Good afternoon everyone and welcome to our regular meeting for uh Monday, July
13th. Uh I'm going to call the meeting to order now and invite everyone to rise
for O Canada.
Now I'm going to invite uh Deputy Mayor Keveny to read our land acknowledgement.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and good afternoon, everyone. We would like to
begin by acknowledging that we are meeting on the traditional lands and
treaty territory of the Sin Ojiway nation which includes the Chipawas of
Naywash unseated First Nation and the Chipawas of Sin First Nation. We also
recognize the Matei whose ancestors shared this land and these waters. We
extend our gratitude to all Anesab and Matei peoples and their descendants,
past, present, and future, who continue to care for and inhabit these lands and
tend these waters. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Um, now I just
invite you to join me in a moment of silent reflection on our business today.
Thank you. Uh is there any disclosure of pecuniary
interest around the horseshoe? I see none, but uh should it uh occur to you,
please bring it up when that time comes. Um announcements.
Deputy Mayor, we can usually count on you to uh [laughter]
bring >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yes, I try to keep
uh up with what's happening in the community and there's always lots going
on in Meford. So, just a couple of things today. Um on behalf of Bogner
Hall, they are hosting coffee houses now and I think I mentioned this uh when
they first began, but they've become so successful already, averaging 36
attendees and they have poets and musicians, storytellers, standup
comedians, you name it. The next event is uh Sunday, July the 19th from 2 until
4:00 at the Bogner Community Center. And the event is by donation. So just uh
come and pay what you can. They do keep the bar open and this will be a
recurring event every month. So it's a great time had by all.
Uh secondly, on the 15th of uh July coming up this week, is the annual pork
chop barbecue out in Bogner. So, just uh keep that in mind as well. And that's uh
beginning at 5:00. And on the 17th is the Rotary annual fish fry right down at
the Rust Bumpstead Rotary Pavilion. Tickets are $30 and available at Grandma
Lambs or from any Rotarian. There's two of us in the room, past President Bill
and myself. And the menu is pickaro, baked potatoes, coleslaw, all the
fixings and pies from grandma lambs for desserts. Uh the bar is open there as
well. And do come out and help Rotary support uh the community. All this all
the funds that we raise go right back into projects uh right here in the
municipality of Meford and some international projects as well. But come
on out and enjoy the fish fry on the 17th. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
» Councelor Renis. >> Thank you very much. Um, we have uh the
Great Lakes Matei Fish Fry being held uh by the the council uh that's based out
of Bowen Sound on Saturday, July the 20th. I've been um every year for the
past couple of years. The fish is uh highly recommended. It's excellent. Um
the day after uh the Rotary Fish Fry. Uh lunch starts uh at 12 and tickets are
$20 per person or $60 for a family. >> Council Yurig.
» Thank you, Mr. Mayor, sorry I don't have another fish right. Um, MIFF is its 20th
anniversary and so as I've said before, Tiff is a a series that's running
throughout the uh leadup to myth in September and this evening uh is the
third of four films that are being shown um in that 20th anniversary slot. Uh
it's called Holy Days and it shows at 700 p.m. tonight at Meford Hall and
tickets are only $20. So, uh, we would appreciate anybody coming out to
support, uh, Tiff and you can find more information at mefordculture.ca.
» U, councelor Greenfield. >> Thank you, uh, Mayor Kentner. Yes, I
have a couple items to mention. Uh, they both pertain to the historic Leaf
Church. I'm sure everyone knows where that is located. Saturday evening, July
18th at uh 700 p.m. uh a group entertaining. They're called
the Seventh Town. They're a Celtic folk band from your PEI.
Uh they include pipes and drums. And uh the uh performance will be uh will be
outside unless uh uh weather insists that uh it should go inside. And then on
Saturday, July 25th at 7:30 also at the uh Leath Church. And this is one I think
everybody should be interested in taking in. It's the Maple Reserve Barberhop
Quartet. Uh, how exciting is that? Tickets are
available through the Roxy Theater ticket office in Oldtown. Thank you.
» Excellent. [clears throat] Anyone else on our side of the horseshoe? Um, anyone
on the other side have something to offer? Yes. Uh, Director Carbert.
» Uh, thank you, your worship. Um, this will be posted online and through the
municipal website this week, but also on site. The Georgian Trail will be closed
between Sworthmore Drive and Christy Beach Road on Thursday and Friday in
order for engineering work to be completed on structure 129. Um they'll
have a large drilling rig in there. So we can't accommodate both pedestrian
bikes and the drilling rig. So the trail will be closed and unfortunately there
is no alternative route uh around this trail section. So, if all goes well,
it'll be finalized Friday night and everything will be returned to normal on
Saturday morning again. >> Thank you. Anyone else? Um, well, I have
a very pleasant duty myself at this point in time and I'm just going to uh
read this um tribute and then I'm going to go go down there and meet this young
lady. Uh, this is uh to Doris Rose. Dear Doris, on behalf of the council of the
municipality of Meford, it is our great pleasure to extend our sincere
congratulations to you on your selection for the Herbert Smith Freeh Hills Kramer
Portrait Award 2026 at the National Portrait Gallery in London, England.
This remarkable honor reflects your extraordinary talent, dedication to your
craft, and the international impact of your artistic practice. To be chosen for
one of the world's leading exhibitions of contemporary portrait painting is an
exceptional achievement and one that brings great pride to the municipality
of Meford. Your selected work, Stripes, is a powerful example of the creativity,
technical skill, and personal insight that defines your practice. We also
recognize the meaningful role you play in our local arts community through your
studio work here in Meford and your efforts to make art education more
accessible. Your success on an international stage is an inspiration to
artists and residents alike and a reminder that creative excellence can
flourish in communities of every size. Please accept our heartfelt
congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. We wish you continued
success as the exhibition opens in London and tours across the United
Kingdom. Yours sincerely and it's signed by uh myself as mayor uh Deputy Mayor
Keveny and every member of this council.
Now we uh move on to public participation. Uh members of the public
are encouraged to provide council with their comments and questions.
Presentations must be pre-arranged with legislative services before the agenda
is released and will be limited to 10 minutes. If a member of the public
wishes to make a deputation on items on the council agenda or to ask a public
question of council, they may do so either in person at the council chambers
or remotely via Zoom. Members of the public wishing to make a deputation or
to ask a public question are encouraged to register in advance with legislative
services by 10 in the morning on the day of. And you can do that by contacting
deputy clerk@me.ca CA or calling 519-5381060
extension 1100. An email with access information will be sent to those who
register for remote participation. Deputations are limited to 5 minutes and
public questions are limited to two minutes. The public can watch this
meeting live via the Municipality of Meford's YouTube channel
www.mmeford.ca/youtube.
We have no uh presentations today, but we do have some deputations.
And uh first I'm going to call uh Gina Jawarski who is speaking tonight item
91A which is consideration of sale and disposition of municipal properties.
Someone turn uh Gina's uh microphone there.
» Okay. Okay.
» I don't >> Is that all right? I don't see. Is there
microphone on? Good. Okay, fine. Just go right ahead. Thank you.
» Okay. Thank you. So, good afternoon, mayor, members of council, and staff. My
name is Gina Juniper Jorski, and I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to
speak regarding the proposed disposal of the Aken Street Road allowance. I'm here
as the owner of the adjoining property, but also as someone whose family has
been connected to this land for generations. In 1969, my father served
severed these properties and registered them with the town. I have the original
survey certificate available which shows the lots as they were created with the
road allowance intended to provide future access. These lots remain legally
registered today. However, they cannot be developed because the road identified
on the survey has never been provided. There are two lots that are legally
registered behind 244 Aken Street. Our road allowance is a public asset. Once
it's sold, it may be impossible to recover if future community needs needs
to change. This neighborhood continues to grow.
There's a large vacant property across from our home that may one day be
developed. Memorial Park is located at one end of Aken Street. The old high
school is located at the other. And the street already experiences significant
pedestrian and vehicle traffic. There is also an existing stop sign intersection
at this location which demonstrates that the road allowance was considered part
of the future road network. Before removing this opportunity, I believe
council should carefully consider whether this connection may be needed in
the future for traffic flow, emergency access, pedestrian safety, or municipal
servicing. Looking ahead, a new school is planned for the former track
property, and the future use of the old high school has yet to be determined.
While access from Aken Street to the former high school property has been
closed, future changes to the area may result in increased traffic being
directed onto Richmond Street and then back through Eliza Street to access
alternate exits. If Aken Street becomes congested during school related traffic
times, maintaining future road options may be an an an important consideration.
Disposing of this road allowance could limit future solutions and may
contribute to further traffic pressures on surrounding streets. Concerns that
council has already heard from residents when you had your past meetings
regarding whatever is happening at the old high school. I also asked council to
consider the history of this property. A previous council considered disposing of
the same road allowance and ultimately chose to retain it. I respectfully asked
what has changed since that decision. I also question why only one part of the
portion of the road allowance is being considered for disposal while the
section fronting Eliza Street is not. I need to understand the reason for this
distinction. Uh and I believe it's important before making any irreversible
decision regarding public land. While my concerns are about the future of the
community, I also need to acknowledge that this decision would have a direct
negative impact on my property. The two registered lots created in 1969 were
established with the understanding that the road allowance would provide future
access. Removing that possibly affects the future use, value, and development
potential of my property. Finally, I was never formally informed
that this proposal would be coming before council. I became aware of it
only by reviewing the council agenda myself. I believe decisions involving
public land should include meaningful consultation with those most directly
affected. For those reasons, I respectfully ask council to postpone any
decision to dispose of this road allowance until its historical purpose,
future municipal needs, access considerations, and long-term planning
implications have been fully reviewed. I believe good planning requires us to
think beyond today's need. Once this land is sold, the opportunity to use it
for the benefit of future generations may be gone forever. I thank you for
your time and consideration. >> Thank you very much. Uh is any counselor
have a question for the speaker and I'm just going to ask uh CEO
Everett, did you wish to respond at all at this time?
» Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. In regards to response, um the report laid out what
the process was uh in regards to reaching out once council uh approves
that report. There will be correspondence going out to the adjacent
land owners to understand if there are any concerns. Uh there have been some
communications in this regard. Um and at this point, council's not disposing of
the land as yet. >> Okay. Thank you very much.
Uh the next speaker is uh Jean Burch and she is also uh speaking to item uh 91A.
Um, I live in the same vicinity as Gina does and of course uh I've been taking
care of a piece of property that ab butts the land uh the road allowance for
a number of years. At one time I did my husband and I did ask to buy it and we
were informed it had been made part of the road allowance.
So, uh, at any time in the future that you want to sell the road allowance, I
think I should be given consideration to buy the piece of property adjoining it.
It's not big enough for a building lot. Uh
also uh I would like to ask
is there any way that you can
open up the back road of the cemetery? I think you need to for emergency
reasons because of the amount of people that live down my way. And we don't have
a great deal of roads down there to get out if there was ever an emergency.
And I'd like to I I have uh asked Shirley about it before on occasion. Um
so I I'd really like to know something about that.
» I see staff making some notes. So, thank you very much.
» Thank you. >> Um,
» third speaker is uh Patrick McDonald uh also speaking to uh 91A.
Mayor Kentner, deputy mayor, counselors, staff. Um, I'm speaking specifically to
uh the inclusion of uh block, pardon me, Kingston Beach Road plan
block A to B on the list of properties recommended for sale and and uh
disposal. Um,
I am owner and resident at lot 17 plan 731 at Kingston Beach. that's otherwise
known as 113 Kingston Beach. My understanding and belief is that a
pre-existing easement
which exists uh from May 1986
for block A and the shore road allowance for the purpose of obtaining water from
the wellhead located on block A would prelude
uh the inclusion of this um piece of property in the municipal
municipalities plan for disposal. That easement was granted by Sidnham Township
Council to my father and passed to me when I purchased the family home. Uh
indeed, that well on block A supplies water to other users in the subdivision,
a total of three others. To my knowledge, it's not clear to me in what
I've been able to read that municipal staff were aware of this infrastructure
uh on the uh block A property or the 40-year-old legal easement or the shore
well and water lines. And in my opinion, that would preclude its inclusion in as
a property for uh for disposal. I would ask whether or not that was
considered in um staff's decision to include it in the
package of properties to be disposed of. >> I think that perhaps the CEO ever can
respond to that now. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um as I
mentioned in the last my my previous response, going through this process
will allow us to have that communication with residents. Um I'm sure over the
years there are a number of of different easements that have been put in place.
Uh I was not aware of of of this situation. Um however this is why the
process works. We we basically get information from residents. Um and again
I want to stress council has not disposed of these lands. This is the
early stages of consideration of disposal of lands.
» Thank you. And uh we have a final uh speaker uh
Darcy Chapman. Uh if you would come forward, I think you're quite familiar
with our facilities here. Welcome back. Thank you, your worship, council.
[clears throat] Uh so yeah, I'm I'm here for the the
same uh agenda item. Um I'd first like to start by saying that I recognize that
council passed a budget this year that included a million half dollars in
revenue for land sales. So, if you don't find land to sell, you're going to have
an operating budget deficit. So, I know that this is why this is this is a a big
deal. Uh I certainly question why the million half dollars was included in the
operating budget because we by the looks of the the 94 properties that were
provided to council. Many of them can't be sold. So, where we're going to come
up with a million and a half dollars every year going forward uh is is
certainly a question. Um, some of the properties I have no problem with, but
there are five that I take great exception to. Um, Kingston Beach, Sunset
Beach, and Queens Bush. Uh, all three of those properties were reviewed eight,
nine years ago. Um, I question whether staff actually went and did any kind of
a site tour. I've actually walked all three of those properties. There were a
number of staff that came to those meetings. There were actually members of
council that came to those those on-site meetings as well. Those properties uh to
the best of my knowledge do have encumbrances on them. They either have
deemed access for back lots or they do have uh things like um wells like the
the gentleman just noted. Um more importantly, uh having waterfront lots
that the municipality owns is not something that we should sell. It is a
massive asset. These things should be kept for for public use. They should
actually be improved upon. they we should be looking at creating small
parkquetses with a handful of uh parking spaces and actually providing access to
the waterfront for more locations. We already know that the locations that we
have do get overwhelmed. So something very simple like a Leath Beach idea
would be perfect at these locations. It would actually mean maybe that we could
uh you know put something out there to the public that they can go and access
these locations. It would get the people to actually go and drive around the
municipality and see different areas of the municipality. So, I don't think
these three properties should be sold at all. They actually need to be kept in
the public trust and they should be improved upon. The other two are uh
Ridge Road and Susan Street. Uh council over the last 12 to 18 months has put in
significant investment into industrial and commercial lands. Uh you're now
looking at making a decision to sell industrial lands and I don't understand
why. Uh these are fully serviced industrial lots. Uh they take no
investment of public money whereas the property that you've recently just
purchased is going to take millions and millions of dollars to put underground
infrastructure and roads onto them. The these properties are available. If
they're going to be if they're already usable or can be used, uh, council
should be going through the process with planning staff, legal, engineers,
whoever the case may be to actually make sure that these things are available for
use and that they can be easily marketed. Whereas the land that you've
just bought right now will need significant investment in multiple years
to even get close to being actually market ready. So, I mean, the question
that I have, this this came up at the last meeting. Councelor Bell was the
only one who who mentioned anything at the meeting. He said, you know, that
these are the kinds of discussions that happen in in close session. Uh he was
very comfortable with the decisions uh that were made based on the on the
conversation that happened with staff. The rest of the council stayed, Mom. I
know you weren't at that meeting, but the rest of the members of council that
were here didn't speak to it. So, we don't actually know what was talked
about in the closed session and and the rest of the members of council didn't
voice their opinion as to why that they thought that this was a good idea or a
bad idea. Uh so it it lends to my question about transparency to the point
that on this exact agenda, you also have a report coming forward uh to talk and
take a look at the tiny homes situation on those two properties uh um that I
just mentioned on Ridge Road and Susan Street. It seems fairly presumptive to
me that uh the CEO mentioned at the last meeting that there's a 120 meter radius
around each property. The property owners need to be advised of the
potential for the disposition. Yet, at this meeting, you have a report from
staff coming forward to start the process of a request for information for
tiny homes on those locations. I think your your cart is many miles ahead of
the horse on on this one already. Uh, you know, another property that was not
discussed uh was property number 24 from the council package, which is uh uh the
Collingwood West and Parker Street property. Uh it is a piece of property
that is used I know for the fall fair but generally primarily just for
parking. It's a a one two-day event and that's the only time the property gets
used for. It's in close proximity to other um high residential uh areas
walkability to the arena to the curling club much closer to the downtown. I
don't understand why that property wasn't looked at uh for a tiny homesuh
type of development versus properties that are already zoned industrial and
are already serviced. Thank you for your input, Darcy. Um, did I didn't hear a
question. Uh, you've raised many issues and I'm sure they will be dealt with by
council. So, thank you.
» Did anyone wish to ask a public question? Uh we've just gone on on our
agenda today is a review of our uh uh our protocols and I we're going to
rename public questions public input so that people don't have to go to the
trouble of framing a question because usually that results in a speech. So
anyway, I just want to make people aware that change may be approved today and in
the meantime there will be an opportunity for people to uh ask a
question uh in our public meetings. Um, I'm going to move on to council
inquiries. Any inquiries from council today?
I see none. So, uh, at this point, uh, I'm going to move to item nine, motions
and bylaws for decision, and there are nine matters on our consent agenda
today. Items in this list have been before committee of the whole for
discussion. Council may choose to pass these items and/or bylaws with one
motion. A member may also request an item or items be pulled for separate
consideration. Item A is consideration of sale and
disposition of municipal properties. Item B, a commercial business occupying
municipal land. Item C is a special event licensing agreement with the
Meford Chamber of Commerce. Item D is 2025 non-budgeted year-end transfers.
Item E is the 2025 yearend surplus. Item F is to declare land surplus and
transfer ownership of Georgian Beach Lane. Item G is an addendum to the
inaugural meeting of the 2026 through 2030 term of council. Item H is to
finalize the procedural bylaw review and item I is to pass the new procedural
bylaw. Does any counselor wish to pull any of these items for further
discussion today? Uh councelor Bell. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Item A.
» Okay. Thank you. Uh any other uh in that case uh we can uh take item A uh
out and um can I have a motion to approve uh everything in uh item 91 with
the exception of A. Deputy mayor, a seconder, a councelor
Yurig. Any discussion? All in favor? Uh any opposed? So that is carried
unanimously. Thank you very much. And uh at county council, we usually come back
to the item that was pulled at the end of the day, but I don't know as we have
to be guided by county council in this. Uh so I'll defer to the clerk.
» Thank you, your worship. At this point, we would return to 9.1A
um and complete the the consent agenda discussion.
» So can I have uh a motion to uh put it on the floor?
Councelor Bell and a seconder councelor
Greenfield. So go ahead and we'll discuss this.
» Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So um it is absolutely correct that when
this came up I did say that I felt very comfortable with what uh council had
received from information from uh staff pulling together a report um without
disclosing anything uh truly out of the closed session since the general public
uh can obviously read the list of properties uh they were absolutely the
properties that uh council looked at to
tell the general public. Council received maps about what those
properties were, how big those properties were, listed in hectares,
which I converted over to acres being a little bit old school. took a look at
all of those properties that staff had analyzed and looked at for development
or not for development. But to be absolutely clear, as our CIO
had said uh to one of the questions, there was nothing specifically on any
one of those properties that would have said anything like, "Oh, on this
property, you know, there's a little garden shed painted in the corner." We
we didn't read about any little garden sheds. We didn't read about whether or
not there was a well that was located on there for anybody close by put in from a
historical point of view. Um we didn't get anything like um say from Sidenham
St. Vincent uh councils or the town of Meford uh former councils what was
presented was exactly what's before us today a series of properties which when
staff had analyzed the size of them where they're located council got a look
at that big package we took a look at it and I am very happy to hear uh that even
if uh council says this afternoon uh that we will proceed on doing something
here. Um I take it then each and every one of these will be sent out so that at
a council if there is something that's going on specifically at those
properties this council can make a decision to say uh we will for not do
that particular item for a very specific reason but that's not this afternoon. Is
that clear? >> Uh thank you Mr. Mr. From here to
councelor Bell, that's absolutely clear. Uh there is no no decision to sell
dispose of at this point. It was just clearly um identifying potential
properties that could be considered in the future.
» Deputy Mayor. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And just uh as
follow up to councelor Bell's comments, I just wanted to first of all thank the
residents that have joined us today and have shared information with us because
we're we're learning as well the specifics about these pieces of property
and I appreciate that the CEO is sharing more about the process of how this will
go forward. So my question I think for staff in the matter is if if we find out
uh issues about any of these particular properties, is there an opportunity to
go back and review the land inventory and and to look perhaps at other pieces
because we acknowledge that we did put a number in the budget being fairly
comfortable that we could uh um potentially dispose of some of these
pieces of land in 2026. >> Uh you Mr. Mayor to the deputy mayor.
Absolutely. I think you know from a from a process perspective before the
municipality can actually consider disposing lands need to be declared
surplus to the municipal needs. So we're in the early stages council has every
opportunity even if you were to declare it surplus and then afterwards you
decided not to sell that's council's prerogative. um council has a land
disposition policy uh that identifies the process to go through to potentially
dispose of of property. So, it's very very clear, but I think the public um uh
having the information that you know even if something was declared surplus
does not force the hand of council to dispose of it. Um this is um the
question in regards to are there other lands. Um I think the report identified
that this is phase one of of the process um throughout the entire municipality.
There is a number of opened and unopened road allowances. And I say open road
allowances could just be because they could be considered open. They're not
you can't use them but they've never been they've never been closed. Um
there's a number of road allowances that this next phase in 2027 will consider
going through a similar process to identify. Are there any road allowances
that you know make sense for the municipality to um to dispose of um
unopen road allowances typically 66 ft wide so they would be building lots. Um
but again um and and I'm very aware and and I I really appreciate the comments
uh raised by the public. One thing that doesn't get made any more of is land. Um
so staff is taking that very very seriously. Um I will say that the
municipality will benefit from an actual strategic review of the inventory to
then determine whether or not something makes sense to sell. Um the last thing
staff wants is knee-jerk uh recommendations. Um that put us in
positions where you know we've sell we sell something and you know five six
seven years later you look and think why why why would we ever have sold that? Um
so the intention of this is to be very very strategic and and if there is land
that is available to sell um then uh those are the recommendations that staff
would be coming forward with. But ultimately it's a council's decision.
» If there are no further comments on that, we should vote on uh uh the item
before us. And um I will call a question. All in favor?
Any opposed? That is unanimous. And that takes care of u the uh uh first item on
the uh the u consent agenda. Uh did we vote on all the others? We
did. Right. Then that's that's good. Um we uh also have two new items for
consideration today. Uh the recommendation for U 92A
is uh be it resolved that bylaw 2026-55
being a bylaw to delegate certain duties respecting the implementation of the
administrative penalty system to the director of legislative services by
amending bylaw 40-204 to add schedule D be taken as read a
first, second, and third time and finally passed. Can I have a mover and
seconder for this? Councelor Greenfield and Councelor Forter. Thank you. Uh any
discussion on this? Go ahead, Councelor Fter.
» Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh and through you. Um I just wanted to get a little
bit of clarification with regards to uh something on this. I have no problem
with the delegated authority. Um, however, with regards to delegating the
setting of things like penalty amounts, um, I just don't really see any kind of
guard rails or anything like that where it completely removes, um, council, uh,
from this. Um, so I just wanted to know, do we consider setting the penalty
amounts uh, for this um, bylaw to be an administrative function or more of a
policy function? Um because my concern would be if there's any changes to the
penalties and we don't find about out about it till we get our reports. There
could be major changes and penalties that could be in place for several
months um without council not even being aware of any of these changes. So just
curious to know how do we ensure that for council we are um implementing the
right guard rails to make sure that there is the proper level of
administrative function but also the policy control that is ultimately
council's responsibility. Just looking for some comment on that please.
» I'm going to go to clerk. >> Thank you worship and through to
councelor forer. Um Holly is not able to be here today so I will try my best to
explain. Um, initially what my my first comment would
be is actually the legislation provides those guardrails because the um the
penalties can't be considered punitive um and are really restricted by what's
reasonable and required to promote compliance. And so our intention um
should council um move forward with a delegated authority in this area would
be to set penalties that are comparable to our neighbors um who have done the
benchmarking and and that would be our process. Um certainly these would be
transparent penalties that would be put up on the website as part of the final
bylaw that's posted. And so there's a transparency component to that. Um all
members of the public should be able to see that the penalties in this area. Um
so I I don't know if that offers uh too short of an explanation, but I think
both the legislation and the transparency piece um really help to
ensure everything is in line with what's required and and reasonable in that
respect. Thank you.
Anyone else wish to uh speak? And I'm going to call the uh vote. All in favor?
Any opposed? And that is carried unanimously. Thank you.
The uh next item is uh that council of the municipality of meford uh approve
heritage permit application heritage-01-2026
um on 36 Psych Street South by Aowski uh with the following conditions. One, that
the final materials and colors to be of to the satisfaction of planning staff.
Two, that the brick facade be conserved and retained as proposed.
osed with new brick materials to be integrated with the original brick.
Three, that any future signage be subject to applicable sign bylaw
requirements. And four, that the works generally conform to the plans and
renderings submitted with the application. Can I have a mover and
seconder, please? Moved by councelor, seconded by councelor Andis. Very good.
Um, discussion, questions. I'll start with councelor
Greenfield.
Thank you, Marshall. Um, well, when I first started reading through this
report, I I was uh quite uh quite enthused by the uh the renovations and
the uh the upgrades. I uh uh picked up on the uh use of uh more
traditional line masonry to do any uh uh masonry repairs. and uh uh putting in
the middle window again brings it back to uh I think a a very attractive, very
acceptable storefront. However,
then I got down to looking at the entrance way
and I saw two steps and I would be remiss if I did not bring
up the accessibility problems here. Um,
I know I'm been beating this drum often in the past
few years and I'm going to beat it again. This is a this is an opportunity.
Yes, it will cost
the manager, the owner of this operation more money. But there's an opportunity
here to recess that doorway, create a ramp, make this
facility um accessible. I I'm just
I endorse the heritage features trying to maintain them. I I'm 100% for that.
But when it comes to accessibility, why can't we collaborate and cooperate the
two of them together when something like this comes forward? We're we're missing
an opportunity here. And we've missed it in other areas too.
We're supposedly a community of well-being
uh accepting everyone regardless of their
physical needs. And here's an example where we're not not doing that or at
least I I don't see it in this application. So
that's where I'm at. uh your worship. Uh as I say, other than that, I'm I'm quite
all right with it, but I I I have to mention this and and this is the the
accessibility issue to our downtown businesses is not getting better.
We have opportunities to help and we're ignoring them.
» Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you for that passionate,
deservedly passionate comment. Um, does anyone want to respond to that or at
least speak to Yeah, let's call on staff here to uh
help us out a bit. >> Hi there. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, so
that is something that the heritage advisory committee did bring up um at
their meeting for this application as well. Um and so our standpoint is that
when someone applies for a heritage permit application,
um we c we can require them to uh keep or upkeep the steps in as good condition
as they can. Um if they were submitting a building permit application to
renovate Jake Scrapand Go restaurant, then that's something where AODDA
compliance could come into effect. Um if it's council's wishes, we could amend
um the recommendation. Um but from from the planning staff perspective, uh we
would just require them to maintain those steps in as good condition as they
can. What I don't understand is that I
thought that we're well past the deadline for u um
structural changes to provide accessibility and I I don't understand
why uh the proponent isn't isn't required uh in some way to conform to
the provincial legislation. Am I wrong?
Uh if I may your worship, um the trigger to uh make something like a door, excuse
[clears throat] me, accessible really only comes up on under the Ontario
building code when specific modifications are being made. So, um
existing B business owners aren't compelled to make accessibility
improvements unless they're already altering that item. So, for example,
removing a washroom and and replacing it or renovating, then the new the replaced
version would have to meet accessibility standards. I'd look to a facilities
expert um to to help me out there, but um really they would have to be altering
the entrance um for us to be able to trigger under the code an accessibility
um improvement, if that makes sense. >> I'm going to ask other members of
council to weigh in here for their opinion. I'll come back to you after
everyone's spoken and I'm going to start with councelor Yurig.
» Thank you Mr. Mayor and thank you councelor Greenfield for bringing up.
We're all extremely sympathetic to um AODA standards and would love to see
more in the downtown h have that happen. I guess my question is the obviously the
logistics of it because I'm presuming if that was looking at the diagram or at
the picture if that was going to happen it obviously can't shut out forward.
have to be side and the and the gradient of any ramp has to be fairly long
obviously to accommodate the uh standard. Is there room even to do that
on that building? Um because it's then going to jut into the driveway to the
part of it or to the left it's going to be the building. So has it even been
looked into to determine whether or not a ramp would even be able to manage to
work in that environment?
um through your worship. Uh I think that you've just pointed out sort of the the
catch, right? Um while we all um hold um accessibility um and heritage to a high
standard and high importance, uh in a historic downtown like ours, space is
very limited and the existing sort of logistics really really tend to to come
into play. So, um the applicant in this case hasn't uh applied to to alter their
um their entrance. So, we can't compel them to do so. Again, uh even though we
do really prioritize accessibility. So, um looking forward to our our new CIP
coming into force and effect so that we can um help add um you know funds to to
help incentivize those changes because again in these historic buildings those
represent significant potentially significant changes. So um I think
you've you've hit the nail on the head there.
» So that sort of truncates discussion unless somebody let's hear what you have
to say anyway and councelor Renis. >> Thank you. Um
yeah, I I complet um I completely uh sympathize uh with with with with the
idea. Um I worry that at this point we don't have the structures in place to be
able to enforce something that large on uh what is essentially the update of you
know in in appearance. Um so and that's essentially what I'm hearing from. we're
not getting into like structural building, but I do think that there
might be the opportunity then for future discussions to require accessibility
requ uh or accessibility considerations to be
part of our heritage permitting process. Um I've been to had the fortune to be in
other parts of the world and uh take courses uh designed around um how to
include uh various forms of physical disability um in in some locations that
have been built on for at this point a thousand years and in cultures where
heritage is extremely important. and they've come up with some very
creative solutions uh around the world to make very historical buildings uh
meet modern accessibility standards. I presume that maybe their larger
government tax structures are different and allow for that so that a small
municipality could apply for money to be able to do that. But looking at this
building on Google Maps right now on street view, I'm seeing that for
example, uh the spa next door is kind of more at grade and then the building kind
of comes across and the sidewalk drops down making that adding a step uh just
from one front door to the the neighboring front door. And I've seen a
solution where essentially the ramp is added along the front of the building.
Um you know, in this case it might be a little need to be more creative because
there's a door to the apartments above it seems. But um there are solutions uh
to to be able to do that. Um so if we're when we you know maybe maybe
for the next council maybe we included in our recommendations for the next
council to make that a part of our heritage permitting because heritage
buildings are going to be inaccessible pro most likely and so if anyone's going
to be doing any work on them at all we should be requiring this.
» Thank you. This is very valuable contribution. Councelor Bell, was your
hand up? Councelor Bell. No. Okay, fine. Sorry.
Um, Deputy Mayor, and then I'll go back to Councelor Greenfield.
» Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor, and I appreciate the discussion. I was going
to mention accessibility, but Harley did it much more descriptively than I ever
could. So, I'm glad we're addressing this for this particular building. Um,
I'm wondering in relation to the steps, because I appreciate the challenge that
we face with them. Um, is there a potential for us to require a temporary
ramp that could be just, you know, set down if someone wanted to enter the
business who required that with a walker, wheelchair, whatever the concern
might be, something that just could be brought out of the business, set down
over the steps on that very temporary basis so that individual could get in
and out. Are we allowed to require anything of that nature?
Sure.
Um through you, Mr. Mayor. Um that's a a good solution on a temporary basis. Um I
think staff would need to look into those required clearances for sidewalk
as well. I believe it's 1.5 m of clearance is required and I'm not too
sure um how it would affect um how large the ramp would need to be and if we
would maintain that required walking clearance on the sidewalk as well. Um
but it's something that staff could could look into further.
» Go ahead councelor Greenfield. Thanks again and your worship and thank you
Helina and uh uh director K uh for your comments and I
um you know first of all I I I know this is a
a difficult storefront to to do uh uh a lot of things with. When I mention a
ramp, I the AODDA ramps are a mile long and I wasn't
really thinking about that. I I was thinking about, okay, we'd have to take
a recessed doorway and a lot a number of our heritage buildings did have recessed
entranceways. um a ramp of even a steeper
grade.
Someone could push someone in a wheelchair up into the
building or someone with a walker I think could get up into it. They can't
do that with those two steps. Um, going back to I I don't understand
why the community improvement plan and accessibility are not directly tied. Uh,
like I think any community improvement plan uh grant or loan application that
comes forward if if they have accessibility features
to them, they should there should be a an asterct right behind it saying, "Hey,
this is this is special. this is uh this is one one vote for your uh uh for your
application and I don't think we've done that in the past and to me in the future
it's uh it's essential. So okay I've made my point. Thank you. Thanks. And
I'm just going to add that [clears throat] uh I've seen uh many u
facade improvements take place in our downtown core with no sympathy for the
heritage of our heritage district. So, uh I want to compliment the uh proponent
here for u uh thinking about how um a part especially that block of uh of
psych street which is you know not as built up and has more you know diverse
buildings on it. It's nice to see something that salutes heritage in
meford and uh I want to congratulate him and uh I'm going to call the vote. All
in favor? Any opposed? That is carried unanimously
and now we can move uh into committee of the whole at 155. Uh could I have a
mover and seconder? Deputy mayor and councelor Yuri. Thank you very much. And
the first item is
um under library services that committee of the whole receive report library
2026-01 mered public library annual report 2025
for information purposes. And I'm going to turn the microphone over to uh to
Lynn CEO. Thank you. >> Thank you. Move and second. We didn't do
that. Moved by councelor for seconded by councelor Andis. Thank you very much.
All in favor? Oh go. Okay. Boy after four years if [laughter]
I pity my follower. Okay. Uh go ahead and
» thank you so much. Uh, thank you. Your worship, deputy mayor, counselors,
including the M meford public library board, council reps, GR, uh, councilors
Greenfield and Forer, uh, and M, my municipal colleagues for
the opportunity for Chair Grafton and I to present the Meford Public Library
2025 annual report. The annual report supports transparency
and promotes knowledge of the importance of the Meford Public Library within our
community and helps to clarify what we've spent, what we do, why we do it,
and how we do it. Uh, it takes a village to run the Meford Public Library from
from council right on down to our valued users who supply great feedback to their
public library. Uh Mephford Public Library celebrates 100 years uh this
year in 2026. Uh but the building will be 6 years old, believe it or not, uh on
November 20th. Uh so we thank our facilities manager, Steve Burgess, and
his dedicated team for keeping the building in shape both inside and out.
And we also would like to thank the parks and recreation uh department and
their wonderful garden volunteer uh who helps keep the parkquette and the
surrounding gardens in order uh for for our story times, our library
programs and the public to enjoy. I'd like to introduce uh Chair Kim uh Kim
Grafton uh our board chair who would like to say a few words.
Good afternoon, Mayor Kentner, Deputy Mayor Shirley Keveny, counselors, fellow
board members on council, and town municipal staff. Welcome to the annual
report of the Meford Public Library. As chair of the library board, it is a
pleasure to be celebrating a 100red years of library service in our
community. I would like to take a moment to
acknowledge the contribution of my fellow Meifford Public Library board
members, our library CEO, Lynn Fasnado, and our great library team. Their
innovative leadership provides a public space that creates opportunities for
people of all ages to learn, collaborate, and connect. Community
partnerships are essential to our success and we again welcomed financial
support from the friends of the Meford Library, the Rotary Club, individual
donors, the Municipality of Meford Council, the province of Ontario through
the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Gaming, and the Ontario Library Service.
And I would like to just bring to your attention
some of that sponsorship. During the budget process this year, uh
there was some discussion about the library seeking sponsorship
and I would like to bring to your attention that the Meford Public Library
has benefited from sponsorship for many years from the Friends of the Meford
Library as well as the Rotary Club of Meford. The Rotary Club sponsored
equipment and licensing for the youth area in our new library, as well as for
Wi-Fi routers, which is ongoing to this day.
The Friends of the Meford Library have supported us since 1994.
This year alone, they sponsored our library to a tune of $31,159.89.
Their financial support doubles the funding available for programming.
It enables author events and enhances services and resources. In our budget,
we have $3,500 each for our children's programming and
our adult programming. The Friends of the Mayford Library
provide an additional $3,11566
for the children's program and $5,278 for adult programs. And that's just a
small portion of that $31,000. In essence, they double our budget for
programming.
We have major sponsorship. We have had within our community the support from
these organizations and they greatly enhance the services and programs that
would not exist without them. And I just want to take that opportunity to
reinforce that that we already have sponsorship and and it is very
important. We also welcome partnerships from local
cultural and economic stakeholders who helped contribute to the diverse mix of
programming that included life directions, the YMCA of Owen Sound,
bright shores, adult learning center. We have elder law series, income tax
clinics, gardener and residence series, and the ever popular story time
sessions, STEM and craft events for youth and teens, author events, book
clubs, puzzle exchanges, just to name a few. An average of 65 programs a month
for all ages. And I would also like to just hold so that everything doesn't
pull off. This is for July and August. This alone is our children's programming
Monday to Sunday. And every day there are four to five programs running. And
that's that's just a quick little snapshot. And again, that's just our
youth programs. Our adult programs are also running concurrent to this. So our
library provides a very valuable space in our community
and a vast array of resources await at the library from fishing rods, room
rentals to tech help. The meford public library was featured in the January 2025
edition of connecting the sound magazine in an article entitled the little
library that could. 100 years in Meford Public Library is a shining example of a
hub of learning, care, and connection. A space where everyone can belong and it
enables our community to thrive. And I would like to take a moment just to read
a little excerpt. And this is from a library patron involved in our writing
circle program at the library. And I'm not going to read it all. It is on I
believe available if you wanted to read. But I just I love her her her story here
and this is a short excerpt out of it. I now have the time in my winter chapter
to explore more which brings me great joy. This Meford library is new to me
and its offerings have awakened, enriched, fed and nurtured my current
curiosities and I love to enter its sliding doors to again lead me to a
world of topics that tickle my fancy. Such a joyous feeling
likened to wanting more and more of a favorite bon bon.
Hail to the library. May it remain a place of community and learning for all.
And that just tickles my fancy that uh someone wrote about the library in a
program at our library sponsored by our library.
The coming year holds a promise of new programs and exciting events. With
municipal elections this fall, there will be a change in our board. I have
served on the last eight years and it has been an honor and a privilege to
serve on this board and work with our amazing library team. I can't say enough
at the energy, the love that they put into everything that they do there. They
go above and beyond.
There's been some wonderful milestones. As Lynn mentioned, we're coming up to
six years on our new library, and it is just such a shining example in our
community of of what we can do when we all collaborate
to do the right thing. I will be sad to be leaving the board,
but I hope that the many gains that we have made and all the wonderful assets
continue to be used, enjoyed, and thrive in our community.
we say it's a little hard. It's that's I value our library very very much and our
board has been a wonderful board that has been very uh very
passionate about how and what we do. I would like to thank my fellow board
members, our staff and council for your investment in our
library which continues to be the cornerstone of the social infrastructure
in our community. I have enjoyed working and learning alongside our amazing team
of staff and more board members for the last eight years and wish that the
future of our library continues to be a happy and prosperous one.
turn back to L.
» Thank you so much, Chair Grafton, for those kind words. And Chair Grafton has
worked diligently as well these last eight years to uh make the Meford Public
Library the place to be. Plus, she works very hard on the ministerial library
board as well.
I don't know what to say after all of that.
Um, going over to our report. Um, the first thing that we do is our vision and
mission statement. Uh, everything we do at Meford Public Library fall under
these two very important statements as found in the Meford Public Library
strategic plan 2022. Plus, uh, the board's strategic plan is also in
influenced by council's strategic priorities. uh helping to ensure that we
have similar visions for our users um and members of our community.
Next page are our revenues. I wanted to mention that the donation
lines of $11,252 uh these include uh individual donations
uh donate uh monies collected from donation bids bins around the located
around the library and uh also from uh the me sorry the friends of the meford
library uh donations. uh the friends pay for li uh library items uh usually to um
they make a check out to the to the library to cover the costs. Uh this is
why uh and this revenue line is only 11,252
whereas on page 7 uh the we and as chair uh Grafton has mentioned that they
donated over $31,000 of items to the library in 2025. And the reason this
donation line is uh smaller is because those are the ones that uh we have
purchased as staff and the friends have reimbursed us. So uh fees and charges of
$78.99. These include printing, faxing, scanning, proctoring fees, uh late fees,
uh lost and damaged items and that type of uh information. Uh interl loan
postage rebate. uh we get an annual rebate from the Ontario Library Service
for postage uh to ship books to uh within to other libraries within the
province. And in 2025 we shipped out 772 books to other libraries and we received
for our patrons who um who uh looked for books within the system 787
u books came in. uh the programming revenues of 1625. These are revenues
generated to cover costs of our programming um that are not covered
either through our budget or through the friends of the ME for library
sponsorship. Uh room rentals uh these are fees collected for room bookings uh
for businesses and for-profit organizations. Uh public library
operating grant of 23935 uh which has not changed in over 30
years. that is uh comes to us every year from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture
and Gaming, which is the the uh ministry responsible for Ontario Public
Libraries. And I just wanted to also mention that the special events uh the
11,000 plus that we uh were from the Allen
Doyle event of last October, it was a sellout, so it uh created uh some good
revenues for the Meford Library. And we received uh from the Ministry of
Tourism, Culture, and Gaming in 2025 the uh summer experience uh opportunities
grant for our summer student last summer.
Here we go. Um expenses. We've uh any expenses that have uh the FOM supported
brackets uh next to it indicates that the FOML um have contributed
[clears throat] items in this category of expenses.
Uh advertising uh these are expenses such as ads and any MPL logo uh items
that we have such as tote bags and thank you cards and that kind of thing. Um
that was 500 uh sorry that was $631 last year. Uh association fees are for
Ontario Library um association memberships for both board and staff. Uh
these memberships are important because they uh give us a heck of a discount on
our uh um on our uh courses that we take through the OA to improve our library
services. We also um spend money on the Ontario Municipal Public Library
Organization and the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries um and also
something called access copyright and that is a license to enable public
libraries to uh have the public and staff uh photocopy uh various items with
that uh uh that we do as a service. Uh books is our capital item. We spent
last year $36,417. Um, and that's just not for books.
That's also for movies and also uh barcodes for items, any circulation bags
to uh to enable uh something to circulate and book repair items, cover
jackets, that kind of thing. Um, the clothing is for staff logo clothing, PPE
like silicon gloves and also sun sunscreen, which is very important for
uh staff to wear when we go on um outreach. uh outside are e resources.
They're heavily sponsored by the Ontario Library Service. Uh these include Libby,
Ancestry, Mango, World Book, Novelist. Um and uh we also spend on our own and
we have non-sponsored um e- resources called Biblio and Hoopla. Those are
downloading movie and book services. And uh we pay that. We don't have a u the
opportunity for a uh discount in those but these are all renewed annually as
well and our events uh was our signature author event uh for Alan Doyle which was
sponsored um the booking at the hall was sponsored by the friends of the meford
library uh facilities maintenance this is the amount spent by our by our
manager to maintain the building hydro heat water cleaning etc and um the cost
of the debenture for the new library building is also included in that
amount. Uh information technology uh large budgeted by our IT department uh
this includes Wi-Fi, all computers, software um that runs them, public and
staff networks, photocopy machines, phones, internet backups, email, etc. We
could not uh function uh without our IT uh people. So, thank you to Mark Ian and
his team. uh the library computer hardware software line. Uh that's uh
staff also purchase our own hardware soft software that run outside of the IT
department. Uh these are things such as um our inter our integrated library
system Koha. Uh our the catalog book uh carousel that's on our um catalog
librarian which runs our public access computers. uh all the RFID licenses that
run our alarm system and our inventory system, our Zoom Chromebook software,
and everything's renewed annually as well. That's why you'll see it every
year uh on on the budget estimates. Uh other expenses, they include staff
items. Uh uh uh Friends of Meford Library purchased uh the 2500 U
membership cards from that line last year. They also uh bought Nintendo games
for us in 2025. These games are quite expensive. So, we um we look at them to
help us uh keep that uh inventory fresh. Uh we also purchased a square terminal.
Thank goodness, now we have debit at the library. Uh we also uh bought a new
collar printer um and a summer student desk for our summer student in our staff
office, which we never had, and we bought those from individual uh
donations in 2025. uh programming out of the 7,000 budgeted
yearly for all programming. This is uh heavily sponsored by the friends of the
Meford Library and we couldn't offer the same quality and quantity of programming
without their support. Um and the expenses also include the Owens Sound
and North Union Public Library annual cost for library services which was a
little over I think 154 last year 158476 sorry about that. And um of course the
largest expense would be the salaries and benefits.
Um as chair Grafton had mentioned about the uh friends of the meford library
this year in the report we added uh an extra page uh just uh to highlight uh
everything that the friends of the meford library have bought for us. uh
because uh just looking at numbers on a spreadsheet doesn't really give you the
the true uh idea of what they do for us. And in fact, the if you go down to the
netshed, they've got this uh page highlighted uh uh in in the uh netshed
for the public to see where the money that they um that they buy used
generally used books for goes to within the the year. Uh they buy hard copy
newspapers, Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Meford Independent. These are read
daily and our beautiful living room area of the library. Uh this old school form
of information is still going strong and and it's a welcomed addition to
ourformational resources. If we uh forget to pick up the newspapers, uh we
will have a patron with five minutes asking where they are. So we have to
pick them up at Rexel. They come in through there. Uh the TD summer reading
program, it gets a great boost by the friends supplying uh fantastic prizes
for participants. Uh it's great to read, but it's uh it's uh but a chance to win
a great prize makes it even better, especially when you're young. Um uh
Ontario Public Library Week also gets a boost for prizes supplied by the Friends
of the Meford Library. Uh they purchased oversized bookends for our junior
picture books back in 2025. Um these are the largest items in the library.
They're almost larger than most reference books. Uh and the most popular
item within the junior collection. Uh so thanks to the FL they now uh sit neat
and tidy on the shelves. They were falling over and it was uh not uh not a
pretty sight sometimes. So now they're all neat and tidy. Uh inventory one
really helps um us find uh lost books within the library and also helps with
our inventory extremely um it works with our libraries
RFID tag system. Uh video games are expensive. the friends help keep this
collection fresh and um and as mentioned before the friends have sp sponsored our
membership cards since we first automated in 2005 I believe uh so we're
now on our third uh library system um which houses our uh the inventory of our
books and our patrons database and the friends have provided cards for this
every step of the way. So, we're very they're they're very expensive and we
really appreciate that they um that they help us out in this fashion. Uh and as
mentioned by Chair Grafton, they've also sponsored five of our Wi-Fi hotspots
which uh are flying off the shelves especially this summer. We've got
campers coming in, people at Memorial Park. We've got people up in cottages
for the summer. So they uh uh that and the Ontario parking passes uh are
[clears throat] and the um parking passes are hot hot ticket items in the
in the summertime. Uh we go this is my favorite page statistics. This is Neford
by the numbers. These statistics will provide a snapshot of the 2025 usage
here at Neford Public Library. Um 2025 saw almost 84,000 visitors through our
doors. Uh this equates to about when you think about it 84,000 questions from
something as simple as where are the washrooms to how do you print? Can I
have a book recommendation? And the staff do a tremendous job in helping to
provide this top-notch service. You never know what you're going to get when
they come in the door, but we hate to say no, so we do love to to help out any
way that we can. Uh we registered 804 new patrons in 2025.
uh with staff giving most a tour of the building and a warm welcome. Uh almost
73,000 materials checked out uh from a collection the size of 31,769
items. Uh the replacement value uh of items circulated was over $1.3 million.
So a yearly budget of 40,000 uh returns over uh 1.3 million in usage. Uh so this
dollar value does not include um the free meeting room spaces uh the free or
lowcost 789 programs offered and attended by almost 12,000 users and most
importantly uh the feeling of being in a bright modern beautiful facility that
values diversity, inclusion, confidentiality and equality has no
price tag in my opinion. That is priceless.
Uh MPL is proud to supply up-to-date technology for its users. Thanks in part
to the municipal IT department who worked uh diligent diligently to keep
both the public and the staff networks running. Uh we've got two systems so
takes a lot of uh a lot of maintenance. Uh the 15,610
computer users reap these benefits. uh volunteers run the tech center and
helped 339 people in 2025 with tech questions and
we thank our dedicated volunteers. Uh this number doesn't include the mirage
of technology questions posed to staff on a daily and almost hourly basis. Uh
the e library which includes more than e uh it includes more than ebooks. Uh our
e library contains uh movies, magazines, learning and language courses. uh saw
almost 40,000 downloads in 2025. Uh and the online catalog with over 44,000
searches.
Uh this is a fun page, most circulated items in 2025. This is just a sample of
the of the popular titles that circulated then. Uh even with the many
different movie streaming services available to folks now uh now these
days, our movie discs are still going strong in circulation. I know some of
the local libraries are taking them out of the collection because they're not
circulating, but uh I think uh if we did that right now, it wouldn't uh wouldn't
benefit our users. They're they're very very popular. The old discs still
around. Uh membership uh who makes up our membership. Um well, I've added uh
we've added the footnote explaining uh how we actually calculate the active
card holders. I know it's been a question um uh that many libraries we
want the ministry wants to make sure that we we tally every library tallies
their active card holders the same way. So an active membership is a member with
an unexpired card within the last two years. So that's how we uh do our active
memberships and that's how we reported to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and
Gaming every year. So it's not based uh on if they check a
book out. uh this is based on the expiry date because pe people use their cards
for many reasons. Uh that doesn't necessarily give us a statistic to
measure. Uh for example, if they use their card for a meeting space or if
they tend a program uh these are counted in number only not end user. So, you
know, we uh we take uh statistics of how many bookings were in the uh rooms rooms
per month, but we don't exactly pinpoint who who does what um for confidentiality
and and also because we only wanted a grand total anyway. Uh using u people
that use their card to access any e- resource such as Ancestry, Libby,
Hoopla, uh they don't get re registered individually as well. They get
registered um just as a lump sum number at the end of the month. Excuse me. Uh
from the membership uh chart, you can see that uh card holders from the Blue
Mountains and Grey Highlands enjoy reciprocal card agreements um with us
and our our um members can go and get free cards over at uh Grey Highlands and
Blue Mountains libraries as well. And non non-residents as well that live
outside these zones also get a free membership at Chifford Public Library.
We don't charge uh uh non-resident fees uh with the 5,235
uh uh municipal municipality of meford residents having an active card in 2025.
Uh this indicates based on the population data um the last census uh
that almost 47% of residents hold an active card. Um this just this indicates
a large commitment to the Meford Public Library by our community and we we are
most grateful.
Uh here we have uh three pillars of service are very important to uh the
Meford Public Library. That's engagement, innovation, and
collaboration. Uh in 2025, uh Meford Public Library embrace em embraced
diversity and inclusion with their rainbow book club and its spin-off
Rainbow Crafts. Uh selected library staff and board trustee Elgen Peekchuk
presented a seminar on inclusion and safe uh library spaces and rural
libraries at the OA super conference in January 2025. So that started the year
off on a great note. Um, health and safety is very important to the library
and the municipality of Meford as a whole. Uh, the library thanks the
municipality uh for the training opportunities and first aid uh joint
health and safety training uh the the new composition of the joint health and
safety um program. It's all uh points to a real commitment in health and safety.
Our library board uh is responsible for everybody in according to our safety and
security and library policy are also extremely are are responsible for
everyone in the library as well. So they also thank the municipality for their uh
health and safety commitment as well. uh staff training very important uh in
order to keep staff aware of trends in books and technology, AI, intellectual
freedom um everything and training is important
on how we deal with unruly patrons and other social issues which are becoming
all too common in a lot of public libraries uh such as homelessness,
addiction. Uh so we're training frontline staff to how to help in these
uh in these uh unfortunate condition conditions that can happen. Uh here we
go. Oh, sorry. Next pillar of service is uh innovation.
Uh it is crucial that the library um keeps relevant in its community with
within innovation. Innovation is what uh patrons want in order to access
up-to-date items and to access quality programming uh to keep them learning on
how to use the latest technology, how to use e- reser resources and how to make
the most of of their library membership. Technology is changing quickly and the
library needs to be ready with trained staff who can shift services and keep
ahead of this fast-paced technology based world. innovation is necessary
necessary so that staff can use the most recent technology in order to serve the
public. Uh we are also active on our social media and our newsletter. We have
almost 4,000 um subscribers to our newsletter that goes out monthly. So
that's a real commitment uh and it's fantastic uh u community support and uh
so thank you. Uh collaboration
that takes two pages because the uh we would um collaboration and partnerships
is what makes the tr uh the library truly public. Partnerships contribute to
learning services our inventory items. Um, it can make a visit to the library
fun, interesting, create social opportunities for others. Uh, the list
is endless on our collaboration pages. We collaborate with our municipality,
social services, uh, uh, legal firms, the list goes on.
It's just, uh, an amazing collaboration within our community and, uh, we reach
out to, um, people to partnership and they reach out to us. So I think we've
got trust within the community uh that so that uh these social services um and
other other um partners reach out to us and they know that they can hold their
uh their programs in a in a secure confidential space. Um and there are
also many economic benefits to our community from our library program
programming as most items and supplies for programming we purchase within the
community.
No,
no, I just wanted to mention the library board. I know we're we'll be getting a
council will appoint a new a new board at the end of this year. So, a shout out
to um Kim Grafton, our chair, uh Lloyd Moore, our vice chair, Frank Ampage,
trustee, Elegant Pekjack, trustee, Marne Wraith, trustee, counselors, uh Brandon
Fer, and counselors Hardy Greenfield, our council reps on board, uh on the
board. Uh, shout out to our staff. Uh, Lori Pierce, children and youth
coordinator. Amy Selei, community outreach coordinator. Shantel Highfield,
technical services coordinator. Ashley Trestler, library specialist in
circulation and interl loans. Uh, Samantha Macintosh, library assistant,
Rosemary Palmer, library assistant, Kim Bley, public services clerk, and our
library summer student, Claire. Every year it changes and um it's
we uh we enjoy having our summer students so much and they are pivotal in
our TD summer reading program. But I would also like to ones that's not on
this list are our valued volunteers. Uh we we treat our volunteers as staff and
valuable team members. So they should uh they are included in this list as well.
uh reviewing the year and planning the future. Uh in closing, um I want to uh
I've thanked all our stakeholders. There's just so many. That's why my uh
it's two pages long. My my thank you. Uh I talk about uh in my uh report I talk
about the challenges of AI and intellectual freedom. That is something
not going away. Uh AI affects can affects books uh our e- resources. So
it's something that we really um have to stay on top of. Uh we certainly don't
want um an algorithm telling us what books we need to buy for our our our
database. We need to have people with passion and heart to um to create items
for the library. Uh we are looking forward to our 100th
anniversary celebrations this year and another signature author event which has
which we've just booked on November 9th. I'm not going to tell you who it is yet.
Uh and and we are also looking forward to working with a new council and a new
library board at the end of this year.
Here's our contact us page. Uh, I want to thank you, council,
uh, your worship, deputy mayor, municipal colleagues, uh, chair Grafton,
the Meford Public Library board council reps, uh, Greenfield and Forer, uh, and
the Meford Public Library staff. uh they are a dedicated team who are committed
to me for public library both past, present and future and a team that will
help ensure that we remain the community hub and the place to be. Um but I thank
most of all the public users of the Mford Public Library. Um by coming
through our doors, providing feedback, positive or negative, we learn from
everything. uh taking out a membership, donating funds, and more puts the public
into your Meford Public Library. Thank you for taking the time today to listen
to Chair Grafton and I describe the beautiful community hub called the
Meford Public Library, and we look forward to your next visit. Thank you so
much. >> Thank you, Lynn. Does anyone have any
questions or comments for Lynn, Deputy Mayor?
» Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And first of all, and I just want to say a huge thank you
for everything that the library provides to this community. It's amazing. I often
take advantage of the meeting spaces and I don't know what I'd do without them.
But a very special note of appreciation to Chair Grafton and thank you for your
intense passionate commitment to the library over these past years and I know
you'll be no stranger going forward. Um I just wanted to ask one question
though, Lynn. You mentioned the uh Wi-Fi routers um and how often they are looked
out. Do you actually have enough of those at this point?
» Uh I was just discussing that with our IT uh department actually last week. Uh
I think they're moving over to another company. So they've already replaced
some of the SIM cards in them because they they've been going strong for 5
years now, almost six years. So, we may I might investigate investigate buying a
few more units as well because there are two actually that uh actually went out
and never came back unfortunately. So, we have um from the we started with 11
and we have actually nine that are are um being circulated.
» And if I may, Mr. Mayor, a followup. Thank you for that, Lynn. And just uh
noting that perhaps it's something the Rotary Club would just like to know
about uh that you might be interested in some additional routers. And and just
one last thing, um you mentioned the volunteers, but I just have to uh
express gratitude for the gardeners who do an incredible job, those girls out
there every morning and the watering and the weeding and and I tell them every
year the gardens look better and better. So a special shout out to them.
» Absolutely. Thank you. Anyone else wish to make a comment? Uh then thank you
again so much. Very comprehensive and uh uh straight up for the library for sure.
» Thank you so much. >> Under community services um the
recommendation is Oh, we have to vote to accept this for uh for it's okay but we
we want to accept this for information purposes.
Uh all in favor? Uh any opposed?
I'm going to assume that councelor Andis is very in favor of the library here.
» Thank you your worship. Just for clarity, we will not be counting his
vote in this as he did not. >> Okay. So then it is unanimous among
those of us who are in the horseshoe. Um so under uh community services uh the
recommendation is that uh uh committee of the whole recommend council of the
municipality of meford enact a bylaw to repeal and replace schedule Q of the
2026 fees and charges bylaw and I'll call on director uh carpet to uh
yes mover and second. Thank you again. Um so uh a mover
councelor for a seconder councelor Bell all in favor don't need to do that. Okay
questions or uh and I think we should hear from director Carver here.
» Thank you your worship and I can be relatively quick with this one. Uh this
is another kind of housekeeping item that I'm bringing to council's
attention. Um, we require the 2026 fees and charges schedule Q, uh, to be
updated in order for us to issue our renewals for the arena advertising
program. Uh, the amount that was included in the original fees and
charges bylaw was incorrect for this year. And had we have issued our
renewals at that rate, we would result in a approximate loss of $7,500 to
$8,000 uh, due to this. So the original bylaw
included kind of a blanket fee whereas a system that has been in place for
approximately 5 years now actually has a tiered pricing system so that the more
prime locations particularly behind the home and the players or home players and
away players bench are uh 4003 or $400 and $350 and the end boards are cheaper
than that but they are all still significantly higher than what was
included in the bylaw. So we felt it appropriate to bring this back to get
this rectified so that we can issue the renewal letters for this upcoming season
and in order to maintain consistency from year to year. So last year we
charged the higher rates if we brought it back down to the amount in the bylaw.
This year we would lose the money but then also have um some negative flicity
next year when we turn around and put that put it back up to the proper rate.
So we thought we'd bring this to council right now.
» Any questions for Brady? You ready to vote? Well, go ahead,
councelor Bell. >> Thanks, Mr. Mayor. Thanks for the
report. So, you have mentioned uh verbally that you want to have this in
place before you start asking personnel that wish to advertise.
So, no one has paid $150 at this point. when they see what you're going to
charge them, should council do this this afternoon, they will be told these
prices on the right hand column. To councelor Belu, your worship, yes, we
have not issued our renewals for the 2026 2027 season. Um, if council
approves the report today, the bylaw will come back in two weeks and then
those renewal letters will go out that week.
Okay, seeing no more questions, I'm going to call the uh item. All in favor?
Any opposed? Though that is carried unanimously.
Um under corporate services the recommendation is that the committee of
the whole recommend council of the municipality of meford approve uh one
option three as per the staff report and two establishing a capital budget of
$47,500 to be funded by the information
technology reserve fund. I'm going to ask director Dinsmore to uh speak to
this one. I'll move her in a second. Let's do that right away. Um, Deputy
Mayor and Councelor Yurig. All in favor? No. Okay. Uh, please go
ahead. Uh, thank you, your worship. So, I'll
just quickly, excuse me, [clears throat] run through the three options that staff
have put in front of council for their consideration with option three being
the one currently recommended by staff. So, under option one, it would be the
basic level of investment that would be required to allow council to participate
remotely. Um, so it it would allow for hybrid participation by council members.
In addition, there would be some upgrades made when other presenters are
making presentations to council. So right now you can either see what
they're presenting or the person. You'd be able to see both. Um, making it a
little bit more interactive. Option two.
And each one as I go through each one of these options, what comes in option one
you get if you go with option two. What comes in options one and two you get
when you go to option three. So they build off of each other.
Uh option two looks to at looks to improve the overall audio quality within
council chambers and uh more specifically for those who are
participating online and for those who are viewing council online. And again,
it allows for better um better presentations and better content um
viewing for for those that are participating in the council meeting.
And then option three, which is the highest AV investment and the one again
that staff are recommending at this time. Uh the the main part of this one
is it improves the backup storage of all recorded meetings which um is very
important because as everybody's aware these are uh permanent records of the
municipality. Uh it also allows for a little bit better public viewing while
um the public is in this room. some of the TVs would be made a little bit
larger, would be angled out so that um it's a little bit easier for every for
everybody here to to see what's going on and be able to view presentations that
are being made by staff and uh and other other third parties. So, with that, I
will uh I'm available for any questions. >> Councelor Yuri,
» thank you, Mr. Mayor, and thank you, Sam. It' be inappropriate for me to go
over and hug you. So, um I'll just say thank you very much for the report and
for the elacrity that it came in. Uh I will wholeheartedly uh recommend we
proceed with option C3 as recommended and uh thank you for the very quick work
on this because I know we've asked for for a long time but we did sort of ask
for this to come or I asked for this to come back quickly and I appreciate that.
» Councelor Ford. Uh thank you Mr. Mayor. It's for you.
Um, I definitely agree that some upgrades do need to be done. However, I
just find that we're being asked to spend money without seeing equipment
costs or what these operating costs include. Like I find it's way too high
level. Um, I'd really like to see more detail to see what we're actually
spending money on. Um, it's also not very clear. You know, you get everything
from option one to option two to option three, but like what is that? So, I just
find that I'm not comfortable voting not knowing what exact products or equipment
we're voting for and the reasons behind it. I also don't have any information
with regards to what type of um service agreements that might be with any of
this hardware. If there's software and there's technology, there might be some
subscription fees. Um, I also don't know who this consultant was. Is this the
individual that's selling us this product or how are we going about buying
this product and who are we buying it from? I just find there's a lot of
information that I'm just not comfortable moving forward without that.
So maybe you can help me with that, but I I would have loved to see a more
detailed list of the equipment and the services like just more specific to see
what that money actually where that's coming from. Thank you.
» Thank you. And through you. So, as staff went through this, we actually went
through our purchasing policy to ensure that we were getting quotes correctly.
Um, I believe only one bid was received on this work. The reason that I've left
it high level is we do start to get into the area of proprietary information.
We're not specifically allowed to say for exact types of things that um how
much individuals are charging us. Um, that's why when we put large tenders in
front of council, we leave it as one number. Um, because to go into much more
detail is actually giving out confidential information. Uh, I'm happy
to bring back a little bit more of a breakdown if that's what council would
like to see. Um, we could also look at going into close session to to walk
through exactly what would be offered by the consultant.
» Deputy Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh first of all,
I'd like to rename this the councelor URIG report because this has been uh on
Rob's mind for a long time. So I appreciate seeing this in front of us
today. Um in my mind in relation to the breakdown that councelor Ford has
requested and I appreciate uh your desire to do that, but I look at this as
being operations and kind of understanding the role of council and
governance and the role of staff in executing the desires of council. If we
look back at our budgeting process and you could pick anything, but if we look
at the new financial software for example, um you know, we didn't see that
level of information. So, I just think it's it's interesting and a good
opportunity for us to kind of explore, you know, what's what's appropriate for
us to see and what is, you know, completely operations for staff. So,
some more information on that might be uh good to have. Uh but Sam, my question
for you. Um we talk about council on this report. So just review with us
again in terms of committees, whatever the committees look like in the next
term. Um will this uh upgrade be available for uh committee meetings as
well as council? >> Uh through uh thank you through you, Mr.
Mayor. So because the any committee meeting that would happen in this room,
all of this technology would be available for those committee meetings.
We would have to ensure that it's through the procedural bylaw that all of
it is allowed. But yes, anything that would happen in this room could take
full advantage of this new equipment. >> Going to call the question. All in favor
any sorry just can we start again here? I don't
know if you heard I'm I'm calling a question. All in favor of accepting the
report. So we have one, two, three, four, five,
six in favor. Those opposed? Okay, one opposed. And I declare the
motion carried. Um the next recommendation is uh from uh development
services. Um it's that committee of the whole recommend council of the
municipality of meford one direct staff to initiate a request for
pre-qualification RFPQ process for the three surplus
residential parcels identified and two endorse exploration of a tiny home
community model subject to feas may be bigger pardon
» thank you we just uh missed D under corporate services the 2027 to 2031
capital facility capital program Okay. Uh do you want me to finish this and go
back to that or don't? Okay. We'll start over here. The recommendation is uh and
this is uh from um uh corporate services that committee of the whole recommend
council of the municipality of meford approve option X which we will determine
as we move forward. uh as outlined in report uh uh corporate services uh 2027
to 2031 and that is a facilities capital program and again I'm going to turn it
over to director Dinsmore. Sorry. Yes, let's get a mover and seconder to have
it on the table. Um it's moved by councelor for seconded by
sorry thank you councelis. Um, and let's proceed.
» Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I'll just quickly explain why why I wrote the
recommendation the way I wrote it and didn't staff haven't actually made a
recommendation in this case. And we're looking for direction from from council
on that part. At this point, staff didn't feel it was within our
responsibility or within our right to make a recommendation. Um we're looking
for guidance and a um we're looking for guidance from council on how we go about
putting together the 2027 to 2031 capital budget for the five specific
facilities mentioned in this in this report. I just want to quickly highlight
those facilities. Um they're the administrative offices at 21 and 15
trail the blue dolphin pool the council chambers. So just this building we're
not including the uh patrol a and then the meford stent community center and
arrange. So this report is specifically focused on those five five facilities
that are currently owned and operated by the municipality. Uh I just want to
quickly outline chart one. Um chart one gives some gives some basic information
about the facilities, what year it was constructed, what a replacement value is
in 2024 and what their current facility condition index is. And then tied to
that would be what condition that asset is considered to be in. So when you look
at it, the the the newest facility is the one we're sitting in right now,
which is still over uh over 30 years old. So some of these facilities are are
quite old, 15 Trobridge being a bit of an outlier at, you know, coming up to
100 years old.
Staff have put together two options for council's consideration today. And and
what we're looking for is to direct us on how to build the capital budget. So
we're not specifically asking for council to approve $12.6 6 million
today. But what we're doing is looking to see if you would like to see that
type of information and those type of capital projects put into the 2027 to
2031 capital program.
So within the the facility condition assessments done on those five
facilities, the 12.6 million was identified of work that needs to be done
over the next 3 to 5 years. The main pieces of that of that amount are roof
replacements and parking lots. They're rather expensive. Um, and a lot of these
facilities, specifically specifically the arena, are getting to that age where
some significant dollars are going to be needed to invested into that facility to
get it to its full useful life of roughly 80 years for a facility. So, so
option one is looking at just continue to budget the projects as they need to
be done at the price that they need to be done at. Um, some pros to this
approach would be it's a lower capital cost than option two and it maintains
the level of service that council has set with minimal impact on the operating
budget. Uh, some of the cons that we've outlined
is after the 12.6 million, there still will be a 55year-old arena and a
66-year-old outdoor pool. Uh, the capital works will be like for like with
no improvements to the facility. So, as an example, the dressing rooms at the
arena are a bit of a a cause for concern due to their size. Investing this type
of money won't make those dressing rooms bigger, won't make that facility more
user friendly. It will basically operate the same way it does today. Um, the
investment will not greatly increase the operating efficiencies of those
facilities. So, we would continue to see the similar hydro bills, natural gas
bills, things like that. and we would continue to operize in a decentralized
administration. So right now there is administration at at least four
facilities throughout the municipality.
Option two would be to look at explore multi-use facility.
So in the report I specifically talked about bucketing everything together
administration and recreation. going through a study like this, it may
make more sense that administration is kept separately. Maybe here out to this
piece of property and the recreations are bucketed together. Um, or maybe it
does make the most sense that everything's put into one central
facility. We can see throughout kind of our neighboring municipalities when you
go to Sagen Shores, the arena, the pool, and the administration facilities are
together. Um when we go somewhere like Stainer, you've see you can see the
library is with the arena. So there's lots of different examples of what other
municipalities have done
within the within this recommendation. Staff would be looking at budgeting
about $200,000 to complete this assessment. This assessment would
include a lot of public and council outreach to gather what the community
wants and what the community needs. Um a concept development. So, you know, a
high level concept of what potentially could be built, what type of amenities
the building would include, and whether it would be, you know, one or two
facilities. And then a a you know, a central part
would be a funding strategy. How are we going to pay for for a facility of this
size? Um looking at possible grant opportunities, looking at a potential
partnerships with, you know, the YMCA. We have a partnership with them with the
Blue Dolphin uh pool right now. also looking potentially at the Department of
National Defense and whether there would be any any appetite for a partnership
there. So, this study would would dig into those a lot more to see if there
was possibilities there. Um, some pros of this approach would be,
you know, your consolidation of your three administration hubs into one
administration center. Um, increased uh energy efficiencies. We would be looking
at, you know, making these buildings as close to net zero as possible. uh a
potential for additional services to be offered to the public including walking
track, multisport gymnasium, and exercise center. We would also be
potentially looking at bringing the pool indoors. Then it can be used all year
round rather than just the summer months. And then the ability to
repurpose current facilities or that land that those facilities sit on. Um
some cons to this this option would be there's a large, you know, capital cost.
This is the larger capital cost option. It's hard to say exactly what a facility
like this would cost. Um I did put into the report you probably would be looking
at the $60 to $80 million mark. Um I believe that's what God has recently
spent on their facility. And then there would be a significant impact on the
operating budget with additional staff uh requirements. You you know if there
is a pool that's open all year round, we need pool attendance. Um having the
facility just simply cleaned at the end of every day and things like that. So we
would see large operating impacts. Again, that would be picked up within
that study about what the ongoing impact would be on the uh municipal tax rate.
So with that, I'll uh I'll pause and I'll am available for any questions.
» I'd like to thank you very much for the report uh Sam. It it is probably the
most important discussion we may have uh in our term here and uh I regret that we
only have maybe you know 40 minutes or something to devote to it but at this
time um councelor Yuri you can start. >> Thank you Mr. Mayor and thank you Sam.
Yeah it's a big one obviously um I know you go out and you talk to a lot of the
public and a lot of people that have certainly talked to me about it
everybody would love the concept of the multi-use facility assessment. So, um,
it's interesting when you said 60 to 80 because I did started to look at a lot
of research around as well and it was interesting because I was really
thinking that would probably be more like in the 80 to 120 realistically and
you looked at a lot of the other competitors. Godidge was one but a lot
of the other ones were certainly higher than that. So, I guess the question is
twofold. One is I mean obviously it's not just this because trying to do this
in concert with another maj major purchase i.e. wastewater plant somewhere
down the road is two big chunks of change to bite. Um you did mention about
partnerships and one thing you didn't mention in there and when we go to AMO
and Roman places like that they always talk about um cooperation between
municipalities not just working with like the um DoD or Y but literally
looking at like a Blue Mountains or or Grey Highlands who are neighboring who
might also benefit from a poolled facility like that. So hopefully that
would come into vogue as well. But my question is that when you talked about
budgeting 200,000 for 2027, seems to me that we already did budget like a couple
hundred,000 to look at the harbor and the urban meford kind of um master plan.
This to me, even though this doesn't fall under those two geographical
probably locations, it seems to me that this is a big part of that overall
conversation because not only with the harbor, what it's going to look like and
how it's going to, you know, be assessed for the benefit of for all, but the
urban downtown, but this becomes almost a third part. This becomes almost a
triumphant. And I was just wondering, is there a way that that should be melded?
So, if we're going to get a consultant to look at that anyway, should we be
doing that as well? Because in the public, it almost seems like we would be
doing a public input to talk about those things and then we were doing a public
input to talk about that and there's a lot of overlap. So, there is there a way
that we could kind of combine those agencies and and have that as a much
larger conversation.
» Uh, thank you and through you, Mr. Mayor. Uh both really great questions
and great points and yes we would to kind of answer your first part we would
look to our surrounding municipalities to see if there were any partnership uh
that could be done there. One that jumps out to me would be Chadzsworth who's
recently decided not to move forward with an arena. Um yes we could look at
something like that. The way I structured this with that was that this
would come back through the 2027 budget process to be considered by council at
that time and if approved staff would then move forward with it. So, we can do
kind of one of two things. We can either bring this one forward and potentially
look at approving something like this today with final approval by council on
the 27th because the harbor downtown project has not been initiated to date.
Um, so we could look at, you know, increasing that budget, changing that
scope and and bundling this all together. or we could go the other way
and leave this for the 2027 budget deliberations and not do the downtown
harbor until 2027. Um, so I would leave that up to council's direction and how
they wanted to handle it. >> Deputy Mayor,
» thank you, Mr. Mayor, and I appreciate both the report and your comments,
Director Dinsmore. And I guess too it would be depend on the consultants who
were hired whether or not they had the skill set to look at recreation
facilities and you know the downtown and harbors. So that that would remain to be
seen. But I'm I'm just really pleased that we're having the opportunity to
have this discussion. I think it's important that we give consideration to
the future of these facilities. I mean we know that wreck facilities are a draw
to communities and and uh I know friends in God would say that their wreck
complex has helped them attract doctors. So that there's some merit in that as
well for us to consider and you mentioned uh you know various facilities
and it would be my assumption you'd also be looking at pickle ball courts and
partnering with that organization and I know the lawnballing group are concerned
about you know potential future flooding again and and you know could they be
part of this. So I think there's just lots of opportunity to uh to build upon
what's been uh said here today. So, I'm I'm just excited to see this come
forward into the 2027 budget and to have an opportunity to to explore and I think
you've you've touched on, you know, how we might continue to maintain current
facilities in the process because it will take a number of years to bring
this to fruition, but I think we would want to be very mindful of what
investments we made in our existing facilities, but we would need to keep
them uh limping along. So, thank you very much, Sam. I
» think councelor Bell, you're next. Thanks, Mr. Mayor. So, uh, the report is
something that, uh, I guess in the back of mind of, uh, current council members.
We've seen reports where our long-term debentures on a lot of facilities have,
uh, got themselves now that they're getting almost paid off, but I don't
think any of us here thought that, you know, we're not going to incur costs on
those buildings just because we've got the main debenture paid for. Um, as far
as direction today, um, I think sitting here that if we tell staff to maintain a
status quo, uh, this this major subject matter, uh, will definitely be in front
of the new council. And when we consider the number of people who are our
taxpayers, we run with about $22 million of tax supported money. Um I mean we
talked about the need for the wastewater treatment plant. I mean the needs and
the desires of this community. Name the percentage higher than what our
purse can actually handle. So that is the big discussion really in my mind.
This is a service level that we need to do and uh I appreciate comments about
looking to other municipalities. What do they need? what they don't have,
what they could have. But I think when I see numbers like this and we just had a
report about how much money we've got in our reserves. Um and then given the
dynamics of of of our society where we're at today. Um,
not not to say that the rural people don't appreciate things that might be
available to them, but when we start talking about these tens of millions of
dollars and we really have to come up with a
decision on how we promote or how we get
feedback, buy in. Should a future council do this?
I think that this this subject matter is just saying that I've met people
recently that their service level that they've experienced in other places in
Ontario is top shelf and then I tell them that we've got a beer budget
and that's kind of where we're at. We need to be in our means because we can
overstep our our own ability to repay. we can overstep that immediately
and I don't think we should do that and I think that this major subject matter
is is for the future council and uh for my myself today if you need something to
move forward to know what you need to put in for opening remarks for 2027
for the mayor at that time to consider what that might look like I think I'd
like to just say status quo this afternoon and we can start there in the
future Thanks.
» Um, councelor Greenfield. >> Thank you, your worship. Thanks, uh, Mr.
Timsmore for bringing this forward. Um, I have a couple of concerns with this.
First, first of all, just a comment. We, not too long ago, we had a facility
report from, I'm sure if it was Hamson or Watson, uh,
one of those two. uh and uh I'm I'm hoping that report could be utilized
somewhat uh for anything in the future. Uh there was quite a bit of detail in
there and uh and uh I estimates on the longevity ahead of
some of our buildings. I uh when I first read this, I thought
and I still think I I think this is a decision that should be left for the
next council uh to make. uh we are going to have some new members on that uh on
that establishment and this is a huge hu potentially huge huge uh investment uh
obligation. We know something does have to be done. Uh some of our facilities,
a number of them are uh uh getting on the uh uh
the the old side of their uh of their tenure. Uh certainly the the pool uh
even the the St. the Meford St. Vincent Community Center uh which is
approximately 50 years old. We have to remember the the arena
before what we have now, it only lasted 25 years. So
if you compare the two, this one's quite an age. I guess
I certainly there should be cost efficiencies of combining
everything into one huge complex.
But again, when I first read this, I
thought, hey, this is, you know, where this is all have to be located.
That's in the urban area on on the services. Um,
we could have an administration office in the rural
area. uh this I I I
hope that is kept in mind. We could have a council chambers
in the rural area. We are a big geographical municipality. So um
those are my two concerns. one is uh I'm not I feel uneasy for this council
to commit to something and and I know it's in its infancy, but even then
there's there's going to be a record of that. Miss Miss Wilton Seiguel is going
to make sure this this gets in the record. So that's my first problem. And
the second problem is I I I I really hope in a in an attempt to
reach out to our rural residents, uh it is not a given
something like all all of these services have to be downtown mefort
thinking. >> I'm looking to uh councelor Anderson,
councelor Ford, do you wish to speak to this? So, go ahead, please.
» Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor, and I appreciate the discussion here, and I'm
sort of in line with um councelor Greenfield and councelor Bell is that um
I this is a very important decision. I think it'd be best to leave this to the
next term of council to decide. Um and so, I'll just leave it at that for now.
Thank you, >> Councelor.
Thank you, [clears throat] Mr. Mayor. Uh similarly, I think it
would be best for the next council to decide though while we're talking about
it. I guess it might be helpful to sort of put my thoughts in. Thinking of cost
efficiency, I worry about whether or not that would be uh sort of scrubbed by
having to pay a huge debt uh to be able to do it. Um, so I don't I I'm not sure
that that would be uh, you know, a sort of like a useful um,
argument for it, but I just don't feel that we're a municipality that's big
enough to to sort of justify a project that large. Um, especially considering
um, we're struggling to figure out how we're going to get the water treatment
um, situation uh, sorted. Um, I think this is something that would be very
nice to have. Um, but I I just don't think we're there. I don't think that
that's what this municipality is. Um, I think we're very lucky to have the
services and and um options uh that we have, the recreation options that we
have. Um, and keeping them going is is expensive and we it it's known to be
expensive. Talking to members of the community, it comes up a lot about how
expensive it is. But if we then double down on something that is
massively expensive, uh I just I I don't know that that would that would sit well
um with with with a lot of the municipality, a lot of our a lot of our
neighbors. Um so yeah, today I would I would be most comfortable uh seeing what
the ne voting to see what the next council thinks.
» Um I just [clears throat] I I'd like to weigh in on this as well. So, uh, do we
want to u uh do you have something you want to start answering? I I I'd like to
just make three points if I could. This is coming from somebody who's lived in
Meford since 19 uh 56. And uh I was a young man then, I'm an
old man now. And so it's I I just want to share with you how from my
perspective how this looks. U the first thing is I I see two projects. I think
that uh I would divide recreation uh which is multifaceted and and
administration. I would divide those into two projects and I would say that
uh it's important that the administration perhap it can maybe go uh
rural or urban. Uh I think there are real merits in in having it in the urban
center. Uh but I think that uh if if we're going to look at involving uh
other communities, uh we should be very open to uh a rural destination for a a
rec center. Um the second thing I want to say is uh I regret to inform you that
I do not I don't have a lot of confidence that our boundaries will
always be what they are today. I think the Ford government is likely going to
change things uh before it is done and um we may be part of a we may be either
a much smaller municipality than we are now or or part of a great big
amalgamation and I have no idea what might be coming. And the third thing is
with respect to councelor Bell's points, um
I think it's very important to realize that a lot many many millions of dollars
are coming to municipalities of all sizes for these recreational projects.
And if we don't have a plan and if we don't have a vision for where we're
going, uh we won't be we won't be getting our fair share.
And if we wait for uh the next council or it waits for the next council, uh I'm
not sure those funds will continue to be available. And from what I have seen,
it's critically important that uh improvements to uh to our uh our pool
and to our arena are something that we can't start soon enough to deal with.
Um I guess we'll go around one more time and then we'll come back to staff. Thank
you, Council Eric. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and thank you for
your last comment because the one thing I did want to say, and I and I do 100%
appreciate the concern about the overall massive expense. To that regard, I will
say the problem being is is to your point twofold. One is the further you
kick it down the road, a few years ago, a wastewater plant would have cost us
$30 million. Now, it's going to cost us $120 million. this put off another 5 10
years what is it going to cost then to do it and at that point when does your
actual facilities become end of life and then what do you do but I can still
think moreover to your point again as well about boundaries may potentially
shifting but I think that's why it's also paramount and I again cannot stress
enough how many um at how many conferences you hear it
is so vital that municipalities need to get together to try and share costs to
to to share these kind of facilities because you're right, Blue Mountains
can't afford this by themselves, Chadzsworth can't afford it by
themselves, Greyhound, but if you put it together, then you all can maybe take a
bite out of it and do it. So that's why I just think and without taking a step
forward and I'm fine with it being in the next council, if we're putting it
forward literally six months for that conversation, I have no problem with
that. But I have real concerns about it getting kicked further and further and
further out and it gets more expensive and then then you're in a situation
where we just may not have any at some point down the road. So your point is so
[snorts] apt I think that if you don't at least
plan for it, you will not have the availability to potentially do it.
That's why at least a plan I think to look at what could be done is more
important than sitting back and going ah let's just put band-aids on everything.
I think councelor Greenfield, I don't think he's spoken yet, please.
» Okay, deputy mayor. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. And yeah, I
think we all recognize that this is a multi-year process that is going to have
some really difficult decisions attached to it. But I just want to clarify what
is being asked of us here today, which I believe if I'm correct, Director
Dinsmore, is to um provide a recommendation to yourself to include in
the 2027 budget $200,000 to undertake a study to give some
direction to the next council as to what they might be looking at in terms of
recreation facilities, administration facilities, and and they would be
charged then with making those decisions. Am I correct in uh that
assumption? >> Uh thank you and through you Mr. Mayor.
Oh 100%. This report is looking for some direction on what to include in the 2027
budget. It is not appro preapproving the 2027 budget. Um without this report
there may not have been anything included in the 2027 budget except for
maybe some facility capital requirements just for that in year. Um staff wanted
to take a bit of a holistic approach to this. So what could happen as an example
if council was to go with option one the status quo and staff puts in the 15
million or 12 million over the five years we could get to 2027 the new
council is making the decision they could at that point say no no take all
that out put the $200,000 and we want to do the study and that would be allowed.
So we're not making any decisions. What we're doing is giving the next council a
starting point for how they want these recreational facilities and
administrative facilities to operate. Um I will just make one quick comment on uh
the mayor's point. All new grants coming from the province and the federal
government include a must be shovel ready, right? Must be ready to go
whether it's ready to go with the engineering or ready to go with the um
the actual construction. So having the public consultation, which is what that
200,000 really would be done so we know what we're building, um would allow us
better would give us better information for those grant applications
because we would know what we want to include. Um staff have made no
assumptions as to what a recreational facility includes. It may include a
pool, it may not. We don't know. Um, we again we we would like to go through
this process to figure out what the community wants and what it's going to
cost the community. I was always told that if you ask someone if they want a
Ferrari, they're going to say yes until you tell them how much it's going to
cost. And that's what this is doing, right? If we went out to the public
right now and said, "Do you want an indoor gym? Do you want an indoor pool?
Do you want a new arena?" Everybody is going to say yes. But we need to make
sure that everybody knows what that will do for their annual property taxes.
Without this 200,000, it's very hard to answer that question.
» I'm going to go to councelor Renis and I'll come back to you, councelor
Greenfield. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, you've changed
my thinking a little bit. So, I appreciate that. It sounds to me like we
need to go with option two to make it possible for the future council to make
that decision. So in that case um I could change my thinking and go with
option two. >> Uh councelor Greenfield.
» Thanks uh thanks to worship and uh thanks again Mr. Dinsm. Uh I'm still uh
uneasy about this. Uh I I it's it's wonderful to look at
the big picture uh forward vision. Uh I I'm just not sure if our municipality
is quite there yet. And I'm somewhat afraid that by
looking at too many of these big ticket items,
there may be an exclusion of the basics.
We've got streets. We've got roads that are not in good shape.
basic transportation items that gets everybody from home to work to to
pleasure hopefully.
lot of this we've talked about grants and yes there are grants out there but
you've got 444 municipalities in Ontario reaching out for them and uh the chances
of uh our municipality they are as good as any of the others but there aren't
444 huge grants out there I'm sure that we're talking about maybe a $20 million
OP PP station that we may get a grant for some of it. Uh
we're trying to dredge a harbor and it's at least a half a million dollars just
to get started on the dredging. Um
I I really I mean it's it's great to have a vision. It's great to have
uh some kind of an idea of where you want
to go, but I I don't think we're there yet. I I think we've got uh
we're looking at third base, and I don't think we've got the first base yet. So,
I I I just think it's premature. I think
it's it's great to have a discussion. Yes, we know something has to be done
likely within the next 101 15 years, but um I'm not content to uh uh get into
something today. >> Thank you.
» I think that CEO Everett would like to speak.
» Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh just from a few years of in the community services
and recreation aspect, um doing a feasibility study, you know, it's a it's
a good start. Um, councelor Greenfield mentions we're on third base. I' I'd say
we're still in the dugout. Um, and and trying to get an idea of where we need
to go. Um, I could provide a a lengthy, very lengthy list of the facilities that
need dramatic investment that we have today. whether it be a tennis court,
whether it be a waterfront, whether it be a campground. Um,
there's a lot of our facilities that are extremely deficient in where they need
to be. Um, having an idea of what the future of a of a pool is, an arena is,
um, I would have to say a feasibility study would have to look at is it even a
meer? Like you have to look at your your neighbors. Um the days of doing your own
facility, in my opinion, are long gone because each municipality can't bear the
cost. Um I can tell you the the arena uh the new new complex in Wasaga Beach cost
about $60 million. Uh in 2021, I believe it was budgeted for $43 million. By the
time it was constructed, it was at 60 million. Over a course of two years, it
it increased. Um, we need to get a vision though. Uh, we
need to really reflect on what we have today. Um, because, you know, I've been
here just over a year now and I'm really starting to recognize that what we
thought some facilities just needed in repairs,
they're they really need complete re redu. um they've they've had some um
facial surgery on them um but the bones and the structure are gone. When you're
talking about facilities that are 1966, 1930 something um they do not owe the
municipality anything. Um, but it it is really a time that we need to look at
what are the nice to haves to councelor Bell's point. Uh, and what what the
needs truly are. I I've heard lots about our roads. Um, and I would have to say
that that's got to be one of the priorities. I think the why I like this
report coming forward today was not so much that this council
was being put in a position to make a decision that the future council was
going to be tied to. I think it's a really good report for the future
council to understand going into 2027 and the next term of council
the issues that they're going to have. Um that's that's what I'm looking
forward to. I believe that's what staff's job is is to really put it into
the public um uh information in the public sphere to understand that we need
to build this municipality. Um and we need to sort of
really take a look at what are the services that we're providing and what
we need to provide because we can't be everything to everyone. Um so um I think
2027 having that discussion in in in a budget uh deliberation irregardless if
it's fa is if it's uh status quo or not um I think this discussion has served
the next term of council well already if people are thinking about running and
you know the public's listening to this um I very rarely go into the arena
without somebody saying to me oh when are we going to get a new rink this this
puts it at least on the radar. Um because to be honest with you, I we
wouldn't need a double rink. Um I think there's huge benefit if you were to take
a look at replacing a pool. You wouldn't replace it with an outdoor pool, right?
There are there are some things that in my opinion from the recreation field are
just given. Why why would you invest in building an outdoor pool when at the end
of the day you invest and you cover it and you get year- round use? So I think
the feasibility study like it it helps us and it helps us even I will say the
feasibility study is not going to be shovel ready. It that's not going to
give you a shovel ready project. It's just going to give you the idea of what
the facility needs to be made up of. So then you can start your engineering on
having an actual shovel ready. the in the last two points, nothing in Sam's
report was dictating whether or not this was going to be in a rural area or an
urban area. Nothing in Sam's report also identified that the end the end product
wasn't the existing facility. It was just can we focus on what do we
need in the future? Um, I've seen way too many municipalities do these do
these uh studies and it becomes just a wish list and you get nothing. Calling
was a great example. 20 25 years ago I think it was they they were looking at
Fiser Field um and they opened up what everybody wants and they missed all
their funding opportunities and and you know at the end of the day they missed a
really opportunity really big opportunity to centralize things. um
were here like town of Blue Mountains and and
calling with they just over the last two years looked at doing a feasibility
study and ended up deciding not to partner. Um so there's lots of there's
lots of information that we have to look at. And the last piece just in regards
to the harbor and downtown emerging those I personally think that would be
the wrong thing because again that would be assuming that what we're talking
about would be in the rural or in the urban downtown area. Um I think the two
could go hand inand 100% but I think they're completely separate projects.
» So now to proceed I need some advice from clerk Wilton Seagull. Um and here's
the question. Uh the recommendation is option X. We also have option one and
option two. Uh will I look for a motion uh for option one first and vote on that
and then Thank you, Risha. My recommendation to
council would be that if um a member of council feels that option one or option
two is their preference that they put forward an amending motion to replace X
with one and council can discuss that or alternatively if a member of council
feels that option two should be discussed. Um they would put forward an
amending motion for replacing it with option two and then the debate can be
had and the vote can be taken at that time.
And to be clear, option one is u to move forward uh spending uh 12 uh.6 million I
think it is on uh repairs to existing facilities and option two is to budget
200,000 for the 2027 um budget uh to have a study of uh requirements for
these facilities. Councelor Yurig.
» Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I on that basis would recommend I would move that it be
option two. Been to too many act conferences recently where Stratford
took big swings and ended up hitting home runs. If you don't have a you don't
have a map, you're not going to get anywhere.
Um and is there a second for that? Are you seconding that? Thank you. Okay. And
does everybody understand uh we're going to call a vote on whether or not you
agree with option two, which is to budget $200,000 for a study which will
give staff the direction they need to uh help the next council move forward on
this whole issue. That's how I interpret it. Anyway, um um anyone have a question
about what we're going to vote on? Councelor
» Renis more of a more of a comment. I'm just uh
wanted to say out loud that I'm sort of approaching this like uh we spoke about
earlier today in uh item on the agenda 9.1A
uh where the report wasn't about disposing of land. It was about
considering it as an opportunity talking to uh you know neighboring properties
talking to the community uh and exploring that option. So I'm seeing
nods from from staff. So option two to me is essentially the same sort of
process. Um, and so I uh would be happy to support that.
» Then are you ready to vote uh for option two? Uh, all in favor?
Those opposed? I think those in favor have won the day
and um and the vote was uh 5 to two. Correct.
Okay. Um uh my my apologies your worship for interrupting but because that was an
amending motion we do need a final vote on the main motion. So now the main
motion will be that council uh committee of the whole recommend council of the
municipality of meford to approve option two uh as outlined in report and then
that will move on to >> can I uh I didn't need a mover and
seconder for this. No. Okay then uh you but you want to vote. So are we voting
to confirm option two? All in favor the bigger pardon
» the whole report. Okay. And those opposed and it's the same 52 vote I
believe. Okay. So now um and I I'm going to make people
aware that at 4:30 or thereabouts we are going to um have a recess because we
have a planning public meeting at 5:00 this afternoon. And um I'm just hoping
we can get through the majority of our agenda uh with the time that is left. So
at this uh point um under development services the recommendation is that
committee of the whole recommend council of the municipality of meford one direct
staff to initiate a request for pre-qualification
RFPQ process for the three surplus residential parcels identified and two
endorse exploration of a tiny home community model subject to feasibility
and market response and number three direct staff to report back with results
and next steps. a mover in a second, please. Deputy mayor Kiny and seconded
by councelor Bell. Thank you. Um and u maybe you should speak to this
because it is uh really your project and I congratulate you on the the way this
has been brought forward and and a lot of work went into it and uh a lot of
your personal contacts to to see about the feasibility of this. So go right
ahead. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor. I'm
happy to uh to speak to this report and I want to thank Director KN for all of
her efforts in uh in bringing that to us so expeditiously. So with this I'm just
very very pleased to have this conversation today and uh I certainly
can confirm that there is a great deal of interest from our residents in seeing
this project move forward. I've heard from people of all ages that uh they
feel this is a really really good project for me. I think it's exciting.
We could be the first community in Gray County to have a full uh tiny home
community in our backyard and I I see it as um you know structured in such a way
that the homes are affordable and that it's wellmaintained and that it's a
place that people can be proud to call home and I know there's also interest
from the development community in looking at the opportunity to respond to
this RFI. So, I uh am just feeling quite confident that uh we can see all of this
come to fruition. And we understand there's a lot of steps in the process
that was mentioned earlier today by a presenter. We understand we're a long
way yet from uh from actually making this happen. But, uh you know, this is
this is where we start. I like the location because it's walkable to uh to
downtown. And I think that's uh that's important for Tiny Homes. And uh I'm
just uh very very pleased to see this moving forward. And thank you again to
you Amy. >> Um so councelor Ford and then councelor
Bell. >> Uh thank you Mr. Mayor and through you
and uh appreciate Deputy Mayor with this initiative and so I just looking for a
little bit of clarification because I love the idea of a tiny home community.
But is the goal of this to provide affordable housing to residents or is
the goal to provide a tiny home community? Because where I struggle with
that is in the report there are more affordable options. Tiny homes aren't
technically more affordable. You're just buying a smaller home, so it's less
money, but in terms of cost per square foot, it may actually be more expensive.
Um, so my question is, is our goal to provide more affordable housing to
people who need it, or is the goal simply to provide a tiny home community
so we can say we have a tiny home community and all the good things that
come with that? And I'm not trying to say that to speak down of it because I
think it's a great initiative. I'm just not really sure what the objective is
for this tiny bid project. Are we considering other types of developments
that have been referenced in the report itself or is it tiny home take it or
leave it? I just kind of want to know what the direction is of this
initiative. Uh because that's going to sort of dictate the feedback that I
have. Uh so I just I just appreciate uh knowing what the what the end goal is of
the the tiny home initiative here. >> Please. Yes,
» Mr. Mayor. If I may, I'd be happy to respond to councelor Porter. And I think
to some degree it's it's both. I mean a tiny home as you suggested it is a
smaller home. So therefore the price tag is likely in the affordable range and we
have no idea at this point whether they're owned or leased or rented or
lifelased or land leased or there's just so many different ways that it could be
set up. So there's no idea at this point what that could look like. But yeah the
in in my mind I see it as providing affordable living. But yes, definitely
the the community aspect of a tiny home community where there are, you know, a
central gathering place and there's uh fire pit and there's trails and and
community garden and that sort of thing where people can can congregate. I see
it as being that real community, but you know, are we tied to an actual tiny home
community or could it be a pocket community? Or there's there's different
ways of of setting up small homes, whether it's, you know, a tiny home on
its own little lot with its own little driveway or whether it's a pocket
community where houses are side by and the driveway goes along behind them and
that keeps the front, you know, very very clean. Um, I think there's I'm just
interested to see when we get the responses to the RFI what suggestions
come back from the development community as to what it could look like. So
there's in my mind not tied to any one look or format in my head. I just I just
want to see what the options are. Does that help?
» Yes. >> Councelor Bell.
» Thanks, Mr. Mayor. So, um, this council may have, uh, forgot that, uh, I brought
forward a motion, uh, that was, um, adopted unanimously to advance to our
building community that they look at the Ontario building code what it says to be
the minimal requirements in order to have a dwelling. Same thing. So, one of
the issues that I just did just with math, you know, talking about whether
you're $300 a square foot or $400 a square foot,
14 ft by 14 ft at $400 a square foot is $78,000 for something and I think
somebody would be quite ridiculously to spend that kind of money for that
kind of square footage, which is like a garden shed. So then I just said, "Well,
let's do something 20 by 25." And you get up there. Well, you're at $200,000.
Haven't bought the land. What's the service land underneath that? So, it
doesn't take long to hit that $400,000 mark. And you have to get a builder
who's wants to do this. So, the initiative about doing it, I'm all for
it. I'm interested to see what the building community can do with this. But
then I looked up what a um all seasons trailer 8 by40 320 square feet you can
live in it all year round you have your own spot but now I'm talking about a
trailer park so what is it that we really want to see here and I think
that's the point from my fellow counselor for is it a series of really
small dwellings maybe for one or two individuals what are we trying to do so
I think opening it up to the building community is the right thing to do. Let
them tell us if it can be done because we just had an open house on Highway 26
not long ago. I think they're advertising opening units at 585,000.
That's where they're at. So, we're trying to cut that. And if we have it in
our mind to cut it in half, how can we get somebody into a place for 300 or
350,000? So that's what the building community is
going to tell us about this, whether there's even any appetite to do it. So I
welcome it. I'm going to vote for it, see what happens with it. But um it's
interesting because um you know, you do have to pay for the labor and I don't
think any construction company's going to take a cut. Very rarely you're going
to need three 400,000 to do a square footage. So that's the point.
» Go ahead. My apologies for interrupting your
worship. I have noticed that there is um on the agenda uh the reports
recommendation has been updated and isn't reflected in the agenda index. So
I wondered if I could just display ask Allison to display if you're looking at
the report you're seeing the recommendation. I think that was
changed. Um and the index if you look at the index is is different. So, I just
want everybody um on council to be sure we're looking at the same
recommendation. So, if I could just ask that that be displayed. Um it's a
slightly different recommendation with the same theme um but definitely not the
same if you've looked at the index. So, those who use um who are looking at the
report specifically, that recommendation has not changed from when you read the
report. Does that make sense?
So I just again to be to be clear what council is considering this is correct.
The index has been updated but it may not have been reflected if you had been
looking at it um during this meeting. So this differs I think Mayor Kentner
from your index because >> you don't have the report. So if you go
to the item to the report in your binder >> that recommendation is right.
» Thank you. Okay I'll do that.
You can see just a bit of reading for these council meetings. So, um we're
looking at um three points in the recommendation here and they're on the
the uh on the screen there now. Um
did you wish to speak to that at point or or is it something else? Okay, let's
go to councelor Greenfield. Thank you. Um, okay. I I I noticed this.
I I thought we were doing an RFI and then we've got different different
acronym here. Um, so I'm wondering
I I I was quite comfortable with an RFI. I thought it was a great idea. Um, tiny
homes do seem to be catching on. Um, they seem to be popular. I uh uh looked
on Google and I couldn't find anything negative about tiny home communities and
I I thought that was kind of interesting.
Um but anyway, um so the request for
pre-qualification
um can can you explain that a little bit further? Like to me it's the request for
information was fairly general. Uh is this more specific? Is this going to
uh
reduce the the potential number of ideas that are coming forward or potential
number of proposals? Can can you help me on that?
» Go ahead, director K. >> Uh thank you and through your worship to
councelor Greenfield. Uh so the original notice of motion from deputy mayor
Kibney had indicated um the pre-qualification idea and so as I was
crafting the report I thought that the number of questions that that still um
were sort of in the ether on the nature of the project, the viability of the
project uh might warrant sort of backing up and doing a request for for interest
instead. Um, and that would allow us to sort of reach out to the community, the
development community, and get a little more information on from their expert
perspectives, um, you know, what goes into their consideration,
how viable is this, um, in their minds and and maybe they're they hold
information that we don't have by virtue of not being uh, expert developers. So,
I sort of backed up on that. Um, and then I embedded that in my
recommendation back to council if that sort of makes sense.
» Go ahead. Uh, thanks. Thanks, Amy. Uh, just two more
questions. Um I I'm I'm assuming
municipality still has the usual site plan agreement uh opportunities controls
or wish lists. Um and the the next one is
the neighbors neighbor involvement public involvement is are we too soon
for that or uh I'm hoping that will come into play somewhere down the road
» again through your worship um certainly so not unlike the CIO's process for um
divestature of public property or or municipal property, there would be a
public engagement process for that aspect alone if we were to consider sale
of of municipal lands. But on top of that, knowing that that any development
on these parcels will require planning act approvals, we will engage the public
um in accordance with the planning act on top of that. So they may be sort of
concurrent processes, but you sort of have two um double requirements to be
able to engage engage the public on on this proposal.
» Okay, deputy mayor. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I want to come
back to councelor Bell's comments just for a couple of examples in relation to
costing of these homes. And I mean they can be high-end or they can be, you
know, regular normal uh materials like uh you know, arborite countertops
instead of stone sort of thing. But um there was a model home in Collingwood
last uh year that I went to see at uh the Home Hardware location and it was I
think $320 square ft with a selling price of $150,000
and a separate bedroom and a nice little kitchen with a stone countertop and you
know washer and dryer, full bathroom and so on and so forth. Um Quality Homes is
making tiny homes. Um and I went to see them. The smaller one is just over 500
square ft and you know full separate bedroom, full closet, kitchen again with
stone countertops, electric fireplace, lots of amenities. Um and that one at
just over 500 ft² sells for 199,000 and you still have to, you know, put it on
your lot and hook up the servicing and so on. But just to give us a sense of of
costs, um I just found that interesting. But I think the important thing for us
to remember today is that you know there's no cost in what we're doing at
this point. We're just looking for interest from the development community
so that we have some proposals to consider. So if we move this forward
today, no cost to the municipality. It's just put it out there and uh allow this
council or the next council to have an opportunity to give consideration to uh
whatever proposals come before it. So I just thought it was important to note
the financial side of this today. >> Councelor Fer.
» So thank you Mr. Mayor and through you. So just a quick question. So and I have
no problem supporting this just to see what comes back but will the um the bids
or the information we get from the developers will it just be tiny home
specific? I apologize if I missed that. um or are we going to be asking
developers to provide their, you know, most affordable options for the best use
of the land that that we're providing or that is available? Um so I just like to
know um if if we're only going to be getting tiny home bids that might be
limited in scope uh in terms of evaluating what other options could be
used for that land. Um so what what would that look like? And are we going
to be opening up to more than just tiny home offerings? Like let's say stacked
town houses um for example. Um would that be something that we would expect
accept a bid or a proposal um from a developer who might be able to offer
that but not necessarily specific tiny homes?
» Uh I think I can help through your worship. Um with the information I have
today, I likely would um you know craft um the requests for uh interest or
information with the thought that tiny homes is sort of the objective. But um
you know if it's council's wish that we sort of neutralize it a wee bit and and
um put the request for interest out noting that um we'd be happy to receive
you know suggestions of other forms. Um you know we can certainly do that. I'm
I'm in your hands uh in that regard.
» Yes. Okay. And thank you Mr. Mayor. Be brief and thank you for that director K.
Um, and so my my only reason for that line of question questioning was I just
didn't want to limit our options to just tiny homes. If we do determine that
there could be better use of that space and ultimately if our goal is to make
best use of that land and develop it for the benefit of the maximum number of
people, I'd certainly like to benefit more people than less people,
particularly if we can still make it affordable to them. Um, so, um, not to
sort of derail this initial tiny home, um, initiative, but I really think it
would be in our best interest to see to challenge the developers to see what
they can do to provide affordable housing of all kinds on that land and
put the challenge out to them and see what they can come back. And of course,
we don't have to commit to anything we don't want to, but I think um, you know,
let's leave it in the minds of the creative developers and see what they
they could uh, they could pull out of their hat. Um, so that's just a
suggestion. Um, and I don't know if I have any support for that, but I would
certainly suggest considering making an amendment to um, opening the scope a
little bit uh, rather than just tiny homes um, to, you know, just to my
comments. So, I just don't know if any of my fellow counselors think that
that's a pragmatic thing to be doing or not, but I'll leave it to you guys.
» Did you wish to speak, councelor Andis? >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I
would support councelor Ford's idea. I love the idea of tiny homes. I know a
lot of people that would be interested in moving into one and and uh enjoying
their life there. Um but I think that if we're going to go for an initiative to
give good affordable um you know cost-effective options um it
I it doesn't sit well with me to to look at one specific type. Um, so yeah, I I
would want to prioritize uh cost efficiency versus the style.
» And I I'm tempted to, you know, got a mover in a secondary there. Uh I just I
have never heard of an affordable stacked townhouse. I've never heard of
an affordable townhouse. I've never heard of an affordable uh single uh uh
dwelling uh or or a duplex. uh does somebody have affordable like what is
the number? Uh it's way below uh um attainable and uh we have trouble
getting the standard size houses into the attainable category.
So go ahead. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um I think those
are great points. So if the building community comes back and all of their
non-tiny options are uh financially not considerable by us for for these
purposes then great the decision is absolutely made from a financial
perspective. Um but if they come back with a model that um does does work and
does make sense and could provide sort of achieve the goal here um at least as
I interpret um deputy mayor Keven's goals um if we achieve that through a
different option then that would be great to councelor Bell's point of um
you know just looking at kind of square footage costs um I think it is
incredible that Lonal is doing it for the prices that they are doing it Um,
and if we can drive that down even further, kind of however we however a
builder is able or a developer is able to achieve that, um, I would want to
consider and I would want to look at, um, I don't build houses, so I don't
know what they might come up with, but, um,
» so I think we got a mover and a seconder, uh, um, and that we should
proceed. Can you uh, develop a motion for their
» uh, thank you. I wonder if councelor Ford is able to offer a little bit more
clarity in the wording that he would like reflected to replace
um as I'm understanding it the tiny home development with something more broad.
» Yes, thank you Mr. Mayor through you. if I may. Um, so just going off the top of
my head, I'm not exactly sure how I'd word it, but I would be open to
receiving any and all suggestions from developers on how they could provide
their best affordable housing option, whatever that looks like. Um, you know,
I would say there's nothing, you know, off the table because if it doesn't,
like to what councelor Anna said, if it doesn't fit our criteria and it's not a
good fit for whatever reason, we simply just dismiss it and we move on to the
next. Uh, but I just think we need to broaden the scope a little bit and put
the challenge out to the developers and see if they can get creative and provide
us with some options that maybe we haven't considered. Um, so if you can
magician that a little bit, Margaret, I'd appreciate that. But that would be
sort of the the gist of my uh my motion there. Thank you.
» Um, until we get this motion on the floor, please uh we'll just
Thank you, Rishop. I might just be a minute. I just wanted to confer with our
director of development services to make sure that the wording would be
» appropriate. I'm sorry. >> Do you want me to declare a two-minute
recess? Well, why don't we do that? We've been
at the table a long time here, so a two-minute recess. We'll reconvene at
3:51.
355.
just having a little challenge reconvening this council but I think and
then we did we gave us you gave us an inch we took a mile I'm sorry however uh
I think we are ready to proceed and we've got a motion here uh moved by
councelor for seconded by councelor and uh that the motion be amended by adding
and or affordable housing options following development in clause one. So
clause one then is going to read
my apologies that's how it would read. It's a little bit tricky when it's in
isolation. So that's um an example if it were to pass how it the main motion
would read. But that's not how the main motion reads now with the red.
» Is that agreeable to the mover and secondary?
» Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. And through um for now, yeah, I think that sort of sums
up what I what I was thinking initially, but I know um there likely be some
comments from members around the table that would maybe help improve the
wording if anybody has any ideas. Um, I know the wording is really tricky, but I
think that is a very good starting point and I welcome everybody's input to see
if there's um a good final product that we uh that we can all look at.
» Okay. So, um
other uh comments, suggestions that deputy may
» Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I'll I'll start it off and I'll just um uh I
appreciate the intent and I'm fine with that. I think my concern is the word
affordable because we don't have an actual definition in me for what is
considered affordable. We know it's 30% of someone's income, but that doesn't
necessarily give us a dollar amount to again define uh what we're looking for
here. So, I'm looking for um other wording which I think council can help
us with um that would replace the word affordable.
So you >> here, Mr. Mayor. Um I was thinking
something along the lines of saying um costefficient
uh housing options or housing models and then in uh the request
um essentially explain that we'd like to see um you know a a a good balance uh of
final cost and cost per square foot. Um, and then that sort of I think still
probably guides towards uh a tiny home um option. Um, and I'm sure there there
will be a lot of really really great uh great great offerings. Um, but then it
also allows for um other other ideas to come in uh that still serve as sort of
the the overarching goal.
Go ahead. >> Just to clarify, so the motion that
councelor Ford would then be bringing instead to to clarify the wording. I
there are two ways we could do this, but if if you're tableabling the motion
right now, it would be andor coste effective housing options rather than
andor affordable housing options is what you'd like. The alternative is of course
to vote on this one. We vote it down and then we have another motion. to to go
ahead if that's what you're wanting to work on.
» Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And if I if I may, yes, I like um the wording from
councelor Anis, but I think it's it's smarter wording to use than using the
the term affordable. >> Okay.
» Thank you. I just go on record that I would be uh
you know um much more inclined to uh consider a motion down the road to uh u
uh make a a similar call for truly affordable housing in Meford where we
would perhaps uh we we do have a a pretty considerable surplus of land in
the community and we could uh perhaps designate a more suitable parcel and
offer it for truly affordable housing. Uh I just don't want to chase um uh tiny
home uh builders away from uh the proposal that we're making at this
point. That that's my concern about uh this
um at least CEO Everett, you maybe have some thoughts to help us through this?
» Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um and again, the direction I think is is fine. and it
gives staff all the guidance that they require. I think one of the pieces that
I just want to be mindful of that included in an RFI is identifying how
the long-term affordability criter
is with affordable housing in my opinion is real estate. Real estate is a free
market. It only is affordable at the first purchase
that you can turn it over and make double your money. So there has to be
the element within any development agreement that they have to prove how
how the the unit how the property is going to continue to be within that
affordable criteria. That's the only way this works. Um or else, you know, the
developer, whoever is they they may be in at a certain level, but it's that new
homeowner who flips it who gets [clears throat] to make the money. And
and that's where typically these things fall off the rail. There are ways of
doing it. The question is whether or not the industry wants to go down that road
because there isn't necessarily the money that they would make at the end of
the rainbow. But if it's truly about, you know, making these units attainable
or affordable or whatever the word we want to use, having that mechanism in
place part of the RFI is incredibly important so they know what the rules of
the game are going in. Thank you, >> Deputy Mayor.
» Uh, thank you very much, Mr. mayor and I completely agree with what our CEO is
saying and I'm wondering to that intent do we also need um at this point in time
to include in the RFI any incentives that might be on the table through our
CIP um because you know that the side of
this the financial side of this is critically important and so I think
that's a question developers are going to come back with you know what what
skin are we going to have in the name, so to speak. So, what's in our CIP that
could assist in keeping these homes? I know we're going to use the word
affordable even though we're talking about doing this in a different way, but
I think we all understand in our minds where we're trying to get to here is
that yeah, we want these price points to be doable for for people who are looking
for this minimalistic type of living and we want them to stay that way. So I
think that's generally how it works is that the municipality participates in
some fashion. So director Ken, what's in our CIP that could support this
through your worship? I'm happy to answer that question. So there's a few
ways uh to look at this. thinking of our our new uh CIP that unfortunately is
currently under appeal, but thinking of when the CIP does come into force, um it
would be uh an option under the CIP for council to be able to offer lands uh at
a discount or for free um if that if that is um of interest to council. Um
otherwise there are other incentive programs that could be offered to the
developer. Um if for example um the units constructed were for purpose-built
rental um then there are incentives uh available there are um planning and
building uh application fee uh rebates and that kind of thing. So um depending
on how we wanted to look at it um and on exactly the type of of development that
is before us ultimately um the CIP uh once it comes into force would
definitely be available um for uh the developer or council to use um to sort
of bolster this financially. So hope that helps.
So um are we going to alter this clause uh as uh the mover and secondary have
asked? >> Um
your worship it has been um it has been updated to what councelor Ford would
like to have as the motion for the amending
clause. >> So and or cost effective housing
options. >> Okay. All right. Uh, is there any more
discussion or can we vote on this motion?
And I will call the vote. All in favor? And that is uh
unanimous.
Um, so let's uh come back to pardon. Yeah,
we have to go back to the original here. And uh we've
um and it's already on the floor. We but
we've added this to it. So I just call a vote on this as it was worded now.
Correct. >> I I would say uh if if there are no
other changes to this motion, then it would be appropriate to um to have the
vote on the final main motion. Thank you.
» And I don't see any discussion on that. So let's go ahead and vote. All in
favor? and any opposed. So that is carried
unanimously and thank you everyone. [clears throat] I hope everyone is you
know satisfied with that. Um the next uh item is uh uh with director
Peridge Mabid here uh the recommendation that committee of the whole recommend
council of the municipality of meford one direct staff to bring forward a
bylaw to implement a 40 km speed limit on municipal roads in urban meford. Two,
request the county of Gray to consider implementing a 40 kilometer speed limit
on Grey Road 7 from Psych Street South to Mir Street. And three, authorize the
treasurer to transfer $40,500 from the roads, street lights, and
drainage reserve fund to fund signage and communications. Can I have a mover
and second for this? Councelor Fer and Councelor Greenfield.
Thank you. Um, discussion on this. Um this uh did you wish to speak to it
Tori? >> Um through your worship I'd be happy to.
Um through our transportation master plan um it did provide a recommendation
to bring forward to council um a 40 km hour speed limit in our urban
boundaries. Um the there were changes to um the Highway Traffic Act in 2017 that
allow for municipalities to establish an entire area uh at a speed limit of less
than 50 km an hour. Um previously you would have had to have signed all the
roads within those areas and now you can create these gateway speed limit signage
that um uh allow for that lower speed limit within uh larger areas. without
the additional signage. And so municipalities have been looking to
reduce speed limits in some of their urban areas through this new um ability
through the highway traffic act. Um and so with that recommendation in the
transportation master plan um we wanted to bring it forward to council um to see
if there was appetite to complete this within our urban area. Um, as a part of
the report, we've also identified some alternative options. Um, and those
included some things that could be done alongside this reduction as well as um
items that could be done instead of it. And so, um, we could look at adding as
well um those um reduced speed limits in our rural settlement areas in
conjunction with the urban area. Um, instead of doing this, we can continue
to look at specific speed limit reductions. Um and alongside it
obviously there's always the ability to complete traffic calming um as it helps
with more of the enforcement of the change speed limits. Um and so staff
have identified um the cost of the signage as well as a communications plan
um if uh council wishes to proceed with the implementation of this. Um and we
estimated it would cost about um $40,000 um and feel that it would um provide
great benefit from a safety perspective as there have been many studies that
have shown that reducing the speed limit even that 10 km an hour um provides a a
significant um decrease in um fatalities on our roadways.
» Thank you very much. Um, comments or questions on this?
Deputy Mayor. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, and I
appreciate Director Perry May bringing this forward to us because we all hear
about speeding every day. We're hearing about this issue, not just in Mayford,
it's in the county. It's everywhere. People just can't seem to slow down
these days. So, um, but from what I'm hearing in the community, you know,
lowering to 40 is great, but what's going to happen to enforce it? If this
is not enforced, then people are still going to drive at whatever speed they
normally do. So, I just want to understand if there's been conversation
at this point with the OP, you know, if council agrees to do that, can we count
on them to have a presence in our urban area to make sure that people understand
that we mean business moving to 40
through your worship. I have reached out to the OP but haven't received comment
to date with regards to this program. Um I also didn't mention I have reached out
to the county and the MTO as well. Um and um depending on council's wishes,
there's potential appetite to comm to to change speed limits within their
roadways as well. Um obviously we're we are recommending that the school zone u
mimic the municipal roadways. Um but there is an ability to to ask for
additional they would review it on their end and and we wouldn't necessarily be
able to provide any more input on that. Um but to date there hasn't been
additional input from the OP. I do know in the past when um we have implemented
um specific areas that are community safety zones, the OP did identify that
um having those varied speed limits all over the the urban area um wasn't they
weren't able to enforce because some areas were would have been 40 and some
of them would have been 50. Um, and so I um I hope that they do provi to provide
us some input because it would be helpful to understand if the blanketed
um 40 is more helpful for them to enforce um than um lo varying locations
throughout the municipality. >> Council,
thank you, Mr. Mayor. As much as it would be a nice thought to
think that I'm I'm just gonna and I'll bring it up at the next OP board
meeting, but I'm going to say the likelihood of them actually sitting in
Meford and enforcing it would be pretty minimal at best. They have to cover a
very large area with a very limited amount of officers. And the real reality
is every municipality would love to have the police sitting in their community
just sitting there watching for speeders. The reality is that's probably
not very likely. So they are, as Tori has said, they're they're hoping um and
they will have obviously spot availability, but they're hoping that
lowering speed limits is a responsibility and you will get X amount
of the population that aders and you know that you're going to get X that
doesn't and you you kind of work around that. I do like the idea of other caling
measures in areas that we know are concerning um because that is again
something that they also recommend um at those meetings um as ways to try and
help curb um constant speeding areas of problems. So, but I will bring it up at
next OP board meeting and ask as well. But yeah, past conversations don't lead
towards that. >> Councelor Bell.
» Thanks, Mr. Mayor. sort of put a point on this. I'm really not interested in
dropping the speed limit at all. I think we've seen that this council has uh
heard from neighborhoods like Ridge Road in particular. They came, they talked
and uh council moved to do a reduction in that particular area. The report says
that even when you do something like that, the traffic flow basically is the
same. But uh I certainly I certainly just don't want to see us just do a
blanket statement that you're going to slow right down when you come into the
town of Meford. And then more than that, a recommendation to go out, you take a
look at Annen. You go out to Annen and you're there and you're going over the
hill and you're heading down to Le and it's 80 km an hour and you're going to
change that to that. They're not going to like that for a minute. And then out
at Woodford up at the going around that, you're going to be in trouble. And then
the little spot that's just outside of that, I'm not going for that. And I'm
not going to do the one down in Bogner either. They're out at Rockford. So, as
far as dropping the speed limits down to 40 kilometers an hour,
I'm just not interested in doing that. If people want to come and tell us that
their roads a problem, I'll entertain the conversation then.
» Councelor at least deputy mayor. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And just uh to
councelor Bell's comments. I think the more we have some at 40 and some at 50,
then there's confusion out there as drivers may not be paying really close
attention to, you know, which road they're on. But we've heard about
Bayfield several times and the concern around the new splash pad and the little
beach that we need to undertake some traffic calming measures there and one
of those would be a reduction in speed and I do believe at some point other
trafficcoming measures are coming for that particular section. Um but just in
respect to Bogner um at the Bogner board meeting last week, I did bring forward
uh the mention that this report was coming up before council and the members
of the board suggested that they would like to see the speed limit drop to 40
in that urban section of Bogner where kids are going back and forth between
the community center and the uh ballpark. So, I think we're going to get
different answers from uh different members of the community, but I I would
like to ask Tori then when you have that conversation with the OP and and the
same with councelor Urick if if that information could come back to council
to uh to help us understand their willingness in uh in supporting if this
passes the uh reduction to 40. I think you know if it goes to 40 at least then
it's clear that that's what it is all over town not just on some roads because
you're right on ridge you know I guess the hope always is if the speed limit is
50 you know that they're drive 60 if it's 50 they'll drive you know if it's
40 they'll drive 50 I mean that's kind of typically how people drive so at
least you slow it down potentially a little bit but uh anyway I'll leave that
with you Tori to let us know when you get a response
Councelor Porter. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And through you,
um I kind of look at it like um a pound an ounce of prevention is better than a
pound of cure. And if this is an initiative that can make um our road
safer and if it could even save one life, um I would just hate for there to
be an instance where we had an opportunity to make our road safer by
reducing the speed and then there was a tragic event and then we have to live
with that. Um, I agree not everybody's going to follow the speed limit, but to
the deputy mayor's, um, point is that if you lower it, um, it will hopefully
bring down the average speed that, uh, people are traveling on. But there are
statistics that do back this up that if you reduce from 50 to 40, risk of
pedestrian death is decreased by 35%. Um, and so I I I'm in favor of this. If
it can save one person's life, um, that's to me that's that's a step in the
right direction. Community safety is something we should take very seriously
and I would hate to be in a reactive situation where we had a chance to do
something and something bad happened. Um, so I'll I'll be in favor of this
one. Thank you, >> Councor Greenfield.
» Thank you, Worship. Um, I'm in favor of uh dropping the speed limit in the
settlement areas uh down to 40. Um the the only one that we can do
individually would be Woodford. Uh since all the others involve county roads that
would be up up to the county. Uh and I was actually wondering about not today
necessarily but in the future uh introducing another area and that is
that's in a a hamlet that we no longer call a hamlet but I still think of as a
hamlet and that's Gersville. And as you turn off County Road 7 and go east on
Gersville there are just quite a number of residential uh uh dwellings there.
And uh uh I I think that would perhaps be another place in the future. But I no
uh I I think the uh uh in conversation recently with some good folks out at
Leaf they uh they suggested and and this pertain to the Beayshore road uh that
the speed limit on it should be 40 kilometers. So, I' uh um I'd like to see
it dropped. Uh yes, it's going to involve enforcement. Uh like any any and
all other enforcement, I think we'll do the best job we can, but uh uh as the
deputy mayor says, uh you know, 60 means 50. 70 means 60. So, there is some
benefit. I'm definitely voting in favor of this
motion for the simple reason that uh I could give you a list as long as my arm
of the uh municipalities that are um agitating to have the speed limit
lowered. U there's you know Leath is just one of many and I think that uh
this is um the it we'll just be faced with peacemealing this you know over and
over and over again. So that's that's my reason for supporting it anyway. And and
I I also subscribe to councelor Ford's idea. Those statistics are pretty
compelling. Uh how much safer uh pedestrians and people in automobiles
are uh when the speed limit is 40 versus 50 in um in in the builtup areas.
Councelor Andis. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. just um I
appreciate the [clears throat] spec uh statistics on how changing the speed
affects um rates of of of incidences. I'm just curious though if we have data
on how unsafe our roads actually are. Um cuz I I feel like I'm just voting to
reduce a number, but for all I know, it could be very minimal anyway. And I uh
agree that um you know saving even one life um is uh you know desirable but um
I just I I would like to know that background
» um through your worship. I guess safety on roads can be measured through many
different um
metrics. Um, I did review our current um, average speed and 85th percentile
speeds on our urban roadways um, as I was preparing this report. And it was
actually really interesting to see that a majority of our roads um, already have
speeds below 50 kilometers an hour and so this change of speed limit might
actually be more in tune to what people are actually traveling on the roads. Um
however there are locations where we do get residents identifying um on a
regular basis concerns with speeds and two of the ones that we have in recent
years made changes to our Miller Street and Pearson and Ridge Road um which
we've dropped to that 40 km an hour. Um through our traffic count data, we have
seen um slight reductions in average speed in those two locations because of
the um the items that were done on those two roads. both um some traffic calming
as as well as that reduction in speed. Um and so um again it it it varies. Um
we
additional data was requested from council. We can definitely look into
other avenues of assessing safety on our roadways. Um but it from looking at
other municipalities um you know and as kind of discussed here um that if the
speed uh is reduced or the speed limits reduced you know um on average
municipalities are seeing those reduction in speeds overall and so um I
don't see why we wouldn't see similar trends that other municipalities are
seeing um which then lend to those um statistics that are identified in the
report. >> Council Randis,
» it's a followup. Thank you. Um then I'm I'm wondering also if there's a comment
on um how changing the speeds like this would affect traffic flow. Um cuz it's
things are going to get busier over time and so if we make a a step now that's
going to change the speed essentially forever uh you know functionally um what
what the impacts of that could be. And just thinking about residents who
comment on speed. I know a lot of people personally who will comment on everybody
blowing by their house and you know say oh my road is in a raceway and then get
in a car and speed past somebody else's house. So I don't like I appreciate
their concerns and there are some roads that are you know the way they're built
and designed lends itself to people kind of ripping through like I think Ridge is
a great example. Bayfield is kind of an interesting example because I feel like
most people on Bayfield aren't looking at the road, they're looking at the
water, which you know, slower speeds probably good for that. Um, but for the
most part, I feel like everything's pretty safe.
So, I don't see a need to reduce it just because.
Um, but I'm also cognizant of, you know, we'll obviously feel terrible if we
don't do it in something it was something preventable. So, I I don't
know. I just I feel like I need a a better sense of that side of this the
equation before I would feel comfortable um just deciding right now to change all
the speed limits. >> Tori, please.
» Um through your worship to speak to um traffic flow. Um
Miller Street is one of our busiest um municipal roadways within the
municipality. Um, and there has been no change in traffic flow when we've
reduced the speed limit to um from 50 km an hour to 40. There there I I'm not
aware of any any changes to or like issues that that created. Um, Pearson
and Ridge is another really good example. Um it also has a higher traffic
flow in comparison to a lot of our uh municipal roads and again there's been
no um traffic concerns identified with regards to um flow or or the amount of
traffic that we're now seeing. Um and those um the amount of vehicles on those
roads have also continued to um increase over time and again the the change in
speed limit hasn't affected how the the flow of the traffic is occurring on
those roads. So using those two as an example within our own municipality, I
don't see that the the roads that would have less flow would be of concern. Um
and this is part of the reason why staff have identified keeping those arterial
roads. So both um Nelson Street as well as Highway uh Psych Street, Highway 26
at that 50 km an hour. Um so that you know those are and designed to be higher
flow uh roads and and accept more traffic and so to keep those at the 50
kmter an hour so that um cars can still um travel um through our municipality
and and through downtown Meford and not experience any negative um impacts um
due to changes but then on our on our less on our lower volume roads um have
have that reduction in speed. Councelor Yuri.
» Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, councelor Andis, just maybe help you a little bit.
Statistically, the OP 25 annual report last year, uh, in 2023 there were four,
2024 there were nine. In 2025, there were 11 fatalities. So, that's all of
Gray Bruce area. So, are we a high high area of, you know, literally fatalities?
No. Having said that speeding in 2023 there were 2004
uh issued uh 2024 1936 25 1927 it's coming down and they do attribute that
as well to a more coverage by OP uh more actual more actual OP coverage but again
they do say that yes reducing speed is helping in that factor because be the
more you can make aware the more people actually do somewhat so if you can get a
percentage slowing down contributes to the overall. So, take those stats for
what it's worth. >> Councelor Andis,
» thank you. Um, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, to councelor Yurig, just wondering then,
um, are are those stats applied to like urban settlement areas or are they just
across the counties? Okay.
» Um, I'm going to call the vote if people are ready. Um all in favor
opposed. Well, that is a 5 to2 vote. Uh thank you
very much. Now um we have a planning public meeting coming up at 5:00 p.m.
this afternoon and uh our council chambers are already beginning
to fill for that meeting. So I'm going to uh temporarily adjourn. Uh go ahead
tell us what we should be doing. >> Thank you. I was just going to comment
that it might be an appropriate time for a motion to extend the proceedings
because typically we have a 3 and 1 half hour and it's 4:30 now. So, we'll have a
motion to extend and then if if council wants to continue or take a recess prior
to the 5:00, we'll reorganize the agenda to move the planning public meeting up
for when uh the 5:00 because we are in the middle of the the regular council
meeting. >> You want to bear on, right?
» So, no, sorry. My first my first item would be uh if we could have a motion to
extend the meeting that would be great and then um it's sort of council's wish
if we want to work through one more report or if we want uh if council
wishes to take a 25minut uh break then that might be appropriate as well to let
people come in. There are actually three items uh left on the con on the uh
committee of the whole agenda and they are pretty u um they're not
controversial and I imagine we could uh you know cover that before we adjourned.
So uh let's uh do that but I need a motion to uh continue beyond uh 4:30
this afternoon. Uh councelor Urick and councelor Greenfield all in favor.
Any opposed? That is carried unanimously and we'll move on to u um legislative
services. Um sorry
uh item G which is an award report is the next one on uh the index.
» Oh right. Okay. Um [laughter] the way it is uh presented here it looks
like uh it's the uh the report we just passed proposed speed limit is in caps
right above it. Sorry. So then uh four items and this one again is not I don't
think contentious. The recommendation is uh that committee of the whole recommend
council of the municipality of meford approve the award of tender uh
transportation 2026-16 supply and delivery of various fuel and
oil products to 9412401 heating limited um that's Brian's fuel
at a tendered cost of $2,791,387
including the municipality's non-ref refundable allocation of HST over a
5-year agreement and to authorize the Marin clerk to enter into the necessary
agreement. Can I have a mover and second councelor Bell and Councelor Greenfield?
Thank you. Um, does anyone wish to speak to this from
staff? Tori, >> through your worship. Thank you. Um,
this is a standard award report for us to proceed with um a new fuel contract.
Um just some key things to note. Um while we only received one bid, um we do
feel that it is quite competitive in reviewing the last um uh tendering
process. Um we did when we did receive multiple bids. Um the successful bid was
2 cents under rack rate while this bid is um between seven and 9 cents below
rack rate. So it will reduce what we're currently spending. um which we see
quite favorable. Um the other benefit is we won't need to transition any of the
existing infrastructure we have with um Brian's fuel. So there's benefit as well
to have that continuity. Um um but otherwise if you Oh, the only other
thing I did want to note is while this um is presented in yearly costs, it's
very much based on what fuel prices are. And so everything is based on rack rate.
um in May when this went out as a tender um the rack rate was higher than what
we're seeing today. I looked at to see and I have as I was preparing this
report and so for example um the regular fuel rack rate today is um $125 is what
and but in the um tendering process it was identified as an example at $147. So
um obviously we know things right now are going up and down um with what is
happening around the world um but um these specific um bigger um bucket items
per year um doesn't mean that we'll actually spend that. It will change with
what the industry costs are. >> Councelor Greenfield.
» Thanks your thank you through you to Victoria. Uh
thanks. I I'm wondering a couple of things. First of all, uh is the turmoil
uh in the Middle East. Uh one of the reasons why we only got one bid, could
that be a factor on that? And I guess the other reason is is is this
absolutely fixed rate? Is is there are there any straight of door moves
conditions involved in this or is this going to be the the five-year number
» through your worship? Um there's a potential that the uncertainty in the
industry is why we only received one um bid, but um obviously we um don't know
if that that is the the reason. Um the um so the contract is set up that the
the rate we pay is based on the Toronto rack rate. So yes, whatever happens um
with pricing um in for for fuel in based in Toronto um that is the price we pay.
And so um depending on if fuel costs increase or decrease, this contract will
increase and decrease with those. And as I had stated um as of today, those costs
are actually lower than what we tendered this out as. So if we were to have
tendered this today, this report would have looked slightly different with
slightly lower costs. Um but we all know that there's uncertainties around this
as of right now. Um but this is how these are set up is that yes, it is
based on um the fluctuating costs. Um and what we will be spending is um that
7 to 9 cents below what those costs are. um whereas in our current contract we
were spending two cents below what those costs are. So regardless of those costs
we will be seeing a cost savings between the last contract and this contract
» councelor for thank you Mr. Mayor and through you and I guess this would be to
Tori. Um so the prices um that are provided here below the Toronto rack
rate does that represent the complete delivered price or are there other
charges like fees fuel search charges is is that an all-in price or
» um through worship that this is the all-in price that we would be seeing um
on our invoices. >> Yes.
» Uh thank you Mr. Mayor for indulging me. And so obviously this contract does have
the option to extend for five one-year uh terms. Um is that something after the
5 years that would come back to council or who has the authority to extend that?
» Um depending on the price, but yes, this price is
it because of the price of this it would be coming to council because it's over
that threshold of the $200,000. Any
other questions? Going to call a vote. All in favor? Any
opposed? So as carried unanimously. Thank you. Um the next item is um
uh for legislative services. The recommendation is that uh the
committee of a whole recommend council of the municipality of Meford one enact
a bylaw to adopt a policy governance framework and two direct staff to
undertake a review of the municipality's existing policies and bring forward a
policy inventory and review schedule for council's consideration as outlined in
report legislative services 2026-09. mover in a second, please. Councelor, at
least deputy mayor and councelor Bell. Um,
do you wish to speak to that? Uh, clerk. >> Thank you, your worship. I I think
probably Allison and I are prepared to take any questions. I just want to
comment that probably this is the clerkiest clerk report ever to have a
policy of policies. So, if if uh there are any questions, we're happy to take
them. Thank you. >> Okay.
So, you you'll take our questions. Okay. Uh so councelor Bell.
» Thank you Mr. Mayor. So um the background uh comments the very first
paragraph when I read this I have to ask the
question has this council been doing something which staff feels is improper
because we got reminded what the municipal act says about council making
the decisions and staff implementing those decisions and I believe that we
have been doing that going down and reading it further that says we've got
policies that we're doing that are not right that we need to review them. I'm
just interested as why why was the municipal act quoted on the
responsibilities of roles and responsibilities of council and staff if
what we're really doing is saying we've got some policies that simply need to be
reviewed. I just didn't know why we were reminded of our duty.
» Thank you for the question and through you Mr. Mayor. Um I would note that the
background of course serves as background not only to council but to
the public and to anyone else that might be reading the report. And so while of
course council is well apprised of their role um as it comes to the division of
responsibility that maybe is not so obvious to the casual reader or follower
of council agendas. Um the other piece that I'll note is that um the the idea
of a policy governance policy is to really lay out in plain terms how we are
working to move our policy aims forward. And so having that background and having
the ability to say this is why and this is really the legislated root of why
we're making our decisions this way um is the reason that you see that
citation. Um the reference a little bit further on to the policy cleanup that
needs to be done um is specific both to the policies that have been before
council. And so I would say there are policies that are on the books now that
council has adopted by bylaw that perhaps do live in the role of staff and
that's on staff. Council didn't pull those out of their own hat, right? Staff
presented them to them to um to adopt. And so what we want to do is just take a
full a wholesome look at all of the policies that exist currently and make
sure that we've put them in the right bucket in the administrative bucket or
the governance bucket and make sure that we are continuing to review those going
forward so that we don't have policies on the books that are out ofd or
inappropriate.
» Other questions? Deputy mayor.
» Um just two quick things if I may, Mr. Mayor. First of all, I'm pleased to see
that our legislative department is able to bring this forward. It tells us that
we've got, you know, staff in place, the capacity to undertake a project such as
this because I'm sure it's something that kind of stayed on the edge of a
desk for a while. So, that's very reassuring. But, um, from what you just
told us, Allison, I'm wondering, are you also reviewing any, um, counselor
motions that may not have seen, uh, themselves come to fruition at this
point? and may some of those then fall into these categories where they will
end up now being reviewed and and as you suggested land in the appropriate staff
person's bucket. >> Thank you. And through the mayor, um I
believe that is our intention that um prior to the end of this term of
council, we will have a look at all of the outstanding counselor motions that
have come forward um and we will report back to council about the disposition of
those. So, does that actually belong in staff's bucket? Have we achieved it or
is it still on someone's work plan and we're waiting to get there?
» Okay, any other comments, questions? I'm going to call the vote. All in favor?
Any opposed? And that is carried unanimously. Thank you, Allison.
And we have one more here which is um the recommendation is uh that committee
of the whole receive report legislative services 2026-10 access to information
and privacy update. Mover and a seconder councelor and deputy mayor kiny um do
you wish to speak to that one Allison? >> No thank you I'll just accept your
questions if there are any. Are there any questions? It's pretty
straightforward. All in favor? Any opposed? That's carried unanimously.
And now, uh, we're going to hear, uh, from Deputy Mayor Keven on, uh, an
update on County Council. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, county
council last met on July the 9th. Uh, the agenda was on the shorter side. Um,
and it began with a request from councelor McQueen to pull the minutes of
the prior meeting for further discussion of the urban roads transfer report. Uh,
staff had incorporated points raised by council at our last meeting and uh, I
believe in terms of our own situation that uh, uh, to put it bluntly, it's as
good as it's going to get. Um, Meford will now receive $2,453,431
in transitional funding over the next 10 years for the two sections coming our
way, which as we know was Grey Road 7 from Mir Street Highway 26 and Grey Road
12 from Gardener to Sykes. a bylaw um supporting uh the appointment
of Sue Murray as acting treasurer and Garrett Reed as deputy treasurer uh was
passed. Uh recently, Mary Lou Spicer, who's been with the county for 24 years
in the finance department, has uh retired.
A second bylaw is passed to adopt amendment 30 to the Gray County official
plan affecting lands in Normandy Township in the municipality of West
Gray, changing that zoning from agricultural to agricultural with
exception and that will allow um residential lot creation.
Manager of transportation Trevor Ryton presented a video to council and I
wonder if this is something we could do. It was really quite wonderful. Um, and
the video overviewed all of the completed capital projects uh from 2025
and they included 5 kilometers in Southgate, 5.3 km on Grey Road 14, 11.1
km on Grey Road 2, 9.7 on Grey Road 25, 6.6 km on Grey Road 119, and 10 culbert
replacements on Grey Road 30 at a total cost of $13 million. But it was just
really great to see all of the work that had been done. Council heard the
presentation of the 2025 audit completed by MNP. Uh the audit must be approved by
council before the rep final report can be signed. The auditors found no
deficiencies and provided a clear opinion on the county's financial
position as of December the 31st, 2025. The next report brought an update to the
Bruce Gay Duffren Wellington transit study. This regional working team is
studying a unified transit plan for the four counties. This is the largest
public transit collaboration currently underway in the province. It was decided
that information would continue to be gathered over the summer with existing
routes continuing during the study period uh along with the addition of the
Owens Sound to Wyon route number five so people can get to Sabo Beach. Ridership
and potential funding sources will be assessed with report coming to the new
council to determine the next steps on public transit. The updated official
plan for the settlement areas of Durham and Newad and the municipality of West
Gray was adopted with staff stating the plan met requirements of the Gray County
official plan and the provincial planning statement with the land use
schedules conforming to both. The corporate financial update revealed a
few deficits to budget such as an unexpected boiler favor. I'm sorry, a
boiler failure at Sydnham campus and the unpredicted severity of our past winter
season. The planning department at Gray County is also operating in a shortfall
as we are in Meford with fewer than anticipated applications underway.
Um, again, Councelor McQueen from Grey Highlands pulled a letter from the uh uh
Grey Highlands to the county requesting support for consideration of physical
traffic calming measures for the hamlet of Kimberly. So, this really fits in
with what we were talking about earlier in in relation to speed reductions.
After a very significant discussion, a motion was passed to have staff
investigate options for physical traffic calming measures for all hamlets and
builtup areas across Gray County, uh, not just those in Kimberly. So, I think
this will benefit all of us. And as we know, speeding is a major problem
everywhere. But we do hear that physical barriers such as what they have in Bruce
County and areas like Terara actually make a difference in slowing drivers
down. So I thought that might be a solution to consider for Bayfield
Street. And Mr. Mayor, that's it, unless you wanted to add anything.
» Not really. Um, is there any other uh boards or commissions to be heard from
uh at this meeting? Okay. Then uh I am ready to entertain a
motion to uh move out of committee of the whole.
Councelor Yurig and councelor Greenfield. Thank you. Um and that would
be at 4:49 p.m. And uh all in favor?
Any opposed? That's there we are. So I think at this point uh we have a number
of items that remain on the agenda for today and we're going to recess and uh
come back to those items following the public planning meeting scheduled at
5:00 this afternoon. So um uh with that uh we will
be >> yes we will we will recess until 5:00.
I would invite anyone who is um attending the meeting tonight to come in
and find a seat um and see if we have there are some seats at the front and
some at the rear there.
Yeah, there are some seats right at the very front on this side
and some at the front here.
Uh ple please come in and sit down if you're going to attend the meeting.
There are some seats in the front there.
Okay, it is slightly after 5:00 uh 502 and I want to welcome everyone and uh
thank you for coming tonight. Uh this is a important uh uh public meeting and uh
we are always pleased to see our gallery filled. Uh this meeting is to learn
about a proposal to amend the land use planning permissions applying to certain
lands in the municipality of Meford. Council is legally required to make
decisions that conform to the county and local official plans. Our policies
encourage us to reach out to community stakeholders to gather information. We
have a variety of legal tools available to us that we can apply to development
to help us manage change in a positive manner with as minimal an impact as
possible. And your insights can be part of what forms or informs our direction.
Those in attendance for today's meeting will have an opportunity to speak in
person or remotely if pre-registered through Zoom. This meeting is not
structured as a dialogue between speakers and the applicant. However, the
applicant may take the opportunity to respond to comments toward the end of
the meeting if they wish. Note that any uh or in many cases formulating
responses actually may require staff to carry out research after the meeting on
the matters raised and provide answers following the meeting or through their
report to council. So, I'll call this uh uh today's public
meeting to order. It's a public meeting to consider a zoning bylaw amendment for
lands at 245690 Side Road 22 in Meford.
This meeting is a mandatory part of the planning process which has been set out
by the planning act. Based on the rules of the act, there must be at least 20
days notice given to residents within 120 mters of the property. Notice of the
zoning bylaw amendment was issued on June 23rd, 2026, giving the required 20
days notice. So, first of all, I'm going to call on
Helina Fashionado, planner at the municipality of Meford to give us a
brief presentation about this application to provide us with any
public and agency comments that have been received to date. Helena,
» thank you. Through you, Mr. Mayor. >> Please move that microphone up really
close. Can you hear me? >> Yes, that's much better. Perfect. Okay.
So, this is a zoning bylaw amendment application for a temporary use
extension. Um, so the purpose of this public meeting is to hear a presentation
from planning staff with some of the details about the planning application.
Uh, provide an opportunity for the applicant to speak on their behalf about
their proposal and to provide a forum for the public to comment on this
proposal.
So here are some details about the proposal. Uh so on November 13, 2023,
a bylaw 2823-70 was passed which reszoned a portion of
the subject property to permit the following temporary uses. So a motor
vehicle repair garage and accessory outdoor storage. So this temporary use
was granted for a period of 3 years and it will expire on November 13th, 2026.
So, November of this year, the applicant has requested an extension of the
existing temporary use of the property for a further period of 3 years.
And so, here on the screen is a little bit more detail of the bylaw that was
approved uh coming up on 3 years ago. So, the temporary use is motor vehicle
repair garage and outdoor uh storage accessory to the repair garage. Um the
maximum amount of garage bays is two and the total permitted area of the
temporary use is 4,200 uh square meters. The maximum number of
vehicles on site to be serviced at one time is 10. And then an additional
maximum number of parking spaces for customers and employees is 15.
Um so the planning act legislative authority um so under the planning act
section 39 a temporary use can be granted by a council of a m municipality
um for any purpose is otherwise prohibit sorry prohibited by the zoning bylaw.
Um, so a temporary use bylaw must define the area where the use can occur and be
for a maximum of three years and council may grant further periods of not more
than three years.
So here are the subject lands on side road 22
and it is in an agricultural area. The surrounding lands are predominantly
agricultural with some residential and the lands are approximately 30
hectares in area.
So the county of gray official plan designates the lands as special
agriculture and hazard lands and the permitted uses in this area are
agricultural in nature. Um, and the county official plan, it's
important to note that they only permit one extension of a temporary use bylaw.
And then the MEF official plan mirrors those policies of the county. Uh, so the
designation is special agricultural and environmental protection. Um, and the
predominant use is agriculture and agricultural related uh uses.
So here's a snippet of the zoning of the subject lands. Uh so it's special
agriculture and environmental protection. And if you can see it on the
screen, the black square or shape um is the permitted area for the temporary use
on the property. And so the special agricultural area
permits once again agricultural uses and those related uses um including home
industries and a home industry use cannot include a home or sorry a motor
vehicle repair shop. Um the proposed uses are also outside of the EP
environmental protection area of the property.
So the zoning requested um so a portion of the lands were reszoned from special
agriculture to special agricultural with a temporary use. Um so it's limited to
the area identified on the map. Um and it's limited to 3 years but could be
extended on request which is what the applicant has done.
And here is a sketch uh from the original temporary use uh proposal. Um
so this is what the applicant would like to continue to use. Um so there's an
existing drive shed on the property. Um and then they've proposed a parking area
as well.
So here is where we are in the application process. So we've received
the application. um completed an initial review and deemed the application
complete. Uh so we're now at the public meeting stage. Um so following this,
we'll take all the information from council, from members of the public, the
applicant. Um and we'll complete our review and provide a recommendation to
council in a staff report. Um and it's important to note that to follow our
prescribed timelines, we will be bringing an or a recommendation report
to council on July 27th. Um so we ask any members of the public to provide
comments um as soon as possible.
So here's how to keep engaged in the process. Um so you can submit comments
to planning me.ca. Um and you can also make a request in
writing to planning@me.ca to be notified of the decision rendered.
And so that concludes the end of the presentation. We have received some
comments to date and I'll just summarize them now. Um so we have received
comments from uh some members of the public. Um and they have been shared
with council and will be addressed as part of the staff recommendation report.
Um, and to summarize, some comments expressed concerns about the business
using more of the site than permitted, operating outside of business hours, and
not complying with planning policies and bylaws.
Written comments were also received in support of the business and of the
temporary use extension. And that's a summary of the comments
received so far. Thank you. >> Thank you, Helina. [clears throat] I I
understand the applicant John Bolsink is present today to speak about his
application. Uh John, yeah, do you want to step up to the microphone at the
podium there, please?
» Good evening, mayor, deputy mayor, counselors,
everybody here. It's uh great to see everybody.
It's been three long years, I'm not going to lie, and it hasn't been
very fun. Um, I didn't think I'd be here for three
years. I was promised that within these three years I'd have a new building, and
it has not happened. Um, we've had some struggles. We're working
with the municipality diligently to try and work through, resolve, get a
resolution for the problems. Um, but in the meantime, we require a little more
time. um you know so that we can move forward and get the
new building built. Um yeah, it's been hard for me. We have a
lot of customers, a lot of people um to try and get
customer service to give the quality service that we used to have with a
smaller facility, smaller um footprint, all that kind of stuff. It's been really
really difficult. You know, trying to follow all the rules
and trying to follow everything has has been really, you know, it's been it's
been really stressful and it's been really tough, but we're making it work.
Um, you know, with everybody's support and
help, it's been it's been pretty good. I mean, that's why that's why we do it. So
many great people in me. It's it's pretty awesome.
Um,
with respect to the neighbors and everything else, I've been adamant to my
staff to be respectful to all the neighbors and, you know, we tried our
best to keep noise down. You know, I mean, it's not always easy. I mean, my
customers, [clears throat] they just drop stuff off. I have no real control
of a lot of stuff. Yeah, there's a few too many vehicles there.
We have purchased a new facility in Owens sound and that's probably going to
take quite a bit of heat off the meford one here. We have a lot of customers
that come from over in Owens sound. So we're working really hard to get that up
and going. That's probably going to be open in about two weeks.
Still waiting on a few things to get going there. So
we definitely don't have enough room where we are and I [clears throat] have
my employees and they need some room to work. You know, we we support quite a
few people. We support quite a few customers and people to give them the
service that they require and the service that they want. I mean, we do a
lot of different service in a lot of regular shops. I mean, we do a lot of
repair. We do engine rebuilds, transmission rebuilds. Therefore,
turnaround times on vehicles is a little longer than most. We're not just doing
replacements. Um, you know, we do a wide variety of of
things. And it's it's it's tough to try and satisfy everybody. It's tough to try
and satisfy. You know,
we need to make money. We need to get our shop built. I mean, there's been
hurdles and we're getting through them. You
know, one big hurdle was, you know, everybody thought my shop my my my old
shop was contaminated. It all got dug up as if it was contaminated.
In the end, it wasn't contaminated. Well, there's a big issue there. Um, you
know, just because things are an automotive shop doesn't mean they're
contaminating everything. I mean oil's oil is not not toxic. They actually put
oil in in they put petroleum and fertilizer if you can believe that and
it's spread on fields, you know. So, you know, we we do our best. If we have
little spills from vehicles, we clean them up. We use oil dry, dispose of it.
You know, we're busy. We're busy. We're busy working. It's hard to satisfy
everybody. But, you know, as far as the tires go, there's been a big change in
January as far as tire pickup and recycling. the government have stopped
some funding on the recycling. I spoke with Paul Vickers's MPP. He's looking
into solutions for that. I spoke with the um tire recyclers and there is a new
recycler coming but he won't be up and ready for a couple of months. All the
shops in this area all have a backlog of tires including the municipality.
So, you know, all the you know, a lot of this stuff's out of our control. You
know, we can't just start jumping in ditches everywhere. And that's probably
what's going to start happening if the government just doesn't start picking
stuff up. I mean, everybody pays for recycling. It's not happening. But
again, it's out of our control. We do our best.
Um,
um, yeah, I'm really hoping that when we get
this new facility going, it'll take a lot of pressure off the 22 side road and
maybe a lot of pressure off the off the neighbors there. Um, far as the road
getting wrecked, the military uses the road now because the road across the top
of the Hogsback is closed. So, the military comes around there every day.
One afternoon, I count 14 military vehicles, dunk trucks, loaders,
their patrol vehicles. Like, you see them all the time, you know. So, it's
not just Johnny B that wrecks the road. And the road was patched up in the front
of our shop before we got there. Well, it's still patched up and hasn't been
patched up any further. So, I really don't feel that the whole
road issue is is our fault either. Um, but yes, it's busier. So,
um, yeah, I don't know. You know, I've been
patient. I've been waiting. I've been We've all been doing our due diligence
to try and get this thing off the ground. you know, we're struggling with
there's there's there's a bunch of things that that are going on that I
can't talk about here, but it'll all come together in the end, I think. And I
appreciate the municipality support. Appreciate all the friends and family
and everybody's support because I wouldn't be here without them. And if I
didn't have this much support, I probably wouldn't even start this three
years ago. But I appreciate everybody trying hard.
I know it's difficult and but we'll get through it. And
yeah, I'm I'm so excited to have a new shop and I think everybody else is too.
Anyway, thanks everybody. >> Thank you, John.
» There there have been u uh pre-registrations to speak at this
public meeting uh by members of the public. So, first I'm going to call to
the microphone Dave and Kathy Wilcox.
» Good afternoon. Can everybody hear me? Okay.
» I just move the microphone down a bit. Yes. And speak right up close to it.
» Good afternoon. Can everybody hear me? Okay. Now,
» good. Thank you. >> Okay. I'd like to begin by
introducing myself. I'm Dave Wilcox and over here to my left is my wife Kathy.
We live at 245689 Side Road 22 which is directly across
from the subject property. We were opposed to the initial reszoning
which granted Johnny bees a temporary three-year permit to operate his
business across directly across the road. We are also opposed to this
application for a three-year extension. Our concerns are as follows.
A heavy increase in the amount of traffic on side road 22.
We requested a traffic count be done 3 years ago. I would like to know from the
municipality if there has ever been a traffic count done.
» [clears throat] >> The number two issue is dangerous
driving at the entrance to the business as vehicles do not stop when exiting the
driveway. We've seen many near collisions there, including me twice.
Speeding vehicles on side road 22. That was also an issue three years ago. It
was mentioned that maybe the speed limit on the side road be reduced to 70 km an
hour. I have not heard seen anything like that. I don't know that that would
really fix anything because the vehicles are doing at least 100 kilometers an
hour. So what difference does it make if you reduce it by 10?
And uh excessive noise and car alarms at all hours. There's noise coming from
that place 24 hours a day. Car alarms banging
carrying on. I know Johnny has a business to look after, but he also has
business hours that he's supposed to operate between. And that is very much
extended. At night, if I leave my windows open, sometimes I can't sleep
because all I hear is banging and car alarms.
And we live in a rural area, which we don't shouldn't have to put up with.
One of our my biggest concerns is contamination into the protected water
course. It was mentioned years ago that water
samples were going to be taken. Has council taken any or has the
municipality taken any water samples to see about contamination?
We've heard nothing. Decline declining property values for
all the budding land owners. That's that's a huge thing. You guys extend
this another three years. got six years where
the the value of everybody's property, a bunning land owner's property is down.
And if somebody wants to sell, well, you now you don't want to sell till after
Johnny be has moved away because your land value is going to increase
immensely and general [clears throat]
non-compliance to all municipal bylaws. Examples of this are the number of
vehicles on site in various states of repair and disrepair.
» [clears throat] >> They're supposed to have a maximum of 10
vehicles on site. I've counted up as many as 93 on site
and that's a lot more than 10. I don't know why he needs to have 93 vehicles on
site in a special agricultural area and many of those vehicles are outside of
the permitted area.
tires being stored in properly outside. As far as I know, most people that have
businesses, they have containers that the tires are stored in.
There's these are just being stored outside and are
an eyes sore and I've already mentioned operating outside of normal business
hours. This is just a very generalized list of
concerns, many of which have been what many of which were brought forward to
council before the initial resoning. We are very frustrated that some of these
concerns have never been dealt with by the municipality.
We really feel that the municipality has dropped the ball on this subject.
And in closing, we we hope the council will take some of this information
into account when making their decisions on this matter. Thank you very much.
» Thank you. >> The uh second party to speak is Lynn
Piery.
My name is Lynn Piery and I'm here speaking on behalf of my husband and
myself. We live right next door to Johnny Bees and Extreme Excavating.
Before I address council, I would really like to
talk to Mr. Bullsync, the property owner, and those who support them.
Please listen to what I have to say. I would not be standing here today
fighting this extension if the rules had been followed. There were restrictions
set out in that temporary reasonzoning and they have just flaunted all of they
obliterated the rules. Further, in addition, for the past 3 years, I've
experienced an ongoing campaign of harassment and attempts to intimidate
me. I served 22 years as a member of our Canadian Armed Forces. I'm not easily
intim intimidated, but you can keep trying. Like this gentleman who was
staring at me prior to the meeting and this gentleman who just stands right
behind us. You can tell me to go back to the city.
» You can dump your crap at the end of my driveway.
Um, I just want to make a comment here. Um,
we really want to have a a >> I'm I'm just here to speak my peace,
Mayor. I'm I had a really nice, very polite
uh well-crafted speech written, but >> this note in my mailbox, am I allowed to
say what it says on here in chamber council?
» I would not. No. And what I'm saying is uh I we in order to have a a a
reasonable discussion of the application uh
» I need to discuss the escalating and ongoing harassment.
» Okay. And but can you do that in a way that you do not uh incite people to uh
you know because then we're going to have a riot and not appropriate.
» People have incited me. I'm here because you dump your crap at the end of my
driveway. You tell me to go back to the city and call me a very nasty name.
Um you honk your horn at midnight.
You leave nasty notes in my mailbox. you and I'm not going to stop. So that's why
I'm here because of your No, you can't. This is my turn to speak.
» This is why you're hearing it, honey. This is why I'm here because of your
escalating harassment and intimidations and Mr. Bullsyncs and the property
owners disregard for any rules. So to Mayor Kentner,
Deputy Mayor Cavini, members of the municipal staff and council, here's the
nitty-gritty of what I've come to say. I have composed, but not yet sent 28
emails to various county, provincial, and federal government entities and
other groups. I've email I have them in my drafts. Environment ministers, health
ministers, even their critics in opposition, I have 28 emails sitting
there.
Should you decide to extend the temporary reszoning by as much as 10
minutes, I will press send on all of that and then I will submit my complaint
to the Ontario Land Tribunal. I do have three other plans up my sleeve, but I
don't I won't use them. I call them nuclear options, and I don't want to go
scorched earth if I if I if I don't, but I will not stop. And another thing, the
property in question must be cleaned up and have clean water and soil samples by
midnight on November 13th. I will not stop. Thank you for your time.
Thank you. Uh the next speaker is Greg Hart.
Somebody
gets disabled, they need to say.
» Mr. Mayor, before I start, I have worked very hard on my presentation and I know
that you have a fivem minute limit. >> Sorry,
» you have a five minute limit on presentations. If I go 30 seconds over,
would you indulge me? >> I for 30 seconds. Of course I would. I
think we've indulged I appreciate that very much. I just wanted to make that
clear first because it is a very important subject as you know.
» So, Mr. Mayor, members of council, I'm here on behalf of John Bolsync to
express my support for his efforts to complete the rebuilding of Johnny Bee's
auto and return his business to its longtime home in Meford. Three years
ago, Johnny Bee's was auto was devastated by a fire. It was a tragic
day for John, his family, his employees, and our entire community. Johnny Bees
has served the Meford community faithfully for many years. Earned the
trust and loyalty of c of countless customers. For many of us, John was more
than just a mechanic. He was someone we relied on to keep our family safely on
the road. Following the fire, the community rallied around John. Council
members, mayor, local businesses, residents, and surrounding communities
all expressed their support and their desire to see Johnny's rebuilt. There
was a shared belief that this important local business belonged to in Meford and
should return as soon as possible. Unfortunately, 3 years later, that goal
has still not been achieved. Johnny has invested substantial time and money into
this project. Professional engineers have prepared plans. Contractors have
completed work. The building foundation's been in place for over a
year. Structural steel is ready to be erected. Yet another permit is still
required before construction can proceed. So the question in many people
in this community in their minds is simple. Why has this process taken so
long? The challenge has been continuity within the building department. I'm sure
over the past three years, Meford has experienced turnover in a senior
administration and in building leadership. Every transition inevitably
requires new staff to become familiar with existing files, reviewing
preisions, and ensuring compliance with acceptable and applicable legislation.
While that is understandable, act applicants should not bear the cost of
unnecessary delays resulting from organizational change.
Large commercial projects are complex. They often require revisions, technical
reviews, and compliance with Ontario building code, and no one disputes that.
However, every requested revision results in additional engineering work,
additional costs, additional time. When reviews extend over months rather than
weeks, these costs continue to grow. Inflation has increased construction
costs dramatically over the past four years. Delays making rebuilding s uh
delays make rebuilding significantly more expensive for any building builder
business owner. I'm sorry. John has shown remarkable patience throughout
this process. He's asked for and received council's approval to
temporarily relocate his business on concession 22 so he could continue
serving his customers while rebuilding was underway. At that time everyone
understood this was intended to be a temporary solution not a permanent one.
So today 3 years later Johnny be's auto remains in a temporary location.
Why? Well, the situation affects more than one person. It affects his
employees. It affects his customers. It affects the nearby residents.
Every successful small business contributes jobs, tax revenue, economic
activity, and community stability. Helping an established local business
return to its permanent location benefits every
So, I'm not here to criticize municipal staff. I recognize they have demanding
jobs and must ensure every project complies with applicable legislation.
But what I'm asking for is accountability,
communication, and a sense of urgency. There are outstanding dis if there are
outstanding deficiency, let John know exactly what they are. If additional
information's required, provide a checklist. If timelines can be
established, communicate them with them. Most importantly, assign someone to
shepherd this file from beginning to completion so it does not continue to
stall as responsibilities shift between departments or personnel or even the
municipal election. Council has the opportunity to
demonstrate that Meford supports local business. This is not asking about
special treatment. It's about ensuring that respectful business owners who have
worked in good faith for the last three years receive fair, efficient, and
timely service. As we approach another municipal election, I believe residents
will be watching closely to see how council supports businesses that choose
to invest in our community. John's ready. The contractor's ready.
His building materials are ready. His customers are waiting. Now, it's time
for this approval process to move forward forward. Excuse me. I
respectfully ask council to direct staff to make this project a priority,
identify any remaining requirements, establish a clear path forward for
permit approval, and to help bring Johnny's bees back to where it belongs
in the town of Meph. Thank you for your future.
The next next speaker is uh Michelle Whitmer.
» Yep. Is Michelle Witmore here? Yes. Okay.
Just while you're getting ready to to take the mic there, I I'm just going to
share with you that uh you know, members of council and staff uh are coming to
this meeting with an open mind and uh to hear from the public, both those who are
in favor and those who are not. And no decision is going to be made tonight. So
be aware of that, please. Uh go ahead, Michelle.
Mayor, council, good afternoon. I'm Michelle Whitmore, a friend and a
business associate associate of John Bullsync and of Johnny Bee's Auto. Thank
you for having me here today. I wish to speak to you about hardship.
Due to the fire in May of 2023, the family business known as Donnie Bees has
had to deal with stress causing health issues and undue financial hardships
that they have faced due to not being able to rebuild for the
last three years. I would like to remind everyone that they have faced many
refusals for rebuilding. They have submitted and planned on rebuilding
since the day the fire happened. But due to circumstances beyond their control,
they are still waiting on approval. With the generosity of a customer and a
friend, a place was found for a temporary solution. With the support of
the township varants, they were able to retain partial business while awaiting a
building permit. They were requesting an additional
variance to sustain some income for their family and employees. This
variance would be for an additional 3 years if accepted by council. I would
like for the mayor to understand the losses are still happening to this small
business. They cannot have their convict license which allows buying and selling
of cars. The body shop for repairs is not available due to the temporary
location. The business is struggling financially, losing approximately 50% of
their business revenue. It's only covering cost. They are unable to
satisfy their customers base due to so many limitations.
This small business has always been compliant with rules, regulations,
government policies and procedures. As with any business, they are licensed
requirements. Examples are easer, which is the
environmental env for used cars, drive on so they can
do a safety on your car, tire stewardship,
business licenses. These are all things that they have to pay and maintain with
or without a solid site.
There is only a temporary trailer for office space and no room to grow from
this location. The bottom line is they require their new permit for rebuild or
they require this location for longer term or the financial hardship will
cause more tragedy than the fire itself. People will be out of work with nowhere
to go. A family, a solid family in this community needs the compassion of this
council to accept this as a need to this community.
Thank you. >> Thank you.
Finally, finally, I'm [clears throat] going to call on Ken Jolly.
Good evening everyone. My name is Ken Jelly and I'm here not as Johnny's
friend but I'm but myself because I'm a customer and I'm a business owner and I
need my mechanic. Just like thousands of other customers
and other businesses rely on him. The local economy is intertwined in having a
reliable vehicles to run our businesses to get to and from work. Not approving
this extension has huge economic recourse with the entire community and
would devastate the bullings. We all know what we are here to discuss.
But do we know why? Why are the bulls still operating on side road 22? They
don't want to be there. Some of the neighbors don't want them there. Their
customers don't want them there. But yet they're stuck there. The bulls have done
everything that they can be done not to be there. The site plan was done years
ago. An engineered steel building sits on the Highway 26 site ready to be
erected. And there's been and has been there for quite some time. A concrete
foundation was approved. Sits ready. No building permits, no way to leave side
road 22 and let the neighborhood go back to normal. So why in 3 years, 1 month,
19 days does he not have a permit? Does bureaucracy really take this long? Is a
town really trying all that hard to remedy the situation? Everyone would be
happier if he wasn't there. So here we are asking for an extension for the bull
sinks to be where no one wants them to be, where they don't want to be. All
because they are still waiting for a building permit. Now I'm aware of the
say no to Johnny B petition from the neighbors who don't want the bull sinks
on side 22. to the organizers of the petition. You do know the bulls are on
the same you and the bulls are on the same side. You could be allies. You
could be helping each other get get him back to where he should be. Have you
ever asked the town why they're taking so long with the permits?
I understand that temporary zoning for this property had a timeline on it. And
when it was first granted, it should have been tons of time to get permits to
get the build done. But with it soon expiring, it's only logical to grant an
extension since the town is the only reason he is still there. The site plan
done, engineered building done, foundation ready. Unfortunately, there
will be a few people that don't like this decision. And yes, your your
opinions matter. However, you are few and we are many that need Johnny B. He
is our mechanic. He keeps several thousand people on on the road. He keeps
many businesses going with without him the whole town suffers. Many businesses
excuse me, I'm talking.
There are many people that need Johnny B. He is our mechanic. He keeps several
thousand people on the road. He keeps bis many businesses going. Without him,
the whole town suffers. Many businesses will suffer. The whole community will
suffer. Unfortunately, the few for the few the greater good to for the
community is granting the extension. Democracy says there's only one choice.
Logic says there is only one choice. So the town council, you have one choice to
make. Approve the extension and the extension should remain in place until
he has a permit and can move forward and get back to his place on Highway 26
where everyone wants him to be. Thank you.
Uh you uh Yes. Well, I did call you. Uh but anyway,
» yes. Okay. No, you go right ahead.
» Hi, I'm Kathy Wilcox. to live across the road from Johnny Bees. So, my my
question is, it was a three-year term. My question to
everybody here that hates our guts and calls us horrible names and leaves dead
things in our uh mailboxes. Um, those people, I'd like to ask when did it
become aware to Johnny that this meeting was coming up? Last week or three years
ago? because he's had a lot of opportunity to make some actions to
assist himself in that interim. He knew these permits were being denied. Well,
what did he do a year ago when they were being denied? Anything? No, he just
waited for today. Right. So,
my my concerns are I see um so many people walking up and down
the side road. Um they're walking. They're they're coming
to a halt. There was there were people three people on the road the other night
and a woman screaming at her children to stop because they were coming and
someone's flying out of Johnny Bees. And John, it's not you that's doing the
driving. I'm not saying that. But there people are asking for respect. But what
about us? What about any health issues that we
have? What about our what about our hardships that we have? our health, our
finances, every like we don't feel hor this is a horrible situation for
everyone to be in. And if you refer back to three years ago, I said this and
stressed it that it was an is a situation for council and it still is.
So, we're not here screwing around with anybody. And we're not hoping somebody
does that to us, but there is dog and and a dead bird left in my mailbox.
And my poor neighbor here with the most recent spelling of C go back to Toronto
on a on a slip of paper that my husband and I delivered to everybody's mailboxes
to say, "Come and help us out." because there were walkers and joggers and
bikers and hikers and kids on um ATVs and golf carts and I was almost struck
three times in front of my mailbox in the same day right there. So, I don't
know what else to say. We're not trying to pick on anyone and just like stop the
nonsense going on across the road from us. This is horrible for all of us.
Everybody has health issues. Everybody has their finances.
Nobody feels like anyone's being horrible except I would say
the posi that showed up three years ago and those of which the posi are here
again. Some of you know some of you are great to deal with others it's just a
lynch mob and as the mayor said earlier if it doesn't settle down it's going to
become that and I also am not afraid and intimidated. So if you're going to pull
that nonsense, Lynn has and her husband have my support as well as my husband's.
So we're on speed doll for each other. Something happens, I'll be over. And so
my husband and our little itty bitty dog who who now has to be fearful of a huge
Rottweiler that was across the road from Johnny Bees the other night. And I don't
know why the man was there. I asked him what he was getting paid because my
suspicions were he was hired as security because I've never seen the man or that
dog ever before. So now there's OP involve it. And and at the OP showed up
and said, "Oh, um um by the way, um you told them you're not a police or you're
a police officer." Said, "Yes, I am." Well, no, you're retired. I said, "No,
somehow I missed my party. So I am an active officer. So, anybody in case you
need me at any point. So, I'll be there to assist Lynn as well for any issues in
that regard. Um, and if she needs any protection, I'll be there before
probably my brothers in blue show up. But I don't know what else to say other
than John. I really feel bad for you. I just really do. So, I thank you.
It's uh my uh duty to also inquire if there's anyone who didn't pre-register
who would like to uh take the microphone and uh uh state their views.
Go ahead. >> Please, please give us your name and
address. And >> absolutely. Hi, my name is Tim Wallace.
Uh me and my beautiful wife moved here recently uh about a year and a half ago
and we came under the worst thing possible obviously car trouble and I
know there's a lot of tensions high. I know a lot of people care and I think
there's a lot of passion and I think there's passion because there's a good
man over here. There's a guy who is the reason I've been able to work feed my
family. I've seen him put roofs over people's houses. I've seen him jump
through hoops with you guys and with everybody else. And it's always for the
good. And so all I ask here is let's let's put
the shame aside. Let's let's put away whatever we're holding in that has
stopped whatever silly building permits stops a
man that does this much good for a community.
I I can't believe paper gets in the way of that. And I know there's some good
shops around, but the amount of lengths he's gone
through in the trouble he's been through, I I couldn't ask more. Please,
please give him his permits. Please let him keep working cuz it's
people around here trying to get by.
What I what I can say is that this meeting is not about his permit. It is
about uh the application uh to extend the uh the uh use of the uh the land.
But I I will ask CIO ever, do you wish to respond to the concerns about the
permit at all? Is there anything you can say tonight?
» Uh through you, Mr. Mayor. Um, as far as the permit, I believe that that is with
the uh the planning department as well as the building department. Um, and that
process is underway and has been for quite some time. So,
» okay. Uh, I have to ask um council if uh you
have any questions uh for anyone. Sorry. Oh, did you do you wish to speak?
» I I do. >> Please go ahead. Please go ahead. I'm
sorry. I I thought I had everyone who had registered or and asked for anyone
who hadn't. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Council. My
name is John Greer. I'm a former resident of Neford. Uh several people in
the chamber here know me. I've known me since my family moved here in 2016.
Um, I I have to say that I'm a car guy and people come to me for guidance and
advice, including my family and friends. Um, I have recommended and people have
come and had service performed at the former location and also at the current
location and they come from downtown Toronto to
get work done here. There is a reason why after having the tragic loss of that
facility that people continue to seek out Johnny B and his cadre of mechanics
and it's because there's tremendous value but there's also someone mentioned
it a sense of urgency. As I sat here and listened, I thought
about what my wife experienced in December. Ice storm,
an infant, a four-year-old, our daughter,
and my wife in her vehicle, and the driver's window goes down and won't go
back up. on the way to the airport.
Imagine her horror having to deal with that. And the infant was 4 months old.
Turn around. Go to Jollibee's.
He stopped everything he was doing. Disassembled the door. Took the window
out. Broken cables inside. clamped it all in with uh a pair of vice grips and
in less than 20 minutes my wife is on her way and still adept.
I support the business regardless of where it's located. I'd love to see him
be able to pursue the growth of the business. But I have to tell you, if you
don't already know, the service he provides, like many other
services in the town of Meford, it's a metaphor for why I came here.
This is a fabulous community and I hope you make a decision to continue to
support a business like John's. And while I'm here, I want to say
congratulations to you on making that new newly renovated park down by the
harbor. You've got some really happy campers down there. That's a great
decision to do that. So, good on you. >> Could Could we get your name before you
leave the microphone? I don't think we got it there.
» John Greer. Oh, yeah. I live in Thornbury now.
» Thank you, John. Thank you.
So, members of council, do you have questions of anyone?
» Oh, okay. >> I'll be I'll be
» um I'm Andrea Wallace. That would be wife to Timothy Wallace that spoke
earlier. We are fairly new to me, so a lot of the hubbhub we haven't heard
about and just coming into it now. Um, I wanted to speak to you on my side of
things where really I just stay at home with the kids, but very much my vehicle
is almost like a third person in my marriage. If that vehicle isn't working,
my family with my three kids can't be successful. I really can't do what I
need to do with them at home if he is not providing financially what I need to
do it. Um, not only that, we have had so many vehicle troubles, countless since
we've been here. And the effect that that has on my family
and our like not only financially, but our mindset when our vehicle isn't
working, knowing that we're going to struggle to provide is something that if
you haven't gone through it, I can't explain to you. It is terrifying. But
one thing that has been saving during all of that is the relationship that my
husband built with Johnny Bees in such a short period of time. Um, he is able to
take his vehicle there. He is able to get peace of mind even without getting
his vehicle fixed that day and be able to come home and have a successful night
with the family. That is so so so important to me. If that is gone, if
that is lost, I will not have that. I might have to consider leaving. In terms
of the res residence, I am a mom at home with my kids all day. I can only imagine
how annoying that can be for you. I think that the best force of all of that
anger and all of that ability that you guys have down that on that street
should be put into putting him where he wants to be and where you don't want him
to be. Nobody wants him to be there. I don't care personally because I don't
live there, but I can understand how that can really, really affect you. And
I see how much power is down on that street to make change happen. I think if
you can think realistically a little peaceful that maybe together
something better can happen. Um, while you're thinking about that, obviously
you guys are all going to get really really angry at uh 10 cars being above,
but think about [clears throat] it from again a realistic standpoint. That is
not possible. When was the last time you went to a successful auto shop with less
than 10 cars there? >> The restriction went.
» I appreciate you for that comment. Thank you again. We would still have that
fight if there were 11 there. So again, I applaud their success and their
ability to have those cars. I know that some of the parts that have come from my
car at cheaper rates have been from some of those sitting cars and I appreciate
that because those rates are coming out at a price that I I can afford anything
else. I cannot afford it. I cannot I cannot survive. So please let Johnny be
stay. And I think someone mentioned before, let him stay and continue the
fight to go back. That's what he's trying to do. He's not fighting to stay.
Let him stay so he can continue to fight to go back and be out of your hair. And
I'm sorry that the people are putting things in your mailbox. We all know
that's not John Lee's. I would hate for people to be upset about things that if
I was I run a small day home, so I've got kids running through. If those kids
in my care were doing terrible, terrible things, I would hate to be held
personally accountable for it. >> Can we just get your name for the
record? >> Oh, Andrea. Andrea Wallace.
» Okay. Thank you. >> Andrea Wallace.
» Thank you.
So, we're just a few minutes away from six o'clock. So, I'm going to ask, is
there anyone else in the gallery that would like to speak to the uh matter?
speak now or forever hold your peace. Uh, okay. Uh, council, uh, do we have
questions? Uh, deputy mayor. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. I do have a
question and I I will get to it, but I just want to start by thanking everyone
for being here. I know this is a very emotional issue and as council we are
grateful to hear all of your comments and to allow us to have that information
as we go forward with a decision on this extension. But I think I can speak for
all of us in saying that May 25th, 3 years ago, was a devastating day in this
community when that fire happened. It was it was horrible and everybody's
heart went out to John and his family and and it was just an awful thing that
happened and and the people that were working in the shop and depended on the
shop for their livelihoods and the people whose cars were there and lost
their cars and and just so many terrible things that were a result of that fire.
So, just know [clears throat] that that is a day that will never be forgotten in
this community. But I just um wanted to come back and ask John a question if I
may, Mr. Mayor. Um John, you mentioned Would you Is it okay if I ask John to
come back to the podium? >> Yes.
» Yes.
Thank you, John. Um when you first spoke, you mentioned about buying a
property in Owens Sound. >> Yes. And I'm wondering if you could give
council and everyone present a little bit more clarity about because we we've
heard about the number of cars on the lot and we understand that that is a
concern for the for the neighbors. Can you share with us in your mind as you
work through the process of moving a piece of your business to Owens Sound
what impact that is likely to have on the number of cars remaining on your lot
going forward? >> Um yes, we purchased the property in
Owens Sound. Um therefore we can um the idea was to get our business back up and
running maybe closer to its full potential and not um have backlog here
at the shop in Weepford. Um it's the only way to you know really try
to deal with things we you know to some of the vehicles that we need to work on.
It's tough to do in the shop that we're at now and you know I mean customers
have been very patient this and that and all those vehicles there aren't mine. Um
some of them are related to the farm that's there. this and that. So, you
know, there's there's a few vehicles, whatever, but probably a fair a fair
amount uh we're thinking probably like, you know, maybe 50% of it is going to go
to sound.
You know, we have employees there. That's a six bay shop there. Um we'll be
able to do the turnaround times a lot better there than we can here. Um and
that was the whole idea behind it, just so we can service our customers a little
bit better. And we have quite a few customers that are kind of living over
that way and they're ecstatic about that. They don't have to come so far
now. So, it's good. Yeah, we're just in the process of
fixing that that place up and giving it a nice facelift and uh you know, we're
doing a lot. It's going to look really good and uh yeah, we'll be able to carry
uh carry a fair chunk of the business over there. Okay. Councelor Yuri,
» thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'll echo Deputy Mayor and thank everyone for coming out.
Obviously, contentious issues bring emotions and not not a lot of fun.
So, just a question and a comment. The question is, so if permits were go, you
were ready to go. Yeah. >> How long would it take you to actually
be back in your old location? >> One year.
» It would take you one year >> to build it. Maybe a little less.
» Okay. Thank you. All my contractors have been very good. They're ready to rock
and roll and they said they'll work exceptionally hard. I mean, the
foundation's in that that that part was the hard part. Um, that's in there. The
metal building's ready. Everything's ready. If we get the go-ahad, it could
happen very quick. >> Good. And I just the comment is I just
I'm sorry if there's any reflection on you sort of some of the stuff that's
happening that's super superfluous because any h any and and again people
could disagree, but there shouldn't be the harassment. There shouldn't be
literally things happening that sound like they're happening. And I know it's
not you. And I I hope that people can be a little bit more respectful cuz we all
want to see you get back to where you should be. And there are ways to do that
without um being less than professional. >> Yep. 100%. No, we always try to be 100%
professional. I tell my staff to do that as well. And um that's all I can ask
for. Thank you very much. Anyone else on council wish to ask John anything?
» Okay. Well, uh, thank you again, John. >> Thank you. Um,
» I want to thank everyone for attending this meeting and sharing your thoughts
on this application. This matter will now be referred back to development
services to follow up on any additional information required from the applicant
based on the matters that were raised tonight.
Once staff are satisfied that they have all the necessary information needed to
provide a recommendation on the applications, a detailed planning report
will be brought back to council to assist us in our decision-making. This
report will evaluate how the proposal does or does not satisfy the provincial,
county, and municipal policies that must be considered as part of council's
decision. It will also explore the various public and agency comments
received regarding the application. noting those tools which may be applied
in order to address concerns raised and to mitigate potential impacts on nearby
properties. And I just want to remind you if you
would like to receive notice uh of a future decision on this file, please
provide your uh contact information to the planning services division by email
and the address is planning meford.ca. That's all lowercase planning meford.ca.
And with that, again, thank you for your attendance. Thank you for uh allowing us
to have a a civil conversation. And I'll declare this meeting adjourned.
Well, good evening everyone. We're uh back in session. Uh we had our 5:00 uh
public planning meeting with an absolutely uh packed gallery and uh
we've concluded that and uh so we're going to resume um our council meeting
and uh finish it. But first I have to
find where we left off. So just give me one second.
So uh on the agenda we are on uh item 11 councelor motions. Is there any notice
of motion tonight? Uh okay as uh we have one motion for
decision and uh it's h by councelor Greenfield. Would you like to uh present
your motion?
» All right. Yes, your worship. Thank you. I would like to move the motion.
» Yeah. And so if you read it and we'll get a second for it. Is that all right?
Is that the order of uh
» Yes. Yes. I I will move it, but I can't
present it until I get a secondary. Can I?
» No, I think you can present it and then we get a second for further motion.
Nobody may second it. So,
» thank uh yes. Uh I'll read it. Uh the worship. Um
uh whereas the council of Miss Pyford appreciate the presentation of June
22nd, 2026 by the Escarment Corridor Alliance and the suggestions expressed.
Therefore, be it resolved that council recognizes the importance of broad
ecological connectivity as a foundation of resilient growth,
ecosystem services, and climate resilience. And the council acknowledges
that land within the municipality form part of an emerging and connected
ecological corridor across the southern Georgia Bay region and that the
municipality continue to promote natural heritage preservation
and protect the municipality's ecological systems through its decisions
on land use, conservation, development and infrastructure. ure matters in
accordance with our own mefort official plan.
» Is there a second for the motion? Uh, councelor Yuring. Thank you.
» U, do you want to speak to it? Uh, councelor Greenfield.
» Well, thanks. Uh, hopefully it's fairly self-explanatory.
Um, I just want to mention that people who live here, whether they've been here
for a long time or a short time, uh, visitors, uh, uh, regardless often say
they're attracted by our natural surroundings, our natural beauty. uh
Georgia Bay, the uh many hills, valleys, and uh many of the hills in our
municipality are shaped around uh the Niagara
Escarment. I uh I didn't realize that the Niagara
scarment starts near Rochester, New York, and goes up through Ontario,
[clears throat] dips down below the water at Tuba Murray
at the end of the Bruce, and then comes up again, goes across Manatulan Island
to Sue St. goes westward through northern Michigan
and then [clears throat] starts to cut back down south near Green
Bay, Wisconsin. It actually terminates not that far north of the city of
Chicago. So, it's a it it's quite a quite a structure. Um I it's been with
us for over 400 and some million years and uh I'm hoping we can u maintain it
for that many more. So I I like to think that the municipality meford will do its
part in protecting and preserving this uh this ecological beauty that uh that
we have with us. Thank you. >> Any uh questions? [clears throat] Uh or
I'm just going to call a vote then. All in favor? Oh, sorry.
Sorry about that. Um yeah, through you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Um
Harley, I was wondering um just thinking kind of through the
course of today how to um maybe give this a little more teeth. Um,
and a thought that popped into my head while um just kind of going through the
day today was to add um another uh that line um that basically uh direct staff
to include uh a natural heritage impacts section on staff reports. Um because
that way I think that could help us contextualize all of our future
decision-m. we do financial impacts and then it it at least gives us the
opportunity to consider what the natural heritage impacts are um of um decisions
that we're making. Um and I don't know if that's something that would best fit
in a motion like this or perhaps in some other uh motion or or bylaw, but um I'd
just like to hear your thoughts on that as a way to implement it.
I'm not opposed to having that uh uh additional clause.
» And are you going to speak to the the site or second it? Go ahead then.
Councelor Bell. >> Thanks to uh Councelor Greenfield. So
the um the group that's been formed fairly recently and uh do you know what
they do with the farmland that they get? Do they take it out of production just
to turn it into natural environment or do they allow
agriculture to continue? Do you know?
I as I understand their
their direction is to work with agriculture to
be more pro
not as not just protective but more more preservation for egg lands. uh to uh
help influence
how agricultural production can continue successfully
uh and and and protect the the environment also. Now I I I don't think
they're anti- fertilizer or anti-spray. I don't think that's the type of thing
they're into, but I think they're just more into uh um
you know, new new initiatives and uh uh I mean there's new stuff out there in
agriculture all the time, too. New uh new ideas, new incentives. And I think
that's what they're uh I think that's what they're uh looking for. I I don't
think they're looking to take uh 20 20 hectares of protective soybean
corn producing uh land and planted in trees. uh if if
indeed there was uh I guess the owner of that property
no longer wanted to produce agriculture products, they'd be interested in in an
alternative. But I I I don't see that. Um
give me quite like I I'm not a member of the advocacy group. I can only kind of
relate what what I've read about them. But u
uh I think in today's world where we're losing 320 acres of agricultural land a
day, the last thing we want to do is restrict egg practices.
My opinion. Uh can I just ask if I [clears throat] may because I missed the
presentation uh personally but I thought this had to do partly with um um
maintaining uh the corridors that are used by wildlife.
Is that a different organization? >> Um yeah, I can I can speak to that just
um having had like past interactions with the organization though not a
member. Um so there's kind of two organizations that are operating in our
area that have very similar names. There's the Escarpment Biosphere
Conservancy and the Escarpment Corridor Alliance. This one being the Escort
Escarment Corridor Alliance. Um, and kind of similarly, they um kind of uh
look at things as a as a land conservancy and they do own land and
have greater degrees of protections uh on the land that they own. Uh but they
sort of their main drive is to uh basically um try to map out areas of
protected land, whether it's land they own themselves or a municipality owns or
it's already um a conservation area or something like that. And while those
individual pockets of land are useful for wildlife um and other forms of
natural [snorts] heritage, uh they their function for wildlife is limited unless
they are connected to other protected areas. Uh because if deer deer in the
whole area are going to do well, they're going to move between uh different
conservation areas, but they need a way to get there. Uh and so that's what this
organization is looking at. So that might be okay well if you know we're
redeveloping something how can we make sure that there uh you know is preserved
wood lot at the back so that animals can still continue to move across it or if
uh you're uh you know redesigning or or working um uh agricultural land how do
you keep your uh hedro uh in good condition and you know maybe consider
not getting rid of it so that there continues to be corridors and channels
for wildlife to move through. Uh and that's sort of the biggest sort of
conceptual uh goal uh is I've understood it directly from uh the CEO
» councelor Yurig. >> Thank you Mr. Mayor. Um well councelor
Anders I agree in principle with your additional that um my question I guess
is and probably to the CEO is um are we equipped to do that? uh because at the
end of the day uh a lot of the environmental processes are specialized
uh and I just want to make sure that if we're going to do something like that,
how does that impact staff a workload b cost? Because if we're now having to go
out and get consultants to do and maybe rubber stamp everything that's kind of
happening in conjunction with that, that puts a different wrinkle on it. So I'll
kind of leave that one to uh Mr. Ever. >> Yes. Do you Mr. Mayor to council York, I
would agree. And it's not so much the resourcing. I would say we we want to be
careful of having those types of headers within our reports and presupposing the
planning process, right? Because the planning process is going to require
potentially a natural heritage study. So if that's going to be part of the
process, I think there's ways that we can strengthen that requirement. But um
I would be it would be worrisome for me to think that every report's going to
have it. We can we can identify it as yeah we think that there there may be
some natural impact or but I think the planning process is the process that
directs that and quite frankly puts the cost on the applicant to do that study
because it's not something that the municipality should have to bear the
cost of on behalf of the taxpayers when the planning process would actually have
the applicant get that consultant to do that work as
part of their application. >> Councelor Bell.
» Thank you again, Mr. Mayor. So, that's my major concern.
You have uh property and your neighbors got property and you have things that
are transpiring and wildlife that are moving and then all of a sudden you come
in and you want to do a building somewhere and put a shed up for house
your combine and then you find out that somebody somewhere else who doesn't even
live here has made a decree on your property has got a listing on it that
you can't even do anything with it. The prime example of that is Anancy. All of
a sudden you go and you make an application. You find out that somebody
down in Toronto has set a computer screen, multiplied things up and said,
"Oh, gee, look at that. That'd be a great thing. They'll make you a Nancy
and you can't even do anything. It's your own bush. So, this is the problem
that I have with with groups that come that say you're going to take this
property and you're going to take it. What are you going to do with it?"
Councelor Yurig and I we Grace Sable we we've heard so many times about if you
have a wet land what it used to be for a farmer to do the agriculture and how
close they could get and they've changed that now. So actually the farmer can
recuperate more land because land is so important to have to put into the food
chain. So we've seen that kind of thing. There's other groups that exist that if
a farmer ever signs on with them, they have lost the pres the right to even go
on the land. And I don't want to name that name in this council meeting. But
that's what happens. They come to the to the farm and they say, "Wouldn't you
like to do this? This is all great. It sounds all lovely." They just signed it
away. And so that's my my reservation on it. Now, this council will remember what
I clearly told that group when they came here. I told them if they can help us
with what we're doing with the major changes in grace conservation. I told
them power to them to help us to do that. But this saying that we're going
to embrace that to me it just makes another level of a hidden bureaucracy
that can hit somebody that owns We've had some farmers here this afternoon
that got tens of thousands of acres and he sat in that back row. Biggest farmer
we've got in Sydam Township. Okay. And I don't want to see him someday or someone
like him make an application and go where in the heck did this come from?
and we've done it. So, I'm a little reserved on this.
My my fellow forer, councelor for knows that I I care about sustainability and I
and I care about our environment, but to me, whose fingers are in whose pie and
how deep do they go? So, I'm a little reserved on it, that's all.
» Okay. Are we ready to entertain the question?
Um all in favor
of the motion as presented. Yes. Um
» yeah. Yeah. I I myself have just changed my mind as a result of what councelor
Bell has said here. Uh but so go ahead,
» mayor. If I may, I'm wondering if we have enough information at this point in
time to make a decision on this motion or if we need to understand a little bit
more about the intentions of the alliance in terms of because I
appreciate councelor Bell's comments and we would not want to do that too many of
our existing land owners particularly if they're um working the land. So, do we
need to go back to the alliance and request a further understanding of of
what uh you know terms and restrictions they would place on lands?
» Uh, councelor Manis. >> Sure. Thank you. Um, in a conversation I
had a after the presentation um we discussed uh the desire uh because I was
just curious to learn more about how they intend to work with the
agricultural community. So perhaps it would be worthwhile to invite them back
to give a presentation on that aspect specifically. Um I'm pretty sure that
they're still kind of in the early fledgling stages of that program, but
perhaps uh we could kind of start that
conversation to make sure that it's something we would be comfortable with
and then if uh we in our community are comfortable with it, then we could
support it more strongly or or not if we're not comfortable. So, there's a
couple of [clears throat] ways to come at this to defer or I just wonder do you
want to withdraw the motion until uh we have that conversation with the
organization or do you want to let it or would you be willing to have it deferred
until we hear from and I'm going to get some direction from the clerk which will
be much more >> No, no, thank you worship. My suggestion
might actually be to postpone the motion because we can put a reason in there and
then that gives count that gives staff direction to go and see if they will
present again to the the comment rather than trying to get formal direction to
go and ask them separately. Uh so if we postpone to allow time um until such
time as the they are invited and and we can deal with it that way I would maybe
suggest.
So over to you, Councelor Greenfield. >> Um, yeah, that that's fine. If uh we
want to uh postpone any decision until staff gets more uh
more direction, I uh
I I don't know. To me, it seems fairly straightforward. Do we do we want to
conserve protect what we've got?
And I really have my doubts if this council is is really all that concerned
in it. And that disappoints me big time. To me, this is fairly straightforward.
This is trying to preserve something for my grandkids, for your grandkids.
» Okay. I'm sorry that [clears throat] so I'm
[laughter] I'm in a corner here.
» Well, and I >> Yeah, I'll undertake to make sure that
we come back to this uh and and get the information that we can make a maybe a
little more qualified judgment on. Um so, moving on. Um and thank you for
helping us there. Um adoption of uh minutes. We've got u the recommendation
uh that council of the municipality of Meford hereby adopt the minutes of the
council meetings held on June 17, 2026, June 22nd, 2026 and June 29th, 2026 and
the closed meetings held on June 17, 2026 and June 29, 2026. A mover and a
seconder. Councelor Urick and Deputy Mayor. Um is there any discussion? Uh
I'll call vote. All in favor accepting those minutes. Thank you. Um that was
unanimous. Uh the communications uh uh reports there are a number of them
there. Anyone wish to bring any any of these forward to discuss in any way?
Councelor Yur. >> Mr. Mayor, I'm not sure about the actual
A, B, and C, but of D on the correspondence list. I just had one
thing. >> Sorry,
» I don't have anything on A, B, or C, but I do have something on the
correspondence list under D. >> Oh, okay. If that would be great. Please
bring it forward then. >> Okay. Um, on the correspondence list, we
it would be if you anybody has that pulled up, it's page 71. It's just
Peterborough County. Uh interesting one that because uh there was they brought
forward a motion uh that where the province of Ontario
shifted responsibility of the municipal election voters list from impact to
elections Ontario by amending the municipal elections act. Um their
concern is that many of the elector lists presented by elections Ontario
have discrepancies in voter counts from the 2022 municipal election.
specifically in the number of eligible non-resident property owners which are
significantly lower than the 22 numbers. So what the recommendation was is that
they're urging the province of Ontario to immediat immediately encourage
prioritization of the review of data specifically related to non-resident
property owners to ensure voter lists are as accurate as possible prior to
August 14th. Um, we all want to see accurate voter list and I just thought
supporting that motion would be an easy one to do. So, I'm putting forth that
request. >> Thank you. Um,
is there do we need a motion to endorse that motion? Is that what I need?
» Thank you, Rorip. Yes, if we have a mover and a seconder to to support that
motion, then >> uh and I I suggested this to councelor
Yurig. This is a very uh important thing in my mind. Uh if uh if the province has
lost us a lot of uh potential voters in the election, uh we need them to fix
that problem. So is there a seconder? Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Uh any
discussion on this? U all in favor of the motion and that any opposed? That's
passed unanimously. Thank you. Thank you, Councelor Yurig. Um
anyone else anything on the communications list? If not, uh we are
ready to uh go into a a close session. Um
and uh the recommendation is that the council of the municipality of Meford
does now go into a close session at 6:40 p.m. Um number one, two items uh
regarding a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to
any negotiations carried on or to be carried on uh by or on behalf of the
municipality or a local board. And that is under the open meeting exemption K
section 2392 of the municipal act 2001 res um respecting the meford harbor
dredging and a TC energy pre-development agreement with the CAO the clerk deputy
CEO and director of corporate services the director of community services and
manager of memorial park cemeteries and harbor in attendance and two uh one item
regarding personal matters about an identifiable individual, including
municipal or local board employees. That's under open meeting exemption B of
section 2392 of the Municipal Act 2001, respecting an HR matter with the CEO,
the clerk, the deputy CEO, and director of corporate services in attendance.
And uh we will be back uh following this meeting to report out on it.
All right, reporting out at 8:21 p.m. on our closed uh session. Um council met in
closed session and discussed one uh two different items related to a position,
plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations
carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local
board and with direction provided to staff on both of those items. Uh also
one item related uh regarding personnel matters uh about an identifiable
individual including municipal or local board employees with no direction
provided to staff. Now we have a confirming bylaw. The recommendation be
it resolved that bylaw 2026-56 being a bylaw to confirm the proceedings
of the meeting of the council of the corporation of the municipality of
meford be taken as read a first second and third time and finally passed. Can I
have a mover and seconder councelor Bell and councelor Andis.
Thank you. Uh all in favor any opposed? That's carried unanimously.
And with that we can finally conclude today's meeting.