Okay, welcome everybody to the July 29,
2026 Council meeting
for the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
This is the second meeting in the month
of July.
Uh and we have a fair amount on the
agenda, so I'm going to jump right into
it.
I will call the meeting to order at 9:00
9:00 9:00
and I can verbally confirm I can
actually confirm that we have quorum.
Uh all are present in the
uh in the room. Uh the only counselor
missing is Counselor Bury, who is uh
absent from today's proceedings.
Um I can also [clears throat] confirm
that the CAO, the clerk, and other
members of the senior management team
are present, and I would point out that
uh CAO Pink has joined us. He's the
bottom box on the uh screen there.
Welcome, David.
Uh I'm going to start also with the uh
land acknowledgement statement. We want
to acknowledge that we are on lands
traditionally occupied by indigenous
peoples.
Indigenous peoples have cared for this
territory for the benefit of future
generations, and their stewardship
throughout the ages is recognized.
Thank you.
Um again,
normal notice we give. Today's meeting
is being live streamed and recorded on
the Township of Muskoka Lakes website
and its YouTube channel.
And by participating in the open public
meeting today, you are consenting to
your image,
your voice, and your comments being
recorded and posted online.
Uh we did seek uh input on this agenda
uh at our normal uh place, which is a uh
email box at
tmlpubliccomment@muskokalakes.ca,
and we received none on this agenda.
Um, there is a supplementary agenda. It
was issued, I believe, yesterday or 2
days ago, and uh simply added the
following to the original agenda.
Um, first of all, it noted that the
meeting starts at 9:00 a.m.
Uh, number two, uh bylaw 2026-087
and OPA bylaw 2026-088,
OPA 64 and ZBA 22/23,
2666940
Ontario Inc. and 2665556
Ontario Inc., Resort Village of Minett,
1048 and 1112 Juddhaven Road, 4-14-058,
the bylaw was added. So, we'll get to
that in the bylaw segment.
Uh,
the third uh addition is
um
uh item 9BA, uh the bylaw 2026-089
being a bylaw to establish and appoint a
Muskoka compliance audit committee. That
was replaced.
And that brings me to the point where I
ask if anybody uh on council
has, based on what they see on the
agenda, has any uh pecuniary interest
they wish to disclose at this time.
All right, thank you for that. Seeing
none, uh we'll show the let the record
show there were no none, but if you find
yourself in in a point of conflict of
interest or other pecuniary issue
uh during the process proceedings of
this meeting, please uh identify the
issue, and uh we will deal with it
accordingly.
And I think there's last two issues, the
motions that we will be reading were
pre-populated with random movers and
seconders, and this is done just
expedite the meeting.
And I'm going to ask all voting that the
members shall physically raise their
hand
until I have confirmed the vote and if
the vote is unclear,
um a verbal vote shall be recorded by
the clerk and in that particular case,
it will not be considered a recorded
vote.
Okay, so we'll move on to
the uh
agenda for today's meeting. Um we are
moving to uh number four, invited
presentations. I don't believe there
were any.
No, I don't see any.
Uh delegations, I don't believe that
there were any uh requests to delegate.
Uh public comment. Uh I don't think Have
we got any No, nobody uh registered to
do that either.
All right, then we'll move to some of
the more administrative stuff. The
consent agenda. First of all, approving
a consent agenda,
um which is a resolution
reading as follows, moved by Councillor
Nishikawa, seconded by Councillor Kent.
Be it resolved that the mayor and the
council adopt and enact the following
minutes and recommendations contained in
the July 15, 2026 consent agenda
and direct staff to proceed with all
necessary administrative actions. Number
one, July 15, 2026 general and finance
committee minutes and action items one
through 10.
Number two, July 15, 2026 council
minutes.
Number three, July 16, 2026 planning
committee minutes and action items one
through 11.
And finally, [clears throat]
July 17, 2026 special planning committee
minutes and action items one through
nine.
Does anybody have any questions or any
comments? Councillor Nishikawa.
>> Sorry, I am having a little bit of a
» Sorry, I am having a little bit of a
challenge to find if I have a pecuniary
interest on something we had voted last
meeting. And so, I am going to not
>> You're going to recuse from the consent
» You're going to recuse from the consent
agenda?
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
Anyone else with a comment or question?
I'm not seeing any, then I will call the
vote. All in favor.
That carries. Thank you very much.
Thank you.
All right.
Next up, we're going to call on Andrew
Whitfield, who is the CEO and chief
librarian for the Muskoka Lakes Public
Library to uh
to give us an update on library
activities. Welcome.
» Thank you.
It's really great to see such a big
turnout for the uh library update.
Uh
>> Good call.
» Good call.
>> Anyway, thanks everyone for coming
» Anyway, thanks everyone for coming
[laughter] out. Uh
Uh good morning, Mayor and members of
council. Uh I'll try and keep this brief
as I know there is a lot on the docket
today.
Uh and I don't want to hold things up.
I was speaking to the Muskoka Ratepayers
Association AGM a couple of weeks ago,
and a few counselors in the room
mentioned they thought all of council
would like to hear all that is going on
at the library. So, that's what brings
me here this morning.
I'm sure when many of you hear library,
you still naturally think of books, and
books remain at the heart of what we do.
But, today's library is also a community
center, a learning space, and a lending
library for far more than books.
From Ontario Parks and local museum
passes
to items like
a Cricut machine and sewing machines,
binoculars and hiking poles, Yoto
players and Yoto cards, and so much
more, we truly offer something for
everyone.
It's also one of the few, if only,
spaces in the township where anyone can
walk through our doors year-round, spend
time, ask for help, and take part in
something without being expected to buy
anything.
While certainly quieter than the summer
months, the library is still a hub of
activity and engagement in the winter.
The days are short, the roads aren't
always easy, and for a lot of residents,
the library becomes one of the few warm,
welcoming spaces to spend an afternoon
or evening.
From January through March, we had over
4,000 people walk through our branch
doors. We delivered 128 programs and
welcomed more than 800 program
participants across both branches.
From story times, senior programs, tech
help, author talks, and cozy afternoon
crafts,
we did it all. Our circulation numbers
held up just as well. Nearly 6,800,
approximately a third of which were
digital checkouts, items were checked
out across both branches in those three
months alone. And we've kept that
momentum going through the summer.
Through June, we've signed up 123 new
card members since the beginning of the
year.
June was also one of our busier months,
both in terms of foot traffic through
the door and circulation since I've been
here. And July is shaping up to be the
same, if not more so.
So far in July and throughout the
summer, we continued to offer programs
for all ages. We've been running our
weekly nature clubs, story times, STEAM
and something learned programming to
great attendance. We've installed story
trails across three Township parks,
hosted a visit from the Canadian Raptor
Conservancy in Bala, had a needle
felting workshop, and hosted the Mind
Aid Mobile Youth Hub at the front of the
Port Carling branch.
Uh and that's probably only two-thirds
of what we've done in July.
Our summer reading challenges kicked off
at both branches, and last year we had
over 100 kids read over 1,000 books. And
our Art on a Shelf and Mini Masters Art
Exhibits have just opened in Port
Carling, so come take a look.
We're also hoping to beat that uh number
of kids that both registered and number
of books read last year. And we're on
pace.
Um
Anyway, sorry. Looking ahead,
August is a big one. We're celebrating
25 years in our Port Carling home, the
Norma and Miller Alloway Muskoka Lakes
Library, and 139 years of library
service
across what is now known as Muskoka
Lakes altogether.
We have a week of special programming
running August 17th to 22nd, culminating
in a family fun day on August 22nd at
the Port Carling branch. So, mark your
calendars and head to our website for
more info on all that is happening.
Another quick reminder, I'd be remiss to
not mention the Friends of the Library
silent auction. The 15th annual is
underway and ends on August 6th. We have
over 120 items that have been donated
from local businesses and residents,
which is a real testament to how much
this community believes in its library.
Every item and dollar donated goes to
the Friends, which in turn supports
library's programs, services, and
spaces. It's truly neighbors supporting
neighbors.
And speaking of services and spaces,
this is the final update before I wrap
up. Our service and space review is
underway, and for many of you, this may
be the first real update you've had
since it was approved at budget time. Um
in plain terms, we're taking a close
look at how well our services and our
two physical spaces in Port Carling and
Bala are meeting our community's needs
today and where they'll need to head as
Muskoka Lakes continues to grow.
Consultants have been working through
background research, existing plans, and
growth forecasts since May, and in June,
we launched a public survey that stays
open through Labor Day.
Available online at our website, so
please take a moment, all of you, to
fill it out, and everyone here, please
fill it out, uh and pass it along to
your constituents as well.
Over the coming weeks, our consultants
will be reaching out directly to members
of council, along with some members of
the Township senior leadership team, uh
for them to share their thoughts
directly.
Everything that comes out of this feeds
into their final report this fall, which
will then go to the board and then come
to council for just further updates and
more info.
So, stay tuned. Last thing, and it ties
back to what brought me here today, uh
at the rate payers AGM a couple of weeks
ago, a gentleman, not a counselor,
though not the two are mutually
exclusive, uh came up to chat.
He just
Uh he told me uh that he and his wife
had recently moved to the area, and he
admitted and I I admit this sounds like
a cliche political speak or like
anecdote, but this this really happened.
He came up to me and said he and his
wife just moved to the area, and he was
begrudgingly talked into getting a
library card. And while he was there, he
had his arm twisted further by our staff
uh to sign up for our newsletter.
And then he told me that he never really
supported public libraries. He said he
just didn't really see the point. He
didn't use them.
But since he'd signed up for our
newsletter and the card, he got our new
monthly newsletter, and every month he
just sort of saw all that the library is
doing. And he now is, he said, a true
supporter of the library. He comes in,
he looks forward to the monthly
newsletter.
Um so, he's changed his mind uh seeing
everything we offer every month to
residents. So, I'd encourage all of you
and anyone in the audience and anyone
tuning in, cuz I think we've got a big
audience for today,
uh to both sign up for three things.
Visit a Muskoka Lakes Public Library
branch
uh if you haven't already, make it part
of your routine. Uh sign up for a
Muskoka Lakes Public Library card, if
you haven't already,
uh or at the very least sign up for the
Muskoka Lakes Public Library newsletter.
Uh you can then hear about everything
we've got going on, um and it'll be
probably
a little better uh laid out than I'm
just rambling on about now. Anyway, you
could go to muskokalakespubliclibrary.ca
to sign up for that, speak to staff,
stop by. Uh we'd be happy to sign you
up. So, uh
with that uh that's our really quick
summary on all that's going on, and I'm
happy to answer any questions. Thank
you.
>> Thank you very much. Good presentation.
» Thank you very much. Good presentation.
You put yourself on thin ice there with
a gentleman counselor on.
>> I said they're not mutually exclusive.
» I said they're not mutually exclusive.
>> You you
» You you
you redeemed yourself at the end. Thank
you. Uh does anyone have any questions?
Hi Counselor Zavitz.
>> Uh not a question, a comment.
» Uh not a question, a comment.
>> Sure.
» Sure.
>> Thank you. This is for you. Uh to
» Thank you. This is for you. Uh to
Andrew. Listen, you used the word
encouraging in your uh pitch this
morning, a non-political pitch.
I I'm I'm very encouraged by your
presence. Uh
the interface we've had over the the
days, weeks, months.
I think you're doing a great job. I
think you're really bringing the
library, you know, to the people and I'm
certainly very appreciative of that.
Thank you.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
Uh
Counselor Mazan.
>> Uh thank you and to you and I'd echo
» Uh thank you and to you and I'd echo
those comments as well. Thank you very
much for coming today and for all the
amazing work that you and your group and
your team do at the library. Uh that was
a a wonderful kind of summary of it all.
Very specifically, just because there
seems to be an audience
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> on the
» on the
22nd you mentioned the family fun day.
Can you let me know the time of that and
what to be expected on that day or is
that something
>> Yeah, sure. So there will be uh from
» Yeah, sure. So there will be uh from
10:00 to 3:00 basically our operating
hours. There'll be face painting. We
have some big rig truck set up. We have
many local groups coming out to set up
tents. We have um a magician, I believe,
and there you put me on the spot. I
should know it all, but a lot of family
activities sort of staggered throughout
the day.
Um we'll have button making, t-shirt
making, uh a lot of just hands-on
activity. Um so yeah, please everyone's
welcome and celebration. There uh that
would be probably the day where we
might, if anything, have a a smaller
ceremony speech just commemorating the
library, but we don't have anything sort
of formal planned for any big plaque
unveiling or anything at this moment.
And sorry, one thing just to step on. I
would be remiss without uh mentioning
just the staff at Muskoka Lakes Public
Library. They are the truly the backbone
of what makes work. Uh the amount of
effort they put in, especially during
the summer months, is
uh
something that
has to be seen to be believed, I think,
when you're dealing with people coming
in for printing help and asking
questions on how to fax something and
asking for a book recommendation. We
have two staff members get pulled in
uh
literally 20 different directions at one
time. So, the staff here deserve uh
huge kudos and uh thanks from everyone.
>> Perfect. Thank you very much. When I
» Perfect. Thank you very much. When I
when we first moved up here permanently,
which was, I guess, 11 years ago, it
didn't take me long to realize
that the building next door is
mislabeled, I think, as the community
center. The library is really the
community center. And I I remember uh
passing that on to Kathy Duck and now to
you, as well. Uh just doing a terrific
job of staying current and relevant and
necessary and, frankly, important to the
people who live in the entire township.
So, thank you for that.
>> Thank you. Uh one one more thing we
» Thank you. Uh one one more thing we
launched, uh we're trying to pilot a
home delivery service for residents, cuz
we know we only have two sort of Muskoka
Lakes li- public library branches in
Muskoka Lakes is a large township with
transportation as challenges. So, to
remove one of those barriers, we've
tried to pilot a home delivery um
typically throughout the winter months.
We uh we're going to try it again this
through these winter months, so I'd
encourage anyone to sign up and ask me
for more info on that as we try and
figure it away to pilot that, but we
want to get services to people. Um right
now, we've also extended our service uh
in Bala. We're open 4 days in the
summer, and we were open 3 days through
the year for the first time until 5:00
p.m. on Monday.
Uh we partnered with Wahta off for some
after-school programming through June,
and we hope to continue to do that in
September.
So, we're trying to become more of a
presence in the spaces we have a
presence, uh as as
uh make our our I've said this before
and you probably will get tired of me
hearing it. Make it known to everyone in
the township that we can't be everything
to everyone, but we want to be one thing
to everyone. Uh so, if you use our
online services, TVDs, come to a
program, whatever,
um
come, use us. We're here. Uh or we were
If If we can't If you can't come to us,
we'll try and find a way to get to you.
So,
thank you.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
Okay. Um we're done with questions,
right? No more? Thank you. Thank you,
Heather.
>> Thank you very much.
» Thank you very much.
>> Um All right. Next thing is a verbal
» Um All right. Next thing is a verbal
update. There's no uh
no resolution and um
Director Bessarer you are delivering it.
Is that correct?
Welcome.
>> Yes, I'd be happy to do so. Uh through
» Yes, I'd be happy to do so. Uh through
you, uh thank you for the opportunity to
provide a further update.
Um at our last council meeting, there
was a resolution put on the floor that
was sent off to the province encouraging
Elections Ontario to take a look at the
electors list and um or the voters list
to make sure that it was comprehensive
and and full. At that time, I had
reported that we were approximately Our
Our numbers were down approximately 30%
from the previous three elections.
And uh I was awaiting further update.
Have been working with Elections
Ontario. I can say they have been
working diligently through weekends,
through evenings, really trying to get
all the information that they can get
from all the sources that they have.
Um and I'd also like to do a little bit
of a a shout-out to our um our our
community partners, a lot of the lake
associations who's gotten a lot of the
information out.
Um uh like the the library, all the all
the the partners that we have, as well
as our residents. Every day, we were
seeing the numbers go up. And when we
were seeing those numbers go up, that
was people registering to vote. So, it
was really encouraging to see that we
have a really engaged community who who
cared about it and and were were
actively trying to get on the voters
list.
I'm happy to report um that uh since 2
weeks ago, our non-resident non- uh
resident elector count has increased
47%.
So
we are sitting closer to about 15,500
electors as opposed to where we were at
at about 12.
So we definitely got a lot more people
added on through the information that
Elections Ontario received from their
different their different partners.
And we could see a little bit more of an
increase between now and mid-August when
we get the final
not the final list, we get the the
preliminary list from Elections Ontario
and then as staff will be working
internally to to do what we can with the
information. What you'll see online is
the portal to register and check to see
that you're on the voters list. It will
it will go dormant for probably a period
of about a week while we do some work.
And then you'll see it switch over. So
it will look a little bit different,
but that's because it'll kind of move
over into our um our another
um partner that we have in municipal
voter view and then it will be us who
will be managing the list from that
point forward. So people will still have
the opportunity to register to vote to
make sure that they're on the voters
list. But that will then be coming
through us rather than through Elections
Ontario. So that will begin near the end
of August and then we're going to do
another big push communication-wise and
making sure that people are are able to
check that they're on the voters list
and get themselves added if they're not.
And they're and they're eligible. And
we'll go from there. But I am encouraged
by the numbers.
It's it I know it's not sitting at where
we were at in the previous elections. I
will say that
the data you know each each election we
had a lot of work to do when we were
with MPAC to to go through the list and
and cleanse the list. And
and we did anticipate that there'd be
some hiccups moving to with a new
organization being Elections Ontario,
but uh
I I do think it's encouraging that that
it's gone up. So, I hope that's some
good news for everybody and uh and that
everyone will continue to um encourage
electors to check that they're on the
voters list and register to vote.
>> Thank you uh Councillors Zavitz and
» Thank you uh Councillors Zavitz and
Councillor Kent. Uh thank you and
through you to to Crystal. Um I wonder
again, I think I asked this question
last month, but uh what's the universe?
What What is our potential voting
universe? So, if if you So, we went from
12 to 15, very promising, 15,000. Uh
what is that number?
What are we trying What are we striving
for? Is it 38,000 or is it 17,004? Do we
Do we have that information?
I'd like to know where we stand.
Uh
>> Uh thank you through you. I'll be
» Uh thank you through you. I'll be
honest, it's a difficult question to
answer um because I don't really have a
set number. So, we can look at what our
population is here, but not everybody
who owns property here is eligible to
vote. So, if they're not a Canadian
citizen, if their property is owned in a
corporation, they're not eligible to
vote. So, it it is a difficult question
to answer. I would say I'm I'm
encouraged by where we're where at and
uh we everyone has the opportunity to
register to vote. So, if somebody is
eligible to vote, they can speak with
us, we will get them on the list, they
can vote. So, I'm feeling uh much much
more confident moving forward. Um it
does mean that there's a little bit more
work on our end to just make sure that
everybody has that information. Uh we do
have some planned um extra communication
um in that regard and and you'll see
that [clears throat] come out late
summer, early fall. Um but I don't I
don't have a set number, but I I feel
much more encouraged and and I know that
Elections Ontario have been very
diligent in the people who are on the
list. Um I think some of the concerns in
the past have been that there were
duplicate or potentially electors who um
I don't want to say maybe shouldn't have
been able to vote, but were able to get
onto the list and they did own a
corporation or something like that. So,
I I feel confident in the um
in in the change and happy in the in the
increase
in uh in percentage and we'll continue
to get the word out there, but I I don't
have a number for you.
>> Just before you go back to your uh
» Just before you go back to your uh
follow-up, I just want to make one
comment. The problem is I think that the
the universe of voters in this township
is not really knowable because the only
people who get
take part in a census are permanent
residents. So, you don't know how many
are residing and how many are eligible
in other dwellings around around the
township. And there's also these sort of
opt-in provisions if a kid
rents a room from his parents in a house
or cottage they may be caught in a on a
census, but they may or may not be
eligible to vote depending on the
arrangement they have to lease the
space. So, it it's unfortunately not
knowable and really the benchmark is
huge drop from last last 4 years ago.
30% drop from 4 years ago was the number
I think you put out.
Thank you.
>> Councillor, is that what you had to
» Councillor, is that what you had to
follow up?
>> Yeah, thank you. It's for you to Crystal
» Yeah, thank you. It's for you to Crystal
again. Um, so let's just forget about
hypothetical. Just sitting with where we
are, where we know 20 uh the 2018
election, the 2022 election, we know how
many people voted.
Right? How would you compare the 15,000
to that number? And and because I I
think that's relevant in that, you know,
we have sat around this table talking
about the declining interest in our
elections. And uh you know, I so I'm
interested in that number. How many
people voted in '18? How many people
voted in '22? And how does that compare
to the 15,000? Thank you.
» Director Brusselerus, Brusselerus.
>> Uh thank you. Through you. Again, I'm
» Uh thank you. Through you. Again, I'm
I'm going to say it's a difficult um
difficult to answer. I think our voter
turnout, and I'm pulling them off the
top of my head, but we were sitting
around 30%.
Um but that's a hard to compare of
17,000. We had 30%. Now that we're
sitting around 15 five, it could go up
to 16.
And we're still at 30%.
It's really hard to kind of compare
those numbers.
What I'll What I do want to say again
though is anybody who is eligible to
vote is able to register and get on the
list and vote. So, that's what I
encourage everyone to to keep sharing,
keep sharing that message. I encourage
all counselors, all candidates,
everybody to make sure that they're
getting that word out. That's what we're
going to continue to do.
But that's one thing that we just want
to make sure
just because if somebody goes on to
check that they're on the list and and
they may not be there, it does not mean
that they cannot vote. They have They
are eligible to vote.
So, it's kind of hard to say.
Yeah, thank you.
>> Also, Ken.
» Also, Ken.
>> Thank you. Um
» Thank you. Um
Let me just make sure I understand one
thing.
We were at 12
two weeks ago, 12,000.
It's we're up to 15 five today, which is
a big increase. Am I right on that?
My question was I think similar to his
question.
Where What was that 15 five
at the last election? Was it 17, 18, 19?
I just wanted to know how much we're
still off of last year's Sorry, not last
year's, last election's numbers.
That's my first question, and then I
have one other little one.
>> Director Bessaraba's.
» Director Bessaraba's.
>> Uh thank you. So, at the last election
» Uh thank you. So, at the last election
um our total uh So, this is for the
total population, so resident and non-
non-resident, we're sitting just over
17,000. And right now we're sitting at
about 15 five.
>> Oh, so the 15 five is comparable to the
» Oh, so the 15 five is comparable to the
17?
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Okay. I thought that was just the
» Okay. I thought that was just the
non-resident electors.
>> No. that's it.
» No. that's it.
>> so we're we're still 20 2,000 peop-
» so we're we're still 20 2,000 peop-
2,000 voters off,
but we've made a lot of progress. It's
not like 50% off. We're We're making
progress. I was comforted. I just went
online and I mean, I don't know if you
can give us any insight on
who they dropped off, what was the
mistake. I went on and checked. I'm all
happy. I'm an islander and I I had
unusual specs. I thought I wasn't going
to be there and I was there. I was
surprised. Any idea who the people are
that they knocked off and
what the glitch was? Just cuz that gives
us an idea of who we need to contact.
» I have one
It's not just seasonal residents that
got knocked off the list. I I've run
into a half a dozen
like frankly lifetime residents, year
round, and they're not on the list for
some reason. So, it's
Everybody needs to check.
>> They got three
» They got three
>> So, Director Besserer, yes.
» So, Director Besserer, yes.
>> Yes, three to uh just to um reiterate
» Yes, three to uh just to um reiterate
what the the mayor has said.
Percentage-wise, the amount that we've
dropped from resident electors and the
amount that we've dropped from
non-resident electors is is comparable,
actually about the same. So, it isn't
all just um
all just seasonal and or non-resident um
electors. It's both. And as for the
rationale behind it,
there's a variety of things. So, whether
it's just where where still not our
elections Ontario still hasn't been able
to match the person to the property
within the information that they
received. The other thing is they're
receiving information from dozen a dozen
different um organizations, where MPAC
was working kind of within their own
their own information. So, while that's
great that they're getting all this
information, the problem within it lies
that they may have information that is
contradictory within it. So, that that
does uh attribute to it as well. So,
everybody It's not just non-resident
electors. Everybody needs to make sure
that they're checking the list. Um and
uh but it but it does
>> uh
» uh
>> 15 cents
» 15 cents
>> I I will note that I I anticipated when
» I I will note that I I anticipated when
we moved to elections Ontario that our
numbers would drop just because of the
diligency that they had in being able to
be on on the on the list. So I was
expecting a drop anyways.
Um, so I think I think we're sitting in
a better spot now.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Uh, Council Roberts.
Thank you, Chair. Through you to um
Crystal.
Sorry.
Serras Best.
Um,
I'm have
high [snorts] confidence in our staff.
They've demonstrated that they can they
can rise to the the occasion. And I'm
sure that they'll do everything they can
do to make sure that
that uh voters list list is up-to-date
as possible with at the at the final
moment.
I'm just suggesting that perhaps, you
know, if I'm a voter and I'm going to
vote and I
and I can't vote the first number I'm
going to call is the township.
Could we possibly change the greeting
in and around the election to say if
you're voting for if you're if you're
calling for a a vote-related matter,
please press one or something
or or zero.
So that way they they don't have to go
through everything else. They can just
I'm panicking. I need a quick path to
someone who can help me.
Thank you.
>> Uh, Director Serras
» Uh, Director Serras
>> Uh, thank you for that. Already in the
» Uh, thank you for that. Already in the
plan, so thank you. There's certainly
within the Municipal Elections Act a lot
of responsibility placed on the clerk
and I don't take that lightly and we are
looking at every possible way to make
sure that getting on the list and voting
for the elector is as seamless and easy
as possible. So that is that is the
goal.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
Anybody else? No?
All right. Well, thank you very much for
the update. Keep at it. Thank you.
>> [clears throat]
» All right, moving on to items 8C. Uh
report of the manager of parks,
recreation, and facilities re Hanna Park
playground.
Mr. Moore.
Don't look back.
» [laughter]
» Thank you, Your Worship, and good
morning, council.
Um so, today we we obviously have an
update report on our Hanna Park
playground design.
Staff have taken the opportunity to uh
put today's report into a presentation
format um because when we're dealing
with fun things like playgrounds, it's
always uh it's always better to see
pictures.
Um so, as we know, um in the 2026
capital budget, um funds were included
for the replacement of the Hanna Park
playground. As part of our asset
management plan,
um this asset has reached the end of its
useful life, which is typically around
20 years. It's sitting at about 25
years. Um the project itself has
actually been deferred um for multiple
capital budgets
um as staff worked to complete the
parks and rec master plan and the Hanna
Park development plans last summer.
Um
so, as we go through, um I'm not it it's
definitely, you know, nobody wanted um
to to have to get to this point with the
playground. It's certainly special and
uh and we'll certainly
um and walk through kind of the
background information and everything
with the presentation today.
Um so, Liz, if you could flip to the
next page or next slide.
So, the Hanna Park playground,
everyone's familiar um with the
playground. Um it was built about 25
years ago in the early 2000s, and it was
a community led project. Um so, the
community came together, fundraised all
the funds for it, and were the ones to
build it, put it together, um
everything. So, it certainly holds a
special place in the hearts of the
community, uh myself included. I came to
this playground as a child. I've brought
my kids to this playground, and it it
it's spectacular.
And uh it it holds a really special
place. So, when we were moving forward
with this project, um we certainly
wanted to
um try to preserve some of that uh that
character, that natural feel, um making
a safe and accessible space that meets
today's standards,
um and try to honor that community led
legacy.
Okay, next slide, Liz.
Okay, so why now? So, obviously, I I
touched a little bit on our asset
management plan. Um as we know with all
amenities across the township, docks,
etc., um they all have an end of useful
life date. Um with playgrounds,
particularly wooden ones, um that is
around the 20-year mark. Wooden is
awfully often suggested 15 to 20 years.
Um as such, it's sitting currently at
about 25 years. Um over the past 10
years, we we've certainly done repairs
to it to help prolong that life, um but
as we know, it's it's seen better days.
Um we're starting to see a lot of
internal rot, um entrapment areas,
um and just the solid like just the
structure itself being solid,
um and meeting today's safety standards.
Next slide, Liz.
So, why don't we just repair the current
structure structure? Probably the the
number one question we've received. Um
and we've we've gone through all the
different options and alternatives um
that we can uh done all that background
and due diligence work.
Simply put, we can't repair the current
structure
because it doesn't meet today's safety
codes and Canadian regulation for
playgrounds.
So even if we were to repair it, it
still wouldn't pass an inspection and
that liability would be on us.
Additionally,
as we've spoken with playground
companies,
there's just they don't feel there's a
stopping point to the playground. If you
were to begin those repairs, you take
off one board, have to take off the next
and it it would just be a compounding
never-ending process.
They also wouldn't step in to take the
liability of a structure that was
completed by somebody else.
Next slide, Liz.
Okay. So the next biggest question, why
don't we just rebuild it like for like
then?
And and the simple answer is here again,
there is opportunities
to build custom playgrounds.
I would say it's not as common anymore
as it was
back in the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s.
And that's simply just due to cost.
And especially since COVID, we've seen
the rise in playground skyrocket. We saw
that first hand with Jasper Park,
Windermere playground, the costs have
gone up tremendously.
So if we were to do a custom playground
such as this,
there would have to be changes to it
regardless. And that's to meet those
safety requirements, those
specifications. So it would never be
like for like. And the
the additional point there is just the
cost to do it.
As you can see in some of the options
presented today,
you're looking at those types of costs
just in supply of materials alone. On
top of that, you're looking at another
50 to 60% increase on all the
all the items you don't really see
visible to to getting a playground. The
shipping, the labor, the landscaping,
um the wood fiber,
base ground base for it,
engineering, architects, production,
etc. It would also be about a 2-year
process start to finish.
We have talked with Earthscape.
Earthscape is who we have awarded the
project to, one of the last remaining
companies that do do wood playgrounds.
And they do custom playgrounds as well,
but
as they had mentioned the the most
recent comparable that they have, um a
playground they did in Seattle,
Washington, came in in about 1.5
million.
They also stress the play value in these
structures. And the play value that
they've provided through a few of the
options we see here today,
um meet or exceed if we get to the later
options of the play value that we see
within here. So, um for best kind of
bang for your buck, Earthscape suggests,
you know, you could you could do a
custom,
um but you're still not going to see
that same play value that you could get
out of some of the the templates that
they have prepared.
Next slide, Liz.
So, what we've done and what's got us to
this point so far. Um so, it started
with uh the Hannah Park development
plans. Well, I actually started with the
Parks and Rec Master Plan, which has led
to the development plans of some of our
marquee parks, um as the amenities in
them, um
not Hannah Park alone, but Jasper Park,
the Sports Park, um all those amenities
are coming up on that 2025 year range.
So, we need to start to plan for the
long term.
Um with that, uh we conducted community
engagement last year um about Hannah
Park, came up with a development plan.
We went through that process um with
council, approved those plans in the
fall. Um overall, not a lot of change to
Hannah Park. Um people love the park the
way it is now
um and would like to see um it just, you
know, refurbished and and fixed up and
and brought to new life.
Um, some of the new items that we saw
within
uh within those plans and and they're
not really new, but some additional
parking for boating, etc. We did
actually have a dock there at one point
for for boating we lost during the
flood. Um, so bringing back amenities
such as that.
Um, through that process we engaged with
the community
um talked about the playground through
that process. Obviously a desire um and
a love for the for the playground down
there. And the number one thing we heard
about it was
um the wood product. People loved the
wood. They loved the uniqueness of it
that it can't be found everywhere and it
just ties in naturally to Muskoka. And
uh that was a real selling feature for
them and and something they wanted um us
to maintain moving forward.
So through that we went through our
normal RFP process
um after the passing of the of the
budget.
Um, through that process we uh provide a
scope of work um and receive proposals
from playground companies.
Um, through this process we took it one
step further. I uh staff made sure that
um these companies came up, met on site
and saw this playground first hand. Um,
because uh because of how special it is.
Um through that process we identified
items
um such as the linkage play through it,
um the wood, etc. And uh as I mentioned
earlier
um that uh that play that RFP process
was awarded to Earthscape
um who recently completed
um our Windermere playground as well,
another wood playground.
Um
yeah, I think that about covers that up,
Liz, if we want to move to the next
slide.
So the proposed playground design that
was within the budget um that we had in
the capital plan. Um we uh we see a
natural wood structure,
um lots of climbing, balancing, and
imaginative play. Um and we also looked
at how we could retain some of that
community-led legacy, right? Um we see
the names on the picket fence, very
important. Um we'd like to retain um
retain those names. Um we have some
other ideas as well that we can
incorporate within the park that I think
would be pretty special. Um so, those
were some of the the areas we wanted to
focus on.
Next, Liz.
As for the uh play the proposed design
itself, um these images it's it's really
always hard to do it justice. Um
they are they are quick uh design
mock-ups.
Um they don't include all the natural
landscaping, etc. that we can bring to
life with with a redevelopment of the
park. Um for those that were able to
join our Windermere playground grand
opening, you can really see how we we
tie in the natural elements of the area,
the granite rock, etc. Um to really
bring that Muskoka feel.
Um
as for the playground itself, um the
main feature is what to Earthscape calls
a log tangle. And that's meant uh to be
their version of a linked play
playground. So, as we're maybe familiar
with the current castle playground,
the special feature in it is how it's
all linked and connected together. Um
really cool for kids to play games on,
etc. Um and so, that is kind of the new
updated version of that. The nice uh
amenities with it is it's got nice
sightlines, ability to see through the
playground um compared to what's there
now or sometimes it can be challenging
that way. Um
but um, so that that's where Earthscape
kind of tends to make some of those
tweaks in playgrounds nowadays.
Uh, Liz, if you want to flip through
some of these. Um, so just again, some
of the highlights that we tried to
replicate, obviously, uh, swings. Um,
we've got the sand digging area down
there. Currently, we'd look to replicate
um, the main linkage structure, the log
tangle. Um, it's got the bridges, it's
got the climbing ropes,
um, different amenities in it. Um,
perfect, Liz. Thank you. Um,
as we move into kind of the tot land
area, those familiar, we have the tot
land down there now.
Um, these are kind of geared towards
more the ages 18 months to 5 years old.
Um, an area for them to play. Um, for
those familiar with the park down there,
there's a nice sign currently welcoming
to tot land. We could certainly work to
incorporate those signs into something
here as well.
Um, but uh, just a different versions of
play, some sensory ground items,
um, and and just some better visuals for
people to understand uh, some of these
products.
So, with our uh, with our um,
playground, um, like Jasper and like
Windermere, we go out with the proposed
design to get community feedback. Um,
Hannah Park, we got the best uh, best
survey response yet. Um,
>> [laughter]
» [laughter]
>> 100 plus surveys,
» 100 plus surveys,
um, and uh, and a lot of great stories
within those surveys, too.
Um, to read through them. Um, it it it
certainly replicates a lot of my
childhood as well, too, visiting this
park, um, playing there as a kid. Um,
I'd say there's three main takeaways um,
that we heard through those surveys. Um,
obviously, a large group that is, you
know, disappointed to lose what the
community built down there. The legacy
of that castle themed playground is it
it is that it is hard.
Um and nobody wants that. And but it
has, you know, come that time. Um so, as
as I mentioned earlier in the report, we
we kind of identify why that repair
option isn't viable. Um the next part uh
that we heard was a big group of um just
a lot of underwhelming with the proposed
design within our within our budget. Um
a lot of people thinking it's a bit of a
downgrade to what's there now, um
wanting more. And there are some good
suggestions in there.
Um
a few people, you know, even going as
far as looking on Earth Scapes' website,
you can view everything they have there.
They've got all their products online.
Um people went as far as suggesting
some. It was It was really cool.
Um and then we obviously had a smaller
group um that again provided some some
good constructive feedback. Um you know,
ability for more swings. Um currently
the swings down there can get very busy.
So, those are items that we can
currently take and tweak. Um really
today what we're going to be deciding on
is the budget. And it's the budget that
is going to move us forward. And from
there, staff can make those small tweaks
based on the feedback we heard. We
consistently hear about shade, etc. that
way. So, staff can work to those to
address those.
Uh next slide, Liz.
Okay. So, based on the feedback, um
staff, we uh we wanted to look at uh
some additional options for
consideration. Um
so, what we've done is we've worked with
Earth Scape on a few different levels or
tiers we can move up. As we move into
option two, um we're sitting at around
the $400,000 mark. Um for those uh not
familiar, our current budget is around
the $260,000 mark. Um so, that was what
we were working with going into it.
Um
as we get into option two, you see a
little bit larger of a play structure.
Um we see an expanded long log tangle
platform. Um for those familiar with the
Windermere playground, this structure is
about four times the size of it. Um so
what we put in Windermere, this is about
four times the size of it. Um here we
see an upgraded Um sorry, an upgraded um
junior tower. Um so that tower itself is
an upgraded uh feature for kind of that
tot area. And we've also worked we we
heard a lot about the linkage of the
current playground, a way to link link
everything together so you can get from
the junior tower across the logs to the
main structure. Um that junior tower
itself has lots of different amenities
within it including a rock climbing
wall. Um it's got imaginary play with a
chalkboard, different access points. Um
hammock to to crawl across. Um we also
heard about the monkey bars down at the
current playground. Um and the play uh
the original design not including that
so we've we've added in some of those
monkey bar traverse rings they call them
now. Um features that that people can
climb across. And as well, um the log
tangle itself having those bridges,
those ropes, etc. to connect on. But
some of these images they they help do
it a little bit more justice. When you
just see that, it's very hard to see all
the different amenities that come on
these uh on these structures. Um
and what Earthscapes, you know, their
passion and what they call it is that
unprescribed play. So um
what they've highlighted through all
their designs and all their playgrounds
is a is the ability for the children to
decide how they want to play on the
structure. Um whereas what they've
described with the current structure is
it's very laid out. Um the follow a
certain dedicated path to the slide, to
the bridge, etc. Where these types of
playgrounds allow the the children the
opportunity to determine how they're
going to get from A to B,
um, whether it's climbing on the net
rope, walking across a large rope or a
log, etc. And you can start to see some
of that through some of these images.
Of course, through the wood products,
um,
they want to tie in the feature of
similar to a kid going and playing in
the forest. Um, it's it's bringing back
that natural piece element,
um, similar to just grabbing sticks in
the forest and and making a fort.
Um, they want that same sense of
imagination with children in the
playgrounds.
Um, so Liz, as we move forward,
Okay, so as we move forward, we get to,
uh, option three. And I think this is
where we really start to see that that
wow, um, because a big part of the
current playground structure is the ca-
is the the castle towers. It's the peaks
that you see. It's, uh, it's when you
drive into the the parking lot and and
you can see it from there. And it it it
leaves an impact with you. Um, even
though some of those those towers, etc.,
have zero play value to the park itself.
But it does add to the experience. So,
in option three, we start to see that
wow. And and that comes in the form of
what they call a timber tower.
Um, so these timber tower features, um,
are are
are magnificent. Um, they have many
amenities attached to them. Um, as you
slip through this list, thank you.
Um, it's a three three-story tower,
um, that, uh, allows kids multiple
different ways to climb up the tower,
multiple different ways of egress, large
slides, smaller slides.
Um, it's got the the fireman pole that
we see currently down at Hannah Park.
Um, so again, we
wooden bridge, net bridges,
um, banister rails, etc. So,
opportunity for option three as well. It
come This starts to come in around that
$550,000
range. Um, once again, that's
everything. That's playground, that's
installation, that's ground cover,
landscaping, etc. When we talk about
these numbers, we're talking about all
in.
Um,
Okay, Liz, as we move along, you see
some of those features.
So, the biggest thing is, obviously, we
have a budget right now, um, that we've
included in the capital budget. And if
we want to proceed with some of these
additional options, um, we need to
consider ways to fund them. Um,
what staff have undertaken is grants.
Um, there's currently two grants
available that we have applied to. Um,
one with the province through the
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, and one
through the feds through FedNor. Um, in
both of those, we're on to phase two
of the application. Um,
so it's moving it's moving good.
Uh, unfortunately, we won't know the
result of them until the fall. Um, so it
does impact the timeline associated with
our project. In both instances, if we
are successful with the funding, um, we
can get reimbursed for funds that we've
already spent on the project, backdated
to April. Um, so that's certainly an
opportunity. Within those grant
applications, we have incorporated some
additional items that were identified in
the Hannah Park development plans. When
we talk about, um, the boat ramp and
pier,
um, the pavilion shelter by the beach,
and the boat docking as well. So, those
would be included and tied into those as
well. Um, so we've been in discussions
with both of those groups about kind of
the three partners coming together and
really having a a rebirth to to Hanna
Park and the economic impact that can
have on Port Carling.
Um
Of course, we can look at um community
fundraising.
Um
There's also go phased construction. Um
Playgrounds that you see here or escape,
we've designed them in a way that we can
add amenities as we want. Um so there's
no limit um on these playgrounds. We can
start to uh to add to them should we get
additional funds at a certain time. Um
that is the nice thing with Hanna Park
cuz it is very big, lots of space there
to utilize.
Um and of course, we have our current
capital budget. So there are the
opportunities to defer some current
capital projects that staff have
highlighted. Um in particular, we have
the diesel recapture units at the Port
Carling fire hall and some wharf
concrete repairs. Um both these projects
are slated for later this fall. Um so if
we were to defer them, um we could look
to rebudget those funds in the 2027
budgeting complete them
in the late winter early spring. Um so
those are options there. As we've
highlighted in the staff report, um a
potential consideration if council would
like to entertain option two is perhaps
the diesel recapture units.
Um from there, if we're successful with
grants etc., we could always phase in
additional aspects to the playground as
we go or find out. Um alternatively, if
if we wish to go option three, there's
the opportunity to defer the wharf wharf
concrete repairs
um and do everything now in the in the
recommended timeline.
Um
As highlighted in the staff report, our
most recent playground inspection has
recommended replacement. So
um we are on a timeline where we can't
really prolong the it too much more.
Um and if it's a situation where we are
deferring installation, it might come to
a point where we we would have to close
the playground um, until such time as
installation can occur. But, currently
our timeline is for this fall. Um, and
we can still meet to meet those
timelines now and uh and look for
additions in the spring if needed in a
phased opportunity.
Um,
of course, if we went with option three,
as I mentioned before with the grant
funding, if we're successful, those
funds can always just be uh re- recouped
um, from what the township spent.
Um,
next slide.
So, next steps. So, three options um,
today and certainly available to help
with any more questions. Um,
we can approve the proposed um, design
within the project budget that was uh
capitalized. We could move into um,
uh one of options two or three with some
additional funding.
Um, or option three if if council would
like to entertain a different approach,
we could go that way. Um,
highly not recommended, I think, by by
staff just as with that timeline factor
and uh and the current condition it's
in.
Um, next slide, Liz.
Okay.
I think the next slide, yeah, the last
slide anyway. So, I think that wraps up
kind of a summary of all the background
information, where we've come from,
where we are today, what's before us.
Um, as I mentioned earlier, I think
today and like I had discussed with our
scape, today's really about defining the
project budget. If we want a little bit
more, um, we have ways to do it and we
need that direction from council and we
can proceed with those.
Um, I know
I know coming to this playground as a
child myself, bringing my kids here, it
is very special. Um, and I don't want to
lose that at all and we will certainly
work to incorporate that in a
in a redesigned um or an updated
playground.
I also want to us to kind of take the
opportunity to really look at this as an
opportunity, an opportunity for
something new that's going to impact
children's memories for the next 25
years. And uh I think there's uh there's
some options out here presented today
that can do that. Um and I think it uh
it could be a really special time um to
to bring something new and uh
and uh you know, have those same
memories for a different generation
moving forward. So, with that, Chair,
I'm available for any questions.
>> Uh thank you very much. Well done. I
» Uh thank you very much. Well done. I
have one quick question, and that was
just to clarify the the proposed new
structures,
do they have a similar shelf life of 20
or 25 years?
>> That's correct.
» That's correct.
>> Okay. Thank you.
» Okay. Thank you.
All right. Uh Councillor Roberts,
Councillor Kent.
Councillor Zavitz.
>> Thank you, Chair, and through you. We
» Thank you, Chair, and through you. We
are in question period, so
um
I'm I was trying to recall last evening
how we ever established um $260,000
for this playground.
Given the spectacular
um
playground that we currently have in
Hanna Park, that we could ever replace
it for $260,000.
Could you remind me
how we arrived at the $260,000?
>> Mr. Moore.
» Mr. Moore.
>> Yes, through you, Chair. So, the
» Yes, through you, Chair. So, the
original playground was built for
$130,000.
Um and when we
put in the inflation factors, it came to
around that $260,000
mark. Um as we know with playgrounds,
going through Jasper Park, going through
Windermere, it's really hard to put a a
budget together for a playground um
without the design in place. So, it the
budget for them almost acts as a little
bit of a placeholder with an
understanding that there's likely going
to be changes. Um and we did see that
with Jaspen Park where we we had some
additional funds um added to that
project as well and same with Windermere
um as well, too. So, you almost kind of
set that that base, see what you can get
with it, and then from there
determine if you want to add to it.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Um Counselor Kent and then Counselor
» Um Counselor Kent and then Counselor
Zavitz.
>> Uh thank you.
» Uh thank you.
Um I am also a long-term user of Marie
of that park. Meaning, I've got
27-year-old kids.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> We lived on Muskoka at the time and it
» We lived on Muskoka at the time and it
was
I love it.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> I guess my question is I
» I guess my question is I
have we It's It's a bigger budget even
at the 260, okay, which I don't think is
anywhere near enough, than any other
park we've done recently. Have we done
any traffic counts? Cuz my gut would
tell me that we get way more
traffic through that park than we do
through some of the other parks, but
that may be just a bias.
And I was wondering if
we've had done anything to to figure out
is this a park that is actually used a
lot more? I know there's a lot of
community support, but used a lot more
than
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
It's three three
>> Had to say more here.
» Had to say more here.
>> Yeah, three year chairs. So, it's it's a
» Yeah, three year chairs. So, it's it's a
great question. Um
I we don't have exact numbers. We
haven't done an exact traffic count. Um
but I think there's definitely that
understanding that this is that
destination park for Muskoka Lakes. Um
not only does it have the playground,
but it has many other amenities, the
volleyball courts, the basketball, the
walking track, the beach, the boat
launch. Um so, I would say this is
definitely our our marquee destination
park for the township. It's situated
right in the middle of the township um
from all avenues, Windermere, etc. Um
not only that, but uh because of all the
amenities that it includes, um there's
people that that travel to this park
from from afar just because of that.
Um, so I I'd say I'd have no
no concern saying this is definitely our
most popular, yes.
>> I just have one quick follow-up. I just
» I just have one quick follow-up. I just
have I
>> I have a very specific
» I have a very specific
recommendation when we get to the
comment period. And I think there's some
good ideas that have been tabled.
>> Uh, thank you. Thank you. And to you, to
» Uh, thank you. Thank you. And to you, to
Corey. So, Corey, I have a instead of
asking you one question at a time, if
you don't mind, I'll sort of rapid fire
three or four and then you can cuz I
know you're you know, you're so immersed
in this in this whole project. Um, I
guess a couple things I would have
coming from Ward A, I I'm wondering, you
know, are we acknowledging it what she
just did that um,
Port Carling the Hanna Park has the
epicenter of of TML by upping the budget
to more than
two times what we've spent on previous
newly built parks, that being Jasmine
Park and of course Windermere. Um, we
have Torrance Sunset Park you know, next
year on the on the on the plan.
Um, and I guess that that's a question.
So, I just a thought on that cuz that's
sort of new to me. I mean, I get it's a
bigger park. And so, if that means
that's a designation, then maybe us
around the table need to understand
that. Uh, a second question would be
boat parking. I do have a concern about
um,
I mean, that is a crazy place on a
Saturday, right? I've been going around
as people go in their boats to Port
Carling and and ingress egress. So, you
know, I do have a concern about us
establishing new a new dock there for
our boat parking. I just can't even
imagine what that looks like. So, if
there are some river studies on that,
that'd be that'd be great. And um, I
guess the other thing that I would have
is um,
you know, we we continually talk every
year we seem to do a park. If we had
ever established of partner like a you
know, we go out, we go for an RFP, we
get different companies come in, and
there is no synergy to
um
our parks. Maybe that's part of the
beauty of a park is that it's unique,
it's different. If you want this, go to
Windermere. If you want that, go to
Jaspen Park. So, that that's a question
I would have just in terms of do other
municipalities look at that and say,
"Hey, you know, we have a partner in the
parks."
I I think that might be worthwhile.
And the other thing I wonder about is if
we've had the problems we've had at
Hanna Park with the water, and we, you
know, clearly it's under an advisory
right now and has been for a short
while, and there's repeatedly that's
occurred in the summer months, of
course.
What about consideration of a of a water
play structure, some sort of a splash
pad or something to bring the water to
the people that can't take advantage. If
you go there now, there's people in the
water, which, you know, isn't the best
look. So, I wonder if you've considered
that. Thank you.
>> Mr. Moro?
» Mr. Moro?
>> Okay.
» Okay.
Through you, Chair, thank you for the
the questions.
Um in terms of Hanna Park kind of being
that that epicenter park of the Muskoka
Lakes, um I would say yes, and I think
we established that through the Parks
and Trails Standard Manual. Um as we
know, there was recommendations within
the Parks and Rec Master Plan for items
such as considering a splash pad,
um etc. And within that master plan, it
provided the recommendations on the
amount of those amenities you should
have based on your geographic, your
population, etc.
As we went through the Parks and Trails
Standard Manual in the development of
the Hanna Park um development plans,
that was the area that landed for some
of those amenities that we would only
see in one place in the township. Um and
the reason being, um obviously the
amenities already associated with it,
um but also the location as well being
in the center of the Township. So to
your point about the splash pad or
consideration for a splash pad,
the development plans did include that.
If we were to consider that type of
feature, that would be the park where we
would look to put that. In saying that,
we haven't considered that yet.
As we discussed when we approved those
plans, the next step would be
identifying all those new items within
the capital
budget process. We just haven't quite
got there yet. That would be this
upcoming budget we'd start to see those
items. Additionally, we know we have a
lot of infrastructure already across the
Township to fix up, repair, replace.
So I think it's one of those
opportunities that when we see a desire
maybe from the community for new,
that's the opportunity we we may be look
for those partnerships etc. Similar to
Windermere where there wasn't a
playground there. The parks and trail
standards main well identified a gap in
that 141 corridor area. The community
came forward
and led the fundraising charge to make
that that playground happen. So I think
we'd we'd look to those types of
opportunities for those newer type
amenities. Right now, we would just be
focusing on the amenities we already
have in place there and bringing those
up to today's standards.
In terms of the boat parking,
I think through the consultation we did
last summer, that was probably between
that between keeping a wood playground
structure, boat parking was the next
thing on that list. So we'd work with
with the dock companies and and when we
talk about boat parking,
similar to what was there before,
nothing spectacularly large, but the
opportunity to at least have a couple
spaces available.
So we wouldn't envision anything that
would provide a safety concern, anything
that way. So, we'll we'll certainly do
our due diligence in that respect. Um,
in terms of the synergy between parks
themselves,
um, I think our parks and trails
standards manual, it does a good job of
outlining based on the size of the park
and the size of the playground, um, the
different play value that we should
expect within them. In terms of the
theme, I think it is unique and I think
each area and each park is a little bit
different. Um, and what we put in Sunset
Park versus Hanna Park may be a bit
different based on the history of the
area, etc. So,
um, I think each one's a little bit
unique that way. Yeah.
Yeah.
>> Okay, uh, Councillor Roberts.
» Okay, uh, Councillor Roberts.
>> Thank you, Chair, for allowing me a
» Thank you, Chair, for allowing me a
second question.
Um, for next for the 2027 budget,
another thing to consider cuz it's not
in this uh, playground, is
accessibility.
>> Mhm.
» Mhm.
>> Um, uh,
» Um, uh,
play value items.
>> Mhm.
» Mhm.
>> Uh, so just consider that for the for
» Uh, so just consider that for the for
the 2027 budget and come back with uh,
thoughts on that. Thank you.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
I will say through you, Chair, so the
the current playgrounds, um, and the one
you see before you today, it does meet
all the accessibility standards.
Um, so a large part of that is the
ground cover itself. And uh, as we know,
we've been converting to the engineered
wood fiber as our ground cover cuz those
meet current accessibility standards,
um, instead of sand, etc., where you see
some other places.
Um, additionally, there and and that's
the component I talked about in some of
those images,
when you see them at a glance, the
high-level
layout of the playground, it's really
hard to see all those smaller amenities
attached to those structures. And
there's a lot of ground-level play
sensory items, etc., that uh, that help
meet some of those accessibility
standards. Um, that junior tower in
particular includes a includes a an
accessibility
component to it as well, so.
» You got a question. Last one wasn't a
question, so we'll we'll see if you have
one in you. Go ahead.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
Well, Mr. Moore, you brought up another
question. Okay.
>> [laughter]
» [laughter]
>> I'm thinking accessibility that's great
» I'm thinking accessibility that's great
what you mentioned, but I'm I'm thinking
about children with physical
needs and impairment needs that that we
should look forward to. And this does
this park have that?
>> Yeah, and
» Yeah, and
sorry through you, chair, to expand on
that junior tower, for instance, it
includes those transfer station areas
where that transfer can occur and then
they can still
access some of the amenities on the
structure such as the slide, etc. So,
yes. And same with the you know, there's
the swings, etc. You can incorporate the
proper seats and everything that way,
so.
» Uh thank you and to you and
just want to start that was a fantastic
presentation. Really walked us through
all of it.
The thinking and the rationale. A couple
of quick questions.
You've introduced this concept called
play value.
Do you have any sense as to
like what's is there a metric around
that? Like can you define play value of
current versus the different recommended
options? And and just maybe expand a
little bit on what that means.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
Um
play value is is often referenced in
in the playgrounds themselves. And
really what that relates to is the
number of components within the
playground. So, there isn't
there isn't so say like a an actual
value, a percentage maybe that you could
tie to play play value as you step up.
Um what it is is you start to see the
number of amenities with the different
structures, the number of slides,
climbing features, the number of access
points, the number of egress points,
etc. So, as we work through those
different options, you can see that as
we get into option two with the junior
tower, the play features start to to
climb. So, you start to see the walk
rock climbing wall features on the side
of the building, the chalkboard, um you
start to see multiple egress and access
points. As you move into the larger
timber towers, um that's when you start
to see a lot more post and rope. Uh you
see multiple slides, you see multiple
ways to climb up the tower through
bridges, um fire pole to to escape. So,
you start to see it in the number of
amenities within the playground itself.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Uh
» Uh
follow up to that?
>> thank you. I have a second question,
» thank you. I have a second question,
actually.
So, and um
the the decision today is around the
actual playground structure.
>> Mhm.
» Mhm.
>> If we looked at it as a Hanna Park
» If we looked at it as a Hanna Park
campus or site plan,
>> Mhm.
» Mhm.
>> is this also uh an opportunity? I I know
» is this also uh an opportunity? I I know
we've talked about the dock, but there's
other parts to that park. It truly is
that iconic park. I mean, we want to do
this right.
>> Mhm. Um
» Mhm. Um
>> things like the culture and the heritage
» things like the culture and the heritage
that we've
you touched upon in there. Is this the
time that you're thinking about that or
is that like a a next year project?
>> Um it's a it's a really good question,
» Um it's a it's a really good question,
but I think
our plan is to to do it, incorporate it
now. And some of those pieces might be
kind of the finishing touches that we
incorporate later in the spring, but I
think there's a real opportunity um
within this playground design um to
bring kind of that Muskoka feel to it.
And And again, that's where I reference
this um you know, this is an opportunity
for something new. Um and what we saw in
Windermere was you know, a real liking
to how we incorporated the natural
landscape, the rocks, uh Muskoka chairs,
how we can tie in kind of the history of
the playground that was done before as
well as the history of Port Carling.
I think there's an opportunity here
through the features of the playground
for us to to work on how we can
incorporate those so that not only is
there an understanding of kind of what
was here before just in Hanna Park, but
the Township as a whole and the history
of Port Carling with the you know, the
boats etc. that way. I think I think we
can start to incorporate um you know,
whether it be through you know,
information pedestals or or etc. I think
there's there's tremendous opportunity
that way, yes.
» Thank you for that. I'm actually going
to read the resolution so that we can
open it up and questions and comments.
Before I read it, I'm going to point out
that it calls for
the approval of the original proposed
project at 261.
It has the flexibility to bump it up
with a blank in it so we can actually
make a change. We may have to come back
and amend this, but I'd rather just get
it on the table, get everybody started
on a discussion and then we can figure
out how to amend this to accommodate
what we're going to go to.
So, it's moved by Councillor McIntyre,
seconded by Councillor Bozzemworth.
Whereas the 2026 capital budget included
funds in the amount of $261,300
for the replacement of the Hanna Park
playground.
And whereas the Hanna Park playground
has reached the end of its useful life.
And whereas staff have delegated
authority to award capital projects
should they be within the budgeted
amount and whereas staff have awarded
the project to Earthscape Play Inc.
And whereas staff have conducted a
community survey regarding the proposed
is uh design. And whereas Council may
wish to revise the budgeted playground
design based on the community feedback
received, now therefore be it resolved
that Council directs staff to proceed
with option blank as outlined in staff
report OPS-2026-022,
and that staff be delegated the
authority to make minor modifications to
the playground design provided the
changes remain within the approved
budget but uh project budget and do not
materially alter the overall design
intent.
So, Councillor Nishikawa.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
Um
don't where start.
Except that I was part of the crew, had
my own crew building our own little um
you were designated a crew and
everything else. It was a fantastic
fantastic time.
Um along with many other parks that
we've built in this in this
municipality, which I have been
fortunate to be part of. I'm I will say
I'm a little bit um
I understand people's concerns about the
sticks in the pictures. Like it just
looked like that. It didn't have the
substance that the the other park had.
But I think it could be very very
exciting. Um
I guess my
concern is about the funding.
And in the past we Sorry, we have voices
in the back that I'm not
>> I'm sorry.
» I'm sorry.
>> I'm hearing other people and I'm not
» I'm hearing other people and I'm not
focusing on
>> Oh, sorry. Could we keep the
» Oh, sorry. Could we keep the
conversation down or off actually in the
back, please?
>> The So, my my concern is
» The So, my my concern is
you know, we this this park was funded
earlier and I I will say that um
it was tremendous
um
as as well as our sports park as well as
um every park, quite frankly.
Um
I do wonder about the type of financing
that was brought up in the um
like I understand there's grants
available and certainly I've seen where
Huntsville's been successful. So
hopefully we can go after
our RMP for that. Um
but I didn't understand where we were
going to pull some other dollars from.
Um and it actually concerns me because
aren't those two important projects or
why were were they ever in the budget in
the first place? And how how can we just
shift around that large amount of money?
And could I have a follow-up, please?
>> Uh you can. Mr. Moore, do you want to
» Uh you can. Mr. Moore, do you want to
talk about with the the other two
capital projects that were proposed to
be
delayed, deferred?
>> Yes, through you, Chair. So um
» Yes, through you, Chair. So um
they are still important and they are
still required. Um our thought behind um
the concrete wharf repairs was our plan
was to do them later in the fall after
the season is completed. Um given the
timeline of the Hannah Park project,
there could be the opportunity to
proceed with the Hannah Park project
first and just push the wharf repairs
back a few months and complete them in
the late winter, early spring with a new
refreshed budget. Um as for the um
diesel exhaust retractors from the fire
station,
um the plan would be we still like to
proceed with those as well, too.
Um again, it's just one of those
projects that we haven't started yet. So
it's almost on the table for that reason
um that we again we could incorporate um
in the 2027 budget, do early in the
winter because it's indoors, we can do
that project um whenever we award it. Um
the other aspect to that project in
particular was we're currently going
through the fire station design process.
Um and through that process we're
certainly going to gain a better
understanding of what we intend to see
in each of our fire halls.
And
it may be an opportunity to to revisit
some of those
amenities we see within them. So that
was the thought process behind them the
two projects that you know, we have an
opportunity to defer. Of course, if we
are successful with the grant funding,
those funds would would come back and we
we'd be right around the exact project
budget amount if we're successful. So
that that's the the ultimate goal. I
think it really comes down a question,
do we want to
fund a little bit now and then wait for
the grant to hopefully do a phase two,
or do we want to fund it now
and then if we're successful with the
grant, we just recoup those funds.
>> Thank you. Councillor Ishikawa, with a
» Thank you. Councillor Ishikawa, with a
follow-up.
>> Thank you through you to
» Thank you through you to
I guess our our treasurer. I'm where I'm
concerned is because our fire master
plan came up with
and we've seen this
I'm going to just say over a number of
years I've seen this where we were
supposed to do something and we didn't
do it and it just kept coming back as we
should have done it and then there's an
emergency and we
what I don't want and in fact I'm still
very very concerned about the upcoming
budget because
I'm just going to
the numbers won't be exact
but it looked like there was going to be
another 10% increase. And we've already
had well, this was proposed, right? Over
the next number of years. Correct me if
I'm wrong. Over the next number of years
for us to be up to date with all of our
plans and all of those other things cuz
we've already had three years of large
increases. And and so that's where I
don't get the whole thing and then I
also think about why choosing from those
two elements whereas
um
cash in lieu of parking wasn't that
supposed to be about parkland and and
that sort of thing? So, I'd rather hear
from the Treasurer, please. Thank you.
>> Mr. Treasurer, Mr. Donaldson, Director
» Mr. Treasurer, Mr. Donaldson, Director
Donaldson.
>> Uh thank you, Worship. So,
» Uh thank you, Worship. So,
uh is is there a specific question
you're looking at?
>> Yes.
» Yes.
Well,
you First of all, did you not present to
us some months ago that we would require
this increase in our budget for how many
years just to pay for what we're doing
now?
>> Through you, Worship. That's correct.
» Through you, Worship. That's correct.
So, in April I presented to committee,
uh General Finance Committee, that we
would be looking at, excuse me,
somewhere in the neighborhood of about
8% per annum for the next 10 years to
try to keep up with our current asset
management plan.
» So, then my the other question in there,
a bunch of them, I know, but um
was it in fact the park uh
We have taken in a lot of money for
people lacking parking right now. And
so, I thought that that's what where in
the past I was aware that that's where
we drew from, from that fund, not from
another department, I would say.
>> So, through you, Worship. So, um we have
» So, through you, Worship. So, um we have
a parkland fund that on consents,
um
cash is paid in lieu of parkland for
development, and that is the fund we
typically draw from for park uh
activities for those types of things.
» I'm sorry. Why are we not going there?
>> So, through you, Worship. I um that fund
» So, through you, Worship. I um that fund
is available, but it is currently under
a lot of pressure as well, because there
is a huge amount of work in the Parks
and Rec Master Plan over the next number
of years, and with the changes in the
official plan,
um consents or probably and severances
are likely to decrease. So, we're going
to see less money coming into the
Parkland Reserve over the next few years
as well. So, we've got two conflicting
pressures. One with increased
expenditure on park development and park
redevelopment and trails and so on,
and less funds coming in
through fewer severances being approved.
» Um
Councillor Zavitz had his hand up first
and then
was it you, Alan?
All right, Councillor Edwards, you win.
>> Sorry if I maybe missed something. I had
» Sorry if I maybe missed something. I had
to leave for a second. Uh
I'd like to see the the the whole thing
go through the 500,000 at some point.
But on the other hand, I would not take
the diesel exhaust reclaim away. That's
a safety issue.
And I would leave that in for sure.
I'd leave the concrete repairs in
because on Friday I was in Windermere
and a
bus tour come in and they were getting
on the Peerless and someone fell and
uh
close to dislocated their shoulder. They
had to bring an ambulance and uh check
them out before they got on the boat.
Luckily, they were able to go with it.
But and that repairs like that should be
uh kept up.
Uh I'd like to know how much the grant
we've
actually applied for in grants.
» Uh yes, three of you. I think
uh so, through the grant if we were to
work with the partners, um our
contribution would be 50% and then each
coming in at 25%.
I think we've estimated the total
project request of 800,000
um and that includes the boat ramp, the
pier, the playground. Um
so, our share would be the 400,000.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
Thank you. Um
I wonder if we could get the community
like they did in Windermere, too, to
raise some of the funding for the goal.
And another question was the large tower
that was there. If we went with that,
what would that be just the the tower
itself at this point?
>> Just the tower?
» Just the tower?
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> So, the
» So, the
we can get you can get really into the
into the weeds and the details of these
designs and options. I'll try to keep it
as high level as possible, but within
option two, um there would be the
ability to do the tower there versus all
the other amenities, but you're
basically just getting the tower. It's
uh it's quite substantial.
>> Like just the cost of it.
» Like just the cost of it.
>> okay, sorry.
» okay, sorry.
>> We're good.
» We're good.
>> will like
» will like
just a ballpark on that like you say
like all of that you must
>> Councillor Edwards, we don't know.
» Councillor Edwards, we don't know.
>> [laughter]
» [laughter]
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> A couple hundred thousand.
» A couple hundred thousand.
>> hundred thousand dollars.
» hundred thousand dollars.
>> that go or rather than some of the small
» that go or rather than some of the small
stuff.
And then take the the existing play
ground out of there that everyone loves.
Get a couple years out of it and then
start putting the smaller stuff as we
take down.
>> I I don't know. I'm just saying get rid
» I I don't know. I'm just saying get rid
of it.
>> Uh Councillor Abbott, Councillor Kent.
» Uh Councillor Abbott, Councillor Kent.
>> Uh thank you. Through you to Corey. Uh
» Uh thank you. Through you to Corey. Uh
so, Corey, uh sticking to the budgeted
amount, uh which seems to be a little
getting a little bit of favor here.
Um I'm wondering how
feasible, if you will, you know,
appendix one is sticking to our budget
for now, approving that, and then
perhaps considering something else
different and more, if you will, at
budget time 2027 when there's going to
be different people here, one would
imagine. Uh my question to you then
would be how feasible is uh option one?
What I mean by that is if you everybody
loves this tower, maybe you know,
January they decide to add a hundred
grand to the or two whatever. So, can
you speak to that? Is there a
feasibility piece to that?
>> Mr. Moore.
» Mr. Moore.
>> Yes, they're all they're all feasible
» Yes, they're all they're all feasible
and they've all been designed that way.
Um the hard part is with option one, um
some of the upgraded amenities you see
in option two then wouldn't become
available. Um so the thought behind
option three was it would include
everything in option two, which we saw
the upgrade to the monkey bars, the
junior tower, um etc. that way.
Um so option two definitely aligns
better for a phased approach. Um
the challenge is is if we're going to do
the phased approach, um
the timeline for the grant works because
we would find out before the
installation occurs. But once we do
start to install some of these pieces,
we're not moving them afterwards. Um
so we kind of got to know if you're
moving forward with a phase two, you
know, when you start the installation
process. I would say option two aligns
better for that phased approach, um
because it allows that dedicated area
for the timber tower. Can option one
include it? Yes, it can. Yeah, it it
still can be um if that's a desire.
>> Uh Council Kent.
» Uh Council Kent.
>> Thank you. Uh
» Thank you. Uh
it's great information. If I were to cut
through it, I would recommend that we
take the $130,000
from the fire project, leave the wharf
money in the budget. It's very important
for next year or whenever it gets done.
So we go to option two,
which is the 408.
>> Mhm.
» Mhm.
>> We're a little 15 short or whatever on
» We're a little 15 short or whatever on
that.
>> Yep.
» Yep.
>> And then we ask the community we
» And then we ask the community we
continue to pursue the grants.
And then we ask the community to go out
and try to raise money
to add the tower, which I think is a
major improvement,
but we don't have the resources today.
And we'll see how we do on that. And
that's an an easy add-on
down the road. So I would do a phased
approach, option two today.
>> Mhm.
» Mhm.
>> The change in the budget from 130 over
» The change in the budget from 130 over
>> Mhm.
» Mhm.
>> and or delay in that item. And then,
» and or delay in that item. And then,
um,
put a request in to have the community
get involved, which they've successfully
done in Windermere and in some of these
other parks. I think it's a reasonable
request and it's a way to get everybody
vested in the,
uh, future tower that they're going to
be building with some of that money. So,
that would be my recommendation to
council.
>> Is that a motion you wish to make and
» Is that a motion you wish to make and
get a second on?
>> but
» I
the All right. Um,
I'm going to interject one thought
first.
Or question first. Have we ever talked
to the community about,
uh, working towards some additional
fundraising?
>> Through you, chair, uh,
» Through you, chair, uh,
we haven't reached out to the community
with that proposal or option.
Um, I think
staff's,
uh, thought on that was, you know, the
community's come forward once to build
what's currently there.
Um, as part of those partnerships at
that time,
and it's no different than Windermere, I
think part of that partnership and that
understanding is that when that asset's
complete, it's now ours. And with that
is an asset management plan, a lifeline,
and it's going to need a a time to
replace it. Um, so there are those costs
that have to come with that
understanding. Um, so
staff's, you know,
it's very difficult for staff to
initiate that lead. Um, if it's directed
by council, sure, but if it's
community-led,
that's, you know, that's an option as
well, too.
>> Can you just remind me, I forget the
» Can you just remind me, I forget the
numbers. 25 years ago, the community
rallied and was it 130 you said?
>> 130, yeah.
» 130, yeah.
>> 130. And is that cash or also labor and
» 130. And is that cash or also labor and
donations in kind?
>> No labor, no donations in kind. Just
» No labor, no donations in kind. Just
material. Yeah.
>> And that came from the community.
» And that came from the community.
>> Yep.
» Yep.
>> And that's 25-year-ago dollars, so maybe
» And that's 25-year-ago dollars, so maybe
double it for today. I know that's
probably still light.
Uh
the other thing that
maybe we've learned is that that park is
used by a lot more than just local
people. We know people communicate a
long way. We know a lot of them are
cottagers who find it more kid-friendly,
perhaps, than their own waterfront. I
I I don't want to get into designing
things uh in you know by committee.
It'll look like a camel.
Uh but I do uh think that your option
number four makes sense. I think
committing to it now makes sense. It's
leadership.
Career is Mr. Treasure. Uh but
but I also think, if I add it up right,
we're about
$250,000
short. And perhaps with the assistance
of uh the community or a rallying point
for the community, and maybe we could
sell sponsorships and call that tower
like the Cleveland's House Tower.
» [laughter]
» Just write that down.
>> [laughter]
» [laughter]
>> Um I I have a very strong feeling that
» Um I I have a very strong feeling that
by time anybody gets around here in the
spring, would they be They wouldn't be
doing any site work in the fall. It'd be
in the spring.
>> Most of it would be in the fall. We had
» Most of it would be in the fall. We had
>> So, by the time they get around here,
» So, by the time they get around here,
we'll have
the funds locked down, ready to go. Um
and because the real embarrassing part
is, if we don't do this now,
uh next year that playground could be
condemned and have to go away. The one
that's there now. There's nothing to
replace it.
>> Correct.
» Correct.
>> I would rather see that happen um if we
» I would rather see that happen um if we
can get comfortable with the source of
funds uh you know that I'm I'm going to
take your recommendation. You didn't
make it up. The uh notion of both the
What was it? Diesel fuel recapture?
>> Uh it would just be the the concrete
» Uh it would just be the the concrete
repairs. We
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> We'd re-budget for them in 2027 and look
» We'd re-budget for them in 2027 and look
to do that.
>> And still
» And still
>> go, you know, broke for
» go, you know, broke for
No, broke's the wrong word. Go hell-bent
for the um
applications we've made for the for the
funding from the government. And there
may be other sources. And whatever gap
is in there, creativity. We'll have to
figure it out and in combination of
sponsorship from local businesses, uh
individual
um
residents who uh wish to make the legacy
continue. I I frankly would much be be
much happier doing that than
whatever else. Um Counselor Mazac.
>> Thank you. And sorry, pretty much took
» Thank you. And sorry, pretty much took
the words right out of my mouth. I've
written down here I think my preference
is the what. And I think that's what uh
Counselor Edwards picked up on, too.
He's like, ideally we I think the the
option three, I think it was, not four.
Option three is what um
would be ideal here.
So, now it's a matter of how we get to
that is what I think I'm hearing. Um so,
my preference is make a commitment, put
a stake in the ground, no pun intended,
um and say that's the option we're going
for, and then find And I don't want to
keep repeating, but the innovative way
to to fund it. It's really not that
innovative funding and or community
fundraising. No different. The uh if I
could just have one uh
a secondary
um
It kind of goes back to my question
earlier just a bit the complete site
plan. Uh two quick things from a
fundraising standpoint, are these are is
this the opportunity to look at that in
a more broad way as well with different
partners in the community to add
amenities after the actual physical
structure as well?
>> Yes, absolutely. As as we mentioned some
» Yes, absolutely. As as we mentioned some
of the other items, the pavilion
>> Right.
» Right.
>> structure, etc. Those are certainly
» structure, etc. Those are certainly
opportunities, even the landscaping of
the the current playground, that area,
like there's certainly opportunities
there locally that we could yeah,
explore.
>> And thank [clears throat] you. And
» And thank [clears throat] you. And
actually, landscaping is my last very
quick comment. I just don't want to lose
the thread because one of the other
common questions I think counselors have
that's is Abbott's brought this up
earlier about the water quality and the
geese in particular. And just with I
just want to put it on the record now.
Could the landscapers as we go through
this site plan review look at innovative
ways to use natural landscaping to
perhaps
reduce the the geese problem. It is a
problem and I I just I don't know what
the answer is, but I just think that
this is the opportunity to do so.
Thanks.
>> Uh Mr. Moore, do you have a answer?
» Uh Mr. Moore, do you have a answer?
>> Yeah, through you, chair. I I would say
» Yeah, through you, chair. I I would say
absolutely. I think it's a fantastic
idea.
Um in the 2027 budget currently, kind of
one of the last remaining
refurbishments to the park is the beach
area. So, there's certainly I think that
opportunity to explore some some options
for the geese. It's
the challenge. Yes.
>> Everybody who makes a donation gets a
» Everybody who makes a donation gets a
free goose.
>> [laughter]
» [laughter]
>> All right, who else has uh hands up? Uh
» All right, who else has uh hands up? Uh
Counselor Bosworth and then Counselor
Roberts cuz you we've heard from both of
you and then
Counselor Edwards.
>> Um Mr. Moore, if um
» Um Mr. Moore, if um
we go to the to the community and and
some of the community come back and want
to offer
either services or product in kind
to add to the park, is that an
opportunity? And you know, so for
example, um
one of the quarry owners might come and
say I'd like to put a rock pile for them
to climb in, you know.
People who supply or transport dirt,
let's have a berm in here around the
park. Is that Is that something that the
I guess it's
no matter which option we went for,
let's just assume it's option number
three at the moment. That takes a
certain footprint. Is there enough space
around to have have other kinds of
things that come to us in kind? We had
something in kind at Windermere which
was a a tremendous addition.
>> Yeah, through you, Chair, absolutely. Um
» Yeah, through you, Chair, absolutely. Um
that's certainly an opportunity.
Um and as you had mentioned, that that
happened in Windermere. Um and uh and we
see how that turned out with all the the
plants and the berm there and and the
logs and the granite, etc. So, those are
certainly opportunities for sure.
>> Thank you for that. Uh Councillor
» Thank you for that. Uh Councillor
Robertson Councillor Edwards.
>> Thank you. First of all,
» Thank you. First of all,
a question of clarity and second of all,
I have a comment.
You mentioned about the deferring of a
couple of couple of capital budgets, but
I
correct me if I'm wrong, did I not hear
that
there would not be any impact because
we're going to start them late in the
season and finish them in 2027
with 2027 dollars and the only risk
would be
our financial pressures at that time.
>> Through you, Chair, yes, that's correct.
» Through you, Chair, yes, that's correct.
And uh and that was our thought process
behind um the wharf concrete repair
project. Um of course, we don't want to
do that work in season.
Um so, our plan was to do it late this
fall.
Um
we could look to re-budget it through
the 2027 budget, do that work in late
winter before the the season starts up
again. So, that was our thinking behind
the timing of that project. So, correct,
it would just become a a financial
decision through the 2027 budget.
>> Thank you. So, may I just my comment?
» Thank you. So, may I just my comment?
Last after reading the report yesterday,
I
after late or early evening,
I went to the Hanna Park and and sat and
watched children play
for over an hour and a half and I was
trying to assess the value
of that park currently and
I I counted 35 play activities
type of thing and I noticed you play
talk about the play value and the
imagination that could occur within the
within the current structure.
And um
I'm very supportive to do what we can to
get option three in place.
You you use the word marquee.
>> Mhm.
» Mhm.
>> And I thought last night it's the
» And I thought last night it's the
Township crown jewel.
Of playgrounds and we must do everything
we can do to to to once again have it
the marquee or the crown jewel for the
Township. So people is a destination for
people to go. So I'm in supportive of
whatever we can do in option three.
Thank you.
>> Thank you for that. Counselor Edwards
» Thank you for that. Counselor Edwards
and then Counselor Mazan.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
No matter what option we do
if we do the layout for option three and
everything that it could be added
afterwards rather than doing something
is it all now we
we put that in and we we can't do option
the future.
And again I would remind everyone
and that that I would not take that the
uh
diesel fuel replacement and that's
safety. That's our
our staff, our firefighters. I would not
take that out.
>> Thank you for that.
» Thank you for that.
Counselor Mazan, you have a motion you
want to make?
>> Thank you and I know the question was
» Thank you and I know the question was
asked earlier too. I I would like to put
forward a motion to the to I think it's
under direct staff to proceed with
option number three.
I don't know if somebody
>> I will second that.
» I will second that.
I will second that.
>> All right, we're going to uh
» All right, we're going to uh
just take a literally stand in your
place one minute. They're going to get
the resolution right. I'll step away and
let you talk.
» Okay.
This isn't the one I'm reading.
You've seen it?
This is
Have you seen it?
>> We're just going to read it. That's what
» We're just going to read it. That's what
I
>> You're just going to read it. You can
» You're just going to read it. You can
listen to it.
What's that?
>> Should we put it on the table?
» Should we put it on the table?
>> Yeah, let me let me I We're going to put
» Yeah, let me let me I We're going to put
it on the table. You can get a chance to
read it then, right?
We can move it and we just have to make
sure it's straight.
Okay.
» One person.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> All right, as is?
» All right, as is?
You're good You're good with it like
this? Okay.
Okay, I'm going to read uh
I'm going to read a proposed amendment
uh to the resolution that I already
read, and it goes like this. Moved by
Councillor Mazan, seconded by Councillor
Bosworth.
Be it resolved that the resolution be
amended to include the following after
{quote} option three as outlined in
staff report OPS-2026-022,
{close quote}.
And that projects 26087,
26089,
and 26090
{bracket} Wharf concrete repairs
be deferred and reconsidered in a future
capital budget should should submitted
grant applications or community funding
not be successful.
And that funds from project 26087,
26089, and 26090
in the amount of $300,000 be reallocated
to project 26065 Hanna Park playground
replacement.
Anybody comment? Uh Councillor Kent and
then Councillor Edwards.
>> I guess
» I guess
I think that's too much money for us to
be committing to today
without a condition that the
I I
I think the 130 gets you part of the way
there. We get funding from the grant
money, but I think that the community
has to raise some money. I don't think
there's we should have a conditionality
if you're going to If you're going to
fund that, it has to be conditional upon
the fundraising coming in from the
community. It's They've We're there
before. They were there for Windermere
Park. It's more money than we have in
the
future. Like and I'm happy to do it. I
think what I said [clears throat] is the
last piece, which is an easy add-on,
should be conditional upon the funding
from the community. We can do stage two,
but stage three becomes an issue with,
you know, you're really pulling away
from other critical projects that are in
the budget. And
I don't think we should be doing it. I
think it's irresponsible. I think we
should get everybody invested and I
would
leave I would leave the phase three up
to the $500 number as a conditional upon
um with a deadline. You have to give us
a deadline for when they'd have to have
that money to be able to go forward.
A conditional upon fed or money and/or
community fundraising of a total of
actually something.
So,
that would be my recommendation.
>> Thank you. Uh anyone else with a
» Thank you. Uh anyone else with a
comment? Counselor Edwards.
>> Uh yes. So, if I read that
» Uh yes. So, if I read that
I understand what you're saying is we're
just taking the wharf repair only out.
Okay.
>> Sorry. Uh who answered that?
» Sorry. Uh who answered that?
Yeah, thank you.
Um
>> Maybe Corey can clarify.
» Maybe Corey can clarify.
>> Yeah, I'm going to ask Mr. Moore to
» Yeah, I'm going to ask Mr. Moore to
clarify that.
>> Yes, through you, chair. That's correct.
» Yes, through you, chair. That's correct.
It would just be the wharf. The The
other project would continue.
» Uh Counselor Nishikawa.
>> Thank you. I'm and I apologize cuz I'm
» Thank you. I'm and I apologize cuz I'm
not trying to redesign anything at all.
I'm just thinking about the numbers and
it felt like we were
it it's not in A option.
So, if I was wanting to go with option
one, but in fact, I'm just talking about
the dollar figure. So, the 261,000,
something like that.
>> Mhm.
» Mhm.
>> And then
» And then
but request that in fact with the
261,000
build the big bigger tower. Because in
the option one, it doesn't have the
biggest tower, right? And so, I don't
want to put an option. I just want to
approve a
a dollar figure of what we're going to
commit to today
and then look for other additional
fundraising opportunities where we can
then add on to the park. It's that big
tower that Allan had mentioned earlier
that is the biggest expense.
Um but yet
I think I would say the most attractive
piece to to the project.
So it's it's not for me it's it's a
dollar figure. It's not of what what
items I'm putting in with that dollar
figure at this point. Um anyhow, I I I'd
like to see that changed a bit.
» Um
Yeah, Mr. Moore.
>> Through you, Chair. Um if we were at
» Through you, Chair. Um if we were at
that dollar figure, the the timber tower
probably wouldn't be an option.
Um or else it would just be that and
that that piece only.
From there, if we were to add on should
we receive additional funding etc. The
one
part that we have to think of when we're
doing these phases is every time
we assume those costs for shipping, for
labor, etc. you know, to come up here to
do it.
Um if we can do it in as least amount of
phases as possible, it's going to save
us the most amount in the long run.
» Agreed. Uh Counselor Zavitz.
>> Uh thank you. Through you to Corey. So
» Uh thank you. Through you to Corey. So
Corey,
were we to approve the 261, the budgeted
amount, uh and then at budget time in
November, Jan- December,
um someone brings forward a motion to
look at enhancing the park. I talked to
you earlier about feasibility. Is that
viable? What do you think as the main
contractor here? Is that a viable
solution?
>> It certainly is. Um I think
» It certainly is. Um I think
what we heard from the feedback through
the survey was people weren't well
supporting option one.
Um they were pretty underwhelmed by it,
which is why I think we we set the
option two and the option three. Um,
so I think I think going with the base
of option one,
um, it would be challenging even if we
were to phase it, which we can do, but
we heard pretty loudly that it it wasn't
very well supported.
>> Uh, Council Abbott, yes.
» Uh, Council Abbott, yes.
>> Thank you. And through you,
» Thank you. And through you,
supplemental, um, preface to my
question.
Uh, um,
phase one,
right? And let's call it phase one,
which is the budgeted amount, so
taxpayers would love that. Uh, the
people that are going to use it, though,
when budget time comes, one of us,
someone, whoever gets elected, uh,
brings it brings a forward a motion that
we enhance Hannah Park to the tune of
options B or C,
what does that what does that do to you?
What does that do to the project? Cuz
you'd be getting it started, you'd be
waiting for your granting, you know,
everything else is straight ahead, but
we aren't eating the $550,000
elephant, is my thought.
>> Through you, it it's certainly an
» Through you, it it's certainly an
option. If we know that our plan is to
do a phase two at some point, we can
certainly configure it to allow that
expansion. Um, I think it becomes
whether you want some of those
basic kind of ground beginning items
from option one or option two to expand
upon.
>> It just
» It just
>> [clears throat]
» [clears throat]
>> Let me follow up on that one, cuz my
» Let me follow up on that one, cuz my
understanding is like building a house.
If you decide halfway through you want
to
double the size,
you missed your opportunity to build the
proper foundation under it and pour
concrete under it. I mean, these things
don't just lie on the ground. They are
anchored and they are anchored and I
assess assume kind of cross anchored
together. Um, and so if you don't do the
whole thing at once,
I suppose anything's possible. If you
don't do the whole thing at once,
uh, costs go right through the roof. You
got to bring all the earth moving people
back in,
engineers back in. To me, it just I'm
trying to I'm hopefully we're going to
avoid that kind of duplication and bet
on the on the long run that that we're
going to find the funding through the
community, through grants,
uh and
whatever else we have to do.
» Uh
Counselor Zavitz, thank you. Through
you, I guess to your point, I mean
>> [laughter]
» [laughter]
>> you know, it's we're we're doubling a
» you know, it's we're we're doubling a
budget for a park, right? That's that's
a consideration for the taxpayers. And
so, to my to my idea is that
I don't know how we can look people in
the eye and say, you know, we originally
set a budget of 261 at some point in
time in this chamber a year ago, and now
it's virtually double. I just can't
settle I can't support it. I just can't
understand why we would
bring it forward.
>> I and my only comment is I heard Mr.
» I and my only comment is I heard Mr.
Moore say that
we picked the 261 cuz we literally
doubled the number from 25 years ago.
So,
I thought that's what you said.
Yeah.
>> With all respect, sir, that is not where
» With all respect, sir, that is not where
the budget came from.
>> Okay, where did it come from? That's
» Okay, where did it come from? That's
what I That's what I heard. Staff.
>> Budget came from staff.
» Budget came from staff.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
Yeah.
>> Through you, Chair. Yes, we we went with
» Through you, Chair. Yes, we we went with
the original budget and put in the
inflation inflationary factors into it,
as well as, you know, starting with
Jasper Park, what we saw there, etc.
>> [snorts]
» [snorts]
>> Okay, so if we just basically doubled
» Okay, so if we just basically doubled
the number from 25 years ago, we were
way light going in.
But the But it was the budget, that's
for sure. I don't know who was first,
Counselor Mazen, Counselor Edwards.
And then Kent, Counselor Kent.
>> Yeah, thank you. And through you, I'm
» Yeah, thank you. And through you, I'm
just going to reiterate my comments that
uh think it's determining the what. I
don't think that I haven't heard that
there's a resistance to option number
three as a design. It seems pretty
spectacular. Seems appropriate uh to
Councillor comments. It's really about
the funding. Um
I think the project I just want to hear
again from staff the clarity about the
wharf. This is simply
a deferral of the wharf capital budget
to allow for this to happen. Can you
just explain
what that is for forever?
Improvements to the wharf or how does
that work?
>> Mr. Moore.
» Mr. Moore.
>> No, through you. You're correct. It's
» No, through you. You're correct. It's
more of a a timeline between the
projects and a kind of a switch. Um so
we would still complete the wharf
repairs prior to the beginning of next
season. Um which is which is what our
goal would be.
>> All right, Councillor Mazin, follow up.
» All right, Councillor Mazin, follow up.
>> Yeah, thank you. Just a quick
» Yeah, thank you. Just a quick
supplement. And that's a fairly common
practice. We've done that around this
table. We rearrange projects on an
ongoing basis depending on new
information, whatever the application is
or whatever the report may be. So that's
not at risk, I guess I would say.
>> Correct.
» Correct.
>> And it just the last comment, that's
» And it just the last comment, that's
almost a bit of a placeholder how I've
read that resolution as we await
information for the federal grants that
staff have already put those
applications in. So if those came in,
that that's the offset to this. In
addition, I think the community has
probably heard loud and clear there is
opportunity for community fundraising to
make sure that we all participate to
make no different than what we saw in
Windermere to really make this place
special.
>> Mhm.
» Mhm.
>> So staff has the capability to do both
» So staff has the capability to do both
of those things as well. Is that
correct?
>> That's correct.
» That's correct.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Uh Councillor Edwards, Councillor Kent,
» Uh Councillor Edwards, Councillor Kent,
Councillor Bosworth.
>> Yeah, so we had the 261. We've just
» Yeah, so we had the 261. We've just
taken the 300,000 which makes it um
561,000. Option three was 550. So we're
we're we're well covered with this
and that, so I would support it.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Uh Council Ken.
» Uh Council Ken.
>> I guess my my concern is
» I guess my my concern is
I thought addressing your shipping issue
option two stuff was the stuff that was
sort of basic
had the monkey bars and a whole bunch of
the things you showed us.
>> Mhm.
» Mhm.
>> And that all would be part of the basic
» And that all would be part of the basic
structure. It's this tower and my
concern is you're giving it to the
community rather than requiring it. By
doing that, there's no incentive for
them to go out and raise the $150,000 or
$200,000 and I really would like to see
that involve it's a tangible piece.
By by based on your and my the
materials, it's tangible piece that's
very separable, big, it does make the
project.
The option two stuff is sort of part of
the basics that we don't have the money
for to get to the 408, I thought was the
number.
And then the the excess above that was
for this tower and I think that's where
if we give it to the community
and then we're taking the exposure that
>> I think you underestimate the community.
» I think you underestimate the community.
>> Underestimate?
» Underestimate?
>> I do.
» I do.
>> I'm sorry. I'm just I One other comment,
» I'm sorry. I'm just I One other comment,
I think
>> Oh yeah, Mr. Mayor.
» Oh yeah, Mr. Mayor.
>> the money
» the money
>> Sorry, if I if I may, just to help
» Sorry, if I if I may, just to help
answer that that clarity there. That
would be kind of the the envision if we
were going to do phase, you know, option
two with the ability for option three.
To the mayor's point earlier
it is it would be cheaper to do it all
now. If you're going to do it in phases,
you're going to end up paying more for
that phase two because you are going to
have to re-dig up the whole playground.
It is like a house, there's a foundation
underground that needs to be installed,
poured, concrete, etc. We'd have to then
re-landscape, redo the wood fiber, etc.
>> I was only suggesting that option three
» I was only suggesting that option three
got delayed. Option two happened right
up front. We approved 408.
>> Yeah, for option three, we'd still have
» Yeah, for option three, we'd still have
to do all of that additional work, so
if we were to do the phases, option
three would end up being more if you
were to do it in phases.
>> I would just make the one point, Peter,
» I would just make the one point, Peter,
uh Mayor Kelly, that the $300,000 were
taken from the future is real money that
we don't have next year. So, we are
$300,000
It's a deferral, but it's $300,000 that
we don't have
when we go to do the budget next year.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> So, we have a bigger problem.
» So, we have a bigger problem.
>> Uh Counselor Edwards.
» Uh Counselor Edwards.
>> Um with building the option three now,
» Um with building the option three now,
you're going to get more donations for
that if you went out and said, "Oh, by
the way, we have to fix the concrete.
Would you donate to fixing the
concrete?"
And that
>> Thank you for
» Thank you for
>> the ground, and you'll get the money.
» the ground, and you'll get the money.
Thank you.
>> point.
» point.
Okay, who had a question? Anyone else
over here? Counselor Bosworth.
>> No, just a comment. It's more uh just
» No, just a comment. It's more uh just
extending uh what um
Counselor Kentscher just did. I And I
just I'm also looking for a little
clarification. I think I think the
resolution said that we would defer the
uh
fuel retention and the concrete, and
that adds up to No, it's
Well, how do we get to option four?
>> Option There's no option four. I
» Option There's no option four. I
misspoke.
>> Option three, rather.
» Option three, rather.
>> The work
» The work
The wharf concrete project is 300,000.
And the um fire station
is 120,000.
But
» So
>> No, so let let me just ask for
» No, so let let me just ask for
clarification. We need almost 300 to get
from option one to option three.
>> Correct.
» Correct.
>> 120's not enough to get there.
» 120's not enough to get there.
>> Correct.
» Correct.
>> So, where is the difference coming from?
» So, where is the difference coming from?
>> So, through you, Chair, we'd be
» So, through you, Chair, we'd be
>> Are we going to risk that? Are we Are we
» Are we going to risk that? Are we Are we
going to assume that we're getting that
extra from the grant?
>> Through you, Chair, the wharf concrete
» Through you, Chair, the wharf concrete
repairs is is 300,000.
So, we would defer that project,
reallocate those funds to Hanna Park to
make up the 300,000 deficit. The diesel
retractors at the fire station would
continue and we'd still complete those
this year.
>> And but and and if I may just finalize
» And but and and if I may just finalize
the comments.
We're we're not we are committing to
spending
almost 300,000 more than is than is in
our 190 million dollar 10-year capital
plan. We will have to get the money from
somewhere and I think we're going to
take the risk that we will get it either
from grants or combination of grants and
donations and we will cover that distant
difference and we will be whole. So, I
think that's what we're looking at right
now and that's that's a good way to go.
Anybody else with anything new question
or comment?
Uh
Well,
if you want to propose an amendment to
the resolution and get a second or
>> I like what Councilwoman said that with
» I like what Councilwoman said that with
the anticipation that grants and
community funding will offset some of
the funds we've deferred from 2000
>> It says in here should submitted grant
» It says in here should submitted grant
applications or community funding not be
successful so it's covered.
Okay, on the amendment right, the second
one I read.
I'm going to call the question. All in
favor.
Anyone opposed?
That carries. Thank you.
And the one I read first,
uh we're just going to call the question
on it. All in favor of it as amended.
That carries as well. Thank you very
much.
Okay, I might suggest uh
quick break uh till
and after I got to get out of here.
» Mhm.
» Okay, welcome back.
Uh, I think we're all back.
Um,
Okay, going to go through some uh,
zoning bylaws first.
» No problem.
Thank you.
» Um 426-289.
This is not the one I thought it was.
Oh, I'm on the wrong page.
Okay. Uh first one up is a move by
Councillor Zavits, seconded by
Councillor Roberts.
Be it resolved that bylaw 2026-080
to amend comprehensive zoning bylaw
2014-14
{bracket} Endicott Endicott and
Singleton, roll number 4-23-085
be read a first and second time. Any
questions?
All in favor.
That carries. Thank you.
Uh next one is [clears throat] moved by
Councillor Edwards, seconded by
Councillor Nishikawa.
Be it resolved that bylaw 2026-080
to to amend comprehensive zoning bylaw
2014-14
{bracket} Endicott and Singleton, roll
number 4-23-085
be read a third time and finally passed.
All in favor.
That carries. Thank you.
Next one is moved by Councillor Kent,
seconded by Councillor McIntyre. Be it
resolved that bylaw 2026-081
to amend comprehensive zoning bylaw
2014-14
{bracket} Algonquin International
Corporation, roll number 9-2-002-01
be read a first and second time.
Any questions? All in favor?
That carries. Thank you.
Next one, moved by Councillor Bosworth,
seconded by Councillor Zavitz.
Be it resolved that bylaw 2026-081
to amend comprehensive zoning bylaw
2014-14
{bracket} Algonquin International
Corporation roll number 9-2-002-01
be read a third time and finally passed.
All in favor?
That carries. Thank you.
Next one is moved by Councillor Roberts,
seconded by Councillor Mazan.
Be it resolved that bylaw 2026-082
to amend comprehensive zoning bylaw
2014-14
{bracket} Aspen Wildlife Sanctuary
roll numbers 1-1
-013 and 1-1-012
be read a first and second time. Any
questions?
You do have a question? Councillor
Nishikawa.
>> Sorry, thank you. I just wanted to um
» Sorry, thank you. I just wanted to um
ask um
staff or I'm I think it'll be planning
staff, but essentially about the added
um notes from our
building official if this is being taken
into consideration.
>> Ms. Crowder, are you able to come
» Ms. Crowder, are you able to come
forward and enlighten?
» Hello.
>> I don't know if Did you hear the
» I don't know if Did you hear the
question?
>> Morning. Um if the chief building
» Morning. Um if the chief building
official comments have been added
Um so bear with me.
Okay. Uh through you, Chair. This is not
my application and I'm sort of stepping
in here cuz we have some vacations, but
we do have CAO Pink on the line and um
the chief building official himself. Um
so I don't know exactly which comments
we're referring to.
» Wait, but literally Oh, sorry, you want
to answer that one? Go ahead.
>> I just wanted to add um essentially
» I just wanted to add um essentially
there was some encroachment comments
that were made and some others and as
basically
um
that these would be brought into
consideration when the site plan was
being developed.
>> [snorts]
» [snorts]
>> Ms. Crowder.
» Ms. Crowder.
>> Through you, chair. We've got the CBO on
» Through you, chair. We've got the CBO on
the call here, so maybe I'll let him
refer, but any encroachment or
um non-compliances that have been raised
by um staff would be addressed at site
plan control. We wouldn't be in a
position to approve a site plan if there
were non-compliances shown that were not
brought into compliance with the zoning
bylaw.
>> CBO Snyder.
» CBO Snyder.
What say you?
>> Thank you and through you.
» Thank you and through you.
Um
the concerns regarding the encroachment
over the apparent property line have
been resolved uh by way of legal opinion
and survey confirmation that these two
parcels um forgive my terminology at
time of patent
were not two separate parcels, but were
is one parcel and has always been one
parcel. Um
so
that has satisfied my query and my
concern regarding uh potential
encroachment over a property line
um
with regards to the shipping container
structures requiring building permit and
the potential for issuance of a building
permit.
>> Thank you very much. Appreciate that.
» Thank you very much. Appreciate that.
Um okay, any other questions on this?
I've read the resolution. I'll call the
question. All in favor.
That carries. Thank you.
Next uh move by Councillor McIntyre
seconded by Councillor Bosworth be
resolved the bylaw 2026-082
to amend comprehensive zoning bylaw
2014-14
bracket Aspen Wildlife Sanctuary roll
numbers 1-1-013
and 1-1-012
be ready third time and finally passed.
All in favor?
It carries.
Okay, next one up move by Councillor
Nishikawa seconded by Councillor
Edwards.
Be it resolved the bylaw 2026-083
to amend comprehensive zoning bylaw
2014-14
bracket Herman Marshall and Grant
Stipsits roll numbers 4-2-021
4-2-023
and 4-2-024
be ready first and second time.
All in favor?
It carries. Thank you.
Next one is moved by Councillor Mazan
seconded by Councillor Kent be it
resolved the bylaw 2026-083
to amend comprehensive zoning bylaw
2014-14
bracket Herman Marshall and Grant
Stipsits roll numbers 4-2-021 4-2-023
4-2-024
be ready third time and finally passed.
All in favor?
It carries. Thank you.
All righty then, next one up is
All right, move by Councillor Zablocki
seconded by Councillor Roberts be it
resolved the bylaw 2026-085
and bylaw 2026-086
to amend comprehensive zoning bylaw
2014-14
bracket Royal Canadian Legion bracket
Bella, roll number 7-10-050,
be read a first and second time. Any
questions? All in favor.
That carries.
Thank you.
Move by Councillor Bozaninworth,
seconded by Councillor Nishikawa. Be
resolved that by-law 2026-085
and by-law 2026-086
to amend comprehensive zoning by-law
2014-14 bracket Royal Canadian Legion
bracket Bella, roll number 7-10-050,
be read third time and finally passed.
Councillor Edwards, do you have a
question?
>> Yes. Um
» Yes. Um
we still have the the holding on that
until they resolve the parking. Is that
right?
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> Okay, thank you.
» Okay, thank you.
>> Okay, anything else? Then I'll call it
» Okay, anything else? Then I'll call it
all in in favor.
Uh that carries. Thank you.
All right, the next one up is uh Resort
Village of Minett. Miss Crowder, were
you going to speak to this, please?
Okay, you have a question. I haven't
read it yet.
» It There was an OPA
on the list here. There's an OPA
67. That wasn't Was the OPA included in
the by-laws?
>> Sir, you know what? We've already passed
» Sir, you know what? We've already passed
this.
>> No, I know, but
» No, I know, but
We've passed the by-laws. I don't think
we passed the OPA.
Is my point.
The agenda has an OPA 67 on it.
» All right.
Miss Crowder's up.
Do you want me to read this first?
I'm on a rem- Yeah, Minett.
Uh moved by Councillor MacIntyre,
seconded by Councillor Zavits, be it
resolved that bylaw 2026-087
and OPA bylaw 2026-088
to amend comprehensive zoning bylaw
2014-14
bracket 266940
Ontario Inc. and 2662665556
Resort Village of Minett, roll number
4-14-058
be read a first and second time.
Do you just have questions or
>> No, I through you, Chair, I do have an
» No, I through you, Chair, I do have an
introduction and some items to speak to
today.
>> Yeah, go ahead.
» Yeah, go ahead.
>> Um thank you.
» Um thank you.
So, thank you, Mayor Kelly and members
of Council. Good morning.
As Council will recall, Official Plan
Amendment OPA 64 and Zoning Bylaw
Amendment ZBA 22-23
were heard this month at Planning
Committee on July 17th.
Since this time, a bylaw has been
drafted to implement the recommendations
put forth by Planning Committee.
This bylaw can be found on the
supplementary Council agenda.
This is a unique bylaw as it sets the
standards for new zones such as Village
Core, Resort Commercial 1 and 2,
Residential 2, and Environmental
Wetland.
These zones align with the designations
created through OPA 56.
It is important to note that the general
provisions of comprehensive zoning bylaw
2014-14
will still apply.
This bylaw implements the holding
provisions as presented to Council
through the previous staff report.
Further, this bylaw implements the
recommendations Planning Committee made,
including to permit development within
the floodplain, permit development
within the required front yard setback,
permit a reduced vegetative buffer,
permit the creation of an open water and
shallow marsh wetland feature not
exceeding 3 m in depth, and to amend the
wording to require a 26 m right of way
along Juddhaven Road.
Following the committee meeting, staff
have noted some items that were not
directly circulated or analyzed that
would be required to facilitate the
proposal as shown in the drawings.
Some of these well, these items include
and Liz, if I could get you to share
schedule three to the bylaw, please.
And if you don't mind just zooming in a
bit.
So, the first item is to permit the
proposed amphitheater to be located
within the required front yard setback.
This type of structure would be required
to be located 66 ft from the high water
mark and the proposal seeks to permit a
setback of 16.7 ft.
So, if you can zoom in
um
quite a bit.
And the amphitheater is located
it's circular and it's highlighted in
yellow and it's located to the top of
the screen here. The mouse is currently
pointing to it. Um
if everybody can see that okay, that's
the structure we're talking about. So,
um the bylaw is currently written to
permit this structure in its extent and
location. Um so, there's no further
action needed, but staff did feel it
warranted to present this to you and if
council has any concerns with it, um
that would need to be raised through a
minor amendment today.
The second item, Liz, if you could share
um schedule four to the bylaw.
Okay, and if you could zoom in, we are
looking at the items highlighted in
blue.
So, the second item is to permit sport
courts to be located within the required
front yard setback as shown in the
extent and location on this plan.
Sport courts are required to be located
200 ft from the high water mark. The
proposal seeks to permit them as close
as 127 ft from the high water mark in
the extent and location as shown on this
screen.
This
uh schedule has been incorporated into
the draft bylaw before you today. So, if
you approve as presented, that would be
included. If um council has any concerns
with this, a minor amendment would need
to be passed today to remove that
permission.
The third item, if you could please
share schedule 2A,
is the extent and of land to be zoned
village core, which is slightly larger
than originally depicted within the
submissions and the staff report. The
full extent of the proposed zoning can
be seen on as displayed on the screen.
And in particular, if you don't mind
zooming in a little bit, we are
referring to the most northern part that
is labeled as VC-H
from C2-H.
Um originally, that was located within
an R2 zone. So, this is being expanded
to be included within the village core
zone.
And staff don't have any concerns with
that.
And the last item,
I shouldn't say the last, sorry, second
last.
Um
is that the applicant has requested the
permission be granted to permit patios
to encroach within 2 m or 6.6 ft into
any required yard.
So, these setbacks um as been as
proposed to be approved, um this
permission would grant them to construct
um patios within 6.6 ft of any permitted
yard.
So, these items have been included in
the bylaw before council today. If
council does not wish to permit these
items, a minor amendment will need to be
passed to remove them.
And lastly, there is one more item that
has been noted, which does require
formal relief from council, which is the
proposed driveways on site. So, if you
could please share schedule three again.
Thank you, Liz. So, if you don't mind
zooming in,
there are a few driveways that are
proposed within the 66-ft required
setback from the high water mark.
The proposed driveways would be as close
as 2.3 ft from the high water mark.
If council wishes to permit the
locations and extent of the driveways as
shown on the schedule displayed on the
screen,
a minor amendment will need to be passed
today to do so.
Staff have prepared this minor amendment
in advance in case council wishes to do
that, but
to permit the driveways so there's one
that's shown on the very right-hand side
of the drawing. It comes around the back
of the wellness
center area
from Jed Haven Road to the front of the
property where the docks are.
That driveway requires relief. And then
there is also small parts of a driveway
that are located to the south of the
western inlet that encroach within the
66-ft required setback. So,
if council wishes to pass that minor
amendment today, we would label this
schedule to stipulate the exact extent
and location of those driveways to be
permitted within 66 ft of the high water
mark.
I've no further comments, but I'm happy
to answer any questions from committee.
Thank you.
>> Thank you for that. Are [clears throat]
» Thank you for that. Are [clears throat]
there any questions from committee?
Uh, counselor Nishikawa.
>> Sort of just quickly, um, through you
» Sort of just quickly, um, through you
and I'm I'm not sure who can answer, but
I I I just feel like there there should
be some leeway, some give
on a construction site. I'm not sure
how precise we're getting with
some of these bylaws. I'm not
» Uh
» You.
>> Okay. I don't have a question answer. I
» Okay. I don't have a question answer. I
don't know if that was a question, but
it doesn't matter. You do.
>> May I speak to it?
» May I speak to it?
>> Sure, thank you.
» Sure, thank you.
>> Through you, chair, um, to counselor
» Through you, chair, um, to counselor
Nishikawa, if, um, there is concern
about the exact extent location, you can
word the bylaw to say, for example,
driveways shall be permitted in the
general locations as shown. Um, so that
allows a little bit more wiggle room. We
typically include in the extent and
location shown to, um, permit a sense of
security and if there was
a perceived, um,
I don't know if I have a word in mind,
but I don't want to use that word. Um,
if there
>> I think you can
» I think you can
you can go ahead. I I've used it.
>> If there if there was a perceived abuse
» If there if there was a perceived abuse
of a specific provision, um, the word
general makes it very difficult for
enforcement to occur. Um, not that we're
expecting that to happen in this case,
but that's generally why we use the term
the words extent and location as shown.
It makes it very specific what the
expectations are and that, um, works not
happen outside of that. But if council
is concerned that it's too restrictive,
we can, um, amend to add words like
generally.
» Thank you. Uh, counselor Edwards.
>> Maybe you ask the agent if if they were
» Maybe you ask the agent if if they were
uh concerned about uh the way it's
worded now.
» Three, uh
Who's going to ask who?
>> Ask the agent.
» Ask the agent.
>> You're you're asking him.
» You're you're asking him.
>> No, I got So you were looking that way.
» No, I got So you were looking that way.
I thought you were asking somebody else.
Gord.
» Well,
>> hear the question.
» hear the question.
>> if it
» if it
the conditions as they are and that do
they agree with them.
» Through you, Chair.
Um so we did discuss all of these um
beforehand. So the agent um has taken a
look at everything and they have said
that they are on board. I see some
nodding. So I think
>> Okay, that's one.
» Okay, anybody else?
Did I read this? I did read it.
>> Yes, sorry. I need to pee.
» Yes, sorry. I need to pee.
>> We need them back. Okay.
» We need them back. Okay.
>> Two minutes.
» Two minutes.
>> You can have two minutes.
» You can have two minutes.
There you go.
This resolution moved by Councillor
McIntyre seconded by Councillor Zavitz
be resolved that bylaw 2026-087
to amend comprehensive zoning bylaw
2014-14
bracket 2666940
Ontario Inc. and 2665556
Ontario Inc. Resort Village of Minett
roll number 4-14-058
be ready first and second time. Any
questions? All in favor?
That carries.
I can read this one.
Moved by Councillor Bosworth seconded by
Councillor Kent be it resolved the
Township Council amend bylaw 2026-087
bracket 2666940
Ontario Inc. and 2665556
And this amendment is minor in nature
and is not required further public
circulation and is hereby approved prior
to third reading. The amendment shall
consist of number one to permit a
driveway to be located within 66 feet of
the high water mark as shown in the
locations and extends on schedule three
to bylaw 2026-087
and that schedule three be amended to
label these features. Questions? All in
favor?
That carries.
It's one two.
Moved by Councillor McIntyre seconded by
Councillor Zavitz be it resolved that
bylaw 2026-087
to amend comprehensive zoning bylaw
2014-14
bracket 2666940
Ontario Inc. and 2665556
5556 actually Ontario Inc. Resort
Village of Minett roll number 4-14-058
be ready first and second time. All in
favor?
That carries.
Next one up, moved by Councillor
McIntyre, seconded by Councillor Zavitz.
Be it resolved that OPA bylaw 2026-088
(2666940
Ontario Inc.
and 2665556
Ontario Inc. (Resort Village of Minett)
roll number 4-14-058
be read first and second time.
All in favor?
It carries.
And finally, moved by Councillor
Bozeman, seconded by Councillor Kent.
Be it resolved that OPA bylaw
2026-088
(2666940
Ontario Inc. and 2665556
Ontario Inc. Resort Village of Minett)
roll number 4-14-058
be read third time and finally passed.
All in favor?
It carries. Thank you.
Can you ask one question?
Oh, yeah, sorry.
Uh Director uh
Bessareras, you are going to answer
Rob's question from a few minutes ago.
>> Thank you. You had a question uh about
» Thank you. You had a question uh about
the OPA from uh the Bala region.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Okay. So, we had combined them on that
» Okay. So, we had combined them on that
resolution because there was no minor
amendment. So, the first bylaw was for
the zoning, the second bylaw was for the
OPA, but it was all in one resolution.
>> All right, thank you.
All right.
What we got next? Thank you.
Moved by Councillor Kent, seconded by
Councillor Edwards. Be it resolved that
bylaw 2026-089
a bylaw to establish and appoint a
Muskoka Compliance Audit Committee be
given three readings and finally passed.
All in favor?
It carried.
Next one, moved by Councillor seconded
by Councillor Zablocki, be it resolved
that by-law 2026-090,
being a by-law to appoint a drainage
superintendent for the Corporation of
the Township of Muskoka Lakes, be read
first, second, and third time and
finally passed. All in favor?
That carries, thank you.
Thank you.
Moved by Councillor Roberts, seconded by
Councillor McIntyre, be it resolved that
by-law 2026-091,
being a by-law to amend by-law 2022-043,
a by-law to regulate and control parking
in the Township in the Corporation of
the Township of Muskoka Lakes, be read
first, second, and third time and
finally passed. All in favor?
That carries.
Um okay.
Do you want me to read the resolution
first, or you want
Okay, read the resolution first. Moved
by Councillor Edwards, seconded by
Councillor Bosworth, be it resolved that
by-law 2026-092,
being a by-law to amend by-law 2025-136,
a by-law to establish and require
payment of various fees and charges for
information, services, activities, and
use of Township property, be read first,
second, and third time and finally
passed.
And Director Best-Serarus, you have
something to add to that.
>> Thank you. I just wanted to note a typo
» Thank you. I just wanted to note a typo
in the by-law. It says schedule A for
schedule E and schedule E for schedule
A. Uh staff will um
fix it so that it's A for A and E for E
in the final by-law if there are no um
issues with that.
>> Any issues? Does anybody have a comment
» Any issues? Does anybody have a comment
or question on that one?
Then I'll call the um
I'll call the vote. All in favor?
That carries, thank you.
All right.
Oh, Ms. Crowder, welcome back.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
Um through you, Chair, the next item is
a site plan control bylaw for the Aspen
Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. And um
unfortunately, it has been prepared um
there's an error in it contrary to the
resolution that was passed by planning
committee um this month. So, we would
like to pull the item and have it go to
the subsequent council meeting for um
reading. The agent and applicant are
aware um of the situation and were okay
with that before they left. Um so,
thank you.
>> Thank you very much. Do we need a
» Thank you very much. Do we need a
resolution to
>> Pull it?
» Pull it?
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> Okay.
Uh moved by Councillor Nishikawa. So,
thank you for that um Ms. Crowder.
Seconded by Councillor Mazanec. Be it
resolved that bylaw 2026-084
to designate site plan control lot 59
and lot 60, concessions A and B,
Cardwell, Aspen Valley Sanctuary, roll
numbers 1-1-013
and 1-1-012
be postponed to the September council
meeting. All in favor?
Thank you. That carries.
Oh my goodness.
Moved by Councillor Kent.
Seconded by Councillor Roberts. Be it
resolved that special council in closed
session convene at
11:40
a.m.
Uh for the following. Um A, exemption is
litigation or potential litigation
including matters before an
administrative tribunals,
uh section 292 sub 2 sub E of the
Municipal Act 2001,
and the exemption there is advice that
is subject to solicitor-client privilege
including communications necessary for
that purpose under section 239 sub 2 sub
F of the Municipal Act 2001, and that's
detailed in confidential report
CCS-2026-31.
Second exemption is personal matters
about an identifiable individual
including municipal or local board
employees. That's under section 239 sub
2 sub B of the Municipal Act 2001.
And it's detailed in confidential report
CCS-2026-030.
And the third one is
an exemption is a trade secret or
scientific technical commercial
financial or labor relations information
supplied in confidence
to the municipality or local board which
if disclosed could reasonably be
expected to prejudice significantly the
competitive position or interfere
significantly with the contractual or
other negotiations of a person group of
persons or organization and that falls
under section 239 sub 2 sub I of the
Municipal Act 2001 and it's going to be
a confidential verbal report.
So, we're going to move into Oh, I guess
we need to call that, don't I?
Um all right, we've heard it all in
favor.
We're going into closed to take a few
minutes to get people