
Madam Cao has the answer, you, worship, members of council.
So what the report is suggesting. So first of all,
if there is a sign in the. HCD overlay area
that wouldn't be allowed at all. So there would be
no. Payment for sign. There's just no sign allowed there
at all, so, really. And really, this kind of weighs
it out for council. There are kind of three things,
I think that you have to make decisions on whether
or not you want allow a mobile type of sign.
In the HCD because your bylaw right now says no
to that a frame signs are permitted. If there is
enough width on the sidewalk and the reason why there
would be a fee for that is because it's in
the public right of way. We would have to make
sure that it complies and that we check everything and
make sure it's in compliance. And also from a liability
standpoint. So that's why. We would. It's almost like an
encroachment on town property. Well, it is. An encroachment on
town property. So that's why a fee would be allowed.
For those particular ones. And then the third issue that
council has to decide upon, I suppose, is whether or
not. You want to maintain? Your limited. Time frame for
mobile signs, which is currently in your bylaw at the
180 days. So those really seem to be the three
points of contention right now. To be clear, if there
is an aframe sign that is on someone's own personal
property at their lotline there would be no fee for
that. It would only be if it's in the public,
right? Of way on town. Property. Well, thank you for
that. But in the past, we have waived fees, for
example. The people on the residents on George street. We
waived the fees. Some of their property. Their homes were
on town property. So we could do the same thing
tonight, correct? Council can make whatever decision that council deems
is appropriate in the circumstances. However, we bring to you
best practices. In other municipalities when you are doing an
encroachment. You do charge a fee because it takes staff
time to process that, to do the inspection, to make
sure it's put in the proper place. It's totally council's
decision. What you want to do in that regard. Okay.
And thank you for that. But then further to that.
We will be taking up. I just want you to
stay with this side. I am trying to stay with.
The sign area. This is what I'm concerned about. Right
now, when I look at the people that presented tonight,
Almost every one of them will not be able to
have signs if we pass that heritage district. Am I
correct in that? No. The Aframe sign would still be
allowed in the heritage districts. Mobile signs would not be
in the Heritage district. A mobile sign would not be
a permanent sign is allowed. So if a business feels
that they need to have some kind of permanent signage,
as Mr. Tetler mentioned earlier. There are permanent signs can
be placed on the sides of buildings, that kind of
thing, where you can change messaging. Certainly business owners are
welcome to work with our building department to have something
like that installed and to make sure it complies with
building code. So. It just wouldn't be those temporary mobile
type signs that would be allowed in the heritage. Conservation
district. But again, that's a decision for council to make.
Okay. Councilor MacArthur, and then we're going to move on
to the last deputy. Just clarity on that point now
that we're talking about it. Because the report before us.
Says that mobile signs are not permitted within a heritage
conservation district. So is that like a provincial rule, or
should this read correctly? They're not allowed in ours because
it says it's? Not allowed in any heritage conservation district
as written. So is that what it means to say.
You're worship members of council. I believe it means ours.
It was for our heritage conservation. District, and I can
have Mr. Coates speak to the reasoning behind that. Through
you, your worship. Yeah. It's very common in heritage conservation
districts to have restrictions around. Science. Both flag science are
something that is very common. Our sign bylaw does respond
only to ours. I think it's only referencing ours and
both leg signs are prohibition within that area. Mr clerk.
And also mobile signs. Right. The intention behind that being
your heritage conservation district has a certain look. And feel.
And so generally you'd look for a permanent sign that
reflects. That design criteria that you're aiming for in that
area. Okay, I'm going to call the last deputy. Is
gender, Luca. Hi, everyone.
Jan Deluca from waterfront ice cream. I understand that a
complaint was made about Aframe signs blocking the sidewalk and
not being Aoda compliant. What I don't understand is why
an entire bylaw had to be rewritten to address this.
There was no consultation with the businesses, there were no
meetings, no open houses, just assigned Blitz. So we sent
in emails. We then tried to speak to you at
a previous meeting, but were denied. The opportunity. We have
no recourse to share our concerns when this happens. And
here we are two. Months later, speaking at a meeting.
Why is there no other more productive and more expedient
way to work with the businesses? All of us here
tonight have had signs out for 50 years. 46 years,
25 years and more. All of which are Aoda compliant.
And your solution to this complaint toward another business owner
or group of businesses who had no regard for Aoda
compliance was the writing of a whole new signed bylaw.
During which we were all greeted with citations and pending
fines during our business hours for not removing our signs.
In this two month period, the absence of our signs
has caused a drastic decrease in customers and sales for
many. And here we are with the report. Only to
tell us that after having to remove our signs and
incur loss of business, we now get to continue to
have this prior privilege reinstated, but for a yearly application
and fee. This is clearly not about Aoda compliance. Since
all of our signs actually meet this criteria, it is
about greed and taking more money from your small businesses.
Armando's Pizza has won numerous awards for his pizza and
has been recognized all over. He helps keep Amesburg relevant.
And you want to charge him to take down and
put up his sign every 200 days. His daily grind
isn't enough. Waggles Meats is the only family run, second
generation butcher shop in town, and you want to do
the same to him for a sign that lets people
know he's tucked away. On Renault street. 67 Richmond street
is the only place in Amnesburg where you can get
a nice suit. For a special occasion. And you don't
want people to know when he has a sale. Some
of you even show your public support for freed instead.
Gumballs and overalls. The only children's consignment store is right
on Sandwich street. People need to know she's there and
that she has a senior discount. She lost her entire
spring season without her sign. Yours. Country kitchen. Another destination
point and pits fresh veggies. Their signs impede no one.
And they're essential in the, in the success of their
small businesses. The absence of a sign hinders businesses on
every level. How are you supposed to know which? Fish
Fry is happening at the Knights of Columbus or what
time the bingo starts if they don't. Have a sign
for two weeks between each 200 day period. Why do
you feel you have to accept more money from the
business community. I'm honestly dumbfounded at the idea that these
signs can now only be used for a yearly fee
even when they are Aoda compliant, and I'm further dumbfounded
that magnet. Signs that have been placed for decades now
come out of cost with a restricted time period. You
want businesses to pay you, you should be paying the
businesses for what they bring to this. Town, not taking
more from them. How do you guys stumble across new
stores and restaurants when you visit a new small town.
It's very simple. Signage. One of you mentioned that you
did not want another public fight with the businesses, but
this is the only option for dialogue that you give
us. You adopt bylaws that you do. Not fully read
or understand. And there's no communication with the actual people
they affect, then we get five minutes on. The spot.
To speak. State our plea publicly. We are business owners.
We must leave our businesses to do this. Every time.
I am pleading with all of you to do better
for us. I want to thank councilor. Puge because she's
the only one who continues to ask questions for us,
and she advocates rest, especially when she admits that her
decision was bad for us. Asking us to wait for
a report and sit tight while losing customers is not
an appropriate answer. Please erase the fine print in this
bylaw and don't charge the business community to advertise for
their businesses and livelihood. When did we stop taking care
of each other? I think I have a tiny bit
of time lapse, and I just want to give you.
One tiny scenario. Fishflies. They're everywhere. My husband spent an
hour and a half every morning, leaf blowing the fishflies.
Could you imagine if he stopped at the property line
and said, I'm going to save those. Few million for
the town because the property line ends there. I'm just
going to do my part up to the line, just
like Mr. Leardi said. He sweeps that area. He shovels.
That area. All of us take care of that frontage.
46 years, waterfront has been doing that. And you're going
to tell me now I got to pay to put
my sign. There. It just doesn't make sense. And they
are Aoda compliant, every one of us here, so I
don't know why. That keeps coming up. There may be
other businesses who didn't have that Aoda compliance. Like Mr.
Courtney said, deal with that in a different light. But
to rewrite a whole new bylaw and pop in people's
businesses during business hours with a citation. And a threat
to be fined just doesn't seem right. It's not. Thank
you. Any questions of this deputy? Seeing none. Motion to
receive the deputation, councilor. And councilor MacArthur. All those in
favor? Opposed? That's carried. Questions. Of staff. Anybody have question
on this? Councilor puge. I've got questions, but I do
have a motion when it's time. Well. I'm going to
allow the motion later because now we're going to go
to general questions. Not about individual properties, but just about
the bylaw. And this is a bylaw that is. An
old, old, old bylaw. It's not new. This is going
back 25 years just wasn't enforced. But it's an old
bylaw. We're using anyway. Councilor Olaire. Yeah. Thank you, Mr.
Mayor. Through you to Mr. Tattler, one of the continuous
things was the restriction of the duration of time. If
we removed that from the current bylaws and amended amendment.
What repercussions does that have? Anything? Three you worshiped, Councilor
Lair. If that council's discretion to waive and make any
decisions they choose to. Counselor puge. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Probably through you to the Cao. If we enact this
bylaw. Does it not mean extra work for administration to
go out and collect all these fees? Members of council.
If you enacted the amendment to the bylaw that the
report suggests, I. E. Having allowing Aframe signs if they're
permitted. People would have to make their application. So yes,
it is additional work to have the afraid signs on
public property. And certainly we put the fee in there
because we were following council, what we thought was council's.
Overall direction in terms of usage of public property. With
the temporary patios and whatnot, it was certainly made clear
that people should have to pay to use town property,
and so. We wanted to make sure that we were
collecting back. The money that would be used in staff
time in terms of taking the permits, doing the inspections.
As we do with patios, that type of thing. So
it was similar to that. Okay, so. Saying that this
would be a wash, basically. If we don't collect it
and the amount of time and money that we would
have. To spend. Trying. To enact this by law and
collect the fees. Really? It would be a wash if
we just forgave. Any peace. Like we did on George
Street. So I don't know if it would be a
wash. Certainly the fee that's being charged. Is not cost
recovery, I would suggest. So it's up to council what
you decide to do. Other questions of staff. Councilor
macarthur. With how the bylaw is written now, without changes.
Looking at the map of the HCD, Does Mr. Leardi
store fall within that? So would he be allowed to
have a mobile sign? And. Did four specs and the
flag. Would those both be prohibited? Through your worship. That
is correct, Councilor McArthur. Mr. Lardi would not be allowed.
To have a mobile sign and specs would not be
allowed to have both. Flagstein. Further questions. I'll just pass
the gavel. I have a couple. We have assigned by
law that comes up every four years. During elections. How
many members of this council had signs removed? In the
last election. And why? Because. They were on property. They
weren't on private property. They were on the boulevards. They
were on the rights of way. And. Members of members
who were running for election. Had no recourse. They couldn't
pay. The only thing they paid for was 100 and
something dollars to get a single sign back. And that's
the bylaw that was put. In. Place before my time.
I think councilor Puge was on council when that came
into effect. I don't think anyone else was, but that's
just one of the signs. And I have some difficulty
with all of this. I don't mind the signs. I
don't mind them, provided they are AOD compliant. I will
never. Support a sign that is blocking someone who is
blind in a wheelchair. A mother in a carriage with
a carriage. I will never, ever support that sign on
the street. Because those people have rights, same as all
of us. They're not different. They have rights. And their
rights, I think, supersede the rights to be safe. Supersede
the rights to make money. I know money. Making money
is important. What I want to see here, and I
don't know what the motions are going to. Be. What
I want to see here is. A signed by law,
which is permissive, which will allow businesses to flourish, but
will also be safe. And if we have to charge
a few dollars. Ms. Brush says she's not going to
pay. Well, I guess what happens with all bylaws when
you don't pay, you end up in court. Not that
that's. A threat. But that's what happens. That's what happens
with every bylaw that's. Broken. If the person won't pay
the fine, they end up in court. We do that
every week, every month. And so Mr. Leardi made a
very strong point. He said he would gladly pay because
he lost more money. He lost. 75 years worth of
payments. That's what he said. 75 years worth of payments.
Or sales. For the lack of that sign. I'm sure
he would gladly pay for it. And Lynn's variety. She
said she just wanted some kind of compromise, and I
think that makes perfect sense. The KFC. Wants to compromise
and one is available to them. So we all, as
a town, have to try to do something to compromise
it. I'm waiting for the motions that come forward. But
please, whatever they are, make them Aod compliant. Make. Them.
Such that they are enforceable without being onerous. And. As
some of the delegates said, bring people back together. I
think it can be done. It's. Up to council. I'll
take the gavel back. I'll hear motions. Councilor Courtney, do
you have a motion? I'm just asking. Can I speak
to staff first? If you still have another question, go
ahead. Again, I threw out a few things that make
sense. To me, and maybe, I don't know if it
makes sense for the rest of council. I think. Without
layman's terms. I mean, we need bylaws, section blah section
subsection. Subsection. I know we need bylaws. I think the
gist of what I'm gathering. Here is. Aoda compliance. It
has to happen. If a business. And number of sites.
We had a moratorium because our front road coming in
where the parolee buildings are. It was starting to look
like Tennessee with a whole bunch of mobile signs on
privately owned. It was terrible looking. It was trashy looking,
but to limit the number of signs, if you're a
registered commercial business, and our commercial tax base says that
they're a commercial business. You should be limited to one
sign, either a mobile sign or aframe if you have
the size of lot to do. So if it's on
town property, if we have to. Do an easement and
there's money, then that would be different if it's. On
private property. Who cares? As long as it's secure, safe,
and it's in. Good taste. I mean, this is the
gist of what I'm thinking. We want for our town.
You go. To any other small town in Ontario and
you're looking for those Aframes when you're walking up and
down the sidewalk. Yeah. You can look up top and
see their sign above, but. You're not really looking up
there. You're looking at the aframe signs. And going, oh,
clothing store they got. Oh. And then I understand the
importance of these mobile signs. And these temporary aframe signs.
And if the heritage district, if you can't have in
our heritage district, in our small historical town. A sign,
an aframe sign that. You can have an aframe sign.
Sorry. A mobile sign. Flags are interesting concept, but anyhow,
I think that's the gist of it, and. So through
you. Mr. Mayor, I'm not sure what a motion has
to be here because. I don't want to piecemeal these
things. We always do this, but that's. The gist? If
you have a motion, Councilor Puji. Okay, I'll recognize Councilor
puja next. And if you don't like it, you can
amend it. Okay, I'd like to. Make a motion to
direct administration to allow businesses to advertise with sandwich boards,
flags and mobile signs that fall within the guideline. Guidelines
of the Aoda and do not obstruct. Mobility. Devices. Without
payment to the town of Amhersburg in order to allow
these businesses to thrive and to promote. Economic development. Further
to that, this section of bylaw 2025. One be removed.
Councilor ler. Okay. It's been seconded for
discussion. Just so people in the audience know, that doesn't.
Mean she's necessarily going to support it, but she wants
to hear it all out. Okay, Councilor Elaire. Thank you.
First question is, what is that section to remove? What
is that because she's removing a section, is that to
remove. I don't have the bylaw directly in front of
me. May I speak, mayor? Well, can somebody explain what
that section is? Okay, Mr. Clerk. Certainly. I think the
elements that are mentioned here are in a number of
different sections of the bylaw if we had direction from
counsel on what they wanted to see in their sign
by law, we could amend that, sign bylaw and bring
that back with those amendments. But we'd need to know
what. Just to clarify, I think what Councilor Peugey. Was
asking to have removed would be a the restriction on
mobile signs so she would allow mobile signs anywhere in
the town if it was Aoda compliant. So you would
take out that restriction, whatever section that is, you would
also take out. Any. I guess it would just be.
In any aframe sign that's on town property. As long
as it doesn't. Impede the right of way or and
is Aoda compliant, I think. Okay, Councilor Lair, thank you
much. Appreciate it. Councilor Puja. I see exactly where you're
going from. I had it written a little bit differently,
and I would love it if you just take on
these amendments? I am okay with not having mobile signs
in our historic district. I don't think that it would
flow nicely with what we're trying to create. In our
sweet town. I'm okay with the overlay in the historic
district, I was okay with this entire sign law to
begin with. The first time, however, I am listening and
understanding. So I had written down that all signs must
be compliant with accessibility. For Ontario's with Disability Act. Signs
must be placed entirely on the property of the individual
for entirety displaying of the sign. So it must be
on their property in cases where the signs are not
placed on the owner's. Property. A fee shall be charged
to offset the costs of the application, processing, inspections, and
potential enforcement actions. That is just to cover the cost.
The by. Bylaw has to come out to make sure
that it is safe to be on our property. It
is only for signs that are not on entirety of
their property. And then the last part. That I had
was the current restrictions. On the duration of time sign
display be completely removed. So there is no sign display
duration. They can have it for the whole year. The
only time they'd have to pay is if. It was
on town property. It all has to be. A compliant.
That is what I was hoping would be. I can't
do it now because you seconded the motion we have
to deal with. This one that's on the floor. Would
you be okay with that? Changing it to a friendly
amendment is what I'm. Sorry. All right. So if you
don't like this, you're going to have to defeat the
motion. That's on the floor, and then I will turn
to you to try yours. Deputy mayor. Thank you. They
never tell you when you run for council that you're
going to have to sit and look at your friends
out there and disappoint some and make other ones happy.
So. That's always the hardest part. The other thing is,
I have to say I wholeheartedly agree with Councilor earlair.
We're not doing this to be mean. We're not doing
this to make people's. Lives. Difficult. But this town is
also a business. And if we don't follow the law,
especially with accessibility. We're going to be fined, we're going
to be brought in front of the Human rights tribunal.
It's going to happen, so we have to act. There's
going to be. A cost. To review these signs that
are going to be on town property. There's going to
be a cost because we're going to have to document
it. We're going to have to make sure we can
defend ourselves. When the inevitable human rights complaint or lawsuit
comes. And I can't ask the taxpayers to pay that
cost. I have to put that, like councilor Lar said,
that has to be paid by the business owner. I'm
sorry. It's just not something that I can put on
the taxpayers. We've charged other businesses to use town property.
I don't see what the difference. Is here. The heritage
district. As far as mobile signs and flags. Again, I
agree with Councilor Alair. That's just not what we're trying
to do. I get it. I'm sorry that I'm going
to disappoint some of you, but I agree with her
that if we're going to have a heritage district, it
has to stay heritage. If your aframe sign is. Entirely
on your property. That's great. You've got the room to
do it. Great if you have to. Be on town
easement. Then there's going to have to be some kind
of fee. To cover the cost of ensuring it's there
properly. In the sake of. What does the merrow? We
say working together. I was going to say that. I'm
not entirely happy about having no limit on temporary signs,
but again, in the sake of working together. I would
support council lairish position on that as well. I think
we have to balance. Protecting the municipality. We have to
balance the fact that. We have to document these signs
that are on town property, and there's going to be
a cost to it. And if the sign is that
important. I know myself as a business owner. I would
pay that cost. So if councilor lear has a chance
to make that motion, I will second it. Okay, I
want everybody to know we are only dealing with the
motion in front of us, which is councilor. Pugets. Please
speak to that motion whether you're going to support it
or not. Just say yes or no. I'm not going
to support. You can say whatever you want. But just.
Okay. Councilor Crane and Councilor Macart. Macarthur. Thank you, worship.
The motion. Excuse me. I thought I could speak on
my motion first. And then councilor earlier interrupted and gave
her motion. I'm supposed to be able to speak to
it once I get a secondary I have. Not seen
your hand. If you want to speak. Well, I asked
straight away. You're supposed to come back to me. Protocol.
No. You have to indicate your willingness to the motion.
I will recognize. I'm going to recognize. Council to Crane.
And before I recognize council MacArthur, I'm going to you,
councilor Crane. Has the floor. You have it next. Thank
you, worship. The current motion. As it stands, I won't
be able to support. I believe it'll. Be difficult for
us if there's no cost. And there's no reporting to
the municipality. How do we confirm if the signs are
Aoda? Compliant. And with the approach that I believe has
been mentioned by some other members of council, if it
is on town property. We have to pay for the
staff time it takes to go out there and inspect
it. And without some type of protocol in place. The
only alternative would be to expect bylaw to monitor and
patrol the area on a daily basis and look around
for signage all day. But with the permit process, we're
able to understand where they're located. Are they in the
correct spots? I think perhaps there's another motion that could
strike some form of compromise if it's. On their own.
Property. Perhaps there's minimal to no restrictions. And, yeah, I
think council needs to make sure that we're making the
correct decision, right? Now, and we're not piecemealing it, as
councilor Courtney had mentioned. We're not experts in bylaw. We
had a bylaw brought before us. We passed. It. We're
receiving feedback from the business community, and we're taking that
into consideration. And trying to make this workable for everybody.
Councilor bougie. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council has repeatedly heard
how difficult it is for our small businesses to be
profitable and viable. Council has heard how much a business
must pay. For overhead, not including the cost of insurance,
licenses, inspections, et cetera. Council is well aware of the
fact how much revenue. These small businesses lost during their
inability to advertise. With these signs, which resulted in less
foot traffic and significant loss of revenue. Besides that, many
of these businesses have to compete with online shopping and
many more businesses locating in the town of Amherstbur. Amherstburg.
As Sarah Brush stated, these businesses are the heart and
soul of our community and have been for many years.
They are not here for handouts, these people. Were not
here for handouts. They are only asking for a respect
and a chance to operate. Their businesses, as they have
done by advertising with sandwich signs and mobile signs. Flags
whatever to keep their businesses viable in these hard economic
times. These people spend a significant amount of money to
make the open air prosperous. For a small number of
businesses, they get nothing in return. And yet all they
were asking was to conduct their business. As they have
done. For the past 30, 40, 50 years. With no
complaints. No complaints at all. That's all I'm asking for.
We have waived the rules to allow other people. To
be on our town property. And we did it with
respect to. The homeowners. We should be able to do
this for these same businesses. Thank you. Hi, councilor macarthur.
I just need some clarity on. Needed a lot of
clarity tonight. But on this particular motion, either from councilor
puge or from the clerk's interpretation of it. Does councilor
Puge's motion, as it is written, address the duration that
a mobile sign can be out. In other words, if
promotion passes, can it be out for the full year?
Or would it still be limited to the maximum 200
days? So the motion reads, administration be directed to allow
businesses to advertise with Sandwich boards, flags and mobile signs
that fall within the guidelines the AODA and do not
obstruct mobility devices without payment to the town of Amnesburg.
In order to allow these businesses to thrive and promote
economic development. It is silent on whether or not there
is a removal of the timeline restric. Restrictions. So based
on that, I would lean towards. This does not address
that matter. No. Okay. I would like to ask that
a friendly amendment be made to that motion to allow
for. The duration for 365 days. Okay. Does the
secondary support the friendly amendment to that? Sure.
All right. Okay. Now, is there anybody else we're going
to vote on? And just one more clarifying question again.
Does it address the fact that, and I think it
does, with what you just said. The provision about the
Heritage Conservation District. So if councilor Pujay's motion passes as
is, would a flag be allowed? To fly at specs.
And would a mobile sign still be allowed? At Mr.
Leardi store. My interpretation of that would be that it
would be permissible because. It does not restrict it in
the motion. Okay. Thank you. Okay. We have council. Courtney,
you haven't spoken yet. Go ahead. I don't want to
piecemeal again, but I think two things have to be
added because we need rules. The number of signs per
business. And the size of the sign. We haven't talked
about that, and I think those are important things that
are in the existing bylaw. I think it's very important
to understand. What size sign can go out there? Because
you can get a personalized modified sign, an aframe and
make it as big as you want. It's still on
their property or. Number of sites, and I think that's
going to look sloppy. And so that's the only. Thing
if. Councilor Bougie, if you're picking up when I'm laying.
Down. I think that there should be a number set
per business on that temporary sign and the size. Should
be whether we use the existing sizes that are in
the existing bylaw and go from there. Okay. That is
not an amendment. So I'm just going to call. We're
going to. Vote. On councilor puge's motion. If it passes,
it passes. If it doesn't. I will entertain other motions.
Okay. All right. Councilor puge. Councilor Courtney is prepared to
make that for one sign per business. I'm okay with
that amendment. Through your worship. That provision, I believe, exists
in the current signed bylaw. So without that, it. Would
stand. The size was also in the current bylaw, so
those provisions are unamended by your motion. Okay, we have
a motion by councilor puge. All those in favor? Opposed.
So it's me again, all right? I'm going to oppose
it because I do like council earlier's motion a lot.
Better. Councilor Alair. Thank you. So that fails. Thank you,
Mr. Merritt. So I move that the sign, by law,
be amended to include the following position. Provisions. All signs
must be compliant with the accessibility for Ontario's and Disability
act. Signs must be placed entirely on the property of
the individual. Or. Displaying the sign. In cases where the
signs are not placed on the owner's property, a fee
shall be charged to offset the cost. Application, processing, inspection,
and potential enforcement actions. The current restrictions on the duration
of the time assign may be displayed shall be removed.
Seconded by Councilor crane. You were indicating. Yes. Okay, seconded.
Just for clarity. Just for clarity. And following through on
this, the fees that are referenced there would be the
fees that are noted in the report, okay? Any discussion
on this. Okay, Councilor Crane. Just for clarity. Everything else
in the bylaw stands correct? Aside from what was just
mentioned. Yes. And the bylaw would need to be amended
and brought. Back so that council could adopt it at
a meeting with proper public notice and all the rest.
So you'd have a chance to read through it again
with those provisions should this motion pass. Okay. And what
would the timelines look like on that? Not sure. I
don't know. Your worship, members of council, we'd certainly try
to bring it back to by the August. We have
one meeting in July, so I don't think we're publishing
reports for that. This week. So it would be the
August meeting. Councilor macarthur. I like councilor fought.
Which is not always the case, councilor Puge, but tonight
it was, and I'm going to oppose this motion, and
I'm going to oppose this motion because. It doesn't address
the inequity that the prohibition and the HCD. Engenders. And.
We're going to be debating that later in the evening.
And I don't want to presuppose how that's going to
go. But all along the way, I've been supportive, protecting
our heritage and our history. And when I think it
comes to economic development, that's why I believe in economic
development. Just like the businesses here talked about. And I
really don't think that flying a flag saying you're open.
They had flags back in 1867. So I don't really
think that's a blemish or a blight. On Heritage conservation
district. And. Modern meats history. If they would have had
mobile signs again back in the 18 hundreds, they would
have used them. Too, because commerce was king then as
well. So I think we had two delegates tonight that
get left out in the cold that this motion passes
as it is. In other businesses in the core as
well. And I don't think, given the broad geographic area.
That the HCD encompasses to ban a flag? And a
mobile sign is appropriate. Or, to be honest, that. Advances
the positive best interests of the town as a whole.
So I'm going to oppose it. Deputy mayor. Might as
well all get in there. I generally agree with Councilor
MacArthur. But I will say in this situation, I do
disagree. We just had. At a prior heritage. Heritage committee
meeting where the Legion came and asked for changes to
their sign, and their sign had to comply with the
heritage district, so. It would be very difficult for me.
To say. This charitable organization that's been around. For 50
plus years. Needs to comply. But this one can't. There
has to be one rule for the whole district so
that it's equitable. And. It's unfortunate that. It's going to
work out. For some, maybe not for others, but there's
always a workaround. There's ways we worked with the legion
to come up with a sign that fit the heritage
district. We can work around these things in other situations.
We're getting into a back and forth here. I'm sorry.
I just wanted to put my point out there. Okay,
we've got a motion moved and seconded. Council, could you
read that back? To the please. That the sign bylaw
be amended to include the following provisions. One, all signs
must be compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities
Act, AODA, two signs must be placed entirely on the
property of the individual or entity displaying the sign. Three.
In cases where signs are not placed on the owner's
property, the fees shall be charged. To offset the cost
of application processing, inspections, and potential enforcement actions. Four. The
current restriction on the duration of time assign may be
displayed, shall be removed. Okay. All those in favor of.
On a recorded vote. Councilor O'Lear, how do you vote?
Support councilor Courtney. Post councilor crane support deputy mayor Gibb.
Councilor macarthur. Opposed, councilor puge. Mayor Pru, it comes down
to me again. No, I said I think this is
a better. Motion. I'm going to vote for it. We
have to have a signed bylaw this one will satisfy
90% of the people. And whether they recognize it at
this point, they will soon find that this is solved
almost all the problems motion, so I'm going to support
it. Motion carries.
Okay, we're on to reports. Infrastructure services, tower and chip
program 14.1. Councilor o'lear. O'Leary support staff
recommendation. Okay, moving the staff recommendation seconded by deputy mayor.
Any discussion? All those in favor? Opposed? That's carried. Okay.
14.2. Off road vehicle and golf cart prohibition signage. Councilor
Allair. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Through you, probably
to my bylaw officer that ran away. Unfortunate. A few
questions today. The Canada Day golf cart. Do the residents
know there is an associated fee with this event. And
did they request for it to be waived? And unfortunately,
my bylaw officer. Did. Is he on his way? I'm
so sorry. Yeah. 14.2.
I approved it. Through your worship. The question was whether
or not. The fee that would be charged for the
special event and whether they've been informed of that. Sorry,
I was just getting caught up on the question. Yes,
I did have a conversation. I did make them aware
of the road closure fee, and they were okay with
paying it or did they ask for it to be
waived? They did not ask for it to be waived.
I did advise them of that fee, and there was
no comment after that. Okay, wonderful. And then it says,
only when municipalities permit the use of golf carts and
off road vehicles would signage be required. It has been
approved that golf carts are now allowed on Bobble island.
Yesterday thanks to the Rivertown Times for their amazing reporting.
Do we need signs now? Through your worship. The change
to the HTA to include the town. In the regulation
as part of the pilot project for golf cars on
Bablo island allows for the permissibility of golf cars in
that area. Generally what you would do is on the
outskirts of that area, you would sign to indicate when
you're leaving that area as it is on an island
itself. We don't have necessarily that same concern as there's.
Nowhere to drive. To. Councilor crane. Thank you, worship. Thanks
to staff for this report. I believe it outlines a
lot of the concerns. That were raised. And one in
particular is. By. Placing signage. Prohibiting off road vehicles and
golf carts in one specific location. May actually be counterintuitive
because. Those that are using those vehicles in other locations
and do not see a sign may assume that they're
allowed to use it. So putting it in one area,
others may assume they could use it in others. So
I think that's very important for us to consider. And
I really think it's a matter of residents in that
area continuing to report. The use of it to the
Windsor police. And that's really how I think this could
be addressed. Councilor Courtney. Appropriate time, Mr. Mayor. No time
like the present. So, Mr. Mayor.
Through YouTube. I'm not sure if the police is on.
Or was it Eric that would answer the question. What
is the difference between. Regulatory and warning signs. For the
traffic act. Yeah, through you, your worship. Members of council,
regulatory signs are signs that are enforceable through. The highway
traffic act. And they regulate. Parking, speed limit signs. They're
all kind of like that. White background. With the regulations
sort of signs, your stop signs. Warning signs are used
to warn. Drivers. Of the impending issue ahead. It could
be intersection ahead. It could be a dead end street.
It's all just more. Advising. The drivers of. The situation
that's going to occur ahead. So thank you for that.
So with all the letters that were sent out, And
the educational program regarding. The illegal use of golf carts
in the Willow Beach Lakewood beach area. Do you think?
That it is okay not to have any signage whatsoever
in that area. Or am I putting you on the
spot? Through you. You're worshipping members council. Again. I would
suggest that right now, with no signs. It is use
of ATV. The golf carts are prohibited in the majority
of the municipality. Same except now, Pablo. But, yeah, again,
it's just like. Our heavy truck routes. We do have
routes where heavy trucks are allowed. We did sign. The
streets that are budding the truck route as no truck
traffic. We did not. Blankets. The no. Truck traffic throughout
the township, meaning that all the rest of the roads.
Are. Not permissible of heavy trucks. Obviously, if a truck
is required business in the area, they can travel. But
again, it's one of those ones that. You want to
be consistent in use and you don't want to then
blanket the whole township. With no ATV and golf cart
signs, you want to be kind of consistent. And more
focused on where you're allowing those sort of units to
be driven versus blanketing because, again, we would be putting
these signs up throughout the whole. So you'd be limited
or forced to do more. Basically, I don't think any
of council ever received any complaints about the illegal use
of. Golf carts anyplace else. So it was just, and
the letters were just focused in that. Area. So if
we don't put up any signs. The police still have
the option. To give notice and charge them if they
see fit or it's up to their discretion. Correct. So.
We don't really need signs in that area. That's correct.
That's what I'm suggesting to council. Yes, recommending. Thank you.
Mr. Mayor, I would like to move if I can
get a second, and I'll speak. To it briefly. That
the report entitled off road vehicle and golf cart prohibition
signage be received for information number two. The following events
be approved a golf cart, parade, residence a bar point
on Saturday, June 28, same time as 1230 to 130
with a rain date of June 29, same time. An
exemption from the number three. An exemption from table number
three. One, subsection two, or whatever of noise bylaw number
2000 and 143 with respect to the operation of any
electronic device or group of connected electronic devices incorporating one
or more loudspeakers. To allow for music be granted for
the following events. Again, a the golf cart parade, residents
of bar point number four, consent be. Granted for a
road closure in relation to the 2025 golf cart parade
initiated by the residents. Of bar point. And number five,
the special events resource team Butte directed to confirm that
the requirements identified by the team are met prior to
the event taking place. So real fast, I got to
give some props to our staff. And if this council
does approve, this thank you to you guys. Again. Golf
carts is the tenacious. Topic or whatever, it's not going
to happen in this area, but. I've lived out in
this area and I've watched this parade happen the last
few years. It has always been done in a very
safe manner. It's organized. And for this to happen this
year, knowing that there's legalities to it, I just. Want
to call out. I want to thank Melissa Osborne. I
reached out to her right away once I. Had some
fellow neighbors reach out to me saying, what needs to
happen. Staff Sergeant Brian Hayes was also very helpful. Bill
Tetler really jumped on and to assist me with this,
and Kevin Fox has always got his hands into all
these little. Things that pop up. And if I'm missing
anyone, and obviously to the Cert team, because I had
to. Come before them, and so. We're crossing the t's
dot in the ice here just to counsel, but it
was because of our staff that were able to fast
track to get this present for tonight's. Agenda. I just
want to thank you guys, and again. That's how we
all came to be. Who else? And Eric. Of course.
Eric. Thank you. See? There you are. You should be
here.
One is Heritage conservation district plan adoption. Questions. Councilor crane.
Not a question, but I'll move it. Seconded by deputy
mayor discussions, questions. Councilor puge. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
In light of what just happened with the businesses. I
support. A heritage conservation district. In order that people cannot
tear down their houses and build something. Unreasonable. However, after
what just happened here. I was going to make a
motion to defer until. A public open mic session is
permitted to address our resident's concerns. The proposed heritage conservation
area is too ambiguous. There are not enough details concerning
the restrictions on homes and businesses in that district. There
was insufficient participation to change such a large area. To
be designated as heritage. I believe there were only 88
people. That responded. That aren't even aware of this. It
is quite obvious. The general public is not aware how
this program could impact our resident's ability to sell their
homes or reconstruct or repair the outside of their homes
or businesses. There is no definitive financial incentive that administration
is using as a selling point. For the past ten
years or more. The town of Amherstburg has assured their
taxpayers that the Bellevue would be restored to the original.
Lori the building of two hotels were imminent. Build a
new pool and baseball diamonds with a 2.4 million from
the sale of south portion of Centennial park to the
school board. The centennial park would be fully restored. The
Duffy's. Property would be. A beautiful extension of Kingston Aviard
park, there would be. A transient marina. We would pursue
a boat ramp at Rantap park. There would be no
tax increases. But there was 10% increase in two years.
So many promises that never materialize. So why? Would our
residents even believe we were going to pass this tonight?
So. I can't. I don't know what your motion at
this time. You're just saying you're not voting for it.
Okay. No motion against it all. Right. Any other discussion.
This is on the heritage this is on the Heritage
conservation district. Okay. Deputy mayor. I'll speak to it as
a member of the Heritage committee with councilor. Crane. We've
been working on this for two years now. There has
been multiple open houses. There has been. Mailings to the
residents in the district. What is our vision is preserving
our past while forging our future. This. Is exactly fitting
that vision. We have an incredibly historic downtown. And region
around there. And the only way we're going to preserve
it is to have a heritage district. And I'm sure
the heritage planner will correct me if I'm wrong, but
I believe as of December 31, 2025, We won't even
have a properties of interest list anymore if we don't
pursue this. Is that correct? That is December 31.
Stoing. And I like what it says in the report.
Without a heritage conservation district plan, the town and the
community will have no ability to guide the look of
developments in the historic core of amnesburg. We've seen examples,
time after time, of homes that just didn't fit, and
now. We're going to be able to at least guide
what our community looks like for the next 25, 50,
75 years. So being that we are. At the literal
last hour. We have to go ahead with this. I
fully support it, and I think in years in the
future. We will be commended for saving what Amhersburg looks
like. Okay, councilor Crane and then councilor MacArthur. And I
got me down to speak, too. Yes. Thank you. I
will probably be supporting it. The heritage committee supported the
plan. It has, I believe, failed with other past counsel.
So this has been something that has been before. An
assembly in this same building for many, many years. And
it serves a purpose. It helps protect. The buildings that
we have, and I think with a strong educational campaign
that staff have set up. Already. It's going to send
a message, a clear message to residents that it's not
as restrictive. As it may seem when you think of
designation, there's a lot of exemptions throughout. The plan that
residents can take advantage of to enhance their property in
the rear yard, the front yard. It doesn't have any
restriction on interior spaces, so I think it was very
well. Thought out. Excellent job to. The design company that
we contracted to create it, and I'm hoping that it
passes tonight. I had council. Mccarthy next. I'm
going to support this. It's been a long and interesting
process, so thank you to staff for pulling it all
together. One of the things that's really striking. When you
read through this is just how much history and heritage
we have here. To protect despite all that's been lost
because we didn't have this in place. Before, but the
Ontario Heritage act requires that you have at least 25%
of the properties must contribute to the character in order
to create a heritage conservation district in Amherstburg. Like the
number has more than double that. It's 63%. Like there's
a whispering history in. Our streets. I mean, I go
for walks all the time. It's everywhere all the time.
It's ever present, and it's something that attracts people to
live here, and it's something that is going to attract
people to keep visiting here. I've said it before. When
it comes to economic development, our history is our future.
And I think by passing this, we embrace it. We
invest in it. We put some certainty around it. And
the province isn't our friend. When it comes to protecting
history and heritage. The deputy mayor talked about it. We've
lost sort of, Bill 23. It's taken away our ability
to provide influence. Input and influence development. And at risk
if we don't pass this are 106 properties of interest.
And there's another 79 properties that are under consideration to
be properties of interest. And we don't have the staff,
we don't have the resources, and we don't. Have the
time. To run around before the deadline and protect what
needs to be protected. And once a building is gone.
It's gone. And all that is left are the memories.
And people aren't going to come here for memories. They're
going to come here for experiences. And our heritage, general
history. Can provide that. So. I just want to talk
quickly. I mean, it's very important. It was a good
public meeting we had because we sort of. Heard some
both sides of the issues, some misconceptions were raised, and
I do think it's very important, like councilor cranes talked
about. To have an engagement campaign so people know what
it means. But in terms of property owner benefits, there
are some restrictions on them, it's true, but there's restriction
on them for the past year, and there was very
little friction. And there are some benefits. There's increased property
values, there's clarity for property owners, and there's a defined
and structured planning process with a department that's willing to
listen. There's the enhanced aesthetic peel of the entire neighborhood,
and there's the ability to apply for heritage rebates to
offset renovation costs, and that's part of this motion. To
bring back a report about how. The people. Who are
living in. This HCD can avail themselves of government grants
to beautify their home. So. It's not all stick. There's
a little bit of carrot. And in terms of community
benefits. I've spoken about it. Tourism and economic development, cultural
identity and pride. When all the work that we do
when we engage with stakeholders, what do they tell us
they love about Amherstburg. They love the waterfront, and they
love the history and the heritage. And this is going
to preserve it and as sustainable development as well. Instead
of tearing something down. You come up with an adaptive
reuse and you can see that happening downtown. Look at
hotel story in the yo, look at river bookshop. I
mean, buildings that maybe once would have been condemned. They're
now shining lights that are attracting people here, so. For
all of those reasons, I think it's great for Amherstburg,
and I'm going to support it. And Pastor Gavo. I
have myself down next. I'm absolutely going to support this
couple. Of reasons. But first of all, Councilor Peuge said
that there wasn't a meeting. Or that she wants an
open mic meeting. We had a statutory public meeting under
law before we got this far. And it was held.
And everybody who had an opportunity to speak would come
out and speak to it. We heard them. Speak just
a few weeks ago, and that was the meeting that
is required by law, and it was conducted. When I
moved to this town. 1516 years ago. Now, I found
out about the heritage district, and I found out that
the heritage district at that point. Had been in the
works for 31 years. It's now 47 years that this
idea has been floating around out there with people trying
to do something about it. And I want to thank
the staff. Members of this council for finally getting their
head around this, and I know it's difficult. And I
know there are things that people may not like. I
heard one of them tonight. With the mobile signs. We
can resolve this. Maybe. But the important thing is to
go forward with this heritage district now. And do it.
Before the laws get changed. The reason, the impetus for
all of this, the reason there's so much impetus here
is because Premier Ford and his wisdom took away our
rights to protect our heritage unless we acted swiftly. And
remember, we all put in this council and other councils
across Ontario. Put in a request. Because the time frame
was so ridiculous, they extended it for another year to
allow us the time to do it right. I want
to protect the history because this is a unique town.
This is absolutely a unique place. How many other places?
Were the scenes. Of the War of 1812. I mean,
there's eight or ten in Canada, but how many? More
were the scenes of the rebellion of 1837 to 39.
And this took place in Amherstburg, especially on Bablo island
at the south end, where the Americans were captured. Putting
chains brought before a magistrate and deported to Tasmania. How
many know that history? I don't know how you deport
somebody for being a traitor when they're. Not even from
the country. But that's what happened to those poor souls.
Who would ever forget the escaping slaves from the United
States who made their way through the most horrendous circumstances
and found freedom first place in Amherstburg. They came across
the river. Varied by Quakers and abolitionists, who then helped
them build houses in the downtown core. A lot of
those houses. That we're trying to protect. Are those same
homes. And I don't know whether any of you have
ever had a chance to go to places like Atlanta,
Georgia, where. They have plaque in front of each one
of the house, houses what families grew up there, including
Martin Luther King, Jr. And who lived in that house.
And what they did and what the occupation was. And
how they prospered, and I think we need to start
doing that same thing. We could organize tours of the
downtown core. We could have the miracle mile all the
way. From the fort over to Bellevue. I hope and.
But all up into the districts and the old houses
and who lived there and who built the town. There's
some real heroes here. We saw a young lad here
tonight. There's a hero. But we've had heroes for centuries,
and we need to immortalize them, and this is going
to help. I am so happy. I hope this passes.
I am so happy. And we should not stand in
the way of the preservation of our history. We all
made a vow as the deputy mayor. Read it off
there, preserving our past. And moving forward with our future.
This is our future. And I proudly put my name
to it and. I will ask for a recorded vote.
I'll take the gavel back. Yes, I've got the gavel
back. Courtney, council of Courtney. Thank you. I'll be quick.
Not as long as the mayor is. This is kind
of an important. This is something that you got to
speak to. It. It's been in the makings. Like you
said, for decades. We hired a heritage planner. Adam, thank
you for spearheading this. And leading this. Doug Ford is
the reason why I'm going to push this through. There's
a lot of uncertainty and there's some scares, but a
lot of them they were validated about what's going to
happen. So I envisioned myself, if I live in the
heritage district. Would I be offended by it? Would I
be scared by it? Yeah. There's going to be some
apprehension. But overall, what I heard at that public meeting
eased my mind on a lot of those things because
it was a lot of. Fiction, not fact. So the
way it was explained, I will fully support. This Doug
Ford. Some of the people delegates concerns about having side
splits in contemporary homes next to their historical gingerbread house
and three stories high, and it's wrecking their neighborhood. Yeah.
Because we don't have a historical district, and so now
we do. This will stop that. Erosion of our downtown
core. It'll protect what we've got and maintain it so.
I think. It's very important because Doug Ford doesn't care
about history. He doesn't. Care about the town of Amnesburg.
I'm all for more homes and more choice. But not
in sensitive areas like our downtown corso. For all those
reasons, I will be supporting this. Anyone else? And we'll
call the vote. Mr. Clerk. I moved by councilor Crane,
seconded by deputy mayor Gibb. That the Amnesburg Heritage District
plan prepared by MHBC and attached as appendix a, be
adopted by law 20 25 36, attached as appendix b,
being a bylaw to designate the heritage Conservation district area
and adopt the Heritage conservation plan. Be taken as having
been read three times and finally passed. And the mayor
and clerk be authorized. To sign. Same by law, 2025.
Attached as appendix g being a bylaw to delegate authority
for specified heritage approvals be taken as having misread three
times and finally passed. And the mayor and clerk be
authorized to sign same and the following funding be approved
to register the heritage Conservation District within the HCD area
planning and studies reserve. 72 at $25,000. An administration be
directed to repair a report outlining options and alternatives for
updating the financial incentive programs under the Ontario Heritage act.
Councilor lair support councilor Courtney. Councilor Crane, support deputy mayor
Gibb. Support councilor MacArthur. Support councilor puge. And. May approve.
Support. Motion carries. Okay, which takes us to 16 consent
correspondence. Ministry of Transportation Golf Cart pilot program. Anyone want
to speak to this? Okay. Councilor Crane. Thank you, worship.
This is great news, and thanks to staff for sending
it in again. It does. Mention that a bylaw has
to be struck. Is that in the works? We'll come
to the next meeting. Okay, councilor macarthur. And I imagine
there'll be a report. There must be some cost to
this, like we have to put up signs. I would
think some public education or something. We'll bring back a
report with the bylaw. There's an application there's. A process
whereby the golf card itself has to have certain provisions
based on the regulation. So owners of those golf carts
would be required to follow those things, and we'll have
to. Do some public education on that to inform them.
Those within those spaces have a local business now. That
serves. Those golf carts and provides those services. So. We're
available especially well in the town of Amesburg by having
that locally. So certainly we can work through that and
try to make sure that all of that's very clear.
Okay, I think just for the record, The town of
Lakeshore has already gone through this. I don't think we
won't. Have to spend a lot of time working on
this, okay? Councilor Courtney. Mr. Mayor, just one question. We
were added in the second go round that we didn't
even know about. Is it. Officially done now. They're not
accepting any more requests. Or is this still ongoing? My
understanding is that they took our requests. I suppose I
would always consider something additional. I haven't heard that. It's
completely closed, so unless the clerk has heard something. Different.
But if there was another request, I'm sure they would
consider it. They considered the two requests we made and
granted the one. Okay, so I'm going to bring something
under new business. I think that's probably the appropriate time.
Mr. Clerk through your worship. I think one of the
important distinctions that likely was made in the consideration by
the province was whether or not the local area supported
it. When we had the letter, from the homeowners association
on Bablu island. It indicated that there was popular support
within the area. If there was another area for consideration,
likely that should be something that's brought forward by. Those
residents, because that was something that the province wanted to
see in putting forward that application. You feel confident with
that? Well, in speaking with MPP Leardi's office, that was
something that they specifically asked. For whether there was that
correspondence. So they certainly were looking to see it. I
can't. Begin to judge. What goes into those calculations? It
might, simply because it's easier to manage on an island.
But that was one of the things that was specifically
asked for, so it would be something that we would
need in providing any other recommendation. So that's the frustrating
part. Put it as a condition to submit an area
specific gated community. I talked to Mr. Mayor about this.
There's three areas that are pretty. Well, gated communities. A
gated community where? It's only one way in one way.
Out realistically, these are terms that the province should have
actually said. If you have areas specific that explains this
way. You can put them forward. So it's just Madam
C, you, worship? Members of council. Certainly, if council wants
us to. Make another application. We're happy to put that
forward with whatever information we have, and then the province
can determine whatever it will determine. I need a motion
to receive move by councilor Crane, seconded by deputy mayor.
All those in favor. Opposed. That's carried. 19 consent of
other minutes Heritage Committee meeting minutes June Twelveth, 2025. Deputy
Mayor moves receipt seconded by. Councilor puja, was that your
hand? I just barely saw the fingertips above that. Okay.
Any discussion. All those in favor? Opposed? That's carried. Drainage
board meeting minutes. Councilor Crane. I'll move the staff recommendation.
Seconded by deputy mayor. All those in favor? Opposed? That's
carried unfinished business. Any unfinished business. Councilor Allair. Thank you,
Mr. Mayor. I was just wondering, because the city did
make an announcement today about receiving. A grant from federal
funding. I was just curious if we had any follow
up with our grant. For the centennial fields. Members of
council that actually will come to. On July 14. Unfortunately,
we were not successful in getting that grant. Okay. Any
other unfinished business. Councilor puge. Under unfinished business. About the
Boblo Ferry? I asked at the last meeting and. They
were supposed to have the second theory by May. 31st.
And, Valerie, you said you do a follow up and
try to find out about. My information. Is that the
ferry is still being repaired or inspected. It's not in
the water. So. This council spent a great deal of
money, and we went public with. Our letter that was
sent to them. It just appears that they're ignoring this
letter altogether. And if it goes down again. There's no
way that. We can bring emergency services over there. We're
going to be at the same place we were just
a few months ago. So what are our options? We're
just going to keep saying, oh, well, they just keep
putting us off. Don't we have any other worship members
of council? Council has been fully briefed on. The legal
opinion in camera and I'm happy to bring that back
to you at the next meeting if you would like
to revisit it. Because. The president expect us to follow
through on it. They really do. And right now, There's
no repercussions for them whatsoever. Okay, this is unfinished, so
you're asking for an in camera meeting at the next
meeting. Of council on this issue, correct. Okay, is there
a second or to that? No secondary. Okay. Sales for
lack of secondary. Unfinished business. Seeing
none. New business. Councilor Courtney. Second, I'm going to put
forward a motion that. Staff put forward to the province
to add Willow Beach Lakewood Barpoint area to the Gulf
Court pilot project, and if I can get a second,
I'll explain why. Okay. Seconded by Councilor MacArthur. You're just
asking for a staff report. No, I'm asking to put.
A letter. Okay. Any discussion? Can I explain, though? Because
I want staff to understand the uniqueness. Of the neighborhood.
Number one, the most controversial area of the three that
we've only heard about Boba was kind of its own
entity. Lake Erie Country Club's own private roadway. So that
doesn't even really qualify. That one got shut down. This
one hasn't. Even been brought to the province and. I
think. I hope staff can really. These are deeded properties,
a good chunk of this area to its own private
beach. Malden the history behind bar point. And what stands
for no roadway back there beyond the third concession is
legally. Highway traffic width third lane waste their laneways. Very,
very cottagelike laneways. There's really only one direct way into
that area, and. I don't include. The gravel road from
Amherst point back, but the third concession back, so you
get no through traffic. It's literally a small, rural pocket
of privacy most people don't even know about. It when
they pass by County Road 20 that there's even houses
back there. So for all of those reasons, I think
it's very important that we at least let the province
decide whether it meets the merits of again, their conditions,
which. Mr. Clerk, thank you for bringing up. The Homeowners
association might abode. Into their decision making. But why not
send it? And then I can tell the residents in
that area that we tried. And that's all this is,
is a try, and it doesn't. Seem like it's a
cost we try. Unless staff can tell me otherwise. So
thank you. Okay. All those in favor of sending the
letter posed. Did you want to speak to it too?
Go ahead. I got to take the boat back. Go.
Ahead. Councilor Putin. Isn't this the same area that we
received all the complaints about? The. Illegal use of golf
carts. I can't support that. I'm
asking for a recorded vote on this. On a recorded
vote. Administration be directed to send a letter to the
province of Ontario requesting that willow beach, Barpoint in Lakewood
beach areas be added to the Gulf pilot project Golf
cars pilot project moved by councilor Courtney, seconded by Councilor
MacArthur, Councilor Alair. Support, councilor Courtney. Councilor Crane. Support Deputy
Mayor Gib. Support councilor MacArthur. Support councilor puge. And may
approve support. Motion carries. Other new business. Councilor puge.
Want to make a motion. To direct administration to provide
counsel with a policy whereby members of council are prohibited
from speaking with department heads. Motion,
so it requires a seconder. Is there a second? Seconder.
For discussion. Okay. Councilor Puge, please explain. Your motion. A
couple of weeks ago. I tried to speak. To the
chief building official regarding. A building that was going up
that was supposed to be. A warehouse. And the neighbors
had proved that. It was being fitted. To. Be an
arena. And I had been told that there was a
stop work order on this building. I don't want you
to go too far into the detail, because this is.
A private matter, so it would have to go in
camera, okay. I will just continue. That I asked to
speak to the chief building official. And then I was
told. I can't that I have to go through. Melissa
in order to be able to speak to them. And
17 years that I've been on council, I've always been
able to speak. To a department head. Okay. Madam deputy.
Mr mayor. In speaking with councilor Puge regarding the matter
and to address her concern about speaking with the CBO.
I explained to her that he simply wasn't available. He
was dealing with other matters on that particular day. And
as such, Michelle, our inspector, recommended that she speak with
me directly on this. Because we had already taken actions
on the site. And at that particular point, from our
perspective, we needed to address the other, inspect. Inspections that
taxpayers had paid us to be on site to address
and that. I could have troubleshooted. The questions that she
had. I did convey this does not mean that she
cannot speak with our CBO at any point in time
on any other matter, it was just simply in that
particular situation and for that property, I requested that. Any
comments from herself? Or the residents, please come through me
because we were trying to coordinate it, because we had
several. Building inspectors that were being contacted by several different
parties, as well as some of our planning folks. As
well as some of our bylaw folks, and we needed
to coordinate that particular response through me. So it had
nothing to do with this being a policy going forward?
It was simply as I conveyed to the counselor that
instance, for that reason. Mr. Mayor. I called you as
soon as she had told me that. I couldn't speak
to them, that I had to go through her. I
understood that was for all the time. So I had
asked you to look into it. That's been two weeks,
and you didn't. Even get back to me. I wouldn't
have had to try to put a motion forward. If
you ask, I did speak to. The deputy CaO about
this matter and she assured me what she's just said
tonight I'm sorry if I didn't get back to you,
but. I did find out that you could speak to.
I'm sorry I didn't call. Back. I guess things just
got busy. All right, you have a motion on the
floor. It's been seconded. All those in favor? Opposed. That
is defeated other new business. No other new business. Any
notices of motion. No notice of motion. Bylaws 24.1, the
branch strain and connection to the Sam Paquette drain. Councilor
Crane, I'll move the recommendation seconded by deputy mayor. All
those in favor? Opposed. That's carried. 24.2 improvements to the
Deslip drain. Moved by Councillor Crane, seconded by deputy mayor.
All those in favor? Post that's carried. Confirmatory bylaw. Moved
by the deputy mayor. Seconded by councilor Crane. All those
in favor? Adjournment. Councilor Courtney got his hand up. Already
seconded. By Councilor MacArthur. All those in favor? Opposed? That's
carried. The meeting is adjourned. At 845.