July 11, 2006 Agenda
ORDERS OF THE DA Y
FOR TUESDA Y. JULY 11. 2006 - 9:00 A.M.
PAGE # ORDER
1 st Meeting Called to Order
2nd Adoption of Minutes - meeting June 13, 2006
3rd Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the Gen~ral Nature Thereof
4th Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations
PRESENTATIONS
2-13 9:00a.m. Sandra Datars Bere, St. Thomas Elgin Ontario Works-
Quarterly Report and Best Start Update and Overview (see attached)
9:30 a.m. David R. Murphy, Murphy & Murphy Architect Inc., proposal for
Terrace Lodge Redevelopment project. (refer to staff report - page 15)
Motion to Move Into "Committee Of The Whole Council"
Reports of Council, Outside Boards and Staff
Council Correspondence - see attached
1) Items for Consideration
2) Items for Information (Consent Agenda)
OTHER BUSINESS
1 ) Statementsllnquiries by Members
2) Notice of Motion
3) Matters of Urgency
9th In-Camera Items (see separate agenda)
10th Recess
11 th Motion to Rise and Report
12th Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee Of The Whole
105 13th Consideration of By-Laws
14th ADJOURNMENT
5th
14-44 6th
7th
45-50
51-104
8th
August 13-16
LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED
2006 AMO Annual Conference, Ottawa Congress Centre and the
Westin Ottawa Hotel
Department:
Prepared By:
Subject:
Warden Paul Baldwin and the Members of Elgin
County Council
St. Thomas-Elgin Ontario Works
Sandra Datars Bere, Director
Best Start Update and Overview
Report No.
CR -06-08
File No.
OW-06-08
Date
June 26, 2006
Attachments
Two (2)
Corporation of the
City of St. rl1holnas
Directed to:
Recommendation:
THAT: Report CR-06-08 be received for information.
BackQround:
On November 6, 2004, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) announced the
framework for the Provincial Government's Best Start Plan to support children and families. In
July 2005, the province provided municipalities including St. Thomas-Elgin with
implementation guidelines as well as the local funding allocation and service targets. In
September 2005, Council authorized the Director, Ontario Works to approve capital and
operational financial plans and expenditures associated with the Best Start funding allocation,
subject to all expenditures falling within the 100% allocation for St. Thomas-Elgin.
Following consultation with the St. Thomas-Elgin Best Start Implementation Committee, three
reports were developed and submitted to Council and MCYS in January 2006. These reports
included the Best Start Transition Plan, the Child Care Service Plan and the Phase 1 Integrated
Implementation Plan. Notwithstanding this municipality's interest in moving forward with
program implementation in accordance with its Best Start and Child Care Service Plans, a
change in the federal government in January 2006 resulted in changes to the Best Start
initiative. In light of reduced federal funding to the Best Start initiative, the province
implemented some changes to the program that impacted both funding allocations. and
program design.
Report:
Funding Allocations to St. Thomas-Elgin:
2005/2006 Budget Allocation
In December 2005, St. Thomas-Elgin received $2.1 million in Best Start Funding for the
2005/2006 budget period, which was earmarked for administration, program funding, wage
enhancement funding, planning and capital funding. Following the federal election, however,
there were changes to the existing funding agreements between the federal and provincial
government that resulted in amendments to federal commitments.
MCYS advised municipalities including St. Thomas-Elgin that despite reductions in federal
commitments, they would still be able to retain their first year allocations and that these
allocations would subsequently be treated as unconditional grants, meaning that the
municipality had flexibility to use the funding for a variety of planned Best Start related
initiatives and over an extended period of time (was not required to be spent within the
2005/2006 fiscal period). As a result, St. Thomas-Elgin retained its $2.1 million 2005-2006
budget allocation and to date has committed $79,175 as follows:
ALLOCATION SPENDING as of Ma 31 2006
Viabili Grant to Dutton Co-o erative
Cost of Administration
Consultation Fees for three service lans
TOTAL
$40,000
$ 7,533
$31,642
$79,175
In addition, one conditional commitment of funding has been offered to the St. Thomas
Psychiatric Hospital Early Learning Centre to support the development of a new child care
centre in Southwold. In September 2005, the Early Learning Centre submitted a proposal
requesting $1.7 million in funding plus operating grants for three consecutive years to support
the new centre's development and operation. This original proposal was reviewed by Ontario
Works, but not accepted. Through consultation, however, with the Early Learning Centre, the
Ministry of Children and Youth Services and with the approval of the former Director, the
centre was offered a total of $500,000.00 to create 20 new infant spaces that were identified
as being required in Elgin County by the Best Start Plan.
On June 13, 2006, the current Director of Ontario Works reconfirmed the offer of $500,000 to
the Early Learning Centre, conditional upon the centre's development of and the Department's
review and approval of a revised proposal and viability plan. Although the agency has not
provided final confirmation of willingness to accept the offer and move forward with the
project, Ontario Works will continue to work diligently with the Early Learning Centre in an
effort to ensure successful project development and creation of needed infant child care
spaces within the community.
As of this date, $1,520,824 of the original unconditional grant remains unallocated. Ontario
Works will be implementing a comprehensive planning process to determine how the
remaining funding should be allocated. Community participation and input will be solicited and
will be essential to the development of the final allocation model. It is expected this planning
process will begin in mid to late summer of 2006 with proposed implementation of initiatives in
2007. Additional information and updates will be provided to council throughout the process.
2006/2007 Funding Allocation (operating funding)
In April 2006, MCYS advised St. Thomas-Elgin of its 2006/07 operating funding allocation
under the Best Start initiative. This funding, which totals $208,473, is provided in addition to
the unconditional grant funding, will be provided fiscally in each of the next four years and is
to be used to create 16 new child care spaces within the community. The funding has been
provided as follows:
Best Start Program Funding
Best Start Waqe Improvement
Best Start Planninq
Total Best Start Allocation
$119,949
$ 60,284
$ 28,239
$208,473
At present, the 16 new child care spaces have been created (6 in Dutton and 10 in Belmont)
and the funding is being used to support fee and wage subsidies for these spaces as well as
provide specialized training for child care staff across the community. Department staff, in
consultation with the Ministry, are finalizing an updated Child Care Service Plan that reflects
the new commitments made and spaces developed with the 2006/07 funding. A final copy of
this plan (a draft of which is attached to this report) will be presented to City of St. Thomas
council for endorsement in July 2006.
Respectfully,
(ffit2)
Sandra Datars Bere
Director, Ontario Works and Social Housing
Reviewed
By:
Treasury
Env Services
Planning
City Clerk
HR
Other
.......2,...,
2006/07 CHILD CARE SERVICE PLAN - UPDATE
2006/07 Best Start Funding
St Thomas - Elgin Ontario Works
May 31,2006
OVERVIEW:
Best Start was originally established as a comprehensive child care plan that
would span over a period of ten years and be introduced in two phases. Phase
One was projected to be three years in duration with a purpose of creating new
child care spaces. Phase Two was slated to be up to seven years in duration
with the purpose of creating neighbourhood early learning and child care hubs
that would provide integrated services and supports for families with young
children. In Phase One, St. Thomas-Elgin (Service Manager) was required to
create 165 child care spaces and receive $7.9 million to do so. The Ministry of
Children and Youth Services (MCYS) Implementation Planning Guidelines
clearly stipulated that these spaces were required to be created in elementary
schools using the "Schools First" policy.
In January 2006, our organization, in conjunction with our consultant and the
community Best Start Implementation Committee completed and submitted to
the Ministry of Children and Youth Services the following reports:
. St Thomas-Elgin Best Start Transition Plan
. Child Care Service Plan 2005-2008
. St. Thomas-Elgin Best Start Phase 1 Integrated Implementation Plan
After the federal election in late January 2006, MCYS advised municipalities of
a reduction in available funding to support the program as well as a
corresponding reduction in the number of child care spaces to be developed.
St. Thomas-Elgin is now required to create sixteen (16) new childcare spaces
for fiscal 2006-07 (down from original total for all years of 165).
Total operating funding has correspondingly been reduced from $5.8 million for
the years 2006 to 2008, to $208,473 for each fiscal year until 2008. The total
for 2006/07 to 2007/08 is $416,946. Commitments and spaces to be developed
for fiscal 2008-09 and 2009-10 have not yet been confirmed by MCYS. For
fiscal 06/07, the allocation of $208,473 is allocated into three sections:
$119,949 for program funding, $60,284 for wage improvement and $28,239 for
planning.
MCYS has directed municipalities including St. Thomas-Elgin to complete an
Update to the Child Care Service Plan (Update for 2006-07 Best Start
Funding). The following pages provide the update and identify how the 2006-
2007 allocation of $208,473 will be used to develop and sustain the sixteen (16)
new child care spaces.
In addition to fiscal operating funding, in December 2005 MCYS allocated an
unconditional grant, totally $2.1 million in funding to St. Thomas - Elgin to
1
2006/07 CHILD CARE SERVICE PLAN - UPDATE
2006/07 Best Start Funding
St Thomas - Elgin Ontario Works
May 31,2006
support the development of childcare spaces. While the municipality will need
to demonstrate to MCYS how the funding has been spent, there are no
stringent stipulations on the use of the funding and consideration can been
given to using flexibly to address childcare issues (capital developing,
operating) as the municipality sees fit. This report also identifies commitments
made with this funding as well as recommended future planning process.
Fiscal 2006-2007 Plan:
PART A:
The Best Start Transition Plan, and the Child Care Service Plan will be used, as
the basis for the new Best Start Plan as they contain valuable needs
assessment information.
1. Priorities
The identified priorities are as follows:
. Expand infant - toddler spaces within City of St Thomas
. Expand childcare spaces within the County of Elgin
. Support and promote quality child care and training opportunities
. Strengthen services for children requiring special needs services
. Continue to address barriers to transportation that impede access to child
care
2. Consultation
To support and assist in the development of the St-Thomas-Elgin Best Start
Transition Plan, this municipality formed a Community Best Start
Implementation Committee. Comprised of key community stakeholders, the
committee worked with the consultant and municipal staff to develop the
Best Start plan that was submitted to MCYS in January 2006. It is the
intention of the municipality to ensure on-going community consultation on
Best Start implementation and this committee will be used in the future to
assist in the development of further service recommendations.
This municipality also had representation at the Best Start Steering
Committee (Oxford, Elgin, London-Middlesex) and it was at this committee
where consultation with the Regional French Language Best Start Network
took place. Currently we do not have French language schools in the county.
2
2006/07 CHILD CARE SERVICE PLAN - UPDATE
2006/07 Best Start Funding
St Thomas - Elgin Ontario Works
May 31,2006
3. Funding Processes
Fundinq Allocation and child care spaces for 2006-07
2006/07 Total Best Start Allocation:
2006/07 Program Funding:
2006/07 Wage Improvement:
2006/07 Planning:
~208,473
$119,949
$60,284
$28,239
Best Start Spaces: 16
Best Start spaces for 2006-07
16 new Best Start spaces have been allocated by MCYS for the budget year
2006 and the above funding table indicates the amount allotted to St. Thomas-
Elgin to sustain these spaces. As of May 31, 2006, this municipality has
achieved its 2006-07 target with child care spaces being developed in our
community as follows:
. 6 new infant spaces in Dutton
. 10 new Before and After care spaces in Belmont
Future expansion of Child Care spaces:
This municipality has been advised by two child care centres within the county
that they will need to relocate to different premises within the next two years.
Both centres have indicated that their relocation plans also include plans to
expand service and childcare spaces. To date, this municipality has received
and reviewed a proposal from the Early Learning Centre (Southwold) and
anticipates receipt of another proposal from the Forest Ave Child Care Centre
(St. Thomas).
The Early Learning Centre initiated a capital project in September 2005, prior to
the announcement of the Best Start funding and any community plan. The
agency is developing a new childcare centre to be located in Southwold and is
anticipating construction will begin in late spring of 2006.
The expansion of spaces for those proposed projects is expected to equal
approximately 100 to 112 new childcare spaces for children aged 0 to 6 year of
3
2006/07 CHILD CARE SERVICE PLAN - UPDATE
2006/07 Best Start Funding
St Thomas - Elgin Ontario Works
May 31,2006
age. With the expansions completed, the largest concentration of new spaces
will be in Southwold Township and the second largest concentration in St.
Thomas. Both centres will include Infant spaces in the planning of their new
facilities. Of the estimated 100-112 new childcare spaces at least 30 spaces
are determined to be Infant spaces. Our Transition Plan of October 2005
identified a clear and pressing need for infant and toddler spaces. When infant
spaces are increased, the other age groups also increase as the children grow,
and move into the toddler, preschooler and school aged spaces.
As a result, there may be opportunities to add additional units during this fiscal
period (2006/2007). The municipality will work with key stakeholders including
child care providers and school boards to develop a comprehensive plan
Allocation of 2006/2007 Funding - Fee and Wage Subsidy
Fee Subsidy for 2006 - 2007: Allocation - $119.949
Fee subsidy will be used to purchase service for the 16 new spaces that have
been identified as Best Start spaces. Of the 16 spaces, 6 are Infant Spaces
and 10 are before and after school care spaces.
Total projected costs:
$89,949
Any surplus from vacant / unfilled spaces as well as the unspent Fee Subsidy
surplus identified above will be used to cover the cost of Purchase of Service
for a portion of the 20 new infant spaces that will be brought on later this year.
This strategy will ensure that all the Fee Subsidy will be spent by the end of the
year.
Strengthen Service to Families for Children requiring Special Needs
Services:
In March 2006, the municipality's Special Needs Resourcing was reassigned to
Merrymount's All Kid's Belong program. Their services began on May 1, 2006.
To facilitate the transition, meetings were held with Child Care Centre Directors,
Home Childcare Agencies, Nursery Schools, Recreation Program staff and the
former provider, Elgin Association of Community Living. Visits have been made
to all childcare facilities in the county, to introduce the two new Special Needs
Resource Consultants to staff and families.
The municipality will continue to monitor and support this program and will
evaluate the effectiveness of this new service in September 2006. Once the
4
2006/07 CHILD CARE SERVICE PLAN - UPDATE
2006/07 Best Start Funding
St Thomas - Elgin Ontario Works
May 31,2006
evaluation has been completed, we will identify any outstanding gaps and
needs in the community and if necessary include additional services, specific to
those needs.
To address support for SNR, we have included a .5 FTE and $30,000
Projected Costs: $30,000
Wa~e Improvements for 2006 - 2007: Allocation: $60,284
Wage Improve has been allocated to approximately 103 FTE positions across
our existing Child Care System.
Addressing transportation Issues that impede access to childcare:
There is one Childcare facility within the community that is currently providing
transportation service to families. Robin's Nest is a for-profit child care centre
that operates two vans within the city of St Thomas. A small number of child
care centres make use of local taxi services to transport the children to and
from the centres. The majority of this service is used for children who attend
half-day kindergarten programs. Transportation needs will most likely increase
as child care spaces increase. Presently, funding from the National Child
Benefit Supplement (NCBS) is used to support a transportation fund that can
be accessed by all child care organizations however, funding for this program is
not secure and is available on a year-to-year basis. The municipality will
continue to advocate for additional and on-going funding to ensure continued
provision of this service.
Francophone and Aboriginal communities:
Elgin has a small Francophone population - less that one tenth of one percent,
and is not designated as a French language community and there is no French
language school in Elgin County. First nation aboriginal communities boarder
Elgin County and since the number of aboriginal persons total less than 1 % of
the population, there may not be a need for specialized services in these areas.
Notwithstanding, the municipality will strive to ensure that all perspectives are
included in planning and implementation processes.
Supportin~ and promotin~ Qualitv childcare and trainin~ opportunities:
1. Training
Staff training for employees of child care facilities is one issue that is identified
in every service plan completed by this municipality and this is no exception.
5
2006/07 CHILD CARE SERVICE PLAN - UPDATE
2006/07 Best Start Funding
St Thomas - Elgin Ontario Works
May 31,2006
Best Start funding will be used to offer training for the Triple P Positive
Parenting Program and Quality Child Care Raising the Bar program.
The Triple P Positive Parenting Program sessions for Special Needs Resource
consultant staff and child care staff for the prevention and treatment of behavior
problems in children. This training will increase the level of skills and
knowledge in this are. Behavior issues were identified as increasing and a
concern in our Child Care Service Plan.
We are proposing to send representatives from each child care organization
and two Special Needs Resourcing Consultants to train in Triple P. This
unique, multi-level model of family intervention for the prevention and treatment
of behavior problems in children will be offered in our area. The course is called
the Primary Care Triple P Provider Training Course (Level) and the cost is
$17,250.00 for a maximum of 20 participants. Training of this caliber would
facilitate a coordinated effort between the centres, the resource consultant and
the parents to reduce behavioral issues in the child care centres. This training
also raises the level of quality of service in each child care centre.
Raising the Bar on Quality in Child Care is a recognized program used
throughout Ontario to assist child care centres conduct a comprehensive self
assessment review process on all aspects of operating a child care centre and
providing a high quality of service. Currently it is a voluntary process.
Projected costs associated with training include:
Raising the Bar $25 binders x 12 centres
Training of staff associated with Raising the Bar, 1-day session,
Training for directors on survey results specific to management
Staffing backfill to allow child care staff training opportunities
Triple P Provider training, 3 day session
Total
$300
$500
$1000
$3950
$17,250
$23,000
Best Start Planning $5239
Total Projected Costs: $28,239
The 2006 - 07 planning allocation for $28,239 will be applies towards training.
The balance ($5239 ) will be applied toward any costs associated with planning
and the Best Start Implementation and Planning committee.
Supporting Quality of Service
We will to continue supporting the "Quality Child Care Project". Four of our
child Care Centres participated in the 2005 first annual Raising the Bar on
Quality program. There has been an excellent response from our Child Care
6
2006/07 CHILD CARE SERVICE PLAN - UPDATE
2006/07 Best Start Funding
St Thomas - Elgin Ontario Works
May 31,2006
community, and a significant step toward having all of the childcare centres
participate. This excellent program assists child care centres in identifying
quality measures they have in place and it helps them work towards
improvement in all areas of early learning and child care.
Addressing the training needs of our child Care community continues to be an
ongoing process and this will continue in conjunction with the Elgin Childcare
Advisory Committee and Ontario Early Years Center (OEYC) program. Training
on the Early Childhood Enviromental Rating Scale, (ECERS) was well
attending by the Child Care agencies. Currently the Elgin Childcare Advisory
Committee is developing a survey for feedback from Centre Directors focusing
on their specific training concerns.
FUTURE FINANCIAL PRESSURE THAT WILL HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT
ON THE CHILD CARE SYSTEM IN ELGIN
Best Start was a major political push to create a universal child care system.
St. Thomas-Elgin was required to create 165 spaces in a three-year period
using the "Schools First" policy and the $7.9 million in allocated funding.
Although the Best Start Implementation Committee worked diligently for eight
months prior to the Federal election we were not far enough into the process to
create spaces in schools when the reality of a Federal election became
eminent. It was at this time that we chose to wait until the election results and
the future path relating to child care became clearer. In order to be fiscally
responsible our department could not support forward movement of a program
without knowledge of the sustainability and funding allocation for this program.
With reductions in funding, after the election, the "Schools First" policy was
relaxed, so that service managers could focus and sustaining and supporting
the remaining spaces. We entered into talks with the child care organizations
to create the allotted spaces. As a result of our communication with these
organizations, we have two child care facilities that will be in the process of
relocating and expanding within a two-year span. The initial number of
expansion of spaces could climb as high as 100-112. One facility is expected
to commence construction by late spring 2006 and the other by early spring
2007. The initial operating allotment attached to Best Start funding would have
been sufficient to sustain this major undertaking however, our municipality has
been allocated only $208,473.00 each year for the next four years to be used
as operating funding.
Clearly this proposed expansion cannot be fiscally sustained due to the
reduction in the operating budget allocation therefore, Ontario Works will be
requesting from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services an increase to our
7
2006/07 CHILD CARE SERVICE PLAN - UPDATE
2006/07 Best Start Funding
St Thomas - Elgin Ontario Works
May 31,2006
Best Start allocation in the next budget year. The ministry has already indicated
they may not be able to assist our municipality with the request, however we
will continue to request a more realistic Best Start funding allocation for our
county.
TOTAL 2005-06 ALLOCATION: $2.1 MILLION UNCONDITIONAL GRANT
ALLOCATION SPENT AS OF MAY 31, 2006
Viability Grant to Dutton Co-Operative 40,000.00
Cost of Administration 7,533.32
Consultation Fees for 3 service plans 31,642.00
TOTAL 79,175.32
8
BEST START 2006/07 TEMPLATE
(non-demonstration sites only)
CMSM/DSSAB: St. Thomas-Elgin
2006/07 Total Best Start Allocation: $208,473
2006/07 Best Start Program Funding: $119,949
2006/07 Best Start Wage Improvement: $60,284
2006/07 Best Start Planning: $28,239
Total # of new spaces created under Best Start: 16
Of the total spaces created, the # of new Aboriginal
spaces created under Best Start: 0
Of the total spaces created, the # of new Francophone
spaces created under Best Start: 0
PHASE 1 - PLAN FOR SUST AINABILlTY
FEE SUBSIDIES - PROJECTED
Average Monthly Number of Children 0-4 Years of Age Served
6
Average Monthly Number of JK/SK Children Served
10
Expenditure
$89,949
SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCING - PROJECTED
# of New FTEs
0.5
Additional Children Receiving SNR Services
16
Expenditure
$30,000
WAGE SUBSIDIES - PROJECTED
o
New FTEs Staff Non-Profit
New FTEs Staff Commercial
o
Expenditure
$0
ADMINISTRATION - PROJECTED
Expenditure
$0
WAGE IMPROVEMENT-PROJECTED
Total FTEs Staff Non-Profit
90
Total FTEs Staff Commercial
13
Average % of Wage Increases Provided (where applicable)
%
0.21
Average Dollar Increase Provided (where applicable)
$585
Expenditure
$60,284
PLANNING - PROJECTED
Expenditure
o
PHASE 2 - PLAN FOR SUST AINABILlTY
SUSTAINING EARLY LEARNING AND CARE
These Early Learning and Care areas could include training initiatives, training of
staff and/or address accessibility in rural and northern areas through transportation.
These areas require prior approval from the Regional Office and must be allocated
within the allocation provided.
Please indicate the initiatives and expenditures and describe how they meet the
objectives of Best Start with the priority of sustaining and securing child care spaces
in your area.
Expenditure:
$28,239
Training for Directors and ECE's, training on Quality in Child Care
and Best Start Planning and the Triple P Parent Training Process.
Please refer to page 6 of the Plan - Supporting and promoting quality
child care opportunities
REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF
Julv 11. 2006
Staff Reports - (ATTACHED)
15 Terrace Lodge Review Committee - Terrace Lodge Redevelopment - Selection of
the Architectural/Engineering Services
17 Director of Engineering Services - Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure
Fund - COMRIF Round Three
21 Manager of Road Infrastructure - Private Infrastructure Encroachment Agreement
29 Manager of Road Infrastructure - East Road Speed Limit Concerns
Manager of Road Infrastructure, Purchasing Co-Ordinator - Tender Award - Hot Mix
Asphalt Resurfacing (to be FAXED out Friday)
Manager of Road Infrastructure, Purchasing Co-Ordinator - Tender Award - Guide
Rail Installation - Contract No. 6330-170-06 (to be FAXED out Friday)
Manager of Road Infrastructure, Purchasing Co-Ordinator - Tender Award-
Engineering Services for Road Survey and Detailed Design of Talbot
Line (Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich) - Contract No. 6200-06-03
(to be FAXED out Friday)
34 Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator - 2005 Last Quarter Report and
Overview
37 Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator - Ambulance Contractor and
OMERS - Request for Letter of Guarantee
40 Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator - Surplus Ambulance Vehicle Bids
Visioning Exercise Planning Committee - 2006 Visioning Exercise - Moving Forward (to
be FAXED out Friday)
42 Director of Financial Services - Budget Comparison - May 31, 2006
14
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Review Committee
Paul Faulds, Councillor
Rhonda Roberts, Director of Seniors Services,
Sonia Beavers, Purchasing Co-ordinator,
Clayton Watters, Director of Engineering Services
DATE: June 22, 2006
SUBJECT: Terrace Lodge Redevelopment - Selection of the Architectural /
Engineering Services
CORPORATE GOALS
To nurture and support dignified long term care,
To promote Elgin as "The Place to Live",
To provide innovative and collaborative quality service and
To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement.
INTRODUCTION:
At the February 14, 2006 meeting Council approved the following recommendation
"That staff be directed to engage professional advice regarding a cost/benefit analysis
of renovating verses rebuilding Terrace Lodge".
DISCUSSION:
Staff interviewed four professional firms who had experience in redeveloping Homes for
the Aged. A Request for Proposal, RFP, for "Quantity Surveying and Cost Consulting
Services" was then provided to those four firms of which only one firm completed the
documents before the closing time and date. Two firms indicated that they were not
interested at this time due to present workload and one firm provided the information
to the County of Elgin after the tender closed. The late RFP was not opened and was
returned.
A committee was struck to review the RFP, which included: a County Councillor from
Malahide, the Director for Terrace Lodge, the Purchasing Co-ordinator and the Director
of Engineering Services. Each member of the committee reviewed the RFP and
evaluated the proposal for eight criteria. These criteria included area on: the proposal,
team experience and capability and fees.
The Committee accepted the RFP and are recommending that the firm Murphy &
Murphy Architects Incorporated be selected. This RFP meets the needs of the County of
Elgin and the consultant has similar project experience. The County of Elgin set aside
$250,000 as the initial allocation for the Terrace Lodge Re-Development in the 2006
budget. Therefore, sufficient funds are available for this project.
Staff has contacted the references of Murphy & Murphy Architects Incorporated and are
satisfied with the information provided by the references.
CONCLUSION:
The Murphy & Murphy Architects Incorporated proposal meets the needs of the County
of Elgin and the committee is recommending that they be selected to prepare a
cost/benefit analysis of renovating verses rebuilding Terrace Lodge.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the County of Elgin accept the proposal from Murphy & Murphy Architect
Incorporated for the proposed redevelopment of Terrace Lodge at the proposed fee of
$54,500 (plus taxes).
Respectfully Submitted
Q-~
Paul Fau ds
Councillor
Mark McDo -
Chief Administrative Officer
yf'lt~~Jt
Rhonda Roberts,
Director of Seniors Services
-0~LY~ ~<(~
Sonia Beavers,
Purchasing Co-ordinator
aaW6\~Vh
Clayton Watters
Director, Engineering Services
Terrace Lodae Home for Seniors - Executive Summarv for RFP #2795-000
Prepared by:
Murphy & Murphy Architect Inc.
775 Waterloo Street
London, Ontario
N6A 3W5
Date: July 6, 2006
File: 2114/executive summary
1. Project Strateav :
Review existing Terrace Lodge Facility
Review Existing Terrace Lodge Drawings (Architectural,
Site Services, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical)
Review Staff Organizational Chart from 2005 / Staff Count = ???
Interview Staff / Residents to determine existing + new space
requirements
Develop existing Space Program
Develop new Space Program ( additional site / building space
requirements)
2. Desian Options:
2a. Renovate Existing Building to comply with Ministry of Health /
Long Term Care Standards
Number of existing beds vs. number of new beds
Review cost per bed to renovate existing suites to comply with MoH
standards
New specialized staff requirements
Residents' relocation strategy
Required Electrical upgrades
Affected areas to be compliant with fire codes and building codes
2b. New Addition and Renovation to comply with Ministry of Health /
Long Term Care Standards
Number of new beds required will ultimately decide the scale of the
project
Review Cost per Bed for new addition
Additional services requirements (water, gas, hydro, sanitary)
Design Addition for possible future expansion / future floors / new
wings
Project completion stages, upon completion of addition patients will
be transferred to new wing so that the renovation phase of the
existing building can begin
t/
1
Terrace LodC)e Home for Seniors - Executive Summarv for RFP #2795-000
2c. New Long Term Care Facility
Number of new beds required will ultimately decide the scale of the
project
Review Cost per Bed for new Facility
Additional services requirements (water, gas, hydro, sanitary)
Residents' relocation strategy
Impact on neighbours and community
Possible alternative site strategy
New building on new site, Residents can relocate upon project
completion
Sale of existing building to other users
3. Develop Proposed New Space Proaram Area Assumptions for each
Desian
Option:
Staff reviewed with departments and Organizational Chart
Determine required floor areas per space
New Community Rooms ( client / staff) size & quantity determined
by MoH Standards
Required secure storage space for various departments
Patient suite sizes (shared rooms / private rooms / shared services)
* Architect recommends adding 15 % of the proposed space program to
accommodate future growth for the nextlO years (consider related additional parking
that will be required as staff / patient number increases)
4. Owner Buildina Ootions to consider:
B.
Renovation of existing building
( Renovation Cost $ / sq. ft. )
Addition and Renovation of Existing Building
(Addition Cost $ / sq.ft. + Renovation $
Develop New Facility
( New Building Cost $ /sq.ft. )
/ sq.ft.)
A.
c.
Review related costs and advantages / disadvantage of above options for each
location prior to action decision.
Review of Municipal Zoning By-Laws - impact on Owner land purchase decisions.
5
2
Terrace Lodae Home for Seniors - Executive Summary for RFP #2795-000
5. Action Plan:
Discuss Options for required additional floor area as recommended by Two (2)
Space Accommodation Reports
Consider site plan and building addition design viability for each existing site
(Parking / Building Addition ).
Document Consultant Space Program Conclusions to convey to County of
Elgin.
End of Report
to
3
07/06/2006 10:13 MURPHY & MURPHY 7 519 631 4297
Jl/J5/2005 WED 11:05 FAX 5l~ 631 0215 St ThoW55 fire Uept
NO.501 ~04
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July 5,2006
Mr. David Murphy
Murphy & !v1urphy Architect Inc.
775 Waterloo Street
London, ON
N6A 3W5
RE: Captain Dennis A. Redman # 2 Fire Station
Dear David;
As our project nears completion I want 10 extend my sincere thanks to YOLl and your
team for your contributions to this project.
Your firm's involvement has been all encompassing right from the start through
buHding design, the tender process, ongoing project management and finally
substantial completion. Throughout the project your firm has been very professional
and thorough as well as accessible at all times.
Murphy & Murphy's previous experience with not only building fire stations but also
overall project management was key to our project's success.
The end result is a fire station of which the citizens of St. Thomas can be very proud
of and one that I believe will set the standard in our area for tl1e future.
It was a great pleasure working with you on this project, David. I value our
relationship and look forward to working with you again in the future.
Yours truly,
~----..-=-....
Bob Barber
Fire Chief
B.B:mm
1
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Clayton Watters, Director of Engineering Services
DATE: June 21, 2006
SUBJECT: Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund - COMRIF Round Three
Corporate Goals
To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability,
To forge community partnerships,
To build and maintain an efficient, affordable, effective and safe transportation network
that accommodates the diverse needs of the communities and is able to support economic
development and sustainable growth.
Introduction
On November 15, 2004 the Federal and Provincial Governments signed the much
anticipated agreement to meet the infrastructure needs of smaller communities. This is a
five year $900 million program to communities with populations less than 250,000. There
are three intakes to this program: Intake One was January 10, 2005 and Intake Two was
September 30, 2005.
As Council is aware, the County of Elgin has been approved for funding the $7,000,000
Rehabilitation of Sunset Road in Central Elgin from Bridge Street in Port Stanley to the City
of St. Thomas limits under Intake One. Also, the County of Elgin has been approved
funding the $1,507,000 replacement of the New Sarum Bridge in Central Elgin.
This report will discuss the infrastructure priorities for the application to COMRIF - Round
Three. The deadline for this application is September 13, 2006.
Discussion:
COMRIF is a competitive, merit based process using three key criteria to evaluate projects.
These criteria are: the need for the project based on health, the value for the money of
the project and the quality of the project based on public policy priorities.
COMRIF Intake One had projects that totaled $249 million for 120 Ontario communities.
Intake Two had $235 million for 88 Ontario communities. 433 Ontario municipalities are
eligible for funding in this competitive programme and $98 Million (or 16% of the entire
COMRIF programme dollars) is available for distribution under Intake Three. The funding
formula is similar to previous funding programmes and is split equally between the
Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments.
There are 10 eligible infrastructure project sectors that may be applied for, however,
Intake Three has the same priorities as Intake One and Intake Two: Water, Wastewater,
Solid Waste Management and Roads and Bridges.
Some additional COMRIF information must be understood before the County selects a
project. Eligible projects must demonstrate:
. The need for the project based on Public Health and Safety.
. The quality of the project in addressing public policy priorities (economic impact on
investment, sustainable water and sewage systems, and broad community support
etc.).
. The value for the money of the project (cost per kilometer).
It should also be noted that, if an Environmental Assessment is required, it must be at a
stage where the preferred option is selected. This precludes some proposed County
infrastructure projects (i.e. Dexter Line Relocation).
The following section of this report will outline major infrastructure priorities for the
County of Elgin. Throughout the discussion, staff has attempted to explain which projects
would be eligible under COMRIF.
Wastewater Category I Water I Solid Waste Management
1. No projects are available under these categories.
Road Category
1. The first option is Miller Road in the Municipality Dutton/Dunwich. This section of
County Road is in an urban setting within in the Village of Dutton. Miller Road is
scheduled to be reconstructed in 2009 and the engineering is 10% complete. This
project is estimated at $1,200,000 and an Environmental Assessment is not required.
Staff has calculated the Road Sufficiency Index, at 75 for this project. The COMRIF
application indicates that factors 75 or higher will not be considered.
2. A second option is the major rehabilitation of Talbot Line in the Municipalities West
Elgin, Dutton/Dunwich and Southwold. An Environmental Assessment is not required
and professional services are presently being arranged. This project is presently
scheduled for completion in the next five-year capital program with funds already
shared between the Federal, Provincial and County. A report earlier this year was
presented to Council outlining the intentions for this project.
3. Finally a third road project consideration is the relocation of Dexter Line in the
Municipality of Central Elgin and the Township of Malahide. The Phase One
Environmental Assessment is presently scheduled to be completed in 2006 with the
remaining phases scheduled to be completed in the next two years. Under the
guidelines for Intake Three, the project must be construction ready, therefore, this
project will not qualify.
Bridge Category
1. The first bridge project option is the reconstruction of the Black Creek Hill Bridge (on
Plank Road) in Bayham. The geotechnical and the preliminary engineering are now
completed on the bridge and approaches to the bridge. The bridge that crosses over
water is narrow, and hydraulically undersized. The bridge will need to be widened,
raised and the approaches will need to be modified due to the change in bridge vertical
alignment. The bridge replacement in included in the five-year capital plan. This project
is estimated at $1,500,000.
2. A second option is one, some or all of the five weight restricted bridges or posted
bridges. These are: Vienna, Gillets, Jamestown, Meeks and Fulton Bridges. These
structures are all more than 80 years old and all are in need of replacement to remove
the weight restriction. No engineering has been completed on the bridge replacements
and these projects are not on the five-year capital plan. It may be possible to "bundle"
many of these structures under one application. It has been confirmed with the
COMRIF technical review personnel that bridges within a bundled application will be
assessed individually using the Bridge Sufficiency Index.
3. A third option is the replacement of the Largie Bridge in DuttonjDunwich. The bridge
has a span of 7.3 meters and a width of 6.5 meters. The water does over top the road
approach. The structure was built in 1900.
SUMMARY
Considering all of the above information, staff has concluded that the Black Creek Hill
Bridge project (on Plank Road), is one of the largest capital expenditures and qualifies as
our highest priority. The bridge is under sized hydraulically and the road approaches do
not offer sufficient width for safety. The bridge will be raised more than 1 meter, therefore
the road approaches will require modifications as well as the roadside drainage system.
The Ministry of Transportation will be reviewing the application using a Bridge Sufficiency
Index to assess the project's requirement. The total estimated cost for the replacement of
Black Creek Hill Bridge and road approaches is $1,500,000.
The County of Elgin's road infrastructure needs has a backlog of $137,000,000 and as
Council is aware, approximately $4,300,000 million is allocated for County Road Capital
Projects annually, therefore, if approved, this project would assist with our road
infrastructure deficits.
CONCLUSION:
The Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund - COMRIF is a five year, $900
million programme that is aimed at improving the quality of infrastructure in small and
rural municipalities. This program has three intakes, the County received funding for
Sunset Road under Intake One and New Sarum Bridge under Intake Two. The priorities for
the first, second and third intake is: water, wastewater, waste management, municipal
bridges and roads. The last segment - Intake Three deadline is September 13, 2006.
Staff is proposing a submission under the bridge sector category, Black Creek Hill Bridge
on Plank Road. The cost of this project is estimated at $1,500,000 million and if
successful, the 66% funding will assist our underfunded capital program.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the replacement of the Black Creek Hill Bridge on Plank Road in the Municipality of
Bayham is the County of Elgin's highest infrastructure priority; and also,
That the Bridge Reserve account be used to fund the required studies for the submission
(structural inspection); and also,
THAT staff complete and submit an application to the COMRIF programme requesting
funding for the County of Elgin's highest infrastructure priority; and also,
THAT a letter be forwarded to the Steve Peters M.P.P. and Joe Preston M.P. thanking them
for supporting this program and assisting municipalities with infrastructure needs.
Respectfully Submitted
Approved for Submission
Clayton Watters
Director of Engineering Services
Mark . Id
Chief Administrative Officer
OOJ ~4tu(
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Peter Dutchak, Manager of Road Infrastructure
DATE: May 15, 2006
SUBJECT: Private Infrastructure Encroachment Agreement
Coroorate Goals
To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement.
To build and maintain an efficient, affordable, effective and safe transportation network
that accommodates the diverse needs of our communities and is able to support economic
development and sustainable growth.
Introduction
The County of Elgin has received a request from a land owner to install an irrigation
pipeline across a county road. The proposed water line is to be installed on Fingal Line
(County Road #16), in Lot 18, Concession 2 in the Municipality of DuttonjDunwich.
Staff are recommending to Council that a standard agreement be adopted for all future
similar requests.
Discussion / Conclusion
Through the existing Road Occupancy Permit process, a request has been received to
install an irrigation pipeline across a county road.
While researching past practice, such requests have been granted on an individual basis
by way of letter and without a formal agreement. Staff has no concerns with approving
the request, however, the County's interests should be protected by way of a formal
agreement.
Staff obtained a similar encroachment agreement and directed the County solicitor to
review and modify the document for the County of Elgin to use as a precedent agreement
for all such future requests. Agreement terms, liability, responsibility and rights have all
been addressed to protect the County's interests.
A copy of the agreement is attached for Council's reference.
Recommendation
THAT the Encroachment Agreement, as prepared by the County Solicitor, be utilised as the
precedent for all future requests to install private infrastructure on County property; and
also,
THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to sign the
agreement.
RESPECTFULL Y SUBMITTED
~
Peter Dutchak
Manager of Road Infrastructure
APPROVED FOR SUBMISSION
(JrM~
Clayton Watters
Director 0 .
Mark MeDema
Chief Administrative Officer
THIS ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT is mad] this
Between:
The Corporation of the County of Elgin
(hereinafter referred to as the "County")
- an -
[owlrl
(hereinafter referred! to as the "Owner")
.day of
.21
OF THE FIRST PART
WHEREAS:
OF THE SEcro PART
(a)
The Owner represents that they are the registered owner of certain lands and
premises (the "Owner's Property") I in the Municipality of [hame],in th, County of
Elgin, known municipally as [street name], which abuts the [street rlame] road
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allowance (the "County Lands");
(b)
A waterline and/or drain, as the c,se may be, has been constructed 0 is located
on or is to be constructed or located upon the Owner's Property, whic waterline
or drain. encroaches or is intende to encroach upon the said road all wance as
is depicted on the attached sketch (the "Encroachment");
(c) The Owner has applied to the Co nty for permission that the said Encoachment
be allowed to remain and be used n indefinite period.
I
NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH that in consideration of thel terms and
conditions herein and the sum of TWO ($2.00) IDollars now paid by the Owner to the County,
the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Owner and t e County
covenant and agree as follows:
1.
The County and the Owner aCknOWledle and agree that the Encroachme t shall be
permitted on the County Lands subject to the terms and conditions herein.
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2.
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The Ow"e, a""'owledge' that, othe, tha" ., Impl;ed by thl, agJment, no
representation has been made by the C unty of any authority to grant the ~riVilege to
use and maintain the Encroachment and uch use and maintenance by the dwner shall
at all times be at the Owner's risk.
3. The Owner and the County covenant and agree as follows:
(a)
The Owner shall apply to the County and obtain a "Road Occupancy Perm if'
prior to commencing any work on rhe County Highway, shall install th. pipe and
appurtenances at the location anr elevations specified in the permi and shall
comply with the conditions in the lork permit.
The Owner shall make no alteration to the County Lands, includi g without
limitation the removal of trees dr grade changes, and shall not install any
facilities, equipment or other infrar,tructure, not specifically included if the work
permit, on the County Lands withor the County's written permission;
The Owner shall obtain any other rermits, certificates of approval, an4 approvals
. required by any other government of competent j.uriSdiCtion, all as amended from
time to time.
The pipeline is to meet all require ents of the Ontario Provincial Sta1dards and
Specifications and to conform to all requirements of government authorities of
competent jurisdiction, as amende from time to time.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
The Owner agrees to install the pipeline in accordance with the Siid Ontario
Provincial Standards and Specifications and in accordance with the re, uirements
of other government authorities of bompetentjUrisdiction.
The Owne, ,hall obtain and malnl In,"mnre In a,ooedanre '"'" the foll.".;ng,
(i) Comprehensive general li1ility insurance, in a form satisfac ory to the
Director of Engineering serices, in an amount not less than 1wO Million
Dollars ($2,000,000.00) inclusive per occurrence for bodily inJury, death
and damage to property; i+luding loss of use thereof, in the j' int names
of the owner and the County of Elgin;
To ensure that the above-Jentioned insurance is not cancelled amended
or permitted to lapse, the JOIiCY shall contain an endorsement to provide
all named insureds with t~irty (30) days prior notice of chan es or the
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cancellation of the policy; a~d
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(f)
(ii)
(g)
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(Hi) A Certificate of Insurance e~idencing the above insurance coverage shall
be provided to the County ~rior to the County signing the Agre~ment and
the,eaile, promptly on the '1""noo nmewal date;
Subject to Section 3(h) herein, if t~e Encroachment of the water PiPelire or drain
is to be rebuilt, altered or remove~ in any way for any reason, the ~wner shall
remove the Encroachment from thF County Lands and restore the COlllnty Lands
to the requirements of the County; I
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If the Encroachment is moved, ~Itered or changed in any manner Iduring the
lifetime of this Agreement, the 0wner shall apply to the County for a new
Encroachment Agreement if the bncroachment is to remain on Co nty lands
after such movement, alteration, oJ change;
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The Owner of the property to whiqh an Encroachment is appurtenant shall at all
times maintain and keep the Encrdachment and adjacent surface in pr per repair
at the Owner's expense, in a propJr and safe condition for the traffic th reon, and
to County standards. l!the EncroJchment is not kept in good repair, upon written
notice from the County, the owne~ of the premises to which the Encrohchment is
appurtenant shall repair the Encrdachment and the adjacent surface lat his own
expense and to the County's SP~cifications. If the notice is not cOfj1plied with
within ten (10) days from the datelthat the notice is sent, the County rlnay renew
or repair the highway at the eXPTse of the Owner, add the cost to he tax roll
and collect same in like manner aj municipal taxes;
If at any time the County decides ~o renew, repair or maintain the su ace of the
highway upon which an Encroacnment is located, the Owner of the rroperty to
which the Encroachment is appLrtenant shall, upon written notici from the
County, renew, repair or maintai~ the surface of the highway adjacent to the
Encroachment at the Owner's exprnse and to the County's specificatibns. If the
notice is not complied with within Iten (10) days from the date that t+ notice is
sent, the County may renew or refair the highway at the expense of the Owner,
add the cost to the tax roll and COli"' same in like manne, as m,nid1' taxes;
Upon removal of the EncroachmFnt from the County Lands, the Owner shall
maintain and restore the County rands to the condition that the co~nty Lands
were in prior to the date of the Encroachment or in compliance with thd standards
of the County at the Owner's sole lexpense. In the event such restorktion is not
made, the County may complete II such restoration work at the exp+se of the
Owner and recover the expense by any legal means available including the
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(h)
(i)
0)
(k)
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addition of the ""st to the tax ""I. ~he Co"nly shall have the "ght to c IIeet "ch
expenses in like manner as munici at taxes; and
4.
(I) The Owner shall comply with all federal, provincial and municipal laws, rules,
regulations and by-laws. I
The Owner will at all times indemnify an save harmless the County from +d against
all loss, liability, claims, demands, damages, costs and expenses, including ,easonable
legal fees and disbursements, W~iCh the f.ounty may suffer, be put to or ~ncUl.r for or ~y
reason of or on account of the eXistence f' f the Encroachment or the entenng I Into of thiS
Agreement or the maintenance of the Encroachment or any other matter or thing
relating to the Encroachment.
In addition to the original Application Fee associated with this Enc oachment
Agreement, the Owner shall remit to ~he County an annual, encroachment fee as
determined by County Council from time ~o time. Failure to remit the Encroa+ment Fee
referred to in this Agreement shall co~stitute default under this Agreement. Upon
termination of this Agreement, no portion of the said Encroachment Fe~ shall be
refunded to the Owner regardless of the date of termination.
If the Owner defaults in performing aJ of its obligations under this Agreement, the
County shall have the right but not the lligation to give written notice to thl Owner of
such default giving the Owner ten (10) days to remedy the default, failing I which the
County may terminate this Agreement. ny waiver by the County of any breach by the
Owner or any provisions of this Agreeme t shall be without prejudice to the Jxercise bY'
, I
the County of all or any of its rights 0 remedies in respect of any continuance or
repetition of such breach.
5.
6.
7.
The County or Owner may terminate thi[ Agreement on thirty (30) days written notice
for any reason.
The annual Encroachment Fee as detenl.ined by County Council from time to time and
any other sums due and payable by the lowner to the County under this Ag1eement or
regarding the Encroachment shall be a first lien and charge upon the lands and
premises of the Owner to which the Encr~achment is appurtenant.
8.
9.
The Owner and the County hereby agree that this Encroachment Agreement Lhall cover
the Encroachment described in any A~Plication submitted by the ownir and this
Encroachment Agreement shall not gran any permission to erect any new art of any
new building and shall not provide any i plied right on the part of the ow!r to alter,
reconstruct or otherwise change the E croachment approved by the co~nty in the
This Encroachment Agreement shall not be assigned by the Owner to any Ithird party
without the prior written consent of the ounty, which consent may be unreasonably
withheld. For clarity, in the event tha the Owner sells the property to IWhiCh the
Encroachment is appurtenant, the Ow I er shall instruct the purchaser o~ the said
property to submit a new EncroaChme1.t Application to the County for tht County's
review and approval. . I
In the event that the Encroachment reprei.ents a danger or detrimentally impacts: (i) the
safety of persons using the County LanlS; (ii) traffic flow; (iii) safety of thel public (ij!)
encroaches on the rights of others to use the road allowance; (v) the environment or (vD
interferes with future road improvements the Owner and the County aCkn041edge that
the County shall have a right to terminate this Agreement. Such termination of. this
Agreement shall be by written notice to tie Owner, except in the case of an llmergency.
In the case of an emergency, the E croachment Agreement may be erminated
forthwith by the County.
In the event that this Agreement is terminated, the Owner shall remove the
Encroachment on the date of termin tion. If the Owner fails to rJmove the
Encroachment on the date of terminatio , the County shall provide the oJner with a
notice requiring the Owner to remove thi Encroachment within ten (1 0) da~s. If the
Owner fails to remove the Encroachmert within the ten (10) day period, t~e County
shall have the right to remove the Encroachment at the expense of the oWnfr and add
the cost of removal to the tax roll and s~all also have the right to collect such costs in
like manner as municipal taxes. In the cise of an emergency, the County shJII have the
right to remove the Encroachment forthwIth on the date of termination of the hgreement
at the expense of the Owner and such costs shall be added to the tax roll an6 collected
in like manner as municipal taxes.
Encroachment Application.
10.
11.
12.
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Any notice required to be given to the Cjuntyor the Owner under this Agre.ement shall
be sufficiently given if delivered or mailed postage prepaid to the addresles below.
Such notice shall be deemed to have been received on the date of its delive~ or in the
case of mailing, three (3) business days Ifter it was delivered to the post officb.
13.
For the Corporation of the County of Elgi
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, Ontario
N5R 5V1
Attention: Director of Engineering Services
-6--
For the Owner
14. This Agreement shall ensure to the benefit of, and be binding upon the parties and their
respective heirs, administrators, estate trustees, successors and (where permitted)
assigns.
15. The Owner and the County hereby agree that this Agreement shall be registered on title
to the Owner's Property at the Owner's experlse. The Owner and the County shall take
such further deeds, actions and execute such further documents that may be necessary
to effect such registration.
WITNESS my hand and seal at
, Ontario, this _ day of
,200.
[owner's name]
Per:
Name:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Corporation of the County of Elgin has hereunto caused to be
affixed its Corporate Seal attested by the hands of its proper signing officers as authorized by
a By-Law of the Council of the Corporation of the Cdunty of Elgin.
THE CORPORATION OF THE COUNTY OF ELGIN
Per:
, Warden
Per:
, Chief Administrative Officer
We have authority to bind the corporation
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Peter Dutchak, Manager, Road Infrastructure
DATE: June 12, 2006
SUBJECT: East Road Speed Limit Concerns
CORPORATE GOALS:
To build and maintain an efficient, affordable, effective and safe transportation network
that accommodates the diverse needs of our communities and is able to support
economic development and sustainable growth.
INTRODUCTION:
The County of Elgin has received a request (attached) from the Municipality of Central
Elgin to reduce the speed limit on a section of East Road.
The following resolution from Central Elgin was received:
THAT: Correspondence received from Judy Trainer respecting speed limit concerns on
East Road be forwarded to the County of Elgin for their consideration;
AND FURTHER THAT: Council recommend the County of Elgin consider a reduction in
the existing speed limit of 80 km per hour to 60 km per hour in the area extending from
Extendicare north to Dexter Line. CARRIED.
DISCUSSION:
East Road (County Road #23) at this location is currently posted at 50 km/h to north of
Erie Heights Way (Little Creek Subdivision) and 80km/h north to Sunset Road. Traffic
volumes range between 1350 to 1900 vehicles per day.
Upon receipt of the request from Central Elgin, staff placed traffic counters at various
locations on East Road to gauge traffic volumes and speeds being travelled. The study
concluded that the 85th percentile speeds are as follows:
Location
At Extendicare (south of
Erie Hei hts Wa
South of Hill Street
North of Dexter Line
Posted Seed Limit
85th Percentile Seed
50 km/h
80 km/h
80 km/h
70 km/h
83 km/h
106 km/h
A review of police reported accidents revealed that there have been 18 accidents in the
past 6 years on East Road at various locations. Seven (7) of those Eighteen (18)
accidents involved animals (six deer and one cat). Three (3) of the remaining eleven
(11) non-animal accidents were within the area that the Municipality has requested a
speed limit reduction. Of those three (3) accidents in this location, two (2) were
attributable to loss of control during winter conditions and one was a turning movement
onto H ill Street.
The County of Elgin uses the guidelines of the Highway Traffic Act to define "built up"
areas and determine where reduced speed limit zones should be implemented. Existing
conditions do not warrant an extension of the existing 50 km/h zone, which currently
ends north of Erie Heights Way.
Staff reviewed the existing conditions for obstructions that would impede the safety of
the vehicle entering the roadway. During that review staff observed and verified that
three existing driveways in the area did not meet the requirements for adequate sight
distance. Therefore, not having adequate sight distance, staff is recommending the
speed limit be reduced to 60 km/hr. This reduced speed zone will start at the present
50 km/hr limit northerly to the south limits of Dexter Line.
Council should be aware that, drivers will tend to travel at a speed they are comfortable
driving at. In order to change driver's behaviours, the police must consistently enforce
the existing speed limit. Reducing the speed limit on a roadway when it is not
warranted is not effective.
CONCLUSION:
A request has been received from a ratepayer and the Municipality of Central Elgin to
reduce the posted speed limit on East Road to 60 km/h between Extendicare and
Dexter Line.
Currently, the posted speed limit is 50 km/h at Extendicare to north of Erie Heights Way
where it changes to 80 km/h. A traffic study revealed that drivers do exceed the speed
limit in this vicinity. The 8Sh percentile speeds are synonymous with other similar
County Roads.
The County of Elgin uses the Highway Traffic Act to define "built up" areas and
determine the establishment of reduced speed zones. The requested area does not
meet these warrants. Also, a review of the police reported accidents do not identify an
issue with high rates of speed.
But, a review of existing driveways revealed that there is insufficient sight distance for
the oncoming traffic to enter the roadway in a safe manner. Therefore, staff is
recommending a reduced speed zone form the present northerly 50 km/hr on East
Road to the south property limit of Dexter Line.
If accepted by County Council to reduce the speed limit on East Road the present
Speed Limit By-Law will need to be adjusted to reflect that change.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT Schedule 'Bf of By-Law 05-35 be amended with the following,
"11 a) County Road #23, East Road, from a point 510 meters north of the north
property limit of Joseph Street northerly to the south property limit of Dexter Line a
distance of 786 meters"; and also,
That the Municipality of Central Elgin be requested to install the signs, with the County
of Elgin supplying all materials and the County of Elgin re-imbursing Central Elgin for
the costs to install the signs; and also
THAT the Municipality of Central Elgin and Judy Trainer be informed of Council's
decision, and;
THAT the Elgin County OPP be sent a copy of this report.
Respectfully Submitted
~
Peter Dutchak
Manager, Road Infrastructure
Approved for Submission
{](NJt!~
Clayton Watters
Director, Engineering Services
Mark G. Mc
Chief Administrative Officer
erne Corporation 0 tne Municipaaty of Cen ral T-[gin
450 Sunset Drive, 1 st Floor, 51. Tho as, Ontario N5R 5V1
Ph.519-631-4860 Fax 519-631-4036
May 9th, 006
Re: East Road Speed imit Concerns
Mark McDonald
CAO/Clerk
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, ON
N5R 5V1
Dear Mr. McDonald:
Please be advised that Council discussed the enclo ed correspondence with .respect to the abo e
noted matter at their meeting dated Monday, May 8}' 2006, and the following resolution was
passed:
THAT: Correspondence received from Judy Traine respecting speed limit concerns on East R ad
be forwarded to the County of Elgin for their consid ration;
AND FURTHER THAT: Council recommend the Cqunty of Elgin consider a reduction in the
existing speed limit of 80 km per hour to 60 km per 1iI0ur in the area extending from Extendica
north to Dexter Line. CARRIED.
If you have any questions with respect to this matte, please do not hesitate to contact me at th
municipal office.
Yours truly,
~J{~
Dianne Wilson
Deputy Clerk
c.c. Clayton Watters, Manager Engineering Se ices, County of Elgin
Judy Trainor, 4872 East Road
Central Elgin Council
Monday May 01, 2006
'Subject: 'Requast'for'changeof-sPeed.1i ~its:onEast:ROad'b. etween Hill Stree
And f1i~hway #4 to be reviewed at Central 'Elgin Council meeting
MaY 08, 2006.
Request made by Judy Trainor ,R. #.1 Port Stanl~y 4872 East Roa
.Asa resident"Clf:Central Elg1nl.all.l.requerg.:tbat.counciJdiSCUSSlhe increa ing
. -rateof'speed'whlcn vehicles are tr:avelin at'on:East.R-oad. ,My family and I h ve
: lived at.this:address for 1.3 :Years 'soothe . te:of:speed.and.volume of traffic ;1
increasing and we are concemed .that an accident will occur as a result
'People traveling-oLlt .ofP.or1:Stanlev.1end . c.-keep.to:the slower.speed limit wht'le
. climbing.north.dn,East Road,t.intiltheyoome.to.the:-Eldendicat~faC3i1ity and th n
:their :speoo'.increases '.drastically. As -the llehicles;approach HiII.8treet, the ro d
. bends to the. east slightly, visibility is. . dand although bus.es are pickin up
. 'school a.ge'stl:Jdents,residentsare back'gout'oftheir drivev.iaysand
. . pedestliar:lS .are ,oill exer.cising:themselv ,andlheiqrets, .people .are travelin at
. 'very high .~peeds: The:nigh .speeds:are . est.apparent as people commute t
and from their 'sources -of employment, a d on the weekends.
'Very-rar.elyare' Opp traffic officers in the area'in .order to charge ~peeders anCi as
. a .result: I :politely.-ask you:to .consider. .B.C ange to:tl;le speed limit and/or provi e
sigm~ge to ask people to slowdoVvT'l befo e someone gets hurt,
Thank you for your time.
~'nd Regards,
. c;L
eJ dY:Tr~inor - ---...
Home Tel. 782-3498
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Peter Dutchak, Manager, Road Infrastructure
Sonia Beavers, Purchasing Co-Ordinator
DATE: July 4, 2006
SUBJECT: Tender Award - Hot Mix Asphalt Resurfacing
CORPORATE GOALS:
To build and maintain an efficient, affordable, effective and safe transportation network
that accommodates the diverse needs of our communities and is able to support
economic development and sustainable growth.
INTRODUCTION:
As part of the approved 2006 Capital Budget, tenders were advertised as per the
County's Procurement Policy and were received until Tuesday, July 4, 2006 for Hot Mix
Asphalt Resurfacing.
DISCUSSION I CONCLUSION:
Three companies submitted bids for the Hot Mix Asphalt Resurfacing Tender as follows:
COMPANY
TENDER BID
exclusive of taxes
$ 874 578.00
$ 894 215.00
$ 953 729.56
Walmsley Bros. Limited submitted the lowest bid for the Hot Mix Asphalt Resurfacing
Tender at a total price of $ 874,578.00 (exclusive of taxes) to complete work on a
number of County Roads included in the approved 2006 Capital Budget. Seven (7)
separate capital projects are wholly or partially represented within this tender and
collectively their capital budget allocations total is $ 770,000.00 therefore, the lowest
submitted bid exceeds estimates.
Staff completed project estimates prior to the 2006 budget being approved and since
March 2006, the price of asphalt cement has risen from $312.20 to $433.80 a barrel
due to fuel inflation and global markets. This increase has been directly reflected in the
tender prices being seen for most construction projects being tendered this construction
10
season. The Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association expects the price of asphalt cement
to continue rising and may reach $600 per barrel by September.
The County of Elgin has included an asphalt price adjustment formula in its tender for
the last 20 years. The price adjustment formula modifies the tendered unit price as the
Asphalt Price Index fluctuates. If prices do rise as expected, unit prices will be modified
to reflect those increases and the County could realize an additional $50,000 in price
adjustments.
Therefore, staff recommends that one project from the 2006 Capital Budget be deferred
until 2007 and that these funds be used to subsidise the remaining resurfacing projects.
The resurfacing of St. George Street, originally planned for the fall of 2006 to coincide
with work to be completed by Central Elgin has the least priority and can be delayed
until 2007. Any funds remaining in the St. George Street Resurfacing account. will
remain and be added to for the 2007 budget deliberations.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT, Walmsley Bros. Limited be selected to provide Hot Mix Asphalt Resurfacing
Tender, Contract No. 6220-06 at their submitted price of $ 874,578.00 exclusive of all
taxes; and also,
THAT, the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to enter into an
agreement with Walmsley Bros. Limited for Hot Mix Asphalt Resurfacing, Contract No.
6220-06; and also,
THAT, the St. George Street Resurfacing Project (6220-06-05) be deferred until the
2007 Capital Budget and that these funds be utilized to subsidize other resurfacing
projects within the approved 2006 Capital Budget.
R
Approved for Submission
{](JJJ~ !er~
Clayton Watters
Director, Engin
Pete Dutchak
Manager, Road Infrastructure
J tr"N.c I ~ ..eLl J-(__~ ~
Sonia Beavers
Purchasing Co-Ordinator
/1
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Peter Dutchak, Manager, Road Infrastructure
Sonia Beavers, Purchasing Co-Ordinator
DATE: July 4/ 2006
SUBJECT: Tender Award - Guide Rail Installation - Contract No. 6330-170-06
CORPORATE GOALS:
To build and maintain an efficient, affordable, effective and safe transportation network
that accommodates the diverse needs of our communities and is able to support
economic development and sustainable growth.
INTRODUCTION:
As part of the approved 2006 Capital Budget, tenders were advertised as per the
County's Procurement Policy and were received until Tuesday, July 4/ 2006 for Guide
Rail Installation.
DISCUSSION I CONCLUSION:
Two contractors submitted bids for the supply and installation of guide rails as follows:
COMPANY
Ro al Fence Limited
Peninsula Construction
TENDER BID
exclusive of taxes
379 495.00
$ 449 560.00
Royal Fence Limited submitted the lowest bid for the supply and installation of guide
rails at a quoted price of $ 379/495.00 (exclusive of taxes.)
The total tender price also represents approximately $143/000 worth of work for the
Municipality of Central Elgin who has asked to participate in the County's tender. The
remaining $236/000 worth of work for Elgin County is distributed among the Guide Rail
Capital Account and the Glen Erie Line Reconstruction Account within the approved
2006 Capital Budget and are within budget estimates.
9
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT, Royal Fence Limited be selected to supply and install Guide Rails, Contract No.
6330-170-06 at their submitted price of $ 379,495.00 exclusive of all taxes; and also,
THAT, the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to enter into an
agreement with Royal Fence Limited for Guide Rail Installation, Contract No. 6330-
170-06.
~d
Peter Dutchak
Manager, Road Infrastructure
Approved for Submission
(fJuJtt~~
Clayton Watters
Director, En .
)bx.v[ ~OtX~
Sonia Beavers
Purchasing Co-Ordinator
q
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Peter Dutchak, Manager, Road Infrastructure
Sonia Beavers, Purchasing Co-Ordinator
DATE: July 4, 2006
SUBJECT: Tender Award - Engineering Services for Road Survey and Detailed
Design of Talbot Line (Municipality of DuttonfDunwich) - Contract No.
6200-06-03
CORPORATE GOALS:
To build and maintain an efficient, affordable, effective and safe transportation network
that accommodates the diverse needs of our communities and is able to support
economic development and sustainable growth.
INTRODUCTION:
As part of the approved 2006 Capital Budget, tenders were advertised as per the
County's Procurement Policy and were received until Tuesday, July 4, 2006 for
Engineering Services for Road Survey and Detailed Design of Talbot Line (Municipality
of DuttonfDunwich) - Contract No. 6200-06-03.
DISCUSSION I CONCLUSION:
Two companies submitted bids and one company submitted a notice of no bid for
Engineering Services for Road Survey and Detailed Design of Talbot Line. One bid was
received late and was returned unopened. Therefore, one Tender was received and the
results are as follows:
COMPANY
TENDER BID
exclusive of taxes
$ 117000.00
S riet Associates
Spriet Associates submitted the only bid for Engineering Services for Road Survey and
Detailed Design of Talbot Line Tender at a total price of $ 117,000.00 (exclusive of
taxes).
The scope of work includes engineering services and all other sub-consultant services
for the preliminary design, detailed design and tender preparation. To date the total
capital budget allocation of approximately $ 2,500,000.00, is comprised of
/2
($2,000,000.00 from Move Ontario Grant and $500,000.00 from Federal Gas Tax
Reserve).
On May 16, 2006, County Council approved the following recommendation; "THAT
engineering be completed on Talbot Line in the Municipality of DuttonfDunwich in
2006". To date there is a total capital budget allocation of $2,500,000.00 therefore, the
lowest submitted bid is within budget estimates.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT, Spriet Associates be selected to provide Engineering Services for Road Survey
and Detailed Design of Talbot Line (Municipality of DuttonfDunwich), Contract No.
6200-06-03 at their submitted price of $ 117,000.00 exclusive of all taxes.
Approved for Submission
rM~
Services
Pete Dutchak
Manager, Road Infrastructure
.J~ ~ cJ.A KA~
Sonia Beavers
Purchasing Co-Ordinator
Mark G. rtald=
Chief Administrative Officer
/5
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Larysa Andrusiak, Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator
DATE: June 9,2006
SUBJECT: 2005 Last Quarter Report and Overview
CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED:
To provide innovative and collaborative quality service.
To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement.
INTRODUCTION:
This report is an overview encompassing the last quarter report of Elgin-St.
Thomas EMS, the time period October 1st to December 31,2005; the Base
Hospital 2005 iMedic Report and 2005 Call Volume statistics provided for
Council's information.
DISCUSSION:
The 2005 call volume has been calculated as consisting of 11,464 calls. Further
analysis indicates:
Codes 1 &2 Code 3 Code 4 Code 8 Total
Totals 1,640 1,415 4,215 4,194 11,464
Percentaqe 14% 12% 37% 37% 100%
The 2005 call volume represents a 7.8% increase over 2004 call volume
(10,636).
The Base Hospital iMedic Report for 2005, which reports only on calls in which
controlled medical medical acts were performed, indicate that paramedics
responded to approximately:
Problem Number Problem Number
Cardiac/Medical Arrest 44 Other Cardiac 19
Respiratory Distress 190 Musc/skeletal trauma 13
Respiratory Disease 24 Diabetic emergency 107
Loss of Conscious 19 General illness/weakness 62
Stroke 24 Other medical/trauma 47
Altered LOC (level of consc.) 54 Confusion/disorientation 18
Unconscious 17 Seizure 43
Chest Pain 267
The Quarterly Report for Elgin-St. Thomas EMS for the period October 1 st to
December 31,2005 shows that chute time compliance (time from when the crew
is notified by dispatch to crew going mobile; the contractual requirement is 2
minutes, 90% of the time) for code 3 and 4 calls is excellent.
In St. Thomas the range was 97.2% to 98.6% for code 4 calls and 96.1 % to
97.6% for code 3 calls. The County stations compliance rate was 99.2% to
100% for code 4 calls and 96.7% to 100% for code 3 calls.
The chute time compliance rate for code 1 and 2 calls (the contractual
requirement is 3 minutes, 90% of the time, unless otherwise approved by CACC)
ranges from 65.4% to 78.7% in St. Thomas and 61.1 % to 75% in the County.
This is due largely to dispatching practices, for example, contacting a crew and
instructing them to finish their lunch or finish at the hospital before proceeding to
a code 1 or 2 call, but designating the time dispatch notified the crew on the
record, starting the clock on chute time.
With regard to response times, the St. Thomas stations ranged from 10 to 12
minutes, 90% of the time, through the time period from October to December.
The County stations ranged from 16 minutes, 17 minutes and 15 minutes for the
months October, November, December respectively, 90% of the time.
The Ministry uses the average of response times across the county for code 4
calls in its calculation of response times. The Ministry standard for Elgin County
is 15 minutes: 14 seconds, 90% of the time. Elgin County has been consistently
faster then the required standard and is doing very well in that regard.
In comparing code 4 call response time performance from 2004 to 2005, the data
indicates that response times were almost a minute faster in 2005 over 2004,
90% of the time, at just over 13 minutes in 2005 and 14 minutes in 2004.
County Council may be interested to know that Elgin-St. Thomas EMS personnel
participated in approximately 104 hours of public relations events over the
reporting time period on a voluntary basis. This would include events such as
Christmas parades, fire department extrication days, Fanshawe College events,
etc.
CONCLUSION:
This report is an overview of 2005 Call Volume statistics, the Base Hospital 2005
iMedic Report and the last quarter report of Elgin-St. Thomas EMS provided for
Council's information.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Report entitled "2005 Last Quarter Report and Overview" dated June 9,
2006 be received and filed as information.
Respectfully Submitted
Approved for
ion
~Q~
Larysa ndrusiak, Ambulance &
Emergency Management Coordinator'
Mark .
Chief Administrative Officer
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Larysa Andrusiak, Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator
DATE: June 9, 2006
SUBJECT:Ambulance Contractor and OMERS - Request for Letter of Guarantee
CORPORATE GOAL'S) REFERENCED:
To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability.
INTRODUCTION:
The paramedics employed by Thames EMS for Elgin -St. Thomas EMS are
included in the OMERS Pension Plan. Thames EMS is considered to be an
associated employer and the OMERS Board has recently set conditions for
particpation in the OMERS Plan specifically for associated employers.
In order to minimize the exposure to OMERS of unpaid pension contribution
obligations, the OMERS Board is requiring that associated employers submit a
Letter of Credit or Letter of Guarantee equal to the projected contributions (both
member and employer) for a four month period.
An alternative to the Letter of Credit is a Letter of Guarantee from the associated
municipality (County of Elgin) agreeing to guarantee the payments of OMERS
contributions.
Thames EMS has requested the County of Elgin consider agreeing to provide a
Letter of Guarantee for employer and employee OMERS contributions.
The deadline provided by OMERS is July 31,2006.
DISCUSSION:
The requirement for Thames EMS to provide a Letter of Credit to OMERS for 4
months of both employer and employee contributions represents approximately
$140,000 ( and $600,000 for Middlesex County). Together this is an amount that
would substantially stretch their liquidity and increase their costs of operations.
It should be noted that Thames EMS has an excellent record with OMERS
regarding timely payment of contributions.
As Middlesex County has also been asked to provide OMERS with a Letter of
Guarantee, Elgin staff has worked in tandem with Middlesex counterparts. The
Letter of Guarantee provided by OMERS has been reviewed by Middlesex legal
counsel.
In requesting the County of Elgin consider agreeing to provide a Letter of
Guarantee to OMERS, Thames EMS has agreed to increase the County's Letter
of Credit from its current $400,000 to $450,000. Thames EMS has also agreed
to amendments to the ambulance service contract stipulating:
. That failure to remit premiums to OMERS for 120 days constitutes default
and termination of the ambulance service contract;
· Amending the monetary requirement of the Letter of Credit to the County to
$450,000;
. The addition of a section dealing with OMERS in the contract specifying-
- that Thames agrees to remit OMERS contributions on a monthly basis
and to furnish the County monthly proof of this payment (similar to the
requirement of WSIB Clearance required),
- that the County may deduct from progress payments or any invoice
payments an amount equal to that estimated by the County to be owing to
OMERS and to hold that amount until payment to OMERS has been paid,
- that the County may pay directly to OMERS the amount owing and
recover the payments to OMERS from the Letter of Credit,
- that any amount paid by the County to OMERs shall be monies owing to
the County
The County of Elgin also has the ability to withhold a total of approximately
$120,000 annually from the Performance Incentive Plan based on a twice yearly
Performance Appraisal.
It appears that the financial risk to the County is not unreasonable and mitigation
measures are in place should a County contribution be required.
The County has enjoyed a positive relationship with Thames EMS since the
inception of the ambulance service contract. It is in the interest of the County to
ensure that the ambulance service contract continues to perform well. As per
Section 25 of the contract entitled Further Assurances, the clause reads:
"Each of the parties shall, upon the reasonable request of the other,
execute such further and other lawful acts, deeds, things, devices and
assurances for the better performance of the Contract."
CONCLUSION:
OMERS has recently set conditions for associated employers, such as Thames
EMS, requiring a Letter of Credit or Letter of Guarantee equal to the projected
contributions (both member and employer) for a four month period in order to
limit OMERS exposure to unpaid pension contribution obligations.
Thames EMS has requested the County of Elgin consider agreeing to provide a
Letter of Guarantee for employer and employee OMERS contributions.
Thames has agreed to amendments in the Ambulance Service Contract
providing for an increase to the County Letter of Credit to $450,000 from
$400,000, agreeing to provide monthly verification of OMERS payments monthly
and remedies to the County if OMERS payments are not made, including
termination of the Ambulance Service Contract.
In keeping with Clause 25 of the Contract entitled Further Assurances, and in
view of the recent requirements imposed by OMERS, and in view of the contract
amendments that Thames EMS has agreed to regarding OMERS, the request
from Thames EMS for the County to consider providing a Letter of Guarantee to
OMERS appears is reasonable.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council direct and authorize the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer to
sign the Letter of Guarantee required by OMERS regarding employee/employer
contributions for Thames EMS and the Ambulance Service Contract.
Respectfully Submitted
~7n:ru~=&
Emergency Management Coordinator
Approved for
'on
Mark oa
Chief Administrative Officer
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Larysa Andrusiak, Ambulance & Emergency Management Coordinator
DATE: June 26, 2006
SUBJECT: Surplus Ambulance Vehicle Bids
CORPORATE GOAL(S) REFERENCED:
To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability.
To recognize and seize opportunities for improvement.
INTRODUCTION:
This is an information report to Council regarding the result of bids for two
surplus ambulance vehicles.
DISCUSSION:
Council has approved the purchase of two gas ambulance vehicles, which will be
part of a pilot study comparing gas and diesel ambulance vehicles.
These new vehicles will be replacing a 1998 van type and 2000 re-mount
ambulance vehicles. Following County policy regarding surplus items, notice
was provided of a sealed bid sale of the surplus vehicles.
County staff obtained the trade in appraised value of the vehicles of $5000 for
the 1998 ambulance and $7000 for the 2000 re-mount.
Reserved bid prices of $7000 for the 1998 and $9000 for the 2000 vehicles were
identified in the bid documents.
Four bids were received and the successful bids were $8725.85 for the 1998 and
$16,157 for the 2000 ambulance vehicles, taxes included. Staff is very pleased
with the outcome of this bid process.
CONCLUSION:
Following County policy regarding surplus items, the County has realized a gain
of $12,882.87 including taxes over the trade in price for two surplus ambulance
vehicles.
These funds will be used to offset the purchase price of the two new ambulance
vehicles.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Report entitled "Surplus Ambulance Vehicle Bids" be received and filed
as information and that the County's share of the proceeds be added to the
Ambulance Replacement account to offset the purchase price of the new
ambulance vehicles.
Respectfully Submitted
ct~9~=~&
Emergency Management Coordinator
Mark G-:
Chief Administrative Officer
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Visioning Exercise Planning Committee
DATE: June 26, 2006
SUBJECT: 2006 Visioning Exercise- Moving Forward
Introduction:
The Visioning Exercise held on April 28th, 2006 at the East Elgin Community Complex was
by all accounts a resounding success. Opportunities, challenges and visions for the future
were shared by numerous participants and a consensus was reached on priorities for
further consideration. A complete accounting of the day is contained in the attached
summary notes prepared by the facilitator, the Randolph Group.
Three priority action items were identified in terms of outcomes from the session. This
report recommends the adoption of these items and suggests a way to move forward with
the recommendations.
Discussion:
Three priority action items are contained on page thirteen of the summary notes.
Specifically, the items are listed as follows:
1) Undertake a Strategic Master Plan for Tourism
2) Undertake a Regional Economic Development Strategy
3) County/City Liaison Committee to take a leadership role in moving things forward.
The planning review committee, consisting of Mayor Kohler, Warden Baldwin, Helen
LeFrank, Wendell Graves and Mark McDonald, has reviewed the summary notes and
action items with a view to recommending ways to proceed.
Action Item #1 - Undertake a Strategic Master Plan for Tourism
The St. Thomas-Elgin Tourist Association is planning to embark on a
"Premier Ranked Tourism Destination Study" designed to develop a data
base of tourism services, products and infrastructure for Elgin and St.
Thomas. If funding for the application is successful, then the Association
will partner with Norfolk and Haldimand to complete the study at no cost to
the municipalities. In order to learn more about the program, the visioning
planning committee makes the following recommendation:
/'1
2
Recommendation #1
That the County and the City's liaison committee invite a representative of
the Ministry of Tourism and the St. Thomas/Elgin Tourist Association to
make a presentation to a joint meeting of the two councils (Liaison
Committee) in the Fall of 2006 to learn more about the project and
specifically how the study dovetails with the identified need for a Tourism
Master Plan.
Action Item #2 - Undertake a Regional Economic Development
Strategy
The County of Elgin has recently established an Economic Development
initiative with the hiring of a Manager, Economic Development on July 4th,
2006. One of the pressing responsibilities of said position is to launch an
economic development Master Plan for the County.
Recommendation #2
That the City's General Manager of the St. Thomas Economic Development
Corporation, the General Manager of the Elgin Community Futures
Development Corporation and the County's Manager of Economic
Development be requested to explore the pros and cons of undertaking a
Regional Economic Development Strategy and report back to the Liaison
Committee.
Action Item #3 - County/City Liaison Committee to take a leadership
role in moving things forward from the visioning exercise.
It is suggested that this committee meet twice yearly to discuss matters of
mutual interest with the County hosting one meeting and the City hosting
the other, perhaps in the Spring and the Fall according to dates
predetermined and on an annual basis.
Recommendation #3
That the County/City Liaison Committee meet on September 28th, 2006 at 5
p.m. to discuss matters of mutual interest including establishing a formal
meeting schedule and to hear a presentation from the Ministry of Tourism
and the St. Thomas/Elgin Tourist Association on the Premier Ranked
Tourist Destination Study.
Conclusion:
A number of priority action items were developed at the Visioning Exercise for the City of
St. Thomas and the County of Elgin. This report suggests ways of maintaining the
momentum from the gathering in the form of three recommendations.
/s'
3
Recommendation:
THAT the Summary Notes from the Visioning Exercise held on April 28th, 2006 be received
and filed; and,
THAT the report entitled "2006 Visioning Exercise- Moving Forward" dated June 26th,
2006 be adopted included the recommendations contained therein.
ALL of which is respectfully submitted,
Visioning Exercise Planning Committee Members:
Mayor Jeff Kohler,
Warden Paul Baldwin,
Helen LeFrank,
Wendell Graves,
Mark G. McDonald.
It
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM:
Linda B. Veger, Director of Financial Services
DATE:
June 21, 2006
SUBJECT:
Budget Comparison - May 31, 2006
Corporate Goal Referenced:
To ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability.
Introduction:
Attached is the budget comparison to May 31, 2006 for the County operating departments.
Discussion:
The departmental totals are reasonable for the fifth month of the year.
Warden & Council - negative variance - (11,098) - membership fees paid early in the
year. Number of Councillors attended a conference.
Administration Building - positive variance - 16,769 - new employee to start in July.
Overall the three Homes are in a positive position. The increases in revenues have started
flowing in April. The revenues will show less of a variance as the year progresses.
Vacation season will decrease the positive variances within the wage lines.
Library - positive variance - 84,007 - Literacy grant received. Expenditures will be
recorded later as they occur.
Provincial Offences - positive variance - 193,420 - The first payment to the municipalities
will be made in early July.
Recommendation:
THAT the report titled Budget Comparison - May 31, 2006 and dated June 21, 2006 be
received and filed.
Respectfully Submitted
Approved for S
'on
~
Linda B. v~
Director of Financial Services
Mark G.
Chief Administrative Officer
COUNTY OF ELGIN
Departmental Budget
Comparisons
For The 5 Periods Ending May 31, 2006
Total YTD YTD Variance %OF
Budget Budget Actual 0 Budget
Warden & Council
Wages 72,235
Benefits 3,068
Operations 38,534
Total
Administrative Services
Wages 251,848 104,937 99,991 4,946
Benefits 51,866 21,611 25,017 (3,406)
Operations 13,914 5,798 6,746 (949)
Total 317,628 132,345 131,754 591 41.48%
Financial Services
Wages 292,905 122,044 115,192 6,851
Benefits 70,004 29,168 30,964 (1,796)
Operations 14,490 6,038 6,087 ~9)
Total 377,399 157,250 152,243 5, 07 40.34%
Human Resources
Wages 293,000 122,083 113,491 8,593
Benefits 64,500 26,875 32,686 (5,811 )
Operations 13,900 5,792 6,251 ~460d
Total 371,400 154,750 152,428 ,32 41.04%
Administration Building
Wages 155,100 64,625 48,307 16,318
Benefits 40,300 16,792 13,107 3,684
Operations 64,800 27,000 30,234 (3,234J
Total 260,200 108,417 91,648 16,76 35.22%
Corporate Expenditures
Insurance 253,750 250,472 249,249 1,223
Telephone 24,000 10,000 11,888 (1,888)
Legal & Professional 87,000 36,250 40,426 (4,176)
Retiree Benefits 38,000 15,833 11 ,745 4,089
Other Expenditures 73,315 30,548 20,615 9,933
Total 476,065 343,103 333,923 9,181 70.14%
Engineering
Wages 255,000 106,250 95,627 10,623
Benefits 58,000 24,167 25,167 (1,000)
Operations 79,300 33,042 19,390 13,652
Maintenance 2,564,295 1,303,505 1,283,389 20,116
Total 2,956,595 1,466,963 1,423,574 43,390 48.15%
Agriculture
Fees Revenue 0 0 (420) 420
Operations 29,423 12,260 0 12,260
Total 29,423 12,260 (420) 12,680 (1.43%)
Elgin Manor
Revenues (4,440,167) (1,850,070) (1,822,485) (27,585)
Wages 3,876,131 1,615,055 1,461,564 153,491
Benefits 1,037,703 432,376 414,422 17,954
Operations 897,979 374,158 341,517 32,641
Total 1,371,646 571,519 395,019 176,500 28.80%
Terrace Lodge
Revenues (4,970,489) (2,071,037) (2,042,815) (28,222)
Wages 4,009,168 1,670,487 1,592,314 78,173
Benefits 1,059,288 441,370 451,556 (10,186)
Operations 919,634 383,181 353,351 29,830
Total 1,017,601 424,001 354,406 69,594 34.83%
Bobier Villa
Revenues (2,829,670) (1,179,029) (1,161,145) (17,884)
Wages 2,588,097 1,078,374 1,036,638 41 ,736
Benefits 617,894 257,456 262,412 (4,957)
Operations 730,880 304,533 240,247 64,286
Total 1,107,201 461,334 378,153 83,181 34.15%
Pioneer Museum
Wages 81,275 33,865 19,258 14,606
Benefits 20,725 8,635 4,062 4,573
Operations 19,400 8,083 7,499 584
Total 121,400 50,583 30,820 19,764 25.39%
Library
Wages 1,065,258 443,858 414,299 29,558
Benefits 261,048 108,770 104,691 4,079
Collections 233,000 97,083 110,848 (13,765)
Operations 112,019 46,675 ~ 7,461J 64,135
Total 1,671,325 696,385 12,37 84,007 36.64%
Archives
Wages 139,514 58,131 55,839 2,292
Benefits 36,273 15,114 11,916 3,198
Operations 48,800 20,333 13,483 6,850
Total 224,587 93,578 81,238 12,340 36.17%
Land Division
Wages 58,015 24,173 21,534 2,639
Benefits 9,035 3,765 4,209 (445)
Operations (67,050J (27,937J (28,399~ 461
Total (2,656 2,656 0.00%
Emergency Measures
Wages 5,150 2,146 2,146 0
Benefits 1,340 558 558 0
Operations 9,000 3,750 3,305 445
Total 15,490 6,454 6,009 445 38.79%
Information Technologies
Wages 183,255 76,356 76,130 226
Benefits 38,900 16,208 20,353 (4,145)
Operations 324,500 135,208 61,563 73,646
Total 546,655 227,773 158,046 69,727 28.91 %
Provincial Offences
Grant (73,000) (30,417) (58,705) 28,288
Fines Revenues (650,000) (270,833) (251,543) (19,291 )
Shared Revenues - Municipal 343,842 143,268 (0) 143,268
Wages 142,100 59,208 54,633 4,575
Benefits 31,250 13,021 13,953 (932)
Operations 177,975 74,156 36,645 37,511
Total (27,833) (11,597) (205,017) 193,420 736.60%
Ambulance Services
Province of Ontario (2,013,030) (838,763) (1,369,353) 530,591
City of S1. Thomas (1,789,703) (745,710) (365,807) (379,902)
Contractor Payments 6,270,996 2,612,915 2,470,807 142,108
Wages 65,560 27,317 25,449 1,867
Benefits 17,373 7,239 6,792 447
Operations 29,800 12,417 55,369 ~2,953J
Total 2,580,996 1,075,415 823,257 52,15 31.90%
Collections
Revenue (305,000) (127,083) (135,413) 8,330
Shared Revenues - Municipal 144,291 60,121 0 60,121
Wages 45,255 18,856 17,541 1,316
Benefits 11,947 4,978 4,898 80
Operations 51,600 21,500 6,514 14,986
Total (51,907) (21,628) (106,461 ) 84,833 205.10%
CORRESPONDENCE - JULY 11. 2006
Items for Consideration
1) Debra McKinstry, Clerk/Planning Administrator, Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal,
with a resolution requesting the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care place a
moratorium on legislative changes concerning the draft regulations relating to
farmers' markets. (ATTACHED)
2) Patti L. Barrie, Municipal Clerk, Municipality of Clarington, with a resolution urging the
Government of Ontario to provide funding to landowners and municipalities for the
implementation of regulations for the proposed Clean Water Act. (ATTACHED)
3) Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus and the Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus, with a
resolution concerning the exemption of mandatory work timeframes for paramedics in
the employment of municipalities from Part VII of the Employment Standards Act
2000. (ATTACHED)
4) Regional Municipality of York, with a resolution urging the Province of Ontario and the
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario to prevent delays and remove barriers
to the assessment of experience internationally trained physicians. (ATTACHED)
5) Municipality of Brockton, with a resolution concerning the Conservative Government's
decision to discontinue the Best Start program. (ATTACHED)
Towns · of
1'.0, llOX129, 113 (JENTREST:
Sl"ENCERVILtE, Om:
KoEiXO
www.edwardsburghcardinaI.ca
PHONE: $13-eSS':,055
FAX:ll13,ssa.3445
E.MAlL' f\'laH@ed\'Jlltdsburg11c,aldlnab:/l,
June 13,2006
RE: FARMERS' MARKETS
At its regular meeting of June 5, 2006, the Council of the Corporation of the Township of
EdwardsburghlCardinal passed the following resolution:
Resolution Number 2006-212
Moved by: M. Thomson, seconded by: C. Burrell
WHEREAS "Farmers' Market Ontario" (FMO) has released a report entitled Recommendations
to Ensure Food Safety at Ontario's Farmers Markets which was used by the Ministry of Health
and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) in developing the draft regulations relating to farmers' markets
which legislation has been placed "on hold" over the summer of 2006 to allow the FMO to test
the rules set out in the draft legislation;
WHEREAS the MOHLTC has not released the draft legislation to the general public and the
local Health Unit has also refused to release the document;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Township of
EdwardsburghlCardinal requests the Minister of Health and Long Term Care to place a
moratorium on legislative changes that would alter the current social and cultural make-up of
Ontario's farmers markets, church suppers, bazaars, teas, pot-luck suppers, and other similar
community social and fundraising events.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the MOHL TC
and to AMO for distribution to AMO members.
Township Council would appreciate your municipality's support in this matter. Please provide a
copy of your correspondence to the Honourable George Smitherman, Minister of Health and
Long-Term Care, 80 Grosvenor Street, 10th Floor, Hepburn Block, Toronto, Ontario, M7 A 2C4.
Yours truly,
Debra McKinstry
Clerk/Planning Administrator
June 20,2006
Honourable Dalton McGuinty
Premier, Province of Ontario
Queen's Park
Room 281, Main Legislative Building
Toronto, ON, L7A 1M
Dear Honourable Sir:
RE: ONTARIO CLEAN WATER ACT
FILE: E08.GE
At a meeting held on June 12, 2006, the Council of the Municipality of Clarington considered the above
matter and passed the following resolution:
"Whereas the proposed Ontario Clean Water Act is an enabling statute which outlines, in a very
general way, what will be done, how, and by whom, to protect current and future drinking water
sources, and the details of the how the Act will be implemented in the associated regulations; and
Whereas the Municipality of Clarington supports the concept of locally developed source water
protection plans in watersheds across Ontario; and
Whereas the Ontario Clean Water Act, Bill 43, will affect rural landowners, farms, business,
conservation authorities and municipalities; and
Whereas the commodity groups representing agricultural producers have provided input to the
Provincial Government that has not been incorporated into Bill 43 and should be included in the
regulations; and
Whereas the proposed Clean Water Act could significantly disadvantage and cause undue
hardship for agricultural producers and may force producers to leave the business because of
stringent regulations; and
Whereas the implementation and enforcement is another downloading of provincial responsibilities
to municipalities in Ontario; and
Whereas agricultural producers and municipal governments should be consulted on the
regulations, implementation strategy and funding for such endeavours before the regulations are
brought into force;
Now therefore be it resolved that Clarington Council urges the Government of Ontario to
a) provide adequate funding under the Clean Water Act to land owners;
b) review the implementation strategy with and to the satisfaction of the commodity
groups and the AMO before it is included in the regulations;
c) transfer adequate funds to the municipalities for the implementation;
And further that this resolution be circulated to all municipalities in Ontario and for their
endorsement."
Patti L. Barrie, A.M.C.T., Municipal Clerk
Municipality of Clarington
40 Temperance Street
Bowmanville, ON, L 1 C 3A6
905-623-3379 ext. 254
cc: Association of Municipalities of Ontario - All municipalities of Ontario
June 9, 2006
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Warden Michael Raymond
Warden Jim McDonell
WHEREAS all employers within the Province of Ontario must comply with the Employment
Standards Act 2000, as amended (ESA);
AND WHEREAS Part VII of the ESA requires:
1. At Se<;tion 20, all employers to provide their employees with "an eating period of at least
30 minutes at intervals that will result in the employee working no more than five
consecutive hours without an eating period" (eating period requirement);
2. At Section 17, all employers to limit the number of hours an employer can require an
employee to work during a day;
3. At Section 17 (1), all employers to limit the number of hours an employee can be
required to work in a work week;
4. At Section 18 (1), all employers to ensure their employees have at least 11 consecutive
hours free from performing work in each day;
AND WHEREAS the recent City of Ottawa arbitration decision makes it abundantly clear that a
full exemption is required to address the Section 20 non-compliance issues;
AND WHEREAS the precedent set by the above-noted arbitration decision will inevitably be
applied to violations of all other components of Part VII of the ESA when dealing with
paramedics in the Province of Ontario;
AND WHEREAS paramedics are part of the health care system in the Province of Ontario;
AND WHEREAS many other health care disciplines are exempt for many sections of the ESA;
AND WHEREAS the industry itself agrees with tlie proposal put forward that these issues
should be negotiated into local agreements;
AND WHEREAS an exemption applied to many services prior to the downloading of Land
Ambulance to the Upper Tiers;
AND WHEREAS all Land Ambulance services across the Province of Ontario are emergency
services where employees respond to emergencies as directed by Central Ambulance
Communications Centres, which, in most areas of Ontario, are under the direction of the
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care;
AND WHEREAS there are times during the shifts of the employees of a Land Ambulance
service when taking an eating break may place patients at mortal risk;
AND WHEREAS there are times during the shifts of the employees of a Land Ambulance
service when these same employees cannot leave their immediate assignment in order to limit
the number of consecutive hours of work without placing a patient at potential mortal risk;
AND WHEREAS there are times when employees are required to work longer than the
restricted period during a day or per work week, as a result of overtime demands resulting from
situations when these same employees could not leave a shift without placing a patient at
potential mortal risk;
AND WHEREAS there are times when the period of time between scheduled shifts may be less
than required, as a result of the additional time an employee was required to work to avoid
placing patients at mortal risk;
NOW THEREFORE the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus and the Western Ontario Wardens'
Caucus continue to petition jointly the Province of Ontario, through the Minister of Labour, to
amend Ontario Regulation 285/01 to include a full exemption from Part VII of the Employment
Standards Act, 2000, as amended, for paramedics in the employment of municipalities, other
service delivery agents or delegates across the Province of Ontario;
AND FURTHER the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus and the Western Ontario Wardens'
Caucus petition jointly the Province of Ontario, through the Minister of Labour, to require local
agreements regarding meal breaks and work hours issues to be negotiated and must form part
of each collective agreement for said agreement to be valid between the parties.
CARRIED
Regional Clerk's Office
CO/pO rate S eruices DepaltJJJeIlt
June 23, 2006
TO:
All Municipalities in the Province of Ontario
RE:
Internationally Trained Physicians
The Council of the Regional Municipality ofY ork at its meeting of June 22, 2006 adopted the
following resolution regarding Internationally Trained Physicians:
WHEREAS the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) predicts that the physician shortage in
Ontario will reach 2,347 in 2006 and 2,648 in 2008 in its report entitled Ontario Physician
Shortage 2005: seeds of progress, but resource crisis deepening; and,
WHEREAS it is estimated that 1.2 million Ontarians are without a Family Physician; the
population of Ontario continues to grow and age and this problem will grow worse over time as
more physicians retire; and
WHEREAS qualified International Medical Graduates (IMGs) can make a valuable contribution
to Ontario's health care system, particularly with respect to alleviating the current and predicted
future physician shortage; and
WHEREAS in York Region, Georgina and East Gwillimbury are designated by the Ontario
Ministry of Health and Long - Term Care as underserviced areas for Family Physicians; and
WHEREAS it is noted that the MOHLTC [in conjunction with the College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and Council of Ontario Faculties of Medicine] has recently created
up to 200 postgraduate International Medical Graduates training or evaluation positions per year
for fully qualified IMGs who are residents of Ontario or require postgraduate training; and
WHEREAS internationally trained experienced physicians who currently practice outside of
Ontario may be eligible for the new Registration through Practice Assessment Program, (RP A);
and
WHEREAS The Regional Municipality of York recognizes that although some positive
progress has been made, the physician shortage in Ontario necessitates even more progress in
this area;
.. ./2
The Regiollal MUlIidpality rifYork, 17250 YOllge Street, Nel/Jlllarket, 01ltalio L3Y 621
TeL. (905) 830-4444, Ex!. 1320, 1.877-464.9675, Fax: (905) 895.3031
IIl!eme!: wJ/JJ/J.regioll:york.oll.ca
All Municipalities in the Province of Ontario
June 23, 2006
2
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Regional Municipality of York
urges the Government of the Province of Ontario and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of
Ontario take immediate action to:
1. devote more resources to manage the increase in the numbers of International Medical
Graduates applying to the IMG Program
2. take action to make the temporary/pilot IMG program permanent and self-sufficient
3. prevent delays and remove barriers to the assessment of experienced internationally - trained
physicians through the RP A program so that they practice in Ontario without unnecessary
delays; and
THAT the Regional Clerk forward a copy of this resolution to the Premier of Ontario, the
Ontario Minister of Health, the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the CPSO, all municipalities in
Ontario, all York Region MPPs and MPs, the Leaders of the Opposition Parties, and the College
of Family Physicians of Canada.
The Corporation of the Municipality of Brockton
NO.
06-09-203
SESSION: May 8, 2006
MOVED BY: Jack Riley
SECONDED BY: Dan Gieruszak
WHEREAS the Conservative government has identified child care as one of the
nation's top five priorities;
AND WHEREAS Statistics Canada reports that 54 percent of children aged 6 months
to 5 years are currently in some form of care, and parents throughout our nation have
recognized the need for governments to address the need to strengthen child care and
create viable new models for service delivery;
AND WHEREAS a recent YWCA Canada survey conducted in Halifax, Vancouver,
Martensville, Sask., and Cambridge ON, states that Canadian families, irrespective of
where they live or the size of their communities, want their child-care needs met by a
nationally funded public system and not a federal cash payout;
AND WHEREAS there appears to be growing public consternation especially in rural
areas over the Conservative government's decision to discontinue the Best Start
program aimed at supporting children in their early development and improving
school readiness through the improvement of existing limited resources;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the government listen to the voices
of concerned the Child Care Action Committee, Canadian parents, daycare providers,
opposition members, and municipal authorities and thereby replace or reinforce this
new taxable $1200 supplement with immediate and stable financing for new and
existing 'quality' daycare facilities.
AND FURTHER THAT this resolution be forwarded to Diane Finlay, Minister of
Social Development and Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance.
AND FURTHER THAT this resolution be forwarded to all municipalities iil Ontario
and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for their support.
/1
Municipality of Brockton
100 Scott St., P.O. Box 68, Walkerton, ON NaG 2VO
Fax: 519-881-2223 Ph: 519-881-2223 Email: info@brockton.ca
CORRESPONDENCE - JULY 11, 2006
Items for Information (Consent Aaenda)
1) John Klunder, Regional Coordinator, Community Transition Program, confirming that
the County's "Economic and Marketing Initiative" has been approved for funding.
(ATTACHED)
2) AMO Member Communication ALERT: 1) Province Amends Emergency Measures
Act; 2) Canada and Ontario Launch COMRIF "Intake Three"; 3) Government
Responds to Operating Farmers Markets and Community Events Concerns; 4)
Government Announces Next Steps in AODA; 5) Helping Farmers; 6) Province
Introduces Changes to the Municipal Act; 7) Property Assessments Cancelled Until
2008 (ATTACHED)
3) Ontario News Release Communique, Ministry of the Environment, "Province
Safeguards Drinking Water in Homes and Schools" (ATTACHED)
4) Andrew Walasek, Special Assistant - Ontario, Office of the Minister of
Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities, acknowledging Council's resolution
with regard to making the federal gas tax funding for municipalities a permanent
program. (ATTACHED)
5) Dale Mercer, MD, FRCSC, President and Rocco Gerace, MD, Registrar, The College
of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, acknowledging Council's resolution regarding
improving access to family physicians in Ontario. (ATTACHED)
6) Rachele Dabraio, Director, Citizenship Branch, Ministry of Citizenship and
Immigration, acknowledging the nomination of Ken Verrell for the 2005 Order of
Ontario. (ATTACHED)
7) Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus and Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus, with an
update of the EOWC/WOWC's support of the provincial government's efforts to get a
fair and reasonable deal on equalization from the federal government. (ATTACHED)
8) Raven & Shaw Chartered Accountants, with the Consolidated Financial Report for
the County of Elgin for Year Ended December 31,2005. (Available Upon Request)
9) Cynthia St. John, Chief Administrative Officer, Elgin St. Thomas Health Unit, with the
Board of Health approved audited statements for the period ending December 31,
2005. (ATTACHED)
10) Cindy Bezaire, Administrative Clerk, City of St. Thomas, with copy of correspondence
to Dr. Sheela V. Basrur, Chief Medical Officer of Health and Assistant Deputy Prime
Minister, supporting the Elgin St. Thomas Board of Health's letter regarding the Final
Report of the Capacity Review Committee.
11) Hon. Mac Harb, Senator, requesting support for legislation to protect Canadians from
second-hand smoke. (ATTACHED)
12) Federation of Canadian Municipalities - Members' Advisory, "FCM Releases Six-
Point Plan to Fight Fiscal Imbalance. (ATTACHED)
13) Infrastructure Canada, COMRIF Joint Secretariat, announcing the priorities and
timelines for Intake Three of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.
(ATTACHED)
14) Association of Municipalities of Ontario, with Counties, Regions, Single Tier
Municipalities Conference registration forms and information and Companion
Package registration forms and information for the October 1-4, 2006 Conference.
(ATTACHED)
15) Association of Municipalities of Ontario, information update for the AMO 2006 Annual
Conference, August 13-16, 2006. (ATTACHED)
16) Ron Elliott, Foundation President, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation,
thanking Council for its consideration of the Foundation's request for funding for the
replacement of hospital beds during the County's 2007 Budget deliberations.
17) Bill Bryce, Director of Education, Thames Valley District School Board,
acknowledging Council's request to have a member of the Board speak to Council on
the Board's Capital Plan. (ATTACHED)
18) Hon. Mary Anne Chambers, Minister of Children and Youth Services, acknowledging
Council's concerns with regard to the Best Start Plan. (ATTACHED)
19) Wes McLeod, Special Assistant, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister
for the Canadian Wheat Board, acknowledging the County's resolution concerning
the income crisis on Ontario farms. (ATTACHED)
20) AMO Member Communication ALERT: "New OMERS Sponsors Corporation and
Administration Corporation Established. (ATTACHED)
~. ~m B
communltytransltlon
PROGRAM
BRANT. ELGIN. NORFOLK. OXFORD
JLH~ 2: 6 2G05
Mark McDonald
Chief Administrative Officer
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, Ontario
N5R 5V1
Wednesday, June 21,2006
Dear M. McDonald:
Re: Economic and Marketing Initiative Project
This letter is to confirm that your project entitled "Economic and Marketing
Initiative" has been approved for funding by the Community Transition Program.
The Project Approval Committee (PAC) passed a resolution on May 25,2006 to
support this County of Elgin project in the amount of $ 130,000.
The Community Transition Program staff will now work with you to execute the
following documents: Schedule 1, Letter of Agreement and Project Funding
Direction Letter. This documentation will support the project and will be between
Elgin Community Futures Development Corporation and the County of Elgin.
Once these documents have been signed by you we will have a contractual
agreement for the grant amount. This process is estimated to take 6 to 8 weeks
due the volume of projects we are processing.
Congratulations on your successful application and we look forward to your
contributions to the diversification of our local economy.
you requir further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
n Klunder
Re ional Coordinator
o munity Transition Program
(5 9) 426-6147
1-866-334-8767 www.communitytransition.com e-mail: info@communitytransition.com
COMMUNITY TRANSITION PROGRAM
P.O. Box 732, #4077 Highway 3 East, Simcoe ON N3Y 4T2 phone (519) 426-6147 fax (519) 428-0074
I
C"" r" Association of
, .' ;"." { " Municipalities
,}rJ, '-. ' of Ontario
Alert
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
June 21, 2006 - Alert 06/033
Province Amends Emergency Measures Act
Issue: Bill 56, An Act to amend the Emergency Management Act, the Employment Standards Act, and the
Workplace Safety and Insurance Act received Royal Assent yesterday.
Analysis:
Bill 56 is important legislation that will make Ontario even safer by providing emergency powers legislation.
AMO is supportive of the general direction of the legislation. AMO supports measures that enhance our
collective ability to prepare, prevent, mitigate, and respond to natural and other emergences
However, AMO shares the concerns of the Ontario Association of Emergency Managers (OAEM) that the
Act gives extensive powers to the Province but no new powers to the municipalities where the emergency
is managed. The Act provides the Premier the powers to unilaterally make decisions without consulting
affected municipalities. While decisions must be made quickly, every municipality is now mandated to have
an emergency plan, to designate a Community Emergency Management Coordinator, to have the
appropriate tools, training and expertise to respond to emergencies and should be consulted as much as
possible. In addition, the lack of provisions for enforcing these powers means they will be left to the local
authorities coping with the emergency to enforce.
AMO's main concern with Bill 56 is that there is little mention of compensation for affected municipalities.
The implications and the cost impacts, which are very important to municipalities and their taxpayers, can
only be determined after the regulations have been passed. AMO argued that the Province should have
the same responsibility for absorb expenses related to emergencies as municipalities whenever they
declare an emergency. Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Monte Kwinter has
assured AMO that Section 13.1 (2) of the legislation provides a mechanism for municipalities to be
compensated by the Province in the event of a provincially declared emergency.
Background:
Following the SARS and blackout emergencies, a review of provincial emergency powers legislation
demonstrated that Ontario's legislation was inadequate in comparison to other jurisdictions. On December
15, 2005, the government introduced Bill 56, the Emergency Management Statute Law Amendment Act.
Bill 56 is primarily designed to ensure that appropriate municipal and provincial infrastructures are in place
to deal with a local or provincial emergency by providing for the creation, testing and updating of
emergency programs and plans.
While Bill 56 provides for the declaration of a provincial emergency, it does not give the government broad
powers to issue orders or take action to deal with situations that might arise during the emergency. Bill 56
gives Cabinet or the Premier the authority to declare a provincial emergency, if the resources normally
available to the government are considered insufficient to respond adequately to the crisis. Bill 56 also
provides emergency powers to assist in the management of declared provincial emergencies.
Action: AMO will continue to monitor developments and offer its support to the Ministry to determine the
best way to utilize existing plans and programs at the local level in a provincially declared emergency as
well as outstanding liability and cost concerns.
This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca
For more information, contact: Scott Vokey, Senior Policy Advisor at 416-971-9856 extension 334
':, ' rtJIemlrleF ~C)mml.lnieati()n
L ["''-.'/ {" Association of
...............\i}~l.......,... ........ ~u~~~~~~ties
Alert
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
June 20, 2006 - Alert 06/032
Canada and Ontario launch COMRIF "Intake Three"
Issue:Today, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced the launch of the Canada-Ontario
Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) "Intake Three".
Background:
Intake Three will build on the successful intakes "One" and "Two" of COMRIF, and will provide
the remaining 16 per cent, or over $93 million of federal-provincial funding through this initiative.
COMRIF is a competitive, merit-based program. Difficult decisions will have to be made during
this final intake approval process, as the total amount of funding requested will likely exceed the
available allocation.
Projects for Intake Three will be assessed using three criteria: health and safety, public policy
priorities, and value for money, as outlined in the Intake Three Application Guidebook. Only
those projects that best meet these criteria, including support for federal and provincial policy
directions such as investing in regional water and sewage systems, sustainable water and
sewage systems (i.e., full-cost recovery), reducing greenhouse gases, and economic
development and increased waste diversion, will be selected for funding.
As a result of funding provided by the governments of Canada and Ontario, investments were
made for infrastructure improvements in 120 municipalities for Intake One and 88 municipalities
for Intake Two for communities across Ontario. Projects that were not funded under Intake One
or Two can be re-submitted under Intake Three. Municipalities are encouraged to review their
infrastructure priorities against the Intake Three priorities and select a project to submit
accordingly.
Intake Three priorities criteria, application details, deadlines and supporting documents are
available at htto://www.comrif.ca. or by contacting the COMRIF Joint Secretariat at 1-866-306-
7827.
While AMO is working in partnership with Canada and Ontario on the development, promotion
and monitoring of the COMRIF program, AMO will not play any role in the assessment of project
applications or the selection of projects for approval.
COMRIF is a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and
AMO. Through COMRIF, the governments of Canada and Ontario are each investing up to $298
million over five years to improve public infrastructure in small urban and rural municipalities
throughout the province. With municipal contributions, COMRIF is expected to stimulate up to
$900 million in infrastructure investments.
Action:
AMO will keep members informed of the status on COMRIF Intake Three. AMO continues to
advocate for additional funding to address the significant infrastructure deficit at the municipal
level of government.
This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website atwww.amo.on.ca
For more information, please contact: Patricia Swerhone, AMO Senior Policy Advisor, at 416-971-9856, ext.
323.
L\
...................,
Association of
Municipalities
of Ontario
Alert
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
June 16,2006 - Alert 06/031
Government Responds to Operating Farmers Markets and
Community Events Concerns
Issue: The Minister of Health and Long Term Care, George Smitherman, has announced that
farmers markets and community events will be able to continue operations as usual
while still protecting the public's health.
Background:
The Government has provided clarification to an enforcement issue that had resulted in uneven
application of legislation across the province related to farmers markets and community events.
The government has exempted farmers markets from rules that apply to restaurants and other
commercial establishments through amendments to Regulation 562 (Food Premises) under the
Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA). This will ensure that farmers markets are not held
to unrealistic standards developed for very different types of retail establishments like grocery
stores and restaurants.
The Government has committed to a $1.5 million dollar education campaign that will promote
safe food handling and preparation practices at farmers markets and community events.
Recognizing the distinct nature of farmers markets, the government has exempted them from
having to follow the requirements of the Food Premises Regulation under the HPPA. While
market vendors are now exempted from the Food Premises Regulation, the HPPA will still
apply.
The sale of uninspected meats, unpasteurized milk and ungraded eggs at farmers' markets
continues to be prohibited. Public health inspectors will continue to have the duty and authority
to investigate and intervene - on a case by case basis - should a health hazard exist.
Action:
AMO is pleased that the Ministry has heard the concerns expressed by our ROMA members
and have subsequently implemented measures that recognize the importance and value of
community events and farmers markets.
This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca
For more information, contact: Petra Wolfbeiss, AMO Senior Policy Advisor, at 416-971-9856 extension 329
NI1ernbe10 ~0rnm~mieatiom
" ~ ~v I ~
[1
J
r'-, Association of
\ ) Municip<;tlities
"".....,/ of Ontario
Alert
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
June 16, 2006 - Alert 06/030
Government Announces Next Steps in AODA
Issue: The Minister of Community and Social Services and Minister Responsible for
Ontarians with Disabilities, Madeleine Meilleur has announced that the Government
will be moving forward on developing three new accessibility standards.
Background:
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) came into force upon Royal
Assent on June 13, 2005. The proposed legislation was introduced as Bill 118 on October 12,
2004 and passed Second Reading by unanimous vote of the legislature on December 2, 2004.
The purpose of the AODA is to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities by 2025 by
developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards respecting: goods, services,
facilities; accommodation; employment; buildings, structures and premises. Five key areas for
standards development under the AODA have been identified for priority action: Customer
Service, Transportation, Information and Communications, the Built Environment and
Employment.
The first two of the five standard development committees, Transportation and Customer
Service Standards Development Committees (SDCs), established under the AODA in February
2006, are working towards completing their proposed accessibility standards. The proposals
will be posted for public review.
AMO had representation on both of the current SDCs and will be canvassing for membership
on the following three SDCs.
While supportive of the legislation, and recognizing that a 20-year implementation period does
mitigate some immediate cost pressures, concern continues to exist regarding municipal cost
impacts.
Action:
AMO will continue to monitor the development of standards and address municipal concerns
and interests through the AMO Barrier Free Access Working Group.
This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca
For more information, contact: Petra Wolfbeiss, AMO Senior Policy Advisor, at 416-971-9856 extension 329
~ rNllem IDe rr @Qmmtlf'lieatiol'l
} c --~ "'
[lit r'. Association of
\ I:;"..~i \ .... ,/ Municipalities
\ JtfL',_,_/ of Ontario
Alert
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
June 15, 2006 - Alert 06/029
Helping Farmers
Issue: The National Farmers Union (NFU), Ontario Office, adopted a resolution at its annual
regional meeting in April 2006 advocating a property tax deferral for farmland for a period
of up to three years. This particular approach advocated by the NFU, or a similar tax
deferral measure, affords municipalities a means of locally responding to their farmlands
citizens.
Background:
The National Farmers Union promotes the position that farmers are facing a serious cash flow
crunch and an interim property tax deferral could provide some breathing room until short and
long-term solutions to the farm income crisis are implemented.
The City of Ottawa, at its meeting of May 24, 2006, approved a Farm Grant Program to provide
financial relief to working farmers. The grant program, equivalent to the penalty charges and fees
amounting from the tax deferral, will assist eligible farm property owners by allowing the June
22nd tax installment to be paid on December 7,2006. There are eligibility conditions to the grant,
including that: the property must be defined by MPAC in the farmlands property class; taxes must
have been paid up to date before the June 22nd installment; and, the final 2006 tax installment is
to be paid in full on or before December 7,2006.
The NFU resolution, which calls for a similar property tax deferral for farmland, reads:
o WHEREAS the farm crisis is having a profound negative impact on all farmers in Canada, and
o WHEREAS the small amount of relief offered to farmers by the provincial and federal
governments in the spring of 2006 is inadequate to meet current financial obligations and pay
anticipated input costs, and
o WHEREAS most farmers are not in a position to be able to take on additional debt financing in
either the short or long term, and
o WHEREAS payment of municipal taxes is impossible for many farmers at this time,
o THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NFU request all municipalities to forgive the interest
that would otherwise be owed on the tax not paid, for a period of up to 3 years, as a sign of
solidarity with farmers in Canada.
The NFU acknowledges that property tax relief will not solve the farm crisis, but advocates the
interim tax relief to assist in what has been a sharp decline in realized net farm income.
Action: AMO has agreed to circulate this information for local consideration.
This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca
For more information, please contact: Patricia Swerhone, AMO Senior Policy Advisor, at 416-971-9856, ext. 323.
l\7Iernbel'1 ~ornrnuni(3ation ,/
L\ ~.. ~r"\ Association of
.. \\ ~.~~" /! Municip<;llities
mom",-ttl..j of Ontario
Alert
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
June 15, 2006 - Alert 06/028
Province Introduces Changes to the Municipal Act
Issue: Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing John Gerretsen has tabled a Bill entitled the
Municipal Statute Law Amendment Act that introduces some significant changes to the
Municipal Act.
Analysis:
The Municipal Act is the cornerstone of the provincial-municipal relationship. The changes proposed in
the Bill help move Ontario toward a more mature relationship with municipal governments by reducing
Provincial micro-management and providing broader, accountable authority for municipal governments
to pass laws. Broader authority and less prescriptive regulation signal that the Province believes the
municipal order of government is respected, responsible, and accountable. Ontario's municipalities will
be able to strengthen good governance, encourage economic growth, and promote a high quality of
life as a result of improvements in this legislation.
The new Act stops short of offering municipalities broader taxation authority. While more permissive
taxation tools would not have begun to offset the high cost of providing downloaded provincial
community health and social services, it was viewed as a potential source of some relief for cash-
strapped municipalities. Premier McGuinty has acknowledged the fiscal challenges that Ontario
municipalities are struggling with and he has made a strong commitment to addressing them within the
broader context of reforming the "fiscal architecture" shared by the Federal, Provincial and Municipal
orders of government. AMO supports these efforts and continues to call on the Provincial government
to work with AMO to create a viable plan to restore fiscal sustainability for Ontario municipalities over a
manageable period of time.
Highlights of interest to municipalities:
The general structure of the 2001 Act has been maintained which will assist municipalities in their
work with the legislation.
Enhanced Powers
. Broad permissive powers in the following areas:
o Governance structure within the municipality including local boards with some
restrictions
o Accountability and transparency of the municipality and its operations and those of its
local boards
o Financial management of the municipality and its local boards
o Public assets of the municipality acquired for the purpose of exercising its authority
o Economic, social and environmental well-being of the municipality
o Health, safety and well-being of persons
o Services and things that the municipality is authorized to provide under subsection (1)
o Protection of persons and property, including consumer protection
o Animals
o Structures including fences and signs
o Business licensing
-2-
· The Spheres of Jurisdiction from the 2001 Act are also continued as is the rule related to those
powers in two-tier situations; additional rules to deal with areas of new broad powers;
· Expanded power to delegate council authority and duties with some restrictions;
. Enhanced powers of entry, abilities to levy fines and penalties.
Accountability
· Permissive authority to establish Codes of Conduct, an Integrity Commissioner, Ombudsman,
Auditor General, and a Lobbyist Registrar;
· Clarity around provisions governing open meetings and when meeting can be in-camera;
. Rules and investigation related to compliance with open meeting rules, including potential role
for Provincial Ombudsman.
Financial and Administrative
. Greater flexibility to collect user fees on a full cost recovery basis and more capital works are
eligible for local improvement charges;
· Added tools for economic development and greater authority for Business Improvement Areas
(BIAs), Community Improvement Plans (CIPs);
· No new tax tools are proposed at this time although Administrative Monetary Penalties
authority is provided;
. Specific, rigid provisions for sale and disposition of land, procurement, notice, among other
matters have been replaced with general requirements for municipalities to adopt their own
policies in these areas.
Background:
Minister Gerretsen first committed to reviewing the Municipal Act in June 2004 and has repeatedly
stated that it is intended to come into effect in December 2006 or January 2007.
AMO promoted broader powers and greater flexibility for municipalities during the discussion with the
Province leading up to the 2001 Act. We continued to promote this framework with Minister Gerretsen
and developed in 2004 the following nine key principles in concert with staff Associations along with a
series of recommendations.
1. Municipalities are responsible and accountable governments.
2. New legislation shall enhance existing municipal powers.
3. The Province shall stop micromanaging municipal governments.
4. Where there is a compelling provincial interest the province shall when regulating municipal
government define at the outset that interest.
5. Provincial legislation shall be drafted with the expectation of responsible municipal government
behaviour and not as a remedial tool.
6. Accountability means mutual respect between municipal government, the Province and other
public agencies.
7. Resources for municipal governments shall be sustainable and commensurate with the level of
responsibility.
8. The Municipal Act shall include principles that will protect the Municipal Act and municipal
powers from all provincial legislation.
9. The Province shall commit to increasing the understanding and awareness of municipal
government within all ministries.
- 3 -
The court$. and provincial governments across Canada have recognized the changing relationship
between-the provinces and their municipalities by recognizing that municipal powers should be
interpreted broadly to confer broad authority on municipalities. AMO had suggested that the Municipal
Act should recQgnize this new relationship and the Bill does that, prQviding for broad interpretation of
municipal powers under the Municipal Act as well as any other Act, which is a key change.
Action: We will review the Bill in detail, provide comments to the Province, and appear before
Standing Committee after the Bill has received Second Reading. We encourage the Opposition
Parties to give this Bill priority so that new councils at the end of the year can operate in a framework
that is more reflective of the courts and the maturity of municipal government
This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca
For more information, contact: Pat Vanini, AMO Executive Director, 416-971-9856 extension 316; or
Scott Vokey, Senior Policy Advisor at 416-971-9856 extension 334
/
f'" /....."............. Ass~c!ati'?~ of
. ". · li-~-'l t - MUniCipalities
.tJL- / of Ontario
Alert
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
June 29, 2006 - Alert 06/035
PROPERTY REASSESSMENTS CANCELLED UNTIL 2008
Issue:
The Provincial Government today announced that property reassessments for 2006 and 2007
would be cancelled, to allow the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) time to
implement the recommendations of the Provincial Ombudsman.
Background:
The March 2006 report of the Ombudsman of Ontario, entitled "Getting it Righf', examined the
integrity and efficiency of decision-making at MPAC, and provided a detailed list of 20
recommendations for MPAC and the Provincial Government to address.
Proposed Changes:
The Province has advised that in order to support MPAC in its implementation of measures to be
undertaken to bring about the recommended changes in the Ombudsman's report, the scheduled
property reassessment schedule would be cancelled for the next two years, until 2008.
AMO's Position:
AMO supports the notion that we all share a common goal of maintaining a property tax system
that is transparent and accountable to taxpayers and municipalities. Part of achieving this goal is
allowing MPAC time to address the recommendations for ongoing improvements to the property
assessment system.
However, AMO has had a long-standing position that the key problem with Ontario's property
assessment and property tax system is what it is required to fund - particularly, the requirement
that over $3 billion in municipal property taxes are used to subsidize provincial income
redistribution programs like social assistance, disability benefits and drug benefits. It is a
fundamental problem unique to Ontario.
Action:
AMO issued the attached news release in response to the Provincial Government announcement.
This information is available in the Policy Issues section of the AMO website at www.amo.on.ca
For more information, contact 416-971-9856: Patricia Swerhone, Senior Policy Advisor, ext. 323.
News Release
Communique
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Ministry of
the Environment
Ministere de
I' Environnement
For Immediate Release
June 7, 2006
PROVINCE SAFEGUARDS DRINKING 'VATER IN HOMES AND SCHOOLS
Clearer, .Alore Flexible Rules rYill Help Ensure Clean Drinking Water For All Ontarians
TORONTO- The McGuinty government has taken another step to safeguard the province's
water supply by improving the rules for drinking water systems, Environment Minister Laurel
Broten announced today.
"All Ontario families want and need the cleanest drinking water possible to keep them healthy,"
said Broten. "By making the rules for operating municipal and private water systems clearer and
more flexible, we are helping ensure safe drinking water for all Ontarians."
Ontario Regulation 170/03 sets water testing and treatment standards for municipal and private
systems that provide water to year-round residences and those systems that serve facilities such
as schools, day cares, health centres and social care facilities. Testing and operating requirements
have been changed to be easier to follow, to provide more treatment options and reduce costs for
smaller systems. The improvements are the result of extensive consultations over the last year
with drinking water experts and with system owners and operators.
"The proposed risk-based changes will not compromise public health, but 'will make operations
more practical," said Ontario Municipal \Vater Association Chair Rob Walton.
"The Ontario Water "lorks Association, along with OMWA, provided extensive constructive
suggestions for improvements of Reg 170 and is pleased to see these revisions come into effect,"
added O\VWA President Wayne Stiver.
This is just one example of how the McGuinty government is safeguarding drinking water to
protect the health of Ontario fatuilies. Other initiatives include:
. Hiring 33 new full-time water inspectors, investigators and compliance staff
. Improving how drinking water systems operators across the province are trained
. Introducing the Clean \Vater Act to help prevent sources of drinking water from getting
contaminated in the first place.
"We are committed to fully protecting Ontario's drinking water," said Broten. "This is a more
workable, cost-eftective approach for O"wners and operators that will maintain a high level of
health protection."
-30-
2
Contacts:
Anne O'Hagan
Minister's Office
(416) 325-5809
John Steele
Communications Branch
(416) 314-6666
Disponible en fi"anr;:ais
VvVV\v.ene.gov.on.ca
Backgrounder
Document d'information
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. .. . .. .' . ", .' '.
Ministry of
the Environment
Ministere de
l'Environnement .
June 7, 2006
AMENDING ONTARIO'S DRINKING 'VATER SYSTEMS REGULATION
Ontariu Regulatiun 170/03
This regulation applies to large and small municipal residential systems and non-municipal year-
round residential systems (e.g., privately owned mobile home parks, tural subdivisions). It also
applies to any system serving a designated facility (e.g., schools, day cares, health care and or
social care facilities).
Amendments to Ontalio Regulation 170/03
The amendments to Reg.170 are risk-based and are designed to safeguard the quality of
Ontario's drinking water, while making the regulation more workable and affordable for
operators of residential drinking water systems and systems serving designated facilities. They
add clarity and flexibility to the testing and operational regimes set out in Reg. 170 and in some
cases, could reduce the cost of regulatory compliance. The amendments include:
Testing:
. Greater flexibility for timing oftesting chlorine residual in water distribution systems.
. Clearer and less frequent microbiological testing requirements for designated facilities, small
municipal residential and non-municipal year-round residential systems.
. Less frequent testing for chemical parameters at small municipal residential systems and
systems serving mobile home parks and rural subdivisions.
. Clearer definitions of tenns such as weekly, bi-weekly and monthly to remove confusion
about how often testing must be done.
COlTective action:
. Clearer and updated corrective actions in response to adverse water quality to better focus on
appropriate measures when there may be a risk to drinking water.
. Clearer direction on adverse conditions and cOlTective action related to chlorine residual in
the distribution system.
Operational requirements:
. Exemption fi-om treatment option for groundwater-based systems serving private year-round
residential systems that meet strict safety conditions set out in the regulation.
. Providing small municipal residential and private year-round residential systems with the
option of using point of entty treatment as an altemative to centralized treatment and
distribution of water, subject to following the requirements set out in the regulation.
. Mandatory registt'ation of all systems subject to Reg. 170 to ensure the ministry has
infOlmation about the system.
. Eliminating the requirement for an Engineer's Report (former schedule 20), for municipal
residential systems. Elements of this report \vill eventually be captured under a new
comprehensive licensing regime as recommended by Justice O'Connor.
. For systems that require an Engineering Evaluation Report instead of an approval (e.g.,
private year-round residential systems and systems serving a designated facility), eliminating
the requirement for ongoing update reports to be done on a five or 10 year cycle. Owners
who alter their system in the future are still required to submit an Engineering Evaluation
RepOli.
. Clear requirements to ensure that systems using hauled water have properly constmcted and
maintained cistems to protect drinking water.
. Flexibility for performing operational checks within all systems except large mll11icipal
residential systems.
hnpl'oving dtinking water .-egulation in Ontatio
Amending Reg.170 is one of the steps in the govemment's plan to improve the regulation of
drinking water systems. In May 2005, the govenunent alU10unced its proposal to make public
health units responsible for ensuring facilities such as churches, cOllU1mnity halls, bed and
breakfasts and tourist outfitters have safe drinking water.
On June 3, 2005, systems serving non-residential and seasonal residential uses became subject to
Ontario Regulation 252/05. The new regulation establishes a basic regulatory framework
focused on maintaining a level of microbiological testing, repOliing and con-ective action that
provides a high level of public health protection while reducing the financial burden on owners.
The Ministty of the Environment will continue to oversee these systems until the intended
tt-ansfer to the public health units.
For more infOlmation about the amendments to the regulation please visit
Will) /'\v\V\v:ene..,gQv .on.cal envision/water/~d\~ dwsr .1).1m.
-30-
Contacts:
Anne O'Hagan
:Minister's Office
(416) 325-5809
John Steele
Communications Branch
(416) 314-6666
Disponible enfi-am;ais
www.ene.gov.on.ca
~
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities
Cabinet du ministre des Transports,
de l'lnfrastructure et des Collectivites
Ottawa, Canada K1A ON5
JUN 0 2 2006
Mrs. Sandra J. Heffren
Deputy Clerk
The Corporation of
the County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas ON N5R 5Vl
~
J
Dear Mrs. Heffren:
The Prime Minister's Office forwarded your correspondence of March 15,2006 to the
Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities,
regarding your council's adoption of a motion to make the federal gas tax funding for
municipalities a permanent program. Minister Cannon has asked me to reply on his
behalf.
As the Minister of Finance, the Honourable James Flaherty, announced in Budget 2006,
the Government of Canada is committed to the existing gas tax agreements between
federal and provincial-territorial governments. The government is also providing the tools
and services to build vibrant communities for all Canadians, no matter where they live,
for example: $5 billion from the gas tax to communities to support environmentally
sustainable municipal infrastructure over five years, including over $1.85 billion for the
Province of Ontario; $1.3 billion to support public transit; a 100% GST rebate for all
municipalities; $2.4 billion for the creation of a new Highways and Borders Infrastructure
Fund; and the renewal of both the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund and the
Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.
Minister Cannon recognizes that no one order of government can tackle the issues facing
our communities alone. The combined efforts of provincial, territorial and municipal
governments all contribute to Canada's success.
Yours truly,
~~w~
Andrew Walasek
Special Assistant - Ontario
03-0388 (0602-01)
Canada
JUN =' 6 2[]06
THE
CO llIEGlt
OF
JPHYSXOANS
AND
SUJRGltONS
OF
ONtARXO
June 1,2006
80 COLLEGE STREET, TORONTO, CANADA MSG 2E2
Dave Rock
Warden
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Dr.
St. Thomas, ON N5R 5Vl
FAX: (416) 961-3330
TOll FREE: (800) 268-7096
TEL: (416) 967-2600
Dear Warden:
A number of municipal councils throughout Ontario have recently passed resolutions regarding improving
access to family physicians in Ontario. We would like to take this opportunity to provide you and your
fellow Council members with an overview of the actions that the College of Physicians and Surgeons of
Ontario has been taking to increase the number of licensed physicians in Ontario, as well as convey our
2005 registration statistics.
The core function of the College is to regulate the medical profession in the public interest. This includes
ensuring that anyone who receives a license to practise medicine in Ontario has the skills and training to
do so safely and effectively. We issue certificates of registration to doctors to allow them to practise
medicine, monitor and maintain standards of practice through peer assessment and remediation,
investigate complaints against doctors on behalf of the public, and discipline doctors who are guilty of
professional misconduct or incompetence.
One of our top priorities for the last few years has been to find creative ways to address the lack of
physicians in this province. Past initiatives have included the publication of Tackling the Doctor
Shortage, a discussion paper providing recommendations directed to government and all stakeholders,
including the College, that were designed to increase access to physicians. A copy of the paper is
available at: www.cpso.on.ca/lnfoyhysicians/physres.htm. Our initiatives have included working with
Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Government of Canada and other partners to
develop new pathways for foreign-trained physicians to become licensed to practice medicine in Ontario.
As a result, we have had a number of recent successes as illustrated by our 2005 registration statistics.
For example, 2005 marked the second year in a row that the College granted more medical licenses to
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) than Ontario medical school graduates. This includes 1,082
certificates issued to IMGs, graduating from 91 different countries. Also, the total number of certificates
issued in 2005 was the highest annual total in 20 years. A copy of our 2005 registration statistics is
enclosed.
However, we recognize that more work must be done. Our 2004 and preliminary 2005 annual member
survey results clearly demonstrate that much greater action and attention by government and other health
stakeholders is immediately required to ensure patient access to medical care. The number of general
practitioners accepting new patients dropped from 39% in 2000 to 16.5% in 2004. We believe that this
percentage has decreased even further in 2005.
To increase the number of physicians in Ontario, we continue to advocate for the government to increase
enrolment at Ontario's medical schools and post-graduate training positions. While the government has
moved forward on these initiatives, we would like these spots to be further increased to address the future
growing health care needs of our population.
.. ./2
The best quality care for the people of Ontario by the doctors of Ontario
June 1, 2006 - Page two
I COllEGlE
I ~lHlYS[crrANS
AND
SURGlEONS
OF
ONTAR[O
We are also pleased that in 2006, the government allowed IMGs to apply for residency positions in
Ontario during their final year of medical school. This included Canadian/Ontarian residents who were
studying abroad. We are requesting that this policy is repeated in 2007.
In addition, the launch of IMG-Ontario, which provides access to professional practice in Ontario for
IMGs who meet the Ontario regulatory requirements, has been a great success. We are requesting that the
government continue to support this initiative.
Furthermore, we are pleased of the government's recently announced new health human resources
strategy, HealthForceOntario. The strategy includes a commitment to repatriate physicians from Ontario
who have left to work in other jurisdictions within North America. We are supportive of this direction
and look forward to learning more about the specifics of the plan.
Other initiatives that we have been advocating to the provincial government include the creation of a
health human resources planning body and the consideration of potential collaborative care models.
We look forward to continuing to working with government and other stakeholders to address these
challenges. Moreover, we at the College recognize the important contributions many municipalities are
making towards finding creative solutions that meet the unique needs of their communities. We also
encourage you to work with government, as we are, to improve patient access to physicians.
On a final note, we are aware that your constituents may contact you to discuss being unable to find a
doctor. The College's Doctor Search Service may be able to help. In fact, the College is the only
organization in the province that offers this service for members of the public. Doctor Search can be
accessed by telephoning (416) 967-2626 or 1-800-268-7096 ext. 626, or by visiting www.cpso.on.ca.
We would greatly appreciate it if you would share this information with your colleagues in your
municipal council. We hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
(J~.~
\(
Dale Mercer, MD, FRCSC
President
Rocco Gerace, MD
Registrar
c. Hon. George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
Brad Sinclair, Chief of Staff to the Minister
Abid Malik, Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister
Dr. Joshua Tepper, ADM, Health Human Resource Strategy Division
Pat Vanini, Executive Director, Association of Municipalities of Ontario
The best quality care for the people of Ontario by the doctors of Ontario
80 COLLEGE STREET, TORONTO, CANADA M5G 2E2
College issues most licenses in two decades
THE
COllEGE
OF
PlHIYSrrCrrANS
AND
SURGEONS
OF
ONrARrrO
FAX: (416) 961-8035
TOLL F~EE: (800) 268-7096 EXT. 611
TEL: (416) 967-2611
For immediate release
February 1, 2006 - The number of certificates of registration (medical licenses) issued in 2005 by the
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) was the highest number in 20 years. In addition, for
the past two years, a greater number of licenses were granted to international medical graduates (IMGs) than
Ontario graduates.
"Last year, 39% of licenses were issued to IMGs, compared to only 27% in 1995. Further, IMGs continue to
represent 25% of the total CPSO membership," said College President Dr. Dale Mercer. The CPSO also
issued certificates to IMGs who received their medical education from 91 different countries.
"Ontario is beginning to reap the rewards of new CPSO registration policies and programs introduced to
increase physician resources," said Mercer. Since 2002, 523 applicants have been issued practice certificates
under these new policies and programs. "We are working from the premise that all solutions must maintain
our existing standards of registration," said Mercer.
"The College is dedicated to doing our part to increase the supply of physicians and challenges others, most
particularly the government of Ontario, to do the same. Continuing to reduce barriers to the recruitment,
registration, training, and education of doctors in this province is one of our top priorities," said Mercer.
The College believes that even more action needs to be taken and recommends that the government of
Ontario, in its upcoming budget, should:
. Increase domestic capacity further by significantly increasing enrolment at Ontario medical schools;
. Allow Canadian residents studying at international medical schools to apply for residency positions in
their final year of medical school;
. Continue to provide the necessary financial support to ensure that every IMG can be fairly assessed,
and if eligible, provided with training;
. Market Ontario as a great place for health professionals to work and encourage Ontario physicians
practising elsewhere to return;
. Create a health human resources planning body.
"Fully 10% of the CPSO membership is practising outside of Ontario," said Mercer. The College encourages
the government to establish a goal of sustainability of physician human resources as it transforms the health
system in Ontario. For more information, see Physician Resource Initiatives on the College website,
www.cpso.on.ca. under What's New.
~30-
"The best quality carefor the people of Ontario by the doctors of Ontario "
Media Inquiries:
Kathryn Clarke
(416) 967-2600ext. 378
kclarke@cpso.on.ca
Louise Verity
(416) 967-2600 ext. 466
lverity@cpso.on.ca
Backgrounder:
2005 CPSO Registration Statistics
i'i'Hf:
I COttJEGE
, OF
IlPlHIYS[CHANS
I AND
SURGlEONS
Of
I ONl'AIRlIO
I. Key Registration Statistics (all classes)
. 2,747 certificates of registration were issued, the second highest number in
CPSO history.
. The total number of certificates issued annually has nearly doubled in the past 10 years.
. Of the 31,625 total CPSO membership, 3,228 (10%) are practising in the US or another
Canadian province.
Number of certificates issued (all classes) by source of medical degree:
Ontario
Canada
USA
International
Total
1,065
550
50
1.082
2,747
(39% )
(20%) (excludes Ont.)
(2%)
(39%)
10-YEAR TREND: Number of certificates issued (all classes):
1995
2000
2002
2,511
2,638
2,747
2001
1,556
2,281
2,402
2,144
2003
2004
2005
. For the past two years, more certificates were issued to IMGs than to Ontario graduates.
. 1,082 certificates were issued to IMGs, a 160% increase over the number issued in 1995.
. 39% of all certificates were issued to IMGs compared to 27% in 1995.
. The CPSO issued certificates to IMGs who obtained their medical degrees from medical
schools in 91 different countries.
. IMGs represent 25% of the total CPSO membership.
10-YEAR TREND: Number of certificates issued (IMGs):
1995
2000
2002
2001
2003
2004
2005
419
602
750
828
962
1,069
1,082
II. Practice Certificates of Registration
Note: Practice certificates include full independent practice, academic practice, and
restricted practice certificates (excludes postgraduate education class).
. 1,156 practice certificates were issued, the highest number since 1993.
. Of the 1,156 practice certificates issued, 82% (952) were full independent practice
certificates, the highest number issued since 1993.
. Ofthe 373 practice certificates issued to IMGs, 215 were full independent practice
certificates, the highest number issued since 1991.
Practice certificates issued by source of medical degree:
Ontario
Canada
USA
International
Total
479
282
22
373
1,156
(41%)
(24%) (excludes Ont.)
(2%)
(33%)
10-YEAR TREND: Number of practice certificates issued:
1995
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
518
924
973
1,022
1,035
1,111
1,156
III. CPSO Registration Policies
. The CPSO approved the issuance of 523 practice certificates since 2002 under new
registration policies and programs introduced to increase physician resources (e.g.,
Assistant Professor policy, Restricted Registration policy, and Registration Through
Practice Assessment program.
. Certificates are generally granted if specified conditions are met, and/or eligible applicants
practice under supervision.
. Without these policies and programs, most of the 523 applicants would not have been
issued a practice certificate.
Practice certificates approved under CPSO registration policies:
2002
2003
2004
2005
92
118
166
147
IV. Postgraduate Education Certificates
Note: A postgraduate education certificate is the class of license issued after graduation from
medical school while the holder is in training, under supervision, in a teaching setting.
. 1,591 postgraduate education certificates were issued, the highest number in CPSO history.
. The number of postgraduate education certificates issued annually has increased every year
since 1997.
. The number of postgraduate certificates issued increased by 4% over last year, and 53%
over 1995.
. IMGs received 44% of the postgraduate education certificates issued.
Postgraduate education certificates issued by source of medical degree:
Ontario
Canada
USA
International
Total
586
268
28
709
1,591
(37% )
(17%) (excludes Ont.)
(2%)
(44%)
10-YEAR TREND: Number of postgraduate education certificates issued:
1995
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
1,038
1,220
1,308
1,380
1,476
1,527
1,591
V. Issuances to IMGs in 2005, by Country
i. Practice Certificates
1.lndia-44
2. Egypt - 39
3. UK - 32
4. South Africa - 27
5. Pakistan - 19
6. Nigeria - 17
7. Iraq -14
8. Iran - 11
9. Libya - 11
10. Romania - 11
IMGs receiving a
practice certificate most
frequently obtained their
medical degree from
the following ten
countries.
ii. Postgraduate Certificates
1. India - 88
2. Saudi Arabia - 81
3. UK -42
4. Australia - 36
5. Iran - 34
6. Libya - 30
7. Pakistan - 29
8. Egypt - 27
9. Ireland - 25
10. Germany - 20
IMGs receiving a postgraduate
education certificate most
frequently obtained their
medical degree from the
following ten countries.
Ministry of Citizenship
and Immigration
400 University Avenue
Toronto ON M7A 2R9
Ministere des Affaires civiques
et de l'lmmigration
400, avenue University
Toronto ON M7A 2R9
@ Ontario
June, 2006
JUN \ 5 2006
4826
Mr. James McIntyre
34641 Fifth Line, R.R. #3
Shedden, ON NOL 2EO
Dear Mr. McIntyre:
Thank you for having nominated Mr. Ken Verrell for the 2005 Order of Ontario.
All nomination material will be forwarded to the Advisory Council which will meet
later in the year to review it and make recommendations for appointment to the 2005
Order of Ontario. When the recommendations are confirmed, each successful
candidate and his/her nominator will be notified personally by telephone. All other
candidates will be contacted by mail following the investiture ceremony.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Glenda Milrod in the Ontario
Honours and Awards Secretariat (phone: 416-314-2043; fax: 416-314-7743).
Thank you once again for having submitted your nomination.
Sincerely,
~
Rachele Dabraio
Director
Citizenship Branch
42-054
WESTERN ONTARIO
WARDENS' CAUCUS
Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2006
EASTERN AND WESTERN WARDENS "ON-SIDE" WITH MCGUINTY
Grey County - Wardens representing 28 counties from Eastern and Western Ontario
are united in their support for the provincial government's efforts to get a fair financial
deal from the federal government.
"The Premier's drive to get a fair and reasonable deal on equalization, one that
will address the fiscal imbalance, has our wholehearted support," said Robert Sweet,
Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus (EOWC) and Warden of Renfrew
County, following the wardens' semi-annual joint caucus session June 9 in the Town of
Blue Mountains.
"Both of our caucuses recognize the immediate need to fix the system of transfers
to the province from Ottawa, so that Ontario is not further disadvantaged," said Donald
Woolcott, Chair of the Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus (WOWC) and Warden of
Oxford County.
Even as wardens backed Premier Dalton McGuinty in his fiscal fight with the federal
government, they also met directly during their session with provincial Conservative
leader John Tory, and discussed the pressing need for fundamental change in how
municipal services are delivered and financed.
The meeting with Mr. Tory on provincial funding matters was "frank and direct,"
said Warden Woolcott. "He certainly seemed to have a solid understanding of the
difficulties we face." Fifty percent of every property-tax dollar from the counties goes to
the provincial government for education and to fund provincial social and health
programs.
Warden Sweet said the Conservative opposition leader committed his party -
should they form the next provincial government - to begin "immediately" to
- 2-
establish a process for remedying the financial burden taxpayers bear annually when
they pick up $3.2 billion in provincial costs through their property taxes.
"Frankly, we cannot wait much longer, regardless of who is at the head of the next
provincial government," said Warden Woolcott.
In other business, the wardens:
· Called on the provincial government to fully honour its commitment to fund long
term care at a level of $6,000 per resident, as promised in the last election
campaign;
· Continued to press for a program of payment in lieu of taxes to cover the cost of
maintaining 2 million acres of unpatented Crown lands in Eastern Ontario - land
that requires expensive municipal police, fire and ambulance services;
· Called for the full exemption of paramedics from Part VII of the provincial
Employment Standards Act - covering hours of work and eating periods -
because operating ambulance services without this exemption is costly and
unworkable;
· Demanded restoration of proper funding for residential farm tax properties,
inasmuch as the provincial government's new funding formula has resulted in
millions of dollars of lost tax revenue to counties across the province.
The Eastern Ontario and Western Ontario Wardens' caucuses represents 28
counties and single-tier municipalities and their 3.2 million residents.
-30-
For more information:
Robert Sweet
EOWC Chair & Warden, Renfrew County
(613) 735-7288
Donald Woolcott
WOWC Chair & Warden, County of Oxford
(519)539-9800
elgin
st.thomas
health unit
99 Edward Street
St. Thomas, Ontario
N5P 1 Y8
Telephone: (519)631-9900
Toll Free Telephone: 1-800-922-0096
Fax: (519) 633-0468
www.elginhealth.on.ca
Monday, June 26,2006
J' ",-', '" '" "''''06
^ i' ~ \ ; .IF ~',:! h. ,\i I:
Ui~ I!m iJ 6,IJI
Mr. Mark McDonald
Chief Administrative Officer
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, ON
N5R 5V1
Dear Mark:
RE: 2005 FINANCIAL YEAR
The Board of Health approved the audited statements for the period ending
December 31,2005 and a copy of those statements is attached.
Please note that the statements reflect a surplus for that period. After the Board
satisfied its policy with respect to reserve funds (topping up the fund each year to
a maximum of 5% of the total annual budget for that year), an additional
$91,065.82 is owing to the County of Elgin. A cheque in that amount is enclosed.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact me at 519-631-
3159, ext. 202.
Warmest regards,
Cynthia St. John
Chief Administrative officer
c. Mary Ens, Accounting Supervisor, Elgin St. Thomas Health Unit
J U [\1 ~ f'\.... nM16
W'il t;". \;di b'.;.)'1i:;:!
ELGIN-ST. THOMAS HEALTH UNIT
Financial Statements
Year Ended December 31, 2005
and Auditors' Report to the Board of Health,
Members of Council, Inhabitants and Ratepayers of the
participating municipalities of the County of Elgin and the
City of St. Thomas
RAVEN&SHAWLLP
Chartered Accountants
204-460 Wellington Street
St. Thomas, ON N5R 6H9
Telephone: (519) 631-8250
Telephone: (519) 637-3500
Facsimile: (519) 631-8919
AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Health, Members of Council,
Inhabitants and Ratepayers of the participating
municipalities of the County of Elgin and
the City of St. Thomas:
We have audited the statement of financial position of the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit as at
December 31, 2005 and the statements of financial activities and cash flows for the year then ended.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Health Unit's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those
standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit as at December 31, 2005 and the results of its operations and
cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with the accounting principles disclosed in note 1
to the financial statements.
~y
Chartered Accountants
March 11, 2006
- 1 -
ELGIN-ST. THOMAS HEALTH UNIT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
DECEMBER 31. 2005
2005 2004
FINANCIAL ASSETS
Cash $1,152,835 $1,284,886
Accounts receivable 58,889 67,667
Other assets 14.410 13.837
$1.226.134 $1.366.390
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Due to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
$ 670,589
125.878
$ 572,211
292.093
796.467
864.304
FUND BALANCES
Reserve - Environmental Program (Note 5)
Reserve - contingencies
Surplus
43,150 52,951
216,602 198,711
169.915 250.424
429.667 502.086
$1.226.134 $1.366.390
Approved by the Board:
...4.~~~..
~.-....
mber
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
- 2-
ELGIN-ST. THOMAS HEALTH UNIT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31. 2005
2005 2004
REVENUES
Operating grants
Municipal
County of Elgin $1,232,809 $1,277,950
City of St. Thomas 856.698 888.067
2,089,507 2,166,017
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (Note 2) 4.066.732 3.093.913
Total operating grants 6.156.239 5.259.930
Other
Environmental program - user fees 50,325 58,050
- property enquiries 6,625 6,750
Rentals 58,555 60,620
Other fees and recoveries 33,313 34,949
Clinics 13,508 15,026
Interest 25,121 16,748
West Nile Virus - municipal contributions 37.939 26.650
Total other revenues 225.386 218.793
TOTAL REVENUES 6,381,625 5,478,723
EXPENDITURES - SCHEDULE 6.221.511 5.232.540
EXCESS OF REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES 160,114 246,183
TRANSFER FROM RESERVES (Note 5) 9.801 4.241
NET REVENUES FOR THE YEAR 169,915 250,424
SURPLUS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 250,424 259,953
TRANSFERS OF SURPLUS (Note 6) (250.424) (259.953)
SURPLUS, END OF YEAR $ 169.915 $ 250.424
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
- 3 -
ELGIN - ST. THOMAS HEALTH UNIT
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31. 2005
2005 2004
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN):
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Excess of revenues over expenditures $ 160,114 $ 246,183
Change in non-cash items:
Accounts receivable 8,778 15,153
Other assets (573) (1,004)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 98,378 119,769
Deferred revenue (14,887)
Due to Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care 066.215) 100.801
Cash provided by operating activities 100,482 466,015
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Surplus returned to municipalities (232.533) (61.242)
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH POSITION (132,051) 404,773
CASH POSITION, BEGINNING OF YEAR 1.284.886 880.113
CASH POSITION, END OF YEAR $1.152.835 $1.284.886
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
-4-
ELGIN-ST. THOMAS HEALTH UNIT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31. 2005
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial statements of the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit are the representations of
management prepared in accordance with local government accounting standards established by
the Public Sector Accounting Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. The
following are the Health Unit's significant accounting policies:
Accrual Accounting
Revenues and expenditures are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Revenues are
recognized as they are earned and measurable. Expenditures are recognized as they are incurred
and measurable as a result of receipt of goods or services and the creation of a legal obligation
to pay.
Capital Assets
The historical cost and accumulated depreciation of capital assets are not reported in these
financial statements in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
(Ministry) funding guidelines. Amounts expended to purchase such assets are included in
expenditures on the statement of financial activities.
2. MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND LONG-TERM CARE GRANTS
2005 2004
Mandatory program allocation
Other Ministry program funding:
Healthy Babies Healthy Children
Early Childhood Development
Smoke Free Ontario
Infection Control
Healthy at Heart
Influenza immunization program
West Nile Virus
integrated Public Health Information System
Outbreak of Diseases
Hepatitis A Vaccine program
Safe Drinking Water
$2,359,934 $1,923,819
693,458
321,477
252,920
175,760
71,712
56,826
56,074
43,143
35,428
627,843
314,410
116,679
33,530
30,754
42,965
2,910
1.003
$4,066,732 $3,093,913
- 5 -
ELGIN-ST. THOMAS HEALTH UNIT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31. 2005
3. POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The Health Unit makes contributions to the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement Fund
(OMERS), which is a multi-employer plan, on behalf of its employees. The plan is a
contributory defined benefit plan which specifies the amount of the retirement benefit to be
received by the employees based on the length of service and rates of pay. The amount
contributed to OMERS for 2005 was $203,666 (2004 - $179,878).
4. RESERVE - ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM
2005 2004
Balance, beginning of year $52,951 $57,192
Revenue
Transfer (to) from operations (9.801) (4.241 )
Balance, end of year $43.150 $52.951
As approved at the Board of Health meeting of June 7, 2005, the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit
discontinued offering their services under Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code after October 31,
2005. Effective November 1,2005, the services under this program will be performed by the
local municipalities within the County of Elgin.
The balance of the environmental reserve of$43,150 will be distributed to the local
municipalities within the County of Elgin.
5. ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM
2005 2004
Income
User fees $56.950 $64.800
Expenditures
Salaries and benefits 55,848 64,875
Other program costs 10.903 4.166
66.751 69.041
Transfer (from) reserve for environmental program $ (9.801) $ (4.241)
- 6 -
ELGIN-ST. THOMAS HEALTH UNIT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31. 2005
6. TRANSFERS OF SURPLUS
2005 2004
Surplus returned to municipalities
County of Elgin
City of St. Thomas
$137,195 $ 36,133
95.338 25.109
232,533 61,242
17.891 198.711
$250.424 $259.953
Transfer to reserve for contingencies
The Board of Health has approved the creation of a reserve for contingencies to meet
unforeseen program or corporate expenditures. The balance of the reserve is not to exceed 5%
of the total annual budget.
7. LEASE COMMITMENT
The Health Unit leases office space under a lease agreement with the County of Elgin. The
minimum annual rental under this agreement for the year 2006 is $513,469.
8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Management estimates that the fair values of all financial assets and liabilities as recorded in
the statement of financial position approximate their carrying amounts due to the short-term
maturities of these instruments.
9. COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Certain of the comparative figures in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform
to financial statement presentation adopted in the current year.
-7-
ELGIN-ST. THOMAS HEALTH UNIT
SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31. 2005
- 8 -
ELGIN-ST. THOMAS HEALTH UNIT
SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31. 2005
Equipment
Program materials and supplies
Rent and utility services
Building rent
Maintenance and supplies
Utilities
Property taxes and insurance
Administrative
Public awareness and promotion
Professional development
Printing and supplies
Insurance
Telephone
Fees and subscriptions
Staff recruitment
Equipment maintenance and rental
Postage
Bank charges
Courier
Total mandatory program expenditures
Other program expenditures
Healthy Babies Healthy Children
Early Childhood Development
Smoke Free Ontario
Infection Control
West Nile Virus
Healthy at Heart
Outbreaks of Diseases
integrated Public Health Information System
Hepatitis A Vaccine Program
Safe Drinking Water
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
- 9-
2005 2004
$ 39.917 $ 34.613
121.844
89.752
472,844 402,395
66,885 43~055
52,179 41,802
19.737 13.748
611.645 501.000
45,657 32,543
34,066 29,918
31,906 27,428
25,308 23,171
24,792 24,864
13,788 12,414
11 , 1 06 5,899
8,692 14,977
7,073 8,447
6,920 6,692
2.131 3.385
211.439 189.738
4.533.509 4.066.415
693,548 627,935
321,477 314,410
252,920
175,760 116,679
94,014 69,615
71,712 33,573
35,428
43,143
2,910
1.003
1.688.002 1.166.125
$6.221.511 $5.232.540
Richard J. Beachey, B.A.
Deputy City Clerk
Wendell Graves
City Clerk
nm CORPORATION OPnIE em' OF
Office of the Clerk
P.O.Box 5~0, City Hall
St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7
Telephone: (519) 631-1680 Ext. 122
Fax: (519) 633-9019
ST. THOMAS
June 15th, 2006
Dr. Sheela V. Basrur
Chief Medical Officer of Health and
Assistant Deputy Minister
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
Public Health Division
11 th Floor, Hepburn Block
80 Grosvenor Street
Toronto, ON M7A lR3
JUN 2 0 2006
Re: Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit - Capacity Review Committee Final Report
Dear Dr. Basrur:
Please be advised that the Council of the Corporation of the City of St. Thomas passed the
following resolution on June 12th, 2006:
"THAT: The Council of the Corporation of the City ofSt. Thomas supports the Elgin St. Thomas
Board of Health's letter to Dr. Sheela Basrur, Chief Medical Officer of Health and Assistant
Deputy Minister, regarding the Final Report of the Capacity Review Committee."
Should you require further information feel free to contact Cindy Bezaire, Administrative Clerk,
at 631-1680 ext 4122.
Sincerely,
Cindy Bezaire
Administrative Clerk
pic: Cynthia St. John, Elgin St. Thomas Health Unit
Hon. Steve Peters, MPP
: Elgin County Council
encl.
.
SENATE
j' 'e') ( ~
lhlJ t." n U.c
SENAT
The Honourable Mac Harb
CANADA
[/ ?'<~ ':n"~\ ~'1'~'i'::<:""'"i:'::;'~ U, ~'~!~:'iE
" 'T''''''''''>'' I' "'" ",' \\, ',' ,
"'{r;;~;::-{:~~~~:viiJ ~ tfLf"i& H ~li
L'honorable Mac H~i'rb "
June 16, 2006
Dear Friends,
I am very pleased to inform you that the Motion I tabled calling for a Smoke-Free Canada
was unanimously passed in the Senate on June 7, 2006. The Senators came together to
call on the federal government to protect Canadians from second-hand smoke by
introducing legislation which bans smoking areas in enclosed workplaces under federal
jurisdiction
With it in the House of Commons for debate, I would like to call on you and any
supporters that you have identified through your organization to bring your views and
support to the government:
Prime Minister Stephen Harper: Harper.S@parl.gc.ca
Hon. Bill Graham, Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons:
Graham.B@parl.gc.ca
Hon. Tony Clement, Minister of Health, Clement.T@parl.gc.ca
Your efforts at this point in time will assist in bringing this to the attention ofthose who
will move this forward to a point where we could see comprehensive smoke-free
legislation enacted.
Together we can bring make Canada just one step closer to becoming Smoke-Free.
Sincerely,
;Cell C-
Hon. Mac Harb
Senator
Tel. / Tel. (613) 996-2379
Fax / Telec. (6132996-2318
1-800-267-7362
~
-,.,,,;--,.'
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6/22/2006 1:47
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Fax Server
FCM
Fedcl:ation of Canadian Municipaliu..
June 22,2006
MEMBERS' ADVISORY
FCM RELEASES SIX-POINT PLAN TO FIGHT FISCAL IMBALANCE
FCM released its report on the municipal fiscal imbalance, "Building Prosperity from the Ground Up:
Restoring the Municipal Fiscal Balance" on June 21. The full document can be downloaded at
www.fcm.ca.This report follows from the Prime Minister's campaign commitment to work with
provinces/territories and "municipal representatives" to fix the fiscal imbalance.
One of the report's key findings is that the municipal fiscal imbalance had been pushed off the
balance sheet and onto our streets. Public accounts do not capture the municipal fiscal imbalance.
Municipalities must, by law, balance their books. Therefore, the municipal fiscal imbalance is
measured primarily by lost opportunities an d deferred infrastructure expenditures.
This report also illustrates how, in addition to an exploding infrastructure deficit, the principal cost
drivers of the municipal fiscal imbalance are non-traditional responsibilities for which the property tax
is not an adequate source of revenue.
Finally, this report demonstrates that, in the absence of an updated fiscal tool kit, these increased
demands and responsibilities create a vicious circle that undermines critical investment in municipal
infrastructure, creating a massive infrastructure deficit
This report does not recommend a definitive or singular remedy for the municipal fiscal imbalance.
Instead, it outlines six elements essential to the establishment of a national approach that respects
provincial/territorial jurisdiction but addresses the fiscal challenges facing municipalities today.
As part of the process leading to this report, FCM President Gloria Kovach met with all provincial
and territorial ministers responsible for local govemment as well as with the Prime Minister. The goal
was to inform and engage them in the discussion on the municipal fiscal imbalance. With the release
of the report, we now look forward to hearing their responses.
Our report was prepared by FCM staff, with contributions from some of Canada's leading experts on
municipal and public finance.
For more information on the FCM report, please contact Massimo Bergamini, Director, Policy,
Advocacy and Communications (613) 907-6247.
Canada-Ontario
Municipal Rural
Infrastructure Fund
Fonds sur I'infrastructure
municipale rurale
Canada-Ontario
June 20, 2006
Mark McDonald
CAO
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Dr.
St. Thomas, ON
N5R 5V1
Dear Mark McDonald :
The governments of Canada and Ontario and
the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
(AMO) are pleased to announce the priorities
and timelines for Intake Three of the Canada-
Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund
(COMRIF).
Together with municipal contributions, the total
investment in local infrastructure improvements
for the third intake will exceed $139 million. As
set out in the COMRIF Agreement, less than
half the funding allocated for each of the first two
intakes is available for Intake Three. Intake
Three provides the remaining 16 percent, or
over $93 million, of federal-provincial funding
available through COMRIF.
COMRIF Joint Secretariat
1 Stone Road West, 4NW
Guelph ON N1G 4Y2
Website: www.comrif.ca
Email: info@comrif.ca
Telephone:
Telephone:
Facsimile:
Secretariat conjoint du FIMRCO
1. chemin Stone Ouest, 4N.-0.
Guelph ON N1G 4Y2
Site Web: www.fimrco.ca
Courrie I: info@fimrco.ca
1866 306-1821
1866 306-1821
519 826-4336 Telecopieur:
Le 20 juin 2006
,-
JU'~,j
Monsieur Mark McDonald :
Les gouvernements du Canada et de l'Ontario
ainsi que l'Association des municipalites de
I'Ontario (AMO) sont heureux d'annoncer les
priorites et I'echeancier de la troisieme periode
de reception des demandes du Fonds sur
I'infrastructure municipale rurale Canada-
Ontario (FIMRCO).
Avec les contributions municipales, la valeur
totale des investissements consentis dans Ie
cadre de la troisieme periode de reception des
demandes pour ameliorer les infrastructures
locales sera superieure a 139 millions de
dollars. Tel que precise dans l'Entente
concernant Ie FIMRCO, moins de la moitie du
financement affecte a chacune des deux
periodes precedentes est disponible pour la
troisieme periode de reception des demandes.
La troisieme periode fournit Ie reste du
financement federal-provincial disponible dans
Ie cadre du FIMRCO, so it 16 p. 100 ou plus de
93 millions de dollars.
Canada
@ Ontario
The priorities for Intake Three are the same as
in intakes One and Two: local bridges and
roads, solid waste management, water and
wastewater (Le., sewage).
As for intakes One and Two, the criteria for
project selection are health and safety, public
policy priorities and value for money. In the
review of Intake Three projects, equal emphasis
will be placed on health and safety and the
quality of a project in addressing public policy
priorities.
Only those projects that best meet these criteria,
including support for federal and provincial
policy directions such as investing in regional
water and sewage systems, sustainable water
and sewage systems (Le. full-cost recovery),
reducing greenhouse gases, economic
development and increased waste diversion, will
be selected for funding.
The guidebook, application, business case and
technical schedules are all available at
www.comrif.ca.
Intake Three applications must be received by
September 13, 2006, 5:00 p.m. EST.
To access the online system, a personal user
identification code and password are required,
which you will find in the enclosed envelope. As
a security measure, you will be sent a new
personal identification code. The first time you
enter the online system, you will be asked to
change your password. Please set it to a value
that you will remember. It must have a minimum
of eight characters and include a number, but it
is not case sensitive. Should you wish to change
-2-
Les priorites de la troisieme periode de
reception des demandes sont les memes que
celles retenues pour la premiere et la
deuxieme : ponts et routes des localites, gestion
des dechets solides, eau potable et eaux usees
(c.-a-d. d'egout).
Tout comme a la premiere et ala deuxieme
periodes, la sante et la securite, les priorites de
la politique publique et I'optimisation des
ressources serviront a nouveau de criteres pour
la selection de projets. Lors de I'examen des
projets de la troisieme periode, I'accent portera
sur la sante et la securite, en accordant tout
autant d'importance aux qualites inherentes au
projet par rapport aux priorites de la politique
publique.
Seuls les projets se conformant Ie mieux aces
criteres, y compris appuyer les orientations de la
politique federale et provinciale, notamment en
matiere d'investissements dans les reseaux
d'aqueduc et d'egout regionaux et de la viabilite
de ces investissements (a savoir Ie
recouvrement integral des coOts), de reduction
des emissions de gaz a effet de serre, de
developpement economique et de detournement
accru des dechets, seront retenus en vue d'un
financement.
Le Guide du demandeur, Ie formulaire de
demande, Ie plan d'affaire et les annexes
techniques sont tous diffuses dans Ie site
www.fimrco.ca.
Les demandes pour la troisieme periode doivent
etre rec;ues au plus tard Ie 13 septembre 2006
a 17 h HNE.
Un code d'identification de I'utilisateur personnel
et un mot de passe, que vous trouverez dans
l'enveloppe ci-jointe, sont requis pour acceder
au systeme en ligne. Par souci de securite, vous
recevrez un nouveau code d'identification
d'utilisateur personnel. La premiere fois que
vous accederez au systeme en Iigne, vous
serez appele a changer votre mot de passe.
Veuillez choisir un mot de passe facile a retenir.
Celui-ci doit comporter au moins huit caracteres,
Canada
@ Ontario
the person responsible for the applications for
your organization, please contact the COMRIF
Joint Secretariat at the number listed below.
When you apply online, the electronic version is
considered your official submitted version. For
that reason, we ask that your user identification
and password be kept confidential.
If you do not have Internet access, please
contact the COMRIF Joint Secretariat to request
a paper copy.
For those who submitted an application under
intake One or Two, a copy will be available
online for Intake Three, including those who
received full or partial funding. This application
must be either amended or withdrawn before
submitting to Intake Three.
Municipalities that are considering applying for
COMRIF Intake Three are encouraged to
contact the COMRIF Joint Secretariat for more
information before applying. Please visit the
website at www.comrif.ca or call
1-866-306-7827. In Northern Ontario, applicants
may also contact the nearest office of the
Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and
Mines or the Federal Economic Development
Initiative for Northern Ontario (Fed Nor).
- 3 -
peu importe qu'ils soient en majuscules ou en
minuscules, y compris un chiffre. Si vous
desirez confier la responsabilite de la demande
de votre organisation a une autre personne,
veuillez communiquer avec Ie Secretariat
conjoint du FIMRCO au numero indique ci-
dessous.
Lorsque vous soumettez une demande en Iigne,
la version electronique est consideree officielle.
C'est la raison pour laquelle nous vous
demandons de proteger la confidentialite de
votre code d'identification d'utilisateur et de
votre mot de passe.
Si vous n'avez pas acces a Internet, veuillez
communiquer avec Ie Secretariat conjoint pour
obtenir une copie papier de la documentation.
Une copie des demandes soumises dans Ie
cadre de la premiere et de la deuxieme periodes
de reception des demandes du FIMRCO sera
disponible en Iigne pour la troisieme periode,
qu'il s'agisse d'un projet dont Ie financement a
ete approuve en totalite ou en partie seulement.
Cette demande doit etre modifiee ou retiree
avant de pouvoir soumettre une demande pour
la troisieme periode.
Les municipalites qui envisagent de soumettre
un projet dans Ie cadre de la troisieme periode
du FIMRCO sont encouragees a communiquer
avec Ie Secretariat conjoint du FIMRCO pour
obtenir des preciisions supplementaires avant
de soumettre leur demande. Veuillez consulter
Ie site web a I'adresse www.fimrco.ca ou
composer Ie 1 866 306-7827. Dans Ie Nord de
la province, les demandeurs peuvent egalement
obtenir des renseignements aupres du ministere
du Developpement du Nord de et des Mines de
I'Ontario ou de l'lnitiative federale de
developpement economique pour Ie Nord de
I'Ontario (Fed Nor).
Canaaa
~ Ontario
We look forward to working with you to improve
small urban and rural infrastructure across
Ontario.
Sincerely,
Martin Zablocki
Federal Co-Chair /
Copresident federal
Management Committee /
Comite de gestion
Enclosures
- 4-
Nous envisageons avec plaisir la possibilite de
travailler avec vous pour ameliorer
I'infrastructure des petites collectivites urbaines
et rurales dans I'ensemble de I'Ontario.
Nous vous prions d'agreer I'expression de nos
sentiments les meilleurs.
~~-e~
Christine Dukelow
Provincial Co-Chair /
Copresidente provincia Ie
Management Committee /
Comite degestion
Pieces jointes
Canada
~ Ontario
Association of
Municipalities of Ontario
Assodatjo!l oi Muokip.aHtil'5 of Ont;:tdn
June 28.2006
Dear Delegates:
I would like to welcome you to the Counties, Regions, Single Tier Municifalities and District
Social Services Administration Boards Annual Conference, October 1 sl to 41 , 2006 at the Delta
Pines tone, Haliburton, Ontario. The conference package promises to provide delegates with
information on items of current interest while allowing everyone to sample the hospitality of
Haliburton County.
County staff and volunteers will be found throughout the conference to answer questions and
provide assistance where required. It is my goal to see that you have an enjoyable and memorable
stay in Haliburton County. I encourage you to participate in the various sessions and take the
opportunity to explore Haliburton County during and after the conference. Our pristine lakes,
rolling hills, scenic valleys and characteristic rock cuts exemplify the
Canadian Shield at its fmest.
We offer a broad variety of attractions through many venues throughout the year. Take a course
at... Sir Sandford Fleming College or a week-long course at Haliburton School of the Fine Arts
summer school.... Haliburton Forest and Wildlife where you can take a "Walk in the Clouds",
visit the Wolf Centre or take a submarine ride. Stop in at the Fish Hatchery that raises our very
own "Haliburton Gold" trout. During our winter season, visit Sir Sam's Ski Hill for downhill
skiing; enjoy the many miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, snowmobile, or dogsled on miles
of maintained trails. Throughout the year and especially during our Annual Fall Studio Tour, visit
the local artisans, art galleries, and museums. Finally, for the golf enthusiast, we have seven Golf
courses to challenge your game. Further information about these and other attractions can be
found at: www.haliburtonholidays.ca
No matter which part of the County you may visit, we have a variety of accommodations and
dining establishments. Our villages offer a mixture of appealing retail shopping. Whatever part of
Haliburton County the road may take you, you will find activities you always wanted to do and
activities you never thought of doing.
Welcome to Haliburton County and enjoy your stay with us!
Murray Fearrey,
Warden
393 University Ave., Suite 1701 Toronto ON M5G 1E6 Canada I E-mail: amo@amo.on&9.:yvww.amQ,.on"ca . fIi
Tel: (416) 971-6191 ! Toll-free in Ontario: 1-877-426-6527
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Association of Municipalities of Ontario
Presents
Counties, Regions & Single Tier Municipalities,
And District Social Services Administration Boards Annual Conference
Hosted by the County of Haliburton
Companion's Program - October 2 & 3, 2006
Monday, October 2
10:00 AM - Agnes Jamieson Gallery and
Minden Hills Museum
Agnes Jamieson was a doctor
in Minden & Haliburton who
was also an artist. The gallery
was named for her. Includes
Group of 7 contemporary,
Andre Levine. The Museum
consists of 7 heritage buildings
showing Minden's heritage of
logging, mining and some
agriculture.
11 :00 AM - Panorama Outlook
Minden's Panoramic
Outlook provides a
beautiful view over
the Town of Minden
and beyond.
11 :30 LUNCH - Our Lady of Fatima Church Hall
1 :00 Moon Shadows Estate Winery & Gift Shop
The store offers a variety of maple products and
unique gifts for all. The concept of maple wines
began 10 years ago in the kitchen of the
Thompson's Family home. Several attempts, some
successful, some otherwise, were developed over
a number of years. Working with the Ontario
Alcohol and Gaming Commission, a new category
of winery was developed.
2:45 Haliburton Sculpture Forest
and Ethel Curry Gallery
The Haliburton Sculpture Forest is a
unique outdoor collection of
sculptures by Canadian artists and
provides changing perspectives of
the forest and the sculptures in
each of the seasons. The Ethel
Curry Gallery celebrates a decade of supporting
Canadian Artists inspired by the natural beauty of
the Haliburton Highlands
5:00 PM - Return to Pinestone
Tuesday, October 3
10:15 AM - Log Chute
The Hawk Lake Log Chute is
the last of its kind in Ontario,
originally built in 1861 on this
exact site. A Canadian
invention, the man made
troughs carry logs over rough
river spillways to the sawmill. This historic site is a
testament to the tenacity and perseverance of tens of
thousands of men who made their living in the
logging industry and whose courage, by necessity,
helped forge the rural communities of Ontario.
11:00 AM - Fire Tower
This former fire tower is over
100' tall and stands 365'
above the Lake of Bays and
the village of Dorset. Walking
trails, picnic grounds,
washrooms and a gift shop,
this historic icon is a terrific
day out. Breathtaking in autumn.
Robinson's Country Store
Voted, "Canada's best County
Store". Located in Dorset, this
famous general store has been
owned and operated by the same
family since 1921. Over 14,000 sq.ft
of browsing paradise.
12:00 - LUNCH - Dorset Community Centre
2:00 PM - Haliburton Forest Wolf Preserve
In July 1996 the centre
opened its doors to
the general public.
The centre contains
numerous exhibits as
well as a large indoor
observatory.
4:00 PM - Return to Pinestone
Association of Municipalities oi Ontario
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
Presents
Counties, Regions & Single Tier Municipalities,
and District Social Service Administration Boards Annual Conference
Hosted by the County of Haliburton
Companions Program - October 2 & 3, 2006
How to Register
1. Use Conference Registration Form to register and fill in this Companion's Program
Selection Form.
2. Participants must accompany a registered delegate to the Conference to be eligible for
the Companion's Program.
3. Companions must be 16 years of age or older
4. Registration Fee for the Companion's program are:
AMO Members - $200.00 plus 6% GST Total $212.00
Non-Members - $225.00 plus 6% GST - Total $238.50
Companion's Program Form
Delegates Name:
Municipality:
Companions Name:
Dietary Requirements if any:
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
Mailing Address:
City/T own/Twp:
Postal Code:
INQUIRIES: Brenda Harvey at 416-971-9856 Ext. 330 or Toll Free: 1-877-426-6527 Ext. 330
Email: bharvey@amo.on.ca or FAX: 416-971-9372
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
Presents
Counties, Regions & Single Tier Municipalities,
and District Social Service Administration Boards
Annual Conference
Hosted by the County of Haliburton
Asw..d;uh~t) f;f MUl)h:ipJliO~~s i.d OlH,wb
Optional - SPECIAL EVENT- Sunday, October 1, 2006
Delta Pinestone Golf Club
No visit is complete without testing your patience on the Delta Pinestone's Golf Course, a notorious and
challenging 18-hole, par 71 golf course. With truly majestic surroundings, you'll witness stately white
pines and strategically placed Precambrian boulders (some the size of a small car). At only 6,024 yards,
the low handicapper is kept honest by the tight fairways, thick forests and numerous water hazards. The
slope rating is a whopping 129, amongst the toughest in Ontario Cottage Country so bring lots of balls!
For your convenience, the fully stocked pro shop offers all the very latest in equipment, apparel,
supplies and of course, balls
Shotgun Start: 2:00 p.m. - BEST BALL
Don't miss the BBQ lunch, which is being served at 1 :00 pm
Cost: $95.00 ($89.62 plus 6% GST $5.38). This includes cart and lunch.
I:OLFERS NAMES- you may register as a r:9Ie, pair, or foursome.
REGISTRATION
Name
Email:
Municipality
o Cheque Payable to:
Association of Munici alities of Ontario
Credit Cards Accepted - Check One
VISA 0 MasterCard 0 AMEX 0
Card #: Expiry: m / y
Title
Address
CityjTown
Signature:
Phone:
Fax:
Cardholders Name: (Please Print)
INQUIRIES:
Contact Brenda Harvey at 416-971-9856 ext. 330 or Toll Free 1-877-426-6527
Email: bharvey@amo.on.ca or FAX 416-971-9372
AMO 2006 Annual Conference It August 13..16/ 2006 Ottawa Congress Centre & Westin Hotel, Ottawa, Ontario
Conference emnuelle 2006 de I' AMO .. Ou 13-16 aou. 2006
Hotel Westin Ottawa et Centre des (ongres d'Ouawa, Of taw a (Ontt!riol
Look Who's Booked to Attend the AMO Conference This Year!
AMO is pleased to welcome the following
speakers for the 2006 Annual Conference
· Allan Gregg, Political Commentator
· Professor Harry Kitchen, Department of
Economics, University of Trent
· Enid Slack, Director, Institute on
Municipal Finance and Governance,
Munk Centre for International Studies
· Len Crispino, President, Ontario Chamber
of Commerce
· Elbert Van Donkersgoed, Executive
Director GT A Agricultural Action Plan
· Gord Miller, Ontario Environmental
Commissioner
Representing the voices of your Provincial and
Federal partners
· The Honourable Dalton McGuinty,
Premier of Ontario (invited)
. The Honourable Michael Chong, Federal
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
· The Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister
of Municipal Affairs and Housing
· John Tory, MPP, Leader of the Official
Opposition, Progressive Conservative
Party of Ontario
. Howard Hampton, MPP, Leader of the
New Democratic Party of Ontario,
For Registration and General Conference
Enquiries go to the AMO Website
www.amo.on.ca
Or Contact: Brenda Harvey
Phone: 416) 971-9856 Ext. 330
Email: bharvey@amo.on.ca
And Many Many Generous Sponsors
PLATINUM
. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
GOLD
· Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP
· Hub International Ontario Limited
· Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association
(OSWCA)
. Shell Trading
· Union Gas Limited
SILVER
· Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
· Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
· Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCW A)
BRONZE
· Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, Ministry of
Community and Social Services
. Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)
. Cement Association of Canada
. CNW Group
. Frank Cowan Company Limited
. Gartner Lee Limited
· Infrastructure Ontario
. Jacques Whitford Limited
. Johnson Controls Inc
. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
· Ministry of Culture, Arts & Cultural Industries Unit
· Ministry of Culture, Libraries & Heritage Branch
· Ontario Municipal Insurance Exchange (OMEX)
. OntarioTaxSales.ca
. SAP
· Stewardship Ontario
· Technical Standards & Safety Authority, Quality
Assessed Facility Program
· W oodWORKS/Candian Wood Council
**~ Supporting Our Best
"" to Be the Best!
~~~~~~1II1~
--
June 5, 2006
JUN 1 6 2006
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Linda B. Veger
Director of Financial Services
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1
Dear Ms. Veger:
Thank you very much for the correspondence received in the St. Thomas Elgin Hospital
Foundation offices on May 30, 2006 and sent May 18, 2006.
It is reassuring to know that the present Council is behind our initiative to raise funds for
health care in our community. It is also wonderful to know that a grant of $50,000 for the
Foundation will be considered for the 2007 Budget deliberations.
We look forward to receiving full Council approval in support of our Campaign to raise
funds to replace the beds in our community's Hospital.
Thank you again.
Sincerely,
{Zrv
Ron Elliott
Foundation President
Bill Bryce, Director of Education and Secretary
2006 June 28
Mrs. Sandra J. Heffren
Deputy Clerk
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1
Dear Mrs. Heffren:
Let me begin by apologizing for the delay in responding to your letter of 2006 April 03. Our
internal tracking process does not indicate that this letter was received in my office and hence there has
been no response.
I have reviewed your request with Chair Hart and he has asked that I indicate to you that he and
other trustees would be pleased to discuss the Board's Capital Plan with Elgin County Council when the
Board has received the promised comments from the Minister of Education. When trustees met with then
Minister of Education, Gerard Kennedy, on 2005 December 12 at Lord Dorchester Secondary School, he
asked that the Board not engage in any public input on the Draft Capital Plan until after the Board had
received comments from him. We await further directiqn from Minister Pupatello.
The Board has held, on 2006 May 17, one meeting of the Ministry mandated Capital Planning
Advisory Committee. At that time an overview of the Capital Plan was provided to members of the public
from across Thames Valley. Detailed rational for the parts of the plan that pertain to each of Thames
Valley's founding partners has been provided at public Board meetings on 2006 May 23, June 06, 13 and
27.
To date, there has been no response from the Ministry about our Capital Plan other than to
acknowledge its receipt and to publicly commend our staff for the detailed work they did on planning for
the Governments' Primary Class Size Reduction initiative.
Again I apologize that I was not able to provide a timely response to your letter. If I ca,n be of any
further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours truly,
~~
BILL BRYCE'
Director of Education
BB/sp
Thames Valley District School Board Office of the Director of Education
1250 Dundas Street, P.O. Box 5888, London, Ontario N6A 5Ll Tel: (519) 452-2150 Fax: (519) 452-2396 website: www.tvdsb.on.ca
,4~,.t~~
Ministry of Children
and Youth Services
Minister's Office
Ministere des Services
a I'enfance et a la jeunesse
Bureau de la ministre
56, rue Wellesley Ouest
140 etage
Toronto (Ontario) M58283
Tel. : 416212-7432
Telec. : 416 212-7431
~
~~
Ontario
56 Wellesley Street West
14th Floor
Toronto ON M5S 2S3
Tel.: (416) 212-7432
Fax: (416) 212-7431
JUN 2 6 2006
Ms. Sandra Heffren
Deputy Clerk
County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, Ontario
N5R 5V1
Dear Ms. Heffren:
Thank you for your letter regarding our Best Start Plan, which was forwarded to me by the
Ministry of Community and Social Services. I apologize for the delay in my response.
As you know, our government had signed a five-year, $1.9 billion agreement with the federal
government to deliver a comprehensive early learning and child care program to Ontario families
to provide increased access to high-quality, affordable, licensed child care spaces. The Moving
Forward on Early Learning and Child Care Funding Agreement was thoughtfully and
constructively negotiated in good faith between the Government of Ontario and the Government
of Canada.
In 2005-06, the province transferred approximately $296 million in federal funds to
municipalities to support the implementation of Best Start. The City of St. Thomas/County of
Elgin Consolidated Municipal Service Manager's portion of this was $2.1 million.
Thousands of parents across Ontario are depending on the new child care spaces that would have
resulted from the agreement. In the first three years of the agreement, 25,000 new high-quality,
licensed child care spaces would have been created. Municipalities across Ontario have already
created approximately 8,500 new child care spaces, a clear indication of the high demand that
exists in our communities for high-quality, licensed child care. Many expansion projects have
been halted as a result of the federal government's termination of the agreement.
Our government is committed to helping to support the significant progress made to date. We
are working with our municipal partners to help sustain and secure the new child care spaces
already created and those expansion projects that are under way for completion by
September 2006, through fee subsidies, wage subsidies, special needs resourcing and
administration. This represents almost 15,000 new child care spaces by September 2006.
.. .Icont'd
-2-
We recognize that municipalities require stable and permanent child care funding. The 2006
Ontario Budget announced Ontario's intent to support the ongoing implementation of Best Start
through the reallocation of the one-time federal payment of $254 million to provide $63.5 million
per year over the next four yeats. We are combining this funding with the new funding from the
2003 Multilateral Framework on Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. This will result in
$122.5 million available to Best Start in 2006-07, growing to $142.5 million in 2007-08 through
to 2009-10.
As the Consolidated Municipal Service Manager, the County of Elgin/City of St. Thomas will
receive a total 2006-07 Best Start allocation of $208,473 to help secure and sustain the newly
created spaces that will be up and running by September 2006, increase the wages of eligible
early childhood education staff and support local planning activities.
We understand that municipalities require flexibility in their Best Start funding allocations in
order to make the most effective use of these funds. In response to the concerns raised by our
municipal partners over the need for flexibility in the 2006-07 Best Start funding allocation, we
will be providing these funds in a manner that enables municipalities to set their own funding
levels and service targets for child care program funding lines (i.e., fee subsidies, wage subsidies,
special needs resourcing and administration). We will also continue to ease the cost pressure on
municipalities by providing the new federal funding at 100 per cent.
It remains unclear how the federal government will address the child care needs of Ontario
parents and families. That is why we will continue to call on the federal government to honour
the signed agreement.
I would encourage you to continue to work with our government to convince the federal
government to honour the agreements that have been struck with the provinces on behalf of
parents and children who need this support.
Once again, thank you for writing.
Sincerely,
~i
Office of the Minister Cabinet du ministre
of Agriculture and de l'Agriculture et de
Agri-Food l'Agroalimentaire
and Minister for the et ministre de la
Canadian Wheat Board Commission canadienne du ble
Ottawa, Canada K1A DC5
JUN 2 9 2006
Quote: 456950
Mrs. S.J. Heffren
Manager of Administrative Services
Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5Vl
Dear Mrs. Heffren:
On behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, I wish to thank you for your letter regarding the
resolution passed by your town council concerning the income crisis on Ontario farms. The
Minister appreciates being made aware of the Council's resolution and has asked me to provide
you with the following information.
Minister Strahl recognizes that many Canadian farmers are facing significant challenges and that
they are striving to get better returns from the marketplace. Our farmers have continually
demonstrated their dedication to feeding Canadians and the world in spite of recent challenges.
While it is important to recognize the challenges facing the sector, there is also an underlying
strength in this industry that will support its long-term viability. Canadian farmers are among the
most efficient producers in the world, with farm productivity continuing to rise despite an
increasingly difficult economic situation over the past few decades. The sector is innovative,
adaptive and able to evolve to meet the needs of consumers.
Our government is committed to helping the industry build on this underlying strength and the
ability of farmers to adapt. We have already started working on addressing immediate needs and
establishing a strong policy foundation that will ensure a competitive and profitable agriculture
sector for the future. This involves developing new programming and streamlining our existing
programming to ensure that Canadian farmers are able to get the support they need when they
need it. There is a need to go beyond immediate cash infusions and empower producers with
additional tools to facilitate production and stabilize incomes.
In Budget 2006, this government committed to providing an additional $1.5 billion for the farm
sector in the current fiscal year. This includes an additional $500 million per year for farm
support and for working with farmers and other partners toward securing a more prosperous
.../2
Canada
Mrs. S.J. Heffren
Page 2
future for the sector. We have also committed an additional one-time investment of$l billion in
2006-2007 to assist farmers in the transition to new programming. This is in addition to the
current funding already available to the sector.
The Government has also made changes to the Canadian Agricultural mcome Stabilization
(eAIS) inventory valuation and negative margin coverage to provide $950 million to producers
in this fiscal year. As well, we have made changes to the Agricultural Marketing Programs Act
to support farmers' profitability by expanding coverage to include livestock and other
agricultural products and by increasing the overall limits on advances to $400 000 and the
maximum interest-free component to $100 000. The Government has also introduced the interim
Enhanced Spring Credit Advance Program to increase spring advances by over $500 million. m
addition, Minister Strahl announced a one-time payment of $15 per acre to producers affected by
spring flooding in 2005 and 2006 and plans for a national cover crop protection program to be in
place by 2007 to address future flooding situations on a national level.
This government is also committed to fulfilling its election promise of working with provinces
and industry to replace the CAIS program with distinct programs for agricultural income
stabilization and disaster assistance.
We are also working on other forward-looking initiatives announced in Budget 2006 in support
ofthe sector through biomass science, a biofuels strategy, and new opportunities for the sector
through value-added products. As well, we will be working on developing a new and innovative
approach that will provide support to farm families most in need, helping them to find more
options for the future and assisting them in improving their farm and business operations.
Minister Strahl has met with his provincial and territorial counterparts and discussed the need to
develop the next generation of agriculture and agri-food policy in order to provide an enduring
foundation for a profitable sector. To achieve this, governments are committed to receiving input
from a broad range of stakeholders and are planning to consult widely across the country. The
Minister looks forward to working with the industry as we move forward in this effort to
strengthen the underpinnings of a profitable and innovative sector.
I trust this information is of assistance to you. Thank you again for bringing the Council's
resolution to the Minister's attention.
Sincerely,
~/I;;yI
.:::=:::::::..
Wes McLeod
Special Assistant
Member Communication
/
[~ r"" Association of
. .....111~."i \/ Municip~lities
...t?r. ..... of Ontano
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
July 4, 2006 - Alert 06/037
New OMERS Sponsors Corporation and
Administration Corporation Established
Issue: The new OMERS Act (The Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Act, 2006)
came into force on June 30, 2006. This Act establishes new governance structures for
the $40 billion fund: the OMERS Sponsors Corporation and the OMERS Administration
Corporation. Government appointments to the new corporations were announced on
June 30th.
Background:
At the request of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, AMO, and other nominating
bodies identified in the Act, provided the names of representatives to be appointed by the
Government to the initial Sponsors Corporation and Administration Corporation.
With the passage of Bill 206, the government has fundamentally changed the role of AMO. In
addition to its advocacy mandate, AMO now has a representative role in two major corporations.
The new OMERS Sponsors Corporation was designed by the government to conduct interest
negotiations between employer and employee groups. It will deal with matters like plan design
and structure, types of pensions, OMERS contribution rates and the future composition of the
Administration Corporation. AMO now has a legislated responsibility to appoint employer
representatives to the OMERS Sponsors Corporation - and a practical responsibility to ensure
that employer representatives on the Sponsors Corporation have the resources they need to
protect the interests of municipalities as employers.
In addition, AMO is legislated to appoint representatives to the OMERS Administration
Corporation, which has the responsibility.for investment decisions and conducting plan valuations
for the $40 billion OMERS fund, and for administering the OMERS benefit program. Their
responsibilities are also significant.
The AMO Board of Directors has directed AMO staff to:
· Organize a special meeting of municipalities who are OMERS employers, during the AMO
Conference in August, to discuss how AMO's new responsibilities will be met and how related
costs will be recovered; and
· In advance of that meeting to forward a discussion paper that sets out how AMO can provide
professional representation on the new Corporations and to ensure that employer
representatives have the resources they need to protect municipal interests.
The discussion paper will be sent (via Clerks and Heads of Council) to municipalities who are
OMERS employers along with an invitation to a special meeting of elected municipal officials on
Sunday afternoon, August 13th. The paper will provide an estimate of the costs of fulfilling AMO's
new responsibilities and propose a mechanism to recover the costs from municipalities who are
OMERS employers. Please watch for details.
.. ./2
If
-2-
Appointments to the news OMERS Corporations follow:
SPONSORS CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS *
......................mm...._ ......mm..............~...._. ................... ......_............~m."... .
n Member Representatives
""""^.~~~~~~~~~~,~~~"~~-~,,,,,
ce Miller
ice Association of Ontario
Employer Representatives
Garth Pierce
Ontario Association of Police Services Board
Louise Eason
City of Toronto
Brian Cain
Toronto Public School Board
Brian O'Keefe
CUPE (Ontario)
Ann Dembinski
CUPE Local 79
Marianne Love
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
Bruce Stewart
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
Charlie Macaluso
Electricity Distributors Association
Joe Aitchison
Ontario Association of Children's Aid Soc' I Retiree's Organization Ontario
*TransitionaJ composition, subject to Sponsors Corporation by-Jaws.
1These appointments are pending, subject to the government appointments process.
Fred Leblanc
Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association
................................ .
Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation 1
Ontario Public Service Employees Union 1
ADMINISTRATION CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS *
Employer Representatives mber Representatives
w._,,,,,,,,,,,,,"^,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,w.,,,,,,,,,w."""""~'_W""~"""^""_
Frederick Biro ociation of Ontario 1
Ontario Association of Police Services Boards
I Cam Weldon
I City of Toronto
i~w~.~~~,..Y..."^mm~..,._~V.~'~~h'h~~~=~~~~_=~~H<<M<<U<<'.'~~_'~~~'~_N_'
I John Sabo
'Ontario Catholic School Board Association
~~.~~~
IAssociation of Municipalities of Ontario 1
CUPE Ontario 1
John Weatherup
CUPE Ontario
er
Ann Mulvale
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
ssional Fire Fighters Association
Ed De Sousa
Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and
Treasurers of Ontario
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 1
Other Employer
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation 1
Other Employer Richard Faber
Toronto Hydro 1 Retired Member
*TransitionaJ composition, subject to Sponsors Corporation by-Jaws.
1These appointments are pending, subject to the government appointments process.
Action: Please watch for an invitation, and information on registering for, a special meeting of
OMERS Municipal employers to be held in Ottawa on August 13th at 3:30 p.m. at the Westin
Hotel. AMO's representatives on the initial OMERS Sponsors Corporation and Administration
Corporation will be in attendance.
For more information, contact 416-971-9856: Patricia Swerhone, Senior Policy Advisor, ext. 323.
/9