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January 11, 2000 Agenda
ORDERS OF THE DA Y FOR TUESDA Y. JANUARY 11TH. 2000 AT 9:00 A.M. PAGE # ORDER 1 st Meeting Called to Order 2nd Adoption of Minutes - meeting held on December 14th & 16th, 1999 3rd Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof 4th Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations DELEGATIONS 9:30 A.M. Mr. Mark Quinn, Buffett and Taylor, with a Flex Benefit Presentation for Council 5th Motion to Move Into "Committee Of The Whole Council" 1-8 6th Reports of Council and Staff Report of Councillors Reports of Staff 7th Council Correspondence - see attached 9-54 i) Items for Consideration 55-71 ii) Items for Information (Consent Agenda) 8th OTHER BUSINESS 1) Statements/Inquiries by Members 2) Notice of Motion 3) Matters of Urgency 9th In-Camera Items - see separate agenda 10th Motion to Rise and Report 11 th Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee Of The Whole 12th Consideration of By-Laws 13th ADJOURNMENT LUNCH WILL BE SERVED REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF JANUARY 11TH. 2000 COUNCIL REPORTS 1. Warden McPhail, re: Millennium Births (ATTACHED) STAFF REPORTS 1. C. Watters, Manager of Engineering Services - Intersection Control Beacons at County Roads #45 and #16 (John Wise Line and Fingal Line) (ATTACHED) 2. C. Watters, Manager of Engineer Services - Data Recording for Winter Control on County Roads (ATTACHED) 3. L. Veger, Director of Financial Services - Elgin County Pioneer Museum Report (ATTACHED) 4. H. Geurts, Elgin County Tree Commissioner - Application for Minor Exception - Brad Beharell, Lot 10, Conc. II, Southwold 1 MEDIA RELEASE December 31 st, 1999 ELGIN COUNTY COUNCIL TO RECOGNIZE MILLENNIUM BABIES 81. Thomas, Ontario - Warden Duncan McPhail announced today that Elgin County Council is planning to recognize the first male and first female born in the County through a programme to be announced on January 11th, 2000, the next meeting of County Council. "Given the magnitude of the year 2000, it is fitting that we recognize the first babies of the new millennium in a significant way", stated Warden McPhail. The details of the announcement will be finalized at the first meeting of County Council in January. "1 have consulted with my colleagues on Council and we unanimously agree to highlighting these events with some form of monetary recognition", remarked Warden McPhail. 8taffhave been directed to gather the necessary information and to consult with the local hospitals to provide County Council with background material, including options for consideration. -30- For further information contact: Duncan 1. McPhail, Warden (519) 785-2298 2 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: PETER DUTCHAK ENGINEERING SERVICES DATE: NOVEMBER 26, 1999 SUBJECT: INTERSECTION CONTROL BEACONS AT COUNTY ROADS #45 AND #16 (JOHN WISE LINE AND FINGAL LINE) Introduction The Engineering Services Department received a resolution from Township of Southwold Council to install a flashing beacon at the intersection of County Roads 45 and 16 in Middlemarch. Discussion/ Conclusion Existing conditions present at the above stated intersection are as follows: County Road #45 (John Wise Line) is an arterial road with a stop condition at County Road #16 (Fingal Line) and an AAD.T. of 1,000. It has a posted speed limit of 80km/h. Visibility is good and existing intersection signage includes information signs, 120cm Stop Ahead Warning Signs, 120cm Stop Signs with battery operated flashing lights and "rumble strips". County Road #16 (Fingal Line) is an arterial road with an AAD.T. of 2150 and 2500 east and west of John Wise Line respectively. Existing intersection warning and information signage is present. Visibility is good. Hundreds of police reported collisions and crashes occur on Elgin County Road every year. For example 467 police collision reports were received for incidents on Elgin County Roads in 1995 alone. Most of those crashes were caused by animal's (deer) or driver error. If the geometry of a roadway or intersection has been engineered to accepted standards and if all other roadway components including signing and visibility meet standards collision history is the only means of determining if additional warning or safety devices are warranted. Based on OPP reported accidents, no accidents have occurred at this intersection in the last four years. The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (M.U.T.C.D.) states the following about Flashing Beacons: "Flashing beacons may be used at locations where full traffic control signals are not warranted but where, due to lack of visibility or other hazards, regulatory or cautionary signs are not sufficient. " 3 Page 1 of2 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: PETER DUTCHAK ENGINEERING SERVICES Page 2 of 2 DATE: NOVEMBER 26, 1999 SUBJECT: INTERSECTION CONTROL BEACONS AT COUNTY ROADS #45 AND #16 (JOHN WISE LINE AND FINGAL LINE) "Intersection control beacons are intended for use at intersections where traffic or physical conditions do not warrant full traffic control signals but where high accident rates indicate a special hazard.", "(Flashing Beacons) should be used with considerable discretion, since the over-use of this device has led to its disregard by the motorist." There are over twenty (20) County Road / County Road intersections throughout Elgin that have similar traffic volumes as the intersection of County Roads 45 and 16 and eight (8) of those intersections have the same approach speeds as this intersection. Some of these intersections also have had police reported collisions in the last few years yet none of them warrant a flashing beacon. The installation of a flashing beacon or any warning device does not guarantee the frequency of collisions will be reduced in that area. For example, the day after an intersection beacon was installed at the intersection of County Roads 45 and 19 this year a fatal collision occurred at 12 noon on a sunny day. In Conclusion, there is no engineering evidence to suggest that the intersection of John Wise Line and Fingal Line require's the installation of a flashing overhead beacon. Recommendation THAT no changes be made to the intersection of John Wise Line and Fingal Line. RE(JJ1J:~ Y SUBMITTED CLAYTON D. WATTERS, MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES MARK CDONALD CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER 4 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: CLAYTON WATTERS, MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES DATE: JANUARY 4, 2000 SUBJECT: DATA RECORDING FOR WINTER CONTROL ON COUNTY ROADS Introduction At the December 16, 1999 County Council meeting it was recommended that the Manager of Engineering Services prepare a report on the use of electronic measuring device(s) to measure time and material used on specific County roads. Discussion The use of information is always very valuable, especially when the decisions have financial implications. This information has to be divided into two parts: materials and time. Materials: The first part or material used is an industry standard. The application rates are 130 kilograms per kilometer for salt and 570 kilograms per kilometer for sand applications. All parties in the province including the Provincial government and municipalities have used these rates for many years. The equipment used on County roads is calibrated for the rates shown above. Therefore municipalities are able to measure materials used without the use of an electronic devise. Time: The second part involves the time spent on the different classes of County roads. There are several ways to monitor the time spent on the individual roads including but not limited to satellite (GPS), electronic spreader controls and a pencil/paper. The GPS systems are approximately $2,500 per unit and would give more detail than what is required by the lower tiers. This system would require a GIS software package and dedicated hardware. The software would be used for many other purposes, which has an initial cost of $50,000. The second option or electronic spreader controls is $4,000 per unit and would give the required information but this information would need to be recorded by the operator for each individual road section. The last option or pen and paper would also give the required information. Therefore, the time spent on maintaining County roads is already being recorded manually. All that is required to obtain the information being requested is to have the operator record the time spent on each road. In staff's view, this can be done manually, without the expense of purchasing an electronic recorder. .....2 5 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: CLAYTON WATTERS, MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES DATE: JANUARY 4, 2000 SUBJECT: DATA RECORDING FOR WINTER CONTROL ON COUNTY ROADS Page 2. Conclusion That the most cost effective solution is to have each operator long the time spent on each section of County road. This information could be compiled manually by each Road Supervisor and correlated by the Manager of Engineering Services. This could be done on a trail basis from January to March to determine the value and usefulness of the data. Recommendation That each of the lower-tier municipalities monitor each road section for time and material used and provide the summary to the Manager of Engineering Services for reporting to County Council. RESPECTFULL Y SUBMITTED APPROVED FOR SUBMISSION f1M~~ CLAYTON D. WATTERS, MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES ~ MARK DONALD CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER 6 To: From: Date: Subject: " Elgin County Pioneer Museu1Il 32 Talbot Street, SI. Thoma&, Ontario N5P 1A3, (519) 631-6537 i=:rriail:ecpmchin@È>xeculink.com . Fåx: (519) 631,3884 Report to CòuntyCouncil ThE! ~lginCºuntyPioneer Mu~eum December 16, 1!¡99 Museum Report Th(! ElginC;ounty Pione.6r Museumhasenjoyed a. $uccassful ¡¡md co-operative Year. The Pioneer Museum and the Elgin Milit¡¡ry Mu~eum moved towardse$tablishing aJoil1t- committeetodealyvithissues.thafeffecttheoperations of both museums and had tf)èir firstrneetingJn November. The board is intended tc)mèetser¡1i-.annuallyand is comprised of representativesfrombothexecutive boards, . . 1.999 has also proven to be 13 year for public interest and interaction with the museum, . aswE!1I a$ a.timeóf firsts in. the area of programming, The Museum"l1osted .itsfirst arinual"ArtisansFair" on the 2nd ofQctober.Overtf)irty tradespeople and . ... ~emon.stratorsdonated their time and over 70 people ~ttended the 5~hourevent This was the fir~tof tWo joint efforts with the Elgin Military Museum. TI1.6se.col1djointeffortwaS¡¡lsoafirst,.. For HélUowe'en.in 19!¡9theMu$eums pre~entèd a "House of Horrors~'. The succe$S of this event far surpassed our e¡(pectationsand broke attendance records for a single program; 224 people came out to participate ill our Halloy,¡een . evenfand 23voJunteers helped make the tWo nights memoÌ'âble. . .'....-. ',. .:- ,'- Along the, lines of progråìnmin9 the Pioneer MuseumalsQP¡¡rticip~tedinajOinte,xhibit wi(htheEdisonMuseum inVienna. . "Edison'sWorld" opened at the Museum in . Febr~arytohelp kic~ offHeritageweèk. This péll'ticularexhibitwas very successful and 210 vìsitors, comprising ofindividualsandschool groups, came. out over the course of its tWo-month run to view the exhibit. . .. . Inthé months of JÙly and August, the MUSeUlll developed and ran its summer .childrerî's . prógtaI' Jsentitled ''Talbot Tr~ill<ids". pue to. the sLlccessof1!¡98the sessions were eXtended to include the month ofJuly and this proyed to be awise decisiop on the part . of the staff. . Thekid~ program \IVa~completely booked by the tf)irdweek and awaiting . listwas .Initiated for cancellations. The..CurricuILlm consisted ()feight different programs that were run tWiœ\iVeekly and helped to generate over $600 for tf)e museum, creating a net profit of $350.00. . . . . . ~" . . Afilm crew r.6pr.6sent.ing th.èAnimaINetWork. ' asu. bsidiary Of..th.·. eDiScoV.6ry C. h. annel, vi~ited the Elgin G()unty Pioneer MusElum)lìNOv.6mber. Thechánnel is presently developinganews/1ow entitled Anim.alLegends and one of the segments intended for a.. iri..S on Jum.. b.o1iTDec.. re. wcon..ducted a. ninterv....ie. W. W.H ith.;OU. rM.P...P. repr.~.s. e. nt. ?tive S.teve Pefersandthe 6cbng. Manager of the MusEmm Debra Seabrook. Both interviews were conducted. withi!) the histo.richouse ancLseveral stíll shots were fakenof the Jumbo .' parap.hemaliawithin the.Musèum colle.. ction. .' -.... .'. .'.. .' . . . Fil1ally,the MusE!um was also fortunate enó@hto.participatein the 1()oth AnniVer$ary of . St.· Thomas .City Hall;installing.a temporaryexhiþit featuring. clothing an~artifac:tsfrom c. 1899 andh¡¡vinga representa~ve frqm the Museum opening the Time Rapsule; . 7 We at the Museum are hoping that the year 2000 brings as much success and excitement as 1999. Our goal of community involvement has always been a priority and we look forward to initiating more opportunity for this interaction in the upcoming year. 8 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL From: Hugh Geurts - Elgin County Tree Commissioner Date: January 03, 2000 Subject: Application for Minor Exception Brad Beharell. Lot 10. Cone. II. Southwold Introduction: An Application for Minor Exception has been received by the Office of the Tree Commissioner to clear 4 extensions of a ravine woodlot totaling approximately 1.3 acres. The application has been submitted by the landowner, Mr. Brad Beharell. Discussion: The woodlot identified is located in Southwold Township and is approximately 5 kIn west of the Five Comers of Southwold. The area is approximately 1.3 acres in size and forms small extensions of a larger ravine woodlot. The woodlot is comprised primarily of Ash, Hard Maple, Elm, Hickory, Poplar and hawthorns. The landowner wishes to remove the extensions to allow for proper drainage outlet rrom tile drains within surrounding fields. The Lower Thamas Valley C.A. has not identified any ESA or wildlife concerns associated with the clearing. Neighbours contacted under Section 9(2) of the Act have also not put forward any objections. Conclusion: Because the clearing is of a small area, and will not contribute significantly to erosion wi thin the ravine it is the opinion of the Tree Commissioner that this clearing will have minimum impact on the forest resource of the County. < Recommendation: That County Council approve this application as presented, conditional to the County no net loss policy. NOTE: Mr. Beharell has stated that he objects to the County's no net loss policy in applications where clearing of woodlot is required to provide sufficient drainage outlet for surrounding fields. It is Mr. Beharell's request that council not support the "replace tree for tree" policy where improved drainage is the primary factor. ~L ~~~ . ugh Geurts Tree Commissioner ~d For Submission' M.G. Mcdonald. County Administrator/Clerk DEC-1e~'$ FRI 12:Z~ KETTLE CRE~K COHS~AUTH~ P~Ø2/0Z -. ~M\ I. ç,;'iI, 'Otol,llI.C '¡;I"'~"~ Ai)J#j ¡:l~~~P~ t~,",,¡SArii)i'1r,J.I't~fI¡;¡'¡(N ~a;:>¡ll~ !IQ~M" ~I,J~~ ~~~ ~l,¡i'I;';l'f DI\W( sf THOMA~, QNiA}Ì10 N~A$\<\ ~¡,¡:~mi1:J\·!~ ;',,)I¡{~é¡W"7C¡ 1 "f;' ., THE TREES ACT APFLlCATION FOR MINOR EXCEPTION 1. NAMe:(S) OF OWNER(S): II We wish to apply for II minor exception from the provisions of the County of Elgin By·Law No, whloh restricts Me! re~ulale$ that destruotion of trees. In ord~r to be allowed to remove trees as ovtllne41n this appllcœ(lon ~,,~ j:=~'~ ð)~ MAILING ADDRESS: R r I Post¡¡i Code JJð(,¿;1, (~O- Phone No. ___"11L~ .,#.J-4<ô A 1., (¡¡s'9 ~ ~¢I.:1d - -I..AJt'JfII(. .- 2. LOCATION OF LANO: ~..,..,tf\ ~ \. Municipality (Town, Vlllagê, Township) _~ . - Lot No. 10 Concessioll Ne '1,.. ......-....--- LeiNo Registered Plan No, _ ------..........,....---. - '. u, ........... ", .............__.,..--.'. -,~"~ ~..'~ 3. Reason for wishing to Remove trees .ç¡~, _..~~_.~. ._......_---_.~---------_.- _.......,".~-~_.. _._..... L"__ __'........_______ 4. D~seribe species 011011í!$ ¡;¡od size oflrees to be rernoveö, ~) ~.MLì À, ~~ ".......--- - ~ J't......... ð... 1....... ...(_"'......A I:.... "",c,...¡.,..\ DEC-1Ø-99 FRI 121.4 KETTLE CREEK CONS.AUTH. P.03/Ø:S " 6. Has ¡Me owner ¡;¡reviou$ly aO¡:1I¡ed lor ênd been gr,¡¡niêd pel mission It) rémOV$ treeS? Yes ( ) No (v'j II -----.....--...,. -" ¡ If ye$, ¡¡Ie¡¡¡se indicate Ihe purpose to which they were removed approximate size of ,,""<I cleared arid date ~ I ~~ ~.,........~._,- -'.......,- 7. N~mll!s, mailing addr$$$e,. and phone numbers of all owners of property which 3blll!S Ih@ lind of the owner of Ihe trees in respect to which this applieahon is m¡¡de a$ per SGction 9,2 of the act. (If insufficient space beiow please attach anolher sheet of paper) RESS ._..-~~_......... a. Other information deemed pertinent to this application ~-., ! I ~ i ¡ , :1 ~ q , , 1 ! ~ ª ~ ~ 1 _._-_..~....,-~---- .....-...-..--...- -~-_.. ~_._,~. 9. Each application must be accompanied by ¡;¡ sketch, n(¡ smaller than 20 cenlimetres by 35 centime!res, showing: (a) The pareei of land the! i$ the subject of this application, dearly indicating the !!Ilea ploposed to be cleared and the areil or trees which wiil remain. ¡ ] ] , , ~l ì ¡ ~ f J ¡ , (b) buildings On the owner's property and also on ¡¡.,c ¡¡butting property. (0) use of abutting lands (e.g. residenhal sgricultural, cotla9<1i, eommercial, ate) 10 Às IJI1 on site ¡fIS~ctiQn will be made. Use perimeter of trees which will remmin if this epplicaiiol1 j$ granted, milS! be m¡¡rked by $prayíng or some other i'l'h?aMs. to clearly indicate during this visit what is proposed to be removed. ~...... "i J.V ~ qcz oat'" -~--_. Signatvre of Applicant Qr 1 , "999 13: 15 v~ THEDE WARD SYSTEMS 5195594935 D ~-V:;¡OI<>",,' ~ PAGE 03 ~ "" 1'0"'''::> ~~ ..~ t:J~ t..UD ~M; k~ [j~t~ i1P ~t; o-~ COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE - JANUARY 11. 2000 Items for Consideration 1. Ontario Property Assessment Corporation, requesting Council's assistance to develop a roster of candidates to draw from to fill vacancies on their Board of Directors. (ATTACHED) 2. John Harrison, Regional Chair, Municipality of Haldimand-Norfolk, with a resolution concerning the closure of rural schools. (ATTACHED) 3. Association of Municipalities of Ontario, with an invoice for the 2000 Membership fee and the "1999 - Year in Review-A Record of Achievement". (ATTACHED) 4. Naomi Alboim, Secretary General to The Order of Ontario and Deputy Minister, Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, inviting Council to submit a nomination for membership in The Order of Ontario. (ATTACHED) 5. Corporation of the Township of Grey, with a resolution concerning the announcement by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to close 35 OMAFRA agricultural field offices. (ATTACHED) 6. AMO Member Communication ALERT, re: "Vo1unteer Fire Fighters Under Attack". (ATTACHED) 7. Barbra Anne Runstedler Vaspori, Risk ManagemenUBusiness Planning, Frank Cowan Company Limited, with correspondence concerning the proposed Trans Canada Trail. (ATTACHED) 8. Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, re: discussion paper and questionnaire concerning the environmental needs of the agriculture sector and rural residents. (ATTACHED) 9 OPAC - SOEF Ontario Property Assessment Corporation Société ontarienne d'évaluation foncière Office of the Chair c/o Regional Municipality of Peel 10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton, ON L6T 4B9 =C' =8'(\,:7S:;;~ IBJ ~"'" fl. ;;po ,,' "'Ii ", . \ikí? n~~~~tii 'U ~ TO: Heads of Council Ontario Municipalities DEC 14 1999 COUNTV Of ELGIN .,.,\"",.....""1'...1:8 ADMI\I!iSTIìfÜ! Jr: ,,;:,-Ù ,u'- FROM: Emil Kolb, Chair OP AC Board of Directors Brian MacRae, Chair OPAC Nominating Committee DATE: November 29, 1999 SUBJECT: Nominations to the Board of Directors of the Ontario Property Assessment Corporation The Ontario Property Assessment Corporation (OPAC) is seeking your assistance in developing a roster of candidates from which it can draw in filling future vacancies on the Board of Directors of the Corporation. The roster will serve us for the next three to four years in the event that our existing Directors resign, retire, fail to be re-elected, leave the municipal sector or have their terms on the Board expire. We are asking that your municipality recommend, if you so choose, two names as possible future members of the OPAC Board - one member of Council and one appointed official. We will be putting a similar request to various municipal political and staff associations. Council approval of recommendations regarding appointed officials is not required at this time. Should your nominee find his or her way onto the roster, we will seek Council endorsation at that time if any such individual is approached to join the OP AC Board of Directors. The roster will be developed by the OPAC Nominating Committee based upon a number of considerations, namely: ~ geographical diversity, ensuring representation from north, east, west and central Ontario; ~ political or staff orientation; ~ urban versus rural nature of the municipality; ~ size of the municipality; ~ technical skills which complement those of existing Board members; and ~ relevant experience. ~ 1 0 Heads of Council, Ontario Municipalities November 29,1999 Page 2 Board member terms are for three years, and members may serve a maximum of two terms. Meetings are generally held in the Greater Toronto Area every six to eight weeks and last one to two days. Enclosed is an information brochure which further explains our Corporation. In addition, we have also included a Nominee Questionnaire which must be completed and returned with your Council's nominees. We would respectfully request that all names reach us by February I, 2000, and be forwarded to Brian MacRae at the following address: Mr. Brian MacRae OP AC Board of Directors City of Thunder Bay 2nd Floor, City Hall 500 Donald Street East Thunder Bay ON P7E 5V3 Fax: (807) 622-6669 Thank you in advance for your assistance. Should you have any questions, please contact either of us. Yours truly, kJ!-~~ Emil Kolb, Chair OP AC Board of Directors Regional Municipality of Peel 10 Peel Centre Drive Brampton ON L6T 4B9 Tel: (905)791-7800 ~~~~ Brian MacRae, Chair OPAC Nominating Committee City of Thunder Bay 2nd Floor, City Hall 500 Donald Street East Thunder Bay ON P7E 5V3 Tel: (807) 625-2223 Enclosures: I. OPAC Information Brochure 2. Nominee Questionnaire 1 1 - ~ ~ - OPAC SOEF Ontario Property Assessment Corporation Société ontarienne d'évaluation foncière QUESTIONNAIRE FOR NOMINEES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Name: Title: Municipality: Municipality Mailing Address: Business Phone #: Business Fax #: CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: I am 0 a municipal elected official o a municipal appointed official PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND IF YOU NEED ADDITIONAL SPACE, ATTACH YOUR INFORMATION ON A SEPARATE SHEET. 1. A) If you are a municipal elected official, what municipal committees do you serve on or have you served on in the past? OR 1. B) If you are a municipal appointed official, what other municipal jurisdictions have you worked for and in what capacity? 12 ... 2 Ontario Property Assessment Corporation Nominee Questionnaire Pa~e 2 2. Do you currently serve as a municipal representative on the Board of Directors for any organization? If so, which organization and how long have you served on it? 3. Have you had any experience in business development in the municipal or private sector? If so, please briefly describe the nature of the activity, the role you played, the experience you brought to the activity and the experience you gained through the process. 4. Do you possess any special training or education which would make you a strong candidate for membership to the Board of Directors? 5. Briefly outline why you would make a good representative on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Property Assessment Corporation. QUESTIONNAIRE IS TO BE COMPLETED AND RETURl'iED BY FEBRUARY 1, 2000 TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: Brian MacRae, Chair. OP AC Nominating Committee City of Thunder Bay, 2"· Floor, City Hall, 500 Donald Street East Thunder Bay ON P7E 5V3 Tel: (807) 625-2223 Fax: (807) 622-6669 1 3 - - - - OPA.G - SORE Ontario Property A.ssessment Gorporation Société ontarienne d'évaluation foncière For Our Members.....December 1999 A newsletter for Ontario's municipalities from OPAC's President & CAD Season's Greetings The arrivM of the holiday season MSO means the completion of our first full year of operation as a Corporation. It has been an exciting year, as we moved from being a provinciM government department to a corporation. Many of our members are fmding that they are now-deMing with people who have a new outlook on the assessment business, a new approach to assessing, and a new enthusiasm for their profession. 1 have tMked to many of our members and many of our own staff during the last nine months and I've learned a lot. I've heard both good and bad things about the Corporation, and 1 know what we need to do to provide the highest qUMity service to you, our customers. That's our mission and our commitment. Our vision is equMly straightforward: to be your choice for info=ation and services relating to property, throughout Ontario and beyond. Our vMues are a little old-fashioned, but very solid: we keep our promises, we are professionM, we are responsible and resourceful, and we lead. And we are making OP AC a great place to work. On behMf of our Board of Directors and our staff, 1 would like to extend our best wishes for the holiday season to our members. We look forward to serving you in the New Year. Clarification of OP AC's Participation in Maintaining Frozen Listings There has been concern expressed by some elected and appointed municipM officiMS that OP AC has played a role in the delays in tax billings resulting from the whole 10-5-5 issue. 1 must stress that this is not the case at MI. OP AC entered into an agreement with the Province to provide adjustments, when requested, for supplementary assessments, omitted assessments, reconsiderations and assessment appeMs, and any other updates and changes needed for the specified properties. Our involvement is limited to this contractuM relationship with the Ministry of Finance. The concerns expressed by municipM officiMs are unrelated to information that we provide to the Province. OP AC was not involved in the formulation of policies relating to 10-5-5, nor are we responsible for the On-Line Property Tax AnMysis System (OPTA). What we are responsible for is delivering results under the terms of our agreement with the Ministry, which we have done and done well. While 1 can sympathize with the frustrations experienced by municipMities in deMing with the 10-5-5 issue, MI of us at OP AC feel our own sense of frustration when it is suggested that we are in some way responsible. If you have any specific concerns about OP AC or OP AC's role in 10-5-5, please give me a cMl or write to me. OP AC's Fnnding Formula 1 have had some enquires concerning the funding formula that we use to bill our upper- , 14 For Our Members... December 1999 Page 2 and single-tier customers for our services. Specifically, a number of municipalities feel that the legislation is biased and have asked if the formula can be adjusted. Our hands are tied on this at the moment. The Ontario Property Assessment Corporation Act requires that each municipality, other than a lower-tier municipality, pay according to a formula which takes into account the total assessment of all property in the municipality, the total number of properties, and the amount required by OP AC to pay for its operations. Municipalities where property values are higher pay more than those in other parts of the Province. The effect is that municipalities are paying more or less than the actual co§ts ()f service delivery. 1 would like to assure our members that OP AC is well aware of their concems. The Act does permit the Corporation to establish a different method for calculating the amount to be paid by a municipality, but it is not authorized to make a by~law to do so before 2001, to take effect in 2002. The current funding formula must remain for the next two years. We have begun, however, to look at the options for changing the formula, and 1 would encourage our members to make suggestions as to how such a change might be framed. If you have some ideas, please send them to me - I would think the best time would be in late 2000 or early in 2001, but any time is good. What Does It Really Cost to Run OP AC? On October 8th, 1 sent a letter to all Heads of Council to announce that the Corporation would be maintaining its fmancial requirements from its members for the year 2000 at the 1999 figure of $ I 30 million. In conversations with some of our members since then, I have clarified why the amount is the same. So I think it would be useful to do so for all our members. The budget established at the time of transfer of the property assessment function from the Ontario Government to the Corporation was $130 million. This was sufficient for day-to- day operations, and allowed us to deliver a reasonable level of services to our customers. It did not, however, allow for us to undertake the changes to our technology and business operations which would both improve the level and quality of services and, ultimately, decrease costs. The amount the Corporation has budgeted for in the year 2000 is $149 million, which is $19 million higher than 2000 revenue because of one-time capital expenditures. The shortfall is being drawn from reserves. The reserves were created at the tim~ of transfer through negotiations with the Government. - . Vacant Units Another issue which we have heard from our:, members about is why the Corporation did not place advertisements to notify property owners of the November 1" deadline under Ontario Regulation 282/98, which governs the Vacant Unit Application. The extent of the advertising would have meant a significant expenditure and we dicin't feel that this would be justified, given the hit- and-miss nature of newspaper ads and the demands placed by other initiatives on our resources. And really, it is an issue for the Ministry of Finance, which is responsible for the Regulation, to address. As many of you will be aware, the Ministry has been holding consultations with municipal associations and business organizations to determine how vacant business properties and seasonal properties should be treated for property tax purposes for 2000 and future years. The Minister's Parliamentary Assistant, Toni Skarica, M.P.P., is responsible for these consultations. 1 5 For Our Members... December 1999 Page 3 Nominees for the OPAC Board Solicited Are any of our members interested in serving on OPAC's Board of Directors? A letter was sent recently to all Heads of Council asking for nominees. The Board is establishing a roster of candidates ITom which it can draw in filling future vacancies on the Board. Municipalities have been asked if they would nominate one member of Council and one appointed official. Board terms are for three years, and members may serve two terms. The Board has 14 members: six appointed municipal officials, six elected municipal officials, and two members appointed by the Minister of Finance. The roster to be çleveloped will be based on considerations such as geographical diversity, urban or rural nature, municipality size, the technical skills of the nominee, and relevant experience. Bill 14 - More Tax Cuts for Jobs, Growth and Prosperity Act, 1999 If Bill 14, which had its third reading on December I st, receives Royal Assent, it contains some provisions which significantly affect property assessment. 1 would like to note two of the changes which are of particular interest to the. Corporation. The first is that the Minister of Finance will have the legislative ability to make regulations specifying the manner in which current value assessments should be determined for specific property types. Such regulations could be general or specific, could apply to specific properties OT types of properties, or apply to all or part of a municipality. The second is that a property owner would have until the end of the taxation year to request a reconsideration of their assessment. Currently, the cutoff date is the same as the appeal deadline, which is March 3 I st of the taxation year. A key consideration here is that the Assessment Review Board has the authority to alter the assessment roll under the reconsideration process, even if no appeal has been filed. Changes could be made to the roll at any time during the year for which the request is made, or in the following year. Speaking of Requests for Reconsideration... As of the end of November, the Corporation had received 134,259 Requests for Reconsideration in respect of the 1998 taxation year, of which we have processed 130,276 or 97.4%. For the 1999 taxation year, we have received 36,276 requests, of which 33,4284.ave b.ee~nJ?rocessed or 92.1 %. By way of comparison, the Assessment Review Board has received 13,089 appeals for the 1999 taxation year. And lastly... We're on the verge of roIling out our new corporate logo and so, early in 2000, there'll be a different look to OP AC ....we're working on our first Annual Report, which will be sent to all our members in April... we've developed a Code of Conduct for our Board members and this will be going up on our website early in 2000 .. .and this newsletter is getting a new look as part of our plan to improve communications with our members. Robert A. Richards President & Chief Administrative Officer (905) 837-6150 Fax: (905) 831-0040 Ontario Property Assessment Corporation 1305 Pickering Parkway Pickering, Ontario LIV 3P2 Web site: www.assessmentontario.com ~ 16 For Our Members... December 1999 Page 4 Ontario Property Assessment Corporation - Board of Directors Lucille Bish, (519) 5754499 Manager, Planning Information, Region ofWaterIoo Bryan Davies, (416) 974-3349 Senior Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, Royal Bank of Canada John Geoghegan [Vice- Chairman], (519) 539-1291 Mayor, City of Woodstock and Councillor, Oxford County Bonnie Gibson, (905) 896-5434 Assessment Review Manager, City of Mississauga Peter Hume, (613) 560-1227 Regional Councillor, Region of Otta~a-Çarleton .....:, Jean Jones, (705) 833-2811 or (705) 833-2011 Clerk-Treasurer and Tax Collector, Townships of Carden & Dalton, Victoria County Emil Kolb [Chairman], (905) 791-7800, ext. 4310 Chair, Region of Peel Jerry Labossiere, (807) 548-4234 Treasurer, Town of Jaffray Melick, District of Kenora Gordon Landon, (905) 479-7750 Regional Councillor, Region of York Jack MacDonald, (705) 488-2571 Deputy Reeve, Somerville Township, Victoria County Brian MacRae, (807) 625-2223 City Manager, City of Thunder Bay Case Dotes, (416) 392-4032 Deputy Mayor and Councillor, City of Toronto Pat Richardson, (807) 229-1340 Mayor, Town of Marathon, District of Thunder Bay Chuck Wills, (519) 255-6439 Chief Administrative Officer, City of Windsor 17 """'" ~ -- - The Regional Municipa1ty of HALDIMAND-NORFOLK REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 70 TOWN CENTRE DRIVE TOWNSEND. ONTARIO NOA ISO TElEPNONE: (519) 587-4911 fAX: (519) 587-5554 TOLL fREE LINES fROM: CAYUGA ro-3571 SIMCOE 428·0020 OElNI 582-3620 ~~. ...., r (0; .-;; ,.....,.,:··..;·-"'...·v·, .-,' .""'''-. .-- .~~.~ ---: -:J ..;. '..-,;' '~'~~h~- December 6, 1999 DEC 16 1999 Premier of Ontario The Honourable Mike Harris Legislative Building Room 281 Queen's Park Toronto ON M7A 1AI Cl"II Ir\!""".j nr ~1 ~IN .! ;, ¡H \ ~._,,;;.. "-'-"-'" . r~f'r\.r,':·_-'''c.-;;:;\~:'' :': ~~.~~J;CSS Dear Mr. Harris: RE: School Closures in Our Area. Regional Council at their Meeting of December 2, 1999 endorsed a Recommendation of the Finance and Administration Committee Meeting of November 23,1999, as follows:- "That the Region of Haldimand-Norfolk through the Regional Chair write a letter to the Ministry of Education expressing concern about the social and economic impact of school closures in our area; and furtber, "Whereas Rural Ontario, schools are the very life blood of small town Ontario, essential to continued economic, educational and social growth, imperative to their existence. Further, In Rural Ontario many, if not all of our communities have just one High School, placing additional importance on this essential Educational service; and Whereas the current funding formulas is placing these schools in jeopardy. ~ 1 8 4" "'- - - 2 Therefore the Region of Haldimand Norfolk request the Ontario Legislature, through the Ministry of Education formulate a "New Rural Education Funding Formula", that will protect this critical educational service for one High School Municipalities, their children, and parents. Further that copies of this resolution be forwarded to Premier Harris, the Minister of Education our two Local M.P.P. 's and the Opposition and third party Education critics, and the Grand Erie Board of Education; Further that this resolution be forwarded to our Six Area Municipalities and all Rural Municipalities in Ontario, and to all Boards of Education in Ontario, for their endorsement and support. Please do not hesitate to contact the writer, should you desire additional information concerning this decision of Regional Council. JH/ge pc: Yours truly, 0? r The Honourable Janet Ecker, Minister of Education Toby Barrett, MPP, Haldimand-Norfolk Tim Hudak, MPP, Erie-Lincoln The Honourable Howard Hampton, Leader NDP The Honourable Dalton McGuillty, Leader Liberal Party Rosario Marchese, Third Party Critic for Education Gerard Kennedy, Opposition Party Critic for Education Grand Erie District School Board Betteanne Cadman, Clerk, Township of Delhi Ronald Sparks, Clerk-Administrator, Town of DunnvilIe Janis Lankester, Clerk, Town of Haldimand Robert Prowse, Administrator-Clerk, City ofNailticoke Merlin Howse, Clerk-Administrator, Township of Norfolk Bev Wood, Town Clerk, Town of Simcoe All Rural Municipalities in Ontario All School Boards in Ontario. 1 9 ¿~. Associatioß of Municipalities of Ontario Association of Municipalities of Ontario 2000 MEMBERSHIP INVOICE Clerk County of Elgin 450 Sunset Dr. SI. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 . r;/~Df'''';' '"""".. ..",IS;~ ~ 1»,,;n "'. - - 't),-¡:;," '"I_i- R· ~ ·C··· ~.~ \,~ ¡-;.'s; .' ~ 'ÿ~~. J;;7~U ~ ~~:::V. Invoice No.: 2000 -10707 Invoice Date: December 14,1999 BILLED TO AMOUNT County of Elgin $ 2,724.21 Membership fee fort he period: January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000 GST EXEMPT ~J"r.r~~ (fold bottom edge to this line) D~C 16 \999 -' "\~¡ . "'--.-' n~ ~-'_y,l'~ C,., "'. . ~'.- "'t:<' t':...·,\,·· ;:": C'~n\l\~-.<l...~" .;'''''c.".....' MUN f UPP At its meeting on November 26, 1999, the AMO Executive Committee passed the Association's 2000 budget which provided that membership fees be calculated using the most current household data available from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and that the fees rates be increased by 0% over 1999 fee rates. Your municipaiity's fee was based on a calcuiated total of 17,745 households. The calcuiated total households is equal to the totai househoids as reported by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs iess the total number of households of separated municipalities in your upper tier as reported by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. Your municipality's fee was calcuiated using the following fee rate schedule for upper tier municipalities: Households 1 to 30,000 over 30,000 Fee Rate $ 0.15352 per household $ 0_01212 per household above 30,000 Please direct questions to: Reena Feliciano at 416-971-9856 Ex!. 330 rfellciano@amo_municom_com 20 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 Toronto, Ontario M5G 1E6 Tel: 416-971-9856 Fax: 416-971-6191 " ð@ ŸEA~ Association of Municipalities of Ontario December 13, 1999 To: The Head and Members of Council Dear Municipal Colleagues: RE: 2000 Membership Notice Enclosed you will find your membership fee invoice for the year 2000. Your continued support is what makes the Association of Municipalities of Ontario the effective, responsive organization it is today. With your commitment to membership, AMO is able to continue to provide an impressive menu of valuable services. In this, our centenary, it is a pkasure to report that AMO has achieved significant success in our dealings with the provincial government. The Province has accepted our submission that education should not be funded from the property tax base, and has removed a further 20 percent of the provincial share from the property tax base. In addition, the Province has gone a long way towards accepting our position that land ambulance and public health are appropriately provincial responsibilities. By revisiting their position based on sound advice, the Province is moving more closely to the AMO position and are protecting the municipal order of government from the risk of increased costs due to arbitrary changes in the levels of standards. As the voice of the municipal order of government in Ontario, we have, throughout this past year, continued to provide solid altematives to poorly conceived legislation and regulations. Together with our partners in the municipal field, we provided the advice that would have allowed the Government to achieve the goals it set out in Bill 79. The new structure of our Association, both the political and administrative arms, has resulted in a more effective member-oriented organization. We are hearing clearly the views and opinions of our members through the sector-specific Board representation. Our administration is dealing with our members in a timely and cogent fashion. LAS is now an integral part of your association. Its success allows us to keep membership fees stable while providing more services to members at a time when amalgamations and consolidations are reducing the numbers of potential members. The fact that our membership is up in 1999 speaks to our success. 393 University Ave., Suite 1701 Toronto, Ontario M5G 1 E6 tel: (416) 971-9856 toll free: 1-800-426-6527 fax: (416) 971-6191 email: amo@amo.municom.com C:\WINDOWSoJJesktop\4MOIMember.¡hipNorice2000.wpd 21 -2- What else has AMO accomplished this past year to assist municipalities? The answer is plenty: 1999 . Year in Review: A Record of Achievement January-December 1999 - * Celebrated 100 years of service to members; * Staff at the Resource Centre have logged more than 795 calls. In 1998, the Centre logged 436 calls for municipal infonnation; * Highest participation rate of members in history * Greatest member retention rate in history * Most membership revenue in Association history * Developed new accounting and membership database system * Merged Local Authority Services (LAS) and Commercial Services * Completed departmental reorganization (50% reduction in staff numbers over the past decade) * Worked in partnership with other organizations an interest in municipal affairs (AMCTO, MFOA, OMSSA, Ontario CAO's Association, MISA, MEA, FCM et an * Government to government working groups on welfare refonn, social housing, public health and land ambulance * Balanced 1999 Association Budget * Developed Association Stability Reserve Fund * Zero per cent increase in membership fee rates for 2000 January 1999- As many of the current municipal gas franchise agreements were coming up for renewal, AMO and the gas industry began working on changes to the 1987 model agreement to bring it up to date and reflect current conditions. March 1999- Following extensive advocacy efforts on the part of AMO, the Province announced that it would assume half the approved cost of land ambulance and public health services, a critical step along the path to the removal of all income redistribution programs from the property tax base. * Land Ambulance savings to members in 1999 - $124 million * Public Health savings to members in 1999 - $163 million N:\UserlCorporoLWembership Service:sWemben;j¡fpNotice2000.wpd 22 -3- Apri11999 - In response to the anticipated provincial election in June, AMO and member volunteers developed The Municipal Mandate -- Municipalities at Risk, which detailed the areas of greatest municipal concern _ removal of social and health programs and education from the property tax base; reliable revenue sources for municipal services, renewed provincial-municipal relations; and reliable municipal infrastructure support. That document was distributed to all AMO members, to all candidates for the provincial Parliament, and to members of the media. July 1999- The launch of Municipal Matters, AMO's new quarterly màgazine designed to facilitate communications between the Association and members, and to highlight accomplishments and achievements of Ontario's municipalities. With a new format and focus, the magazine will provide articles with a practical focus, features on notable municipal best practices and opinion pieces. August 1999- * Largest AMO conference in history. Doubled trade show participation; * AMO achieves extension to the September 30, 1999 deadline for the transfer of Land Ambulance Services September 1999 - AMO successful in proposing changes to Ontario's Drive Clean Program. Ontario's Drive Clean Program for emissions testing on trucks and heavy duty vehicles has been changed to incorporate a transition period which provides for flexibility in vehicle emission certificate registration and permit renewal dates. November 1999- AMO, industry groups and the Minister of the Environment (MOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see the establishment of a Waste Diversion Organization (WDO), bringing industrial financial support to municipal waste management systems. AMO's participation provides the municipal sector with representation on the WDO Board. December 1999- * AMO made its submission to the Ontario Energy Board with focus on municipal management of their rights-of-ways including the need for permit fees and user fees and is ready for hearings scheduled for early in the new year. * Municom - Stay tuned for a new approach for the new Millennium. N:\UserlCorporozlMembershipServit:e:slMembeTShipNctice2000.wpd 23 4- Y ourrenewal in AMO now continues your access to the many benefits of membership in AMO that you have enjoyed, as well as the on-going commitment to AMO's delivery of important advocacy initiatives on key issues that affect Ontario municipalities. Should you require any additional information to make your decision, please contact: Patrick Moyle, AMO's Executive Director (416) 971-9856 Ext. 306 or toll free in Ontario at 1-877-4-AMO-LAS (1-877-426-6527) On behalf of AMO's Board of Directors, I want to thank you for your continuing support, attention to this renewal notice and best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2000. Sincerely, ~ Michael Power President ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ONTARIO C:\WlNDOWS'Dei;laop\AMCJ\MembershipNotice2000. wpd ~ 24 - J9 Association of Municipalities of Ontarìü V~1 ð'V~ .leEA A Guide to AMO, Member Benefits and Services The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is a non-profit organization with member municipalities representing 95% of Ontario's population. The Association has a variety of services and products availabie to members and non-members. History Municipal associations in Ontario have a long history consisting of numerous amalgamations and mergers of separate organizations. The first meeting of an enduring municipal association was held in Hamilton on September 6, 1899. The name "Ontario Municipal Association" was chosen, and it was agreed that there would be annual meetings, or "oftener if need be, upon the call of the executive committee", so that both appointed and elected representatives of municipalities could discuss common concerns. A constitution for the organization was drawn up, officers elected and the mandate decided - to establish regular meetings between the association and the government to speak to, and to influence legislation. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario was created through the merger and reconstitution of the Ontario Municipal Association and the Ontario Association of Mayors and Reeves on June 22, 1972. Further organizational change continued to be discussed in the late 1970s when exploratory meetings were held between AMO and two other major municipal organizations which also existed at that time: The Rural Ontario Municipal Association and The Association of Counties and Regions. Discussions were also held with affiliated associations: The Organization of Small Urban Municipalities (OSUM), The Association of District Municipalities, The Federation of Northem Ontario Municipalities (FONOM), and The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA). In February 1980, an Association Review Committee was struck and presented its report in June 1980. A new association of municipal representatives was proposed. consisting of five sections, "restructured to ensure accurate representation of the positions of the different types of municipalities in the province". The newly constituted Association of Municipalities of Ontario came into being on January 1, 1982. In the eariy 1990s, AMO's constitution was re-formulated into governing By-law No.1. The By-law was amended in 1993, 1994 and 1998 to implement a number of significant changes to the Association. Mandate The mandate of the organization is to support and enhance strong and effective municipal government in Ontario. It promotes the value of the municipal level of government as a vital and essential component of Ontario's and Canada's political system. Activities AMO develops policy positions and reports on issues of general interest to municipal govemments; conducts ongoing liaison with provincial govemment elected and non-elected representatives; informs and educates governments, the media and the public on municipal issues; markets innovative and beneficial services to the municipal sector; and maintains a resource centre on issues of municipal interest. The Association's Annual Meeting is held in August and is combined with a comprehensive conference program. Organizational Structure The governing body of the Association is the Board of Directors, elected at the Association's Annual Meeting. The Board comprises 45 elected and non-elected municipal representatives. The Board meets five times per year. An Executive Committee of the Board, responsible for the business of the Association between Board of Director meetings, meets monthly. The Association's sources of revenue include: membership fees; conferences; and membership services. Administrative Structure The Association currently has a total complement of staff involved in policy analysis, development and research; communications: information collection and management; administration and finance; the office of the executive director; and the Municom Network. For more information contact: Pat Moyle, Executive Director, 416-971-9856 ex!. 306, email: Dmovle@amo.municom.com 2 L{-- f3 Policy and Government Relations Policy research and analysis for the Association are primarily conducted by the Director of Policy and Government Relations and a team of policy advisors. Policy staff works with Task Forces and to develop and recommend policy positions to the Board of Directors and to review and monitor issues of municipal interest. Task Forces are established on an as-required basis to work on specific short-term tasks. For example, in the past the Association has struck special task forces to deal with planning, housing, recycling and conflict of interest issues. For more on Policy & Government Relations, contact: Pat Vanini. Director of Policy & Government Relations 416-971-9856 ext. 316 email: Dvanini@amo.municom.com Information Services The activities of the Association are supported by an extensive electronic and traditional collection of information resources focussed on municipal government. AMO's flagship electronic information product is the Municom Network, a virtual mall of information resources and servicing. Municom is the host of a variety of municipal information sources including commercial news feeds, background information, AMO policy issues, and information from other municipal associations. The Association also has an extensive resource centre which maintains an up-to-date collection of books, periodicais, bulletins, newsletters, subject files, provincial statutes and reports covering a variety of timely topics, including public administration, public affairs management, provincial-municipal relations, finance, planning and development, housing, etc. Together, AMO's electronic and traditional information resources actively supports the Association's function of collecting and disseminating vital information to its membership. For more on Information Services, contact: Snežana Vukelié. Information Resources Manager 416-971-9856 exl. 322 email: svukelic@amo.municom.com Julia Shiu. Information Researcher 416-971-9856 ext. 322 email: ishiu@amo.municom.com Local Authority Services Ltd. (LAS) AS was created in 1992 by AMO Lto help municipalities reduce the cost of common expenditures and to increase revenues. The ONE Funds investment program, jointly run with the CHUMS Financing Corp., continues to be LAS's primary program offering a diversified way for municipalities to invest surplus funds and reserves. Over the next year, LAS and CHUMS plan to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of municipal investors. LAS's newest program centres on facilitating the communication of LOCAL iUJTHOBlTY SERVf(;ES Ix TD. information from private sector firms to municipalities. Known as LAS Market Partners, the program works with a variety of organizations over the course of a calendar year to convey current information about products and services about which municipalities may be unfamiliar or to develop innovative new programs that will help municipalities to save time and money. LAS's long-distance share group program with Sprint Canada continues to be a stellar performer. Since its introduction a little over a year ago, participants have not only exceeded the 47% savings point but the increasing size of the share group has twice put LAS into a position of negotiating rate reductions with Sprint Canada. Other LAS programs being well received by municipalities are: ./ home and auto insurance offering sizable premiums reductions ,,/ technology providing the latest in computer equipment ,,/ GASAMO helping to curb fluctuating costs of natural gas ,,/ assessment base management through MTE, helping municipalities meet the challenges under the new fair assessment and tax systems The net result of LAS's activity during this past year was not only to provide a wide range of value-added services to local government, but also to help fund the work of AMO by nearly $200,000. For information on LAS contact: Sharad Kerur, President & CEO at 416-971-9856 exl. 327 David Hartley, Director, Business Development, 416-971-9856 ext. 319 email: dhartlev@amo.mun]com.com M...¡ network 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 Toronto ON M5G 1E6 CANADA Tel: (416) 971-9856 Voicemail: (416) 971-7638 Fax: (416) 971-6191 Toll-free in Ontario: 1-877-4-AMO-LAS (1-877-426-6527) email:amo@amo.municom.com WINW.amo.on.ca C:\WINDOW!MJesktop\AM(}IMembershipServicesGuûk.wpd r--- 25 December, 1999 199B AMO Board of Oirectors http://www.amo..on..ca/morelstructurelamoboardlamoboard99.htm 1999-2000 AMO Board of Directors EXECUTIVE President: Michael Power, Mayor, Town of Geraldton Secretary-Treasurer: Jim Pine, CAG, City of Quinte West (two year-term) Vice-Presidents: Roger Anderson, Regional Chair, Region of Durham (Chair, Regional Caucus) Ken Boshcoff, Mayor, City of Thunder Bay (Chair, Northern Caucus) Claude Guillemette, Reeve. Township of East Ferris (Chair, Rural Caucus) Joan King, Councillor, City ofToronto (Chair. Toronto Caucus) Kay Manderville, Councillor, City of Belleville, (Chair, Small Urban Caucus) Ann Mulvale, Mayor, Town of Gakville (Chair, Large Urban Caucus) Victor Power, Mayor, City of Timmins, (Chair, Northern Caucus) David Stewart, Councillor, County of Renfrew (Chair, County Caucus) Immediate Past President: Vacant Immediate Past Secretary-Treasurer: Vacant BOARD OF DIRECTORS - CAUCUS REPRESENTATIVES: County Caucus: Patricia Davidson, Councillor, County of Lambton Vince Judge, Councillor, County of Perth Alan Marr, Councillor, County of Middlesex Steven Silver, CAG, County of Lanark Large Urban Caucus: Peter Atcheson, Director of Planning. City of Brantford Anne Black. Alderman, City of Barrie Mike Connolly, Councillor, City of Waterloo Don Cousens, Mayor, Town of Markham Sandra Hames. Councillor, City of Brampton Ben Tucci, Councillor, City of Cambridge 2b 1of2 12/13/19991:06 PM 1998 AMO Board of Directors Northern Caucus: Jay Aspin, Councillor, City of North Bay Phyllis Floyd, Executive Director, FONOM Ken Taniwa, CAO, Township of Shuniah Regional Caucus: Gord Adams, Chair, District of Muskoka John Harrison, Chair, Region of Haldimand-Norfolk Peter Hume, Councillor, Region of Ottawa-Carleton Peter Partington, Councillor, Region of Niagara Mike Petryna, Councillor, Region of Sudbury Joyce Savoline. Chair, Region of Halton Rural Caucus: Eleanor Renaud, Councillor, Township of Killey Julian Tofts, CAO, Township of Springwater Dan VanLondersele, Councillor, Township of Delhi Bert Vorstenbosch, Deputy Mayor, Township of West Perth Small Urban Caucus: Bryan Baxter, CAO, Town of Cobourg Fran Coleman, Councillor, Town of Huntsville Deb Haswell, Councillor, City of Owen Sound Tom Nobles, Councillor, City of Quinte West Toronto Caucus: John Adams, Councillor, City ofToronto Brian Ashton, Councillor, City of Toronto Dennis Fotinos, City of Toronto Blake Kinahan. Councillor, City of Toronto Gloria Lindsay Luby, Councillor, City of Toronto Howard Moscoe, Councillor. City of Toronto http://www.amo.on.ca/more/structure/amoboard/amoboard99.htm ;';;~":;';F"'i0c,",,_8lliW'ß'# September 1, 1999 20f2 2í O;~L~'B-.Ö;^,'0.";;¡'P-" 12/13/19991:06 PM THE ORDER OF ONTARIO L'ORDRE DE l' ONTARIO December 1999 L>:;-::-" \¡'~ ~ ~~ -/---, -~'~ Dear Friends, DEC 'è:) W~9 .,..,.1' ",¡:¡:, f.¡!~ co"~t H p, ~,-~"- C' "U~\\ t ~"'," ~<ë""t'"'\F:~Ç.t-:;J ~¡:{t.;:~""'- The Order of Ontario was established in 1986 as a means of honouring those people who have rendered service of the greatest distinction and of singular excellence in any field of endeavour benefiting society here and elsewhere. The award pays tribute to exceptional people who exemplify the highest qualities of achievement and excellence in their chosen professions or in community service on an international, national' or provincial level. Thus far, two hundred and sixty-eight distinguished Ontarians have become members of The Order and we are now actively seeking nominations for the year 2000. I would like to take this opportunity to invite your organization to submit a nomination for membership in The Order of Ontario, our province's most prestigious honour. 1 have enclosed a nomination fomi to be returned by the closing date of January 31, 2000. Sincerely, ~~ Naomi Alboim Secretary General to The Order of Ontario and Deputy Minister Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation 2..2; ADvIsoRy CouNœ.: HonoraryChair: The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Chair:: The Chief Justice of OnrarloMembers: The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. The Secretary of the Cabinet and derk of the Executive Councû Secre±aryGeneta1: The Deputy Minister, Ministry of CitizenShip, Culture and Recreation IE CONSEII.co."<SU.TADF: la présidentehonoraire: La Jieutenante-gouvemeure de l'Ontario I.eprésident: le juge en chef de rOmano l.es membres: Le présidentde l'Assemblée legislative, La secrétaire du Conseil de rninîsIre$ "et greffière du Conseil exécutlf la seaétaire générale: La sous-minîstre; ministère des Affaires dviques, de Ia Culture et des Loisirs 12/21/99 23:55:14 EST; ASSOCIATION OF?-) 1 519 633 7661 CLERK-Elgin CD Page ßß2 DEC-21-99 rUE D5:31 PM AMO FAX NO. 416 971 6191 p, 01 D~c.21 '99 12:57 TWP OF GREY TEL 5198876231 I P. 3/ 3 I CORPORATION 01=' THE TOWNSHIP OF GREY Brd J. ..I,1rI, BoA., A.M.C.1. Clørk·TTIllSurI' R.R. #3 BRUSSELS ONTARIO NOG IHO TELEPHONE (519) 887-6;U;S FACSIMILE (519) 887-6231 Rr...¡" L Fù"""A.M.Cr. Of111ty Cl",k-lnsllurr To; December 21, 1999 AU municipalities in the Province of Ontario SUbject: Closing ofOMAFRA fieJd offices The COIDlCil ofthe Corporation of the Townsbip of Grey, at tbcir regular meeting held on December 20th, 1999, adopted the following resolution and requests your endorscment of [he resolution. "WHEREAS recent announcements by the Ont8rio Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs h~ve annoWlced the closure of35 OMAFRA agricltllunil field offices and proposes to rep]ace the field offices with 13 resource ccntrcs, Seven "co-locations" and six northern sites. AND WHEREAS the agricultural industry is presently operati]Jg in an era of low commodity pdces and increasing public scrutiny and demands, the net result of which is an increasingly stressful environment for our OnÚlrio hOllers AND WHEREAS the impact of (he agricultural indusby on the Provincial economy is significant as evidenced by the fact that 1996 [ann gate sales in OntArio amountcd to 7.8 billiqn. I ANq WHF.RF.AI; the dosing ofOMAFRA office. ,nd concame .baut the acces9ibility of agricultural infonnalion and services raises questions about the Province's commitment to m~in(ain a significant presence in the Ontario agricuJtural sector. ; N0'Y THEREFORE the Council of the COIporation ofIhe Township of Grey hereby petitions the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural A ffairs to canccl the reorgani~~tion of it¿ field of1ìces and that the Ministry should immcdiate1y commence a consultation process with agricultural organizations and interested stakeholders to asCertalll Ole needs and requirements of our Ontario Fanners. AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be circulated to municipalities in the Province ofOntaTÌo for their consideration and endorsement mid that copies oftheir endorsement be forwarded to thc Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and their local M.P,)'. Carried." On behalf of Grey Township Council, your favourabJe consideration of the above resolution would be appreciated. If you have any questions concemii'gthe resolution, please contact our office. Brad Kníght, Clerk 29 This marerla1 t'i þrovided under ('Qf'ltrnd tiS a paid service. by the originating organizatiob. and does not Ike~e."'<:<JriJy reflect tbe vÍ~ws or po,Jtions offhE Associstion of Municlpalitics of Ontario (AMO), its subsidIary companies. officers, directors or agcnlç. 12/21/99 23:38:56 EST: ASSOLIATION OF?-> 1 519 633 7661 LLERH-Elgin LO Page BB2 DEO-21-99 TUE 04:53 PM AMO FAX NO, 416 971 6191 p, 01/01 Member Communication j' ~0 Association of (':"/ \, Municipalities to: . of Ontario AI~rt 3S3 University Avenue, Suil.e 1701 Toronto. ON M5G IE6 Tel: (416) 971-9856· lex: (416) 971-6191 emalf: amo@amo.munlcom.com Please ensure that copies of this are distributed to all Members of Council For Immediate Action December 21,1999 Alert· 99/029 VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS UNDER ATTACK Issue: The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is forcing its members to stop working as volunteers in other municipal tire departments. Facts: The IAFF has obtained a legal opinion which states that in Ontario the union has the right to expel any of its members who are also working as part-time fire fighters in volunteer fire departments. Employment contracts often prevent expelled union members from continuing to act as full time fire fighters for the municipality that is their primary employer. Despite the concerns of many tire fighters. in a meeting earlier this month the Ontario Chapter voted to pursue this option. Various locals have begun to inform their members that they must cease workin¡ as volunteers or face expulsion - and the loss of their full time job. The IAFF has given its members until December 31, 1999 to resign as volunteers. This is creating problems for volunteer fire departments across Ontario and has the potential to put the citizens of many municipalities at risk. We are aware of a few volunteer resignations and have been advised that others are waiting to see what happens after the December 31't deadline has passed. According to the IAFF legal brief, Ontario expelled union members have no statutory protection. Under Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, B.C., and federallegìslation, unions cannot prohibit members "...from being discharged simplyfor being expelled from the union forengaging in prohibited secondary employment." AMO has contacted the Ministry of the Solicitor General to make them aware of the problems and to seek their assistance in ensuring that Ontario's communities remain safe in this regard. To end the labour chaos within volunteer municipal tire departments that this ultimatum is creating, the Province must help municipalities to protect the rights of full time tire fighters to work as part time volunteers in other municipal departments if they so choose. Action: Information is needed about the .6xtent of the problem. Municipalities are asked to send us information about the real or potential resignations of volunteer fire fighters in terms of the overall fire fighter labour force. AMO wiil help the Ministry monitor the situation and work on a strategy to find a reasonable solution to the problem. This information is available througll AMOs MUNlCOM network at www.municom.com. For more information, please contact: Pat Vanini, Director of Policy and Government Relations at (416) 971-9856 ex!. 316 or Jeff Fisher, Policy Advisor, at ext 315 Transmission problems: 416-971-9856 30 ¡-¡Leo NO. :':';4 11/10 ',;,; lö:~'( lLI:¡-I<RNK l;UWRN l;U-PI\¡NCl=roN 519 458 4366 PAGE 2 FRANK COWAN COMPANY LIMITED November 16, 1999 Insurance Managers For Public Entities 4 COWAN STREET EAST PRINCETON-ONTARIO NOJ lVa Ms. Sandra Hefften, Deputy Clerk Corporation of the County of Elgin Administration Building, 450 Sunset Dr. St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl Re: ProDosed Trans Canada TraU Dear Ms. Heffren: \ . This letter is further to your fax of October 28th to Mr. Bryce Sibbick of our office in which you attached a copy of Clayton Watters' report, along with a oopy of Paula Neice's letter regarding the proposed Trans Canada Trail. Mr. Sibbick has asked me to review this correspondence and provide you with our comments. After reading Mr. Clayton Watters' report, we were pleased with the issues and concerns that he raised in this regard. From a liability and risk management perspective, we recommend that Council address each of these important issues prior to finalizing any agreement with the Ontario Trails Council. We have seen the Memorandum of Understanding that the Ontario Trails Council is proposing be signed. We would suggest that a fonnal agreement be entered into when the details of the proposed !rail have been finalized. Prior to agreement, the municipality should consider the anticipated or proposed use of the trails within their community and decide on the accepted recreational uses. In some areas, certain uses may create dangers or hazards that may be detrimental to the municipality's liability position. It is also important to anticipate that multi-use trails may pose liability on behalf of the municipality where such uses are not safely compatible. The formal agreement should include a hold hannless/indemnity clause in favour of the County and the Ontario Trail's Council's Liability Insurance should include the County as an additional insured. In summary, we encourage the County to carefully review all aspects of the proposed trail system that will be established within municipally owned premises. If we can be of any further assistance to you in this regard, please do not hesitate to call our office. Telephone (519) 458-4331 31 Facsimile (519) 458-4366 I"!Lt: NO. .j<i4 II/It> '<i<i 10:;'::( W:ri'(RNK l,;UWRN l,;U-Pi'(lNC~IUN b18 4b8 4366 PAGE 3 Ms. S. HeflÌ'en Paee 2 Yours sincerely, Frank Cowan Company Limited ~CU\.~C\, ~NL Ùa.1.p~ Barbrll Anne Runstedler Vaspori 8.Comm., F.I.LC., C.R.M. Risk ManagementIBusiness Planning c.c. Bryce Sibbick Account Manager 32 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: CLAYTON WATTERS, MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES DATE: September 30, 1999 SUBJECT: PROPOSED TRANS CANADA TRAIL ON ELGIN COUNTY ROADS Introduction On August 26, 1999, the Engineering Services Department attended our first Trans Canada Trail Committee Meeting at the City of St. Thomas. From information received at that meeting it was understood that all Municipalities in Elgin County were "on board" and Council's have supported a trail system throughout the County. It was also discovered that some M\unicipalities have proposed trail routes located on Elgin County Roads. The Engineering Services Department has many concerns with promoting the use of Elgin County Road Right-of-ways as a trail route for the proposes of: waiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, horseback riding and snowmobiling. Discussion/ Conclusion Realistically, this trail will most likely not generate volumes of trail traffic and most of these designated trail uses already occur on the shoulders of Elgin County Roads, although, now the County is promoting the use of their road shoulders for these activities. By encouraging these activities on the Road shoulders the County has obligated itself to design and maintain a safe trail system and will be found liable if anything should occur. The purpose of this report is to raise some questions and to exercise due diligence toward public safety both on the roadway and the proposed trail routes. Some concerns the Engineering Services Department have are as follows: 1. How will the trail operate during road and bridge construction on those routes? 2. Who will be responsible for identifying a potential safety concern on the trail? 3. Who will be responsible to correct those conditions and in what time frame? 4. Who will be designated as the "Trail Manager"? 5. Who will develop a systematic program of inspection? 6. Who will be responsible for these routine inspections? 7. Will an increased level of service be required on the shoulders of those roads in which the routes will run and if so should the County incorporate that into their maintenance By-Law? 8. Currently the County does not own any property designated for the purposes of these activities (sidewalks, parks, etc.) so will additional liability coverage be required? 9. Is the County acting irresponsibly by promoting the use of its road's shoulders as horseback and walking trails with the knowledge that a "clear zone" is not present to the driving lanes of traffic? If the County installed a sidewalk or riding trail this separation distance offset would be present. 10. What are the costs associated with the trail system and who is responsible for paying them? 33 FROM: CLAYTON WATTERS, MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES DATE: September 30, 1999 SUBJECT: PROPOSED TRANS CANADA TRAIL ON ELGIN COUNTY ROADS Proposed trail routes located on Elgin County Roads must be registered by the County of Elgin and endorsed by County Council. We have asked all Municipalities to submit their Resolutions to the Engineering Services Department once trail routes have been finalized. As of September 30, 1999, only the Municipality of West Elgin has submitted their Council's Resolution and they have proposed two portions of County Road #3, Talbot Line, as portions of their trail route. All Elgin County Roads have been designed and are being maintained to accommodate vehicular traffic only. From the liability issues raised alone it is this department's recommendation that no portion of the proposed Trans Canada Trail be located on and Elgin County Road Allowance. Recommendation That no portion of the proposed Trans Canada Trail be located on an Elgin County Road allowance unless that portion is only to cross an Elgin County Road. \. RESPECTFULL Y SUBMITTED JìW 0 itI~ CLAYTON D. WATTERS, MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES APPROVED FOR SUBMISSION cb-(C) MARK MCDONALD CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER 34 ~#-,....tt~ ~ C"'NI\~<1 ~~ .~ -..L ~ {/1~ ~ p~ ~¢ ¡¡; l'MN5C!-ÍÌ' o 0 ~ I- f I I O,tober 18,1999 ! I : Pe;er Dutchak, CET Enþeering Technologist Engineering Services County of Elgin 45Q Sunset Drive St. I' homas, ON N5.5VI Fax! (519) 631-4297 I I i I I Dear Peter: I amiwriting in response to your letter to Marie Turvey, Chair of the Elgin County Trans Can¡fda Trail Committee dated September 29,1999 and to reiterate some of the questions that tau raised at out meeting on Thursday October 14. , The '¡official" opening for the Trans Canada Trail wiIJ take place in the Nations Capital on September 9, 1999. This is the date that the Relay 2000 will have crossed Canada and the ~ters tram the three oceans wiH be poured into a fountain. This is a symbolic act and tbe process of the Relay has been designed to heighten awareness of a national dream to h..~" a trail cross this county with communities celebrating across Canada. The trail will n(ot be completed by that date. Some sections wi!! be designed, built and opened. Many¡others will still be on the drawing board. Some communities are planning on Using the day that the Relay passes through their community to officially open a stretch oftheitraiI. Other communities will be using the same period to raise awareness and funds to build the trail. The entire range may be available in Elgin County depending on the Pahicular circumstances of each segment. I It is n~t presumed that the Elgin COUIIty Trans Canada Trail segment wiJI aU be opened and available for use on September 9, 2000. In Some communities, the road superi4tendents have been asked to review the route, determine ongoing maintenance costs and build this into their annual workplans. Others are looking at long term development/upgrading in parallel with road improvement schedules. I i ! , , ! I ¡ 35 1 I ! I : , TheiTrans Canada Trail Foundation supports the five core uses of - hiking. cycling, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and equestrian. Each municipality, in the case of Elgin Co"nty, will decide which of the five uses they will be supporting. My hope is that thet will decide this based 011 issues of traffic volume, safety, development and m"'¡lœnance cost and the enjoyment of future users. I would guess that in the case of mu~cipalities choosing to route the trail along road shoulders, that cycling and dep¢nding on local circumstances, equestrian and snowmobiling will be the preferred uses. I Th~ Trans Canada Trail Foundation does not have a prescribed trail standard for trail de..lelopment. For example, in Northern Ontario, some registered sections of the trail are IitehUy foot paths cut in through the bush, while in downtown Burlington, the trail is paved with city lighting as it crosses the waterfront within the City. On~ option that should be considered for sections of the route in Elgin County would be to ~evelop trail in parallel with the roadway, not along the shoulder but within the road alløwance. This could be accomplished by scraping a four meter strip, laying down a bed of gcavel, grading and packing. This could be a multi-year project where in-kind contributions, donations and the volunteer work of trail groups could produce a great trail fort limited funds. The options in trail development are limitless and the ingenuity of coinmunities and trail users in finding ways" to beg, borrow and steal" to get their trails built is impressive. ! I I dffer the following as a more direct response to your questions. ! 1.: Trails are closed during construction , I I 2.! The Roads Superintendents should be consulted in the design of trails on the . shoulders of roads and within road allowances. Trails users can assist in the review i for other hazards, The Conservation Authorities in Ontario have a great deal of i experience in trail development and your local authorities are an exceJIent source of í information. f 3.1 This will need to be determined on a section by section basis. There are as many I models to do this as there are trail groups. : 4.j See answer to #3 above. ! 5; If we are speaking about trails within road rights of way, the Roads Superintendent ¡ can simply add this to his list. This is the practice across Ontario in these situations. i 6; See answer to # 5 above. I 7, The By-Law may need to be reviewed for specific route sections if conditions are known to develop pot hoJes. These sections may need to be h'l'aded more frequently. 2 36 You might want to set up a couple of "pilot study areas" before you amend the by-law in order to see if the situation warrants the change. , 8! A generic reply cannot be provided. Each community must review its liability I coverage. In genera! terms, trail development does not require an increase in : coverage. I 9.: See my note above on the choice of trail uses and the use of road aUowances. Signage and safety are very important. Drivers and trail users need to know what other uSes they should be expecting. I I \ i Trails are a community asset and 1 want to make sure that Elgin County proceeds with aCcurate information. The potential enjoyment oftraiis by residents and travelers is latgely dependent on the design and preplanlÚng that goes into them. The landscape and the heritage of Elgin County has a lot to offer and a well designed trail system can help to showcase this. 1 hope that in our meeting and with this note that I have adequately covered your concerns. Please call if you require any other information. Y~urs".urssi ely, /\ ~ . ~«¿( I ~ pJ¡la Neice Regional Trails Coordinator 47 :Combermere W4terloo,ONT N~ 5B2 Tel: (519) 885-0356 Fa:t: (519) 885-5263 Entail: Dna@.kw.igs.net i cc Chair, Marie Turvey, Elgin County Trans Canada Trails Committee , ! I [ i , 37 3 Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs lei Ministre de l'Agriculture, de l'Alimentation et des Affaires rurales OntariO Queen's Park. o,(~9R_~' M5S 1©:.'.i \"=". \. F..~ n\.lz¡¡¡'.:::Y fJAN 4 Z\\ìl) December 30, 1999 Dear Municipal Clerk: COU~...~~!~~~~J1GE$ The Ontario Government is undertaking public ~~~Thil~~on;,\;~a~~y my Parliamentary Assistant, Dr. Doug Galt, and co-chaired by Mr. Toby Barrett, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment, to gather input on intensive agricultural operations and their effect on rural communities. I have asked that a written report on these consultations be provided to me by March. 2000. Now, I am asking you to jJarticipate in these consultations. ). " i,_,~i;, ~;Z\.ì.:."-- Both Dr. Galt and Mr. Barrett will attend the annual meeting of the ROMNOGRA Combined Conference, scheduled for February 21 and 22, 2000, and will be prepared to gather input from municipal representatives. As farmers across the province expand their agricultural operations, to achieve productivity and efficiency gains. social and environmental concerns are being raised in the rural community. It is our goal to develop a comprehensive. balanced solution that meets both the productivity and the environmental needs of the agriculture sector and rural residents. To do that, we need to,he~r from all interested parties. Along with this letter. 1 have forwarded a copy of the discussion paper and a questionnaire to help you prepare your comments, If you are unable to attend one of the scheduled public meetings (list enclosed). you may send written comments, or the completed questionnaire to cOl1sult@omajra·Kov.ol1.ca. by February 15,2000. On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture. Food and Rural Affairs, I thank you, in advance, for your thoughtful participation in this important process. Sinc r Ernie Hardeman Minister Encls. 38 PUBLlC CONSULTATIONS INTENSIVE AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS DATES AND LOCATIONS LIST The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of the Environment have scheduled consultations for public input on the issues surrounding intensive agricultural operations in Ontario at the following: January 17,2000 January 18, 2000 January 19, 2000 January 20,2000 January 25, 2000 January 26. 2000 Burford - Burford Agricultural Society, 6 Park Ave. Glencoe - Glencoe Agricultural Society, 268 Currie St. Clinton - Clinton Legion, 95 Kirk St. Orangeville - Orangeville Convention Centre, 72 Centennial Chesterville - Chesterville Legion, 167 Queen St. Hastings - Hastings Civic Centre, 6 Albert St. E. ~II meetings to be held from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon and 1 :30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. NOTE: Members of the public or representatives of organizations wishing to make a presentation at the meetings are asked to submit their name, address, phone number, group/organization being represented, preferred meeting location and a summary (maximum one page) of the brief they wish to present. Summaries should be sent to: Fax: 519-826-3259 or bye-mail to consult@omafra.gov.on.ca More information and copies of a discussion paper and a questionnaire on large agricultural operations are available on the intemet at www.gov.on.calomafra or by calling 1-888-466-2372 ext.63132 39 DISCUSSION PAPER ON INTENSIVE AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS IN RURAL ONTARIO INTRODUCTION Ontario's agriculture and food industry contributes $25 billion to the provincial economy every year, and employs some 640,000 people. It is Ontario's second largest industry. To remain competitive, farmers must evolve and adopt new, more efficient production methods. This can give rise to changes that the surrounding communities may find difficult to support. And those communities are growing; fully 25 per cent of Ontario's population lives outside of our urban centres. Many groups have attempted to study the issues that put farmers in conflict with their neighbours and subsequently have put forth a variety of solutions to meet their own specific needs and interests. Nutrient Management Planning, an out- right banning of intensive livestock barns, changes to existing provincial legislation and the need for enabling legislation to give municipalities enhanced authority have all been suggested. However, there does not seem to be one clear-cut solution that addresses everyone's concerns. The Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, has asked his Parliamentary Assistant, Dr. Doug Galt M.P.P. for Northumberland to lead a public consultation on the issues surrounding intensive agricultural operations and nutrient management. Ultimately, the goal of the consultation process is to gather enough information to develop a plan that will support farmers' right to farm while at the same time not infringe upon surrounding land uses. Mr. Toby Barrett, M.P.P. for Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant, the Chair of Rural Caucus and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Environment, will co-chair the public consultation with Dr. Galt. The report back to Mr. Hardeman is expected by spring 2000. This consultation paper provides an overview of the main issues surrounding intensive agricultural operators and their rural community neighbours. It outlines how Ontario is coping with the conflict between these groups and finally poses some specific questions to help understand the issues. The Ministries of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Environment are encouraging comments and submissions from all stakeholders - farmers, rural residents, cottagers and municipalities. Ten days of consultation are scheduled during January and February 2000. The meetings will focus on the key issues addressed in this paper. 1 40 For those unable to attend the public meetings, written submissions are invited by February 15, 2000. All responses should be sent to: Dr. Doug Galt Parliamentary Assistant Consultation on Intensive Agricultural Operations Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 1 Stone Road West Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For additional information about the meetings, the Discussion Paper or your submission, contact George Garland, Manager of Engineering & Technology programs with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at 519-826-3560, fax 519-826-3259 or via email at ggarland@omafra.gov.on.ca 41 2 CURRENT STATUS As Ontario's farmers strive to compete in a global marketplace, they continually look for new efficiencies, whether in the form of economies of scale, new technology or vertically integrated operations. Since the end of the Second World War, agriculture has become increasingly industrialized. This has meant fewer but more efficient farms. For instance, between 1951 and 1998 the number of dairy farmers in Ontario dropped from approximately 40,000 to 7,200; the number of pork producers went from 93,000 to 5,500. The specialization of agriculture has changed the way the farm is perceived within the rural community. Larger livestock facilities, and the increasingly common geographic concentration of single industry operations, such as hog farms, increase attention on those sectors and raises concerns about potential damage to the environment. The move to larger, more intensive operations is often accompanied by a vertically integrated approach towards agricultural production, where production, processing, marketing and financing are linked. The commonly held community view is that these more corporate operations make management decisions with less consideration for environmental stewardship or community-based ethics than would the traditional, more diversified family farmer. This intensification of agriculture, in conjunction with an increasingly large non- farm rural population, can lead to conflict within the rural community, as concerns regarding environmental and quality-of-life issues mount. Provincial and municipal governments have a role to play in this issue, and are expected to develop criteria to regulate the existing situation and the establishment of new facilities. The result to date has been a mix of legislation, policy, local by-laws and voluntary recommended management practices. The Govemment of Ontario is seeking public input to develop a comprehensive, balanced solution that meets the needs of both the agriculture sector and of the rural community while protecting the environment. 3 42 THE ISSUES There are generally three types of community concems associated with intensive agricultural operations: environmental; economic; and socio-political. Environmental concems include issues related to odour, land stewardship and water quality. Odour is an expected by-product of livestock farming, but the increasing size of individual operations, and their growing geographic concentration have made the issue more prominent. A higher proportion of absentee landowners, non-farm ownership and the tendency for corporations to own large land holdings have given rise to the belief that there is a diminishing concem for environmentally responsible land stewardship. In many communities, concerns have been expressed about water quality and quantity related to both surface and ground water. These concerns have quite often led to heated debate. Economic issues are often related to these environmental concerns. Odour, for instance, is perceived at least to negatively affect real estate values. Property value issues are difficult to quantify, and can elicit strongly emotional responses. Restrictions on size of farm operations and sometimes limited locations for building construction to meet minimum separation distances have direct economic impacts on the farm community. Socio-political issues can be equally contentious. Opposition to intensive agricultural operations, often based on the NIMBY (not in my backyard) position, can lead to intense and emotional conflict between neighbours, pitting one sector of the community against another. The debate often raises fundamental questions about how we want our communities to evolve and the role of agriculture within these communities. 4 43 DEVELOPING AN APPROACH TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUES Across North America there are a variety of approaches being used in response to these environmental, economic and socio-political concems. The variety reflects differing attitudes towards agriculture and the livestock industry; the industry's role in the local, and larger, economy; the nature and extent of the farm industry; the health of the local environment; the relative presence of non- farm development; and the community's recent experience with agriculture. The actions of provincial departments and ministries, as well as municipalities, are subject to legislation. At the municipal level, the passage of by-laws can only occur in those areas where provincial legislation establishes municipal authority. Planning Acts, Municipal Acts, and Building Codes are key municipal tools, but even these limit the types of issues that can be addressed, and the types of by- laws that can be passed. Individuals, too, enjoy legal rights which can inhibit certain actions. For instance, individuals have the right to enjoy their property and farmers have the right to manage their operation with minimal interference. Successfully implementing regulations and by-laws requires support from the public in terms of the need for, the appropriateness of, and the faimess of the regulatory action. In order to maintain an active agriculture industry there must be recognition of its importance. By-laws and regulations which unduly restrict the ability of agriculture to evolve, or establish unrealistic financial impediments are likely to contribute to an unhealthy and potentially unsustainable agricultural sector. Finally, municipalities and the province are bound by a broader legal and policy framework. Municipalities must often contend with policies and programs which reflect provincial priorities, and which may set the fundamental directions. For instance, in Ontario, provincial policy directs the use of separation distances between livestock and non-farm uses of the land. Similarly, provincial governments are subject to federal laws and international agreements, such as those governing trade. The provincial government is seeking input from all stakeholders to develop an approach that deals with all these very complex issues. 5 44 A CANADIAN OVERVIEW All provinces have adopted legislation, strategies, policies or guidelines that affect siting and managing livestock production. In some areas, guidelines take the form of educational material, such as Ontario's Best Management Practices. In others, for instance Lethbridge County, Alberta, guidelines have been adopted by municipalities as part of a regulatory framework. Only a few provinces - New Brunswick, Quebec and Saskatchewan -- have adopted specific legislation in response to the intensification of the livestock industry. Such legislation also determines whether the responsibility lies with the province, or the municipality. With the exception of Newfoundland, all Canadian provinces have some form of farm practices protection legislation which balances the importance of agriculture and the adoption of new technology with land use planning and environmental responsibility. Generally such legislation protects farmers who use accepted agricultural practices from lawsuits or court injunctions which allege nuisance. Both British Columbia and Ontario have extended this legislation to include municipal by-laws that restrict normal and acceptable farm practices. In most provinces, the Department or Ministry of Agriculture is the provincial lead on this issue. In Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia, the Environment Department has a lead role. Where municipalities exist, they often assume a leadership role, or proceed in partnership with the appropriate provincial ministry, in delivering the provincial strategy or guidelines. The most common tools are building permits, zoning provisions, and minimum distance separation guidelines, but some municipalities also rely on nutrient management plans, mandatory public meetings, land base requirements and protected water quality zones. The use of nutrient management plans is most common where intensification of livestock production is most pronounced. In Quebec, the implementation of nutrient management plans is required by regulation. In Ontario, these plans are seen as educational tools, although in some municipalities they are a prerequisite to obtaining a building permit. Other provinces, Manitoba for instance, may also require more detailed environmental studies. In the majority of provinces, the public is not involved in the process of establishing an intensive livestock operation. However, in Manitoba, public meetings are routinely held as part of the "conditional use permit" process, and in Lethbridge County, Alberta, adjacent landowners are notified of a completed application for an intensive livestock operation. 6 45 A CLOSER LOOK AT ONTARIO While the municipality deals directly with the proponent of a intensive livestock facility, the process varies considerably across the province. The right to establish a livestock barn tends to be entrenched in zoning, which traditionally establishes minimum lot sizes and allows for agricultural activity consistent with the by-law's provisions. However, some municipalities do require nutrient management plans. Others have attempted to institute a moratorium on the construction of new livestock bams. Existing by-laws vary considerably from one municipality to the next. Ontario's nutrient management planning strategy was developed by the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition, an umbrella group of several farm and commodity organizations, and is supported by the province through the provision of third party reviews. Through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the province determines the appropriateness of the nutrient management plan, but the eventual issuance of a building permit is the responsibility of the municipality alone. In addition, the province and farm organizations have partnered in the development' of best management practices to assist with the management of intensive livestock operations. There are, however, no mandatory provincial guidelines requiring the completion of a nutrient management plan. Rather, the province has adopted eight position statements, based on the best available technical expertise and designed to provide clear direction. These statements include: nutrient management plan; size of agricultural operations; land ownership; distance for hauling manure; manure sale or transfer of ownership; manure storage capacity (current recommendations suggest a capacity for at least 240 days storage); manure storage type; and minimum distance separation. 7 46 RECONSIDERING THE LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK The discussion generated by the following questions will help the government develop a balanced approach to resolving the conflicts. What is the scope of the problem? At first glance the issue currently receiving attention is about farmers wanting to construct pig barns, their neighbours' negative reaction to that news and subsequently the municipality's passage of by-laws that either prevents the construction from taking place or puts restrictions on the agricultural operation. However you could, for example, replace pig barns with dairy, poultry, mushroom, greenhouse, composting or grain drying/processing facilities and you would find a similar reaction by the neighbours. The main concerns are that water sources (surface and groundwater) will be negatively effected in terms of both quality and quantity, and that air quality will suffer in terms of dust and odour. Communities also feel that they should be consulted and have a say in what activities are allowed in their neighbourhoods. Questions: 1. Do farmers have the right to farm in areas designated "agriculture"? Should there be any restrictions? 2. Should all types of agricultural operations e.g. livestock, cash crop, greenhouses, mushroom growing, composting facilities, etc. be regulated? 3. Should municipalities have the right to regulate livestock / poultry manure management practices? Why just manure? Why not all nutrients? And why just farmers; why not for all significant users of nutrients e.g. golf courses, parks, residential lots, etc? Manaqinq the environmental risks of farminq All livestock facilities, large or small, are accountable for the impact they have on the environment. No one has the right to pollute. Like all citizens of Ontario, farmers are subject to the Environmental Protection Act and the Ontario Water Resources Act. The Ministry of Environment (MOE) has the lead role for these two pieces of legislation. If pollution should occur from an agricultural activity, MOE enforcement of the appropriate legislation is initiated. 8 47 Many people feel that this reactive environmental approach, while needed, must also be supplemented with a proactive, preventative one. Questions: 1. Should farmers voluntarily follow farming practices that both respect the environment and that will sustain agriculture in the long term? Or should farmers be legislated to do this? 2. If a regulatory approach is taken which nutrients should be regulated: a) manure only b) commercial fertilizers c) plow down crops and crop residue d) composts e biosolids: sewa e slud e, a er mill wastes, se ta e? The riqht to control land use The right to establish agricultural operations is governed in part by zoning requirements, which traditionally establishes minimum lot sizes and allows for agricultural activities consistent with pertinent by-law provisions within the context of an Official Plan. Zoning comes under the authority of the Planning Act. The buildings themselves must meet by-law requirements as established under the Municipal Act and structural adequacy requirements under the Ontario Building Code. Local municipalities currently control the construction of livestock facilities in three ways. First of all, the keeping of livestock must be a permitted use within the official zoning. Secondly, in order to minimize odour complaints, many municipalities require that a livestock facility be located a minimum distance from other land uses, such as a neighbouring house or residential area. Thirdly, nutrient management plans, including adequate manure storage facilities, are usually required of the owner/operator of the intensive livestock operation to show that the manure will be used in an environmentally friendly manner. These three components are usually implemented in the municipality through the 'building permit' process. Question: 1. Should communities / municipalities have the right to dictate what farming activities are acceDtable in a given area? 9 48 What is "intensive"? Rural residents appear willing to accommodate current agricultural operations but raise significant concerns over the introduction of "intensive" agricultural operations to their community. However there is no clear definition of "intensive". Questions: 1. Should "intensive" be defined? 2. If "intensive" is be defined, could one of the following be used? A farm is "intensive" when it: a) is part of a company / corporation b) is not part of a "family farm" c) has a barn with capacity to house a certain number of animals; e.g. a barn to house over 10,000 pigs, or 1,500 dairy cows 3. Does the Nutrient Management Plan approach go far enough to safely utilize manure? Earnino societal acceptance To earn societal acceptance, people need credible assurances that environmental problems or health risks will not result from mismanagement of these intensive agricultural operations. Society tends to look to government to be a leader in this area. The government must uphold environmental and health standards equally in all industries, areas and jurisdictions; otherwise, its integrity may be questioned. Agriculture can not say that it is unique and try to manage its activities at a lower standard. To date, the actions livestock operators have taken to gain societal acceptance include ensuring structural adequacy, siting buildings according to minimum separation distances, having adequately sized manure storages, and obtaining third-party review of nutrient management plans. Questions: 1. What does society consider to be acceptable for intensive agricultural operations? 2. Are building codes adequate to provide structural integrity of livestock barns and manure storages? 3. Whose role should it be to do third-partv reviews? 10 49 Suooestions for makino thin os better There are many benefits to having a consistent set of rules and a provincial enforcement agency for all of Ontario. However, some groups will argue that they still need flexibility to tailor solutions for their individual circumstances. The Ministries of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Environment are interested in your ideas. All suggestions will be welcomed and given due consideration. Questions: 1. Would new legislation focusing on intensive agricultural operations solve these issues? 2. How can we strengthen existing provincial legislation to accomplish the same goal? 3. If authority to control intensive agricultural operations is necessary, should the authority be with the province or with the municipality? 4. Should there be a regulatory process that ensures intensive agricultural operations are reviewed: a) before construction: nutrient management plans and structural plans? b) during construction: structural adequacy? c) after construction: monitor implementation of nutrient management plans; and audit a percentage of farmers with nutrient management plans? 5. Is there a role for new innovative technologies that address odour control and waste treatment / processing? Could they, for example, replace all or parts of .. a nutrient manaoement plan? Thank you for taking the time to read this consultation paper. We look forward to receiving your comments on these important issues. Acknowledgement: Special thanks to Wayne J. Caldwell, Huron County Planning Department and Michael Toombs, OMAFRA for contributions of text from their 1999 paper entitled "Rural Planning, The Community and Large Livestock Facilities: An Across Canada Checkup". 11 50 QUESTIONNAIRE On the Issue of Intensive Agricultural Operations in Rural Ontario For each of the following statements, select the answer most appropriate in your opinion. If you wish to select more than one, please rank your selection by numbering the statements 1, 2, 3, etc., where 1 has the highest priority. l. For me the issue is all about: o sustainable agriculture o water quality o rights of farmers to farm in areas designated "agriculture" o rights of neighbours of farmers to an enjoyable life o rights of municipalities to regulate land uses o provincial or municipal responsibility Other (please specify): 2. Nutrient management planning should focus on: o only livestock/poultry farm over a certain size o all livestock/poultry farm regardless of size o all farms (livestock and cash crop) over a certain size o all farms (livestock and cash crop) regardless of size o all nutrient users (includes farms, golf courses, parks, residential lots ) Other (please specify): 51 3. Nutrients that I am concerned about include: D liquid livestock/poultry manure D solid livestock/poultry manure D all types of manure D commercial fertilizers D plow down crops and crop residue D biosolids (includes sewage sludge, paper mill wastes, septage) Other (please specify): 4. The solution to the intensive agricultural operations issue is to: D strengthen provincial legislation D not allow large livestock barns to be built in Ontario D regulate large agricultural operations provincially D regulate large agricultural operations municipally D have province and municipality jointly regulate large agricultural operations D create a regulatory process that ensures third-party review of nutrient management plans and structural plans before construction D create a regulatory process that ensures third-party review of structural adequacy during construction (more options on following page) 2 .. 5'"2 D create a regulatory process that ensures third-party review after construction, to monitor implementation of nutrient management plans, and audit a percentage of farmers with nutrient management plans D require agricultural operations over a certain size to meet a stricter Code of Practice D target only agricultural operations utilizing liquid manure D establish rules and a uniform approach across Ontario D give municipalities the authority to regulate and enforce nutrient management D have municipalities handle complaints about agricultural activities, with the assistance of an Agricultural Advisory Committee (unless the activities directly violate legislation (e.g. environmental» D designate OMAFRA as the third-party reviewer of nutrient management plans D ensure existing building codes include structural integrity of livestock barns and manure storages D use new innovative technologies that address odour control and waste treatment/processing 5. How would you define a "large" or "intensive" agricultural operation? i' Additional comments and suggestions are welcome. 3 5'3 Please fill in the blanks and/or circle the most applicable answer. Information about the person filling out this questionnaire: 1. I reside in County. 2. I: a) am a fanner: i) primarily livestock; size of operation ii) poultry; size of operation iii) cash crop; size of operation b) am a rural resident on a lot with: i) less than 2 acres ii) 2 - 5 acres iii) 5 - 10 acres iv) more than 10 acres c) live in a hamlet, village, town, city d) have a cottage in or near an agricultural area e) other (please specify) When you have completed the questionnaire please return it to: Dr. Doug Galt Parliamentary Assistant Consultation on Intensive Agricultural Operations Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 1 Stone Road West Guelph, Ontario NIG 4Y2 By Fax to: (519) 826-3259 For additional information about the Questionnaire contact George Garland, Manager of Engineering & Technotogy programs with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rura! Affairs at 519-826-3560, fax 519-826-3259 or via emai1 at ggar1and@omafra.gov.on.ca 4 54 COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE - JANUARY 11. 2000 Items for Information - (Consent AoendaJ 1. Ontario Trucking Association, with information concerning the organization "CRASH" and trucking issues that impact municipalities. (ATTACHED) 2. Howard Greig, Warden, County of Grey, with copy of correspondence supporting the Town of Hanover and Wm. Murdoch, M.P.P. conceming objections to Bill 25. 3. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with endorsement of the County's resolution regarding: 1) re-establishment of Drivers Examination Centres, 2) shortage of family physicians in the County of Elgin and 3) need for improvements on Highway NO.3 due to the increased volume of traffic. 4. Larry Smith, Chair, Elgin Physician Recruitment Partnership, thanking Council for the $7500.00 to assist the EPRP initiative. (ATTACHED) 5. Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, acknowledging Council's resolution concerning programs for Ontario farmers for competitive trading opportunities. (ATTACHED) 6. City of Belleville, announcing the OSUM Annual Conference and Trade Show. (ATTACHED) 7. Colin O. D'Cunha, Director, Public Health Branch and Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, confirming that the final 1999 public health allocations for the boards of health will be based on the 1999 reported budgets. (ATTACHED) 8. Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with copy of correspondence to Michael Power, President of AMO, concerning the rights of municipalities to make decisions regarding the provision of French language services. (ATTACHED) 9. R.G. Morgan, Chair, Ontario Family Fishing Weekend Steering Committee, announcing the licence-free fishing weekend from Friday, July 7 through Sunday, July 9,2000. (ATTACHED) 10. William Shurish, Executive Director, Quad County Support Services, thanking Council for the grant of $2,000.00. (ATTACHED) 11. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to The Honourable Elizabeth Witmer, Ministry of Health, concerning "Consolidation Agreement" for the governance of the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit. (ATTACHED) 55 2 12. Honourable Helen Johns, Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, with copy of correspondence to Steve Peters, M.P.P. concerning community recreation programs. (ATTACHED) 13. AMO Member Communication ALERT, re: "As The Provincial Legislature Rises". (ATTACHED) 14. Premier Michael D. Harris, acknowledging the County's submission to the Ministry of Health. (ATTACHED) 56 December 14, 1999 is) -æ; P0 ii~~ 555 Dixon Road Toronto, Ontario M9W 1 H8 Phone (416) 249-7401 Fax (416) 245-6152 Email Address: info@ontruck.org Internet _ð?dress: www.ontruck.org 1-' ~.,# ,.~ .~ Ontario Trucking Association W. Perry Clutterbuck Warden The County of Elgin 450 Sunset Dr. 81. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 m~c 20 \999 ^c r' i~IM NT\' '.' n..<.:!'¡~ - ., CO~~~~ !;'~~JF- 5t:R\I\GE~ ~,"",A.\ \!I\¡bt'''''''''- f"\\Jt¡¡U'''~ Dear Warden: Recently, a number of Ontario mayors were kind enough to provide me with a copy of a letter from an organization called CRASH regarding a proposed resolution on the impact of trucking policies on municipal roads and safety. A similar letter has been sent to Ontario municipalities from the Region of Ottawa-Carleton. Both letters purport to deal with a host of trucking issues such as vehicle weights and dimensions, driver hours of service and downloading of the costs of roads to municipalities. If your municipal council will be deliberating on the CRASH resolution, I would ask that you consider the following information. Indeed, it is our view, that CRASH has misrepresented whom they represent, and the facts pertaining to the above referenced issues. These are very complex matters, so while I will be brief, we would be pleased to provide you with additional information should you or council so desire: Who is CRASH? CRASH (Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways) claims to be the national non-profit association that works to represent the general public when governments establish regulations for the operation of large trucks on public roads. In reality, CRASH is a railway funded lobby group. CRASH has admitted to this in the Canadian media and in testimony before the Senate of Canada. In November 1999, the CEO of Canadian National Railway, Paul Tellier, said that "it's very difficult to suck and blow at the same time... and to say 'let's work together' and turn around and give money to CRASH..." Truck Driver Hours of Service The Canadian federal regulations governing truck driver hours of service are over 60 years old. They are antiquated, cumbersome and contribute to fatigue as opposed to preventing it. So, over the past decade, government, industry, the scientific community and other stakeholders have been working to develop a new regulatory regime that would increase the amount of rest for truck drivers; be based on science; and, be consistent with fatigue management. Recently, Transport Canada and the departments of transportation in all proposals endorsed a regulatory proposal that would: 57 Page 2 December 14,1999 · Increase the daily minimum mandatory rest period for truck drivers by 25%; · Reduce the maximum allowable daily work time by 12 Y2%; · Reduce the total number of hours that a truck driver can work from 100+ under the current cycles to 70 hours in 7 days; · Put drivers on a 24 hour cycle that is consistent with their internal body clock; · Introduce the concepts of mandatory shut down periods and rest and recovery periods, neither of which exist in the current regulations. Industry is supportive of the government proposals, which are now being sent out to the public for further consultation. These are the same proposals that CRASH is criticiszng and misrepresenting in their letter to you. You may be interested to know how CRASH's interventions on this issue have been received by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators' special project group on hours of service. This group - which includes CRASH -- has been meeting for two years and is responsible for the development of the proposal now going to consultation. The following are excerpts from the minutes of the last meeting (November 1999) of the group: . "... a number of participants requested a review of the CRASH press releases on Hours of Service proposal noting they were offended by the allegations. It was suggested the press releases made a number of erroneous statements relative to the proposal and the (CCMTA consultative) process ..." . " ... a number of participants noted in the two years the Project Group had met, CRASH had not provided a single proposal or position paper from their members for consideration." Longer Trucks The Ontario Trucking Association has not, nor has it ever, proposed the use of longer trucks on municipal roads as alleged by CRASH. These vehicles, which are safely in use on specifically designated sections of highway in Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and other US jurisdictions, under permits controlling the weather, time and operating conditions. Recently, these vehicles were listed as promising, in terms of their possible impact on reducing GHG emissions by the national transportation table on climate change. However, there is no active consideration of these vehicles in Ontario at present. And, for the record, these vehicles are among the safest operating in the jurisdictions where they are allowed. Pavement Wear & Tear OT A will be among the first to admit that a heavy truck will impose more stress on the road infrastructure than a car. That is why taxes and commercial vehicle registration fees are so high. However, trucks are not the leading factor in the deterioration of roads in Canada m pavement serviceability decreases over time even with very light traffic loads. Our climate -- particularly the freeze thaw cycles and sub-grade moisture changes - are the chief cause. The Royal Commission on National Transportation supported this when it found that climate, or environmental factors, account for about half of the pavement deterioration on strong pavements such as those found on Ontario's Highway 401 to "almost all" deterioration on weaker pavements found on low volume (local) roads. 58 Page 3 December 14, 1999 Municipal Downloading OT A is sympathetic to the recent added costs for road infrastructure that many Ontario municipalities have encountered due to provincial restructuring or downloading. Indeed, OT A supports the proposition that: 1. Both the federal and provincial levels of government have a responsibility to ensure a safe, efficient and continuous road system; and 2. A portion of the current provincial fuel tax should be allocated to the expansion and maintenance of Ontario municipal roads. However, one point needs to be made clear --- truckers pay their fair share of road user taxes. The Canadian trucking industry pays close to $5 billion dollars each year in fuel tax and vehicle registration fees. To put this in perspective all provinces and territories only spent $6 billion on roads and highways in 1997/98. Nevertheless, should the municipalities seek the support of the trucking industry in their quest to obtain more money from the federal and provincial levels of government for road infrastructure, they would find a willing ally. Conclusion I hope we have provided you and Council with some very brief information that will help your discussions on trucking issues. We would further hope that rather than taking a confrontational stance against the industry - which is an important employer and vital commercial lifeline for your community - that you will work with the industry to achieve and maintain our mutual goal of making Ontario the best place to live, to work and to drive. If there are any other issues you would like clarification on regarding the trucking industry, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, ðJJ-~~~Þt- David H. Bradley (j President DH B\ym \\\OT AWOLSHARE\lntermodallssues (lMODE)\lmode01-Aailway Wars\DB\Ontario Municipal.doc 59 12/20/99 MON 09:42 FAX 519 376 7970 COUNTY OF GREY ~~~ ELGIN CO i4J 001/002 . :':;7','["':0' ".~",~..,þ',.. d'v¡'~' .._,,~.,.. -~~.;:.::; ~'?:.... ~i:~~t~~::·,ri.; ... ~nilð~~~fBï~í~:-rII\: ~ . >.... ~~:...:{ 3:~'.. , " Howard Greig, Warden 595 9th Avenue East Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 3E3 CORPORATION OF THE COUNTY OF GREY OFFICE OF THE WARDEN (519) 376-2205 1--800-567-GREY Fax: (519) 376-7970 December 17th, 1999 TO ALL COUNTIES. Ladies and Gentlemen: -' Grey County Council adopted the following resolution at its session held on December 15th, 1999: THAT County Council support the resolution of the Town of Hanover supporting Wm. Murdoch, M.P.P. in his objections to Bill 25, and in particular to the section allowing the Minister to appoint a Commissioner to develop a proposal for restructuring municipalities, after receiving a petition from at least 75 electors, or ten percent of the electorate; AND THAT this resolution be circulated to all municipalities within the County of Grey and to all Counties within the Province of Ontario. We would appreciate it if you would contact your local M.P.P. immediately with respect to the above noted concerns. I have taken the liberty of attaching the letter from the Town of Hanover. Thanking you in advance for your attention to this urgent matter. Yours very truly, JkJ~~ . ' Howard Greig, Warden. je attachment. cc Local Municipalities - Grey County. 12/20/99 MON 09:42 FAX 519 376 7970 COUNTY OF GREY ~~~ ELGIN CO DEC-j4-99 TUE 10:47 AM TOWN OF HANOVER FAX NO. 15193646456 i4J 002/002 P. 1 THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF HANOVER ¥:~ "". " ,/4 " 0" "'OJyN 'Or ,\4.þ.~ C....N-'PA MUNICIPAL OFFICE December 14, 1999 Bv Fax O/2/v .", ._---~ R. Honourable Michael Harris Premier of Ontario Room 281, Legislative Building Queens Park toronto, Ontario M:7AIAI PosH!- Fax Note To 757,ë .,. c.90F"" Co.p;; pnon.oSí ~36 -á7KO Fa'. 519-.31,~61-!;/' Dear Premier Harris: Re: Bil/25 - Fewer Municival Politicians Act This to advise you that Hanover Council, at its meeting of December 13''', 1999, discussed BiIl2S and in particul2T, the provision that provides for 75 electors or 10% of a municipal electorate, being able to request a commission to develop a proposal for restructuring municipalities. Hanover Councit ;s concerned !hat a srnaU number of individuals can dictate and possibly override our local driven solutions to restruoturing that have taken much discussion IIlJd negotiation with neighbouring municipalities. As a result, Hanover Council passed the following motion at its meeting of December 13'\ 1999. GERALD ROGERS/ALVIN GREIN THAT the Council for the Town of Hanover supports our M.P.P., Mr. Bill Murdoch, in his objections to Bill 2S and in particular to the section allowing the Minister to appoint a Commissioner to develop a proposal for restructuring municipalities, after receiving a petition from at least 7S electors or 10 por ceJ;lt of !he electorate. CARRIED XI is Hanover Council's hope !hat the government wiU not approve this section orBiI! 25. Yours truly, dL ø-- William Roberts CAD/Clerk WR:mz o.c. Tony Clement. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Michael Power, President AMO County of Grey Bill Murdoch, M,P.P. Mayor Bob White 341 - 10th STREET. HANOVER, ONTARIO N4N IP5 Tel: (519) 364-2780 Fax: (519) 36~6456 Room 331 Main Legislative Building Queen sPark Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A4 ~ """'\;;;.;""'" Olltario Constituency Office: 542 Talbot Street St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 1 C4 STEVE PETERS, M.P.P. ELGIN - MIDDLESEX - LONDON Tel: (519) 631-0666 Fax: (519) 631-9478 Toll Free: 1-800-265-7638 Hon. David Turnbull Minister of Transportation 3rd Floor, Ferguson Block 77 Wellesley Street West Toronto, Ontario M7A 1Z8 ~~ Pff(Ç;: I)\:C 2,0 \999 0\':'::\6\1\1 CO\.\N\V ::'-;-\:~F"\'IGE5 .....1."üj\J~"J'.:. ~_'f1,ij ^...,~fo\N\t'i,ni"\ t'lt!,J~" " -\ JJ' / ~--' 'J \.",' Thursday, December 9, 1999 Dear Turnball; You will find enclosed a resolution passed by the County of Elgin regarding the re-establishment of Drivers Examination Centres in Geographical Locations of the County of Elgin. I endorse this position and again, call upon you to reopen a testing centre in Elgin County. Thank you. Yours truly, ~~L Steve Peters, MPP Elgin-Middlesex-Elgin CC: æ.õIjoiji;¿õt'l;[giDT.iq('t§unset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5R 5V1 Room 331 Main Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto. Ontario M7A 1A4 YÆ ~,..... Ontario Constituency Office: 542 Talbot Street SI. Thomas, Ontario N5P 1 C4 STEVE PETERS, M.P.P. ELGIN - MIDDLESEX - LONDON Tel: (519) 631-0666 Fax: (519) 631-9478 Toll Free: 1-800-265-7638 Hon. Elizabeth Witmer Minister of Health and Long-term Care 10th Floor, Hepburn Block 80 Grosvenor Street Toronto, Ontario M7 A 2C4 r'51 ~~, If)~ ~D:it'·-~ ~,., r>~,~-'-"'-~ d\J'_',,,",H "<...,,,tJ¡?c::::"\ ~t/--~ \'1');~:¡ ~-:.,. 'nA\Jz¡:;~ C='~ nEC 20 1999 !""'->¡ ~I"" r.:~ ~IM ,...n~ .,1 i:" ~ :~." ¡'....:,,}Q..I"II \J\JU";' , " . ¡".,~~ Ç;f~~\¡ 1U¡g;~ """"-,,,~ ~ Thursday, December 9, 1999 Dear Minister Witmer; You will find enclosed a resolution passed by the County of Elgin (but was originally passed by the Town of Hanover) regarding the Shortage of Family Physicians. I take this problem of supply of physicians very seriously and hope that you will act immediately on this crisis. Please keep me informed on this issue. Thank you. Yours truly, ~~ Steve Peters, MPP Elgin-Middlesex-London CC: County of Elgin, 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5R 5V1 Room 331 Main Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto. Ontario M7A 1A4 ~ ~ Ontario Constituency Office: 542 Talbot Street St Thomas. Ontario N5P 1 C4 STEVE PETERS, M.P.P. Tel: (519) 631-0666 Fax: (519) 631-9478 ELGIN - MIDDLESEX" LONDON Toll Free: 1-800-265-7638 iDJ~'9'Q~'VED ~~, ~\.:::._~- __:.:3""' Hon. David Turnbull Minister of Transportation 3rd Floor, Ferguson Block 77 Wellesley Street West Toronto, Ontario M7A 1Z8 ~ ".0.99 DEC ;?.V '. <:\IN . ,"~~~ ",¡v_~ Thursday, December 9, 1999 Dear Minister Turnball; You will find enclosed a resolution passed by the County of Elgin (but was originally passed by the Corporation of the Municipality of Central Elgin) regarding the construction of an overpass to alleviate traffic delays on Highway NO.3. Please give this resolution serious consideration. Thank you. Yours truly, S-LQL Steve Peters, MPP Elgin-Midd!esex-London CC: County of Elgin, 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5R 5V1 ELGIN PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT PARTNERSHIP 189 Elm Street, PO Box 2007, S1. Thomas, Ontario, N5P 3W2 Voice - 519 631-2030 ex!. 2184, Fax - 519 631-8080 Community - Warden Duncan McPhail County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl December 17, 1999 r" r<"('\\ e. C·.·.·.·~~L.~'::\\··.\ .. \;~~'1fJ i\:". ;~u v ~ ~t.C 2() \999 -r'\r 01: a..G\~ \":'" "'O\.\~í, "".. ~-¡:P\!'\~,.,., \J 1i"",~ß~c.v~n f\.t\Î>l\\i'\.,;' 'I !IV' PARTNERS: Sharon Little Don Page Hospitat - Larry Smith Wilf Riecker Dear Warden McPhail: Municipalities - Joanne Brooks Bob Habkirk Rien Van Brenk I am very grateful for the leadership shown by the Council of the County of Elgin in granting approval for $7,500 to assist with the Elgin Physician Recruitment Partnership initiatives. Thalli, you for the cheque which we recently received; attached is the official receipt for same. Physicians - Dr. John Byrans Dr. John Hofhuis Dr. Don Lawrence Dr. Michael Toth On behalf of the Elgin Physician Recruitment Partnership, would you kindly extend to County Council our gratitude for your prompt consideration of our needs. Also, please know how much we appreciate that Rien Van Brenk is serving as member of the EPRP. Recruiter - Ann Skafel Duncan, I send my congratulations to you on your recent election as Warden, and wish you continued personal success. Smith Chair - EPRP - 60 Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ni Ministre de l'Agriculture, de l'Alimentation et des Affaires rurales Ontario Queen's Park, Ontario M5S 1 83 ~" ;-C==':'2, ::~,iL.''''''''''\·':·:' "" Ill. kœ '<::c./ ":y' ¡' .~:.~;:;:~ '.~;:,-f . .....-- DEC 1 5 1999 DEC 21 1999 Ms. Sandra J. Heffren Deputy Clerk County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive 51. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 '01:"""'10.1 comm '" !:\..\;¡I~, ' SÆ,R\'~CES Dear Ms. Heffren: Thank you for your recent notice indicating that the County of Elgin endorses the resolution passed by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. The resolution is requesting that the Province of Ontario ensure that programs are available to Ontario farmers to assist them in keeping competitive with other primary trading partners. In Ontario, the province works closely with the federal government to address the income problem by providing a network of programs to stabilize the sector. The Net Income Stabilization Account Program, the Market Revenue Insurance Program and the Crop Insurance Program provide support for producers through low-income periods. Last December, my government responded to the exceptionally difficult income situation by introducing much needed income disaster assistance through the Ontario Whole Farm Relief Program. When negotiations on agriculture at the World Trade Organization resume next year, Canada will continue to press for the elimination of export subsidies and the reduction of trade-distorting domestic support. Please be assured that the Ontario government appreciates your support on this issue. 1 am committed to continuing to work with farmers, their organizations and the rest of the industry to provide sound programs to help producers through difficult periods. Sincerel Ernie Hardeman Minister 61 12/16/9923:26:31 EST; ASSOCIATION OF?-> DEC-16-99 THU 04:26 PM AMO 1 519 633 7661 CLERK-Elgin CO FAX N~ 416 971 6191 o Page BB2 P. 01 PHONE 613-968-6481 FAX 613.967-3206 City of Belleville 169 FRONT STIŒET BELLEV1LLE, ON KSN 2Y8 Municipal Councillors and Staff You are invited to The Millennium OSUM Conference OSUM Annual Conference and Trade Show Ramada Inn on the Bay Belleville, Ontario May 3rd, 4th, 5th, 2000 Comerenc.e at a Glance Wednesday, May 3rd Registration 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Trade Show 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Welcome Re¢eption 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies 9:00 a.m. Trade Show 8;00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Guest Speal{ers and Workshops Thursday, May 4th Friday - May 5th Early Bird Breakfast with ceremony by Mohawk Chief Don Maracle and Native chilch'en from Tyendinaga Tenitoxy, More Guest Speakers and WorkshopS ~.ssion Hiç¡hlights", Future of Small Town Ontario Is Our Water Supply in Danger? Trucking Impact Trans Canada Trails Relay Health Care - Concerns for the Elderly Budgeting & Life after 10-5-5 1\malgamations Festivals - Waterfront, Riverfront, Summer Media Relations - Do they really help us? and much more!!! Note: Con'Ít?re:ne:c Registration To Follow 62 - Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Minis!ère de la San!é e! des Soins de longuedurèe ® Ontario Public Health Branch 8th Floor, 5700 Yonge Street Toronto ON M2M 4K5 Direction de la santé publique 5700, rue Yonge. Se étage Toronto ON M2M 4K5 ~,..-'-.. r..::-:;¡: /~::~ 3~_,,;:{ k::::.:.::; {-/ '-' ¡¡¡~~ nD r¡~'L~ [f\ tf\d ~~ TelephonefTéléphone: Facsimilerr éJécopieur: (416) 327-7392 (416) 327-7438 DEC 13 1999 November 26, 1999 COUi'HY OF ELGIN SERVICES TO: ALL MEDICAL OFFICERS OF HEALTH Dear Doctor: This is to confirm that the final 1999 public health allocations for the boards of health will be based on the 1999 reported budgets, taking into account any outstanding reconciliation issues. Electronic transfer of funds for the final allocation level will occur on December 14 and 31. The amount required to cover any difference between the interim and the final payment levels will be paid (or recovered) on December 14th. The amounts for your board of health are shown in the attached. Please note that 1999 is a transition year. Public health budgets are set by the boards of health; the province provides transfer payment allocations, the amount of which may vary by such circumstances as the Ministry may determine. In the annual reconciliation the Ministry will require board confirmation that (1) the provincial transfers were spent on public health and that (2) municipalities have contributed their minimum share. The Ministry will make a one-time payment for the provincial share of accrued pre-transfer liabilities for sick leave payouts and accrued vacation pay that originated before January 1, 1998 and were paid out in 1998. As of January 1999 any accumulated sick leave and vacation pay costs will be cost-shared in the same manner as all other approved costs. We will be conducting a survey of the boards of health to determine the eligible amounts. In recognition of our desire to conduct business with input from our partners we are establishing two task forces: the Financial Planning and Accountability Task Force (FPA) and the Funding Allocation Formula Task Force (FAF). The FPATF will advise the Branch on accountability arrangements appropriate for the new funding relationship, including service agreements, settlements, for public health, including Healthy Babies, Healthy Children. An immediate task of the group will be to determine settlement arrangements for the 1999 program funding. The F AF task force will develop an equity funding formula for public health and advise on implementation arrangements. Yours sincerely, ~v Colin O. D'Cunha, MBBS, MHSc, FRCPC Director, Public Health Branch and Chief Medical Officer of Health cc: cCh~ir, Board of Health 'tAO/Clerk o{Board of Health funding municipalities Andy Papadopoulos, Executive Director, alPHa Peter Elson, Executive Director, OPHA . Patrick Moyle, Executive Director, AMO 63 71...... (95I06)"Attachment 7530-4601 The following schedule shows your cashflow adjustment Agency Nam.e Elgin-51. Thomas 1999 1999 MOH MOH 1999 Difference APPROVED Final Interim between Final Budget Allocation CashFlow Allocation and Interim $ $ $ $ 2,901,788 1,450,894 1,400,894 50,000 64 In Case of Transmission Difficulties, Please Call 416-863-2101 Please Deliver To: County of Elgin Ministry 01 Municipal Affair,; and Housing Office of the Minister 777 Bay Street Toronto ON M5G 2E5 Tel (416) 5B5-7000 Ministère des Affaires munlcIpales at du Logement Bureau du ministre ~ 777 Tue B.3Y Toronto ON M5G 2E5 Tél (416) 5BB-7000 Ontario December 13, 1999 Mr. Michael Power President Association of Municipalities of Ontario 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G I E6 DearM~wer: ~ I would like to clarify the Government's position on the rights of a municipality to make decisions regarding the provision of French language services. The Provincial Government's position on the delivery of French language services has been mischaracterized by Dalton McGuinty and members of the Liberal Caucus, and I believe it is important that the record should be set straight. We believe this issue is one of municipal accountability and local decision making. For more . than a century, municipalities have had the responsibility and authority to determine whether they provide their services in English, or in English and French. Municipalities can pass by-laws that deem local service delivery to be offered in both languages. The fact of the matter is that there is nothing in the pToposed Fewer Municipal Politicians legislation that would change the status quo in Ottawa, where French and English services have historically bcen delivered. We believe that elected municipal officials in the Ottawa area and across Ontario should retain the responsibility to represent the service needs oftheir communities, as they were elected to do. The Ontario Govemment disagrees with Dalton McGuinty and the Liberal Party's position that the Province should unilateral1y designate municipaUties as bilingual. 1 am certain you and the members of AMO will agree with me that municipal officials across Ontario can be trusted to determine the policies that best suit their communities. Thank you for the opportunity to clarify the position ofthc Government of Ontario. c All heads of oouncil in Ontario Dalton McGuinty, Leader, Ontario Liberal Party 65 The Steering Committee Ontario Family Fishing Weekend November 1999 ~ TO: All Ontario Municipalities A>...."'i:l.li"n"fC,,¡ø"rvati<'n Auth...i(¡"...fOntari<> SUBJECT: 2000 Ontario Family Fishing Weekend . CNSF As you know, the Province of Ontario, in partnership with many nongovernment organizations like the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, declares one summer weekend (Friday, July 7 through Sunday, July 9, 2000) a licence-free fishing weekend. C_..._aI~F_ This special weekend includes fish festivals, clinics or educational activities which may be held in your area. Yxw Would you please help us publicize the 2000 Ontario Family Fishing Weekend in any calendar of summer events you may publish or participate. In addition, please consider "declaring" the weekend. For further information, please contact the following during business hours: ONTARIO FEDERATION ........... OF A~tL~:~. OF ANGLERS & .,¡¡;: Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Conservation Ontario Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Resorts Ontario (705) 748-6324 (905) 895-0716 (705) 755-255 I (705) 472-5552 (705) 325-91 15 Thank you for your assistance. Box 2800, Peterlx>rough. Ontario, K918L5 (70S) 748-6324/Fax (70S) 748-9577 ® Ontario Yours in Conservation, ~-~~~~0~ R.G. Morgan, Chair - Ontario Family Fishing Weekend Steering Committee RGM/jb ~~s 66 RECEIVED NOV 1 7 199!l LM Quad County Support Services I;P" IlailingAddress: P.O.Box65, WIIIdsville,On1arlo, NUL2NO Telephone 519-693-4812 Fox 519-693-7055 ß)~~.. -rc:::C\~c.. \ ~~ ,F ~:·,-<.,/7 ',' .-, U ....; Mg" ~~ -~ :~ ¿di December 22, 1999 'JAN 4 2000 COUN'TV OF ELGIN ,,..,. .....,.,. ,}' ¡;¿r:ï)\!~~ ,?"S -¡"~~I"'>-lüf\' \\",,5,.' ';'ti'·'--':""· 1'111"';-;;"1 !\IÌ""" ?<'~~'\l~~ ",,~u .MUW~I:"'J" c' o' Warden Duncan McPhail County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive st. Thomas, ontario N5R 5V1 Dear Warden McPhail and Council Member: Please accept the sincere appreciation of our consumers, Board of Directors and myself for your grant in amount $2,000.00 These resources will assist our agency to continue to provide supports to these individual who reside if our service area. As well, to maintain our satellite offices in Dutton and West Lorne. The Ministry of community and Social Services is our major source of funding but does provide sufficient resources to meet all the needs of our consumers. Other funding sources will be required to be accessed so that we can meet the needs of those individuals. Thank you for your support. sincerely, ';L Willi Shurish Exe tive Director WSjnl Encl: ADMINISTRATION OFFICES 195 Wellington St. Wardsville. Ontario NOL 2ND (519) 693-4812 RESOURCE CENTER 205 Victorio Street Wordsville.Ontorio NOL 2ND (519) 693-4478 COMMUNIIY EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS 191 Oueen Slreet Wordsville. Ontorio NOL 2ND (519) 693-4929 RESIDENTIAl SERVICES 265 Moin Street. #3 GJencoe, Ontario NDL IMO (519) 287-2306 67 Room 331 Main Legislative Buiiding Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A4 1Ij ~ Ontario Constituency Office: 542 Talbot Street St.. Thomas, Ontario N5P 1C4 STEVE PETERS, M.P.P. ELGIN - MIDDLESEX - LONDON Tel: (519) 631-0666 Fax: (519) 631-9478 Toll Free: 1-800-265-7638 Hon. Elizabeth Witmer Minister of Health and Long-term Care 10th Floor, Hepburn Block 80 Grosvenor Street Toronto, Ontario M7A2C4 Pí= - .' ¡\T~!.Q! 1iíI'li ¡",.. \::::7 '=='" 1.1 ""-.;;!-- JAN 4 2000 COUNTI' OF ELGIN SERV¡CES ., Friday, December 17, 1999 Dear Minister, Please find enclosed a letter from Rien Van Brenk to the Premier regarding your Ministry's indifference to a local plan to implement a "Consolidation Agreement" for the governance of the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit. Coincidentally, you replied to their concerns the day before. However, you may not yet have seen this letter and have not yet replied to its concerns. I whole-heartedly endorse the decisions of the local politicians who developed their solution. As Mayor of St. Thomas, I was a signatory. The plan is sensible, efficient and improves local health care programs. The local community has been debating this issue for the past year and a half. Your Ministry's criterion set out in the Planning Framework document was unveiled long after this local decision was worked out. As the local decision is the conclusion of a long debate and has received strong support in the area, it would be best to proceed with the local solution than to impose a solution from Toronto. I would ask that you give this agreement serious consideration. Yours truly, S~~ Steve Peters, MPP Elgin-Middlesex-London CC: Rien Van Brenk, Warden, County of Elgin. 68 Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation Minister Ministère des Affaires civiques, de la Culture et des Loisirs ~~~ ~$1. "C~,. Ontario =<""\-r'i~~ ~ r-::::;1 \~ \"''\ç'" '.J V,j::3 \i;1 ~ ~~')'----;""\'¡;::J)\It~,¡...!7'.jJi( \ "~, "; ?~""" ,'---' ~ \--' '\:0 \'-~ u": if)j,~ ...---- 6th Floor 400 University Avenue Toronto ON M7A 2R9 Tel.: (416) 325-6200 Fax: (416) 325-6195 Ministre 68 étage 400 avenue University Toronto ON M7A 2R9 T éL: (416) 325-6200 Téléc.. : (416) 325-6195 December 15, 1999 4 2000 J/;,N Steve Peters MPP Elgin-Middlesex-London Queen's Park Room 331, Main Legislative Building Toronto ON M7A IA4 Dear Mr. Peters: Thank you for your letter regarding community recreation programs. As stated in my letter of October 21, 1999, the Recreation Development Fund was created to support initiatives that promote involvement in recreation, sport and physical activity. This fund was developed to assist recreation organizations in the not-far-profit and municipal sectors in offering recreational programming to their communities. For specific program infonnation, your constituents are welcome to discuss this program in more detail with Christine Troughton, the London Regional Consultant. Ms. Troughton can be contacted at (519) 873-4056. Ms. Troughton is also a source of infonnation regarding the Ontario Trillium Foundation funding that could be a potential source for community groups mentioned in your letter. Specifics may be discussed with Ms. Troughton. This government recognizes the important role community recreation plays in improving the quality of life for Ontarians. While capital funding for renovation or new recreation facilities has not been provided for some time, the RDF can support financial strategies related to ageing inrrastructure. I, of course, suggest you join me in discussing this with federal counterparts. They will be considering this next infrastructure program and it should include arenas. Thank you for infonning me of your concerns in the recreation sector. ) Sincerely, 69 10-107 12/22/99 23:12:B7 EST; ASSOCIATION OF?-) 1 519 633 7661 CLERK-Elgin Co Page BB2 DEC-22-99 WED 11:53 AM AMO Member Communication FAX NQ 416 971 6191 p, 01/01 / ~(" Association of '"';1 : Municipalities " '1:'t; '. " of Ontario Alert 393 University Avonu., SuitEr 1701 Toronto, ON MSG: 1ES Tel: (416) 971"¡¡856· fax: (416) 971-6191 smail: amo@amo.municom.com Please ensure that copies of this are distributed to all Members of Council For Immediate Action December 22,1999 Alert 99/030 AS THE PROVINCIAL LEGIS LA TURE RISES Issue: Statu, of municipal-related legislation introduced in the Pall Sc"ion Faots: The following Bills have receivecl Royal Assent before the House rose today: . Bill 7 - Taxpayer Protection and Balanced Budget Act Requires provincial budgets to be balanced and introduces penalties for Cabinet if not as well as introduces provincial referenda. . Bill 8 - Safe Streets Act Sets out penalties for aggressive panhandling, etc. · Bill 11 - Red Tape Reduction: Amends more than 200 Acts in 15 ministries. 3. Bill 14 - More Tax Cuts for Jobs, Growth and Prosperity Act In addition to enacting the govornment's budget proposals, including tax cuts, the Bill extends tho last possible date for the transfer of land ambulanco services to municipalities to January 1,2001. 4. Bill 22, Sgf. Rick McDonald Memorial Act Imposes new penalties for motorists attempting to flee police. 5. Bill 25 - Fewer Politicians Act (No pUblic hearings or amendments were made to the Blil) In addition to effecting the restructuring of four regions, the province can set rules for municipal referenda, transfers tho aLlthority of Toronto Council to determine its size and composition to the province, retroactively repeals Section 62 of the Public Uti/ltles Act and allows 75 olectors to request restructuring in counties. While the House only sat for slightly more than 30 days, the Fall Session did affect municipal governmGnts. In addition to the above legislation, there were multiple program announcements, including the ever-changing rules related to Bill 79 (taxation capping) and more recently for municipal and electricity restructuring. November saw more downloading of costs to municipalities, and penalties for performance for Ontario Works. As of today, municipalities have not been advised of their LSR/CRF figures, notwithstanding consistent questIoning. The speed and volume of change continue to impact the ability of municipal governments to plan and implement. Ever·changing rules have created instability for municipal governments. Municipal governments are asking for a clear separation of their responsibility from those of provincial interest and jurisdiction. AMO will continue its efforts to get the province to adopt a new way of doing business with municipalities - to recognize the vital role that municipal government play and to embed this In a new Municipal Act. As we look back over our accomplishments and to the challenges that lie ahead, we are certain that the Association is stronger for the support and contribution of its members. We look forward to continuing this relationship and serving YOLl, our members, in 2000. From the Board and staff at AMO, please accept our best wishes for a safe and joyful holiday. AMO's Offices will be closed starting December 24 and will re-open January 4, 2000. For Information contact: Pat Vanlnl, Director of Policy and Government RelatIons at 416 971-9856 ext. 316_ 70. The Premier of Ontario Le Premier ministre de ¡'Ontario ltÆ 'lilllmæEII" Ontario Legislative Bui!ding Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A1A1 Hôte! du gouvernement Queen's Park Toronto (Ontario) M7A1A1 December 22, 1999 ~-,::::"¡-::::. ~.. . " ",--l) t;..,.~ \ '_j~i ,."._,~"7, W ~"""''.:::/~ :-~y .- ,bJ)' , \-"'..~.":' . ~ . Mr. Rien VanBrenk Warden County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 DEC 24 \999 \jilT\' Or ¡::LG\N CO. ';,: ~5'\"¡ "ER\FlCES . n'!\'i'C,I\v;' \4 =.., 1\\)\1]11,.1'-' , Dear Mr. VanBrenk: 1 have received your letter regarding your submission with the Ministry of Health. Thank you for taking the time to bring this matter to my attention. 1 understand that ministry staff responded to your application on November 25th. 1 trust that your concerns were duly addressed. 1 extend my best wishes to you and yours for a joyous holiday season. May the new year bring you happiness and prosperity. Sincerely, Michael D. Harris, MPP @ 71 The " Future " Elgin Manor If ~ wCW''[¿¿, wcw CI/ þerfec:t;þ~ whcct: woUl.,d,,~{u:tt.w~ E~ lvtCVV1.nr Se1'ÚOr~ tl~supþort SEWVíavVwelopm.em- lõcilv ~? 1. Background for planning for today's strategy meeting Marilyn Fleck - 10 minutes 2a. Conceptual Planning exercise - 10 minutes 3 a. Overview and examples of Seniors Housing or Services developments (Continuum) That are in place in other communities in Ontario. - 15 minutes 3b. What's going on in our community? (Examples of planning initiatives for seniors or anticipated service development e.g. hospitals, church groups, etc.) - 15 minutes 4. Questions and Answers in the Large group - 1 5 minutes --- Break Time 10 minutes-- C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\visionagda.doc The " Future " Elgin Manor 5. Small group exercise - "Brainstorming» (there are no wrong ideas) - 30 minutes The Question for the small groups: n/f the world was a perfect place, what would the future Elgin Seniors Housing and Support Services site include?» Ask the participants to think about older people they've known (Examples: - people who are just retiring people who are in their seventies - very elderly people 85+ years - seniors who are alone. 6. Feed back from the Small Group exercises - 20 minutes (Opportunity to energize the group thinking and experience group dynamics from the discussion) 7. Consolidation of feed back - 15 minutes (Identifying a potential vision for a master plan) 8. Is there interest in educational tours? - 10 minutes If yes, who should attend Are there community groups who should/would go (Build on the Bobier success) 9. Dates for the trips. 10. Wrap up - 5 minutes C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\visionagda.doc