Okay, and we're ready to proceed. Okay, I'd like to
welcome everybody to the February 15 Bruce county council meeting.
And we'll bring the meeting to order. And we'll adopt
the minutes from. February 1. Take a mover and seconder.
Councilor Hamill. Councilor sharboned at the minutes of the February
1 council meeting be approved as circulated? All those in
favor. That's carried ask for a declaration of peculiar interest.
Is there any peculiar interest out there? No. Okay. Hearing
none, we shall move on. And then. We've got no
public meetings, no delegations. We have numerous reports. For information
today. So we have our community development office, small business
Enterprise center, program extension. Are there any questions? For Mr.
Loni about that. Councilor Craig. Through you, warden. Just a
quick question to Mr. Loney. Through you. Do you have
any partners? That we work with in that regard. Yes,
the provincial government, but it's one of many. Small. Business
incubators, and I'm wondering whether there's wisdom. In a broader
sort of view of this, or whether the micro applications
work best. If you could comment on that. Thank you.
And through you, Warden Peabody, to Councilor Craig. The small
business enterprise center is part of a larger network. There's
small business enterprise centers located. In all geographic regions of
Ontario. Our team works closely with each of those, while
each operates slightly differently. We offer the same programs. The
micro grants. That are done through this program, summer company
and starter company plus. Are mandated by the province. They
require us to run those as part of this agreement.
But we do partner heavily through this and. They're Bruce
Gray, entrepreneurship. Ecosystem is what it's referred to as about
25 members in our area that are working. In the
ecosystem, and our team takes a lead role in coordinating
and bringing those partners together. I hope that answers your
question, but happy for any follow up. Kate. Anything else?
Very good. All right. Hey, Chris, can I ask. A
question. Yeah. That's good if people can speak out, because
on my screen here, I can't. See everybody, so. Go
ahead, deputy warden. Hey, warden. Jeff, maybe. You could just
give us a bit of color or any information you
have. Do you anticipate? There will be any challenges with
getting an extension of this program beyond 2025. I noticed
as you say in your report they changed the arrangement
the last time with this going from a three year
agreement to two years with a one year option for
extension. I don't know. If that means anything or not.
About what they're thinking around this program. I just wonder
if you have any through your networks or getting any
sort of. Sense is the province thinking that they're going
to continue this program? Do you expect we'll have any
challenges or not? Thanks for the questions. For you word
and peabody to councilor Sharboneau. The one year extension was.
A new way to roll out this program through. The
extension notice. We did get a comment from the province
that the program is under review. They do reviews on
these programs from time to time. Unfortunately, we don't have
any additional. Information on what that review looks like. Other
than being requested for some additional information through our reporting
requirements at this time. We are hoping the province reaches
out for more fulsome requests on the information for this
program, but at this time they have not. They've only
mentioned that the program is being reviewed. If I could
just follow up, warden. I would just say that since
they are doing a review. In my own view, this
is a really good program, an important program that's done
a lot of good in Bruce county throughout the time
of its existence, and it would be a real shame
to see it discontinued. I think it could continue to
do real good. I would suggest that. Through our lobbying
efforts over the course of the next several months, perhaps
at amo or other opportunities. This might be a thing
that we should put on the radar. To go to
the province. And remind them how important a program it
is and encourage them to continue it beyond 2025. So
those are my views. Thank you, Warren. Okay. Moving on.
We have four reports from corporate services. Pandemic funding, education
taxes, property assessment, change. And the notional rate and the
investment annual report. Are there any questions on either of
those four items? Councilor Craig? Once again through you, warden.
Just wanted to comment on the education tax. And though
it seems as though a good thing that the tax
rate is not going up, and real dollars, it makes
quite a difference to our municipalities. I'm sorry I didn't
have the numbers right here, but if I remember correctly,
In the last ten years. Our municipality has lost in
excess of $700,000. In taxes because. Of.
This seemingly great initiative by the province to hold the
education tax. At the same rate. It's a declining balance
that the municipalities get, so I hate to push for
a tax increase, but it ties in nicely to the
proposed. Amo. New financial arrangement. With the province. There's a
whole lot of fingers that tie it together, so just
wanted to highlight that a little bit. Thank you, warden.
Kate. Just on that note, Councilor Craig. MPP buyers did
reach out to me about that, along with Warden Milne.
And Chinese New year. He was talking about that, and
he wanted to talk to the counties about that. So.
I'm going to have our Cao. Follow up on that
and set up a meeting and we can put your
concerns in also along with our other concerns. About the
arrangement that we have with province. We all know that
at both levels we seem to be picking up more
and more of costs, different services, whether it's conservation authorities
or schools. Or ltc. Further questions. Yes, thank you, Warden.
And my question is in regards to the item e
corporate services investment annual. Report. I was wondering if our
deputy treasurer, Lynn Hatton, Was available for this question. Yes,
good morning. I'm available. Thank you very much. And. Going
to, I guess. First question. There's two of them going
to page seven. Let's go to it myself here.
So. We have. A five year gic rate from cibc
at 2.25. And then a 2.9 from Bimo. I was
wondering. Why the difference in that zero 65. So the
rate. The rates that are commented on in the report
would be. What we were able to obtain directly from
market. At the point in time. These are also referencing
back to what those rates would have been at the
point that we made the initial investment. So they're historical
information. So there may be some differences between what CiBC
and Bima were offering at that time. And what we
would see now. It's mainly just a differentiation between what
they're offering to the general market and. How they maybe
see our business. Well, I guess my follow up. Is
that? With that much difference, I would hope that. We
would be seriously considering moving some of our investments to
bemo instead of CIBc and that leads into CIBC did
let down the center part of Bruce county here the
last six. Months. And this is just for information today.
But I would hope that we would have a serious
look at our continuing working with CIBc. And see if
there's other banks out there that. We could move some
of our business to, or more of our business, too,
so. This is just for information today, but I'll be
working with staff in the future to see if. There
is a notice of motion or what is a rate
procedure on this, so just. Wanted. To highlight that and
share my thoughts. Okay, Councilor Kirkland. There we go. I
think I'm there. Yeah. I'm along the same line. And
just asking staff, do you feel that we put enough
staff time or do staff have enough? Time. To monitor
these investments. When you're talking that kind of dollars and
cents in investments. Is it? Somebody could almost pay for
their wages in a year just on making sure the
investments are making the dollars that they should be making,
or do you feel dealing with the banks is the
way to go. Through. Some pretty firm regulations around what
we can and can't invest in through the municipal sphere.
And we don't have the same options available to us.
That individuals would or other businesses would, so. We very
much appreciate and rely on some of the advice that
we get from our investment advisors. With the banks that
we choose to deal with, and we can consider which
of those companies it is that we work with if
needed in the future. Staff do monitor the value of
the investments through regular investment statements on a monthly basis
and review that information. You'll also note through this report
that there have been times where we have made the
decision not to hold some of these investments until full
maturity because of what is happening in the market. So
we are continuing to monitor that. We would always love
to have more time to focus. On these things, but
ultimately we do feel that we're keeping pace with making
good decisions. Based on? The information available to us. The
other thing is we don't want to be too reactionary.
To minor changes in the market and making sure that
we're thinking more long term about how we deal with
our investments in line with how we need those funds
for our different assets. And investments in the future. Thanks.
Any more for Ms. Hatton. Okay, now we're on to
four reports from human services. Q four report on childcare
Q four report on housing services. Q four report on
income and support services and. That's it. Darrell Diang Christmas
program. Four. Any questions? About human services reports. Christine will
be available to answer any questions. Councilor Kirkland. Yeah, I
don't know if this pertains. To like. It's under the
human services, where I put it, but in our two
homes. Would child care. I know there was in the
past, years and years ago. Businesses put childcare into their
businesses to help with employees. And the levels of employees
that you get. Would this be something or. We probably
already have considered it looking into childcare in our two
homes to help with our employee. Racial and to attract
employment. Good morning. Ward, and through you. Tanya Dixon is
on the line providing coverage for human services. But. I
will speak to this one. In terms of the delivery
of our childcare system. We have opportunity to work with
both nonprofit and for profit providers. And definitely look at.
In terms of where a childcare center is established. There's
sort of a pro forma around them, making good sense
of the business, working. So if there were a nonprofit
or a for profit provider that we're interested in sharing,
space with us. That's definitely something we've reviewed historically at
different times we've worked in. Partnership with some of the
other local municipalities around delivery of programs as well, too.
We are limited for space in our long term care
homes. So originally, we actually did have our early years
program co located with our long term care home. In
Brisbane Haven in Walkerdon and ran out of space and
actually needed it for delivery of services for the long
term care home. But there is a system in place
where any of our staff are able to access services.
The same way that members of the public are around
childcare and the childcare team are regularly working. On increasing
the number of spaces and the number of providers that
are available in community. So definitely there's work undergoing. You
may have seen just recently, the children services team did.
Release. They are starting the beginning of a planning process
again around childcare in early years and are looking for
input from community and various partners, and so there's opportunity
again for ideas. To be brought forward for them to
work on over the next four years as well, too,
so. Definitely things that have been considered, have been worked
on through the years and always open to that. Happening?
Again where opportunity presents itself, Councilor Kirkland, for sure. Thanks.
Okay. Further questions for Human Services Deputy Warden. Thank you,
warden. Sorry. Jumping to the report. On the Q 420
23 Housing services report. Just interested and wanted to highlight,
maybe ask a question about. The Knights of Shelter provided
to individuals and families in 2023. Just, I think, worth
highlighting that the YMCA, on our behalf, provided 11,714 nights
of shelter. In 2023 on behalf of Bruce County. A
lot of comments talking about shelter and the need for
shelter in sogging chores. In particular, we have some really
active groups, some great groups who are advocating for. Folks
who are homeless in our community and looking to come
up with options for them. And I think? One thing
I think. We don't talk. Maybe enough about or highlight
enough is just how much we are doing. On that
front. And this work, this partnership we have with the
Ymcas are really. Effective partnership in this. I just really
highlights just how much work they're doing. Right? Like, 11,714
nights of shelter provided just in one year. And I
wonder, maybe I could ask the question to staff. How
does that compare? I don't see the number in here.
I may have missed it. If I did, I'm sorry
for that. How's that? Compared to previous years. Do we
know? How are we trending in that program in terms
of how many nights of shelter and. How many families
or individuals we are serving. And. It gives the average
nights per household. How many households are we serving now?
And how does that compare to previous years and how
many nights of shelter we're providing? How does that compare?
And what's the trend look like? So through you, warden,
I'll start councilor Sharboneau to advise that just. Recently as
we prepared for Roma staff, we're looking at numbers in
partnership with the Western Wardens caucus. And over the last
five years, our use of homelessness sheltering has increased. By
500%. And then I'll turn it over to Tanya to
provide any more specific details about comparison. Year over year.
Thanks, Christine. And through you, warden, like Christine said, we
know there's been a huge increase. In the number of
nights sheltered. I don't have the year over year I
can provide. That in another report. If you'd like me
to, I can look at year over year. That's no
problem. We do have. The other chart, emergency shelter use,
that does show the number of households and the number
of people within the household. So that is the blue
and red chart just below. The Knights of Shelter provided,
but I can do that as a year over year
as well. I do know anecdotally that since Covid, so
since 2019 we have seen that spike in emergency shelter
use, but I will bring a report back with that
information. Well, that's good. And maybe just a quick follow
up, warden. 500% increase in the usage of this program.
That's your headline number. And pretty concerning number. Are we?
I guess. That obviously requires a greater investment by us.
And more work, greater investment by the YMCA, or at
least. A greater. They have to stand up their resources
to do that as well. What are we doing now
as a part of the housing and homelessness master plan,
I guess. Where we're projecting to the future in terms
of. What kind of funding, what kind of organization we
are going to need. To meet not only the current
demand, but, I mean, if it's grown by 500%. Over,
I think the CIO said over the last five years.
There's no reason to think it won't continue to grow.
I guess I'm maybe answering my own question. The housing
and homelessness master plan is going to provide us with
the answer in terms of what we need to do,
because I think this is just. Another area where. We
need to go. To our provincial and federal counterparts and
talk about housing. Right. We need. To have more support
from them to get these people. Into housing, not just.
Shelter and get them out of this cycle and into
some more permanent housing and. We need them to come
up with the money and the programming to do that
and that support. Just isn't there. So we're painting the
picture through the housing and homelessness. Master plan that we
can then carry to them and say, here's what we're
facing and what we're going to be facing. And here's
what we're going to need from you. Am I on
the right track there, Tanya? Yeah, through you, Ward. And
you are on the right. Track, and we are working
on that. We're also working on some cost analysis with
the why? To work on the bigger picture of how
much is it costing and what that's going to look
like moving forward. So there's a couple of pieces that
included in the housing. And homes's plan that we're working
on with the why and also working on. A community
homelessness. Sorry, a rural homelessness response model. So looking. More
at the. Rural circumstances and challenges being from a rural
community that we're facing with our people that are experiencing
homelessness. Thank you, warden. And through you, warden, I'll layer
on top of what? Tanya discussed specifically to our sheltering
and support services for those that are experiencing homelessness on
top of that, we layer on our county efforts around
the community development office and where we have the planning
teams and the housing services team working together more broadly.
We will have a sister document, if you will, to
the housing and homelessness plan, which is our housing action
plan. That's that work in that co space that will
be coming forward. Once we've had opportunity to consult and
receive some input from our municipal partners again, so. That
works coming up as well, too. And, of course, all
the work that we've been doing to. Approve new promises
and where developers are making some gains in moving some
new buildings forward. As we start to see our vacancy
rate. In our rental and purpose built units increase. That
will also help with the pressures with the sheltering. System
as well, too. So there is an interaction between these
pieces of work, and we'll continue to try to provide.
You information that helps you understand the specifics of program
areas and then how they come together. Okay, Councilor Kirkland.
Yeah, just on that. Has the county been approached by
these tiny home development people that are looking at that
torque type of thing for? I don't know if it's
short term. To solve that or whether it's even long
term, but. Are we responsive to that? Or, like, pro
tiny home communities or is it something that we're not
even looking at? Don't know. Through you, warden. Perhaps best
to turn this one over to Claire. To provide that
response. Thank you. And through you, Warden, to Councilor Kirkland.
Thank you for the question. Staff are regularly approached and
also in dialogue with a number of. Different developers, different
forms of housing. And as we know through previous conversations
at council, that certainly we're looking at at a full
spectrum and a full suite of different housing options. With
our discussions around tiny homes, we are in the process
of reviewing our county official plan making sure that we've
got up to date policies that are flexible to look
at different housing. Options. And, of course, we'll be consulting
and working with our municipal partners in terms of. What
specific approvals might need. To happen more at a local
zoning level. So we are regularly reviewing a whole variety
of options, tiny homes certainly being one of them. Yeah,
because I look at even county owned properties or municipally
owned properties where there is already present services. Like our
hub up here in Wyarton, the county hub. There's three
or four extra acres there, I believe, of land that
has, I don't. Know if the county. Has any thoughts
on the use of the lands, but is this something
that we point these tiny home developers to when we
want to be in partnership as far as giving up
the land, not giving it up, but allowing those developments
in areas that can go where there is full services
and you don't have to look at tile beds and
wells. And all that other stuff that ends up being
environmental because now you're over the 100,000. Or 10,000 gallons
of sewage each month, which causes more problems, but short
term. We do have properties that are on full services,
and I'm just wondering, are we looking at that type
of thing. If I might, through you, warden to Councilor
Kirkland. We are absolutely working on getting an inventory of
properties and looking at what the potential is for. The
long term use, whether that be an assessment of properties
for. County owned facilities and meeting our needs. In terms
of our county department. But then also looking more broadly
at what are some of those larger needs in terms
of affordable housing. What you will see through. Some of
the preliminary discussions we're having in terms of developing the
housing action plan. Is what we would want to bring
forward is a broader strategy to council in terms of
receiving the broad support, the broad criteria in terms of
how to look at the future use of those lands.
So that will be something that we're doing some preliminary
work on as staff, but. That is something that we
would look to further through. The housing action plan, so
you'll hear more about that shortly. Thanks. All right. Anything
else for human services? Hearing? None. We have Jay, office
of the CIO business plan update. Any questions on that?
Hearing? None, then. A final report. Our information report is.
K the Port Elgin station update. Paramedic. Any questions about
that? Good update there. Good information. Just one quick one.
Warden Peabody, if possible, go ahead. Yes. When I went
through the generator. Is it natural gas or diesel? And
does it also power our Lakeshore hub, which is right
beside. Thank you for the question and through you, warden,
to councilor Hamill. It is Diesel. We wanted it to
be. Goddardge ran into the issue of cutting off the
natural gas when they had the tornado through. So we
decided to go diesel. And as far as I know,
it doesn't. Power the library headquarters. It just does the
paramedic station. I can double check that, but from my
understanding is it's just a paramedic. Building. Okay. Thank you
for that. Councilor kirkland. Just on that. I noticed the
upset limit is $10 million for borrowing over the next,
so. Many years, and we've approved that. And it looks
like the job is coming in on pretty close to
budget, which is good. Is there any idea? Will there
be a report come to exactly what the amount is
that we're going to long term. Put in for paying
this off. Or. Is it just. It could be up
to 10 million because. I would like to see us
borrow the least amount that we can, because that makes
a big difference on interest in the future. Thank you
for the question to you, warden to Councilor Kirkland. Yes.
We will do. Final report. And tell you exactly how
much we will be borrowing at the end of the
project. And as of. Just for a further update, things
are moving along quite well. We're going to do a
walk through next Wednesday with all the engineers and everything.
And as of right now, as long as. Things continue
to move. As they have been. We're looking at Hastings.
Looking at? Turning the building over to us by the
end of the month, and we're really hoping on occupancy
by the mid middle of March. Okay, very good. Moves
along ten. We have five reports for direction from council.
The first report, item a. There will be a staff
presentation on the official plan amendment I'll. Read the motion.
Motion from councilor Kirkland. And councilor gets that the county
official. Plan amendment see 2023 eight implementation amendment be adopted
and the appropriate bylaw before. County for council adoption. Motion
is on the floor, and we'll have a presentation first.
We have Monica. Is going to, I believe. Or is
it chat? Presenting. Thank you, warden. I can speak to
it. Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you. So I'm
very pleased to be bringing forward this report. On the
county official plan amendment for the project that we call
the implementation amendment. Council will be familiar with this amendment
to the county official plan because it came forward for
a public meeting December 7. Of the end of last
year. And at that time, I gave a full presentation
on the amendment. So in my remarks today, I will
focus on. Very high level overview. And then focus in
on what's changed since the public meeting. So at the
public meeting, one comment was received from the floor. From
person that works as a local planning consultant by the
name of Bev Nicholson. Also at that time, written comments
had been received just before the public meeting from another
local planning consultant, Don Scott from Questa planning consultants. And
around the time of the public meeting, there was some
ongoing discussions with sogging a jigway Nation regarding policies that
are included in the implementation amendment that deal with our
approach. The county's approach and the expected approach for all
planning applications with regards to indigenous consultation. So flowing from
that public meeting. There were some tweaks and changes that
were made to the proposed amendment in response to the
comments that we received. All of the comments that we
received and changes that have happened. Since the circulation of
the public meeting notice are summarized in an attached document
to my report. Called comment and response matrix. And just
again, to give a high level overview. To the extent
we were able, we incorporated some helpful comments that came
from Bev Nicholson planning consultant and Don Scott, planning consultant.
And so a few of the changes that you'll see
in the final document reflect. Their valuable input. And with
regard to the changes that. Were worked out with sagging
Ajibwe Nation. There were quite some comprehensive changes to our
proposed policies, but the impact and effect of them remain.
The same. The values of upholding. Appropriate and respectful consultation
with indigenous communities in Bruce county has been incorporated into
those policies. Indigenous. People generally are recognized and soggy. Nation
is highlighted as. An important indigenous group within our community.
And. May remember me talking about these information boxes that
are included with the new amendment. There's a nice, comprehensive,
did you know? Box included, which provides some great background
information on what the Soggy Najibwe nation is and some
of the values that they hold. For consultation. So all
those things, I think. Were great, positive improvements for the
proposed amendment. So those are things that I was happy
to be able to just highlight briefly in my presentation.
To you this morning. The other aspect of the amendment
that I wanted to highlight briefly in my remarks this
morning is overall how the implementation amendment works and how
it helps to facilitate policies for housing and especially affordable
housing. So the implementation. As we move towards. A new
county official plan for Bruce County. There will be basically
four sections, and the fourth section. That. Is covered here
with the implementation amendment. Is a portion of the plan
that provides enabling policies that put effect to the goals
and objectives of the official plan. So if it is
a goal and objective to create housing and create more
affordable housing, there are some tools that are implemented. Or
brought into force with this implementation amendment. That are now
available in the county official plan. So, as an example,
there's a new section that's been adding for community planning
permit systems, which is a type of development approval. Process
that. Is available through the Planning act, and it enables
local municipalities to combine zoning and site plan approval so.
With those brief policies that are now included in the
county official plan. Local municipalities that want to implement something
like community planning permit system don't have to do an
amendment to the county official plan to pursue that opportunity.
New section has also been added for inclusionary zoning, so
if permitted by the province, inclusionary zoning could be used
to require affordable housing to be constructed for certain residential
development projects. Those tools aren't yet available through the province,
but again, by including that in the county, official plan
through the implementation amendment. We enable those tools should they
become available. Community improvement policies have been updated with the
anticipation that. There may be in the future. An authorization
by the provincial government for county council to identify community
improvement projects, areas and affordable housing again. Those tools aren't
available yet. Because the county isn't prescribed by the planning
act to do that kind of community improvement. Policy work,
but in the event that that comes available. The policies
are available. Through this implementation amendment. To not require us
to scramble and do an amendment to enable that. That
will already be in place. And then finally. There's a
small tweak to the policies for severances or what we
call consent policies to no longer include a requirement to
follow the existing frontage and density pattern. Of an existing
neighborhood or. Subdivision. And this change could facilitate smaller lots
for infilling within existing development. And so, as we move
towards taking advantage of. Infilling opportunities to capitalize on existing
roads and infrastructure. Investments to create more housing opportunities. A
policy like this facilitates infilling. In situations like that that
might be available. So overall, with my remarks today, I
didn't want to rehash. Information that I had provided previously
at the public meeting, but I wanted to give you
a summary. Of what's changed since we last spoke about
this amendment. Highlight. Highlights some of the positive aspects of
the amendment, especially for housing and affordable housing. And just
express our excitement about having. A significant part of the
project for plan the Bruce moving forward. Through this amendment
to the existing official plan. We're putting some of the
really important bones of the new county official plan into
place. That will move us forward as we move forward
to a new county official plan. For the county. So
those would be the broad remarks that I would make
now, and I'm available if there are any questions. Okay.
Right. So lots of very substantial changes. There's some lots
of questions. Who would like to go first? Hey, milt.
Thank you, warden. On the partial services aspect of it.
Can you give me an overview of how that has
changed? The county's approach to planning and facilitating development where
there are partial services. So, for example, if sewer exists
but not water or water exists but not sewer, have
not changed. There are some changes that are facilitated through
this amendment to clarify what would be required by developers
in those instances. So what's been clarified is that. If
municipality has a servicing master plan that speaks to how
partial services will be addressed, then you follow the servicing
master plan. If a municipality doesn't have a servicing master
plan. Then developers are required to provide something called a
servicing strategy that examines. The feasibility. Of full municipal services.
And if full municipal services aren't available? How partial services
are appropriate for the form and type of development that
they're proposing. So we're really not moving away from the
county's current approach, but the tweaks that are being made
to the servicing section clarify. The planning department and county's
expectation for developers. In those instances. Good. Thank you. Further
questions. Councilor Sharbano. Thank you, warden. So I really appreciate
the work that's gone into these and. The support. That
will now exist in the county's official plan for community
planning permit systems. And inclusionary zoning are things that I've
long wanted to see. And so it's great to see
these coming to fruition and have them implemented in the
plan. And it really supports. It's a thank you, I
suppose, from talking chores and particularly on community planning permit
systems. That really supports the work that we're trying to
do. We're hopeful that we'll get some support from the
federal government through our Housing Accelerator Fund application to enable
us to actually roll one of those out and make
it happen. They've been making some announcements. Lately for rural
communities. We haven't heard. Anything yet for ourselves. But this
just demonstrates, though, that there's some really innovative things happening.
In rural communities, I'm sure not just here but across
Canada. And some support from the federal and provincial government
to help do some of these things would be much
appreciated. I guess the question that I have is maybe
a broader question. Obviously, I support all of this. But
we haven't had an update in a while about the
rest of the official plan. And. There's a lot more
to do. This is a really important step, but obviously
there's. A lot of other pieces. The natural heritage. Water
system pieces, the agricultural pieces. There's. A lot left to
do, and I just wonder. Can you, Monica, or maybe
jack or even CIO or anybody give us a sense?
Of. I get that it's a difficult and maybe even
a painful question. But do we have a sense of
what the timelines look like on that, when we might
be looking at the rest of this thing. I'm happy
to be the first one to speak to that. And
then if our director would like to jump in with
further comments that might be helpful. But I really appreciate
the question, and especially because it's so top of mind
for the work that I do. And my role as
planning manager and my previous role as senior policy planner.
The county official plan, work and plan the Bruce is
very core to the work that I'm doing. And so
I appreciate the question because it shows care to something
that I also care about. So without. Leaning too hard
on. The excuse point. I think it's important to make
clear that there are aspects of the Bruce county official
plan. Plan? The Bruce project that aren't able to be
shared with the public. At this time, because the provincial
framework that we're required to be consistent with the provincial
planning statement. Is in state of flux at the moment.
In April of 2023, the province proposed. Pretty extensive changes
to the framework that we work within. And at that
point, It affected the work that we were doing in
the sense that. We were starting to develop policies and
move those forward into public consultation process. But that aspect
of the project had to be put on pause. And
the reason for that, of course, is that it wouldn't
be appropriate for us to share draft agriculture policies if
we don't know. That those policies will be. Effective with
the PPS changes, and we want to be very clear
to the public and. We want to not be offering
mixed messages. So when we do go to the public
with agriculture, policies. Growth like. How policies for residential development
will happen in communities. All of those were affected by
the PPs changes. Councilor Sharboneau, deputy mayor Sharboneau mentioned natural
heritage policies. That is a next area of focus for
us because. When the changes were announced in April, there
was a kind of holdback on natural heritage and then
later they did release what their proposed changes were in
natural heritage, and they were very minimal. So that would
probably be the next area of focus for us to
start to develop. And possibly move another chunk of work
forward. And I shouldn't say start to develop, because there's
been a lot of work. Going on in that area
already. But that would be an area of focus if
we do need to continue to move policies forward. In
a part by part basis. That could be another part
that we would look at. But what we really hope
to do is. To. Because those natural heritage policies fit
in with part three. And there's other parts of part
three that were affected. So it would be really nice
to be able to go to the public. With a
comprehensive suite of policies because, of course, natural heritage policies
are interrelated to agriculture. Policies are interrelated to policies of
how communities will develop and grow. So it's maybe not
a great approach to always do everything piecemeal. But we
definitely feel that there's work we can advance in that
area of natural heritage. So, to put in a nutshell,
we eagerly anticipate announcement from the province of what the
framework is that we are required to be consistent with,
and then when we have that, we'll be in a
better position to be able to project timelines for this
project wrapping up, and especially the all important community. Consultation.
Okay. When I was at farmers week, I mentioned our
Rop, and there was a lot of interest. From the
farm committee when the public meetings would be. So. It
was definitely a hot button issue. Okay, Councilor Kirkland. Yeah.
Great document. Just trying to take it all in here
because there's a lot to do good for you. My
question is when I've talked to my building department. Is
the nitrates. When you have a community that. Is vastly.
Does not have services. I think of pretty well all
of savvy beach. Chastity Lake. I think of other areas
within our county, the shoreline, all the way from King
Cardan. South. I think of inland lakes. Large areas without
services this nitrate, why do we need to duplicate what
I believe the building code? Can already do with our
building department. So if they're the ones that are on
site. Doing? Whatever needs to be done and the studies
that need to be done for the nitrates. Why? Do
we need a duplication or is it a duplication when
I see it in the county official plan. Through the
word, and I appreciate the question. This may. Sound like
a dodge, and I don't want it to sound like
a dodge. This amendment that's coming forward for the implementation
amendment as I address Councilor McIver's. Question. Is not proposing
a departure from our current approach to servicing. And. The
question about how nitrates. Can be considered when considering certain
forms of new development, either. On individual private services or
partial services. Is something that we would like to take
a closer look at for the new official plan and
we are definitely hearing from staff at some of our
local municipalities. That. They want to look at this issue
closely. The position that our department has taken in those
conversations has been that the province. Says that we are
to address nitrate and planning approvals. So that would include
the types of approvals. That the county makes decisions on
for things like. New infilling or new small subdivisions or.
Other developments, like townhomes, that might be on partial services.
And so we do think that there is a role
to play. For planning policies in the county. Official plan
and advice from planners. And what is the appropriate approach
to addressing those provincial criteria when it comes to the
role. That the Ontario building code plays in that that
would be. At the more focused level of issuing building
permits on approved lot development. So I think there's, a
role for the provincial nitrate guideline to play at both
levels. At least that's. The position that. We've taken in
some of those conversations. But I think that where we've
left things with staff is that we appreciate that they
have the concern and that it's something that we would
like to look at. And address, if we can, through
the new county official plan. So the distinction that I
would make today, since we're talking about the implementation amendment,
is that the implementation amendment doesn't. Really open up that
discussion or that policy work. That's work that we would
contemplate. Doing with the new county official plan. Okay, so
does that make it clearer in my head? And I
understand what you're saying from the provincial policy statement, but
we haven't. Seen their final document or what they're doing.
So when I hear from, it's not just our building
department. And as you said, you've heard from other building
departments that. They feel they can address. It in house
and not have to duplicate and not goes back to
my same question. So this isn't etched in stone, is
what I'm understanding. From what you're telling us right now
that through consultation with yourselves and other build that will
still happen, because I would really like to not see
it in this official plan. At all and just leave
it up to the building departments within each area and
district because it sure affects the areas that aren't on
full water and sewer. And it's something that I would
like to keep that as local as possible. Within our
local building departments, but that's just my view on that.
Thank you. Further questions.
All right. Thank you to the planning staff. It's very
important. Updates. Since we do have a delay, as Luke
pointed out, very important. That we move along here. Just
on one of the notes I did meet with along
with our Cao yesterday. Met with the chiefs of Sagina
and Naywash in two separate meetings. And some outreach. To
just listen about concerns regarding the county and what we
can do to improve the relationship and I was able
to. Use these amendments. On consulting son in the meeting
as a positive. And they were very receptive and very
positive about the interactions they've had with our planning staff
as well as a few other departments. But I did
bring this up specifically. So it did go a long
way to creating some goodwill with San, so thank you
very much. On little item there. Thank you, warden. Monica
just on that issue with regards to. Son. Just another
question on how that has changed from our original approach
right now, has it changed much? Or is it still
much the same? Through the ward and. Great question. I
would say. That our efforts towards. Really framing a good
working relationship. With indigenous peoples has been evolving over the
years. And the intention has always been to have a
positive working relationship and wording such as. Developing consultation protocols
existed. In the current official plan and are still proposed
in the new amendment. So the spirit hasn't. Changed much,
but sometimes the words we choose. And the framing. Of
our evolving relationship in a better way can go a
really long way to creating an effective policy that works.
To support that relationship. So. I think that San did
see what we had offered as a huge improvement. And
some of the old fashioned wording may have been considered.
Not no longer appropriate. And so they do see this
as a good step forward. If I could word. Just
to follow up on that, you mentioned the old fashioned
wording and. Give me a couple examples of. How that
has changed. The example through the warden. The example that
I'm thinking of that was highlighted is there. Was a
phrase that said in the current plan, and I'm paraphrasing
from memory. The county recognizes indigenous communities desire to be
consulted. And they don't really think it's just a desire
that they have. They think that it's a right that
they have. So when you use the term desire, it
sounds like old fashioned language. And when you properly choose
the right words to frame your intent and your purpose,
then it really creates. A better platform or framework to
work from in our working relationship. Sounds good. Thank you,
Monica. Okay. Thank you very much. I've read the motion.
All those in favor? Ken, you had a question? You're
on mute there. No, I raised my hand, that's all.
Okay. All right, good. Okay. That's proof. Onto item b,
plowing match. We'll need a mover and seconder from councilor
Hamill and councilor. Craig. That Bruce county support the efforts
of the Bruce County Plumbings association to host the 2026
IPM in Bruce county and that council support providing startup
funds of up to $100,000 conditions of which would be
brought back at a future meeting. Questions from council. Yes.
Councilor gets. Do you think we should clear the air
first on the issues that have been brought to our
attention earlier before we support. This proposal. Okay. I would
feel that we should probably defer this here. Okay? I
know before the meeting, there was some questions about. The
landowner, laying farms and. I was able to call Tony
this morning. And he was very positive. They're totally on
site of helping out the IPM that just happened at
ten that I got a hold of them. So that
issue was cleared up. And then, Mark, there's some other
issues about. By putting the 100k cap, I think we'll
be able to negotiate, give staff direction. One of the
issues out there is that. Dufford county. When I was
at the Wardens caucus, they spent 318,000. On the plowing
match and. I did. Talk to our staff. I thought
that was a little bit much. I don't know if
council's appetite is there for 318. I didn't think so.
I thought we should set a cap there. That's in
the motion. For negotiation. Mark, follow up. Maybe Brockton can
kick in the other 218. They'll benefit from this. I'll
ask Chris toff report on that one. I'm just joking.
Okay, Councilor Craig. Thank you, Warden. I think the wording
is correct in that this is a startup funding and
when we get the staff report back. Indicating more precisely.
What it will be directed for. What? The timelines and
all those sorts of things. I am not suggesting this
is the maximum amount, but this is the appropriate amount
to start with. And we'll see what comes of it
later on. Okay. All right. Councilor Murray. And thanks through
you, Warden. Thanks for clearing up the concerns that were
before the meeting. And I would support this motion. As
mary ken craig has said, Okay, very good. And I
think. Some of the issues down in Duffer, and they
only had nine and a half months to plan. We've
got this timeline now. So I think. It'll obviously work
out with the longer timeline. Councilor Kirkland? Yeah. If we
don't. Approve this at this point. Staff won't be able
to deal with some of the issues that are on
there, like the sewage. There was three or four other
things that are in kind. To be able to know
what those things are going to be valued at. That's
my understanding that if we don't pass this, they won't
be able to do all that investigation. Is that true?
Yeah, they won't be able to negotiate. And then there's
also the issue. Of the group that was here last
meeting, taking it forward to the provincial group looking. For
a vote. On bruce county. Yeah, I'm okay with moving
this forward. Okay, very good. Anyone else? Councilor Murray. Thanks,
Warden. Through you again. And just because we support this
today, it doesn't mean there's any guarantees that it will
actually happen in 2026. It's still got to go through
the whole Ontario Plowman's thing and. If somebody else steps
forward, it could end up somewhere else, is my belief.
But supporting it is a good first start to bring
it to Bruce County. Yeah. I think that is true.
It has to be the provincial executive. Although lately they
do seem to. Be. I don't know what happened with
the host community. For last year. One county council canceled,
and then Daffern had to pick it up. I don't
know. If it's not like prior years where decades ago
it used to be a big competition between counties. Provincial
executive will see this offer, and I'm sure. They'll jump
at it. Okay. All those in favor? Okay, that's approved.
Okay. Corporate services. Property tax policy review motion from councilor
Sharboneau, councilor McKiver, that the 2024 countywide tax ratios and
class discounts be approved as set out in appendix one
and that staff be directed to prepare the necessary tax
rates and ratio by law and the tax relief program
for charities and other similar organizations be continued for the
2024. Taxation year and that the tax relief program for
low income seniors and low income persons with disabilities be
continued for the 2024 taxation year and. That no optional
property classes are recommended. Any questions? Okay, all those in
favor? Arrived. Corporate services capital
spending overage moved from councilor Hamill, councilor Craig, that capital
spending overages outlined in the report for 2023 be allowed
to be absorbed in the urine surplus. Or deficit as
they are immaterial in nature. Questions. All those in favor?
Item e. And we have a motion on the striking
committee. This is a new committee, and the purpose of
the committee is to recommend appointments to committees, review terms
of reference, and to administer the CAO. Performance evaluation, and
so this was just changed. When cio thompson was still
here. And we implemented this along with our new. Meeting
procedures. The striking committee consists of myself, the deputy warden.
And councillor Craig. Going forward. Next year, for example, it
would be the warden, deputy warden, and then. Somebody that
next year's warden chooses for the third member. So I'll
read the motion and take any questions moved from deputy
mayor Sharbano. Thanked by councillor Murray that the warden councilor
gets be appointed to the accessibility advisory committee and that
councilor Craig. And councilor gets be appointed to the community
drug and alcohol strategy. Any questions? All those in favor?
That's carried. To our bylaws. Moved by councilor gets councilor
Kirkland that the following bylaw be approved bylaw? Number 13,
a bylaw to restrict the weight of vehicles passing over
county bridges. All those in favor? That's carried. We have
a communication. From town of South Bruce Peninsula Social and
Economic Prosperity Review. I did mention already in reference to
Councilor Craig's concern. I was going to wrap that in
with that proposed. Meeting with MPP buyers along with the
warden of Gray County. To discuss this issue. And it
was. Member buyers who suggested this. So very good of
it to reach out on that. Okay. Anything else? We
have a confirmation of proceedings. A motion from councilor Hamill,
councilor Craig, that bylaw 14 be approved a bylaw could
confirm proceedings with the Council of County of Bruce at
its meeting held the 15th day. Of February 2024. All
those in favor? That's carried. And just before I call,
motion to adjourn. Last week we had a follow up
to Aroma delegation. So that wrapped up. Our roman delegations,
we met with the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions,
Minister Tibalo. We had a very good meeting advocating on
extending our paramedicine program to mental health visits. So that's
an excellent application that our EMS staff put together. And
we've had two meetings on this. And. I think the
things are looking favorable. I'd like to thank our staff,
our CIO and all our staff. Who participated in the
Roma delegations. There was a lot of work that went
into this, a lot of advocacy on number of important
programs, and I think all our delegations went quite well,
and council should be very happy with the work staff
did in setting us up to advocate for very important
programs. Just this one for example, the paramedic and for
mental health, if we get that. That will be really
a big deal to the people in Bruce county. If
we could have our paramedics go and do some home
visits on the mental health checkups or assist the police
on a call. There was a lot of good work
that went on with the intergovernmental affairs department. Supported by
all the other staff. At Roma and certainly look forward
to building. That. Through the year and then leading up
to amo. Okay. Need a motion to adjourn.