Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Council Notes December 16, 2008 Without Prejudice

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website. .

Prior to the Committee of the Whole and Council meetings a closed session was held to discuss 2 personnel matters and Council went back into closed session at the end of the council meeting to discuss 2 litigation matters.

Councillor Wilson was absent due to work commitments.

DEPUTATIONS

Rebecca Webb made a presentation to Valerie Cheschia of the Supper Club on behalf of Town Staff. Staff pay $1.00 per Friday for “Dress Down Fridays”. Each year they donate the money to a charity and this year donated $360.00 to the Supper Club. Lou Guerrierro presented a cheque for $500.00 to the Supper Club on behalf of Council. Every pay $10.00 is deducted from councillors' salaries and deposited in a special account. Normally this money would be used for a Christmas party for Council, their spouses and invited guests. This year the councillors decided to forego their party and donated $500.00 to the Supper Club, $500.00 to the Salvation Army Food Bank, and $500.00 to the Sparrow Lake Community Church. Comment: Staff and council are to be commended for recognizing a greater need in the community and for supporting these worthwhile programs.
Presentation by the Literacy Society asking that fees be waived for the Terry Fox Room for their annual Family Literacy Fun Day on Jan.24,2009.
Muskoka Community Network re Rural Connection 2 Program. Funds are available from the Provincial Government to municipalities for development of Broadband Internet infrastructure to unserved areas. Only municipalities can apply for this funding – MCN was asking for Council's support. MCN will assist with the application. A resolution was passed at Council to provide a letter of support. This will come back to Council once the financial implications are known.
Len Daniels spoke on behalf of the Rotary Club re Gull Lake Rotary Park improvements. He updated Council on what the Rotary Club has been doing and was seeking support for the years ahead. He asked that funds be included in the 2009 budget for planned projects.

PUBLIC WORKS

Proposed Amendments to the Municipal Parking Lot By-law 2006-50

This amendment is proposed to recognize what is happening now -special events are being held in municipal parking lots. The amendment is to give the Chief By-law Officer the authority to approve use of municipal lots for special events. The amendment also recognizes and updates the trailer parking that was put in place for the summer of 2008.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Literacy Society request to waive fees. After much discussion Committee voted in a recorded vote to waive the fees for the Family Literacy Fun Day. Voting yes were Councillors Clairmont, Colhoun, Donaldson, B. Pilger, T.Pilger and Cairns. Councillor Guerrierro reluctantly voted no and Mayor Klinck voted no. Councillor Guerrierro was concerned that council has refused several requests to waive fees and felt they should be consistent. He did state his support of the Literacy Society Fun Day. To date the Town has waived or subsidized approx. $22,324.00 for various groups for use of the Centennial Centre – this includes ice subsidies for Minor Hockey, the South Muskoka Shield as well as fee waivers for various groups.
Jody Sommerville presented Terms of Reference for the Winter Carnival Committee. Term for the Winter Carnival Committee will be from Dec./09 to April, 2011. At the Council meeting Council passed a resolution adopting the Terms of Reference and appointing the following members to the Winter Carnival Committee: Doug & Laurie Wallis, Brad Rundle, Mindy Page, Brea Neal, Laura Meikle, Robbie Irvine, Rob Carleton, Paula Wilford and the Town's Community Events Facilitator and Marketing Assistant. COMMENT: More Volunteers are needed and are invited to work on the Committee.
Centennial Centre Expansion – Life Cycle Assessment – Council asked for this assessment in order to consider the expansion project for the Centennial Centre, as brought forward at the Dec 2^nd meeting. The Life Cycle Assessment provides Council with a review of facility systems and components including a field review, interior, mechanical and Electrical systems and structural and refrigeration systems. The assessment provides a listing of items recommended for repair/replacement in 5-year milestones for the next 20 years. The original building was built in 1977 and is in fair to good condition. The assessment shows that the building is sound to take on an expansion.

Development Services Committee

Part Lot Control – Muskoka Bay Villa 1 Corp-Block 4 – District was asking for more information so the by-law had to be amended. This was done and the by-law was passed at the Council meeting.
Shore Road Closure – Muskoka Lake, Brydon's Bay – A resolution was passed to declare the lands surplus in order to sell the Shore Road Allowance. A deck and dock are located on the town owned lands.
A letter was received from Cripps Contracting thanking The Town, the Development Services Dept. and particularly Bobbi Lovering for their effort and co-operation toward the closing of their first home within the last phase of PineRidge.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Letters of support from Council for 2 applicants seeking license to operate a radio station in Gravenhurst. Lance Sherk presented the support letters for Bayshore Broadcasting Corporation and Mr. William Wrightsell. Both companies have indicated that their stations wouldl be located in Gravenhurst.
Draft Marketing Plan for Economic Development – 2009 Budget Year. This report was requested at the Dec. 2^nd meeting. Two tables were presented – Table 1 for committed activities and expenses totalling $84,300 and Table 2 for activities that are open to change, discussion or elimination – total $137,300. Both lists will be considered at budget time.
Gravenhurst BIA Meeting Minutes – Sept. 25^th and Oct. 23^rd.

CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE

Southwood Church – Further to the deputation at the Dec. 2 meeting, staff was requested to seek a legal opinion on the process undertaken in May of 2008. The town lawyer has recommended that the municipality continue through the process currently underway before considering any new proposals.
Dispatch Agreement with City of Orillia for the Gravenhurst Volunteer Fire Dept.-For 2008 the amount was $18,528.00 and that will increase to $19,182.24 in 2009. The by-law was passed at the Council meeting authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to Execute the Agreement.
Mayor Klinck gave a verbal update on preparations for the G8 Summit.
PSAB Status Update – Treasury staff has met with the Town Auditor to review processes and methodology for completing the Tangible Capital asset inventory and valuation. Staff are completing an inventory of assets.
At the Council meeting by-laws were passed to Authorize the Mayor and Clerk to Execute the Joint Venture Agreement between Cottage Country Family Health Team and the Town of Gravenhurst and to Authorize a Tax Exemption and Other Consideration for Space Leased from The Town by the Cottage Country Family Health Team. The Joint Venture Agreement is necessary for the Family Health Team to receive funding from the Ministry of Health to build the new medical facility.

COUNCIL

As well as the above noted resolutions and by-laws, Council also passed a resolution to continue to support approval of a zoning amendment and consent application re property on Lake Muskoka (McClure). This decision has been appealed to the OMB.

Meeting Adjourned and Council went into Closed Session.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Planning Council Notes December 17, 2008 without prejudice

Planning Council – dealing with land use matters

The following 5 applications for exemptions from the Official Plan and zoning by-law requirements were heard and the necessary by-laws were enacted for 3 of them. The process is: first the applicant makes a delegation with questions from the councillors and statements from the public. later in the meeting council discusses the items and approves or denies applications.

Loon Lake Edward island Malcolm Frazer

Wants to put an addition on the east side of his cottage and as proposed it would go closer to the lake. The existing setback of 9.1 metres is below requirements and he now wants a 5.4 metre setback. Staff recommend that he can either make the addition 2 storey or build it to the west of the existing building. There is little vegetation on the shoreline. Staff recommend refusal.

The discussion was interesting. The justification for the positioning of the addition was to have the best the view. They argued that it is only too close on one corner. And they will keep the addition hidden behind trees along the shoreline. Neighbours opposed allowing building closer to the shore. 2 appeared and spoke for 30 others who fought a similar proposal on Berkinshaw Island at the OMB. The neighbours do not want a precedent set and also are concerned about changing the shoreline character. A recorded vote Denied

How the council reacted Colhoun stated that they are limited by the width and size of the island and it will have minimal impact on the neighbours. B. Pilger wanted to know about vegetation removal plans – all trees on the site will be taken down. Donaldson asked about redesign of the addition so they can meet the setback required. Voted for Colhoun, Pilger, Klinck. Voted to deny Guerriero, Clairmont, Donaldson.

Comment: the purpose behind the setbacks is to protect the lake health and also to maintain the lake character. Buildings too close create an urbanized shoreline such as is seen on lakes in southern Ontario. It is interesting that the same councillors Colhoun and B. Pilger consistently ignore the precedents they are setting and also lake health. More thoughtful questions come from Donaldson and Guerriero.

Riley Lake Harris & Lappalainen

Requests a rezoning of the property from commercial waterfront to residential. She will demolish the 2 existing dwellings on the property and construct one new dwelling. The setback will be 14.1 metres, not the current 14.3 metres, and the side yards setbacks will be below requirements. Staff recommend approval because the new proposal is better than what exists. They also want vegetation retention. Approved

2 neighbours wrote supporting letters as this is a positive change.

Riley Lake Adrian Overdyk

He is requesting permission to go closer to the lake with a new addition to the cottage. From 6.7 metres to 5.2 metres. Again staff are recommending refusal as there are other no terrain constraints for other siteing options for the addition. Deferred

How the council reacted b. Pilger – did the lake association comment? – no. Colhoun – could the new addition not respect the existing building line. Guerrier because of confusing information in the presentation by the contractor the information about the staff position was not clear. He wanted it made clear. Clairmont also wanted the numbers on the layout made clear. B. Pilger moved for a deferral so a redesign could be done.

Comment: once again lake health and the visuals are being addressed by the staff recommendation.

Kahshe Lake Terry Trueman

See the Committee of Adjustment notes for last week. This proposal is to sever a back lot on Oak Road to permit sale to a neighbour who wants to construct a garage. The new lot would be too small and is part wetand. Tight restrictions will have to be placed on the use of the lot

Staff recommend approval with restrictions on use and size of building. Approved

Riley Lake Helmut Siemon

OSRA closure

By-laws were passed or refused as above.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Gravenhurst Council Notes December 2nd, 2008 without prejudice

Closed Session dealt with matters of land, personal and litigation

Committee of the Whole

Communities in Bloom

Jim lynch reported on the successful Provincial awards conference held in September. It went well and is reported to be the best ever. There was a surplus of appox. $1700. Congratulations to the planning committee.

Southwood Church Kim Mauro-Placido

She lives across from the church and is concerned that the town is selling it. It is a historic asset to the town – the only log pioneer church in south Muskoka, and wants to get it back as a heritage building. Apparently Veronica Steele, who does not yet have ownership, will sell the church back. Kim and friends will set up a foundation and raise funds for restoration and maintenance. The GGRA reps at the meeting gave her Hank Smith’s address so she could talk with the Heritage Committee.

Bayshore Broadcasting Corp. Ross Kentner

The CRTC is hearing applications for a radio station to serve Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. There are 6 proposals. This group wants a letter from the mayor supporting their application as they will be doing 20 minutes of local news a day and also locating their studio and offices in this town. Bob colhoun wanted to know about the transmitter range – Orillia to Huntsville Mark Clairmont was concerned about supporting just one of 6 commercial business applicants. Paisley Donaldson wants a staff report Bob Colhoun feels that the fact of locating the studio in Gravenhurst gives this group our support. It is best for Gravenhurst. Later discussion indicated that we have already given a letter from staff regarding the need for a station – to all applicants. This group wants it from the mayor. Terry Pilger and Lance Sherk to follow up

Winter Carnival March 2010

An update was provided to Council seeking support for the approach to delay one year and tie it in with the Ontario winter games. Council endorses. Brian Pilger like the idea of a winter carnival Paisley Donaldson expressed concern that if linked to the games the carnival itself will be lost.

Centennial Centre expansion information only

Entail design concepts and costs were presented for expanding the dressing rooms. Costs range from 1.4 million to 2.73 million depending on the area to be added and whether there is to be a roughed in 2d storey. A life cycle assessment of arena upgrades and replacements is also being done. Terry Pilger are we fully anticipating needs for the next 20-30 years. Will we need a 2d ice pad? Paisley Donaldson asked if there are grants to assist the town. Response we are probably looking at a 1/3, 1/3 1/3 sharing federal, provincial and town. This means that should a request come in we have something specific and well costed available. Mark Clairmont good you are planning. Lou Guerriero we need a realistic proposal and a good look at future requirements. John Klinck the automatic doors are now installed and we see very much improved traffic flow and accessibility.

OSRA closure on Riley Lake Unopened road allowance off Southwood road will be sold at appraised price to adjacent landowner.

Economic Development

A Draft Marketing Plan was tabled. It is extensive and expensive Overall cost $360,000. John Klinck the items listed need to be priorized Lou Guerriero good to see the reality of what needs doing Bob Colhoun suggests linking with other such as the Active Transportation network. We need to take the risk and do several of the items proposed. Mark Clairmont cautioned that marketing works if the product sustains the promise. Will we be able to keep the visitor interest so they come back and recommend the town and area? What kind of return will we get for this investment? It needs to be shown. Who else will partner?

New docks in Ditchburn Bay. There have been queries regarding boat slip availability. It is felt that the new developments might want such slips also. The wharf board is proposing to place an ad requesting those interested to write to the town. Jon Klinck don’t build additional docks until we utilize those we have already. Amend the resolution to say for” the utilization of existing slips or the construction of new slips”. Sand Cairns seconds the mayor’s motion. We don’t need more docks. Use what taxpayers have paid for. She opposes more slips in Ditchburn Bay. Lou Guerriero this blurs issues which are a secured vs. an open marina, designation of parking places, full time vs. part time docks. Bob Colhoun the mayor and Sandy Cairns know there are limitations on the use of the existing docks. We are talking about leasing for a long term, not short term rental he is opposed to the amendment. Paisley Donaldson do we have a sense of costs and pricing. Lance Sherk we have events which require all of the existing docks and might have more events with the same need. The costs of new docks and the price will not be less than 2 years ago. Amendment defeated and motion carried unamended

Sandy cairns asked for a report on what needs to be done to utilize the existing docks

Efficiency an Effectiveness Review

An update was provided on the meting with the GRA and the GGRA suggestions were tabled. These were, use existing staff to identify areas for study and look at the tendering and purchasing function. Lou Guerriero indicated the intention is to get this done with the best value and the best process for tendering. John Klinck wants to give consideration to the 2 suggestions and also to a full review. “I’ve talked with other municipalities and it could work, come up with a number, put it in the 2009 budget and see what happens.” Mark Clairmont is this an internal or external exercise, ask the CAO to show how this is being done now. Cindy would welcome this but it requires time. Terry Pilger find 3 consultants and ask them where they would start, get an estimate. Sandy Cairns this is not necessary we are already efficient. Lou Guerriero there are always ways to do things better. We can change a mindset. We will get some numbers.

Health Unit Building the mortgage is coming due. It is cheaper for the town to use the revolving credit facility for a few months until rates come down. Approved

The debt is now 3 million – paying principle of approx 20,000 per month.

Recording of meetings

Marilyn Stevenson requested permission to record the meetings. . Council meetings only, not advisory committees. Bob colhoun doesn’t support the public having this right. Mark Clairmont wondered why council doesn’t do this. A draft policy was approved.

Council meeting

By laws passed were

A deeming of land was

Appointing lawyers for an OMB hearing, Winhara Road rezoning for Ron Rolston.

Appointing one more member to the library board Shirley Marsden

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Council Notes November 18, 2008 Without Prejudice

Prior to the Committee of the Whole and Council meetings a closed session was held to discuss the possible or pending acquisition or disposition of property and a personnel matter. Council went back into closed session at the end of the council meeting.

DEPUTATIONS

Bob List re Muskoka Bay Villa 1 Corp-Mr. List spoke re by-law to lift subdivision control necessary due to change in surveyors. He also spoke regarding Block 2 townhouses planned. Thirty-nine units are planned with approximately half of the units sold.
Doug Wallis, interim Chair of the Winter Carnival spoke regarding the proposed 2010 Gravenhurst Winter Carnival. The Committee is asking to be considered as a Committee of Council. Lance Sherk has asked that the Winter Carnival be held in conjunction with the 2010 Ontario Winter Games. Several interested citizens have been meeting since October to plan a Winter Carnival to rejuvenate community spirit. COMMENT: If you would like to be a part of this committee please contact Jody Sommerville at the Town of Gravenhurst.

NEW BUSINESS:

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

Sandy Cairns verbally updated the Winterlights program – The judges will be in town Dec. 9 & 10, leaving on Dec. 11. The town will receive a star rating, similar to Communities in Bloom.
Committee passed a resolution to enter into a Lease Agreement with the Lions Club for the use of the storage shed in Gull Lake Rotary Park and to open up the Fourth Street entrance.
Judy Vanderveer presented a report re revision to Policy for Outstanding Achievement, Volunteerism Committee. This is to add an award for Acts of Good Samaritan, along with the award for outstanding achievement and Volunteerism. Resolution to adopt the Policy and amended Terms of Reference for the Outstanding Achievement, Volunteerism and Good Samaritan Awards was carried.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

nothing

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Muskoka Bay Villa 1 Corp. Block 2 Townhouses. - 39 townhouses with 7 blocks of townhouses to be constructed: one with 4 units,one with 5 units and five with 6 units. Councillor Clairmont asked if sidewalks would be constructed. Nick Popovich explained that because the roads are private that sidewalks are not required. The resolution to approve the site plan was carried.
Muskoka Bay Villa 1 Corp Block 4 – revised by-law to lift subdivision control. Council passed By-law 2008-148 on Oct 7 but since then Muskoka Bay Development Corporation has changed surveyors and since the by-law was passed with specific references to the former survey company, it was necessary to repeal the former by-law and pass a new by-law referencing the new surveyor. The by-law was passed at the later council meeting.
Municipal Heritage Committee – Committee passed a resolution appointing the public members to the Municipal Heritage Committee, as well as appointing Mark Clairmont as the council representative. Public members appointed were: Cheryl Faber, Patricia Hewes, Collin Old, Hank Smith, Peter Sutherland and Richard Tatley. COMMENT: The GGRA fully supports this committee and is excited to see it move forward. The people appointed are very well qualified and are all enthusiastic about promoting and preserving Gravenhurst's heritage.
Environmental Advisory Committee – Again Committee passed the resolution to appoint members of the public to this Committee, as well as Councillors Cairns and Guerrierro. Members of the public appointed were Raulph Culham, Danny Epstein, Michael Foster, Paul Kelly, John King and Gail Stiver. COMMENT: Again the GGRA supports the formation of this Committee
Condominium Agreement – The Residence Inn by Marriott – The draft plan of condominium has been submitted to the District of Muskoka for the approval of 106 hotel accommodation units as well 4 hotel management units. A site plan agreement for this development has been registered on title. There are a few encroachments of the hotel building onto municipally owned lands. A land exchange between the developer and the Town will be required through the provisions of the required Condominium Agreement. Councillor Cairns asked about access points to the peninsula. These will remain in the Town's hands and will be maintained by the Town. The hotel is slated to open in May, 2009. The resolution recommending to the District that the Draft Approval of the proposed Draft Plan of Condominium be granted was carried.
Shore Road Closure – Morrison Lake – resolution declaring the land surplus was carried.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

District of Muskoka Draft Economic Strategy, Phase 2 Report – This report was presented by the District to Council on October 21. It focused on an enhanced role for the District in Economic Development, specifically creating a department of Economic Development at the District level. Lance Sherk feels there should be more discussion between the District and the municipalities and recommended that the Committee indicate to the District Planning & Economic Development department that they are not supportive of an Economic development at the District level at this time. Council supported this position and passed the resolution.

CORPORATE SERVICES

Muskoka Computer Centre IT Operational Review – The District of Muskoka has undertaken an Information Technology Operational Review in conjunction with the area municipalities. The resolution that the Town supports entering into service agreement with the District provided that the terms and conditions of the agreement are satisfactory to the CAO and Treasurer was carried. The operational impact will be included in the 2009 budget – approximately $19,000. It was also recommended that the town formally develop a hardware replacement program that would be funded through existing reserve funds and or direct levy contributions. This report will come forward as part of the 2009 budget.
Corporate Software Replacement Project – recommendation that the Town supports the joint acquisition through the District of centralized corporate software from Vadim Software (Orillia Ont) at a cost to the Town not to exceed $170,000, to funded by the funds received through the Investing in Ontario Grant. This project will take approximately 2 years to complete. Huntsville has not opted not to participate in this initiative, but this would not significantly impact the cost to the participating municipalities. Carried.

COUNCIL MEETING

REPORTS FROM MUNICIPAL OFFICERS

Council passed a resolution to continue to support approval of a zoning amendment at an OMB hearing. In September council approved a zoning amendment that recognized an existing contractor's establishment on Winhara Rd. Neighbours objected and an appeal has been filed with the OMB.
New Gravenhurst Official Plan – Appointment of Lawyer to Defend OMB Appeal. This has to do with the Appeal of the OP by Kendari Land Development Corp. re their property on Gull Lake. On September 4 the Town passed a by-law appointing the law firm of Stuart and Cruikshank to defend the Town's position at the OMB. Mr. Cruickshank has indicated that he is not available to attend the December 3 pre-hearing. Staff recommended that Mr. Harold Elston of the law firm Burgar Rowe be appointed to represent the Town at the pre-hearing and subsequent hearing dates. Mr. Elston works out of the Bracebridge office of Burgar Rowe.

BY-LAWS AND AGREEMENTS

The by-laws to appoint the law firm of Burgar Rowe and to remove certain lands from Part Lot Control (Muskoka Bay Villa 1 Corp) were passed. As well a by-law to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute the Capital Funding Agreement with the Ministry of Health and Cottage Country Family Health Team was passed. This is so the Family Health Team can receive funding from the Ministry of Health to build their new building. The Town has to sign as the owner of the land. The Town's only responsibility is to lease the land to the Doctors.

The meeting was adjourned.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Gravenhurst Council Notes November 4, 2008 without prejudice

Deputations

Terry Stevenson, Lions Club the Lions Club contributed a building to the Gull Lake Park which has been used for park operations. With the move of the operations to Pratts Pit the building is now empty. The Lions wish to use it for storage and access it from 4^th street.

Discussion: the Recreation manager reported that the Gull Lake Park is being reconfigured and the vehicle entrance will be moved to 4^th street so this request makes good sense. New pathways, part of the Rotary Club’s capital improvement project, contribute to this reconfiguration. The proposal is to give the Lions a lease and they will maintain the building.

The by-law officer brought forward ideas for parking improvements. For special events temporary no parking signs are now placed on nearby streets. This is labour intensive. It could be more efficient to permanently ban parking on one side of some of the narrow streets currently affected. Approved for 2009 budget consideration.

A road closure and a shore road closure were approved.

The planning department suggests that the current approach to seeking small scale studies for traffic, environmental, biologic evaluations in support of planning applications be changed. At present the applicant chooses the consultant and pays for the study. The town then seeks a peer review and the applicant pays for this review. The department proposes that the town will commission these studies by tender from a list of firms and that the applicant will then pay costs. Could make the process simpler.

The lease with the Gravenhurst Physiotherapy Associates in the town owned building on Muskoka Road South will be renewed.

Southwood Church. Back again. The applicant did not meet the November 1 deadline for removal. It is proposed that the deadline be extended to August 1, 2009 Approved.

The by-law to deem lots on Boyd Island, Kahshe Lake was approved. This will allow for 2 owners to split the lot between their lots and attach half to each of their lots. This will eliminate one existing lot of record on Kahshe.

An OSRA was attached to a lot on Silver Lake.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Council Notes October 28, 2008 Without Prejudice

The meeting was primarily devoted to planning matters Applications heard and by-laws enacted

McClure Taylor Island, Lake Muskoka The creation of these 2 lots was approved by the CofA 2 weeks ago, despite the frontages being too small and District opposition. Now rezoning is required. A neighbour also objects as this is on a narrow channel and sensitive area. The by-law was Approved

Chiu & Black Muskoka Bay They built an oversize sleeping cabin (2.4 times area permitted) with a basement and a loft. There was some dispute as to whether the planner saw stairs. The current zoning by-law appears to be clear that a sleeping cabin is one floor and limited in size. This is 2 or 3 storey and is very large. The owner admitted that the basement is used for habitation. Staff recommend it not be approved. MBPOA objected. The by-law was Deferred

Comment: The building department appears to not know the zoning by-law requirements as they approved this oversize building with a basement outside of the by-law. In addition the building does not appear to conform to the permit issued. These are significant issues and need redress. They are after all in the same department as the planners.

Trott Baseline Road His severance was deferred for an EIS. This rezoning too is Deferred

Daniels Rankin Island The creation of 3 lots from 2 was approved by the CofA 2 weeks ago. See those notes regarding information completeness. Now the applicant wants reduced setbacks for buildings he is proposing. And the necessary rezoning. There was much talk of the need for the reduced setbacks and the planner recommended that one of the two not be granted. There are also by-law contraventions with the location of the existing cottage, numbers of docks and buildings and encroachments. Later in the meeting the by-law was passed with no changes to address the issues identified.

Comment: part of the passing of the by-law had to do with how it was drafted. A complex set of changes were embodied in one draft by-law which did not reflect the planners recommendations or the discussion. In this case as there were several things to address they should have been separated. So an unnecessary reduced setback was granted. And the number of docks was not addressed. Only Councillor Clairmont seemed concerned.

E.D. Developments Musquash Road The zoning on the property needs changing for a townhouse development. By-law Approved

Donner North Muldrew Lake Wants a decreased setback for an addition to the existing dwelling. Owner will trade off boathouse rights. The by-law was Approved

Latour Southwood Road Severn Bridge Wants residential land rezoned to permit a contractors yard. This was Approved.

Harryetta Holdings (Home Building Centre) Highway 169 They want zoning to permit a building supplies yard at the corner of 169 and Musquash road – west end. Neighbours were concerned about run off and asked that the applicant make sure it doesn’t go onto their or others property. This was Approved

Muskoka Ridge subdivision This has now been approved at the District and planners and residents concerns are reflected in changes made. The necessary rezoning for the subdivision was approved.

There was no closed session.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Council Notes October 21, 2008 Without Prejudice

Prior to the Public meetings a closed session was held to discuss the possible or pending acquisition or disposition of property and a personnel matter. Council went back into closed session at the end of the council meeting.

DEPUTATIONS

Samantha Hastings from the District of Muskoka re: Economic Strategy Phase 2. Samantha presented an update of the Muskoka Economic Strategy and reported on Observations on Economic Growth Projections, Key Opportunities and a Potential Leadership Role for Muskoka. It is felt that the District of Muskoka should take a stronger role in economic development and tourism. She presented several different options for proceeding and has asked for Council feedback by November 14.
Gord Durnan presented on behalf of Muskoka Futures re information about the Muskoka Community Foundation. The Foundation serves the whole District and is financed by donations, endowments and legacies. The Foundation will help charities throughout Muskoka. He asked for a letter of support from the Town of Gravenhurst. The Foundation is managed by a team of volunteers.
Nancy LeBlanc a planner from Planscape spoke about a Road Closure application by Mr. Page on Kashe Lake. This pertains to an application that came forward earlier – Mr. Page wishes to donate a large cranberry marsh to the Muskoka Heritage Foundation. The rest of his land does not meet the minimum frontage requirements and thus the desire to purchase the unopened road allowance The applications was dealt with in the Development Services portion of the meeting.

COMMUNITY SERVICES & PUBLIC WORKS

The third quarter financial report were presented. No questions or comments from Committee members.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Committee dealt with the application re the Road Closure – Kashe Lake. As

noted in deputations, Mr. Page has applied to purchase a portion of the Unopened Road Allowance. Mr. Page also requested that all fees be waived. Staff recommended proceeding with the application to Close the Unopened Road Allowance but that the fees not be waived. Councillor Terry Pilger was not in favour of closing any road allowances leading to water and Councillor Bob Colhoun pointed out that Mr. Page would be getting a tax receipt for his donation of the lands to the Heritage Foundation. The resolution to closed the Unopened Road Allowance was carried with Councillors Terry Pilger and Bob Colhoun opposed.

The third quarter financial report was tabled. The Building Dept is currently in a surplus position. Charts showing the number of building permits issued (Jan. 1 to Sept. 29 – 1975 to 2008) as well as the Construction Value Totals (same period) were highlighted. The total construction value for the end of the third quarter of 2008 is approximately 150% greater that the same time period last year and the total construction value for the end of the third quarter of 2008 has already exceeded the total value for the entire 2007 year.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The minutes for the July 24 and August 28 BIA meetings.
September 16 Muskoka Wharf Board Minutes.
Third quarter financial report.
Lance Sherk will get the District Economic Strategy – Phase 2 – report to the BIA, Chamber of Commerce and other parties for their comments.
The A Channel was to have had a representative at Committee to make a deputation. Lance Sherk reported that their representative was hesitant to make a public presentation but would meet with the Muskoka Wharf Board. Lance has met with them and they will now refer to “The Muskoka Wharf – Gravenhurst”. A videographer may be hired and work out of the Muskoka Wharf A Channel office but funding has not yet been approved. The A Channel presented documentation at the meeting that they have lived up to and exceeded the Terms of Agreement. Lance will continue to work with the A Channel to enhance what we have in place.

CORPORATE SERVICES

MPAC made a presentation regarding the 2008 Assessment. Overall residential assessments have gone up 28%. This is similar to other municipalities in the District of Muskoka but provincial numbers are not out yet for comparison province wide. Single family dwellings saw an average 26% increase; single family-water – year round a 25% increase; Seasonal (water) a 30% increase. Island properties had a significant increase and this is still being revisited.
Provincial Funding – Investing in Ontario Act It was announced that Gravenhurst is to receive $374,649 under the Investing in Ontario Act. This funding has not yet been received by the Town. The resolution called for the funds to be placed into the Special Project Reserve and that the funds be utilized as one part of the financing of the 2009 Capital Budget. Carried.
Ward Review – Clerk Candace Thwaites presented her second report regarding Ward Review. She has received comments from councillors about her initial report. Options presented were: 1 a) reduce Ward 1 to 1 representative and increase Ward 2 to 2 representatives; 1 b) increase Ward 2 to 2 representatives without changing Ward 1; 1 c) Elect 2 representatives to each ward with the candidates with the three highest number of votes representing Gravenhurst at District Council – this was not seen as favourable by the councillors; 2 a) Divide Ward 2 into 2 different wards; 2 b) Combine Wards 3 and 4 allowing them to have 1 representative and increase Ward 2 to 2 representatives – Councillors felt the wards should be left as they are to maintain the historical aspect of how the wards came about; 2 c) Undergo a re-drawing of all ward boundaries to better reflect the current demographics as well as future growth projections – Comments from Councillors were to realign wards in accordance with where the majority of work is (core of community); 3 Realign Ward 1 to include some of the of the communities of interest (Pine Ridge, subdivisions in Beach Road area, etc.;

4 Re-draw all boundaries to develop 3 new wards (north,central and south). The next step is to receive comment from the public. It was suggested public comment could be invited on the Town website, in the Town Page of the Banner, and that the various associations could be invited to submit comment either as an Association or by direct contact with their members.

COMMENT – The Council are inviting public input on this question. We urge you to submit any suggestions, comments or new ideas that you may have. You can contact any councillor or Candace Thwaites, Clerk.

2009 Operational and Capital Budget Guidelines and Staff Direction – Treasurer,

Watson presented his report. The budget process is beginning. Tentative Budget Timetable is Dec.19/2008 – draft capital budget provided by Department Head to Treasurer/CAO; Jan 21/2009- draft operational budget submitted to Treasurer/CAO; Jan 30, 2009 – Completion or review by Treasurer/CAO with Department Head; Feb.13, 2009 – Completion of operation budget review with Chairman and Vice Chair; Mar. 17, 2009 Presentation of proposed 2009 Operation and Capital Budget; Apr.7,2009- public input to Council; Apr.21,2009 – Consideration of budget by Council; May 19, 2009 – Council considers tax rate bylaw. The average inflation rate for the past year is 2.5% and staff are to increase fees by that amount. Mayor John Klinck urged a shorter timetable for the budget and staff will work toward that. The resolution was carried after discussion as to whether it should be deferred so that the timetable could be shortened and environmental policies could be included. It was felt that these can still be incorporated in the process. COMMENT: We will watch the development of the budget – again we urge our members to follow the process and timelines and to be prepared to make input. Council is asking for comment and it is important that the public get engaged in the process. We will inform members of any changes in the timetable.

5. Appointment of Library Board Member – Two members of the Library Board

have resigned. Advertisements were placed on The Town Page during August and Sept. Only one application was received. Council passed a bylaw at the Council meeting appointing Susan Otis to the Library Board and removing Marilyn Stevenson and Mikes Mayes-Stewart. COMMENT – The Town will continue to advertise during October and November as the Library Board still needs one more member. If anyone would be interested in serving on this Board please contact Candace Thwaites at the Town office.

6.Library Board Minutes Sept. 10.

7. Third Quarter Financial Reports – Treasurer, Ken Watson reported that the Town is on course for the year. Comment: All of the third quarter financial reports (in detail) are available on the Town website. Members can examine them and this will help in preparing your comments on the 2009 budget

The Council meeting consisted of passing two by-laws.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Gravenhurst Council Notes October 15, 2008 without prejudice

Committee of Adjustment

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the committee; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because we believe that citizens who are informed about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. These reports are part of that effort. To see background papers go to the town website.

Overall Comment: The Committee was in a giving mood despite the fact that there were applications which were problematic. There were few questions or discussion of the items presented. First, 2 applications were approved where the project is built and there is neither permit nor planning permission. Second, the committee is ignoring frontage requirements, not by small amount but by as much as 100%. This is repeated time and again.

Committee of Adjustment

Bartman Loon Lake This was before the September meeting and at that time was deferred. He applied to legalize a building and deck built without permit and to gain permission for increased shoreline development. The shoreline development area will increase by almost 50% and the factor by 90%. At the time this was queried as to whether this is minor and whether the committee should condone illegal behaviour. A site visit was made and without discussion the committee approved the request Approved

McClure Taylor Island, Lake Muskoka Here is a request to create a lot which is too small for the narrow channel on which it is located. District is opposed. Town staff have asked for the newly severed lot to be a bit enlarged, but no survey is provided. The mitigating factors on this proposal to create a severely undersized lot are enlarging the lot and shoreline development limitations. Approved

Comment: It appears that the creation of new lots trumps the OP and zoning by-law requirements for the planner and the committee. We should encourage the planners to adopt a more strict approach to these requests. There is no justification for the leniency repeatedly shown. It is this ignoring of rules in the past which has created many of the land use problems we see in the town and on the lakes.

Mortagage Insurance Company of Canada Severn River

They own 2 100 acre parcels water access on the river. They want to create 9 new lots in total. The neighbours want them to make provision for future road access. This request was ignored. Approved

Patlyn Company (Packham) Morrison Lake

Want to obtain a legal right of way over an existing private road (Cove Rd.) Approved

Sutherland Kahshe Lake

Want to obtain a legal right of way over an existing private road (FR 20T) Approved

Trott Baseline road

Wants to sever a large parcel at the corner of Baseline and Canning road. District is opposed as the area is aggregate resources. Neighbour wants it to be kept agricultural with larger lots. Staff feel an EIS on the property is required. Deferred

Khin Hla Hla Southwood Road Severn Bridge

Wants to sever a lot and then attach the severed piece to a lot at the rear. From looking at the maps and plans they are positioning this as an entrance to a possible future subdivision. Approved

Daniels Rankin Island, Lake Muskoka

He owns 2 lots. Wants to sever a potion of one and attach it to another and then to create 3 lots with the required 90 metre frontage. Approved

Comment: here we see a problem with just one part of the picture being presented. This is part of a larger application for zoning variances which came before council on the 28^th. I would encourage the complete intention of the project to be shared with the committee, rather than just the narrow portion they are considering.

Levere & Cousineau Sparrow Lake

Built deck too close to the water along with stairs. Did not get the necessary permits Now wants to regularize these structures. Approved

Veroba & Ward Sparrow Lake

Has a very small lot and now wants reduced side yards approved so he can build a large 2 storey house. They want the septic on the lake side of the building just 15 metres from the water. Staff feel that the request is out of character with the area and the neighbours are opposed. Because of these reservations the applications was Deferred

Loughhead Philip Street

Requesting reduced setbacks for a storage shed. Neighbour objected. Approved

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Council Notes October 7^th, 2008 Without Prejudice

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Ratepayers Association (GGRA) this is a report of what occurred at the council meeting; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the Town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the Town of Gravenhurst minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see full background material go to the Town of Gravenhurst website.

Prior to the public meeting (15:00) there was a closed session held to discuss the possible or pending acquisition or disposition of property including discussion of by-law # 149 , to authorize the execution of expropriation matters regarding 5 separate boathouse properties located on the former Sagamo Drive as well as personal matters about an identifiable individual.

DEPUTATIONS:

1) South Muskoka Memorial Hospital: “ Picture of Health Campaign”. Paul Hammond and Colin Miller provided a brief over-view of what monies/equipment the campaign have raised since its initiation in Dec./05. Reported that no monies were forth-coming from Ministry of Health and if we in Muskoka want to improve services/up-grading of equipment then money needs to come from other sources. Fund-raising goal $5 ½ million; up-date of building $3 million, wellness center , imagining - x-ray , CT scanner. So that delivery of service can occur at SMMH rather than patients having to go elsewhere. So far 48% of donations have been received from full-time residents ,34% from seasonal residents. (these are the figures provided by Miller)

Campaign has commitment from Town of Bracebridge for $540 thousand, $90 thousand from Township of Muskoka Lakes and is requesting $330 thousand from the Town of Gravenhurst; payable over a 5 yr. period. These figures according to campaign are based on pro-ratio of individuals in each area and their use of services at SMMH, based on #’s of potential patients/residents in postal codes within catchement areas of SMMH. Hammond provided example; 10, 500 individuals have utilized service of imagining department in last 2 yrs. He also noted that it was agreed in principle that no monies would be sought from District of Muskoka.

CT scanner has already been purchased and now need monies to repay. COMMENT: questions asked by few Town Councilors regarding how money figures were reached, however no vote or commitment made by TofG, to be discussed by council at a later date.

2) Alana Robinson of the Sparrow Lake Woman’s Institute: Request for waiving of rental fee of the Gravenhurst Opera House for performance/reading of Dickens “a Christmas Carol”, produced by CBC. Mrs. Robinson in her presentation noted how the Woman’s Institute have in past raised monies example was purchase of difibulator for the Gravenhurst Public Library. COMMENT: two Town Councilors, Donaldson and Calhoun, expressed support to waive fee. During second ½ of council mtg. Mayor Klinck announced that a corporate member has come forward offering to pay rental fee.

NEW BUSINESS:

Development Services Committee: Chair Paisley Donaldson

1) Town of Gravenhurst Boathouse Expropriation matter OMB case – proposed settlement of outstanding issues. OMB supported action of Tof G in their expropriation of 5 final boathouse properties noting that compensation to those owners must be at fair market value, consider disruption of not having said boathouse, special diff. if any in locating another property for a boathouse and pay interest on market value from time of hearing to present day. As well the Town of Gravenhurst to bear costs of lawyers fees. COMMENT: Ian Sugden- staff reported that on the 18^th of September there was mediation between all parties and all issues were able to come to a settlement, but issue yet to be endorsed by TofG Council. The total amount of monies in question as reported by Sugden is 1 million 640 thousand dollars.

This issue discussed in earlier closed session as there were no comments from any councilors . During second ½ of meeting By-law was read for third time and passed.

By-Law #149 authorizing the town’s lawyer to execute and council allocate funds necessary .

2) Muskoka Bay Villa PLC 01-2008 – part lot control application . Ian Sugden reported that Muskoka Bay development have requested that the TofG support lifting of the sub-division control; want to separate lots. There are presently 52 lots that are privately maintained of these 14 villas have already been constructed and it is these they are requesting that the sub-division control be lifted.

3) Muskoka Bay Villa 1 Corp.; Block 4 Townhouses – same site as above, Ian Sugden reported that the site plans of these 4 has changed considerably from original site plan agreement . Recommendation of staff is to approve request. COMMENT: there were no questions or comments from Councilors resolution read by P. Donaldson - carried.

4) Application to close unopened rd. allowance made by David William Steeves 1084 Chickadee lane. No one present to speak to application. COMMENT: staff noted that after a site visit it was found that there is a building that encroaches on an open rd. allowance. Applicant request to purchase a 4.8 meter wide strip of the 20.0 meter wide road allowance .Staff recommended that council approve application as will not have effect on public water access. Resolution read and Carried.

5) Correspondence received from the Minister of Transportation – Jim Bradley dated Sept.19/08 re: new interchange off Hwy. #11: Mayor Klinck noted concern regarding provincial regulation of 3 advertising signs permitted every KM. Mayor Klinck expressed contravention to this law and would like to see this change so not as many signs. Correspondence noted” Detail design is ongoing for the new interchange …. All required rd. closures were approved by OMB …and utility relocations for project have begun. We expect engineering to be completed by summer of 09 … then ministry will be better able to est. construction timetable.”

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE: Chair Councilor Cairns

Councilor Cairns gave a verbal presentation regarding Communities in

Bloom update epically recognizing the help of all volunteers and how Gravenhurst would not have won 5 Blooms at the Provincials. She referred to a report from the Judges indicating that Gravenhurst is a clean and tidy community w/o any Graffiti .

Jodie member of committee up-dated council on community events to date. 31 in total and a report will be forth coming to council in near future.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: Chair Councilor Bryan Pilger

1) Tender regarding supply of Screened Winter Sand , tender won by fowler construction for a period of 2 yrs. At $11.22 per ton. Resolution passed by councilors. COMMENT: this is a fair and equitable amount and a contract of 2 yrs. makes good business.

2) Tender regarding shoveling and blowing of snow from municipal buildings. –not including centennial center. Public works staffer, Doug Saunders spoke to issue answering questions from Council members; only 1 tender received “ New Earth Enterprises” was to work 8 hours per day it would result in remuneration of approx. $200.00 per day. Public works administers the contract. Resolution carried.

3) Quotation for tender regarding clearing of sections of roads and Parking lots, noted that there is a 10% hold back of monies until possible damage of curbing etc. can be assessed. Resolution carried.

4) Quotation for tender of snow clearing at Muskoka Wharf: attached report noted that 2 of the 3 submitted tenders were for same amount. Decision made by putting names in a hat, Coon brothers name was drawn. Resolution carried. Comment: Monies to come from Wharf budget no motion of cost.

5) Correspondence from Pinelake Cottagers Assoc. requesting that part of Osprey Dr. (public rd. built and maintained by cottage assoc) due to increased traffic, be improved by town. COMMENT: Public Works still looking into the matter to determine if a local or rd. improvement.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Chair Councilor Terry Pilger .

1) Muskoka Economic Development Strategy: considered to be a primer

Presented by consultants hired by District council . COMMENT: concern noted by some council members that District Council could be seen to be moving on Strategy w/o consulting the TofG enough. Both Councilors Calhoun and Clairmont expressed concern about the development charges issue, saying they hope it does not impede Gravenhurst’s ability to attract economic development.

2) Request for use of public lands at Muskoka Wharf regarding sandblasting and painting of a barge .staff reported that the risk of damage to public infrastructure was too great to allow. Resolution: scope of work may be detrimental to land and water at wharf. Carried.

3) A-channel news up-date: staff met with A-Channel staff Sept. 22,08 noting that A-channel was not meeting general requirements of original agreement. Representatives from A-Channel will be making a formal presentation to committee in near future. A-Channel noted that there would be a videographer operating of the steamship‘s office in near future.

4)-6) BIA minutes, Marketing committee minutes and Muskoka Wharf Board minutes all reviewed And accepted.

CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE: Chair Councilor Guerriero

1) Sparrow lake woman’s institute: noted that a corporate member would pay the fee for use of the Gravenhurst Opera House for Dickens’s reading.

2) Request for rate adjustment for rental of the trillium court for the farmers market. $100. per day 7am-14:00. normal cost would be $435.

3) Time table for development charges study: report available, staff Ken Watson spoke to fact that TofG staff are reviewing what province is willing to provide. Will return to council at later date.

4) Effectiveness and efficiency review: re: deputation from GGRA Sept. 4/08. Staff have consulted with other municipalities eg. Brighton town of similar size cost in 05 was $21,580. Barrie: value of service delivery review 05 – over $50,000. Councilor Guerriero noted he inquired of a consultant in Town who commented that it would cost $20-$30 thousand to complete such a study. Staff looking for direction from council. Comment: Mayor Klinck suggested that council should approach the GGRA to determine what they perceive to be the exact issues.

5) Request by member of the public for audio recording of Council meetings. Comment: request put forth by Marilyn Stevenson for her watchdog newspaper. Councilor T. Pilger questioned why need for resolution if TofG does not have any rules regarding recording during council meetings. Councilor Calhoun said that he would not support such a resolution. Concern was also raised that general public may not want to be recorded. Mayor Klinck commented that as Mayor part of his job involves consultation w/ media, “we have not hid from anyone, lets not pick and choose , review but lets not give one indiv. Or one corp. permission but instead come up with a policy. “ RESOLUTION: moved by Clairmont seconded by Donaldson to defer resolution. Carried.

6) Gravenhurst accessibility Advisory Committee: minutes June 19^th, 08

7) Gravenhurst public library board minutes May 14^th, 2008.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Gravenhurst Council Notes September 23, 2008 without prejudice

The meeting was primarily devoted to planning matters

Applications heard

Banninger, Izat and Bani Severn Bridge

First heard in June 2008, this application is to rezone and sever a large property on Highway 11 and Southwood and Baseline roads, creating commercial and residential lots. The applicant wants to sell the property and wants this finalized. The Ministry of Transportation wants deferral so that they can review the plan to ensure the entrances on Highway 11 are safe. Deferred

Rolston & Ellis Winhara Road

The property has been illegally used as a yard and site for construction equipment for about 14 years. Current zoning is residential and they want industrial zoning. First heard in April, questions about the mess of the site and environmental concerns have delayed decisions. Planners feel it is in character with the neighbourhood. The next door neighbour is opposed and argues that it devalues her property which is residential. She bought about 10 years ago. Staff recommend approval with site plan control. Approved

Treleaven Kahshe Lake

Proposes to replace a cottage built in the 1940s and is asking for reduced setbacks. Tradeoffs have been made about removal of existing buildings. Both District and KLRA want revegetation and naturalization of the property. Approved

Baruch Loon Lake

He is proposing to move 4.2 metres closer to the lake by enclosing an existing deck. Since the lake is over threshold the District wants site plan control and revegetation.Approved

An animal control by-law change was put in place to permanently exempt specific organizations which have shown proper care for their animals.

By-laws

By-laws were enacted for the above approved applications and a carryover – Tubby from North Muldrew Lake who wants to go closer to the lake despite opposition. One proposed application was refused.

Alafagiannis Pine Lake

They went ahead and built a 2 story garage with no permits. They were deferred so that an inspection could be done, but the inspector could not get into the building. It looks as though it is being used for habitation. Result council refused approval of request to allow for increased height. Building will have to conform or be removed. Keep watching to see what happens.

Closed session property matter buying or selling.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Gravenhurst Council Notes September 19, 2008 without prejudice

Committee of Adjustment

Overall Comment:

Most of the applications were straightforward and minor. Once again there is an application coming forward where the project is built and there is neither permit nor planning permission. This is repeated time and again. Council has to step up and get the word out by taking these people to court and having the illegal structure demolished.

There is also a question of what constitutes “minor” in the planners’ minds. A change of factors by 90% is in this writers opinion not minor. This needs clarifying.

Committee of Adjustment

Lee, Pine Lake

This is a carryover from July. The lot is too small and not well vegetated. An environmental impact study was required and recommended several conditions.Staff recommended approval with site plan control to implement the conditions. Approved

No questions or comment from the committee

Brunton Jones Road

Wants to sever his farm. Distances from farm buildings are sufficient and proposed severed lot has been enlarged to conform to the by-law. Approved.

No questions or comment from the committee

Clark Muskoka Bay, Lakeshore Drive

Wants to give a right of way to her neighbour. Approved

No questions or comment from the committee

Bartman Loon Lake

Applied to legalize a building and deck built without permit and to gain permission for increased shoreline development. The shoreline development area will increase by almost 50% and the factor by 90%. Shoreline vegetation is minimal. Loon Lake is over threshold and the planners acknowledge that the increased development could have significant impact on water quality. Hence they want a site plan agreement.

Lola Bratty objected on the ground that the changes are not minor and that approval would be once again legitimating illegal behaviour as no permits were obtained.

Committee discussion showed little support. A deferral was approved so a site visit could be made. Deferred

See comment above

Schrader Severn Bridge

Wants to build an over height garage for his RV. Neighbour is concerned about it becoming an RV repair garage and had questions about the drawings. Approved

Bisonette Muskoka Beach

Wants reduced rear yard set back and increased lot coverage for a deck. The neighbour requested that they commit to keeping the vegetation so there is privacy. The vegetation is on someone else’s property so not much can be done at the committee. Approved

Picov Lake Muskoka, Narrows Road

An earlier application was approved, however, the staff made an error when they calculated the factors. The neighbours objected due to impact on their privacy and because of vegetation removal. Their objections were addressed Approved

No questions or comment from the committee

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

COUNCIL NOTES September 16, 2008 WITHOUT PREJUDICE

Prior to the Public meetings a closed session was held to discuss the possible or pending acquisition or disposition of property and a labour relations matter. The collective bargaining agreement was added to the council agenda and the by-law ratifying the agreement was passed.

DEPUTATIONS

Rachel Black, Prime Minister of the Gravenhurst High School Student Council asked that fees be waived for use of the Lions Pavilion for an Aloha Dance September 18 and for the use of Gull Lake Rotary Park for Aloha Days on September 19. A resolution waiving the fees was passed at the later Council meeting. Council supported this as this is reciprocated by the School Board allowing the municipality to use school free of charge.
An open session was held re the Selection of District Chair. Three members of the public spoke and Evelyn Matson spoke on behalf of the GGRA. All three speakers supported an open election by the community at large. COMMENT; The councillors did not offer any input as to their preference and thus we do not know the position that Gravenhurst Council will take or if they will be forwarding any comment to the District.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

GMHA Request for More Ice Time – A report was brought forward to address the request from the September 4 meeting. At that time Gravenhurst Minor Hockey had requested more ice time during what is called “Ideal Prime Time”. After much discussion it was decided to leave the allocated ice times “as is” as there are already signed contracts with other users. COMMENT: It is hoped that this issue can be resolved for next season. User groups should meet early enough that a schedule can be agreed upon with our own Gravenhurst youth a priority. A valid comment was made that there should be a cut-off date for groups' preference for ice time and scheduling will be set at that time.
Judy Vanderveer presented a comprehensive report of the 2008 Summer Programs and recommendations to consider at budget time

PUBLIC WORKS

Consolidated Speed Limit – Dave Saunders presented a report. As a review of speed limit by-laws had not been undertaken in some time a need existed to evaluate each road. Many of the rural & urban roads will be posted at either 40 kilometres per hour or 50 kilometres per hour, with some rural roads at 60 kilometres per hour. A complete list of roads and their posted speed limits is available on the town website – minutes & agendas. The by-law was passed at the council meeting.

2. Traffic Sign By-laws – Stop signs are to be erected at the intersections of Muskoka Beach Road & Brydons Bay Road; Gateway Drive & Lorne Street; Gateway Drive and Wagner Street; and Fraser Street & Louise Street. The by-law also included an existing yield sign at the intersection of Joy Road & Kilworthy Road. The by-law was passed at the council meeting.

3. Osprey Drive – Pine Lake South 11 letter – A letter was received from Pine Lake 11 South Inc. requesting that the Town of Gravenhurst assume the section of Osprey Drive from Loon Lake Road to the intersection of Merganser and Turtle Lake Rd. Osprey Drive was funded and built in 1994 by 14 members of Pine Lake 11 South Inc. Pine Lake 11 currently has 16 paying members using Osprey Dr. In 2003 users from Turtle Lake Road Association connected to and started using Osprey for access without the permission of Pine Lake 11 South. Garbage bins are located near the intersection of Osprey and Turtle Lake Rd. Currently there are 53 residents, garbage trucks and other residents using the road with only the 16 members of Plan Lake 11 funding the original construction costs, ongoing maintenance and insurance. The Town owns the road but it is privately maintained. If the town was to assume the road it would have to be brought up to municipal standards. In order for the town to assume the road, 50% +1 of the existing users would have to petition the town. Alternately, the road could be upgraded by way of Local Improvement. This would require some form of cost sharing and a Capital Budget allocation for the portion(if any) the Town was to contribute. This also requires 50% +1 of the existing users and costs are apportioned to those and all other home owners through their property taxes. The problem is that the Turtle Lake people do not want to contribute to the construction costs or maintenance costs of the road. CAO Cindy Maher is to investigate the Municipal Act and the Assessment Act to determine what the Municipality can and cannot do. She will report back to Council.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

1. Lands on Riley Lake were declared surplus in order to facilitate closing a portion of an original shore road allowance . Carried.

2. Ian Sugden presented a report on Drinking Water Source Protection, Proposed (Draft 2) Terms of Reference, South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Protection Region.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Lance Sherk presented an information update on the Logo/Branding Exercise The next meeting is scheduled for September 24 at which time they will be moving on to the next stage.
Lance also presented a report on the First Impression Community Exchange Project. Gravenhurst is engaged in this project with the Town of the Blue Mountains. Gravenhurst will go to the Town of Blue Mountains and they will come here and will provide information as to their “first impressions” when visiting.

CORPORATE SERVICES

Mr. Allan Evans from MGCG made a presentation. The District of Muskoka hired MGCG to do an Information Technology Operational Assessment. The report has been issued and is now being reviewed. A five year plan is recommended. The intent of the assessment is to bring all users together, utilizing the same hardware and software.
Property Assessment Notice 2008 – A representative from MPAC made a presentation about the new property assessment notices. Beginning in the 2009 taxation year the assessment cycle changes from an annual update to a four year cycle. The 2009 assessment notices will be sent out on Sept. 29. Changes to the notice were highlighted – The eligible increase in assessment will be phased in equally over 4 years. Any decrease in the Current Value Assessment will not be phased in. A sample assessment notice was shown. Information can be accessed on the MPAC website and information kits will be available at municipal offices, from you local MPP and in media offices.
Brad Rundle brought forward a recommendation that the YWCA request to waive rental fees for the Gravenhurst Opera House be denied.
Rules of Procedure for Sub Committees – Clerk, Candace Thwaites presented a by-law outlining procedural rules for the various Sub Committees being established by Council. These would apply to committees both existing and potential new committees. The proposed rules would not apply to any boards or committees who currently have a procedural by-law in place (Library Board, BIA, Committee of Adjustment, Muskoka Wharf Board). The by-law was passed at council.
Ward Review – Candace Thwaites presented a report and options for ward review. Currently Ward 1 (2754 voters – 21% of voters) has 2 representatives; Ward 2 (5993 voters – 46% of voters) has 1; Ward 3 (3397 voters – 26% of voters) has 1 and Ward 4 (937 voters – 7% of voters) has 1. Several options were presented – alter the representation for Wards 1 and 2 by reducing Ward 1 to one representative and increasing Ward 2 to two representatives; increase the representation for Ward 2 to two members bringing the total composition of Council to ten members; elect two representatives to each ward with the candidates with the three highest votes representing Gravenhurst at District; divide Ward 2 into two different wards thereby increasing the number of Councillors; combine Wards 3 and 4 allowing them 1 representative and increase Ward 2 to two representatives; undergo a re-drawing of all ward boundaries to better reflect the current demographics as well as future growth projections – this would be the most costly and time consuming. It was suggested that councillors look over the report and contact constituents for their opinions and bring back their comments to the October 7 meeting and at that time a discussion would take place with regard to the method of public input/participation to be utilized in the process. A suggestion was also made that the various community groups be contacted now and asked for their input. COMMENT – Now is the time for the public to contact their councillor with their thoughts and suggestions.

The Council meeting consisted of passing the by-laws noted in the body of the above report.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Council Notes September 4, 2008

Please note two items also have separate information sent to members by e-mail. These are the GGRA deputation on an efficiency and effectivenss review and the Public Environmental Advisory Committee need for members.

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town and are prepared without prejudice. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.

Prior to the public meetings there was a closed session regarding acquiring or disposing of land.

Deputations

Brian Bertrand, architect for the new medical facility. He presented schematics for the building. It will be reflective glass and stone on the exterior with wood accents. The tender closes mid September and construction starts this fall. Questions included, how will storm water be managed in the parking areas – ponds and basins. Number of spaces – 200 approx. Explain the entry corridor – provides access from both sides, separates the buildings, which makes for cheaper construction. The 2d floor will be for rental – the Province owns the building and will collect the rents. Size is approx 30,000 square feet.

YWCA Muskoka, Linda Hutt asking forgiveness of fees for the women in business luncheons in the Trillium court. Will be brought back next meeting with staff report.

GMHA (Minor Hockey), Robb White asking for change to the scheduling of ice time so as to meet their needs. They are the largest renter of the arena. Under the current schedule non-Gravenhurst users are being given the prime time. They had their request in in April and didn’t get the schedule until late August. So now are coming to council. This should be settled sooner

Discussion mayor wants a priority statement to guide this allocation amongst users. It was agreed that this will come back to the next meeting in the context of priorities.

The Supper Club, Valerie Cheska informing the council and businesses of the Friday night nutritious dinners for low income people. Cost per meal is $3.00. Free to attendees 30-40 people each week. They want financial support from the town and service clubs.

GGRA, Evelyn Matson requesting council allocate funds for an efficiency and effectiveness study of the town operations in the 2009 budget. The mayor and councillor Guerriero agreed that this is a good idea, but want more information from other municipalities. Also “where do we start?” The reports from the other towns are very different in scope and objectives. In the discussion later they agreed that a sub-committee of staff and councillors would look at what such a study would be expected to do. This will come back in October.

Committees

Community Services

CIB update The provincial awards are next week. Expect 150 registrants for the conference. They will have a session on Heritage.

Development Services

Source Water Protection The Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority is conducting a review of the protection of the source waters for the Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay areas. This impacts on the Severn watershed areas of Gravenhurst (about 80% of the town) the deadline date is September 26. This is important as it deals with drinking water protection.

Planning staff will prepare a report for council to respond.

OSRA closing on the Severn River.

Environmental Advisory Committee. Only 4 public responded to the ad for committee membership. They will re-advertise and notify the associations again. They will ask the public to draft the TOR for the committee.

Comment: This is a very significant effort on the part of the council. The activities of this committee could shape the look and environment of Gravenhurst for years to come. GGRA members should ask to join or attend open meetings of the committee. It is the best way to shape your town.

Economic Development

Muskoka wharf Board the minutes of the 10 meetings of the board were in the report. Questions included – how is it working? – guidelines and policies are being developed. How about dock rentals? – a report will come forward this fall. What is going on with the farmers market? – they need to re-sod the field so relocation is needed.

Marketing Committee members were appointed by by-law.

BIA minutes were tabled

Muskoka Economic Strategy this District document covers the following:

The implementation of a District level function

Options for a new model for managing tourism development

Implications of the decline in numbers of waterfront resort properties

The aging population and migration patterns.

What are the particular assets which can promote economic growth

Specific sector challenges and opportunities

The staff will prepare a report for council.

Corporate Services

Efficiency and Effectiveness review the GGRA request was discussed. See above

Fees and Service Charges some items were missed in the earlier approved by-law. These are being added.

Selecting the District Chairman the council wants some kind of public process for input, by the end of the month. They will have a committee of the whole, open session at the next council meeting

Comment: GGRA members who are concerned about democratic processes should come out and speak up – September 16. We will notify you as to the time.

Council Meeting

In addition to by-laws noted above:

Official Plan an update was presented concerning the Kendari Developments (Taboo) appeal of the designation of the Gull Lake rocks. They want a commercial designation and the removal of restriction on the use of the 30 metre buffer along the shore. A by-law to allow for a lawyer to be hired to defend the appeal was passed.

Comment: planning is still using the phrase We can perhaps “negotiate some kind of settlement”. This scares this writer and I strongly encourage GGRA, Gull & Silver, and other lakes to press for public involvement in the process. Right now it is planner to planner only.

The old OP was repealed

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Council Notes August 26, 2008

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because we believe that citizens who know about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

Absent: Mayor Klinck until 6:30 pm

Adoption of Agenda - Adopted as circulated

Pecuniary Interests - None

Public Meetings:

1. Branko & Mafija Jankovic (1005 Wigwam Lodge Rd.) The proposed amending bylaw would allow two mobile homes on this property and also recognize the minimum front and side yards. Property has no imported water & no septic. Concerns were listed from Town's septic inspector and the Town's plans examiner. Also mobile homes are not permitted in residential Community zones (RC-4). New Official Plan (O.P.) strongly discourages mobile homes except in mobile home parks zones. Smaller mobile home is located within the wetland identified in the new O.P. Not aesthetically pleasing. Goes against Provincial policies and various O.P. policies, and were both placed without permission.

Staff recommended refusal.

Comments: Written response from Clair Henderson - 1040 Oak Rd. – had various concerns.ie. 2 mobile homes on one property, one only a tent trailer, no septic, no water, part of wetland. One other neighbour objected (also mentioned 911 sign is wrong according Town records) Applicants said they would remove trailers if Council decided..asked for a year to remove.

Council discussed and later defeated the proposed amending bylaw.

2. Tubby (North Muldrew Lake - 565 Peninsula Rd. Proposed amending bylaw adds a special provision on this property only, to permit decreased minimum setback from the Summer Water Level, and increase the maximum shoreline development. The applicant wants to increase the size of his cottage and expand an existing deck, and the bylaw was drafted to reduce the setback from the water to a NEW deck, only. The bylaw would also recognize other existing setbacks non conforming. The property is a type 1 fish habitat area and within the "shoreline building hazard" area and is also within the portion of Muldrew Lake that is classified as a "boat channel protection" area. The existing survey depicts a contradiction to the siteplan

Staff recommended deferral pending a new survey.

Comments: Mr. Bob Tubby was present. He gave Council pictures of the shoreline, signatures from supporting neighbours, one letter of support. He cited the reason for expansion was their large 4 generation family, said expansion would cause no visual effects from road or lake, and offered to reduce a wooden landing on the property in order to reduce building density

Much discussion by Council and bylaw deferred later in the meeting in order for Council to do a site visit, then decide if a new survey is needed.

3. Alafogiannis (Pine Lake- 1146 Road 1000) Bylaw to recognize an existing garage (not totally finished) with living accommodations above. This bylaw would allow an increased height, a side yard reduction in the minimum set-back, an increase in no. of stories allowed on an accessory building from 1 to 2, and allow human habitation above the garage. This garage was constructed with no permits. Living accommodations in a detached garage are not supported by the new O.P. and not in keeping with surrounding area.

Staff recommended refusal

Comments: One neighbour opposes- says should not be for living! Evelyn Matson asked that Council refuse this bylaw on the grounds that we do NOT allow habitation in detached garages, it should NOT be two story, and it was done with NO permits. Applicant was present - said it was only a "hobby room" (note- there were THREE rooms up there), and storage area, there was NO living quarters, but recognized she should have had a permit.

Much discussion by Council. Planning changed recommendation to a "deferral" pending a site visit from a building inspector and suggested a revised bylaw to read "storage only". It was later deferred for that reason, and Council wants a copy of the building inspectors report.

Writer's Note: The deferral was a tie, and Deputy Mayor Colhoun was the tiebreaker FOR the deferral. Lou Guerriero wanted it defeated!

What kind of deterant is this for the public?? What kind of "policing" policies are in effect for making sure "storage only"?

4. Corp. of Town of Gravenhurst - Technical Amendments to bylaw 94-54.

The proposed technical bylaw changes are to bylaw 94-54 (the comprehensive zoning bylaw for the Town of Gravenhurst. Bylaw 94-54 was passed in 1994. The completed work on an overall update on this bylaw may take a full year or more, but these proposed technical changes will be consistant with the new Official Plan, and will simplify the Town's zoning regulations so that develop- ment is not delayed in the interim. Full Details are on the Town website. Basically they proposed:

- One site specific change to allow for additional parking and a storm water management area for the new Family Health Team medical building - Approved

- To ensure a minimum setback of 30M from the shoreline for new development within the residential & commercial waterfront areas. - Approved

- To preserve the natural vegetation and limit the amount of structural development along the shoreline. - Approved

- Implement the "Existing Undersized Lots" policies of the new O.P. by requiring the preparation of a Site Evaluation Report for smaller vacant lots, both on mainland and islands. - Approved

- Implement the "Lot Creation" policies of the new O.P. by requiring new lots in waterfront designation to possess a minimum lot area of .8 hectares from previous .4 hectares. (2 acres from previous 1 acre.) - Deleted

- Modify the "Corner Visibility Triangle" in MINOR intersections from previous 15m to a 5m visibility triangle. All other intersections will be 15m. - Approved

- Modify the definition of Height as it applies to measuring boathouses, and a height restriction of flat-roofed boathouses to 3m. - Deleted

- Allowing residential dwellings in the commercial core zone, including multiple and townhouse dwellings - Approved

- Implement permission in Rural Zone (RU) to allow secondary apartments in an existing dwelling, provided a gross density of one unit per 4 hectares is maintained. - Approved

Staff recommended receive public comments and discuss later in the meeting.

Comments: A Mr. Reynolds suggested the new bylaw would restrict boat houses to be flat, and that would be unsightly. Suggested Council could deal with problems individually as they come up. Also representatives from Planscape and Marie Poirier Planning Consultant opposed specific items

They both wanted a deferral until they could meet with the Senior Planner. However due to worries about delaying the new medical building, etc. it was recommended that specific items be deleted until such time as that happened. The items referred to the Boathouse height, method of measurement, development items, such as the minimum lot area changing from .04hectares to .08hectares, the Shoreline Development in Residential Zones or in the Recreational Institution Zone extending to 70m from the shoreline onto land. Specifically items # 9, 10, 11 and 16 of the proposed ammendment bylaw. The consultants were also concerned with lack of transition period for their clients and wanted clearer definitions of some areas.

The bylaw was later passed with the deletions of said items and a deferral of the deleted items, to allow time for a meeting with senior planning.

Writers Note: These technical ammendments just brought forward the items already in the approved O.P. Seems a shame the objections weren't brought forward during the past two years.

There were four shore road allowance closures. Bower (Sunny Lake), Muldrew Lake Cottagers Assoc. (S. Muldrew, adjacent to Peck's Landing) Moulton (Riley Lake), and Bary Bagley/Lynne Webb(Severn River) Discussion on Muldrew Lake Cottage Assoc. application only. Mayor asked for clarification. The Assoc. has historically used this as a waterfront landing for their members. A "Licence of Operation" exists now, but this will make landing private to the Assoc. There is only one other facility on Muldrew Lake that is open to the public. The Mayor also wondered about the cost to the Assoc. Would be traditional fee @$40/ft.

All four shore road allowance closures were carried.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Council Notes August 19, 2008

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because we believe that citizens who know about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

We have changed the format slightly and would appreciate feedback as to whether it makes the notes easier and more readable. Please send your responses and comments to secretary@ggra.ca

Summary overview

1. Centennial centre automatic doors a $13,100 cost overrun was approved by council. Total over budget costs are $13,000 or 30%.

Comment: a few months ago at budget time this project was to cost $42,000. Changes to the requirements have now raised the costs to $55,100. Why cannot requirements be properly specified at the beginning of the projects and then council would have accurate estimates?

2. Gravenhurst Figure Skate Club the ongoing organizational crisis continues. The club owes the town 1200 they have no executive and their ice time is being made available to other groups.

3. New recreation programs will be available in Severn Bridge and Ryde thanks to a Provincial grant.

4. Communities in Bloom the Provincial awards were reported on: Provincial in town Sept 12 – 14, national in Lethbridge Sept. 16.

5. two new stop signs are approved by by-law

6. Hydro one has written saying signage cannot be placed on their poles

7. Riley lake. Water access landowners near Fitchet Lane have asked for a 60 metre licence of occupation on an unopened road allowance to build a driveway. They will have to provide a survey and proof of insurance. Cost $1.00 for 10 years.

8. Municipal Heritage Committee. It’s back again. This time the TOR reflect the discussion with the community. Approved

9. Economic Development update the marketing committee will be reporting soon as will the branding exercise. There will be an analysis of the events as to wht works and what doesn’t jointly with the events co-ordinator. This will come forward. The marketing committee is asking what happened to the AChannel agreement. Seems they are not doing much coverage. What are we getting for our dollars.

Comment: considerable funds plus a dedicated line were provided to the AChannel during the wharf development. Based on a promise of visibility. Now we see no coverage. Why are town staff not following up on this apparent waste of money?

10. The council has been informed by the District that comments on the process of selecting the district chair should be in by September 30.

At the end of the meeting the public from Ryde was asked if they had questions. The concerns were around road safety, road improvement and brushing. A nice presentation outlining the activities at the Ryde community was presented along with a cheque to council for their contribution to the centre costs.

The discussion what follows is a synthesis of the council discussion of the items

Centennial centre doors

Clairmont why is parkland reserve dollars being used? Treasurer this is within the purpose of the parkland reserve

Clairmont suggests staging the job – test whether the heaters are necessary No response

Colhoun what happens in a power failure the doors operate manually too

Guerriero why do we need 2 sets of doors automatic doors could be triggered by weather so they need to be shut off

Comment: If the doors operate manually why is it necessary to have the extra doors. Just turn the doors off if the weather is making them open. Saves at least $10,000.

Guerriero is opening wide enough for hockey bags? the automatic doors fit 2 people, the manual one person with bags

Klinck why not do it all this year

Treasurer there are sufficient funds Motion amended accordingly

Skate club

Donaldson will town run a new program to fill this gap? Are coaches available? She doesn’t want to see the ice time given away to others

no program in the short term they are looking at a Canskate program

B Pilger what are the numbers?

8 skaters, 6 are in other clubs, leaves 2. 12 in Canskate

Klinck supports Donaldson in keeping ice time for figure skaters. club might form again. These things go in cycles. E.g. boys soccer Have we looked into Canskate

Cairns irls are going into hockey

5. Stop signs

T pilger are the neighbours aware of these signs. We don’t want a repeat of the Sarah street sign

Saunders we received a petition re the Pinetree sign

Clairmont will there be a more comprehensive traffic study?

This was done last fall

7. Licence of occupation

Clairmont is there a difference in using a road allowance and other municipal land?

Road allowances are for traffic. Other land requires specifics

Colhoun is there a standard for the road

No it is a private driveway and only needs to be 4.5 metres wide, but must allow for emergency vehicles

Colhoun and Guerriero what about the neighbours if they want to use the road allowance too

A licence of occupation does not give exclusive rights. Neighbours could ask for same

Guerriero what will the emergency address be

A number on Fitchet Lane

Klinck what is the cost for the licence and the term

$1.00 and 10 years

11. District request re choosing the District chairman

T Pilger a few people have spoken to me but there is not a lot of interest. What is the origin of this process?

Klinck this was undertaken as a result of a letter from district councillor Stewart Martin. There appears to not be a lot of public interest. Should we have a public meeting – perhaps start a council meeting earlier and ask for deputations.

Lola Bratty spoke to this issue after the meeting was over when it was opened up to the public. She suggested that the public is not aware of the question being on the table and that a public discussion is a good idea. But rather than the formal delegation process they could structure the meeting to allow for the public and council to examine the pros and cons of the options proposed. They will look at this idea.

Committee of Adjustment August 20, 2008 Without prejudice

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the committee of adjustment meeting; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared so that citizens can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website.

6 consent applications were heard

Severn River Flanagan Wants to create 4 new lots on a private road. This was deferred in June 2008 to allow for a site evaluation report to be prepared. This report indicates that the severances are OK if siting and size of docks is restricted, the 30 metre setback is imposed and vegetation is retained. A site plan control agreement will be required. A section of the lot 1 will be rezoned to Environmental Protection. Approved

One question was asked – are there terrain constraints re the buildings being back 30 metres from the water. No

Kahshe lake Sutherland Granting a right of way over a lot on an existing driveway. Approved

Town Davidson Wants to sever his land at 1023 North Muldrew lake Road, the corner of James. The severed lot will then be added to the adjacent lot on James St. Approved

Buck Lake (Ryde lake) Mentor college is asking to create one new lot. Last year they severed this property taking a rectangle out of the middle and leaving 2 portions connected. This year they want to sever these 2 portions and grant a right of way across the severed lot. Staff recommended approval. Approved

Muskoka Bay 185 Grace Court Goldman Last month a right of way was granted over one lot owned by the applicant to the favour of an adjacent lot also owned by the applicant. They are now back providing for an easement as one of the 2 docks encroaches on the other lot Approved

Ryde Ruttans Road West Tingey Wants to create one new lot. Both lots will be approx. 100 acres. this property has old growth trees and wetlands. Staff recommend that part of the property be rezoned to Environment Protection. There are possible building sites outside of these EP areas and the floodplain for the creek which crosses the property. Approved

7 minor variance applications were heard

Sunny lake 1010 Bird haven Way Fudge This is a request for multiple variances. The lot is small and without permissions they have build decks and stairs and docks well outside of the by-law. Plus they did not conform to a variance granted when they rebuilt their house and it is closer to lot lines than approved. A neighbour forcefully objected – no need demonstrated for what they have done, no permissions, no permits, no respect. He would like all offending structures removed. When a committee member asked is there a way to deal with what has been built she was assured that there is a process but it is outside of the CofA. Staff recommended refusal Application Denied

Muskoka Bay Craymer Wants to increase the maximum lot coverage to allow for an open deck on the cottage being constructed. Staff see it a consistent with surrounding areas and will not impact abutting properties. Approved

Lake Muskoka Taylor island Sclater Wants a reduced setback from 15.8 to 10.3 metres and permission for widened stairs. The request is retroactive as the encroaching deck and stairs is already built. Staff feel that vegetative buffering and low visibility and low impact on the neighbours justify approval. Approved

Town 550 Phillip St Bruin Wants reduced rear yard setback. 10.5 metres to 9.1 Approved

Town 375 Lofty Pines Drive Champ Wants reduced side yard abutting the street Approved

Town Muskoka Bay Development Corp. Want reduced side yard (6.0 to 5.0 metres), increase in lot coverage (5.2 to 6.2%) and reduced corner visibility triangle (15 to 9 metres) to allow for a new house to be built in the subdivision. Staff recommend approval. Approved

Morrison lake Steele & Henderson They own a small lot on South Morrison lake Road and want to relocate the Southwood Church to that lot. The terrain means that they will have to go closer to the road and the rear side lot line than the by-law requires. Because of the other small lots in the area this variance is recommended by staff. Neighbours objected because the plan is not clear, what are they going to do about water and about a septic. Much of the lot is wet and they have concerns about locating a septic system. Approved

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Council Notes August 5, 2008

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because we believe that citizens who know about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

Two meetings were held – Committee of the Whole and Council meeting. Mayor Klinck was absent.

DEPUTATIONS

Roger Leus made an interesting deputation on behalf of the Cellar Singers. They are considering a fund raising dinner & wine tasting. They are asking the Mayor and council to consider attending and serving the wine samples. At this point they are asking for only agreement in principle. More details will follow. The dinner is planned for the Bracebridge or Gravenhurst area. The councillors were supportive.
Dave Levere spoke regarding a proposed road closing application on Sparrow Lake. This has come up before. This is the Franklin/Levere application. They were both denied when they asked to stop up and close the entire 20 metre( 66ft) wide road allowance between their properties. Terry Franklin also applied to close and purchase the original shore road allowance in front of his property. Mr. Levere is now asking to close and purchase 4.6 metres(15feet) by 57.9 metres (190 feet). Rick McCann also made a deputation on behalf of his client, Mr. Franklin. He has applied to amend his existing shore road closing application by moving the proposed lot line 6.7 metres (22Ft) further to the west.

This would give him sufficient frontage to sever his existing lot and create one new lot. It would also address the issue of an existing deck that encroaches on the Town land. This was dealt with at the Development Services Committee.

Lean Marinigh spoke to “Kids for Turtles Environmental Education.” She gave a very informative presentation and is asking permission to erect “turtle crossing” signs in high volume areas. Her organization will fund all of the crossing signs.
Judy Terry gave an update on the BIA and highlighted their various summer activities and accomplishments. One of these is the Muskoka Chair program – the proceeds from this program will be used to further beautify and market “Uptown Gravenhurst”. The chair finale will be held September 27. The BIA is encouraging all of us to be Ambassadors to Visitors, thereby making Gravenhurst the “Friendliest Town in Muskoka”.

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

A thank you letter was received from the Kilworthy Canada Day Committee.
Kyla Scott presented a report regarding the Trans Canada Trail – Crossing at Beaver Creek. The Community Services Dept has been working with the Snowcrest Snowmobile Club to facilitate the replacement of a structure to cross Beaver Creek. The Snowcrest Riders have applied for Provincial funding in order to purchase a bridge structure for this crossing. The Provincial government has invested $3million to support snowmobile tourism. Muskoka Snowmobile Region is anticipating receiving approximately $500,000. Snowcrest Riders have requested $393,000 from the OFSC to purchase a 240' steel bridge and install a support crib and steel bin walls as abutments. The grant money must be used in 2008. All costs incurred for the purchase and installation of the bridge are the responsibility of the Snowcrest Riders. This is also part of the Trans Canada Trail and a permit is needed for an easement on a Municipal Road Allowance. Council was very supportive but are concerned about the time lines for having everything in place in 2008 and are cautious that all details be ironed so that there is no cost to the municipality. The resolution was carried with councillors Bob Colhoun and Bryan Pilger opposed.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Gravenhurst Arch Replacement-Three construction quotes were received and all were within the budgeted amount. After failed attempts to bring this project to fruition staff met with the project engineer and members of the Arch Committee and the structural design of the arch was changed by replacing the previously specified poured concrete columns with structural steel columns. The revised request for construction included the design changes and also included an alternative cladding option. Two of the bidding companies included a cost for the alternative cladding option as well as the requested design. Since the engineers had not had a chance to look at the alternative cladding and vinyl graphics staff recommended accepting the lowest bid for the requested construction. The report included the pros and cons of both options. Discussion followed about accurately reproducing the look of the original 1920's ear Arch, thereby the recommendation of utilizing the more expensive material in the requested design. Then some council members brought forward the idea that maybe the wording on the Arch and some of the graphics should be changed to better reflect Gravenhurst today.

Quotes received were: Contractor Construction Cost Quote

Cross Bay Construction Corp. (As specified) $222,365.00+G.S.T.

(Alternate Cladding) $168.665.00+G.S.T.

Monteith Building Group Ltd. (As specified) $224,870.00+GST

Freeburn King(15522526 Ont.Ltd.(As spec) $244,002.22+GST

(Alternate) $206,502.22+GST

The requested completion date for the Arch is prior to the May 2009 long weekend. The resolution to award the contract to Cross Bay Construction Corp in the amount of $222,365.00+GST and to transfer $10,000.00 to a Gravenhurst Arch Maintenance Reserve was carried.

NOTE: We are very happy that Council is moving forward with the replacement of the Arch. It was interesting that only Councillor Lou Guerrierro questioned the merits of using the alternative cladding and vinyl graphics. None of the councillors seemed concerned with the cost saving. Also interesting was that some Councillors wanted to replicate the 1920's Arch as closely as possible but then wanted to change the wording from what was on the original Arch. All of the staff report is available on the Town website – you can look at the descriptions of the two claddings and the graphics. The winning contractor was at Council and when questioned said that the details can be worked out in the final contract.

Appeal to the New Gravenhurst Official Plan – The District of Muskoka approved the new Gravenhurst OP on June 20, 2008. The last day for appeals was July 28, 2008. Rick Hunter of Planscape submitted an appeal on behalf of Kendari Land Development Corp on July 25. They are the owners of the Trillium Shores Property on Gull Lake. They are requesting the “Urban Mixed Use Waterfront” designation for this property. This is the same designation as the lands at the Muskoka Wharf. Kendari Development Corp. have stated that they would agree to the Ontario Municipal Board approving the balance of the OP and that they are willing to work with the Town and the ratepayers in an effort to scope the nature of the appeals and attempt to come to a settlement. Staff recommended that Council consider a resolution at a future meeting that states the municipality's position with respect to the appeal and also consider a By-law that will appoint a solicitor to act for the Town at the OMB hearing. These will come forward at the September 4 Council meeting. Committee passed a resolution showing its support for the OP as approved with modifications and By-laws to repeal the previous OP and to appoint a solicitor to represent the municipality with respect to the OMB matter related to the appeal.

COMMENT – The GGRA has been working with the Gull and Silver Lakes Association regarding this property through the various stages of the OP. We will continue to support Council's decision to designate this property Residential.

Application to Close Unopened Road Allowance (Levere & Cousineau), Amended application to Close Original Shore Road (Franklin) and Ten Year Licence of Occupation Application (Franklin) – Sparrow Lake – As noted in the deputations this matter has come up once again. Levere & Cousineau want 15ft of the RA and Mr. Franklin wants 22 ft of the SRA. This was deferred once again.

COMMENT – Some members of Council are concerned with public access to lake. Apparently most of the RA is very steep and rocky. Mr. Levere wants to purchase the flat part and Mr. Franklin wants to purchase part of the SRA so that he can sever his property into two lots. If public access is a concern then we believe that Committee should deny both applications.

CORPORATE SERVICES

Dry Hydrant – At the July 16 meeting Deborah Ferguson made a deputation to “donate” her dry hydrant to the town in return for forgiveness of lot levies and taxes. A memo was presented from Fire Chief, Lorne McNeice stating that the Fire Dept. would respond water supply tanker trucks to a structure fire because it cannot rely on the dry hydrant to supply adequate water.
Request to use a digital voice recorder at meetings of Council or Committee – Marilyn Stevenson, Editor of “Watchdog” presented a letter requesting Council's approval to use a “digital voice recorder”. Clerk, Candace Thwaites, explained that the procedural by-law is absent on this. Mrs. Stevenson will work with staff and they will bring a report back to Council.

COUNCIL

Council passed a bylaw authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute the Subdivision Agreement with 1255448 Ontario Inc., the Bank of Montreal and the Pineridge Home Owners Association. This relates to Phase 8 of Pineridge.

Council went into closed session to discuss the Proposed or Pending Acquisition or Disposition of Land, Labour relations, and Litigation or Potential Litigation.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Council Notes July 22, 2008

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because we believe that citizens who know about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

Planning Council Meeting – 5:00 pm.

Public Meetings

Whitehead – Does Lake Road – to rezone lands from Rural to Residential Rural. This application was submitted concurrently with a consent application at the Committee of Adjustment meeting to create one new residential lot. The by-law was passed later in the meeting.
Muskoka Bay Villa -to rezone lands on Carrick Trail which leads to the Muskoka Bay Golf Club. The proposed amendment is to modify Special Provision 318 – the provisions apply only to the subject property and relate to the construction of Townhouses/Villas on the property as freehold condominiums. The developer will be responsible for improvements to Muldrew Lake Road. The development is subject to Site Plan Control. A minor amendment resolution and the by-law were both passed later in the meeting.
Cronin/Dawson – Kashe Lake – The applicant wishes to enclose an existing uncovered deck with a 9.7 metre setback from the Optimal Summer Water Level instead of the existing 13.7 metre setback. Special Provision 730 also ensures that future additions to the existing dwelling will be required to maintain the 20.0 metre setback. The Kashe Lake Ratepayers Association did not support the application as the cottage is already too close to the waterfront and they want to minimize the potential impact to the lake. At the reading of the by-law Councillor Guerrierro asked for a recorded vote – the voting was as follows – Councillors Cairns,Colhoun,Donaldson,B. Pilger, T.Pilger and Mayor Klinck yes; Councillors Clairmont, Guerrierro and Wilson – no. Carried.
Mogridge – Shore Road Closure – Catherine Bagley Road. The by-law was passed later in the meeting.

Godfrey – Road Closure – Ryde. The by-law was passed.

Deputations Rick Hunter made a deputation regarding the Greer/Perry Severance passed at the Committee of Adjustment meeting held July 16. The applicants wanted assurance that the Town will take over the road once the required upgrades are completed by the developer. A resolution to this effect was passed later in the meeting.

New Business

Site Plan Agreement – Bailey & Dellandrea – 950 Muskoka Rd. S. Applicants will be constructing a new building to operate their business out of and will use the current building as a residence. They operate a handicap accessibility supply business. Carried.

Site Plan Agreement – North Restaurant – Muskoka Rd. N. Site Plan Agreement regarding their new patio. Carried.

Condominium Approval Agreement – Muskoka Bay Villa 1 Corp. Carried.

Request from HISSO re Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre to paint the name on the roof of the museum to assist in identifying the building from a distance. The sign will be white lettering with black shadowing in a font as on an invoice from 1912 from the Ditchburn Boat Building Co. This was the way boathouses and businesses were identified in the past. The Wharf Board agreed to the proposal and Council was asked for their approval. Carried.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Council Notes July 16, 2008

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the committee of adjustment meeting; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared to enable citizens to make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background reports go to the town website. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

The Committee of Adjustment focuses on planning related matters.

Committee of Adjustment

This is the first meeting of the newly reconstituted Committee of Adjustment. The first job was to elect a chair. It will be Bob Colhoun.

Overall Comment: the applications were mostly straightforward and the committee members had few questions. There were some good questions as to the future implications of these approvals – Goldman and Smith – and to ascertain costs – Lee. They followed the recommendations of the planners but did not question planner override of requirements – Greer & Perry. I hope they become less deferential on such issues where it is not cut and dried.

The applications grouped into the followingSeverances

Whitehead, Doe Lake Road recommended by planners. No questions. Approved

Greer & Perry, Severn Bridge This application is for 4 new rural lots on a seasonal road, which is not permitted by the by-law. There are 2 sets of concerns. First the road; public works wants the seasonally maintained road upgraded to year round standards, the neighbours want the road widened and improved. Applicant is prepared to do this. Second the environment; this area has species at risk habitat and the District and MNR want a site assessment to ensure there is protection. The planner dismissed this concern. Mr. King asked if this meets the neighbours’ concerns. Approved conditional on road upgrading talks

Comment: The information in the meeting was misleading. The impression left with the neighbours and public is that the road would be improved from its junction with Graham/Southwood Road. The paper work says only one section of the road is to be upgraded - “that portion… upon which the four severed lots front is upgraded…” who will pay for the rest of the upgrade. It was also incomplete- what are the costs of adding year round maintenance. And it goes contrary to the new OP which has as a basic premise environmental protection and preservation, yet a specific environmental concern is cavalierly dismissed.

1671960 Ontario ltd. The Wray team. Muskoka wharf they let a previous approval for severance of the 2 buildings lapse. Came back. Approved

Increased shoreline development factor and area

Baxter, Shady lane, Lake Muskoka to recognize an existing gazebo, built without a permit. Owner says it’s a replacement Approved

Smith, Mackenzie Road, Lake Muskoka to allow for building new wood stairs over existing concrete stairs. Approved

Regularizing existing lots which are too small under the by-law and OP

Stoppa, Sparrow lake Approved along with permission for decreased setbacks for front and side yards.

Fry, Cliff Bay, Muskoka Bay Neighbours objected as they want lot to remain vacant, but they are not prepared to buy it. Approved

Lee, Pine Lake this lot is steep, rocky and has little vegetation at the waterfront. It is in an area of small lots. The planners proposed deferral so that the applicant can have a site evaluation report done to determine the suitability of the lot for development. This is important for ensuring there is no more damage to Pine lake. Deferred

Allowing for reduced setbacks

Peterson, Parkers Point Road she bought the lot with the well and septic in place. So siting options are limited. Reduced front yard Approved

Hrabi, Kahshe lake, backlot reduced front and rear yards Approved

Granting a right of way

Goldman, Grace Court, Muskoka Bay the applicant owns 2 adjacent lots, a house on one and one is vacant. They want to build a house on the vacant lot and give right of way over the other lot. This means removal of mature trees. Approved

Council Notes July 15, 2008

Meeting held at Severn Bridge Women’s Institute hall

Deputations

Stuart Morley, BIA the BIA and Chamber are organizing a big event for the August 1st and 2d long weekend – Musko-Ka-Bana. There will be music after the fireworks and they want a 1 hour noise exemption to midnight from 11:00 PM. At the later council meeting the request was granted. Guerriero remarked that the town needs to examine a noise by-law.

Comment: this looks to be a good time for all ages. We encourage members to attend.

Hank Smith, Gravenhurst Heritage Committee This is a follow up on the deputation of June 17 where the citizen committee established by the GGRA, the Boat and Heritage Museum, the Library and the Archives brought before council a detailed draft terms of reference and framework for a Municipal heritage committee. At that meeting council approved such a committee and asked staff to bring back the formal TOR. This month the TOR were presented by planning staff. They narrowed the scope of the committee, decreased the number of citizen members and delayed the process until 2009. This did not represent the input from the original group. Mr. Smith chastised the council for this material, changed without consultation. He said it appeared to be a case of stonewalling citizens.

Later in the meeting Council asked why the changes and deferred a decision. Councillor comments – T.Pilger “we are listening”, Colhoun surprised that committee is upset and agrees consultation needed, Klinck doesn’t think it should be put off ‘til 2009 but says costs need to be recognized. Guerriero feels there is a difference between a council committee and a citizens committee, and this justifies limiting membership. He did not elaborate what he meant in this statement.

Comment: this is the first time that council has been called directly on this pattern of token response to requests for citizen participation. For example the Committee of Adjustment does not reflect the promised composition, the environment committee is too small for the task and the first draft of its TOR was very narrow in scope. Very often delegations on important issues are met with indifference, even hostile questioning. It appears that there is a desire to keep control and the citizens at arms length and these approaches are a means of doing so. Council has not thought through the varying purposes of council committees and the necessary appropriate variation in composition and roles. If this keeps up they will get their way – no committees few delegations and business as usual.

Deborah Ferguson, Severn Bridge She wants to build on her property which has storage units. She has a ‘dry hydrant’, i.e. a hydrant hooked up to a pond with sufficient pressure to fill tanker trucks. She is proposing to “donate” the system to the town in return for forgiveness of lot levies and taxes of currently 1400 per year.

Communities in Bloom. The national judges are in town this week

Public works a by-law was drafted and later passed so that public works staff can remove vehicles obstructing snow removal. Councillor Clairmont asked whether there is an attempt to notify owners before removal. The response was that staff do not know who owns the cars and people don’t like being awakened at 3:00 AM to move cars which might not be theirs.

Sunny Lake road will have signs posted on the cul-de-sac indicating it is a fire route and parking is not allowed.

Granite Trail on James street is ready for conversion to a condominium. This means the site plan is finalized.

Zoning By-law amendment. The OP is close to being final. But the zoning by-law 94-54 does not have requirements to suit the policies in the new plan. A new zoning by-law will take time. So it is proposed that a housekeeping general amendment will be developed and the public meeting will be held August 26. There are 9 items on the list.

Float Planes in Muskoka Bay. A report was tabled reflecting information from Transport Canada. The municipality has no authority. However, once docking is involved they have authority.

Forgiveness of Fees and charges. Council set aside 20 thousand dollars in the budget for this purpose. The treasurer tabled a policy to govern conditions on this money. A discussion ensued and the goal of the treasurer was achieved. There is no policy and many councilors opposed this action. T. Pilger, “criteria proposed do not address the range of community needs”, Donaldson “doesn’t see a problem to date…Council gets the information. Let’s not put up more barriers”, Klinck, we need to look long and hard at waiving fees, Colhoun, “all groups see their cause as worthwhile.. (he) would do away with this. No more subsidy.” He then expounded on the low rental fees for the Wednesday Farmers market relative to the costs incurred with the damage to the field. Clairmont, we’ve made a commitment to this, let’s see it through on a case by case bases. Donaldson, agree that a compelling case can be made ( for no waivers). People should appear to plead their case. Others – the Opera House already discounts fees, that is enough. The policy defeated

Comment: Councillors appear to have forgotten why the waivers and fees. Not everything is a cost. For example, does the farmers market generate economic benefits to the town which far outweigh the costs of the field? Are recreation programs for kids a cost? There is pressure to treat the town as a business enterprise and not a government to serve the broader public good. The exceptions are the projects for developers or medical services, such as the wharf and the health unit buildings where approx 27 million have been spent in total. Using this “business” model thinking we should increase all fees to cost recovery levels, especially for recreation, parks and community services as they are public services not revenue generating activities.

Purchasing by-law housekeeping changes were passed.

2 requests to waive fees at the opera House were on the agenda. No one would propose a resolution for a fee waiver for either Gilda’s Club or for the YWCA women in business luncheons.

At the council meeting

The meeting was brief. Approval was given to sell the triangle of land at the corner of Musquash and 169 to ED developments for $1800. This provides necessary room for setbacks for more housing on the site. The enacting by-laws for decisions above and other items including the lease of the marina at the wharf, and to sell the medical building at 640 Muskoka road north and a deeming by-law to combine 2 lots were passed. Minutes of previous meetings were passed and comments were asked for from the public.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Council Notes July 3, 2008

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because we believe that citizens who know about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

Two meetings were held – Committee of the Whole and Council.

Committee of the Whole

Dave Saunders, Manager of Public Works, introduced Jeff Carleton, a new employee.

Deputations

Kyla Bruce was presented with a Parks Maintenance and Operations Certificate.

A presentation was made by The CAO of the District of Muskoka and the District Solicitor regarding the selection/election of the District Chair. Three methods were presented: maintain the status quo of appointing the Chair.

Maintain the method of appointing the Chair but use a secret vote.

Direct election of the District Chair with a general vote as part of regular

municipal election.

The first two options would not require any change to provincial legislation but the third would. The council meeting was then opened to the public for comments and questions from Council Members and Members of the Public. Summary of these: The current model ensures that a good qualified person is appointed. However, an open vote could be intimidating. A full election at large would be costly to the candidates and would be a huge campaign to make sure that voters got to know the various candidates. It was asked if after the election could a chair be elected from those elected to District Council. It was explained that the downside to this method would be that the Chair would then have to give up their seat as they cannot hold two positions. Therefore, there would have to be an election to fill the vacancy of the person elected as Chair. Another comment was that the Chair should be elected to be in that powerful a position. It was also suggested that an election at large would be a popularity contest and that the councillors are in a better position to select the Chair as they know the requirements of the position. Gravenhurst Council will further consider the issue and will offer their view to the District.

COMMENT: The GGRA urges our members to submit your comments regarding this issue – You may email comments to the Corporate and Emergency Services Committee of Muskoka District Council through the District Clerk at clees@muskoka.on.ca. You can attend the Muskoka District Corporate and Emergency Services Committee on Aug.15, 2008 when this subject will be discussed. This will be the final public meeting before the Committee makes a recommendation to Council.

Community Services

Committee awarded the bid to install a Sliding Entry Door at the Centennial Centre to Jim's Locksmithing Limited. The bid is $29,519 including taxes and Council had budgeted $30,000. Carried
The Community Services Department has been awarded a “Community in Action Grant by the Ministry of Health Promotion. The amount of the grant is $26,786. This grant money will provide money to enhance recreation programs in Ryde and Severn Bridge as well as offer additional recreation and social activities in Gravenhurst for youth. The Community Services Dept. plans to purchase modernized equipment for fitness programs, wireless portable microphone, kayaks for Gull Lake Waterfront and various sporting equipment. The project will also assist in providing initial programs at a reduced cost enabling families and youth of low income to take part in programs. The project expenses are $44,643. Sixty percent is covered by the grant. The Town of Gravenhurst will cover 25% in kind contribution and 15% financially through sponsorship with Community partners and registration fees.
The Community Services Committee presented the second quarter financial report.

Public Works

1. Tenders were accepted for the purchase of a single axle Snow Plow Truck and a single axle truck. The winning bid was from Northland Truck Centre in Bracebridge. The tendered prices totaled $294,285.37 less G.S.T. equals $281,264.40 which fall within the budgeted amount of $300,000.00. Carried

2. Discussion took place regarding the state of Muldrew Lake Rd. between the entrance to the Muskoka Bay housing development and the Golf Course.

3. The Public Works Committee presented their second quarter financial report.

Development Services

Talisman Drive Improvement Project/Hydro One Utility Pole Relocation – This has to do with the municipality's plan to realign and improve Talisman Drive so that it will become the connection to the planned Hwy 11/District Rd. 169 interchange. These improvements necessitate the relocation of three hydro poles. As this was not included in the 2008 budget staff were asking that the Town's portion (approx. $9,563.59) be funded from the development charges reserve. Carried.
Licence of Occupation Application – Kimmel-Silver Lake. This application was deferred last fall in order that a site visit be arranged. The applicant wants to construct a driveway over an unopened road allowance. They already have one driveway into their property. Staff recommended refusal. The resolution refusing the request was carried.
Committee approved the Draft amending municipal subdivision agreement affecting Phase 8 of the Pineridge Subdivision.
The Development Services Committee presented the Second Quarter Financial Report.

Economic Development

Economic Development Officer, Lance Sherk, presented a detailed report of Activities in Progress. He was seeking direction from Committee as to priorities. Some of the Activities are the Bethune Project Initiative; Blue Sky Network; Branding Exercise, BR&E Committee; Community Events Committee; Community Exchange Program; Communication Towers in Gravenhurst; Economic Strategy for Gravenhurst; Expansion of 3 Businesses; Opportunity for an Agricultural Buy Local Initiative; Organizational Structure; Partnering with other Communities in Muskoka District; Sign Committee; Special Events; Trade Shows; an initiative with The University of Guelph Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management and The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development; Website Committee; Wharf Operations & Management Board; Young Professionals Network. He indicated his priorities as the Branding Exercise, Community Exchange Program; Economic Strategy. He also felt the Bethune House is important – Mayor Klinck reported that he had had a meeting at Bethune House with the new Chinese Ambassador to Canada along with some of his high level staff. Mr. Sherk has met with a Toronto developer who has purchased property near the airport. He also indicated a need for roofed accommodations (hotels/motels).COMMENT – The full report is available on the Town website and is worth looking at.
FedNor Funding Application – Mr. Sherk has been working with the local FedNor representative to complete and submit a funding application that will see the Town seeking assistance for hosting Special Events. The application will be brought back to Committee before submission. The Town's contribution would be 50% of the funding sought.
The Economic Development Committee presented their second quarter financial report.

Corporate Services

The Gravenhurst Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes from May 15^th were presented.

The June 2008 Financial Report was presented. As at June 24 the operational expenditures are at 41.6T of planned expenditures while revenues are at 40.68%.

COMMENT: The second quarter financial statements are available on the Town's website – both the Summary Report and by Committee.

Chair Lou Guerriero reported that the Town now owns the the Simcoe County District Health Unit property. A joint venture agreement will be coming before council shortly.

COUNCIL MEETING Council and Committee of the Whole Minutes from June 17^th were adopted. Council went into closed session for Matters pertaining to Labour Relations and Potential Litigation.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Council Notes June 24, 2008

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because we believe that citizens who know about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

The meetings focused on planning related matters. First the Committee of Adjustment and then the Planning council meeting

Committee of Adjustment

Absent were Mayor Klinck, Councillor Cairns and Councillor Donaldson came for the 5pm Planning Council Meeting.

Tomascik & Boyd Sparrow lake

A carry over from the Jan meeting. At that time they were refused permission to locate their dock 1.0 metres from their lot line. They are back. Staff recommended the variance for the sleeping cabin & stairs be approved and that the variance for the dock not be approved. Carried.

Adams Baseline road

Wants to sever her lot to create 7 new lots and 1 retained lot of 1.2 hectares to 6.2 hectares in size. Frontages vary from 61 metres to 244 metres. Plus she wants to change the zoning from rural to residential rural. Some of the property is near to aggregate pockets and there is also wetland on the property. Two of the lots would be affected by an adjacent small scale horse farming operation. Because of this factor, planning staff are recommending refusal as the provincial policy statement (PPS) is being contravened. The applicant's representative, Rick McCann, argued that he believes that this is different from what the province intended – the horse farm is not intense agriculture and pointed out the financial benefits to the town. The owners of the horse farm had no objections until they were informed that if the new lots were approved that it could restrict them making changes to their operation in the future. After much discussion the committee voted down no new lots. In a recorded vote they also voted down the creation of 7 new lots – Bob Colhoun-yes,Lou Guerriero – no, Bryan Pilger – yes, Terry Pilger-yes, Tracy Wilson-no, Mark Clairmont-no. Because of the tie vote the resolution was defeated. A deferral was suggested. Committee had to come back to this later as they needed to get an opinion from the Clerk as to how and whether they could proceed in this manner. The new resolution for deferral was later carried.

Comment: the husband of the owner is Gord Adams, District Chairman. 2 weeks ago he voted to overturn the official Plan as approved by the Gravenhurst Council to ensure it conformed to the PPS.

Allen South Morrison lake Road

Wants to create 3 new lots, total 4 lots, ranging from 2 to 3.4 hectares in size with frontages from 140 metres to 262 metres. This is a deer wintering area so an EIS should be done along with applying site plan control. Staff recommend approval with rezoning to residential rural from rural. Approved. The Amending By-law was passed at the Council Planning Meeting.

Banninger and Izat Severn Bridge Highway 11 and Southwood road

Wants to have 5 lots on the property ranging from 18.6 to 7.7 hectares to 1.5 hectares with frontages between 400 and 20 metres. Proposal is for 2 commercial and 3 residential lots. Staff recommend with zoning changes and no further clearing or blasting on the property until consents are finalized. Several neighbours voiced their objections and concerns and a petition with 23 signatures had also been received. Neighbours were concerned with blasting and the adverse effect on the wells and homes, preservation of the landscape, and the effect on wildlife. The applicants' agent reassured the committee and the neighbours that no blasting or clearing would be conducted until the consent and rezoning is finalized. Approved.

Comment: this property has been being clear cut and blasted for several months, despite the fact that this contravenes the approved OP in regards to the Highway 11 corridor. There has been no apparent enforcement by the town of this destruction of one more important visual statement that “this is Muskoka”.

Flanagan Severn River- applicant wishes to create 4 new waterfront lots. The Trent Severn Waterway and Parks Canada are concerned with a wetland at the shore. Any alteration of the shoreline or any in water work would require the permission of Parks Canada. Three of the four lots comply with the new Official Plan as far as lot size and one is slightly undersized. The recommendation was that the resolution be deferred for site evaluation. If deferred this application will come before the new Committee of Adjustment and they will have to recirculate notice. A resolution to remove the site evaluation report requirement was carried as was the resolution for deferral.

Johnston Severn River

Wants to create a new residential backlot. Both lots would meet area (1.2 hectares) and frontage (200 metres) requirements. The adjacent road, Catherine Bagley Road, is only maintained for a short distance by the town and the rest if privately maintained so application is recommended for refusal. Approximately 26 other homes use the private road but they are waterfront and the District Official Plan and the new Gravenhurst Official Plan recommend no new back lots on privately maintained roads. The resolution that consent be refused was defeated. A new resolution that consent be granted was put forward and a recorded vote was asked for – Bob Colhoun – yes, Lou Guerriero – yes, Bryan Pilger – no, Terry Pilger – yes, Tracy Wilson – no, Mark Clairmont – no. Again, because of the tie vote, the resolution was defeated.

Because of the time factor, the 5:00 Planning Council meeting was started.

Planning Council

Goldthorpe Muskoka Bay they want to replace a non-conforming building with a larger one and go closer to the lake on one side. They want the building located 10.3 metres and the deck 8.8 metres from the north shore, and a reduction to the minimum side yard (south only) from 6.0metres to 3.0metres. Staff are recommending approval of the Zoning Amendment to move structures closer to the northern shoreline only, with a Minor Amendment that would add additional regulations to restrict structural developments to the easterly setbacks proposed. - Minimum Setback from the Optimal Summer Water Level for a Principle Building shall be 17.1metres (east only) and the Minimum Setback from the Optimal Summer Water Level for an attached deck shall be 13.8 metres (east only). The Minor Amendment Resolution was carried and the Amending Zoning By-law was also passed.

Strong Taylor Island

Wants to rezone to add a provision to legalize an existing storage shed in the shoreline area 2 metres from the shore. Staff recommend approval as it is buffered by vegetation from the shore and neighbours. The amending zoning by-law was passed.

New Business Lance Sherk brought forward a lease agreement for the management and operation of the Marina at the Muskoka Wharf. The Wharf Board received two different proposals and recommended the one from 2008399 Ontario Ltd. (Greg DeMarco). 2008399 Ontario Inc. is to provide certified staff and is responsible for the insurance and daily costs of operating the business. The Lease is for $5.00 for the Marina not including any of the boat slips located at the Wharf. The Lease Agreement will be brought before Council but this resolution was brought forward so that the Marina can be operational on or before July 1. The resolution was carried.

Unfinished Business – Proposed Lease of Town Land for the Cottage Country Family Health Team – Resolution to declare the land surplus conditional on the purchase of the land by the Town of Gravenhurst. This is the land for the new doctors building. Carried.

Back to Committee of Adjustment

Franklin, Tasca and Franklin Kilworthy Road near Sparrow lake

Application to sever and create 2 lots, both meeting area and frontage requirements. Staff recommend approval. Carried.

Sutherland Kahshe lake

To grant rights of way over existing private roads (Fire routes 20T and V and Radford Rd) approved

Pryor Kahshe Lake

Wants approval for a setback of 10.5 metres from the water and to increase the shoreline development area from 81.5 to 90.7 square metres and increase the factor to 2.8 from 2.5. This is to recognize an existing deck already built. Staff feel that as the deck is low the visual impact is minimal as is the water quality impact. Recommend approve with site plan control and re-vegetation requirements and removal of floating dock. Carried

Hanmer Lake Muskoka/Muskoka Bay at the narrows

Wants to build a boathouse of 4.6 metres in height with a 60 sq metre attic (646 sq feet) habitable space is not permitted in a boathouse Staff recommend no. Muskoka Bay Property Owners Association sent letter of objection.. John Shaw of the South Muskoka Lake Community Association spoke against this application. The applicant spoke of his desire for storage space and vowed that there would not be used as living space. Staff reported that there is plenty of space on the property where a storage shed or garage could be constructed. The resolution for refusal of this applications was carried.

Keeling Fitchett lane near Riley lake.

Wants to build exceeding lot coverage, reduced front and rear and side yard setbacks for house and accessory structure. Does fit with existing uses in the area and shape of property requires exemptions. Staff recommend approval. Carried

Williamson Kilworthy Amelia Cresc.

wants to build on a lot that is too small. Staff recommend approval. Carried.

Poirier Rankin Island

Wants to enlarge docks within the shoreline development area and hence wants to go larger in area and factor and width. Property is large and well vegetated. As this will not impact on the neighbour, or change shoreline character staff recommend. Staff wants site plan control to apply. Applicant's agent reported that the applicant agrees to the site plan agreement and to revegetate the shoreline and has agreed to remove some of the shoreline structures. Approved.

Lease of town land for the health team. Approval is sought to declare land surplus and proceed to the lease

This is part of the ongoing paperwork associated with the 5 million dollar new town hall and doctors offices at the south end of Bethune Drive. The town has bought the old health unit building and will now sever 17,000 square feet of the lot and lease it to the doctors for $1.00 with a 99 year lease. The rest of the property and building will have tenants and the new town hall. The doctors will have the Ministry of Health build them a 3+ million dollar building on this leased land.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Council Notes June 17, 2008

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because we believe that citizens who know about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. With the change to minimize the content of the town minutes these notes are the most complete record available to the public. To see background papers go to the town website. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

Deputations

Hank Smith, Gravenhurst Heritage Committee

This citizen committee was established as a result of the GGRA, the Boat and Heritage Museum, the Library and the Archives joint initiative in February to start a discussion with the public about heritage matters in Gravenhurst. They now have a draft terms of reference and framework which was presented to council. They are asking for the council to appoint a formal Heritage Advisory Committee . Questions from the councilors are: Clairmont – with heritage designation how do property rights get affected? The response was “that is determined by council”. (See background papers on www.gravenhurst.ca for the draft TOR.)

Evelyn Matson – Remember Our Children Gazebo

It is almost finished. The opening ceremony will be June 29^th at 2:00 PM. Bob Colhoun indicated the Wharf Board, which will be assuming responsibility, would like Evelyn to continue as a volunteer responsible for the plaques.

Jennifer King – Southwood Church

She has made several attempts to purchase the church starting in 2005. Every attempt there has been an obstacled place in her way, no road access for her relocation site, no clear plan, no... This time she responded to the tender with the highest price and still didn’t get considered. The reason given ‘she only gave the last 5 digits of her assessment role in addition to the lot and concession address’. She has a family historical connection to the church. She feels that the process has been flawed and discriminatory. Her rejection was for a minor technical reason and this reflects prior technical obstacles which have been placed before her. Councillor Donaldson sat on the tender review and feels that Ms. King didn’t meet the criteria because of the technical omission.

This was discussed later in the meeting when they looked at the minutes of the previous meeting. At that point in the meeting Donaldson argued that the information submitted was not complete and the rejection was justified. Colhoun felt the decision is made and council should stick with it. In a vote on the matter only Guerriero and T. Pilger voted for reviewing the tender.

Comment: this taxpayer clearly feels that the town is against her and nothing of substance was said to refute her perception. This is the kind of case where an ombudsman type review would be helpful to see if the barriers repeatedly placed before her were justified.

Community Services Committee

Communities in Bloom update. The garden at the CN tower is well received. Town gardens are planted. This led into a discussion of town cleanup. T. Pilger suggests that CN be approached to clean up its shed at the Muskoka Road South crossing. Clairmont wants to know why there isn’t a berm at the Shoppers Plaza. There are still outstanding items related to the site plan agreement on this site; berms, plantings along the west fence and lighting. Donaldson wants to see the Bethune signs replaced. Estimated cost $1500.

Youth Centre - update

There are high levels of varied activities. Approximately 250 youth have been actively involved.

Recreation and Leisure Guide Results of a tender for the fall and winter guide show that the town can produce and distribute it at no cost. The proposal is that the winner will keep advertising revenues. Contract awarded to Cottage Country Communications.

Development Services

An unopened road allowance in Morrison Twp. is being declared surplus. An appraisal will determine the selling price as opposed to the per square foot fee often charged.

Clearwater lake. Sanderson Road. This road allowance was closed and is to be sold to adjacent landowners. The land division reflects maintaining a right of way and access for owners. This will be on title.

Comment: this is interesting as the division of the land is a bit complex and staff did not get the owners to sign off on the proposal. Are we setting up a problem here? The mayor said he was sorry that the lake association wasn’t more involved.

Activity report. The planning department presented statistics as to the number of building and planning applications. The number is growing each year. T. Pilger asked about the progress of the arch as how is it being handled in the context of the branding exercise. “Where is this project”. Response; drawings are being finalized and it will be going out to contractors within the next week.

Comment: there was no probing on the part of the council as to what lies behind the numbers, such as how many were simple or routine, how many complex.

Economic development. The website has been reviewed by the committee and a selection process went from 9 firms to one. Daniel’s Computer Service will redesign the web site for $7,000 and maintenance will be 1,000 per year. A question was asked as to whether there are policies about linking to other web sites. Response; not yet.

Corporate Services

Audit statements for 2007 were tabled. Clairmont wanted to know the reasons for the discrepancy in the investment income.

Taxicab fares will be going up.

Final levy by-law was approved. This is so the 2d half of the taxes can be collected.

Fees and charges. The new table of fees and charges was approved. The increase is 3%.

The fire department is getting a new tanker truck. Cost $270,000. Public works will get the old one.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Council Notes June 3, 2008

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patters are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because we believe that citizens who are informed about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. These reports are part of that effort. To see background papers go to the town website. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

Two meetings were held – Committee of the Whole and Council.

Committee of the Whole

Deputations: The Honourable Steven W. Mahoney made a presentation on behalf of the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board. He asked the Mayor and Council to promote safety through property training and asked the Mayor to sign, on behalf of the municipality the Community Workplace Health & Safety Charter.

Judy Terry spoke regarding the Business Improvement Area Budget. She spoke of the challenges facing retailers and of the expected decline in tourism. The BIA is consistently working on ways to draw people to Gravenhurst to shop. The resolution approving the budget as presented in the amount of $68,500 and that the BIA levy upon rateable property within the business improvement area shall be $31,00 was passed at the later council meeting.

Community Services

Debbie Broderick presented a report on the Centennial Centre Roof Replacement Capital Project. This was approved in the 2008 Capital Budget Plan. Four tenders were received and a resolution was passed accepting the tender from LaFleche Roofing Limited in the amount of $95,375.00. Work is to be completed by July 10.

Public Works

1. Jim Wouters reported on a petition received from business owners/operators on Phillip St. East. They were asking that the 2hour parking signs be removed and replaced with Customer Only Parking Signs. Mr. Wouters recommended that no changes be made and that the business could use the municipal lot on First St. around the corner from their businesses. There is no other place in town where Customer Only Parking Signs are in use. The one hour and two hour parking signs are in place to allow for a timely turnover of traffic flow. The resolution recommending no changes to the two hour parking signs was carried.

Comment Apparently there was a problem with snow removal in this area during the winter thus causing hardship to the businesses along Phillip St.

Development Services Committee

In July, 2007 The Development Services Committee considered a staff report that dealt with a previous request from Gateway Homes Muskoka for fee waivers. At that time committee passed a resolution authorizing the waiving of fees related to the Surplus Lands, Road Closing and Deeming By-law application fees, but required that requests to further fee waivers be considered on a case-by-case basis. Gateway Homes submitted a new request in April/08 asking for a general fee waiver and that the Town assume the responsibility and costs for snow clearing during construction and that the Town not charge any property taxes on any portion of the site until it is occupied. Staff recommended that committee stand by the 2007 resolution. There would be a significant loss in revenue to the town if they were to waive all fees. The request for the town to assume the responsibility for snow removal during constructions is not something the municipality normally does and does not have the necessary equipment. As far as property taxes go, the property is currently exempt as it is still owned by the Town but once is is transferred to Gateway Homes it has to be assessed and taxes calculated.

Comment The town is donating approximately 65 acres to this worthwhile project to construct affordable housing (Revell St.). However, staff is quite correct in recommending that requests be dealt with as the development progresses.

An application has been received to close a portion of an original shore road allowance on Sparrow Lake. Committee passed a resolution to declare the lands surplus prior to selling.

Economic Development

1. Float Plane Operation At Muskoka Wharf – Committee passed a resolution to rescind the previous resolution to negotiate a draft lease with Seguin Aircraft to lease a dock at Muskoka Wharf(next to the museum) to operate a sea plane business. This resolution also states that the Muskoka Wharf Board be advised that the Town of Gravenhurst is not interested in pursuing this venture. Staff are to prepare a report on the municipality's obligations to float planes and float pilots on lakes throughout Gravenhurst.

Comment This is a result of objections raised by the Muskoka Bay Property Owners Association, the GGRA and concerned citizens. Council listened and are to be commended. Councillor Sandy Cairns asked that staff bring forward the funding agreement with COIP to determine how long a period it is before docks can be leased to private citizens and whether the agreement allows the docks to be leased to commercial enterprises. There is a concern that the docks are not used to the extent that was expected. Busy docks would make the whole wharf look “busy”.

Operation of the Train Station. Only one proposal was received when the town advertised a Request for Proposal to Operate the Train Station. Committee passed a resolution accepting the proposal and the by-law was passed at the later council meeting authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to Execute a Lease Agreement with Glynis Allen to operate the Gravenhurst Train Station for two years.

Committee passed a resolution recognizing the members of the Website Committee -

BIA - Laura Meikle, Judy Terry

Chamber of Commerce Jodi Holder

Town of Gravenhurst Jody Somerville, Lance Sherk, Terry Pilger, Shirley Plaunt

Muskoka Wharf Association Cathy Tait, Ann Curley

Committee passed a resolution recognizing the members of the Community Events Committee

BIA Laura Meikle, Judy Terry

Chamber of Commerce Brea Neal, Jodi Holder

Town of Gravenhurst Jody Somerville, Lance Sherk, Paisley Donaldson, Terry Pilger

Communities in Bloom Sandy Cairns

Muskoka Wharf Association Cathy Tait, Ann Curley

Lance Sherk presented a report on the BR&E deputation to council and addressed some of their concerns

The Committee recognized volunteers undertaking the greening of the Berlet Property at the corner of Muskoka Rd and Hotchkiss St. there are volunteering their time and material has been donated by several businesses.

The committee recognized the members of the Bethune Initiative – Local Task Force

Chamber of Commerce Jodi Holder

Friends of Bethune Maryellen Corcelli, Helen Waters

Ontario Ministry of Tourism Scott Elliot

Parks Canada Kun Zhang, Scott Davidson

Town of Gravenhurst Mark Clairmont, Nick Popovich

Community Members Robbie Irvine, Craig Copland

BIA Judy Terry

Local Business Reps Michael Billinghurst

Lance Sherk presented a report on The Bethune Initiative – Strategy Session

Minutes of April 24 BIA meeting presented.

Corporate Services committee

The 2008 Plan for the Gravenhurst Accessibility Advisory Committee was presented by Candace Thwaites.A resolution was passed receiving the plan and encouraging the committee to proceed with their identified plans for 2008.

A resolution was passed accepting the draft Terms of Reference for the Gravenhurst Environmental Advisory Committee and advising the Development Services Department to proceed to solicit representatives to participate on the committee.

Comment: GGRA representatives Lola Bratty and Gail Stiver met with Mayor Klinck prior to the council meeting. They put forward suggestions and ideas and that is why this came forward as “draft” Terms of Reference. The Mayor agreed that a committee should be formed first and they could develop the Terms of Reference specifically tailored for our area. This will be a very important committee – the Mayor has already stated that he wants to be one of the council representatives. Watch for advertising on the Town Page for interested members of the public to apply.

A resolution was passed accepting a proposal from Veronica Steel to remove the Southwood Church. The amount is $3300.00 and the structure is to be removed by November 1, 2008. Four proposals were received – two were disqualified.

A report was tabled listing fees waived/and or forgiven by council as of May 12.The report listed a total $7,533.74 leaving a balance in the budget of $20,000.00 of $12,656.26. Two more were added increasing the total waived slightly.

Offer to Purchase Health Unit Property and Leases with the SMDHU, Trillium Lakelands District School Board and Cottage Country Family Health Team. The offer will be for $3,100,000. The town will take over the existing mortgage payments from date of closing until Dec.12, 2008. Payments are $377,214.00 per year. Upon maturity Council will decide how to refinance the balance. The Health Unit will lease about 6400 square feet at $11.00 per sq. ft. plus the proportionate share of operating costs of the whole property, including common areas(TLDSB pays $3.50 per sq. ft for 2008). Trillium Lakelands leases 4210 square feet and will pay $46,310.00 annually plus $3.50 per square foot , including common areas, in 2008 for its share of occupancy costs. Operating costs for 2007 were $100,000.00. The doctors currently pay $10,000.00 (includes operating costs) rent for their portion of the building. The Town of Gravenhurst will contribute a maximum of $70,000.00 for 2008 which has been allocated from the Community Reinvestment Fund. The costs associated with the medical facility over and above the costs of purchasing the property ($3,150,000) can be derived as follows: $850,000 – included as part of the debenture

$400,000 - from the Health Care Initiative Reserve Fund

$800,000 – from the Community Reinvestment Fund for a total of $5,000,000 which is the municipality's maximum contribution.

The necessary by-laws were passed at the later council meeting. Mayor Klinck asked for a recorded vote on the bill to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to Execute an Agreement of Purchase and Sale and it was passed unanimously.

COMMENT: It is difficult to get actual $ numbers to figure the income and expenses regarding the purchase and ongoing costs. They do not seem to be available at this time. In speaking with CAO, Cindy Maher, she indicated that the rent from the doctors will increase once the town purchases the Health Unit Building. When the negotiations were taking place the common areas were not included but Mrs. Maher did get those included in the tenants' share of the operating costs (SMDHU And TLDSB). Mrs. Maher did say that in July a Joint Venture Agreement between the Ministry of Health, the Doctors and the Town of Gravenhurst will be brought forward and at that time $ figures will be available.

COUNCIL MEETING

The aforementioned by-laws were passed as well one to appoint a Committee of Adjustment – The C of A is to be comprised of 5 members – 2 councillors and 3 members of the public. Nick Popovich is the Secretary-Treasurer, Wanda Speicher is the Deputy Secretary-Treasurer and Susan is the Acting Deputy Secretary-Treasurer; and one to Regulate the Use of Public Dock(s) and Launch(s) at Franklin Park.

A resolution was also passed to declare the property for the stand alone Doctors Building surplus conditional on the purchase of the land by the Town. This is necessary because they will be entering into a 99 year lease with the Family Health Team.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

REPORT OF COUNCIL MEETING held May 27,2008

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments designed to give context and identify repeated patterns are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because we believe that citizens who are informed about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. These reports are part of that effort. To see background papers go to the town website. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

The meetings focused on planning related matters. First the Committee of Adjustment and then the Planning council meeting

Overall Comment: Repeatedly we see that the town staff do not communicate with each other or with the public. As a result applications come forward where the situation could easily have been dealt with earlier. Many organizations learned many years ago that one window service makes thing more efficient and provides for more satisfied customers. This could easily be applied within a single department of the town. Yet the Buildings and Planning Department fails big time in this regard, therefore causing more work and costs for taxpayers. See Langtree below for an example. Also council is still failing to sanction illegal building activities. Why?

Committee of Adjustment

Singer, Alexander Muskoka Bay, Bear Bay This application was deferred in March so that a site visit could be conducted. The proposal is to sever a waterfront lot to create one back lot abutting on a marsh and environmental protection zone adjacent to Bear Bay. Discussion focused on whether an environmental impact study should be done as there will be intrusion into an EP zone. Council previously made a decision that the policies of the new OP will be implemented and in these policies an EI study is required. The Mayor and Paisley Donaldson wanted the EI study done. The rest of council voted against. The MBPOA wrote opposing the application without the EI study.

Comment: Despite contradictions within the document and the requirement that an EI study be done this was passed without serious questions as to the planners’ recommendations. For example the adopted OP requires that development shall be 30 metres from an identified wetland. A look at the schedule B of the OP shows that this march is so identified. Yet the planner recommended only a 5 metre setback. Why? And why doesn’t council query this kind of recommendation.

Adams, Jamey Silver Lake Road Request to sever to create one new lot Approved.

Lorenz, Kirk Fraser Street They own a legal non-conforming duplex in an area of single family homes. They want to sever the duplex and lot into 2 parts. The original builder placed the building right up against the 66 foot road allowance. So they need a licence of occupation for their driveway and the canopy over the front doors Approved

Turney, Moro et al South Muldrew Lake Application to grant rights of way over an existing driveway to the neighbours. Approved

Skitch Muskoka Bay, Cliff Bay The applicant proceeded to build a deck without a permit on the front of the cottage. They applied for permission to retain the deck and decrease the set back from the lake to 9.7 metres. Staff recommended refusal. Donaldson said it is not excusable for the contractor to have built the deck. Conditions re vegetation are included. Approved

Comment: Once again council rewards building in advance. Until they demand adherence to the requirements these situations will always arise. Other municipalities require removal of buildings build without permits. Why not here. Also this is one more building going too close to the water. The lake system health demands setbacks, which consistently are being ignored.

Black, Carol Muskoka Bay, Sunset Bay. Sought permission to increase the height of her garage. It is at the rear of the property and hidden by trees Approved

Cohen-Solish, Andrea Parkers Point Road She has a steep lot and is replacing her cottage. She wants increased height from 7.5 metres to 8.9 metres. Site plan control will apply Approved

Morton, Thomas Muskoka Bay He built a small storage shed too close to the lot line and wants a reduced side yard set back. Neighbour opposed. Approved Comment: it is a small structure and could easily be moved. Instead the council allowed him to place it out of his view and into the neighbour’s sight lines.

Vardon, Bruce Lake Muskoka He wants permission for a 2d dock. He has a large frontage and claims he will build a boathouse on the dock in the future – far into the future. Approved

Godfrey, Sheldon Kahshe Lake He has a narrow lot serving as a right of way to other property. It is zoned open space. He wants to build a garage, but requires minimal set backs due to lot size. Approved

Langtree, Jason Alexander Street His house was built too close to the road allowance and he needs approval for a reduced set back. This arose because the house is being sold. Approved Comment: Once again we see problems with the building – planning communications. A permit was issued for the house to be within 2.4 metres of the road allowance. Why isn’t this caught early on? Mr. Langtree told this writer that this situation cost him $8,000 by the time it got rectified. This is wrong. Building and planning are in the same department. They should work together and not create these problems.

Planning Council

Public meetings were held and by-laws were enacted on the following:

Bean – Kahshe lake reduced rear set back and legalize 2 dwellings.

Carcone - Morrison lake reduced set back from water to permit a deck to be enclosed. Site plan control to retain vegetation

Pineridge rezoning or a piece of land to open space to fulfill a condition of the subdivision agreement.

3 OSRA closures

Singer and Doolittle revisions to earlier motions

Lorenz and Adams severances from Cof A

Muskoka Ridge Subdivision a revised plan was presented incorporating changes as a result of input from the District and the public at an earlier meeting. These were traffic flows, safety, sidewalks, trails. Discussion, Clairmont wanted to know if the sidewalk plans were internal or also addressed Muskoka Road North. The response is that the town through public works will have to do Muskoka Road North sidewalks should the money be available. Terry Pilger wanted to know if the previous deputants were notified of this revised proposal coming forward. The response was no. (see comment) Endorsed by Council and sent to District.

Comment: The public must follow up after a public meeting in writing after speaking to a proposal and indicate that they wish to be notified of all occasions at which this comes before council. Staff claim that they have no need to so do if the changes were “minor”. But we have seen occasions when the changes are not minor and no second meeting notice is given. This interpretation and the use of deferrals can be a way of slipping things through without proper public scrutiny and transparency.

Wharf Board officers were appointed.

Sale of doctors offices on Muskoka Road North was approved. No purchase price was given.

Official Plan

This item consumed much of the meeting.

Deputations

Lola Bratty – speaking as a member of the Public Advisory Committee and the public spoke to the need to get the OP passed and to stick with the items on which consultation and public input was heard. i.e the expansion of the urban boundary to include the Muskoka Bay subdivision lands, and the retention of the Gull Lake rocks or Trillium Shores property as residential.

Jim Davis, for the Gull and Silver Lakes Residents Association. Requested that the Trillium shores lands be designated as residential. He argues that before changing designation there should be a specific development plan to review. He too wants the plan adopted. The developer can bring a proposal forward in the future.

Bob List for the Muskoka Bay Development Corp. wants the urban boundary to include all the subdivision lands. He submitted a slight reworking of the staff recommendation including development conditions and that an new designation called the “Near urban Area” be added to the plan. This is consistent with the staff approach to the problem.

Staff reports and recommendations on the Trillium Shores Lands, the Muskoka Bay urban boundary question and the highway 11 corridor were presented. Staff recommended that the TS Lands remain designated residential, that the urban boundary be expanded and conditions apply and development on the Highway corridor will be limited to existing commercial with all other properties treated as rural. Discussion by Council was as follows: Council asked the staff to review the proposals from Mr. List and see what could be incorporated, they liked the residential designation of the TS lands and expressed concern about the long term survival of the highway 11 businesses. Terry Pilger wanted assurance that we are on good grounds with the decisions proposed. The OP was once again passed.

Comment: the plan was passed in October 2006 and sent to District. It has been held up for 18 months by district staff, Ontario government ministries and pressure from developers to make changes to their benefit. Some of this is understandable. But this writer feels that if the quality of the work done in 2005-06 had been better and interagency and public processes been more thorough the plan could have reached this point sooner. A lot of resources have been consumed by this process, some unnecessarily. We hope that the zoning by-law will be better.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

REPORT OF COUNCIL MEETING held May 22,2008

This report has been prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association. This is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because we believe that citizens who are informed about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. Please note that thanks to the GGRA the full background papers for the council items are on the town website should you want further information. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

A closed session was held prior to the Committee of Adjustment meeting dealing with a personnel issue, possible litigation and disposition/acquisition of land. A resolution regarding the disposition of land was dealt with in the council meeting.

Deputations: 1. Michael Silver spoke on the Protection of the Dark Sky in Gravenhurst. He was particularly upset with the outdoor lighting on the Shoppers Drug Mart Store. Although the lighting in the parking lot is dark sky friendly the sconces on the building and the Shoppers Drug sign concern him.

2. John Challis, president of the Muskoka Trails Council spoke requesting funding to assist with the hiring of an intern for 1 year. A FedNor application was submitted this winter to allow the Committee to hire an intern and if the grant is approved the Council is responsible for a small portion of the costs. The resolution approving a contribution of $1500 was passed at the Community Services meeting.

3. An update was given on the Business Retention and Expansion. A survey is underway targeting permanent and seasonal residents and asking about shopping habits. This committee has been busy with various initiatives and wants to co-ordinate and create a system where various committees can communicate with each other.

Community Services:

Fred Schulz gave a verbal update re Music on the Barge. He explained about the repairs to be done to the barge with the help of the Rotary Club and outlined the program for the summer. As well as the Sunday night concerts, performances will also be held on some Tuesday nights.

Debbie Broderick presented, for council's information, an update of the Recreation and Community Services Programs – those that have been held and those that are planned for the summer. A very busy schedule.

Debbie Broderick then presented the Dock Control Use Bylaw as it pertains to the town's docks at Franklin Park . A draft by-law was in effect for the summer season last year and staff was to report back on the effectiveness of the by-law. It is staff's opinion that the draft by-law was not effective and thus the new by-law was brought forward. The revised draft by-law restrictions and consequences in available on the town's website – Agendas & Minutes – Committee of the Whole – Community Services. Carried.

Public Works

Dave Saunders presented a report outlining options for allocating the $633,618.00 received from the Province of Ontario for Municipal Road and Bridge Infrastructure Investment. It was suggested that the funds be used for 1. James Street Repaving and Improvements. 2. Laycox Road Reconstruction.

3. Silver Lake Road Reconstruction. 4. Seehaver Road Bridge Replacement. 5. South Morrison Lake Reconstruction. These projects represent all four wards. Carried.

Dave Saunders then presented a resolution re the supply of Gasoline, Diesel Fuels, Furnace Oil, Tanks, Pumps and Relation Equipment. The successful tender was from Bowman Fuels Ltd of Huntsville. Carried.

A resolution was presented re the assumption of a portion of Pine Street. The by-law was passed at the later council meeting.

Development Services

Nick Popovich presented an update on the Citizens Committee of Adjustment and also the procedural by-law for the committee. The Committee of Adjustment is to be comprised of 2 councillors and 3 ratepayers. The ratepayers chosen are Greg King, Garnet Schenk and Sandi Allan.

Councillors are Bob Colhoun and Tracy Wilson. An appointment by-law to formally appoint the new Committee will be forthcoming in the near future. The next step in the process is training the members and staff. The Committee of Adjustment by-law was passed at the later council meeting.

Shore Road Allowance Closure – Bagley Rd. A resolution to declare the property surplus was carried.

Economic Development

The licence agreement between the owners of the White Pine Property and the Town was presented. This will allow the parkette on this property to move forward.

Corporate Services

1. The by-law to provide for the adoption of the 2008 lower tier levy, tax rates for upper and lower tiers and to provide for penalty and interest in default of payment was presented and was passed at the later council meeting.

2. Information was presented on the Opera House Summer Season.

The resolution appointing councillor to the Muskoka Wharf Board was presented. Councillors appointed are Mark Clairmont, Bob Colhoun and Lou Guerriero. Paisley Donaldson was appointed as an alternate member. The resolution was carried at the later council meeting. The by-law providing for the Composition of the Board was presented and passed at the later council meeting. Members are Evanco – Wayne Simpson; HISSO-Blair McMurchy; Community – Pat Loughead and Larry Wright; Condominiums – Jack Farquhar and Wharf Businesses – Glenn Norman. The Mayor is an ex-officio member. Term of Appointments for Citizen Appointments are 1 year – Jack Farquhar and Pat Loughead; 2 year – Larry Wright and Glenn Norman and 3 year – Wayne Simpson and Blair McMurchy.

COUNCIL – Committee of the Whole Minutes May 6 – Float Plane Operation at Muskoka Wharf. Councillor Sandy Cairns asked that the resolution that a draft lease be negotiated with Seguin Aircraft Charter and Tours be removed from the minutes. She feels further discussion is needed and that more information is necessary. There has been a lot of concern from lake associations and citizens regarding this venture. Other councillors felt that this could proceed as it is only a draft lease and the final say rests with Council. The adoption of the minutes proceeded. However, the Economic Development Officer is to meet with the groups and Transport Canada and report to Council

Reports from Municipal Officers.

Nick Popovich reported a settlement regarding objections to the Erta Development on Muskoka Beach Rd. had been reached outside of an OMB Hearing. He stated that the settlement reached improves on an already good application. The resolution supporting the terms and conditions of the Settlement Offer was carried.

By-laws and Agreements.

As well as the by-laws stated earlier in the report and by-law was passed authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute on Offer of Purchase for 821 Bay St. This is the former Wharf Office – the property was listed for $299,00 and the purchase price offered is $335,000. The closing date is July 31 with and option to close earlier. This does not include the parking lot next to the building as this was severed.

NOTE: This is good news for the town and hopefully is an indication that other properties declared surplus will be sold as well.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

REPORT OF COUNCIL MEETING held May 6, 2008

Prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association (GGRA) this is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because we believe that citizens who are informed about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. These reports are part of that effort. To see background papers go to the town website. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

Deputations Gravenhurst Youth Centre Awards presented to Grant Johnston for his volunteer work on the Youth Council

Concerning the Official Plan

Great Gulf Group of Companies – Taboo – re the Gull Lake Rocks, north shore of the lake. This property has been designated as urban residential and remained so through 98% of the development of the new Official Plan. A last minute proposal to change the designation was reviewed by Council after public representations and the lands were designated as Waterfront area – Serviced. The owners of the property want the designation changed to Urban Mixed Use Waterfront, which allows for commercial activity, high density multi storey housing and buildings projecting over the water.

Laurie Wallis – supported by Gull Lake residents, the GGRA, the MLA and the Gull and Silver Assoc. – opposes the request of Great Gulf. Her position is that the property should remain designated as residential until such time that Taboo has a concrete specific proposal to bring before council. Then they can apply for an Official Plan amendment and proper consultations will occur.

Muskoka Bay – Bob List on behalf of Muskoka Bay Developments (Freed) He presented a detailed submission supported by mapping to show that the information and data in the OP as proposed to District is incorrect. He faulted the consultants for the errors and the town and district staff for not picking up on them. He claims that the prior designation of near rural indicated that the town was promoting development of these lands, and that the approvals granted long before the OP process for the subdivision have grandfathering impact. If these lands are excluded, then the developer would have lost rights and could challenge the plan at the OMB. Also he challenged the interpretations of the PPS on the part of the District.

Discussion As a result of these deputations Council discussed the possible next steps. It was later decided that the town would withdraw the OP from the District agenda on May 22 and would then discuss the OP at the Planning Council meeting May 27. This means another month delay.

Muskoka Community Network – Communication Towers Update Kilworthy is up and high speed internet equipment is being installed. Ryde is underway. A new tower on 169 near New Ark is in place.

Canwest Shows – Muskoka in-water Boat and Cottage Show July 18-20, 2008 see the Wharf items section below for details

Business Improvement Areas – Judy Terry She spoke to the fact that as drafted the Wharf Board will be marketing a very small group of businesses and that no others in the town will have the same support. Therefore, she asked that the proposed by-law for the Wharf board be changed to provide for either no implementation of marketing initiatives for this small group of businesses or that the board marketing responsibility be expanded to encompass the whole town. There were no questions or discussion of her request.

Comment: Since we have so much invested at the wharf, we want it to succeed. But we also want a strong downtown and highway retail. It seems to this reporter to be very inequitable to support only the wharf with this specific support. Staff tried to frame it in the context of a town wide marketing plan. Council appears to have lost sight of the whole town context and will do whatever for the wharf. And that means supporting without income a shopping mall and a cheap events venue to the detriment of nearby homeowners and the environment. We see no data to indicate the income from the profit show companies and businesses.

Committee items

Youth Centre & Youth Events programs The May 31 expiry of the Youth Administrator position means some decisions will need to be made. Annual costs for the centre are 32k 7 options which were not mutually exclusive were presented. They ranged from status quo to closing the centre to broadening its user group, to change in staff focus. Direction from council was sought.

Discussion: T Pilger wanted deferral to look at the existing study and have youth and public input. Not supported. P. Donaldson wanted status quo, supported by most of council. T Wilson questioned why the short notice on this item. Status quo approved

Comment: The future of the youth centre keeps coming up. At the time of the budget discussions it was not questioned, so why would it be discussed at the last minute of the administrator’s contract. This happened last year also. What should happen is a thoughtful analysis of options for youth programming, showing how the centre fits in or not. The ideas presented by staff were a start but not complete enough to make decisions on. Nowhere in the paper presented was there a statement of what the problem is.

Municipalhalf-load load restrictions. The mayor brought forward a request to provide for: 2009 a new by-law be developed identifying roads where the no restrictions. 2008 exemptions from the reduced load restrictions for 3 companies The rationale for this is that large scale development projects require exemptions from time lines applied to other developments, because of scale and financial implications. Therefore a mechanism for reprieve is needed. Discussion: T Pilger supports the new by-law but not the exemptions. “the process was bad” and he thought at a previous meeting Council had made a decision to not have exemptions. This concept of consensus is not right. M Clairmont is for the new by-law but sees the exemption as just a dollar savings plus it takes time for damage to show so how will it be proven? Other council members seemed OK with the decision and process. Approved

Comment: This concept of exemptions and indemnity agreements was previously argued against by the manager of Public Works. Heavy loads damage road surfaces and more important road beds and buried services during thaw. And it is close to impossible to determine damage to the substructure at the time it occurs. So the 3 indemnification agreements appear to be paper tigers put in place for the optics not the substance.

There is also the concept of equity. Is the smaller financial cost born by the small developer any less onerous than the larger one by a big developer with deeper pockets?

As for the process: is a round of telephone calls now to substitute for public meetings?

Updates

BIA initiatives: Three were outlined – an uptown market in the Opera House square, a street display of muskoka chairs on the main street and development of a parkette at the White Pine property were proposed and approved. The parkette will cost the town $1265 in lost taxes. From the council fund. Approved
The district proposal to close the grass runway at Muskoka airport. The consultation meeting will be May 22 at District.
Branding exercise – this will develop a new town logo and colours, a marketing look and look for the website and signage and print materials etc. A sole source contract of $15k is approved.
The background study for development charges will be done by the same company that is doing the district review. These are the charges an individual or company must pay the town for building permits, planning approvals, variance applications and amendments, subdivision approvals and conveyance of land under the planning act. Approx income from these is 200k+. $15k will be the cost of the study. Approved

Wharf Items

Float plane operation – a request from Seguin Aircraft Charters to get permission for a lease of the dock next to the museum. They will pay $1800 for this year. The operator will apply to Transport Canada for the wharf to be a sea plane base. This gives more control. In response to a question from M Clairmont it was said that hours of operation and number of flights can be limited in the lease.

Comment: Apparently COIP will allow for leasing the docks, something we were told was not feasible in 2006 when the Evanco proposal to build 80 new docks was put forward. What has changed? Is this just for businesses? Sandy Cairns expressed support for contractors leasing these docks seasonally. Also why can’t the municipality prevent unauthorized use of the docks? They claim that aircraft related items do not have to obey the same requirements as the rest of the world.

The impact of residents on the Bay was never raised, nor was the idea of public information.

Canwest shows They are asking for Council approval for exclusive use of all four docks and the wharf for July 18-20. Similar to the ACBS boat show the 2 weeks prior. They also want a 10 year first right of refusal. Staff are recommending this 10 years not be granted, but it be done on a year by year basis. Staff recommend approval and referral to the new wharf board. No information concerning town revenues is provided. This will be a free event. No boat shuttle provided for.

Comment: Several differences to the ACBS show are not reported on – it is a 1 day event only, the ACBS has donated substantial money to the town, they provide a water shuttle service, they are a cultural non-profit show as opposed to a strictly commercial show. They now pay substantial fees for the use of the site. Profits go the museum and historical ships. Canwest is another for profit operation taking over the wharf on a summer weekend.

Establishment of the Muskoka Wharf board as a Municipal Services Board. In April council agreed that a new management structure was needed for the wharf. It will have full management and operational control except for by-law enforcement and maintenance of sidewalks and the museum and Steamship Bay road, sale of assets and hiring of employees

The by-law addresses the membership, procedures, reporting requirements, administration and financial controls By-law approved

Comment: the concern and request of the BIA concerning special treatment of the wharf businesses was not discussed. Evelyn Matson also submitted written input concerning the memorial gazebo. No discussion or changes as a result of her requests.

Wharf Marina The Wharf board doesn’t take effect until June 1. But the marina should be opened before. So someone approached Campbells Landing to provide this service. The scope of their proposal is not clear as no paperwork was provided. It appears they will provide staff and insurance and summer and year round hours. Lease will be $1. Discussion. Council once again asked why the last minute situation. M Clairmont wanted to tender. No time CAO to enter into negotiations for such a lease. Approved

Council remuneration. It is proposed that 1/3 of the salary is deemed to be an expense allowance and is therefore tax free. The councillors will benefit from this as less income tax will be paid. By-law approved

Municipal by-law officers – 2 new summer ones are appointed. By-law approved

Building inspector appointed By-law approved

Southwood Church is declared surplus and proposals for its removal are being sought. Alternative is demolition.

The negotiating team with OPSEU local for outside workers was appointed

Fee waiver The BIA request for a $250 waiver for the May 14 fashion show. approved

Council meeting 9:00 PM

Bylaws for above items were approved.

An OSRA closure was approved

They enacted a by-law based on negotiations and an OMB decision regarding the PSW on Morrison creek and the subdivision of the property to create one new lot.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

REPORT OF COUNCIL MEETING held April 22, 2008

Two meetings were held – Committee of Adjustment at 2p.m. And council at 5p.m.

Committee of Adjustment

Unfinished Business – Jurlink – brought back from Mar. 25. - Simpson Rd. - site visit was conducted and Mr. Jurlink and Mayor Klinck spoke of the original agreement between the Jurlinks and the Town when the Trans Canada Trail and snowmobile bridge were constructed. At that time the Jurlinks donated land and in return the applicant could create lots and no fees were to be charged. Carried.

Applications for Consent and Zoning Amendment

a) Coles – Muskoka Beach Rd. Applicants want to create 2 new residential lots from originating parcel of land, remove a holding provision as water and sewer are now available, add a special provision on proposed severed parcel 2 to allow 2 single detached dwellings on 1 lot. Proposed severed lots would be accessed from Muskoka Beach Rd and the proposed retained parcel has no frontage on a road but does have frontage on the unopened road allowance of Catherine St. Consent carried and bylaw to rezone lands residential was passed at the later council meeting.

b) Daniar – Southwood Rd. Applicants wish to create one new residential lot with frontage on Southwood Rd. Currently zoned Rural Zone and Environmental Protection Zone. Proposed amending bylaw would permit a reduced lot area of 2.0 hectares instead of required 4.0 hectares. The proposed retained parcel contains a dwelling and shed and the proposed severed parcel is vacant. A large rock ridge divides the property. Consent carried and zoning bylaw was passed at the later council meeting.

c) Brewer – Canning Rd. Applicant wishes to create one new residential lot and rezone from Rural to Residential Rural. Applicant wishes to have special provision 480 removed in order that the current 30.0m west side yard setback would not be applicable. This setback was established in 2001 to ensure no structure would be located near the old landfill site which has be decommissioned. Consent was granted and the amending bylaw was passed at the later council.

Applications for Consent

a) Southgate Plaze Inc. - 1130 Muskoka Rd. S. Applicants wish to create 1 new commercial lot. Currently zoned Commercial Gateway. The proposed severed parcel is vacant and retained parcel is the site of Home Hardware, Foodland and the Sunoco Gas Bar. Future development is subject to site plan control and commercial development standards. Carried.

b) Williamson – Amelia Cres – create one new residential lot fronting on Tryon Rd. Property has frontage on Amelia Cres. and Tryon Rd. Carried

c) Baker – Southwood Rd. create one new rural lot; proposed severed and retained parcel accessed via Southwood Rd. Both are currently vacant and there is adequate area on both parcels for sewage systems. Carried.

Council Meeting

Deputations – Penny Varney spoke on behalf of the BIA and Communities in Bloom. A parkette is being proposed for the corner of Muskoka Rd and Hotchkiss St (the old White Pine Property). Permission has been received from the Berlets (owners of the property) and several business and groups have agreed to donations of labour and product. Communities in Bloom helpers will volunteer their individual services. The Berlets have agreed to lease the space for $1.00 per year. The town will iron out details regarding waiving taxes on the property and a lease will be drawn up. COMMENT: This is an exciting proposal for this vacant piece of property.

Public Meetings

Rolston & Ellis – Winhara Rd. The property is currently zoned Residential Rural subject to provision 11. Applicants wish to rezone the lands to Rural Industrial subject to Special Provision 723 in order to recognize an existing Contractor's Establishment as a permitted use and a number of setback deficiencies to the existing single detached dwelling and existing accessory buildings. Several neighbours voiced their objections to the noise of heavy equipment and raised environmental issues. The amending bylaw was deferred in order for councillors to examine the property and to address ecological concerns.

Carcone – Sims Island, Morrison Lake – currently zoned Residential Waterfront. Applicant wishes to enclose a portion of an existing uncovered deck. The site plan submitted was not accurate. Applicant presented a new package with proper measurements. Staff recommended deferral as the information circulated to neighbouring properties contained the inaccurate information. The applicants were anxious to get approval in order to get the work started. The by-law was deferred

Three shore road allowance closures were presented – one on Morrison Lake, one on Sparrow Lake and one on Kashe Lake. These by-law were all passed.

One road closure was heard – Sanderson Rd., Clearwater Lake. Another neighbour has also applied to purchase part of the road allowance. The by-law was deferred so that both applications can be heard at the same time.

New Business

Subdivision Application -Pine Street subdivision. A Public Hearing was heard on Aug. 27/07 regarding the proposed plan of subdivision and zoning amendment application. At that time the application was deferred as numerous neighbours appeared expressing various concerns. The applicants have now submitted a Preliminary Storm Water Management Report and an Environmental Review. Staff felt that the neighbours concerns had been addressed and the by-law was passed. COMMENT: Once again staff were asked if the neighbours had been notified that this was on the agenda again and the answer was that the requirement is one public meeting and thus there had been no further notification.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

REPORT OF COUNCIL MEETING held April 1, 2008

This report has been prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association. This is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because we believe that citizens who are informed about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. The GGRA has been promoting greater access to information and accountability. These reports are part of that effort. To see background papers go to the town website. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

The Budget

2 Deputations were heard both, about the budget.

Ross Ashforth of the GGRA commented on

	the depletion of the reserves – they are down $4.46 million in 4 years
	they continue to use up the reserves to decrease the operating budget component
	this budget plus tax increases in 3 years of 26% means we are now paying 1/3 more in taxes
	the high rate of increase in the salaries and wages line creates this problem
	the increasing cost of the debt repayment means we are constraining the future
	and the relatively much higher increase in the tax rate in Gravenhurst as opposed to the District or education taxes. When he started to address the costs of the move of the municipal offices he was cut short by the mayor as he was past his allotted time.

Lola Bratty speaking for herself pointed out

	incomes of the Gravenhurst taxpayers cannot sustain these increases
	average incomes are low, for example the councillors receive as a part time salary more than the average income for female employees in Gravenhurst

1/3 of the population are on fixed incomes

employment is mostly in low wage sectors

the town economy is not in good shape

	salary and wages increases of 12 % are the cause of the 9% increase in the budget
	if they decide to proceed on the course proposed, next year their base budget will be $500 thousand higher or an increase of 5% before anything else is considered
	the debenture costs are rising because of the $4 million overall cost of the new town offices
	next year the 2d largest expenditure will be debt repayment
	they should concentrate on getting control of the budget and the way the town spends the money
	she proposed that they implement an efficiency and effectiveness review of all town operations
	and that they implement an economic development strategy

Comment: both deputations were cavalierly received. Council members acted bored with the whole thing. Both deputants felt it was a pro forma hearing. Lola was asked questions about what she would specifically cut – she indicated she would not increase staffing and activity – and was also asked why she saw the economic problems of the town as the council’s doing. The proposed and requested actions were not asked about. Nor did the council address Ross’s points about the depletion of the town reserves and their use as operating funds. Note that later in the meeting they added more expenditures to the budget.

Council Discussion on the budget

Later in the meeting the council proposed their ideas re the budget. The mayor indicated that he has talked with Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. Rotary understands the deferral of the downtown washrooms and the Chamber has requested that a grant of $12,500 be provided for this year. The money is for the Business Retention and Expansion strategy surveys, the visitors guide, advertising, visitor information and the Santa Claus parade. The epoxy floor covering for the firehouse at $22,200 was removed and the $12,500 to the Chamber of Commerce plus $10, 200 for generators for the new communications towers were added. (voted approval unanimously) The Seniors Centre has asked for $20,000 towards an administrator which was not proposed in the initial draft budget. The mayor argued that the approx 600 members are an important political block and they deserve the money (voted approval unanimously). Disappointment was expressed on the 4^th turn down of the $1.3 million James Street reconstruction project. There were pronouncements on the bad treatment of the Province towards the town. The Province has given the town and extra $633,618 for roads and bridges. The Manager of Public Works is to return with suggestions for the expenditure of this money.

Other business

An application has gone in to the Ministry of Health Promotion for $27,000 to develop new recreation programs in Ryde and Severn Bridge, extending the youth camps and equipment purchases. Total program cost will be $44,000. Supported

2 OSRA closures approved and the land declared surplus.

A report on 2007 advertising expenditures for the town show $137,000. Costs for the town administration portion have increased. To keep 2008 expenditures the same the Opera House will reduce its advertising and promotion. This strategy was praised.

Comment: The Opera House is a Gravenhurst gem which is withering. Reducing its visibility and ability to promote its programs will further harm it. Short term thinking going on here.

A fee waiver for $190 was approved for the Blank Page Writers Group. They want to have a fundraiser in the Opera House and give the money to the library. Last time they raised approx $500. The trade off of 190 for 500 was seen as positive.

The full deputation texts and budget figures from both Ross Ashforth and Lola Bratty will be available on www.ggra.ca. I strongly suggest members look at the information presented. It shows the implications of this budget in the short and long term.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

REPORT OF COUNCIL MEETING Held Mar. 25, 2008

Two meetings were held – Committee of Adjustment at 2p.m. And Council at 5 p.m.

Committee of Adjustment

Unfinished Business

Sopher – Housey's Rapids Road – consent and rezoning approved Feb. 26. District requests were not included in the Notice of Decision. This was brought forward to amend the decision and include the requests. Carried.

Seward-Pearce – Taylor Island, Lake Muskoka – this was deferred in Nov/07 to allow the applicants to reduce the height of the dwelling. It was brought forward again now asking for an increase in height from the allowable 7.5m to 8.0m. The building has also been moved back from the shoreline to increase the setback to 4.0m. Carried.

Brazier-Gougeon- Loon Lake – this was deferred in Dec/07 to allow the applicant to reconsider the scale and mass of the proposal. The amended application is to increase the shoreline development to 81.0sq.m from the existing 80.3sq.m. and have the shoreline development factor at 2.7 as it now exists. The applicant is going to decrease the size of the new deck. Carried.

Consent & Zoning Applications

Adams – Baseline Line- applicant wishes to create 1 new lot. The retained lot has a workshop and cellular tower. It was proposed to remove special provision allowing a transportation depot and add one to allow a contractor's establishment. A neighbour spoke of his concerns and wanted to keep the lot residential in keeping with the neighbourhood. The consent was carried and the by-law was considered at the later council meeting. Council and the neighbour were concerned with the items currently stored on the property. The applicant's representative assured council that the tractor trailer storage units and above ground gas tank would be removed. The by-law was amended to specify no outdoor storage and a maximum of 6 employees inclusive of the owners.The by-law was carried.

Jurlink Associates Inc.- Simpson Rd. - applicant wishes to create 1 new lot. Both lots would share a common driveway. This property backs onto the Transcanada Trail System/Snowmobile Trail. The applicant wishes a decrease from the required 60m road frontage to 16.7m. The proposed parcels do contain sufficient acreage to accommodate a single dwelling and sewage disposal system. When the trail was constructed in 2001 an agreement was reached between the applicant and the town. In exchange for lands for the trail/snowmobile bridge the town was to accept and process concurrent applications for consent and minor variance and was to waive the associated fees. The town currently accesses the snowmobile bridge from this property. Acess can be gained from Taverner Rd. and North Shore Rd. Staff recommended that the town retain a 7.3m right of way in order to be able to service the snowmobile bridge. Deferred for a site visit and so that the original agreement between the applicant and the town can be examined.

Applications for Consent

McKichan – Sparrow Lake-validation of title to recognize an existing situation. Applicants have obtained title to a small parcel of land via adverse possession and want clear title prior to combining the lands with their abutting parcel of land. Approved.

Berlet – Muskoka Rd. & Hotchkiss St.- to create one new commercial lot and associated rights of way. District requested that each lot have its own water and sewer connection. This is the former White Pine property and the building on Hotchkiss St. The owners wish to create the severed lot and retained lot in order to better market the property. Carried.

Applications for Minor Variance

Goos-Kashe Lake – Applicants wish to increase the shoreline development area to 120.6sq.m. from the permitted 102.5sq.m. and increase the shoreline development factor to 3.0 from 2.5 in order to construct a walkway from the shoreline to the inwater boathouse and to permit a deck on the dryland boathouse that faces the rear yard. The applicant did not include the walkway in their original design of the boathouse. Staff felt that adding a deck to the dryland boathouse increases the probability of using it as a sleeping cabin and therefore recommended that only the walkway be approved. Carried as recommended.

Diamond – Muskoka Bay – applicant wishes to increase the maximum number of docks from 1 to 2. The existing boathouse will be demolished and the slips will be retained as docks. Applicant has a laneway on an unopened road allowance. Recommended that minor variance be approved and applicant to enter into license of occupation re encroachment on town lines or remove laneway. Carried.

ED Development – Musquash Rd. - reduction to rear lot setback from 5.0m to 3.7m and to increase maximum lot coverage from 48% to 53%. This will recognize an existing gazebo at one of the townhouses. Carried.

Dushenko-Valley Dr. - This application is a result of a staff error at the time of a previous zoning amendment. Minor variance to lot coverage to allow applicant to build a garage. A request to waive fees will come to council at a later date. Carried.

Stein – Lake Muskoka – this was brought forward to recognize 2 feet of dock width that was overbuilt. Planning recommended deferral. Applicant wanted application dealt with so that he could proceed with building a boathouse. Carried.

Council Meeting

Public Meetings

Doolittle – Sparrow Lake (Penn Island) – proposed amending by-law to permit a new sleeping cabin to be built within the shoreline development area - a proposed 10.0 metre setback from the optimal water level instead of the required 20.0 metre setback. Property contains two dwellings, two docks, a storage building and a pump house. The by-law was later deferred in order for the applicants to consider a different location for the cabin and due to concerns regarding the septic system. There are already two dwellings connected to the same system.

George – Winhara Rd. - this had been deferred on Feb. 26 in order for staff to re-draft the by-law to better accommodate the applicants' request. At that time consent was given to create one new lot. The proposed retained parcel would be zoned Residential Rural Zone and the proposed severed parcel would be zoned Rural Industrial with a Special Provision to eliminate Manufacturing as a permitted use. The by-law was approved.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

REPORT OF COUNCIL MEETING held Mar. 18, 2008

This report has been prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents’ Association. This is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because citizens who are informed about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. Please note that the Council has decided to minimize the content of its own minutes and only record decisions. This means that the GGRA is now the only source for a complete picture of what is happening at the Gravenhurst council. Look also at the town website for the background papers to the council meetings. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

The big item on the agenda was the Budget. We strongly encourage members to go on line at www.gravenhurst.ca and look at the budget documents presented. You will see they are proposing a 7% increase in taxes, or even more. You have the opportunity to comment and make a delegation if you wish. The GGRA Board will be doing an analysis and will send that to you early in the week. We will also be doing a deputation on April 1. see also budget item below.

Routine and deferred items

Pineridge Subdivision The developers have come back to Council to proceed with Phase 8 of the subdivision and requesting a change to the status of part of that block from open space to residential. The Pineridge Homeowners have requested that there be consultation on this and ask for a deferral. Deferred

Building fees report. This is required by law. The town spends 290 thousand more to administer the program than is received in fees. The only comment from a council member was to ask how this compares to similar municipalities. Apparently the Chief building Official is talking to his colleagues. There was no timeframe to bring it back. Train station the EDO received approval to proceed to an RFP to get a contract to operate the station. The town will enter into a 6 year lease with CORE Broadband for wireless equipment. Revenue will be $25,000 per tower plus 5% of subscriber fees. Overall cost of the towers is 75,000.

Significant items

Citizens Environment Committee The mayor tabled a proposal to draft a Terms of Reference for the appointment of a Citizens Environment Advisory Committee. He present the importance of such a committee and indicated that it follows from the strategic plan. Approved

Moving the town hall. It was proposed that a study of the impact of the move be done. Discussion was that the town is going to move to solve the availability of doctors problem. Therefore why do the study. Paisley Donaldson asked if the public understood what was being planned as this project went forward and it was agreed that they didn’t. Sandy Cairns thinks that walk in traffic to the town hall is low therefore it won’t matter where it is. Colhoun doesn’t want to pay for such a study as it is of low importance. B. Pilger thinks the town staff will still come downtown and therefore the study is not necessary. Defeated

Comment: this appears to be a done deal. The public was not fully informed as the decisions were made and we still have not seen the rationale and options explored to justify the move. No costs were presented to show the alternatives for the doctors using the building or for town staff. Overall this project will cost the taxpayers approximately 9.5 million by the time the debenture is paid off. Can we afford this kind of decision making?

The Arch Staff are proposing to spend $5,000 to the engineers to redesign the arch structure. And estimate that further cost will be $234 thousand. This despite being told a few months ago that a different approach could bring it in for $150 thousand without spending more on engineering fees.. Council decided to approve the $5,000, which is on top of the $30,000 already spent for engineering. To date approx $118,000 in the foundation work and realigning services has been spent.

Comment: Council seems not to understand the options. They only see throwing more money into the project as they want it done. But are not listening to outside advice to ensure costs are kept down. There seems to be an attitude around the table that if a project is desirable costs do not matter. Perhaps that is why we are eating into reserves and see such high tax increases.

Draft Budget Process: the budget process is improved from earlier years and praises to Councillor Guerriero for his work. The information is clearer and the public has an opportunity to give input to the documents presented between now and April 1 and the opportunity for deputations . The final draft will come forward on April 8 after the input and delegations and discussion by councillors.

Content: the draft as presented represents a 6.9% tax increase and the drawing down of reserves by approx 1 million dollars. The documents as presented show an increase in operating costs (these are the daily costs of staff, utilities, maintenance etc.) of 600 thousand over last years budget or 900 thousand over last years expenditure. This is a 9% expenditure increase. Plus another 2.4 million in capital and one time projects. The idea is to take from the town’s reserves 1.9 million to fund these projects.

Discussion: the councillors did not question the operating budget as presented despite the fact that it is going up by close to 10% over expenditures in 2007. Why? They confined their questions to proposing that capital items not in the budget be added, such as generators at the fire stations (Colhoun), the arch (most of them), downtown washrooms (Clairmont). The mayor indicated his concern about a deteriorating infrastructure and floated the idea of a special levy for infrastructure over and above the 6.9% increase proposed. This idea appeared well received by councillors.

Comment: This is a lot of money in increase to the operating budget which we are being told is not up for questions. Yet if you look at the draft operational budget on p. 10 of the budget documents you will see that salaries and wages are increasing by 11.2%. Purchased services are going up by 5% . The 3d largest item in the operating budget is servicing long term debt, and they are approving another 4 million to be added to this debt. The result of this 4 million will be to increase debt servicing by approx 25%. And still no questions were asked. If you look at the departmental breakdowns of costs starting on p.18 you will see big increases in corporate services, approx 30%, building inspection, 50% and planning, 30%. No rationale was provided or asked for. As one of our members asked a while ago “Who is minding the store?”.

Personal note These notes were prepared by a GGRA member who is on a fixed income and who did not receive a 10% or even 6.9% increase, never mind deteriorating investments. Many taxpayers in this town are in similar circumstances. How long can we afford these budgets?

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

REPORT OF COUNCIL MEETING held Mar. 4, 2008

Prior to the first deputation Mayor Klink presented Fire Chief Lorne McNeice with his 35-years-service bar. Chief McNeice received a standing ovation from everyone in the room including Council, all public attendees and many members of his Department who had accompanied the Chief. A remarkable honour !

Deputations:

1. Cathy Tait requested fees be waived for the “Central Square” at the Wharf for the motorcycle club to use for their Wednesday evening show & tell, and also their OSPCA ride on June 22 and the “Show & Shine” on July 26^th. Council waived fees.

2. Irene Humber, on behalf of the BIA, spoke to the wording of the proposed By-law for financing the purchase of 5 Pineridge Gate (the Health Unit Building).

The wording states “….. 5 Pineridge Gate for use as; (a) Municipal office space which will provide needed space for the Gravenhurst Fire Department in other facilities, ….. “

She requested that this wording – which indicates the Town Hall will be moving to the Health Unit building - be removed so that this decision be made after public consultation and the economic development strategy has been tabled. The BIA’s position is that the downtown’s vitality will suffer significantly if the Town Hall moves.

(see more Council discussion of this item later in these notes)

New Business:

1. A brief presentation was made by staff summarizing a highly successful Special Olympics Day on Feb 16/08 c/w photos of participants and big thanks to volunteers and sponsors.

2. Various business of relatively routine nature including :

- draft lease for soccer club;

- adopt action plan BR&E;

- draft lease for Core Band;

- Train Station – nothing to report, yet;

- Council individual expenses report;

- renaming of Frank Cooper Trail;

- Library Board AGM minutes.

3. Mayor Klink gave a verbal update of District Water/Sewer issues. For now, non-users of water & sewer services will not be paying for water/sewer. However, by June or July of this year the District will have to look at “environmental charges” where all taxpayers may be paying. Right now the District has a $90 million debt for existing capital facilities and only 10,000 customers of these facilities.

4. Committee of Adjustment: Town has received 21 applicants for the 3 public appointees. A sub-committee was formed to review the applicants and make recommendation to Council for the 3 appointees. Subcommitte comprised of Paisley Donaldson, Mark Clairmont and Terry Pilger. The 2 Council reps on the new Committee of Adjustment will be Bob Colhoun and Tracey Wilson.

5. A “First Impressions” exercise will be carried out between Gravenhurst & The Town of the Blue Mountains. A team from each town will visit the other and complete a pre-established questionnaire about their first impressions.

6. OK – the interesting part…

A By-law was brought forward, and ultimately, unanimously, CARRIED, authorizing the purchase of the Health Unit building and authorizing long term borrowing by the issuance of debentures. This is for $4 million ($3.2 for the building & chattels and another $800,000 for site servicing of the Family Health Team new building to be built in the “parking lot” in approx 2 years time.)

The portion of the by-law which has caused concern is the wording that the Town hall will be moving to the building.

Discussion around this point was summarized, basically, by stating that there was still 2 yrs =/- to determine if the Town Hall moving was actually going to cause a loss of downtown vitality. Observations by some of the Councillors is that both Town staff and public visitors drive everywhere and there would not be any difference if the Town moved to Pineridge Gate. They pointed out that the Bracebridge Town Hall moved ‘way outside of downtown and that Bracebridge’s experience would not be what we would expect to see here.

Mayor Klinck explained that the $4 million price tag was far less than what it would cost to put the doctors there, build a new Town hall somewhere else downtown and build a new Fire Hall.

The treasurer likened this by-law to a “preapproved mortgage” from the District.

There is promised to be a public session regarding this sometime in the near future.

Comment: Anybody with concerns about the Town Hall potentially moving into the Health Unit building should begin to gather their thoughts / information in preparation for the “Public Information” session.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Gravenhurst Council Notes February 19, 2008

There were 2 meetings: Committee of the Whole at 3:00 PM and Council meeting at 6:00 PM

Overall Comments: One of the benefits of attending these meetings is that you gain a perspective on individual council members and their approaches. Today we saw one directly contradict himself in terms of how he voted on an item from 2 weeks ago, and another change his words on an application he supported a year ago. Once again we see that it pays to bring your supporters to Council. Numbers count. Finally it seems that council sometimes applies its policies based on applicant name not the fit with the planning and municipal rules applying to an application. We propose that all Gravenhurst residents be treated equally.

Deputations

The BIA and the Chamber presented an update on the BR&E (Business Retention and Expansion) study. They reported on planned public and business surveys, and committee efforts. They are asking for Council acceptance of the report and initiative.

Levere and Franklin. Readers will recall that a year ago these two neighbours came to council to buy the 66 foot road allowance leading to water on Sparrow Lake off Goldfinch Court. The history – Franklin bought a large lot of 380 feet frontage with the intent of subdividing. The derelict boathouse, part of the shore deck and the septic were on town property. The access drive also goes along the unopened road allowance. He applied to buy the OSRA in front of the 66 foot frontage of the road allowance leading to water. His neighbour objected to the proposed purchase claiming that he too should be allowed to purchase the public lands. They quarreled before council as to who had the entitlement. Council rightly turned them both down and ordered that Franklin remove the encroachments. He has not done so in the year since he was turned down and asked to remove them. The estimated market value for the land they wanted from the town is $150,000 or more.

They are now back with a changed proposal. Levere wants a 15 foot strip. Franklin wants a modest 22 additional feet of frontage of the shore allowance portion only to obtain at very low cost ($3-4,000) the necessary frontage to sever his lot into 2 parcels. But Franklin’s driveway is on the road allowance portion that Levere wants. Council decided to defer the application.

Comment: these guys are still busy divvying up the public’s assets. Despite the fact that for years they trespassed on public lands with no remuneration to the town for their buildings, septics, driveways and walls. I hoped Council will turn them down. Other-wise market value per foot for small lots should be charged. The attraction of public property might not be so great if they have to pay $3,000 per foot frontage for it.

Community Service Committee

Kinsman Park. The Muskoka Heritage Foundation has suggested to the town that Kinsman Park could be improved with remediation to add native plants and trees. Right now there are invasive plants and non-native species in the park. The result is a non-Muskoka landscape to greet visitors coming into town. Volunteers will plant and the materials cost will be sought from a foundation. Approved

Gull Lake Park Council recently set up criteria for renaming parks and trails and requested public input to renaming the park Rotary Gull Lake Park. Many negative letters and comments were received. The unanimous response was retain the name Gull Lake Park and recognize the contribution of Rotary with a plaque or at most keep Gull Lake to the forefront and have it renamed Gull Lake Rotary Park. Recommendation keep name and install a plaque to Rotary. Council approved Gull Lake Rotary Park.

Winter Lights The town won 5 stars for its effort.

Development Services Committee

Official Plan Update The OP modifications have been worked out with the District staff and are back before Council. Staff were asked to review again the proposed expansion of the urban boundary to include the Muskoka Bay subdivision lands, and of the Severn Bridge Community area to include a development site and the economic development impact of the servicing policies in the OP. There is no growth projection justification for expanding the urban boundary and the Severn Bridge boundary. But there are developers waiting and a desire to see these developments proceed. In November the politicians wanted to see if the town could hold fast to the expansion areas. A compromise was suggested and has been re-suggested; i.e. remove the expanded boundaries and add 2 new land use designations the “Near Urban Area” and the “Near Community Area”. These area designations will direct future expansions here rather than elsewhere. Minor other changes were made. Approved and sent to District for final approval

Several points came out in the discussion: members of Council are still concerned about the limitations on community expansion and (especially Bob Colhoun) on the lack of serviced industrial land. Also they wanted to know when the zoning by-law amendments promised will come back to Council – the answer was March. Mark Clairmont, who voted for renewing the Brickbay approval 2 weeks ago, questioned the fact that approved subdivisions which are not proceeding are interfering with developers who want to proceed.

Comment: refer back to the notes of the Feb. 5 council meeting and the Brickbay subdivision renewal. This, plus other inactive approved subdivisions and large blocks of land at the north end of town within the urban boundary absorb the town’s capacity over the 3 and 10 year threshold. Water and sewer and expansion capacity are tied up in old approvals which are unlikely to proceed. And there is land within town which according to the owners is not going to be developed. The lack of serviced industrial land was a concern to the Public Advisory Committee and still remains a concern.

620 Muskoka Road North the former doctors’ office property is declared surplus and will be listed for sale. Approved

Fee waiver – Tingey, Doe Lake and Houseys Rapids roads. In 2000 when he wanted to build a garage Mr. Tingey submitted a sketch which was not accurate. And built too close to the rear lot line. He now needs a retroactive variance and the fee is $514. He wants a fee waiver. B. and T. Pilger spoke in favour, Colhoun opposed. Council decided to waive half the fee.

Levere and Franklin - see deputations above

Wharf management board “To manage the municipal interests at the Muskoka Wharf in a cost effective and coordinated manner ...to promote and protect the public interest and investment…” The TOR previously described has been refined but not substantially changed. The budget is not specified. Discussion was about the composition of the board, the budget controls and amount. The budget will be based on 2007 figures. Approved Cairns, Wilson and Clairmont opposed

Train Station The Chamber has notified the town they do not want to continue to operate the station. This follows on meetings with senior staff. Now Council has a problem. Discussion included could Chamber relocate there?, what was the reason for their change of mind – money? Staff will bring back a report to Council on how to proceed.

Town offices will be closed between Christmas and New Years. Staff can take the 4 days as holidays or without pay. Approved

Council meeting 6:00 PM

Very brief meeting

They approved the application to OIPC for the 1.3 million to reconstruct James Street.

Kahshe Lake, Robinson Road Wahle. The 2 lots owned by Wahle will now be deemed to be one so that the OSRA can be purchased

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Gravenhurst Council Notes February 5, 2008

There were 2 meetings: Committee of the Whole at 3:00 PM and Council meeting at 6:50 PM

Committee of the Whole

Deputations

A public meeting was held concerning proposed amendments to the business licensing by-law. There were no deputations. Purpose of the amendments is to delegate to a licensing committee of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk the power to issue, revoke or suspend business licenses. An appeal process is provided for. Also included is a provision regarding taxi operators – they must have a land line phone and office to answer calls. Approved

Community Services Committee

A Communities in Bloom update was provided including a description of the progress towards hosting the Provincial awards in Gravenhurst in September 12 – 14. Estimated budget is $18,000 covered by registration fees and fund raising. To date $2500 is in hand from sponsors. Several fundraisers are planned.

Public Works Committee

Municipal Infrastructure Grant The Province has 300 million in grants available to municipalities for construction ready infrastructure projects. The recommendation from the manager of public works is to apply for a 1.3 million grant for the reconstruction of James Street, from the high school to North Muldrew Lake Road. He requested Council approval to apply Approved

Pineridge Subdivision ditches Following earlier requests the ditch situation in Pineridge was reviewed by the manager of public works. The residents would like covered ditches installed by the town. Engineering reports indicate that this would require deepening the ditches, extensive roadwork, and possible relocation of other services. These technical difficulties and very high costs plus approvals which would be difficult to obtain lead to a negative recommendation. In addition ditches are considered the most environmentally sound method of handling runoff due to the action of vegetation. An alternative approach is to allow residents to install stone bedding or retaining walls and to extend existing driveway culverts. Councillors will continue to talk with the residents. Twice yearly inspections and cleaning will be done by the town. Report received

Comment Open ditches for storm water are not unique to Pineridge. They are throughout the town. Replacement costs with storm drains would be prohibitive. Instead we would recommend the town ensure proper cleaning and maintenance of all ditches.

Development Services Committee

Property Standards by-law enforcement update. The backlog of open complaint files has been reduced from 74 to 28. Bob Colhoun indicated that the town has been slow in enforcing property standards within a reasonable timeframe. Staff are now placing orders more quickly to speed compliance. The previous delays were the result of poor information and prolonged negotiations.

OSRA closures - two closures were approved and the land declared surplus

Sale of town lands

The doctors offices at 240 Muskoka Road South and the former wharf office at 821 Bay Street are declared surplus and Norm Merchant will be the listing broker. No valuations were provided Approved

Brickbay subdivision. This subdivision on highway 169 adjacent to the north side the wharf was approved in 1995 for 90 town houses, 1 commercial lot and 14 blocks. They have had 5 extensions to this approval and now want another. The planning report indicates that there have been significant changes at the District and town levels and today the proposal would have to be significantly modified. Recommendation is to approve the extension for 2 more years and that the District ensure it conform to the District OP. T. Pilger and Lou Guerriero and Tracey Wilson supported refusal as the 1995 approval allows for the buildings to be less than 10 metres from the water contrary to our new OP. The rest of Council sent it on to the District as approved at the town level.

Fee waiver request Bass Lake, Robert Somerville. He previously received approval for purchase of the OSRA but is required to deem the 2 lots involved as not part of a subdivision. Hence the town will have legal and administrative costs. He wants the fee of $315 waived. Fees waived

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Officer has tabled several terms of reference for town committees

Community events committee – to provide for inter-organization and business liaison, partnering opportunities, and seeking funding

Marketing committee – create an overarching marketing program, work with other marketing initiatives

Gravenhurst website committee – look into the development of a new website for the town

Signage committee – develop a consistent uniform look for signs throughout the town

All approved

Funding Request to Celebrate Ontario 2008 The Province has grants for 2008 events available and requests will go in for new events this summer. Approved

EDO Activity update. A report of EDO activities from summer 2007 to January 2008 was provided and received

2010 Ontario winter Youth Games – application to host these is being spearheaded by Huntsville on behalf of Muskoka. They are asking for Gravenhurst to support with $1.50 per permanent resident ($18,000) towards the operating cost. Possible venues to be used are the High School and the Centennial Centre and Curling club. Downside; 18,000 plus covering possible deficit. Upside; share of possible surplus, opportunity to showcase the town and share of winter tourism event (280 of estimated total attendance 3,100).

Muskoka Wharf Board Council previously approved this in principle. More detail was provided. Suggested membership 3 municipal reps, 1 private sector,1 HISSO, 1 Ditchburn Bay Ratepayers, 1 condos, 2 wharf businesses. It would be responsible for the management and operations of the Wharf including developing events, attracting businesses, marketing the wharf and operating the marina along with day to day operations. Staff will be required. Cost estimates and budget to be determined. This will come back on February 19 with budget estimates.

Comment Some of the paper is ambiguous concerning responsibility for expansions of the docks or commercial space. Clarity will be sought.

Corporate Services Committee

Muskoka Wharf Purchasing By-law for capital purchases. Now the public capital components of the wharf are completed there is no longer a need. It should be repealed Approved

Business licensing by-law. See deputation above

Defibrillators. A defibrillator will be put into the Opera House in Association with the EMS and the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Costs are nominal. Agreement with Muskoka EMS approved

Public Sector Accounting Board policy. The town is required to change its accounting system to an accrual basis rather than the current cash method basis and will now include tangible capital assets in the accounting. This means that furniture, equipment and technology and heritage assets, land and buildings and more will be inventoried valued and depreciated. Details are in the policy. Policy Approved

Claim for loss of livestock Cliff Fitchett of Ryde lost 2 polled Hereford cows to wolves. Under the Livestock, Poultry and Honey Bee Protection Act he can receive compensation. The Municipality will compensate him for $1,200 and will claim that amount from the Province (MAF). Approved

Riley Lake at the request of residents Westview Subdivision Road will be renamed Frank Cooper Trail.

Council Meeting began at 6:50 PM

3 deeming by-laws were passed – these were technical requirements associated with OSRA acquisitions by abutting landowners.

By-laws and other matters as outlined in the committee of the whole reports above were enacted.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

January 22 Council Meeting Notes

notes January 22, 2008

This report has been prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents’ Association. This is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because we believe that citizens who are informed about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. Please note that the Council has decided to minimize the content of its own minutes and only record decisions. This means that the GGRA is now the only source for a complete picture of what is happening at the Gravenhurst council. Look also at the town website for the background papers to the council meetings. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

There were 2 meetings: the Committee of Adjustment at 2:00 PM and the Council meeting at 3:20 PM. Absent Terry Pilger and Bob Colhoun

Committee of Adjustment.

Highway 11 (the property of the Dock store) Denbock

This is brought back from last May. At that time they applied to sever the property and the Ministry of Transportation objected because it does not want any more highway entrances. The Ministry proposed solutions allowing one entrance and easements. Approved

Comment: This property has been denuded of trees even though it is against the policies of the OP. Site plan control will be used and revegetation will be a component.

Narrows Road Steel Crown Corporation

Applying to sever the property and create one new lot. Also to rezone the property from Rural to Residential Backlot and finally to add a special provision to allow for the frontage for one of the lots to be 160 metres as opposed to the required 200 metres. Approved

Sparrow Lake Tomascik and Boyd

They are requesting variances, (side yard, set back from the water, size and increases in shoreline development) for an old sleeping cabin. Plus variances of a decreased side yard for new stairs and dock uilt without approval. Neighbours objected and indicated they pointed out the need for permits and setbacks. ` Deferred

Council meeting 3:20 PM

Kahshe Lake Stringer

This application was first heard in November. The request was to permit a severely reduced set back from the lake to permit a new cottage and to recognize the existing cottage as a sleeping cabin. Neighbours and the KLRA objected. When it was recognized that they might fail they withdrew the application so as to modify it. This new application sets the cottage back, but not the required 20 metres. Approved and by-law enacted

Animal Control Officer

Tara Fleming has been appointed a municipal law enforcement officer for purposes of animal control. She works for the SPCA and they do animal control for the town. By-law enacted

Purchase of Land

The mayor and clerk are authorized to buy the doctors’ offices at 640 Muskoka Road North. Appraised value $250,000, asking $299,000, price paid $265,000. The doctors will now move into the health unit building on February 9^th. This building will be surplused or leased. The money for the purchase is from the Community Reinvestment fund.

Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association

Gravenhurst Council notes January 15, 2008

This report has been prepared by the Greater Gravenhurst Residents’ Association. This is a report of what happened at the council meetings; comments are included for the relevant items. These reports are prepared because we believe that citizens who are informed about what council is considering and deciding can make informed contributions to the betterment of the town. Please note that the Council has decided to minimize the content of its own minutes and only record decisions. This means that the GGRA is now the only source for a complete picture of what is happening at the Gravenhurst council. Look at the town website for the background papers to the council meetings should you want further information. This report has been prepared without prejudice.

Overall Comment on the items discussed and approved

We are repeatedly seeing items come before Council with no costing attached. At this meeting it was road signage and Family Day and the museum. Prior meetings: new management committees for the wharf and ….. We would recommend that council direct staff to bring in cost “estimates” for all these reports to ensure that the potential impacts are understood and that decisions can be made in a complete context. What is also interesting is that not one of the council members asked questions about costs.

There were 2 meetings: the Committee of the whole at 3:00 PM and the Council meeting afterward. Wilson and Colhoun were absent

Committee of the Whole

Community Services Committee

· Many more kids are playing soccer and the Gravenhurst Minor Soccer Assoc. wants permission to erect and pay for a storage shed adjacent to the soccer field Approved

Public Works Committee

· The District has written the town about the new application procedure for temporary road closings of District Roads. 8 weeks notice, an indemnity and insurance required.

· The authority to restrict on street parking for events will be delegated to the Chief Municipal Law Officer. Approved

· Public Works staff reviewed the state of traffic signs on town roads. The report indicates that the primary problems are damaged and faded signs and non-uniform placement of signage. The 2008 budget will allow for repairing the deficiencies and adding 2 new rural stop signs. No estimate was provided.

Development Services Committee

· Committee of Adjustment. You will recall that it was deferred from November when Mark Clairmont, Bryan Pilger and Bob Colhoun opposed citizen involvement. The final report recommends a mix of 5 elected and appointed members from the public, one monthly meeting on a Wednesday night, a small meeting stipend for public members. It is proposed to advertise the public positions in January and have the members appointed and trained by June 2008. Bryan Pilger still opposed, Colhoun absent and Clairmont changed his mind Approved

Comment: This public involvement was committed to by many of the candidates in the 2006 election. Staff and some council members had opposed public membership on this committee, which will only have the power to recommend approval or rejection of applications for variance from the zoning by-law. If you are interested watch the Banner or the Town Website in the next 2 weeks and apply for membership.

· OSRA closures lands were declared surplus for properties on the Severn and Morrison Lake, so the OSRAs can be sold to the abutting owners.

· Wasdell Falls hydro electric generating station. A proposal has been worked up for a replacement hydro station on the Severn at Wasdell Falls. The report shows there will be no change to the dam operation and water levels. It was tabled for information only,

Economic Development Committee

· the EDO presented an update for Council. Highlights include

o The Bethune House Project is moving forward

o A new business opportunity for andd ESL program for Chinese students is under discussion

o 3 in town busineses want to expand

o The community events committee is now meeting. The events list this year will not greatly increase but an international ACBS proposal for 2009 is underway

o Co-operation re the 2010 Ontario Winter Games is with other Muskoka municipalities

o A Heritage project is under discussion

Corporate Service Committee

· February 18 will be a public holiday “Family Day” so town employees will now have 11 paid holidays per year, plus vacation. The public works and community services programs will operate that day and staff will get time and a half for hours worked. No cost estimates were tabled.

· Opera House rental fee waiver Request. The chamber of commerce wants fees for the use of the Opera House waived for their AGM. The Opera House manager noted that they already get a reduced rate and recommended against the waiver. Request Denied

· Pre-budget consultation. An opportunity for “early” input to the budget will be given to the public on February 2. The public will receive a copy of the 2007 budget and a list of new initiatives and will be asked to comment on these. Approved

Comment: This is in response to the GGRA request for consultation on the budget. We have told the town in a meeting and in writing (see the GGRA website ggra.ca ) what we see as the necessary process and information to enable good public input. In our opinion this proposal does not constitute a budget consultation – it gives the public the chance to see the new initiatives but not the context in which these are being considered. The council accepted a proposal for a special council meeting February 2 where citizens could make a delegation on items in the new initiatives list. GGRA members should arrange to pick up the materials at the town offices on January 28 and attend the Feb 2 meeting. The GGRA board will meet on this issue and any member who has concerns can call any board member to bring them forward

· The by-law to enable the town to borrow up to 7 million dollars to pay expenses until taxes come in as approved. Approved

· The interim levy for 2008 taxes will be 50% of 2007 taxes. Approved

Council Meeting

The agreement for 4 years with the Steamship and Historical Society to lease the museum and provide operating costs was tabled. The annual lease cost to the Society will be $5 plus water, electricity and other utilities. The operating grant is $130 thousand per year. The town will also maintain the building and the Society will be responsible for the interior. Approved

Comment: the lease and operating grant are specified and that is good. The costs for maintaining the structure and grounds are not provided, if they are known. Once again a proposal with no or incomplete costs

The council enacted by-laws for the items from the earlier meeting.

Gravenhurst Council Meeting Notes Jan to Dec 2010 Click Here to go There

Gravenhurst Council Meeting Notes Jan to Dec 2009 Click Here to go There

Gravenhurst Council Meeting Notes May To Dec 2007 Click Here to go There

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