Loading...
April 26, 2005 Agenda ORDERS OF THE DAY FOR TUESQA ~ APRIL 26. 2005 - 9:00 A.M. ORDEB. 1 st Meeting Called to Order Adoption of Minutes - meeting March 22, 2005 Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations DELEGATION 9:00 A.M. Douglas Robertson, Sr, Planner, and Joe Rothfischer, P. Eng Conestoga Rovers, with update on Green Lane Landfill Optimization Environmental Assessment (Attachment) 9:45A.M. Jenny Phillips and Sylvia Hofhuis, Annual Municipal Accessibility Plan (Attachment) Motion to Move Into "Committee Of The Whole Counci Reports of Council, Outside Boards and Staff Council Correspondence - see attached PAGE # Nature Thereof 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 2-3 4-16 17-73 Items for Consideration Items for/Information (Consent 1) 2) 74-90 91-124 Agenda) OTHER BUSINESS Statements/Inquiries by Members Notice of Motion Matters of Urgency Items (see separate agenda) 1) 2) 3) 8th the Committee Of The Whole n-Camera Recess Motion to Rise and Report Motion to Adopt Recommendations from Consideration of By-Laws ADJOURNMENT 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 125-126 THAMES EMS WILL BE HOSTINi THE COUNCIL LUNCH IN THE BOARDROOM (UPSTAIRS) OF Tt-IE NEW ELGIN-ST. THOMAS EMS HEADQUARTERS, 12~ EDWARD STREET AT 12:00 NOON 651 Colby Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2V 1 C2 Telephone: 519.884.0510 Facsimile: 519.884.0525 www.CRAworld.com CONESTOGA-ROVERS & ASSOCIATES Reference No. 000721-10 February 28, 2005 Mr. Mark G. McDonald, CAO, County of Elgin, 450 Sunset Dr., St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Mr. McDonald: Green Lane Landfill Optimization Environmental Assessment Draft Environmental Assessment Revort Dear Re: Conestoga-Rovers & Associates (CRA) is the Technical Consultant to Green Lane Landfill, a division of St. Thomas Sanitary Collection Service Limited Partnership, in connection with Green Lane's waste management environmental assessment planning process leading to the optimization of the landfill located on parts of Lots 21, 22 and 23, Concession III, Southwold Township, County of Elgin. We have completed a draft Environmental Assessment Report. It is now released for public and review agency comment and for that purpose you will find enclosed 2 copies of the following documentation, one copy for your review and one which we ask that you make available for public viewing at an appropriate location in your offices: February 2005 Draft Environmental Assessment for the Optimization of the Green Lane Landfill, Volume I - Text, Figures and Tables, issued by Conestoga-Rovers & Associates (CRA) in February 2005; . the Green Lane February 2005 Draft Environmental Assessment for the Optimization of Landfill, Volume II - Appendices, issued by CRA in February 2005; . the same purposes during Two copies of the following documents will be forwarded to you for the next few days: Design and Operations Report for the Optimization of the Green Lane Landfill Site, issued by CRA in November 2004; . Site Hydrogeologic Investigation Report for the Optimization of the Green Lane Landfill Volume 1 of 2 - Text, Figures and Tables, issued by CRA in November 2004; and; . Hydrogeologic Investigation Report for the Optimization of the Green Lane Landfill Site Volume 2 of 2 - Appendices, issued by CRA in November 2004. . RElillTEAU COMPANY ISO 9001 ENGINEERING IHS1GN Construction. and IT Sarvices ;( Worldwide Engineering, Environmental ~ CONESTOGA-ROVERS & ASSOCIATES Reference No. 000721-10 2 February 28, 2005 The last three mentioned volumes, issued in November 2004, were prepared in support of an Environmental Protection Act application for amendment to Green Lane's Certificate of Approval for the proposed optimization. That application was submitted to the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) in December of 2004. As part of the public consultation process contemplated by the terms of reference approved under the Environmental Assessment Act for this stage of Green Lane's environmental assessment planning process, an open house is to be held at the Proponent's offices across the Third Line Road from the landfill. The open house will be held on March 23, 2005 between 4:00 to 8:00 pm and you are invited to attend. In addition to having this material made available at your offices, copies of all of this documentation will also be made available for public review at the following locations during normal business hours throughout the review period: and The Proponent's offices, The Shedden Public Library, The municipal offices of the Township of Southwold, The municipal offices of the Township of Middlesex Centre, The municipal offices of the County of Middlesex. web site & Associates' A copy of the Draft EA Report is also available on the Conestoga-Rovers (hi : www.craworld.com/news events.aso). We ask for public and agency comments as soon as possible and hope to have all comments and suggestions by April 29th. and for your co-operation in providing these materials for public Thank you for your comments viewing. truly, Yours Worldwide Engineering, Environmental, Construction. and IT Services DJR/mw/7 End. JOINT ELGIN/CENTRAL ELGIN ANNUAL MUNICIPAL ACCESSIBILITY PLAN 2004-2005 To Elgin County Council and Municipality of Centra Elgin Council Submitted by Jenny Phillips, Chair and Sylvia Hofhuis, Vice-Chair Joint Elgin/Central Elgin Accessibility Advisory Committee (JAAC) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) is to improve opportunities for persons with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the life of the province. To this end, the ODA mandates that each Municipality with a population over 10,000 form a committee to identify accessibility barriers with membership composed of a majority of persons with disabilities and to prepare and publish accessibility plans annually. This is the second annual plan (2004-2005) prepared by the Elgin/Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (JAAC). The report describes (1) the measures/achievements ofthe County of Elgin and the Municipality of Central Elgin (Elgin/Central Elgin) over the past year, and (2) the measures committed to be taken during the current year (2004-2005), to identify, remove and prevent barriers to persons with disabilities who use the facilities and services of Elgin/Central Elgin, including employees, volunteers, visitors, and other members ofthe community. This year, Elgin/Central Elgin committed itself to the continual improvement of access to municipally-owned or leased premises, facilities and services for employees, volunteers, and visitors with disabilities; the participation of persons with disabilities in the development and review of its annual accessibility plan; and the provision of quality services to all members with disabilities within its jurisdictional community. The accessibility working group, in its first annual plan, identified 70 barriers to persons with disabilities. The most significant findings were that Elgin/Central Elgin facilities are not fully wheelchair/visionlhearing accessible. Over the next several years, budgets need to be set to include funds to eliminate these barriers. For 2005, the JAAC recommends removing 14 barriers in Centra Elgin and 11 barriers in the County of Elgin. MISSION STATEMENT The JAAC adopted the following as its Mission Statement: "To identify, remove and prevent barriers to persons with disabilities who use the facilities and services of the County of Elgin and the Municipality of Central Elgin, including employees, volunteers, and all members of our Community." 2 AIM This report describes (1) the measures that Elgin/Central Elgin have taken in the past, and (2) the recommendations from the JAAC for measures to be undertaken by Elgin/Central Elgin during the year (2004-2005), to identify, remove and prevent barriers to persons with disabilities who use the facilities and services of Elgin/Central Elgin, including employees, volunteers, visitors, and other members of the community. OBJECTIVES the process by which Elgin/Central Elgin can identify, remove and prevent barriers to persons with disabilities. Reviews earlier efforts to remove and prevent barriers to persons with disabilities. Lists the facilities, policies, programs, practices, and services that JAAC recommends Elgin/Central Elgin to review in the corning year to identify barriers to persons with disabilities. Describes the measures Elgin/Central Elgin should undertake in the corning year to identify, remove and prevent barriers to persons with disabilities. Describes how Elgin/Central Elgin would make this accessibility plan available to the public. This report: 1 Recommends 2. 3 4 5 DESCRIPTION OF COUNTY OF ELGIN AND MUNICIPALITY OF CENTRAL ELGIN COUNTY OF ELGIN The County of Elgin shore of Lake Erie and encompasses more 187,966 Ha. with a population citizens (2003). The County is an "upper municipality, which includes seven constituent "lower-tier" municipalities within the County structure, and one separated City. Each of these has their own separate system of governance. Corporate headquarters is located at the County Administration Building, 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas partway between the City of St. Thomas and the Village of Port Stanley. than tier' is situated along the north of 45,065 Areas of jurisdiction under the County corporate structure include responsibility for: Council directives, by-laws, policies and procedures; County Libraries (11 branches plus 1 office); design and construction of the County Road System; emergency services (emergency response, policing for 6 municipalities, 9-1-1, land ambulance); protection of County assets and expenditures; operation of 3 Homes for Seniors; Human Resources services to over 300 employees; Ontario Court of Justice/Traffic Ticket Payment Centre; Ontario Works/Social Services (administered through the City of St. Thomas) protection of County forest cover; and severing of land. County mam municipality, located krns. of municipal MUNICIPALITY OF CENTRAL ELGIN The Municipality of Central Elgin is a progressive, dynamic urban and rural on the shores of Lake Erie in the heart of southwestern Ontario connected by 370 3 roads. The Municipality of Central Elgin encompasses 325 square kms. in area and has a population of 12,360 citizens. The Municipality of Central Elgin is a "lower tier" municipality with its own separate system of governance within the County of Elgin structure. The Administration Office for the Municipality of Central Elgin is located at 450 Sunset Drive, North Wing, St. Thomas. Areas of jurisdiction under the Municipality of Central Elgin structure include: Council by-laws, policies and procedures; protection of Central Elgin assets and expenditures; Human Resources; Strategic Planning; Building Inspection; By-law Enforcement; Zoning/Committee of Adjustment; Municipal Roads System; Sanitary Sewer; Storm Sewers and Municipal Drains; Potable Water; Parks and Recreation; and Solid Waste. THE ACCESSIBILITY WORKING GROUP Establishment of the Joint Accessibilitv Advisorv Committee In accordance with the ODA legislation, the Councils for the County of Elgin and the Municipality of Central Elgin formed an optional joint accessibility advisory committee in 2002, known as the Elgin/Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (JAAC). The Committee is comprised of five persons representing all geographic areas of the County of Elgin with the majority of membership being persons with disabilities. One position is currently vacant. The responsibilities of the JAAC are as follows: · Identify barriers to persons with disabilities in all facilities, regulations, policies, programs, practices and services offered by Elgin/Central Elgin. · List facilities, regulations, policies, programs, practices and services that cause or may cause barriers to persons with disabilities. . Identify barriers that are to be removed or prevented in the coming year. · Describe and recommend how these barriers should be removed or prevented in the coming year. · Prepare a report on these activities, for approval by the Councils of the County of Elgin and the Municipality of Central Elgin, and make the plan available to the public. Coordinators The Deputy Clerk positions for the County of Elgin and for the Municipality of Central Elgin were appointed by the respective Councils as the Co-Ordinators of the JAAC to provide support and assistance. 4 Members of the JAAC Elgin/Central Elgin appointed the following members to the JAAC Working Group Municipality/Agency Department Telephone/E-Mail Member Ms. Jenny Phillips Chair JAAC (519) 762-2862 tcrier olden.net Ms. Sylvia Hofhuis Vice-Chair JAAC (519) 782-354l representing Elgin and shofhuis 13@yahoo.ca Central El in Councils Ms. Linda Vank Member JAAC (519) 762-6120 lea261 hotmai1.com Ms. Becky Marks Non-voting Member JAAC (519) 886-6330 bmarkskin hotmai1.com Vacant position Non-voting Member JAAC Ms. Dianne Wilson Municipality of Central Administration El in Ms. Sandra Heffi.en County of Elgin Administrative Services ELGIN/CENTRAL ELGIN COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY PLANNING The Councils for the County of Elgin and the Municipality of Central Elgin adopted an Accessibility Plan on September 23, 2003 to identify and eliminate accessibility barriers to disabled persons. Elgin/Central Elgin is committed to: . The continual improvement of access to Elgin/Central Elgin premises, facilities, and services for employees, volunteers, visitors, and other members of the community with disabilities. . The participation of persons with disabilities in the development and review of its annual access plans. . The provision of quality services to all employees, volunteers, visitors, and other members of the community. The Councils of Elgin/Central Elgin authorized the JAAC to prepare an accessibility plan that will enable Elgin/Central Elgin to meet these commitments. ACHIEVEMENTS FROM 2003-2004 The JAAC prepared the 1 st Annual Joint Elgin/Central Elgin Municipal Accessibility Plan which was adopted by both Councils. Awareness and resolution of accessibility barriers has been promoted throughout the various departmental staff with the importance of addressing these barriers emphasized. Departments are budgeting towards elimination of barriers over the next several years. 5 The JAAC reviewed several site plans for Elgin/Central Elgin and made recommendations to improve accessibility to the new or renovated facilities, which were incorporated into the plans for the County Administration Building 2nd floor washrooms; Land Ambulance base stations; Terrace Lodge; Belmont Arena; C.A. Bell Medical Centre access ramp; The Hub; and Pt. Stanley arena. These recommendations included, but were not limited to: . front and rear entrances widened to 36 inches or greater . power assist doors at front and rear entrances or provision for power assist doors . rotational light to activate in conjunction with any fire alarm system required to be installed under applicable Codes . Braille or routed signage at a height of no more than 4 ft. . grab bars located in washrooms . wheelchair ramp to be a least 36 inches unobstructed width between railings with a 5 ft. turning radius on wheelchair ramp . Sit/stand workstation to accommodate disabled persons. RESPONSE TO A COMPLAINT - COUNTY OF ELGIN TELEPHONE SYSTEM A complaint was received regarding low volume/muffled voice on the automated answering for the County of Elgin telephone system. Investigation showed that the hard drive on the system is becoming fatigued and, due to the age of the technology, required upgrading or replacement. An estimate was received for replacement of the telephone system and has been forwarded to Elgin County Council for consideration to include this project in its 2005 Capital Budget. This information was conveyed to the person who made the complaint. BARRIER IDENTIFICATION METHODOLOGIES The Working Group used three barrier-identification methodologies: Methodolo Descri tion Status The JAAC working group wrote a letter to Letters were sent to 8 agencies. various service agencies throughout the County One responded with no L tt t . describing the JAAC mandate, requesting input concerns. No agencies accepted e er 0 servIce 'bT b . . El 'n/C 1 El . the offer to attend a meeting. . on acceSSI IIty amers In gI entra gIn agenCIes :5 T' d . d . d h Letters would again be sent with aCI ItIes an servIces an 1 eas to remove tern. The agencies were also requested to attend a a response deadline of meetin to discuss an concerns. November 15,2004 The Working Group used materials from the Exercise done at meetings on Brainstorming Accessibility Directorate of Ontario and from October 14th and November 2nd, exerCIse the Accessibility Conference held in Sault Ste. 2004. Marie in Se tember 2003. Staff inspected various premises and identified Letters were sent out in Staff reviewed accessibility barriers. A letter was forwarded to November 2004 for posting at accessibility local libraries for posting on bulletin boards the local libraries requesting barriers in all requesting the public to voice concerns about input from the public with a facilities barriers in County and Central Elgin facilities, return date of February 28,2005. services, and olicies, and wa s to remove them. 6 BARRIERS IDENTIFIED The JAAC identified 70 barriers in 2003. The Councils of Elgin and Central Elgin adopted the recommendations of the JAAC to begin eliminating these barriers. As well, when new or renewal Leases are discussed, (e.g. Libraries and vehicles) consideration would be given to eliminate accessibility barriers as previously identified. The Barriers were prioritized into categories as follows: #1 - High Importance - measures to be undertaken to address the barrier as soon as possible #2 - Medium Importance - measures to be undertaken to address the barrier within the next five years #3 - Low Importance - measures to be undertaken to address the barrier when renovations occur. ATTITUDINAL BARRIERS CATEGORY BARRIER AND RESOLUTION STATUS STATUS ELGIN COUNTY CENTRAL ELGIN 1 Attitudes towards persons with Planned for 2005 - Planned for 2005 - disabilities requires education and in joint Elgin/Central joint Elgin/Central service sessions to train employees Elgin training Elgin training how to recognize disabilities and appropriately deal with residents, co- workers and the public INFORMATION/COMMUNICATION BARRIERS CATEGORY BARRIER AND RESOLUTION STATUS STATUS ELGIN COUNTY CENTRAL ELGIN 1 Signage throughout all buildings to be Planned for 2005- Planned 2005 - in Braille or raised letters no higher 2006 - all of Admin. Belmont Arena new than 48" from the floor, and placed in Building, Bobier addition. Other standardized location Villa, County Garage, areas and buildings Libraries. Health ongomg Unit front door, emergency slgnage, and washrooms. Other areas and buildings ongoing 1 Elevator floor buttons and selection Planned for 2005- Planned for 2005 - panel to include Braille and be 2006 signage in Signage for Port positioned no higher than 48" from the Admin. Building and Stanley Arena floor. Emergency telephone to be Terrace Lodge positioned no higher than 48" from the buttons lowered. floor Other areas and buildings ongoing 1 Investigate acquiring TTY device at Cost is $400-$500 Cost is $400-$500 main reception front service counter 7 1 Create website version for visually Ongoing Under discussion im aired 1 Re-mark appropriately sized disabled Planned 2005 - Ongoing parking spaces and install suitable Health Unit as well as slgnage redesigned ramp. Other areas and buildin s on oin 2 Fire pull station and extinguishers to Planned 2005 - Eng. Under discussion be lowered to no higher than 48" from Serv., Main Library, floor IT. Other areas and buildin s on oin 2 Investigate computers to communicate Planned 2005 - n/a with hearing/visually impaired Libraries. Other particularly at Libraries areas and buildings on om 2 PCs available for public use are to be Under discussion Under discussion compatible for Braille translation software. Purchase screen readers (e.g. JAWS Job Access With Screen Reading). Purchase Braille keyboard and software (e.g. Dragon Dictate), which allows a person to dictate information and it writes it down, for any PCs available for public use. Install Braille embosser, which is used like a printer. Install soundtrack on narrative for hearin im aired 2 Human Resources and Health & Ongoing Ongoing - is Safety reading material to be in multi- available in large format font 3 Voice enunciators for floor positions Planned 2010 for Ongoing to be installed in elevators Admin. Bldg. Other areas and buildings on om POLICIES AND PRACTICES BARRIERS CATEGORY BARRIER AND RESOLUTION STATUS STATUS ELGIN COUNTY CENTRAL ELGIN 1 Hiring policies to be codified in Ongoing Complete writing, that hiring is by equal opportunity based on non- discrimination of Human Rights Code 2 All policies, warnings and notices to Material is available Ongoing be available in multi-formats in large print. Other formats will be provided over the next few years 8 PHYSICAL/ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS CATEGORY BARRIER AND RESOLUTION STATUS STATUS ELGIN COUNTY CENTRAL ELGIN General 1 All interior exit doors require panic Ongoing Planned 2005 - bars Belmont Arena new addition. Other areas and buildings ongoing 1 Library book trucks (dollies) require Ongoing nla wheels that spin freely 1 Investigate book drop off zones for Planned 2005 nla libraries 1 Lower shelves in Libraries or supply Planned 2005 nla suitable extender arm to assist patrons 1 Portion of bars/rods in coat closets and Planned 2005 - Planned 2005 - hooks in lockers to be lowered Admin. Bldg., Belmont Arena new County Garage. addition. Other Other areas and areas and buildings buildings ongoing ongoing 1 Vertical difference in elevation not to Ongoing Ongoing exceed 12mm (sidewalks) 1 Require extenders on fans and mini Ongoing Ongoing blinds to allow for adjusting 1 Dining tables in Homes for Seniors Completed with nla should be wheelchair or geri-chair construction of new height building 1 Chairs in Homes for Seniors require Completed with nla arms to assist Seniors in standing construction of new building 1 Disabled parking space(s) to be Ongoing Ongoing identified, signed and promoted for all buildings, shopping and beach areas 1 Provision of accessible viewing area at nla Planned 2005 Port Stanley Arena 1 Beach wheelchair to be purchased in nla Complete 2003 for Port Stanley Beach 2 Install power door operators on Planned 2008 - Planned 2005 - exterior main entrance doors Bobier Villa smoke interior and exterior room and server of Belmont Arena room doors, Terrace new addition. Lodge smoke room. Other areas and 2010 - County buildings ongoing Garage. Other areas & buildings ongoing 2 Power door operator control button to Under discussion Under discussion be located a distance of 3 ' -4' from the doorway to allow for safe opening 9 2 All access ramps and washrooms to Ongoing Planned 2005 - have a minimum turnaround radius of Belmont Arena new 5' addition. Other areas and buildings ongoing 2 All access ramps to be a minimum Planned 2020 - C.A. Bell Medical unobstructed width of36" inside Admin. Bldg. Other Centre complete. railings areas and buildings Other areas and ongoing buildings ongoing 2 All door widths to be a minimum of Planned 2005 - Planned 2005 - 36" Ambulance buildings. Belmont Arena new Other areas and addition. Other buildings ongoing areas and buildings ongoing 2 All turn-type knobs to be replaced Planned 2007 - Planned 2005 - with lever style Prosecutor Office. Belmont Arena new Other areas and addition. Other buildings ongoing areas and buildings ongoing 2 Medication/treatment carts require Keypad locks at all n/a keypad lock and be height adjustable Homes. Not aware of height-adjustable carts 2 Lower section of concession counters n/a Ongoing 2 Paths to be constructed to provide n/a Research in 2005 access to playgrounds and sports fields 3 Playground equipment to be barrier n/a Research in 2005 free or add on barrier free section 3 Remove shelving in Administrative Ongoing n/a Services vault along one side 3 Mailroom in Administration Building Planned 2006 Ongoing to be rebuilt. Mailroom in Central Elgin to be redesigned 3 Installation of non-glare/indirect Ongoing Ongoing lighting in offices and work stations 3 Workstations to be adjustable Being tested Being tested 3 Curb cuts and sidewalk ramps to be Done as required Done as required included in new construction and others to be retrofitted 3 Water coolers to be barrier free Ongoing Ongoing 3 Lifts and/or elevators to be installed if Ongoing Ongoing necessary 3 Provide accessible scooter/storage Ongoing Ongoing locations in Senior Homes and non- profit housing 3 All thresholds to be level with flooring Planned 2005 - Eng. Ongoing or entrances Serv; 2007 - Bobier Villa; 20 I 0 - County Garage. Other areas & buildings ongoing 10 3 All light switches to be lowered to no Ongoing Planned 2005 - higher than 48" from the floor Belmont Arena new addition. Other areas and buildings ongoing 3 Storage of parts and chemicals to be Planned 2006-2007 Ongoing moved to an accessible area 3 Should an employee with physical Ongoing Ongoing limitations require the use of a leased vehicle to perform duties, a vehicle will be leased that is accessible 3 Hair salons in Homes for Seniors Ongoing nJa require ad1ustable sinks and dryers 3 Power control panels to be lowered Ongoing Ongoing (access to fuses/breakers) Kitchens 2 Lower section of counter, provide Planned 2012 - Main Planned 2005 - accessible sink and cupboard area, and Library. Other areas Belmont Arena new sufficient space for wheelchair access and buildings addition. Other in kitchens available for public or ongomg areas and buildings employee use ongoing 3 Microwaves to be at an accessible Planned 2004 - Main Planned 2005 - height and placement Library. Other areas Belmont Arena new and buildings addition. Other ongomg areas and buildings ongoing Office En!:onomics 1 Office furniture to be repositioned to Planned 2005 - IT Ongoing allow clear access and Libraries; 2007- Archivist. Other areas & buildings ongoing 2 Equipment stands (fax, printers, etc.) Planned 2005 - Ongoing to be at accessible height or be Libraries. Other adjustable areas and buildings by 2012. 2 Reception desks to have lower section Planned 2005 - Complete or be adjustable Libraries; 2006- Eng. Servo Other areas and buildings ongoing 2 Mailing machines to be at accessible Planned 2006 - Ongoing height or be adjustable Admin. Bldg. Other areas and buildings ongoing 3 Replacement desks to be adjustable Ongoing Ongoing and with rounded comers 11 3 Computer workstations - desks and Planned 2004-2005 - Ongoing chairs to be adjustable Libraries. Other areas and buildings ongoing 3 Photocopiers to have controls at Copiers are Upon new purchase accessible height accessible 3 Filing cabinets to be no higher than 4 No file cabinets are Ongoing drawers or purchase revolving side file more than 4 drawer cabinets high 3 Lower bookshelves and informational Planned 2005-2007 - Ongoing material Libraries, County Garage. Other areas & buildings ongoing 3 Grates in floor to be level with Ongoing Ongoing flooring material 3 Lower control buttons for garage Ongoing Ongoing doors and wash bay Washrooms 2 Provide barrier free washroom Planned 2007 - Planned 2005 - facilities as per the Ontario Building Warden's Office. Belmont Arena new Code Other buildings and addition, Port areas ongomg Stanley Arena. Other buildings and areas ongoing 3 Showers require a bench, well- Ongoing Planned 2005 - anchored grab bars, and handheld Belmont Arena new showerheads. All controls to be addition, Port within easy reach Stanley Beach. Other areas and buildings ongoing TECHNOLOGICAL BARRIERS CATEGORY BARRIER AND RESOLUTION STATUS STATUS ELGIN COUNTY CENTRAL ELGIN 2 Purchase headsets for visually Planned 2005 - Ongoing impaired computer access Libraries. Other areas and buildings ongoing 3 Install rotational lighting on fire alarm Ongoing Ongoing systems 3 Outfit telephones with volume Upon new purchase Upon new purchase controllrotationallight and large keypad 3 Relocate or lower heat thermostats no Ongoing Ongoing higher than 48" from the floor 12 FOCUS FOR 2005 By-Laws, Policies, Practices, Services to be Reviewed The JAAC will review various by-laws, policies, practices, and services in 2005 to determine their effect on persons with disabilities as follows: . Ability Awareness Training programs would be researched and training provided to staff. . Human Resources policies are to include text to indicate "equal opportunity" employer. Hiring and interviewing policies are to include accommodation procedures for persons with disabilities. . Planning, building practices, subdivision policies, and a criteria list. . Disabled parking spaces in core business areas. . Review of input from public consultation (buildings, policies and services). REVIEW AND MONITORING PROCESS The JAAC will meet monthly to review progress and staff would be reminded, through personal contacts or bye-mail, about their roles in implementing the Plan. The Chair/Vice-Chair will request to attend meetings with Senior Management Teams to review the progress of accessibility barrier elimination. COMMUNICATION OF THE PLAN Copies of this plan are to be available at the County of Elgin Administrative Services front counter, Municipality of Central Elgin front counter, County Libraries, local municipal offices, and on the County of Elgin and on the Municipality of Central Elgin websites. On request, the report can be made available on computer disk, or in large print. RECOMMENDATIONS THAT the Elgin/Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee recommends to the Council for the County of Elgin and to the Council for the Municipality of Central Elgin that the following barriers to persons with disabilities be addressed during 2005: 1. Ability Awareness Training is to be provided to all front counter personnel and Department Heads to assist staff to recognize various types of disabilities and to respond to the situation appropriately, as recommended in the first year plan. 2. Human Resources Policies are to include text in hiring policies to indicate that the County of Elgin and the Municipality of Central Elgin carry out hiring by equal opportunity based on non- discrimination ofthe Human Rights Code 3. Human Resources Policies are to include written practices to determine how persons with disabilities would be accommodated in the Hiring and Interviewing processes. 4. Designation of disabled parking spaces in core business areas to be investigated. 5. All items identified by departmental staff for barrier elimination in 2005, which are detailed on Pages 6-11, are to be scheduled for completion during 2005, within budgetary limitations. Respectfully Submil1~ /"'7 7' // /' L-",~ /J 4-~ ~CX-l ~-' Linda Vank, Committee Member. 13 REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF APRIL 26.2005 Staff Reports - (ATTACHED) 18 Tree Commissioner - Application for Minor Exception - Lot 19 Concession 11, Municipality of Bayham 22 Manager of Road Infrastructure - Erie Shores Wind Farm - Agreement in Principle 27 Director of Engineering Services - Belmont Road Slope Stabilization 29 Manager of Road Infrastructure and Purchasing Co-Ordinator - Tender Awards (Hot Mix Asphalt Paving, Roadway Crack Sealing, Polymer Modified Slurry Seal Type 2) 31 Purchasing Co-Ordinator - Preventative Maintenance 33 Human Resources Co-ordinator - Attendance Statistics 34 Human Resources Co-ordinator - Volunteer Criminal Check 37 Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator - Rapid Community Emergency Alerts 42 Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator - Emergency Management Media Training for Mayors via County Council 48 Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator - Request for Council Support of EMS Amendments to Employment Standards Act 52 Financial Analyst - 2005/2006 Community Support Services Proposed Budget 55 Director of Financial Services - Budget Comparison -February 28, 2005 Director of Financial Services - Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (to be sent out on Friday Fax) 58 Director of Financial Services - P.O.A. Default Revenue Split 62 Financial Analyst, Collections Officer and Director of Financial Services - Collections Protocol - Certificates of Default 65 Director of Library Services - Engaging Community - Building Community (Southwold) 67 Manager of Library Services and Director of Library Services - Belmont Library Branch Capital Project Completion Report 69 Director of Senior Services (ElM) - MedicallDiagnostic Equipment Funding 71 Director of Senior Services (ElM) - Annual Compliance Review - Elgin Manor 73 Director of Senior Services (ElM) - Engaging Community - Building Community, United United Way Chief Administrative Officer - The Impact Of The Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund Chief Administrative Officer - Draft Press Release - Province "Slams" Elgin County Ratepayers By Withdrawing Funds REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Rob Lindsay, Tree Commissioner DATE: 12 April 2005 SUBJECT: Application for Minor Exception - Lot 19 Concession 11, Municipality of Bayham INTRODUCTION: The Tree Commissioner has received an application for Minor Exception from Mr. Brian R. Graydon to clear 0.22 hectares of woodlands from Lot 19, Cone. 11, Municipality of Bayham. DISCUSSION: The proposed clearing involves 0.22 hectares of woodland to infill a ravine area to increase the size of an industrial building lot. Tree species located within the woodland area are hardwoods consisting of white ash, bitternut hickory, hard maple, basswood and black cherry. A field inventory conducted on March 16, 2005 did not reveal the presence of any rare or significant tree species. All abutting landowners have been contacted regarding the clearing and have no objections to the proposal. LPRCA and MNR have responded with no environmentally significant concerns. The applicant is aware of the required replanting of trees and is proposing to replant a .22 ha area within a woodlot on another farm within the Municipality of Bayham in the County of Elgin and with the assistance of the LPRCA. CONCLUSION: This application meets the goals of the forest management program within the County of Elgin. RECOMMENDATION: THAT, the Application for Minor Exception to the Trees Act from Mr. Brian R. Graydon, Part Lot 19, Cone. 11, Municipality of Bayham, to clear .22 hectares of woodlands to create an industrial building lot be approved, subject to 1700 trees being replanted or an equivalent donation being made to a local conservation/heritage association. Rob Lindsay, Tree Commissioner. Mark MC~~. .~.~, Chief Administrative Officer. 04-13-'05 09:36 FROM-Kettle creek 631-5026 T-237 P002!004 F-745 '. YAM 0.. ~1I01lAt.b -..wr-.HiW' ~... ~"'" t'l\!OO'IlI'" ~C11 --",,",,,,, . ./ . I . ,;, " ...~.,;.,... ... 'Iflt . \~ . or c- ,;. " "~ '/""'}Ir;"5-~~'\ ..,.\ ii',? ,~.:XG' .-:. ij ,',). 'j:)I,1 ~:t ,(. ,-_ a \l ..' ..",' '..J'~' \: ~ ,. ~ ,.' . .' y.. oN I f\~~~~" Pvg (4' ,; ~~a\lll(1f - Uf. lNOMAS, ONlAAIO IlUlI", ~I !i~"I.I" ~"I'tI......-, THE TREt:S ACT APPL.ICATION FOR MINOR EXCEPTION II We wlsh to apply for a mInor exception from lhe provisions or the County of Elgin By-law No. whIch restricts and regulates that destruction of trees. In order to be allowed to remove trees as outlined In this application. 1. NAME(S) OF OWNER{S)~ g";"'/1 ~. ~~ CL~P/7 r I ~ MAILlNGAQDRESS: ~/?":d..] S-7 ~~7 Z;/~T A/r?e.. IL.~~~6.4"'..:J Postal Code /Iltf& tf6-? Phone No, ~/1"'6/d-~/7'? -. 2. lOCATION OF LANO: Municipality (Town. Village, Township) Lol No. L9 17aY1~~ , ConcessIon No. _ / I lol No. RegIstered Plan No. 3. Reason for wishIng lo Remove trees. nlt.-i"1 q~tpq '-f~,- J;,/~/1i-,-1 l1'f~. /11"'('#( 2Jf'~ e.fJ ~cIJ~./ 1;.., 4'<' /11...2 .. 4. Describe species of trees end size of trees 10 be removea. It~c! ~.-S~f-r - U~~ e7e. ~/t;I.K LOlAf-SJ/kp14,.} /I~~ I M<:Po-y _ . I 6. Area to be cleared (in metric) length ..J1.Il...- Meters WIdth ~ Meters Area 2..2.Rt?,s;: Mw (in square meters or hectares) 04-13-'05 09:36 FROM-Kettle creek 631-5026 T-237 P003!004 F-745 O. Ha~ tn~ Qwner rreV,QUSll arrll~a Tor and been i(ante~ rermfG~'On \0 r~move tt~e~7 f (fJ Yas ({/ J No ( ) . If yes. please indicate the purpose to which they were removed approximate size of area cleared and date. F'"(2Y' .I~~7;.(~t. -k.( ~ r~:!l~v... _.IIkA , 7. Names, mailing addresses and phone numbers of all owners (If properly which abutts the land of the owner of lhe trees In respect to whloh this appllcaUon Is made as per section 9.2 or the act. (If lnsvffjclent space below please attach another sheet of paper) 8_ Other Information deemed pertinenllo this appfiestlon. 76/("" ~~t!....:Tr ;( <~",~~ ';;"/tU1;.;~L rlL ,... Ulf ,otp'~e~ . )~ q. SIo~IL~ Q I-e.f!f Sp kc.K' fr~"'1 ~/$ /I~~~J{ -tp hlq~0t2 ~{~ k'f S:~/{i~Jp -f8r' <0/1;41 <<1't?..J'.. ... 9. Each application must be accompanied by a skelch, no smaller lhan 20 centimetres by 35 cen\imelres. showing; (al The parcel of land thalls the $ubjec:t of 'hilS application, clearly Indicating the area proposed to be cleared and the area or trees which will nuna!n. (b) buildings on 'he owner's property and also on the abutting property- (c) use of abultlng lands (o.g. resldentlal agrIcultural, cottage. commercial, elc.) 10. As an on site inspection will be made. Use perimeter of trees which will remain if this application Is granted, must be marked by spraying or some other means. to clearly Indicate during this visit what Is proposed to be removed. iii(!/{. I~Ao05 ~ , Date Signalur&'f'o( Applicant or Authorized Agent Note: If this appli~ation is signad by other than the Qwner, wrlUen authorization of the owner(s) must accompany the appllcalfon. If lhe applicant Is a corporation, the appricatian must be slgne~ by an officer (and that position must be Indicated) and the CQrporate seal shall be ~fflxed. 04-13-/05 09:36 FROM-Kettle creek 631-5026 T-237 P004!004 F-745 - " . " .h..... '~"._--'-'Il'" ... 'C t ~~,.t~ / .f,:/:/. r ?pI CJ:::t N ~~ PJ-~.ss~y L.1. - ~..rU L.1L " ~( ..lItf m. . ' 19'".."....,.i~ t.......... V'-'lr~ 1"" ~ '"' V "" '"' .... '-......... .,. v """ V - L!:.-"~ """ 1'- .., (.0 Il,..~., 1. J. 1& ~ ~ '"',.,;U/ . ...........I~ ..... ~.,.- - ~-' Y' .." r "y ')' y ..- - V' v' ."... ". ......... . ._ I _........;.,10 \.... _~.' ---_ ~ ., ~ I , . )... ~ r- r . - , '~ I I aD?I ~ 1'/4,,7 ~ ni I I - L. .- "1<-- -,."...........- -.., .-r- ~L)., -, --'1-1- 7-' -oJ It ;- '- ~ ...!.:.- - , ~ I I p~ , # . .,~-- ~" '/ . , .. - ,-- ....... I y )/ 'V V 'V , Y / 'Y y Y y StJ....'...4., >- J/" "Yy Y 1'1 I s., , &~4'" . slid J. :>" ')' 7 .,... 6, - IJ.. V ~'7 ); >>' >' ~ ]/ 1/'0 v- ;"'-v--rr I L.... Vt/'Vt/'r I ;,.,. ,If).. 1"" " ...... '- ... ~ p ~ - L"'S (., ... ,'/ .' L .. Jq c. ../1 I LL_ c.leq,;.vif;W DJ,.;., c - 7Q~" ~f- T I J... J..,S 111111-,., ..".~",,-...--_.. . -Vcr; .,.. G. <4 ~.,' . ~. . r", g(~+",_ '-. .J..o I'( I )..4 "",I · REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Peter Dutchak, Manager, Road Infrastructure DATE: April 11, 2005 SUBJECT: Erie Shores Wind Farm - Agreement in Principle Introduction As Council is aware, AIM PowerGen Corporation will be erecting 66 wind turbines in the southern parts of the Townships of Malahide and Bayham as part of the Erie Shores Wind Farm Project to be completed in 2006. The most significant challenge for the project is to gather and distribute the collected energy to the Ontario hydro grid in Tillsonburg. AIM PowerGen Corporation has requested to enter into an Agreement in Principle with Elgin County to formalize and approve some project parameters so that they may proceed with preparing construction documents and securing contractors. Discussion The most significant challenge in the Erie Shores Wind Farm Project is to gather the generated electricity and distribute it to the Ontario hydro grid. County Road #42 (Nova Scotia Line) County Road #55 and Glen Erie Line (soon to be assumed as a County Road) will be used to form part of the main transmission corridor for the produced electricity. At the July 13, 2004 session of County Council, the following resolution was passed: THA T the County of Elgin approve in principle the placement of power distribution lines on Elgin County Road property where the proposed infrastructure does not conflict with the County's corridor control philosophy and where the installation of distribution lines coincides with existing infrastructure (to avoid the development of duplicate utility poles); and, THA T the Minister of Energy be petitioned to allow these wind turbine transmission lines to be erected on existing Ontario Hydro transmission lines at a reasonable cost; and further, THA T the County of Elgin is prepared, under these conditions, to enter into discussions with AIM PowerGen Corporation and other companies to determine the location of power distribution lines on County Roads. Discussion (continued) Further to a meeting held on April 4, 2005 with AIM and municipal officials, it was revealed that although Hydro One is willing to co-operate with AIM to develop a single pole line, that the physical construction of a joint use pole line may not be practical. AIM has stated that discussions with Hydro One indicate that excessively tall poles are required to accommodate four AIM circuits plus Hydro One circuits and communications lines on the same pole. The poles also need to carry heavy loads and would therefore have to also be spaced closely together. Numerous support guys would be required with private property intrusions. The proposed AIM pole line has been designed to carry the proposed Phase 2 of the wind farm project. In light of this new information, staff has re-assessed our restrictions regarding twin pole lines on the County Roads involved so that a new AIM hydro pole line can be accommodated. Staff understands the pole construction constraints and also realizes that the entire landscape in the southern parts of Malahide and Bayham will be very different with 66, 20 storey tall wind turbines erected, thereby reducing the visual impact of a secondary hydro pole line. Although staff recommends accommodating AIM PowerGen's request to install another hydro pole line on the opposite side of the road from existing Hydro One pole lines, minimum offset distances to the new pole line will be enforced to comply with the Roadside Safety Manual. It appears from the preliminary drawings received from AIM that minimum offset distances can be achieved on County Roads #42 and #55, however, Glen Erie Line offers some unique challenges. Glen Erie Line has a Right of Way width of only 66' and the steep banks of the Hemlock Creek are threatening the roadway in some areas. In addition, the South Otter Creek Bridge will be replaced in the near future and this area will be significantly changed. AIM has also suggested that once their pole line has been constructed that it is their preference that the infrastructure be transferred to Hydro One (currently under discussion). The implication of this arrangement to the County is that any costs associated with future County requests to relocate the pole line will be shared with the County and Hydro One. If the pole line remains under private ownership, our road user agreement would stipulate that any relocation costs would be borne by the owner entirely and at no cost to the County. With this possible transfer of ownership in mind, it is imperative that new infrastructure be installed to accommodate any anticipated future County work. Conclusion AIM PowerGen has requested that the County of Elgin enter into an agreement in principle to permit the placement of a secondary pole line on County Roads. Although it is possible to construct a single pole line, staff understands the impracticalities of such an option and is therefore recommending the acceptance of their proposal. Exact pole line locations and offsets from the roadway will be determined at a later date and ensuring that the Roadside Safety Manual and known future projects are not compromised. A road user agreement will be entered into with AIM PowerGen with the County Solicitor's input. The County's Tree Commissioner will be consulted with respect to vegetation removal and replacement. Recommendation THAT the County of Elgin enter into an Agreement in Principle with AIM PowerGen Corporation to permit a new hydro electricity pole line on the opposite side of the road from the existing Hydro One pole lines, and; THAT a Road User Agreement, similar to the one entered into with private gas utility companies be entered into with AIM PowerGen prior to physical construction and with the County solicitor's approval, and; THAT AIM PowerGen consult with the Elgin County Tree Commissioner before any vegetation is removed to discuss tree replacement options and to achieve a no net loss of trees at AIM powerGen's cost, and; THAT the new AIM PowerGen pole line be located at minimum offsets from the travelled roadway and to accommodate future projects as determined by County staff. R~ Pe~er Dutchak Manager, Road Infrastructure Approved by, aM~~ Mark G. .-,.......,"'"...,..., Chief Administrative Officer H 200 CONSUMERS ROAD. SUITE 604. TORONTO. ONTARIO. M2J 4R4 PARTIES: The following is an Agreement in Principle between Erie Shores Wind Farm (ESWF of AIM POWERGEN CORPORATION) and The County of Norfolk, the County of Elgin, and the Municipality of Bay ham and the Township of Mala hide. PURPOSE: To formalize approval for the use of designated road easements that would permit the construction of the 34.5kV distribution electric and fibre optic cable pole lines for the delivery of generated power to the Ontario grid. CONSIDERATIONS: Discussions with Hydro One indicate that excessively tall poles are required to accommodate four AIM circuits plus Hydro One circuits and communication lines on the same pole. The pole would need to carry heavy loads and would therefore have to also be spaced closely together. Nwnerous support guys would be required with private property intrusions. CONSIDERATIONS: . That the Agreement In Principle permit a new pole line on the opposite side of the road from the existing Hydro One pole lines. . That AIM PowerGen follow the municipal replacement of tree program on non road easement areas . That where one or two AIM circuits are required AIM would undertake to accommodate the addition of Hydro One circuits on the AIM poles if requested . That a joint agreement with Hydro One would be fmalized, subject to mutual agreement with Hydro One (currently under discussion) ROAD EASEMENTS: (See revised mapping of proposed tower locations and road usage) ELGIN COUNTY: Nova Scotia Line from Jones Road to the end. Continuing east along Glen Erie Line (to be a County Road) to County Line # 55. TOWNSHIP OF MALAHIDE: The plan calls for the use of road segments for power distribution running north and south as per the map. (e.g. Jones Road, Springfield, Sawmill, Carter, Richmond) MUNICIPALITY OF BA YHAM: Again road segments will be required. e.g. Saxton, Woodworth, Orchard Lane across Big Otter Creek to Plank Road, StafiTord Road and Godby Road) NORFOLK COUNTY: The distribution line plan calls for the use of Lower Side Road from Elgin County Road # 55 east to Norfolk Road # 23 ( Gore Road) Concession' "A", 1st Concession and 2nd Concession Roads to West Quarter Line Road. There are also small segment of # 42 at the intersection of Concession @ and Lake Road # 42 and Concession 5 and Lake Road # 42, Concession '" and Road # 23 ( Gore Road). Desigtiated segments of north /south roads including # 55, North Road, Concession 2, Regional Road # 28, 5th Concession and 8th Concession. ROAD! SERVICES SURVY: AIM PowerGen and MacViro have made requested survey drawings, of the jurisdictions that show all primary road easements, existing road locations, property lines as well as serVices of gas, water, communication, and existing and proposed electric lines. Updated maps of AIM towers and distribution lines and pole designs. CONCLUSIONS: AIM PowerGen appreciates the cooperation and assistance received from all those who have helped to make this unique project a reality. JWTW : Revised 06ApriI 05 2 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Clayton Watters, Director Engineering Services DATE: April 11, 2005 SUBJECT: Belmont Road Slope Stabilization INTRODUCTION On the week of April 4, staff for the Municipality of Central Elgin noticed shoulder instability on Belmont Road (County Road #74), adjacent to the Catfish Creek and approximately 300 metres south of Ron McNeil Line. Staff from Central Elgin contacted the County of Elgin who immediately reviewed the situation. DISCUSSION: Since the slope movement on Belmont Road has been discovered, staff is monitoring and measuring this location. Movement appears to have ceased within the last week, however, further slope movement is inevitable. As this has been deemed as an "emergent" situation, staff has obtained the services of geotechnical and an engineering consultants to gather information, survey the area and provide recommendations. Services that have been completed include: topographical survey, drill boreholes and assessment of soil conditions. Repair work cannot be initiated until a solution has been designed. Since the instability of the area comprises the safety of the road users, staff has completed the installation of temporary concrete jersey barriers at the site. The cost of renting 120m of concrete barrier until the end of the project is $9,400 or approximately half what it would have cost to purchase the barrier. The same contractor, who provided the lowest price for the Plank Road concrete barriers, Mclean Taylor Construction Ltd. installed the barriers. The barrier has been placed along the edge of pavement to protect the motoring public from the existing edge of pavement drop off. The Municipality of Central Elgin assisted the installation by providing traffic control and additional services to reduce the potential of further sliding. The long term solution to stabilize the roadside slope would incur placing engineered fill to flatten the steep slope, moving the creek away from the slope and placing riprap at the toe on the new slope. It is anticipated that this project will require 8 to 10 months to complete: engineering, government approvals and construction. Staff has estimated the cost of the project at approximately $350,000. Therefore, this project will be included in the 2006 Capital program. CONCLUSION: Belmont Road immediately south of Ron McNeil Line and directly adjacent to the Catfish Creek is experiencing some slope movement. Once an analysis of the area has been completed, a design and approvals will be initiated. Temporary safety measures including signage and concrete barriers have been installed. Weekly monitoring will also be performed to ensure movement is not progressing and if further movement occurs the road can be reduced to one lane. Although not anticipated, it is possible that the roadway may experience substantial movement and may necessitate emergency construction activities and the closure of the road for a period of time. Because this is an unanticipated, priority project, monies required in 2005 will be used from efficiencies found in other capital contracts. RECOMMENDATION: For County Council's information. Respectfully Submitted OtNJ.~ Approved fo . sion Clayton D. Watters Director of Engineering Services Mar Chief Administrative Officer REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Peter Dutchak, Manager, Road Infrastructure Sonia Beavers, Purchasing Co-Ordinator DATE: April 15, 2005 SUBJECT: Tender Awards (Hot Mix Asphalt Paving, Roadway Crack Sealing, Polymer Modified Slurry Seal Type 2) Introduction: As part of the approved 2005 Capital Budget, tenders were advertised as per the County's Purchasing Policy and were received until Wednesday, April 13, 2005 for Hot Mix Asphalt Paving, Roadway Crack Sealing and Polymer Modified Slurry Seal Type 2. Discussion/Conclusion: The tenders was publicly advertised as per the County's Purchasing Policy. Three companies submitted bids for the Hot Mix Asphalt Paving Tender as follows: COMPANY TENDER BID Walmsley Brothers Limited $1,076,109.70 TCG Asphalt & Construction Inc $1,138,661.90 Towland (London) 1970 Limited $1,453,237.62 Walmsley Brothers Limited submitted the lowest bid for the Hot Mix Asphalt Paving Tender at a total price of $ 1,076,1 09.70(including taxes) to complete work on a number of County Roads included in the approved 2005 Capital Budget. Four (4) separate capital projects are wholly or partially represented within .. this tender and collectively their capital budget allocations total is $1,250,000.00 therefore, the lowest submitted bid is within budget estimates. Four companies submitted bids for the Roadway Crack Sealing Tender as follows: COMPANY TENDER BID 788893 Ontario Limited Nia ara Crack Sealin $ 117,742.80 Roadmaster Road Construction & Sealin Ltd. $ 126,474.00 1005428 Ontario Limited R&N Maintenance $ 144,706.80 Road Savers 2000 Ltd. $ 165,636.00 788893 Ontario Limited (Niagara Crack Sealing) submitted the lowest bid for the Roadway Crack Sealing Tender at a total price of $117,742.80 (including taxes) to complete work on a number of County Roads included in the approved 2005 Capital Budget. The capital budget allocations total is $ 150,000.00 therefore, the lowest submitted bid is within budget estimates. Two companies submitted bids for the Polymer Modified Slurry Seal Type 2 as follows: COMPANY TENDER BID Duncor Enterprises Inc. $ 597,060.00 MSO Construction Limited $ 625,950.00 Duncor Enterprises Inc. submitted the lowest bid for the Polymer Modified Slurry Seal Type 2 at a total price of $ 597,060.00 (including taxes) to complete work on a number of County Roads included in the approved 2005 Capital Budget. Nine (9) separate capital projects are wholly or partially represented within this tender and collectively their capital budget allocations total is $ 620,000.00 therefore, the lowest submitted bid is within budget estimates. Recommendation: THAT, Walmsley Brothers Limited be selected to provide Hot Mix Asphalt Paving, Contract No. 6220-05 at their submitted price of $ 1,076,109.70 inclusive of all taxes; and THAT, 788893 Ontario Limited (Niagara Crack Sealing) be selected to apply Asphalt Crack Sealing at their submitted price of $ $117,742.80 inclusive of all taxes; and THAT, Duncor Enterprises Inc. be selected for the application of Polymer Modified Slurry Seal Type 2 for the identified roads and quantities at their submitted price of $ 597,060.00 inclusive of all taxes; and also, THAT, the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to enter into an agreement for Hot Mix Asphalt Paving No. 6220-05, Asphalt Crack Sealing, Contract No. 6090-05-01, and Polymer Modified Slurry Seal Type 2, Contract No. 6250-05. R~ Peter Dutchak Manager, Road Infrastructure Approved for Submission a(fvv~~ J~lI Q &--el).)-{l-d o Purchasing Co-Ordinator REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Sonia Beavers, Purchasing Co-Ordinator DATE: April 18, 2005 SUBJECT: Preventative Maintenance - Mechanical Lifts and Tubs Introduction; Arjo Canada is the Homes sole source vendor for equipment such as mechanical lifts and medical tubs. All equipment requires annual preventative maintenance and therefore the Homes have consistently renewed the annual preventative maintenance agreement with Arjo Canada. The annual preventative maintenance agreements were due for renewal in January 2005. Discussion: Over the last couple of years, there has been an increased emphasis on risk management issues related to transferring residents and mechanical lift devices. The Ministry has provided additional one-time funding for equipment with a focus on safety and prevention. When equipment is no longer covered under warranty, for liability, health and safety concerns as well as Ministry of Health and Long Term Care requirement, preventative maintenance is performed. Arjo Canada enters into an annual agreement with the County facility with certification taking place on or about April 1. An Inspection Certificate itemizing each piece of equipment that was examined by a qualified technician is issued to the facility. Each Home anticipated maintenance agreement costs in the 2005 operating budget. The quotes for preventative maintenance were received as follows: County Agency Total number of Bid Price per year (taxes extra) equipment being serviced 19 ieces $ 9,120.00 2 ieces $ 960.00 18 ieces $ 6,240.00 2 ieces $ 960.00 22 ieces $ 9,120.00 1 The preventative maintenance fee includes: a) one preventative maintenance service, includes inspection and adjustment of each system with specific focus on safety and complete functional review of internal mechanical systems, b) includes all replacement parts required during the annual maintenance inspection, c) includes all remedial return visits(parts, labour and travel), d) written report and certificate provided confirming test results. Conclusion: Arjo Canada is the sole source vendor for mechanical lifts and medical tubs. For staff and resident safety as well as being a Ministry of Health and Long Term Care requirement, Preventative Maintenance must be provided on all equipment no longer covered under warranty. Therefore to ensure maximum safety and reliability, thereby extending the life of the equipment and enhancing the return on the investment, it is for this reason that the recommendation would be renew the agreements with Arjo Canada so the extensive inspection, adjustment and service is expedited in a timely manner. Recommendation: THAT the Warden and CAO be authorized and directed to sign the agreement with Arjo Canada to provide preventative maintenance in 2005 on all Arjo Equipment in each of the Long Term Care Homes. Respectfully Submitted ~'B,~ Sonia Beavers Purchasing Co-Ordinator Mark ~. Chief Administrative Officer ~~ Linda Veger ur Director, Financial Services 2 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Joanna Vernon, Human Resources Co-ordinator DATE: March 29,2005 SUBJECT: Attendance Statistics INTRODUCTION Council approved the re-activation of the Attendance Management Policy effective January 1, 2005. During that meeting, Council requested a break down of absences by union. DISCUSSION: Listed below are the average days missed per employee in 2004. SEIU has the highest average days missed per employee at 13.86. The average for CUPE and ONA is 6.5 days missed and the non-union staff has an average of 3.53 days missed per employee. CONCLUSION: These statistics confirm that it is imperative that the County monitor attendance on a regular basis. RECOMMENDATION: THAT this report be received and filed. ~~ -. Human Resources Co-ordinator REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Joanna Vernon, Human Resources Co-ordinator DATE: April 5, 2005 SUBJECT: Volunteer Criminal Check INTRODUCTION: We require that all new volunteers submit to a criminal check in order to protect the Corporation and the public. We recognise that it can be difficult for some volunteers in the rural areas to travel to the OPP station to submit their criminal check. DISCUSSION: We are able to assign 2 or 3 employees as designates. A designate is an employee who is able to accept a criminal check from a volunteer and fax it to the OPP. This would prevent the volunteer from having to travel to the OPP station to submit their check. To qualify to be assigned as a designate, the OPP must receive a letter from The County of Elgin appointing this person as a designate and they must also submit to an updated criminal background check. We recommend that the CAO and the Warden sign the letter to the OPP appointing an employee as a designate. Please see the attached draft of this letter. CONCLUSION: Our volunteers are a vital part of The County of Elgin. By assigning 2 or 3 designated staff to be able to assist in the processing of the criminal checks, this will be very beneficial for the volunteers and the County. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled Volunteer Criminal Check dated April 5,2005 be approved by County Council and that the Warden and CAO be authorised to sign the required letter for criminal record checks for vulnerable sector screening. a Chief Administrative Officer ~L 1 ~ nna Vernon Human Resources Co-ordinator HARLEY J. UNDERHILL Director of Human Resources 450 SUNSET DRIVE ST. THOMAS, ON N5R 5V1 PHONE (519) 631-1460 FAX (519) 633-7785 Ontario Provincial Police Elgin County 42696 John Wise Line 81. Thomas, Ontario N5P 389 To Whom It May Concern: Re: Jane Doe We are appointing Jane Doe as a designate to assist us with criminal record checks for vulnerable sector screening. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact The Human Resources Department at 631-1460 Ex1. 111. Yours truly, Mark McDonald Chief Administrative Officer Jim Mcintyre Warden of Elgin County REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Larysa Andrusiak, Ambulance and Emergency Management Coordinator DATE: April 15, 2005 SUBJECT: Rapid Community Emergency Alerts INTRODUCTION: There are various public alerting systems available and they have become of greater interest to government bodies and municipalities particularly in the last several years. Recently correspondence was received asking for Council support for Pelmorex's All Channel Alert CRTC application. This is a television broadcast messaging service of impending local emergencies. DISCUSSION: There are telephone,fax, cell phone text, pager and satellite phone alerting systems such as REACH Alert, which advertise no up front charges and no monthly subscription fees. When the system is needed and used there is a cost per completed alert message. This is being marketed to municipalities. Another example is Voice Gate, which provides the ability to reach people through pre- recorded voice messaging via telephone or e-mail messaging. Pelmorex Communications Inc. is a Canadian company which owns The Weather Network and MeteoMedia. They have put forth a proposal to the CRTC to provide an emergency warning system for Canadians that would alert communities of impending local emergencies threatening life or property with a television broadcast message. This would be a text message in moving text across the bottom of the screen or full page messaging, both with an audio component linked to a 1-800 phone number for the visually impaired. The proposed All Channel Alert service would notify television viewers immediately if an emergency situation was fast developing in their community no matter what channel they were watching on cable or satellite. Only messages from authorized government agencies, such as Environment Canada or local municipalities would be broadcast. Only viewers in the affected community would be notified. They are requesting approval of a monthly fee of $.08 per television subscriber to offset capital and operational costs, similar to the 911 fee. There would be no cost to authorized users, such as municipalities, to use the service. Staff has viewed support letters from municipal bodies, some specifically support Palmorex's proposal, some generally support any measure to aid in quick notification of the public in an impending or actual emergency. CONCLUSION: The benefits of warning communities of impending or actual emergencies in their area and providing useful information is clear. In the U.S. , the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires cable companies to participate in a National Emergency Alerting System. Palmorex's All Channel Alert is proposing to act in Canada, nationally, in a similar capacity. RECOMMENDATION: That Council support in principle any proposal, not exclusively Pelmorex's, which enhances the emergency response system in our local area and send a letter of support to the CRTC. Respectfully Submitted Approved for ~r~'~ Ambulance and Emergency Management Coordinator Mar~ Chief Administrative Officer '4 PELMOREX .'" Monday, March 7, 2005 Mr. Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 ..:...~ Dear Mr. McDonald: Re: Pelmorex's All Channel Alert (ACA) proposal CRTC Application #2004-1260-2 I am writing to seek your support for Pelmorex' s All Channel Alert service, an emergency warning system for Canadians that would alert communities of impending local emergencies threatening life or property with a television broadcast message. ACA will provide a vital tool in every municipality's emergency preparedness strategy. The federal broadcast regulator, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), will soon be initiating a public proceeding to consider our proposal. I urge you to seek your Council approval to support our application now, so that you can respond quickly when the CRTC calls for public input. How ACA works The ACA service will notify television viewers immediately if an emergency situation is fast developing in their community, no matter what channel they are watching on cable or satellite. Only messages from authorized government agencies, like Environment Canada or local municipalities, will be broadcast. And only viewers in the affected community are notified. An "emergency" is defined as an imminent or unexpected threat to life and property such as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, earthquakes, forest fires, acts of terrorism, and chemical spills. Please see www.allchannelalert.com for details. We have submitted our ACA proposal to the CRTC, requesting an amendment to our broadcast licence and approval of a monthly fee of 8i per television subscriber to offset capital and operating costs. This funding approach is similar to the 911 emergency telephone service. Pelmorex first applied to provide this service in 2000, and while the CRTC recognized the important public policy need for an ACA service, it turned down our application because of certain implementation concerns. It acknowledged strong support from government and emergency agencies and set out criteria for a successful application, to which we have now responded. 1 Robert Speck Porkwoy, Suite 1600 Mississougo, Ontorio l4Z 4B3 Tel.ITe!. : 905.566.9511 Fax/Telee. : 905.566.5905 www.pelmorex.ca .. ./2 The Pelmorex Family. La famille Pelmorex . The Weather Network · MeteoMedia ,. ':i PELMOREX y:.';) Stakeholders support ACA The current CRTC process is well underway and it will soon call for public comment. We had more than 100 letters of support last time from municipalities across Canada, as well as dozens of other letters of support from such groups as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Federation Quebecoise des Municipalites, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Canadian Emergency Preparedness Association. However some municipalities who wanted to endorse our proposal in 2000 ran out of time to bring a supporting motion to Council in the comment period allowed by t~e CRTC. We urge you to take steps today within your municipality for approval to send a letter of support. I invite you to visit our ACA website at www.allchannelalert.com. If you have any questions or need further information, please send us an email at aca2005@on.pelmorex.com or call me personally at 905-566-9511 ext 271. We will let you know when the CRTC Public Notice is issued calling for public input on our ACA application. Your support is essential to the approval of this application which will provide municipalities with a rapid, automated way to reach its citizens in times of emergency. Sincerely, ~~<C-, ~ Paul Temple Sr. Vice President, Corporate Development Pelmorex Communications Inc. Pelmorex is best known as the owner of The Weather Network and MeteoMedia, and we are leaders in providing customized weather-related content and services to business and consumer markets in Canada. The Pelmorex Family' La famille Pelmorex . The Weather Network . MeteoMedia .~ .,,~ It PELMOREX All Channel Alert backQrounder for municipalities The ACA (All Channel Alert) is an emergency warning service that would allow authorities to alert communities of impending local emergencies threatening life or property with a message on their television screens. No matter what television channel you are watching on cable or satellite, you will be notified in seconds if an emergency situation is developing that affects your area. An "emergency" is defined as an imminent or unexpected threat to life and property caused by a severe weather disturbance, natural disaster or other similar type of emergency situation. Examples are tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, earthquakes, forest fires, acts of terrorism, chemical spills and nuclear waste accidents. What are the benefits of the ACA service? It is quick, efficient and reaches a large number of people in seconds; it delivers the message unaltered from the authorized government agency, and therefore is not subject to interpretation; it is available in both official languages; it targets the message only to the local viewing area affected by the emergency. Who will be authorized to send emergency alerts besides Environment Canada? In conjunction with federal, provincial and territorial authorities Pelmorexproposes to make this service available to local government authorities such as municipalities. While Pelmorex will control the transmission of the emergency messages, authorized government agencies will determine their content and identify to whom they are directed. What will it cost municipalities? There is no charge for ACA authorized users. Pelmorex has applied to the CRTC for a monthly fee of 8/,t per cable or satellite subscriber to offset capital and operating costs, including user training and public education. This funding approach is similar to the 911 emergency telephone service. Who is Pelmorex? Pelmorex Communications Inc. is the Canadian company behind the ACA technology. We own and operate The Weather Network and MeteoMedia, which are distributed to more than 10 million Canadian households and businesses. Pelmorex is a leader in providing customized weather-related content and services to business and consumer markets in Canada, including www.theweathernetwork.com and www.meteomedia.com. What is the timetable for approval? The CRTC process is underway with a public comment period expected soon and a final decision expected by fall. The CRTC takes public support into account in its decisions. How can we support ACA? Please write to the CRTC. To see what others have said about the ACA service, and for tips on preparing your letter of support, visit our website or e-mail us. Thank you! For more information about ACA, please visit www.aUchannelalert.com or e-mail aca2005@on.pelmorex.com The Pelmorp.x Fnmilv _ lnfnrnillo P.o.I............:""''''. Tt...... \A1__~L__ ....,_. I _ 'j;,' 1..1. REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Larysa Andrusiak, Ambulance and Emergency Management Coordinator DATE: April 15, 2005 SUBJECT: Emergency Management Media Training for Mayors via County Council INTRODUCTION: The County and Lower Tier Municipalities have completed the Essential Level of the Community Emergency Management Program mandated by legislation. In 2005, the Essential Level must be maintained and work done to achieve the Enhanced Level. To this end, the CEMC's within Elgin County would like to facilitate Media Training for Mayors and Deputy Mayors. These are the officials that would be in the public eye and would be called upon to face the media in the event of an emergency or pending emergency. DISCUSSION: Mayors and Deputy Mayors would have a major function in dealing with the media and the public in a major event. Indeed, it plays an important part in your everyday political life. Training in this area would enhance and help prepare you for a major emergency event and also in you everyday dealings with the media and public. This training would fulfil a Training component and using a common community hazard which may occur in all communities within the County in that training, such as severe ice or winter storm or power outage, would also fulfil a Public Education component of the Enhanced Plan. Jim Stanton & Associates, Consultants in Communications & Training have been contacted. They are well known and respected in this field. They offer One, Two and Three-Day Workshops. Costs for a One-Day Workshop for 18 participants is $4400 plus GST if applicable. This would allow each Council Member and their Senior Administrator to participate at a cost of $244.45 per participant. This is for three instructors with 6 individuals per class. It is suggested that this cost be taken from Council Budget. The County would also supply the training location and obtain the necessary IT requirements for the course. A Two-Day Workshop cost is $5700 for 18 participants ($316.67 each) and a Three-Day Workshop is $6600. In speaking with Jim Stanton, he realized that councils' preference may be for the one-clay workshop, but he highly recommended the 2- day workshop indicating that participants overwhelmingly benefit more in the second day and that there is a multi pier effect. Workshop agenda's are attached for your review. CONCLUSION: Public perception is critical during a major event or emergency. Knowing how to deliver key messages and information and how to deal with difficult questions and situations is vital in dealing with emergency situations and very helpful in every day public life. Training is offered to enhance your skill and comfort level in this area. If Council would like to proceed, please indicate some dates in which this training could occur. Preferred dates from Management Team were September 21st and 22nd . Some suggested dates which are available: June 2,3 -Thursday, Friday September 21, 22,23 - Wednesday - Friday RECOMMENDATION: That Council and Senior Administrators participate in a One Day Media Training Workshop as referenced in the report, and that this training be funded from the Council Budget. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission ~~'.L Lary AndrUSiak Ambulance and Emergency Management Coordinator Emergency Public Information Two Day Workshop Workshop Objectives: The world changed on September 11, 2001. To create an atmosphere that encourages the preparation necessary for capitalizing on crises and creating achievement out of adversity, inspiration out of confrontation, and opportunity out of danger. With proper advance planning, there can be a positive side to a crisis. The Chinese have embraced this concept for centuries. The symbol for their word "Crisis" - called wei-ji - is actually a combination of two words, "danger" and "opportunity." This is a dynamic and intensive, two-day seminar that will see all participants intensely involved in the program - they will work in teams and as individuals. They will be able to identify issues before they become critical, learn how to be preemptive in their planning and will know what to do when the unexpected occurs, as well as how to prepare a crisis plan check list for their organization. They will participate in a number of exercises designed to test their emergency public information skills. A workbook is also provided. Teaching Objectives: Participants will learn about the importance of having a Emergency Public Infonnation Plan and their role in its success. They will learn how to: . recognize areas of vulnerability . identify the various types of potential crises . recognize the various phases of crises . prepare for handling internal and external reactions . manage the gap between perception and reality . be part of a crisis management team, . work with key personnel in a crisis . recognize how infonnation flows in a crisis . meet the media and public's needs . prepare media advisories and news releases . conduct interviews in confrontational situations . conduct news conferences . monitor the reactions of their "publics" . manage the "after-crisis" phase . prepare a crisis management checklist . turn "breakdowns" into ~'breakthroughs" 0830-0845 0850-0930 0935-1015 1030-1200 1200-1300 1300-1315 1315-1320 1320-1500 . Break 1550-1615 1615-1630 Emergency Public Information Day One Agenda: Introductions and outline of course. Expectations. Common sense communications policy, what's in it for us who are the media, how the media operate, preparing for an interview - the essentials. Three Phases of a Crisis. Learning how to work with each stage and anticipate their unique demands and needs. Role of elected officials. Working with other levels of government First on-camera interviews. Review critique and observations. Lunch. What the media needs, what you need, your rights, your "bullets" and bridging phrases Participants prepare for second interview. Conduct and critique second interview. The importance of Public Service Announcements (PSAs). The importance of the 3 P's: Recap day. Questions and answers. 0830-0845 0850-0930 0935-1015 1015-1030 1030-1200 1200-1300 1300-1540 1540-1615 1615-1630 Emergency Public Information Day Two Agenda Introduction and outline for second day. Review Day One. Importance of proactive crisis management programs. Essentials of an Emergency Public Information plan. Working with crisis communications teams, establishing a Media Center, Call Center, the role of PI Os at the scene of the incident, PIOs in EOCs, communications flow in a CrISiS Essentials of briefings, preparing for a news conference. Break. Prepare, conduct & conduct Exercise # 1. Lunch. Prepare, conduct & conduct Exercise #2 Why post-crisis management is critical to the overall plan. Recap workshop. Questions and answers. Evaluation. REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Larysa Andrusiak, Ambulance and Emergency Management Coordinator DATE: April 15, 2005 SUBJECT: Request for Council Support of EMS Amendments to Employment Standards Act INTRODUCTION: The Association of Municipal Emergency Medical Services of Ontario (AMEMSO) has forwarded correspondence to the Minister of Labour requesting an amendment to the Employment Standards Act (ESA) respecting Hours of Work and Meal Periods which came into effect March 1, 2005. AMEMSO is requesting a resolution of support from municipal councils supporting the above request. DISCUSSION: On the issue of hours of work, legislation has been enacted that requires Ministry consent for employees to work more than 48 hours per week. Though this affects some ambulance services, it does not affect Elgin-St. Thomas EMS as no paramedic is scheduled to work more than 48 hours per week. With respect to Meal Periods, the ESA reads that "an employer shall give an employee an eating period of at least 30 minutes at intervals that will result in the employee working no more than 5 consecutive hours without an eating period." An Exception reads "Subsection (1) does not apply if an employer and employee agree, whether or not in writing, that the employee is to be given two eating periods that together total at least 30 minutes in each consecutive five-hour period." Ambulance services are emergency services. Emergency calls cannot be predicted and require immediate response as directed by the Ministry of Health ambulance communication centre. Although experience shows that most paramedics get an opportunity for meal breaks within the designated time period and often in excess of 30 minutes, this cannot be guaranteed and some ambulance services have been cited with MOL orders and fines regarding this issue. A costing has been done for Elgin-St. Thomas EMS to estimate the cost of sending one replacement vehicle to each station to relieve crews for lunch. The minimum annual cost at the current wage rate of $24.08 (not a newly negotiated wage rate expected soon) was e~Jimated at $1,092,265. It was noted that it is highly unlikely all vehicles would be at base so the cost is likely to be higher or one would still be subject to a fine. Clearly, this is untenable. AMEMSO, in its correspondence, points out that EMS is similar to fire services and in fact responds to more life threatening emergency calls than any other first responder service and therefore should have the same exemptions. CONCLUSION: Emergency services are by nature unpredictable. There may be the occasional occurrence, due to one large single event or a multitude of emergency calls during a period of time that may preclude an employee from receiving a meal break within the allotted time frame. There may also be considerable periods of time of no activity. Common sense needs to prevail and an exemption granted to the EMS sector on these issues. RECOM MENDA TION: That County Council support by resolution to the Minister of Labour support of AMEMSO's request for amendments to the Employment Standards Act exempting Emergency Medical Services respecting the Hours of Work and Meal Periods sections of the Act reflecting the emergency ( and therefore unpredictable) nature of the work. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission q~~ack~~ Larys Andrusiak Ambulance and Emergency Management Coordinator Mark~ Chief Administrative Officer President Richard J. Armstrong Durham Region EMS 4040 Anderson St. Whitby, ON t.1R 3P6 Tel: (905) 665-6313 Ext. 2250 Vice President Brian Bildfell County of Essex 360 Fairview Ave. West Essex, ON N8M W6 Tel: (519) 776-6441 Ext.300 Treasurer Denis Merrall Director of Transportation & Emergency Services County of Middlesex 399 Ridout Street North t.ondon, ON N6A 2P1 Tei (519) 434-7321 Ex!. 228 Directors Jocelyn Bourgoin City of Thunder Bay, Superior North Emergency Medical Services 500 Donald Street E. 2nd Floor Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5V3 Tel (807) 625-3271 Dan Chevrier EMS Divisional Chief, Administration & Property 25 Central Avenue W, Suite 100 Brockville, Ontario K6V 4N6 Tel: 613-342-3840 ex! 2404 John Cunnane Regional Niagara Public Health Department 573 Glenridge Ave. St. Catharines, ON L2T 4C2 Tel: (905) 688-3762 Ext. 366 Jim King land Ambulance Services Regional Municipality of Halton 1151 Bronte Road Oakville, ON t.6M 3L 1 Tel (905) 825-6060 Ext 7988 John Prno Director, Emergency Medical Services Region of Waterloo 120 Maple Grove Rd.. Cambridge, Ontario N3H 4R6 Tel: (519) 650-8295 x8710 Steve Trinier Manager of Ambuiance Services Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board Timiskaming District Social Services Administration Board 38 Pine Street North, Unit 120 Timmins, ON P4N 6K6 Tel (705) 268-7722, Ext. 262 .11 Association of Municipal Emergency Medical Services of Ontario March 28, 2005 Honourable Christopher Bentley Minister of Labour 400 University Ave, 14th Floor Toronto, ON M7A 1T7 Re: Employment Standards Act EMS Amendments Dear Minister: I am writing on behalf of the Association of Municipal Emergency Medical Services of Ontario (AMEMSO) in respect to requesting amendments to the Employment Standards Act (ESA) respecting Hours of Work and Meal Periods. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are the responsibility of the Upper Tier Municipalities (UTMs) and District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSABs) across the province. They are certified by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHL TC) to deliver land ambulance and pre-hospital medical care services to the residents of Ontario. They are governed primarily by the Ambulance Act and Regulations and to a lessor degree by other legislation such as the Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Coroners Act etc. The workload for EMS is randomized and is beyond the control of the employer. The MOHL TC operates the majority of ambulance communications centres throughout the province. These centres dispatch the ambulances operated by the UTMs and DSSABs. The Ambulance Service Patient Care and Transportation Standards issued by the MOHL TC states: Each emergency medical attendant and paramedic shall: (a) ensure that each emergency medical attendant and paramedic follows every direction or instruction issued by a communications officer with respect to the assignment of calls to ambulances or emergency response vehicles. .. ./2 Phone: (905) 444--2050 or 1.877.999-4336 Ext.2250 Fax: (905) 444-2045 "COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES" Honourable Christopher Bentley ESA Amendment Request March 28, 2005 Page 2 Calls for emergency assistance come in during all hours of the day and night and the ambulance must respond immediately, as time delays could mean the difference between life and death. Failure to respond as directed by the ambulance communications centre would also place the ambulance provider in conflict with the standards issued by the MOHL TC. The majority of paramedics work on a 12-hour platoon schedule very similar to that of the fire services in Ontario and like the fire services we cannot delay responding to emergency calls. We understand the need for our employees to receive nourishment during their shift and paramedics are allowed to take time between calls to get a meal. EMS providers also have provisions in their policies and procedures to deal with circumstances when the paramedics have not had an opportunity to get a meal within a reasonable time after reporting to work and this has even been included in many Collective Agreements. It has been our experience that most of the paramedics get an opportunity for a meal break within the designated time period and often it is in excess of 30 minutes_ EMS services respond to more life threatening emergency calls than any other service. We believe EMS should at least be treated the same as other emergency services under the ESA and be exempted from the hours of work and meal provisions stated in the ESA. It is in the public interest to do so. We cannot just take our ambulances out of service so they can have their lunch and leave the public unprotected. This could result in the loss of life. To provide additional coverage for the lunch periods would cost millions of dollars unnecessarily and place a huge financial burden on the UTMs and DSSABs. EMS is very similar to fire service as previously stated and should have the same exemptions under the ESA. We trust you will give our request serious consideration and look forward to an early response. f.'(;:~~ Richard J. Armstrong President cc: Hon. George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Paavo Kivisto, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Labour AMEMSO Executive REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jennifer Ford, Financial Services DATE: 14 April 2005 SUBJECT: 2005/2006 Community Support Services Proposed Budget INTRODUCTION The County of Elgin receives funding from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, through a program known as Community Support Services, more commonly known as the Adult Day Program, for elderly clients in East and West Elgin. These funds are dispersed to the programs at Terrace Lodge and Bobier Villla. As well, the City of St. Thomas, who heads up the program at the Valleyview Home for the Aged, receives funding from the County program to provide services for the residents of St. Thomas and the Central Area of the County. Since the two programs share similar goals and a Program Co-ordinator, the delivery of this much needed service to the residents is enhanced by our joint arrangement. With the help of the Program Co-ordinator, information is obtained for the completion of quarterly forms and the County's annual funding request. The ability to cut costs and to ensure that services are not duplicated remains a primary goal of the partnership that meets on a regular basis throughout the year. DISCUSSION: In consultation with the Program Co-ordinator, the Directors of Terrace Lodge, Bobier Villa, and Elgin Manor, the budget for the 2005/2006 Adult Day program has now been formulated. This program is funded 100% through Provincial funding and client revenues with no additional cost to the County. A request for additional funding for Elgin Manor, Bobier Villa and Terrace Lodge has been included in the budget package. If additional funds are found, and this request is granted by the Ministry, enhancements to existing programs and a new day program at Elgin Manor could be established which will offer different services to clients that do not conflict with those services already provided by Valleyview. Transportation for clients to and from our Terrace Lodge facility constitutes a large part of our budget for that end of the County. The Director of Terrace Lodge wishes to explore alternative arrangements for transportation in an attempt to offset this large budget item. Bobier Villa continues to rely on the services of volunteers who offer transportation to our clients and are paid based on mileage only for their services. CONCLUSION: The proposed budget must now be forwarded to the Province for their approval with the appropriate official signatures attached. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the 2005/2006 Community Support Services Budget be approved; and THAT the Warden, the Chief Administrative Officer and, the Director of Financial Services be authorized to sign the Budget and forward same to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. ona Chief Administrative Officer ~~ AJj1~ Linda Veger Director of Financial Services @ Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Ministere de la Sante et des Soins de longue duree Recipient Number Service Provider Name 100931 Corp. ofthe County of Elgin Type of Budget: ~ Base IDI Expansion 2005 FUNDING REQUEST BUDGET SUMMARY TOTAL BUDGET REQUEST (Includes All Services to be Funded) MINISTRY PROJECTED FISCAL ANNUALIZED APPROVED BUDGET ACTUAL 2005 2005 EXPENDITURES/REVENUES 2004 2004 (A) (B) (C) (D) 1. EMPLOYEE SALARIES AND WAGES $ 91,880 $ 91,880 (FORM 4) 2. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 25,817 25,817 (FORM 5) 3. STAFF TRAINING 500 500 4. BOARDNOLUNTEER TRAINING & 400 400 RECOGNITION 5. TRAVEL 2,476 2,476 6. BUILDING OCCUPANCY 11,000 11,000 7. OFFICE EXPENSES 2,800 2,800 8. PURCHASED CLIENT SERVICES 121,160 121,160 (FORM 9) 9. MEALS (Food Costs) 12,600 12,600 10. CLIENT SERVICE SUPPLIES/MEDICAL 11,000 11,000 SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT (FORM 7) 11. PURCHASED ADMINISTRATION SERVICES - - (FORM 8) 12. CENTRAL AGENCY CHARGES 1,000 1,000 (FORM 10) 13. OTHER OPERATING - - 14. OTHER 750 750 15. EXPENDITURE RECOVERIES - - 16. TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ - $ - $ 281,383 $ 281,383 (Sum of Lines 1 through 15) 19. CLIENT FEES 17,600 17,600 20. REVENUES - OTHER - - (FORM 11) 21. MINISTRY BASE SUBSIDY REQUESTED $ - $ - $ 263,783 $ 263,783 (Sum of all 2(a) line 21) 22. ONE-TIME/NON-RECURRING SUBSIDY 69,000 (FORM 12) 23. TOTAL SUBSIDY REQUESTED $ - $ - $ 332,783 (Total lines 21 and 22) ANNUALIZED. An annualized budget Is one that relates to a level of approved services and related recurring operating costs for a full twelve month period of operation. FISCAL - A fiscal budget Is one that relates to a level of approved services and related operating costs, including one-time costs, Incurred during the twelve month period under review. The fiscal budget will be different from the annualized budget only when an agency expands or reduces approved services, introduces new services, Is approved for a one-time project, or Incurs one-time costs such as retro wage settlement, equipment replacement, office relocation, etc. REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Linda B. Veger, Director of Financial Services DATE: April 5, 2005 SUBJECT: Budget Comparison - February 28, 2005 Introduction: Attached is the budget comparison to February 28, 2005 for the County operating departments. Discussion: With the approval of the budget, departments are in the process of purchasing items that were included in the budget. Wage lines show a positive variance. However, since March contains three pay periods these positive variances will decrease. Corporate Expenditures - positive variance - 24,328. Auditors billing received in April ($7,000). Other lines under budget at this time. Overall the three Homes are in a positive position. The three pay periods in March as well as the start of vacation season will reduce this variance. Library - negative variance - (16,926) - the provincial grant for the Library will not be received until much later in the year. Ambulance Services - positive variance 84,632 - Elgin St. Thomas EMS will enter into contract negotiations shortly. Until the contract is settled, payments to the provider should show a positive variance along with reduced invoicing back to the City. All other departments are reasonable. Recommendation: THAT the report titled Budget Comparison - February 28, 2005 and dated April 5, 2005 be received and filed. ~~ Linda B. Veger . Director of Financial Services Respectfully Submitted Mark "". Chief Administrative Officer Warden & Council Wages Benefits Operations Total Administrative Services Wages Benefits Operations Total Financial Services Wages Benefits Operations Total Human Resources Wages Benefits Operations Total Administration Building Wages Benefits Operations Total Corporate Expenditures Insurance Telephone Legal & Professional Retiree Benefits Other Expenditures Total Engineering Wages Benefits Operations Maintenance Total Agriculture Operations Total Elgin Manor Revenues Wages Benefits Operations Total Terrace Lodge Revenues Wages Benefits Operations Total COUNTY OF ELGIN Departmental Budget Comparisons For The 2 Periods Ending February 28, 2005 Total YTD YTO Variance % OF Bud9Elt .l3ucfget Actual () Budget 168,274 7,573 70,175 28,046 1,262 18,904 13,614 1,105 19,945 14,432 157 (1,041) 246,022 48,212 34,663-----13~549 14.U9% 249,750 52,448 14,700 41,625 8,741 2,450 31,096 9,181 1,641 10,529 (439) 809 316,898 52,816 41,918 10,898 13.23% 281,000 67,440 17,151 46,833 11,240 2,859 35,297 10,988 2,037 11,537 252 821 365,591 60,932 48,322 12,610 13.22% 322,279 68,000 19,550 53,713 11,333 3,258 11,692 (640) 1,997 42,021 11,973 1,261 409,829 6-8~305-------55,255.u n 13,050 13.48% 116,600 30,300 74,300 19,433 5,050 12,383 14,499 4,308 13,002 4,935 742 (618) 221,200 36,867 3-1,8U9 5,058--1.1[38% 206,500 33,000 87,000 41 ,000 76,515 197,345 5,500 14,500 6,833 12,752 916 2,205 6,946 1,150 13,111 196,430 3,295 7,554 5,683 (359) 444,015 236,931 212~603 L4,328-----47.88% 245,000 53,000 82,000 2,276,259 40,833 8,833 13,667 547,240 12,837 171 (2,515) o 27,996 8,663 16,181 547,240 2,656,259 610,573 600,080 10,493 22:59% 31,876 5,313 4,191 1,121 31,876 5,313 1,121 4,191 3.52% (4,169,961) (694,994) (673,682) (21,312) 3,823,594 637,266 443,151 194,115 1,005,216 167,536 168,006 (470) 911,144 151,857 78,207 73,650 1,569,993 261,666 15,682 245,983 (4,627,251 ) (771,209) (727,938) (43,271 ) 3,928,883 654,814 506,234 148,580 993,613 165,602 173,125 (7,523) 917,741 152,957 80,046 72,911 1,212,986 202,164 31 ,468 170,696 1.00% 2.59% Bobier Villa Revenues Wages Benefits Operations Total Pioneer Museum Wages Benefits Operations Total Library Wages Benefits Collections Operations Total Archives Wages Benefits Operations Total Land Division Wages Benefits Operations Total Emergency Measures Wages Benefits Operations Total Information Technologies Grants Wages Benefits Operations Total Provincial Offences Grant Fines Revenues Shared Revenues - Municipal Wages Benefits Operations Total Ambulance Services Province of Ontario City of St. Thomas Contractor Payments Wages Benefits Operations Total Collections Revenue Wages Benefits Operations Total (2,650,555) (441,759) (429,228) (12,531) 2,611,848 435,308 336,906 98,402 608,993 101,499 98,221 3,278 653,058 108,843 62,730 46,113 1,223,344 203,891 68,630 135,261 5.61% 56,553 9,426 9,351 74 11,672 1,945 2,450 (505) 57,249 9,542 11,046 ~1 ,505~ 125,474 20,912 22,847 1,935 18.21% 1,028,272 171,379 134,530 36,848 227,986 37,998 37,474 524 227,500 37,917 74,282 (36,365) 126,856 21,143 39,076 ~17,933~ 1,610,614 268,436 285,362 16,926 17.72% 135,568 22,595 12,289 10,306 27,606 4,601 3,569 1,032 45,900 7,650 1,219 6,431 209,074 34,846 17,077 17,768-- 8.17% 54,345 9,058 6,491 2,566 10,925 1,821 1,489 332 (65,2703 (10,8783 (10,862~ ~6j (2,882 2, 8 0.00% 5,000 833 833 0 1,300 217 217 0 11,800 1,967 946 1,020 18,100 3,017 1,996 1,020 11.03% 000 0 184,622 30,770 22,957 7,814 48,002 8,000 6,343 1,657 318,862 53,144 28,830 24,314 551,486 91,914 58,130 33,785 10.54% (75,900) (12,650) 0 (12,650) (650,000) (108,333) (105,109) (3,225) 323,355 0 0 0 159,000 26,500 22,341 4,159 33,500 5,583 6,121 (538) 180,350 30,058 13,210 16,848 (29,695) (58,842) (63,436) 4,595 213.63% (1,658,846) (276,474) (277,620) 1,146 (1,752,254) (292,042) (236,583) (55,460) 5,828,740 971,457 832,409 139,048 63,650 10,608 7,880 2,728 16,549 2,758 2,422 336 32,500 5,417 8,582 ~' 165J 2,530,339 421,723 337,091 4,63 13.32% (380,000) (63,333) (46,197) (17,136) 42,259 7,043 5,237 1,806 10,565 1,761 1,705 56 221,669 36,945 1,564 35,381 (105,507) (17,585) (37,691) 20,106 35.72% REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Linda B. Veger, Director of Financial Services DATE: April 11, 2005 SUBJECT: Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund Introduction: The Province has replaced the CRF (Community Reinvestment Fund) with a new, unconditional grant titled the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF). As indicated by the Province in previous correspondence, the County will receive at least as much funding in 2005 as was received in 2004. That amount is $5,841,000. Discussion: The Province has now released some information regarding this new grant. It appears that the County is only eligible for a stabilization grant. This grant has been calculated on the basis of 2005 funding levels and will be maintained at this level in future years. Unfortunately, this grant amounts to only $2,133,588 however, the Province has softened the blow by providing additional funding and one time funding: Stabilization Grant $2,133,588 Stable Fundinq Guarantee Adjustment $3,707,412 Subtotal $5,841,000 One-time Fundinq $2,100,482 Total for 2005 $7,941,482 The Province will forward the funds, as indicated in the 2005 Cash Flow Notice (copy attached), with a slightly different split: 2005 Quarterly Payments $5,192,203 One-time Fundinq $2,749,280 Total $7,941,482 There is the expectation that $648,797 of the one-time funding will be utilized to make up the difference between the $5,841,000 and the $5,192,204 as indicated in the cash flow notice. Also, after a discussion with the Ministry of Finance, the County's starting point for the 2006 OMPF grant will be $5,099,518 ($741,482 less than 2005). Starting In 2006 the $3,707,412 will be phased out in a program that runs for three years. In those three years the reductions will be limited to: $250,000 in 2006, $500,000 in 2007, ;< and $1,000,000 in 2008. At this time there is no provision for phase-out in 2009 and beyond. Therefore, the County could lose approximately $2M in 2009. The $3.7M would equate to a 20% increase in our levy and matching 20% increase to the tax rate based on 2005. Aylmer and Dutton/Dunwich will receive additional grant monies while Bayham, Central Elgin and Southwold will fewer. For 2006, the County will lose an estimated $247,000 for the first year of the phase-out. Council already committed $175,000 of an increase to CRF to the 2005 budget thereby reducing the levy. A calculation worksheet is attached for your information. The 2005 one- time funding, if reserved, will decrease very quickly to the end of 2006 in order to maintain revenues: One time Fundin - er cash flow Less: Utilized to stabilize 2005 fundin Less: Increase committed to 2005 Subtotal - December 31, 2005 Less: Utilized to stabilize 2006 fundin Less: Phase-out for 2006 Less: Utilized to in 2005, same for 2006 Balance December 31,2006 Within the geographic area of the County, the total loss in grants will be: Phase in, There is an expectation by the Province that municipalities will utilize a portion of the transition funding to limit the impact in 2006 - copies attached. Conclusion: The Western Wardens will be discussing this issue at their meeting on April 22, 2005. Other organizations will also be presenting additional information as it becomes available. It would appear that the County must begin planning for this loss of revenue. Recommendation: J THAT the report titled Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund, dated April 11, 2005 be received and filed. Respectfully Submitted ~~+ Linda B. Veger Director of Financial Services if County of Elgin Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund April 19, 2005 2005 Funding 1 From reserve to equal 2004 CRF 2 From reserve as utilized in 2005 budget Total 2006 Funding - as suggested by Ministry of Finance 3 From reserve to equal 2005 starting point 4 From reserve as above 5 From reserve to replace phase-out Total Reserve 2005 Reserve balance - if Council reserves one time funding Less (1) above Less (2) above Balance December 31, 2005 2006 Less (2) above for 2006 Less (3) above 6 Less (4) above Balance December 31,2006 Calculation of phase-out - line (6) above Maximun 2006 - 250,000 - $1 O/household Maximum 2007 - 500,000 - $25/household Maximum 2008 - 1,000,000 - $50/household 2004 residential assessment 2004 weighted multi-residential assessment 7 Total Total weighted assessment - all classes 8 Total (7) as a percentage of total weighted assess. 9 Households -18,533 X $10/household Phase-out (8) divided by (9) 185,330/75% - approx. 5,192,203 648,797 5,841,000 175,000 6,016,000 4,852,518 741 ,482 5,594,000 175,000 247,000 6,016,000 2,749,280 (648,797) (175,000) 1,925,483 (175,000) (741,482) (247,000) 762,001 2,307,492,582 44,003,760 2,351,496,342 3,143,720,394 75% 185,330 247,000 The above calculation along with the starting point for 2006 funding was supplied by the Ministry of Finance - Chris Broughton (416) 314-3801 --- 6 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund 2005 OMPF Allocation County of Elgin 2005 Allocation Notice IA. CRF Payments in 2004 (21105StableFlJrldirlgGulIrllntee) _ ----- -- --------- . -----$5-;-841,0001 B. 2005 OMPF Allocation Plus Phase-in Adiustment $5,841,000 1. Social Programs Grant 2. Equalization Grant a. Assessment Equalization b. Farmland and Managed Forest 3. Northern and Rural Communities Grant a. Rural Communities b. Northern Communities c. Northern and Rural Social Programs d. Stabilization $2,133,588 4. Police Services Grant 5. Phase-in Adjustment Stable Funding Guarantee Adjustment $3,707,412 Ic. 2005 Increase over 2004 CRF Payments - D. Other Provincial Initiatives $37,704 1. Projected Public Health Net Benefit 2. 2005 Gas Tax Allocation $37,704 I E. Total 2005 OMPF Allocation with Public Health and Gas Tax . . _ $5,878,70.11 I F. Total 2005 Increase over 2004 CRF Payments (Total 2005 Includes Public Health and Gas Tax) $37,7041 G. One-time Fundin $2,100,482 1. 2003 Reconciliation 2. 2004 Reconciliation 3. Stable Funding Guarantee One-time Payment (Included in B5) 4. Remainder of Transition Funding $581,000 $778,000 $865,063 $741,482 1. Total Municipal Social Program Costs 2. Households 3. Total Assessment per Household 4. Policing Costs per Household 5. Rural and Small Community Measure $3,739,497 18,533 $185,014 85.6% {p ONTARIO MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIP FUND 2005 CASH FLOW NOTICE County of Elgin A. 2005 Stable Funding Guarantee (CRF Payments in 2004) 5,841,000 B. 2005 OMPF Allocation plus Phase-in Adjustment (1 +2) 5,841,000 1. Total 2005 Quarterly Payments (line C) 5,192,203 2. Net One-Time Stable Funding Guarantee Payment (line D3 ) 648,797 C. 2005 Quarterly Payments (1 +2+3+4) 5,192,203 1. 1 st Quarter Payment (January 2005) 1 ,460,250 2. 2nd Quarter OMPF Payment (April 2005) 1,243,984 3. 3rd Quarter OMPF Payment (July 2005) 1,243,984 4. 4th Quarter OMPF Payment (October 2005) 1,243,984 D. Total 2005 One-Time Payments (1+2+3+4) (March/April2005) 2,749,280 1. 2003 Reconciliation Adjustment 581,000 2. 2004 Reconciliation Adjustment 778,000 3. Net One-Time Stable Funding Guarantee Payment (line E5) 648,797 4. Remainder of Transition Funding 741,482 E. Net One-Time Stable Funding Guarantee Payment: 1. Stable Funding Guarantee Adjustment 865,063 2. Quarterly OMPF Payment 1 ,243,984 3. 1 st Quarter Payment (paid January 2005) 1 ,460,250 4. Stable Funding Guarantee Payment included in Q1 Payment (2-3) (216,266) 5. Net One- Time Stable Funding Guarantee Payment (1 +4) 648,797 Ontario Ministry of Finance Provincial Local Finance Division 44000 1 County of Elgin Reserve Balance Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund Opening Balance - 2005 Less $'s to maintain - per discussion with Ministry of Finance Total Note: 2005 2007 2008 2006 2,749,280 2,100,483 1,112,001 612,001 (648,797) (741,482) (500,000) (1,000,000) (247,000) 2,100,483 1,112,001 612,001 (387,999) Funds are exhausted in 2008 by the middle of July With the 2005 budget, Council expected a CRF reconciliation and included $175,000 as a revenue figure to offset the budget increase. This amount is not included in the above calculation. ~ If the $175,000 is included each year, the reserve will be exhausted in January 2008. FROM: Linda B. Veger, Director of Financial Services TO: CAO's and Treasurers, Municipalities of Elgin Treasurer, City of S1. Thomas DATE: March 2, 2005 SUBJECT: P.O.A. Default Revenues through Collections INTRODUCTION: The Province transferred the responsibility for Provincial Offences to the County of Elgin in February 2001. Prior to that transfer, the Municipalities agreed to a certain apportionment of the revenues received from fines. Schedule "B" Revenue Sharing states: "Each Municipality shall receive gross revenues generated from POA activity within its municipal boundaries, less expenses and a 10% administration fee payable to the County Elgin." "POA revenues from January 1998 to the date of transfer, January 1, 2001, will be retained by the County of Elgin and the City of S1. Thomas, in accordance with the CRF formulas provided by the Province." DISCUSSION: At the time of transfer, there were approximately $2.7million in outstanding fines. The Province had not taken any action to collect these fines other than reminder letters. In other words, these potential revenues were neglected and not actively pursued by the Province. In 2003, Council agreed to hire a Collections Officer to pursue fines that had moved through the regular process and had defaulted. This occurs at the ninety-first day after the offence. Council determined that it would take the risk on this project and did not request any funding from the Municipalities. There was the chance that the amount of funds collected would not cover the cost of the position. The full year cost to run collections is $67,202 for 2004. This new position required considerable start-up time and revenues started flowing in late 2003. The position proved successful in 2004, collecting not only fines that had recently moved into default but also pre transfer fines( prior to 2001). The pre-transfer (pre 2001) revenues collected in 2004 were $139,240 and the post-transfer revenues were $193,074. It is important to note that the original agreement signed by the Municipalities did not speak to or envision the distribution of fines pursued in default. In order to disperse these revenues, a separate agreement is being recommended by the County Solicitor. Since the County had taken the risk in this first full year, Council determined that, if agreeable to the Municipalities, the revenues would remain with the County for the first full year and that the municipalities would be approached in 2005 for their input and agreement as to how to share the revenues on defaulted fines thereafter. As mentioned earlier, a method was developed by the County and reviewed by the County Solicitor. His recommendation is to approach the Municipalities with a separate agreement that speaks to these revenues as it is not directly referred to in the original local side agreement. The following is presented for your consideration: For 2004: . All net revenues over the budgeted collections net revenue ($235,395) be disbursed to the Municipalities based on the same percentage split as determined by identifiable fines. The unaudited figure above the budget is currently $29,616. For 2005 and thereafter: . All pre-transfer fines collected by the County will be maintained as County and City of St. Thomas revenues. This is in keeping with the original revenue agreement. The County will deduct expenditures and a 10% administration fee prior to the revenue split calculation. . All post- transfer fines collected by the County will be shared with the Municipalities based on the revenues generated within its municipal boundaries. The County will deduct expenditures and a 10% administration fee prior to the revenue split calculation. The revenue split will be based on the same percentage split as determined by identifiable fines. Prior to the revenue calculation for each municipality, the expenditures and 10% administration fee will be divided between pre and post transfer in the same ratio as gross pre and post transfer revenues and will be deducted from the revenue split calculation. CONCLUSION: The County has taken the initiative and associated risks to collect fines that have moved into default. This includes approximately $2.7 million transferred by the Province. Collections have proved successful. The above report sets out a method to share those fines with the municipalities within the geographic area of Elgin. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the participating municipalities, including the City of St. Thomas, agree with the method of disbursement of fines collected in default as indicated in the report entitled P.D.A. Default Reveunes through Collections and dated March 2, 2005; and, THAT the County be instructed to prepare the necessary agreement. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission ~~~~ Director of Financial Services REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jennifer Ford, Financial Analyst Carol-Noele Butler, Collections Officer Linda Veger, Director of Financial Services DATE: 19 April 2005 SUBJECT: Collections Protocol - Certificates of Default INTRODUCTION In 2003, the County began the process of collecting the backlog of overdue Provincial Offences fines. Collection activities included more than 15,000 notifications to defendants and the assignment of files to a Collection Agency. To date, these activities have resulted in more than 3900 cases being paid in full and closed. There are still more than 7,000 cases remaining that require more indepth investigation and aggressive measures in order to collect those fines. DISCUSSION: Outstanding fines can be categorized into four areas: . Fines over $10,000 and within two years of their default date. The filing of Certificates of Default and a Writ of Seizure and Sale on these matters must be done in Superior Court. This process has begun and is necessary to secure our interest. As per Superior court protocol, these matters may not be handled by County staff. . Fines owing between $500 and $9,999 and within two years of their default date. Again, Certificates of Default and a Writ of Seizure and Sale are necessary to be filed in Small Claims Court to protect our interest, and this process has also begun. These matters may be worked by County staff and there are particular procedures necessary in achieving successful collection on these matters. Fines over $2,500 may be reviewed by the County Solicitor. Staff have not pursued any files through Small Claims other than anchoring our position. . Fines less than $500.00. Staff have begun to assess these fines to determine if further attempts to collect are warranted. It may be necessary to write off some of this debt. It had been determined in a prior report to Council that staff would not file a Certificate of Default on these fines. . Fines that are past their two year default date. These fines are forwarded to the outside Collection Agency. The County Solicitor has indicated that a Judgment Summons can be issued for the defendant to appear before a Justice of the Peace. Should the defendant appear, a Justice of the Peace can order the defendant to pay; may grant an extension of time to pay; create an alternate payment schedule; or commit the defendant to jail. Should the defendant fail to appear, the Justice of the Peace may issue an arrest warrant. Staff suggest that the County Solicitor deal with matters over $10,000 through Superior Court. The County Solicitor will be provided with all relevant information. These files represent a significant potential loss in revenue if not pursued. Staff are able to proceed on cases filed in Small Claims Court. The services of a Process Server and the County Solicitor will at times be required. A Process Server is necessary to serve summons'. There are files that are under $500 or that are too old to be pursued within Small Claims Court. These files will have been sent to the Collection Agency for further action. Staff suggest that some of these cases could be written off and that the Director of Financial Services be authorized to determine which files are "uncollectible". Various recoverable costs for enforcement include: Certificate of Default is $25 Issuance of a Writ of Seizure and Sale $135 -$150 Process Server - per attempt and location $50 - $80 Garnishments $50 to $100 Notice of Examination $35 Certificate of Judgement $10 Transfer of Jurisdiction $10 CONCLUSION: Over the past year and a half, staff have actively been pursuing defaulted fines with favourable results. Approximately nine months ago, increased efforts resulted in cases being assigned to a Collection Agency. However, staff feel additional revenue may be collected with a more aggressive approach and are prepared to move in that direction with the assistance of the County Solicitor and Process Server. RECOMMENDATION: THAT all matters over $10,000 be referred to the County Solicitor for further investigation as to their eligibility for further collection and further process; and, THAT the County Solicitor be allowed to request warrants as required; and, THAT staff enlist the services of a process server on an as needed basis; and, THAT any costs that may arise from such process become part of the Collections expenses; and, THAT any revenues that may arise from the activities of the County Solicitor with regards to the collections of old fines become part of Collections revenues; and, THAT the Director of Financial Services be authorized to determine files ready for write off; and, THAT these recommendations be reviewed at the end of one year to ensure their cost effectiveness. Respectfully Submitted (]MAMatM Carol-Noele Butler Collections Officer ~ ' 4<-k~ Linda Veger Director of Financial Services REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Cathy Bishop Director of Library Services DATE: April 11, 2005 SUBJECT: Engaging Community - Building Community (Southwold) INTRODUCTION: Elgin-St. Thomas United Way has launched a very important community consultation initiative called Engaging Community - Building Community. It is the goal of Engaging Community - Building Community to include a diverse spectrum of stakeholders from many walks of life in this process. In addition to community consultations, volunteers and staffwill also look at statistical research on demographics and social and economic trends in Elgin and St. Thomas. The information will be synthesized and reviewed by a Steering Committee Engaging Community - Building Community will culminate in a report to Elgin-St. Thomas United Way Board of Directors and to each municipality across Elgin. The result of the report will become vital information for the United Way and other local organizations. Ontario Trillium Foundation is funding consultation processes in 17 smaller United Ways across the province and Trillium will be using the findings of the consultations as a guideline for funding priorities over the next few years. DISCUSSION: As Director of Library Services, United Way has invited me to take part in a group consultation session for Southwold, on April 19, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Warren Masonic Lodge, in downtown Fingal. The session will focus on two important sets of questions as follows: Part 1: Issues a) How would you describe this community? b) What do you like/not like about this community? Part 2: Activities/Services/Strategies/Resources a) What is your vision of this community in 5 years? b) What is happening now to make this vision come true? c) What can United Way do to make this vision come true? d) What can you do to make this vision come true? CONCLUSION: As Director of Library Services, United Way has invited me to take part in a group consultation session for Southwold, on April 19, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Warren Masonic Lodge, in downtown Fingal. RECOMMENDATION: For Council's information Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission oe... c~ Director of Library Services REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Dianne Palmer, Manager of Library Services Cathy Bishop, Director of Library Services DATE: April 11, 2005 SUBJECT: Belmont Library Branch Capital Project Completion Report (FYI) INTRODUCTION In 2004, County Council approved the sum of $22,000 for painting, carpeting and furnishings for the Belmont branch. The work was undertaken during the Autumn of 2004 and has now been completed. DISCUSSION The following chart is a breakdown of the expenses incurred by the renovation project: Total Cost $ 520. $3,550. $3,910. $3,596. $1,763. $8,902. $22,241. & electrical CONCLUSION Staff thank Council for their interest in our branch libraries which is reflected in such activities as the approval of funds to keep our branches in a very presentable state of repair. The branch improvements have provided a very attractive and inviting environment for staff and library users to carry out their activities. RECOMMENDATION That the report be received and filed. Rrz~,CtfUIIY SUl?fn,O ) ~_ I~' ~ ~~~-\~ Dianne Palmer Manager of Library Services c~ Director of Library Services Mark Mc9o.o.akL Chief Administrative Officer 2 REPORT TO SENIOR MANAGEMENT FROM: Melissa Lewis, Elgin Manor Director of Senior Services DATE: March 21,2005 SUBJECT: Medical/Diagnostic Equipment Funding INTRODUCTION: The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provided one-time funding in the first quarter of 2005 for medical and diagnostic equipment. DISCUSSION: Long-term care homes were allowed to purchase equipment in a number of key areas: . Diagnostics & Treatment . Stroke/Rehabilitation . Fall Prevention . Skin & Wound Care The initial funding announcement was limited to replacement equipment only, and could not be utilized to purchase equipment the facility did not already have on the premises. Through advocacy efforts of the provincial associations, the eligible equipment definition was expanded to include new equipment. Funding allocations for each of the Homes are as follows: Home Funding $29,782 $47,024 $52,249 $129,055 Bobier Villa Elgin Manor Terrace Lodge Total: CONCLUSION: Medical/Diagnostic equipment funding was utilized in the three Elgin County Homes to purchase a number of items for the care and comfort of residents. Examples include bed and chair alarms for fall prevention, therapeutic mattresses, vitals units, wound measurement devices, weights and pedal exercisers for restorative care. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report entitled Medical/Diagnostic Equipment Funding be received and filed. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission ~~- Me issa Lewis, Elgin Manor Director of Senior Services ~'hokJf}? Rhonda Roberts, Terrace Lodge Director of Senior Services ~a~. Pat Vandevenne, Bobier Villa Director of Senior Services Manager of Resident Care ~ Ontario Ministry of Health Ministere de la Sante Nursing Homes Branch Compliance Review Findings reflect the Ministry of Health's flndings based on Ministry Standards and criteria for resident care and nursing home services. Compliance Plans reflect the home's corrective action plans to reach compliance with the Ministry's standards. Compliance Plans Direction des maisons de soins infirmiers Plans de conformite Les resultats de l'inspection de conformite sont tires de Itlli8llllllllillJll'lllP llflzinistere de la Sante en fonction des normes et criteres du ministere pour les soins dispe~Jl}"'t!{fJn~s et fl!J ervices offerts dans les maisons des soins infirmiers contient les mesures correctives que l'etablissement entend adapter pour se conformer aux normes du ministere Name and address of Nursing Home/Nom et addresse de la maison de soins infirmiers Elgin Manor, Elgin County 39262 Fingal Line, RR #1 St. Thomas ON N5P3S5 B1.6 Standars and Criteria Normes et criteres B2.3 B2.4 B2.7 2611-52(89/12) Plan submitted by /Plans soumis par Plan Receipt date 11-Apr-05 Nursing Homes Compliance Plan Plan des mesures correctives de la maison de soins infirmiers Compliance Review Date/Date de I'inspection de conformite March 17, 18,23 & 24, 2005 Type of Review/Genre d'inspction Annual Ministry's Compliance Review findings Resultats de I'inspection du ministere Each resident's care and service needs shall be reassessed at least quarterly and whenever there is a change in the resident's health status, needs or abilities. i.e. Activation have not completed quarterly reviews An organized, documented interdisciplinary team conference shall be held with the residenUrepresentative if able and wish to attend within 6 weeks following admission, to review and further develop the written plan of care. i.e. All disciplines are not represented at these conferences, administration, dietary, activation, environmental services. Each resident's plan of care shall reflect his/her current stengths, abilities, preferences, needs, goals. i.e. Activation has not completed the resident integrated care plan. An audit to assess the status of activation quarterly reviews will be completed. All quarterly reviews will be completed. Responsibility: Manager of Programs Target Date: April 29, 2005 We have the Dietary (Registered Dietitian), Pharmacist, Health Care Aide, Registered Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse and residenUfamily (if willing and able) attend care conferences on a routine basis. The tracking tool for care conferences will be revised to include tick lists for completion of all disciplines (dietary, activation, nursing). Responsibility: Director of Senior Services Target Date: May 1,2005 An education session will be held for all disciplines to review the purpose and importance of multidisciplinary care planning. Participation promotion will be included in monthly departmental meetings. Responsibility: All Managers Target Date: June 1, 2005 An organized, documented interdisciplinary care team A care conference evaluation will be introduced as part of the quality program conference shall be held annual with the representative if to capture future improvements from the residenUfamily perspective. they are able and wish to attendto reassess the resident's Responsibility: Director of Senior Services Target Date: May 1,2005 care and service needs, to revise and review the plan of care. i.e. Currently these are not attended by administration, dietary, activation or environmental services. Page of/de REPORT TO MANAGEMENT FROM: Melissa Lewis, Elgin Manor Director of Senior Services DATE: April 13, 2005 SUBJECT: Annual Compliance Review - Elgin Manor INTRODUCTION: The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is responsible to conduct an annual inspection of all long-term homes in the province. Annual inspections, combined with follow-up inspections, specialized referals and compliant investigations, form the basis of the Ministry's compliance system. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Standards and criteria are detailed in the Long-Term Care Facilities Program Manual, and include close to 500 requirements regarding the care and services provided to residents. During the Annual Compliance Review our policies, procedures and practices within the home are evaluated in the context of these Ministry standards by a Compliance Advisor. Our Compliance Advisor for Elgin is currently Lorell Jones, RN. The annual review for Elgin Manor was completed over four separate days during a two week period, ending in a debriefing meeting March 24, 2005. The debriefing meeting was open to all staff, who were encouraged to attend as part of the process. The Compliance Advisor left four findings of unmet standards related to multidisciplinary participation in care planning. The team at Elgin Manor have drafted an action plan, which is attached for your information. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled Annual Compliance Review - Elgin Manor be received and filed. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission ~?:> . eliss ewis, Elgin Manor Director of Senior Services Mark G. Chief Administrative Officer REPORT TO COUNCIL FROM: Melissa Lewis, Elgin Manor Director of Senior Services DATE: April 18, 2005 SUBJECT: Engaging Community - Building Community, United Way INTRODUCTION: As described in the Director of Library Services report to County Council, Engaging Community - Building Community is an Elgin-St. Thomas United way initiative. The Ontario Trillium Foundation is funding the consultation process in a select number of smaller United Way branches across the province and results will be utilized to determine future funding priorities. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: As Director of Senior Services for Elgin Manor, United Way has extended an invitation for us to take part in a group consultation session for Southwold community on April 19, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Warren Masonic Lodge, downtown Fingal. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report entitled Engaging Community - Building Community, United Way be received and filed for Council's information. Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission ~.~ - elissa WIS, Elgin Manor Director of Senior Services REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer, on behalf of the Management Committee DATE: April 21,2005 SUBJECT: THE IMPACT OF THE ONTARIO MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIP FUND Introduction: The purpose of this report is to apprise Council of the devastating effect of the newly announced Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund on County finances. In short, the Province will be cyphering off more than $3.7M in grants to Elgin County over the next three years. That represents more than a 20% increase in property taxes. Discussion: The Director of Financial Services, in a separate report, has provided the factual information regarding the newly announced fund. It should be noted that the Government of Ontario claims that the loss in funds should be at least partially offset by gas tax revenue (that went to municipalities with public transit), and by the Province gradually picking up more of the costs of public health programs (from 50% to 75% of the costs over time). It is interesting to note that with the continued expansion of mandatory health programs and the associated costs, public health units are hard pressed to pass all of the benefits onto municipalities. In other words, the health units must by necessity retain some of the provincial contribution to meet provincial standards - the County for example will not likely see a direct dollar for dollar reduction in its contribution to the Health Unit's budget. All this is to say, that the "so called" Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund" represents a huge blow to County finances and those of Bayham, Central Elgin and Southwold. What kind of partnership removes close to $4M out of municipal coffers in Elgin? As we know, program costs continue to climb and the government's commitment continues to dwindle. The partnership in ambulance funding is a prime example. As mentioned in the Director of Financial Services report, the Western Ontario Warden's Caucus met on April 22nd, 2005, to compare notes and strategies, as many counties have lost significant revenue due to the new funding model. We will report on the outcome of that meeting at Council on April 26th, 2005. 9 2 In addition, there is the federal gas tax revenue allocation that should be passed along this year, according to a yet to be determined formula. The speculation is that it may be divided on a per capital basis starting at $18 per person and gradually increasing to $60 per capita. That would mean approximately $800,000 in 2005 (50% of which would be apportioned to the lower tier) and $2.7M in 2009 or $1.35M for the upper tier. However, there will be "strings attached" to that funding which may limit Council's ability to apply these funds to different purposes. The Impact: Obviously the new formula solved some long-standing inequities in the Community Reinvestment Fund but created other problems for many municipalities. The loss in operational grants is significant in Elgin, as the County will lose more than 60% of its provincial grant allocation. With a limited tax base and lower than average assessment, this withdrawal of funds seems unconscionable and patently unfair in comparison to the losses being experienced elsewhere. As a first response, Senior Staff recommend that the Warden and Council issue a statement on the devastating financial effects of this policy and schedule a meeting with our local M.P.P. as soon as possible. It is important to note that County ratepayers have been coping with increased costs for many years and the County has all but exhausted creative approaches to meeting Ministry demands with reduced resources. Frankly, the Elgin County taxpayer cannot be expected to absorb the lost revenue. As such, staff has prepared the attached "draft" press release for Council's consideration. Efforts should be focussed on educating the Province of the impact on local taxpayers, coupled with the fact that Elgin is running out of innovative ways of coping with provincial standards and cutbacks. Furthermore, while we await the disposition of the federal gas tax and the government's response to our plight, staff recommend that the Management Team be directed to conduct a comprehensive review of staffing patterns, internal processes and structures with a view to developing a plan to mitigate the expected loss in revenue and report back to Council with options. Additionally, a reserve should be established for the one-time funding in the amount of $2.1 M. Conclusion: The County of Elgin, perhaps inadvertently, appears to be one of the hardest hit municipalities, suffering a huge financial loss under the auspices of the new Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund. By apparently fixing some of the inequities in the former Community Reinvestment Fund, the Provincial Government has created other problems. Elgin County must react swiftly and prudently to this unwelcome news. /"0 3 Recommendation: THAT the Warden on behalf of Elgin County Council arrange a meeting with Mr. Steve Peters, M.P.P., to explain the impact on County taxpayers of removing $3.7M from the very limited tax base in Elgin County; and, THAT the draft press release be approved for immediate distribution; and, THAT staff be directed to review structures, processes and staffing complements in an effort to develop a strategy to mitigate the expected loss in revenue and report back to Council with options; and further, THAT the one-timing funding from the province be set aside in reserve. ALL of which is respec Ma~ Chief Administrative Officer on behalf of the Management Team. DRAFT Press Release COUNTY OF ELGIN Tuesday, April 26th, 2005 For Immediate Release Province "Slams" Elgin County Ratepayers By Withdrawing Funds Central Elgin, Ontario - Elgin County Council is both shocked and appalled with the recent announcement of the so-called Ontario Municipal "Partnership" Fund. The Fund will effectively remove $3.7M in provincial contributions to shared programs over the next three years. That represents more than a 20% increase in local property taxes. This loss does not include reductions being experienced by the Municipalities of Bayham, Central Elgin and the Township of Southwold, whose combined reduction equates to more than $1.2M. The Province is quick to point out that there is no loss in grants in 2005 but they fail to report on the long-term implications of robbing ratepayers of $3.7M by 2008. Municipalities have been dealing with revenue shortfalls by employing creative solutions for years. However, taxpayers are "tapped out". They are tired of picking up the tab and Elgin County Council plans to defend the ratepayer. As James Mcintyre, Warden of Elgin County remarked, "The withdrawal of funds is unconscionable and patently unfair in a County with a limited tax base. County residents and businesses are unable to absorb this tremendous financial loss." The Warden stated that "enough is enough - County ratepayers are not going to rollover and take the heat because the Province fails to meet its "partnership" obligations. Everytime they have thrown us a curve ball, we have responded by solving the problem - this time they have gone too far! After years of restructuring and absorbing provincial costs, our municipal creativity and resources can no longer respond to this level of devastation. County Council will be arranging a meeting with M.P.P. Steve Peters as soon as possible, to urge reconsideration. Otherwise the County will be forced to pass along the provincial shortfall directly to taxpayers. ''The tax bill for 2006 will clearly identify to Elgin ratepayers who is responsible for the hefty increase in property taxes, the Warden further remarked." -30- For further information contact: James Mcintyre, Warden, (519) 631-1460 ext. 161 OR Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer, (519) 631-1460 ext. 161 /;( CORRESPONDENCE - APRIL 26. 2005 Items for Consideration 1 . Helen LeFrank, General Manager, Elgin Community Futures Development Corporation, with information concerning the concept of an Elgin County newsletter produced through a partnership between the County of Elgin and the Elgin Community Futures Development Corporation. (ATTACHED) 2. Township of Huron-Kinloss; Debbie Robertson, Municipal Clerk Municipality of Grey Highlands; Regional Municipality of Niagara; County of Huron; with resolutions concerning the development of Grain Market Disaster Relief and stabilization program for Ontario grain and oilseed producers and the implementation of suitable programs to address the farm income crisis and protection for the farmers from legislation and regulations. (ATTACHED) 3. Anna M. Knowles, Deputy Clerk, Town of East Gwillimbury, with a resolution requesting the Province of Ontario to provide financial assistance of $705,000 for the 2005 fiscal year. (ATTACHED) 4. Larysa Andrusiak, Ambulance & Emergency Services Coordinator, with registration information for Provincial Teams Awareness Workshop, May 31,2005. (ATTACHED) 5. Brenda Edmonds, Elgin County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, requesting Council's approval and input on an appropriate location and date of commemoration for the monument acknowledging the cemetery on the grounds of the old Elgin Manor. (ATTACHED) 6. County of Prince Edward, with a resolution advising that the County would not be setting the 2005 budget until the Province announces the level of funding the County of Prince Edward would be receiving through the Community Reinvestment Funding. (ATTACHED) 7. Barbara A. Leamen, County Clerk, County of Huron, with a resolution of support for the City of Toronto's effort to allow Upper Tier Municipalities to invoice for the $45.00 ambulance co-payment fee. (ATTACHED) ELGIN Community Futures Development Corporation Mr. James Mcintyre, Warden of Elgin County Administratiqn Building 450 Sunset IDrive St. Thomas, ION N5R 5V1 RECEIVED o ,i; COUNlY QF ELGIN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Dear Jim It was a plea~ure to meet with you and Mark on January 14. We at Elgin CFDC wish you well as you move into your role as Warden of Elgin County. Our discussion of countywide issues was most interesting. The idea of an Elgin County newsletter was particularly intriguing and thought provoking. We have discussed the concept since that meeting; following are some ideas of how this might evolve: We see it as a partnership between the County of Elgin and Elgin Community Futures Development Corporation. Support would come from both partners in the way of dollars and/or in kind contributions. For example, Elgin CFDC could contribute staff time to research and write articles as well as provide expertise in the way of desktop publishing. Content needs to be discussed in detail but might feature articles about countywide programs and services as well as issues such as tourism and economic development. Special features focusing on issues and events happening in the municipalities might be another source of material. Elgin CFDC and the County would both contribute articles. I suggest that we explore the concept as a pilot project. This would give us an idea of how much time is required to produce such a neWsletter and what the required resources might be. Middlesex County and Norfolk County have produced excellent newsletters and might offer information and advice about such a production. I hope you and County Council find the idea of an Elgin County newsletter of interest and approve our proposed partnership for development. I look forward to hearing from you. o)~~C--- Helen LeFrank, A r.f~ General Manager ,;:;~:;:;;~;;," Elgin CFDC dI8\8;::";;:;;;;;I'1>> AH&'M\ MfJiHh. ~, ,~ ~ ~ March 11, 2005 Township of Huron-Kinloss Box 130 21 Queen Street Ripley, Ontario NOG 2RO Ph: 519-395-3735 Fax: 519-395-4107 WHEREAS there has been an unprecedented collapse in the prices for Ontario grain and oilseeds' AND WHEREAS current prices for harvest 2005 delivery are far below the cost of production; NOW THEREFORE the Township of Huron-Kinloss supports the representative Marketing Boards and Association in their call for; 1) An immediate infusion of $300 million through a "Grain Market Disaster" payment 2) An adequately funded effective program for Market Revenue Insurance for the 2005 crop year and beyond; 3) Refinements to the Canadian Agriculture Income Stabilization Program (CAISP) that make it a far more effective stabilization program for Ontario grain and oilseed producers. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township of Huron-Kinloss request all Ontario municipalities to endorse this request and provide confirmation of said support to Premier Dalton McGuinty; Steve Peters, Minister of Agriculture, your local MPP and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario 206 Toronto Street South, Unit 1, Community Services Centre, P.O. Box 409, Markdale, ON NOC 1 HO Telephone: 519-986-2811 Fax: 519-986-3643 www.greyhighlands.ca Gre~ Hignlands March 24, 2005 All Municipalities in Ontario Re: Resolution supporting Ontario Farmers and the Ontario Grain & Oilseed Group Council of the Municipality of Grey Highlands adopted the following resolution at their March 14th, 2005 meeting: WHEREAS Grain and Oilseed Producers make up about 50% of all Ontario farm families who are critical to the health of rural communities everywhere; AND WHEREAS Grain & Oilseed Producers are a key supporting sector for other areas of agriculture that all rely on grain and oilseed for feed and other factors of production; AND WHEREAS grains and oilseeds grown in Ontario are critical inputs for our food processing industries, and the availability of these locally-grown commodities is a key anchor and attraction for food processing investment and employment in Ontario; AND WHEREAS a healthy grains and oilseeds sector is critical to the development of the alternative fuels industry - a key element in Ontario's evolutionary environmental strategy; AND WHEREAS the Government of Ontario ended the Market Revenue Insurance (MRI) program after the 2003/04 crop year - a program designed to support incomes in the grain and oilseed sector and a new federal-provincial program (CAIS) was put in place to address agricultural income stabilization but this program does not meet the needs of the grain and oilseed sector; AND WHEREAS grain and oilseed prices are experiencing a drastic collapse with prices at 25-year lows, while energy and other input costs continue to soar. Ontario producers face prices far below the cost of production for the 2005/06 Crop, thereby without public support programs such as the MRI the viability of Grain and Oilseed Producers is seriously in question and the negative impacts throughout the rural and urban economy will be staggering. AND WHEREAS the Grain & Oilseed Price Collapse is a temporary phenomenon - but without provincial action, the harm to Ontario could be permanent. AND WHEREAS Ontario Farmers and members of the agricultural sector are rallying together to demonstrate the seriousness and devastation being experienced by this sector without the much needed government support; AND WHEREAS the Ontario Grain & Oilseed Group is negotiating with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food for income support for the 50% of Ontario farm families who are struggling with the drastic price collapse; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That Council of the Municipality of Grey Highlands gratefully support the efforts of Ontario Farmers and the Ontario Grain & Oilseed Group in their petition to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Government of Ontario for: · a one-time injection of $300 million dollars to get the industry through the disastrously low-prices of 2005-2006 (this is significantly less money than the discontinued MRI program would have generated for Ontario farmers). . Co-operation between the Grains & Oi/seeds Group and the Minister of Agriculture and Food to find a longer term support mechanism that will be affordable to the Province in the worst years and that - in most years - will involve little or no pay-outs as our industry competes effectively. AND FURTHER That a copy of this resolution be circulated to the Premier of Ontario, Minister of Agriculture and Food, local MPP's and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association for endorsement and support. We seek your endorsement of this resolution, which should be forwarded to Premier of Ontario, Minister of Agriculture and Food, local MPP and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association. Yours truly, ~~ Debbie Robertson AMCT Municipal Clerk Resolution - Regional Municipality of Niagara - March 3, 2005 Lonq Term Viability of Ontario Farmers Moved by Councillor Hildreth Seconded by Councillor Zimmerman WHEREAS The Ontario Federation of Agriculture has called on the Provincial and Federal Governments to act in order to solve the problem of farm viability; and WHEREAS many issues that promote farm financial uncertainty are as a result of arbitrary changes to farm safety net programs by the Provincial and Federal Governments; and WHEREAS many more as yet unclear regulatory and administrative rules and requirements have the potential to be cost prohibitive and unworkable; and WHEREAS programs supporting long standing rural infrastructure have been eliminated or reduced; THEREFORE be it resolved that the Regional Municipality of Niagara recognize the real threat to the long term viability of Ontario farmers and request that the governments of Ontario and of Canada to; a. ensure that the implementation and application of nutrient management rules are done in a way that addresses the concerns the farm community has repeatedly raised. b. Recognize that environmental benefits provided by farmers offset any need for administrative charges on water taking permits. c. Restore confidence of government/farmer partnership by re- establishing long-term investment in drainage infrastructure. d. Immediately implement an action plan to address the farm income crisis. And further be it resolved that this resolution be circulated to all municipalities in Ontario, all members of Parliament in Ontario, all members of Provincial Parliament and to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, requesting their support and further that the municipalities that endorse this resolution ask their local Ontario Federation of Agriculture Committees to do the same. Carried. For further information on this resolution contact Pam Gilroy, Regional Clerk/Associate Director of Corporate Strategy, Regional Municipality of Niagara, 2201 St. David's Rd., Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 - (905) 685-1571, ext. 3226 - oam.gilroy@regional.niagara.on.ca Corporation of the COUNTY OF HURON ClllEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER 1 Court House Square, Goderich, Ontario N7 A 1M2 (519) 524-8394 Fax: (519)524-2044 THE CORPORATION OF THE COUNTY OF HURON ~\'ED kl "1jJ ,".) Dated: March 15, 2005 REC MAR 2 ~ 2005 COUNTY Of ELGiN l\.l"'(,m,."~. :;\'\~"I"I') l\.'TI~!E SERViCES 6'\Ullllll~ iJ I nK \ I \I WHEREAS the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has called upon the Provincial and Federal Governments to act in order to solve the problem of farm viability; Moved By: B. Dykstra Seconded By: J. Seili AND WHEREAS many issues which promote farm financial uncertainty are a result of arbitrary changes to the farm safety net programs instituted by the Provincial and Federal Governments; AND WHEREAS many more as yet unclear regulatory and administrative rules and regulations have the potential to be cost prohibitive and unworkable; AND WHEREAS many programs supporting long standing rural infrastructure have been eliminated or reduced; AND WHEREAS the County of Huron has been described as the "Breadbasket of Ontario" as shown on the attached "Huron County at a Glance" information summary produced from the 2001 Census of Agriculture and Policy and Programs Branch, OMAF, out producing any one of the Atlantic Canada Provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick or Newfoundland. NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the Council of The Corporation of the County of Huron recognizes the real threat to the long term financial viability of Ontario farmers and hereby requests that the governments of Canada and Ontario to: a. delay the implementation of Ontario's Nutrient Management Act and define more clearly any Regulations and enforcement duties or responsibilities of the Province or municipalities thereof, and b. immediately implement an action plan to address the farm income crisis by ensuring that the CAIS program delivers real income support and administratively flows in a timely manner, and c. provide an immediate cash payment of new money to Ontario's grains and oilseed farmers of $300 million to allow the planting of crops this year, and d. commit to extending the Self-Directed Risk Management Program for horticulture farmers until a suitable program is developed, and e. delay any new legislation and regulations that will economically burden farmers until these outstanding issues are resolved. AND FURTHER be it resolved that this resolution be circulated to The Prime Minister - The Honourable Paul Martin; Federal Minister of Agriculture - The Honourable Andy Mitchell; Huron-Bruce M.P. Paul Steckle and all members of Parliament in Ontario; The Premier of Ontario - The Honourable Dalton McGuinty; Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food - The Honourable Steve Peters; Ontario Minister of Environment - The Honourable Leona Dombrowsky, Huron Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell and all members of Provincial Parliament, all municipalities in Ontario and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture requesting their support. AND FURTHER that all municipalities endorsing this resolution request their respective local Federations of Ontario Agriculture Committee's to do the same. I, Barbara A. Learnen, County Clerk of the Corporation of the County of Huron, do hereby certify that this is a true copy of a resolution passed by the Session of County Council on March 15, 2005. /1o.rr."~1/6S #~;! j~ Date . County Clerk EaOstO! Gwillimbury Corporate Services Department Town of East Gwillimbury 19000 Leslie Street Sharon, Ontario LOG 1 VO 905-478-4282 x 240 aknowles@eastgwillimbury.ca March 16, 2005 County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 ~~~" E-'IV'E"~':~[)"" fi)7t~, r&L:J ", _ - " ",'~T:<l < " "f:" (", <" j_' , t; !i! [~!;~ 'fli:1;,r:{!l -.. C' l: tiJ ,;~U'wJ i~ . " '\ MAR 2 2 2005 Attention: Municipal Clerk If:','''''''h',/), ,;~:~ ~~kJ\ 'fU~'iikw~ Dear Sir/Madam: Town of East Gwillimbury Resolution Request for Provincial Funding Assistance For your information and records, at its regular meeting of Committee of the Whole Council on February 21,2005, Town of East Gwillimbury Municipal Council adopted Resolution CWC 2005-46FIN as follows: "Moved by: "Councillor C. Morton" WHEREAS the Government of Ontario has announced an additional $45 million in business and TTC subway assistance to the City of Toronto in 2005, including a one-time payment of $20 million towards improvements to the TTC and $25 million in one-time assistance to promote a competitive business climate by offsetting a proposed 1.5 per cent property tax rate increase on its business tax classes; WHEREAS the Government of Ontario has announced that the total transit and budget assistance flowing to Toronto in 2005 is $217 million; AND WHEREAS the Government of Ontario has provided Toronto with unprecedented and substantial assistance to address the City's budget pressures since 2003; AND WHEREAS the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) has identified that all Ontario municipalities suffer an infrastructure deficit that affects the health and safety of our residents and the economic competitiveness of our communities; AND WHEREAS certain local municipal cost increases are directly attributable to meeting provincial program standards and requirements; AND WHEREAS the Council of the Town of East Gwillimbury is alarmed by escalating budgetary pressures and the affordability of necessary property tax rate increases; AND WHEREAS the Regional Municipality of York and each of its nine local municipalities, including the Town of East Gwillimbury, have achieved the lowest property tax ratios in Ontario; "Our town, Our future" 19000 Leslie Street, Sharon, Ontario LOG 1 VO Tel: 905-478-4282 Fax: 905-478-2808 www.eastgwillimbury.ca 3/16/2005 Page 2 of2 AND WHEREAS Provincial legislation prohibits the Region of York and its nine local municipalities from increasing property tax ratios, eliminating any opportunity to subsidize the residential property tax burden through the tax burden of the business community, a practice continued in the City of Toronto; AND WHEREAS the Council of the City of Vaughan has requested the Province of Ontario to provide financial assistance to the City of Vaughan in the amount of$5.6 million; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of East Gwillimbury respectfully requests the Province of Ontario to provide financial assistance to the Town of East Gwillimbury in the amount of $705,000 for the 2005 fiscal year, to prevent both a potential property tax increase in excess of the average rate of inflation and a reduction in the Town's level of service to its businesses and residents; And further, that this resolution be sent to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and to all municipalities in the Province of Ontario; And further, that this resolution be sent to the Provincial Minister of Finance, Greg Sorbara; Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, John Gerretsen, and to the Federal Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities), the Honourable John Ferguson Godfrey. Carried. "Signed on Original" James R. Young, Mayor" Also attached, please find a copy of a Town of East Gwillimbury Press Release issued on February 21,2005, entitled East Gwillimbury Requests Provincial Funding Assistance. If you have any further questions with regard to the above, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Yours truly, ~A'\.~ Anna M. Knowles Deputy Clerk Attach. c.c. Hon. G. Sorbara, Min. of Finance, Province of Ontario Hon. J. Gerretsen, Min. of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Province of Ontario Hon. J. Godfrey, Federal Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities) Association of Municipalities of Ontario (A.M.O.) All Municipalities in the Province of Ontario EasrfOwillimbury February 21,2005 Media Release For Immediate Release East Gwillimbury Requests Provincial Funding Assistance East Gwillimbury - During their Committee of the Whole session, Council passed a resolution to submit a request to the Province of Ontario for funding assistance of $705,000. This is in response to Toronto receiving $217 million in transit and budget assistance from the Province. Councillors made the request based on the fact that municipal property taxes are increasing greater than the average rate of inflation, in part due to Provincial standards and requirements. Currently, the Province prohibits the Region of York and its municipalities from increasing property tax ratios for commercial and industrial properties. High property tax ratios for the business classes continue in Toronto. Part of the Province's funding in Toronto includes $25 million is to promote that city's competitive business climate by offsetting a 1.5 percent tax rate increase to Toronto's business class. East Gwillimbury and the other eight municipalities of York Region have the lowest tax ratios in Ontario. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) has identified that the health and safety of residents and their economic competitiveness is being affected by an infrastructure deficit in all of Ontario's Municipalities. Since 2003 the Government of Ontario has provided unprecedented substantial budgetary aid solely to the City of Toronto. The City of Vaughan has made a similar request, asking for $5.6 million from the Province. East Gwillimbury's appeal is realistic and made in relation to the Town's needs. The requested funding would prevent a tax increase higher than the rate of inflation and would maintain the level of service residents have come to expect from their Town. East Gwillimbury's funding request for $705,000.00 has been sent to the Provincial Minister of Finance, Greg Sorbara; Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, John Gerretson; and to the Federal Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities), the Honourable John Godfrey. -30- Contact: Licinio Miguelo, Executive Assistant to the C.A.O. and Director of Corporate Services (905) 478-4282 ext. 273 E-maillmiguelo@eastgwillimbury.ca MEMORANDUM DATE: April 6, 2005 TO: COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: LARYSA ANDRUSIAK, AMBULANCE & EMERGENCY MGT COORDINATOR SUBJECT: Provincial Teams Presentation The attached correspondence was received and this presentation may be of benefit to Mayors and Community Control Group members among others. Brantford has requested that registration information be faxed to them by May 6th. Please indicate your interest in attending on the attached registration form, provide the form to me at County Council scheduled for April 26th. I will combine the information and fax it to the appropriate party. Thank you for your attention in this matter. '" "'" '" '" '.. " " \..... '. " \ , " ,... t: ;. t ~~&lf [}:oQJJ@&~ @oo[2~ [JD[]g~lJ Presented by City of Brantford FREE OF CHARGE Tuesday May 31, 2005 9:OOam-lpm Location: Civic Centre - 69 Market St, Brantford You are invited to attend a . Each team will do a 30-40 min presentation with a question period to follow. This workshop will give you an opportunity to understand each teams response capability during an emergency, how the teams can assist your community and much more. It will also give you a chance to ask questions and view demonstrations from HUSAR and PERT. Who would benefit by this workshop: CEMC's. First Responders, CCG members, Mayors You must register by May 6 2005. Spaces are limited so please register early , ( I Workshop Agenda I 8:30am-9:00am 9am-9:15am 9: 15am - 9:50am 9:50am - lOam 10am-10:35am 10:35am-10:45am 10:45- 11am 11am- 11 :35am 11:35am-11:45am 11:45am- 12:20pm 12:20pm - 12:30pm 12:30pm-1pm Arrival Opening remarks- Commissioner of EMO CBRN - Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear CBRN question period HUSAR - Heavy Urban Search and Rescue HUSAR question period Break EMAT - Emergency Medical Assistance Team EMAT question period PERT - OPP Provincial Emergency Response Team PERT question period DEMO's - PERT and HUSAR (outside) ., , L'.- ,e> t, Provincial Teams Awareness Workshop Brantford, Ontario May 31, 2005 Registration Form Municipality: Attendee & Title Address (Include nhone, fax and e-mail) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Please fax or e-mail this registration form to Brantford Fire by May 6, 2005. Fax (519) 75'-7083 e-mail 1"5?-'- +v<l3 Spaces are limited so please register early. For additional information Contact Gina Scott at 519-752-4346 ext 252 or *******You will only be contacted if you are unable to be registered******* Elgin County Branch Ontario Genealogical Society Box 20060, St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 4H4 RECEIVED OJ MAR 3 1 2005 COUNTY Or ELGIN ADM1~llS1RA liVE SERVICES March 31, 2005 Warden James Mcintyre and Elgin County Council County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas ON N5R 5V1 Dear Warden Mcintyre and Members of County Council: The members of the Elgin County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society are pleased to report that the monument to mark the cemetery on the grounds of the former Elgin County House of Industry will be completed shortly. We are therefore ready to proceed with a ceremony for its commemoration pending Council's approval and input on an appropriate location. We hope that a ceremony can take place sometime this spring. We would like to suggest possibly a Sunday in late Mayor early June. Although the exact site of the cemetery remains uncertain, we nevertheless wish to commend County Council for your efforts in trying to determine its location and for helping to acknowledge and dignify the deaths of those individuals listed on the monument. We will gladly assist Council with any planning involved for this important event. Sincerely, ~~ (Mrs.) Brenda Edmonds Elgin County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society Home address: 43931 Southdale Line, 81. Thomas, N5P 3S6 631-1061 - email addressbrenda41@primus.ca Cc: James McCallum, Chair, Elgin OGS Brian Masschaele, Archivist, Elgin Co. Archives The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward 332 Main Street, Drawer 1550 Picton, Ontario KOK 2TO Phone (613) 476-2148 Fax (613) 476-5727 March 30, 2005 Mayors, Reeve and Members of Council Municipalities of the Province of Ontario Dear Members: The Council ofthe County of Prince Edward at a Special Council meeting on March 23,2005 considered the impact of a decrease in Provincial funding under the Community Reinvestment Fund on its 2005 and subsequent year's budgets. In 2005 the new funding formula for municipalities would cost the Prince Edward County Ratepayers $2,100,000 equating to a 13% budget increase. This increase, of course would be over and above any increase necessary for operating departments budgets. The funding issue relates to services downloaded to municipalities in 1998 which includes high cost programs such as Social Assistance, Child Care, Public Health, Ambulances, Social Housing and Policing. At the time of downloading the Province agreed to fund these programs at full costs, it has not done so since 2002, freezing payments to municipalities in 2003 and 2004 at 2002 levels. The Council of the Municipality of the County of Prince Edward passed the following resolution, for which support by municipalities in the Province is respectfully requested: "THAT County of Prince Edward not set the 2005 budget until the Province of Ontario announces the level of funding that it will be forwarding specifically to the County of Prince Edward through the Community Reinvestment Funding; That staff be directed to advise the Premier and the Minister of Finance; and That this resolution be circulated to AMO, OSSUM, M.P.P. Ernie Parsons, and M.P. Daryl Kramp and other rural municipalities in Ontario." Corporation of the COUNTY OF HURON COUNTY CLERK 1 CourtHouse Square, Goderich, Ontario N7A 1M2 (519) 524-8394 Fax: (519) 524-2044 April 8, 2005 CEIVED To: All Upper Tier Municipalities and District Social Services Administrative Boards in the Province of Ontario APR 1 4 2005 COUNTY OF ELGIN SERVICES The Council of the County of Huron approved the following resolution at their Agriculture, Public Works and Seniors Committee meeting of March 9, 2005. We would request that this resolution be presented to your Council for their consideration and endorsement. Moved by Councillor J. Bezaire Seconded by Councillor B. Van Diepenbeek WHEREAS the City of Toronto is seeking approval from the Ontario Provincial Government to collect the ambulance co-payment fee of forty-five dollars ($45); AND WHEREAS designated hospitals currently bill the user of ambulance service for each ambulance response where a co-payment is able to be submitted but do not provide or render any ambulance service; AND WHEREAS the Province of Ontario currently indicates that the co-payment is the sole responsibility of the hospital as indicated in the Health Insurance Act. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the County of Huron support the actions of the City of Toronto in their efforts to seek a change to the invoicing of the co-payment by allowing Upper Tier Municipalities to invoice for this co-payment. AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to municipalities province wide. Yours truly, /) 1 rt i #f cJvU* / ,Jv~ Barbara A. Leamen County Clerk CORRESPONDENCE - APRIL 26. 2005 Items for Information (Consent Aaenda) 1. Ann MacLean, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, thanking the County for its membership renewal and advising of the $600 million in gas-tax revenue the $700 million GST refund totaling $1.3 billion in new revenue, to be shared by every municipal government in Canada. (ATTACHED) 2. Municipal Property Assessment Corporation MPACNews April 2005 Vol. 2 Issue 1. (ATTACHED) 3. St. Thomas-Elgin G~neral Hospital Media Release March 29, 2005 - STEGH Takes Steps to Balance Budget. (ATTACHED) 4. AMO Member Comnjlunication "For Your Information": 1) Ontario Trails Strategy Consultants; 2) MOE Releases Report on Regulation 170 Smaller Private Systems; 3) Federal Budget Bill Must Be Adopted Quickly (ATTACHED) 1) AMO "ALERT", Ontario Fire Services Grant; 2) Member CommulJication "ALERT" - AMO Report to Members on April Board Meeting. (A TT ACHE;D) 5. Premier Dalton McGl.Jinty, acknowledging Council's resolutions concerning: 1) funding for conservation authorities; 2) proposed changes to current value assessment. 6. Ken Loveland, Clerk Ifreasurer Administrator, Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich; Phyllis Ketchabaw, Town of Aylmer; supporting Council's resolution concerning economic adversity faced by farmers. (ATTACHED) 7. Marlene Pink, Executive Director and Maureen Vandenberghe, Communications & Development Coordi~ator, Tillsonburg & District Multi-Service Centre, thanking Council for the 2005 grant. (ATTACHED) 8. Hon. Steve Peters, ~.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, with copy of correspondence to the Hon. David Chaplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal and the Hon. Jim Bradley, Minister of Tourism & Recreation, concerning the level of funding for the Elgin County Pionee~ Museum. (ATTACHED) - with correspondenc~ acknowledging Council's support for the Ontario farmers. (ATTACHED) 9. Association of Municipalities of Ontario, AMO Key Messages: "Allocation of Federal Gas Tax Revenues. ,(ATTACHED) 10. Kate Wood, President and Pierre Duplessis, Secretary General, Canadian Red Cross Society, Ottawa; and; Eleanor Ryder, Branch President, St. Thomas and Elgin and Angie Woodcock, District Branch Manager, London/Middlesex and St. Thomas/Elgin, Canadian Red Cross, thanking County Council for the donation to the Tsunami Relief Appeal. (ATTACHED) 11. MPAC NEWS, April 2005, Vol. 2, Issue 1. (ATTACHED) 12. Hon. David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Renewal, thanking the Warden for meeting with him at the OGRA/ROMA Conference. (ATTACHED) 13. R. Millard, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk, Township of Malahide, with a resolution concerning the report P.O.A. Default Revenues through Collections, dated March 2, 2005. (ATTACHED) 14. Hon. John Godfrey, Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities), regarding the distribution of gas tax revenues to municipalities. (ATTACHED) 15. Roger Anderson, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, with an update on the federal gas tax revenue sharing for municipalities. (ATTACHED) 16. Federation of Canadian Municipalities, MEMBERS' ADVISORY, Urgent MP's To Pass The Federal Budget. (ATTACHED) 17. Mayor Dan Mathieson, City of Stratford, announcing the Civic Night In Stratford - Thursday, June 16th, 2005. (ATTACHED) Item in Minutes -StatementsllnQuiries bv Members - Warden Mcintyre announced the application submitted under the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) Intake One, received full funding to complete the Sunset Road project. (see attached) Federation of Canadian Municipalities Federation canadienne des municipalites March 17,2005 VED Warden Dave Rock and Members of Council County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 MAH 2 1 2005 2LGiN f"..F'.,. Fi\IU!f'ES ~~g;l(~ 'ii ~V Dear Warden Rock and Members of Council: Thank you for renewing your membership with FCM for 2005- 2006. Now is a crucial time for municipal governments, as we want to ensure the federal New Deal benefits all Canadian Communities. We had an extremely successful year. The $600 million in gas- tax revenue in this year's budget, combined with last year's $700 million GST refund, delivers $1.3 billion in new revenue to be shared by every municipal government in Canada. We were successful because we were united and we spoke with one voice. Each FCM member strengthens our voice. Your support is important, and we will call on you and all other municipal elected officials across Canada. We can work together to keep the municipal issues front and centre on the federal agenda. Sincerely, ~~~ Ann MacLean President AM:jh Mission Statement The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has been the national voice of municipal governments since 1901. FCM is dedicated to improving the quality of lift in all communities by promoting strong, effective and accountable municipal government. Enonce de mission La Federation canadienne des municipalites (FCM) est La voix nationale des gouvernements municipaux depuis 1901. La FCM est vouee a ameliorer La qualite de vie dam toutes les collectivites en ftvorisant des gouvernements municipaux forts, efficaces et respomables. Mayor Ann Maclean New Glasgow, Nova Scotia President Presidente Mayor Michael G. Coleman Duncan, British Columbia First Vice President Premier vice-president Councillor Gloria Kovach Guelph, Ontario Second Vice President Deuxieme vice-presidente Councillor Gord Steeves Winnipeg, Manitoba Third Vice President Troisieme vice-president Maire Yves Ducharme Gatineau (Quebec) President sortant Immediate Past President James w: Knight Chief Executive Officer Chef de la direction 24 rue Clarence Street Ottawa, Ontario KIN 5P3 "B' (613) 241-5221 Q!!J (613) 241-7440 (Events and membership) (Evenemenrs speciaux et adhesion) Q!!J (613) 241-2126 federation@fcm.ca Web site/site Web: www.fcm.ca Centre for Sustainable Community Development Centre pour Ie developpement des coIlectivites viables Q!!J (613) 244-1515 communities@fcm.ca International Centre for Municipal Development Centre international pour Ie developpement municipal Q!!J (613)241-7117 international@fcm.ca Policy, Advocacy and Communications Department Service de politiques, promotion des interets et communications Q!!J (613) 241-7440 policy@fcm.ca ~ SERVICE · ACCURACY · INNOVATION · EXPERIENCE mpacneWSCEIVED APRIL 2005 VOL, 2 ISSUE 1 APR -1 2U05 COUNTY OF ELGiN ADMlNlSTRA l\VE SERViCES --4Jj MPAC INTRODUCES THE MUNICIPAL STATUS REPORT MPAC is pleased to introduce the Municipal Status Report, a new product developed to assist municipal customers in their planning and decision-making process. The Municipal Status Report will be customized for every Ontario municipality. Initially it will provide the in-year status, at the municipal level, for building permit activities, Supplementary/Omitted assessments, Requests for Reconsideration, and Notice~ of C:;omplaint. The Report will be issued quarterly and will include more data in subsequent r13l13apf3$. '.....:....'.............._-..............'.-...........:...........................'.-."...................'<...:.......'.....'..-.......'....-........... ................, .. . All of the inforrTl~Ficlf1().clQt9i[113.qintheRep6rtwlll beextr~8ti3dfr6rfl.ry1FD~9d~F~/$PYgq.EJ~ with the exception of the assessllOOl~n~complaint data. This data will be provided to MPAC frornt9f3,ApP13ssment Review Board. In developiIl9tgeReport, MPAC sought the input and advice of a cross-section of municipalcLlst9rrJers to ensure ittn~ets municipalities' needs. MPAC would like to acknowledge and extend its thanks to/aU. municipaliti13s that particippted.int013pilot, sPS\rTlbre iflT;()rmation about the Municipal Status Report, please contactYlJtJrryltJpiciPSiI.Relations Bepresentati\I:13' . .. . . The updated property codes will. enable MPAC to more precisely identify homogeneous property types, resulting ihbetter data managernent and analysis. This will enable us to provide municipalities with information'isuch as more detailed mEwket change reports, to better meet their scheduling, planning, zoning and economic development needs. ,.." '-". PROPERTY CO~Ei~~~~g~$ MPAC recentIY'SElyiEJ%V139itsinventory of property codes, with the goal property tyPEFs.) Apa result; MPAC began phasing in new and revised property effective forrt8132006 taxation year. MPAC will also be better able to managEF changes resulting from Court rulings and Assessment Review Board (ARB) decisions. . Finally, the new codes will assist the ARB in scheduling pre-hearings and appeals by more narrowly identifying similar property types and issues. Please note, this is a label change only and is not a valuation or classification change. Information about these changes, along with the complete list of new and revised property codes, was sent to municipalities in early March. The list is also posted in the "Municipalities" section of MPAC's web site at www.mpac.ca. Please contact your Municipal Relations Representative for more information. SERVICE' ACCURACY' INNOVATION. EXPERIENCE m pacnews continued NEW VICE-PRESIDENT OF CUSTOMER RELATIONS Carl Isenburg, President and Chief Administrative Officer of MPAC, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rosalie Penny as the new Vice-President of Customer Relations. Rosalie has over 25 years' experience in the public sector in education, health and property assessment, with 10 years' senior management experience in strategic public affairs and stakeholder management. Rosalie has an undergraduate degree in Administrative Studies and a Master of Business Administration with a specialty in Public Relations and Communications Management. Rosalie was formerly the Vice President, Public Affairs and Community Alliances for the William Osler Health Centre, and prior to that appointment, was Director, Public Relations and Quality Improvement for Markham Stouffville Hospital. Earlier in her career, Rosalie was a member of the management team in the Toronto office of the Property Assessment Division [predecessor to MPAC) and previously held an administrative position at the Metropolitan Separate School Board. In her career, Rosalie has led organizational change through branding and continuous quality improvement; developed highly effective strategies in crisis and issues management, and has been a strategic leader in enhancing stakeholder relations. Together with the Customer Relations team, Rosalie will focus on the continuous improvement of the assessment products and service provided to all MPAC stakeholders. 2004 ANNUAL REPORT MPAC's 2004 Annual Report will be mailed to municipalities in April. In addition to reporting financial information the report highlights MPAC's activities and accomplishments during 2004 including improving service delivery, the quality of its products and communication to all stakeholders. Municipalities who wish to receive additional copies can call 905 837-6945 or 1 877 635-MPAC [extension 6945). The Report can also be viewed online at www.mpac.ca. CONFERENCES MPAC participated in the Ontario Good Roads Association and Rural Ontario Municipal Association Combined Conference in Toronto from February 20-23. We look forward to meeting with municipal representatives at the Northern Ontario Municipal Association Conference at the Lakeside Inn, Kenora, from April 27-30. ~ St. Thomas-Elgin ~ General Hospital Media Release March 29, 2005 STEGH Takes Steps to Balance Budget 51. Thomas, On - St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) is taking steps effective April 1st to reduce its annual operating deficit without closing beds or eliminating programs. Theses steps were recommended in last fall's Balanced Budget Plan submitted to Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. "We have been providing additional funds to support some services at STEGH but can no longer afford to continue to do so," says STEGH President and CEO Paul Collins. The Ministry directed STEGH to proceed with the following measures: · In keeping with other hospitals in Ontario, STEGH will be strictly adhering to Ministry guidelines for room co-payments for Complex Continuing Care patients and for patients in the rest of the hospital who are "waiting placement in another care facility." · STEGH has been providing additional funds to subsidize costs for home oxygen services and rehabilitation out-patient services and can no longer continue to provide these subsidies. · Diabetes Education will be restructured to deliver service at STEGH that matches the Ministry funding level. · Two management positions have been eliminated. · The hospital is also exploring potential savings from a partnership model with the private sector for the delivery of all hospital food services. Patients directly impacted by any of these budget steps have been contacted. "We are working with our patients and clients who will be affected to support them through the transition," explains Linda Millard, Vice President Patient Services. For more information about these balanced budget steps please visit the STEGH website at www.steqh.on.ca. "Like all Ontario hospitals, we are still expected to balance our budget next year and we continue to look for efficiencies," Collins explains. "We are working closely with Ministry of Health and Long Term Care officials." In the summer of 2004 the Ontario legislature passed into law Bill 8, the Commitment to Medicare Act. It included the requirement for all Ontario hospitals to balance their budgets by March 31, 2006. -30- For more information contact: Cathy Fox, Communications and Public Relations Specialist St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (519) 631-2030 Ext. 2191, cfox@2steqh.on.ca Member Communication bt Association of Municipalities of Ontario For Your Onformation 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1 E6 Tei: (416) 971-9856 . fax: (416) 971-6191 amaH: amo@amo.on.ca To the attention of the Clerk and Council. March 24, 2005 - FYI 05/012 Ontario Trails Strategy Consultations Issue: The Ministry of Tourism and Recreation is developing an Ontario Trails Strategy with a goal of identifying key directions and priorities for trails in Ontario. Background: The Ministry has stated "trails comprise an important part of Ontario's recreation and tourism infrastructure, which supports economic development, physical activity, environmental protection, cultural heritage conservation and enhanced quality of life. Some benefits of trails include promoting physical activity, enhancing environmental appreciation, contributing to the protection of green space and environmental and cultural/heritage resources and offering an alternative to traditional emissions-intensive transportation models." Minister's Advisory Committee on Trails was created and is composed of representatives from trail organizations and other interested stakeholders. The Ministry posted a notice on the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) Registry (http://www.ene.Qov.on.ca/envreqistrv/024689ep.htm) on March 18 to provide 30 days for the public to comment. AMO is fully supportive of the Ministry's goal to develop a trail system as well as the ACTIVE 2010 principles to develop a healthier Ontario. The Association's members have also clearly and repeatedly stated that they support trails as a practical means of rural economic development and diversification. In fact, trails currently inject more than $2 billion into the Ontario economy annually. However, Section 20 of Line Fences Act makes municipalities who have purchased federal or provincial railway lines in their entire width responsible for "constructing, keeping up and repairing the fences that mark the lateral boundaries". Although the Line Fences Act permits municipalities to write by-laws setting out the fees, procedures and details of fences provided under the Line Fences Act for disputes between neighbours, the Municipal Act, s. 98, specifically prohibits a by- law that sets out the same for railway lands. .../2 - 2 - These rules mean that the municipality must absorb all costs related to maintaining existing fences that existed to protect property owners from active railways, and recent court rulings have interpreted the legislation to require new fences where none existed before. While there may be some necessary protection from damage to agricultural properties from trail uses on railway lands, it is unclear why the municipality should pay 100% of the costs for a fence that was not necessary while an active railway line existed. Without changes, the Line Fences Act is acting as a deterrent to municipal governments who are considering purchasing railway lands for recreational and/or tourism use due to the high costs imposed by Section 20. AMO was unsuccessful in attempting to persuade landowners of the need to reduce this burden on municipalities during its recent dialogue with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). AMO believes the costs of fencing (Construction and Maintenance) should be borne jointly by both abutting landowners if they are concerned about protecting their personal interests, that the Line-Fence Viewer's Award and Referee's Award (Form 10 O. Reg 666/79) should be made enforceable and associated costs recoverable. The Ontario economy stands to lose as municipalities will not purchase railway lines (and build trails) if the costs are prohibitive. Action: AMO asks its members to pass a resolution at Council conveying support for trail development and concern over the continued burden that Section 20 of the Line Fences Act places on municipalities attempting to develop abandoned railways into usable trails. Please send resolutions to the Ministers of Tourism and Recreation and Municipal Affairs and Housing as well as a copy to AMO. This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca For more information, please contact: Scott Vokey, AMO Policy Advisor, at 416-971-9856 ext. 334. Member Communication Association of Municipalities of Ontario For Your Onformation 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1E6 Tel: (416) 971-9856' fax: (416) 971-6191 smail: amo@amo.on.ca To the attention of the Clerk and Council. March 24, 2005 - FYI 05/013 MOE Releases Report on Regulation 170: Smaller Private Systems Issue: The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has released the Advisory Council on Drinking Water Quality and Testing Standards Report and Advice on Ontario Regulation 170/03 for Smaller, Private Systems. Background: Ontario Regu/ation 170/03 sets out the provisions that owners and operators of drinking water systems must take to ensure they protect human health and prevention of drinking-water health hazards through the control and regulation of drinking-water systems and drinking-water testing as laid out in the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002. The Advisory Council's Report contains 22 recommendations for the government's consideration. The following are among the highlights of those recommendations: · A risk-based, site-specific approach for the non-residential systems · Transferring responsibility for administering safe drinking water programs to Public Health Units (this would attract a cost) · The creation of a Public Health Water Inspector within Public Health Units · Development of a set of protocols to guide health units in undertaking site-specific risk evaluations · Suggestion that Non-Municipal Year-Round Residential Systems fall under municipal responsibility (which would continue significant implications for municipal governments) · Use of validated alternate testing methods and posting options in remote locations Regulation 170/03 has been amended by Regulations 249/03, 269/03, 18/04, 126/04, 165/04, 408/04, and has been subject to several extension of deadlines. For more information see the AMO Alert of May 12, 2004 as well as the AMO Regulation 170 Task Force's submission from October 2004. The Regulation and other related material including amendments to the Regulation, technical updates and other supporting documents for different water systems can be found on the Ministry Website under Water: http://www.ene.Qov.on.ca/envision/water/sdwa/dwsr.htm. The Advisory Council's Report is available on its website: http://www.odwac.Qov.on.ca Action: The AMO Regulation 170 Task Force will provide input to the Minister on this report and other aspects relating to the implementation of Regulation 170. These comments will be shared with the membership as soon as possible. This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca For more information, please contact: Scott Vokey, AMO Policy Advisor, at 416-971-9856 ext. 334. For Your Onformation t1I Association of Municipalities of Ontario MemberCommun ication 393 University Avenue. Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1 E6 Tel: (416) 971-9856' fax: (416) 971-6191 email: amo@amo.on.ca To the attention of the Clerk and Council. For Immediate Attention April 14, 2005 - FYI 05/015 Federal Budget Bill Must Be Adopted Quickly Issue: Parliament has before it Budget legislation that can put millions of dollars to work for all our communities and we expect it to be adopted quickly. AMO, like other associations want to have the federal "New Deal" secured and that can only happen if the Budget legislation is passed. Together, associations and municipalities across Canada have worked hard to have the Federal Government provide greater help in ensuring the financial sustainability of our communities, large and small. With this Budget Bill, we stand on the verge of securing significant new revenue tools and investments. All we need is the nod from Parliament. Failure to pass a Federal budget will cripple hundreds of investments in vital community infrastructure systems such as water and waste water systems, public transit systems and local transportation networks, among other service areas. When communities thrive, the nation benefits. Ontario municipalities are counting on Parliamentarians of all political stripes to ensure that Ontario's communities and others across the country receive the Federal gas tax revenue and infrastructure investment contained in the Bill. MPs are strongly urged to quickly pass the Budget Bill. In Ontario, municipal governments are doing their part. What we need is for Parliament to make this happen quickly so that we can get on with the important job of strengthening this nation through the success of its communities. This information is available in the Policy Issues section ofthe AMO website at www.amo.on.ca For more information, please contact 416-971-9856: Pat Vanini, AMO Executive Director, at ext. 316 or Brian Rosborough, AMO Senior Policy Advisor, at ext. 318 Mem bEk Communication I"~ r-./ - , Association of Municipalities , of Ontario rt 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1E6 Tel: (416) 971-9856 . fax: (416) 971-6191 email: amo@amo.on.ca To the immediate attention of the Clerk and Council March 24, 2005 - Alert 05/025 Ontario Fire Services Grant Issue: On March 22nd, 2005 the province announced a one-time grant program in the amount of $30 million to assist municipalities with the costs of training and buying equipment. Background: This program is not application based. Municipalities will receive a cheque from the province by the end of March 2005. The program is designed to look like an unconditional grant except the funds will need to be spent on fire prevention, training or suppression activities. There will be a provincial reporting requirement by way of a letter to be submitted within six months reporting on how the funds will be spent. There is no requirement for them to be spent within the current municipal fiscal year. The province in its news release recognized that 95% of fire departments in Ontario are made up of volunteers or have a volunteer component. To address the unique needs of these departments, of which many are in small or rural communities, 70% of the funds available will go to communities of a population of 50,000 or less. Allocation of the funds favours smaller municipalities over larger communities while still ensuring all municipalities receive funds. It should be noted that only municipalities with a fire department will receive funding. For those municipalities who provide fire services to other communities, their funding allocation has been adjusted to account for the population of all residents served - i.e. the population of their municipality combined with the population of other communities it serves. Allocation is as follows: Population Range # of Municipalities Amount per recipient 0-10,000 243 $50,000 10,001 - 20,000 70 $70,000 20,001 - 30,000 22 $90,000 30,001 - 50,000 13 $155,000 50,001 -150,000 25 $178,000 150,001 - 500,000 9 $300,000 500,001 - 1,000,000 2 $400,000 1,000,000 + 1 $1,000,000 Additional information can be found at www.mpss.Qov.on.ca. Questions about the program should be directed to the Ontario Fire Marshall's office. This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca For more information, contact: Sherri Hanley, AMO Senior Policy Advisor, at 416-971-9856 extension 315. I r< Association of , . Municip~lities . <<of Ontario t 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1 E6 Tel: (416) 971-9856' fax: (416) 971-6191 email: amo@amo.on.ca To the immediate attention of the Clerk and Council April 8, 2005 - Alert 05/028 AMO Report to Members on April Board Meeting Issue: As part of its commitment to keep members informed, AMO will update members on important matters considered at regular meetings of the AMO Board of Directors. · Federal Gas Tax Allocation: The Board unanimously adopted the position that federal gas tax revenues should be allocated among Ontario's 445 municipalities based solely on population and, in the case of two-tier municipal governments, the allocation would be divided 50:50 between the upper and lower tiers. The Board agreed that allocation by population was fair and equitable, ensuring that people in municipalities of all sizes, in every part of Ontario, will benefit equally. The Board also agreed that population data was the most reliable, verifiable and predictable source of data upon which to base a revenue sharing formula. The Board considered its unanimous position on the gas tax allocation to be an important step in moving forward as quickly as possible on the gas tax initiative. The Board's unanimous position sends a strong and clear signal to the Federal Government that AMO members are unified and looking forward to investing federal gas tax revenues in priority infrastructure projects without delay. A letter outlining the Board position has been forwarded to each Head of Council. AMO will keep members informed on all developments regarding the federal gas tax. Contact: Brian Rosborough, Senior Policy Advisor, email: brosborough@amo.on.ca; ext. 318 · Municipal Council Term and Related Matters: Prompted by Provincial democratic reform initiatives and the requests of some of our members, AMO recently undertook a review of the municipal election term and related matters, such as timing and voting age. In addition to consulting with our members, we consulted with the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) as well as the Public and Catholic School Board Associations. The Board confirmed the following position based on the input from the membership: i. That the term of municipal council be changed to four (4) years, effective beginning with the election in 2006. (Therefore, the 2006 election would be a four (4) year term. This requires an amendment to the legislation so that proclamation would effect this change in time.) ii. That School Board elections continue to coincide with the municipal election. iii. That the November date for election not be changed. iv. That the voting age not be changed at this time. The Board supported the direction offered by the majority of the membership as outlined above, and has requested that the Province make the associated legislative changes. Contact: Scott Vokey, Policy Advisor, email: svokey@amo.on.ca; ext. 334 · Transfer of the Social Housing Mortgage Renewal Function to the Social Housing Services Corporation (SHSC) At the June 18, 2004 AMO Board of Directors meeting, a resolution on the transfer of the mortgage administration function from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) to the SHSC was brought forward. The Board received the resolution and recommended that the resolution be referred back to the Municipal Services Managers and their councils with the recommendation that a business case analysis be conducted on this proposal. The Board requested that the analysis be brought back to the AMO Board for review. Subsequently, the MMAH's Social Housing Branch conducted an independent analysis of the possible transfer of this function to the SHSC. The project would assist the MMAH to objectively evaluate all aspects of the contemplated transfer of the Province's mortgage renewal administration function. The study's results were shared and contained good information on process and issues related to the transfer of mortgage renewals to SHSC. The study lacked critical financial analysis. The Board has recommended that a substantive cost-benefit analysis be conducted to determine whether municipalities can benefit in meeting the objectives of the social housing program from the transfer of the mortgage renewal responsibility to the SHSC and succeed in real cost savings and reduced subsidy payments and impacts on the property tax base as has been contended. In addition, if the transfer of this function to SHSC results in additional costs to municipalities in any proportion, the transfer of this function to SHSC should not be considered without a cost offset. Contact: Petra Wolfbeiss, Senior Policy Advisor, email: pwolfbeiss@amo.on.ca; ext. 329 · Source Separated Organics Background Paper: The Ministry of the Environment first initiated discussions around source separated organics in its White Paper on Ontario's 60% Waste Diversion Goal released in June 2004. More recently the MOE held a workshop session on March 30-31 for the province, municipalities, private sector, and members of the public to provide input on the organics position paper findings. Aiming to advance municipal interests in a proactive manner, the AMO Waste Management Task Force has produced a position paper that examines why municipalities should divert organics from landfill, marketing of compost products, capital funding of composting infrastructure, overall cost implications composting technologies and approaches, and the current regulatory environment in Ontario. The Board adopted this position paper and forwarded it to the Ministry of the Environment for consideration. Contact: Milena Avramovic, Senior Policy Advisor, email: Milena@amo.on.ca; ext. 342 This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca The Premier of Ontario Le Premier ministre de \'Ontario Edifice de I' Assemblee legislative Queen's Park Toronto (Ontario) M7 A 1 A 1 ~ "'l_~ Ontario Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A1 March 21, 2005 1!l>"",'E.' ~.'.. t'll:;: j}.. '. t "~" MAR 2 4 2005 Mrs. Sandra J. Heffren Deputy Clerk County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 ELGIN AD;Jrlu;:JlSTRt\ Ii'lE SERVICES Dear Mrs. Heffren: Thank you for your letter providing me with a copy of council's resolution regarding funding for conservation authorities. I appreciate your keeping me informed of council's activities. I note that you have sent a copy of your resolution to my colleague, the Honourable David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources. I trust that the minister will also take your views into consideration. Thank you again for the information. Yours truly, Qqff~ Dalton McGuinty Premier c: The Honourable David Ramsay @ The Premier of Ontario Le Premier ministre del'Ontario Edifice de !'Assembh3e legislative Queen's Park Toronto (Ontario) M7 A 1 A 1 ~ "11_" Ontario Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A1 April 13, 2005 Mrs. Sandra J. Heffren Deputy Clerk County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 ~\'R , ~ 'l.OOS COU~~,~ Of ElQ\M ~\NISiAA1I'lE SER~ICG Dear Mrs. Heffren: Thank you for your letter providing me with a copy of council's resolution regarding proposed changes to current value assessment. I appreciate your keeping me informed of council's activities. I note that you have sent a copy of council's resolution to my colleague the Honourable Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance. I trust that the minister will also take council's views into consideration. Thank you again for the information. Yours truly, Qalt~ Dalton McGuinty Premier c: The Honourable Greg Sorbara @ MAYOR Bonnie Vowel 259 Mary Street Dutton, NoL 1JO 9dunic';paCity oj(])utton!(})unwicfi Box 329, 199 Main Street, DUTrON, Ontario NoL IJo Telephone: (5:1,9) 762-2204- Fax No. (519) 762-2278 Clerk Treasurer Administrator Ken Loveland COUNCILLORS Elizabeth Kornaker 1 Lions Road, Box 214 Dutton, NoL 1JO DEPUTY MAYOR Cameron McWilliam 28740 Celtic Line RR# 1 Dutton, NoL lJo John Yokom 32543 Pioneer Line, RR # 1 lona Station, NoL lPO Donald H. Page 7949 Coyne Road RR # 2 Wallacetown, NoL 2Mo March 22, 2005 ~l~E'''''' ;j {j Honourable Andrew Mitchell Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario KIA OA6 MAR 2 It 2005 COUNTY OF ELGIN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Dear Minister: The Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of DuttonlDunwich passed the following resolution: MOVED by Kornaker and SECONDEI) by McWilliam THAT the Council of the Municipality of DuttonlDunwich supports the motion of the county of Elgin requesting the two upper levels of government take immediate action to support the difficult economic adversity facing Ontario Farmers. CARRIED B.Vowel, Chairperson Yours truly, , ";;>/7 d :""~.~ /..Je-~~~'" Ken Loveland Clerk Treasurer Administrator '- KL:ht ~ cc County of Elgin APr. 7. 2005 2:19PM TOWN OF AYLMER Ii ^ Co .0 11 c \ II , ,~; ,.." r", 'J .... '-' '-'.... p. 1 TOWN OF AYLMER 46 Talbot Streett West, Aylmer, Ontario N5H 1J7 Office: (519) 773~3164 Fax: (519) 765~1446 Adminstration: Wendell Graves ~ Administrator . Phyllis Ketchabaw - Clerk April 7, 2005. Honourable Andrew Mitchell Minister of Agriculture & Agri-Food, House of Commons, OTTAWA, ON K1A OA6 Honourable Steve Peters, Minister of Agriculture & Food, Room 331, Main Legislative Building. TORONTO, ON M7A1A4 Dear Minister: Re: Ontario's Farmers Please be advised of the following resolution passed by Aylmer Town Council on March 14,2005: IIThat Aylmer Town Council endorse the resolution of the County of Elgin regarding the difficult economic adversity facing Ontario's farmers, and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Federal and Provincial Ministers of Agriculture, AMO and the Council of the County of ElgIn," We appreciate your serious consideration of Council's resolution. Yours truly, ~~AA./ &~ Cle~~hYIliS K~~abaw C.C. AMO ~ouncil of the County of Elgin Telephone (519) 842-9000 Fax (519) 842-4727 TiIIsonburg & District Multi-Service Centre The Livingston Centre 96 Tillson Avenue, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 3A1 March 17,2005 QFCw:~,\,'ED ~r"'fn ill""'" t,,"C'" M~R 2 ~ 200'i ELG\N ;,\\;"~\S1RA 1\\1E SER\l\CEI Warden James Mcintyre County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V 1 Dear Warden Mcintyre and County of Elgin Council and Staff: On behalf of the Multi-Service Centre, we vv'ould like to extend a sincere thank you for the grant of $4,200.00 (to be received in December 2005). Your donation will support the Adult Basic literacy program. We continue to be grateful for your positive response to our yearly grant appeals. The Multi-Service Centre has been providing community services since 1978 - 27 years of operation! We have moved and grown over the years from the house on Rolph Street to our current location in The Livingston Centre. One thing has not changed however - and that is our commitment to providing community based services and our gratefulness to the supporters and volunteers that have made that happen. Our primary focus remains providing needed client services. While we do receive regular funding in some of our programming areas and actively fundraise, we encourage, need and appreciate donations/gifts such as you have provided. These funds/gifts allow us to commit to programs that require community support in order to meet budget requirements. They also allow us to plan for future needs. Our agency meets the Better Business Bureau Standards for Charitable Solicitations. Please call if you have any questions or require any more information. /~~ Itfl11 c;luvhttfv Maureen Vandenberghe Communications & Development Coordinator t6~c1=Ju/ ~~ MSC does not sell, rent or trade your information with cV1y otl'1er organizations or individuals. If you wish to be removed from our contact list please call 842-9000, ext. 270. Mission A community organization committed to supporting personal independence through: . Innovative and responsible resources. Partnerships and collaboration · Striving for excellence Vision Embracing Personal Independence . Celebrating a Caring Community lij Ontario Steve Peters, M.P.P. Elgin - Middlesex - London ~= i\JEP ifr~i4 -w ~. March 18, 2005 MAR 2 3 2005 COUNTY OF ELGIN (1 n~:,\;c;'@.Tr:~ ~ 'fi~l~ ~1E5VICEf: jF~~~rVEjr.Jty tlK U i \J C \Jl!1;n' v Honourable David Caplan Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal Mowat Block, 6th Floor 900 Bay Street Toronto, ON M7A IC2 Honourable Jim Bradley Minister of Tourism & Recreation Hearst Block, 9th Floor 900 Bay Street Toronto, ON M7A 2EI Dear Ministers: Please find enclosed a letter and a related editorial that was recently published by the St. Thomas Times-Journal from his Worship Jim McIntyre, Warden of Elgin County. As you may recall, I sent you a letter on this matter on December 4, 2004 with an enclosed briefing note from Elgin County Archivist, Mr. Brian Masschaele. As you will read in his letter, Warden McIntyre and Mr. Masschaele recently met with me to discuss their concerns with the delay in the processing of this application. The County is continuing their lobbying efforts for our government to apply the original funding levels under the former Sport, Culture and Tourism Partnership Secretariat program to county council's new application for capital funding for renovations to the fourth floor of the Elgin County Administration Building as the future location of the Elgin County Pioneer Museum. Contained in Warden McIntyre's letter are the many health and safety issues this project will address. As you can appreciate, this project is of the utmost importance for the County and its successful completion may very well lead to many partnerships that would greatly benefit the cultural fabric of Elgin County. Ministers, as this matter becomes more urgent with each passing week, I would appreciate your reviewing this matter as soon as possible and giving full consideration to the County's request and application. I would also appreciate your responding directly to Warden McIntyre. As always, thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Sincerely, S-c:.. \k. Steve Peters, M.P.P. Elgin-Middlesex-London Cc: Warden Jim McIntyre, County of Elgin Mr. Brian Masschaele, Manager, Elgin County Archives Mr. Joe Preston, M.P. Elgin-Middlesex-London 542 Talbot Street, St. Thomas. ON N5P IC4 T - (519) 631-0666 Toll free - 1-800-265-7638 F - (519) 631-9478 TTY - (519) 631-9904 E - speters.mpp.co@liberaI.ola.org www.stevepeters.com Ministry of Agriculture and Food Ministere de I' Agriculture et de I' Alimentation @ Ontario Office of the Minister 77 Grenville Street, 11 th Floor Toronto, Ontario M5S 183 Tel: (416) 326-3074 Fax: (416) 326-3083 Bureau du ministre 77, rue Grenville, 110 etage Toronto (Ontario) M5S 183 Tel.: (416) 326-3074 Telec.: (416) 326-3083 RECEIVED\ APR 05 2005 APR 1 1 2005 COUNTY f~O!tiliNISTRA liVE SERVICES Mrs. Sandra J. Heffren Manager of Administrative Services County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R5Vl ~ Dear Mrffren: Thank you for your letter of March 3, 2005 expressing council's support for Ontario's farmers. I appreciate the many letters, faxes and e-mail messages I have received on this important matter; , Both Premier Dalton McGuinty and I have met with the leaders of commodity and farm organizations. I value the suggestions I receive from the agricultural community and will continue to work with my Cabinet colleagues and stakeholders to help to ensure the viability of agriculture. The provincial government is doing its part by providing up to $79 million in funding to the Ontario Market Revenue Program (MRP), to ensure that eligible grain and oilseed producers receive provincial funding prior to spring planting. This new funding supplements the $88 million delivered during March, 2005 to grain and oilseed producers who are participating in the 2004 MRP. We recognize that the Ontario Tobacco Strategy, designed to improve the health of Ontarians by reducing tobacco use in the province, will negatively affect both tobacco growers and their communities by reducing demand for their product. As promised, this government is introducing the $50-million Tobacco Community Transition Fund. This fund will provide $35 million to the Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers' Marketing Board to assist tobacco growers who want to exit the industry. A further $15 million will be administered by existing Community Futures Development Corporations to encourage long-term, sustainable economic development in tobacco growing regions. .../2 Ministry Headquarters: 1 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2 Bureau principal du ministere: 1, rue Stone ouest, Guelph (Ontario) N1 G 4Y2 Invite Ontario Home Invitez l'Ontario chez vous \"i toiJlroO - 2- It is important to recognize that the negative effect of severely depressed commodity prices on the agricultural community is a national issue, and I appreciate the recent federal announcement of financial assistance to Canadian producers under the Farm Income Payment Program. I look forward to working with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to ensure that Ontario receives its fair share of these federal funds as quickly as possible. Ontario is delivering much-needed funding to assist the ruminant livestock sector with its recovery from the fallout of the discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada. The provincial government has committed to provide as much as $138.5 million in financial assistance. When combined with federal funding, as much as $410 million could be delivered to Ontario's ruminant livestock sector. On January 4, 2005, the US Department of Agriculture published a trade rule designating Canada as a minimal risk jurisdiction for bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Under that rule, young Canadian slaughter and feeder cattle would be permitted to enter the US market under specific conditions. I am disappointed that the scheduled implementation of this rule has been delayed. I remain optimistic that science will prevail when all the facts have been considered by the US courts, and that there will be no further delay in re-opening the border to Canadian cattle. I recognize that farm incomes are declining. With that in mind, I have appointed an advisory committee to evaluate the existing business risk management programs. I am asking this group to propose a long-term approach to business risk management that better meets the unique and diverse needs of Ontario's farmers while reflecting the goals of the Agricultural Policy Framework. The provincial government takes producers' concerns very seriously and is striving to find solutions that are fair and equitable to all citizens of Ontario. We are firmly committed to continuing to work with the agri-food sector to create a stronger, more sustainable future for our farmers, food processors and rural communities. Thank you, once again, for writing. Sincerely, & Steve Peters Minister Huron County at a Glance Percent of Huron Province province Item Percent of Huron Province province Item Fanns, 2001 Census (number) Total.................................... Reporting under 130 acres .............. Reporting 130 to 399 acres ............. Reporting 400 acres and over ......... .2,880 59.728 1,280 29,638 1,162 21,279 438 8,811 585.050 9,035,915 280 35,175 29,342 m.650 17.987 1,314,335 86,407 2.348,282 719.066 13,507,357 513,472 9,373,178 182,433 3,629,128 Land Use, 2001 Census (acres) Cropland .......................................... Summerfallow Improved pasture Unimproved pasture ........................ Other land ........................................ Total area of fanns .......................... Area owned ..................................... Area rented ...................................... Hired Fann Labour, 2001 Census (weeks) Year round ....................................... 55,536 Seasonal......................................... 26,085 Total................................................ 81,621 1,376,166 911,030 2,287,196 Fann Capital Value, 2001 Census ($ million) Machinery and equipment ............... 372 Livestock and poultry ....................... 240 Land and buildings .......................... 2,578 Total .....................h.hmh 3,190 6,564 3.067 40,898 50,530 Total Gross Fann Receipts, 2001 Census (fanns reporting) Under $2,500 ................................... 63 4,636 $2.500 to $4.999 ............... ...... .... 81 3.360 $5.000 to $9.999 ............................. 155 7,374 $10.000 to $24,999 ......................... 429 11.378 $25,000 to $49.999 ......................... 422 7.862 $50.000 to $99.999 ......................... 478 6,542 $100.000 to $249,999 ..................... 639 9.587 $250.000 to $499,999 ..................... 363 5,493 $500,000 and over .......................... 250 3,496 Fanns (with sales> $2,500) by Major Product Type, 2001 Census (number) Total with sales> $2,500 ................ 2.817 Dairy ................................................ 282 Cattle (beef)..................................... 590 Hog .................................................. 335 Poultry and egg ............................... 172 Wheat ...................................... 23 Grain and oilseed (except wheat) ... 970 Other field crops .............................. 48 Fruit ................................................. 19 Vegetable ........................................ 30 Miscellaneous specialty ............... 164 Livestock combination .................. 144 Other combination ....................... 40 55.092 6,414 13.669 2,454 1.609 395 12.863 4.531 1,733 1,233 7.301 1,617 1,273 Share of Farm Cash Receipts by Commodity, Ontario, 2002 Com 5.7"/0 FruilS& Vegetables 10.5% Eggs 2.5% Total = 58.47 billion ~ x Suppressed data Sources: 2001 Census of Agriculture and Policy & Programs Branch. OMAF 5.67 7.84 6.30 6.31 1.36 2.41 2.10 3.n 5.37 7.31 6.67 6.61 7.15 5.11 4.40 4.32 13.65 10.69 5.82 7.54 1.06 1.10 2.43 2.25 8.91 3.14 Dairy 16.()% 4.82 4.32 5.46 4.97 Major Field Crops, 2001 Census (acres) Winter wheat ................................... 58,714 Oats for grain ................................... 3,376 Barley for grain................................. 18.265 Mixed grains .................................... 12,999 Com for grain .................................. 183,411 Com for silage ................................. 21.759 Hay.................................................. 68.394 Soybeans ........................................ 175,967 ~I~~ ~C;;;;;.:::::::::::::::::::~:::. 17,3~ Potatoes .......................................... 1,130 6.47 0.80 3.79 1.37 3.68 5.32 5.48 5.03 Major Fruit Crops, 2001 Census (acres) Apples ............................................. 281 Peaches .......................................... 20 Sour Cherries............................. 2 Raspberries... ...... ... ...... .............. 11 Strawberries .................................... 55 Grapes ............................................. 4 Total fruit crops ................................ 398 4.04 2.86 3.57 Major Vegetable CroPS. 2001 Census (acres) Sweet com ...................................... 2,979 Tomatoes ........................................ x Green peas ...................................... 1.856 Green or wax beans ........................ 1,035 Total vegetables .............................. 8,146 Livestock Inventories, 2001 Census (number) Dairy cows ....................................... 17,746 Beef cows ........................................ 18.320 Steers .............................................. 38,809 Total cattle and calves .................... 147.535 Total pigs ......................................... 630.316 Total sheep and lambs .................... 20.531 545.380 10.n 101,670 3.32 308,728 5.92 218,265 5.96 2,003,025 9.16 319.364 6.81 2,504.026 2.73 2.248,466 7.83 58,559 29.71 58,333 0.00 43,396 2.60 24,252 1.16 6,616 0.30 2,314 0.09 1.299 0.85 5,003 1.10 18,206 0.02 65,On 0.61 49,019 6.08 21.201 23,308 7.96 13,035 7.94 170.147 4.79 363,544 4.88 376,020 4.87 332,215 11.68 2.140,731 6.89 3,457.346 18.23 337,625 6.08 Poultry Inventories, 2001 Census (number) Total hens and chickens .................. 5,030,978 43.624,696 11.53 Total turkeys .................................... 231.365 3,402.697 6.80 Farm Cash Receipts for Main Commodities, Huron, 2002 (Total = 5633.6 millon) Cattle & Cah-es Hogs Dairy POulll)" Com Soybeans Wheal 0.0 40.0 80.0 S millions 120.0 160.0 Allocation of Federal Gas Tax Revenues Association of Municipalities of Ontario AMO Key Messages: Canada's commitment to gas tax revenue sharing is a key feature of its New Deal for municipalities. Federal gas tax revenues will result in new funding for Ontario's municipalities of $224 million for 2005-06, growing to $746 million a year in 2009/10. AMO and the government of Ontario applauded the Federal Government for its decision to adopt a fair and equitable national allocation formula based on population. When AMO's Board of Directors met on April 1, 2005, it considered the issue of how the federal gas tax should be allocated among all 445 municipalities in Ontario. AMO's Board unanimously adopted the position that federal gas tax revenues should be allocated among Ontario's municipalities based solely on population and, in the case of two-tier municipal governments, the allocation would be divided 50:50 between the upper and lower tiers. Based on Statistics Canada's current population estimates of about 12.4 million Ontarians, this formula would provide approximately $18 per resident in 2005-06, growing to approximately $60 per resident in 2009-10 and onwards. The per capita allocation formula was recommended to the Board by staff-level Advisory Committee of about 30 municipal CAOs and Treasurers from across Ontario, and staff from key municipal staff associations. The Board agreed that allocation by population was fair and equitable, ensuring that people in municipalities of all sizes, in every part of Ontario, will benefit equally. The Board also agreed that population data was the most reliable, verifiable and predictable source of data open which to base a revenue sharing formula. The Board also endorsed the commitment of the Fegeral Government that the gas tax funding should be invested in a range of sustainable infrastructure projects including: transit, water and wastewater systems, waste management, the rehabilitation of roads and bridges, community energy projects and capacity building, with additional flexibility in smaller communities. The Board considered its unanimous position on the gas tax allocation to be an important step in moving forward as quickly as possible on the gas tax initiative. The Board's unanimous position sends a strong and clear signal to the Federal Government that AMO's members are unified and looking forward to investing federal gas tax revenues in priority infrastructure projects without delay. April 4, 2005 Canadian Red Cross f"."", f!!mll ~ E'''' Y','?, I i!l""'" ~. . """", s~, =: ;::: I' ')\; '" . , ,dl .,.L, ,3 ~ Croix-Rouge canadienne APR - 4 2005 P:' Ii"H~,U R:LY~~\J <<:":'. iElaj.u.;gf"k;;;" ,,-'$lGn w n~IT':';} Dear Donor, The Canadian Red Cross would like to sincerely thank you for your gracious donation to the Asia Earthquake and Tsunamis Relief Appeal. Every donation, and every dollar, is important to help save and rebuild lives in the devastated areas. Red Cross and Red Crescent workers and local volunteers have assisted with sheltering and basic first aid, and conducting assessments to provide aid where it is needed most. For now, funds raised with your help for the relief effort are being used to provide items such as tents, blankets, water purification tablets, food, medical supplies, and generators - the basics for human survival. This is one ofthe largest relief operations to which the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has ever responded. The Red Cross will be providing aid in the affected areas for many years to come. We thank you again for your donation, and look forward to your continued support of the Canadian Red Cross. Sincerely, 4JJ , ~ Kate Wood President Pierre Duplessis Secretary General 9 3 Canadian Red Cross Society / Croix-Rouge canadienne National Office / Siege social 170 Metcalfe St., Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2P 2P2 Telephone: (613) 740-1900 Fax/Telec.: (613) 740-1911 www.redcross.ca 6 Anywhere. Anytime. I Canadian Red Cross En tout lieu. En toultemps. I Crolx.Rougecanadlanna ~..." r-~..,.;,.,:....!I4.,.,.\JE'.'., ~,.," .~,;.~, ~1 V ~. The Canadian Red Cross Society La Societe canadienne de la Croix-Rouge 141 Wellington Street St. Thomas, Ontario Canada N5R 2R8 Telephone (519) 631-1611 Fax (519) 631-3681 County of Elgin 450 Sunset Dr. St. Thonaas, ()~ N5R 5V1 APR - 6 200S COUNl'Y Of ElG\M - SER\J\CES St. Thomas Branch March 31, 2005 Dear Red Cross Supporter: Thank you for helping Red Cross help so many people whose lives were devastated by the South Asian tsunami. Your generosity is truly making a difference in the 12 countries where hundreds of relief workers are hard at work. The ravages of nature have brought great tragedy but also elicited the best in human nature as you and so many other Canadians have responded with generous gifts. The St. Thomas & Elgin communities raised almost $200 000.00 and overall the Canadian Red Cross raised over 1.6 million dollars. Your response to this staggering disaster has helped the Red Cross in Canada and around the world mobilize aid and relief workers during the immediate relief effort and is now paving the way for long term rebuilding. Experienced aide workers are tackling the complex problem of immediate recovery from the devastation that claimed more than 280,000 lives. An international team of Red Cross people and supplies are making life tolerable and safe from disease for the survivors. It is clear that rebuilding efforts will take many years and many different forms of assistance will be needed, ranging from construction to psychological assistance. As the media spotlight moves on to other news and issues, the tsunami survivors will benefit from the gifts of donors like yourself whowere moved to action. Red Cross will report regularly on progress in the 12 affected countries with updates available on the Canadian Red Cross website at www.redcross.ca or the international Red Cross at www.ifrc.org. Please visit these sites to see how your contribution is keeping a pipeline of assistance open for millions of people whose future is being shaped by donors. Hope is on the way thanks to you and others who cared. You are helping us make a difference for those most in need. Sincerely yours, ,rJ 0~-/ Eleanor Ryder Branch President St. Thomas & Elgin ~tD~<--L- Angie Woodcock District Branch Manager London/Middlesex and St. Thomas/Elgin NATIONAL REVENUE CHARITABLE NUMBER NO D'REGISTREMENT DE L:ORGANISME 119219814RR0001 10 Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal Ministere du Renouvellement de I'infrastructure publique ~ ~ Ontario Office of the Minister 6th Floor, Mowat Block 900 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario M7A 1 L2 Tel.: 416 325-0424 Fax: 416 325-3013 www.pir.gov.on.ca Bureau du ministre Edifice Mowat, 6" IMage 900, rue Bay Toronto (Ontario) M7A 1L2 Tel.: 416 325-0424 Teltk : 416 325-3013 www.pir.gov.on.ca Mailing Address: 6th Floor, Frost Building South 7 Queen's Park Crescent Toronto, Ontario M7A 1Y7 Adresse postale : Edifice Frost Sud, 6" etage 7 Queen's Park Crescent Toronto (Ontario) M7A 1Y7 ~'~,. E"' ~" i.' Ii" " rLi~ \J ".i ,,{~iS..:.~ APR - 6 2005 COUNTY OF ELG~N March 15, 2005 Mr. Jim Mcintyre Warden County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas ON N5R 5V1 Dear Warden Mcintyre: Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to have dinner with me at the Ontario Good Roads Association and Rural Ontario Municipal Association (OGRA/ROMA) joint conference here in Toronto in February. I am not able to travel to South Western Ontario as often as I would like, so I felt it was important that we find time to meet in person and discuss the issues that are directly affecting your communities. I thought the theme of this year's conference, Municipality Matters, to be right on topic. Through my meetings with delegations, in having dinner with you and your colleagues and at the Minister's Forum, I heard additional feedback about the needs and successes of municipalities across our province. I will take your concerns back to my Cabinet colleagues. Again, thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I found our conversation to be very enjoyable, productive and informative. Yours sincerely, David Caplan Minister Township of MALAHIDE 87 John Street South, Aylmer, Ontario N5H 2e3 Telephone: (519) 773-5344 Fax: (519) 773-5334 Email: malahide@township.malahide.on.ca www.township.malahide.on.ca April 8,2005. EIVED County of Elgin, 450 Sunset Drive, St Thomas, Ontario. N5R 5Vl APR - 8 2005 Qf ELGIN h ,O,,\~l(\,i1~'ifl' l\ "fIVE @t':Ii'}Var"7i;' f'1UIV!kai~ i "i't i '" [;, ~,",!r1l lv~;;) Dear Sirs: RE: P.O. A. Malahide Township Council passed the following Resolution on April 7,2005: THAT Malahide Township Council agree with the method of disbursement of fines collected in default as indicated in the report entitled P.O.A. Default Revenues through Collections and dated March 2, 2005; and THAT the County be instructed to prepare the necessary agreement. Yours very truly, TO\Y1-JSHIP OF MALAHIDE o/~ R. MILLARD, C.A.O./CLERK RANDALL R. MILLARD C.A.O./Clerk Email: clerk@township.malahide.on.ca SUSAN E. WILSON Treasurer Email: treasurer@township.malahide.on.ca Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities) Ministre d'Etat (Infrastructure et Collectivites) Ottawa, Canada K1A OA6 APR 0 7 2005 RECEIVE Mrs. Sandra J. Heffren Deputy Clerk The Corporation of the County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 APR 1 1 2005 IM'UIA~rv nr.1P! 1';>11\1 ~"V 'lI i . \;.J ,! ,d",\)ll'l! !s!i)MINiSTRA liVE Dear Mrs. Heffi"en: Thank you for your correspondence regarding the distribution of federal gas tax revenues to municipalities that was forwarded to me by the Prime Minister's Office. I am pleased to say that Budget 2005 has delivered long-term, stable and predictable funding as part of the Government of Canada's commitment to a New Deal for Cities and Communi.ties. Over the next five years, we will provide $5 billion to municipalities, large and small, to support environmentally sustainable infrastructure projects such as public transit, water and wastewater treatment, community energy systems and the handling of solid waste. Starting this year, Canada's cities and communities will receive a share of the federal gas tax revenues worth $600 million. This funding will increase until it reaches $2 billion annually by 2009-10, and will continue at that rate thereafter. We have chosen a balanced approach to allocating gas tax funds which is comparable to that recommended by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and which will benefit cities and communities, large and small. By providing a targeted allocation for Prince Edward Island and the territories, we have recognized the need for less populated jurisdictions to have sufficient funds for significant infrastructure investments. Negotiations are underway with the provinces and territories on the bilateral agreements that will allow funds from the gas tax to flow to municipalities. Gas tax funding complements, but does not replace, existing infrastructure programs. Over the last decade, the Government of Canada has committed close to $12 billion in new funds for infrastructure projects across the country. This funding supports public infrastructure in areas such as water and wastewater treatment, urban transit, roads and highways and other priority needs. Budget 2005 committed to renewing the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund and the Border Infrastructure Fund. ...2 Canada - 2 - Over the past few months, I have had substantial input on the New Deal for Cities and Communities and on the allocation of federal gas tax revenues. In meeting with mayors and municipal representatives, provincial and territorial ministers and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, we have managed to establish goodwill and cooperation around the New Deal. This goodwill and cooperation, I feel certain, will benefit all Canadians by helping us all ensure Canada's communities, towns and cities are great places to live. The combined efforts of municipal governments, businesses, organizations, and provincial and territorial governments all contribute to Canada's success. Thank you for taking the time to share your views. Yours truly, Honourable John Godfrey, P.C., M.P. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Association of Municipalities of Ontario April 4, 2005 Warden Jim Mcintyre County of Elgin 450 Sunset Dr. St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 &:CE\VE ~~ - APR - -1 2005 ..' Ul~r'f Of ELG\N Dear Warden Mcintyre and Council: CO ~l\'"I"~"~. ii:'f:q~u\CE5 &\DWn~liSl nl"il ~ i ~ t. ~r.:." . '3 I am writing to you today to provide important information on federal gas tax revenue sharing for municipalities. r. Canada's commitment to gas tax revenue sharing is a key feature of its New Deal for municipalities, which includes last year's announcement of a full GST refund for municipalities and $298 million in federal funding for the Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Program. In February of this year, the Federal Government announced its national allocation formula for gas tax revenues based on population. For Ontario's municipalities, this formula will result in gas tax funding of $224 million for 2005-06, growing to $746 million in 2009-10. AMO applauded the federal government for its decision to adopt a fair and equitable allocation formula based on population. The Government of Ontario alsosuppdrted the national allocation fornlula, indicating that allocation by population treated Ontario fairly. Ontario' also indicated that it would not playa role in negotiating a formula for the allocation of federal gas tax revenues among Ontario municipalities. It asked the Federal Government to work directly with municipalities to determine how best these revenues should be distributed within Ontario. When AMO's Board of Directors met on April 1 , 2005, it considered the issue of how the federal gas tax should be allocated among all 445 municipalities in Ontario. Every municipal government has some infrastructure deficit as part of Ontario's estimated $4 billion municipal infrastructure gap. While the federal gas tax will make an important contribution to the sustainability of Ontario's communities, it will not solve Ontario's municipal infrastructure deficit. That is why, in developing an allocation approach for Ontario's municipalities, the Board turned its mind to fairness, equity, flexibility, and accountability. AMO's Board unanimously adopted the position that federal gas tax revenues should be allocated among Ontario's municipalities based solely on. population and, in. the case of two-tier municipal governments, the allocation would be divided 50:50:between the upper and lower tiers. .. ./2 393 University Ave., Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1 E6 tel: (416) 971-9856 · toll free: 1-877-426-6527 · fax: (416) 971-6191 . email: amo@amo.municom.com -2- A per capita distribution is fair and equitable, ensuring that people in municipalities of all sizes, in every part of Ontario, will benefit from this important New Deal initiative. Based on verifiable population data, a per capita distribution is also objective, predictable and reliable. Based on Statistics Canada's current population estimates, this formula would provide approximately $18 per resident in 2005-06, growing to approximately $60 per resident in 2009- 10. In adopting this position, the Board accepted the advice of AMO's staff-level Federal Gas Tax Advisory Committee. The Committee included approximately 30 municipal CAOs and Treasurers from across Ontario, and staff from the Municipal Finance Officers Association (MFOA), the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) and the Ontario Municipal Administrators Association (OMAA). I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Committee members for their efforts and their sound advice. The Board also adopted the advice of the Committee that municipalities should be able to bank gas tax revenues toward future investment priorities, use stable gas tax revenues to leverage investment and financing in eligible projects, and to be able to use gas tax revenue in combination with other federal or provincial investment. Accountability and reporting mechanisms are similarly important to how the gas tax fund can be structured. AMO, like many provinces and territories, agrees that this is not like previous or current infrastructure programs, which were application based or managed through a contribution agreement basis, where invoices are paid on completion. These matters will be an important part of AMO's negotiations with the Federal Government. The Federal Government has stated that gas tax revenues for municipalities are intended to help municipalities to invest in environmentally sustainable infrastructure in our communities including: transit, water and wastewater systems, waste management, the rehabilitation of roads and bridges, community energy projects and capacity building. It has also stated that additional flexibility will be needed in smaller communities. AMO's Board has endorsed these priority areas for investment in infrastructure recognizing that cleaner water, cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions are shared interests. The Board considered its unanimous position on the gas tax allocation to be an important step in moving forward as quickly as possible on the gas tax initiative. The Board's unanimous position sends a strong and clear signal to the Federal Government that AMO members are unified and looking forward to investing federal gas tax revenues in priority infrastructure projects without delay. We will keep you posted of all developments in this important matter. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank you for your continued support. Yours truly, ~~~~ Roger Anderson President Fax Server 4/15/2005 6:35 PAGE 001/001 Fax Server Federation of Canadian Municipalities FMeration canadienne des municipalitCs April 15, 2005 Please Distribute to All Members of Council MEMBERS' ADVISORY URGE MPs TO PASS THE FEDERAL BUDGET Events are moving quickly in Parliament. During this time of political uncertainty, we hope to persuade all Members of Parliament that the federal Budget legislation must be passed quickly. All the progress we have made toward a New Deal for cities and comm unities is at risk if the Budget legislation falls victim to an ear1y election call. Funds committed in the Budget and destined for municipal governments could be delayed or even lost. I have written to all Members of Parliament, urging them to consider the Budget legislation with due diligence and to pass it quickly. I am asking you to communicate with your Members of Parliament and let them know how important this Budget is to your community. Tell them your community and others, large and small, are counting on them. We believe there is all-party support for fixing our cities and communities. Dwing the 2004 federal election campaign, all parties acknowledged the need to deal quickly with the $60-billion municipal infrastructure deficit. Although prescriptions varied, all parties reflected the national consensus supporting help for cites and communities. The Budget tabled last February promised a much-needed financial boost to municipal governments. The $2 billion in gas-tax revenue committed over five years can be used to help fix our streets and bridges, upgrade water-treatment plants, improve and expand public transit, and provide much-needed services to people. The Budget also strengthened FCM's Green Municipal Funds, recognizing their environmental successes in our communities. During their first four years, the Funds used $250 million in seed money to leverage more than $1.3 billion in investment and deliver significant environmental benefits. And, since Budget day, federal-provincial/tenitolial negotiations have moved fO/ward, with the first agreement on gas-tax sharing signed today in British Colum bia. Agreements with othe I' provincial and tenitorial govemments are expected soon, allowing money to flow to our comm unities. All of this progress is now at risk. Should the Budget legislation die on the order paper, all of our efforts over the last two years, along with the successful federal-provincial negotiations, could be for nothing. Our problems will remain, and the sense of hope in our sector and in our comm unities will be dashed once again. We have made great strides over the past year but much remains to be done. It's a big job, and we need this Budget to get started. Urge your Members of Pat1iament to pass the Budget. Ann MacLean, President For more information contact Robert Ross at (613) 241-5221 ext. 399. 04/13/05 16:42 CITY of STRATFORD Ql1ke Q/'the Mayor Hi8 Wamhip DcmMathieson City Hall, P.O. Box 818 Sttad'ord ON N5A 6Wl (519) 271-0250 Ext. 234 Fax: (519) 271-2783 dmaihieson@dty.stratfordoTl.ca www.cil)..sl:fallord.on.ca Coundllors: George Br.own Kei lh Culliton Sam Dinicol Howard Famme Dave Hunt Lloyd Lichd Frank Mark Kathryn Rae Chris Rickett Che.r.yl R~lby CITY OF STRATFORD - ADMIN ~ 15196337661 NO.060 [;1[: To All Municipal Officials and Staff: April 11lh, 2005 QJ!lI.C_NIGHT IN STRAtFORD - Thursjf~une 16th. 2005 Stratford City Cou'ncil, in co-operation with the Stratford Festival of Canada, is pleased to invite municipal officials and staff to iCivic Night at the Stratford Festival". The featured performance this year is Hello, Dolly{. As always, the Stratford Festival can be counted on to provide an entertaining and engaging performance. Additional information on the production and oast is available through the Stratford Festival website at www.stratfordfestival.ca. The CIty of Stratford has reserved seats far the June 16th performance. which begins at 8 p.m. at the Festival Theatre. Once again, the Stratford Festival has offered a generous ticket discount as follows: SeatinQ Discounted Price ReQular Price A+ $74.64 $106.63 A $66.59 $ 95.13 8 $62.36 $ 89.09 The City is pleased to host a reception following the performance in the Paul D. Fleck Marquee. If you would like to attend Civic Night, please reserve your tickets directly with the Festival by contacting the Box Office at 1-800-567. 1600. Please advise the representative that you are calling to purchase tickets under the City of Stratford's Civic Night group reservation. Your ticket request will be processed and mailed directly to you or held at the Box Offioe to be picked up within 30 days of the performance. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Pat Shantz at 519-271-0250. ext. 236. I look forward to seeing you on June 16th, 2005 and hope that you enjoy the Stratford experiencel Sincerely. d~~~ Dan Mathieson, Mayor DM/ps HCommunity Excellence with WorldU'ide Impact" Canada ~ Ontario April 25, 2005 Mark McDonald CAO County of Elgin (519) 633-7331 Re: COMRIF Project 11493 - Rehabilitation of Sunset Road Dear Mark McDonald: We are pleased to inform you that based on your application submitted under COMRIF's Intake One, the governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $2,331,117.00 toward the eligible costs of the project(s) described above. Under COMRIF, the governments of Canada and Ontario are working together with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and local partners to improve public infrastructure in small urban and rural communities. COMRIF's main objective is to improve the quality of life of residents across Ontario by giving municipalities the tools they need to enhance and renew essential public infrastructure. COMRIF's Intake One focused on local infrastructure improvements that provide clean, safe drinking water, better sewage systems, improved waste management processes, and safer local roads and bridges. The three assessment criteria applied to your project submission as part of the competitive, merit- based process, were: health and safety, value for money and public policy priorities. Ganads-Ontmio Municipal Rural infrastructure Fund Le 25 avril 2005 Objet: Projet FI MRCO NO 11493 - Remise en etat du chemin Sunset Cher (Chere) Mark McDonald, Nous avons Ie plaisir de vous annoncer que, a la suite de la demande que vous avez presentee lors de la premiere periode de reception des demandes du FIMRCO, les gouvernements du Canada et de l'Ontario investiront chacun un montant maximal de 2 331 117$ en vue du financement des couts admissibles du (des) projet(s) decrit(s) ci- dessus. Dans Ie cadre du FIMRCO, les gouvernements du Canada et de l'Ontario travaillent de concert avec l'Association des municipalites de l'Ontario et des partenaires locaux pour ameliorer I'infrastructure publique des petites collectivites urbaines et rurales de la province. Le FIMRCO a pour principal objet d'ameliorer la qualite de vie de la population de I'ensemble de l'Ontario en donnant aux municipalites les outils dont elles ont besoin pour moderniser et renouveler I'infrastructure publique essentielle. La premiere periode de reception des demandes du FIMRCO mettait I'accent sur I'amelioration d'infrastructures locales visant un approvisionnement sur en eau potable, de meilleurs reseaux d'egout et procedes de gestion des dechets ainsi que des routes et des ponts plus securitaires. Les trois criteres appliques a I'evaluation du (des) projet(s) que vous avez soumis dans Ie cadre de ce processus concurrentiel fonde sur Ie me rite 6t~ion+ tOoe clli\J':::lIntc . c:::lIn+.6 0+ c6,....llrit6 Please note that the Government of Canada's investment is contingent on the successful completion of an environmental assessment of the proposed project under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. An analyst from the COMRIF Joint Secretariat will be in touch to discuss this requirement. Staff from the COMRIF Joint Secretariat will work with your officials to finalize the Contribution Agreement, which will outline the municipal milestones and the required terms and conditions for your project. Along with the appropriate copies of the Contribution Agreement, the Joint Secretariat staff will provide details of the information and documentation requirements for the claims process. Communications staff in the COMRIF Joint Secretariat will contact you to discuss the communications requirements for your project and identify communications opportunities and milestone activities related to these requirements. When contacting staff at the COMRIF Joint Secretariat, please indicate that this is a capital project approved under COMRIF Intake One and refer to the assigned project file number. Intake Two will be launched in the coming weeks and eligible municipalities will be informed of application details at that time. For more details, please contact the COMRIF Joint Secretariat at 1-866-306-7827 or info@comrif.ca, or visit www.comrif.ca. CnnarJs-Ontmio Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund 2 etaient les suivants : sante et securite, optimisation des ressources et priorites de la politique publique. Veuillez noter que Ie financement du gouvernement du Canada sera accorde sous reserve d'une evaluation environnementale du projet soumis, menee a bien en vertu de la Loi canadienne sur /'evaluation environnementale. A ce sujet, un ou une analyste du Secretariat conjoint du FIMRCO entrera en contact avec vous pour discuter des elements requis. Le personnel du Secretariat conjoint du FIMRCO travaillera avec vos responsables a apporter la touche finale a l'Entente de financement, qui precisera les jalons des travaux de la municipalite ainsi que les modalites applicables a votre (vos) projet(s). Outre les exemplaires appropries de l'Entente de financement, Ie personnel du Secretariat conjoint fournira une liste detaillee de la documentation et des renseignements requis pour Ie processus de demandes de paiement. Le personnel des Communications du Secretariat conjoint du FIMRCO communiquera avec vous pour discuter des exigences en matiere de communications associees a votre projet et cerner les possibilites de communications et d'activites marquant les etapes cles de la realisation du projet qui en decoulent. Lorsque vous communiquez avec Ie personnel du Secretariat conjoint du FIMRCO, veuillez preciser qu'il s'agit d'un projet d'immobilisations approuve dans Ie cadre de la premiere periode de reception des demandes du FIMRCO et mentionner Ie numero de dossier de projet qui s'y rapporte. La deuxieme periode de reception des demandes sera lancee au cours des prochaines semaines et les municipalites admissibles recevront des precisions sur la presentation d'une demande ace moment-Ia. Pour obtenir de plus amples renseignements, veuillez communiquer avec Ie Secretariat We look forward to working with you as you implement this project improving the quality of life for citizens in Ontario. Sincerely, 3 conjoint du FIMRCO au 1 866306-7827, faire parvenir un courriel a info@comrif.ca ou consulter Ie site www.comrif.ca. Nous envisageons avec plaisir la possibilite de colla borer avec vous alors que vous menez a bien ce projet pour ameliorer la qualite de vie des citoyens de l'Ontario. Nous vous prions d'accepter I'expression de nos sentiments les meilleurs. Joe Comuzzi Minister of Statel ministre d'Etat Federal Economic Development Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor) and Federal Minister responsible for COMRIFI Initiative federale de developpement economique pour Ie Nord de l'Ontario (FedNor) et ministre federal responsable du FIMRCO cc. Joe Preston, MP/depute (Elgin-Middlesex-London) Hon. Steve Peters, MPP/depute (Elgin-Middlesex-London) Ganads-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure FUl1d John Gerretsen Ministerl ministre Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housingl Ministere des Affaires municipales et du Logement de l'Ontario 'i . C dl+1 ana a ~ Ontario Backgrounder CANADA-ONTARIO MUNICIPAL RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND (COMRlF) INTAKE ONE FUNDED PROJECTS - FederaIlProvincial Total Eligible Community Project Title Investment (each) Costs (Up to $) (Up to $) Adelaide Metcalfe, Township Construction of Kerwood Wastewater Collection 1,067,097 3,201,290 of System Alnwick / Haldimand, Rehabilitation of Radcliffe Bridge 95,833 287,500 Township of Amherstburg, Town of Disconnection of Private Storm Drains 1,250,000 3,750,000 Disconnection of Roadway Drains Realignment of Existing Sanitary Trunk Sewer Elimination of Overflow Weirs in Sanitary Manholes Separation of Combined Sewers Armour, Township of Replacement of Ferguson Road Bridge 269,500 808,500 Ashfield-Colbome- Wawanosh, Replacement of Kerry's Line Bridge at Site 22 171,667 515,000 Township of Replacement of Kerry's Line Bridge at Site 23 Athens, Township of Replacement of the Elbe Creek Bridge 94,250 282,750 Belleville, City of Upgrading of Belleville Water Pollution Control 644,167 1,932,500 Plant and Pumping Station Billings, Township of Improvements to Kagawong Bay Hill Main Access 164,690 494,070 ~orridor Black River-Matheson, Rehabilitation of#9 Hooker Creek Bridge 693,000 2,079,000 rrownship of Replacement of#22 Lava Mountain Bridge Rehabilitation of#8 Watabeag Bridge iRehabilitation of#30 Wavell Road South Bridge IBlandford- Blenheim, Reconstruction of Bridge #21 561,833 1,685,500 rrownship of Improvements to Bridge #30 Reconstruction of Bridge #64 Bonfield, Township of Reconstruction of Line 3 North Bridge 101,827 305,480 Brant, County of Rehabilitation of the Fairchild Creek Bridge 366,667 1,100,000 [Brighton, Municipality of lReplacement of Goodfellow Road Bridge 133,750 401,250 Brock, Township of lReplacement of Gibbs Bridge 316,667 950,000 lReplacement of Argue Bridge Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund II www.comrif.ca Infrastructure , . 2 FederallProvincial Total Eligible Community Project Title Investment (each) Costs (Up to $) (Up to $) Burpee and Mills, Township of Impro-yements to Bell Road 212,650 637,950 Improvements to Indian Point Road Improvements to McKinley Road mprovements to Union Road Improvements to Williams Road arlow / Mayo, Township of Replacement of York River Bridge 275,000 825,000 lCasey, Township of Reconstruction of Notre Dame Street in BeIle- 16,133 48,400 Vallee lCentral Manitoulin, Township Reconstruction ofCarnarvonIBlue Road Bridge 281,750 845,250 ~f /f003 Reconstruction of CarnarvonlKetchankookem Trail Bridge #007 Reconstruction of CamarvonIMonument Road Bridge #002 lCentre Wellington, Township Reconstruction of Bridge Structure 20-P 1,079,440 3,238,320 ~f Reconstruction of Bridge Structure 6-N IChamplain, Township of Construction ofa Wastewater Treatment Plant 2,793,385 8,380,155 IClarington, Municipality of Rehabilitation of Cedar Park Bridge 557,000 1,671,000 Rehabilitation of Stephen Bridge Rehabilitation of ColwilI Bridge 99023 Rehabilitation of Bridge 99099 Rehabilitation of Bridge 98097 Rehabilitation of Bridge 99524 ~learview, Township of Upgrading of Rural Halls' Water Supply and 81,250 243,750 rreatment in A vening, Brentwood, Dunedin, Singhampton and Sunnidale Dufferin, County of Reconstruction of Black's Bridge 500,000 1,500,000 Dysart et aI, Township of Replacement.ofBumt River Bridge 173,267 519,800 Rehabilitation of Coleman Lake Bridge Ear Falls, Township of Rehabilitation of Spruce Street 489,953 1,469,860 Rehabilitation of Aspen Street Rehabilitation of Birch Drive Rehabilitation of Balsam Avenue Rehabilitation of Forest Drive Rehabilitation of Poplar A venue Rehabilitation of Chestnut Crescent Rehabilitation of John Street lEast GwiIlimbury, Town of mprovements to Bridges and Culverts 106,667 320,000 IElgin, County of Rehabilitation of Sunset Road 2,33 1 , 11 7 6,993,350 .-':f Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund II www.comrif.ca Infrastructure 3 FederallProvincial Total Eligible Community Project Title Investment (each) Costs (Up to $) (Up to $) Erin, Town of Realignment of 15 Sideroad 355,667 1,067,000 Reconstruction of Bridge No. 2009 Reconstruction of Bridge No. 2010 Essex, Town of !Improvements to Third Concession Road 899,000 2,697,000 mprovements to Roseborough Road lupgrading of Hanlan Street Gananoque, Separated Town lRenewal of the King Street Bridge 340,450 1,021,350 Df Goderich, Town of lUpgrading of the Wastewater System 1,538,607 4,615,820 Gorham Local Roads Board IRe construction of Kam-Current Road 95,535 212,300 Greater Madawaska, Township !Construction of Transfer Stations at 4 Closed Waste 637,083 1,911,250 Iof . lDisposal Sites IGreenstone, Municipality of lUpgrading of Geraldton Sewage System 3,129,100 9,387,300 IGrey Highlands, Municipality lReplacement of Fen wick Bridge " 123,500 370,500 Iof lOrey, County of lReconstruction of the Grey-Bruce Line Road 4,066,329 12,198,988 lGuelph/Eramosa, Township of lReplacement of Eden Mills Bridge 152,500 457,500 lHaliburton, County of lReplacement of Culvert 2108 on Deep Bay Road 333,333 1,000,000 . lReplacement of Culvert 6060 on Eagle Lake Road . lReplacement of Culvert 14160 on Haliburton Lake lRoad lHamilton, Township of lReplacement of Macklin Bridge 338,333 1,015,000 Rehabilitation of Baltimore Creek Bridge [Replacement of Raby Bridge lHarley, Township of lRehabilitation of Development Road West 86,313 258,940 1H0rseshoe Bay LRB Hard Surfacing of Local Road 80,190 178,200 Huntsville, Town of Reconstruction of Florence Street 325,125 975,375 Huron Shores, Municipality of Rehabilitation of the Dean Lake Bridge 205,608 616,823 Ingersoll, Town of Replacement of Hall Street Bridge 130,833 392,500 Replacement of George Street Culvert Rehabilitation ofWonham Street North Culvert Rehabilitation of Henderson Creek Culvert Innistil, Town of Replacement of 10th Line Lovers Creek Bridge 277,633 832,900 Replacement of Everton Bridge ohnson, Township of Replacement of Shewfelt Creek Bridge 50,000 150,000 oly, Township of Replacement of Sandhill Road Culvert 63,667 191,000 Kenora, City of Renewal of the Kenora Water Distribution and 666,667 2,000,000 Sewer Systems Kincardine, Municipality of Replacement of Stewart Bridge 198,333 595,000 ~ Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund II www.comrif.ca Infrastructure 4 Federal/Provincial Total Eligible Community Project Title Investment (each) Costs (Up to $) (Up to $) lKingsville, Town of Construction of a Sewage Collection System in the 1,575,467 4,726,400 Hamlet of Ruthven Kitchener, City of Rehabilitation of Greenbrook Plaza Bridge 66,337 199,010 Laird, Township of IRe alignment of Government Road 60,000 180,000 Lambton Shores, Municipality ~onstruction of Trunk Watermains and Waterlines 5,616,600 16,849,800 of Lambton, County of lReplacement of Bear Creek Bridge - County Road 485,000 1,455,000 ~ 1 (Oil Heritage Road) lRehabilitation of Sydenham River Bridge - County lRoad 79 (Nauvoo Road) Lanark, County of lRehabilitation of the Little Clyde River Bridge 143,333 430,000 Leeds & Grenville, United lReplacement of the Spencerville Bridge 355,333 1,066,000 Counties of Lennox & Addington, County lReplacement of Wilton Creek Bridge 626,000 1,878,000 of lReplacement of Black Creek Bridge .. lReplacement of Puzzle Lake Bridge Macdonald, Meredith & mplementation of Waste Diversion Project 23,577 70,730 ~berdeen Add', Township of Magnetawan, Municipality of lReplacement of River Road Bridge 132,000 396,000 lManitouwadge, Township of lRehabilitation of Abandoned and Active Forcemains 2,801,470 8,404,410 !in Manitouwadge Mapleton, Township of Construction of Water Distribution and Wastewater 1,972,667 5,918,000 Collection Systems in Moorefield Markstay- Warren, mprovements to Nipissing Road Bridge 414,000 1,242,000 Municipality of Improvements to Noland Road Bridge mprovements to Dondo Road Bridge Improvements to Park Drive Bridge !Mann ora & Lake, Upgrading of Mannora Water Pollution Control 966,667 2,900,000 !Municipality of Plant . !McGarry, Township of Construction of a Sewage Treatment Plant 2,754,540 6,121,200 Upgrading of the Sewage Collection System !McNab/Braeside, Township of Reconstruction of Pinegrove/Hwy 17 Link 223,333 670,000 !Middlesex Centre, Township Replacement of the Gold Creek Bridge 264,783 794,350 Iof !Mono, Town of Replacement of Structure #20 598,000 1,794,000 Replacement of Structure #28 Replacement of Structure #8 !Replacement of Structure #29 II Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund www.comrif.ca Infrastructure 5 Federal/Provincial Total Eligible Community Project Title Investment (each) Costs (Up to $) (Up to $) Neebing, Municipality of Replacement of the Blake Hall Road Bridge 55,693 167,080 lReplacement of the ScobIe Line Road Culvert lReplacement of the Oleksuk Road Culvert lReplacement of the Cloud Bay Road Culvert Niagara Falls, City of lConstruction of Bridge Street Sewer System 1,954,495 5,863,484 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Town of lReplacement of East West Line and Lavigne Drain 50,600 151,800 85205) Bridge - lRehabilitation of East West Line East of Townline 1R0ad (85305) Culvert lNipigon, Township of tupgrading the Nipigon Sewage Treatment Plant to a 1,900,000 4,000,000 ~econdary Treatment Process lNipissing, Township of lRehabilitation of Alsace Road 123,626 370,878 lNorth Bay, City of ~onstruction of North Bay Water Filtration Plant 14,988,333 44,965,000 1N0rth Dundas, Township of lReplacement of Nesbitt Bridge 135,000 405,000 1N0rth Middlesex, Municipality tupgrading of the Ailsa Craig and Nairn Wastewater 3,563,372 10,690,116 pf Systems North Stonnont, Township of Replacement of Eighth Road Bridge #6 143,133 429,400 Replacement of MacDonald Road Bridge #9 Northumberland, County of lRehabilitation of Clapperton Bridge 205,333 616,000 lReplacement ofthe CN Overhead Bridge Norwich, Township of Replacement of Evergreen Street Bridge 600,876 1,802,629 Replacement of A very's Lane Bridge Rehabilitation of Rock's Mill Line Bridge Deck Oakville, Town of Replacement of Lower Wedgewood Creek Culvert 331,667 995,000 on Wedgewood Drive Rehabilitation of Lower Wedgewood Creek Culvert on Lakeshore Road Replacement of Bronte Tributary Culvert Oshawa, City of Road Resurfacing of Conlin East 206,700 620,100 Road Resurfacing of Conlin West Road Resurfacing of Ritson Street lRoad Resurfacing of Albert Street lRoad Resurfacing of Fisher Street Otonabee-South Monaghan, Reconstruct Bridge # 15 173,333 520,000 T'ownship of lReconstruct Bridge #20 Iowen Sound, City of IUpgrading of the Wastewater system 1,120,833 3,362,500 Parry Sound, Town of IUpgrading of Parry Sound Wastewater Treatment 5,341,472 16,024,415 Plant 1Perry, Township of lResurfacing of Roads 171,067 513,200 Iperth, County of lReplacement ofLinsman Culvert 104,567 313,700 lReplacement of Culvert #044022 Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund II www.comrif.ca Infrastructure FederaIlProvincial Total Eligible Community Project Title Investment (each) Costs (Up to $) (Up to $) lPeterborough, County of Rehabilitation of Gannons Narrow Bridge 600,000 1,800,000 Rehabiiitation of Chases Bridge Pickering, City of Rehabilitation of Bulmer Bridge (No. 18) 199,305 597,916 Rehabilitation of Reesor Creek Bridge (No. 44) Prescott & Russell, United Rehabilitation of the J. Henri Seguin Bridge 447,231 1,341,692 Counties of Prescott, Separated Town of Upgrading of the Water Pollution Control Centre 4,805,883 14,417,650 Renfrew, County of Replacement of Third Line Bridge 885,000 2,655,000 Rehabilitation of Burnstown Bridge Rehabilitation of Stewartville Bridge Rideau Lakes, Township of !Replacement of the Leggett Bridge 120,000 360,000 Sarnia, City of IElimination of Combined Sewer Overflows to the 2,852,667 8,558,000 1st. Clair River Saugeen Shores, Town of IUpgrading of the Saugeen Shores Water System 3,359,229 10,077,686 Sault Ste. Marie, City of nstallation of Supervisory Control and Data ." 1,226,667 3,680,000 iAcquisition Systems for Water Pollution Control Plants and Sewage Pumping Statioris R.ehabilitation of Overflow Structures Schreiber, Township of mprovements to Isbester Drive 102,933 308,800 Seguin, Township of Replacement of Tally Ho-Swords Road Culvert 370,000 1,110,000 Replacement of Turtle Lake Road Bridge 7 Replacement of Turtle Lake Road Bridge 6 Severn, Township of Upgrading of Coldwater Sewage Treatment Plant 1,066,666 3,200,000 Shuniah, Township of mprovements to Lakeshore Drive 1,016,635 3,049,906 South Glengarry, Township of Reconstruction ofTyotown Road 550,000 1,650,000 South Stonnont, Township of Replacement of Kennedy Bridge ~ 12,667 938,000 Replacement of Johnston Bridge Rehabilitation of Shaver Bridge Southwest Middlesex, Extension of the Trunk Watennain and Construction 1,327,721 3,983,164 Municipality of ofa Water Distribution System Springwater, Township of Rehabilitation of Finlay Road Bridge 110,000 330,000 St. Catharines, City of Realignment of Glendale-Merritt Intersection 2,370,050 7,110,150 Replacement ofWatennain Replacement of Merritt Street Bridge Replacement of Sewennain ^ St. Clair, Township of Upgrading of Courtright Sewage Treatment Plant 1,005,330 3,015,990 St. Thomas, City of !Reconstrurction of Wellington Street 375,380 1,126,140 Stone Mills, Township of lReplacement of the Bradshaw Bridge 347,001 1,041,003 lReplacement of the Adair Bridge 6 Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund www.comrif.ca Infrastructure 't" '... ' \ \. \ \, II :J, 7 FederalIProvincial Total Eligible Community Project Title Investment (each) Costs (Up to $) (Up to $) Strathroy-Caradoc, Township Replacement of the Strathroy-Caradoc Water 4,452,111 $13,356,333 of Supply System Sudbury, City of Greater mprovements to Kingsway 6,933,333 20,800,000 mprovements to Municipal Road #80 Improvements to Falconbridge Road mprovements to Municipal Road #15 mprovements to Municipal Road# 90 at Conniston Creek - mprovements to Elgin Street Box Culvert at unction Creek mprovements to College Street Culvert at Nolin Creek Tarbutt & Tarbutt Additional, Replacement of Government Road Bridge over 70,000 210,000 Township of Anderson Creek Tecumseh, Town of Improvements to Tecumseh Road 3,333,333 10,000,000 mprovements to Manning Road Temiskaming Shores, City of Rehabilitation of Lake shore Road Combined 972,900 2,918,700 nfrastructure (Water & Wastewater) Tillsonburg, Town of Rehabilitation of Glendale Drive 83,333 250,000 Tyendinaga, Township of Replacement of Murphy's Bridge 278,000 834,000 Wellesley, Township of Reconstruction of Deborah Glaister Line 416,667 1,250,000 Reconstruction of Ament Line Reconstruction of Maple wood Road Reconstruction of Herrgott Road Wellington, County of Rehabilitation of Barrie Hill Bridge 275,000 825,000 West Lincoln, Township of Replacement of Caistor/Gainsborough Townline 321,667 965,000 Road Bridge Replacement of Vaughan Road Culvert Replacement of Tober Road Bridge Replacement of Vaughan Road Culvert (2) Rehabilitation of Abingdon Road Culvert West Nipissing, Municipality ~eparation of the West Nipissing Combined Sewer 4,612,259 13,836,776 of ~ystem Whitby, Town of Rehabilitation of Downtown Road Infrastructure 121,338 364,014 Whitewater Region, Township mprovements to the Ross Recycling Depot and 25,000 75,000 of Compo sting Area Wilmot, Township of Reconstruction of Hincks Street 72,133 541,000 Number of Communities 120 $124,589,012 $370,112,543 with Projects: Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund II . www.comrif.ca Infrastructure