Well, good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the June 4,
2025 council meeting. I, Mayor love it. And I'll be
chairing this afternoon's meeting. Today's council meeting is. Being video
live streamed and the video recording will be made available
online at a later date. June is national indigenous history
Month and Pride month. And yesterday I was pleased to
raise both the pride flag and. Indigenous flag at our
community flag poll and memorial park. This gesture is not
only a symbol of solidarity and support for the two
S LGBTQ plus community and indigenous peoples. But. It also
serves as a reminder of our ongoing commitment to diversity,
inclusion, and respect for all cultures. And identities in our
town. Also, doors open. Richard Stoville is this Saturday, June
7. This year there are 15 sites plus two bonus
sites across town to visit experience, all at which Stoville
has to offer for free. For a full list of
the locations and to download your passport, please visit townofws
ca. Doors open. I'd like to now call the meeting
to order. First on our agenda was actually mayor for
the day, but our mayor for the day is Lucas
from St. Catherine Drexel. And at a field trip today.
So we are deferring there for the day until our
last meeting in June, which will be on the 18th,
and I look forward to welcoming him then. The town
Witcher Stoville acknowledges this land is the treaty territory of
the Williams Treaty. First nations. It's also traditional territory of
other Anishnabi peoples, the Wendat. And the hode Nishoni. We
also recognize the contributions of all indigenous peoples to this
place, and we commit to a continued dialogue and a
greater respect for the land that we have come to
share. Recognition of the contributions and historic importance of indigenous
peoples must also clearly and overtly be connected to our
collective commitment to make the promise and challenge of truth
and reconciliation real in our community. Are there any declarations
this afternoon? Seeing none. We have one set of minutes
to adopt. Can I have a mover? And second? Or
to adopt the minutes from May 21. Please move by
Councilor Smith. Second by Councilor Sherman. Thank you. All those
in favor? As carried. We have three recognitions today and
I'll turn the floor over to our chief administrative officer
Sonny Baines. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and members of council,
it's my pleasure today to announce three awards. Received by
staff. I will ask that we hold for pictures at
the very end. We'll recognize each of the teams, and
perhaps I can ask the teams to stand at the
end of each description just for recognition, and then we'll
take photos afterwards. So on Friday, April 11, Stacy and
Iona attended the Life Saving Society's affiliate recognition awards along
with senior Aquatic staff Regina and Eleana Stoville was the
proud recipient of the 2024 Scarborough cup which awarded. Which
we is awarded to the municipal affiliate with the largest
life saving program in a community with a population between
ten and 50,000. The commitment and energy required to get
as many Stoville residences possible into the pool to learn
a most important life skill is unmatched, and we could
not be better served by our aquatic team. There is
not a drop of water that Eddie and Iona don't
maximize for our community. And the community services team is
pleased to share this amazing success with you all. Please
join me. In congratulating Stacey, Eddie, Iona and the entire
Stoville aquatic team for this incredible achievement.
I'm guessing the pool is still open, so the rest
of the staff are occupied. The second award in 2024,
the Witchurch Stoville Museum partnered with York Region to develop
a special exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Orac
Regional Forest. The historical exhibit traced the forest's evolution over
the past century from a vital conservation effort to a
treasured community resource in 2024. The exhibit welcomed over 5000
vis. Visitors at the Witchchurch Stoveville Museum. We are proud
to share that this project has been recognized with a
2025 Gold Hermes Creative award in the custom category. Educational
exhibit. It was a privilege for the museum to host
the exhibit. Showcase the collection and collaborate with such a
dedicated team. Congratulations. Congratulations to the staff at the Witcher
Stoville Museum and York Region for their outstanding work and
collaboration. On this important project. Congratulations to York region staff.
Nicole Wells, Evangeline Lee, Aaron Thomas, Samantha. Shepard, James, McClellan
and Coryogen and town staff. Sorry, I'm going to skip
your last names. Shannon, Krista, Melissa, ohan, lauren and jess.
If I could ask the team to. Stand for recognition,
please. And the final award for today. We've spaced these
out. There's a few more. Coming on the next council
as well. But the Distinguished Budget Presentation award is the
highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. This esteemed award
is granted by the government finance officers association and signifies
a consider. Considerable accomplishment in public finance. It is presented
to governmental entities that create budget documents of exceptional quality.
Adhering to best practices in budgeting and transparency. I would
like to congratulate our budget and financial planning division. Marina,
Carol, Adriana, Cindy, Josie, Lauren, Jane, John, Dale and Joan.
For their. Hard work, dedication, and expertise in creating a
clear, comprehensive and transparent budget document. This recognition reflects the
town's commitment to effective financial planning and accountability. Also, thanks
to Glenn and the communications team, who assisted with putting
the town's budget book together. And that concludes the descriptions
of the awards. If I could ask the commissioners of
each area. To join their teams for a photo opportunity
with members of council. Thank you.
Okay. Excuse me. On the presentations on our agenda. We
have two presentations this afternoon. The first is from the
Stoville. Youth Advisory Working group, and they're doing a presentation
on the year in review. And I'd like to welcome
Alina, Nakita and Tasha, who are members of our youth
advisory group. Good afternoon, Mayor Lovett and members of council,
welcome to the youth Advisory Working group year in review.
My name is Alina Duramshi and I am a grade
twelve student at Stoville. District secondary school. My name is
Tasha Rogeretnam and I am also a student at Stoil
district. Secondary school, grade eleven. My name is Nikita Kumar,
and I'm a grade ten student at Milliken Mills. High
school. As the official voice of the youth of Stoville.
Our group has worked tirelessly to provide insight into events
and initiatives concerning our demographic. The primary aim of our
committee is to give the future of Stoville, the chance
to feel like an integral part of our town and
so we worked with town staff to learn more about
what we can bring to the table for the future
of. Stoveill. Here are the ten members of the 2024
to 2025 Stoville Youth Advisory Working Group. We represent one
elementary school and five high schools. Together, with our varying
personalities and opinions, we have created events for our youth
to feel engaged within our community, developing a collective sense
of stoble. Pride. The group has worked diligently. Alongside town
staff to support and deliver youth focused initiatives, including study
nights, the Santa Claus Parade, movies at 19 on the
park, a board game, cafe, youth Pilates class, youth week
and Stoville's got talent in the fall. We are looking
forward to partnering with 19 on the park to host
a youth trivia night. Other ideas that we've discussed include
a night market highlighting youth makers and specialty youth clubs.
Such as drama club. Through our monthly meetings.
Members have also had the opportunity to engage with staff
from planning and development services. Communication, heritage events and theater
operations, as well as councilor Sherban and Mayor Lovett.
I had the opportunity to work with recreation services staff
and our communications team to write an article. For May's
edition of on the Road magazine. This article highlights the
group's focus on leadership, civic engagement and advocacy, showcasing how
yog. Empowered youth to make a meaningful impact, all while
gaining insight into municipal operations. In partnership with Suso Skate
Co. And with support from the Witchur Stoville Legacy Fund,
the Youth Advisory Working Group, also referred to as Yog
and Recreation services staff, are excited to. Present twelve evenings
of free roller skating on the multipurpose trail at Memorial
park beginning June 5 and ending on August 21. Each
event will include one time slot open to all ages,
followed by two sessions exclusively for youth. Participants are welcome
to bring their own roller blades or scooters to participate
in the fun. On behalf of the working group, we
would like to thank all of the young members for
their passion, dedication and leadership. Your voices, ideas and hard
work continue to shape us stronger, more inclusive community for
youth in stowwill. Your commitment to civic engagement and advocacy
is inspiring, and we're proud of the impact that you're
making. We appreciate you and all that you do. If
you are interested in becoming a youth advisory working group
member for the following school year, please visit our website
to fill out an application form. Applications will open for
grades seven to twelve in early September, and we would
like to thank Mayor Lovett and the members of the
council for your time today. Thank you, ladies. We really
appreciate your presentation and all the work that you are
doing. Questions for YOg members, councilor Sherban. Yeah. That's wonderful.
Wonderful presentation, ladies. Good for you. Just a quick question.
In your skating. Roller skating. Is it by registration or
is it? Open just to the hours and anybody can
come and intend. I'll answer that to me or love
it to Councilor Sherband so the registrations for the. Specifically
what people are registering for is to reserve their roller
skates. Participation is welcome, anyone's. Welcome to participate. And they
can use inline skates as well as the roller skates.
They can. We've got a little bit of signage and
there's some information on the website. On what's approved and
what's not approved. So non marking skates and nothing. Electric,
but scooters are welcome if they're not marking as well.
Great. I've. Just had a lot of questions and the
community is very excited, but they really weren't. Sure whether
it was just open to everybody, so thanks for the
clarification. Thank you. Thank you, Councilor Sherman, I'm too really
excited that you're partnering. With Suso. When I was a
kid. Living in Scarrow. Anyone go roller skating in your
cedar Ray mall in Scarborough? The roller rink down there?
Nobody here. Anyway, it was awesome. So I am super
excited to get roller skates back on and hopefully we
have a couple of members of council, actually, that were
skating when it was ice. And didn't end out too
well. I'm a roller skater. Who knew? I know. Play
that 80s funk. Okay. Can I have a move, a
second to receive the presentation, please? Move. By Councilor Sherman.
Second by councilor Acton. All those in favor? That's carried.
Ladies. Thank you so much. You don't have to stick
around for the rest of the council meeting if you
don't. Want to. All right, our next presentation is regarding
additional residential units. And the presentation is by our senior
development. Planner Randall Roth and Brandon Slope.
Good afternoon, mayor. Members of the council staff and members
of the public. My name is Brandon Slobach. And I'm
here with Randall Roth. We're here representing development services today.
We're here to give an overview of our report, looking
at recommendations to enable additional residential units and other matters
within. The green belt and Oak Ridge's moraine. On February
4, 2025 development services. Received the above. Mayworld directive two
one for Pero. Report to counsel. Outlining policy challenges. With
respect to permissions for additional residential units, also known as
Aries, within the green belt. In Oak Ridge's marine by
the end of the second quarter and additionally provide a
list of recommended changes to the Green belt and Oakrajit's
marine conservation plan. To send the province for consideration. What
is an aru? An aru is a second or third
dwelling unit in addition to the principal dwelling unit. As
shown in the graphic above. Aries often take the form
of basement apartments, attached additions to existing homes and ancillary
Aru is often known. Called tiny. Homes and garden suites.
Within the fully service settlement area, properties have potential for
up to two additional two Aru's in addition to the
principal dwelling, this can take the form of two. Integrated
Aru. So in the home or one integrated area and
one ancillary area. As we will highlight in the following
slides outside of the settlement areas, ar. Permissions are greatly
limited or nonexistent. Birthday. In May of 2024, council adopted
the new official plan. This document provides ARA permissions and
conformity with the provincial plan. Shortly after, in June of
2024, council approved the zoning bylaw amendment to produce zoning
regulations. To actually implement the aries throughout the town and.
This was, of course, in conformity with the planning act,
provincial plans and official plan. The provincial policy statement is
one of the key planning guidance documents. The most recent
2024 iteration provided ARU permissions and associated precautionary measures. Notably,
the PPS will now permit up to two ARu than
prime agricultural areas and further. To this two ARU will
be permitted in addition to any existing farm worker housing.
To provide checks and balances. The following provisions and criteria
have been put in place for Aru. One, they must
comply with minimum distance formula. To be compatible with surrounding
agricultural agricultural operations. Three have appropriate sewage and water services.
Four, address any public health and safety concerns. Five, be
limited in scale and ensure development is clustered to limit
disturbance. Six. They must minimize the land being taken out
of agricultural production. In addition to all these. The pps
also put forward. A provision to prevent fracturing of land.
So it very specifically states that severances of areas will
be prohibited. On the left side. We discuss how the
provincial plans interact and what this means really, for Stoville.
Despite these new Aru permissions being in place, the reality
is that the majority of earl Stoville will not be
eligible for these above permissions. This is because most of
the town's prime agricultural lands are located within the green
belt. And Oak Ridge's marine plan, which are more restrictive
and take precedence over the provincial policy. Statement. Good afternoon,
mayor and members of council. The next few slides will
outline the existing additional residential unit. Permissions within the two
provincial plan areas, including the oak ridges marine Conservation plan,
as well as the green belt plan. A summary of
our staff recommendations and supporting rationale, as well as some
other matters that the province should consider in their review
and updates to the provincial plants. So, as Brandon indicated,
although the provincial planning statement does permit up to two
arus within prime agricultural areas. The ORMCP. And the green
Bell plan are more restrictive and take precedence over the
provincial planning statement and the municipal decisions must conform to
these provincial plants. So this figure you see here illustrates
the existing Aru. Permissions in accordance with these provincial plans
within the Oak Ridges Marine Conservation area. Only one Aru
may be permitted within a single detached dwelling within the
countryside area. Shown in the lighter green here on this
figure. And Naru is permitted only in an existing single
detached dwellings. You're not permitted to have an ARU within
a detached accessory building. Furthermore. An ARU is not permitted
in the natural linkage or the natural core area designations
as shown in the darker green, which does comprise the
majority of the agricultural and rural lands within the town.
And within the Green belt plan area in the northwest
portion of the town. Only one Aru may be permitted
in the protected countryside area designation provided that is located.
Outside of the natural heritage system, which is the darker
green area. And only one Aru is permitted within a
single detached dwelling or within an existing accessory structure. For
the agricultural lands that are located outside of the provincial
plan areas. The southern portion of the town. The new
torrential planning statement, permissions would apply. And up to two
arus may be permitted. So these lands are shown in
the red hatched. Here on the screen. I know. These
lands have also been identified for settlementary expansion and future
urban development. So, although the new pps broadened the permissions
for additional residential units within the agricultural areas. The provincial
plans are more restrictive and only permit one ArU within
the countryside and protected. Countryside area designations. So staff's recommendations
to the province for consideration are that up to two
Aru may be permitted, and all of the ORMCP and
Greenbell plan area designations, including the natural linkage and natural
core area designations of the Oak Ridges Marine Conservation Plan.
And within the natural heritage system of the Green belt
plan, and only one aru may be permitted within an
existing or a new accessory building in addition to the
AR use that may be permitted within the primary dwelling.
It is recommended that the province would establish development criteria
in the provincial plans that are consistent with the new
pps, as Brandon outlined. And the staff report in section
3.5 also identifies some additional criteria for consideration to ensure
the responsible stewardship of the natural environment. And these relate
to any development within 120 meters of a key natural
heritage feature or a key hydrologic feature would still require
the approval of a natural heritage evaluation or a hydrologic
evaluation. To demonstrate that there will be no adverse impacts
on the features themselves or. Their functions, and they would
be required to maintain a minimum 30 meters buffer from
those features. The ARU could also be limited to an
appropriate size and scale to limit their potential impacts. And
also maintain the character of the rural area. The ARU
should also be located within existing farm building clusters or
existing disturbed areas and not result in the removal of
any land from agricultural production. And lastly, the ARU should
also utilize existing infrastructure such as wells and septic systems
where feasible and demonstrate that there will be no impacts
on the natural or hydrological features or functions. And lastly,
our recommendation is that the ARU terminology and definitions in
the provincial plans be updated. To be consistent with that
of the new provincial planning statement. So in terms of
our supporting planning rationale for these recommendations that are outlined
in section 3.5, of the staff report. Essentially. In staff's
view, the ARU permission should be consistent with the new
provincial planning statement. For agricultural areas to be fair and
consistent and provide equitable opportunity for the construction of Aru's
within the agricultural areas. The ARU are inherently not different
from the potential impacts of other low intensity type uses
that are currently permitted within these provincial plans, such as
farm health dwellings, bed and breakfast establishments. Home occupations or
on farm diversified uses. The potential impacts of constructing ARu
are also similar to permitting expansions to existing dwellings or
the construction of a new accessory building or even renovations
to a basement which could potentially accommodate an additional residential
unit. Broader permissions for ARU would also contribute to the
province's objectives. To develop much needed housing and provide opportunities
for more affordable housing. That could accommodate multifamily housing aging
in place for seniors or provide a secondary source of
income. And just to reiterate, construction of AR use would
be subject to the same development and environmental evaluations of
other permitted uses, buildings, or structures to ensure that no
adverse impacts to the natural features and also restrict the
amount of land taking out of agricultural production. And as
outlines section 3.6 of the staff report, Staff have also
identified a number of other matters that the province should
consider in reviewing and updating the provincial plants. In staff's
view, the provincial plans are overly restrictive and do not
provide sufficient flexibility to address local circumstances as well as
town's planning objectives. So it is recommended that a process
be established to consider minor amendments to the provincial plans
and expand local decision making authority. A process should also
be established to consider the redesignation of prime agricultural areas
to rural areas. Particularly where these lands are not viable
for agricultural production or they are already disturbed. Broader permissions
are also recommended to permit small scale commercial, industrial, and
institutional uses, as well as public service facilities and service
parks within the countryside area, including both the rural area
and the prime agricultural area in order. To provide greater
flexibility to support rural economic development as well as the
recreational needs of the town. And lastly, the province should
provide greater clarity and guidance in considering settlement area expansions
within the countryside area to provide for the logical expansion
of settlement areas while balancing the provincial objectives related to
developing complete communities, the efficient use of infrastructure and. Services,
as well as protecting ecological features and functions. So in
terms of next steps, staff is seeking council endorsement of
the recommendations as outlined in the staff report. Staff would
then submit the report to the province for consideration, requesting
that the changes to the provincial plan Aru permissions. Be
expedited to be more consistent with the new provincial planning
statement. Staff is also recommending that the report be submitted
to all other municipalities that are impacted by the provincial
plans for information. And staff will continue to monitor the
timing of the parental planned reviews for opportunities to comment,
which is anticipated to commence prior to 2027. And that
concludes our presentation. We'd be pleased to answer any questions.
Thank you. Thank you. Brandon Randall, come to the dice.
Any questions on the presentation? Councilor smith.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just. Wanted to just note
that there are some other speakers, and I was wondering
if we could hold. My questions unless you want me
to do them now. No. If you have questions on
the presentation, we can deal with them now. And then
the deputies. Can have their five minutes. Okay. I just
noted, Brandon. That. In one part of the report, it
says, minimize land taken out of agricultural production. And then
I believe. The next speaker talked about not taking any
land out of agricultural production, and I'm just wondering. If.
We are going to bend the rule a little bit
and let this happen. Through you, mayor. Love it. To
Councilor Smith. We would ultimately need to take direction from
the province as to. What their guidance and criteria would
be. We would not want to take any land out
of agricultural production, but really, it would all depend on
the guidance that we ultimately received from the province. I
appreciate that, but is your position. That. It will be
our position that we would not take land out of
agricultural production. Is that your position either between. Your. I
would say the first position and every situation would be
to not take agricultural lands out of thank you very
much. That's what I was hoping that you had. Thank
you. Thank you. Mr. Mayor. Okay. Thank you, Councilor Shervin.
Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Did we have a consultant
help with this report. It was done by staff. Thank
you. And this report that came forward from staff, how
was it requested? Through mayor Levitty. Councilor Sherbat. We received
it through a mayoral directive. Okay, thank you very much.
Thank you. Councilor barley. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thanks for the presentation. I hope
by the residents who are listening to that. If this
gets endorsed by counsel. What kind of time frame are
we looking at from the province? Through you. Mayor Lovett,
the councilor. In a recommendation. We have just indicated that
we would request the province to expedite the review of
the provincial plans perhaps could be addressed through the current
bill 17 which is before the legislature. Otherwise. It would
likely come up again during the provincial plan review, which
is anticipated to occur prior to 2027. The ten year
review. Okay. Thank you. Any other comments? You're good. Just
on the presentation? Yeah. The report will come after. Just
because it was related to a slide that you posted
about the directive. And also work to date on updated
planning permissions for ARU. We adopted our official plan on.
May 2024, which established permissions in accordance with provincial requirements
for ARU's in the urban area, correct? And then proceeded
with a follow up bylaw. I want to commend our
development services team and our communications team, who did an
exceptional job actually marketing. To the public and making sure
that they were aware of the work that was being
done on the official plan, but also on additional residential
units. And so it shouldn't surprise us that we would
get correspondence from members of the community. Some of which
are here today to speak to this item. Who are
outside the urban boundary seeking clarity and understanding. How and
where and when, or can they actually. Do or build
an Aru. So I have one such correspondence which was
sent to me on January 23 and. It says it's
wonderful to have a mayor willing to listen. I live
at this address. In McAllen Road in Stoville. My understanding
is the Ochre's marine act. Does not allow second dwelling
on a property. I then asked about an addition that
would allow our family members to live here and have
their own space, and I was informed that I could
do an addition, but it could not be a second
residence. The house would have to remain one residence, as
we know. Very well. As we know very well, affordable
housing is a huge issue, and we're just not sure
how we can help our family. I've been doing some
reading, and I thought. There would be a new bill
coming for second residences to be added to properties. I
understand you. Have far more pressing issues trying to run
our town, but I appreciate you be willing to. Look.
So that was the impetus of this whole directive, which
was issued on February the fourth and I want to
be clear. The directive, which was published on our website
on the same date and sent to all members of
council who received a copy of it states very clearly
that. Under the authority of part 6.1, special powers and
duties of the head of council of the municipal act,
the mayor may direct staff to a undertake research and
provide advice to the head. Of council and city council
on policies and programs of the city or of the
head of council. As they relate to powers and duties
under this part. MB carry out duties related to the
exercise of the power or performance of this duty, including
implementing any decisions made by the head of counsel under
this part. Therefore, I hereby direct staff as follows. Prepare
a report which we have before us today to counsel,
outlining policy changes with respect. To permissions for additional residential
units within the green. Melt at Ogres moraine by the
end of Q two and provide a list of recommended
changes to the green Belt act in Oakdridge Moraine conservation
plan to send to the province for their consideration. I
want to be very clear. No decision has been made
by me or anyone. Else on this council. I do
have the ability, as the members of council, to ask
staff to actually bring a report to council. I did
this under the mayor directive, which is why this is
before us. And consider that this is an abuse of
some sort of power to bring. A report forward, I
think. Is actually. Very ill advised and incorrect. I was
responding to the needs of our residents. I've had conversations
with them many times. A number of residents, not just
this one. I read out this email as to why
we are here today. So I want to thank you
for your presentation. I appreciate. Certainly the context and the
fullness of the report that you brought for us. Thanks
so much. Can I have a move in second or
receive the presentation? Please move by Councilor Crun. Seconded by
councilor Smith. All those in favor? Okay. There are seven
deputations today. Please note that as of January 1, those
wishing to speak to a staff report were required to
submit a deputation request form by 09:00 a.m. on a
council day. A deputation not listed on the agenda shall
not be heard without the consent of at least two
thirds of the majority of members present. I'd like to
thank those who are coming forward today to address counsel
regarding a report on the agenda. I would like to
remind speakers that you have up to five minutes of
uninterrupted time and only on the matter pertaining to the
report item. I'd also like to remind council members to
hold their. Questions until the speaker has concluded, as per
the town's procedural bylaw, when addressing counsel the speaker shall
be respectful of all persons and refrain from entering in
across debate with members of council or town staff following
the address, council members may ask questions and obtain additional
information or seek clarification from the speaker, but shall not
make statements to or enter into debate with the speak.
Speaker. Deputations will be received for information. All deputations we
heard before council moves. On to a consent agenda. Item
first deputation is Dennis van Zevenbergen. He's the director of
property environmental services for Park View, and Susan Pethick, who
is a park View resident. Good afternoon, mayor. Love it.
Sorry, just one sec. We've just got to get your
microphone on.
Just give us 1 second.
Test. Do you want me to start over? Okay, so,
good afternoon, mayor. Love it. Council members, my name is
Dennis van Zebenbergen. I'm the director of property and environmental
services. For Parfu services for seniors. I'm here today regarding
the traffic light request for Perkv village north entrance. At
the 9th line on February 10, 2025, a request was
sent to Mayor Lovett from our CEO, Hamlet nation. We
did receive response stating that traffic study was conducted in
February 26, 2025 the. Study revealed that traffic light did
not warrant. Was not warranted at this time. We do
appreciate that timely response. This brings us to today's meeting
where I'd like to introduce you to Susan. Pesick, a
member of resident council and a resident of Perturb village.
Good afternoon, mayor Lovett. Good afternoon, counselors and fellow residents.
My name is Dennis, said as Susan Pathek, and I
am a resident of Parkview Village, as I'm sure you're
aware, Parkview village is located just south of Main street
off 9th. Line. Parkview Village is living for seniors. It
includes 189 units and 154 registered vehicles. I'm here on
behalf of many of the residents who share a growing
concern for our safety and well being. One of the
reasons I moved to Park View was the walkability and
the proximity to downtown. I thought I might be a
little late getting to this meeting today because sometimes trying
to turn left onto 9th line to come up to
Main Street. Is a test. But here I am. I
would like to speak today about the need for a
traffic light at park U north entrance. And sunset Boulevard.
This is not just a matter of convenience. It's a
matter of public safety. Especially for the most vulnerable members
of our community. When we talk about vulnerable, we talk
about children. And seniors. And Stoville is doing an excellent
job around the schools of making certain that things are
safe for children, but I think that somehow we might
have been overlooked a little bit. We. As seniors. When
it comes to road and pedestrian safety, Stoville is growing.
Wow. Has it ever grown. I moved back here in
2001, having been away for 15 years. The population when
I moved back was 49,800 people and currently is estimated
to be 53,300. People. That's a lot of growth in
a relatively short time. Some of that growth is senior
friendly. We've seen new senior residences, care, residents and retirement
communities. Unfortunately. Our road infrastructure has not necessarily. Kept up
with a pace of people coming here. Crossings that lack
proper traffic control, such as traffic lights, make it dangerous
for seniors, particularly those who use canes, walkers or mobility
devices, and people at Park View do go out and
walk one of the residents I talked to last week
walked to shoppers, which doesn't sound too bad. She's. 95.
In addition, our community has seen an increase in local
programming and events, many of which are possible. Due to
partnership with staff and service providers who work tirelessly to
improve the quality of life for seniors. There's an Alzheimer's
program that runs at Parkview four days a. Week. Chat
services have an office as Park View as well. There
are over 200 staff members at Parkview and contractors coming
in and out daily, whether it's a wellness seminar, a
craft fair, or an outing to a nearby park. These
events mean more residents are on the move. And often
crossing busy streets. Sunset Boulevard, traffic has also increased. Because
of the increased traffic on Main street, people are cutting
down and using Sunset Boulevard as well. And so, consequently,
That also increases the traffic north and southbound on 9th
line. Construction traffic has also increased due to the ongoing
building in the 9th Line Main street corridor. Each trip
becomes a risk, not just an outing. I also want
to mention this study that Dennis referenced. The temperature that
day was -1 celcius. While we value the effort. I
suggest, respectfully, that the timing of this study was not
necessarily reflective of the activities of seniors. Seniors don't necessarily
go out a whole lot in the coldest once of
the winter. And snowbanks also inhibit. The ability to see
traffic coming. As someone who lives here and sees all
the daily routines, I can say with confidence that weekends
and warmer days paint a much more accurate picture of
foot traffic. And activity in the area. We're not asking
for anything excessive. We're asking for safety that reflects the
changing reality of our town and respects the lives and
dignity of the people who live here. A traffic light
at Parkview north and sunset. Would improve safety for pedestrians,
particularly seniors and residents with mobility challenges. It would reduce
the risk of traffic accidents in an increasingly libidity area.
It would also facilitate the entry and exit of the
buses, which run on a schedule. And have also faced
challenges. It would support the safe and successful delivery of
local events and senior. Act services and align with the
town's vision of becoming more. Senior friendly. Can you wrap
up, please, Susan? Pardon me? Can you wrap up? I'm
at the bottom. Okay. Thank you. On behalf of myself
and the other concerned residents, I respectfully request that this
issue be added. To council's agenda for further review and
action. Let's make sure there are infrastructure supports to people
who live here. Thank you for your time, thank you
for your service and thanks. For listening. Thank you so
much for your deputation this afternoon. Any members of council
have any questions or comments. Councilor Sherban. Thank you very
much for taking the time and coming here today. I
have to conclude, being Ward six, I've had a number
of requests from Sunset Boulevard. With the same concern, getting
in and out of that area so you're not alone
and this is not the first time I've heard this,
and I think we'll be more pleased to bring it
back again and see how we can possibly best to
address it. For our community and, of course, for the
safety of you seniors. So thank you for coming. Thank
you so much. Anyone else? Okay. I think it's probably
best. To receive the deputation and refer it to staff
for budget consideration during the budget process. And we can
have that conversation. As we engage in the budget. Yes,
commissioner. Yes, Mr. Mayor. I would like to just draw
to council's attention that this portion of 9th line does
fall in the region's jurisdiction, and so. Anything along the
lines of a traffic study and or up to including
signalization would be part of their budget and not ours.
You're absolutely right. I'm sorry. I thought that we had
been through that process. Already. Is that not the case?
We have not talked to the region about this and
they referred it back down to us. Well, my understanding
from the deputy is that the region had undertaken a
traffic study at this intersection. There is some question with
respect to the time of year. And so there is
some validity in a reconsideration. To have the region. Undertake
the study once again. And so perhaps that can be
the direction that council would like to provide. Okay, that
sounds that. Sounds great. So we'll refer this back to
your commission, and you can speak with Mr. Petrangaro up
at the region and see if we can redo the
traffic study. Okay, can I move her in second, or.
Please? For that move by Councilor Sherman, a second. By
councilor Bartley. All those in favor? As carried, okay? The
next six deputies are all regarding report DS 2125. So
we will hear all six deputies. And then move. And
second, to receive those deputies. The first one is Mr.
Robert Brown.
Sorry. We have the same mic trouble as we had
before. Sophisticated, then our. There we go.
Good morning, folks. I'm Robert Brown. I'm here today with
storm coalition, save the Oak Ridge's. Moraine, I participated in
the public engagement that shaped the last consolidated review. And
now, as the chair of storm. I'm working towards leading.
The revision and development of a new marine report card,
which reports on, like the ecological and hydrological conditions, current
conditions of the marine, as well as an audit of
land use planning changes that have happened over the past
ten years. Well, I am here to respectfully urge counsel
to reject the staff report. I want to begin. By
acknowledging. The challenge you face, we understand. The differences. And
difficulties merging the plans and. We also recognize the difficulty
balancing housing demand, environmental responsibility, and the limited forms of
housing that developers are on offer right now. That said,
I believe that the report places counsel in illegally and
proced. Procedural, precarious position. I believe to be frank. And
while I've put in a more technical statement, I'm keeping
this one fairly easy going. I believe that what we're
offering here is a blank check to the province. Without
a blank check to amend Ontario's most critical environmental land
use plan without a formal process without scientific data and
without public consultation. As of today, there has been no
public launch of the ten year consolidated review. There is
no publish consultation framework, no science advisory panel, no updated
ecological or hydrological data. Despite this, the staff report encourages
council to request sweeping amendments to these provincial plans through
Bill 17, a mechanism that is not designed for plan
review. Reviews and bypasses the evidence based transparence framework required
by law. Counsel is being asked to endorse changes before
public review begins. This is not just procedurally premature. I
think it sets a dangerous precedent for adoption across other
municipalities. I'm just going to briefly go over the points
that I've expanded further in my larger report that we
submitted this morning. We have obvious contradictions with the provincial
plans, which your planners have noted, right. Permitted additional residential
units in natural core and linkage areas, zones where residential
development is prohibited under section 62.1. Allowing AR use the
green belt natural heritage systems. Contrary to sections 311-1453. Reopening
land use requests previously denied by the minister in 2002
during York region's official plan. Approval and enabling municipalities to
implement so called minor amendments, provincial plans in which practice
would erode the authority of these plans through ad hoc,
decentralized approvals. None of these proposals conform to the existing
framework. They represent clear departures from the objectives, policies. And
legal structure. Of the Oak Ridge Drain conservation Plan and
the green belt plans. I believe that there's also a
misrepresentation of land use designations in the report. The report
further conflates prime agricultural areas with natural core and linkage
areas, creating the false impression that the regulated uses of
these areas are similar. In fact, these areas are governed
by distinct ecological and legal policies. It also fails to
distinguish rural settlement from designated settlement areas, a mistake previously
found in provincial mapping. Errors tied to the 2002 green
belt removal scandal. These lands use categories these land use
categories carry different planning permissions and blurring them, I think,
undermines the policy framework. The recommended development criteria I don't
believe are enforceable. The development criteria presented in the staff
report such as Aru size limits, setbacks and the disturbed
land are inadequate. Unenforceable in the current legislative climate. Under
bill 23, the conservation authority to comment the ability of
the conservation authority. To comment. Under natural heritage, wetlands and
groundwater impacts have been drastically curtailed. Bill five well presented
as a corrective entrenches municipal decision. Without resorting to expert
review. So municipalities like yours now carry full responsibility for
assessing development impacts on ecological systems without the resources or
independent oversight. Required to evaluate the cumulative risks that are
happening across the entirety of the marine. These criteria amount
to a narrative justification that is not an enforceable safeguard.
And I will remind you that the green belt plan?
The Oakris Marine plan don't have something like the escarpment
commission that oversees these. Flawless as a body. I fear.
The report advances strategic denaturalization, and I believe this tenancy
came from. A consultant report that was presented to Soville
Council maybe 1015 years ago and has been adopted across
other municipalities since. We are increasingly seeing a pattern where
degraded natural lands are presented for redesignation based on their
condition, not their ecological function. The staff reports, recommends to
allow ARU's and core and linkage areas could incentivize further
ecological degradation in order to make development more permissible over
time. That undermines the restoration mandate of the ORMCP and
contradicts the plant's. Ecosystem based approach, and I would stress
that this is a part of the conservation plan that
everyone likes to ignore that we are actually supposed to
improve the areas that we're on. Not to grade them.
Can you have up, sir? Thank you. I will wrap
up with several quick ones here. I'm concerned. The report
was initiated through Merrill directive strong mayor powers to expedite.
Housing within serviced areas. And the directive appears to expand
beyond its scope. Tasking staff to recommend changes to the
green belt and OrMCP. I don't believe the strong mayor
powers were able to be used to change environmental regulation.
I'm concerned how the lake. Woods mzat o could play
into this as well. I'm concerned that the ability to
sever a lot and then add several residential units or
ARU's on that. Site could create a situation for stealth
development. Okay, sir. Thank you. Thank you. Any questions? Councilor
Sherban. Yes. Thank you. First off, I guess I've heard.
A lot of stories where people are saying that. Information
coming out of your organization is saying that we are
building subdivisions and not just looking at single units. Has
that been communicated from your group? I have not. That
you're applying to build subdivisions on the Oak Ridges. Marine.
No, thank you. And your report that you just provided
us on storm coalition. Who are the committees or who
are the professionals who assist you? So we have registered
land use. Planners that have been employed at, like, various
universities in southern Ontario. As well as the conservation authorities,
like the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. We have academics like
myself that work in environmental policy and politics. I have
hydrogeologists that work with us, and I have hydraulic and
engineers that work with us. We now brought on staff
that are ecologists and conservation focused. We are a small
organization we're the ones that develop. The or put forward
the creation of the Oak Ridges Marine Conservation Plan. And
up until about 2018 we thought we had done our
job and that we could retire. And after 2018, I've
now been tasked to come on, rebuild the coalition. And
to defend the moraine from what I would see as.
A very problematic motion that's coming forward here. Okay. Thank
you for the clarification. Because quite frankly, quite often we
hear that these are just advocates for the environment, that
they're not professionals with any sorts of sound degrees, so
I appreciate the clarification. And if you could send that
to me, I would. Appreciate it. Thank you. Your membership?
Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, councilor. Any other
comments? No. Okay, I've got a couple. Great presentation and
thank you for coming. Your presentations are better. What you
put are better than what you put on your social
media. I think that. There's a few challenges that you
are communicating widely to the public about this process that
since you're here, I'm going to address. So you posted
something on your website a day ago. The green belt
scandal was never over. It just went local. In that
you state that led by Mary Ian Levitt, who is
using his strong mayor powers. To bypass regular council deliberation.
The town is advancing a staff report that recommends opening
protected oak, reduce marine and greenboat lands to residential intensification
and fast track approvals. Can you explain to me? How
we're bypassing council deliberations. Well, I would say that. There's
a lot of people in various organizations, including myself, that
feel that the strong mayor powers are undemocratic. We've seen
how they've been used in Caladin. And elsewhere to serve
developer interests. And I think the optics behind you using
them in this particular case. Regardless of what the detention
was before it or the motivations behind it, pose a
lot of difficulty. And it makes me like, if it
wasn't for the fact that I reached out, to a
bunch of folks that live in this municipality that have
lobbied you for other environmental issues. In the past. I
don't know that I would have came in. So sympathetic
if I just looked at what was on the page
and what was in the report. Like it took a
bit of research for me to dig into who you
folks are a little. Bit. To, I guess. Come in
here. And. Be as, I guess, open and even as
I am. I appreciate that. Whether you choose to. Believe
there was ill intent in the directive. I read the
email from the resident that actually spurred on the directive
to bring this report forward. That's up to you. I
mean, you might believe this is all nefarious and. We're
working for developers who want to crack open the moraine,
and that is not the case, I can unequivocally tell
you that. But it is troubling to me when you
position. Me. As you have in your article that has
been shared widely. The other thing is, and this is
a question, actually, to our commissioner, because this is off
of your Facebook post on Monday that I'm using strongmare
powers, Mary and Lovett using strong. Mayor Powers has directed
staff to support a planning proposal that would allow urban
Spra. Sprawl, which I think urban sprawl is residential communities,
subdivisions. So you said that. Actually wasn't the case, but
this is a post where you're referencing residential sprawl. We're
not going to argue about semantics, but I think it's
important. I think. It is worth argued about. Semantics. No,
we're not doing it here. I'm just saying. But I
do want to ask our commissioner. Did I direct staff
to support a planning proposal in this report? Through your
worship. No, you have not. You've asked us to provide
comments and recommendations to comments to the ministry. Okay. Thank
you. And then further down in your post, asking people
to come here, you demand that Mayor Lovett and counsel
respect the integrity of the Orm and green belt plans.
Ask them to stop using backdoor amendments and strong mere
powers to undermine environmental protection. Can you explain to me
how we're using backdoor amendments. I would suggest that the
use or the proposed use of Bill 17 to expedite
this process and to take it out of the consolidated
review process that is supposed to be an open transparent
process that's informed by organizations like yourself. Organizations like ourselves.
Plus, that has been updated. With modern data sets that
reflect. The current ecological hydrological conditions of the moraine because
that hasn't happened yet. And what we're seeing across the
marine is like a bunch of seriously concerning issues like
the level of urban contaminants that are now going into
our aquifers and that are holding there for long periods
of time. Salt, for instance, 100 to 1000 years accumulating
in the moraine in our watersheds. That are being used.
To support our farmers that are used for this breadbasket
that we have in the GTA. I would say that.
's troubling to me, frankly. Okay, well, usually the term
backdoor is. Used. Not in a public process like this.
We're not hiding anything. I do connect you. One of
our board has mentioned this as. Well, that I do
commend you. And I had gotten to my thank you.
I had said that. Thank you for your time and
for placing this important. Matter on public record. So thank
you for doing that. Yeah, you're welcome. I mean, we're
not doing anything nefarious here. We're trying to address real
life issues. That our residents are bringing to us, and
I think our track record has been rather consistent and
it has all been done in a transparent and open
way. And I think if this report, if it passes.
Will be submitted to the ministry to be part of
the record for Bill 17 and the review process that
will take place, hopefully before 2020. And I guess that's
what concerns me, is that you're doing that before those
data sets like. You're making a planning recommendation or a
planning ask before data sets have been updated before. You're
looking at current ecological and hydrological conditions that will dramatically
affect how that process happens. So I really fear that
the way that the province has worked in the past
is that they create stages of legitimization for things that
snowball and get out of control. And your endorsement of
the. Motion from agile toso the Mzato this issue. The
one last year from York. The redesignation. Of infrastructure services
as infrastructure. I would say that there's a track record
that could be argued otherwise. Well, listen, everything. We've done
has been public, and I would invite you to come
and sit down with me if you wanted a coffee.
I'd love to explain to you the complications and complexities
that our municipality has and. That our residents are dealing
with and the fact that we have to deliver things
like fire halls. And community centers and parks, and the
regulations around our areas, unfortunately, are not allowing us to
do such without asking these questions. And so I think.
That's reach out to my. Forwardness today, I would ask.
And that we work through this in a collaborative fashion
because. I agree with you. We do need solutions. You're
hemmed in on all sides, and I think we need
to find solutions that work within the conservation plan, within
the greenhouse plan, but also, we're still able. To. Address
real concern that the community has. I would ask you
to pause this process so we can do that collaboratively
now. Before this. Okay. Thank you. I appreciate it. Sorry
your mic went out there, but I think everybody heard
you. In the room. Okay, the next deputy is Michelle
Reeser. Michelle's running a little late. Fast. If you could
postpone her a few minutes, okay? Sure. Kim emperor. Kim's
online. Okay, great. Hi, kim. Hi. Can you hear me?
Yes. Great. So thank you. For allowing us to present
on behalf of the York Region Federation of Agriculture. We
appreciate the opportunity to provide the comments on the additional
residential units as requested. In your letter. Ar user are
an important solution. To ease the housing crisis and are
equally important in supporting multigenerational farm families. We agree to
part one and part two of your motion. Although I
think adding. A specific size for the small footprint. That
is detailed in the criteria I think would be helpful
to avoid. Continually having. To. Continually having.
To defend. What a small scale. House for a new
accessory building would be. On the Oak Ridge ridges. Marine.
We do, however, strongly oppose. The requests that are outlined
in part three. And I just wanted to note that
the agenda when I filled out the form. I had
a typo, so. It says e, but it should say
part three, which it is clear in the letter that
I submitted. So each of those items, we feel, would
have significant detrimental effect on the agriculture in the municipality.
York Region Federation of Agriculture is a nonprofit general farm
organization representing over. 600 registered farm businesses. In York region.
We are farmers working for farmers on issues, legislation and
regulations affecting farms and in the region, as well as
decisions that will affect agriculture into the future. We are
passionate and dedicated to ensuring that. The agriculture sector and
our rural communities. Are included, consulted and considered on any
new and changing legislation that impacts the sustainability and the
growth of the agriculture sector in the region. The Oakridges,
moraine and the green belt are significant agriculture and environmental
resources. They must remain intact and protect protected in their
entirety for future generations. Allowing municipal amendments. Redesignation of prime
agricultural areas. Small scale commercial, industrial, and institutional uses. Public
service facilities and parks. Will result in the death of
the Oak Ridges marine by 1000 cuts. Settlement area expansions
will set up will speed up this demise. The yrfa.
Would support the ARU on the Oak Ridge's marine and
the Green belt, but not the list of requests that
were found in part three of the motion. We thank
you again for the opportunity to comment regarding the ARU
request, and we look forward to working with you on
this and other issues related to. Agriculture in the future.
Thank you. Thank you. Kim, do you also want to.
While we've got you, do you want to? Speak on
the other item you want to debute on. Sure. Thank
you. Thank you. So it is. Regarding. The stormwater.
Fee. That is found. In the bylaw that establishes the
rates and levies for the taxes for 2025. York Region
Federation of Agriculture appreciates the opportunity to provide the comments
on the stormwater fee. Sorry. As I said, repeating myself.
In the property tax bill. This is the first time
that rural residences will be charged this fee. We understand
the importance of ensuring that stormwater infrastructure capital costs have
long term funding structure. In place that is fair, equitable
and easy to administer. The funding structure and the fee
selected must also recognize. The stormwater mitigation contribution of farm
properties. We are requesting deferral of the fee on the
rural residences until a stormwater management. Fee study can be
completed to ensure that the rate charged to farm residences
is fair. Inequitable. Wirefa agrees that every member of the
community should contribute to the infrastructure costs that are related
to municipally owned facilities such as libraries, community centers, et
cetera. To be fair and equitable. The funding approach must
also be flexible enough to. Enable fee calculations that are
related to stormwater infrastructure required for each property type. There
are many factors that need to be considered when selecting
stormwater rate. Appropriate to farmhouses. One of the simplest is
that. Most urban properties have been engineered to slope towards.
The stormwater drains, directing 100% of the runoff to stormwater
systems, preventing flooding while the agriculture lands have not been
engineered to slope to the roadside ditch. In fact, there
are many agriculture properties with no slope. With a natural
slope. Sorry. That does not drain off the property at
all. The stormwater infrastructure. Costs related to urban and rural
residences are very different, and the fee charged to the
residences. Should reflect those differences as well. Thank you again
for the opportunity to provide the comments regarding the stormwater
fee, and we look forward to working with you on
this and other agricultural matters. Thank you. Thank you so
much. Kim. Any questions or comments on either of Kim's
reput? Reputations, Councilor Croon. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And thanks,
Kim. For your two deputations on these two important items.
Neighbor. It's always good to see you representing the farming
community. Not only in our town, but across. The region.
I appreciate. Your concerns, and I agree. That any efforts
that we can make to ensure that farming families continue
to be able to live on their farms, especially when
it's becoming more and more intergenerational operations and I think.
There's this opportunity for Aru's expanded Ar use. We'll do
exactly that. As we spoke. Your concern about. The industrialization
and commercial activity. Specifically. In part three of the recommendation
is something that we need to take harder look at,
and I will be. At the appropriate time, I will
be bringing a deferral of that portion of it. When
council considers that as well, the stormwater issue, it is
becoming more and more of a large issue, especially here
in the urban area, and it needs to be addressed.
But there are challenges. And concerns, as you say, out
in the rural areas. And I think staff. Is very.
Impatient to move forward with solutions in the urban area.
But again, we were hoping to defer the implementation in
the rural areas to protect. Farmers and. To consider. All
the special circumstances when it comes to soil water management
out in the rural areas. So again, thank you for
your presentation. Thank you for all the work you do.
And I know that every farmer in the town of
Richard Stovel and beyond the region. And across the province
that you work with. Appreciate your efforts. So again, thank
you. Thanks, Kim. Thank you. Thanks, Councilor Krun. Thanks so
much, Kim. No other questions. Okay, our next deputation is
from Jacqueline and Jody Allen. Good afternoon, mayor and counsel.
Nice to see you again. Mayor ian. Love it. We
would first like to thank you for having us today.
And addressing the need of an affordable housing option. Just
for a little introduction. My name is Jacqueline. This is
my sister, Jody. We are in the modular housing industry
and we are the Co owners. Of wholesale housing. We're
a local family run business and have been providing Canadians
the best deal in housing. For over 30 years. We
are in support of having. Responsible buildings without impacting farmland
or conservation areas. Our homes are quite unique. They're transported
on their own carrier systems, allowing them to be mobile.
Our homes can be relocated, resold, leaving little to no
footprint and can be as small as about 30ft long.
14 wide for 350 sqft. They need as little as
a packed gravel foundation, which avoids the need to dig
on these protective lands. Even off grid possibilities are an
option for our homeowners at their own expense. We've seen
firsthand over the years the demand grow for garden suites
and tiny homes. And are becoming our most in demand
product all across the province. We hear stories every day
from homeowners like Michelle Reeser, whom is participating in our
meeting today. Unfortunately, due to the current regulations, homeowners like
Michelle are now forced to save for a costly home
which is not the attendance of the province. When they
change regulations for a more affordable housing option. So some
of the examples of the needs we are seeing for
an aru are for farm. Workers, which would allow workers
to live on site, avoid transportation costs, and ultimately supporting
the canadian farmers housing for the elderly, which would grant
them their independence while being under supervision of loved ones.
Retirement homes have long wait lists, high costs and don't
offer the care a family member would provide, especially since
Covid, which magnified this matter. Our younger generation who are
already having difficulty. With unemployment. And can't afford to get
into Ontario's housing market, could afford an ARU and get
into home ownership. ARU can help with rental market. Homeowners
could utilize their vacant land and rent out an Aru,
helping to save a retirement, paying off mortgages or even
passive income. This, in turn, brings more affordable rental options
to citizens in need. Our. Homes are built to the
highest principal residential code, CSA 82777, an average less than
half the cost of site building. Our homes are built
inside a factory with dry materials and. Build time averages
about eight to 17 weeks. Our homes are likely the
most turned key product you'll find in Canada. Fully equipped
with full size kitchens, bathrooms, train, furnace, water heater and
much more. The number of families we have that walk
through our doors on a regular basis that want to
stay a part of stable community, but sadly had her
being forced out due to the rising cost. Of living.
We would love to see and be part of a
movement like this to provide help. To the housing crisis
Ontario faces. We believe it will increase population, support the
elderly, the young. And promote affordable living, which Ontario is
so in desperately need of. Thank you again for having
us. Today. Thank you so much for your deputation. Any
questions from members of council? Councilor, Sherband. Hi. Thank you
very much for taking the time today to come and
speak to us. You are representing. A business that builds
tiny homes, is that correct? So. You're asking counsel to
support. ARu to build homes for. Obviously your business for
profit. I guess the concern I have with this and
the deputation that you're providing us today. The comments that
this allows them to be able to move up to
get into the market. This was not the intent of
Aru. From the report. And if it was, then I
miss read, unfortunately. This is a situation, and we're talking
about where we're looking for the Aru. You can do
ar youth, as you know, in all approved areas, but
in this particular area, I would suggest that you would
be best to actually look for the legislation of where
you can build instead of asking the community to provide
new legislation so that you can have those opportunities here.
In this community. I find that very difficult for us
to receive. And considering we did receive. Another letter from
another business that was asking and supporting the exact same
reason. I feel for the people who are asking you
to build those for them on their lots. I do
feel for that. But unfortunately, this is not a time
or place to be asking, in my opinion, for. This
town to put forward a report to us to build
so the businesses can obviously flourish and I wish you
all the success in the future. But at this point,
This deputation. I think is actually in the wrong place
in the wrong time. Thank you. Any other comments for
members of council? Seeing none. Thank you, Jacqueline and Jody,
I appreciate your time coming today. Thank you, mayor. Okay,
the next deputy is Michelle Johnson.
CAN you hear me? Welcome, Michelle. Thank you. Good afternoon,
mayor and members of council. I'm here to express my
support. For the recommendations outlined in the staff report. Ds.
02125, which proposes allowing additional residential units. In the green
belt and on Oak Ridge's moraine areas. As a resident
in these areas. I believe that this initiative will have
a positive impact on our community and provide valuable opportunities.
For affordable housing. Our family purchased land in this area
in 1997 prior to the implementation of the Oak Ridges
Marine act. The restrictions imposed by the act have significantly
limited our ability to utilize our property in a way
that would allow us to live affordably. The possibility of
building an ARU would enable us to provide a stable
and affordable living arrangements. For our children, who are currently
facing challenges in finding affordable housing in the GTA. An
ARU would not only provide a solution for our children,
but also offer a potential long term housing option for
our family as we age, the unit could serve as
a residence for us. Allowing us to maintain our independence
and stay connected to our community. Furthermore, the ARU could
generate income through rental opportunities, which would be beneficial in
our retirement years. It's important to note that Aru's are
not a form of major development. And do not have
a significant impact on the environment or community. Rather, they
offer a practical solutions for family like ours to utilize
their properties in ways that are both sustainable and responsible.
I urge you to consider. The benefits of allowing Aru's
in the green belt and Oak Ridge's moraine areas by
doing so. You'll be providing families like mine with the
opportunity to live on their land affordably. And sustainably. To
assume that we are out to damage the land. Please
first understand what we actually do. The last recorded trumpeter
swan in Ontario was in 1886. Trumpeter swans were at
that time considered extinct. Conservation efforts began in Ontario in
the 1980s by retired Minister of natural resource resources biologist
Harry Lumpston he attained eggs from the alaskan and rocky.
Mountain population and recruited landowners to host breeding pairs. My
pond was one of the five ponds that were used.
We fenced our pond and provided daily corn purchased through
our local co op. Roughly at $2,400 a month for
the sorry, $2,400 a year for the corn. To date,
that's over $60,000. Once considered critically injured. Sorry. One's considered
critically endangered in Ontario. They now have a flourishing population.
And are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Conservation Act.
Our palmed is the only available soft release pond for
the Toronto wildlife. And shades of hope. They bring us
injured swans that have finished emergency care but need protected
release to finish rehabilitation. They're free to leave when they're
able to fly away. In short, please don't assume that
we're out to destroy the land. We're actually doing our
part to protect it in the animals that we share
it with. When you see a swan flying in Stoville,
know that our town was crucial in their reintroduction in
Ontario. Thank you for your time and consideration. Michelle, thank
you so much for your deputation. Any comments? Or questions.
Councilor Sherban. Thank you. Sorry. Thank you for your deputation.
I appreciate it. And I also hear what you're saying
and what you're asking. Two things that trigger for me
is that. First you talk about rental for income. So
it's obviously a longer term, and then once you're gone,
somebody else would. Be buying it and trying to sever
it into three properties. Therefore, now we've just created three
lots in the rural area. This is, I guess, the
concern I have. The debate I have with myself. If
I was in your shoes, I'd be doing the same
thing, so I respect that. But being on the decision
of the future of the community and for the future,
my seven grandchildren. The future of the environment and the
climate change that we're fighting. It seems so minuscule, what
you're asking. To ar youth. But if this keeps on.
One more aru. One more aru. It's. Opening that door
and where do we stop? And when we're in this
situation, they point fingers. Well, you gave it to, so
why don't I, right? And you're looking for two Aru.
Your family members having family. So just for two single
people, or are they for a family of two or
family of three? Which will be the next question. Not
for you to answer. But I'm saying that would come
to us. So. It's not that I don't empathize with
the rural community. And the endeavors of trying to help.
Their children. I also don't really see how the children
are going to get enough money to even leave there
to buy because I know my kids won't be in
that situation either. Because the affordability for homes is real.
But I don't think Ar yout are our solution to
the crisis. Density apartments and urban areas. Yes. But at
some time, somebody has to say no. And I don't
want to be in this seat. Someday when somebody says
that I started this and didn't help. So I appreciate
you coming. And if there was another way or some
other option that I could offer you, I would. But
I thank you for your comments. Thank you. You're welcome.
And for Dr. Trumpeter swan. Thank you, councilor. Any other
comments? Okay. Thank you so much for your deputation. Last
call for Michelle Reeser. Hi, Michelle. And he has sent
us a station to staff to read it into the
director, but she's. Unable to attend building which I can
present the execution. That would be fine, sir, if you
could just state your name when you come to the
microphone. Thank you.
A resident at 70 Lakeview Avenue. Mayor and
council thank you. First, thank you to town staff for
their support navigating the complexities of government mandates for. Home
affordability options for seniors coupled with aged conservation policies. Your
work is truly appreciated. I'm here to support option a
within the report. Ds zero to one two five. Item
10.3. I was the first to attempt an application for
an additional dwelling unit. In Stoville, following the new provincial
rules. Unfortunately, we were denied the possibility. But through that
process, we learned a lot. On October 5, 2023. We
received the outcome of our pre consultation application and there
were no objections from York Region. Developmental services. Even though
we back onto a regional road. No objections from TRCA,
even though an area in our property is a part
of the Toronto Conservation area, and no objections from fire
and emergency services. Living in the Orm natural linkage area.
Designation is where. The stopped to this dream occurred and
the possibility of an additional dwelling unit for my husband.
And husband's grandparents occurred. The land we hope to build
on was just a mowed patch of grass about the
size of a couple of soccer fields. On the street
parallel and across the street from us, there are homes
located on equivalent plots. We have ample parking and proposed
and affordable prefab Adu to reduce impact to our neighbors.
While supporting a stable business. Due to current regulations with
Orm and green belt we are forced to save for
costly home addition, in hopes that we might later convert
it to a duplex. This is not the intent of
the regulation the province intended. When they change regulations. For
more affordable. I hope this helps with the
presentation. Thank you, sir. For. Bringing Miss Reese's comments to
us. I appreciate it, and we're not going to. Ask
you any questions because you're not Mrs. Reese. Thank you
so much. You're welcome. Okay, members of council, can I
have a mover and secondary to receive all the deputations.
Please move by councilor Croon. Second by councilor Sherband. All
those in favor receiving the deputations that's carried. Okay, we're
going to move on to our consent agenda. Members of
council. Like any items pulled off of our consent agenda,
items 9.1 through 9.9 we'll start with councilor update. Nothing,
Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Councilor Prune. Yes. Thank you, Mr.
Mayor. 9.3. 9.8 and 10.3. Okay, 10.3 is an action
item, so that's. No problem, council. Spence? None, Mr. Mayor,
other than, as my friend said, 10.3. Okay, thank you,
councilor. Bartley? None, your worship. Thank you. Councilor Acton? Nothing,
Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Thank you. And. Councilor Sherband. Sorry.
Ten point. Sorry, I just passed it. But what I
want to ask is that I would like to defer.
And I just want to ask Becky at this time,
the item that I pull, should I pull up, then
do the deferral. It's an action item. Okay, so this
is items 9.1 through 9.9. Okay, so. None. Thank you.
Okay. Sorry. No problem. Okay, so items 9.3 and 9.8
were pulled for separate discussions. So can I have a
mover in second or to move? All items not requiring
separate discussion. Moved by councilor Smith, second by councilor up.
Upton, we'll call the question.
No, we're going to push the button. Where's the button?
Three.
Everybody vote. Okay, those are carried okay. Onto our action
items. The first item is 10.1. I report. EPW nine
two five waste collection option for the downtown village business
area. And can I just get a mover and secondary
to get on the floor? Councilor, Sherband and councilor Bartley.
And councilor Sherband you want to speak to? A deferral
motion. Yes, thank you. Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor. In
regards to this item coming on the agenda. It wasn't
widespread in the downtown village. Area. That this would be
on this agenda, and we would just like to provide
time. For the stove village advisory committee to have an
opportunity. To read over and to. Provide comments to council
in regards to the four options that were laid out
in this agenda. So with that. I'd like to defer
it until next meeting. Okay. Councilor Barley. You second the
motion to get on the floor. Are you good with
deferral? Yes. Okay, thank you. Any other members of council
wanting to speak to the deferral councilor? Croon. There was
a couple of questions I wanted to ask related to
this, but not in regards to. Commercial pickup. But somebody
would probably tell me. We're just talking about downtown, so
we're not. Good to. We wouldn't answer those questions. So
we're just dealing with the village. Area. Okay, so I
just wanted to make that point, so. I have no
question with the deferral. Okay, thank you. Any other comments
or questions on the deferral, madam Clerk? You're good. Okay.
Can we put the wording up, please? This will come
back at our next meeting, June 18. Okay, so it's
moved by councilor Sherbin and second by councilor Bartley. Follow
the question. Okay, that's.
Carried. Thank you for calling that forward, council. Shermanning is
more than reasonable. And the next item is 10.2, which
is CS four, two, five. Youth advisory working group. It's
just a motion to receive the presentation for information. Moved
by councilor Upton, second by councilor Smith. All the question.
Okay, that's. Carried. In item 10.3, DS 2125, additional residential
units. Can I move a second or to. Get on
the floor, please. Move by Councilor Sherband and second by
Councilor Bartley. Okay. And let's get a speaker's list. Councilor
Upton. Do you want to speak to the sitem? Are
you wanting to speak to. 10.3. No, I'm just getting
speakers list right now. You're wanting to speak to it?
Okay. Thank you. Councilor Kundas. Councilor Smith. Councilor. Partly councilor
Acton. Okay, we're all speaking to it. Perfect. Okay, so
let's start with councilor. Upton. Alphabetically. I just have a
few questions. We talked about this here and what we're
looking to do. I wonder why the problems did not
allow this to be in the natural linkage area or
the natural heritage system. Was there any logic with them
or any scientific reason? Through the chair if I can
ask. Randall, who is our policy expert, to come forward
because he's our provincial policy guy and he might be
able to provide some justification. As to the difference between.
Where the permission is and is not. With respect, that's
what you're asking for. Right what the justification is. Randall,
can you assist with that clarification? When they did these
reports. Through your worship. I'm not entirely certain what the
rationale was for not permitting. A second unit within. Other
designations within the marine is just specific to the countryside
area. However, since then, planning legislation has evolved substantially and
obviously. There's more recently been the introduction of additional residential
units, as we see in the new provincial planning statement.
I think it's a matter of these provincial plans kind
of catching up. To this new legislation and incorporating similar
permissions throughout. The agricultural and rural areas. You scrambled as
well? Sure. That doesn't exactly. That helps. You scrambled. Well,
thank you. Okay. We'll work on that later. Do we
have a specific size that they're allowed? The Aru that
footage by footage. Three year worship. No, we did make
recommendation. That they were giving us specific. That limit the
scale and location. Of the ARu on the site. But
not specifics? No, just general. Yes, and general law always
scares me when it comes to government. But planners like
to use the word, general. I'm wondering the impact of
this would have enough that we should have a public
meeting. On this, or is this not in the area
of a public meeting? Anybody will answer me.
Through your worship. We always welcome the opportunity for consultation,
if that's teamed by council, to be further. Needed. For
providing education. Of what were being requested and what our
recommendations are. Staff has no problem with providing that if
council wishes. Do you feel this is a subject? Or
dynamic enough or large enough to call for a public
meeting. I would hope that. Our public that are already
in a position for engagement have had the opportunity. To
report on this. Coming into today. So I would hope
that again, I would never say no to more, but
I would hope that. Those that are already feel that
they are affected by. This report would have had a
say in it already, so I'll leave it at that.
Yeah, okay. I appreciate that because it's just that we
have five or six, and there's. 55,000 people in town.
So I just worry that long. Kind of like a
development application. Pardon? Kind of like a development application. Yeah,
I kind of worried that a lot of them didn't.
Hear about it, but anyway. It's all interesting. I had
hoped to get a reason, but maybe we can work
on that. Why the province has not allowed these areas
to have. Aru and I appreciate when we hear. About
multiple generations or farm workers, but to me. This has
been for hundreds of years. And the farms have survived
very well. So it's not that all of a sudden.
We have multiple generations, so I don't know if those
are really good reasons for it. So with that. That's
my comments. Okay, councilor. Thank you. Think it's important to
note that. Before 2003. A second dwelling was allowed on
these lands, so it's only been in the last 22.
Years that there's been restrictions. Yeah. What? I'm just saying,
for hundreds of years, people have been able to build
more. Than one home on their property. Councilor Croon. Thank
you, Mr. Mayor. As the counselor who represents the vast
majority of the rural areas in municipality. This is a
very important issue to me because it's a very important
issue to my residence as the mayor. Has just noted
now that 22 years ago. A lot of the things.
That. The tractors of this particular initiative, imagine actually happened
that multiple units on these properties was allowed as a
matter of fact, lot divisions was allowed. If not. Encouraged.
That has kind of come to an end and we
are left with the situation. We're in right now. Where
large parcels of property and, in many cases, large homes.
Are limited to. A single family. I think that our
staff and perhaps the fire chief can attest to that.
There are more. Than enough. Arus, which are not currently
permitted in the municipality. I have direct knowledge of. Several.
Dozens. Of multiple units within single family homes which are
currently operating in the town to our knowledge or to
an honor, knowledge. And it's a challenge for us because
folks don't want those things inspected. And I know that
that makes the chief and his staff very nervous, that
the proper building. Guidelines, ingress and egress. Concerns are not
dealt with, and no one wants a tragedy to happen.
And if we were to approve this. This may legitimize
some of these things, and people will bring them forward.
To ensure that they and their tenants or family members
are being kept safe. From a personal perspective, I live
in a 140 year old. Farmhouse. That my children have
abandoned me and for my wife and I, it's probably
a little too big. But our dream is that some
I'm being planned. I plan on being carried. Out of
there in a box. But somewhere in the future that
perhaps one of my daughters would move back in and
we would have an opportunity to stay there. But in
a separate apartment, but currently. This is not allowed. And
when we spoke about intergenerational and this is. For many
people in many cultures that this is an important part
of. Not only the end of life, be taken care
of your elderly parents, but to give your children a
place to start. I think that the delegation on behalf
of Michelle research speaks exactly to that. That it gives
an opportunity for families to support their children. To get.
To have a place of their own and a place
to start. Councilor Upton's concern about lot coverage. Well, currently,
our legislation allows people to have ten. Acres of land
and build a 20,000 square foot house, which. Is massive
lot coverage, but it's only a single family. But we
can't build. Two 5000 square foot houses or units on
the same property because of this legislation. If we talk
about impact. To the land that. 's kind of counterintuitive
or potentially hypocritical that we allow these kind of uses,
but the lack of ARa support for ar use. Does
not. I want to comment on the two ladies. Who
spoke. To. Their product, for lack of a better term.
It was a very nice commercial, ladies. But they're providing
a service. I know of residents within my ward who
have purchased properties, but I can't afford to. Build a
house on the property now because of their current economic
situation. So sometimes they just pull up a trailer and
live in a trailer for a while and they are
problematic. And potentially not permitted, so they don't tell anybody.
So again, the safety issues. Are not properly dealt with.
Septic, servicing wells, those kind of things, they're problematic. Putting
an aru, especially a portable one. As wholesale housing incorporated
on Highway 48. They're the guys with a big flag
just north of andorf. That's the kind of product that
they provide, and they're giving people an opportunity. To get
into the market. I know of a family outside of
a municipality where two brothers bought a property and they
put two mobile homes on it and live in that
property. Somebody stopped that clock. And live in that property
while they can afford to build homes and then move
it. One will move on a separate way, and then
they can move on. Without these opportunities, people can't. Get
into the housing market. For everything I said to Kim.
When she deputed on this item. I support the farm
lease. Intergenerational farm families need our support, and those farmers
especially, and also to Ms. Johnson. Who deputed these people,
who lived on these lands for generations, potentially hundreds of
years. They're. Not about to screw it up. If we
can't allow the farmers to make the decisions themselves. What
are we going to do to tell them? And I'm
also going to address some of the comments from storm.
I would prefer that our Miss Valley would make decisions
at our level because we know our municipality. And we
know what is needed and what works. Much better than
having the province. Making. Top down, one size fits all
decisions for the entire province. Richard Stoville is. A unique
town. We have unique solutions. To our requirements, and I
think we should be allowed to make those decisions. Finally,
Mr. Mayor. I do concur. With Kim in regards to
item number three. Specifically. Sub point C broader permissions for
small scale commercial, industrial, and institutional uses in countryside area
that makes me a little nervous because we have a
whole lot of unpermitted commercial activity. And I think that
if we can. Punt that back to staff for them
to come up with a report for commercial activities. In
appropriate areas, my desire would be. In conjunction with transportation
facilities. Specifically. Four or four corridor, et cetera, that those
kind of permissions. Would be allowed. Out in the more
remote rural areas. I can't support that. So. I would
ask Mr. Mayor, when the time comes that we would.
Defer. Item three, part C. For further study, if that's
possible. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yeah, we'll go. Through
the list, and then we'll come back to any referral
motions. Councilor Smith. Please. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Well, I
want to take a bit of a different tact with
this whole issue. But I want to start out by
mentioning that I've sat here on council. For over ten
years. And one of the real benefits of having the
community of Stoville that we have is. We allow? The
public to come here, make delegations, talk, explain. Their position.
We've heard from some good speakers. Over all those years.
And they have an opportunity. To perhaps put forward ideas
and things that maybe we haven't thought about and perhaps
even change our mind as to how we're going to
vote, but I've got to say that. Today for the
very first, for the very first time. I am absolutely,
absolutely rejecting the presentation made by storm. I'm sorry. Storm
coalition. Your speaker. Is so free, or has been so
free with words and assumptions. Even, especially on social media.
That without, in my opinion. Checking the facts. Sir. The
mayor has read out some items that aren't in social
media, presented by storm. And. I have simply incompletely blanked
out your complete presentation. I'm sorry to say that. And
your comments. Will have no bearing. On me whatsoever. Rest
of council can take their own facts, but. I have
no opportunity at all to support any of your comments.
I've got your 20. Some odd page report, and it
is to me. I've already chucked it, so, sir. I
am sorry, but your comments and your presentation will have
no bearing on how I feel on this subject whatsoever.
Thank you. Councilor Smith. Councilor Sherband, please. First clarification.
There was the comment that I asked in the beginning
in regards to how this came to counsel. And it
was stated it was meryl, directoral, marital powers, whatever. And
then it was stated. That council can do that anytime.
Am I allowed to go to staff and ask them
to write? A report on an item. Do I have
that authority? No. Through council resolution, members of council would
be able to do that. By bringing a notice of
motion forward. Thank you. Okay. Just wanted to make that
clear. Next. I totally, totally, totally support. And accept Storm's
comments. It's people who are passionate enough and care enough
to come and to be able to investigate and to
provide us alternative answers, I believe are where we are
here today and why we're here. The conversation in regards
to ARU and the farm argument that I'm hearing over
and over and over, I find. Somewhat, I guess maybe
misunderstanding. And through you, Mr. Mayor, to. Director, Commissioner of
development services. Our farm is already not allowed. Aru. Through
your worship. No. The purpose of the report is to
provide that equality depending on where the farm is located
in the town. We'll determine right now whether or not
an Aru is permitted. So unfortunately, no. It depends on
what? If you go to the figure in the report
that has the color schemes. I will hold up here.
Depending on the color, that's where it's permitted or. Not
permitted. And the challenge for staff is when they do
come to the counter or they do. Write in and
ask for permission. It's depending on what side of the
road or what. Side of the line they're on. Farm
is a farm to a farmer, but unfortunately. Due to
provincial policy. We cannot permit in some and we can
in others. That's the challenge we have as staff. Okay,
that's interesting because. Just reading. It states that multiple agriculture
planets organizations. A report recommends retaining existing legislation. To allow
residential on farm. Additional residential units. So what are they
saying that you're saying they can't? What am I missing?
Sorry, what are you referring to? In the report from,
they just came out with the green belt ca, it
says here that and I didn't look up the legislation,
and that's why I'm asking this. Question, because. It says
retain existing green belt policies. Retain for on farm additional
residential units. I thought farmers were allowed to have additional
residential units, I guess forever. So through your worship. I
don't know. The materials you're talking to right now, but
I will say there is a difference depending on the
designation of dual courage marine permissions. Worker units, residents for
workers are permitted with criteria. So workers. Residences are permitted
across the board for farms, but that is a little
bit different than the Aru. Permissions, so retired farmers are
not allowed to. Build an Aru to retire on and
keep their principal space for their whatever family to take.
Over through your worship and the majority of the rural
area of stovel. That is correct. Okay. Thank you for
that legislation. And I guess I'll have to go back
and ask. I guess I've mentioned many a times and
my concerns of this legislation, and I really do not
want to sit here and be the community that leads
this onslaught of request to the province prior to their
opening and review that we would like them to consider
and. Discuss. Us. Bringing or not us, the province bringing
forward. A. I guess, prior to the review. The opportunity
for. Rule. Communities in the green belt. Yokridge's marine to.
Have ar youth. I don't know. Where the buck stops.
Everybody's pretty much aware that I've always voted against anything
that goes on the green belt. The mzos. The. Additional
properties. If somebody doesn't stop the bus. It's just going
to keep collecting more people until it can't carry the
weight. Anymore, and that's what we're doing. This is out
of our legislation. Writing a letter to them, asking them.
To look at. This is one thing, but asking. For
the town of Witchard stove. To endorse the request. To
have Aru on the Oakridge brain and the green belt.
Exceeds our responsibility. And I believe even. My position, which.
I was asked to represent the residents for the municipality,
but not for the provincial legislation. Asking, as I say,
through a letter, but putting forth this report. Is actually
going far beyond. Sending a letter saying that we would
like ar use. In the Oak ridge of Marine and
the Green belt. We received 13 letters of residents stating
that's all I received anyways. Emails saying please don't. I
receive two that said, please do. And one of them.
Was. One of them was. A business. Sorry, the one
which councilor Croon spoke to, but the one that probably.
Impressed me the most and. That was recent. Was we
received. An email. From. A student. And this was prior
to this debate. So this is very honest. And this
is our young people. Speaking. And I was overwhelmed with
the fact and the timing that. This actually came forward
to us, and I'm going to read it. Dear members
of council, my name is Jalen Ramlin. I'm a student
stole district as part of the class project on social
change. I've created a campaign the loss of green space
contributing to climate change. Focusing on the loss of green
space in stovel. This campaign is about something that affects
us all in Stoville. The loss of green space. As
our town continues to grow, as more buildings go up,
we're losing the trees, parks, natural areas that help fight
climate change, reduce pollution prevent flood. Flooding support our mental
and physical well being. Green spaces in Stoveville help to
keep our town during heat waves. Absorb carbon dioxide, prevent
flooding during major storms, improve physical and mental health, and
provide safe habitat for local wildlife. As our population continues
to grow, we must balance development with sustainability. Losing green
space means a hotter, more polluted, and less livable community.
Through. My campaign, I am proposing solutions such as preserve
remaining green spaces in town, installing green roof solar panels.
On public buildings and residential buildings. Linemore streets with trees.
Green year add more public garbage recycling guns and four
small fines for loitering and put in bike lane sidewalks
to promote greener travel opportunities. To spread the awareness, I
created an Instagram campaign, and the feedback from the acute
community was powerful. Here are a few real comments that
residents made so true. Stoval population is growing we need
more homes and business thrive, but we also need to
have the plan in place to protect our green spaces
and. Ensure our wildlife is protected. Walking with dogs and
green spaces is decompressing enriching enriching. I love going for
walks and seeing all the green in the neighborhood. It
is so helpful for our community to have these spaces
for everyone to release their stress just walking in space
lowers my stress level. After you return home, you feel
your body battery is recharged. Necessity for human well being.
Last year was the hottest summer to date, and we
need to take action. Flooding is becoming such an issue.
And this strong storm. These strong storms and downpours. Councilor,
can you wrap up, please? Yeah. This shows how much
residents value our green space. Not just the environment, but
for the daily life and well being. And I say
well fed. And we should listen to our young people
because they're their future who have to take over this
municip. Municipality. Thank you. Thank you. Councilor Acton, please.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Before I get into. This. Recommendation.
I would just like to remind everybody and say this,
that I think with regards to needed housing. I believe
we here in Richard stovel have been doing our fair
share, and I think the province would probably complement us
on our contributions to date with regards to this. To
this, to this recommendation. It says in the report that
staff recommends that. The province expedite the review of these
provincial plans. As opposed to waiting until the mandated ten
year review. Which has been said today. Is anticipated by
2027. So in the next 18 months or less. The
province will do their review. At that point, all parties,
the public. The municipality, whoever. Will have an opportunity to
make comments. I think it would be wise at this
point to let the province do their work. And review.
On their timetable and. They will own their decision. Therefore,
I can't support or endorse this recommendation. I don't think
there's a need to expedite review, in my opinion, to
facilitate it needed housing. In the Oakridge's moraine in the
green belt. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Councilor Acton.
Councilor Barley. Thank you, your worship. And thank you to
all deputations here. Today was great. Thank you, my councilor
coharts here, but I'm going to try and keep my
eye on the ball. What we're here for today. And
it's to help out our farming community. Basically, there's a
lot of misinformation out there. I just love Facebook and
social media. I've been reached out to many times over
the last few days. About. Can't believe that the mayor
with his strong powers is open up the green belt.
For full development. And when I got back to the
residence and said, This is what we're asking. The staff
to ask the problems to look at. It was for
our farming community to build so that we can keep,
as councilor Cruz said, we can keep our farmers at
home. There isn't one person up here. I don't think
that would open up this. Green belt for full development.
I mean, I just received another email from please don't
let developers take over our green belt. Nobody up here
wants that. Nobody. And I don't think if allowing the
farmers to have. A second dwelling or build onto their
dwelling to have a separate entrance and that sort of
thing. Is going to hurt or disrupt anything. On the
green belt, and I don't think it's going to open
up any doors for any development. So anyways, thank you
for clarifying that. You're not opening up the green belt
for full development with your strong mare power. I will
be supporting this. Thank you. Thank you, councilor. Hey, anyone
wanted to round two? Okay, Councilor Sherbet.
I keep hearing Aru for our farmers. For our farmers.
For our farmers. I feel like we're leaning on this
as a reason that we're doing this just for our
farmers. We're not. We're saying we're allowing second dwellings. On
these properties. And correct me if I'm wrong, commissioner. Of
development services. Are we doing this just for farmers? This
is what this report is. Through to mayor to councilor
Sherband. We're asking for the permission. On the lands that
are currently not allowing it. So it be it a
house or a farm, it would be the same permission
so for anybody. For anybody that currently has a house.
They would have that permission. Yes. Correct. Thank you. I
just want to make it clear, because we seem to
saying we don't want to deny our farmers and. It's
just a myth that we're doing it for the farm.
Thank you. Thank you. Councilor barley. I would just comment
then, for everybody. Thank you. Thank you, Councilor Croon. Are
you going to move your deferral at this point? Yes.
Okay. Sorry, my screen is not working. There you go.
There we go. Okay. He's always blame. The equipment. Yeah.
So again, to move. The resolution as is, with the
exception of three subset. C. To. Defer that portion and
ask staff to come back. With a report as to
what might be appropriate. Areas in the town for small
scale commercial, industrial. Uses in the countryside area. I guess
we're going to leave that out. Small scale industrial. Uses.
In the areas we're talking about. I'll let you word,
Smith that, Mr. Director. Sorry. Through the mayor. Industrial commercial
are permitted in that designation. What we are leaning towards
was broadening those permissions, but we can provide a report
to that effect. If you're asking for us to provide
more clarity on what we mean by broadening. And perhaps.
A definition of small scale industrial because we do have
situations where people currently will buy. A piece of land.
In a traditional residential area, estate subdivisions was becoming a
problem, and they turn the property into a full scale
commercial activity. You have a ten acre estate and you're
enjoying the wildlife. Next. Thing. You know, there's 40 dump
trucks parked in the backyard next to, so perhaps a.
Definition of that. And if necessary, Some kind of restriction
in areas where we don't want them and more permissions
to where we do want them, but I will leave
that to. Your recommendations. Through the mayor. We will explore
that. We will also have to use permission policy. For
guidance on what the definitions are. So we will explore
that. It's a complex, complex. Issue. That's why you and
your staff are doing it, not me. So with that,
the word smithing, Mr. Mayor. I will. Propose that deferral.
I'm going to just give my comments first and then
we'll get a mover. In second or for the deferral
and then the motion. Well, the motion we've. Already got
on the floor. What do you need? Final clerk. Okay,
let's just do that. Now, is there second or for
Councilor Kern's? Deferral. Is there a second, or anyone seconding?
I will, Councilor Shervin. Will second it, okay?
This is an important. Policy report. For our community and
for the province. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that. We're
bypassing regular counsel. Deliberations or that I'm somehow. Strong. Marrying,
opening the green belt. I don't have that authority to
do that, and that's been perpetuated. By storm and by
other social media outlets. That's the case. There is no
question. And actually, the deputy from storm, I think, alluded
to the fact that there needs to be some discussion
around reasonable reform. Is that a fair statement, sir? I
think that through the appropriate challenge, through the appropriate channel,
of course. Yeah, absolutely. But there needs. To be a
discussion of a reasonable form. There are too many inconsistencies
within. The conservation plan, and I'm just going to read
one of them to you. So an unpermitted use in
the natural linkage area. We're here debating. Whether or not.
Mrs. Johnson can have a second unit. On her acreage
where she saved trumpeter swans. In the province. And yet,
if she would like. To. She can apply for a
mineral aggregate operation. She can dig a pit on her
property. That's an allowable use in the Ochre's marine natural
linkage area. Or she could do a wayside pit. She
can do the same. In the countryside area of which
her home is not in. But how can we allow,
like, the allowable uses for the natural linkage? Our forest
management, conservation projects, agricultural uses, infrastructure uses, home businesses, home
industries, bed and breakfast on farm diversified, unservice parks and
a pit, an aggregate operation. It makes zero sense to
me how we're talking about saving our green space, and
yet. There's an allowable use for someone to buy a
property in our municipality and rightfully apply for a license
if they can get it, and then. Dig 200ft into
the ground. Makes no sense. Makes no sense. So we
are addressing the needs that have been brought forward by
residents. And. There clearly are differing opinions about how we
should be addressing those needs, but the fact that we're
having the discussion today is actually what democracy is about.
It's actually how we're supposed to operate. We're to deal
with issues that are real life issues for our residents
and make recommend. Recommendations to staff where we have authority,
but in this case, to the province. I'm happy to
support the resolution. I'm happy to support the deferral. I
think Kim Emperingham brought up. A good point. And Councilor
Krune, you've taken that one and brought that. Forward. I
think that actually deserves a second look. But we are
not the decision making body. For this report. We can
obviously approve the recommendations, but the main thing is that
we endorse the recommendations. For the province to consider. We
know many times from this dias, we have recommended resolutions
to go to the province and they have not listened.
This is. Important on the ground. Response to members in
our community. Who are wanting to, as the deputies have
said, age in place, find a place for their kids.
To live. A place where they can afford to live.
And I don't see us as opening up for Sprawl.
This isn't. About Sprawl. This is not about subdivisions being
built. This is about an Aru and. We went through
an entire process around Aru's, and we know what they
are and. The presentation that started us off this afternoon
clearly articulated what they are. The fact that someone can
build a 20,000 square foot house, but we won't. Allow
a second unit within. It is bonkers to me. They'll
do it after the fact. There's a guarantee. You drive
down Bethesda. There's more than one family. Living independently in
some of those monster homes, but they're doing it illegally,
and. That is just a bonkers policy. We should be
allowed to let families who want to live together. Live
together how they want to live together. And small additional
residential units are not going to destroy our environment. They're
going to solve a massive problem that we have in
this province, in this country. Right now, which is finding
places for our kids to live or for our seniors
to live. And making a recommendation to the province. Endorsing
a recommendation. Is not opening. Up for urban sprawl. Despite
what the clickbait on social media shows, So, councilor croon,
you've got a motion on the floor to. Move the
recommendation and defer item three, point c, to a future
staff report. Yes, sir. Okay, so we'll speak to the
deferral motion. Anyone want to speak? To the deferral motion,
Councilor Smith. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I guess I have
a question back to. My fellow counselor, when you talk
about deferral bothers me, but are you deferring? It to
the next council meeting? Or are you saying let's do
it in the fall. With respect, I think that would
be up to staff. As to how quickly. They can
turn this around. Yes, through the mayor. Be appreciative. If
we could do. This after the summer recess. Bring it
back in the fall. My reports for the next council
meeting are due today. I don't see any urgency for
this. And I certainly want you to take the time,
you and your staff to take the time and do
it properly. Appreciate, I think that that's probably the best
course of action. So are we then approving everything else
except for this particular one item? Okay. Thank you. Anyone
else want to speak to deferral motion? Can we put
the deferral motion up? So. The main motion be amended
to defer item three c until such time as stepping
forward a report providing additional clarification. So we're going to
vote on the deferral, and then we'll vote. On the
main motion. Council. Sherben, are you still wanting to second
the deferral? No. Thank you. And. Mr. Mayor, can I
get a recorded vote on both? You absolutely can. So,
who would like to second the deferral motion? Councilor Barley.
Thank you. And councilor Shiman has called for a recorded
vote. Madam Clerk, over to you. As councilor Sherman has
requested her credit vote. I will go through each member
of council, starting with Councilor Sherbin. If when I call
your name, you can. Please advise how you vote, Councilor
Sherban. Can you do that again? We'll just get you.
Thank you. Get you on. No. Councilor smith. Yes.
Councilor upton. No. Councilor Octon. No.
Councilor Bartley. Yes. Councilor Croon. Yes. Mayor Lovett. Yes.
Motion carries. That's just on the deferral. Motion. On the
deferral. Now. We're going to vote on the main motion.
And the main motion was moved by councilor Sherband and
seconded by councilor. Barley. Just checking. Councilor Sherman, you're still
wanting to move the motion? No. Okay, so. You'll move
the motion, councilor barley. Is there second or for the
motion, councilor? Smith. And this is a recorded vote as
well. As it was Councillor Sherman who once again requested
a recorded vote. We'll start with her. And go alphabetic
order from there. Councilor Sherman. No. Councilor smith.
Yes. Okay. Can you put your mic on? Can you
put your mic on? Yes, thank you. Councilor Opton. No.
That was. No, thank you, Councilor Octen. No. Councilor? Partly.
That was. Yes. Councilor Croon. Yes. Mayor. Love it.
Motion carries. On to our. Oh, sorry. There's
one item. 10.4. Correspondence from Simcoe County. Greenbelt coalition regarding
concerns regarding the expansion of strong mayor powers under Oreg
530 22. This was pulled by Councilor Upton. Is there
a secondary to receive this? Councilor Sherband. Thank you. Call
the question. Just to receive.
Okay, it's carried. First item on our consent agenda is
item 9.3, cs three. Two five, Aurora war memorial. It's
moved by councilor croon and second by. Councilor Sherband. Thank
you. Councilor koon over to you. Thank you very much.
There we go. Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor. I
have your brain fart here. When is the 100th anniversary?
Krista, if you could just. What is the date of
the event? October the third. Okay, I should know that.
So I want to thank Krista and Melissa and all
the staff at the museum. For all their work involving
us in this. As we know, this is a very
important celebration of this monument. Which is in Aurora, unfortunately.
But it used to be witchards Township at one time,
but it does recognize veterans of the first world War.
Of Witchers Township. And King Township and a town of
Aurora, and it has been expanded to the Second World
War. And the Korean War. But it is a very
important monument and one that. We are due and required
to celebrate in deference. To our veterans and those who
have given the supreme sacrifice and done so much. At
the same time the town has commissioned. A veteran banner
expert panel, which includes some members of the public. Representatives
of the legion and random counselor who. Has been examining.
The names of not only the individuals who are on.
The monument, but also those who will be recognized in
our banner program, which will start during November. In remembrance
week, and I want to thank again the staff who
involved and the members of the public. Who've done this
important work to recognize. To properly recognize all of those
individuals who. Are named on there. Unfortunately, there were some
names that we felt didn't qualify. But we've also found
a few. That may have been missed or inappropriately remembered,
and that is important work that. Will continue. So again,
I want to thank staff for everything that you've done.
And as we get closer to it. They will provide
more information to the public and to members of council
and I've been happy to represent the town for the
last six years. At remembers day ceremonies in Aurora. And
it's a privilege that I take and responsibility that. I
take very powerfully. And on October the third, I invite
all members of council to come on out to this
important celebration. And, of course, all members of the public.
So again, thank you, staff, for all the work. That
you've done. And unfortunately, it's only the beginning. But thank
you again. Thank you. Councilor. Yeah. This is a report
to receive. For information, please put October 3 in. Your
calendars. It's number of months away, hopefully. We can all
be there for. This important memorial. Okay, so it's moved
by councilor crew and second by councilor Sherben. The receiver
information. Call a question. It's
carried. Next item is 9.8. Report fi nine two five.
A bylaw. To establish rates and levees taxes for 2025.
This is moved by councilor Crun. And second by councilor
Smith. Councilor crew. Sorry. There you go. Thank you again,
Mr. Mayor. Taxation and the collection of taxes is a
very important part of what we do, at least that's
what Jeremy tells me, because that's what pays the bills.
And we know that tax rates need to be set
year to year. So that the residents have an expectation
of knowing what they pay and that they are paying
for. Their appropriate services. Unfortunately. There's a charge that's buried
in this report, the annual stormwater charge. And the report
proposes that it would be expanded. Beyond. The current pays,
which are people who receive. Water bills and expanded to
every landowner in town. As Kimberingham spoke to and in
regards to my comments as well. That is not without
its challenges in the rural areas. And I think that
that part of it needs to be deferred until staff.
Works department in conjunction with finance, comes back with a
more robust sort of. Description of what the cost should
be. So, Mr. Commissioner of works. I believe that you
have agreed. The staff will do a report. But to
phase it so that the urban portion of it comes
back a little bit quicker. Or more expediently than perhaps
the rural areas, because I think the rural areas are
going to take some deep dives to have an understanding
of what is an appropriate charge for stormwater management. Through
the mayor to councilor croon at the present time. There
is no identified capital project for the storm rate study.
However, following council's direction today, staff will be putting that
forward. And as part of that analysis, you are correct.
In that. The impact of the stormwater management is greater
in the urban area of the town than in the
rural areas. And so there's no objection to a prioritization
in doing a fulsome rate study. But particularly focusing on
the urban area of the town. Thank you, Mr. Commissioner.
So, Mr. Mayor. With your permission. I would like to
defer that part. Of the report or the resolution. For
the annual stonewater management fee. So just leave the way
it is right now. Madam Clerk, you sent me. A
wording for that, but I've got so many emails. In
the meantime, I can't. Find it, so we'll get it
up on the screen before we do that. We have
another speaker. Anyway, so. That would be my proposal. Okay.
Thank you, councilor. Can we pull that down? Thanks, councilor.
Smith. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'm not going to repeat
all the things that Councilor Krune has indicated. I'm absolutely
supporting. And my only comment was I was quite frankly
surprised that this item got tucked in with. The. Tax
levies, et cetera, et cetera. So I'm supportive of this,
and you can. Do a further study. Come back sometime
in the future as to how. This whole thing will
work its way through. But I'm absolutely. Supporting. The deferral
or the removal entirely of 3.2. Okay. Thank you, Madam
Clerk. Please put the amendment up. Okay, so
it's received for information or. Sorry, it's bring forward a
bila. To establish the rates and levees, and then this
addition. Should be the amendment. Okay, let's go with the
mover, and second, we'll call a question. Okay. Carrie's and
then we'll vote on the main motion moved by councilor.
Crew second by Councilor Smith. That's Carrie two. Okay, on
the bylaws, there are seven sets of bylaws. We're pulling
bylaw 12.6, which is the bylaw, to establish these. Fees
because. They'll be moved. And second, as amended, any questions
on the bylaws? So. Twelve, 12345 and seven. We're dealing
with Kymu and seconder, please. By councilor Acton. Second by
councilor Bartley. All those in favor?
That's carried in item 12.6 would be as amended, moved
by councilor Bartley. Second by councilor Acton. All those in
favor? As carried. Okay. Does anyone have any new other
business this afternoon? Not seeing any. I don't have anything.
So closed session. We have only the minutes. Does anyone
have any questions on the minutes? So we don't need
to go into closed. Come over in second or please,
for the minutes moved by councilor Shervan, second by. Councilor
Acton. The minutes be approved is circulated. All those in
favor? Councilor Smith, can you vote?
Thank you. No problem. That's carried. Mover and sacrifice confirmatory
bylaw. Move by councilor Upton, second by councilor Smith. All
those in favor? His hands is fine. That's carried. And
motion to adjourn. This afternoon's meeting moved by councilor Bartley,
seconded by councilor Sherband. All those in favor? As carried.
Okay. We have a planning meeting tonight. 07:00 all are
welcome. See you then.