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April 13, 2004 Agenda ORDERS OF THE DA Y FOR TUESDA Y. APRIL 13. 2004 - 9:00 A.M. PAGE # ORDER 1 st Meeting Called to Order 2nd Adoption of Minutes - meetings of March 23 and 30, 2004 3rd Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof 4th Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations DELEGATIONS: 2-4 9:00 a.m. Don Crocker, Central Elgin Fire Chief re: Critical Incident Stress Management (ATTACHED) 9:15 a.m. Ed Vandermaarel, On Track and Marg Emery, S1. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association re: "RAILS - Preserving Railway Heritage in Elgin County & S1. Thomas (enclosed separately) 5-6 9:45 a.m. Shmuel Fahri, President, Farhi Holdings Corporation, re: Elgin County Pioneer Museum (ATTACHED) 5th Motion to Move Into "Committee Of The Whole Council" 7-30 6th Reports of Council, Outside Boards and Staff 2004 DRAFT BUDGET Discussion will continue on the 2004 Draft Budget (Please bring the enclosed binder containing the 2004 draft budget with you to the meeüng as no additional copies will be available) 7th Council Correspondence - see attached 31-41 1) Items for Consideration 42-95 2) 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 10th Recess 11 th Motion to Rise and Report 12th Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee Of The Whole 13th Consideration of By-Laws 14th ADJOURNMENT LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED 1 ~"'"(iA~' ~'<'h' ....'.....,..'¡¡.''-. ~, ._." ._..C."" 'S.-_ . ,_, c . '~-."'.. (~\{(~ ;;",-'\ " " ~ .~. - - . .~' '''.- -;,,~,] ,J'þ)' ~... ,,'- '-.- ~ _d' . '" ,__~ é ?""' -: - .- I'"ik),:~< ··.··'1'·\ ,':,' - at .\ " ,,@" \) ,__';;' ,;'" '- \ l , .'- -', '<kß" ~-_ ..' l.'....,.. ..... '..) ,J ~." ::: < _.~ _ " ',..~ '_, ." - -.'."' ........ ", , ,.'C ""--'-'- ,-,,,- Central Elgin Fire Rescue 450 Sunset Drive, 1st Floor, St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 Ph.519-631-4860 Fax 519-631-4036 RECEIVED April 5, 2004. APR 2 2M4 To: Warden Dave Rock & Elgin County Council ooumY(fa.~ ¡¡'1~mgt!"lTJ¡!\"":~-- ~WBm:aß1&¡¡a¿¡anR~~;' _~ ~n:~II\lr.:ø From: Central Elgin Fire Chief Don Crocker On Behalf Of: The Central Elgin Critical Incident Trauma Team & The County Fire Chiefs In the past years being involved in the Emergency Services, we have found that from extenuating and traumatic events, we were losing our Emergency Service Personnel due to the lack of appropriate intervention by trained and qualified professionals. Approximately four years ago, Centrai Eigin sought Firefighters that would be professionally trained as a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team. Once this team was trained and organized, the team attended at our Fire Stations to train each Firefighter on how to recognize Emergency Personnel who may be affected by a traumatic situation. The team then conducted debriefings for members of all four Central Elgin Stations as serious traumatic emergencies occurred. The results from these sessions were incredible. No longer were we finding our emergency service workers leaving the Department dealing with the event on their own. The debriefing sessions worked so weli, that other Fire Departments in the County were requesting their services. To date, the Team has responded to every Fire Department in the County, providing immediate and professional help to those who have responded to a traumatic event. Primary Goal of Team The primary goal of the Team is the necessity of returning our Firefighters back to the same condition as they were when their pager sounded, therefore, not sending them home as an emotional cripple. What is Critical Incident Stress Debriefina? Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (Management) is a specialized group process in which a team of trained service providers interact with the participants or victims of a traumatic incident to discuss their thoughts, reactions and symptoms associated with the incident Critical incident stress debriefing is not a critique, nor is it therapy, It is a focused, psycho- educational process that can have a therapeutic outcome 'Therapeutic First Aid). The process generates understanding and acceptance of the typical reactions associated with being victimized by an overwhelming, stressful experience. It is a collective opportunity to learn how to deal with Critical Incident Stress. Critical incident stress debriefing is only one component of the comprehensive critical incident stress management (CISM) continuum that includes defusing, demobilization, one-on-one's, on-scene services and follow-up support among other strategies. Fire Chief Crocker and Team Leader AI Hurst have attended both the County Mutual Aid and County Fire Chiefs Meetings to give a presentation on the CISM Team and the possibility of creating a County Wide Team, Both organizations unanimously supported the County Wide Team Concept Team Concept Team members would consist of Firefighters from across the County Departments, with a total of approximately 7-8 members. The host municipality, through the direction of the Fire Chief, would extend WSIB coverage for their member on the team. There would be no monetary reimbursement for time spent on the team, With County support, training costs, mileage and meals (if team is involved for an extended period of time) would be covered. Trainina Costs Four (4) Firefighters would have to be trained to bring team compliment to a total of seven (7). Approximate cost for each Firefighter: Course Registration Accommodation Mileage Meals Approx. Cost $385,00 $550 00 $500.00 (1 FF only, as all 4 FF can ride together) $250.00 $1.685.00 Professional Development Conference $1,500.00 Summary There are two parts to our presentation that we are seeking the support of County Council: 1) That the CISM Team be authorized to use the name, County of Elgin CISM Team (Critical Incident Stress Management). 2) That the County of Elgin support the CISM Team for ongoing training, mileage and conference costs associated strictly with team activities in the amount of $10,000.00, and that the funds be managed by The Elgin County Mutual Aid Association, under the direction of Team Leader AI Hurst. Yours truly, Fire Chief Don Crocker · , , ·1' ,'.~ '1'11 ....',. 'I I ",';." a II ._&a~ " ~11!I\t!1aRf¡_Iß¡g} ~1f".¡f"I'.Ø}_- 18 ~1ìfiïNì\ 1r1f'~_@J!!I..J!l!_..¥J ,'. .~~ D III Ii =IIJ&= __ ¡:"_, !:':'"=7",,, ", ',,:' ,',' - :._.-, j' ",'I' ""'- ' IIi" ,1ì'l_l~ .!~"j,1 "JJI II __ _11"""- _'. \ I _''" ',_ _.\_ ,_ _ ;- _ ~;-:' ~, 't! ' =' II: :r' '" .,¡t .1fl~·jj ¡' -. , Working in partnership.... ¡¡$qC'OOml' .fli:7:i- St. Thomas Elgin Tourist Association is On Track --=- ~) PortSlanleyTerminaf - Railway Elgin County Railway t... Museum (9"tv SOLRSSolJthemOntario/.txolllOlNrJRøsloralionsociety C~ St. Thomas Central Railway St.Thomas Municipal Heritage Committee. ã Iron Horse ~ ... Festival Rosy Rhubarb Festival f 1 2 3 ;" :':;':"(0 1'(j~fJme.m~te~the ongoifigcràllwªy " ",.;g,.., '":..~ j' :''''..~', ~<,...;,,'-'-" \~Y;~~:~~~ 4 5 · 6 · 7 Apr 01 04 03:02p FARlllHOLDINGS COI!l'ORATION 484 Richmond Street Snite 200 London, Ontario Canada N6A 3E6 Business (519) 645-6666 Fax (519) 645-7735 E-mail: thc l@bellnetca Web-Site: www.:thc.ca p_2 March 31, 2004 Warden Dave Rock & Elgin County Council County ofElgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R5V1 Gentlemen; RE: ELGIN COUNTY PIONEER MUSEUM With interest I have read the Location Study Discussion Paper prepared by Goldsmith Borgal & Company Ltd., Architects and Canadian Cultural Resource Consultants Inc. for the Elgin County Pioneer Museum. My property at 449 Talbot Street has been mentioned in the report as the temporary location of the museum. It must be noted that the actual ,rentable area of the main floor is 8, 152 square feet, and not the 5,000 s.f., as listed in the report, which is therefore misleading. Furthennore, the lower level consists of an additional 6,736 rentable square feet for a total of14,888 square feet, which could be further utilized by the museum. Please note that the building at 449 Talbot Street has been accurately measured by Mr. Ray Luft, , M. Eng., P. Eng., CEO and President ofLuft Enterprises Inc., as per the ANSIIBOMA Z65.1- 1996 Standard Method of Measuring Floor Area in Office Buildings. While the report does recognize that the downtown location has increased attendance at the museum, it does not consider that parking arrangements can be made with the City of St. Thomas for the lot directly behind the building for both staff and patrons. This had been done successfully while Public Works & Govermnent Services occupied the premises for a nine-year period. Again, this omission is misleading in the consideration of 449 Talbot Street as being a viable option for the museum. Please be advised that this premises was totally retrofitted to the standards set by Public Works & Govermnent Services Canada, and should not be considered a "storefront". The floor was strengthened to provide 1 00 pounds per square foot capacity, which is necessary for use in a museum setting. Apr 01 04 03:02p p.3 Having carried out numerous retrofits and designlbuilds for three levels of government across Ontario, it is with confidence that I can state that this building could be retrofitted to accommodate the needs of the museum for a long-term tenancy in an economical manner. Based on my experience and without any indepth knowledge of the renovations required, I can confidently state that our fum would be able to rett'ofit the Museum in the temporary location at a savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars from the estimated retrofit costs estimated in the report. Farhi Holdings Corporation is known for its sensitivity to heritage development. Heritage buildings bring a community's rich history to life, providing a mirror to reflect the values and circumstances of the communities that consttucted them. What better way to showcase our museum artifacts than to house them in this well-maintained and retrofitted heritage landmark? I therefore wish to speak: to County Council on the future location of the Elgin County Pioneer Museum at your earliest convenience. I look forward to hearing :trom you shortly regarding a suitable time. Thank you, Sincerely, Shmuel Farhi, President /pv cc. Mr. Brian Masschaele, Archivist, County of Elgin Ps. I welcome you and your staff to view our website at www.fhc.ca CORRESPONDENCE - ADril13. 2004 Items for Consideration 1. Leah Casselman, President, Ontario Public Service Employees Union, requesting Council to inform the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care of its support to keep the Fleet and Equipment Services branch of the Ministry fully operational. (ATTACHED) 2. Liz Sandals, MPP, Co-Chair and David Zimmer, MPP, Co-Chair, Ontario Crime Control Commission, with nomination information for the 2004 Awards of Excellence For Fighting Crime - Call for Nominations. (ATTACHED) 3. Brenda Edmonds, Elgin County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, requesting permission to allow the Society to look for a cemetery on the old House of Industry grounds. (ATTACHED) 4. Ray Bamier, Chair, Thames Valley District Health Council, requesting a letter of support for the Annual Spring Forum on Primary Health Care, Thursday, April 29, 2004 being hosted by the Council. (ATTACHED) Marlene Ternoey, with comments concerning overspending and resident care at County Homes for Seniors. Ontario Public Service Employees Union OPSEU SEFPO Syndical des Employé-e-s de la Fondion Publique de I'Ontario 100 Lesmill Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 3P8 e-mail: opseu@opseu.org www.opseu.org 100 chemin Lesmill, Toronto, Ontario M3B 3P8 courrier électronique opseu@opseu.org www.opseu.org Tel: (416) 443·8888 Fax: (416) 443·9670 Ontario: Toll free: 1·800·268·7376 TOD: (416) 443·9898 or 1-800·663·1070 To: All municipal councillors, Ontario Upper Tier Municipalities From: Leah Casselman, President, Ontario Public Service Employees Union cc: OPSEU Executive Board IVED MAR 22 2004 Date: Re: March 18, 2004 GOUN.iV Of B.e.w . . . f,!"!~J¡!Ii~~'P'!¡¡::~f>~(i Keepmg a lid on costs for ambulances and ambulance eqmpment"«J"!1!',,')i¡1r&'otk..~\9.',~" \,---,/'\ Dear mends: '-------, The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Tenn Care continues to deliberate over the future of Fleet and Equipment Services. FES is a small (lO-person) branch of the Ministry that works to provide ambulances and ambulance equipment at the lowest possible cost to municipalities. FES also offers technical expertise to municipalities at no cost, and guarantees that the velúcles and equipment it provides meet provincially mandated standards. The previous Conservative government had intended to close Fleet and Equipment Services as of March 31, 2004. That decision has been under review since the new Liberal government came to power in October 2003. Recently, we have learned that MoHLTC is considering a "contract management" option that would eliminate virtually all the services FES provides, except for some negotiation with vendors. This option, wlúle marginally better than outright closure, would still reduce services greatly and increase costs for municipalities. It would still rob municipalities ofthe expertise FES provides. Fleet and Equipment Services has wide support in the EMS community. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario supports it, EMS Directors support it, the two companies that provide three-quarters of emergency medical equipment for Ontario's ambulances support it, and we support it. Now is a critical time to add your voice to the chams. Please contact the Mi.-1Ïster, George Sn1Ïthennai" to advise him to keep FES fully operational so it can continue to serve our municipalities and the people of Ontario. Enclosed please find our backgrounder on Fleet and Equipment Services for your infonnation. Sincerely, Ul1 - Leah Casselman, President, Ontario Public Service Employees Union ~ March 2004 Fleet and Equipment Services closure: Municipalities would pay more for ambulances and ambulance equipment ----.. -- Under the Eves government, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care announced plans to close its Fleet and Equipment Services Section at 185 Judson Street in Etobicoke. The unit was officially scheduled to close on March 31, 2004. Eight OPSEU members working there were told they would receive surplus notices before the end of September 2003. That did not happen. The facility's future is now in limbo, awaiting a decision from the new Liberal government. Quality equipment at cost Fleet and Equipment Services provides ambulances and ambulance equipment to municipalities at cost. It buys truck chassis from auto companies, puts out tenders for the conversion of ambulance bodies, and purchases and installs all types of ambulance equipment, e.g., cots, stretchers, fracture boards, and ventilators. By careful tracking of the demand for ambulances and medical equipment across Ontario, Fleet and Equipment Services can predict the quantities that will be needed each year and thereby buy in bulk, getting the best possible prices for all equipment. Fleet and Equipment Services provides about 100 to 150 ambulances to municipalities each year. All of Ontario's upper-tier municipalities use the service. "The announcement of the closing of the Judson Supply centre while predictable, is regrettable," according to Ernie Jones, Manager of Land Ambulance for Haldimand County. "My years of experience working with the staff at Judson have taught me that their services can never be replaced. Small communities such as ours will suffer under the load of purchasing vehicles and equipment at inflated prices. I'm convinced that the cost for ambulances, equipment, and even advice, will spiral upwards with little or no controls." Since the downloading of ambulance services took full effect in 2000, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has barred Fleet and Equipment Services from bidding on tenders put out by municipalities. This has led to extra costs. In one case, the city of Toronto ended up buying 50 cots at a price $18,000 higher than the Fleet and Equipment Services price. (please turn over) "My years of experience working with the staff at Judson have taught me that their services can never be replaced. Small communities such as ours will suffer under the load of purchasing vehicles and equipment at inflated prices. I'm convinced that the cost for ambulances, equipment, and even advice, will spiral upwards with little or no controls." - Ernie Jones, Manager of Land Ambulance, Haldimand County Ontario Public Service Employees Union, 100 Lesmill Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 3P8 www.opseu,org ,-- Technical help for Ontario municipalities The workers at Judson Street have considerable administrative and technical expertise. Part of their job involves inspection of ambulances as they are being built. Staff work directly with ambulance manufacturers to correct problems identified by municipalities. The value of the service was underscored during the SARS crisis last year, when it was responsible for buying N- 95 masks for all of Ontario outside the GTA. Using their connections, staff there acquired hundreds of thousands of masks and shipped them quickly to major cities like Ottawa that desperately needed them. Municipalities oppose the closure. Ontario municipalities continue to buy ftom Fleet and Equipment Services because they know the prices are better. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is not happy with the elimination of this service. The service was originally slated to be wiped out altogether in 1998. After negotiations between AMO and the Ministry, the government agreed to extend the program to as late as 2005. The Ministry decided in July 2003 that the time was right for an earlier phase-out. The loss of Fleet and Equipment Services will create extra costs for many municipalities, who will be forced to set up new procurement arrangements. Most municipalities will be forced to assign staff to learn and do this highly technical work. Most municipalities will pay more for equipment. Safety is also an issue, as Fleet and Equipment Services staff are experienced in monitoring the building of ambulances and buying medical equipment according to provincial regulations. Taxpayers lose, companies win The onlybeneficiaries ofthe closure of Fleet and Equipment Services will be private companies who see the closure as the elimination of a competitor. The main lobbyist in favour of the closure has been Sheldon Sturrock, whose company, Allied Medical, also provides ambulanc,~, eqnipment to municipalities. Sturrock is a Tory activist and supporter of fonner Transportation Minister Frank Klees. The Tories appointed Sturrock to the Simcoe York District Health Council as a "consumer" representative. Action needed Fleet and Equipment Services provides a service that municipalities like because it saves them significant money and gives them guaranteed quality, expert technical help, and the assurance that their ambulances and ambulance equipment are up to provincial standards. This service must be saved. OPSEU is asking the Ontario government to take the following steps: · cornmit to keeping FES open and fully functional. · pennit FES to bid on municipal tenders for ambulances and ambulance equipment. · guarantee the FES budget for 2004-2005 so staff can work on orders for delivery in the upcoming year. Ontario Public Service Employees Union, 100 Lesmill Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 3P8 www.opseu,org March 2004 Fleet and Equipment Services closure: Municipalities would pay more for ambulances and ambulance equipment Under the Eves government, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care announced plans to close its Fleet and Eqnipment Services Section at 185 Judson Street in Etobicoke. The unit was officially scheduled to close on March 31, 2004. Eight OPSEU members working there were told they would receive surplus notices before the end of September 2003. That did not happen. The facility's future is now in limbo, awaiting a decision from the new Liberal government. Quality equipment at cost Fleet and Equipment Services provides ambulances and ambulance equipment to municipalities at cost. It buys truck chassis from auto companies, puts out tenders for the conversion of ambulance bodies, and purchases and installs. all types of ambulance equipment, e.g., cots, stretchers, fracture boards, and ventilators. By careful tracking of the demand for ambulances and medical equipment across Ontario, Fleet and Equipment Services can predict the quantities that will be needed each year and thereby buy in bulk, getting the best possible prices for all equipment. Fleet and Equipment Services provides about 100 to 150 ambulances to municipalities each year. All of Ontario's upper-tier municipalities use the service. ''The announcement of the closing ofthe Judson Supply centre while predictable, is regrettable," according to Ernie Jones, Manager of Land Ambulance for Haldimand County. "My years of experience working with the staff at Judson have taught me that their services can never be replaced. Small communities such as ours. will suffer under the load of purchasing vehicles and equipment at inflated prices. I'm convinced that the cost for ambulances, equipment, and even advice, will spiral upwards with little or no controls." Since the downloading of ambulance services took full effect in 2000, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has barred Fleet and Equipment Services from bidding on tenders put out by municipalities. This has led to extra costs. In one case, the city of Toronto ended up buying 50 cots at a price $18,000 higher than the Fleet and Equipment Services price. (please turn over) "My years of experience working with the staff at Judson have taught me that their services can never be replaced. Small communities such as ours will suffer under the load of purchasing vehicles and equipment at inflated prices. I'm convinced that the cost for ambulances, equipment, and even advice, will spiral upwards with little or no controls." - Ernie Jones, Manager of Land Ambulance, Haldimand County Ontario Public Service Employeès Union, 100 Lesmill Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 3P8 WW\v,opseu.org Ontario Crime Control Commission 25 Grosvenor Street 1st Aoor Toronto ON M7A 1Y6 Telephone: (416) 314-0859 Facsimile: (416) 314-0870 Commission ontarienne de lutte, contre Ie crime 25, rue Grosvenor 1°étage Toronto ON M7A 1Y6 Téléphone: (416) 314-0859 Télécopieur: (416) 314-0870 March 12, 2004 RECEIVED Dave Rock, Warden The County of Elgin 420 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 MAR 18 2004 00UIfIY OF a.ø ~TI\IE~ Re: 2004 Awards of Excellence For Fighting Crime - Call for Nominations The Ontario Crime Control Commission is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the Commission's 2004 A wards of Excellence for Fighting Crime, the Government of Ontario's annual awards program recognizing outstanding contributions to community safety and crime prevention. We encourage you to nominate up to three individuals or organizations ITom your community - police or civilian - who best represent the spirit of your community and have shown leadership and innovation in areas including but not limited to: crime prevention initiatives, personal bravery, community outreach, volunteerism, dedication to assisting groups at risk, and public education. If you are interested in nominating members of your community, please complete the enclosed form and return it to the Commission no later than April 30, 2004. You will be informed of the success of your nomination(s) by May 31, 2004. We thank you for your consideration. Should you have any questions, please direct them to Lisa Murray, Manager of the Ontario Crime Control Commission, at 416-314-0858. Sincerely, ?\£-5~\,"~~ Liz Sandals, MPP Co-Chair ~:[2 \ ~'^"-'- -- David Zimmer, MPP Co-Chair Enclosure: one (I) NOMINATION FORM ONTARIO CRIME CONTROL COMMISSION AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR FIGHTING CRIME Nominating Authority Name of nominee I organization (as it should oppear on the certificate) Brief description of reason for nomination (attach extra documents if necessary) Name of Nominating Official Signature of Nominating Official Address of nominating Official: Contact Number (if the Commission needs further information): Elgin County Branch Ontario Genealogical Society Box 20060, St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 4H4 R'~'·E· '.~I1!"""..·.-.·.IVED ~!, :~ .: ,~ . _ ._, ,,~w· ¿:~,1 _ = 1\::'" .. """. ;.~,N 'iI 1tW'f COUN¡Y Of ELGIN c_:;~'i;.-~'1f¡jj~lJ>TM~l1~,~~~~ -~-;.v;!{~~§·_,~;¡'j,:> {Y"::;'" ~ /~:.<~~ ~xnv luC:~; April 2, 2004 To Members of County Council: The Elgin County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society has transcribed all the cemetery stones in Elgin County along with the West Elgin Historical Society who transcribed Dunwich and Aldborough. In preparing for an article for the "Talbot Times" - Elgin Co. OGS Newsletter - aboutthe House of Industry, we came across the plot plan in Register Number 1 of the House of Industry records for a cemetery on the grounds. We have determined approximately 130 people were buried there between 1876 and 1893. Although we found several people that knew a cemetery existed, no one we talked to can identify the location of the cemetery on the grounds, It is with this in mind that the Elgin County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society would like to ask permission from County Council for their approval to walk the property and try to locate the cemetery. Thank you for considering our request. The Elgin County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society will await your reply. Sincerely, LJz:z ~~ (Mrs.) Brenda Edmonds Editor of the Talbot Times forthe Elgin County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society cc: Jim McCallum, President Dean Paddon, Cemetery Co-ordinator Pat Temple, Publications Brian Masschaele, Archivist A healthy life journey, in a safe, caring community Une vie en santé au sein d'une communauté sécuritaire et bienveillante Council Members: R, Sarnier, Chair R. Alder I. Srebner P. Collins J. Cormier D, Graham R. Hall M, Hanley L, Uehmann N, Maltby G, Puddicombe M, Raithby L, Stevenson B. Waters J. Wilson Executive Director p, Huras 100 Collip Circle, Suite 105 UWQ, Research Park London, Ontario N6G 4X8 TelITél: (519) 858-5015 FaxfTéléc: (519) 858-5016 http://www.tvdhc.on.ca RECEIVED APR 5 2004 March 26, 2004 CoomYOfamN /'JJMtl1Sffi,!J¡T!\'SE!MCE'S Warden David Rock Elgin County 450 Sunset Drive S1. Thomas ON N5R 5V1 Dear Mr. Rock: Thames Valley District Health Council is hosting an Annual Spring Forum on Primary Health Care on Thursday, April 29, 2004 from 8:15 am to 3:30 pm at the London Convention Centre. The Forum's focus will be how to improve access to Primary Health Care in the Thames Valley district including Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford Counties and the Cities of London and S1. Thomas. Council is hosting this Forum with the financial support of the City of London, London Health Sciences Centre, S1. Joseph's Health Care London, and thehealthline. I am writing to you to seek your Council's written support for this endeavour. We are not requesting a financial contribution, but rather an open letter of support for the Spring Forum from you to the participants. Ideally, one letter signed by the Wardens of Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford Counties, and the Mayors of London and S1. Thomas could be used. A sample letter is attached for your consideration. The Thames Valley District Health Council recognizes and supports the various individual efforts your Council and communities are undertaking to increase the number of family practitioners in your communities. The Annual Spring Forum provides an opportunity to begin developing comprehensive plans for the delivery of Primary Health Care in each of London, Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford. A Joint letter from you and your colleagues would convey to your communities a willingness to work with others to resolve this common concern. Paul Huras, Executive Director will be in contact with you in the very near future to discuss the letter, or you may contact him at extension 226. ...2/ 2. The Forum will include The Honourable George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and Mr. Michael Decter, Chair, National Health Council, as well as three expert panelists. In the afternoon, participants will be divided into four groups to review, discuss and revise four draft Strategic Models for the delivery of Primary Health Care in each of Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford Counties, and the City of London. A copy of our flyer announcing the Forum is attached to this letter. Council will utilize the input from the day to revise the draft models and develop comprehensive plans for the submission of advice to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care as to how access to Primary Health Care can be improved in Thames Valley. I do hope you will support the forum by signing a joint letter of welcome to the 300 participants we anticipate. It would present an excellent example of community cohesiveness on this most important health system issue. incerely, -¿~ Ray Barnier Chair Encl. c. K. McManus Ltr to Warden Elgin Of the Health Care Future in YOur Co port '11Il11l1l1L ~ -~ ~ V ",.$"j~\ :; 't \~~~ "Ot¡q¡rk$òto~ft.'{I Thames Valley District Health Council 2004 Annual Spring Forum Primary Health Care: A Next Step to System Integration Thursday, April 29, 2004 8:15 am to 12:30 pm Sign in and refreshments at 7:45 am London Convention Centre, Theatre 300 York S1., London Keynote Speakers The Honourable George Smitherman Minister of Health and Long- Term Care Michael Decter National Health Council, Chair Expert Panel Shan Landry, Primary Health, Saskatoon Health Region Dr. Paul Lamarche, Health Administration, University of Montreal Dr. Carol Herbert, Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario Seating is Limited Register by Friday, AprU 23, 2004 Contact Kate: (519) 435-0616 Supported by: City of London, London Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph's Health Care London, London Life, thehealthline.ca, Southwestern Ontario Paediatric Parents Organization, Counties of Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford, City of St. Thomas CORRESPONDENCE - ADri113. 2004 Items for Information - {Consent Aaenda} 1. Thank you from: Jodi Wright and Family; (ATTACHED) Gail Austin; Dallas Cook and Family; Doris Gilkes and Family. 2. Brian Masschaele, Archivist, with correspondence concerning the proposed renovation project at the Elgin County Pioneer Museum. (ATTACHED) 3. Premier Dalton McGuinty, acknowledging Council's resolution regarding water testing. 4. Malcolm Bates, Director, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, advising of one- time grant approval for implementation of AVL Technology in Emergency Medical Services. (ATTACHED) j 5. Donald McKillop, with concerns regarding the Draft Tree By-Law. (ATTACHED)\ 6. Honourable Jim Bradley, Minister of Tourism and Recreation, with information concerning Tourism Background and Statistics, Tourism Tools and Resources and "Beyond the City Lights", Southwestern Ontario Rural Tourism Conference, April 25 and 26, 2004 information. (ATTACHED) 7. Malcolm Bates, Director, Emergency Health Services Branch, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, advising of the SARS One-Time Final Payment to the County of Elgin. (ATTACHED) 8. Susan McConnell, Special Assistant, Gar Knutson, M.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with information regarding the Government of Canada's infrastructure program. (ATTACHED) / 9. Bertha Vickerman, lODE, with response to the discussion paper on the location study for the Elgin County Pioneer Museum. (ATTACHED) 10. Responses to the Middlesex-Elgin Community Residency Program: (ATTACHED) 1) Gar Knutson, M.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, letter of support 2) Township of Malahide with resolution of support 3) Municipality of Bayham with letter of support 4) Municipality of West Elgin with letter of support 5) Paul Huras, Executive Director, Thames Valley District Health Council, letter of support' 2 11.Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to the Minister of Education concerning the impact of rural school closures. (ATTACHED) 12. Letters of support for Council's resolution on the size and composition of the Thames Valley District School Board; 1) Norma I. Bryant, Clerk, Municipality of West Elgin; 2) Jennie Hinan, Deputy Clerk, Township of Zorra; 3) Township of East Zorra-Tavistock 4) Phyllis Ketchabaw, Town of Aylmer 13. Honourable Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance, acknowledging Council's support of the County of Oxford's resolution regarding OSTAR funding for water system upgrades. 14. Paul Davenport, President and Vice-Chancellor, The University of Western Ontario, with a copy of the 2003 President's Report. (ATTACHED - Report available for viewing in Administrative Services) 15. Peter Partington, Regional Chairman, International Awards for Liveable Communities and Bursary Award 2004, with information and registration form for participation. (ATTACHED) , 16. Federation of Canadian Municipalities, MEMBERS' ADVISORY 1) Budget Confirms New Deal Down Payment; 2) GST Refund for Municipal Governments (ATTACHED) 17.AMO Member Communication ALERT -1) "Premier McGuinty Puts Vision Of Strong Communities In Writing"; 2) "AMO Responds to Environment Minister's Announcement on Review of Environmental Assessment Process and Waste Diversion Strategy. (ATTACHED) ( 18.Joanne Erickson, Secretary, Yarmouth Glen Women's Institute, concerning the location for the Elgin County Pioneer Museum. (ATTACHED) REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF Aøñ113. 2004 Staff Reøorts - (ATTACHED) 8 Director of Resident Care - Dedicated Classifiers 15 Manager of Engineering Services - Lawn Maintenance Services - Terrace Lodge, Vacant Elgin Manor, Bobier Villa, Elgin Manor and County Administration Building 20 Manager of Engineering Services - Terrace Lodge - Compliance Requirements/2004 Construction 24 Director of Financial Services - P.O.A. Revenues - Share to Municipalities 25 Director of Financial Services - Preferred Accommodation - 60/40 Split 27 Acting Staff Recognition Chair - Recommendations From The Committee (Staff Recognition Task Force) 7 REPORT TO MANAGEMENT TEAM FROM: Kate Dymock on behalf of Homes Management Team DATE: April 5th, 2004 SUBJECT: Dedicated Classifiers Introduction: Each of the three Homes for the Aged operated by the County of Elgin, are faced with increasing costs of business with an imbalance of revenue to match expenditures. We believe that there are several ways that we may either decrease expenditures or increase revenue. This report explores one avenue to increase revènue; that being, the' introduction of dedicated classifiers/documentors. Discussion: Annually in the fall, all Long Term Care facilities are "classified". Classifiers, are registered staff (RNs and RPNs) who have applied to the Ministry to participate in this program. They take a LOA (Leave of Absence) from their job and are trained by the Ministry then assigned to classify homes. Residents are classified based on facility documentation into categories reflecting their nursing and personal care requirements. The Resident Classification System, developed in Alberta in 1988, has seven levels of care: A to G. The classification Category is determined by combining the scored responses to indicators on the ADL, BDL and CCL indicators: Activities of Daily Living (eating, toileting, transferring, and dressing), Behaviours of Daily Living (potential for injury to self or others and ineffective coping) and Continuing Care Level (urinary and bowel incontinence). After all individuals in a facility are classified into categories reflecting their nursing and personal care requirements by the Resident Classification System at the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, the proportion of residents in each classification category (A-G) is multiplied by resource use weighting factors to determine the Case Mix Measure for the facility. The Case Mix Measure for each facility is compared with the Provincial Case Mix Measure for all facilities to obtain a Facility Case Mix Index. The Case Mix Index of 100.00 represents a facility with average nursing and personal care requirements. A Facility Case Mix Index above 100.00 indicates a facility with a higher proportion of heavy care residents. Conyelsely,;a Jacility.with.a lower than 1 00;00 E,asf) Mix Index indicates a higher number of Iighteìncace'residéntsA:haœaverage;:(lnfdrmàtfoß'"" from 2003 Levels of Care Classification, Provincial Summary Data, Ministry of Health and Long Term Care) Included in this report.is a copy of the provincial summary for 2003. The average CMI over the last 2 years has averaged 91 to 103 in Municipal and Charitable Homes for the Aged, and 98 to 105 in Nursing homes. These are just averages, there are CMls that range far below and above these numbers. The trend is that although we admit residents with similar needs, Nursing Homes on average are much better at documenting to achieve a higher CM!. There are a few things we can do: 1. Create/update standards chart forms, annual/quarterly review forms and Care plans that will promote documentation of required information in desired format. 2. Dedicate registered staff (RNs) in each home to spend one-half hour each month per resident chart on an ongoing basis. This will help to continually optimize our preparedness for classification and provides ongoing reinforcement of good documentation practices. Although we can not change the resident's who are present when we are classified, we can ensure that we optimize the documentation of their care needs to provide us with the best CMI possible. 3. Regular monthly in-services of all staff by the in-house classification experts. It is possible that with monthly in-services and regular reinforcement of good documentation practices, that gradually all staff will become experts and regular additional registered staff hours may be rolled back. We will not be able to determine this until we are able to evaluate the effects of this new program. 4. Continue to have registered staff attend the Classification Training held annually by the Ministry of Health and have these individuals in-service registered staff regarding any changes. Suggestion #1 would require dedicated time by an RN to develop. We propose that 1 RN would work full-time hours for 2 weeks solely dedicated to this project (on behalf of the 3 homes) to accomplish this task. Clerical support will be offered at no additional cost to the Homes. The cost of this would be $ 3,240.00. Dedicated RNs in each Home could complete suggestion #2, and #3. To accomplish this, we would assign existing staff to this task based on the allotment of time described below. Based on a requirement of approximately % hour per resident chart per home and monthly in-service time Bobier Villa would require 4 (8 hr) days/month, Elgin Manor 6 days/month and Terrace Lodge 7 days/month. The total annual cost of this program across the three homes would be $66,096.00. It should be noted that staff have not anticipated these costs in the draft 2004 budget as this would require additional funding. It is difficult to predict what increase we can expect to see in our CMI through these ," ~measLJres. However foreÌìetyinereaseiniGMrbyÚrepointlhome-the\co'ltectNe increase, "¡ri+èQèriûè\Noûl(rbe~f56:7653:'66:"""'>,c: i',' ,-,.""",. ""- '-""-'f-,-·n"/-"i,,\\,, - "'-.. .."...,' ".. , .',';;"., An evaluation of the costs and benefits of this program would be required to determine if it should continue. It is quite realistic to consider that the dedicated person in each home could become an RPN or a combination of RNs and RPNs once the program is initiated. A change to RPNs would require close monitoring but may be successful if the right RPN were selected for the task. If the hours suggested in # 2 and #3 were solely worked by an RPN, the cost would be $42,552.00. _ Conclusion: It is possible to increase the funding in the Nursing and Personal Care envelope through the development of a program to improve our documentation. It is unclear on what the cost benefit ratio would be but if there is an option to increase funding we believe that it is an option worth exploring. Recommendation: THAT the report entitled "Dedicated Classifiers" dated April 5th, 2004 be approved for implementation and the 2004 draft Home's budget be adjusted accordingly. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Mark G. McDona , Chief Administrative Officer. ProvJI1c!aJ Report,200J 2003 PROVINCIAL COMPARISON WITH 2002 - 2002 2003 - 2002 2002 reSidenls 2002 classification 2003 clossifie allon 2003 residen IS 2003, Clas,mcal;on not presenl of residen Is of residents not present Classification Resuhs in 2003 pre..,nt in both present in both in 2002 Results Tolal 2002 and 2003 2002 and 2003 Tolal ~ = PRQVINCIAL TOTALS A 114 21 93 25 32 57 Nnmber of resldenls B 6518 121l 5307 3491 2403 5894 C 2734 607 2127 1670 1261 2931 D 4687 Jl54 3533 2692 202& 4720 E 14176 3843 10333 8864 582& 14692 F 28353 9991 18362 23019 &361 31380 .' G 13 5 & 2 5 7 Total 56595 16832 39763 39763 1991& 596&1 CMM 88.84 92.98 87,09 91.88 86.53 90.09 CMI 100,00 104.66 98,03 101.98 96.04 .100.00 ~ PROVINCIAL TOTALS A 0.20 0,12 0.23 0.06 0.16 0.10 ~ercent of residents B 11.52 7.19 13.35 8.78 12.06 9.88 'c C 4.83 3.61 5.35 4,20 6.33 4.91 D 3.28 6.86 8,89 6,71 10.18 7.91 E 25.05 22.83 25.99 22.29 29.26 24,62 F 50.10 59.36 46.18 57.89 41.98 5258 :')1:: G 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.01 0,03 0.01 Total 100.00 100.00 100,00 100.00 100.00 100,00 Resident Clnsslliealion System 2002-2003 Comparison· Provincial Totals Page :3 " þ G) fTl co '" OJ o OJ H fTl ;u <: H F þ ..,,¡ '" '" '" w '" H co " "- co Ul "- '" co co " H co Ul " '" " ..... '" Ul ..... '" '" '" " f-' '" Ul " Provlricial Re -, NURSING HOMES COMPARISON 2003 orl -J CD '" '" w CD f-' td o td H [Tl ^' 0:: H r r J> '"( J> G> [Tl '" w , 2002 2003 2002 2002 residenlS 2002 01 assific 01 ion 2003 classification 2003 residenls 2003 Class; ficalion not presenl of residents ofresidents not present Cla5Sifioation Results ;n 2003 presen I in bOlh present; n both in 2002 Results Total 2002 and 2003 2002 and 2003 Tolal NURSING HOMES A 30 7 23 5 14 19 Number of residents B, 2658 590 2068 1329 1250 2579 C 1435 329 1106 188 749 1537 D 2675 695 1980 1401 1291 2692 E 8135 2324 5811 4840 4()02 8842 F 16881 6011 10870 13497 6028 19525 G 7 3 4 2 2 4 Tol.1 31821 9959 21862 21862 13336 35198 CMM 90.90 93.83 89.57 94.01 88.62 91.96 CMI 102.32 105.61 100.82 104.34 98.36 102.07 NURSING HOMES A 0.09 0.07 o.n 0.02 0.10 0.05 Percent of residents B 8.35 5,92 9.46 6.08 9.37 7.33 C 4.51 3.30 5,06 3.60 5.62 4.37 D 8.41 6.98 9.06 6.41 9.68 7.65 E 2556 23.34 26.58 22,14 30.01 25.12 F 53.05 60.36 49.72 61.74 45.20 55.47 , G 0.02 0.03 0.02 0,01 0.01 0.01 ., Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 co '" "- co Ul "- '" co co '" t-> co Ul '" r,:,t:· -=~rß=.W:':3 - .- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - CHARITABLE HOMES FOR THE AGED COMPARISON ...., 0; '" '" w 0; t-> tJj o tJj H rr1 ;U <: H r r þ lJ Þ G> rr1 co '" 2002 2003 2002 2002 residents 2002 cI.ssific.tion 2003 elMS! fic.tion 2003 res idents 2003 CllISSilicalion nol present of residents of resideo!s 001 present Classifoc.tion Results in 2003 present in bOlh present; n both in 2002 Results Toto! 2002 "od 2003 2002 and 2003 Tota' HFA· CHARITABLE A 20 3 11 9 3 12 Nùmber of residents B -1339 179 1160 758 353 1111 C 458 . 96 362 295 174 469 D 678 148 530 434 241 675 E 2366 586 1780 1589 670 2259 F 3796 1316 2480 3244 160 4004 G 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tol.1 8657 2328 6329 6329 2201 8530 CMM 85.96 92.24 83.65 89.16 82.91 87.55 CMI 96.75 103.82 94.15 98.96 92.02 97.11 HFA . CHARITABLE A 0.23 0.13 0.27 0.14 0.14 0.14 Percent of resídents B 15.47 1.69 18.33 J.98 16.04 13.02 C 5.29 4.12 5.72 4,66 7.91 5.50 D 7.83 6.36 8.37 6.86 10.95 1.91 E 27.33 25.17 28.12 25. II 30.44 26.48 F 43.85 56.53 39.18 51.26 34.53 46.94 G 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Tota' ,100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Pagp I:" HFA Charilable 2002-2003 Comparison 'fJ'¡Io¡M1nt rt.s:l~Ifl.....::ttlnn .~v.~h'!·m G> ..,. ..... G> <.n ..... N G> G> ..,. I-' G> <.n ..,. -.J '" N N W '" I-' tJ: o tJ: H C'l ;U <: H r r þ 'U Þ G) C'l G> <.n Pro.ioclol Report, 2003 MUNICIPAL HOMES FOR THE AGED COMPARISON 2002 2003 2002 2002 residents 2002 classification 2003 classification 2003 residents 2003 Class ificaÜon not present of reside-nts of residents not present CI..sincation Results in 2003 present in both present i" both j n 2002 Results Total 2002 and 2003 2002 and 2003 Tot.l = ~ = = BFA· MUNICIPAL A 64 il 53 11 15 26 Number of residents B 2521 442 2079 1404 800 2204 C 841 182 6W 587 338 925 D 1334 311 1023 857 496 1353 E 3675 933 2742 2435 1156 3591 F 7676 2664 5012 6278 1573 7851 G 6 2 4 0 3 3 - Total 16117 4545 11572 11572 4381 15953 CMM 86.33 91.52 84.29 89.35 82.00 87.33 CM¡ '17.17 103.01 94.87 99,17 9J.02 96.93 = - = BFA· MUNICIPAL A' 0.40 0.24 0.46 0.10 0.34 0.16 Petì:::énl of residenls B 15.64 9.72 17,97 12.13 18.26 13.82 C 5.22 4,00 5.69 5.07 7.72 5.80 D 8.28 6.84 8.84 7.41 11.32 8,48 E 22.80 20.53 23.70 21.04 26.39 22.51 F 47.63 58.61 43.31 54.25 35.91 49.21 G 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.00 0.07 0.02 - TOlal 100.00 100.00 00.00 100.00 00.00 100.00 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Clayton Watters, Manager of Engineering Services DATE: March 30, 2004 SUBJECT: Lawn Maintenance Services - Terrace Lodge, Vacant Elgin Manor, Bobier Villa, Elgin Manor and County Administration Building INTRODUCTION At the April 22, 2002 County Council staff presented a report outlining lawn maintenance services for Terrace Lodge and Elgin Manor. This report is attached for your information. The following is an excerpt of the discussion regarding lawn maintenance at Terrace Lodge and Elgin Manor from the Director of Homes and Senior Services; "The Director of Homes and Senior Services reported that lawn cutting equipment currently owned by the County of Elgin to service the Homes is ageing, no truck/trailer is available to transport equipment between Homes, and as this is not a core service, tenders should be issued for lawn maintenance at each of the Homes. ... Council directed that the lawn maintenance equipment be kept for at least one year in the event the contractor does not work out." County Council approved the following recommendation at that April 22 meeting: "That quotations for lawn maintenance, to begin as soon as possible at Elgin Manor and Terrace Lodge, be advertised; and also, That the Director of Homes and Senior Services, in conjunction with the Corporate Facilities Officer, be authorized to enter into service agreements with the lowest bidder for lawn maintenance at Terrace Lodge and Elgin Manor". A contractor at that time was completing lawn maintenance services for Bobier Villa and the Administration Building. The contract for lawn maintenance services at the County of Elgin Administration Building and the three Homes was only for a one-year service agreement for 2002. It was then re- tendered in 2003 for another one-year term. Recently a formal Request for Quotations was issued and the intent was to award the contract for the duration of two (2) years, (2004 and 2005) with an option to renew for an additional year. DISCUSSION: At the County Council meeting in April of 2002 staff informed Council of the need to replace the lawn maintenance equipment at Elgin Manor and Terrace Lodge. The equipment used by staff was more appropriate for a residential setting. In 2001 and prior years students were completing the lawn maintenance at those two Homes. Their summer employment consisted of a 40-hour work week for a duration of 16 weeks, but as we are aware the lawn maintenance season is usually 24 weeks long and it does not require 40 hours per week per home to cut the area. Therefore, before and after the summer student would be available the full time maintenance staff must perform the lawn maintenance duties. The equipment that was used would have little value to be sold, so staff is recommending that it not be declared surplus at this time. The lawn maintenance service for; Bobier Villa, vacant Elgin Manor, the new Elgin Manor, Terrace Lodge and the County Administration Building were publicly advertised in accordance with the purchasing policy. Seven (7) quotation packages were distributed and four (4) contractors responded. The following chart lists the company and prices for each year. LOCATION: BOBIER VILLA COMPANY Com lete Lawn Care Dave Chesterfield Jim's Lawn Care Ken S roul UOTATION 2004 $ 19,019.25 $ 6 072.25 $ 5,358.03 N/ UOTATION 2005 $ 19019.25 $ 6,072.25 $ 5,358.03 N/ LOCATION: VACANT ELGIN MANOR COMPANY QUOTATION 2004 OUOTATION 2005 Complete Lawn Care $ 26,589.50 $ 27.167.30 Dave Chesterfield $ 5,671.00 $ 5,671.00 Jim's Lawn Care $ 7,091.96 $ 7,091.96 Ken Sproul N/Q N/Q LOCATION: ELGIN MANOR COMPANY . QUOTATION 2004 OUOTATION 2005 Complete Lawn Care $ 28,141.00 $ 28,194.50 Dave Chesterfield $ 6,072.25 $ 6,072.25 Jim's Lawn Care $ 14,969.30 $ 14,969.30 Ken Sproul N/Q N/Q LOCATION: TERRACE LODGE COMPANY OUOTATION 2004 OUOTATION 2005 Complete Lawn Care $ 19,019.25 $ 19,452.60 Dave Chesterfield $ 10,780.25 $ 10,780.25 Jim's Lawn Care $ 10,992.11 $ 10,992.11 Ken Sproul $ 16,371.00 $ 16,788.30 LOCATION: COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING COMPANY OUOTATION 2004 OUOTATION 2005 Complete Lawn Care $ 13,000.50 $ 13,000.50 Dave Chesterfield $ 6,072.25 $ 6,072.25 Jim's Lawn Care $ 3,991.10 $ 3,991.10 Ken Sproul N/Q N/Q . Pricing includes taxes. Jim's Lawn Care was the lowest quote for Bobier Villa ($5,358.03), and the County Administr¡;¡tion Building ($3,991.10), and Dave Chesterfield was the lowest quote for Terrace Lodge ($10,780.25), the vacant Elgin Manor ($5,671.00), and the new Elgin Manor ($6,072.25). The quotations received are a reduction in the costs for 2003 by over $10,000.00 per year. CONCLUSION: A price audit was completed by the Purchasing Co-Ordinator. The award of the bid to Dave Chesterfield for Terrace Lodge and the two Elgin Manor's and the award of the bid to Jim's Lawn Care for Bobier Villa and the County Building will result in a substantial savings of approximately $20,000.00 for the term of the contract. (2 years) RECOMMENDATION: THAT Dave Chesterfield be selected for lawn maintenance services for: Terrace Lodge at the quoted price of $10,780.25; the vacant Elgin Manor at the quoted price of $5,671.00; and the new Elgin Manor at the quoted price of $6,072.25 for 2004 and 2005; THAT Jim's Lawn Care be selected for lawn maintenance services for: Bobier Villa at the quoted price of $5,358.03; and the County Administration Building at the quoted price of $ 3,991.10 for 2004 and 2005. Respectfully Submitted Approved for S n {it)tVt-WV Clayton Watters Manager, Engineering Services Mark G. McDo Chief Administrative Officer , REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL ....""" ",_:0 ,~.,>,,__ '..,_.' ,",_.__..i..:..-. FROM: Helen Notte, Director, Homes and Seniors Services Clayton Watters, Manager, Engineering Services DATE: April 4, 2002 SUBJECT: lawn Maintenance at Terrace Lodge and Elgin Manor . INTRODUCTION: In previous years, lawn maintenance for Terrace Lodge and Elgin Manor has been provided by summer students and by the Homes' permanent maintenance employees when students are unavailable. A local contractor provides Bobier Villa's lawn maintenance under a purchased service agreement. Equipment at Terrace Lodge and the Manor needs to be replaced. The opportunity is now available to consider alternatives for lawn maintenance at these two homes; the opportunity exists to standardize the approach to lawn maintenance at the 3 Homes. Council is being asked to consider approval to outsource the lawn maintenance service to a third party. DISCUSSION: Key facts for consideration: => Equipment at both homes is at least 12 years old; estimated replacement costs total $70,000.00; sale of the existing equipment might yield $2,000; => Lawn maintenance is not a core competency; care to Residents is our core service; => Outsourcing reduces summer student job opportunities by two positions; Council's exposure to liability related to occupational health and safety infractions by the lawn maintenance summer students is reduced; => Collective agreements with SEIU allow outsourcing initiatives provided that unionized staff do not suffer reduced regular hours of work or layoff; => Outsourcing will have a positive impact on the 3 permanent maintenance staff at the Homes; their hours are not reduced; there are no layoffs; their attention can be directed to value-added projects within the Homes; => Current salaries to support lawn maintenance total $43,000 approximately; qutsourced service costs would be $34,000 approximately; the salary costs are included in the 2002 approved operating budget; => Outsourced agreements will allow for a more comprehensive lawn maintenance service ie. tree/hedge clipping; flowerbed weed control; etc. => In excess of 18 acres of fine grass cutting is necessary at Terrace Lodge; regardless of the decision about outsourcing lawn maintenance to a third 1 party vendor, it is advisable that consideration be given to alternate use(s) ,..Fofsome.ofthis·acreage¡,suchas therapeutic gardens for our Residents; => OutsourcirtgatBobieirVillàhas been a positive business relationship for that Home and the third party vendor; => It is feasible to consider snow removal at the 3 Homes as a natural extension of any service agreement(s). CONCLUSION: Outsourcing lawn maintenance at the Elgin Manor and Terrace Lodge can reduce expenditures while, at the same time, ensuring quality service. RECOMMENDATIONS: THAT the two (2) mowers from Terrace Lodge and Elgin Manor be advertised for sale and be sold to the highest bidder(s); THAT the money received from the sale of the two (2) mowers be returned to the Terrace Lodge and Elgin Manor's 2002 operating budget; THAT quotations for lawn maintenance, to begin as soon as possible at Terrace Lodge and Elgin Manor, be advertised; THAT the Director of Homes and Seniors Services, in conjunction with the Corporate Facilities Officer, be authorized to enter into a service agreement with the lowest bidder for lawn maintenanCe at Terrace Lodge and Elgin Manor; THAT the Director of Homes and Senior Services, in conjunction with the Corporate Facilities Officer, be authorized to explore the feasibility of outsourcing snow removal for all County Homes and report back to Council for their decision by September 15, 2002. THAT the Director of Homes and Senior Services be authorized to establish a committee that would seek input from the Residents' Council, staff and the community-at-Iarge about the feasibility of enhancing the 18 acres of grass- cutting area, or portiones) thereof, for the benefit of our Residents at Terrace Lodge and report back to Council for their decision by October 1, 2002. Respectfully Submitted IWct.~ Helen L. Notte D~c~?\~omes and Seniors Services UIMJf.- 1tW ' Clayton Watters Manager, Engineering Services :;;~~OO Chief Administrative Officer 1.r' ? REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Clayton Watters, Manager, Engineering Services, Sonia Beavers, Purchasing Co-ordinator DATE: March 31, 2004 SUBJECT: Terrace Lodge - Compliance Requirements! 2004 Construction INTRODUCTION County Council approved the following recommendation on July 15, 2003; "That staff be directed to complete: Item #3 Staff Room, Item #4 Laundry Room, Item # 5 Secured, Adult Day Care and Item #13 Kitchen Exhaust AC and Exhaust, identified in Option A of the report entitled - ''Terrace Lodge Update #2 " dated June 16, 2003" from the Manager of Engineering Services, at approximately $280,000 (including engineering and contingencies" On February 10, 2004, Council directed staff to proceed with the Project entitled Terrace Lodge - Compliance Requirements! 2004 Construction. In 2003, $280,000 was allocated from the 2002 Surplus Funds. In the 2004 capital budget an additional, $120,000 has been recommended for Council approval to this project and $40,000 for a commercial washer and dryer. To date the total dollars allocated for the renovations to Terrace Lodge is $440,000. DISCUSSION: Peter Mitches and Associates was retained as the Consultant for Engineering Services. Quotations for the supply of architectural, mechanical and electrical required for upgrading Terrace Lodge, Home for Seniors to achieve Compliance Requirements were received and evaluated on February 12, 2004. We invited 3 firms to bid for each of the four areas (architectural, electrical, flooring, mechanical) and 6 firms responded. Quotations for Electrical and Flooring were received in compliance with the purchasing policy. The quotations were received as follows: Description COMPANY TOTAL OF BID Electrical Turna Electric Ltd Pro Electric EI in Electric Bernardo Grou $ 39,964.50 $ 48,685.00 $ 65,585.65 $ 14,863.00 Floorin *Bids include G.5.T. Only one bid was received for architectural and was returned unopened to the company as it was submitted after the specified closing time. The overall bid for mechanical exceeded fifty thousand ($50,000) dollars. The purchasing policy states; "all goods and services to be purchased with a value exceeding $50,000 must be tendered in writing", and therefore a Request for Tender for the entire project was issued on February 24, 2004 with the understanding that the successful bidder would include in their bid, Turnay Electric Ltd at their quoted price of $ 39,964.50 and Bernardo Group for flooring at their quoted price of $14,863.00. A total of 9 Tender Packages were distributed and only 2 firms responded. The Bids received are as follows: COMPANY TOTAL OF BID CCL Contractin Ltd Allied Construction Cor oration $478 489.02 $605,170.60 The bid to supply mechanical, electrical, architectural goods and services for the renovations to Terrace Lodge is recommended to be awarded to CCL Contracting Limited at their quoted price of $478,489.02 (G.S.T. included). CCL Contracting Limited will be become the general contractor for the project and will carry the prices for Turnay Electric Ltd and Bernardo Group. The total cost to complete the renovations for compliance issues at Terrace Lodge is listed below: Goods & Service Company Name Total Cost Engineering and Contract Administration Peter Mitches and $55,000 Associates General Contractor CCL Contractino Ltd $478 500 Miscellaneous Services (canopy from trailer to $7,500 building, building permit, disbursements and trailer rental) Industrial Washer and Dryer (also eight Harco Company Limited $40,000 laundlY carts) Laundrv Services Kitchen Services (durino construction) $30,000 Continqencies and Material Testino . $44,000 , Total $655,000 Council should be aware that for two weeks during the construction the kitchen area will not be functional, therefore staff has estimated $30,000 for portable kitchen to be in use during those two weeks. Homes staff will be required to present a plan to the ministry for their review and approval on what actions are required, during the shutdown, to meet the dietary needs of the residents. Below is a financial description of the project and costs: Description Costs County Council has at least two options: increase the 2004 recommended Capital Budget for Terrace Lodge by $215,000 or reprioritize projects that have been approved but have not been started. These projects that staff are suggesting are: engineering evaluations at Terrace Lodge, $71,700; paint exterior trim at Terrace Lodge, $20,000; mechanical system review at Terrace Lodge, $9,700; dresser replacement at Terrace Lodge, $4,900; door wall protection at Terrace Lodge, $10,000; barn repairs at Elgin Manor, $28,000; sewer charge at Administration Building, $19,000; communication conduits at Administration Building, $15,000; miscellaneous building improvements at Administration Building, $7,300; and unallocated capital projects at Homes, $29,500. The total of the above projects is $215,100. The total cost of the compliance issues for Terrace Lodge as described above is estimated at $655,000 and after the initial allocations in 2003 ($280,000 for project and $75,000 for - engineering) additional monies were requested in the 2004 Capital budget ($120,000 for the project and $40,000 for commercial washer and dryer) additional monies are needed to complete project. Council needs to consider allocating further dollars in the amount of $215,000 or reallocating from approved projects that have not begun or have less priority at this time. CONCLUSION: Since, CCL Contracting's bid and past performance are favorable, and CCL agreed to retain Turnay Electric Limited and Bernardo Group for flooring, the recommendation from staff would be to proceed as soon as possible to ensure that completion will be no later than December 21, 2004 or 180 working days. Furthermore, in order to complete the renovations at Terrace Lodge additional funding, $215,000, will be required and staff believe that allocating from existing projects that have less priority would be more beneficial to the County of Elgin. RECOMMENDATION: THAT CCL Contracting Limited be selected as the contractor for the Compliance Requirements/2004 Construction Project for Terrace Lodge in the amount of $ 478,489.02; which includes the electrical portion of the project awarded to Tourney Electric at their quoted price of $37,350.00 plus G.S.T.; and includes the bid from Bernardo Group for Flooring at their quoted price of $13,890.00 plus G.5.T.; and also, That the monies from the following projects be allocated to Terrace Lodge Compliance Requirements / 2004 Construction: engineering evaluations at Terrace Lodge, $71,700; paint exterior trim at Terrace Lodge, $20,000; mechanical system review at Terrace Lodge, $9,100; dresser replacement at Terrace Lodge, $4,900; door wall protection at Terrace Lodge, $10,000; barn repairs at Elgin Manor, $28,000; sewer charge at Administration Building, $19,000; communication conduits at Administration Building, $15,000; miscellaneous building improvements, $7,300; and unallocated capital projects at the Homes, $29,500. Respectfully Submitted ÓIÀ~~~ :~:r Chief Administrative Officer Clayton Watters Manager, Engineering Services A " 1f:JÇH\-J.-c'_ ~~..(~ Sonia Beavers Purchasing Co-Ordinator REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Introduction: Within the Provincial Offences Agreement, Schedule B set out the method of revenue sharing: Linda B. Veger, Director of Financial Service March 29, 2004 P.OA Revenues - Share to MuniCipalities Each municipality shall receive gross revenues generated from P.OA activity within its municipal boundaries, less expenses and a 10% administration fee payable to the County of Elgin, Discussion: Utilizing identifiable fines as a percentage of all fines collected, the payments to municipalities for 2003 fines would be: Municipality % Share 2003 2001 % 2001 Revenue Share Revenue (ten months\ Bavham 4.98% 17,892 7.75% 33,817 Malahide 7.46% 26,810 8.57% 37,395 Avlmer 13.32% 47,865 11.21% 48,914 St. Thomas 37.77% 135,689 31,36% 136,838 Southwold 6.88% 24,705 7.62% 33,249 Central Elain 18.27% 65,659 24.54% 107,079 Dutton/Dunwich 5.35% 19,226 4.22% 18,414 West Elain 5.97% 21,440 4.73% 20,639 . Total 100% 359,286 100% 436,345 Revenues have decreased by approximately 18% in 2003. We now have several years of history with POA. The revenues are held until the new year prior to releasing any of the funds to the member Municipalities. Council may now consider disbursing some of those funds mid year. Recommendation: THAT the same ratios as determined from Provincial Offences tickets that identify the issuing municipality be utilized to determine each municipality's share of 2003 net fines revenues; and, THAT the revenues be dispersed once the audit is complete; and, THAT starting in 2004 and continuing each year thereafter, 50% of the prior year's revenues for each Municipality be released in June and the balance be reconciled at year-end and dispersed once the annual audit is complete. Respectfully submitted. ~~ Linda B. Veger Director of Financial Services r 04/02/04 -poa shared revenues 03 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Linda B. Veger, Director of Financial Services DATE: April 2, 2004 SUBJECT: Preferred Accommodation - 60/40 Split INTRODUCTION: Staff has been asked to prepare a report on the implementation of a 60%/40% split within the Homes with 60% of beds being designated as preferred accommodation and 40% being designated as basic. Most Counties have already implemented this split in order to maximize revenues. DISCUSSION: ';;'::è",". ,- :,',-'" ;, The Ministry allows Homes for, Seniors to designate the beds within a facility as either preferred or basic. Preferred beds attract additional revenues of $8/day for a semi-private room and $18/day for a private room:. Asa bèd becomes available, the Home would advise the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) that there is an opening in, as example, a private room. CCAC would review their waiting lists and forward the name and information of a potential resident. If there are no potential preferred accommodation residents, the Home can then decide whether or not to admit someone from the basic list. Ministry funding is based on occupancy. If occupancy is allowed to slip below 97%, the Ministry funding is based on actual occupancy. If 97% and greater is maintained, the Homes receive 100% funding. It is certainly to our advantage to maintain the 97% level and higher. For this reason, the Home may decide to admit a resident as basic if no one is available from the preferred list. It may take several years to achieve the 60/40 split as it would apply to new residents or those residents already waiting for a preferred bed. As a bed becomes available, it would be first offered as a preferred bed. In 2003, there were 35 admissions to Elgin Manor, 78 to Terrace Lodge, and 31 to Bobier Villa. Homes staff, with assistance from Financial Services, would ensure that at least 40% of the beds were offered as basic. The additional dollars received for preferred beds remain with the Home and are not shared with the Province. The Homes revenues could potentially increase by as much as $490,000 with this change in policy. Considering the budget restraints faced by the County, it may be prudent to make this change. CONCLUSION: The County has the opportunity of increasing Homes revenues by implementing a 60/40 policy for admissions. Many potential residents may be willing to pay the additional charge in order to be placed in a private or semi-private room. Homes staff will maintain the option of admitting a resident who specifies basic accommodation if no one is available on the preferred accommodation list. It may take several years to achieve the split depending on the number of admissions and the requirements of potential residents. Council may decide to move to no more than a 50/50 split in 2004 and advance to a 60/40 split in 2005 in order to allow the community to become accustomed to this new policy. RECOMMENDATION: THAT, for the balance of 2004, the Homes for Seniors staff strive to achieve 50% of admissions as preferred accommodation and 50% of admissions as basic accommodation; and, THAT starting in 2005 the Homes for Seniors staff strive to achieve 60% of admissions as preferred accommodation and 40% of admissions as basic accommodation. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission æ~*/ Linda B. Veger Director of Financial Services REPORT TO COUNCIL FROM: Staff Recognition Task Force DATE: March 15, 2004 SUBJECT: Recommendations From The Committee INTRODUCTION The following are the recommendations from the Staff Recognition Task Force. DISCUSSION The Committee's recommendation is that we secure Ansells as the vendor of choice. Ansells was chosen over Gladstone Engravers (Aylmer) and Gauntlett Promotions (St. Thomas & London). Their catalogue was flexible, and their quality and workmanship from past experience were determining factors in our selection. The committee would like the opportunity to review the catalogue on an annual basis to add or delete items as we go along. Human Resources have completed a review of employee records to ensure no employees have been missed being acknowledged over the years and are now up to date. CONCLUSION This committee wishes to thank Council for the opportunity to work on this important policy. RECOMMENDATION That Council review and approve the recommendations for Staff Recognition changes; and, That Council consider the changes to be retroactive to January 1, 2004. Approved for Submission Joh rs n Acting Staff Recognition Chair cDonald Chief Admlnls ra Ive Officer Staff Recocmition Task Force Recommendations 1. That the past practice of Employee of the Year in each Home be discontinued. The policy 10.140 in the Human Resources Manual on Performance Excellence Program continue, but all staff become aware of the award and the Department Heads ensure all Supervisors are aware of the program. 2. Years of Service Awards be changed to the following; 10 years - $ 30.00 15 years - $ 50.00 20 years - $100.00 25 years - $250.00 to remain as a watch or clock from a local jeweler in order to continue the symbolization of time. 30 years - $300.00 35 years - $350.00 40 years - $400.00 3. That a local newspaper reporter be present during the presentation of the service awards to take a picture to be placed in the paper. 4. Years of Service Awards for Full Time and Part Time employees to be the same. 5. To have HR and the supervisors review and update all employees to ensure date of hire is correct. Also to determine if any staff has been missed for a service award and to rectify if it has occurred. 6. Erect an Employee Recognition Board in a common area for staff, residents and visitors to view. The following information to be posted on this board; a) A copy of photo taken by a local newspaper reporter for employees receiving years of service awards. b) Any retirements of staff from the facility. c) Any thank you cards/letters received. d) Any educational accomplishments of current staff members. e) Recognizable community accomplishments, Le. news clippings One person from each facility to be assigned to update this board on a regular basis. This person would be someone who sits on the staff recognition task force team. 7. Develop a Service Award Catalogue for staff to choose the gift. Each item would include the insignia of the County of Elgin. 8. Retirement awards to remain as they currently are. 9. Meal to be provided to the day and afternoon staff for the following special days: Christmas Day, Easte,r and Thanksgiving. 2 10. A suggestion/comment box to be placedin the staff lunchrooms. The contents to be emptied weekly and distributed to the appropriate supervisor fòr'response. 'Awritten response should be made within one week for all suggestions and posted on bulletin boards. Staff can indicate their name on the suggestion or remain anonymous 11. That the Staff Recognition Task Force not be disbanded and the group continues to meet semi-annually to reviewlrevise any changes or suggestions. 12. An annual barbecue over lunch at each Home that is hosted by the non-union staff. It was suggested that the non-union staff include the Directors as well supervisors. Financial Impact to the Countv of Elain 1. A one time cost for 1 bulletin board in each Home. The board would be tastefully decorated to each Home's decor and colour. Approximate cost of $50.00 for each Home. 2. A one time set-up cost of County of Elgin insignia for the Years of Service Awards. Approximate cost of $600.00 for set dies. 3. Change to Service Awards. An approximate value of $500.00 per year plus the cost of adding the 30, 35 and 40 year of service awards. At the time of the task force recommendations there is one person eligible for the 30-year award in 2003 and one eligible in 2004 (if these people do not retire before this time). ELGIN COUNTY ARCHIVES Brian Masschaele, Archivist Elgin County Library Services 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 March 31, 2004 Mr. Peter Beaudry, SCTP Consultant Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation 30 Duke Street West, Suite 405 Kitchener ON N2H 3W5 Dear Mr. Beaudry: Re: SCTP Project: Elgin County Pioneer Museum - Rehabilitation and Accessibility Upgrades I have been asked to respond to your letter dated 8 March 2004 on behalf of Jim Carter, Corporate Facilities Officer, requesting the County's response to the "Readiness to Proceed" Questionnaire for the proposed renovation project at the Elgin County Pioneer Museum. For your information, Elgin County Council is currently in the midst of an extensive study and public consultation process on the museum's future. This study is being conducted by the firm of Goldsmith, Borgal & Company in affiliation with Canadian Cultural Resource Consultants, The study is looking at all options for the museum, including new accommodation, renovation of alternate buildings or a return to the original location at 32 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, County Council is committed to being very thorough in this process given the impact on the future operations of the museum and is therefore allowing ample time to ensure public feedback in the process, With the outcome of this study set to come to a conclusion by the end of May 2004, we are not in a position to meet today's deadline for completion of the questionnaire, We wish to inform you that renovations to 32 Talbot Street as proposed in the original application remain one of the options being proposed, The County, as you may be aware, has previously committed funds towards this project. Given that the potential of federal and provincial funding has an impact on Council's decision-making process in this current study, we therefore hope that the deadline can be extended to June 30th, 2004 at which time we will be in a better position to give a definitive response to the questionnaire and our readiness to proceed, We therefore request that our file remain open until that time. Attached you will find a chronology of recent events with regards to the museum which will provide you with further context. We sincerely apologize for the lack of communication on this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further questions. Sincerely, ~kf? Archivist. Encl: Chronology of Events, Elgin County Pioneer Museum Cc: Mark McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer Linda Louwagie-Neyens, Museum Manager Linda Veger, Director of Financial Services Dr. John Carter, Museum Advisor, Ministry of Culture archivist@elgin-county.on,ca www.elgin.ca (519) 631-1460 ext 138 Fax (519) 631-9209 Chronology of Events - Elgin County Pioneer Museum 2001 - 2004 Spring 2001 - Major fire damages Duncombe residence, partially damaging the collection. The museum is temporarily moved to a vacant store near downtown St. Thomas where salvage of the collection takes place. Fall 2001 - Museum moves back to its original location after repairs from the insurance claim are made. During this time, the County submits an application to the "SuperBuild" fund to drastically improve environmental conditions, accessibility and storage capacity. January 2002 - The County receives word that the "SuperBuild" application has been approved in the amount of $450,000, with the county, provincial and federal governments each responsible for one-third of this amount. Spring 2002 - The Museum is moved to a temporary location in downtown St. Thomas to permit renovations to take place. Summer 2002 - Further architectural analysis of the Duncombe residence takes place as part of the design process for the approved renovations. This additional study reveals that even further renovations are required (beyond those in the application) in light of disability access requirements and further structural concerns. It was determined that over $800,000 was now required to properly renovate the building. Fall 2002 - County Council decides not to proceed with the renovations in light of these increased costs but to study the issue further before investing into the Duncombe residence. Council requests that the Museum Board bring forward other options for the future of the museum. Winter 2002-2003 - The Elgin County Pioneer Museum Board brings forward several options, including modified renovations to the Duncombe residence, new capital construction or renovations to an existing building, particularly the vacant Canada Southern Railway Station in downtown St. Thomas. Council defers a decision on the matter. Spring 2003 - Council approves a recommendation for an architectural firm with expertise in heritage planning to lead a public consultation process and develop a conceptual drawing for potential new construction while assessing other options. June 2003 - The firm of Goldsmith, Borgal & Company is selected to lead this process. July 2003 - Christopher Sorgal of Goldsmith, Sorgal & Company in affiliation with Clause Sreede of Canadian Cultural Resource Consultants make their initial deputation to County Council to outline their approach regarding the consultation process. The process is to include the development of a questionnaire to stakeholders in the community, facilitation of a public meeting and at least two additional presentations to County Council. Among other things, the consultant's stress that they will be considering all options with regards to the operation of the museum based on available resources, Council feedback and public support. October 2003 - Questionnaire developed by the consultants and mailed to approximately 50 community groups, including all local museums, chambers of commerce and heritage/cultural organizations. November-December 2003 - Strategic partners (roughly a dozen) interviewed by the consultants. December 11th, 2003 - Public meeting to discuss the future of the museum and archives held at the Elgin County Administration Building with approximately 75 people in attendance. March 9th, 2004 - Presentation of an interim report entitled "Location Study - Elgin County Pioneer Museum" by Goldsmith, Sorgal & Company. Council recommends that the report be made available to the community for written commentary which will then be integrated into the final report. Deadline for comments is AprilSth, 2004. The final report will be presented to County Council on May 11th, 2004 after which a final decision on the future of the museum will be made. Ministry of Tourism and Recreation Sports, Culture and Tourism Partnerships Secretariat (SCTP) 30 Duke St West, Suite 405 Kitchener ON N2H 3W5 Tel: (519) 571-6120 1-800-265-2189 ex! 8 Fax: (519) 578-1632 Ministère du Tourisme et des Loisirs Partenariats pour les Sports, fa Culture et Ie Tourisme (PSCT) 30 rue, Duke ouest, Pièce 405 Kitchener ON N2H 3W5 Tél (519) 571-6120 1-800-265-2189 ex! 8 Téléc (519) 578-1632 ® Ontario March 8, 2004 Jim Carter, Corporate Facilities Officer County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5Vl Dear Mr. Carter, Re: SCTP Project: Elgin County Pioneer Museum - Rehabilitation and Accessibility Upgrades In late November, as part of our SCTP project review process, a letter was sent to you drawing your attention to Article III of the COIP agreement which identifies March 31,2006 as the deadline for eligible project costs to be incurred, At that time you were requested to, by December 31, 2003 submit a written response outlining that the capital planning for your project has been reviewed and that you can confirm that your project will be able to meet the timelines as outlined in the SCTP Funding Agreement. Based on your response to this request, as well as an additional review of your file, it was noted that your project does not have a funding agreement in place as of this date. I am aware that this project has experienced a number of challenges surrounding the scope of work to be performed. However, your project was approved on December 27, 2001 and recently there seems to be little action to bring this project to conclusion. This lack of action on your part does raise the question about the continued priority of your project, and your commitment to proceed and meet the timelines of the SCTP approval. To further assist me in understanding your continued commitment to your project, and to determine whether SCTP guidelines and timelines can still be met and also that provincial SCTP support will still be required, we are implementing a further review and assessment of your project and your interest in having it completed by March 31, 2006. This review reflects the competitive nature of the SCTP application process and will address your readiness to proceed and/or continue with your project. The readiness to proceed assessment process is based on criteria very similar to the funding criteria. The overall intent will be to identify those projects that are not in the position to fulfill their commitment to the SCTP Program made when they a.pplied for funding and to determine if SCTP funding \^Jill still be required for some approved project. As SCTP is very concerned about the lack of progress with your file, it will be very important that you respond and that you respond according to the tlmelines and with quality information. Attached you will find a SCTP Project Readiness to Proceed Questionnaire, Please complete this document and submit it to the address below by March 31, 2004. If you do not return this questionnaire by this date, it will be determined that your approved project is no longer a priority for you and that you do not wish to proceed and your file will be closed. 'look forward to your prompt response to this request and if you have any questions please contact me at address above or through email atpeter.beaudrv@mczcr.Qov.on.ca Yours truly, RECE1VEO ì1AR 1 0 Z004 ';;.'; -. .,.. SCPT Proiect Readiness to Proceed Questionnaire Lead Organization: County of Elgin Project Title: Elgin County Pioneer Museum - Rehabilitation & Accessibility Upgrades Completed By: Position: The responses to the following questions will be used to assess your approved SCTP project's readiness to proceed. Please answer all the questions completely as this information will be used to determine your organization's readiness to proceed and be able to access senior government funding according to the Canada Ontario Infrastructure Program agreement timelines. If you require more space than is provided for a response, attach your additional information sheet to the appropriate page of this document. Our records indicate that your SCTP project was approved for: Repair structural deficiencies including wall, roof and floors, fire code improvements, new mechancial (boiler) system, accessibility program (ramps, washroom, barrier free corridors), restore exterior of building to heritage specifications. Note: The project described above was approved by SCTP as your #1 priority in a competitive grant process. Should you be contemplating changes to your approved project, you should be aware that SCTP approval is not automatic or is it transferable. A new approval (potentially including Industry Canada's) will need to be obtained. If this applies to your project, then answer the following questions accordingly. 1. Provide a detailed project description and explain any differences/changes from the description provided in your application of April 2001. Provide the rationale for these differences/changes. 2. Is the project described above the community/organization's #1 priority? YES NO 3. Has Council/Organizational approval to proceed with this project been received? YES NO 4. Were there partners identified in your original application? YES NO (if no, go to question 5) Are the partners identified in the original application still committed to the project? .... - YES NO (if no, use space below to explain, if desired) If so, what contributions have they made or will they be making and when? Are there new partners? YES NO (if no, use space below to explain, if desired) Explain their contribution to the project. 5. Was there a fundraising component to this project? YES NO (if no, use space below to explain, if desired) If so, has the fund raising campaign begun and have the targets been reached? 6. Is capital financing in place for the project? YES NO (if no, use space below to explain, if desired) Is it in the capital budget for the current year (and subsequent years if required)? 7. Have all necessary approvals been obtained i.e. Environmental Assessments, zone changes, leases, certificates of title, etc. YES NO 8. Is the funding agreement in place? YES NO 9. Are there any studies or testing required for your project and if so have they been completed? i.e. E.A.'s, planning studies, traffic studies, soil studies, etc. YES NO .. ...," ~ 10. Has a project architect/engineer been hired? YES NO Have any drawings or project schedules have been produced? YES NO 11. Has the project, or any part of the project been tendered? YES NO 12. Can this project be completed in its entirety by March 31, 2006? YES NO Please provide details to support of your response. 13. Please explain why you have not finalized your funding agreement and why funding should not be withdrawn from your project. Lmportant: You must return this questionnaire by March 31, 2004 to the address provided in the cover letter. If you do not return this questionnaire by March 31, 2004 it will be assumed that your project is not proceeding and that your organization no longer needs senior level of government funding. The Premier of Ontario Le Premier ministre de ¡'Ontario ltÆ "1m!:!3" Ontario Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A1A1 Édjfjce de [' Assemblée législative Queen's Park Toronto (Ontario) M7A1A1 March 29, 2004 R~I""i:.æ"F&. eIVE·^t!'" 'ID"'¡p W . _%"!ffiIç:.~ APR 1 2&~ f'~nï ~~~%1:T fïi~.'· ~ ~~ ~.N''fM;Ol~!i;! ~ ~U-1I " C,,;,";¡'!<"\''!.':H\''i1;'¡~~~i}t!~:~ I'Ú.},¡,j';':\\W1l\~~~"b4t$~tj~; ~H~~xð",,' Mrs. Sandra J. Heffren Deputy County Clerk County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl Dear Mrs. Heffren: Thank you for your letter providing me with a copy of council's resolution regarding water testing. I appreciate your keeping me informed of council's activities. As this issue falls under the jurisdiction of the Honourable Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of the Environment, I have sent her a copy of your resolution. I trust that the minister will also take your views into consideration. Thank you again for the information. Yours truly, QJt.., Dalton McGuinty Premier c: The Honourable Leona Dombrowsky @ " Ministry of Health Ministèrede la Santé and Long-Term Care et des Soins de longue durée Emergency Health Services Branch 5700 Y oage Street, 6th Floor Toronto ON M2M 4K5 Direction des senices de santé d'urgence 5700 rue Yoage, 6· étage Toronto ON M2M 4K5 Telephone: (416) 327-7909 Facsimile: (416) 327-7879 Toll Free: (800) 461-6431 Téléphone: (416) 327-7909 Télécopieur: (416) 327-7879 AppeIs sans fnÌis: (800) 461-6431 February 24, 2004 File Ref: 311 0-05 Mr. Mark MacDonald Chief Administrative Officer County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5Vl Dear Mr. MacDonald: RE: APPROVAL OF REQUEST FOR ONE-TIME GRANT $7,255. Thank you for the information of January 22, 2004, in support of your request for a one-time grant of up to 50% for Implementation of A VL Technology in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), We are pleased to advise you that your request for a one-time grant has been approved in the amount of$7,255. The cash flow will be adjusted accordingly and will be included in the agency's electronic transfer upon receipt of the completed "Sign-Back Agreement", attached. The following principles are requirements for eligible municipalities to participate in this funding initiative: · The funding assistance represents up to 50% of costs for Emergency Medical Services A VL expenses only. Costs for providing A VL services to other agencies are not to be included. · To integrate A VL systems in CACCs, the MOHLTC requires unencumbered access, storage and use of specific data elements (vehicle ill, latitude/longitude and time) generated by AVL transponders owned by and located in municipal EMS vehicles. Municipalities must provide written agreement to grant such unencumbered access, storage and use of the A VL data prior to the CACCs implementing A VL Systems or assistance costs being approved. · The Ministry does not want to unfairly restrict municipalities ftom considering any potential A VL service provider. Municipalities should exercise the opportunity to select the best model for their use and at the same time, be aware of the interests of other UTMs, which share CACC services and integration requirement. However, the ability of the ministry to integrate and support several service provider systems, is limited. Municipalities are reminded for future consideration, that fair exchange of knowledge and information about proposed introduction of these systems is best achieved via the CACC Advisory Committee and its interaction with the Ministry's ERS Field Offices. This approval does not commit the Ministry to an increase in operating grant for the future years. The funding is subject to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care audit. If you have any questions, please contact your Field Office. Thank you. Sincerely, Malcolm Bates Director pc: Ms. L. Andrusiak, Ambulance Administrative Coordinator J. Migliardi, Senior Field Manager, Southwest Field Office :z. '1<1/ () "-;/j"f 4¡jfe.- R.R.#2 West Lome, On NOL 2PO RECEIVED March 26, 2004 t( C..!!.f y ¡'MAR 31 2004 fÍJ ¡:¿ {] 0 UP/ e;¡ L COUNiY OF aGIN ( t!-t'J He Ff1í It'e. e.) f\OMI~!Sm.A11\'E~ ¡It. Pt')7·J1? a fí'¿¡ n ~ Elgin County Tree Commissioner c/o Kettle Creek Conservation Authority 44015 Ferguson Line St. 1110mas, On N5P 3T3 Attention: Rob Lindsay, Tree Commissioner Dear Sir: Re: DRAFT BY-LAW - County of Elgin Further to your informative presentation to the West Elgin Council and ,interested residents attending on March 25th in Council Chambers. ' Concerns regarding the Draft By-law are as follows: 1. Wording of "destroy and injuring" are used numerous times over the mentiOn of , "HARVEST". As you are aware there are considerable differences. Is it necessary to use them together? By-law wording is more of a restriction to cutting of any type. We all know a well managed woodlot is a source of"F ARM INCbME' so b!!diy needed at pres~nt day conditions especially to preserve the "FAMILY FARM". The overall wotding is difficult to comprehend - hopefully it is not intended to be so. Words such as "cadastral surveying" 3(a), "basal area" page ll(b}need to be explained. (Who defmes basal area? Schedule 1 ismost difficult if one is not a qualified "forester"). 2. Reference to top clean up - 2 m high. Cost involved here could exceed value ofharvested log. Cannot the land owner assume responsibility for such clean up? Do you govern other crop harvest clean up? 3. Be D1indful that woodlot areas differ ITom County of Elgin to Qther Counties in Ontario. One unifonn By-law would be greatbutahnost ÍD).possib\e.Smncareas are flat, gullied, different soil conditions, etc. ' 4. Note changes in measurement areas in Schedule "A" 6" off ground difficult. 10" to 12" would be better with circumference adjusted accordingly. 5. Reco=end input and guidance to this By-law ITom - (a) Elgin-Middlesex Woodlot Association (b) Elgin Land Stewardship Council ©) Horticultural and Nature Clubs in Elgin (d) Is it possible to get input ITom our schools throughout the County? This would be a great project. 6. The West Elgin presentation on March 24th was an excellent example of "grass roots" involvement. Mayor Warwick and his council are to be congratulated and you as Tree Co=issioner, for your interesting and intelligent presentation. West Elgin is in a very high "Carolinian" species area which we are proud of as is all of Elgin County for their well cared for wood lands. R;¡:;;j¡l(tJlf / c.c. Municipality of the County of Elgin Mr, Donald M McKillop RR2 West Lome, ON NOL 2PO Minister Ministère du Tourisme et des Loisirs Ministre REcelVEQ ~ Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation 9th Floor, Hearst Block 900 Bay Street Toronto, ON M7A 2E1 Tel: (416) 326-9326 Fax: (416) 326-9338 9' étage, Édifice Hearst 900, rue Bay Toronto, ON M7A 2E1 Tél.: (416) 326-9326 Téléc,: (416) 326-9338 MAB 24_ COUNW Of B.GJN ,_ March 19, 2004 ADMtmsTAA1'PÆ~.J Warden Dave Rock The County of Elgin 420 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Dear Warden: As Ontario's Minister responsible for the support and promotion of tourism, I am writing to you to emphasize the vital role that the tourism industry has in contributing to Ontario's economic health and well being. I would also like to offer you some information and resources to assist you in assessing and potentially pursuing either new or expanded tourism development opportunities. The McGuinty government believes that a strong tourism sector creates vitality in our cities and towns and helps support local businesses and jobs. In fact, the tourism business is everyone's business, and its benefits are felt throughout the province. We would like to encourage more communities to get involved in expanding and enhancing the Ontario tourism product. If yours is one of the many Ontario communities that may be exploring ways to diversify its economic base, I invite you to take a close look at your unique tourism potential. It is my hope that in recognising the key role that tourism can play in so many aspects of community life, you will join in our shared goal of providing much needed support for tourism planning, investment and marketing activities within your region. I would like to take this opportunity to provide you with further information on the current tourism situation in Ontario, and then to introduce you to some new resources and contact people available to support your tourism development efforts. Tourism Background and Statistics The economic impact of tourism in the province is enormous, with revenues of nearly $20 billion in 2001, creating some 500,000 direct and indirect jobs. These jobs are not solely in the tourism sector, but are found also in the many businesses serving tourism throughout your communities, such as gas stations, restaurants, retail shops and the many industries supplying the tourism trade. Beyond the economic impact of tourism lies its importance in creating the type of environment that attracts other industries to a region. Quality of life has long been recognized as an important factor in site selection. However, in recent years, economic development experts have highlighted the importance of attracting and retaining today's highly skilled young workers to a given municipality. A vibrant cultural life, a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational activities, and a clean and sustainable environment also attract and retain the types of employees who are sought by employers today. Without such a workforce in place, many of the most desirable industries may not consider certain locations. These are the same elements that attract tourists. So, by encouraging tourism development, a municipality is actually encouraging economic development in other sectors as well. Tourism Tools and Resources My Ministry, through the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership, supports the marketing efforts of various tourism sectors. I would like to take this opportunity to inform and update you on some other initiatives that the Ministry's Research Unit and Investment and Development Office have available to support tourism development at a local level. Our Research Unit has created an online regional profile tool that provides real-time delivery of visitor statistics and economic impact data of tourism in a given area. This will be available for public use in early spring and is to be launched at the Tourism Federation of Ontario conference at the end of March 2004. There will also be a user- friendly model to assist communities in measuring their own tourism sector's economic impact. The Ministry's Investment and Development Office is also developing a community- based toolkit to be launched at the Tourism Federation of Ontario Conference. The toolkit, called, "Making the Case for Tourism", is a guide to assist tourism and economic development organizations to develop and effectively communicate the economic impact of tourism to the community at large. It will also assist you and your council colleagues in your budgetary decision-making. I recently announced the launch of Ontario's new tourism investment web site, www.20ntario.com/tourism. developed as part of the Ministry's overall tourism investment strategy. Among the topics featured on the website are tourism investment opportunities provided by municipalities from around the province. I encourage you to take a moment to review your community profile and make sure you are involved. Other aspects of the province's investment attraction strategy include a new lure brochure and the first ever "Ontario Tourism Investment Symposium". The symposium is scheduled for March 29, 2004 as part of the Canadian Hotel Investment Conference in Toronto. It will involve one-on-one meetings between interested international investors and municipal representatives who have tourism investment opportunities to market. Some of you may be familiar with the Ministry's new regional planning tool, the "Premier- ranked Tourist Destinations Framework". This is a comprehensive economic development tool that provides a region with a complete inventory of its tourism sector, identifies its particular challenges and opportunities, and assists in devising a long-term tourism development strategy. Many regions across the province are now implementing the framework, and if you are committed to developing your tourism industry, you may want to consider using this valuable tool to begin assessing what your area has to offer. The McGuinty government has committed $30 million to help our tourism industry and communities bring visitors back to Ontario this spring and summer. With $17.2 million committed for tourism recovery, the Province will invest in strategic partnerships to market events and destinations across Ontario, develop convention 2 These are the same elements that attract tourists. So, by encouraging tourism development, a municipality is actually encouraging economic development in other sectors as well. Tourism Tools and Resources 'My Ministry, through the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership, supports the marketing efforts of various tourism sectors. I would like to take this opportunity to inform and update you on some other initiatives that the Ministry's Research Unit and Investment and Development Office have available to support tourism development at a local level. Our Research Unit has created an online regional profile tool that provides real-time delivery of visitor statistics and economic impact data of tourism in a given area. This will be available for public use in early spring and is to be launched at the Tourism Federation of Ontario conference at the end of March 2004. There will also be a user- friendly model to assist communities in measuring their own tourism sector's economic impact. The Ministry's Investment and Development Office is also developing a community- based toolkit to be launched at the Tourism Federation of Ontario Conference. The toolkit, called, "Making the Case for Tourism", is a guide to assist tourism and economic development organizations to develop and effectively communicate the economic impact of tourism to the community at large. It will also assist you and your council colleagues in your budgetary decision-making. I recently announced the launch of Ontario's new tourism investment web site, www.20ntario.comftourism, developed as part of the Ministry's overall tourism investment strategy. Among the topics featured on the website are tourism investment opportunities provided by municipalities from around the province. I encourage you to take a moment to review your community profile and make sure you are involved. Other aspects of the province's investment attraction strategy include a new lure brochure and the first ever "Ontario Tourism Investment Symposium". The symposium is scheduled for March 29, 2004 as part of the Canadian Hotel Investment Conference in Toronto. It will involve one-on-one meetings between interested international investors and municipal representatives who have tourism investment opportunities to market. Some of you may be familiar with the Miilistry's new regional planning tool, the "Premier- ranked Tourist Destinations Framework". This is a comprehensive economic development tool that provides a region with a complete inventory of its tourism sector, identifies its particular challenges and opportunitiès, and assists in devising a long-term tourism development strategy. Many regions across the province are now implementing the framework, and if you are committed to developing your tourism industry, you may want to consider using this valuable tool to begin assessing what your area has to offer. The McGuinty government has committed $30 million to help our tourism industry and communities bring visitors back to Ontario this spring and summer. With $17.2 million committed for tourism recovery, the Province will invest in strategic partnerships to market events and destinations across Ontario, develop convention 2 business and promote cultural tourism. Effective marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships and other efforts are essential to getting tourism back on track as one of our key economic sectors. As you can see, our government takes tourism very seriously; and my Ministry is committed to providing support for marketing, research, investment and development. We wish to work alongside municipal leaders in Ontario to foster strength, vitality and renewal in our province. Please consider how your own community can contribute to this important effort. I have enclosed a list of contacts to assist you in assessing and developing your local tourism opportunities. Yours sincerely, ~~~~ Jim Bradley Minister Enclosure 3 < Your Provincial Tourism Contacts Please contact the following for more information on: Tourism Research and Statistics Larissa Deneau, Research Unit (416) 325-8287 larissa.deneau@mczcr.aov.on.ca Municipal Development Alan Rimmington, Investment and Development Office (416) 325-8866 alan.rimminaton@mczcr.aov.on.ca Investment Services James Lynn, Investment and Development Office (416) 325-4630 iames.lvnn@mczcr.aov.on.ca Or contact your Regional Tourism Consultant with the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation or with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. Central Region Toronto, Greater Toronto Area Bob Farrow (416) 314-6682, bobJarrow@mci.aov.on.ca Niagara Region, Haldimand, Norfolk, Hamilton Arlene White (905) 704-3942, arlene.white@mci.aov.on.ca Simcoe County Christine Anderson (705) 739-6800, christine.anderson@mci.aov.on.ca Southeast Region District Municipality of Muskoka, Algonquin Park Randy Clark (705) 646-0641, randV.clark@mci.aov.on.ca , Lennox and Addington County, Townships of North Frontenac, South Frontenac, Central Frontenac and Frontenac Islands, Leeds and Grenville County, the County of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, and the City of Kingston Mary Eaton (613) 531-5593, marv.eatonlâ>.mcLoov.on.ca City of Ottawa, Renfrew County, Lanark County, & the United Counties of Prescott- Russell Jonathon Harris (613) 742-3368, ionathon.harrislâ>.mcLoov.on.ca Peterborough, Northumberland, Haliburton, Hastings, Prince Edward County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes Beverley Cameron (705) 755-5883, beverlev.cameronlâ>.mcLoov.on.ca Southwest Region Counties of Wellington, Dufferin, Grey-Bruce, Regional Municipality of Waterloo Paul Samson (519) 571-6116, oauLsamsonlâ>.mcLoov.on.ca Counties of Huron, Perth, Oxford, Elgin, Middlesex, & Brant Nancy Fallis (519) 873-4482, nancv.fallislâ>.mcLoov.on.ca Windsor, Essex County, The municipality of Chatham - Kent, County of Lambton Janet Jones (519) 973-6320, ianet.ioneslâ>.mcLoov.on.ca Northern Region Kenora, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Ignace, Fort Frances, Rainy River, Dryden Frank Bastone (807) 468-2820, frank.bastonelâ>.ndm.oov.on.ca Thunder Bay, Atikokan, Nipigon, Manoutiwadge, Greenstone, Marathon PaulPepe (807) 475-1483, oauLoeoelâ>.ndm.oov.on.ca .. ; Your Provincial Tourism Contacts Please contact the following for more infonnation on: Tourism Research and Statistics Larissa Deneau, Research Unit (416) 325-8287 larissa.deneau@mczcr.aov.on.ca Municipal Development Alan Rimmington, Investment and Development Office (416) 325-8866 alan.rimminaton@mczcr.aov.on.ca Investment Services James Lynn, Investment and Development Office (416) 325-4630 iames.lvnn@mczcr.aov.on.ca Or contact your Regional Tourism Consultant with the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation or with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. Central Region Toronto, Greater Toronto Area Bob Farrow (416) 314-6682, bob.farrow@mcLaov.on.ca Niagara Region, Haldimand, Norfolk, Hamilton Arlene White (905) 704-3942, arlene.white@mcLaov.on.ca Simcoe County Christine Anderson (705) 739-6800, christine.anderson@mci.aov.on.ca Southeast Region District Municipality of Muskoka, Algonquin Park Randy Clark (705) 646-0641, randv.clark@mci.aov.on.ca j Timmins, Kapuskasing, Hearst, Moosonee, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Kirkland Lake Graham Campbell (705) 235-1665, araham.campbell@.ndm.aov.on.ca Sault Ste. Marie, Blind River, Chapleau, Wawa, Elliot Lake Mark Melisek (705) 945-5913, mark.melisek@.ndm.aov.on.ca Sudbury, Espanola, Parry Sound, Gore Bay Glenn Warren (705) 564-7513, alenn.warren@.ndm.aov.on.ca North Bay, Huntsville, West Nippissing, New Liskeard Mark Vincent (705) 494-4163, mark.vincent@.ndm.aov.on.ca Agenda Sunday. ADril 25'h. 2004 The Bridge Restaurant 301 Bridge Street, Port Stanley, ON NOL 2AO 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Wine & Cheese Reception hosted by Meadow Lane Winery and Rush Creek Wines Welcome Networking For Success - Guest Speaker-Donna Messer BeyondTh~~CityLigþ~"" . ... tarÎo Rural tourism Co· - InlJnœrtaln Times pril25& 26,2Q04 .. , '.. PQrt Stanley ~¡¡¡: £:4 ~~ COU¡ff1l Of a.G1~t.. ',' Directio~~~ Registration Welcome and Introductions Thriving In An Unpredictable World - Garth Turner Refreshment Break The Tourism Landscape - Janet Jones - Ministry of Tourism & Recreation Market Readiness - Arlene White - Ministry of Tourism & Recreation Networking Lunch at The Wharf Restaurant Countryside Success Stories Kettle Creek Marina, Port Stanley - Fionna Nesbet Winter Wheat, Sparta - Lucy Ogletree Refreshment Break Four Season Destination Marketing CiderMill Farms, Harrow - G. Dewar Laing Circle R Ranch, Delaware - John Russell Wrap Up Safe Home Belman Mondav. ADril 26 'h. 2004 Port Stanley Festival Theatre 302 Bridge Street, Port Stanley, ON NOL 2AO ~ o ~ i!' 8:30a.m, 9:00 a.m. 9:15a.m, 10:15 a,m. 10:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 2:15 p,m. 2:30 p.m. 3:15 p,m. 3}0 p.m. Aylme 45 .Sparta From the west: Exit 401 or 402, south on Highway 4 (Talbot Road). Follow signs to St. Thomas, then continue south on Sunset Road to Port Stanley; approximately 35 minutes. If coming Highway 3, turn right at Talbotville, continue south on Talbot Road and Sunset Road. From the east: Exit on Wellington Road south to St, Thomas, then follow signs south on Sunset Road to Port Stanley. Or take Highway 4, south as above. Local Information & Accommodations A block of rooms have been set aside at the following locations : Registration Fee: $50/person by April 8'h, 2004 $75/person after April 8'h, 2004 Includes evening reception (Sunday) and lunch, refreshments and all workshops (Monday). Inn On the Harbour 202 Main St., Port Stanley, ON N5L IH6 519-782-7623 www.innontheharbour.ca Kettle Creek Inn 216 Joseph Street, Port Stanley, ON N5L lC6 519-782-3388 www/kettlecreekinn,com To Register Contact: Visit the conference website to download the registration form: www.Qov.on.ca/omaf and click on UP FRONT - Beyond the City Lights or contact the OMAF Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300. For more accommodation information in Port Stanley and surrounding area - check out this web site: www.port- stanlev.com Or you can call the St. Thomas - Elgin Tourist Association at 1-877-GO ELGIN or check their website at: www.elaintourist.com Bring Samples, Business Cards and Brochures to swap with "Regional Neighbours" Beyond"lh~i~iWcUgl1t$,,- !\;Qntario Rural Toul'ismConference {"~"YfJ In Uncertain Times ":rjl;25& 26, .2004 . Port Stanley ''''',' ,-"-',"-y,-".. c.·,_,_.,.·,.·...·.,·,._,...,:c, '_:--::>,::'-:-';::,,:.,' "._.:....'.,./._: :,", '/0 8:·"'''.>.'_',''/·_,<""< ¡<-~:.._,<'/y;;:'--;;::;: "-",',, ",_Z""""",',__' /;i,-:':;';;W<', April 26t 2004 Feature Speaker Garth Turner Garth Turner is known and trusted by millions of Canadians as an author, broadcaster, columnist, speaker, and successful entrepreneur. Garth is known for his strong views on fiscal management, debt reduction and the encouragement of small business and investment in Canada. Canadians from coast to coast read his weekly syndicated newspaper column or watch him on programs such as "Investment Television. " Garth Turner is passionate about preserving the heritage of our rural landscape. He is an active leader in restoring and rejuvenating the historic community of Caledon. Turner and his wife Dorothy founded the Credit River Company two years ago and have since purchased, restored and are now operating several heritage landmarks, including the 1888 Belfountain Village Store, the 1855 Cataract Inn and the Airport Road Rotisserie. Beyond the City Lights "Thriving In Uncertain Times" Attracting Tourism $$ to Your Region: The year 2003 brought us SARS, Mad Cow and tightened border security. Is your rural business ready for 2004? Attend this highly informative event and take home "best practice models" that will benefit your small business as well as your community. Realize the potential of tourism and tap into viable niche markets. Donna Messer is a firm believer in the power of networking. Using her own personal experiences, she tries to share the benefits and power of networking with others. As a keynote speakerr workshop co- ordinator or seminar leader, Donna Messer has helped many associations add value through the formation of effective alliances. Motivational Speaker Donna Messer Sunday, April 25/04 Donna will bring her enthusiasm and innovative ideas to the kick-off reception on Sunday evening. Don't miss her high energYr interactive presentation on "Networking For Success". Organizing Partners: . EUìfN (JOUNTY St. Tf"4Imas A~1.c~ S!. Thomas-Elgh,Toorl9tAs9ochltioo « 1/ ~<;.-~ ~'. :.' --..f~l'--' - -- ---- ..ro-, ,1IOtt. ... '"' Southwest Ontario Community Futures Development Corporations www.ontddc.com 1+1 ~~ =e L~'¥'~Canadã ''"'----- - ~ = ......... .....~ ---. '"""' ,.." -- ""' Wt!$tRegiøn Coo;mu~JLy Fuil¡re,o; DeWopme1'!t COrpor¡¡tian Sociétéd"aideall~errt·~<:C~ ® Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Emergency Health SerVices Branch 5700 Y onge Street, 6th Floor Toronto ON M2M 4K5 Tel.: 416-327-7909 Fax: 416-327-7879 Toll Free: 800-461-6431 Ministère de la Santé et des Sains de longue durée Direction des services de santé d'urgence 5700 rue Yange, ee étage Toronto ON M2M 4K5 TéL: 416-327-7909 Téléc,: 416-327-7879 Appels sans frals: 800-461-6431 ® Ontario RECEIVED MAR ! I) 2004 , ~OOUim' OfB..a.IN (~iì~~,!\m.~~- ~_." "ir~?~~ March 8, 2004 Mark MacDonald Chief Administrative Officer County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas ON N5R 5V1 Re: SARS One-Time Final Pavment - Countv of Elain - Ambulance Proaram Dear Mr. MacDonald: I am pleased to advise you that you will receive $4, 032 as the final payment for SARS extraordinary and incremental costs to address your claim covering the period to December 31, 2003. This funding is to assist the health care providers in addressing operating pressures associated with the unexpected costs incurred in the Ambulance Program as a result of SARS. A payment will be processed as part of your scheduled electronic direct deposit for March 29, 2004. ShOuld you require any further information or clarification, our Field Office would be pleased to assist you. Thank you. ¡f~J; Malcolm Bates Director Emergency Health Services Branch c: Field Office OTTAWA OFFICE Room 658 ConfederatIon Building House of Commons K1AOA6 Tel. (613) 990-7769 Fax (613) 996-0194 ;!¡ CONSTITUENCY OFFICE 499 TalbotSt. St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 1C3 Tel.. (519)631-3921 1-800-265-7810 Fax (519) 631-8555 HOUSE OF COMMONS OTTAWA,CANADA K1A OA6 RECEIVED ST. THOMAS March 17, 2004 Warden Dave Rock and Councillors Elgin County Council 450 Sunset Drive ST. THOMAS, ON N5R 5V1 MAR 19 2D04 COO!'~ iY "F 1r:J. f.'!1Jtt '''''T \I ~I:!II\I {~~-flf?)~lf~t~~rÊl1~ ~/~~ .If,;:~~''TI~~ Dear Warden and Councillors: On behalf ofMP Gar Knutson, I would like to provide some information regarding the Government of Canada's infrastructure program. On Feb. 12, the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of State (Inftastructure) announced negotiations with all provinces, including Ontario, and territories, will soon begin on new agreements to provide Canadians with better public infrastructure. Agreements under the $1 billion federal Municipal Rural Inftastructure Fund (MRIF) will allow communities- particularly smaller ones - to seek senior-level government funding for important public inftastructure improvements. The MRIF will also support other federal objectives for sustainable development, the environment and climate change, meaning 'green' projects - such as water, wastewater, solid waste, municipal energy improvements and public transit - will be considered. In addition, the MRIF will support projects that help improve local roads; cultural, recreational and tourism inftastructure; and broadband connectivity. The selection of any project will be guided by federal objectives on climate change, water quality, urban life, and innovation, so that Canadians obtain maximum results ftom infrastructure funding. The Government of Canada, through Minister's Scott office, is also looking for a role for municipalities to play, in a response to concerns express by municipalities. Prime Minister Paul Martin in St. Thomas on March 11 indicated that the federal government is willing to work with municipalities on their areas of concern. /2 THE HON. GAR KNUTSON, P.C., M.P. EJgin-Middlesex"London .+. -2- The government acknowledges that long-term inftastructure commitments are key to ensuring that communities, large and small, are competitive and healthy centres for economic growth, innovation and the well-being of all Canadians. In the past, through inftastructure programs, the county and many of its municipalities have benefited. In regard to funding under the MRIF, please note that at least 80 per cent of funding will be dedicated to communities with a population ofless than 250,000. The MRIF will be cost-shared with the province and municipalities. Also, please note that the Province of Ontario is being approached for participation. The government request that municipalities considering inftastructure programs, should first visit the web site; this site provides background information and the application process. In Ontario, the MRIF will be delivered through Industry Canada. The site is located at: www.inrrastructure.gc.ca. Information may also be obtained by calling Irrfi:astructure Canada (communications and promotion): 613 -948-1148. This office is committed to assisting constituents with government programs. Should you decide to proceed with a funding application, please contact me so we can support your application. I am the liaison on inrrastructure for this office. We look forward to assisting you, your council and your ratepayers. Sincerely, ..¡ /(;I?dwl-~C¥£.d ~a-u:/~ ~i~. Susan McConnell Special Assistant c.c Mr. Stephen McAuley, Thames Centre director, Environmental Services RECEIVED' . MAR 1 9 2004 COU!'lfìY OF ¡¡JDM¡r~¡Sir1~mft: ~~ lODE PATRON. HER MAJESTV THE QUEEN FOUNDED IN CANADA" 1900 Response to the Discussion Paper by Goldsmith Borgal & Company Ltd., Architects Of the Location Study Elgin County Pioneer Museum - St. Thomas, Ontario As your IODE representative on the executive board of the Elgin County Pioneer Museum I would like to update your chapter on the future of the Museum. The consultants presented a 52 page discussion paper to County Council and interested parties on March 9th, 2004. Receiving the paper I questioned the executive board of the museum regarding some of the items drafted by the consultants. Page 31 3.1.2 Why were persons selected by museum staff to be interviewed by the consultants? No member rrom lODE was selected and they are supporters along with the W.I. for the museum. Page 32 Why wa; IQDE I~ftout'? 3.1.3 Page 35 Quèstion: Why would Duncombe house need upgrading for proper humidity control, plus alarm system. These items have been upgraded plus windows were treated for sun damage to artifacts. New carpet installed in the meeting room and the attic was dry walled with shelving installed to store artifacts in a controlled humidity level. Page 36 3.2.5 3.2.6 Question; Accessible availability was the only concern at the on set of investigation. Was there a proper complaint filed over the years? Did this come rrom wanting a new building? Consultants confirm Duncombe house meets most codes with some minor in:tractions. Would there be limited windows innew museum location? There seems to be concern for alarm system with too many windows. Page 42 Question; Have artifacts been damaged by humidity swings? The agricultural building on museum grounds was built to house larger items but was not used to full capacity. ' Page 43 Whiledeciçling on alocation, would it be wise to leave Duncombe house empty? The consUltants suggest it's use as a historical showcase so why not take one step in this direction waiting for future plans. Pages 44 Question how the consultants found locations 45,46,47 · lODE PATRON, HER MAJESTV THE QUEEN FOUNDED IN CANADA. 1900 Page 2 Page 50 Question; If Duncombe house is used as a display feature of a historic home, 3.1. 7 does it have to be upgraded? Page 51 5.1 5.2 Is the county willing to assume the cost of added expense to operate Duncombe house as an offsite operation? What part would the present staff play in the setup? If the decision is made to go to CSAO Railway station, who owns the building? How much input would the designing of the museum in a leased building be shared with the owner of said building? Short Term Solution to Making a Long Term Decision Save the County $2,500.00 per month for leasing a site and take a step forward and setup Duncombe house as a historic artifact and store leftover artifacts as the museum is doing at the present time at the Talbot Street site or locate a smaller warehouse. Let the public enjoy Duncombe home on display until County council can make a favourable decision. The Museum will be looking for a 3 to 5 year completion of this project and in the mean time the public interest will be hard to maintain unless the Museum makes itself present in the community. Proceed, Restore the Duncombe as a historic showcase, store the unused artifacts. Maintain the agricultural building and honey house at the Duncombe home. Close the door between the county and military museums and reopen the former entrance to allow each their own identity. Long Term The Pioneer Museum, plus the artifact (Duncombe House) should be operated under one board and staff. Duncombe House operated as an artifact may not need the upgrading required by operating (Duncombe House) as a museum. It could offer opening afternoons and the new museum (when site decided) mornings the staff moving rrom site A to site B. My understanding is that Goderich employs this system. When a favourable location is made final by County council, hopefully the public will enjoy a facility allowing space to expand in future years. Dated - March 17th, 2004 lODE Representative ~J~ Copies to: Kenneth Lucas Chapter rODE Stirling Chapter rODE Centennial Chapter lODE Warden and Members of County Council Elgin County Pioneer Museum Executive Board OTTAWA OFFICE Room 658 Confederation Buî!dîng House of Commons K1AOA6 Tel. (613) 990-7769 Fax (613) 996-0194 CONSTITUENCY OFFICE 499 Talbot St. St Thomas, Ontario N5P 1C3 Tel. (519) 631~3921 1-800-265-7810 Fax (519) 631-8555 HOUSE OF COMMONS OTTAWA,CANADA K1A OA6 RECEIVED MAR 19 2004 COUNTY OF ELGIN i~~~rNfSrRATI\:lf? ~~¥iÆB ST. THOMAS March 16, 2004 Warden Ian Brebner County of Middlesex 399 Ridout Street N. London, ON N6A 2Pl Dear Warden Brebner: I am pleased to provide tills letter of support for the Middlesex-Elgin Community Residency Program. I am aware our communities have been struggling with doctor shortages, particularly in the rural areas. The doctor shortage requires a long-term solution and the proposed Residency ProgråJJ1 provides the opportunity of a solution for smaller communities, like those in the riding of Elgin -Middles ex-London. In addition, many medical graduates are unable to obtain residency positions to complete their qualifications. Many - including new Canadians who are foreign-trained - are unable to complete their qualifications without financial incentives and assistance to train as medical persounel in our comÍJ1unities. It is also obvious a rural network is required to assist medical personnel specialize in the demands of rural and small community practices. 12 THE HON. GAR KNUTSON,P.C., M.P. Elgin-Middlesex,-l.q(ldoo" .+. -2- I would like to commend both Middlesex and Elgin councils and the many others who have worked hard on this unique proposal to find a long-term solution to a looming problem. Yours truly, ~ Gar Knutson, P.C., M.P. C.C. Warden Dave Rock, Ms. Mary Zelinski GK: smc Township of MALAHIDE 87 John Street South, Aylmer, Ontario N5H 2C3 Telephone: (519) 773-5344 Fax: (519) 773-5334 Email: malahide@township.malahide.on.ca www.township.malahide.on.ca March 22, 2004 County of Elgin, 450 Sunset Drive, St. llhomas, ()ntario. N5R5Vl Attention: Dave Rock, Warden Dear Sir: RE: Doctor Shortage and Community Residency Program. Malahide llownship Council met recently and passed the following Resolution: THAT Malahide Township supports the County of Elgin's participation in a pilot project, lead by Middlesex County, designed to certify doctors trained in other countries for practice in local communities. Yours very truly, T()WNSHIP ()F MA.LAHIDE ij /-4 _ 4/ / v' L. ~( R. MILLARD, C.A()./CLERK H:\diana's files\Randy 2004\county elign - doctor shortage march.2004"wpd RANDALL R. MilLARD CAO./Chk Email;clerk@township.malahide.on.ca SUSAN E. wnsON Treasurer Emaîl: treasurer@townsmp.malahide.on.ca Municipality of Bayham REceiVED Oþ ",'" P0"funity Is ."o~ PO. Box 160,9344 Plank Road, Straffordville, Ontario NO] 1 YO Tel: (519) 866-5521 . Fax: (519) 866-3884 emili: bayham@bayham.on,ca MAR 18 2004 f'om~r'{ Of a.GîN . , v .&'iJ~r~""'%!' ;~.Du\ì!lf;I!STRA-rolE ~!t~''f,,;¡í:<~ March 8, 2004 Dave Rock, Warden County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5VI Dear Warden Rock Re: Doctor Shortage and Community Residencv Program I am please to advise that the Council of the Municipality of Bayham fully supports the Middlesex-Elgin Community Residency Program. Our community was declared under-serviced in October 1997 and efforts to address this local shortage have not been successful to date. As well, Bayham recently suffered another blow to the availability of medical services by the temporary suspension of the license of Dr. C.L. Leatherdale in Port Burwell. There is definitely a need for a long-tenn solution to this doctor shortage. The Community Residency Program provides the opportunity for rural and small urban communities to work with the health care community to develop a long-tenn solution to this challenge. By concentrating on development of a new supply of family physicians and specialists, the Community Residency Program focuses on the centre of the doctor shortage challenge. The time has come for commUlÜties to stop competing with each other and work together to create a supply of medical professionals needed to serve our citizens now and in the future. Council appreciates the leadership you have shown on the Community Residency Program and your efforts to develop support with other levels of government. Addressing the shortage of doctors in this manner will benefit us all. Yours truly , ~~~ Lynda Millard Clerk Cc: Steve Peters MPP File: Al6 / C2004-03l m4£ ~utticipalif1J nf ~£zf I:îl£itt March 15, 2004 R£CE,"ED County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive 81. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 ,,\M~ 1"t 2004 cout~!'( ~ a-. ~~ . ~~~~m,.r;-r¿'¡/t' ~vø ?Ð~~,,~~5"'.~; , . Attn: Warden Dave Rock Dear Warden Rock: RE: 'MIDDLESEX-ELGIN COMMUNITY RESIDENCY PROGRAM We are pleased to provide our support for the Middlesex-Elgin Community ResidencyProgram. For some time, our community has been faced with a pending doctor shortage that requires a long-term solution. The Community Residency Program provides the opportunity for rural and small urban communities to work with the health care community to develop the required long- term solution to this challenge. By concentrating on the development of a new supply of family physicians and specialists, the Community Residence Program focuses on the centre of the doctor shortage chaiienge. For too iong, communities have competed against each other for a short supply of medical professionals. The time has come for communities to work together to create the supply of medical professions that is required to serve our citizens today and in the future. The Community Residency Program is the perfect vehicle to bring communities together for this worthy goal. We appreciate the leadership that you have shown on this project and your efforts to develop support with other levels of government. Addressing the doctor shortage in this manner will benefit us all. Yours truly,. I 1 ~ p JkJ~ Graham Warwick Mayor 22413 Hoskins Line, Box 490, Rodney, Ontç¡rio NOL 2CO Tel: (519) 785-0560 Fox: (519) 785-0644 A healthy life journey, in a safe, caring community Une vie en santé au sein d'une communauté sécuritaire et bienveillante Council Members: R. Barnier, Chair R. Alder I. Brebner P. Collins R. Hall M. Hanley G. Puddicombe M. Raithby B. Waters Executive Director p, Huras 100 CoUip Circie, Suite 105 U.w.O, Research Park London, Ontario N6G 4X8 Tel/Tél: (519) 858-5015 Fax/Tèlèc: (519) 858-5016 htlp:llwww.tvdhc.on.ca March 10, 2004 Warden David Rock County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive, 1st Floor St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 Dear David: On behalf of the Thames Valley District Health Council (TVDHC), I am conveying my support for Elgin and Middlesex Counties' innovative plan to address the local Primary Care doctor shortage. This effort is consistent with the District Health Council's top planning priority this year to improve access to primary health care. TVDHC views the problem of accessing primary health care to be complex; requiring multifaceted strategies to achieve improvements. Your intent to increase the supply of family physicians through the offering of new residericies for foreign trained doctors is considered a critical component to any strategy to improve access. It is the desire of the District Health Council to see Thames Valley become a "magnet" district for primary health care professionals, where they will want to train, stay, return, and move to our communities to advance their careers, serve the patients, and advance the knowledge of this frontline health service. Your proposal will contribute to this ideal and will lead to improved access. I look forward to working with your planning committee to further the development of this initiative. If, in the meantime, I can offer any additional support please contact me at extension 226, or phuras@tvdhc.on.ca. Yll~ Paul W. Huras, CHE Executive Director c. Mark McDonald DR Elgin M/dd dr shortage sup Itr ~ -..- Ontario Steve Peters, M.P.P. Elgin - Middlesex -London RECEIVED Wi,R 23 aM _ttOfISH, ',""'<!i"''''-''''I'¥'!I!ì:'''''''''~ r~.,§J~~~~:~"~~~!Ì:~:~··'·~:¡'¡;' March 19, 2004 Honourable Gerard Kennedy Minister of Education 22nd Floor, Mowat Block 900 Bay Street Toronto, ON M7A lL2 Dear Minister: Please find enclosed a letter rrom Mayor John R. Wilson, Township ofMalahide, and a second letter and a resolution rrom the Connty of Elgin, both in regards to rural school closures and what is felt by rural communities as a rift in the Thames Valley District School Board between urban and rural concerns. Minister, municipal officials rrom my riding were hoping to have an opportunity to meet with you to discuss these important issues at the recent ROMAlOGRA Conference in Toronto. Unfortunately, your busy schedule made it impossible for you to attend the conference. My municipal colleagues are still hoping to discuss these vitally important issues with you in person. I would appreciate your fmding the time to meet with Mayor Wilson and other local municipal officials at your soonest convenience, either in my riding or at your ministerial offices in Toronto. As always, thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Sincerely, ~t~ Steve Peters, M.P.P. Elgin-Middlesex -London Cc: Mayor John R. Wilson, Township ofMalahide Warden David Rock, County of Elgin 542 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P lC4 -T - (519) 631-0666 Toll free - 1-8"00-265-7638 F - (519) 631-9478 E - speters"mpp..co@liberal.ola.org www.stevepeters.com '([[lp,~ ¿aa:unicipa:lit~ nf ~£st IQlgiu March 15, 2004 REceiVED St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 ~AR 1V ~~ 1"'" t¡,ni~J.rn:: ~ ",jj,I.M!! ""., ,< , "'~, CI/R>,&'<~(i;~f¡~Yf"'~~"f~.~, tž~iI>"ì~ 0", "ill "',"""",",,,,iI,y,, ",im'9!lJ!i"", If:~"," ~,~·,<-.~f",,'· ."-.' "d^, '. County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive Attn: Sandra Heffren Deputy Clerk Dear Madame: RE: SIZE AND COMPOSITION OF THE THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD Please be advised that the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin, in support of your request, passed a resolution at its meeting held on March 11, 2004. A copy of the said resolution is attached for your information. Please circulate this letter, as you feel necessary. Yours truly, ~JJ~ Norma I. Bryant, HonBA, AMCT Clerk Encl. 22413 Hoskins line, Box 490, Rodney, Ontario NOL 2CO Tel: (519) 785-0560 Fax: (519) 785-0644 MUNICIPALITY OF WEST ELGIN RESOLUTION # c¡ /7 /,/ --I" Moved by,' ì' ¡y Date: March 11, 2004 Seconded by RESOLVED that Council of the Municipality of West Elgin is in support of a resolution put forth by County of Elgin regarding the size and composition of the Thames Valley District School Board. DISPOSITION: µ~ p? TOWNSHIP OF ZORRA 274620 27th Line, PO Box 306, Ingersoll, ON, N5C 3K5 Ph, (519) 485-2490 - 1-888-699-3868 - Fax: (519) 485-2520 'RECE\VED March 18, 2004 I.\!\R 22 '¿QQ4 CO~~O~~ f1¿'!}~,ft¡tl¡!¡e)II,1!\~~íE .' County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Attention: S.J. Heffren, Deputy Clerk Dear Mrs. Heffren, At the March 16,2004 meeting of Zorra Township Council, the following resolution was adopted in response to your correspondence dated February 10, 2004: "THAT the Council of the Township of Zorra endorse the resolution of the County of Elgin petitioning the Minister of Education to conduct a review of the size and composition of the Thames Valley District School Board to reflect the urban and rural differences in education delivery." Our support of your resolution .has been forwarded to the Minister of Education, the Thames Valley District School Board and our local M.P.P. Respectfully, .~ nnie Hinan Deputy Clerk c.c. Hon. Gerard Kennedy, Minister of Education Thames Valley District School Board Ernie Hardeman, Oxford M.P.P. 04-023 internet: www.zorra.on.ca Email: zorra@zorra.on.ca Township of East Zorra- Tavistock Box 100 / 90 Loveys Street Hickson, Ontario NOJ 1 LO Email ezt@twp.ezton.ca Web www.twp.ezton.ca Phone 519.462.2697 Fax 519.462,2961 RECEIVED March 18, 2004 MAR 19 .- œø"OFSSI ~--- Opy Honourable Gerard Kennedy Minister of Education 900 Bay St Mowat Block, 22"d Fioor Toronto ON M7 A 1 L2 Dear Mr. Kennedy: Re: Size and Composition of the Thames Valley District School Board In response to a request from the County of Elgin to support their resolution requesting that you give consideration to the feasibility of reviewing the size and composition of the Thames Valley District School Board, the Council of East Zorra-Tavistock passed the following resolution at their regular meeting on March 17, 2004, 2004: "Resolved that Council endorse the resolution passed by the County of Elgin requesting that the Province review the size and composition of the Thames Valley District School Board; and further that notice of support be forwarded to the Honourable Gerard Kennedy, Minister of Education. " A copy of the correspondence from Elgin County Council has been enclosed for your convenience. ~~~ Brenda Junker, AMCT Deputy Clerk p.c. County of Oxford County of Elgin \\server1\data\CQUNCIL\Correspondence\Endorsements\Cty Elgin re TVDSB.doc Apr. 2. 2004 3:42PM TOWN OF AYLMER No.3961 p. 1 TOWN OF AYLMER 46 Talbot Street, West, Aylmer, Ontario N5H 1J7 Office: (519) 773-3164 Fax: (519) 765-1446 Ad:mimtratf.tnc Wendell Grave¡; - Admini5f:rator . Phy1!is Ketchabaw - Clerk April 2, 2004. Premier Dalton McGinty, The Honourable Gerard Kennedy, Minister of Education. Honourable Sirs: Please be advised of the following resolution passed by Aylmer Town Council on Monday evening, March nnd, 2004, endorsing the resolution of the County of Elgin: "That Council endorse the resolution of the County of Elgin regarding the size and composition oftbe Thames Valley District Scbool Board, and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Premier Dalton McGinty, Thames Valley District School Board, The Leader ofthe Opposition, MPP Steven Peters, and the County of Elgin." A copy of the County of Elgin's resolution is attached for ease of reference. ¡,=::.~~ ,flPrryllh K"''''',w c.c. Thames Valley District School Board Honourable Steven Peters, MPP Elgin/MiddlesexILondon County ofElgin ~ - Ontario Ministry of Finance Office of the Minister Ministère des Finances Bureau du ministre ? Floor, Frost Building South 7 Queen's Park Crescent Toronto ON M7A 1Y7 Telephone: 416 325-0400 Facsimile: 416 325-0374 ye étage, Édifice Frost sud 7, Queen's Park Crescent Toronto ON M7 A 1Y7 T éléphone: 416 325-0400 Télécopieur: 416325-0374 March 10, 2004 RECEJVED MAR 22 2004 Mrs. Sandra J. Heffren Deputy Clerk County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive 51. Thomas ON N6R 5Vl OOUN"iY OF ElGIN "f)!'u'IMlf''t''ðâ'fr1ì'"'' Rm?¿;:¥'''' ¡;~.~,,1~~~@ij~1B"1>~ ~~¥!.~ ;:~~-J;i$j ; 'i Dear Mrs. Heffren: Thank you for your letter of February 12, 2004, in support of a resolution passed by the County of Oxford regarding OST AR funding for water system upgrades. As the matter falls under the jurisdiction of my colleague, the Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs, I have taken the liberty of forwarding a copy of your letter to him for his consideration. Thank you again for writing. Yours sincerely, v c. The Honourable Ralph Goodale Federal Minister of Finance The Honourable John Gerretsen Minister of Municipal Affairs ·RECEIVED < A Message from the Presid~~'ii~:1Y~F . Dr. Paul Davenport .\íìIt.o,"",.RAM 1YT,'''- wè-s' Leading. Thinking. n It is a pleasure for me to write to you during The University of Western Ontario's l25ili Anniversary Celebrations. Enclosed you will find a copy of the 2003 President's Report, detailing Western's many achievements during this past year. The support we gamer today ftom friends, faculty, students, staff and alumni for teaching, research, academics and athletics is unprecedented. Western continues to rise in stature as one of Canada's leading universities. Some of the highlights ftom this past year include: · Last September's announcement that Campaign Western had exceeded its goal of $270 million. To date, we have raised more than $284 million, with two months remaining in the campaign. To view a complete list of all Western's donors, please visit our donor web site at http://www.ahunni.uwo.caldonors/ or (519) call 661-2199 and we will mail you a copy of the list. · Western faculty members currently hold 33 Canada Research Chairs. · This fall, Western admitted nearly 6,800 first-year students. Western is now an academic community of more than 32,000 students, nearly 3,500 full-time faculty and staff, and more than 200,000 alumni worldwide. · In 2003, Western captured Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Championships in Men's Squash, Women's Curling, Figure Skating and Women's Track and Field. In the fall Western garnered four championship banners in Men's Tennis, Women's Rugby, Men's Soccer and Badminton. · As 2003 came to a close, the Mustang cheerleaders defended their national championship and extended their winning streak to an impressive 19 straight Canadian titles. In 1878, Royal Assent was given to the Ontario Legislature's Bill for incorporation of "The Western University of London, Ontario." The new university offered programs in divinity, arts, law, medicine and engineering. Since then, the University has experienced many changes and has grown significantly. In October 2003, more than 500 alumni, faculty, students, donors, ftiends and staff gathered in the Great Hall to celebrate Western's l25ili Anniversary more people than were registered at Western during its first year as a university. As we look to the future, I am excited by the many opportunities for Western to continue to grow as an outstanding teaching and research institution. Sincerely, fJO~ Paul Davenport President and Vice-Chancellor The University of Western Ontario OFFICE OF11lE REGIONAL CHAIRMAN PETER PARTINGTON The Regional Municipality of Niagara 2201 St. David's Road West, P.O. Box 1042 Thorold, Ontario L2V 4T7 Telephone: 905-685-1571 Fax: 905-685-6243 RECEIVED MAR 19 2004 COON'IY OF 8.G1N AD.I\IIIN¡STAA-~ March 3, 2004 Warden DuncanJ. McPhail County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas ON N5R 5Vl Dear Head of Council: A Forum for Canadian Municipalities International Awards for Liveable Communities Do you have success stories to tell about your community? Are innovations being applied where you live to make your corner of the world a better place? Do the following criteria bring 'good news' images to mind - environmentally sensitive practices, heritage management, enhancing the landscape, community participation and planning for the future? Are you interested in sharing best practices with practitioners from around the world - practitioners in the 'liveable communities' movement? If so, then participation in the International Awards for Liveable Communities competition (LlVCOM), formerly Nations in Bloom, is for you. The United Nations Environment Program endorses the program. Many Canadian communities, including our own, have enjoyed considerable benefits as a result of being involved in the program. Communities such as Kelowna and Richmond Re., Markham, Brantford, Stratford, Wainfleet, Waterloo, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Arnprior and Goderich in Ontario, Chelsea Quebec and St. John N.B. have all been engaged. Perhaps you've read about their success stories in the Municipal World magazine or in local media. You can also check out their website at 'www.livcomawards.com'. The finals for LlVCOM 2004 are being held in Niagara Falls, and we are gearing up to have the finals come to Canada for the first time, specifically the Region of Niagara. The more interest we generate now, the better the Canadian level of participation will be. Best practices are coming to our doorstep, so why not join in? Niagara's finals event will incorporate a series of tours highlighting heritage, horticulture, natural areas, special events for delegates and their guests, tasting of Niagara wines, and much more. As the new Chairman at the Region of Niagara, I am pleased to continue our commitment to hosting a stellar event in Niagara in 2004. We encourage you to prepare and forward your submission; please see registration brochure attached. Yours truly, r~r~ Peter Partington Regional Chairman Attachment Federation of Canadian Municipalities Fédération canadienne des municipalités March 23, 2004 MEMBERS' ADVISORY Please distribute to all members of Council BudQet Confirms New Deal Down Payment Today's budget confirms the Government's down payment on the New Deal as announced in the Speech from the Throne. The accelerated infrastructure commitments and 100 per cent GST refund are important steps in the right direction. In particular, the acceleration in spending of the $1 billion Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund from 10 years to five will bring money sooner to meet infrastructure needs in small, rural and remote communities. We are also pleased that the Government confirmed its intention to work with the provinces and territories to share with municipal governments a portion of gas-tax revenues or to determine other fiscal mechanisms that achieve the same goals. But we are concerned that the Government could not provide a more detailed accounting of the timelines for these negotiations. The push for a New Deal could lose its hard-won momentum without clear targets in place. One way to avoid this would be to have the New Deal on the agenda of the next First Ministers' Meeting. ' Despite these misgivings, we are satisfied that the Govemment is moving forward with the New Deal, particularly in its commitment to providing municipal governments with a stronger voice in federal decisions. The budget also includes a number of other items of interest to municipal governments. The bulk of the money from the $995 million relief package for Canadian agriculture producers, announced on Monday, will go directly to cattle producers. In addition, the budget will provide $90 million over fIVe years to support a Northern Strategy for economic development. The budget also provides: · $3.5 billion over 10 years to accelerate the ongoing cleanup of contaminated sites for which federal departments are responsible (more than 60 per cent of these expenditures are expected to occur in the North; more than 40 per cent of the sites affected by the announcement are in or near urban areas). · $500 million over 10 years to provide support for remediation activities on sites like the Sydney tar ponds. · A commitment to put the Govemment's $1 billion in affordable housing funds to work quickly and to follow with additional investments and to provide GST relief to municipal non-profit housing. This was a key element of FCM's request for this year's budget. .../2 - 2 - · Expansion and extension of the Urban Aboñginal Strategy to more communities and the renewal of the Aboñginal Human Resources Strategy. FCM will work with the federal govemment and Aboñginal groups in our communities to further develop this part of a new deal. · Creation of a new $400 million Canada Public Health Agency and a national real-time public surveillance system to protect the health, safety and secuñtyof Canadian communities. FCM will urge the Govemment of Canada to follow with a national strategy for preparedness and response related to all forms of emergendes. · $15 million for enhanced language training to reduce labour-market barñers faced by immigrants. FCM will urge further steps toward enhanced recognition of credentials and supports for settlement of immigrants. For more information, please contact Massimo Bergamini at 613"241-5221 ex!. 247 Check the FCM website March 24 for additional analysis of today's federal budget announcements. Federation of Canadian Muniåpaliues Fédénuon canadienne des municipalités March 22, 2004 MEMBERS' ADVISORY Please distribute to all members of Council. GST Refund for Municipal Governments We have been communicating with officials in the Department of Finance on the specifics of the 100 percent refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the federal portion of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). The Department of Finance Canada has released a notice of Ways and Means Motion to Amend the Excise Tax Act. Details of these proposed amendments are available on their Web site at: www.fin.Qc.ca/news04/04-018e.html. The 100 percent GST rebate goes into effect February 1, 2004. However, municipalities will receive the refund payment (with interest) only when enabling legislation is passed by the House and Senate and receives Royal Assent. The timing of this is uncertain. We expect that the draft legislation will be released with the Budget on March 23, 2004. For the most part, administering the GST refund will be business as usual. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is advising all municipalities how to file for the new refunds but will probably not have instructions on interpreting the new legislation until after the legislation becomes law. The legislation will include a transparency component, which means that the federal government will be granted the power to publish the amounts of the new refund, in total or for anyone municipality. However, the federal government has indicated that it will not be imposing conditions on where or how the money is spent. Nonetheless, the way the GST refund is used does have important political implications. Demonstrating, through public events and media releases, how the GST refund has been used, particularly for capital projects, will influence the Government of Canada's receptivity to future revenue sharing agreements. We urge you to identify specific actions using the GST refund and to share this infonnation with us and with your Members of Parliament in the coming months. For more information: Jacqueline Hynes, (613) 241-5221 ext.302. 83/29/84 17:28:13 EST: ASSOCIATION OF?-) 519 633 7661 CLERK-Elgin Co Pa.ge 882 MAR-29-04 MON 05:01 PM 260 FAX NO. 416 971 6191 P. 01 I ['....../ f"' Associalion of ;' _~. Mur¡jcip;:¡lities 'U' ofOnlario ~~~/J.4\õ\' ....'...,..""'~··~''',''"'~~~-~··~-...~11 ~..~" . _.~-- ~}~' f,;~:"f., " .,". ~': <'. ., "'1«\ ~::';, .,~, ,.,\,~_..~,,¡I ~'1' ..v:-.ø Z.~\\(,,r,; :t~4 \~. ?if?! ~',~ ... ~ $fl' ~\ I I}' IÞ'>~~':'~" .~: ~'1!" ~"~~:."".I,J¡,,,.,..,¡ "...~~ I!,.,~ J!.<r'~' "\:"" ~ "!¡ì.,..;d~:f" tàl ~;~.A.~.~ ~'~~~''>'''~_~~'I>.Ik/¡f-'!:c-''~'~'WI."",._Mr'Uð'' ."",.,.,"""J_,.<oomo,,,._' 393 U1ivcroíty Avt1luo. Suile 1701 T ,,"onto, ON M5G 1 EB T<J:, (~16) 971·9800' fax: (416) 9'11-6191 ernait: BlTlO@):1n1O,municom.rom To the imm(,ujiit¡c ¡¡(tenlloll of tlle Clerk and Council March 29, 2004 - Alert 041013 Premiùr McGuinty puts vision of strong communities in writing I,,~uc: Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinly todfJY signed an open lelter to all Heads of Council setting out ¡'lis govornmont's vision of strong communities in OntÐfÍo. Back(Ji'OUllfI: Todny's lelter was £I follow-up by Premier McGuinty afler last week's meeting between the Premier and AMO President Ann Mulvale. At that meeting, AMO agreed to distribute the Premier's letter to Hor¡ó;,; of (;01111(:il. The loll(;r clll"Onicl0s early action by the government on a variety of issues, including planning, funding For Waste Diversion Ontario, social housing, child care, flexibility in property tax policy and irilaleml coorHation on a proposed new immigration agreement with the federal government. "rh!) k~lIur dO$cribos tile Pmmier's request to Prime Minister Paul Martin to form a federal-provincial- municírJ/:\\ w(Jr!(ing group 'for tril¡¡tcral cooperation in important fiscal, governance and service delivery nwlters. Il ;\1\;0 inclicatcs lhat the Premier has asked Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John <3erretson to worl, towiJrd a new parlnership wilh municipalities including new governance and fil1unçial tools for municipal governmcntr.. The loHor nlso reitnrates Premier McGuinty's commitment to entrenching pre-consultation with mlll1ici[mlilies in IcOisl"llion and addilional financial rcsources for mUnicipalities, including the share of provincìnl ÇJ<JS tm:cs for public twnsit. ^ copy of the Prorn1er's letler is 8l1ached. AMO Action: AMO !1U(; committed Lo working in partnership wilh the provincial government to look at ways to strcnolhen Ontf:¡¡io's communities. AMO has begun discussions on the development of an effective prOCO¡K, to suµport the partnership and create ouLcomes that will make sense for Ontario's municipal govorntnol1ls and properly tax payers. You am onC()Urafwd to review AMO's presentation provided to the Premier during last week's mœtin\) al j¡¡''Y.!:I¡l!,!1W.9...ml.c<!. For f¡wm in[ar/ìwtiofJ. contact: Pal Vanini, Executive Diroclor, at 416-971-9856 ext. 316. 83/29/84 17:28:56 EST: ASSOCIATION OF?-) 519 633 7661 CLERR-Elyin Co Faye 883 MAR-29-04 MON 05:02 PM 260 FAX NO. 416 971 6191 P. 02 ï11!) Prcmler r;,j Onl¡:uio L';:Dh-'b~,,1C Þ.llJl!dll'D (!~!e;,:.r(¡'~ }-7.a;1~ 1'-;;¡n:.,,1ta.On1A1(a M'rA 1M Lß Premier ministre de l'Ontarlo t~I'iCQ o. I'Aswmblé. lég'slatlvo OiJ~Ii'S Par,( Tol'Ot,(¢ (Onl1loo) M7A 1M {tj On~riQ r'1i¡rçh 29, 2004 OPEN U.;ïií:R FRO'" PR!:MIER DALTON MCGUINlY TO HEADS OF COUNGL Working with you to build stmng communities Is one of the most important prioritIes of our IF""" 9ùvemmcot, That's why I am writing to you today, to provide an update on our prowe,:;¡; 1.0 d¡1te, and lhe plan far moving forward. Whcòn I spoke ¡;¡t the annual AMO conference last August, I told you that I wanted a partnership to grow the kind of strong communitIes that we all want to see in the province. ¡ to1d you that my new government would work with you, not against you, or f,1'Qlmd you. 0,1r govE<rnment has taken conc:rete steps to bu1lÇ that partnership and our C()mI'ì1~lnít!;:~. W.;: cancelled the previous government's plan to force a municipal referendum on any pl'Oro~t)d mun1cipa\ revenui!.! Increa¡¡es, induding property tax increases. It was a short- siç¡hlt:d pre ·Ii.:!e.:tion gimmick that would only harm our communitJes. ·nH~ Str0nç¡ Communities (Planning Amendment) Act; Introduced In December, would IInlit the I'Ole of the OntarIo Municipal Board In making planning decisions for our CO{\)lnuniUc'.; "l1id retl.1rn those powers to the people who should have them - dHl1oc:ratlc<ìlly ejected munIcIpal governments. If passed, the bill will give you more time to r"vlew pli:lr"1nlng applications and, in particular, &top appeals to the OMS for urban ò?xP;;I\!:IO/iS ¡r,to rural area::; over the objections of loœl councils. We plan to take further <1d1ün to 1111f1roVê the planning system and reform the OMB. ThG prevIous government had a perfect opportunIty to take meaningful action on õ.fforò"bl¿¡ hO\,J$!ng through the federal/provlnclal/munldpal program - yet they dId VHtu<.1Ily nothing. Since we took office, the province and Its þartnel'$ have announced motu them 2,300 new affordable units. We moved promptly to fix administrative pr(,blems with tM pHot program that mun1cipalllies had Identified. We have also made improvement:;; tð the rent supplt?mellt program to give munlc1palftles the flexibilitY and control thçy have requesied. And we have moved forward with a Provincial Rent Bank th~¡t will wOI'k with existing local rent banks to help tenants stay in their homes. We have t}\ken In!tf~1 steps to ensure that our munlclpalltle$ have greater flexibility in dctcrm!nlng a!;propriate tax rates for homeowners ¡¡nd buSinesses. We have also moved forward on a fundm9 plan for Waste Diversion Ontario. It provides new funding support for n¡unfclp81 ¡¡¡cycling programs. We have expedited the flow of federal funds for child C81'€. ... 2 © --...---. ~-~......"-'-~"'... EST: ASSO~IATIOß OF?-) 519 633 7661 ~LERK-Elyin ~o Paye ElEI4 nAR-29-04 MON 05:03 PM 260 FAX NO. 416 971 6191 P. 03 -2- Tn the spring sœsion of the legislature, we wm cont1nue our progress in strengthening wmrnunitl,,;¡: revÞ;;Ions to the ProvIncial PoliCY St<Jtement, new regulations to support th,¡; deVf:!oprnAnt of brownfields, and consuJt<;tions on a Growth Management Plan for tM GreatE:t Goldel1 Ho!'!.eshoe aod the development of a Greater Toronto Tr;,¡nspoltatiOn Autholity. We have alrf<3óY se,en the value of your p..xpertlse and Input when we're deliberating pnwlnclal progrðms and policies, or speaking with the federal government, regarding rI1~t!:Cr$ th¡¡~ impact munjc:lpalities. 11.5 just one example of our wmmitment to the plinciple of better municipal c(;,multi.ìtJon, vii: h¡)V(¡; brought your representatives to the table wIth the federal g{¡v<!mrn€l1t as we discuss a new ImmIgration agreement with Canada. 1 h¡;,vc n:f,:;:nt1y written to the Prime Minister asking for the formation of a federal- plOvln(:i,jJ.-munjc1pð! worl<lng group that would: . I)evdop a framework by whIch munlcJpalitles can have a seat at th~ table of n:;¡tional change ' . Ë>,,¡:¡mlne options to make muniCipalities more fiscally sustainable, autonomous and ðcrountable ~ Identify "od remõ:diate federal and provincial policies that place inappropriate pressures and constraInts on mLlnldpalltJes, and .. E5taI:Jlish a process by which municipalities can be involved in federal-provincial co-location and service harmonl:zatlon Initiatives. And i;\S a demonstration that new federal financial support for municipalities should not r<:sult j(l a d¡;cr€<<I,:e in provincial !¡UPport, our government has pl~ged not to claw back the new f6U€:\'", GST rebate. WhHc 1 believe our govemment has made excellent progress In strengthening our cor,1mUl1JUez In our tìrst few months [n office, much more action is needed, I have as.~€;d tha Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, John Gerrètsen, to begin a dialogue with our munIcipal leaders that will result in a new partnership between the provincial Qovernment ¡jnd our mun1cipaUtres, Including new governance and financial tools for 1'(í\JO ¡çipaliti<es. T!K~ CÒri\¡~rstone of this new partnership will be enshrln1ng a stronger role for munlt:lpaHt1ez hî legislation. NJ I told you at the AMQ conferenœ last ye<!lr, we will be würking witn AMO to enshrine th!'ò t>1emornndum of Understanding between the .,.3 EST; ASSOCIATION OF?-) Page IjElS S19 &33 7&&1 CLERH-Elgin Co MON 05:04 PM 260 FAX NO. 416 971 6191 P. 04 -3- pmvhK0 and mu¡¡it.ipa¡rties in I~Qlslation. We wi!( "Iso be undertakIng a review of the NU1J/c/¡J[l! Aäto ensure that our municipalleðderS have the power aod flexibility needed to eff~t¡ve¡y and creatively serve the needs of the people In theIr communities. 1 know you understand that the province faces a sIgnificant fiscal c:haJlenge. You <lnd I didn't ere"!.A thIs context. But we must govern in it. I understand that you, too, have V(:I'Y re,,1 Ii!;ca! challenges. We need to work together, In partnership, to meet these ch~liC!nges while meeting the nceds of the ~ople we both serve. I understand, and I know you do too, th¡¡t one level of government can't sìmply try to solve its problems on the bacl< Of the other level of government. Our gÐvNmnent wlJl be movIng forward with phasing In new financial resources for fl1\Inidp<'llitics, induding the dedication of two cents of the exlsttng provincial gas tæc for pubilc l,r:iìm:!t, AS P¡¡¡t of the dialogue on a new provlndal-munlclpal partnershiþ, we i:\!$CI want to r,N!ew new munlc1pal own-source revenue tools. Lastly, we need to work têog<,!th«r with thiS federal govEirnment- one level of government amongst us with a SIIi'pkIS .. to ('Mure they are a full partner in deliverIng these new financIal resources for mUi1tclpalities. . Unlike the previous government, I trust our municipal leaders. I believe you will make th" right det:isions with these new tools and powers. Each of us was elected by our vm!',,,:; tö deliver good government and ultimately each of us will be held accountable by our vot(ìt'$ for the decisions we make. I look forw..rd to collaborating w1th you as we all work together to strengthen our ·)ntrnunm"s. ( .Ioil ~~~~ì;!in . rl':r,11er /'" c: --1hG. Honourable Jo n Gerretsen Thl'] R,Jght (Ionourable Pi;Ju! Martín ---,..-- - 84/85/84 22:11:83 EST: ASSOCIATION OF?-} 519 633 7661 CLERK~EIyin CD Pay" 882 FAX NO, 416 971 6191 P. 01 I G1/ ~ Association of . ~~:' \ ) Municip~litìes ..', , t t... of Ontario APR-05-04 MON 04:50 PM 260 ~~~I:£I~k.;1I5.'Ii:D I ,;¡~~. I,;; ~~;J. '. I , ...,,1 t....·, ~ ¡" ¡~~¡;~~~~~~ ' ,.} .~~ :~~..ø,.~,:.! ~,,--,,.~..... iäI -- ',r"t ~'...''!' _,....""'" - .æ~"~~.i -........-.i.~J - ~-' -- ~-........ 393 Univoroily AVffiUO. SUite 1701 Ta'DnID, ON M:"ß 1 E6 Td: (416) 971-UBOO' fs'" (416)971-6191 001<:11[: 3!1îO@;amo.n1unicam.oom To ttN iulme:di<lto Mtpntion oftlJC Clerk and Council April 5,2004 - Alert 04'014 AMO Responds to Environment Minister's Announcement on Review of Environlmmtal Assessment Process and Waste Diversion Strategy IS$lh~: Environrmmt Minister Leoné1 DomlJrowsky announces a review of the environmental ~\S5aSsmCflt process and will release a w;;¡ste diversion discussion paper related to new 60% 1arget. B¿iCknrouml: Tho Minister of Environment's announcement includes a review of the EA process, and devnloping 1;1 framp-work agreement to avoid duplication of Federal EA legislation. Members of the rimel wore n(lt ;mnouncod today. TI18 10-perwn advisory review panel will have municipal represt'Jntation and will: . Identify key impediments to obtaining timely approvals for projects subject to the environmental w.;so$$rnrmt process; Dnd Examlno the eXisting environmental assGssment process and identify potential improwments by co,tçgory of activity. The Ministry of Environment will also release a discussion paper on options for achieving the 60% waste diversion torget. The p¡'lp0r will include discussions on; BeHinD province,widO objectives; Sct!ilÎ!J divcrdon targets for residential waste; Ccntr¡¡lizerJ cornpostino; Pha!)in~ in a bun on organics ê¡nd other recyclable materials in landfills )nlroclucing new options for source separation for IC&I sectors (industrial! commercial finstítulional); . ConsidolÍng nEJW àlld emerging waste m2\nagernent technologies; and , Promoting pocl<aging reduclion. AMO wili develop <J rcsponso for the Minister's consideration when the discussion paper is available. 8el<)w is 1f1" text of AMO's News Release Issued today. ...-.....".10. .,......~....."~....~."'..._ .........-........_--~.............~~ 1'o/'Otlto, Ont., April 5. 2004 -- The Association of Municipalities of Onlario (AMO) today reacts to the Minj,¡,ter of Environment, the Hon. Leona Dombrowsky's announcement of changes to the Environmental Asse5smÐnt (EA) process, including the appointment of municipal representatives to an odvisory pi3l1el. "Addrcs$lng duplication between Provincial and Federal environmental assessment process will give rTllmic,ipal governm(!I1ts some much needed clarity on approval of infr¡:¡structure projects," said AMO Prm;idcnt Ann Mulvalo. 'It's also encouraging that the panel will consider the fact that different catt'90rius of projocts rn8Y need a different process." A Ministry of Fnvironrnent discussion paper to be released shortly will consider a number of options for achi<;ving 60';!owfJstediyersion)nciLidin9 increased composting. pna¡;ing in aban all organics, source søp,xationancl promotin0 packagingred\Jctiqn. "<:0'",:. "Municipal recycling programs are subject to a number of rules and regulations, and it looks like there could be more," commented Mulvale. "Municipalities work 2\t the t;nd of the waste stream and it would b" prud,.mt to find oul how we carl work harder on the íront end where the packaging is produced, and eflof!5 lor new Icclmologios and recycling uses." - 45560 Edgeware Line R.R.8 ~5:~~~as, ON RECEIVED April 2, 2004 APR 5 2004 Warden Dave Rock Elgin County Council 420 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5VI COUNTY OF ElGIN ~:X~,~f~~~~~f¡'~J~ ~~~;'J; '"';",l""'.";:~~'~_'!~~r""~"',., ~.:,cnVIVt."".:r,.,; Dear Sir: This is further to my attendance at the Elgin County District Women's Institute Spring Board meeting held at the County Building March 29th, wherein the Report of the Elgin County Pione~r Museum was given. The date of April 8th was given as the deadline for the public's input into the location site for the new Pioneer Museum. The Roll Call at tIùs meeting, "where would you like the new Museum to be" was responded with approximately 90% in favour of the new site to be at the Railway Station. As I also agree, the Station is such a beautiful historic building, in sound condition; it would be a proper setting for the Museum. For a few comments personally, in the large room on ground floor, the windows are so unique with the shutters sliding into the wall and being able to be pulled out to cover the window. Also, the panelled wainscot is unusual. This room would make into a beautiful dining room/convention hall. With the Railway Museum, Talbot Trail and train rides at this site, the addition of the Pioneer Museum would certainly be an asset to the downtown St. Thomas area. The site would be more attractive and accessible for the tourist trade in passing through the City, rather than at the County BuildÎI\g property site on No.4 Highway, which is out of the way. There could be potential for inclusion of shops on the Railway Station property. It is therefore, my recommendation and hope that both County Council and the City of St. Thomas come to a mutual and understanding agreement wherein the uew site of our Pioneer Museum to be downtown in St. Thomas ,at the Railway Station. -,c.- ~incereIy, /1 '2" "'¿" " : L)¿µ~/~~J /~¿;,<;. : ,-CO, ~,; ;,' _' '¡'~., ,~,;;¡_-.¡ ,; : ; ,,~. ,- :. ;.'-',' '--j.'1 , Secretary Yarmouth GleItWomen' s Institute