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THE MAYOR’S REPORT - Originally published Oct. 2010
From Jim Walden, Mayor - Township of Georgian Bay
I am writing this report three days after the election. I have reviewed my calendar for the last month and there is nothing much on it except the election, which was a time consuming activity.
I doubt if I have to inform readers that I was not successful in my bid to be re-elected. I regret that I will not be able to carry on with the forward thinking and ambitious plans this Council had for the next four years. We did move the yardsticks of progress a considerable distance and hopefully the new Council will continue to be productive. As our Township moves forward, it would do well for us to keep the following in mind:
- The Master Site Plans for Honey Harbour and MacTier should be before Council shortly. Hopefully these plans will be approved and an implementation plan developed and pursued vigorously.
- Recreational programmes have been in place for almost a year. They have been enthusiastically subscribed to and these programmes should be increased in scope and resources.
- Economic development and tourism is rapidly maturing as a staff cell. It is an absolutely essential function to complement the development that is finally taking place in this area.
- District of Muskoka receives approximately $5 million per year either from taxes or provincial and federal grants on behalf of Georgian Bay Township for community services. It is my belief that we receive relatively less than this benefit either in money or in kind. We, for the first time, have created a staff cell which can focus on our needs as one of the member communities of the District. One should expect to see a significant increase in scope and resources in this specific staff area.
- This Township pays approximately 10% of the cost of running the District of Muskoka. The three rural municipalities together pay approximately 60% of the cost of running the District while the urban municipalities, which include Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville, pay approximately 40%. It is my submission that the urban areas, because of a larger full-time resident population, draw on services to a disproportionately higher level than the rural municipalities. I do not deny any municipality its just due, but I believe that relatively modest adjustment is warranted to balance this inequity. This requires comprehensive analysis, perhaps in conjunction with the other rural municipalities.
- Considerable organizational progress has been made as well as significant improvements in the general area of infrastructure. The roads in the Township have never looked better. Other valuable infrastructure projects have been brought to the community at thirty three cents per dollar of cost.
An unprecedented lack of civility entered this election. The above programmes serve the entire community, and divisiveness over these programmes is simply not warranted. The full-time residents of the Township must, of necessity, continue to be its custodians. Huge progress has been made, and you, the citizens, have a responsibility to ensure that this Township does not regress to the old ways marked by a lack of progress at a time when our opportunities have never been better.
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THE MAYOR’S REPORT - Originally published Sept. 2010
From Jim Walden, Mayor - Township of Georgian Bay
It is hard to believe that we are entering October. How can we avoid the fact that it is election month? This notwithstanding, the process of administering the Township goes on unabated.
September was a busy month but a lot of the activity seems centred around more mundane clean-up of summer activities and attention turned to the election in earnest. On 13 September there was a Council meeting with no significant events to report on. There is another Council meeting and Committee of Adjustment meeting scheduled for this coming Monday 04 October. The planning process for development plans in Honey Harbour and MacTier continues but election activities seem to transcend all of this.
On 25 September, public meetings regarding Master Site Plans for MacTier and Honey Harbour were held in these respective communities. This was the fourth and last public meeting with the consultants and they presented outline proposals for a site plan. This followed input at previous public meetings and much one-on-one consultation with members of the communities. Following the public comments at this last meeting, the consultants will finalize a report to Council leading to an eventual approved report. An implementation plan is a separate follow-on process and it is probable that these reports will guide much of the Township capital plan for the near to medium term future. The community consensus achieved in the respective communities will be the main feature of these plans. Well done to both the MacTier and Honey Harbour communities in embracing this planning process.
On 18 September, the Métis Council held a fish fry at the Baxter Ward Community Centre that we attended. This large and congenial gathering was held for the first time in Port Severn and feed-back from the Métis Council for this venue was very favourable. Most important, however, was the fish dinner which was a super meal. I hope that the Métis Council will continue to host some of their future activities in the Township. It is a great cultural event and is definitely the best meal in town on such days. The principal organizer was Louise Goulding and she is a charming and energetic host.
We had the pleasure of attending the Baxter Snow Rider’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Saturday, 25 September at the Lake Country Grill in Honey Harbour. This has to be Honey Harbour’s best kept secret for dining and is an attractive, cozy and happening place. An appreciation certificate from the Baxter ATV Trail Riders to the Baxter Snow Riders was read to everyone by Eleanor Pettit who also organized the evening. This was a great fun event typical of the social side of the Snow Riders.
Please pardon this month’s abbreviated report. Campaigning is very time-consuming and I am trying to fit it in along with my mayoral duties. Regardless of who you are supporting in this election, it is important that you exercise your democratic responsibility and vote. Procedures are well documented in the Gazette and on the Township web-site. If the “mail-in” form of the vote is still a mystery to you, as it is to many others, please call the Township at 705 538-2337 (Extn 0) and Township staff will attempt to answer all your questions.
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THE MAYOR’S REPORT - Originally published August 2010
From Jim Walden, Mayor - Township of Georgian Bay
In the last Mayor’s Report, I concluded with an update regarding allegations that have been brought forward against a staff member regarding irregularities in purchasing. The allegations concerned not only a member of the staff but also a member of Council. A lengthy enquiry has since been conducted, involving the examination of Township documents, and I am now able to report on some of the results of this enquiry.
In late April 2010, some members of Council were originally made aware by Township staff of activities in need of investigation. An enquiry was already underway when some of these allegations were revealed in open Council on 10 May 2010. As mentioned in my previous report, it was very important that established principles and procedures be followed in pursuing this matter. Accordingly, since the member of staff under investigation is in an employer/employee relationship, normal employment law must be followed in addressing issues of possible wrongdoing or misconduct. On the other hand, since the member of Council concerned is governed by the Municipal Act and Conflict of Interest Act and is not an employee of the Township, Council has no authority to investigate or discipline this member. The enquiry undertaken, therefore, has no direct relationship to any allegations made against this member of Council.
In the case of the Township employee, as part of the process of investigation, the staff member was suspended from duty on 18 May 2010 in order that the enquiry could proceed without being fettered. The acts were specifically identified in accordance with examined documentary information.
As a member of our community, I am aware that many rumours abound concerning these dealings. This is partly the result of the necessary confidentiality and objectivity that has had to be maintained throughout this process. Despite the public’s desire to remain informed about Township affairs, precise details of this investigation cannot be revealed to the public. This is primarily in accordance with the employment rights accorded to the member of staff. However, I can report that, as a result of the findings of the investigation, Council has taken the appropriate actions and the employee concerned is no longer employed by the Township of Georgian Bay. There are three additional points I wish to make:
- The allegations that led to this investigation involved the actions of a single employee.
- These matters were brought to light by a member of the Township staff. This member is to be commended for responsible actions in this regard.
- The Township staff, in general, greatly facilitated the gathering of facts in this matter. We have a competent Township staff and are fortunate that the system of checks and balances worked as it is supposed to work.
I will quickly mention three events during the month of August. The first was the MacTier Big Week-end celebration on Civic Holiday Week-end. It was a three-day event and I had the pleasure of attending on two of those days. It was an exceptionally well organized week-end under difficult circumstances. Well done to the organizing committee and the large contingent of volunteers essential for an undertaking of this magnitude.
On August 7th there was a celebration of the opening of infrastructure facilities in Port Severn. I know that this event is being covered pictorially in this issue so it will suffice to say a collective “thank you” to those who provided the extensive support so much in evidence on this date.
August 14th was Jazz Fest in Honey Harbour. Once again, this annual event by the Honey Harbour Co-op put on a great show for the many who attended. Jon Eby has been a moving force behind this event for so many years. Great spirit! Great music! Great Volunteerism!
Last but not least, Council heard a pending development proposal for a further 150 unit condominium development in the area of Musky Bay between Port Severn and Honey Harbour. If this proceeds it will bring a total of over 1000 planned new living units in the southern part of the Township.
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THE MAYOR’S REPORT - Originally published July 2010
From Jim Walden, Mayor - Township of Georgian Bay
We are already at the end of June, the G8 and G20 have come and gone and there was really not much notice of these events in this area. We have had a nearby tornado in Midland and we empathize with our neighbours over their bad fortune. Many in this area recently felt the residual effect of the earthquake in the Ottawa area. The drought that we experienced in the early spring has certainly been overcome. We have had our fair share of rain and we look forward to more typical weather for this time of year. Canada Day signals the start of the high summer season and the welcome influx of cottagers and tourists.
I am in a month of endings. I have attended grade 8 graduations in both MacTier and Honey Harbour. The numbers in our schools are not large but a quality education is evident. I was struck by the conversations between three teachers at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School in Honey Harbour when they remarked on how “nice” the students at the school are and how unique this is. What a comment on the quality of life in the Township!
On 09 June, the Baxter Volunteers hosted their final lunch of the season for the seniors in the Township. Not enough can be said about this group of energetic ladies. Monthly luncheons for seniors, care of shut-ins, children’s Christmas party, seasonal gift baskets, Christmas gift programme for children, stewards of the kitchen at the Baxter Ward Community Centre – I am not sure how they do it, but they get it done. This is true community spirit and volunteerism at its best. Ladies, you have so much to be proud of and on behalf of myself and the citizens of this community I thank you.
The third of a series of community meetings in MacTier and Honey Harbour was held in these two communities respectively on 26 June. These were in aid of the ongoing consultancy to develop Master Site Plans for these urban areas. These sessions were to provide feed-back to the community on the input of citizens on how they wish to see their respective areas developed and to confirm that the consultants “got it right.” Both meetings were fruitful and consensus is developing. The next step in this process will be in early September when a draft report will be reviewed. I cannot over emphasize how important this process is. A fundamental community plan is vital to moving forward to access resources essential to the phased development of these respective areas. What I glean from the meetings is that there is much community pride and much which is right with the respective communities. At the same time there are significant deficiencies to be overcome and wonderful opportunities to be exploited. Please continue to engage in this process. A strong community consensus is essential to a successful outcome and effective future development.
I now have to end on an unpleasant note. In late April 2010 allegations were made in confidence to some members of Council in regard to activities of a member of the Township staff. Enquiries were begun and meetings were held with Township lawyers regarding the most prudent way to proceed on a somewhat complex matter. It had already been agreed that a report would be brought forward with recommendations on how to proceed. This was planned for a closed session of the Corporate Services Standing Committee on 11 May 2010.
On 10 May 2010, some of the same allegations were unexpectedly made public by another member of Council in open session of Council. This significantly changed the planned course of events. Nevertheless, enquiries have continued in regard to both sets of allegations.
At this time enquiries involve allegations against a single staff member. The central issue is whether this staff member continues to have the confidence of Council. Allegations are simply a claim that someone has done something wrong. Allegations must result in findings and that is a follow-on process. A fundamental tenet of our democracy is that an individual is innocent until proven guilty and it is essential that this principle continue to be respected by Council.
In summary, there are right and wrong ways to manage every situation. It is my task to ensure that the correct courses are followed. At this time it is essential that the confidentiality and fairness of process be maintained.
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THE MAYOR’S REPORT - Originally published June 2010
From Jim Walden, Mayor - Township of Georgian Bay
I hope everyone had a fantastic 24th of May weekend. The summer pace quickened for me as I first attended a coordination meeting in preparation for the G8 conference to be held in Muskoka, (Huntsville) during 24 and 25 June. This was followed by a reception in honour of an international press tour visiting the area in preparation for the G8. On Sunday, 23 May I attended the official opening of the G8 Centre in Huntsville along with all the other mayors involved in the G8 Summit. From our Township perspective the G8/G20 seems somewhat geographically remote and I suppose it is; however, we do share in the legacy projects that accompanied the G8 hosting responsibilities designed to showcase and market the Muskoka/Parry Sound region. For those who have been away from the Township for a while, you will notice a significant change in the Port Severn area. Most of the heavy work has been completed and we are working diligently to finish “dressing up” the entrance to our area.
Facilities such as School House Trail, the Community Services Building and the new park will be opened incrementally as these respective facilities are fully completed. Council will hopefully approve a celebration of the Port Severn community renewal planned to be held on Saturday, 07 August 2010. This will be partially an official opening but, more importantly, a celebration of a “coming of age” as Port Severn moves through this phase of significant development. Three current projects are aiming at in excess of 800 new living units in the coming years. There are three new retail developments under consideration totalling the eventual construction of approximately 15 new retail stores. Included in these developments are an 18 and a 9-hole golf course, a new marina, new sports fields, and new nature trails. The centre of town will have a significant entrance feature and a new park. This vision began a number of years ago with the installation of municipal water and sewer services. It is finally coming to fruition. The celebration on 07 August 2010 marks a significant milestone in this evolution. This is not just a Port Severn event. The studies which generated the Port Severn plan are also well underway for MacTier and Honey Harbour. The celebration on 07 August is a milestone event for the entire Township.
I would like to congratulate Mrs. Sterling Monster on her recent appointment as a director of the Muskoka Community Futures Corporation. This is an important appointment for us as we are somewhat remote from the centre of population in Muskoka. I know that Sterling will be an outstanding representative of this Township and a significant addition to the Board. She will have much information to pass on regarding the purpose and programmes of the corporation which can be of significant value to our Township residents.
Thank you to Cynthia Thomson and her assistants for establishing another Driver Reviver station at the Bressette House on the 24th long weekend. They were representing the Port Severn Community Policing Committee. This is not only a significant public safety initiative; it also brings transient travellers into our community for a brief period of getting to know each other.
It was with sadness that we noted the recent passing of Dot Donnelly. Dot was a Township Councillor from 1986-88 and the mayor from 1989-94. I well remember those days with tug of wars between the visions of the “locals” versus the cottagers. Dot was a worthy leader in those simpler times. She is fondly remembered by many of us. She will be memorialized by friends and family at the United Church in MacTier starting at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, 29 May 2010.
Two upcoming events of note are being held in early June. Our Lady of Mercy Public School will hold its Spring Fundraiser at the school in Honey Harbour beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, 05 June 2010. Also an annual event, the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce will hold its Lobster fest at the Baxter Ward Community Centre beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, 12 June 2010. Participating once again will be the local artists and artisans in our area – please come out and support this very worthwhile event.
Also of note are the next community meetings for the development of Master Site Plans for MacTier and Honey Harbour on 26 June 2010. (Honey Harbour at 9:30 a.m at the Delawana Inn and MacTier at 1:30 p.m. at the MacTier Community Centre). These are important meetings in the development of these two respective areas and have been well attended at each of the two previous meetings. If you wish to participate in what you want your community to be in the future, please make time to attend these meetings – these are YOUR COMMUNITIES! Now is the time for your input.
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THE MAYOR’S REPORT - Originally published May 2010
From Jim Walden, Mayor - Township of Georgian Bay
We are nearing the end of infrastructure projects in the Port Severn area as the heavy work is mainly done. The clean-up process will soon begin as will the enhancement features such as curbs, sidewalks, street lights, grass, trees, shrubs and benches. Many constituents have been involved from the very beginning and participated in the design of Port Severn at the time of the Master Site Plan Study. Council has acted in accordance with the vision of Township citizens for the development of their community. We were fortunate to be able to utilize Federal and Provincial monies that unexpectedly became available through economic stimulus funding. The project will be completed without any significant effect on taxes and without incurring additional debt. This puts us in good shape to tackle economic development in the rest of the Township namely Honey Harbour and MacTier.
We are now in the active stages of planning for these latter two communities. Consultants have been retained to develop Master Site Plans for these communities as was done for Port Severn. An initial public consultation was held on 27 March 2010 with between 80 and 100 interested citizens from each of the respective communities in attendance. This was a great launch to these two essential planning projects. The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, 01 May 2010 at each of the respective community centres. Any community member is invited to attend. This is a bottom-up design project aimed at collating the ideas of the community as to how the community wishes to see its area develop.
I previously reported on the approved Township budget for this year. District Council approved most aspects of its budget on 12 April 2010 but I do not yet know the total effect on taxpayers. One must be aware that for every $10.00 collected in taxes, approximately $2.00 remains with the Township while $8.00 goes to District and the School Boards. As a result, these two latter bodies have a disproportionate effect on your taxes.
On 06 April 2010, our MP, Minister Tony Clement held a press conference in Port Severn to announce in excess of a $2 million grant to Georgian Bay Islands National Park for infrastructure development. This should have significant impact on development of tourism in the Township.
It was a privilege to attend a gala fundraising event for the Huronia Arts Foundation in mid-April. The attendees were treated to a briefing on the new Arts Building to be constructed at the upper end of the King Street business area in Midland. This is yet another project that will bring economic stimulus and tourism development to this area, not to mention an enhanced quality of life to the citizens who live in this area.
On 24 April 2010 a significant unveiling took place at the library in MacTier. Mrs. Gail Demkiw conceived, designed and quilted a wall hanging which will be hung in the library. Organizations and individuals from the community donated over $7,500 for the privilege of having their names immortalized on the spines of the many books and squares represented on the quilt. It is an absolute work of art and a significant contribution to the heritage of MacTier and the Township. Congratulations to all those who made this happen and contributed to this philanthropic project. A special thank-you is in order to Gail, her artistic talent and her countless hours of work in generating this generous community donation to the library.
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THE MAYOR’S REPORT - Originally published April 2010
From Jim Walden, Mayor - Township of Georgian Bay
It is with pleasure that I write this report for the Bulletin because it signals the imminent return of so many of our “seasonal” residents. Recently I have reported through the Gazette on the arduous yearly and more pedestrian exercises such as budget preparation and the annual audit. I am going to take a few paragraphs to reflect on the extensive progress that has been made by Council and the Township staff over the last two to three years, and much of which is just coming to fruition. Council has established a business agenda and it has been pro-actively implemented. We have made great progress in how we do business, including reforms to Council procedures and re-establishment of standing committees of Council.
During this term, over $4.5 million in one-time Federal and Provincial grants has been secured. Port Severn is being rebuilt and will shortly have a new park, a new community services building and exciting new streetscapes. A new library has been constructed in MacTier. We believe we are overcoming the long-standing problem of providing emergency service coverage for the Stewart Lake side of the CPR line. Our community centres in Port Severn and MacTier are being renovated for approximately $1.3 million, and new walking and cycling trails have been planned and are being constructed in the Township. Despite all of this development, our cash reserves remain healthy and the municipal portion of infrastructure upgrading has been managed without incurring additional debt during the life of this Council. Furthermore, the Township portion of your property taxes averaged less than a 1% annual rate increase since we took office, probably the lowest in the District of Muskoka. A common question is “how is this being paid for?” Most of this is being funded by government grants and existing programmes within the Township. There has been negligible effect of these developments on your tax bill.
As we near the end of this term of Council a new human resource plan has been developed and is being implemented. Studies on the future development of the Honey Harbour and MacTier areas are being completed. An Official Plan review is underway. A Strategic Plan is being developed which will give us a longer term vision of how and when the Township should advance.
Last year, in spite of the economic recession, over $25 million in development took place in the Township. The future looks bright. Residential and retail developers are enthusiastically embracing this area and this bodes well for all residents of our Township. This has been a busy period for the staff of the Township and I thank them on behalf of Council for their diligence and perseverance.
In the meantime, general activity throughout the Township and District has been at a high pace. We recently hired a recreation coordinator and are in the midst of our first Winter Programme in both Port Severn and MacTier. Participation in the activities has been outstanding. Stand by for the next schedule of programmes for the Spring/Summer period. Early in March the Ontario Winter Games were hosted by our District and held at a number of venues ranging from Sudbury in the North to Mount St Louis/Moonstone in the South and as far West as the Collingwood area. In mid-March, Muskoka Community Network hosted a gala function to present awards for Technological Innovation in Muskoka in a number of different categories. Shortly thereafter, a Global Vision Youth Conference was held in Huntsville as a preamble to the G8 Summit in June. On 27 March the first two community meetings were held by the consultants for site planning of Honey Harbour and MacTier. Both meetings were highly attended and this planning process is well underway.
Recently I was fortunate to have a tour of the G8 facilities in Huntsville and the new environmental studies campus of the University of Waterloo, also in Huntsville. This complements the new Nippissing University campus co-located with the Georgian College campus in Bracebridge. The point I wish to make is that Muskoka is becoming a more sophisticated District. Our challenge is to continue to combat the image of our beautiful Georgian Bay Township as the forgotten corner of Muskoka. I believe that we are successfully countering this image and establishing a reputation as a progressive community in which to live, work and play.
Welcome back to so many of you who bring a new vibrancy to the community each year at this time.
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THE MAYOR’S REPORT - Originally published March 2010
From Jim Walden, Mayor - Township of Georgian Bay
February is a time of seasonal transition. I have just returned from the annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference in Toronto and this important meeting could also be described as a time of transition. The Ontario Municipal election date is 25 October 2010 and it will be followed about a year later by the Provincial election. A sense of ending was quite palpable. The learning and exchange of information sessions lacked the “punch” of previous conferences. There were several addresses by keynote speakers, cabinet ministers, the Premier and leaders of the opposition. The politicians, of course, postured in preparation for the coming election cycle. Few promises were made. To the contrary, the non-politicians zeroed in on “needs” and fiscal realities in meeting these needs. In a nutshell, following is the essence of the message delivered through these juxtaposed positions:
- We are slowly moving away from a short-lived recession but there will continue to be “seismic aftershocks.”
- Most governments will wrestle with deficits for several coming years because of the borrowing to counter the financial crisis.
- Canadian economic fundamentals are comparatively healthy relative to G8 and G20 countries, in general. A major concern, however, is the poor fiscal situation in the U.S. Because of our location and special relationship, turbulence south of the border could affect us adversely to a greater extent than other G8 and G20 countries in general.
- The demographic situation in Canada will be changing to a marked degree as “baby boomers” start to retire in greater numbers shortly. While speculation declares this as a significant public fiscal liability, the actual incremental effect is not expected to be as great as speculated. What is more serious is that 46% of the Provincial budget is currently committed to health care and this cost is escalating at a rate of 6% per year.
- There is an acknowledged requirement, determined through the joint Provincial/Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review, that there is a $3 billion per year “gap” that still exists in costs that were downloaded to municipalities over a decade ago. It is similarly acknowledged that the general deficiency in municipal infrastructure will require a $6 billion per year infusion of funding for each of the next ten years.
- It appears that the funding for economic stimulus infrastructure projects will continue at some lesser level but this will probably “dry up” by December 2011.
I am not qualified to deliver an article on economics or Federal and Provincial finances, but, if the above points are moderately correct, you will discern that the short term future is going to be significantly changed from the period of government budgetary surpluses of the paste decade. This brings me to my subject of what this means to Georgian Bay Township. Over the last two meetings of Council we have deliberated on a preliminary budget for 2010. As you may be aware, we have profited from considerable Provincial and Federal stimulus funding (about $4 million) to address our infrastructure requirements in the Port Severn area. The Township share is to contribute an additional approximately $2.4 million. It was originally planned to fund this at a rate of approximately $800 thousand per year in each of 2009, 2010 and 2011. This has occurred in each of the first two years and will leave a balance of approximately $800,000 to be funded in 2011. How this is funded will be left to a decision by the next Council. In the meantime we have provided for short-term borrowing until the next Council makes its decisions for 2011.
What the above means is that tax rates for 2007 – 2009 inclusive have raised a total of 9.7% and tax rates for 2010 will decrease by 5.7% for a total percentage rate increase of 4% over the four years. Given that this rate increase is on only approximately 20% of your total tax bill, this means that the actual rate increase on your tax bill has been about .8% a year on a simple basis. The reserve position of the Township remains about the same as when this Council took office. We are going ahead with studies for Master Site Plans for MacTier and Honey Harbour and we believe the Township to be in excellent fiscal shape to continue its growth and renewal plans. This has been accomplished at little expense to the taxpayer.
The Township auditors will be in residence in the Township offices over the next couple of weeks. This will mean that we should have full audit results by early spring.
My personal congratulations go to Jon Eby, the Honey Harbour Co-op and dozens of volunteers and contributors on another successful Winterfest held on 13 February. The weather co-operated for the hundreds of people that came out and participated in this fantastic event.
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THE MAYOR’S REPORT - Originally published February 2010
From Jim Walden, Mayor - Township of Georgian Bay
What a month January has been? I am not speaking just about the weather. This has been the primary budget planning month and the Treasurer and Corporate Services Standing Committee have been toiling diligently over this daunting task. A first cut of the budget was to be presented to Council on 25 January 2010. At this point, the Committee has been aiming at a 0% tax rate increase. It is not yet clear what implications the infrastructure funding will have on the 2010 budget. Suffice it to say that the infrastructure projects continue within originally planned budget envelopes. Much information such as District and School Board taxation and Provincial and Federal funding is still to be finalized. It is not anticipated that a final budget by-law will be passed by Council for a couple of months yet. A draft Township budget will soon be in place, however, to guide early 2010 operating and capital programme management. There will be much more to follow on this issue.
As stated above, the infrastructure programme continues as previously reported. The major unknowns are the marine works in the area of the Port Severn park. As is the case in so many capital projects, environmental issues remain the hold-up. This is expected to be resolved soon. If you are near the Township Administration Office you will see the new community services building suddenly taking shape.
In regard to both budget and planning, pre-budget approval was previously granted by Council on two consultant studies of significance to the Township. These are dealing with:
- the Township Official Plan review; and
- a Master Site Plan study for both Honey Harbour and MacTier
The former study is mandated as a periodic requirement and is well overdue. The latter is an initiative to examine the layout of these two defined urban areas and follows on the heels of a recent and similar consultant study on Port Severn which was adopted by Council. The infrastructure work taking place in Port Severn at this moment results from this study. These above two new initiatives have been tendered and contracts have been awarded. One of the principal attributes judged in the selection process was that of community involvement in the consultation process. These two studies will be completed in 2010 or early 2011. These are fundamental studies that, together with other documents such as the Master Recreational Plan and Road Needs Surveys, will guide forward planning and capital works projects for the next several years. It is important for the success of these studies that as many interested constituents as possible become involved in the respective consultation processes.
There is a desire to name three elements of the infrastructure programme:
- the community services building;
- the municipal square in front of the above mentioned building; and,
- The park in Port Severn.
The plan is to form a “focus group” made up of interested constituents in the community to compile a short list of names for each of these respective buildings/locations. This short list of names will then be circulated to the general public through the Gazette to vote on these recommended names. Of course, the final selections will be made by Council, hopefully on the basis of community recommendations. More on this topic will follow shortly.
Through the mail, you should have recently received a Winter 2010 Recreation Programme brochure. As one should be aware, the Township has recently hired a Recreation Co-ordinator, Heidi Huften. Heidi and the Parks and Recreation Department have produced this first programme for winter 2010. It will be followed by successive seasonal programmes. This is an imaginative and ambitious programme. Please participate and help to make this Township an engaged and vibrant community.
It is not yet ingrained in my mind, but 15 February is Family Day and provides a three day weekend for most of us. Enjoy this holiday with your family and friends. As will be advertised separately, the Honey Harbour Co-op is sponsoring their annual Winterfest on Saturday, 13 February as part of this long week-end. The timings are 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm. Come and join your neighbours for fun and a delicious winter cook-out.
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THE MAYOR’S REPORT - Originally published January 2010
From Jim Walden, Mayor - Township of Georgian Bay
I wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in my last report and as you read this you are probably in the midst of your festivities. This report is being written a few days before the holidays and so it seems the Township agenda has not advanced very far. Nonetheless, Council, its committees and staff have been through another intense work period and everyone is anticipating a break from the normal routine.
Infrastructure work remains a significant focus. In general, most projects are proceeding according to plan. A delay continues in regard to letting contracts for marine work at the Port Severn Park because of the protracted environmental process that must be engaged in. The “in-ground” services and streetscape projects have been tendered and should commence early in the new year.
There was a peak of activity in the MacTier area at the end of November and beginning of December. On 28 November, the Lion’s Club held its annual wild game dinner and auction. Once again, Bert Berube and his crew produced a unique culinary feast. On 02 December, the CPR Holiday Train made an annual stop in MacTier and brought a gift of $3,000 for the food bank. On 06 December, the MacTier Santa Claus Parade was held amidst much snow. Both the parade and the children’s party at the Community Centre were a great success, with George and Beth Jones once again attending to the pictures with Santa Claus.
On 15 December, the mystery of the G8/G20 Summit was lifted when a coordinating meeting followed by a press conference was held by Tony Clement in Huntsville. As I earlier speculated, the G8 Summit will be held in Huntsville as originally planned over the period 24 – 26 June 2010. It will be a two-day rather than a three-day Summit. Following this, the G8 leaders will relocate to Toronto where the G20 Meeting will be held. There are several reasons for this format. This is the first occasion when the G8 and G20 meetings will be co-located and this was not the planned scope when the G8 Summit was announced. Logistically, the Huntsville area cannot accommodate both activities at the same time. Perhaps the same might be said of Toronto. Most important, however, is that these two meetings are separate and distinct in regard to agendas and attendance. The G8 Summit is attended by the respective eight leaders whereas the G20 countries may be represented by others. That is a short summary – two separate meetings, two separate locations.
Although the G8 Summit will be located in Huntsville, it will be hosted by the entire Muskoka/Parry Sound area. It is an opportunity for this area to showcase itself as a national and world-class destination. This theming will probably carry over to the G20 meeting in Toronto. To that end, a “Branding Plan” is being developed and Georgian Bay Township will be an integral part of that plan, especially as it pertains to the Georgian Bay Coast and the Trent Severn Waterway. Stand by for further and continuing information in this regard.
In the meantime we will continue with the management of winter. We have received many complaints about the road conditions throughout the Township. I have had meetings with our Director of Administration and our Roads Supervisor. There are several reasons for this initial problem. First, the snow hit before the road surfaces had chilled to freezing. As a result there is an unusually hardened and thick snow pack on the roads. Second, the snow hit especially hard in the north of the Township. That, coupled with a major municipal water distribution project in the Moose/Deer Point area, has required a disproportionate allocation of resources to be dedicated to that area. Most important, however, a few years back some poor decisions were made by a previous Council in regard to the purchase of a grader and snow plough which now create critical shortages in our heavy equipment fleet. This will be addressed in this coming year’s capital budget. In the meantime, the roads crew is proceeding north to south to clear the hard pack from the roads. By the time this goes to print it is anticipated that the road crews will have caught up to this initial set-back. Thank you for your patience.
In the meantime, and although it may be belated, it is my sincere wish that everyone have a safe and restful holiday season.
