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April 11, 2000 Agenda COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE - APRIL 11. 2000 Items for Consideration 1. Walter Taylor, Clerk, Township of Uxbridge, with a resolution concerning the safety aspect of the building of the Canadian Neutron Facility at Chalk River Nuclear Labs. (ATTACHED) 2. Dutton & Dunwich Chamber of Commerce, with a membership form for the Year 2000. (ATTACHED) 3. The Honourable Helen Johns, Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, inviting Council to participate in the '2000 Sly Apps Awards of Excellence' program, recognizing and honouring the youth of the province for their participation in athletics, community service and leadership. (ATTACHED) 1 83/13/88 23:33:8& EST; ASSOCIATION OF?-) 1 519 &33 7&&1 CLERK-Elgin Co Page 882 MAR-13-00 MON 04:18 PM AMO FAX NO. 416 971 6191 P. 01 The Corporallon of l.he Township of ~ Uxbridge I~ The- J:köIM.J1 M\\nki XIllty orDuch.\m 'j'owullw! 51 'lbJ'Onlo ~lrc:d &oulh PO. Box 190 Uxbrldgc. ON ¡.9P ITl Tdcphonc (905) 852·9181 (905) 649-19)8 lficslmilc (905) 8n -96<4 Web 1\:/WW,[C'JWII.1JxbIÜ!s(,;,on ~'1I TO; FROM: ALL MUNICIPALITIES IN ONTARIO . WALTER TAYLOR, CLERK. TOWNSHIP OF UXBRIDGE The Council of the Township of Uxbridge adopted the following resolution at their meeting of February 28th, 2000: RESOLUTION NO. 2000-18 "WHEREAS the National Research Council and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited are proposed to building the Canadian Neutron Facility at Chalk River Nuclear Labs at an estimated cost of $400 million, with funding to be provided by the federal government; WHEREAS the Council of the County of Renfrew where Chalk River Nuclear Labs is located, has asked municipalities across Ontario to support its call for the government of Canada to proceed with the Canodion Neutron Facility; WHEREAS the Canadian Neutron Facility is intended for use primarily by nuclear power utilities and private industry with some academic research and training also being conducted; WHEREAS nuclear reactors as currently designed emit radioactive pollution both to air and water during normal operations, and have a risk of severe accidents that may cause considerable health and environmental damage; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: 1. THAT the Township of Uxbriclge reqüest of the government of Canada that it require the users of the proposed Canadian Neutron Facility to pay for the construction and operation costs of the facility, and that the Canadian Neutron Facility be designed to have zero radiation emissions during normal operation and a full containment system which will function reliably during any nuclear reactor accident. 2. THAT a copy of this resolution be circulated to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario with a request that AMO circulate the resolution to all Ontario municipalities, and that a copy of this resolutian be sent to the federal and provincial members of Parliament for Pickering/AjoxlUxbridge, the federaL Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of Industry and Minister of Finance and the Presidents of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and the National Research Council." Walter Taylor Clerk This material Is provided under contract as a paid service by the originating organization and does notl necossoriJy rellect the views or positions of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (ÁMO) its i subsidiary companie.lIj:~ officers, directors or agents. ' ¡ 2 DUTTON & DUNWICH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAR 1 't 2000 ';:) ~I" l=L~'--I:,~'1 2:èVrV1CES "'OJ pry tt ,-"..:..:--".' " tr;' The Dutton and Dunwich Chamber of Commerce invites you to become a member of our organization. Who are we? We have a strong membership in Dutton and Dunwich. All aspects of the business community are represented including agricultural, professional, commercial and services. What does the Chamber of Commerce do? The Dutton and Dunwich Chamber of Commerce major objective is to encourage and promote the use of local businesses and services throughout Dutton and Dunwich. The Chamber of Commerce sponsors several community events throughout the year to support the use of the entire business community. Why join the Chamber of Commerce? The Chamber of Commerce provides a vehicle for members to get together on a regular basis to share their concerns, learn from each other and deal with issues for the benefit of all members. Being a member provides you an opportunity to network with other businesses to keep abreast of what's happening in the community as well as the opportunity to meet future business prospects. When do we me~t? The Dutton and Dunwich Chamber of Commerce holds regular business meetings th~ 3fd Wednesday of every month. Dinner meetings are also arranged throughout the year. Membership is $40.00 per year. The Chamber of Commerce also has a membership business display board at the Dutton and Dunwich Town Hall - please feel free to add your business cards. Fill out the application today and mail it tû: DuttoníDunwich Chamber of Commerce Box 547 Dutton, Ontario NOL 1 JO Business Name: Contact Name: Address: Phone#: FaX#: Prime Business Function: 3 . Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation Minister Ministère des Affaires civiques, de la Culture et des Loisirs Ministre 6e étage 400 avenue University Toronto ON M7A 2R9 Tél.: (416) 325-6200 Téléc.: (416) 325-6195 l*Æ - Ontario 6th Floor 400 University Avenue Toronto ON M7 A 2R9 Tel.: (416)325-6200 Fax: (416) 325-6195 f+~~) f~~~: ~.~:.:: """". 'J' U t1~.: --- March, 2000 MAR 21 2000 ern í"~ .. " r::!~\ Dear Mayor and Members of Council: Young Ontarians make us proud. They get involved at all levels of our communities. The newly created Syl Àpps Awards of Excellence aim to recôgnize and celebrate their personal accomplishments, strength of character and contribution to their community. Syl Apps was a Canadian pole-vault champion, a proud member of the Canadian Olympic Team, a star centre and Captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ontario's Athletic Commissioner. He was a member of the Provincial Legislature for 12 years, working tirelessly to reptesent the Kingston Region. Serving as Minister of Correctional Services, he took great interest in finding new ways how young people could make a lasting contribution to their community. It is with great pleasure that we invite your community to participate in the 2000 Syl Apps Awards of Excellence program. Each community in Ontario has the opportunity to nominate up to four young people, one male and one female for each of the two age categories, for the Regional Syl Apps Awards. It will be a tremendous honour for youth and an exciting opportunity to be considered for the Provincial Syl Apps Award, part of the Ontario Sports Awards program. Please find enclosed the Syl Apps Awards of Excellence program criteria and nomination fonns. Please fOlWard your nominations (note: only 2 female and 2 male) to your local Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, Regional Services Office no later than May 12, 2000. If you require additional infonnation, please contact Herb Gray, Ontario Awards Co-ordinator at (416) 314-7683 or e-mail addressherb.grav@mczcr.gov.on.ca Our youth deserve this special recognition for their achievements. By partnering with communities like yours all across the province, we can honour and highlight examples of outstanding effort for other young people to emulate. Sincerely, Helen Jo Minister 10-107 4 2000 SYL APPS AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Charles Joseph Sylvanus Apps, known by all as Syl Apps, was a Canadian and Commonwealth Games pole-vault champion, a proud member of the Canadian Olympic team, a star centre and Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ontario's Athletic Commissioner. He was also a Member of the Ontario Legislature for 12 years, working tirelessly to represent the Kingston Region. Serving as Minister of Correctional. Services, he took a great interest in finding new ways for young people to make lasting contributions to their community. PURPOSE OF THE SYL APPS AWARDS PROGRAM Young Ontarians make us proud. Many work tirelessly in their chosen fields of endeavour as volunteers, sport participants and community leaders. Like Syl Apps, the Award created in his name aims to recognise young people who show strong participation in athletics, community service and leadership. The Award celebrates accomplishment, and highlights those who demonstrate strength of character and are worthy of emulation by other young people. Nomination for the Award is open to individuals who were actively involved in their community prior to December 31. 1999. WHO IS ELIGIDLE? There will be two age categories for the Syl Apps Awards program: Junior (up to age 15, no age minimum) Senior (age 15 to 18, nominee must be no older than 18 on January 1, 2000) Each must be a resident of Ontario; and have made a significant contribution in all ofthe following categories: · at a high level of athletic achievement and/or athletic participation in their community, region or school · as a volunteer in their community (e.g good samaritan, helped older adults, volunteered at a special event) · demonstrated leadership abilities (e.g. team captain or assistant, group leader, member of student council, youth club, place of worship or a special community volunteer project) HOW ARE THE AWARD RECIPIENTS SELECTED? Each municipal council will select four youth, one male and one female for each 'of the two age categories as its community nominees. Six Regional Selection Committees (North West, North East, South East, Central, Toronto and South West) will then select one male and one female in each age category, a total of four youth, as regional Award recipients. The City of Toronto, as the sixth region, will select eight youth, two males and two females in each age category, as award recipients. Regional Selection Committees will be appointed in April. The 28 regional Award recipients will each receive their Award at a community ceremony. The Regional Award recipients will be considered by the Ontario Sports Awards Selection Committee which will select one male and one female recipient in each age category for the Provincial Syl Apps Awards. 5 WHEN WILL THE A WARDS BE PRESENTED? The 28 regional Syl Apps Award recipients will be honoured at a ceremony held in their community. The 4 Provincial Syl Apps Award recipients will be invited to attend and will receive the Provincial Syl Apps Award of Excellence at the Ontario Sports Awards ceremony in Toronto in the Fall of2000. The Awards will be presented by the Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation and the Provincial Co-ordinator for the Office of Community Sport and Recreation Development. WHEN IS THE DEADLINE? Municipal Councils may nominate 2 male and 2 female candidates by completing the attached nomination form for each nominee and forwarding it to the 10caLRegional Services Office of the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, addressed below, no later than Mav 12. 2000. Photocopies of the form are acceptable. If you require additional information please call the local Ministry Regional Services Office. · North West Region Suite 334, 435 S James Street Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6E3 Tel: 1-800-465-6861 Tel: (807) 475-1683 ,Fax: (807) 475-1297 · North East Region Ontario Government Complex Hwy 101 E, P.O. Box 3085 South Porcupine, ON PON IHO Tel: 1-800-305-4442 Tel: (705) 235-1550 Fax: (705) 235-1553 · South East Region 1'" Floor, 530 Tremblay Road Ottawa, ON KIG 6B7 Tel: 1-800-267-9340 Tel: (613) 742-3360 Fax: (613) 742-5300 · Central Region 400 University Avenue, 5th Floor Toronto, ON M7A 2R9 Tel: 1-877-395-4105 Tel: (416) 314-6685 Fax: (416) 314-6686 · Toronto Region 400 University Avenue, 5th Floor Toronto, ON M7A 2R9 Tel: (416) 314-6044 Fax: (416) 314-4486 · South West Region 4th Floor, Suite 405, 30 Duke St. W. Kitchener, ON N2H 3W5 Tel: 1-800-265-2189 Fax: (519) 578-1632 6 2000 5YL Apps AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Nomination form for the year of 1999 Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Minish)' of Citizenship and Culture Act. R.S.O. 1990, c.M.18, s.4 and will be used to determine eligibility and notify recipients of the Syl Apps Award of Excellence. For further information, please contact Herb Gra at 416 314-7683 or b e-mail herb.ramczcr.ov.on.ca (Please type or print clearly and complete in full) NAME OF NOMINEE: Last Name First Name Street & Number Apt Cityrrown Postal Code Telephone: ( ) Date of Birth (dImly) Fax: ( Age _ Male Female NOMINATED BY: Last Name First Name Municipality ADDRESS: Street & Number Apt Cityrrown Postal Code Telephone: ( ) Fax: ( On separate sheet, attach: · Sport (s) the nominee participates in and at what level (house league, representative community andlor school team) · In what activities has the nominee volunteered in your community, school or region. (200 words or less) · How has the nominee demonstrated leadership abilities (200 words or less) · Additional material can be included Written testimonials from two persons or organizations Additional material to support the nomination (e. g. thank you letters, media stories, other awards) 7 Le2end . MCzCR Regional Offices N W+E 0 100 200 kilometrcs S 1,~t",'''''1 Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation CP .. . Regional Boundaries for Syl Apps Awards COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE - APRIL 11. 2000 Items for Information - (Consent Aqenda) 1. Robert A. Richards, President & Chief Administrative Officer, Ontario Property Assessment Corporation, concerning the OPAC-OPSEU ongoing negotiafions. (ATTACHED) 2. AMO Member Communication 1) Land Ambulance Implementation Update (ATTACHED) 2) AMO's Honour Roll 3) Results of the AMO Board of Directors Meeting 4) Municipalities Continue to Look for Stability and Predictability in LSRlCRF 5) AMO and MFOA Announce New Way of Doing Business 3. Ken Bee, Chairman, Ontario Soybean Growers, copy of correspondence to the Ministry of Transportation concerning the dredging of Port Stanley Harbour. (ATTACHED) 4. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London: 1) copy of correspondence to the Minister of Transportation re: closure of St. Thomas Driver Examination Centre; 2) copy of correspondence to the Minister of Health and Long Term Care concerning the funding of the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital; 3) correspondence to the Warden and Council in response to the OMAFRA closures and reconfirming the Liberal Party's commitment to farming programs; 4) copy of correspondence concerning the 'Fewer Municipal Politicians Act, 1999. (ATTACHED) 5. Greg Grondin, Chair, St. Thomas Public Library Board, with City Library Board resolutions concerning the non-funding of the City Library by the County. (ATTACHED) 6. The Honourable Ernie Eves, Minister of Finance and The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with an update on the Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF). (ATTACHED) 7. The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, advising that the 'Capital Budgeting Handbook' is now available and training sessions sponsored by AMCTO and MFOA will be available in the spring. (ATTACHED) ~ 9 OPAC SOEF Ontario Property Assessment Corporation Société ontarienne d'évaluation foncière Office of the President & Chief Administrative Officer 1305 Pickering Parkway, Pickering ON LlV 3P2 Tel: (905) 837-6150 Fax: (905) 831-0040 ~ ~'íi MAR 14 2000 COUNn; OF ELGIN S-ERVTGES March 10, 2000 To: All Ontario Municipalities You may be aware that the Ontario Property Assessment Corporation and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) are in collective agreement negotiations. OPSEU was certified as the employees' representative in August 1999, and first contract negotiations started last November. The parties are currently in the conciliation phase of the bargaining process. I am writing at this time to update you on the status of negotiations, and to let you know how it might affect your organization. OPAC's objectives in these negotiations are to ensure that we have a collective agreement which recognizes the needs of our customers, as well as the interests of our employees. To this end, we are negotiating for provisions in the agreement which will give us the flexibility to meet your needs for timely, accurate and complete property assessments at a reasonable cost. At the same time, we are trying to provide our employees with a contract which will encourage them to be both productive and customer focused. Negotiations to date have been professionally handled and fruitful. We are, however, approaching the final stages of negotiations, at which time we will have to deal with the more difficult issues. OPSEU recently asked its members for more support, stating that its bargaining power lies in its ability to disrupt the current province-wide reassessment and the preparation of the preliminary voters' lists. OPSEU also stated that it is prepared to take its issues directly to municipalities. We know that the vast majority of our employees believe in OPAC and our goals, and are committed to helping the Corporation become more efficient and effective in tenns of serving its customers. They recognize that the business environment has changed and that their own long- tenn interests are best served by ensuring the success of the organization. OPSEU, however, may decide to use more traditional union bargaining tattics, and it may follow through on its threats to disrupt service to our customers. ...2 1 Q All Ontario Municipalities March 10, 2000 Page 2 OP AC will continue its effort to reach a successful settlement. If there are any union actions which disrupt our service, I want to assure you that OP AC will do everything it can to eliminate or mitigate any negati ve impacts on its customers. You may receive communications from OPSEU which attempt to advance its interests and which put OPAC's position in the least favourable light. If you do receive such communications, we encourage you to contact us and allow us to give you OPAC's perspective on the issues. If you have any other questions or concerns, I would be very pleased to discuss them with you. Yours truly, øR~ Robert A. Richards President & Chief Administrative Officer 1 1 83/18/B8 23:27:25 EST; ASSOCIATION OF?-) 1 519 &33 7&&1 CLERK-Elgin Co Page BB2 MAR-l0-00 FRl 05:06 PM AMO FAX NO, 416 971 6191 P. 01/01 Member Communication £lt1J. Association of Municipalities i of Ontario For Your 6nformation J@ }-"I;I ""Ç- 393 Univet'Sity Avonue, Suite 1701 Toronlc. ON M5G lEa Tel: (416) 971-9866' fax: (416) 97H191 emall: amo@amo.munlcom.com To the attention of the Clerk and Council. For Immediate Attention March 10, 2000 - FYI· 00/007 LAND AMBULANCE IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE Issue: Status of the work of the Joint AMO/Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Land Ambulance Implementation Steering Committee (LAISC). Background: The purpose of the Committee is to identify and provide advice to the Minister on issues related to the transfer of Ambulance services, The Committee is made up of elected officials and senior staff from municipalities and the provincial government. In addition, sub-committees have been established to work on specific issues such as provincial funding, dispatch, human resources and purchasing. The Committee has raised and helped resolve numerous issues including the following: . the extension of the transfer date from January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2001; the reiease of the 1996-1998 ambulance call data, and 1998 detailed budget information; and keeping the Judson Street Stores and the Ontario Government Pharmacy open for municipal purchasing of ambulance vehicles, supplies and equipment. There are several issues that LAISC has recommended to the Minister which are awaiting Provincial action. These issues include: . funding the municipal cost of delivering land ambulance services, including transition costs, service enhancements for meeting the 1996 legislated standard and developing consistent service levels within and between communities; placing paramedics in an Essential Service Agreement bargaining environment in those municipalities that were downloaded the service under the LSR arrangement; setting up municipally managed dispatch pilot projects where municipalities desire this; and the release of the 1999 call data. AMO will continue to update members on these issues and how they are being resolved. If you have any questions regarding this or any other ambulance issue, call Jeff Fisher, AMO Policy Advisor, at (416) 971.9856 ext 315. This information is avaiiable througl1 AMO's MUNICOM network al www.munícom.com For more Information contact: PatVanini, Dircc!or of Policy and Government Relations at (416) 971·9856 exL 31 G or Jeff Fisher, Policy Advisor at ex!. 315. For transmission problems: call Brenda Harvey (416) 971-9856 ex\. 326 ~ 1 2 83/13/88 23:24:84 EST: ASSOCIATION OF?-) 1 519 &33 7&&1 CLERH-EIgin Co Page 883 MAR-13-00 MON 02:40 PM AMO FAX NO, 416 971 6191 p, 02 Member Communication £lhf. Association of . Municipalities it of Ontario For Your 6nformation 393 University Avenue, Sult ~ 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1 E8 Tol: (416) 971-<1858· fox: (418) 971~191 emaíl: amo@Bmo.municom.com To tIJe attention of the Clerk and Council. Please ensure that copies of this are distributed to all Members of Council For Immediate Attention March 13, 2000 FYI - 00/009 AMO's Honour Roll Issue: AMO is calling for nominations to its Annual Honour Roll. Individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the municipal sector will be honoured at the annual AMO conference in August. Facts: In 1999, tho AMO Board of Directors formally recognized a number of municipai officials for outstanding contributions to AMO and the municipal sector. These individuals were honoured during a special ceremony held at the annual conference in August, 1999. Given the overwhelming success of the special ceremony, the Board has authorized the creation of an "AMO Honour Roll." Each year, a limited number of individuals will be selected and formally recognized at the annual AMO conference. The 2000 AMO conference will be held in Ottawa from August 13-16. We are pleased to ask for nominations for AMO's 2000 Honour Roll. If your municipality wishes to summit a nominee for consideration, please forward: 1. Name 2. Position (elected or appointed official) 3. Brief summary of the candidates accomplishments and biographical information Nominees will be accepted untii June 2, 2000, at the following address: Association of Municipalities of Ontario 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1 E6 Attention: Honour Roll Selection Committee For further info: Please contact Pat Moyle, AMO Executive Director at 416-971-9856 ext. 306 For transmission problems, contact: (416) 971-9856 1~ 83/17/88 23:38:45 EST; ASSOCIATION OF?-) MAR-17-00 FRI 04:10 PM AMO 1 519 &33 7&&1 CLERK-Elgin Co Page 8B2 Member Communication FAX NO, 416 971 6191 P. 01 .4.\. I~(~ Municipalities ~1I-~~ ofOntartO For Your (}nformation 393 unlv9mUy Avenuo, Sullo 1701 Toronto, ON MsG '56 Tol: (418) 971-98543· fax: (4'18) 671-6191 amB!!: amo@amo.mul"llcom,com To the attention of the Clerk and Council. Please ensure that copies of this are distributed to all Members of Council For Immediate Attention March 17, 2000 . FYI- 00/0'10 RESULTS OF THE AMO BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Issue: On Friday, February 251h, the AMO Board of Directors met in Toronto. Facts: At the meeting, the AMO Board heard from three delegations, including the Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Bryne Purchase. Dr. Purchase outlined Ontario's positive fiscal forecast. Board members raised several municipal concerns including: · the exit strategy for Bill 79 tax capping; · the need for municipalities to know how much new infrastructure money will be available through the Superbuild program; · the need for municipal. rural and northern representation on the Superbuild Board; the need for federal infrastructure dollars to be invested in tripartite programs; the continuation of the CFR and SCF grants; and the frozen assessment roll (and communications of this issue to property taxpayers). Eleanor R. Clitheroe, President and CEO of Ontario Hydro Services Company Inc.. also attended the meeting. She outlined Ontario Hydro's Business Plan, and discussed the Province's restructuring of the electricity sector. The impact on municipal utilities was also addressed. TI1c final delegation was from the Hicl<s. Morley, Hamilton, Stewart, Storie law firm which has been retained by AMO to review important labour issues which are impacting the municipal sector. They include: I nterest Arbitration; Regulation 10/99 and seniority rights of provincial employees transferred to municipalities; . volunteer fire fighters; the collective bargaining framework for paramedics; Alternative Service Delivery in the fire and police sectors; and . utilizing Boards of Conciliation more frequently. At the Board meeting, it was agreed that the Municipal Finance Officers' Association (MFOA) will provide tax assessment and policy advice to AMO for the next year. It was agreed that AMO would partner with the Ontario Municipal Management Institute (OMMI) to develop Councillor Training Workshops after the November municipal elections. AMO will also be seeking funding from tho Ministry of Mu nicipal Affairs and Housing for the workshops. In addition, AMO is seeking closer ties with the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA). Recently, a joint AMOIOMSSA survey on the impacls of the recent provincial announcement on child care was sent out to Ontario municipalities. .../2 14 83/17/88 23:31:38 EST; ASSOCIATION OF?-) MAR-17-00 FRI 04:11 PM AMO Member Communication - FYI: 1 519 &33 7&&1 CLERK-Elgin Co Page 8B3 FAX NO, 416 971 6191 KesultS at U1~ f'\LVIU UVCI........· .....".....~~......- ..... p, 02 Several resolutions were pCJssed as well - including the City of london Resolution that would allow employee public transit commuting expenses to become a tax-free benefit. The Board agreed to present this to the Transportation Roundtable on Greenhouse Gases and forward the resolution to the Federal Government. The Board also agreed to raise the need for infrastructure funding for Conservation Authorities with the provincial government. The Board of Directors dealt with several policy matters. The AMO Retirement Home Working Group developed several municipal principles for dealing with retirement homes. These were supported by the Board and will be communicated to the Province, The AMO/Ministry of Health and Long Term Care land Ambulance Implementation Steering Committee and its Dispatch Sub-committee developed several principles for the municipal management of dispatch (including the continuation of 100% provincial funding for dispatch). The Board supported these principles and they have been forwarded to the Minister of Health and Long Term Care. AMO President, Michael Power, also discussed his activities which included moving forward AMO's agenda to fundamentally renew the relationship between the Provincial Government and Ontario's municipalities. President Power has met with the media, municipal Councils, senior provincial staff, the Leader of the Opposition, and Ministers to advance this important issue. This relationship is beginning to change in a positive way. The Minister of Community and Social Services, the Honourable John Baird, has committed to AMO that he will meetwith the Association's Social Assistance Task Force quarterly to facilitate government to government discussions pertaining to Ontario Works. President Power also attended the very successful ROMNOGRA February Joint Conference. The August 13111 _ 16'h AMO conference is also proving to be very popular. Most of the room blocks have been sold out. It is recommended that intefested delegCJtes book their hotels as soon as possible. Delegates can contact Margot Rayburn at the Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority at 1-800- 363-4465 ex\. 126 for further information regarding accommodation. AMO will also be launching a media campaign to educate the public on the responsibilities and need for municipal government, how it operates, and the role of municipal Councils in this post "Who Does What" era. Councillor David Stewart (County of Renfrew), Councillor Howard Moscoe (City of Toronto), Mayor Ann Mulvale (Town of Oakville), CounciHor Jay Aspin (City of North Bay), Jim Pine (CAO of Quinte West), and Michael Smither (Municipal World magazine) have agreed to form a Working Group to develop the communications campaign. AMO will also be striking a Task Force to examine possible changes to the AMO Board structure due to the restructuring of the Regions of Sudbury, Ottawa-Carleton, Hamilton-Wentworth, and Haldimand-Norfolk. It was also agreed that AMO should send a delegation, made up of President Power, Deputy Mayor Fran Coleman Crown of Huntsville), and Councillor Kay Manderville (City of Belleville), to the Ontario Medical Association to discuss allowing foreign trained doctors to practice in Ontario. It is clear that doctor shortage is no longer just impacting Northern Ontario. The AMO Board will meet again on April 28ll1. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the AMO offices at (416) 971-9856. We can also be reached by fax at (416) 971-6191, and e-mail at amo@amo:municom.com." ,~ __ 1!'1 r~ JIIIO"""" 83/29/8623:12:3& EST; ASSOCIATION OF?-) 1 519 &33 7&&1 CLERK-Elgin Co Page 882 MAR-29-00 WED 06:02 PM AMO FAX NO. 416 971 6191 / r¥r' P. 01 Association of Municipalities of Ontario Member Communication AI~rt 393 University Avenu.. Suit. 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1E8 Tel: (416) 971-9956' lax; (416) 971-6191 f!lmall: amo@amo.munlc:orn.com To the attention of the Clerk and Council Please ensure that copies of this are distributed to all Members of Council For Immediate Action March 29, 2000 - Alert· 001006 Municipalities Continue to Look for Stability and Predictability in LSRlCIRF Issue: Changes announced to Community Reinvestment Fund Background and Analysis: · Ministers Eves and Clement announced to municipalities today that provincial actual costs ofLSR services delivered by the Province but billed to municipalities are significantly less than their projection. Prelimina¡y Analysis; Reduced cost to tax payers is a shared goal. Given the savings that have accrued, the Province needs to share how this has happened and build up the municipal confidence on the accuracy of the numbers. · Today's announcement brings yet more changes to the structure and amount of off-setting funding. On a province-wide basis, the CRF Base is $37 million less than last year, the 1999 CRF Bonus ($21 million) remains and there is a new assessment needs fund ($40 million). While the 1999 Northem Transitional Assistance Fund and Special Circumstance Fund and have ended, the Province has decided not to clawback any 1999 CRF overpayments and will be making adjustments to CRF where actual LSR eligible costs are greater than the projected. Preliminary Analysis: The scope of the impact and the effect on municipal operations, which is already in the second quarter of the municipal fiscal year, cannot be fully appreciated until the individual municipal numbers are released. A/lowing municipalities to retain any 1999 CRF overpayment is positive. However, municipalities counting on the special funds to help manage thß service transfer will be impacted, but some may see this impact mitigated if they are identified by the Province as qualifying for the assessment needs assistance. This information is not immediately available. The 2000 municipal budget process cannot be completed until this informatIon is released and confirmed as accurate. · The CRF and other ofF-selting funds were designed to fill the difference between the residential education tax and the cost of the service transfer where the service costs were greater. Many of the transferred services are growth services, responding to changing demographics and requiring additional capital and operating expenditures. For example, in many parts of Ontario, there is a growing need for additional ambulance vehicles to meet provincial standard, which also Ðttmctinsumnce and PST when delivered at the municipal level- costs which are not accounted for in the LSRICRF formula. Social housing transition will also bring costs which will further constrain the flexibility that the tax room is to provide. Prolimina¡y Analysis: There are still a number of transition and cost impact issues that have not been seWed and we need to resolve these matters in a timely and effective manner if there are to be no unintended impacts for either the PrQvince or ftficipalities. . '" .../2 83/29/88 23:13:29 EST; ASSOCIATION OF?-) 1 519 &33 7&&1 CLERH-Elgin Co Page 883 MAR-29-00 WED 06:03 PM AMO Member Communication - Alert: FAX NO, 416 971 6191 p, 02 Municipalities Continue to Look for Stability and Predictability in LSR/CRF . The Province is setting out several administrative requirements for the CRF for both 2000 and 1999 funds. The provincial message is that the CRF must be used to reduce in-year costs to taxpayers and not be put into non-specific reserves while increasing taxes. Preliminary Analysis: The introduction of reporting requirements and provincial review is a significant departure from previous years. This detracts from the role of democraticaffy elected municipal councils, charged with managing the affairs of their communities, recognizing local priorities and needs. This reaction should not surprise the Province. AMO Action: AMO will be considering the Ministers' request that the Association take a role in coordinating the municipal contribution to the review ofthe CRF grant structure and is seeking additional information on the expectations, anticipated process, and timing. AMO is encouraged that the government is willing to look at better ways of managing the provinGial- municipal financial relationship. Clearly the Province agrees with the sector that we need to find ways of doing better business together - to get stability and predictability in funding, and a more effective relationship. Inviting municipal involvement in the design of options for a more responsive financing structure is an acknowledgment of the critical relationship that exists between the two orders of governmant. Sorting this out on the financial front is as important as clarifying respective roles in a new Municipal Act. In the meantime, AMO, like its members await the release of the LSR and CRF numbers.. This Information is available through AMO's MUNICOM network at www.municom.com. For more information contact: Pat Vanini, Director of Policy and Government Relations, 416-971-9856 ex!. 316 Transmission problems: Lorna Ruder at 416-971-9856 ex!. 300 17 84/83/88 22:27:58 EST; ASSOCIATION OF?-) 1 519 &33 7&&1 CLERK-Elgin Co Page 882 APR-03-00 MON 04:16 PM AMO FAX NO, 416 971 6191 P. 01101 £~_ Association of .' Munic¡p~lities 1It of Ontario Member Communication For Your On formation 393 UnlV&f1I.lty Avunuo. SuIte 17D1 Toranto, ON M5G 1 E6 Tel: (418) 971..s8S6· fwç (416) B71REl191 am.U: amoC_mo.munlcoM.cam To the attention of the Clerk and Council. Please ensure that copies of this are distributed to all Members of Council For Immediate Attention April 3, 2000 FYI" 001012 AMO and MFOA Announce a New Way of Doing Business The Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Municipal Finance Officers Association is pleased to announce that AMO will be utilizing the expert technical staff of the Municipal Finance Officers Association to support its municipal policy interests in property assessment and taxation. This new way of doing business, appfoved by the Associations' respective Committees will strengthen the policy and advocacy work of both organizations. A stfong, united voice is critical when it comes to affecting change. What does this new relationship mean? For AMO, it means that the Association will still have access to expert advice on property assessment and taxation policy issues and, at the same time extend our existing resources to help deal with the many other municipal priorities. It means that AMO will continue to develop policy positions on taxation and assessment mattefS and that the AMO voice will still be made heard at the provincial and federal levels, It means that the Board of Directors will continue to receive timely information and advice. MFOA will enjoy a broader base of support for its policy initiatives and advice. The new relationship means that its policy advice will benefit from input from different perspectives brought by AMO staff and members. The AMO Board of Directors will provide an important forum to vet MFOA policy proposals and will provide an important source of support in dealing with the Province on critical property tax and assessment issues affecting the municipal order of government. So what does it mean for the fespective members of the Associations? It means business as usual. AMO members should still forwafd to the AMO office their taxation and assessment issues so that we can coordinate the work, achieve our priorities and meet the requirements of the new business arrangement. Both Associations remain focused on meeting the needs of their members. This information Is av¡¡ilable through AMO's MUNICOM network at www.municom.com and MFOA's Website at www.mfo~,~ For transmission problems, contact: (416) 971-9856 1 6 180 Riverview Drive~ P.O. Box 1199~ Chatham~ Ontario Canada N7M 5L8 Phone: 519-352-7730 . Fax 519-352-8983 . E-mail: cansoy@soybean.on.ca March 15, 2000 The Honourable David M. Collenette Minister of Transportation Place de Ville Tower "c" 29th Floor 330 Sparks Street Ottawa, Ontario KIA ON5 MAR 20 2000 ¡:::¡AIM "'"~.'«-"~-, ~ Sr:RV~CES Dear Minister, The efficient transportation of Ontario grains and oilseeds continues to be an issue of vital importance to the Ontario Soybean Growers (OSG), especially with the current farm income crisis being experienced by all farmers throughout the province. Consequently, the OSG requests your immediate action on the outstanding transportation issue dealing with the dredging of Port Stanley Harbour. In our letter to you on July 19, 1999 we expressed the importance of this harbour as a delivery and export terminal for Ontario soybeans and urged your ministry to take the necessary measures needed to restore it to full operation. In your letter of response on August 18, 1999 you indicated that the extent ofthis problem was larger than originally anticipated and that Transport Canada was developing cost estimates and reviewing implementation options. A decision on these options was expected in the following several weeks. It is now several months later, our growers are about to embark on another growing season and, to the best of our knowledge, the issue of dredging the Port Stanley Harbour has not been resolved. Therefore, since Transport Canada is currently responsible for the maintenance of this harbour, the Ontario Soybean Growers request that immediate action be taken by your ministry to ensure that the dredging of Port Stanley Harbour be completed as soon as possible. Your prompt resolution of this issue will help prevent any further unnecessary negative pressure to Ontario's already depressed commodity prices. Sincerely, THE ONTARIO SOYBEAN GROWERS ~ Ken Bee Chairman ~ 1 ~ March 15,2000 Letter to the Hon. D. M. Collenette, Minister of Transportation -2- c.c. The Honourable Lyle V anclief - Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Mr. Terry Gibson - Regional Director General, Programs Branch, Federal Department of Transport. Mr. Gar Knutson - Member of Parliament, Elgin-Middlesex-London. Administrator I Clerk - The County of Elgin 20 Room 331 Main Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A4 lIÆ ~ Ontario Constituency Office: 542 Talbot Street SI. Thomas, Ontario N5P 1C4 Tel: (519) 631-0666 Fax: (519) 631-9478 Toll Free: 1-800-265-7638 E-mail: steve_peters-mpp-co @ontla.ola.org Tel: (416)325-7250 Fax: (416)325-7262 Email: steve_peters-mpp @ontla.ola.org STEVE PETERS, M.P.P. ELGIN - MIDDLESEX - LONDON March 18, 2000 W~R 21 21)1)(j (\t"t', n\~T~,f 0,17 EL~.~\N.. u>,''''o' 0 - ~A' "i"¡::~ Sl:,~\ \J~~J ...'-~.¡¡ Honourable David Turnbull Minister of Transportation 3'd Floor, Ferguson Block 77 Wellesley Street West Toronto, Ontario M7A IZ8 Dear Minister Turnbull, I am in receipt of correspondence, which deals with your Ministry's recent decision to close the St. Thomas Driver Examination Centre. I must agree with the letter written by Sandra Hefrren, the Deputy County Clerk of Elgin County. Due to the rural population of Elgin County, the service standards ofthe Ministry of Transportation have not been maintained. This is evident by the attached letter written by one of my constituents Jay Futcher. It seems that your Ministry is not following its own guidelines. As noted in Ms. HefITen's letter the combined population of St. Thomas and Elgin County is well above the minimum number of 50, 000 people needed to operate a Driver's Examination Centre. The constituents of my riding have been placed at an unacceptable disadvantage. Minister, I am asking you to intervene on behalf of the people of St. Thomas and Elgin County to re-open the St. Thomas Driver Examination Centre. I look forward to your reply. Sincerely, ~~L Steve Peters M.P.P. Elgin-Middlesex-London c.c. Ms. Sandra HefITen Deputy County Clerk Elgin County SP/:pwa 21 Room 331 Main Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A4 yj ~ Ontario Constituency Office: 542 Talbot Street St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 1 C4 Tel: (416)325-7250 Fax: (416)325-7262 Email: steve_peters-mpp @ontla.ola.org STEVE PETERS, M.P.P. ELGIN - MIDDLESEX - LONDON <Ø Çß0b V0~~t:~) """'."Á'.' "\.~ÌI .. _. \.~\i 1~~;1 k~ '\"-"", ~. \~'¡)¡;ø~< Tel: (519) 631-0666 Fax: (519) 631-9478 Toll Free: 1-800-265-7638 E-mail: steve_peters-mpp-co @ontla.ola.or9 March 18, 2000 <>1 ?.'iJ';¡f?;, Wir>.R '" ~\~\"\ \.",¿"'":.~~ ,. - ~'" ç;ft:.'ì1~<\1~,CB~ ";'t¿¡ ~ -' Hon. Elizabeth Witmer, Minister of Health and Long Tenn Care lOth Floor, Hepblli'11 Blozk, . 80 Grosvenor St, Toronto, Ontario. M7 A 2C4 Dear Minister: I have taken the opportunity to forward to your attention a motion passed by the County of Elgin at a meeting on February 15,2000. The resolution was adopted by the Council in response to correspondence received trom the County's representative on the StThomas-Elgin General Hospital Board. It is their intention to have your Ministry reinstate hospital funding to its 1994/95 level. Health care is of high importance for the vast majority of Ontarians. I hope you will gave this resolution high priority. I look forward to your timely response. Y -0urs truly, Çt,~k Steve Peters, M.P.P. Elgin-Middlesex-London CC: County of Elgin COlmciI Lyn McLeod, Critic to Health and Long-Tern Care 22 Room 331 Main Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A4 yj ~ Ontario Constituency Office: 542 Talbot Street St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 1C4 Tel: (519) 631-0666 Fax: (519) 631-9478 Toll Free: 1-800-265-7638 E-mail: steveyeters-mpp-co @ontla.ola.or9 Tel: (416)325-7250 Fax: (416)325-7262 Email: steve_peters-mpp @ontla.ola.org STEVE PETERS, M.P.P. ELGIN - MIDDLESEX - LONDON Marcb 18,2000 MAR 21 2000 ELGIN ·-"'_'P¡;.",').,¡i.~r..:Q: "'~ i'-' i-~'(' \, ., ~, !:ì '0ó='~" ,<,,¡,«o' Warden D.J. McPhail County of Elgin, 450 Sunset Drive St. ThomaB, Ontario N5R WI Dear Warden McPhail, Thank you for your recent letter expressing your deep concern about the Hanis Government's closure of the agriculture field offices across Ontario. As you are aware, the announcement came following weeks of speculation and denials by Ministry personnel. The Ontario Liberal Caucus published a campaign document prior to the laBt election called 20/20 Plan for Rural Ontario. Our policy recognized the importance of the OMAFRA field office and guaranteed that no further closures would take place, along with the promise that we would ensure that a separate Minister and Ministry of Agriculture is maintained. The Ontario Liberal Party maintains a strong commitment to agriculture and our rural caucus members are currently undertaking a tour of fann communities around Ontario, so that we may bring the true concerns of fanners to Mr. Hardeman when the Legislature resumes. Though Mr. Hardeman is conducting his own tour, most fanners have experience of the Harris government's last "round table discussions n with the fann community and remember the outcome. Shortly after those discussions, the assault on agriculture, rural schools and rural hospitals in Ontario proceeded in earnest. Yon Célú be assured that the Ontario Liberal ,Pa..rty is cGmmitt~d to proteCting fa.'TII progranLrnes_and ensuring that Ontario fanners get a " fair share ITom allleve/s of government. Sincerely, ~~ Steve Peters M.P.P. Elgin-Middlesex-London CC; Hon. Ernie Hardeman SP/:pwa 23 Room 331 Main Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A4 lei ~ Ontario Constituency Office: 542 Talbot Street SI. Thomas, Ontario N5P 1 C4 Tel: (416) 325-7250 Fax: (416)325-7262 Email: steve_peters-mpp @ontla.ola.org STEVE PETERS, M.P.P. ELGIN - MIDDLESEX - LONDON Tel: (519) 631-0666 Fax: (519) 631-9478 Toll Free: 1-800-265-7638 E-mail: steve_peters-mpp-co @ontla..ola.or9 MAR 27 20011 March 22, 2000 COUNTY OF ELGIN The County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON, N5R 5V1 Dear Sir or Madam: Please find enclosed a copy of the response to our office from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding a provision under the Fewer Municipal Politician Act, 1999 to appoint restructuring commissions in municipal areas at the request of the electors. The Honourable Tony Clement assures us in his letter that commissions will not be appointed solely on the basis of a petition. We anticipate that this issue will be debated during the spring session of the Legislature. Sincerely Yours ~Q~ Steve Peters, M.P.P,.. Elgin-Middlesex-London SJP:eh:encl. 24 i7. ¡..:¡: ') ') Lf"!(1r"'lf' ~ ,--:J 0... '- uuJ Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Office of the Minister Ministère des Affaires municipales et du Logement ~ - Ontario Bureau du ministre 777 Bay Street Toronto ON M5G 2E5 Tel (416) 585-7000 777 rue Bay Toronto ON M5G 2E5 Tél (416) 585-7000 J~1!~.MPP Elgin-Middlesex-London Room 331 Main Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto ON M7~4 . · N-U · Dear M/ Peters: Tharu40u for your recent letter regarding a provision under the Fewer Municipal Politicians Act. 1999 (Bill 25) which pennits electors of a municipality to request that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing appoint a restructuring commission in their . area. The intent of the provision was not to overturn municipal restructuring that has already taken place, but to provide an avenue to initiate restructuring discussIons where none have occurred. Concerns were raised about this approach and brought to my attention. Although the timetables of the Legislature did not pennit an opportunity to make amendments to the Bill while it was being debated, I would like to see this section reconsidered at the next appropriate opportunity. In the meantime, I continue to encourage municipalities to consider the benefits of local restructuring, and I have committed to not implementing a commission solely on the basis of a petition. Again, thank you for sharing your views with me on this matter. Tony Clement Minister 25 . -- ""-"".-, ,.,.., .-.~ ST. THOMAS PUBLIC LIBRARY 153 Curtis Street, ST. THOMAS. Ontario N5P 3Z7 (519) 631-6050 Carolyn Kneeshaw, Chief Executive Officer March 20, 2000 Duncan McPhail, Warden and County Council County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl \>!.!J.R 22 2.\)1)1) qG\¡"¡ "J.""'" Dear Warden McPhail and Council: The St. Thomas Public Library Board is in receipt of your letter of January 25, 2000 denying the Board's request for funding on behalf of county residents who use the St. Thomas Public Library. As noted in your letter, the Board could charge non-resident fees to County residents. The Board discussed this action, as recorded in the minutes of the February 24,2000 meeting: 00-12 Moved byM. vanWeert, seconded byR. Pargeterthat the St. Thomas Public Library institute a user fee for non resident regular users. K. Buczkowski expressed concern that fees would hurt the families who could least afford the latest information technology in their homes. 00-13 Moved by M. van Weert, seconded by R. Pargeter that the Board request county residents to consider a donation to offset the cost of providing library service to them. The question of cost versus revenue was raised. It was also noted that many county residents support the library through donations and service to the Friends of St. Thomas Public Library. These two motions were defeated. The Board then passed the following motions at its March 15,2000 meeting: 00-22 Moved by R. Pargeter, seconded by M. vanWeert that a letter be sent to the County stating that the Board will make another request in 2000 for funding for the 2001 budget. Carried 00-23 Moved byM. vanWeert, seconded byR. Parks that the two defeated resolutions, 00-12 and 00-13, in the February 24, 2000 minutes be included in the letter. Carried. 00-24 Moved by M. van Weert, seconded by R. Pargeter that the Board express its disappointment in the County's decision to abrogate its responsibility. Carried. Yours sincer~ly, /1J/~ Greg Grondin, Chair 8t. Thomas Public Library Board 26 In Case of Transmission Difficulties, Please Call 416-863-2101 Please Deliver To: The County of Elgin Minister of Finance 7 Queen's Park Crescent Toronto, ON M7A 1Y7 MinIster of Municipal Affairs and Housing 777 Bay Street Toronto, ON M5G 2E5 [tj """"', March 29,2000 Dear Head of Council: On behalf of the provincial government, we are pleased to provide you with an update on the Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF) and communicate to you the province's ongoing measures to assist municipalities. When the Local Services Realignment (LSR) became effective in 1998, the provincial and municipal levels of government set out to streamline service delivery, and make that delivery more accountable to taxpayers. To achieve these objectives, the province provided municipalities with additional property tax revenue, in the form of residential education tax room, in exchange for more predictable services. The CRF was made available to smooth the transition to the new service responsibilities. To further assist in the transition, the province provided additional temporary funds to assist municipalities beyond the CRF commitment. The Special Circumstances Fund (SCF) provided a total of $180 million over two years to municipalities in transitional financial support, first in 1998, then again in 1999 to assist those municipalities that had not yet fully changed their business practices, Further, we provided the Northern Transitional Assistance and the Municipal Restructuring Fund with $87 million. plus another $556 million for the Municipal Capital and Operating Restructuring Fund (MCORF). Through municipal and provincial efforts, and as a result of the design of the LSR initiative, costs are continuing to decrease. The province is pleased to announce that LSR costs have decreased since 1998. Last March, the province estimated that 1999 LSR costs would be $390 million less than the initial forecast released in March 1998. For 1999, total eligible LSR costs have decreased by a furthef $80 million for a total decline since March 1998 of $470 million. We applaud the efforts of municipalities in working with us to achieve these results. It is imperative however that both the province and municipalities ensure that these savings continue to be passed through to property taxpayers. .../2 27 Page 2 March 29, 2000 1999 Year End Reconciliation The province is currently completing a year-end reconciliation of LSR eligible costs. Although overall costs have decreased across the province, some adjustments will be made to individual municipalities where net LSR costs are higher than forecast. Municipalities who received CRF, and who experienced increased LSR eligible costs over the original 1999 estimates, will have their final CRF amount for 1999 adjusted to reflect the net increase in actual eligible LSR costs. Where municipalities experience final 1999 LSR eligible costs that are below the March LSR forecast, they may retain that CRF overpayment, provided that taxpayers receive a direct benefit from these funds in this fiscal year. Municipalities will be fequired to provide a plan to the province on how they will utilize these overpayments which create a net benefit to the municipality. If the province finds that a municipality has not passed on the benefit of the 1999 CRF surplus payment to the taxpayer this year, the municipality's final year-end CRF payment will be adjusted by the amount of the CRF overpayment. 2000 CRF Package There are three components that make up the 2000 CRF package of $519 million. This total amount includes $61 million beyond the province's base CRF commitment under the LSR agreement. Details of your specific municipal allocation under the CRF package will be communicated to your staff shortly by the Deputy Ministers of Finance and Municipal Affairs and Housing. The first part of the package is the base CRF allocation, which in 2000 will continue to be based on LSR-eligible costs. Given the significant reduction in LSR costs for 1999, the CRF base for 2000 is estimated to total $458 million. In addition to our commitment to provide base CRF to eligible municipalities, we will also continue to provide the $21 million 1999 CRF Bonus in 2000. By providing municipalities with the same bonus that was paid in 1999, all taxpayers will continue to benefit from the province's decision to cover 50% of municipal costs for land ambulance and public health. This CRF Bonus will no doubt assist municipalities in planning for land ambulance delivery responsibilities in 2000/2001. The province recognizes the challenges faced by some municipalities with varying assessment mixes, including a low ratio of commercial and industrial to residential properties, or a high number of managed forest or farmland properties. To assist these ..J3 28 Page 3 March 29, 2000 municipalities as they evaluate various options for the future, including plans for restructuring, we will pfovide an additional $40 million, to be allocated on a weighted assessment formula. The CRF package is intended to meet the province's ongoing commitment to municipalities under LSR. Municipalities are expected to apply all CRF package allocations to the current year operational costs, and pass the benefit of those funds directly to the taxpayer. This means the CRF funds should not be put into reserves for future use, but used to decrease the municipal levy requirement in this tax year or be used for taxpayer supported initiatives. Should a situation arise where a municipality applies its CRF allocation in a manner that does not pass the benefit through to the taxpayer, the province will adjust a municipality's allocation accordingly, and reallocate these amounts to municipalities deemed to be in greater need. Because municipalities have been successful in finding efficiencies, just as the province has, we anticipate many more municipalities will be delivering budgets with tax decreases, or at minimum, no incfeases. Municipal Information Requirements We know that municipalities and the province share the objective of providing high quality services at the best price possible. However, it is important to know that all taxpayers are benefiting equally. As a result, we are asking municipalities to tell us how taxpayers are being better served by the LSR exchange. . Municipalities provide consolidated financial information to the province in the form of the Financial Information Return (FIR), an important financial tool which assists the province in its policy setting activities. However, the annual reporting schedule of the FIR does not always pfovide us with timely information for particular situations, such as the LSR initiative. To assist the province in assessing the effectiveness of the CRF, municipalities will provide certain information to the province by separate form. The information we will need has already been compiled by municipalities for their own purposes, and should not create an additional administrative burden for you. Specifically, municipalities will be required to provide annual financial and tax rate data to the province during the second quarter of this year. Further, municipalities will be asked to provide a report to the province on how the 1999 CRF funding was used, as well as a resolution of Council on pfoposed use for the 2000 CRF allocation. For municipalities receiving the benefit of a CRF overpayment from 1999, the resolution of council will also address how the municipality intends to pass on the benefit of the overpayment through to the taxpayers. .../4 29 Page 4 March 29, 2000 In the next two weeks, you will receive detailed information on your municipality's specific CRF allocation, details of the financial and tax rate information that is required to be filed, and the estimated 2000 LSR billings. You will also receive confirmation of the initial CRF payment for 2000. Municipal Consultation As we enter into the third year of the LSR exchange, a number of changes have occurred from the time the system was designed. As a result, the province feels the time has come for the parties to feview the LSR and CRF process, and explore possible enhancements Of improvements to the current approach. Therefore, the province is pleased to invite the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to assist us in coordinating the municipal participation in developing various design options for the CRF starting in 2001 and beyond. We feel confident that with the input of our key stakeholders, we can find ways to make the grant structure more responsive to the future needs of both the province and municipalities. We look forward to receiving the results of this review prior to the summer months. We trust this information, and the details that will follow shortly from the Deputy Ministers of Finance and Municipal Affairs and Housing, will provide you with the necessary information to complete your budgets. Sincerely, M ~....:... G- -J. Ernie Eves, QC Minister of Finance Tony Clement Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing 30 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Office of the Minister Ministère des Affaires mumcipales .------ et du Logement , " , ) ~~ ~ - Ontano Bureau du ministre U '..;;.J.\:---- 777 Bay Street Toronto ON M5G 2E5 Tel (416) 585-7000 777 rue Bay Toronto ON M5G 2E5 Tel (416) 585-7000 A'?R 4. i'~ I"{'"f \.;,-.".... :- ~- ,.-~ r;~N ..-,-~ ,..,. ~ ,__0 _T r March 22, 2000 Heads of Council I am pleased to advise you that the inaugural edition of the Capital Budgeting Handbook is now available for municipalities across the province. This handbook with accompanying software is designed to assist you in developing a structured approach to capital budgeting and planning within your municipality. The handbook and software are the result of a unique, joint project developed by a committee with representatives from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, including staff from the Municipal Finance Branch, the Municipal Support Services Branch as well as various Municipal Services Offices. Also included on the committee were representatives from several municipalities, as well as representatives from the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO), the Municipal Finance Officers' Association of Ontario (MFOA) and the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA). We are committed to helping municipalities to be efficient, effective, and accountable to the taxpayer. I believe the Capital Budgeting Handbook serves this purpose well, as it was developed to assist municipalities in determining their capital requirements. With the realignment of local services, capital budgeting is becoming an increasingly important component of planning, financing and managing municipal capital infrastructure. We recognize that some of you may already have developed your own capital budgeting systems and that it can be difficult to initiate these processes, especially in smaller and mid-sized municipalities where there are comp.eting demands. The handbook and software were designed with this in mind. We welcome your feedback and will work collectively with AMCTO and MFOA to continually enhance the tool. /2 31 - 2- Heads of Council Training sessions will be sponsored by AMCTO and the MFOA in the spring to help you use this handbook and produce capital budgeting documents for both short and long-term purposes. Infonnation on these sessions can be obtained from the AMCTO and MFOA web sites: <www.amcto.com> and <www.mfoa.on.ca>. In addition, ministry staff from our Municipal Services Offices will provide any additional help you may need. The Capital Budgeting Handbook can be found on our website: <www.mah.¡¡:ov.on.ca>. Copies will also be available during the training sessions and from Municipal Services Offices. I certainly hope you find this handbook useful in helping you to plan for the continued success and growth of your municipality. c: CAOSrrreasurers Municipal Clerks 32