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12 - November 26, 2013 County Council Agenda PackageE V I �cy ORDERS OF THE DAY FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 - 9:00 A.M. ORDER 1st Meeting Called to Order 2nd Adoption of Minutes — October 22, 2013 3rd Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof 4th Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations DELEGATIONS: 9:00 a.m. Director of Community and Cultural Services with Introduction of Students Participating in Students' Day (agenda attached) 9:10 a.m. Dave Phillips, Town Crier Annual Report 2013 (attached) 9:20 a.m. Laura Woermke, Executive Director, St. Thomas -Elgin Public Art Centre —Annual Report 2013 (attached) 11:15 a.m. Tom Marks, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Board of Governors' Representative — St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Annual Report November 2013 (attached) 11:25 a.m. Jeff Lawrence, Tree Commissioner/Weed Inspector, Year End Report for 2013 (attached) 11:35 a.m. Brent Stewart, Chairman, Land Division Committee — 2013 Land Division Committee Report (attached) PRESENTATION: 11:55 a.m. Ann Wise with John Wise's Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame 2013 Inductee Video 5th Motion to Move Into "Committee Of The Whole Council" 6th Reports of Council, Outside Boards and Staff 7th Council Correspondence 1) Items for Consideration 2) Items for Information (Consent Agenda) 8th OTHER BUSINESS 1) Statements/Inquiries by Members 2) Notice of Motion 3) Matters of Urgency 9th Ten Year Business Plan, November 26, 2013 PowerPoint (attached) — Director of Financial Services 10th Closed Meeting Items — Chief Administrative Officer's Annual Performance Evaluation (underseparate cover) Please note: these items are scheduled immediately following lunch 11th Recess 12th Motion to Rise and Report 13th Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee Of The Whole 14th Consideration of By -Laws 15th ADJOURNMENT LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED NOTICE: December 10, 2013 Warden's Election 7:00 p.m. (Official Attire) RECEPTION TO FOLLOW December 12, 2013 County Council 9:00 a.m. (THURSDAY) 1 Draft COUNTY COUNCIL MINUTES Tuesday, October 22, 2013 The Elgin County Council met this day at Elgin Manor at 9:03 a.m. with all members present. Warden McWilliam in the Chair. Warden McWilliam welcomed Councillor McIntyre following his treatment. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Mennill THAT the minutes of the meeting held September 24, 2013 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF — None. DELEGATION Jeremy Locke, President, Elgin County Railway Museum presented a PowerPoint on the museum. Moved by Councillor Ens Seconded by Councillor Marr THAT the PowerPoint presentation titled "Elgin County Railway Museum" dated October 22, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Jenkins Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. REPORTS Programs and Therapy Services Policy and Procedure Manual (Revised) — Manager of Programs and Therapy Services The manager presented a PowerPoint on the revised policy. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Couckuyt THAT Council approve the County of Elgin Homes and Seniors Services Program and Therapy Policy and Procedure manual as presented; and, THAT the report titled "Programs and Therapy Services Policy and Procedure Manual — Revised" dated October 5, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. Additional One -Time Funding for Fire Safety Improvements - Terrace Lodge — Director of Homes and Seniors Services The director presented the report regarding additional provincial funding for fire safety at Terrace Lodge. County Council Moved by Councillor Marr Seconded by Councillor Mennill October 22, 2013 THAT the report titled "Additional One -Time Funding for Fire Safety Improvements Terrace Lodge" dated September 16, 2013 be received and filed; and, THAT a letter of appreciation be forwarded to the Ontario Minister of Health for the additional 2013-2014 funding. - Carried. Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference - Update — Accessibility Coordinator The coordinator presented the report outlining the new terms of reference for the advisory committee. Moved by Councillor Jenkins Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT Council approve the updated Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference; and, THAT the report titled "Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference — Update" dated October 1, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. Elain Countv Archives - Recent Proiects and Activities — Manaaer of Archives The manager presented the report on the recent activities undertaken in archives through the medium of PowerPoint. Moved by Councillor Marr Seconded by Councillor Ens THAT the report titled "Elgin County Archives - Recent Projects and Activities" dated October 8, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. Elgin County Council Student Day — Director of Community and Cultural Services The director presented the report on council hosting a student day in November. Moved by Councillor Marr Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT Elgin County's "Student Day" session be held on November 26, 2013; and, THAT the Department of Community and Cultural Services make the appropriate arrangements. - Carried. Progress Report 1- Proposed New Facility For Museum and POA/ Multi -Purpose Council Chamber — Director of Community and Cultural Services The director presented the report regarding progress on the new facility and a recent tour of facilities in other counties. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Jenkins THAT the report titled "Progress Report 1- Proposed New Facility for Museum and POA/ Multi -Purpose Council Chamber" dated October 7, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. County Council October 22, 2013 The meeting was recessed for 20 minutes in order to retake the official photograph of County Council and the County's Management Team. Health Recruitment Activities — Chief Administrative Officer The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report outlining a couple of recommendations regarding health recruitment. The information included a report titled "St. Thomas — Elgin Health Recruitment Partnership" from the City of St. Thomas dated October 21, 2013. Moved by Councillor Ens Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT Elgin County Council concur with the City of St. Thomas to authorize that a representative of the Elgin Medical Association be appointed to serve on the Health Recruitment Partnership Committee; and, THAT Council acknowledge that Dr. Kellie Scott has fulfilled her obligations to recruit three new physicians into the area as contemplated under an agreement dated April 21, 2008. - Carried. Road User Agreement - Clearbeach Resources Inc. — Deputy Director of Engineering Services The deputy director presented the report regarding the installation of two oil and gas lines across Shackleton Line. Moved by Councillor Marr Seconded by Councillor Jenkins THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to execute the road user agreement with Clearbeach Resources to install two pipelines under Shackleton Line. - Carried. Bridge Weight By -Law — Director of Engineering Services The director presented the report on the Vienna Bridge which has been reduced to a weight limit of five tonnes per vehicle. Moved by Councillor Wiehle Seconded by Councillor Mennill THAT no vehicle or any class thereof, whether empty or loaded shall be operated over any bridge designated on Schedules No. 1 and No. 2 forming part of this by-law with a weight in excess of the weight limited prescribed in the schedule for such bridge and that this by-law become effective until October 22, 2015; and, THAT this by-law become effective once the weight postings have been posted; and, THAT By -Law No. 11-22 be repealed; and, THAT the report titled "Bridge Weight By -Law" dated September 26, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. Plains Baptist Church - Request for Transfer of Road Right -Of -Way Property on Sparta Line at Fairview Road — Director of Engineering Services The director presented the report regarding property options at Plains Baptist Church. County Council Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Marr October 22, 2013 THAT the report titled "Plains Baptist Church: Request for Transfer of Road Right -Of -Way Property on Sparta Line at Fairview Road" dated September 26, 2013 be received and filed; and, THAT the trustees be formally notified of the County's authorization to continue to utilize the identified area for an indefinite period. - Carried. Small, Rural and Northern Municipal Infrastructure Program - Capital Program — Director of Engineering Services The director presented the report outlining the provincial government's $100 million infrastructure fund program. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Ens THAT the report titled "Small, Rural and Northern Municipal Infrastructure Program - Capital Program" dated October 8, 2013 be received and filed; and, THAT the County of Elgin make an Expression of Interest application for the construction of Dexter Line as a joint application with the Port Burwell Area Secondary Water Supply System; and, THAT the County seek the maximum $2 million on the project; and, THAT the County certifies that the information in the Expression of Interest is factually accurate; that the Corporation of the County of Elgin has a comprehensive management plan that includes all of the information and analysis described in "Building Together: Guide for Municipal Asset Management Plans" in place; that the comprehensive asset management plan will be publicly available, including online on the County's website by May 30, 2014; and that the construction of Dexter Line project will be completed by December 21, 2015; and, THAT a copy of the report and approved recommendation be sent to Jeff Yurek, MPP, Elgin -Middlesex -London. - Carried. Budget Comparison — September 2013 — Chief Administrative Officer The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report noting favourable performance. Moved by Councillor Couckuyt Seconded by Councillor Jenkins THAT the report titled "Budget Comparison — September 2013" dated October 8, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. West Lorne Heritage Homes Not for Profit Corporation Community Centre — Tax Reduction — Chief Administrative Officer The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report on the request from the Municipality of West Elgin to apply the residential tax rate to West Lorne Heritage Homes. Moved by Councillor Wiehle Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT Council approve a tax ratio of one (1) for West Lorne Heritage Homes Community Centre, known as "The Hub" located at 146 Munro Street in the former Village of West Lorne, now in the Municipality of West Elgin; and, County Council October 22, 2013 THAT this tax ratio shall apply to taxation as of the effective date of the first supplementary or omitted assessment notice on the property; and, THAT a by-law be prepared with an effective date of January 1, 2011; and, THAT the Municipality of West Elgin be requested to keep the County of Elgin apprised as to the status of assessment on this property. - Carried. CORRESPONDENCE Items for Consideration — None Items for Information (Consent Agenda) 1. Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages responding to correspondence dated June 13, 2013 regarding reinstatement of the National Archive Development Program. 2. Melanie Knapp, Corporate Administrative and Accessibility Clerk, City of St. Thomas, regarding elimination of the City/County Hospital Appointment. 3. Small, Rural and Northern Ontario Municipal Infrastructure Fund: a) AMO communications announcement b) Martin Bohl, Director, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food with information on how to apply to the fund. 4. Serge Lavoie, SWEA with an email regarding the Regional Transportation Summit. 5. Elgin Manor with an invitation to its 10 year Anniversary Celebration and Open House on October 22, 2013. 6. Keri Selkirk, Executive Director, Thames Valley Family Health Team with a copy of the 2013 Annual Report. 7. Bruce Curtis, Manager, Community Planning and Development, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing with a notice of approval of the new Elgin County Official Plan. 8. Invitation to the Mental Health Care Program Update on October 29, 2013 at the Elgin County Administration Building. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Mennill THAT Correspondence Items #1 — 8 be received and filed. - Carried. OTHER BUSINESS Statements/Inquiries by Members The Warden acknowledged the recent receipt of three awards from the International Economic Development Council for the Elginlicious program, the Heritage Guide and the partnership with the Elgin Business Resource Centre regarding the Aylmer satellite office. The Chief Administrative Officer presented the awards. The Warden congratulated the staff and a round of applause followed. Councillor Marr declared his intention to seek the office of Warden for 2014. Councillor McIntyre thanked council and the staff for their support during his period of recovery from health challenges. He was given best wishes by the Warden. County Council October 22, 2013 The Director of Community and Cultural Services thanked the Warden for attending the 20th anniversary event at the Dutton Library. The director outlined events taking place during Ontario Library Week. Councillor Marr reported that he and Councillor Jenkins attended a meeting at Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) on behalf of council in regard to declining enrolment in schools while there was demands from increasing enrolment in French immersion, which is only offered currently in one school in St. Thomas. The TVDSB is going to seek public response to how this issue will affect some schools in the Council. Councillor Marr and Councillor Jenkins encouraged council to read the report which is posted online. Notice of Motion — None Matters of Urgency — None Closed Meeting Items Moved by Councillor Wiehle Seconded by Councillor Jenkins THAT we do now proceed into closed meeting session in accordance with the Municipal Act to discuss matters under Section 240.2 (d) labour relations or employee negotiations — 2013 Labour Relations Climate; and Section 240.2 (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees — verbal report by the Director of Homes and Seniors Services. - Carried. The Director of Human Resources presented the report. The Director of Homes and Seniors Services gave a verbal report. Moved by Councillor Jenkins Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Mennill THAT staff be authorized and directed to pursue the various labor relations matters as described in the report and to report back to Council; and, THAT the report titled "2013 Labor Relations Climate" dated October 10, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. Council acknowledged receipt of the verbal update from the Director of Homes and Seniors Services regarding a personal matter involving identifiable individuals. The Warden reminded council of the annual Warden's Banquet and the Induction Ceremony of the late John Wise into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. He requested council wear official county apparel to the event. Motion to Adopt Recommendations of the Committee of the Whole Moved by Councillor Wiehle Seconded by Councillor Jenkins THAT we do now adopt recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole. - Carried. County Council DELEGATION — (continued) October 22, 2013 The Director of Engineering Services introduced Paula Poirier, Vice President of EMS Operations, Medavie, and Doug Sabean, Vice President Corporate Services and CFO, Medavie to council. They provided background information on their roles at Medavie. OTHER BUSINESS — (continued) The Chief Administrative Officer presented an update on policing services regarding the new proposed funding model by the province for the OPP. The Chief Administrative Officer and Councillor Marr, a member of the Elgin Group Police Services Board will represent the Board at a regional meeting in London on November 14, 2013. The Chief Administrative Officer reported that the police services board does not support the proposed new model. Councillor Marr credited the Elgin OPP commander for finding efficiencies in the budget. Moved by Councillor Marr Seconded by Councillor Ens THAT By -Law No. 13-22 "Being a By -Law To Restrict the Weight of Vehicles Passing Over Bridges and to Repeal By -Law No. 11-22" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Wiehle Seconded by Councillor Jenkins THAT By -Law No. 13-23 "Being a By -Law to Authorize Tax Exemption in Respect of a Municipal Capital Facility Pursuant to Section 110 of the Municipal Act' be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Couckuyt THAT By -Law No. 13-24 "Being a By -Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the October 22, 2013 Meeting" be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. - Carried. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Wiehle THAT we do now adjourn at 11:34 a.m. and meet again on November 26, 2013 at the County Administration Building at 9:00 a.m. - Carried. Mark McDonald, Cameron McWilliam, Chief Administrative Officer. Warden. Elgin County Council Student Day Agenda November 26, 2013 8:50: Arrival at Council Chambers 9:00: Introduction of students 9:05 —10:15: Observation of Council proceedings and signing of time capsule document by Warden 10:15 — 11:00: Presentation from Economic Development and Tourism (3`d Floor Administrative Services Boardroom) 11:00 —12:00: Observance of Council proceedings 12:00 — 1:00: Lunch with Council 1:00 —1:45: Tour of Museum and Archives (during Council's in camera session) Report to County Council 2013 January 23, 2013 — Robbie Burns — St. Josephs Hosp. - St. Thomas March 3, 2013 - Easter Seal Telethon —St Thomas Seniors Center taped for - Canada Day - Aylmer March 17th broadcast May 30, 2013 - International Tea Grade 5 Dutton-Dunwich Public School June , 2013 —49 th Annual Ceremonial Review — 741 Elgin Royal Marine Museum Canadian Air Squadron St. Thomas Presented Tony Phillips — Cries to write Port Bruce pier, GayLea Dairy Museum, Memorial Award presented a cadet with a county pin June 7, 2013 - Rosy Rhubarb Opening Ceremonies - Shedden June 7, 2013 — Port Stanley Artist Guild opening Port Stanley Legion June 8, 2013 — Rosy Rhubarb — Shedden — all day June 9, 2013 — Rosy Rhubarb — Shedden — all day June 14, 2013 — Southwest Forensic Health Centre Opening June 24 — July 29 — Radio Newspaper interviews for World Invitational Kingston Room, Quai de Vin Winery, GT's on the Beach Port Stanley Write me a cry "Why people should come to Elgin County" July 1, 2013 - Canada Day - Dutton July 1, 2013 - Canada Day - Aylmer July 6, 2013 — Opening of Ojibwa, Port Burwell July 6, 2013 — Promo Cries Port Burwell light house, main beach, Marine Museum July 6, 2013 — Cries to write Port Bruce pier, GayLea Dairy Museum, Rush Creek Winery July 12, 2013 — Promo Cries Joe Preston's office, Clovermead Apiary Minerva Gallery, Pinafore Park, Jeff Yurek's office, and St. Thomas Airport July 14, 2013 - Promo Cries Talbot Restaurant Eagle, Backus Page Museum, Jumbo, Old St. Thomas Church, Green Frog Tea Room, Quai de Vin Winery, GT's on the Beach Port Stanley Aug. 1 — 5, 2013 — Kingston world Town Criers Competition Aug. 24, 2013 - GayLea Dairy Museum — full day Oct. 19, 2013 — Galbraith Literary Award WEDS Theatre Dutton Oct. 24, 2013 — Port Stanley Historical group dedicate bench Glover Park Nov. 7, 2013 — Remembrance Day evening service — Dutton — Currie Rd. Nov. 10, 2013 — Remembrance Day Service — Shedden Dec.2013 - Heritage Port - guest speaker re. history of town crying and my history with the county as towncrier 10 Warden McWilliam, Councilors and Staff Jenny and I wanted to thank all of you so much for your encouragement and support as we represented our county of Elgin at the 2013 World Invitational Town Criers Competition in Kingston, ON. We had a great time and made so many new friends as we passed out the pins, candy and Elgin Art Trail guides. We know from responses that many will visit Elgin in the near future. I am honoured and proud to represent my county each and every time I cry ... . . especially at a world competition. Thanks again. David and jenny Phillips 11 I World Invitational Town Crier Championships Schedule Kingston, the Four Seasons by Sheraton and all the business people, their employees, sponsors and the public treated us like movie stars and royalty. They all expressed their pleasure at our events and each day there were a thousand or so in attendance under the scorching sun. Wednesday, July 31 Town Criers we arrived and settled into accommodations. Thursday, August 1 Throughout the day: Market Mix & Mingle Criers descend upon Springer Market Square to show off their outfits, visit the vendors and people of Kingston and promote the competition prior to its start. 1:OOpm-3:OOpm: Registration 5:OOpm: Launch of the Town Criers Ale at the Kingston Brewing Company this was almost next door to our Hotel. Jenny & I worked the crowds diligently to try and win the Ambassador's Award by greeting the tourists, handing out Elgin Art Trail guides, jenny was handing out candy to the children with parental approval and I posed for hours so tourists could have their pictures taken with me. On the Saturday Kingston had over 100 tour buses drop tourists off by the competition site. Jenny counted at least 12 buses of Chinese tourists and I think I had my photo taken with each of them. I handed out County pins and everyone was so pleased. The crier that won the Ambassador's Award wrote a beer drinking song for the Kingston Brewing company and he and his wife both professional performers sang the song and taught it to all the patrons at the pub. Everyone was singing the song the entire weekend. Friday, August 2 10:OOam: Cry #1—Round 1 Lunch: Enjoyed lunch hosted by the RCHA Club 1:OOpm: Cry # 1 — Round 2 Dinner: Vouchers were given to each crier and escort for various sponsored restaurants Friday Night Weepers: Meet and greet in honour of the Canadian Military at the PWOR armories. Dignitaries, representatives of the military, and veterans were invited to attend. The PWOR Museum was open from 7-9 especially for the Town Criers Dave and two other criers were interviewed on the local television and radio programs as well several newspapers did feature stories on the criers. Saturday, August 3 - M-edia-Coverage - - - - - - - submitted by David Phillips, Town Crier for the County of Elgin, to the World Town Criers competition for the media promotion Contest. The winner was the New Zealand Town Crier who will host the 2014 World competition. She had extensive national coverage. 1. We printed 50 copies of the attached poster/flyer and distributed them across the county (100km) 2. The posters were also distributed throughout the county in the 10 county libraries and the city of St. Thomas library and the Ridgetown Agricultural college library where they were posted for all to see. 3. We contacted MYFM, a radio station based in St. Thomas and asked them for support. They have interviewed Dave many times before we even knew about the Media Award. Dave mentioned Kingston whenever he could. We also ran a Write a Cry contest and invited the public to write a cry for Dave about the attractions in Elgin County. We gathered a prize package from generous supporting community businesses including Dave's wife's donation of Limited Edition prints. 4. The news papers published articles of which we are sending copies, which include The Chronicle, the St. Thomas Times -Journal, the St.Thomas Elgin Weekly (Metro News), The Beacon 5. On-line news — Elgin-Central.com; MYFM; the newspapers have an online presence 6. Letters were sent to St. Thomas Council and Mayor and Elgin County council and Warden 7. Jenny sent out invites to all her 1,000 Linked In connections — see attached invite. 8. Dave went before Elgin County council and did an announcement about the event in Kingston and on July 23 Dave and Jenny appeared before council and Dave did a cry 9. Dave and Jenny don't often use the social medias and are not familiar with twitter etc. so Dave chose to visit as many attractions throughout the county and do a proclamation regarding both the contest and the event in Kingston. He visited the following places — I I P a g e • Gay Lea Dairy Museum • Rush Creek Wines • Pt Bruce fishing pier • Marine Museum — Pt. Burwell • Pt Burwell Beach 13 21 Page • Pt. Burwell, Historic Light House o Ribbon -cutting ceremony for submarine Ojibwa • GT's on the Beach — Pt Stanley— owner put our photo on their website & their Facebook. They are the #1 Beach Bar • Backus — Page House Museum • Joe Preston MP office • Pinafore Park splash & folly • Briwood Farm Market • Family Flowers • St. Thomas Airport • Minerva Gallery • Clovermead Honey • Jeff Yurek MPP office, old CASO Sta. • Aylmer & Malahide Canada Day Celebrations & fireworks — over 4,000 in attendance. • Dutton Canada Day celebrations • Talbot Trail Restaurant • Pinecroft Tea Room • Quai du Vin, Sparta • Jumbo Statue, St. Thomas • Historic church — St. Thomas • MYFM and the newspapers attended Backus -Page House for presentation of awards to contest winners. Tuesday July 30, 2013 14 I II fCNPv1.' ak�'l Esservial to the suacess of ar-�y is U-,�e oi-,Iqoirl�g coqperatior-� of its s�,.��ppor,ters 11 ��,,�e Ar -t (',:er",vtr'e \NiS�-,�es "to U-,�ank the U&,.��r,,,lvty of air"A thE? City of R. Thomas, its dor,,,�ors,, grar"irtor's,, air"d spor-�sal,s fa- U -, eh- ger,,,�eru,.aRs S�,.aRppor,t,, .. .. . 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A Bidef Oveirview c4 the Pat CemVe En 2013 in 1969 and in opostion for cwer 44 years, the A Thonnas Ilgil"I PLd'Dk,' Art Cer',mre, o�,,:atecl in So Thomas, Ontarig is a tat has a reputation for anisticexc6ince in As �,,:ei"Mre, Drawing Atisitars from aH over, the Art Cer',mre is 18 considered as in SP" L)tliwe. tern Ontario, adding subsmndvdy to the ClUalHty Of Iife for St,, Thomas and EdgMesidents and to the business WHity of die awea, A consist of three exhibitions spac es of about 1688 squawe feet supported by as sr'll1a[H but tJirhAng gift shop Mik','Ai s�iowcases the work of Iocakardsts and artisar"Ys,, FIie St,' F1iolr'nals Igilr'l PLdDHf :': Art Cer"mre receives core funding from the Cltyof So Thomas and the COUl"Ity of Elin and opantes in as Nifty diat is owned by the Art Cer"mre,, VVidi a growir"Yg ,:)ase ar'xl as ari"nyofvAunteers, die An Centre stands at the Myshold, (,)l[ (,:Fiair�ge,, 'The At Centre's Board of Mectors reflects a iveH rounded groya of dedicam,,l )ossessir"lg ar"i ir'n,')ressive skiH and experience baa se,manyofwho awe member. Of tJie MIO lave stopped up to the p4me Wady H Madng the support c4 the commnw""�ity for uuAu Ceimtre's continued suMAKAHN14 "The STEPAC staffis cuuently (,:(,)r'nprk,,ed, (,)I[ `3, h,flH tir'ne ar""l 2 part Me staff mendoes vvidi as [Vgh levekof commnitment to the . Of the Art,, Cer"atre,, Des��,')ite "nar"q ciaHer"�geq the An Cenve has condnued to operate in recent years on as sound OWN [SiS, due in to the qenerous support of private donors, onqoinq from tAie city of R Thomas and II ghra C(,m,vr'Ay, aim:1, the es,(:Mathj success of the MI Ceatre's Whalsing Main an(,, shog 19 Message fii,'olii,rt, ll','Ille IlExmdlve Directmii,� The Q Thomas Elin P&,bk,,: Art Centre 4 in Is 44M year of service, Over the yews, Me Art Centre has earned an exceptionad ocakand regionakeputation for Is high eveRhengageTent w1h As cor'n I'll 1 U X111 Y, Is excellence in Wbitior"Ys, its sigi-4cant peninanent coHection, and Is nota�,,be e\4 Of grampTing5he Art Cen me C01"I111"1Ue to fURA s nn and ate by deW a ping a1"1cl 16 CI il"Ig in t I" USt a 11 Out standing pernnanent coHection of cormeniporary and historica� artworks, as c)rograr'n of ex IH,'DitiOl"IS, C)Lfl,',-)Hshing exhibition �,,:atabc 9 ueq and offering as wide range of proJo acHlate the prograr'ns qc)erationq the Art Centre is comn&nvd to raising funds frorr Various pubHc resources and Private SOUrCeS (iryluding sponsors, donors and niennbers),, There are several ilr"dk":atolrs showing that the Q Thomas Igirl PLfl,DH�:': Art Cer"mre SLP',:�',:eeclecl in "neet ilr"Yg "nost of its Y111aa,IISar in 2013, There were a arge "lUl"lld,,-)er Of in al"I(I fessionanarogrwms offered in house,, VV'id'iir"1 this 2013 annuakqc)ol"t, YOU wiH . ee as des0ption of the St Ceatre's exhlbition% pogrwas and MAW knthe yvar,, TheArt,, Cer"�tre 4 falwyme to have as dedkated and endmisiastic, connndned and skiHed tear, woukl Ike to dlal'lk tJ'IEx staff nnsiibers for an amalng year I ann tRAy inq)re. secl by what they have 19ished this year,, Speciahbanks to the arti ts who have exhibited work and shown great . W i t h 0 U t t h e "t a, w e WOLfl(,,l exists,, Nso, "nany thanks to cn,Ur v6unteerw "They sawe the Art Centre in so imany voys during the year with evaTting fror'n de. k reception, to hosting the opening rece;Yons and wrapSII g gifts in the Art C:erqye ChfShop, TheArt,, Cer"�tre is very thankfukao those who contrAmned to al V of these SUCCeSSeq including the COUl"I ty of Eghl the Cky of Q Thonnas, the Board of Directors, staff, voklu-1teers ar"YVl OUlll11a1'ly SS01'1' donors for their suppal and commnlTen, FI'ie Art,, Cer"Ytre has 'iacl as very successfukyear and wouW Ill e to d'iw"flk the Boarcl of Dir&,,:tor for its guidance and extraorcbr1 ary eacler ir1 tJ'ie year as iewdj cok forward with Our rrUxrflty the 46th amOvemary V lere's, to many good Ungs ky the new yvar� LauuMbearke Executive Director / CUratOl' 20 EXHmUNONS 2013 EASU MS I RAC I ED New pahritings byWn McLeai i lai tuairy 12 to Maird� 123^2013 1 am inspirad by discrapancias batvoaan satting and mood and tha use of at as distractionThaaxaggarationoramphasisupon cm, taindacorativaakmantsofcomfortisintandadto both Puraviawars into NOW ranvironmants and unsattiatham oncathay aratharaMots to kaap aflamantsofdissoUionorantmpyatbay araavidantinthasasatlings� Thasuccassofsuchaffortsis chaUangod [urranty, Qm workingon a sarias of Man bndscapas that induda nmimming, poob, hot tubs, and musda camFhara is an incraasad amphasis on suthca quaUty asmaU as fuHhar pbyOth Wourthat is atonca haUucinogmnic anxious, impubiva, and saductiva ��)UREJOY 1 0 SWRERS Maird� 130 to May 11, 2013 Wabratingpaooawon chAkangasand thairsuppowrsbyaccaptingand Ming thairMrancasas currancy� Undarstandinghowa parson Wth disabiUtiassuccassMyfunctions in out sociaty is a universa|need� Regard|essofyourabiRieqeveNonefacesbarrWintheir|ife� Letsoe|ebnatethe individuab, thairgHs, and tha pao&who assist thasa outsidarsn my casa, intarpratiny my Was to thaMud formchangasmyUfU DEP ROOTED Tha StMomas-E& PubUcAn [antra is proud to prasant, Daap RootadSWtionsfom tha Parmanant[oUaction; an axhibition that pavaab how thatpaa has baan usad as a p/mboMraU of natureand itstremendousmagMence�itisadominantsgniMerofCanada's nationa|identLyasmeU as he indhAduaysstr4g|e eainstthevvi|dernes, and current|y, A even serves asa reminder of our ppacarious acoflogicai position PICTURE A THEE UM R I MERS� �UP WU��1 111 E KE I TLE CREEK CUMSERVA I 0M AUTHORITY �1i,W(ei i Foui idatioi i Ga�Ieiry May 18 to,lui te 29\2013 vayor Haathar]ackoon olliciaUy opanad tha axhibition by raading, Barbara Raid's chffldhood classic "PicturaaTraa" Sthomas—Raydan, agmda l student ban) Wonsignor Vorrison and Pai�� a �rada 3 studant�om PottStan&y PubUcSchod wara namad]unior MastarTn a Pbntam K��a[paak [onsamotionAuthority pbntadthaona-miUionthtraa in tha�atarshad in]unaTo caiabmtaONschooichiWranwaraaskadtodrawapicturaofallov WaU39piacasofarbmorkfrom two schoob wara pacaivadMa winning antrias wapa namad ]unior Mason Wo Pbntars and assistad in Him pbntingofthaona-miUionth tpaa in thav�iatamhad AsJuniorMaserTreeP|antersthestudents'anmesreproducedonWationsandpostersfortheOne IMAM Free ceremony The Mudentsa|so received theiromm Copy ofa book "Picturea Tree" by Barbara Reid, and anothercopy for theirschoo|'s|ibrarylThestudentsp|anted theone-miUionth traa at acommunity caiabration on]una212033 Who Dan Pana -son [onsarvation Araa Aikkontostantriasvoaraon dispby atthaSit Thomas -Elk PubUcArt[antraatHim Ono Man Traasand [ountinyOictupa araa ai,tshmmhrom May l8to]una 39th EVERY SUWMER � MS A S I ORY lWy 6 to August 17^2013 VVa pay tributatothasaason v�iith a savction ofpaintinp, drawings and prints cantorad on thathama ofsummarAmong Him woks arapaintinysbyHarryWinson,Ron Kinonmood,Who Staphanson, 21 Duncan de and GamddPadms,each damonstratinl�lthairuniquamamoryofasummarpast S I AFF PUCKS Sdectioi i s f Iro in t te �)ennai tei it CdHIectioi,l lWy 6 to August 17^2013 Ifavarysummarlas astorythancartaindythese storiasdasarvaaAoacountarpartto the exhibition in the maingaUeryspacethe art[entre is presenting "StaffPicks" in theGaUery, Tomakathisaxhibitionintaractiva(and abitmorafun)vvahave inkadeach ofoursahactionstoasonq'Ithat vvafaafl the viavvinl�laxpariancaUsinl�lyou phonaand the CR codas providad vva invitayou to stopbyand have Iookand Ustan WES I BMID AIR I S MUM G0E Group EkI Rbitioi i August 24 to Septeinber 29\2013 TheSL, ThomasBginPub|icArt[entrekickedofftheopeningofthe"VVestEndArtsVIin1,1Ia 3013" axhibitionvvith a 20 VVast End Icahabratint"the all, that vvas craatad,tha return the "Paradeof"The[ircusis[oming,,,adisp|ayof\A/aynecircuson|oan �omthe I[ountyI'vusaum Stallinl�lat noon, chMran andfamihas enjoyed circus crahs,faca paintinl�,, bakon animaband popcorn From3-7pmvisitorstotha�aUarycouIdmaatthamanyal, tistsoftha3Dl3VVastEndAi, tsVIinl,lhaand enjoy Uvamusic ThaminiatupacircusondispbyisjustpailofthavvorkofmodaI -makarDi, MaxRyckmanD1, Ryckman,a StIomas physician and suql�laon,vvorkad piaca-by-piacaonthacircusformorathan a decade but never I vadtolee itassambfladItvvaspurchasadbyVVaynaIcKinnonfromDir, vvidcmandonoemes housadforpubUcviavvinl�laIon�,11,,idahisTadbotTmiITeaRoomvvlel, aitcovapadatabflamaasurin1,1 tvvaIva feet byfouilaanfaet ELB�l WN I S ��)ARADE OF August 24 to Septeinber 29\2013 ThaParadaofEhaphantsisacommunitypartnarshipvviththe IAils TraiiVlambarsofthe traiIcraatad uniquaahaphantsvvhichtmvaUadtothai, thayaar ThaAi, t[antraisaxcitadtohave aU the ahaphantspaturnadforthe hnahaofthe projact BIRMN SABY FRUM FRASUER LAKE 1 0 ��)O I FERO BEACII I October 5 to 19^2013 Brian Saby has had tvvo pravious one parson axhibitions at the StThomas EI�gin All, [antra� in VVithout [onsant' daaUnl,l vvith vioIanca on many avab domasticto strife Ihis axhibition vvas 22 cAMAN awWkwd and vve'H athen(,iu& Ili 2006 BHom MUM wpa palMings An) 3999 2006 [hN MHHon prtmaHN NOW& hunwn unmthns and Awdus (cA.AQW syrAmmo) [he Mnnaa paintings eNxessed emotion Ku the use of cokay- and shape. The upcoming eMbAion Dom kas("i"I' to Potr(,rc) deals rr-ic)r(,'" \Nit�l friendship and Iov(,' and joy so come to !Vt Thomas Non PubHc Mt Centre on Mrday, October 5, from 2 5111'1"I and take a wal on Me beach 00'� the artM JOSBI1 M VA�M DB4 A�MKER 111 111' YOURSELF Moveo,nber 9 to Deceo,nber 21, 2013 The opening reception was hdd on PAvember 9 at 700pm and feauxed mudc by die West End Pio the newy Meased pulMicKon "West End Ms M I i g I e ",, Alslists Mementl have Mays been fascinated by the tea of a timw we. I tMnk of A as a caade Out one fits Into c,',�r MongO to YOM a pemeNe(:',i period. I Memo, heightened sense of it comes from being dispiced as a young cl-ffld of six, when my famAy emigrat(,'�d to from I lcfflarld. \A/(,', via I QHfax 8( Per 21 in ma Hn ceqair� periods Mth Vabek My post \A/\A/ II, baby I.,momer, or of a pw-ticuir mmnwchy (depending on one's countqQ. And, alhough I am not a monarchist, Canada and Queen Elizabedi H are for me, image, after aH" has if(,k)lrlg from (,'c)lrc)lrlatiolrl in 1 tc) In Cacember 2005 1 moved to St. Thomas, Ontario, hmm Irdand. I had been ivilrlg for S("V("lrai y�ars in (,c). (,lare and have inuedilMe memories of the time I shared \Nitll t1lOS(2 111C)St W(Di-6,'MY of pe oMe and beloved of 00 ndo the QKh I III ,"ICX wncl IEverrts 20113 D1 n. n al f9 o an)s E a c, Ii ye a t t I i e A t t ( e ri t t e 1�I t es e n ts a vv i d e vai'hety of ��ac,�gjarns [(:�i' Ll(:�th adul is and youthy IN yCat oul,:;ac'q�'jalrns have neach 2zi2'.".,,' ridMduak vOdi thoso raogtarnv Educ.ahoriaI I (:wi,s [at Studonts at tho An Wamt dw dWmsky, authuntickty and dej� th ail can hing to WanAng.- Schoo1:,11 f,Yl" !?i`YVa at the An CIntl e (:lfei, tuachum HYMN WoMommlng It B 32 clneahve vvays tc'� r11eet culn'ic'uUrn cflL1fe1 llves irr I alrq'Ua, ""e N ts, ScOnan SoW Studks art VON At h iduas fw t Mud pR2 and post OR Qsm own aawmes hhifld inq�herices to suppott y1.,u Icai rnrig c0duct1vus Nic StIr donts v0l (.Xj'wel'hlcrlc'e rnea'lrlhrq? irl o'Jlrlal 1 olrltelr111'11.,l'al'y and h1stw1c. a t t L1e cwk:ws, achve, ci,ihc.a, cneahve and ungagod Dc.ovei, rievv vvays to pm-cuWu and mptuss t I I e I t !, e 'IS ( S gahrl VaUiLfle JdHs iri visuahtei,acy and am,& muebirl rwnUpau iri a hAmWt cmaku and sab bwnlng onvOonnnunt Educatkonarnouns Nw An CuMT4 al oducahn pmWarns o% in dej�th eiric.ounhins vvith visuahtei,acy and cultune Oui, JdHed educ.atw's C, a I'l VY 0 t ", vv it I ynlU t (:. a d a 1 t 1: t (:� t a 'ns !, o t i e y 'neet yc'wl' sj�ecffic' eanr1hrig cflL1fecllves lai tuary 20, 2013 PAPER CRxr POP INS FREE H lai tuary 24, 2013 Wemdng off. IRO Illy BE I TER WI IBN I III' AHN I A docurnemitary Il by boric Ulei ia ai id Buna Huebner G u u s t s p u a k u t K t s t a S c, h i ri e i d e t � A t t I 1 i e t a1'1 s t !,Pock,,',,ly UghT- SWThorri,'-,us February 13, 2013 St. TbomavElin PuWk Wt CenVe Womertl Comagnee 24 ()F3RAl< Fir(, ( Adrriissior� February 17, 2013 PAPER CRA I FOR INS FREEH! February 18, 2013 FAIII ILY DAY FREE acbObes, games and Art lxyects for the wh6e FainrHy� or 111 1 17, 2013 2APER CRA I FOR INS FRESH! I 4 and !" 2013 Ugh i St. Tl torinas Ai ii iva111 Studio 'I""ourr I his self guided toir is free of charge I he anists of St. I homas and Elin 00 to WON yotj to vyWory buir vnuk and to Orn mory aboi,A the creative orocess Watch for the tags at eachocation� Artists included� Annette Vartin, Candy MclVaninian, 11 awa Woernike, Katelyin I ippin, ll thel Vitrovic, Roniantic Duni gns Artist Studkt KaWrine Vedlyin / hint Vedlyin / Vai,ereen Vedlyin, Vedlyin Stained Gass, ll)ennis Kahchulk, Variet 11 alonde, Mhmwa An G&Ky and Distoni FranOng, Cathuhnu Craig, Clayworks Studb, Rubyuly Kraftmyks, and An Wykurn Port MACY IMay 11, 2013 Shuugari id flI me I e in p o ora r II i i I! ocaI! ive nii,ssiccl joerforniance June 1, 2013 Redtall Coddall Pany and SHo it Auctiori i Teddy Bmin ahMcnic June 5, 2013 h,ne 6 was the day of the annua� I eddy IlBear Ncdq wNch was huld in Pinakmi Park Children canic oiA to the loark to enr oy gainies, teddy ocar crafts, stories, nii,ssic, face painting, and other fun activities I Na uddy Bum Picnic is a OKA uffort of bm St I honias 11P,dolic I! Nn aWh Unit and Ontario larly Years Centre I u i te 6, 2013 Viewiing of Diirectoir,laimes Iledfoird's flim The Big III''�icttvre: Rebhiinlkiing Elyslexia". Guest Speaker Jeanne McLaws. In partnosho Wth ATN I u oi te 15, 2013 mUl i III eeth ig ld� n n ty III i &,lm te Carter I ribute Re VSb11hlg OL,1111Core Valles Sairah and Jeff ii,etL,1111'111 to the Art Centre MLIIIII b11 11 II feiirlit age Coiimiimlttee and for ain encore piresentatoin of th61, ciirltcaHy acd4imed t1l'HOUlte to Johnny Cast and JUline Carter. I u oi te 15,10y 6 wi id August 17 1 6 SIREEI ARI loartinership with the 11)(mintown II)eVelolonlent 'Board P P I , ChildircnAcirri cs� Sta rt I uesday,lWy 2 to memory S u oi,,n oi,,n e or F u or i III IIS IIIc August 22, 2013 1 he Art Centire loarticipated in a loartinership with the Ontario IEarly Years Centire, Igin Viddlesex 1::, CMdcm, Commi,mity 1:, ivin Igin, and St I homas Fli,dolk 1:, ibrairy, with a lorogiraim that Ioroi,sght vah,dolc ircsoi,eirccs to childiren and th6r faimilics thiroihoi,ft the summer. I he programs were offered 1':::: 'RI IE to the loarUcipates which lorovided fi,m activitics, rcsoi,nircc Ioaning and hcaWhy snacks AH programs aire I1:1RIPIP for loarents / cairc&crs and th6r childiren Ion rth to twelve years Offsitc programming in the areas of Eastwood 1:! Nol,Sing Complex, Confederation 1:! Noi,nsing Complex, VcdowdakCoop and I1::airvicw Ave 1:! Nol,Sing complex Ca oi tada Day at flI te I)wd( lWy 1, 2013 I u oi te 27 to,lWy 5, 2013 Kiirlunate Scinders �I he Art II.k,llII) . Mahin GaHeiry Amur esentatoin and exhHjltoiin Sepminber 18, 2013 Fainshawe CoHege Sepminber 28 &29, 2013 Artastc CO llURE DAYS Pghin Arts �� iiraHd October 26, 2013 Sprit of St I homas myl1\1 94 1 CIS I AI1I..S ANID CUI; I UIRIE OIRGAITZA I 1:01N Friday III ominber 1, 2013 or n ivaIII Art Aami mi i Mm vem inber 14, 2013 I'll,Qsentations by IFainshawe College Urban FlIaniners, 1rntrnnrior 4Design and 1:, andscaloc Desi in. 25 II s s s &nd WorksIhqps for Chy it IId Ir Iln PA Day WoIdks111°m it JaIlLi ry 1.2N 221.7 pu,lill 1.2N 221.7 lIStl'LlCt l' Kat6yn ""'14"IIppIiun February 2 to I or 111°1 2, 2222 porflll 2 to I y 22, 2222 October or 22 to INovei be r 24, 2222 Let's Create lIStl'LlCt l' Kat6yn ""'ll""IIppIiun Grades, JK & 211 February 2 22, 2222 porflll 2 to I y 22, 2222 October 22 to Novei be r 22, 2222 Paititit°m t id Dori for°m lIStl'LlCtOl' orgain SharopeH1 Grades I'D 8 February 2to 22, 2222 porflll 2...27, 2222 October 22 to Noveinber 2, 2222 orlll°m Brealk WoIdkslll°mil orlll°m 22..........22, 2222 Grades 2...2 Faux I axideriny ScOpture wmdks111°m it JUlne 22, 2013. lIStl'LlCti01I' Kat6yn ""'15Ippn Grades 3 and Lll�) 2 u iior 1110 oror i lWy 2...2 `11I te 2 linen for°m Illy 8 22 h isphred Illy Gaines ati pp lWy 22 22 Dafly WoIdkslllto pOtt Monday, Recyde Art Liesdy: Space Wednesday, y, 71.) Furlidy: Pape,. Ages I'D S) years lWy 22...22 Fainous Artists lWy 22...August 2: Dafly WoIdksllltopI Monday, dntity Furiidy:...II"ext August 2...'2 Op Art August 8 9 Art of Food August 22...22 For°my August 22...22 Atiiir 111 TlI te Art Cetm Are aINo offersIl forfl1 iday parties for VIII°i 111 or id III ss s arid War�IksIhqps for �.jIII Ls Acryllc I fixed Media JaIlLi iry 71to march 7, 2013. 2 PIriiitin111 iii Il ur ii 11 2 4, 221.7 2...211) im III Stl'LlCt011 S: Kat6yn 11 ppn and 11aLlra Woeinnike alis rheas IS SLIJt llblle forIIII evek of experuence IlId „odiiun2 b e 2li III III e ir. Acryllc I fixed Media wit� Ii C61age1 May y 1.2 to JUlne 20, 2013. 2 Eat, DIrit fly, Create d Ul k u' kS hll) y17,221.77...1.211 im I eave the r k week Ilb h ihn d and u li ul Us as we get li on spl red, euro„uoy so nie food, whine and an enuoya[)le creatve ul l 2ht OLIC 11 Ns doss IS SLIJt ll)lle for II II vek � Il eirli unc IlId ,urs ing IIbe21iunun firs and those IIS .uLlSt want to have Eat, DIrit fly, Create H d Ul k u' kS hll) 0 ct o IIj e ir 15, 221.7 7 1021)im I eave the r k week Ilb h ii un d and u li ul Us as we get li on spl red, euro„uoy so nie food, whine and an enuoya[)le creatve ul l 2ht OLIC 11 Ns doss IS SLIJt ll�lle for II II vek � Iperii nc IlId ,urs ing IIbe21iunun firs and those IIS .uLlSt vaunt to have r„ o im e f Lu III p 26 Omd( I 11H1 2 111°m o 11 a rs 111°fi p I)rograin for Studei its: 2x1111 (3.221 3.220) was awe I II known St. Il honi as a itst who 11inted thu'OL„u2hOL„ut P121iun yL„uulty. II �e u,... umIron one of the most r„lignficant conteimporary aitst in flNs ureg1on. IIhs work lir„ 11 art of umany 11 LIE)Ihc and 11 rvat coHectons across Canada. in order to coni meni r ate the Illus and arbstc acheveiments of yll rkCDOL„u2 llll and to ellICOUrageand SLu11)II) ii” 27 fL,utL,Ilue 2 neirati ns of aitsts, a r„cIhdaiir.shIip fUllid II as Ibeen sta[)IIirhed in yll rk CDOLu2 IIII°r„ inaime by INs faimlH . Each year two $1000 awards eine presented to two grad „u tuun2 secondary Shc0dII StUodents froi ni St. .Il..11 of ni s and P121iun y LII III... ty, who eine II L„11'SL,lhl2 wrliSL,4r 2u” Il hc soar„ at a I si secondary Il veL 2 111°m mr IIItiC �Iwo scIl daiishps eine awarded allIniaHy. I. $1000 for any grad „u tliun2 Str„dent enterhing a to dtoiin11 post secondary fine soar„ II rograim WNch liIlId ides Str„d COLlirs s in dirawhing and pahinthing. 2. $1000 for any gradr„u tliun2 Str„dent enterhing any other Ipost secondary rr SL,4I its II rogr. im WNch liIlId „ides arts, IpIho togs II hy, dens 2un and aiirchteCtLlliirer any anther II rograim deei ed appiiropiirBate by the s6ecti n coiimiimuttee. EigiII EIfty ppIIIic unts 1111LISt Ihave coiim Meted at II east three years in a 2t. Il hoinias or P121iun yOr„11111ty Secondary 2chodI, Il 11 lhcaiints 1111LISt Ihave Ibeen accepted to a first year fine soar„ or rrliSL,4soar„ II rograim at a I si secondary liIlStUu... Ilion. II he I rograim im y be t a r" 1Hege, rlllll rr a slay or a a er" 2unuzed art acadeimy. II Daae scIl chid shps im y not be awarded more thain Duke to any apphcaiint. �..n,.. r r � r� r r r r I II~� a �� y �� ..� a �� ..� II~� ��.,� II �..� a �� II~� a 14� was �..� �� a �.,b �� .,b V. ��.,� � �..� �..� II~� �..� u y II ��.,� ��..�� a II II ��:�� 2ry a � �.,b u.,u �..� V. �� .,� I� �� V...11 ��.,� �� IIS II~� �� II � u 2ry II~� �� .. II~� ��.,� ��.,� II �..� u~� �.,b II � h �..� �.,b �� II a u~� �� II �� ..� a �.. �� a gradLiate of y uqtii4l E121iun yolHege i t IlIgStUllte. Speb 11 Il hainks to Peter. Il.eiiiq uq for Ili s 011qg011llqg Sr„opIl ort and liundveimeint With the yll rk MCDOL,IlgaHI 2r"Ihdaiir.shIIp. Gift SIiqp at C[ie Art Cenbre �� he Art Centre Gft Shop offers a Wi d urainge of Ihtand crafted iiteims froni IIocaII and u,egbnaII arbsts and aitsains. 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Shaw & Catherhine Ehot Shaw Rowena Spell'SI'Lid Jlium BLluIdSCIIILlIII & S Ll z a III III e St e e d F o ii, a & Il a III..IL.0„111414 Sharon WHHI SuIII III artiii lg Mehint IIIA er Patti Italia Johnson Wayne & Maxhine Il entineir BoE) & Noiinle IlutuhUuun1 Ehza[)eth Il line Sharon IItfle Dr. MaIcohim & Mrs. Moiin�qLiie Wood Sparisarfirig MerIIIb er Eghin Contracting & Restoratoin �� td John & Karen 11 k,iiestoin Sustafirifirig MeWber Coiiniinle Gireger Frances Ilairry & II.. owaiird Il 'Lllsdale Mary 11OL,Jse Wh1te St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Annual Report to Elgin County Council November 2013 Highlights Quality Award STEGH has once again received the Platinum Level Quality Healthcare Workplace Award from the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) and Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC). This is the fourth consecutive year STEGH has achieved this prestigious award. The award recognizes the innovation and teamwork at STEGH that ensures a high quality workplace which ultimately benefits patient care. This award signifies that our ongoing efforts to improve the patient care experience through our focused efforts on quality, safety and on staff satisfaction and engagement are working. Outstanding Features noted in STEGH's application this year include: • Ambulatory move was well done; of note, on move day, staff members united to ensure the move was as seamless as possible without disruption to patient services • Excellent integration of healthy work environment strategies into the overall organizational strategy (ie: Tuesday Lunch Box Shake Ups, Volleyball Tournament and high compliance with Influenza campaign) • Use of testimonials from patients and staff to demonstrate healthcare workplace efforts and impacts. As STEGH continues its quality healthcare workplace journey, these meaningful connects between quality worklife and quality patient care initiatives will continue to emerge. • New patient feedback survey has generated, on average, 45 patient responses each week • Lowest Wait Time in ER in the province • Outstanding support and participation in community fundraising efforts (ie: United Way) • Weekly e -blast communique sent to everyone Lowest wait times in ED STEGH has received top ranking for the lowest Emergency Room(ER) wait times in the province for the fifth straight quarter. This makes STEGH the leader among 74 hospitals participating in the Ministry of Health and Long -Term Care"s (MOHLTC) Pay For Results incentive program. The current ranking is based on achieving Ministry set targets in the most recent quarter from April to .lune 2012. The program uses a number of measures including the time it takes to see a doctor in the ER, and the total length of time a patient spends in the ER before returning home or admitted to a hospital bed. STEGH met or exceeded Provincial targets. STEGH will use the funding ($1.4M)for several initiatives including continuing to focus on optimizing processes to improve patient flow through the emergency department, and inpatient units; as well as focusing on improving systems to allow nurses even more time for 33 direct patient care; and to improve systems of care throughout the organization. STEGH is also receiving just over $1 million one-time funding (spread over 3 years) from the South West LHIN to share these successful strategies with other high volume community hospitals within the South West LHIN. Last year STEGH treated nearly 42,000 patients in the ER. The MOHLTC Pay for Results program is designed to assist those hospitals which receive more than 30,000 ER visits per year to improve patient wait times, and to link that improvement to incentive funding. Home First STEGH is a proud participant and supporter of the Home First Program. Home First is an approach to providing care based on a simple but powerful idea: When a patient enters the hospital, every effort should be made to ensure adequate resources are in place to support the patient to return home on discharge. During 2012 as many as 800 people a month were supported at home rather than in hospital, thanks to the Home First approach. These were people who would otherwise have waited in hospital until a space became available in a long-term care home. For patients and their families, Home First made a big difference in quality of life. They were able to make choices and decide their next steps in comfort and privacy thanks to the Home First approach implemented in the South West by the CCAC and its hospital, LHIN and community partners. By returning home, many patients were able to recuperate and regain strength, surrounded by family and familiar objects. Home First has made a significant impact on on patient care at STEGH for those who stay in hospital because an alternative care option is unavailable (alternate level of care or ALC). Since the implementation of Home First in January 2012, the number of ALC patients at STEGH has decrease substantially from 45 to 12 on average. Patient Experience Office and Council The Patient Experience Office seeks to facilitate the investigation and resolution of patient, family and visitor issues, concerns, suggestions and complaints. We are here to help achieve an excellent patient care experience. It is equally important to receive compliments from patients and families. We have launched both an email address and direct phone extension for the office: 519-631-2030, ext. 7284 or email: pa ien ex eriencePs e h.onxa One of the first strategies being implemented is the formation of a Patient Experience Council (PEC). The PEC is a partnership of community members and hospital personnel committed to ensure an excellent patient care experience through the delivery of Patient and Family -Centred Care in all aspects of care development and delivery. The council serves in an advisory capacity, making recommendations on matters influencing the experience of patients and families. The PEC will help educate staff on family care issues, educate families on health care issues, and provide recommendations to the hospital leadership team. 34 Foundation update In July, the Foundation welcomed Paul Jenkins as our newest Executive Director. Jenkins, a St. Thomas native, joined us from Prostate Cancer Canada, where he led their corporate partnerships portfolio and also worked on the Movember campaign. In October, Bill Brown, took over the role of Vice President, and will replace Susan O'Brien as President when she retires from the Foundation Board of Directors next year. Our Foundation is dedicated to the needs of our donors. In October, the Foundation hosted the Chair Affair, which raised the profile of the Hospital's new mental health program, as well as $25,000 for the simple dignities of life. Mental health is a mission critical area and we are working hand-in-hand with the team at STEGH to help reduce the stigma against this very real health problem. Our focus continues to be on the Redevelopment Campaign, which is chaired by the tireless Ken Monteith and otherwise consists of a cross-section of Elgin's finest philanthropically -minded citizens. Since the County's generous commitment, matched only by the City, we have secured an additional $2 million in pledged or paid gifts. The Redevelopment Campaign is not only the largest fundraising campaign in the history of Elgin County, it is an overt investment in ourselves... as individuals, as families and as an entire community. The Foundation wants to thank Elgin County for stepping up so willingly and early in support of our fundraising efforts. Your leadership demonstrates to the entire community what an incredible gem we have in the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. Mental Health Mental Health Care Services is moving to STEGH January 13, 2014 and will be located on first floor, west wing. There will be a 15 -bed inpatient unit and outpatient services for approximately 500 patients. Construction will be completed in the first week of December and the facilities turned over to STEGH. Furniture is on order and will arrive mid December. Redevelopment After a rigorous selection process, the architectural team consisting of the firms Montgomery-Sisam and Kahler-Slater wasselected this past summerto be the lead designers for the Hospital's redevelopment project. Since then they have engaged hospital staff and community members in two visioning' sessions to help understand expectations for the new facilities. They have also worked with staff and physician planning groups to develop schematic drawings depicting how and where services will be located and linked in the new facility to create efficiency and an excellent patient care experience. The hospital is required to make a number of submissions to the 35 Ministry regarding its plans all leading to the formal construction procurement process, expected to begin early 2015.. Construction still on target to be completed by mid 2017. The new facilities will include mental health in-patient and outpatient services, a new emergency department, and a new surgical suite including a supporting sterile processing department. Ambulatory Care Move In April 2013, we opened the new Ambulatory Center in the A & B Wings of the "South Building". The services which moved into the newly renovated and aesthetically pleasing environment of A & B Wings included the sleep lab, respiratory home services, the ambulatory clinic, chemotherapy, cardiology and the pre -admit clinic. The fracture clinic was also taken over from Talbot Trail and integrated into the ambulatory clinic. As well, the ambulatory clinic schedule and times were changed dramatically to further our journey of creating an "excellent patient care experience every time". This was a huge undertaking as it affected all of the staff and physicians utilizing the clinic. 0 November 5, 2013 The Warden and Members Elgin County Council 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 Attached is a report of the number of severance's dealt with by the Land Division Committee for the period November 1, 2012 to October 31, 2013. Trusting this is satisfactory. /sg Aft. County of Elgin Engineering Services 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, On N5R 5V1 Phone: 519- 631-1460 www. e I gi n -c o u nty. o n. c a LAND DIVISION COMMITTEE REPORT November 26, 2013 To the Warden and Members of the Elgin County Council The Land Division Committee reports as follows: N SEVERANCES November1 October 1 ` Number of Hearings - Full D� ys 5 Half Dc ys 4 ALL of which,is respectfully su nt St� hairman 9.1 Granted Not Existing New Surplus Easement/ Deferred Municipality Conditionally Granted Lot Lot Dwelling Right of Way/ or Lease Tabled 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 AYLMER 4 2 1 3 2 BAYHAM 23 13 3 5 2 16 10 2 1 7 CENTRAL ELGIN 10 19 1 6 7 3 7 4 1 1 4 3 DUTTON/DUNWICH 12 11 1 1 1 4 4 7 6 2 1 MALAHIDE 21 23 1 1 3 3 14 11 4 9 14 3 SOUTHWOLD 7 8 4 4 3 4 2 3 WEST ELGIN 15 17 1 2 5 6 3 7 9 2 TOTAL (2012-98) 92 6 22 49 20 1 31 TOTAL (2013 - 95) 93 2 22 41 28 2 10 Number of Hearings - Full D� ys 5 Half Dc ys 4 ALL of which,is respectfully su nt St� hairman 9.1 REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF November 26, 2013 Council Reports — (ATTACHED) Warden Cameron McWilliam — 2014 and the Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus Staff Reports —(ATTACHED) Director of Community and Cultural Services — Library Coordinator Nomination to President, Ontario Public Library Association Accessibility Coordinator —Accessibility Compliance Reporting Accessibility Coordinator— Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Vacancy Appointment Director of Human Resources — County of Elgin 2014 Mileage Rate Purchasing Coordinator— Information Report — Contract Awards April 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013 Director of Financial Services — Budget Comparison — October 2013 Director of Financial Services — Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) Administrator, Bobier Villa and Elgin Manor— Capital Fund Reallocation — Transfer Lifts and Bathing Systems Director of Homes and Seniors Services — Homes Policy Revision — I.C. #3.4 Immunizations — Staff Influenza Director of Homes and Seniors Services — Summary of Amendments to Regulation 79/10 (Regulation) Under the Long -Term Care Homes Act, 2007 Administrative Services Coordinator — Schedule of Council Meetings for 2014 Manager of Planning — Cycling Master Plan Chief Administrative Officer — Health Recruitment Partnership Update — East Elgin Family Health Team Tree Commissioner/Weed Inspector — Year End Report for 2013 General Manager of Economic Development — Elgin Arts Trail — St. Thomas -Elgin Public Art Centre Membership General Manager of Economic Development — Economic Development Progress Report: 39 January — August 2013 I��REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Cameron McWilliam, Warden DATE: November 4, 2013 SUBJECT: 2014 and the Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus INTRODUCTION: Attached for Council's information is a copy of the Minutes from the October 18, 2013 meeting of the Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus (WOWC). There are two specific items in the Minutes that I wish to draw your attention to. The first is the broadband project and the second is the proposed budget for the caucus commencing in 2014. DISCUSSION: The regional broadband project is a massive undertaking that would bring high speed internet service to rural Ontario and thereby enhance and promote economic diversity and viability. The project will require significant senior government support and to that end the Caucus will be asking each participant to provide $25,000 in 2014 to keep the project moving. The money will be used for advocacy, consultation, business planning and some project staffing. Without it, the chances of convincing the provincial and federal governments of its importance will diminish. Staff have included this amount in the preliminary budget for your consideration. The operating budget for the caucus has been discussed and the recommendation for the 2014 in -coming caucus is to raise the fee from $2,000 to $3,500 per annum. This will provide the caucus with some resource dollars to hire expert advice on particular topics if required. Researching issues, developing position papers and focussing advocacy will be enhanced with greater funding. CONCLUSION: The importance of the regional broadband project and the need for greater resources for the WOWC have been emphasised in this report. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled "2014 and the Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus" dated November 4, 2013 be received for information purposes. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Cameron McWilliam Mark G. McDonald Warden Chief Administrative Officer 40 Meeting Minutes WESTERN ONTARIO WARDENS' CAUCUS Friday, October 18, 2013, 10:00 a. m. - 2:00 p.m. Council Chambers, Middlesex County, 399 Ridout St. London Members Attending: Duncan McKinlay, Chair; Dennis Travale, Vice Chair; Cameron McWilliam, Elgin; George Robertson, Huron; Laura Ryan, Dufferin; Vince Judge, Perth; Don McKay, Oxford; Bernie MacLellan, Huron; Todd Case, Lambton; Brad Richards, Middlesex; Chris White, Wellington; Ron Eddy, Brant; Tom Bain, Essex. CAOs Attending: Sonja Pritchard; Bill Arthur; Paul Emerson; Brian Gregg; Ron Van Horne; Kelley Coulter; Scott Wilson; Mark MacDonald; Lance Thurston Guests: Serge Lavoie, SWEA; Geoff Hogan, Grey County; Campbell Patterson, Broadband Consultant; Jim Gates, Middlesex County. # Agenda Item Discussion and Action 1 Welcome Chair McKinlay opened the meeting and welcomed all in attendance 2. Meeting Minutes MOVED BY Dennis Travale, SECONDED BY Brad Richards; THAT the minutes of the August 18, 2013 meeting of the WOWC be approved and the minutes of the CAOs' meet of September 20, 2013 be received. CARRIED 3. Business arising from None minutes 4. Regional Broadband Lance Thurston introduced Geoff Hogan and Campbell Patterson, the project Project Update team. The team provided an update on the study process since the last Caucus meeting in August, presented the findings and recommendations of the consultant's final feasibility study report, including recommended next steps in the process. There was extensive discussion, and questions of the study team. Vince Judge indicated that he wished to advise the group that Perth County may not be able to support the suggested 2014 budget amount of $25,000 per member due to county budget pressures. There was concern expressed about how project capital costs would be distributed among members. It was explained that this and many other details would be fleshed out in the next stage of the development process being recommended. Concern was pointedly expressed about the potential damaging impact the Province's pending procurement decision on its GO -NET consolidation and refresh project may have on the success of the proposed WOWC broadband network and the social and economic future of the southwest region. This concern is documented in the consultant's feasibility study report and related WOWC staff reports on the subject. 41 MOVED BY Tom Bain, SECONDED BY Laura Ryan, THAT the Chair write a letter to Premier Wynne formally expressing the concerns of the WOWC on the Province's pending GO -NET procurement decision and ask that serious consideration be given to selecting a delivery solution that is compatible with the proposed WOWC SWIFT broadband network and supportive of the social and economic development needs and aspirations of Southwestern Ontario, particularly it small towns and rural communities. CARRIED Lance Thurston then outlined the recommendations contained in the related staff report. MOVED BY Todd Case, SECONDED BY Don McKay; WHEREAS the mandate of the Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus (WOWC) is to enhance the prosperity of rural and small urban communities across southwestern Ontario; AND WHEREAS the WOWC understands that for communities to be attractive locations for investment in today's hyper -competitive global economy, they must have the fundamental infrastructure foundation including robust fibre optic broadband Internet access that will fully support emerging technological applications; AND WHEREAS significant gaps in and inequitable access to high speed broadband Internet services are holding back many rural and small towns across the region from realizing their full economic potential; AND WHEREAS the WOWC hired the firm of Campbell Patterson Communications to study the feasibility of creating a regional fibre optic broadband area network with gigabit backbone and capable of delivering last mile connectivity in the 10-100Mb or better range across the entire south west region; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: 1. THAT the WOWC hereby receives the report entitled, Regional Broadband Feasibility Study, as prepared by Campbell Patterson Communications in fulfillment of the terms and conditions set out in Request for Proposals RFP-WOWC-02-12; AND 2. THAT the WOWC endorses the findings of the Regional Broadband Study, which demonstrate the technical feasibility and regional economic development merits of the WOWC, in partnership with upper levels of government and regional stakeholders, creating a regional area network (RAN) consisting of high capacity, scalable and ubiquitous fibre optic infrastructure deployed throughout southwestern Ontario regardless of population density; AND 3. THAT the feasibility study serve as the basis for: a. Continued efforts through 2013 and 2014 to build 42 awareness and support among key stakeholders across the region for the recommended RAN; b. Advocacy with upper levels of government and other potential partners for financial support and involvement to build the RAN and operationalize the recommended governance and organizational structure; and, c. Proceeding with the recommended next steps in the development process that will enable the project to move forward in a logical sequence including further refinement of the regional area network model, detailing of suitable operating and governance framework options and funding application (business plan) to federal and provincial governments; AND 4. THAT Campbell Patterson Communications be retained on a month to month basis at a rate of $5,000 per month effective November 1, 2013 to be cost shared equally among members until a project budget for 2014 is approved, to ensure work on the project continues; AND 5. THAT the following 2014 broadband project budget plan be recommended to the incoming 2014 WOWC Board of Directors: Activity Budget Comment Regional stakeholder and upper government outreach, Advocacy $50,000 to build awareness and secure interest and commitment across the region. Continued engagement of Campbell Patterson Consultant $110,000 Communications Business Hire legal and business expertise required to develop Planning $100,000 detailed organizational framework for RAN Hire project coordinator to assist study team and Project consultant in managing the project, and cover some of Staffing $90,000 the costs of county staff and WOWC members engaged in the project TOTAL $350,000 $25,000 per WOWC Member CARRIED LUNCH I The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:00 p.m. and returned at 1:00 p.m. 5. 2014-2018 Proposed Lance Thurston provided a brief overview of the staff report entitled, Proposed Operating Plan WOWC 2014-2018 Operating Budget Plan dated October 18, 2013, which was followed by discussion. During the discussion there was strong sentiment expressed that the WOWC needs to consider a more focused approach in 2014 in order to be more strategic and engaged in issues of importance. 43 44 MOVED BY Dennis Travale, SECONDED BY Todd Case; That the staff report entitled WOWC 2014 Operating Budget Proposal dated October 18, 2013 be received and the 2014 operating budget proposed therein be recommended to the incoming Board of Directors at its meeting in January 2014. CARRIED 6. Regional Transportation Lance Thurston provided a summary of the staff report included in the agenda. Initiative He invited Serge Lavoie, CEO of SWEA to expand on the issues. WHEREAS communities in Southwestern Ontario, including Grey County, are alarmed at the declining level of passenger transportation options available in the region; AND WHEREAS the Board of the Southwest Economic Alliance (SWEA) has adopted an action plan to spur Provincial and Federal planning and re -investment in passenger transportation services across Southwestern Ontario; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Grey County Council hereby endorses and lends its support to SWEA's Regional Passenger Transportation Initiative, as outlined below: 1. Cutbacks to VIA Rail passenger service in Southwestern Ontario is a central and critical issue and SWEA, on behalf of the communities of the region, will: a) Demand re -investments and service enhancements in the short term. b) Advocate, for a renewed commitment to passenger rail service across Canada. 2. Lack of inter -city transportation options within the region is an equally critical issue. The following are the key requests that SWEA will make to the provincial government on behalf of the communities of the region: a) That the provincial government support demands to improve VIA Rail services along both main lines. b) That the provincial government immediately address regional passenger transportation issues beyond the current GTHA focus c) That the provincial government supports the establishment of an all -party committee of the Ontario legislature to immediately study regional transportation needs in Southwestern Ontario. 3. That SWEA seek to convene a high profile regional transportation summit in autumn of 2013 to draw attention to the critical issue of limited passenger transportation options in Southwestern Ontario with the intent is to kick-start a broad public debate on the issue and to spur immediate study of options and commitment to re- investments. 44 45 4. That SWEA engage all possible stakeholders, in partnership with communities in the region, to build awareness of passenger transportation issues and possible solutions. 5. That SWEA coordinate a meeting with senior VIA Rail management to get an accounting of their service strategy for Southwestern Ontario and to stress the need for the corporation to partner with regional municipalities meaningfully in efforts to improve passenger rail service and ridership levels in the region. CARRIED 7. Other Business Consideration was given to holding the next WOWC Caucus meeting on November 14th to tie in with the next scheduled CAOs meeting in London. There was insufficient commitment from members due to scheduling conflicts. Dennis Travale advised the group of a Mayors' Coalition Meeting on October 24th regarding a new funding model proposal for OPP policing costs. He noted too that the Association of Police Services Boards is holding a meeting on November 14th to discuss the issue. Mr. Travale also noted that he has had recent meetings with the Premier and Provincial Ministers regarding property tax arrears and the idea of reducing the time frame for municipalities to intervene in a tax arrears situation from two years to one year. Duncan McKinlay thanked the group for electing him as Chair for this past term. He will not be a Warden next year and therefore will not be eligible to be Chair of the WOWC. He has enjoyed the job, working on key issues and meeting many wonderful people across the region. 8. Correspondence Correspondence from Minister of Labour dated September 19, 2013 responding to a letter from the Chair on the issue of Interest Arbitration was received. The Caucus was reminded of a letter date October 17, 2013 that the Chair has sent to the Minister of Health and Long-term Care as a follow-up to the WOWC delegation at AMO related to municipal investment in long-term care. 9. Next Meeting January 2014 To be announced. This will also be the Annual General Meeting of the Board of Directors. Adjournment MOVED BY Vince Judge, SECONDED BY Brad Richards, that the meeting adjourn CARRIED The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:00 p.m. 45 m¢arr saa%l7iJij��h t.Nr nREPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Brian Masschaele, Director of Community and Cultural Services DATE: November 4, 2013 SUBJECT: Library Coordinator Nomination to President, Ontario Public Library Association INTRODUCTION: This report seeks Council's support for the nomination of the Library Coordinator to the position of President of the Ontario Public Library Association (OPLA). DISCUSSION: In 2009, Council supported the successful nomination of the Library Coordinator as a regional councillor to the OPLA for a four-year term. This term expires in January 2014 and the Coordinator now wishes to pursue the position of President of the organization based on the following understanding: The term will be for three years from 2014-2017, with service of one-year each in the portfolios of Vice -President / President Elect, President and Past President. The first two years will include representation on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Library Association (of which OPLA is a component). Given that there is executive authority associated with such representation, the Library Coordinator will declare a conflict of interest should matters arise that are not in the best interests of the Elgin County Library or the County of Elgin. Attendance at 8 meetings per year in Toronto will be required, with all associated travel costs covered by the association. The library will grant one working day to attend each of these meetings. The Coordinator will also receive complementary registration to the association's annual Super Conference in Toronto as an added benefit, with all related travel costs covered during the year as President. Staff fully support this nomination as such representation is a further sign of the good - standing that the Elgin County Library has achieved in the province and will be of great benefit in terms of shaping future library policy, programs and services. Staff are confident that this appointment can be balanced within the Library Coordinator's current duties. CONCLUSION: Should Council support this nomination, the next step in the process may then involve an election should other candidates apply. Ratification will occur at the association's Annual General Meeting in late January 2014 and the term will commence immediately thereafter. 46 RECOMMENDATION: THAT Elgin County Council wholeheartedly supports the nomination of the Library Coordinator to the position of President of the Ontario Public Library Association based on the terms outlined in the report titled "Library Coordinator Nomination to President, Ontario Public Library Association" dated November 4, 2013. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Brian Masschaele Director of Community and Cultural Services 47 Approved for Submission Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer ry m urrn lef, I"I REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jennifer Cowan, Accessibility Coordinator Rob Bryce, Director of Human Resources DATE: November 1, 2013 SUBJECT: Accessibility Compliance Reporting INTRODUCTION: The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires organizations to file reports on accessibility standards that apply to them. The following report outlines what the County of Elgin has done to be in compliance with requirements up to December 31, 2013. Additional reports are required every two years. DISCUSSION: The following is a list of questions that the County is required to answer by the end of the year. 1. Is your organization complying with the requirements of the Customer Service Standard, and are you implementing the Customer Service training policy by continuing to train staff on an ongoing basis? 2. Does your organization have written accessibility policies and a statement of commitment? 3. Has your organization established, implemented, maintained and posted a multi- year accessibility plan? 4. Does your organization provide its emergency procedures, plans or public safety information that it makes available to the public, in an accessible format upon request? 5. Does your organization provide individualized emergency response information for employees that require it and does it review the information in accordance with the Employment Standard? 6. Does your organization provide public information about the availability of accessible materials and upon request does your organization provide access to accessible materials where they exist? 7. Do you include accessibility criteria and features in your procurement process, and if applicable, do you incorporate accessibility features when designing, procuring or acquiring self-service kiosks? When reporting, the County of Elgin will be able to answer "yes" to all the questions listed above. Reporting is required by two individuals in the organization — one to answer the questions and one to verify that the information is accurate. 48 Even though the County is filing a report to verify compliance, the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario may audit the County at any time to verify the information that has been provided is true. CONCLUSION: The County of Elgin is in compliance with the accessibility requirements dated to the end of December 31, 2013. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled "Accessibility Compliance Reporting" dated November 1, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Jennifer Cowan Accessibility Coordinator Rob Bryce Director of Human Resources 49 Approved for Submission Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer r�y m urrn lef, I"I REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jennifer Cowan, Accessibility Coordinator Rob Bryce, Director of Human Resources DATE: November 4, 2013 SUBJECT: Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Vacancy Appointment INTRODUCTION: Due to a recent vacancy on the Elgin County/Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (JAAC), staff have initiated the recruitment process for a new member. DISCUSSION: An advertisement was placed in several local newspapers by way of the "Central Elgin Buzz". Local newspapers include: St. Thomas Times Journal, Lake Erie Beacon, Weekly News and Aylmer Express. The advertisement was also included on the website for both Central Elgin and Elgin County and was picked up by the local radio station, myFM. Members of the public who were interested in being part of the JAAC received an application from the Accessibility Coordinator. Once applications were returned, the process for short listing the candidates began. The Accessibility Coordinator used a ranking system to determine the best candidates to interview. From the applications, three candidates were chosen for interviews. Interviews were conducted by Dave Marr, Elgin County Councillor and Central Elgin Deputy Mayor, Dianne Wilson, Central Elgin Clerk and Jennifer Cowan, Elgin County Accessibility Coordinator. Based on a number of factors, including experience with municipal committees, professional experience in customer service with the Ontario Public Sector and an understanding of cross disability issues, the preferred candidate to fill the vacancy is Douglas Mayer, resident of Central Elgin. CONCLUSION: Staff respectfully requests that County Council and Central Elgin Council approve the recommended appointment to the County of Elgin/Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee. RECOMMENDATION: THAT County Council approve the appointment of Douglas Mayer to serve on the County of Elgin/Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (JAAC) effective immediately for a three year term. 50 All of which is Respectfully Submitted Jennifer Cowan Accessibility Coordinator Rob Bryce Director of Human Resources 51 Approved for Submission Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer ry m urrn lef, I"I REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Rob Bryce, Director of Human Resources DATE: November 1, 2013 SUBJECT: County of Elgin 2014 Mileage Rate INTRODUCTION: In accordance with Human Resources Policy 10.50, employees who do not have a County -supplied vehicle will be paid a mileage rate for use of their own vehicle on County business. For the last four years, the current rate has remained unchanged at 49.5 cents per kilometre and is market -competitive. DISCUSSION: Until 2006, staff reviewed the mileage rate annually and recommended any changes to County Council for approval. Effective 2006, Council directed staff to implement the same kilometric rate established by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat on an annual basis. The current Treasury Board rate for travel in Ontario is 55.0 cents per kilometre. A review of mileage rate reimbursements provided by other municipal employers suggests the County's current rate of 49.5 cents per kilometre is competitive. A survey of 19 area municipalities resulted in a large range of responses showing reimbursement rates of 42 to 54 cents per kilometre. The average rate was 49.0 and the median response was 50.0 with half the municipalities providing greater reimbursement and half providing less. The mode or most common response was 54.0 cents per kilometre. CONCLUSION: The County's mileage rate is competitive and should remain unchanged for 2014. RECOMMENDATION: THAT County Council direct staff to freeze the mileage rate for 2014 at the current level of 49.5 cents per kilometre. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Rob Bryce Mark G. McDonald Director of Human Resources Chief Administrative Officer 52 E�, REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Mike Hoogstra, Purchasing Coordinator DATE: November 8, 2013 SUBJECT: Information Report - Contract Awards April 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013 INTRODUCTION: As per the County of Elgin's Procurement Policy section 10. 1, an information report containing the details relevant to the exercise of delegated authority for all contracts awarded that exceed $15,000 including amendments and renewals is to be prepared and reported to Council. This report covers the period from April to September 2013. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin delegated authority to the Directors to award contracts as follows: Value Report Status Greater than $15,000 No report to Council required if within 10% of the but less than $50,000 approved budget allocation Greater than $50,000 No report to Council required if within approved but less than $100,000 budget Council also approved that an information report would be brought forward containing details of the award of contracts including amendments and renewals. The detailed report of the award of contracts is attached as Appendix A. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled "Information Report - Contract Awards, April 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013" dated November 8, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Mike Hoogstra Purchasing Coordinator Jim Bundschuh Director of Financial Services 53 Approved for Submission Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer APPENDIX A Purchases/Projects greater than $15,000 April 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013 Department Budget Project Award Bid Price Allocation (HST extra) Community and Capital 2013 Chevrolet Express Disbrowe Motors $ 27,858.81 Cultural Services Cargo Van — Library Engineering Capital Sprinkler System and Second Nature $ 26,959.00 Services Landscaping — Bobier Land Design Villa Engineering Capital Pressure Treated Posts Springfield $ 40,283.75 Services for Road Signs Tim -Br Mart Engineering Capital Regulatory Road Signs Owl -Lite $ 46,137.79 Services Engineering Operating Port Stanley Lift Bridge Dielco Industrial $ 29,871.32 Services Repairs and Contractors Maintenance Engineering Capital Dutton EMS Station — Spriet Associates $ 34,000.00 Services Engineering & Architectural Services Information Operating Point Click Care Wescom Solutions $ 28,548.97 Technology Upgrades 54 m urrn lef, ,Ir ,, r?` i P1 ,1, *M.,0 �Y, xy;,tiR REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jim Bundschuh — Director of Financial Services DATE: November 8, 2013 SUBJECT: Budget Comparison — October 2013 INTRODUCTION: Attached is the budget comparison for October 2013 for the County with favourable performance for the month of $218 thousand; bringing year-to-date performance to a favourable $843 thousand. DISCUSSION: Once again the major contributor to the favourable performance is the Homes with favourable performance for the month of October of $129 thousand. Spending on project costs is $63 thousand less than budgeted, operational costs are $26 thousand better than budgeted and hours worked are better than budgeted resulting in a further $20 thousand of favourable performance. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled "Budget Comparison — October 2013" dated November 8, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Jim Bundschuh Mark G. McDonald Director of Financial Services Chief Administrative Officer 55 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 County of Elgin Income Statement As of October 31, 2013 TAXES INTEREST CHARGES & INCOME SOCIAL SERVICES - ST. THOMAS HEALTH UNIT GRANTS RENTAL INCOME PROPERTY ASSESSMENT ONTARIO MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIP FU PROJECTS Total Corporate WARDEN AND COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FINANCIAL SERVICES HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION BUILDING CORPORATE SERVICES ENGINEERING SERVICES HOMES FOR SENIORS SERVICES MUSEUM/ARCHIVES LIBRARY SERVICES INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES PROVINCIAL OFFENSES COLLECTIONS - POA AMBULANCE & EMERGENCY SERVICES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM Total Departmental 27 Total 56 J:\Common\Finance\Monthly Performance\Financial Services\Summary Report 08/11/2013 3:36 PM YTD Current Month Actual Perform. Actual Perform. Revenue Expenses Net Net Revenue Expenses Net Net Total Total (20,151,309) 125,294 (20,026,015) (238) - - - - (59,900) 16 (59,884) 564 (6,827) - (6,827) 70 - 2,280,987 2,280,987 7,263 - 703,587 703,587 59,163 - 781,966 781,966 - - 78,197 78,197 - - 807,915 807,915 1,000 - 6,000 6,000 1,000 (156,885) 109,922 (46,963) (0) (15,689) - (15,689) (0) - 719,640 719,640 - - 179,910 179,910 - (1,770,900) - (1,770,900) - (442,725) - (442,725) - (11,150) 166,780 155,630 2 - - - - - - - 0 - - - - (22,150,144) 4,992,520 (17,157,624) 6,590 (465,241) 967,693 502,453 58,233 (23) 247,179 247,157 30,111 - 24,261 24,261 5,142 (14,275) 385,361 371,086 35,684 - 56,794 56,794 3,800 - 438,219 438,219 26,461 - 56,636 56,636 12,016 (20,667) 416,059 395,392 22,102 (380) 55,222 54,842 1,881 336,387 582,574 246,187 51,626 29,680 55,377 25,697 2,953 - 463,082 463,082 17,351 - 29,095 29,095 2,834 (1,088,971) 10,534,741 9,445,770 58,459 (22,113) 374,945 352,832 9,807 (14,653,342) 17,760,839 3,107,497 443,511 (1,449,778) 2,133,249 683,471 129,201 (69,569) 363,118 293,549 6,474 (18,484) 41,259 22,776 3,186 175,754 2,250,581 2,074,828 12,777 119,737 255,797 136,060 2,193 (15,065) 680,317 665,251 40,161 (2,809) 74,383 71,574 4,014 (1,402,628) 1,107,812 (294,816) (6,927) (199,132) (47,516) (246,648) - (316,425) 300,405 (16,019) 72 - 0 0 (0) (5,065,321) 7,389,015 2,323,694 34,815 (510,022) 733,963 223,941 (5,404) (110,643) 1,074,523 963,880 64,005 (1,987) 122,265 120,278 (11,406) (23,269,071) 43,993,825 20,724,755 836,682 (2,354,122) 3,965,730 1,611,609 160,215 (45,419,214) 48,986,345 3,567,131 1 843,273 (2,819,362) 4,933,424 2,114,061 218,449 56 J:\Common\Finance\Monthly Performance\Financial Services\Summary Report 08/11/2013 3:36 PM m urrn lef, ,Ir ,, r?` i P1 ,1, *M.,0 �Y, xy;,tiR REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jim Bundschuh, Director of Financial Services DATE: November 20, 2013 SUBJECT: Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) INTRODUCTION: The 2014 allocation notice for Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) is attached. Although there is a drop in funding, the combined benefit, which includes social service costs being uploaded by the province, results in a negligible impact on the county. DISCUSSION: The OMPF allocation for 2014 of $1,505,300 is $265,600 less than that received in 2013. The province has calculated that they will be uploading $312,600 in cost for a combined benefit improvement of $47,000. CONCLUSION: This slight improvement in the combined benefit will be used to fund the county's share of social service cost increases. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled "Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF)" dated November 20, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Jim Bundschuh Mark G. McDonald Director of Financial Services Chief Administrative Officer 57 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) ?, 2014 Allocation Notice �� On'taril o County of Elgin 44000 2014 Highlights for the County of Elgin - The County of Elgin's estimated benefit of the 2014 provincial uploads totals $3,537,700 which is the equivalent of 6% of all municipal property tax revenue in the County. • In addition, the County of Elgin will receive $1,505,300 through the 2014 OMPF. • The 2014 uploads combined with the OMPF exceed the 2013 combined benefit by $47,000. A Total 2014 OMPF $1,505,300 1 1 1. Total OMPF (Equal to Line A) $1,505,300 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2. Provincial Uploads (see 2014 Upload Notice Insert) $3,537,700 C Other Ongoing Provincial Support $3,093,600 1. Public Health $1,477,500 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2. Land Ambulance $1,616,100 D Key OMPF Data Inputs 1. Households ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20,242 2. Total Weighted Assessment per Household .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... $239,627 3. Rural and Small Community Measure .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 84.2% 4. Northern and Rural Municipal Fiscal Circumstances Index n/a .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5. 2014 Guaranteed Level of Support .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 85.0% 6. 2013 OMPF (Line A from 2013 Allocation Notice) $1,770,900 Issued: November 2013 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) 2014 Allocation Notice O 'aril County of Elgin 44000 2014 OMPF Allocation Notice - Line Item Descriptions A The OMPF grants are described in detail in the OMPF Technical Guide — this document can be found on the Ministry of Finance's website at: http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/ompf/2014 A5 If applicable, reflects the amount of transitional support provided to assist the municipality in adjusting to the redesigned OMPF program. See the enclosed Transitional Assistance Calculation Insert for further details. 1131 Sum of 2014 OMPF grants. (Equal to Line A) B2 Estimated 2014 benefit of the Province's upload of social assistance benefit program costs. For further details see the 2014 Upload Benefit Report. The estimated 2014 municipal benefit of the Province's 75 per cent share of public health funding relative to its 50 per cent share C1 in 2004. Actual municipal savings may not correspond with the Allocation Notice due to budget approvals made by the local Boards of Health. Municipalities may provide additional funding beyond their obligated cost share. Any additional municipal funding is not included in the calculation of the public health figure. The estimated 2014 municipal benefit of the Province's 50 per cent share of land ambulance funding is relative to its share in C2 2005. This incremental increase in land ambulance funding delivers on the Province's commitment to strengthen land ambulance services and maintain the 50:50 sharing of land ambulance costs. D2 Refers to the total assessment for a municipality weighted by the tax ratio for each class of property (including payments in lieu of property taxes retained by the municipality) divided by the total number of households. D3 Represents the proportion of a municipality's population that resides in rural areas or small communities. For additional information see the 2014 OMPF Technical Guide. The northern and rural Municipal Fiscal Circumstances Index (MFCI) measures a municipality's fiscal circumstances relative to D4 other northern and rural municipalities in the province, and ranges from 0 to 10. A lower MFCI corresponds to relatively positive fiscal circumstances, whereas a higher MFCI corresponds to more challenging fiscal circumstances. For additional information see the 2014 OMPF Technical Guide. D5 Represents the guaranteed level of support the municipality will receive from the Province through the 2014 OMPF. For additional information see the 2014 OMPF Technical Guide. D6 2013 OMPF allocation Note: Provincial funding and other ongoing provincial support initiatives rounded to multiples of $100. Ontario Ministry of Finance Provincial -Local Finance Division :'10] Issued: November 2013 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) 2014 Transitional Assistance Calculation Insert County of Elgin On�tari�o 44000 A 2014 OMPF Transitional Assistance (Line B2 - Line 131 if positive) $1,505,300 B Supporting Details 1. Sum of 2014 OMPF Grants, Excluding Transitional Assistance $0 2. 2014 Guaranteed Support (Line 132a x Line 132b) $1,505,300 a. 2013 OMPF (Line A from 2013 Allocation Notice) $1,770,900 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... b. 2014 Guaranteed Level of Support 85.0% Issued: November 2013 :1 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) 2014 Transitional Assistance Calculation Insert County of Elgin 2014 Transitional Assistance Calculation Insert - Line Item Descriptions A Represents the total Transitional Assistance the municipality will receive in 2014. On�tari�o B1 Sum of 2014 Assessment Equalization, Northern Communities, Rural Communities, and Northern and Rural Fiscal Circumstances Grants. B2 Guaranteed amount of funding through the 2014 OMPF. 1132a 2013 OMPF allocation. 44000 B2b Represents the guaranteed level of support the municipality will receive from the Province through the 2014 OMPF. For additional information see the 2014 OMPF Technical Guide. Note: Provincial funding and other ongoing provincial support initiatives rounded to multiples of $100. Ontario Ministry of Finance Provincial -Local Finance Division 61 Issued: November 2013 ." Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) Onitari�o 2014 Upload Notice County of Elgin 44000 A Estimated 2014 Provincial Uploads $3,537,700 1.:. Ontario Drug.. Benefits...................................................................................................................................................................... $569:600 2: Ontario Disability Support Program - Administration Component $216:500 ............. 3. Ontario Disability Support Program - Benefits Component $1:741:900 4 Ontario Works -Benefits Component $395 600 ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ............ 5. Ontario Works - Administration Component (Additional Supports $614,100 .... ....................... . B 2013 Provincial Uploads $3,225,100 C Increase in Provincial Uploads Compared to 2013 (Line A - Line B) $312,600 The removal of these costs off the property tax base benefits all taxpayers residing in the County of Elgin. Issued: November 2013 62 ." Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF),, Onitari�o 2014 Upload Notice County of Elgin 44000 2014 Upload Notice - Line Item Descriptions Estimated 2014 municipal benefit resulting from the Province's upload of Ontario Drug Benefit Program; Ontario Disability A Support Program; and the phased upload of Ontario Works benefits, as well as additional support in respect of municipal Ontario Works administration costs. B Equal to Line A of the 2013 Upload Notice. Note: Provincial funding and other ongoing provincial support initiatives rounded to multiples of $100. Ontario Ministry of Finance Provincial -Local Finance Division 63 Issued: November 2013 r�y m urrn lef, I"I,,j, REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Michele Harris, Administrator, Bobier Villa and Elgin Manor DATE: November 8, 2013 SUBJECT: Capital Fund Reallocation - Transfer Lifts and Bathing Systems INTRODUCTION: In 2012, the lift vendor for the County of Elgin homes provided a "Capital Planning Assessment Report" which outlined recommended replacement timelines for mechanical lifts and bathing systems for the three (3) homes. Based on the analysis of the Capital Planning Assessment Report, the homes budgeted for the replacement of several lifts/bathing systems on an annual basis. DISCUSSION: A capital budget was developed to replace mechanical lifts and bathing systems at the homes. Staff at Bobier Villa and Elgin Manor identified a need to accelerate the replacement of additional lifts in 2013 to ensure resident and staff safety and well being. In order to fund the purchase of the identified equipment needs, staff is requesting the reallocation of funds from three projects: Bobier Villa 4103-13-01 Additional Rolling Shelving $2457.79 (project not started); Elgin Manor 4601-11-05 Four Season Room $19801.55 (project not started); and Elgin Manor 4201-12-02 Nursing Equipment $20,729. CONCLUSION: The accelerated purchase of the equipment will ensure resident and staff safety for lifts, transfers and bathing. The replacement plan will be updated to reflect the accelerated purchases. RECOMMENDATION: THAT Council approve the reallocation of capital funds as identified to procure the Lift and Tub replacements; and, THAT the report titled "Capital Fund Reallocation - Transfer Lifts and Bathing Systems" be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Michele Harris Administrator, Bobier Villa and Elgin Manor Rhonda L. Duffy Director of Homes and Seniors Services 64 Approved for Submission Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer m urrn lef, ,Igr ,, r?` i P1 ,1, *M.,0 �Y, xy;,tiR REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Rhonda L. Duffy, Director Homes and Seniors Services DATE: November 4, 2013 SUBJECT: Homes Policy Revision — I.C. #3.4 Immunizations — Staff Influenza INTRODUCTION: The Elgin County Homes and Seniors Services promote the well-being of residents and staff through its support of a comprehensive infection control program. Infection control includes routine practices for the surveillance and prevention of infections. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Elgin County Homes will provide influenza vaccination to staff members as protection for residents and staff, and to ensure an appropriate staffing complement for resident care. The National Advisory Committee states "Health Care Workers and their employers have a duty to actively promote, implement and comply with influenza recommendations in order to decrease the risk of infection and complications in the vulnerable populations they care for." Changes to the policy include; unimmunized staff will not be accessing vacation and available stat pay when not at work in the event of outbreak, reporting requirements changed from November 15 to November 30, addition of detailed Health Practitioner Influenza Vaccination Exclusion Form and staff will no longer be sent home with pay while on shift when an outbreak is declared. Supporting the health and well-being of the Residents is the main focus of the policy and taking a more proactive approach to vaccination expectations across the Homes is needed and in keeping with industry norms. CONCLUSION: In order to ensure the Homes are meeting it's obligations to the health and safety of its residents, staff has revised the existing policy in keeping with industry standards of practice and Public Health reporting requirements. RECOMMENDATION: THAT Council approve the changes to Homes policy I.C. #3.4 Immunization — Staff Influenza and corresponding form titled Health Practitioner Influenza Vaccination Exclusion Form; and 65 THAT the report titled "Homes Policy Revision — I.C. #3.4 Immunization — Staff Influenza" dated November 4, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Rhonda L. Duffy Mark G. McDonald Director of Homes and Seniors Services Chief Administrative Officer :. DRAFT REVISIONS ` E I HOMES AND SENIORS SERVICES POLICY & PROCEDURE NUMBER: 3.4 DEPARTMENT: Infection Control -Screening SUBJECT: Immunization Staff Influenza & Surveillance oflnfections APPROVAL DATE: April 2004 PURPOSE: REVISION DATE: October 2009 REVISION: November 26, 2013 Page 1 of 4 Elgin County Homes will provide influenza vaccination to staff members as protection for residents and staff, and to ensure appropriate staffing eemplemeti availability for resident care. The National Advisory Committee states "Health Care Workers and their employers have a duty to actively promote, implement and comply with influenza recommendations in order to decrease the risk of infection and complications in the vulnerable populations they care for." PROCEDURE: Elgin County Homes will promote and provide the influenza vaccine to staff in the Home. 2. Promotional material regarding the vaccine and this policy will be made available in the workplace in the fall of each year. 3. An on-site influenza vaccination clinic, where sanctioned by the Medical Director through a signed medical directive, will be provided for staff members who have signed consents. 4. The nurse giving the injections will obtain written consent from each staff member. Adrenaline 1:1000 N 1 ml will be available on the injection tray in case of adverse reaction. Registered staff to read the medical directive for dosage of Adrenalin prior to vaccination. Staff members must provide proof of influenza vaccination to the Home by the end of November, or earlier in the event of an influenza outbreak. A list of immunized staff will be compiled in each Home by the MRC. 6. Staff members who receive their vaccine at the Home will be recorded on the list of immunized staff members in each Home. Upon request by the staff, a record of immunization will be provided by the Home. 67 DRAFT REVISIONS ` E I HOMES AND SENIORS SERVICES POLICY & PROCEDURE NUMBER: 3.4 DEPARTMENT: Infection Control -Screening SUBJECT: Immunization Staff Influenza & Surveillance oflnfections APPROVAL DATE: April 2004 REVISION DATE: October 2009 REVISION: November 26, 2013 Page 2 of 4 7. Staff members who receive their vaccine at a physician's office or clinic shall will expeeted to provide documentation of the immunization to the Manager of Resident Care no later than November 30. If appropriate proof of vaccine is not provided, the staff member will not be recorded on the list of immunized staff for the Home. In the event of an Influenza outbreak, the staff will be sent home without pay until appropriate documentation indicating the employee had been previously vaccinated and/or the outbreak is declared over by the Medical Officer of Health, whichever occurs first. 8. Staff members who are unable to receive the influenza vaccine for medical reasons will provide a note to the Manager of Resident Care from their physician documenting the specific reasons (i.e. anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose or known anaphylactic hypersensitivity to eggs). The Home will provide the employee with .FORM # IC3.4 for the physician to complete. The Home will reimburse the staff member for such expense incurred in completing the form by the physician. 9. Pregnancy is not considered a contraindication for the influenza vaccination. 10. Staff members who have not provided proof of influenza vaccination by November 30 will be contacted and advised of the exclusion policy that would take place during an outbreak. Documentation of such discussion and alternatives during an outbreak will be made on the Influenza Vaccine Refusal form, ref: FORM #IC3.4 11. When an influenza outbreak in a long-term care home is confirmed by the Medical Officer of Health, staff who is asked t,.',gy- � cannot work because they haven't been vaccinated will be paid the remainder of that scheduled shift or will be reassigned to non-resident care duties for the remainder of that shift or as directed by Medical Officer of Health may complete their shift using approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Un -immunized staff members will not be allowed to return to work at the Home until: M IN I 11. When an influenza outbreak in a long-term care home is confirmed by the Medical Officer of Health, staff who is asked t,.',gy- � cannot work because they haven't been vaccinated will be paid the remainder of that scheduled shift or will be reassigned to non-resident care duties for the remainder of that shift or as directed by Medical Officer of Health may complete their shift using approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Un -immunized staff members will not be allowed to return to work at the Home until: M DRAFT REVISIONS ` E I HOMES AND SENIORS SERVICES POLICY & PROCEDURE NUMBER: 3.4 DEPARTMENT: Infection Control -Screening SUBJECT: Immunization Staff Influenza & Surveillance oflnfections APPROVAL DATE: April 2004 REVISION DATE: October 2009 REVISION: November 26, 2013 Page 3 of 4 a. They receive the vaccine and two (2) weeks have passed, OR b. The outbreak is declared over, OR c. They begin alternative anti-viral measures for the influenza outbreak (as outlined below). 12. Alternative anti-viral measures include: a. Un -immunized staff who HAVE NOT had any contact with the affected facility in the period commencing twenty-four (24) hours prior to the onset of the first case of influenza may take antiviral treatment and return to work four (4) hours after ingesting their first dose as long as they do not have influenza -like symptoms or as directed by the Medical Officer of Public Health. b. Un -immunized staff who HAVE HAD contact with the affected facility in the period commencing twenty-four (24) hours prior to the onset of the first case of influenza, may take the alternative measures available and return to work seventy- two (72) hours after their last contact with the facility (one incubation period) and at least four (4) hours after ingesting their first dose, as long as they do not have influenza -like symptoms or as directed by the Medical Officer of Public Health. c. Staff members taking antiviral medication will provide evidence satisfactory to the Home that they received and filled a prescription for antiviral medication. d. Un -immunized staff members WITH an appropriately documented medical reason (refer to FORM # IC3.4) for not receiving the influenza vaccine and who cannot take the alternative measures or cannot tolerate the alternative measures will be assigned alternate work and hours within the home until such time the outbreak is declared over. This will be done in accordance with direction from Public Health, on a case by case basis provided that the staff member does not have direct resident contact and/or provide direct resident care. , i.e. „am mist..,,, e ffie Re -assignment will be accomplished in a manner that is consistent with provisions of the collective agreements in force in the Homes. :• DRAFT REVISIONS ` E I HOMES AND SENIORS SERVICES POLICY & PROCEDURE NUMBER: 3.4 DEPARTMENT: Infection Control -Screening SUBJECT: Immunization Staff Influenza & Surveillance oflnfections APPROVAL DATE: April 2004 REVISION DATE: October 2009 REVISION: November 26, 2013 Page 4 of 4 e. Un -immunized staff members WITHOUT an appropriately documented reason for not receiving the influenza vaccine and do not take the alternative measures available will remain off work unpaid until the outbreak is declared over. S4a€€ 13. The Ma-Ragemeiit of �he Home will ad -vise �he staff membef: of �he tieed to f:emaiii off wet:k ttati'�e etitetia in 41z'zabove has met -.—Staff shall remain on unpaid leave until criteria described in #12 is satisfied. 14. Exclusion of un -immunized staff members will be applied as per this policy or if necessary, by the Medical Officer of hHealth through an order under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. The Section 22 will order the Director of the Home to exclude un -immunized staff members. 15. In the event of a Pandemic, as declared by the Medical Officer of Health, un -immunized staff will be required to report to work within the home as scheduled and/or necessary. 70 a�+r�//��rhN101%iiilrlrh� HOMES AND SENIORS SERVICES Health Practitioners Influenza Vaccination Exclusion Form I, , provide consent for the release of information by the (print name) Physician regarding my inability to take the Influenza Vaccination and/or Tamiflu. Signature: Dear Physician, Date: Please provide complete information as indicated below. Please note that you will be reimbursed for any normal or customary fees for completing this form. Patient Name: Please complete the following: Date of visit: Does this patient suffer from a medically recognized condition that prevents him/her from obtaining the Influenza vaccination? 11 Yes 11 No If yes, what is the general nature of the medical condition? What are the specific contra-indications of receiving the influenza vaccination for this patient? Is this patient able to take Tamiflu in the event of an Influenza outbreak? 11 Yes 11 No If No, what are the specific medical reasons for not being able to take Tamiflu? Are there any medically based concerns that would prevent this patient from wearing a protective mask during an outbreak in order to continue working? 11 Yes 11 No If yes, what are the medical concerns? Physician Signature: I.C. Form 43.4 71 Date: E 1gi_n _" f f n C y P. �;,�Lssic. Gi NstLro REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Rhonda L. Duffy, Director of Homes and Seniors Services DATE: November 14, 2013 SUBJECT: Summary of Amendments to Regulation 79/10 (Regulation) Under the Long -Term Care Homes Act, 2007 INTRODUCTION: The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care recently made regulatory amendments under the Long -Term Care Homes Act, 2007 (LTCHA). Some of these amendments came into effect on September 15, 2013 and others on November 1, 2013. These amendments include: Qualifications for Home staff, Critical Incident Reporting, Locking of Doors to Non-residential areas and Specialized Unit Admissions and Discharge. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The following provides a brief outline of amendments to the LTCHA which came in to effect September 15, 2013; amendments related to staffing qualifications, critical incident reporting and locking of doors will come into effect. ® The Regulation has been amended to permit previously grandparented staff to be hired into the same position at a different LTC home without meeting the updated qualifications. ® The qualifications for Registered Dietitian have been amended to include a temporary certificate of registration. ® The qualifications for cooks have been amended to include Institutional Cooks. ® The qualifications for food service workers have been amended to allow Apprentice Cooks, Institutional Cooks, Assistant Cooks. ® The Regulation has been amended to ensure that only Registered Dietitians or active members of the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management can be hired as nutrition manager. ® The Regulation has been amended to remove "loss of essential services" and "flooding" from the list of emergencies that must be reported immediately, require one day reporting. ® Reporting requirements for environmental hazards that affect the provision of care or the safety, security or well-being of one or more residents of a LTC home -new timeline criteria. 72 ® All doors leading to "non-residential" areas must be kept closed and locked when they are unsupervised by staff in the LTC home in addition to being equipped with locks. Effective November 1, 2013 amendments relating to Admission and Discharge Requirements for Specialized came into effect. The Regulation has been amended to provide a higher admission priority for residents who are ready to be discharged from a specialized unit or who were transferred from a specialized unit into another area of the LTC home. THAT the report titled "Summary of Amendments to Regulation 79/10 (Regulation) Under the Long -Term Care Homes Act, 2007" dated November 14, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Rhonda L. Duffy Mark G. McDonald Director of Homes and Seniors Services Chief Administrative Officer 73 Elgin ` "Kw ° Up REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL �YG;�¢I"p551 L 15bL fKUYK FROM: Susan McConnell, Administrative Services Coordinator DATE: November 7, 2013 SUBJECT: Schedule of Council Meetings for 2014 INTRODUCTION: Every November a meeting schedule for Elgin County Council is prepared for the new year. BACKGROUND: Traditionally, council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. Attached for council's consideration are suggested meeting dates of Elgin County Council for 2014. Please note: council has the ability to change meeting dates at any time with advance notice. CONCLUSION: An Elgin County Council meeting schedule is required for 2014. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled "Schedule of Council Meetings for 2014" dated November 7, 2013 be adopted. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Susan McConnell Mark G. McDonald Administrative Services Coordinator Chief Administrative Officer 74 SCHEDULE OF COUNTY COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR 2014 MEETING DATE TIME January 14 2:00 p.m. - Special Budget Meeting January 28 9:00 a.m. February 11 9:00 a.m. - One meeting due to OGRA/ROMA July 8 (February 23-26 in Toronto) March 11 9:00 a.m. March 25 9:00 a.m. April 8 9:00 a.m. April 22 9:00 a.m. May 13 9:00 a.m. May 27 9:00 a.m. June 10 9:00 a.m. June 24 9:00 a.m. July 8 9:00 a.m. July 22 9:00 a.m. August 12 9:00 a.m. - Meetings may not be required in August August 26 9:00 a.m. (AMO Conference Aug 17-20 in London) September 9 9:00 a.m. September 23 9:00 a.m. October 21 9:00 a.m. - AMO Counties Regions and Single Tiers Conference. Actual date will be announced in February 2014. November 25 9:00 a.m. December 9 7:00 p.m. - Warden's Election December 11 9:00 a.m. - Regular Council Meeting Council Meetings are normally held every 2nd and 4t" Tuesday of the month and are subject to change. 75 r�y m urrn lef, I"I REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Steve Evans, Manager of Planning DATE: November 8, 2013 SUBJECT: Cycling Master Plan INTRODUCTION: This report will provide County Council with information about an Elgin/St.Thomas Cycling Master Plan that is being promoted through the Healthy Communities Partnership. The Elgin St. Thomas Healthy Communities Partnership is a local community group that works to identify and advocate for healthy public policies that ensure the healthy choice is the easier choice in our community. The Partnership is funded by the Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport and membership includes staff and/or elected officials from most area municipalities, community members and local developers. DISCUSSION: About a year ago, the Healthy Communities Partnership completed the Elgin/St.Thomas Active Transportation Initiative (ATI). The ATI has been instrumental in raising awareness and building a broad level of support from the community about the merits of active transportation and making it a part of a healthy lifestyle. The Cycling Master Plan is an opportunity to identify the next steps for cycling by confirming a county -wide cycling network and moving towards the establishment of a "Bicycle Friendly Community". Such recognition comes with incentives and hands-on assistance through the Share the Road Cycling Coalition and would enhance tourism attraction in Elgin/St. Thomas. Cycle tourism is a growing market and studies show that cycle tourists stay longer and spend more when travelling. The Cycling Master Plan will create a County wide cycling network based upon Route Selection Principles and is not prejudiced towards jurisdiction. Therefore it will be imperative that approval is obtained by all municipalities across the County in order for the plan to be successful. However, implementation and construction of facilities will be scheduled at each road authority's pace. For example, 2 metre wide paved road shoulders will be required for cycling routes implemented on County roads at a cost of $60,000 per kilometre plus additional ongoing operating costs (i.e. while edge lines, mechanical sweeping, etc.). Although the proposed cycling network has not yet been created, the total long term capital costs for the County of Elgin could be as much as $5 million and will form part of the 10 year capital plan. It is anticipated that the Cycling Master Plan will cost $47,053 (+HST). Elgin St. Thomas Public Health has funds in the amount of $38,000 from the Province that can be put towards this project. The Health Unit is requesting that the County and the City share the additional costs in the amount of $5,000 each. (see attached letter) 76 CONCLUSION: The Cycling Master Plan is the logical next step in our Active Transportation Initiative which will do the following: • Confirm a County -wide cycling network • Identify and confirm a proposed facility type for each route • Identify a prioritized approach to implementing the network • Identify infrastructure costs • Communicates the plan with residents, staff and Councils This Master Plan will provide the solid base upon which the City and County builds its cycling network. It will set out the priorities for implementation and allow each municipal jurisdiction to proceed at its own pace. RECOMMENDATIONS: THAT County Council endorse the proposal to prepare a Cycling Master Plan in partnership with the City of St. Thomas and the Healthy Communities Partnership; and, THAT funds, matching the City of St. Thomas, not to exceed $5,000 be provided to complete the project. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Steve Evans Mark G. McDonald Manager of Planning Chief Administrative Officer 77 October 16, 2013, County, of igin 450 Sunset Dr, St�. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Dear Wardon and Members OfCOLfinty Council, RE., Healthy, Communities Partnership and the Elgin St, Thorny s Cycling Master Plan As YOU are aware the Healthy Gommunifies Partnership has recently sought quoties, for the development of an Elgin St, Thomas, Cyciing Master Plan, This plan will act as a comprehensive guide to irnprove the cy,dinq conditions within our community. We have asked MMM Group to provide a proposal that will enable our commun4y to have successes in every one, Of Our municipalities within the short terrn. This plan is an opportunity to, identify,the concrete next top flow hanging fruit, with regards to, cycfinin IElgin St. Thomas and will build off the work of the Active Transportation, lnitiat4e that councils across Elgin St, Thomas accepted as a guidance document. It is anticipated that the Master Plan will cost $47,053 (plus HST), The Healthy Communities Partnership has budgeted $38,000 for the project. We are writing to request that the ounty, and City share the additional costs assoQiated with the cost. of the plan. The County contribution for this project would be $5,000. if you have any questions or require further darifiction regarding Our run t, please contact uric a Arnett at esw ui 1 n'. ealth. qrw,' Ca or via phone e at 519- 631 -9900 ext, 1247, Sincerely, Erica Arnett Health Promoter Coordinator for Healthy Communities Partnership 78 EG IN ST., THOMAS PUBLIC HEALTH October 16, 2013, County, of igin 450 Sunset Dr, St�. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Dear Wardon and Members OfCOLfinty Council, RE., Healthy, Communities Partnership and the Elgin St, Thorny s Cycling Master Plan As YOU are aware the Healthy Gommunifies Partnership has recently sought quoties, for the development of an Elgin St, Thomas, Cyciing Master Plan, This plan will act as a comprehensive guide to irnprove the cy,dinq conditions within our community. We have asked MMM Group to provide a proposal that will enable our commun4y to have successes in every one, Of Our municipalities within the short terrn. This plan is an opportunity to, identify,the concrete next top flow hanging fruit, with regards to, cycfinin IElgin St. Thomas and will build off the work of the Active Transportation, lnitiat4e that councils across Elgin St, Thomas accepted as a guidance document. It is anticipated that the Master Plan will cost $47,053 (plus HST), The Healthy Communities Partnership has budgeted $38,000 for the project. We are writing to request that the ounty, and City share the additional costs assoQiated with the cost. of the plan. The County contribution for this project would be $5,000. if you have any questions or require further darifiction regarding Our run t, please contact uric a Arnett at esw ui 1 n'. ealth. qrw,' Ca or via phone e at 519- 631 -9900 ext, 1247, Sincerely, Erica Arnett Health Promoter Coordinator for Healthy Communities Partnership 78 E�, REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer DATE: November 8, 2013 SUBJECT: Health Recruitment Partnership Update — East Elgin Family Health Team INTRODUCTION: The East Elgin Family Health Team approached the Health Recruitment Partnership Committee in 2010 requesting funding to assist them in attracting new physicians to the eastern area of Elgin County. Partnership funding was provided to aid in equipment purchases to help attract physicians. With this funding assistance, the Family Health Team has successfully met their obligation and three new physicians have joined their team. DISCUSSION: Council is aware that the Health Recruitment Partnership program allows for existing medical centres to request a forgivable, interest free loan in the amount of $33,000 for each doctor they recruit to the area. The City, on behalf of the County, administers the partnership and the East Elgin Family Health Team has approached the city, once again, requesting recruitment funds for 2 physicians. They have secured space in Straffordville and would like to move forward with this recruitment initiative. The Health Recruitment Partnership has recommended that funds in the amount of $66,000 for two physicians be provided. The Partnership has set aside funds in its existing budget to cover this allocation. The St. Thomas City Council has authorized this loan and will enter into an agreement with the East Elgin Family Health Team on behalf of the partnership. CONCLUSION: The Health Recruitment Partnership has succeeded in attracting new physicians to the Elgin -St. Thomas area and looks forward to future success with this program. RECOMMENDATION: THAT Elgin County Council concur that the Health Recruitment Partnership (through the City of St. Thomas) enter into an agreement with the East Elgin Family Health Team for the recruitment of 2 physicians according to the terms and conditions of the Partnership Agreement; and, THAT the report titled "Health Recruitment Partnership Update — East Elgin Family Health Team" dated November 8, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer 79 I��REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jeff Lawrence Tree Commissioner/Weed Inspector DATE: November 13, 2013 SUBJECT: Year End Report for 2013 INTRODUCTION: The following is a summary of activity related to the Elgin Woodlands Conservation By - Law for the period of November 1, 2012 and October 31st, 2013 and weed inspection activity for the 2013 season. DISCUSSION: Logging Activity/Applications to Harvest: A total of 144 applications to harvest were submitted from November 1, 2012 to October 31, 2013. This number is up from 110 in 2012. Applications were filed by municipality as follows: West Elgin 29 (23), Dutton/Dunwich 36(26), Southwold 19(12), Central Elgin 15(7), Malahide 25(25), and Bayham 20(17). The total volume harvested remained consistent last year at roughly three million board feet. The total forested area involved in these harvests was approximately 2900 acres. (2012 totals are in brackets) Applications for Woodland Clearings: There were four applications received to clear woodlands within the county in 2013, for a total area to be cleared of 3.28 hectares (-8.1 acres). All were approved conditional upon conformity with Elgin County's "No Net Loss" policy. Violations: There were a number of situations where trees were cleared by landowners without first receiving the required permit or authorization. Although most of these situations were considered minor and were resolved, two of these cases did proceed into the court system as directed by the County Prosecutor and await resolution by the courts. Weed Complaints and Orders: A total of 15 weed related complaints were received over the summer of 2013. All of these complaints were resolved by the landowners without the issuance of a Weed Order. Consistent with the past few years, the bulk of the complaints were concerns of potential Giant Hogweed. One new Giant Hogweed location was identified in Malahide in 2013. However, most Giant Hogweed complaints were actually Giant Ragweed. Me Meetings and Workshops: The Tree By-law Enforcement Officers annual two day workshop was hosted by Huron County this year. Topics of discussion included "Land values and pressures on Ontario's Woodlots", "Requests to Remove Ash from By-laws due to the Borer', and "EAB Parasitoid Release". The Elgin -Middlesex Woodlot Owners Association annual meeting and the Western Fair Farm Show were two venues where the Woodlands Conservation By-law was promoted. The "Measuring Up" presentation was given at the Carolinian Forest Festival. Promotional Campaign: Advertising efforts in 2013 appear to have improved public awareness of the Elgin County Woodlands Conservation By-law. To continue upon these efforts, new mini -posters advertising the By-law will be created and distributed at various locations through -out the county in the winter of 2013/2014. The tri -fold brochure produced in spring 2013 will continue to be distributed through the libraries and partner municipality offices, the Conservation Authorities and farm supply stores. Training: Successfully completed the October 2013 session of Provincial Offenses Officer training offered by the Municipal Law Enforcement Officers Association. CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report title "Year End Report for 2013" dated November 6, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Jeff Lawrence Mark G. McDonald Tree Commissioner/Weed Inspector Chief Administrative Officer 81 cases of the plant appearing ifirmed in Elgin County so far. by Credit Valley Conservation Authority) quite serious injury. The heal- ing process can be slow, and skin might remain sensitive to sunlight for the rest of your life. Contact can also produce permanent discolouration of the affected areas of skin and blindness can result from con- tact with the eyes. If any sap reaches skin, it should be washed off immedi- ately with soap and water while avoiding direct sunlight. Medi- cal advice should be sought as quickly as possible. 7§2%)5® ƒ .f2R < w= 72 wew«wa?_;:»�f»%,«9 -0;03 )) f ƒ/\ 2 �y2ym£»%:af§\\� y�:z:dEga72Et§t)\± � ±§ate R®}%gym-,!\T T} \\ C\\ }${\\az\}f°)/«/})\QJfƒ ry m urrn lef, I"I REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Alan Smith, General Manager of Economic Development Kathryn Russell, Tourism Development Coordinator DATE: November 14, 2013 SUBJECT: Elgin Arts Trail -St. Thomas -Elgin Public Art Centre Membership INTRODUCTION: The Elgin Arts Trail is positioning Elgin to take advantage of the growing trends in the art tourism sector and in turn meet the tourism goals of the County. Since 2011 when the Elgin Arts Trail was launched, both the City and the County have partnered together on the program and budget. Members of the Arts Trail have included both Elgin County and St. Thomas businesses, which have enjoyed the same benefits for the annual fee of $500 (+ HST). However, as a result of the City withdrawing from its tourism partnership with the County, the Arts Trail membership structure in 2014 will reflect the new Fees and Charges for Tourism Services. The membership structure includes an increased membership fee for Elgin Arts Trail members located outside of the County of $3,017 (+HST) and no change to the current annual fee for Elgin County Arts Trail members ($500 +HST). The increased membership fee takes into consideration that the City is no longer subsidizing the Arts Trail members who are located in St. Thomas. Three Elgin Arts Trail members will be affected by the fee increase, including the St. Thomas -Elgin Public Art Centre (STEPAC). DISCUSSION: In 2013, the Elgin Arts Trail consisted of a total of 15 members, of which 12 were located in Elgin County, and three were located in St. Thomas. All 15 members paid the $500 (+HST) annual fee to participate in the program. The fees for the Arts Trail members located in St. Thomas did not change in 2013, as a result of the City choosing to subsidize the program costs and pay the $2,517 per member fee or a total of $7,551 for the three St. Thomas members, as outlined in the Fees and Charges for Tourism Services. The 2013 Elgin Arts Trail membership is in effect from May 1, 2013 to May 1, 2014. The City has decided to opt out of subsidizing the 2014 Elgin Arts Trail program and as a result, St. Thomas based businesses will be required to pay a higher fee of $3,017 (+HST). This change will affect the following businesses; The Little Red Mitten, Medlyn Stained Glass and Jewellery Studio, and STEPAC. Since the inception of the Elgin Arts Trail program, STEPAC has acted as a sponsor by providing expertise and partnering on initiatives such as the Parade of Elephants. The Art Centre also plays an integral role in assisting staff with the on going development and sustainability of the Elgin Arts Trail. STEPAC is located in the City and would be required to pay the higher fee. Furthermore, due to their location they would also be 84 subject to pay the increased Affiliate Tourism membership fee of $388 (+HST) to continue to be a member of Elgin County Tourism. However, given that STEPAC is subsidized by the County of Elgin, and given their strategic importance to the Elgin Arts Trail program, staff is recommending that STEPAC be treated as if they were geographically located within Elgin County. This would entail granting STEPAC an exemption from paying the Elgin Arts Trail membership fee, and paying Elgin County rates for tourism membership ($100 + HST). CONCLUSION: Due to the City of St. Thomas declining involvement in the Elgin Arts Trail, businesses located within the City will have to pay a membership fee of $3,017 (+ HST). This represents an increase of $2,517 with STEPAC being subject to the higher fee. STEPAC continues to make significant contributions to the on going development of the Elgin Arts Trail, with the County providing funding that supports their programming. As a result, treating STEPAC like an organization that is geographically located within Elgin County will provide them with an exemption from the Elgin Arts Trail membership fee. STEPAC would also pay Elgin County rates for their tourism membership. With a mandate which includes serving Elgin County residents, STEPAC provides valuable resources, support and connections to the Elgin arts community. The mission of the St. Thomas -Elgin Public Art Centre "...is to encourage and promote an appreciation for the visual arts in St. Thomas and Elgin County through a variety of exhibitions and educational programs and through the preservation of a permanent collection." RECOMMENDATION: THAT the St. Thomas -Elgin Public Art Centre be exempt from the Elgin Arts Trail membership fee and be subject to the Elgin County tourism member fee of $100 (+ HST), as described in the November 14th, 2013 report. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Alan Smith General Manager of Economic Development Kathryn Russell Tourism Development Coordinator 85 Approved for Submission Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer I��REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Alan Smith, General Manager of Economic Development Kate Burns, Business Development Coordinator Kathryn Russell, Tourism Development Coordinator Katherine Thompson, Marketing & Communications Coordinator DATE: November 6, 2013 SUBJECT: Economic Development Progress Report: January —August 2013 INTRODUCTION: The role of the Economic Development department is to foster the creation of an environment that supports the growth of the economy and prosperity for local businesses and residents. Progress has been made implementing the actions required to meet the mandate of the department and the vision of County Council. This report provides an update on activities from January 2013 to August 2013. It should be stressed that a number of activities, mostly related to business case files and site selection inquires are not mentioned due to their confidential nature. DISCUSSION: A detailed account of the activities and progress of the Economic Development department are contained in Appendix 1 Economic Development Progress Report: January — August 2013. The report highlights the initiatives and programs that support the three pillars of the economic development program: Land and Space (investment attraction), Economic Gardening (BR+E/Skills), and People and Places (creative rural economy, marketing). Tourism initiatives are also part of the People and Places pillar as activities in this sector assist in developing Elgin's creative rural economy and quality of place. The department has also begun to integrate the tourism sector with other economic development initiatives such as Business Retention and Expansion and investment attraction. The Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2011 — 2014 contains specific measurables which are included in the Progress Report. The following are some of the key performance indicators: • Number of Land and Space inquiries: 6 • Number of realtors in database 61. This represents a 238% increase over last year at this time. • Number of active case files: 65. This is a 116% increase since July 2012. • Number in Ambassador Program: 44. This figure represents an increase of 7% increase compared to the same time last year. • Investment in the Small Business Enterprise Centre: 85 jobs created, 7 businesses started, and 11 businesses expanded. • Investment in and marketing of the Aylmer Elgin Business Resource Centre: 35 jobs created, 15 businesses started, and 1 business expanded. • Investment in and marketing of the Dutton Elgin Business Resource Centre Pilot Project: 14 jobs created, 7 businesses started, and 3 businesses expanded. • www.i)roqressivebvnature.com - number of unique website visits 4,038 -remained consistent with last year's data. • Followers on Social media program- - Facebook: 1948 Likes. This is an increase of 197.4% since July 2012. - Twitter: 618 Followers. This is an increase of 50.73% since July 2012. • Economic Development newsletter: electronic distribution has remained consistent at over 5000 recipients for each issue. Tourism now plays a central role in the development of Elgin's creative rural economy and is having more prominence in other areas of the County's Economic Development program. Despite the decision of the City of St. Thomas to start their own tourism program, the sector continues to flourish in Elgin County: • Total visitors to the three kiosks: 6127. This represents an increase of 36% compared to 2012 during the same time period. • Event booth and Elgin Tourism Cruiser visitation: 3,989. This figure is just over double the amount as compared to 2012. • www.eigintouist.com 21 % increase in website visits compared to the same period in 2012. • Savour Elgin membership increased by 10% over last year. • Elgin Arts Trail membership increased by 6% over last year. • Tourism signage: 13 new signs were installed bringing the total number of signs to 290. • Visitors Guide: 40,000 were printed with 38,300 being distributed during the summer months. Tourism partnerships have also been enhanced like the Ontario's South Coast Alliance with the Cruise the Coast motorcycle marketing program. This initiative also includes the Ontario Southwest Tourism Corporation as an administrative partner in the program. Building on the partnership with the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, the department has 87 expanded its involvement in cycling related activities. Cycle tourism has great potential to bring new visitors to Elgin County and have a positive affect on the local economy. CONCLUSION: The Economic Development department is meeting its mandate to foster the creation of an environment that supports the growth of the economy and prosperity for local businesses and residents. The department through the Land and Space pillar continues to implement initiatives to meet the requirements of site selectors and investment inquiries. Programs being implemented through the Economic Gardening pillar have resulted in the creation, retention, and growth of small business in Elgin County. The People and Places pillar has resulted in greater promotion of the County in order to attract creative people and businesses to Elgin, with Tourism also improving the quality of place and attracting people to the area. The County's excellence in these areas, specially marketing and business development continues to be recognized on the provincial and international stage by the Economic Development Council of Ontario, and the International Economic Development Council. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled "Economic Development Progress Report" dated November 6, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Alan Smith General Manager of Economic Development Kate Burns Business Development Coordinator Kathryn Russell Tourism Development Coordinator Katherine Thompson Marketing & Communications Coordinator W Approved for Submission Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer 000!0""wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° IIID IIID VIII IIID IIID III IIID IIID III IIID Elgin Economic Development Advisory Group.............................................................................. 4 Tradeshows & Conferences.................................................................................................................... 5 RealtorOutreach........................................................................................................................................ 6 Community Improvement Plan.............................................................................................................. 6 Foreign Direct Investment....................................................................................................................... 6 Agriculture Asset Inventory.................................................................................................................... 6 AgribusinessBR & E................................................................................................................................... 7 2013 Tourism BR & E.................................................................................................................................. 9 WorkforceProgram.................................................................................................................................. 10 YouthProjects.............................................................................................................................................. 11 Local Business Workshops and Events.............................................................................................. 11 LocalFood Program................................................................................................................................... 11 AmbassadorProgram...............................................................................................................................12 Community Festivals & Events Partnership Program.................................................................. CaseFiles...................................................................................................................................................... 12 Small Business Enterprise Centre....................................................................................................... 13 EBRCAylmer............................................................................................................................................... 14 EBRCDutton............................................................................................................................................... 15 Harbour Vision Committee.................................................................................................................... 16 InSitu Oil Sands Alliance........................................................................................................................ 16 PrintAdvertising......................................................................................................................................... 17 OnlineAdvertising..................................................................................................................................... 18 FacebookAd Campaigns........................................................................................................................ 18 Economic Development Website........................................................................................................ 19 SocialMedia................................................................................................................................................ 20 Newsletters.................................................................................................................................................. 21 ElginCounty in the Media...................................................................................................................... 21 Awards............................................................................................................................................................ 21 ExperienceElgin County....................................................................................................................... 22 VisitorStats................................................................................................................................................. 23 Tourism Events & Tradeshows.............................................................................................................. 26 TourismWebsite........................................................................................................................................ 28 TourismAdvertising.................................................................................................................................. 29 MotorcycleTourism................................................................................................................................. 30 Community Festivals & Events Partnership Program.................................................................. 31 CycleTourism............................................................................................................................................. 32 TourismSignage......................................................................................................................................... 33 SavourElgin................................................................................................................................................. 34 Elgin Arts Trail & Savour Elgin Guide................................................................................................. 37 ElginArts Trail............................................................................................................................................. 38 Portsof Elgin County.............................................................................................................................. 43 HeritageGuide........................................................................................................................................... 45 0/ORLO", wiYilry Elgin, OUR �I41S�I Elgin County's Economic Development Department was established to promote economic growth in the region through the attraction, retention, and support of new business investment. The mandate of the department is to work in partnership with the partner municipalities as well as business, industry and other levels of government to advance the County's economic interests and to seek out strategic opportunities to enhance economic development within the County of Elgin. The County of Elgin's Economic Development Department is underpinned by four high level goals, intended to anchor and qualify all strategic initiatives or ensuing actions on the part of the County and its partner municipalities. These goals also support the overall vision and desired outcomes of the economic development planning process. They encourage prosperity and opportunity for the County and its residents. 1. Investment Readiness Enhance opportunities for the expansion of local business and the attraction of new business investment and entrepreneurs to the County. 2. Pursue Partnerships and Outreach in the Community Take a leadership role in advocating and supporting strategic and collaborative economic development partnerships. 3. Effective Marketing and Promotion of Elgin County Ensure that the County is effectively promoting the assets, talents and opportunities available and enhancing the profile of the County to a targeted audience of visitor and business interests. 4. Growth in Key Industries Encourage and support the growth and expansion of the County's existing industry base and create focused opportunities for future investment attraction efforts. In 2013 it was determined that the County of Elgin Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee (CEEDTAC) had fulfilled its mandate to assist in the formation of a fully functional Economic Development and Tourism department and that a new committee should be formed to help meet the department's needs in the future. The Elgin Economic Development Advisory Group (EEDAG) was formed and met for the first time in September 2013. The Committee consists of 14 voting members including: two elected representatives from Elgin County Council, representatives from each municipal partner (a staff member directly involved in economic development), a representative from the Port Stanley Business Improvement Association, and representatives from the Aylmer and Area Chamber of Commerce, the West Elgin Chamber of Commerce, the Dutton/Dunwich Chamber of Commerce and the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce. EEDAG will provide a forum for local economic development discussions that will support and enhance the County's economic development program. It will strategically position the County of Elgin within the marketplace to attract new investment, retain and expand local investment, and foster an environment of prosperity and opportunity for the County of Elgin, its municipal partners, residents, and businesses. t�', lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° VIII III IIID & SPACE By attending tradeshows, conferences, and staying in touch with local and regional realtors, Elgin County will stay top of mind for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to expand or relocate in southwestern Ontario. Leads by Source Tradeshow Conference Series Advertising BR&E Referral Other 0 500 1,000 1,500 Leads by Tradeshow Other 35 SIAL Canada 73 Tourism Getaway Giveaway* �� 730 ,tii Women's Lifestyle Show 32 London Boat Show JJ110 120 Business Expo 5 EDCO 2013 242 Head South Campaign 592 0 100 200 300 400 5oo 600 70o 800 * includes both Skate Canada and Wine & Food E 2,000 Upcoming Tradeshows • Business Franchise & Investment Expo • Canadian Greenhouse Conference • Ontario Craft Brewers Conference • West Elgin Business Expo • Creative Economy Summit • National Women's Expo 94 OFORLO",wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Number of Realtors in Database - 61 • 43 added between January & August Number of Communications with Realtors - 7 • Includes: AGM, Commercial Breakfast, realtor mail out • Upcoming: October Commercial Breakfast, Christmas Gala Number of Land & Space Inquiries - 6 The Department of Economic Development and Tourism has budgeted $1o,000 to help fund CIP initiatives. These funds will provide an opportunity to determine the feasibility of a County CIP in consultation with our local municipal partners and the Province. Currently the project is in the research stage with staff looking into funding and partnership options with post -secondary institutions. The Elgin County Employment Lands Strategy identified a number of creative economy agricultural uses that may be well suited for Elgin County: greenhouses, barley, brewing & malting industries, as well as wineries & vineyards. In order to attract investment to these sectors, in this case foreign direct investment, the department requires a solid understanding of the opportunities in these target industries, pre -qualified companies to contact and tactics for contacting the targeted businesses. This project provides the County with the knowledge and tools to successfully attract businesses to Elgin and advance the County's goal of building a creative rural economy. While this project does not address domestic attraction efforts, it complements local business activity and does acknowledge the trend in rural agriculture which is moving from small scale local operations to corporately run export oriented firms. Prior to the development of the asset inventory, an inventory framework was created to guide the Economic Development department efforts to support the agriculture sector of the County's economy. The result is a systematic collection of data of agricultural operations and agribusiness enterprises in the County by type of operation or activity. The inventory will also be spatially mapped to illustrate the relevant concentration of agriculture and agri-food activity across the County. The resulting maps will be used as part of the County's investment attraction and marketing activity. 000!0",wiYilror, Elgin, E�I II41C GkZ�YRN�IHHG For Elgin County "Economic Gardening" is comprised of a broad set of actions that work together to create a fertile climate for prospective entrepreneurs and for existing businesses. The following programs work in tandem as part of Elgin County Economic Gardening: • Business Retention & Expansion Program • Workforce Program • Local Food Program • Ambassador Program • EBRC Partnership Programs In providing an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the region's agri-food businesses the County of Elgin oversaw the survey of 57 operations, with the majority of these operations located in Bayham, Central Elgin and Southwold. The key themes that came from this program were: • 91% of the businesses surveyed are headquartered in Elgin County, and are family owned. • Many of the respondents have been operating in the area for more than 35 years. Only one quarter of those surveyed had been farming in Elgin for less than io years. • Nearly 80% of respondents surveyed consider Elgin County a good or excellent place in which to do business. • Over half of those businesses surveyed are positive about their future, with 29 businesses planning expansion or renovation in the next three years. Three quarters of these businesses noted `increased demand' as the reason for their expansion. • To support the growth of the County's Agri -food sector, participants requested `improved permit and regulatory approval processes', `marketing programs' and `municipal agricultural support'. 000!0""wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° General Impression of Elgin County as a Place in Which to do Business ��M Excellent (18%) Pr /i% Good (61%) U11 Fair (17%) Poor (2%) N} No Comment (2%) Percentage of Years the Business Has Been in Operation Percentage of Planned Business Undertakings in the Next Three Years 94 ��M 35+ years (329/6) 26-35 years (229/6) 11-25 years (209/6) 3-10 years (229/6) NII�II 1-2 years (29/6) � Less than 1 year (29/6) Percentage of Planned Business Undertakings in the Next Three Years 94 ��M Remain the same (329/6) Downsize (6%) Relocate (49/6) Expand/Renovate (54%) N� Close (49/6) 0/ORLO", wiYilry Elgin, Projected Workforce Needs in Next Three Years For 2013 Elgin County Economic Development & Tourism staff have been visiting businesses in the tourism sector to determine the industry's needs, challenges and where there is opportunity for improvement in Elgin. As of August 31st staff had interviewed 48 businesses. The project continues until the end of November when the data will be collected in a report to be presented by the end of February 2014. 0/0!0"', wiYilry Elgin, As workforce demands continue to evolve and change, it is important for Elgin County to understand these changes and to work together with the community to prepare the workforce for shifting requirements and opportunities. The necessity for continuous learning and workforce adaptation makes it increasingly important that Elgin County supports and communicates the available resources and opportunities for ongoing learning, skills upgrading, and other development initiatives in the County. The following tactics comprise the Elgin County Workforce Program: • Youth Projects • Local Business Workshops and Events • Partnerships Number of Employers by Employee Size Range Employee Size Range Number of Employers 2012 Number of Employers 2013 Absolute Change Percent Change (%) Ontario Percent Change 0 2,955 3,240 285 9.64 10.97 1 - 4 1,258 1,299 41 3.26 6.94 5 - 9 5o8 5o8 0 0.00 2.92 10-19 281 302 21 7.47 2.84 20-49 176 166 -10 -5.68 3.76 50-99 54 55 1 1.85 2.05 100-199 21 22 1 4.76 2.07 200-499 12 11 -1 -8.33 1.75 500+ 5 5 0 0.00 -0.19 Total 5,270 5,608 338 6.41 8.37 Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Business Patterns Chart created by Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning & Development Board 000!0",wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Elgin -St. Thomas Youth Employment Counselling Centre Participation on Board of Directors of YECC, providing programs in health, education, leadership, employment/career counselling, a homework club, recreation as well as providing youth the opportunity to get involved in community events. Events such as Bridges to Better Business help to foster business networking, increase business knowledge and provide local businesses with new ideas that they can take back to improve or grow their own businesses. The 2013 Bridges to Better Business event will take place on October 18th at The Arts & Cookery Bank. Other workshops and events that the department partners on include: • Aylmer Home & Garden Show • West Elgin Business Expo • Area Chamber of Commerce events Local Food Challenge - Greenbelt Led by the Greenbelt Fund, with support from the Ontario Government, the Challenge helps nine public institutions buy more local food for their menus. The County will create even more new recipes, work with local farmers on education, and liaise with distributors on local food suppliers, with the ultimate goal of increasing local food purchases in the three County Long Term Care Facilities. Sustainable Food Project - SWEA Elgin County has been selected as the pilot community for the Sustainable Food System Pilot Project by SWEA. The pilot sets out to develop an action plan for creating a Sustainable Food Cluster that, when executed, will create jobs and economic prosperity, and serve as a success template for other counties within Southwestern Ontario. Elgin County is an excellent choice because its 2011-2014 economic strategy has a strong focus on food and agriculture. Ontario Food Cluster Elgin County became a member of the Ontario Food Cluster in 2012. The Ontario Food Cluster welcomes international investment to its thriving cluster of 3,200 food and beverage companies that harvest success from within Canada's largest pool of agri-food talent, Ontario. Food and beverage processing in the province is expected to grow to a $40 billion industry by end of 2013, and the agriculture and agri-food sector is Ontario's number one employer. OFORLO""wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° • 44 ambassadors in the program as of August 31st, compared to 41 at this time last year, which is a 7% increase The 2012 Ambassador of the Year was Adrian Peters • Dates of the 2013 meetings: March 7th 2013 June 6th 2013 September 26th 2013 December 5th 2013 New Case Files by Sector Local Business 5 Prospect �iIIIIIP New Business iiIIIIIIIIIV'NIM'"" , Other R O On-going Total Case Files Local Business Prospect New Business Other O 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 10 15 20 25 99 000PLO""wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Stats Overview Consults 750 Inquiries 1,743 Businesses Started - County 7 Businesses Expanded - County ill Jobs Created - County 85 Jobs Created - County 60 50 40 30 20 10 O Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Total - 85 Businesses Expanded - County 2 2 1VIIIII�IIIII�IIII�IIII�IIII�IIII�IIIY C 2 2 2 2 11 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Total - 11 sm 000PLO""wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Stats Overview Consults 334 Inquiries 315 Businesses Started - County 15 Businesses Expanded - County 1 Jobs Created - County 35 Jobs Maintained 83 Loan Inquiries 14 Jobs Created - County 15 IN 5 O Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Tota I - 35 15 Businesses Started - County 5 4 3 2 1 O Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Total -15 W 000PLO""wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Stats Overview Consults 72 Inquiries 276 Businesses Started - County 7 Businesses Expanded - County 3 Jobs Created - County 14 Jobs Maintained 39 Loan Inquiries 2 Jobs Created - County 5 4 3 2 1 O Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Total -14 6". Businesses Started - County 2 0 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Total - 7 2 2 2 0/ORLO", wiYilry Elgin, In 2013 Elgin County Economic Development assisted the Harbour Vision Committee to complete an Economic Development Plan for Port Stanley. This strategic document is intended to guide the Municipality of Central Elgin's efforts to transform the Port Stanley Harbour into a small craft harbour that maintains support for the existing commercial fishing industry and recreational boaters. The Plan encourages private sector investment and redevelopment interest in Port Stanley over the long-term. The Plan contains 16 recommendations that are considered crucial for the redevelopment of Port Stanley Harbour. They reflect the steps required to stimulate re -investment and create the environment for change. While the anticipated development of the Harbour lands will occur over the long-term, the recommendations focus on the efforts required over the next 5 years. All of the actions are inter -related and required to enable the successful transformation of the harbour area. The Economic Development department will continue to work with the Harbour Vision Committee to implement the recommendations and actions contained within the plan as development of the Port Stanley harbour will have regional implications. Elgin County Economic Development, in cooperation with the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation and the office of Joe Preston MP, invited businesses to participate in a meeting with In Situ Oil Sands Alliance (IOSA) on January 23, 2013 at the St. Thomas Golf and Country Club. The purpose of the meeting was to find synergies between our local economies in Ontario and the needs of energy producers in Alberta. The group from Alberta was looking to source products and services from Ontario businesses in categories such as: • fabricated steel modules; • pressure vessels, piping, industrial coatings, insulation and electrical; • control systems; • custom machining services; • environmental monitoring and control systems; • engineering services, heat transfer systems. Our goal is to help facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships resulting in economic growth and prosperity in our region. lot 0/ORLO", wiYilry Elgin, People & Places is a marketing program that seeks to attract creative individuals and entrepreneurs to Elgin County by promoting the area's `quality of place'. `Quality of place' is a key factor in attracting talented and creative people to a community, who in turn create and attract business investment. Elgin County is fortunate to have numerous qualities and features that give it a competitive advantage when it comes to attracting creative individuals such as diverse cultural experiences, abundant access to the natural environment, friendly communities and a tradition of entrepreneurship. Economic Development promotes 'quality of place' by sharing the stories of successful businesses in Elgin, conducting extensive media outreach and targeting potential residents and businesses through advertising both online and in print publications. Elgin County maintains an advertising and editorial presence in several print publications. Three types of audiences are targeted: farmers and small agribusiness owners, creative entrepreneurs and those who may be interested in Elgin County for its superior lifestyle. Publication Readership/Month # of Months Small Farm Canada 56,775 1 MoneySense Magazine 130,270 1 Toronto Entrepreneurs Guide 4,000 2 Horizon Travel Magazine 60,000 1 On -The -Go Magazine 400,000 3 Portico (University of Guelph) 70,000 1 St. Thomas Chamber Directory 2,000 Year Long Publication EDCO Investor's Guide 9,300 Year Long Publication * This chart includes advertising from Jan - Aug 2073. Additional advertising is booked for the remainder of the year. 1A� OFORLO",wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Elgin County advertises in several online publications. The primary goal of these advertisements is to drive traffic to the Elgin County Economic Development website progressivebynature.com, where visitors can learn more about the benefits of living and starting a business in Elgin County. Impressions refer to how many people view each advertisement. Website Impressions/Month # of Months SmallFarmCanada.ca 18,500 5 BetterFa rm i ng.com 30,000 4 MoneySense.ca 1200,000 12 LondonCommunityNews.com 40,000 2 * This chart includes advertising from Jan - Aug 2073. Additional advertising is booked for the remainder of the year. Elgin County has had considerable success with advertising on the social media networking website Facebook. These advertisements appear to users in the `News Feed' section of their Facebook profiles and are designed to direct Facebook users to the Elgin County Economic Development & Tourism Facebook Page. The advertisements also encourage users to "Like" the page in order to receive regular updates from Elgin County. Campaign Impressions Clicks Page Likes May - June 2013 59,527 374 238 June - July 2013 130,267 642 226 000!0",wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Elgin County's Economic Development website progressivebynature.com is an extremely important marketing tool. All Elgin County print, web and social media ads are designed in part to attract visitors back to the website where they can learn about Elgin. Potential investors and business owners can visit the website and learn about the benefits of locating a business in Elgin, Elgin's key business sectors, tax rates, demographic information, business resources and more. Statistics • Website visits to date - 4,038 • Page views - 11,000 • Avg. visit duration - 02:34 • -/. of New Visitors - 72.2% • % of Returning Visitors - 27.8% Number of Visitors by Country Country # of Visits Canada 3,621 United States 191 India 35 Unknown 31 United Kingdom 19 Philippines 17 Germany 9 Australia 8 China 7 Pakistan 1 7 *Only top 10 countries are listed Number of Visitors by City City # of Visits London qo8 St. Thomas 545 Toronto 185 Guelph 174 Aylmer 85 Ottawa 73 Sarnia 69 Kitchener 54 Hamilton 44 Mississauga 42 *Only top 10 cities are listed W`", OFORLO",wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Economic Development uses social media websites Facebook and Twitter and an "Experience Elgin Blog" to promote Elgin County as a great place to live, work and start a business. Social media is an effective way to stay connected with residents, visitors and potential business owners. Elgin's social media accounts are used to promote everything from available property listings, to event listings, to business success stories. The charts below illustrate the increase in followers from January 2012 to August 2013 on both Facebook and Twitter. Twitter Followers 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Jan 2012 Jul 2012 Dec 2012 May 2013 Aug 2013 Facebook Page Likes 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 Jan 2012 Jul 2012 Dec 2012 May 2013 Aug 2013 Experience Elgin Blog In addition to Facebook and Twitter, Elgin County Economic Development also operates a blog. The blog features articles about successful local businesses, Elgin County media releases, events listings and recipes that promote the use of local products. • Visitors to the Blog between January 2013 and August 2013 - 3312 lot 000!0",wiYilror, Elgin, A newsletter profiling successful businesses in each of Elgin's key sectors is sent out quarterly. The newsletter is sent to all of Elgin County Economic Development's contacts including business leads from tradeshows and conferences. Spring Distribution - 4,956 Summer Distribution - 5,103 ElginLicious Tour for OTMPC During Savour Elgin's spring ElginLicious promotional event, representatives from the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation came to Elgin for a tour of the area's culinary attractions. ETCetera In June of 2013 a film crew from the CBC Radio -Canada French language television show ETCetera came to Elgin County to film an episode for their series on travel destinations in Ontario. Elgin County Economic Development arranged for the film crew to shoot scenes in Port Stanley and at the Ojibwa Submarine in Port Burwell. The show aired in mid-July. Elgin County Living In 2012 Elgin County Economic Development created the Elgin County Living television series in conjunction with Rogers TV St. Thomas. The show takes viewers to some of the most interesting and innovative businesses and locations in Elgin County. In September 2013 season two of the show will begin to air. This show is a great opportunity for Elgin County Economic Development and Tourism to promote local businesses within the community. Season one episodes are available on Economic Development's Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/ElginCounty. EDCO Elgin County Economic Development received an Economic Developers Council of Ontario award in recognition of the combined 2012 Savour Elgin/Elgin Arts Trail Guide. The award was presented to Elgin County on February 7, 2013 at an event held at the London Convention Centre. In addition Elgin County received honourable mention for the Elgin County Living Television Series on Rogers TV and the ElginLicious Marketing Campaign. IEDC Elgin County Economic Development received a Bronze Award from the International Economic Development Council for the ElginLicious Marketing Tour, the Elgin Business Resource Centre Satellite Office Pilot Project and the Elgin County Heritage Guide. These three awards were presented at a ceremony held in Philadelphia, PA on October 8, 2013. 1A� 000PLO",wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° IIID uI IIID VIII The 2013 Official Experience Elgin County & St. Thomas Visitor's Guide continues to be a valuable marketing tool. This year's guide was redesigned to include a more streamlined and user friendly format with fabulous photos and useful information for visitors and residents to explore the area. • 40,000 2013 Visitor's Guides were printed (10,000 less than 2012 to cover the additional printing costs and redesign) • 4,755 impressions of the Virtual Guide online (as of August 31st) 2012 vs 2013 Visitor's Guide Distribution Location 2012 Approx. Quantity 2013 Approx. Quantity Hotel & Travel Information Centres (318 Locations across Ontario) 19,000 18,000 Daytripper Magazine 4,500 4,500 Local Business Mailing 1,900 1,900 Events/Tradeshows 9,500 10,000 Tourism Brochure Rack Locations/Kiosks/Inquiries 6,600 3,900 Distribution Total as of Aug 31st 41,500 38,300 Note: 2073 distribution was lower than 2072 due to a reduced print (70,000 Qty.) p ,.p N [Il dtt "�Vlj�; tllfl lNW'Kd�^.hkR' wpP a iN m n �y 1 � ray u r� muuvgw &w�mn�wwwu m��wuw�,wn OFORLO",wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Tourism Kiosks The number of adults and children that visited each kiosk location was tracked by the department's three summer students and staff at each location. From May to August the three tourism kiosks experienced an increase of 36% in visitation compared to 2012 during the same time. Below is a summary of visits at The Stork Club (Port Stanley), Backus -Page House (Wallacetown), and the Lighthouse and Marine Museum (Port Burwell) in 2012 and 2013. Tourism Kiosk Visitors from May -August 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 Adults Children Total Visitors Adjusted Total Visitors * Total visitors minus 3,939 Jumbo Caboose visitors in 2012 2012 �( tJ 2013 1®� OFORLO""wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Kiosk Visitor Survey Results Elgin County students asked interested visitors to participate in a short survey about their visit to Elgin County. Below are the key findings (May 16 to August 31, 2013): Where are you from? Hamilton GTA Chatham -Kent Niagara Kitchener -Waterloo Middlesex Essex Oxford Brant St. Thomas Elgin County London Other Ontario Quebec Other Province United States Overseas 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Total Answered -106 11� 000PLO""wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° How long will you be in Elgin County? How much will you spend in Elgin County? ��M Daytrip (47) tttl Overnight (4) �111Weekend (12) Week (2) Ni More than a week (39) $0-49(49) l $50-99(20) � � � � � �1%� $100-199 (i 6) $200-299 (7) N� $300 plus (8) What is the purpose of your visit to Elgin County? Visit friends & family (14) Vacation/Recreation (25) NBusiness (1) Shopping (5) N� Special Event (57) �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Event Booth & Elgin Tourism Cruiser: Visitor Stats This summer the department's tourism students attended various events with the event tent and new Elgin Tourism Cruiser. The Elgin Tourism staff provided residents and visitors with tourism information, maps, guides and other promotional materials from area attractions. Some of the events staff attended included: Posy Rhubarb, Seniors Picnic in the Park, Home County Folk Festival, Sunfest, Cactus, Cattle & Cowboys, the Great Lakes International Airshow, Belmont Summer Fun Day and more. Below is a chart comparing the number of adults and children who visited Elgin's booth. Number of Event Visitors May to August 4,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 3,989 Adults Children Total 2012�r /� 2013 The number of event visitors who came to the Elgin booth was over double the amount as compared to 2012. This was the result of the addition of London events and the new Elgin Tourism Cruiser. 11� OPOEO",wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° 2013 Tradeshows Elgin County Tourism participates in a number of tradeshows each year to promote Elgin County as a travel destination. Below is a list of tradeshows with attendees that Elgin County Tourism attended in 2013. Tradeshow Attendance London Food & Wine Show 6,000 St. Thomas Home & Garden Show 4,000 Women's Lifestyle Show 6,000 London Boat Fishing & Leisure Show 8,000 Toronto Motorcycle Show 65,000 Total Impressions 89,000 lit OFORLO",wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Elgintourist.com continues to be a valuable resource for Elgin County visitors. The department frequently updates the site to ensure it is current and interesting. Continued promotion of www.elgintourist.com has resulted in a 21% increase in website visits from January 1 to August 31, 2013, compared to 2012 during the same time. This increase was as a result of the Head South to Elgin's Ports campaign, which drove traffic to the website to enter the contest. See the following statistics for a detailed 2013 breakdown. Elgintourist.com Web Statistics - Jan. 1, 2013 - Aug. 31, 2013 Visits & Page Views New vs Return Visits 100,000- 2012 82,606 84,234 8o,000��f1//�l't lilt 2013 ��titi51111111111111U11111N�1111111111��A��iiiia� 40,000 26,028 21,500 MINI, O „ Visits Visits by Country 21,048 16,875 uWHEINININE Unique Visits Page Views Country 2012 Visits 2013 Visits Canada 21,446 23,936 United States 1,552 1,317 United Kingdom 353 277 Unknown 0 82 Germany 41 33 India 35 50 South Africa 35 O Netherlands 31 22 Australia 42 26 Spain O 17 Brazil 26 0 China 14 0 Mexico O 17 11� 2012 2013 PNew Return Average Duration on Site 4r - 3 r 3 FA 1 0 2012 2013 000!0",wiYilror, Elgin, The Experience Elgin County brand was updated in 2013 to showcase some of the very best attractions and experiences that Elgin County tourism has to offer. Ads have been placed in regional publications, newspapers, online and on select radio stations. Print Advertising (January 1 to August 31, 2013) Publication Circulation Horizon Travel Magazine (Jul/Aug Issue) 60,000 Relish Elgin Magazine (Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug) 15,000 London Free Press - 100 Things to See & Do 200,000 Lake Erie Living Magazine (Mar/Apr, May/Jun) 200,000 Lake Erie Travel Guide 100,000 Ontario Summer Travel Magazine 425,000 Aylmer Express Insert 7,000 St. Thomas Weekly News (5 features) 122,000 Summer Fun Guide 250,000 Active Elgin 36,000 Ontario Parks Ad 10,000 Total Combined Circulation 1,425,000 Radio Advertising "Experience Elgin County" & "Head South to Elgin's Ports" radio ads, including to second weather tags and 30 second spots ran on the following radio stations. The ads were complemented with online advertising and Facebook promotion. Radio Station No. of Spots Stats Q97.5 (Virgin Radio) 226 • 120,803 weekly on -air listeners • 7,234 weekly on-line listeners • 6,867 weekly mobile app listeners • 31,324 unique website visitors each month myFM St. Thomas 80 • 22,000-25,000 weekly on -air listeners 116 OFORLO",wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Ontario's South Coast has developed the successful motorcycle brand known as Cruise the Coast. The brand is a collective partnership of Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO' S), including Haldimand County, Norfolk County, Elgin County, Chatham -Kent, Tourism Windsor Essex & Pelee Island, and Oxford County, as well as the Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation (SWOTC). Additional DMO partners including Tourism London, Tourism Middlesex and Tourism Sarnia Lambton are expected to join the brand in January 2014. Below are stats that highlight the partnership's progress from January 1 - August 31, 2013: • Development and distribution of 20,000 2013 Cruise the Coast Motorcycle Maps (20,000 printed) • www.cruisethecoast.com Unique Visits - 6,743 Page Views - 16,969 • 3,341 eNewsletter Database lit 0/ORLO", wiYilry Elgin, The Community Festivals and Events Partnership Program (CFEPP) has been in operation for four years. The 2013 CFEPP was enhanced to encourage smaller events to grow, while still maintaining the County's commitment to larger events. As such, the CFEPP included two categories of contribution: • Category 1 - Events or festivals under 5,000 attendees qualify to receive one of two contributions of $1,000. • Category 2 - Events or festivals over 5,000 attendees qualify to receive one contribution of $2,000. Events receiving grants for 2013 in category one included Belmont Summer Fun Day, and West Lorne Cactus, Cattle and Cowboys; and category two, Port Stanley Harbour Fest & Tall Ships. Unfortunately, valid economic impact analyses for the three events could not be generated because the number of surveys completed was lower than the required sample size, and therefore not a true representation of the population. 1�� Elgin, Elgin County is now part of the Waterfront Trail! On August 12th, Waterfront Regeneration Trust, a charity dedicated to the completion, maintenance and promotion of the Waterfront Trail, unveiled the 62o km expansion of the signed route along Lake Erie. The trail was launched by the Great Waterfront Adventure, an annual seven day end-to-end fully supported cycling tour that attracted Ontario families and tourists from all over North America to explore Ontario's Great Lakes waterfront. The Adventure took over 200 participants from end-to-end of the route's Lake Erie portion, stopping in local communities, like Port Stanley, West Elgin, and Port Burwell, to explore, stay, shop and sightsee. Participants ranged from 13 to 74 years of age and cycled an average of 60 to loo km a day. Cycle tourism is a growing market and studies consistently show that cycle tourists stay longer and spend more when travelling. The department recognizes the opportunity to develop cycling tourism in Elgin County and the Waterfront Trail is just one initiative that supports creating a bicycle culture, attracting visitors, residents and businesses to the area. In addition, the department has been involved with the following bicycle related initiatives: • Bike Rack Project with Elgin St. Thomas Public Health & Parkside Collegiate Institute • Bike Events Committee (Bike Summit & Family Bike Festival presence) • Promotion of Cycle Tourism • Building Partnerships sol �,�,,�,,,Materfront Tri m Gronds GrS U e UP. r✓�vriti ila"� � ion r Elgin, Norfolk & Haldimand wknw.wwv rfro ni i nn 1, org nw 0/1�,wlYilror, Elgin, The Elgin County Tourism Signage Program continues to be strong. In 2013 thirteen new signs were installed, bringing the total number of signs to 29o. The department has received positive feedback from participants about the increase in traffic to their businesses as a result of the program. IIS o, � F a r / r l l , I r r � � f, rd - /y V I A {i 7 { , i it I I /I f 1 y,l G.. i f / 0 Im r �l 'i p( 7A �i l Xd yM v f 1, Mc Yr .tpuy I z�G o� D. µ Ik.. f I IIS OPOEO", ry or, Elgin, - Savour Elgin, now in its 4th year, celebrates local food, wine, and agri-tourism in partnership with quality restaurants. Members of Savour Elgin must either grow or produce their own products and in the case of restaurants have 25% of their annual receipts purchased locally (within a look radius). Membership Increase • From 20 members in 2012 to 22 members in 2013, a 10% increase Advertising Media Reach Eat Drink 3 print editions, online full year 15,000 copies per issue Relish Elgin 5 print editions, online full year 5,000 copies per issue Daytripping - print full year 35, 000 (July/August 70, 000) Horizon Magazine - Print/TTC TV 7.8 million impressions Insert Post & Star Exploring Ontario Culinary Guide 210,000 Virgin Radio 97.5 81,115 BX 93 Radio 50,553 myFM Radio 22,000-25,000 per week Conferences/Tradeshows • Wine& Food • Women's Lifestyle Show • Fresh Fest K OFF avour Igin FN aVOL, . ............... 11 1 11 L�T/ C, tO ft -h producc, Wh Wies dnd d brevvc:�u,y, YOU'fl p Io a110VV bCddOM dMI �'CCa pr,,S Ildt(uSt Sdv("A140p CUHUry GWde� uAP YcaaUCOp)Y toddy� Savour the tastes of Figin Cocl[nty. Fop mope Oaj Savoup Ugj, cafl � 877 GO 0 ON x M op v�sft www-savourelginxa 000PLO""wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Special Events ElginLicious Debuted in the fall of 2012 with much success. A local food event spanning to days that offers specials promotions at participating businesses at either $1o, $15 or $25. A 2nd event was added in the spring and a third the fall of 2013. Mystery Tour As part of a value add to the FreshFest package people could pick up a a mystery tour brochure; if they had 4 locations on the tour map singed they were entered into a draw to win a Savour Elgin gift basket valued at over $100. EDCO Sampling Event For 2013, the Economic Developers Council of Ontario moved their annual conference to London. Savour Elgin took advantage of the event by participating in the sample show, with many members providing samples of their best wines, beers, chocolates and entrees. 12A 000!0""wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Savourelgin.ca Web Statistics - Jan 1, 2013 - Aug 31, 2013 Visits & Page Views 1 0 ,0 0 0 2012 8,468 8,00o IIIII1 / 2013 6,748 4,000 2,489 wff�1967 2,000 1,204 1,648 `1 0 Visits Unique Visits Page Views * Average Duration on Site 3:59 4 0 3 EA 1 01 ........ ........................................... 2012 2013 Visitors Country of Origin Visitors' City of Origin * Country # of Visitors Canada 2,276 United States 131 United Kingdom 14 India 12 Egypt 8 Japan 7 Philippines 5 South Africa 4 Brazil 3 Spain 3 *Top 10 countries listed. New vs Return Visits �IJJ New El Return City # of Visitors London 794 St. Thomas 359 Toronto 271 Aylmer 103 Windsor 59 Kitchener 54 Sarnia 48 Woodstock 46 Hamilton 34 Ottawa 31 *Top 10 cities listed. 121? 2012 2013 0/1�,wiYilror, Elgin, The combined Elgin Arts Trail Discovery Guide & Savour Elgin Culinary Guide continues to be a popular marketing piece, pairing together food and art in Elgin County and St. Thomas. • 10,000 2013 Savour/Arts guides were printed (5,000 less printed than 2012) • 790 impressions of the Virtual Guide online (as of August 31st) The chart below compares the distribution of the 2012 and 2013 guides. Location 2012 Approx. Quantity 2013 Approx. Quantity Daytripper Magazine 1,000 0 Events/Tradeshows 4,000 5,500 Tourism Brochure Rack Locations/ Kiosks/Member Locations/Inquiries 6,200 3,420 Total (as of August 31st) 11,200 8,920 Note: 2073 distribution was lower than 2072 due to a reduced print run (5,000 copies) 0/lr`,wiYilror, Elgin, The Elgin Arts Trail is now in its second year, and continues to grow and gain awareness. With a goal to attract visitors from afar, and to help make Elgin -St. Thomas an even greater destination, the Elgin Arts Trail targets those who are interested in the arts. Membership Membership for 2013 has increased by 6%. Advertising Both radio and print publications were used to reach the Elgin Arts Trail target audience, as outlined below. Print Advertising Publication Circulation Relish Elgin (Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug) 15,000 Elgin This Month (Monthly Article) 39,000 Arts Country 20,000 Lifestyle Magazine (May/Jun) 25,000 Total Circulation 99,000 ° � .w� �saurp�4r nou titiunmm@ � �� ` ppp � X01 II Iu From original paintings to pottery, the studios, galleries and crafters that comprise the arts trail are ready to take visitors on an imaginative and unforgettable journey. r - From original paintings the studios, galleries and crafters tthat ctomprise r the arts trail are ready to take visitors on an imaginative and unforgettable journey. 124 t"wi 1or, �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Radio Advertising CHUMFM.com Radio Promotion During June 24 - July 3, 2013, the Elgin Arts Trail participated in a CHUMFM.com promotion, where the members provided a contest prize package worth $1000. The prize package promotion included the following: • 20 x 30 second on -air web promos • Promotional real estate on CHUMFM.com contest microsite, including a link to the Elgin Arts Trail website • Contest feature graphic on Newsletter As a result of the promotion, the following was achieved: Reach Frequency Impressions Online Contest Entries Online Page Views 458,987 1.9 1,024,000 409 1,251 Virgin Radio Spots "Artastic Elgin" radio ads, including 10 second weather tags and 30 second spots ran on Virgin Radio. The ads were complemented with online advertising and Facebook promotion. • 100 spots • 120,803 weekly on -air listeners • 7,234 weekly on-line listeners • 6,867 weekly mobile app listeners • 31,324 unique visitors to the website each month 12% OFORLO""wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° Elgin Arts Trial Website The elginartstrail.ca website gained a great deal of ground in 2013, with an 81% increase in website visits as compared to 2012 during the same time period. Elginartstrail.ca Web Statistics - Jan 1, 2013 - Aug 31, 2013 Visits & Page Views New vs Return Visits 5,000 F- 1111EM 4,743 4,000- 3,000- 2,000— ,00o 3,0002,000 1,73: 957 1,000- 19, 0 Visits Visits by Country Unique Visits Page Views Country 2012 Visits 2013 Visits Canada 891 1,595 United States 49 76 United Kingdom 4 13 Unknown O 7 Germany O 5 Australia 3 4 Italy O 3 France 0 2 Mexico 1 2 Bangladesh 2 O China 2 0 India 1 0 Netherlands 1 1 O 2012 2013 NjJ NewIm Return Average Duration on Site 4 r 3.36 3 6 1 OL ,,,,,,,,,,,,, ........................................... 2012 2013 OFORLO""wi lry �011lllimou��„ Elgin, t° Arts Country 3 Elgin Arts Trail members are featured in Arts Country 3, the third edition of a regional studio tour website and catalogue which documents the cultural wealth of the following five distinct southern Ontario regions: Brant, Elgin, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Oxford. • Development and distribution of Arts Country 3 (20,000 printed) • www.artscountry.com Unique Visits: 1,679 Page Views: 10,867 All Parade of Elephants The Parade of Elephants continued to travel to various Elgin Arts Trail member locations from January to August 2013, generating interest and enjoyment related to the many wonderful artists, galleries and studios featured in Elgin County and St. Thomas. Thirteen papier mache/plaster elephants were created by the Art Centre and then each was decorated by artists and artisans featured on the Elgin Arts Trail. A new elephant was added at each location and joined the existing elephants on the parade. Every elephant is a unique creation, reflecting the artist and the location where it 12W 000!0", ry or, Elgin, - Preview: Artastic Elgin Art Tour The artists of the Elgin Arts Trail will participate in two days of interactive events on September 28th and 29th at Artastic Elgin's first art tour. The event will take place at the same time as Culture Days, providing artists with an opportunity to offer workshops, gallery events, specials, and interactive demos and tours. Visitors will learn first hand how pottery is hand crafted, how paintings are created and how artisan stained glass is designed. The Elgin Arts Trail is developed in partnership with the following organizations that play a role in supporting the program. ELGIN j St.Thomas-E Ig m AM Eft BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTRE AC! ML A Community Futures Development Corporation PUBLI jj,/, OFORLO""wi lry �011lllimou�� Elgin, t° The Ports of Elgin is a key lure publication to increase shopping, use of accommodation, waterfront recreation, restaurants, festivals and events, and surrounding area sight seeing. Since 2011, 15,000 Ports of Elgin Brochures have been distributed. Due to the popularity of the program, 7,000 mini brochures were printed in 2013 to keep up with the demand, 2,000 of which have already been distributed, as of August 31, 2013. Ott ' N-) r O t� Elgin OFORLO",wi lry �OIIIIIimoIIIII�� Elgin, t° Head South Campaign In 2013, the Ports of Elgin campaign was given a boost by the `Head South to Elgin's Ports' summer promotion, which encouraged visitors to discover the area's scenic ports. The promotion included a Facebook contest requesting people to `Like' Elgin County Economic Development and Tourism on Facebook for their chance to win one of three $400 valued prize packages, donated by Elgin County Tourism Members. Below is a summary of the stats that the contest generated • Facebook Entries -146 • Facebook Likes - 485 • Invites - 158 • Shares - 81 • Event Ballot Entries - 618 ,�,� q I °1j e,ro� z Y't,�i }1�J v�.a nir�yrr Yill�lJl/l�IlI,Y� r ; �uY�rl�rWu v a�iW1,0 �� Y f/,".0 A a�F M V utlA N�4KKI,Aa".� PoYdhr�, mq, '19k4 n4fr',Yp WW1Wr �CyvNWlil'MM W N II YY 6ru1N11 '1", R IA'i, qq, I mop NMIf�.A`@mWW,� w ru�evwu�llwM c", 111I 10. Saul www The `Head South to Elgin's Ports' campaign was promoted in the following ways: Media Timing Reach/Circulation Bus Advertising 2 buses July/August 371,275 Facebook Advertising Contest Promo Cards July/August distributed to members, at kiosks and events 5,000 eBlast 1 sent in July, 1 sent in August 6,205 Lake Erie Living Magazine July/August Issue 100,000 Horizon Travel Magazine July/August Issue 60,000 Aylmer Express - Backyard Vacations July 7,000 St. Thomas Weekly News July/August (4 ads x 30,500) 122,000 myFM St. Thomas July/August (accounted for under Tourism Advertising) Virgin Radio July/August Total Reach/Circulation 671,480 0/ORLO", wiYilry Elgin, The Elgin County Heritage Guide promotes heritage tourism and attracts visitors and residents to experience historic places in Elgin County and St. Thomas. The guide includes historical land marks, local cultural tourist attractions, walking tours and more. • 10,000 copies of the guide were printed in 2012 • 8,080 copies of the guide have been distributed • 736 impressions of the Virtual Guide online (as of August 31st) Advertising Publication Circulation Attractions Ontario Culture & Heritage Guide Full page ad with editorial 200,000 copies, distributed Pan -Provincially tJ El. N�I N CAX�J) N� � Heritage �nty V q l,d q:tlA'N l^ reyydN Q �y q� WOW 04* y�� p�a^"""�M j� bVm aNmW, wr OU urrv^.0 yr'0'�"''M;,.,�" v^"°,a we i� awam �ou:a "� ,lw• • me � w�� mgr VIP", r'"u ps Explore the rich heritage of Elgin County in the now Heritage Guide, The comprehensive guide allows visitors to experience charming communities, the unique culture and history of our region and uncover historical landmarks and focal cultural tourist attractions 1391 10 ElginCounty I 4 �No 1 r; 1 r l- 4 l„ II. i i � 6/ fir I l I i ri Ihi 1 4 2 i / r�- N I f 1 i / V rri 1.. N f i Y r( o / t/ r r ;� lY/ ✓ M"1rv"' >u��j�ll ) � '( IJP" �, N r, � / y' fair" dl '% IY+; rl r lmo „r 9• !i J- r r; I� r I l l r, r� L r.. r/ i s�l „r r` r, I_ N i i 1 r c i r i i u�; A CORRESPONDENCE — November 26, 2013 Items for Consideration — (Attached) 1. Denis Lemelin, National President, Canadian Union of Postal Workers with a resolution seeking support to Improve the Canadian Postal Service Charter, "Why Canada Needs Postal Banking" study also attached. 2. Claude Dauphin, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) with information regarding the renewal of Elgin County's annual membership. 3. Michael Jacek, Senior Advisor, Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) Communications with a resolution seeking support for the Development of a New Long -Term federal Plan to Fix Canada's Housing Crunch. 4. Russ Powers, President, Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) with a letter of support for Federal Gas Tax Fund. 135 377, rue Bank Street, Cupp sttp Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1Y3 tel./tel. 313 236 7238 fax/telec. 613 563 7361 October 14, 2013 _ o q y 2 0l Mark McDonald CAO County of Elgin 450 Sunset Dr St Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Dear Mr. McDonald: Re: The future of Canada Post ytl a b F f EL 4.EN ajraa Aln"u", STN PIE IMEORN Next year, the federal government will look at how it handles public postal service with a review of the Canadian Postal Service Charter. This review is important because the government could reduce Canada Post's obligation to provide service or even lay the groundwork for privatizing or deregulating our public post office. Canada Post has been holding consultations on the future of our public postal service to prepare for the upcoming charter review. The corporation has been clear. It wants to dramatically cut service to improve its financial situation. Cutting might help Canada Post with its money problems in the short-term but it is not a good long-term strategy and it certainly won't improve the future of postal service in our country. Fortunately, the corporation has other options according to a new study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPR). COPA study: Why Canada Needs Postal Banking The CCPA study is entitled Why Canada Needs Postal Banking. It makes a powerful case for preserving postal services and improving Canada Post's financial picture through the addition of financial and banking services. The study looks at the changing banking environment in our country as well as our post office's experience with banking. In addition, it reviews the status of postal banking around the world, highlighting five successful models in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Switzerland and New Zealand. Having established that there is a need for improved financial services in our country and viable models in other countries, the study concludes by suggesting possible models for postal banking in Canada. It recommends that the federal government and Canada Post immediately establish a task force to determine how to deliver new financial services, and establish priorities for delivering new products. Canadian Union ofPostal Workers Me strug la Continues Syndic at Iles travaiilersl.s et travailler,ses des ?costes La Mde rninu2 136 CLC/CTC - FTC - UNI CUPW has enclosed an executive summary of the CCPA study. You can get the full report by going to http://www.policyalternatives.ca/publications/reports/why-canada- needs-postal-banking The union has also enclosed two resolutions that it would like you to consider passing. These resolutions request that you ask the Minister Responsible for Canada Post: 1. To use the upcoming review of the Canadian Postal Service Charter to focus on revenue -generating services, not cuts, including financial services such as bill payments, insurance and banking. 2. To improve the Canadian Postal Service Charter and make the upcoming review of the Charter open to public input. Thank you very much for considering our request. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours truly, Denis Lemelin National Presidf Encl. CC. National Executive Committee, Regional Executive Committees, National Union Representatives, Regional Union Representatives, Specialists /bk cope 225 Canadian Union of Postal Workers The struggle continues CLC/CTC - FTQ - UNI Syndicat des travailleurs et travailleuses des postes La /V continue WHEREAS the federal government will look at how it handles public postal services with a review of the Canadian Postal Service Charter in 2014. WHEREAS the public has a right to have input on matters involving its publicly owned post office. WHEREAS the current Charter has a number of serious problems that need fixing. WHEREAS the government could use the Charter review to reduce our public post office's obligation to provide service (instead of improving the Charter) and even lay the groundwork for privatizing or deregulating Canada Post. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the (name of municipality, business or organization) write a letter to the Minister responsible for Canada Post to request 1) that the upcoming review of the Canadian Postal Service Charter be open to public input and 2) that the Charter be improved by: • Ensuring that the moratorium on post office closures in small and rural communities protects the public nature of post offices • Eliminating the exceptions to the moratorium • Extending the consultation process over possible closures and making the process and moratorium more transparent • Establishing an independent Canada Post ombudsperson to report on Canada Post's performance in meeting Charter expectations • Establishing a reasonable, uniform and democratic process for making changes to the postal and delivery network (closures, downsizing, removal of rural mailboxes, etc), but only after consultation with the public and other stakeholders. MAILING INFORMATION Please send your resolution to: Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Place de Ville, Tower C, 29th Floor, 330 Sparks Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A ONS. Please send copies of your resolution to: 1. Denis Lemelin, President, Canadian Union of Postal Workers, 377 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1 Y3 2. Your Member of Parliament. You can get your MP's name, phone number and address by calling 1-800 463-6868 (at no charge) or going to the Parliament of Canada website: http://www.earl.gc.ca/commolVindex.asp?Language=E 3. Claude Dauphin, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, 24 Clarence St, Ottawa, Ontario KIN 5P3 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Contact us at "Charter Review" 377 Bank Street, Ottawa Ontario, K2P IY3 or feedbackAcupw- s .or /bk cope 225 138 CANADIAN POSTAL SERVICE CHARTER REVIEW SHOULD FOCUS ON REVENUE -GENERATION, NOT ADDITIONAL CUTS WHEREAS the federal government will look at how it handles public postal services with a review of the Canadian Postal Service Charter in 2014. WHEREAS Canada Post is preparing for the review by campaigning for major service cuts. WHEREAS Canada Post has already dramatically cut service by closing or downsizing public post offices, eliminating rural mailbox delivery and removing street letter collection boxes. WHEREAS Canada Post and the federal'government should do everything in its power to prevent additional cuts during the upcoming review, and instead deal with financial issues by adding revenue -generating services like many other post offices around the world, including lucrative financial services like bill payments, insurance and banking. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the (name of municipality, business or organization) write a letter to the Minister responsible for Canada Post to request that the government consider innovative ways to generate postal revenue during the Charter review, including financial services like bill payments, insurance and banking. MAILING INFORMATION Please send your resolution to: Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Place de Ville, Tower C, 29th Floor, 330 Sparks Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A ONS. Please send copies of your resolution to: 1. Denis Lemelin, President, Canadian Union of Postal Workers, 377 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1 Y3 2. Your Member of Parliament. You can get your MP's name, phone number and address by calling 1-800 463-6868 (at no charge) or going to the Parliament of Canada website: http://w"vw.parl. ac. ca/common/index. asp?Languaae=E 3. Claude Dauphin, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, 24 Clarence St, Ottawa, Ontario KIN 5P3 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Contact us at "Charter Review" 377 Bank Street, Ottawa Ontario, K2P IY3 or feedback@cupw- sM?.org /bk cope 225 139 CCPA CANADIAN CENTRE for POLICY ALTERNATIVES CENTRE CANADIEN de POLITIQUES ALTERNATIVES This report is -available free of charge at www. policyalternatives.ca. Printed copies may be or- dered through the CCPA National Office for $10. PLEASE 14ARE A DONATION.., Help us to continue to offer our publications free online. With your support we can continue to produce high quality research—and makesure itgets into the hands of citizens, journalists, policy makers and progres- sive organizations. Visit www.policyalternatives.ca or call 613-563-1341 for more information. The opinions and recommendations in this report, and any errors, are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or funders of this report. 0 Uf I!OR ABOUT THE AUTHOR John Anderson is an independent researcher and consultant. He is the former Director of Parliamen- tary Affairs for the Official Opposition, and, before that was Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for the Canadian Co-operative Association. He has also been a Senior Policy Analyst at the Na- tional Council of Welfare and the Vice -President of Strategic Partnerships and of Research for the Canadian Council on Social Development. In the nineties, he was Co-ordinator of the Technology Ad- justment Research Program of the Ontario Federa- tion of Labour. He is the author of and researcher on numerous studies and briefs on the economy, poverty, technology and the workforce, co-opera- tives and Aboriginalissues. He received his educa- tion at McGill University, University of Sussex and the London School of Economics. He has taught at McMaster, Western and York Universities. He has been a long time supporter of and participant in the CCPA Alternative Budget process. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author would like to thank the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) for their generous sup- port of this research. The views are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of CUPW. He would like to especially thank Katherine Stein- hoff and Geoff Bickerton of CUPW fortheir help and for their own groundbreaking research on this top- ic. He would also like to thank all those who agreed to be interviewed for this project and all those who helped review the manuscript. Thanks are due to the dedicated staff at CCPA especially Bruce Camp- bell, David Macdonald, Kerri-Anne Finn, and Tim Scarth for his work on layout. Also a very special thanks to the translation team at CUPW, including Guy Laflamme, Manon Parrot, Anne Boulet, Charles Drouin and Maryse Prevost for all their excellent work and suggestions. 141 OVER THE LAST two decades, we have seen a major decline in the number of branches and locations for banks and credit unions. In 199o, there were almost 8,000 branch- es (7,964) and, by 2002, the number had fallen to 5,9o8, a decline of 26%. The Canadian Bankers' Association re- ports that, between 2oo6 and 2012, there was a small increase in the number of bank branches in Canada: from 5,902 to 6,205. But since 199o, there has been a decline of more than 1,70o branches, a 22% drop, and the number of branches increased by only 5.10/0 from 2002 to 2012, with most of the new branches added in Ontario (195), Alberta (98), and British Columbia (37). In many communities today, credit unions or caisses populaires are the only financial institution. In 2012, the Cred- it Union Central of Canada reported that credit unions were the only financial in- 142 stitution in 38o communities. The Desjar- dins Group noted in 2013 that caisses popu- laires are the only financial institution in 388 towns and villages in Quebec. But the total number of credit union and caisse locations has also dropped from 3,603 in 2002 to 3,117 in 2012, a decline of 13.50/0. In 201o, a study by Vision Critical (com- missioned by ING Direct bank before it was taken over by the Bank of Nova Scotia) found that banking fees in Canada were among the highest in the world. More than half of Canadians (55%) have fee-based chequing accounts and, on average, pay $185 per year in fees for these accounts. Credit card rates remain high in spite of low Bank of Canada prime rates. Typical bank card interest rate hover around zo% annually and department store cards are closer to 300/0. ATM, Internet, Telephone Ranking The decline of branch banking is not only linked to banks rationalizing their bricks - and -mortar locations. It is also linked to Fringe Financial Institutions Another major change in the banking en- vironment that shows there is an open- ing for new financial services is the rise of Fringe Financial Institutions. These FFis provide short-term loans and cheque cashing services, as well as money trans- fers and prepaid credit cards. While offering services customers want, the interest rate charges for their services on an annual basis can only be considered the rise of ATMs, Internet and telephone usurious. A study of FFis in Prince George, banking. Today there are more than 58,00o B.C., for example, concluded: "Given that ATMs across Canada, 61% of them so-called the average pay-day loan in Canada is white machines owned by non-bank com- panies. Online banking has grown at a tre- mendous rate in recent years, with 670/0 of Canadians now using this form of bank- ing, according to a CBA study. The study also noted that 470/0 of Canadians "now $28o for a io-day period, a pay-day lend- er in B.C. can now legally charge $64.40 for this transaction. This computes to a nominal annual percentage rate of inter- est (APR) of 839.50/0•" These are extremely profitable oper- use the Internet as their main means of ations. DFC, the owner of Money Mart, banking, up from 8 % 12 years ago." Retail Store Ranking Canadian Tire, WalMart, and PC Financial (to name only the largest) are all major chal- lengers to the traditional banks. Clients of these institutions are not using traditional bank branches. There has also been a rise of branchless banking. ING Direct Canada, a branchless bank, which was originally a subsidiary of a major Dutch bank, now has some 1.8 million clients and almost $4o billion in assets. It was absorbed by the Bank of Nova Scotia in 2012, but still maintains autonomous activity. 4 _ Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives the largest Canadian pay-day loan firm, made global profits before tax of $387 mil- lion on revenues of $1.062 billion in 2012, and 28.70/0 of their total global revenues for the fiscal third quarter 2013 came from Canada. A new group of Internet branchless companies, such as Zippy Cash and Wonga, have also started up in Canada in the last few years. In Canada, on the Wonga web- site, the cost for a $200 loan for 3o days is $40.10, or a rate of over 2400/0 per year. The rise of this kind of institution is linked in a chicken -and -egg fashion to the increase in the number of "unbanked" or "underbanked." It is estimated that be- tween 3% and 150/0 of the population do not 143 have a bank account. If we take the low- million in 1968. In 1968, the Postal Savings est figure 0f 3% that was estimated to be Bank was closed down, although the legis 842,000 people in 2005. Today, the num- ber of unbanked, using the same method of calculation, would approach 91o,000. Aboriginal communities remain large- ly without banks or credit unions. Over the past decade, the Aboriginal popula- tion has increased dramatically, growing by 20.1% between 2oo6 and 2011. Some 1.4 million people now identify as Ab- original, or 4.3% of the Canadian popu- lation. But banks and credit unions lag behind in providing services. While the major banks all have Aboriginal services, there are very few branches on reserves. There are 615 First Nations communities in Canada today and many other M6tis and non -status communities. A quick tally of branches of banks and credit unions on reserve shows only 54• All these trends in financial services have opened up the potential for the entry of new banking and financial services in Canada. They show there is a market de- mand that is not being met by the existing major banks and credit unions. Postal Banking: The Canadian Debate Postal banking is not something new to Canada. For over loo years after Confeder- ation, Canada had a postal savings system. The high point of deposits for the Post Office Savings Bank was $47.5 million total in 19o8. This would be around $1 billion in today's money. The total shrank to $17.2 144 lation still remains on the books. Today, over 45 years later, the debate around the need to revive or relaunch a Post Office Bank has begun to grow again. In 2005, a study from Library of Par- liament research services supported the extension of financial services as an im- portant means of preserving the post office across Canada, and particularly in rural areas. "At present, the idea of establish- ing a postal bank underpinned by Canada Post's network is not based primarily on a need to change the banking landscape. Rather, it stems from the growing need to breathe new life into Canada Post so that it can both cope with globalization and guar- antee universal postal service, which is a real, if not official, part of its social man- date, particularly in rural areas." A recent study by the Conference Board of Canada, commissioned Canada Post, provided a positive analysis of the ef- fects of financial services in post offices around the world, but failed to recom- mend financial services or even to exam- ine their possible application in Canada, on the grounds that a highly developed banking system in Canada left no room for a postal banking option. Public support has been confirmed in a recent survey by Strategic Communications Of 1,514 Canadians from May 24-26, 2013, commissioned by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. The survey showed that nearly two-thirds (6311/o) of Canadians "sup- ported Canada Post expanding revenue - generating services, including financial services like bill payments, insurance and models in industrialized countries —the banking." Politically the New Democratic United Kingdom, France, Italy, Switzer Party has supported the expansion of fi- land, and New Zealand—which have all nancial services in Canada Post. maintained an important relationship Postal a: Postal banking has deep roots internation- ally and is entering a period of expansion of services. This has been shown in a ma- jor global study of postal banking recent- ly carried out in 2012 by researchers of the Universal Postal Union, of which Canada is a member. The uPu report shows that, "After banks, postal operators and their postal financial subsidiaries are the second big- gest world-wide contributor to financial inclusion, far ahead of microfinance in- stitutions, money -transfer organizations, co-operatives, insurance companies, mo- bile money operators, and all other pro- viders of financial services." There are many large and important postal banking operations around the world, from Japan Post Bank, the world's largest deposit holder with Y203 trillion (C$2.15 trillion) in assets, to the Postal Savings Bank of China, the fifth-largest commercial bank in China with over 400 million customers, to the Deutsche Post Bank, which is now owned by Deutsche Bank but remains one of the largest in Germanywith its own network of over loo branches and 4,500 postal outlets. Our study does not examine these banks, but rather looks at five successful G Canadian Centre for Policy Mternatives between the financial services offered through post office outlets and the post office. These countries have been chosen because of their relevance to Canadian op- tions. In all five countries, the Post Office is publicly owned, although the UK is in the process of privatizing its delivery ser- vices, the Royal Mail, while keeping the Post Office public. The United Kingdom's Post Office's financial services, in their present form, offer a model which is based on a major partnership with a private sector finan- cial institution, some new products, as well as access for customers of most ex- isting banking services. France's Banque Postale is a chartered bank owned by the Post Office that offers a wide range of products, including insur- ance, and is particularly concerned with offering products to the N Go and mutual sector, as well as to low-income citizens. The bank makes the list of the world's top 50 safest banks. Italy's BancoPosta presents the mod- el of a non -chartered bank that offers a wide range of services and excels in offer- ing them through mobile phones as well as banking cards. Switzerland's PostFinance, wholly owned by the Swiss Post Office, is the lead- er in money transfers and one of the lar- gest banks in a country famous for its pri- vate sector banking. It has just this year become a chartered bank. It also offers 145 FIGURE'S. Summary of Postal Banking Models and Services in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Switzerland and New Zealand Name of Financial Structure of % of Post Office Postal Financial Services ownership of sales or profits for Services Institution(s) Financial Services Services Offered Bank Charter latest year Range of Services United Kingdom Post Office Main partnership All financial No 2$% of sales No ranking with Bank of services, Ireland and including agreements with new chequing other banks accounts France La Banque La Poste All services Yes 36% of before -tax 44`h Safest Bank Postale earnings in World Italy BancoPosta Poste Italiane All services; No 67% of total Largest retail and insurance savings in profits bank in Italy companies partnership with the CDP (Cassa Depositi e Prestiti) Switzerland PostFinance Swiss Post, with All services Yes 71% of total Number 1 in partnership Swiss Post payment services on all loan operating profits and number 3 in and insurance customers products New Zealand I(iwibank NZ Post All services Yes 70% of profits Largest NZ -owned bank mortgages and loans in partnership with major private sector financial institutions. Finally, Kiwibank, owned by New Zea- land Post, is a relatively new entrant in the world postal banldng sector and has been able to offer a wide range of servi- ces, including special mortgage products to low-income earners and to the Maori community. Postal Banking for Canada When we examined these five national postal banking systems in detail, we found that they were all successful in their own way. However, success did not seem to be 146 linked to the particular form of structur- ing of the financial services (which ranged from full ownership by the Post Office to various ldnds of partnership with the pri- vate sector), or to the kind of products of- fered, as some offered all major financial products and some fewer. The diversity in successful models shows that the lcey component for success seems to be char- acteristics of the Post Office itself, includ- ing widespread locations, trust in the in- stitution, and the staff. Why Postal Banking? number of bank and credit union branch- es has shrunk over the last two decades. In Our study shows clearly that postal bank rural Canada, many bank branches have ing would succeed in Canada and would closed in small towns and, while cred- help improve and stabilize Canada Post's services and revenues. The five post of- fices we studied in other countries are all publicly owned, and receive a substantial percentage of their sales and profits from financial services while other sources of revenue declined. The rise of virtual and new retail bank- ing and the growth of Fringe Financial In- stitutions in Canada show that the trad- itional financial banking sector is not meeting all the needs of Canadians. MiI- lions of Canadians have opened accounts in or are using the services of these new institutions; but, although they operate in a similar fashion to traditional banks, they tend to be concentrated in urban areas and are not available in many parts of the country. A new Canada -wide financial institu- tion could offer products and services that challenge the existing patterns. The ability to offer competition for existing fees would be helped by the fact that banking seivi- ces would be delivered through existing premises and staff. Use of the e -post sys- tem, as well as existing Canada Post de- livery sei vices, could help keep costs low. Clearly, offering postal financial servi- ces would allow the millions of Canadians without local bank branches or easy access to banking the access they need. First, there are many Canadians living in large parts of Canada who lack physic- al access to banks or credit unions. The Canadian Centre for =oiicy fiiternatives it unions have purchased some of these branches, this process has slowed mark- edly in recent years. Because postal outlets are present in both rural communities and inner city neighbourhoods, new postal banking could offer to citizens and businesses in many communities banking services where they do not currently exist. In Northern and rural Canada, on Aboriginal reserves, and in the three Northern territories, there have always been fewer banks and cred- it unions than are needed. (There are no credit unions in the territories.) Second, it is estimated that some 3% to 8% of Canadians do not have a bank ac- count. This represents a potential of more than a million new customers for postal financial services. Many Canadians use fringe financial services at a high person- al cost. New postal banking services could also be combined with legislation requir- ing the immediate roll -back of FFI inter- est rates to bring them in line with exist- ing banking rates. The ICiwibank and Banque Postale are both excellent examples of how a postal bank can offer special services to low-in- come people, such as home mortgages, rent -to -buy, and even social housing loans. In the case of ICiwibank, a special mort- gage program for Aboriginal peoples has been developed that could be replicated in Canada. 147 Canada Post's Banking Advantages Canada Post has the largest network of retail outlets already in place across Canada. Canada Post had a total of almost 6,400 postal outlets in 2012. 3,800 Canada Post outlets (6o%) are in rural areas where there are fewer banks and credit unions. The post of- fices in these locations could provide key services for individuals, but also for local businesses. ® Some communities in Canada have a postal outlet, but no other (or limited) banking services, especially since the closure of 1,7oo bank branches and hundreds of credit unions over the last two decades. Canada Post has a high trust factor among Canadians, and an already existing skilled and stable workforce of 68,000 employees, some of whom could easily be trained to handle finan- cial services. Thus it would not mean starting from scratch, but rather build- ing on what already exists. Many Canada Post outlets are already open 6 or 7 days a week and could oper- ate longer daily hours if necessary. Many of them are located in drug stores or small convenience stores with long weekday and weekend opening hours. Since Canada Post is owned l00% by the federal government, it could use 148 the expertise developed at the Bank of Canada, the Business Development Bank of Canada, Farm Credit Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corpor- ation, Export Development Canada, and Canada Savings Bonds. The financial services Canada Post could provide would be tested regionally first; would be fair and transparent; be de- livered from bricks -and -mortar branches as well as through the telephone and In- ternet; expand existing services; and con- tribute to financial literacy. All services, of course, would be profitable for Canada Post to provide. Canada Post already provides some fi- nancial services, such as postal money or- ders, domestic and international money transfers, bill payment and financial trans- action and payment notices, and prepaid Visa cards. Brand new services could consist of: ® access by all banks and credit union customers to their accounts to de- posit or withdraw cash, as is the case in the UK; savings accounts and low -fee chequ- ing accounts; low-interest credit cards; and prepaid debit cards. In the future, services could be ex- tended to: o mortgages; small-business loans and agricultur- al loans; ® insurance products; Who Should Own the Services? ® mutual funds and stocks; and ® special new products for low-income and Aboriginal peoples. Canada Post financial services should offer new competitive products to all Can- adians, but they could also make sure that there were special services offered to low- income and Aboriginal Canadians, similar to services offered by both the French and New Zealand post office financial systems. The postal bank could also provide special services for N GO and social econ- omy organizations. The Banque Postale in France has become a banker for NGOs, so- cial economy and mutual organizations in fields such as social housing. For a while it looked as though Citizen's Bank would take on this role in Canada, but its retreat from the sector means that once again there is no bank specializing in the needs of this kind of business. Delivering Financial Services Canada Post Corporation could examine the optimum method of delivering these services. This could be done by establish- ing a task force of experts from the finan- cial and postal services to examine how they are delivered in other jurisdictions, the best method for Canada Post (in terms of profit and sales), and the best method for users of these services. 4Cy, Canadian Centre Gat_ PoEicy A' Iternatives There are several possibilities: ® Create a non -chartered bank — a Can- ada Post -owned subsidiary — to deliv- er financial services. This is the route taken in Italy ® Create a chartered bank wholly owned by Canada Post. This is the route taken by France, Switzerland, and New Zea- land ® Create a bank to deliver some of the services and partner with banks and others to deliver the rest. This is the route taken by Switzerland. a Create a national credit union or mu- tual to deliver the financial services in partnership with Canada Post. A na- tional credit union is one such possi- bility, as it would allow for widespread ownership by Canada Post employees as well as the public. ® Partner directly with one or more fi- nancial institutions to deliver the servi- ces. This is the route taken in the U.K. What Mix of Financial i ` 1 i ,1MM Canada Post already has partnerships with a number of different institutions that could be approached to assist with these services. Once the first question is answered, the second one could be exam - 149 ined and the experience of other countries taken into account. All potential partnerships, if that is a route taken, should be determined by open tender on delivering a service for a specific period of time. With its 6,400 outlets, which often serve populations with no competition in financial services and sometimes no services at all, Can- ada Post would undoubtedly be courted by many financial institutions anxious to supply services. There is also no reason to necessarily have all services provided by the same stakeholder or stakeholders across the country. Whatever the ownership mechanisms, some services could be completely owned by Canada Post and others delivered by a partnership with existing credit unions or banks. Partnerships could be made nation- ally or developed on a regional basis. This would also allow Canada Post to partner with regionally -based credit unions and caisse populaires in different provinces. The question of delivery has become easier with the uptake in Internet and mo- bile phone technology. For example, the UK Post Office Ltd. delivers its services with a core of 300 financial specialists, as well as trained Post Office staff for 11,500 outlets. Internet and telephone technolo- gies allow people in remote areas to con- nect with financial specialists. Canada's existing financial and bank- ing system is not providing competi- 150 tive services to Canadians, nor ad- equate service to many of the under- or - unbanked. © Canada's postal system has a long his- tory of delivering financial services. Currently delivering some products, it could develop a full banking system. Postal banking systems are proliferat- ing around the world and are promin- ent in most of the developed countries. They have shown themselves capable of generating the additional income needed to preserve the postal system as traditional letter volumes decline. ®Analysis of the postal banking sys- tems in the five developed countries we have selected has demonstrated that there are many ways of creating a successful system. We can use the experience of these countries to cre- ate our own model in Canada. ® Our study concludes that the idea of Canada Post expanding into finan- cial services is a sound one. Other studies, as well as opinions of past Canada Post presidents and experts around the world, have reached the same conclusion. We recommend that the federal gov- ernment and Canada Post immediate- ly establish a task force to determine how to deliver new financial services, and determine priorities for delivering new products. ori 1 , rrr.�-' Npe L.: _l..`# 1, ..,.r. FCMeocnmmw t i � n.ow ��l� mw WC E 8 Ndsmcnt NoF�w^�/^w vn/C/p`uncs wuu/,/n^urEy ��0°��l. 0�� u°wcm� ~ =�m ��'°m�a��0�� Federation ofCanadian Municipalities (FCyN). F/,stvwm-P,e's/uem o��/",yo' ��l� � October 1S'2013 J, WC E 8 Ndsmcnt Dear Members OfCouncil: u°wcm� vmrup�m.*�'qc I am pleased to contact you about renewing your annual membership with the Federation ofCanadian Municipalities (FCyN). F/,stvwm-P,e's/uem pmmww,"prkident a�mw"�sm° As the mayor of Lachine, I know first-hand how difficult it can be to work within tight ��'^^ City "/p,°^°,1,tori. NE; budgets yet still deliver vital services ODwhich nOycommunity depends. Getting value for every dollar spent ioimportant tonnycommunity, just aeI'm sure itiefor yours. e°movv/,*'p,*mom"t o="mm°./""p,o"m�"� ' |VY8Otb}[8nOiDdyOUthat F{�yN080b8[Shipdelivers 8XC8pUOO8|value for the {�OUOb/ ' ofE|gin.The {�ounb/ofE|ginvviUbana�tfrom F{�PW-drivanprograms byreceiving an ' om,°n"°^r "vv"°, ' estimated $2.8S0.000from the Gas Tax Fund this year. But itgets better. /�/?�dv�°�p"�!*�m /\S8direct result OfFCM'Ssuccessful two-year campaign for 8 |OOg-t8[[D infrastructure plan, we won the first-ever indexing of the Goo Tax Fund. Starting in 2015'the Gas Tax Fund index oftwo per cent per year kicks inand, with compounding, will b8worth 8Oextra $310'000tOyour community after just five p,em"a*pm*u�' x°,°n�ap.ww y88nS. of Al Add tothat the more than $700million per year that, thanks toFCyN'Canadian municipalities receive in GST P8b8haS' 8|ODg with new federal programs that will Chief execun°"umc° Chef «°'~a/="u= provide $47 billion in infrastructure funding for municipalities over the next 10 years. nw When you add itall up, being amember ofFCPWjust makes sense. You are an important part of a respected, national organization that listens to you, understands your needs, represents your interests effectively in Ottawa and gets results for you in real dollars. Please keep our voice strong and renew your membership today. Thank you! Claude Dauphin u*.,=C/"�""°u,,��. ou"°^nm"x°mwa~n FCM President ro�s'z^/'sco pn/,i'zw'm^o� o��/",yo' 24, rue Clarence Street Ottawa, Ontario KIN 5P3 T. 613-241-5221 F. 613-241-7440 Mr. Mark G. McDonald County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Canada Membership Invoice 2014-2015 Facture 'a hesi®n INVOICE/FACTURE: 30074 DATE: 09/25/2013 ACCOUNT/COMPTE: 17588 DUE DATE/DATE LIMITE: 03/31/2014 ITEM/DESCRIPTION AMOUNT/MONTANT Membership Fee for April 1/14 to March 31/15 / Frais de cotisation du lel avril 2014 au 31 mars 2015 Municipal Dues Calculated with a base fee of $325.00 plus per capita fees of $6,779.27(fee population of 49,556 x 13.68 cents). $7,104.27 i i TOTAL: $7,104.27 PAID AMOUNT/MONTANT PAYE: $0.001 BALANCE DUE/MONTANT DU: $7,104.27' Please include a copy of this invoice with your payment. Veuillez retourner une copie de la facture avec votre paiement. Thank You/Merci 152 Account Details ACCOUNT/COM PTE: 17588 County of Elgin, ON DATE: 9/25/2013 MEMBERSHIP FEES PAID BY / FRAIS D'ADHESION PAYES PAR: County of Elgin *2011 Census /Recensementde 2011 153 Population* Municipality of Bayham 6,989 Municipality of Central Elgin 12,743 Municipality of Dutton and Dunwich 3,876 Municipality of West Elgin 5,157 Town of Aylmer 7,151 Township of Malahide 9,146 Township of Southwold 4,494 49,556 TOTAL: 49,556 *2011 Census /Recensementde 2011 153 From: AMO Communications <communicate c@amo.on.ca> Date: _ _ _ October 28, 2013 at 5:06:16 PM EDT To: "mmcdonaldCa_ elgin-county.on.ca"<mmcdonald(a�elgin-a) Subject: AMO Breaking News - FCM Launch of "Fixing Canada's Housing Crunch" Campaign TO THE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION OF THE CLERK AND COUNCIL October 28, 2013 Today, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) launched their campaign, "Fixing Canada's Housing Crunch," to urge the federal government to work with provincial, territorial and municipal leaders to develop a long-term, coordinated plan for housing. AMO supports this campaign. "The stakes are especially high for Ontario's municipal governments," said AMO President Russ Powers in a News Release today. Unlike other provinces, responsibility for housing in Ontario is downloaded to municipal governments and represents a significant cost on the property tax base. The FCM is suggesting a number of ways for municipal governments to join the advocacy campaign. One of the suggested methods is for municipal councils to pass a resolution of support. Suggested Action: AMO suggests that Ontario's municipal councils pass FCM's resolution, modified in the 6th whereas for the Ontario context, as follows: RESOLUTION Development of a New Long -Term Federal Plan to Fix Canada's Housing Crunch WHEREAS, a stable and secure housing system that creates and maintains jobs and allows for a range of living options is essential to attracting new workers, meeting the needs of young families and supporting seniors and our most vulnerable citizens; and, WHEREAS the high cost of housing is the most urgent financial issue facing Canadians with one in four people paying more than they can afford for housing, and mortgage debt held by Canadians now standing at just over $1.1 trillion; and, WHEREAS housing costs and, as the Bank of Canada notes, household debt, are undermining Canadians' personal financial security, while putting our national economy at risk; and, WHEREAS those who cannot afford to purchase a home rely on the short supply of rental units, which is driving up rental costs and making it hard to house workers in regions experiencing strong economic activity; and, 154 WHEREAS an inadequate supply of subsidized housing for those in need is pushing some of the most vulnerable Canadians on to the street, while $1.7 billion annually in federal investments in social housing have begun to expire; and, WHEREAS the stakes are especially high for Ontario's municipal governments as housing responsibilities have already been downloaded (unlike other provinces and territories) and this is not sustainable on the property tax base; and, WHEREAS, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has launched a housing campaign, "Fixing Canada's Housing Crunch," calling on the federal government to increase housing options for Canadians and to work with all orders of government to develop a long-term plan for Canada's housing future; and, WHEREAS FCM has asked its member municipalities to pass a council resolution supporting the campaign; AND WHEREAS, our community has continuing housing needs, such as the XX and the XX, that can only be met through the kind of long-term planning and investment made possible by federal leadership; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that council endorses the FCM housing campaign and urges the Minister of Employment and Social Development to develop a long-term plan for housing that puts core investments on solid ground, increases predictability, protects Canadians from the planned expiry of $1.7 billion in social housing agreements and ensures a healthy stock of affordable rental housing for Canadians; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the minister noted above, to Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, to (Name of local MP), to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. AMO Contact: Michael Jacek, Senior Advisor, miacek _amo.on.ca, 416-971-9856 ext. 329 155 Prt p/ F / mom ":if vin md's- October 30, 2013 Cameron McWilliam Warden County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Dear Warden McWilliam: s r V" $ ; y3 t 'vu v.�a u Cr1 k Ea hal GU VICES As administrators of the federal Gas Tax Fund in Ontario, we are pleased to share with you our 2012 Annual Expenditure Report. The report highlights the impact of the federal Gas Tax Fund in Ontario's municipalities by summarizing the investments we have made throughout the year. In total, $555 million was invested in over 1500 projects during 2012. AMO promotes the impact of the fund across the province, but we know that the real benefits are felt on the ground in municipalities like yours. Improving our transportation networks and our solid waste, water, wastewater and community energy systems creates jobs and stimulates long- term growth. Your residents and businesses prosper when we invest in infrastructure, and these are the local stories that we need to share. To help share the good news we have developed a template letter that you can send to your Member of Parliament. This will also be sent to your staff electronically so they are able to add your municipality's Gas Tax projects (past and present), and talk about the impact these investments have made in your community. Engaging your MP reminds them that local investments are supported by our direct federal - municipal partnership. Your municipal association has a seat at the table, and we are proud to be working in partnership with the Government of Canada to bring the much needed investments to our communities. We have achieved much since 2005, and the good news is that there is more to come. In 2011, the Government of Canada made the Gas Tax Fund permanent in legislation. The next step is for AMO, the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada to agree on a new Agreement. We are hard at work to ensure that the Fund, and its terms and conditions, continue to deliver for Ontario's municipalities. For more information on how the Gas Tax Fund is at work across the province, please visit vomw gastaxatwork.ca and follow us on twitter @GasTax_1n0ntar o. If you have any questions, feel free to contactJudy Dezell, Manager - Gas Tax at 416-971-9856 ext. 306, or jd_ezell@arr°o=on_ca. Regards, 17 �E R.ye. (Russ) Powers President 200 University Ave, Smite 801 ,mAlvv.ai o.on, ca e1 4.16. 971 n8 Toll Free, in Ontario fnrt M-1, ON, f\A511 l(..ta Fax 416.9/1.6191 877A, 6,65117 156 Template letter for sending out to your MP Dear [MP NAME], Since 2005, [NAME OF MUNICIPALITY] has received $X from Canada's Gas Tax Fund to invest in environmentally sustainable infrastructure. Federal funds and local investments have led to an improved quality of life for our residents. Key investments include [NAMES OF PROJECTS], which have resulted in [MENTION PROJECT BENEFITS]. Ontario municipalities own more infrastructure than any other order of government and a lot of that infrastructure needs to be upgraded or replaced. In fact, Ontario's municipalities have a $60 billion infrastructure gap, and we cannot tackle this challenge alone. I am pleased that [NAME OF MUNICIPALITY], like all Ontario municipalities, has a long-term partnership with the Government of Canada through the predictable and stable Gas Tax Fund I want to make sure that everyone knows how dedicated, long-term and predictable investments from the Government of Canada are critical in meeting our local needs. Through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, we know that these local investments add up. Since 2005, Ontario's municipalities have invested almost $2.7 billion from the federal Gas Tax Fund into more than 4,500 infrastructure projects worth $8.2 billion. It has improved roads and bridges, and enhanced transit, water, wastewater, solid waste and community energy networks. Most importantly, it has created jobs and laid the foundation for long-term economic growth. Municipal infrastructure is the foundation for economic activity, and we know that investments in our communities will create a strong and prosperous Canada. Thank you again for federal investments in municipal infrastructure. Through the permanent Gas Tax Fund, we look forward to continuing our successful partnership. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. Sincerely, [HEAD OF COUNCIL] c: Russ Powers, AMO President 157 • • • • - ^WIT tic` Items for Information (Consent Agenda) — (Attached) 1. The Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport: a) Informing Council of 2013-14 Public Library Operating, Pay Equity and First Nation Salary Supplement Grants. b) Expressing appreciation for Elgin County Library's capacity building funding. 2. Stacey Griffin, Executive Office Coordinator, South West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) with a copy of highlights from the October 23, 2013 Board Meeting. 3. Ashleigh Weeden, Communications & Accessibility Coordinator, Grey County with a media release titled "Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus Takes SWIFT Action". 4. Melanie Knapp, Corporate Administrative & Accessibility Clerk, City of St. Thomas endorsing Elgin County's resolution relating to Removal of Railway Lines. 5. Bruce Curtis, Manager, Community Planning & Development, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing notifying Council of approval of the new Official Plan for the County of Elgin. 6. Cathy Cox, Communications and Public Relations Specialist, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH), with media releases titled: a) "STEGH Increasing Patient Safety with a New Masking Procedure During Flu Season". b) "St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Wins Platinum Award for Quality Healthcare Workplace Fourth Year in a row to receive highest distinction". c) "STEGH to Launch Patient Experience Council as it opens its new Patient Experience Office". 7. Dianne Wilson, Deputy Clerk, Municipality of Central Elgin, endorsing County of Elgin's resolution regarding updated Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference. 8. AMO Communications — 2013 Fall Economic Statement Highlights. 158 Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport Office of the Minister 9th Floor, Hearst Block 900BayStreet Toronto, ON M7A 2E1 Tel: (416) 326-9326 Fax: (416) 326-9338 OCT 2 1 2013 Mr. Mark McDonald Chief Administrative Officer County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Dear Mr. McDonald: Ministere du Tourisme, de la Culture et du Sport Bureau du Ministre 9e 6tage, Edifice Hearst 900, rue Bay....... Toronto, ON M7A 2E1 Ontario Tel.: (416) 326-9326 T616c.: (416) 326-9338 1W. ID i s .j NJ Re: 2013-14 Public Library Operating, Pay Eguity and First Nation Salary Supplement Grants `1( Nr Ata If IC E S I am pleased to approve $116,739 for your public library under the Public Library Operating Grant program for the 2013-14 fiscal year. Your funding includes library pay equity funding in the amount of $14,387. The Ontario government is committed to a strong library sector. Libraries play a significant role in contributing to lifelong learning, providing resources for students and assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Ministry is pleased to be able to continue its support for public libraries. For further information about your grant obligations, please contact: ® Mima Casola, Culture Programs Advisor, at 416-314-7613 or by email at mima. casola@ontario. ca Shannon Khan, Program Assistant, at 416-314-5186 or by email at shannon.khan@ontario. ca Our government values the contributions of public libraries in building strong, vibrant communities across the province and I wish you success in your activities. Yours truly, i / 1 Michael Chan Minister 159 Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister 9th Floor, Hearst Block 900 Bay Street Toronto, ON M7A 2E1 Tel: (416) 326-9326 Fax: (416) 326-9338 November 14, 2013 Mr. Cameron McWilliam Warden Elgin County 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Dear Warden McWilliam: Ministere du Tourisme, de la Culture et du Sport Ministre 9e 6tage, Edifice Hearst 900, rue Bay Toronto, ON M7A 2E1 T61.: (416) 326-9326 T616c.: (416) 326-9338 r, NOMMV Ontario 1090MC-2013-688 Thank you for your letter expressing appreciation for the Elgin County Library's capacity building funding. I am pleased that this grant will help strengthen the important work your library does to provide essential services and programs to the community. I also appreciated hearing how the library is benefiting from the ministry's support for e -resources, administered by the Southern Ontario Library Service (SOLS). I, too, value and respect the services that SOLS provides to the sector. The Ontario government recognizes that libraries play a significant role in their communities as hubs for information, education and citizenship and are a vital part of our knowledge economy. We value the ongoing contributions of public libraries and will continue to work together with our partners to build a stronger library sector. Thank you again for writing to me. Yours truly, a Michael Chan Minister c: Laurey Gillies, Chief Executive Officer, Southern Ontario Library Service 160 ® The board approved a motion to recommend to the Minister of health and Long -Term Care that the LHIN Board Chair be reappointed for another three-year term. ® The board approved the board director committee composition for the Audit, Board -to -Board Reference, CEO Performance, Governance & Nominations and Retreat Planning committees. ® The board agreed that the integration of community mental health services through the amalgamation of Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) London Middlesex, Western Ontario Therapeutic Community Hostel (WOTCH) and Search Community Mental Health Services move forward as submitted to the South West LHIN in October 2013. Next steps include CEO recruitment and transition of governance for the new amalgamated organization. ® The board agreed that the integration between London Regional AIDS Hospice/John Gordon Home and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection move forward as submitted to the South West LHIN in September 2013. It is expected that the integration will be fully implemented by September 30, 2014. ® The board approved $425,400 in base funding to St. Joseph's Health Care, London to support the transition plans of 3 long stay mental health clients at Community Living London, South East Grey Support Services and Community Living Elgin as part of the final phase of mental health divestment. ® The board approved the transfer of funding and services to Knollcrest Lodge to provide the meals program previously provided by the Mornington, Ellice and Milverton Wheels to Meals program. Full Board of Director agenda packages are posted on the South West LHIN website at southwestlhin.on.ca/agenda Next Board of Directors Meeting: Wednesday, November 27, 2013, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Tillsonburg Multi -Service Centre Followed by Board -to -Board meeting, 5:30-7.00pm, and Community Information Session, 7:15-8:30pm South West LHIN, Executive Office Coordinator: Stacey. Griffinna.lhins. on. ca South West LHIN, Executive Office Assistant: Marilyn. Robbinsna.lhins. on. ca I�UEGUTED biting Healthy From: Weeden, Ashleigh Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2013 1:32 PM Subject: Media Release - Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus Takes SWIFT Action Good afternoon, The Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus has endorsed a regional area broadband network proposal that would create an ultra-high speed, high capacity broadband network for Southwestern Ontario. For more information about the broadband project, named SWIFT (South West Integrated Fibre Technology), please see the posted media release - available online at www.grey.ca under the Headlines section or directly at the following URL: https://greydocs.ca/urm/groups/public/documents/greycorrespondence/qc 20552 2.pdf For additional information, please visit www.wowc.ca or contact Duncan McKinlay, Warden of Grey County and Chair of the WOWC, 519-372-0219 ext. 1225 or duncan.mckinlay@grey.ca or Lance Thurston, CAO of Grey County and SWIFT Project Lead, 519-376-2205, ext. 1292 or lance.thurston@grev. ca Thank you, Ashleigh Ashleigh Weeden Communications & Accessibility Coordinator Grey County 595 9th Avenue East Owen Sound, ON N4K 3E3 Phone: +1 519-372-0219 ext. 1255 Mobile: +1 519-378-3887 Fax: +1 519-376-8998 Ashleigh.Weeden@grey.ca http://www.grey.ca http://www.visitq rev. ca 162 Wendell Graves Office of the CAO/Clerk CAO/Clerk P.O. Box 520, City Hall St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7 Phone: (519) 631-1680 Ext. 4122 Fax: (519) 633-9019 THE CORPORATION 01 -TIM (-M' OF ST. THOMAS 545 Talbot Street. P.O. Box 520 ® City Hall . St. Thomas . Ontario N5P 3V7 October 28th, 2013 County of Elgin Attn: Warden McWilliam 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Re: County of Elgin — Removal of Railway Lines Dear Warden McWilliam: Please be advised that the Council of the Corporation of the City of St. Thomas passed the following resolution on October 21st, 2013: "THAT: Council support the position of the County of Elgin relating to the discontinuance of the rail lines and that the City continue to be directly advised of any matters relating to the discontinuance of the rail lines." If you have any aluestions, please contact Wendell Graves, CAO/Clerk at (519) 6314680 ext. 4120. Sincerely, Melanie Knapp Corporate Administrative & Accessibility Clerk 6.vf �„F'1^ �":4.I c/c W. Graves, CAO/Clerk Canadian National Railway Company, Attn: Jean D. Patenaude, Assistant General Counsel, 935 de La Gauchetiere Street W., Montreal, Quebec H3B 2M9 163 Ministry of Ministere des Municipal Affairs Affaires municipales Am and Housing et du Logement Ontarl`0 Municipal Services Office - Bureau des services aux municipalites - Western region de I'Ouest 659 Exeter Road, 2 I Floor London ON N6E 1 L3 Tel. (519) 873-4020 Toll Free 1-800-265-4736 Fax (519) 873-4018 November 6, 2013 659, rue Exeter, 2e etage London ON N6E 1 L3 Tel. (519) 873-4020 Sans frais 1 800 265-4736 T61ec (519) 873-4018 Mr. Mark McDonald Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1 Subject: Status of Decision For the new Official Plan, County of Elgin Our File No.: 34 -OP -4000 Dear Mr. McDonald: r P t L'a", as rAi't C `fir f � J i'_ �'�'i^u€F29'fl�b I( 'vi}i'j WI�RU Bial This letter is further to the Notice of Decision given on October 15, 2013 pursuant to subsections 17(34) and (35) of the Planning Act with respect to the approval of the new Official Plan for the County of Elgin. It is intended to provide you with the status of the decision on the Official Plan pursuant to subsections 17(36) and (38) of the Planning Act which pertain to appeals, when decisions become final and when approvals come into effect. Please be advised that no appeals have been lodged within the 20 day appeal period, and therefore all of the Official Plan, adopted by By-law No. 12-17, and as modified by the Ministry, is approved and came into force on November 5, 2013. If you have any questions regarding the above information, please contact Tammie Ryall, Planner, by telephone at 519- 873-4031 or by email at tammie.ryall(abontario.ca. You truly, Bruce Curtis, MCIP, RPP Manager, Community Planning and Development Municipal Services Office -Western Copy: Steve Evans, Manager of Planning, County of Elgin Bill Armstrong, MOE Penny Young, MTCS Amanda McCloskey, MNR Drew Crinklaw, OMAFRA Heather Doyle, MTO Joe Gordon, Kettle Creek Conservation Authority Tony Difazio, Catfish Creek Conservation Authority Erica Arnett, Elgin St. Thomas Public Health Val Towsley, Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority Bonnie Bravener, Long Point Region Conservation Authority 164 Jennifer Reynaert, CAO/Administrator, Town of Aylmer Lynda Millard, Clerk, Municipality of Bayham Donald Leitch, CAO/Clerk, Municipality of Central Elgin Laurie Spence Bannerman, CAO, Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich Michelle Casavecchia, CAO/Clerk, Township of Malahide Donna Ethier, CAO/Clerk, Township of Southwold Norma Bryant, Clerk, Municipality of West Elgin Patrick Keenan, Director of Planning, City of St. Thomas Jim McCoomb, Planner, Central Elgin Planning Office 165 Subsection 17(28) of the Planning Act 111INZO, W1 Applicant: County of Elgin Municipality: County of Elgin I, Tammie Ryall, of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, solemnly declare, 1. That notice of the proposed decision in respect of the above -noted matter made on October 9, 2013 was given as required by subsection 17(35) of the Planning Act on October 15, 2013. 2. That no appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board of the decision in respect of the above -noted matter made on October 9, 2013 was received under subsection 17(36) of the Planning Act within the time specified for submitting an appeal. and I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing it to be true and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath. Declared before me at the City of London this 6 LL. day of NwEn)&K. , 2013. Commissioner of Oaths BRUCE EDWARD CURTIS, a Commissioner, etc., County of Middlesex, for the Government of Orrtado, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. expires September 25, 2015. 166 �j Elgin , l Hospital For Immediate Release Wednesday November 6, 2013 STEGH Increasing Patient Safety with a New Masking Procedure During Flu Season St. Thomas, ON — This season, St Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) is increasing patient safety by implementing a new masking procedure to protect patients and reduce the spread of influenza. Staff, physicians and volunteers will be required to be vaccinated or wear a procedure mask when providing patient care, when influenza is confirmed to be circulating in the community. "The Influenza vaccine is the best way to prevent influenza spread to patients," explains Karen Davies, STEGH Chief Nursing Executive and Vice President. "There is a correlation between patient mortality and level of staff compliance with Flu immunization. We know the period of time when influenza is most contagious to others is 24 hours prior to symptom onset, so staff can spread the flu without even realizing it. We have a responsibility to keep our patients safe from the spread of influenza, and our masking procedure is one way to do so." STEGH is also asking visitors to help reduce the spread of influenza. "Non -vaccinated visitors will be asked to wear a mask when influenza is circulating in the community," says Davies. Proof of vaccination will not be required, and visitors will be provided with masks. The influenza vaccination campaign is well underway at STEGH. "Last year, our vaccination compliance rate was an impressive 75%, and we expect to surpass that this year. We are currently at 41 % just over two weeks into our campaign," says Davies. -30- For more information contact: Cathy Fox Communications and Public Relations Specialist St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital 519-631-2030 Ext. 2191 cfox cx.stegh.on.ca www. stpg h. on. ca 167 z� St.Thomas Elgin General Hospital Media Release Friday November 8, 2013 St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital In/ins Platinum Award for Quality Healthcare Workplace Fourth year in a row to receive highest distinction St. Thomas, ON — St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) has once again received the Platinum Level Quality Healthcare Workplace Award from the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) and Ministry of Health and Long -Term Care (MOHLTC). This is the fourth year in a row STEGH has achieved this prestigious award. The award recognizes organizational efforts to improve healthcare workplaces in ways that contribute to employees' quality of work life and the care and services they deliver. "The award recognizes the innovation and teamwork at STEGH that ensures a high quality workplace which ultimately benefits patient care," explains STEGH President and CEO Paul Collins. "This award signifies that our ongoing efforts to improve the patient care experience through our focused efforts on quality, safety and on staff satisfaction and engagement are working." Outstanding Improvement Initiatives noted in STEGH's application this year include: • Ambulatory Centre - Staff members united to ensure the move was as seamless as possible without disruption to patient services • Excellent integration of healthy work environment strategies into the overall organizational strategy (ie: Tuesday Lunch Box Shake Ups, Volleyball Tournament and high compliance with Influenza campaign) • Use of testimonials from patients and staff to demonstrate healthcare workplace efforts and impacts. As STEGH continues its quality healthcare workplace journey, these meaningful connects between quality worklife and quality patient care initiatives will continue to emerge. • New patient feedback survey has generated, on average, 45 patient responses each week • Lowest Wait Time in ER in the province • Outstanding support and participation in community fundraising efforts (ie: United Way) • Weekly e -blast communique sent to staff "More than 100 people took part in either focus groups, answering questions or contributing to the application. I extend my congratulations to all our staff, physicians, and volunteers for their every day contributions and commitment to our hospital and our patients," says Collins. Healthcare organizations from across Ontario have participated in this program to raise the bar of excellence for quality healthcare workplaces. The award has four levels - Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum - designed to encourage self-evaluation, learning, and improvement. A high-calibre adjudication panel of quality workplace experts completed a rigorous assessment process when reviewing all candidates, which focused on drivers of employee and organizational health. STEGH was presented with the quality award on Tuesday November 5th at the OHA HealthAchieve Conference. -30- For more information contact: Cathy Fox, Communications and Public Relations Specialist St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Paul Cc 519 - 631-2030 Ext. 2191, cfox()stegh.on.ca www.stegh.on.ca 168 11 ��++ 189 Elm Street, S t. T h o m a s Elgin St. Thomas, ON Hospital ww.st N5R5Ca (?,General www.stegh.on.ca EDIA RELEASE November 12, 2013 1Launch Patient as it opens its new Patient Experience P 519.631.2030 F 519.631.1825 TTY 519.631.7789 St. Thomas, ON - The St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) is committed to delivering an excellent patient care experience ....every time. We also recognize that our patients and families are our best teachers! As we continue on our Transforming Care Journey, we are pleased to announce the opening of our Patient Experience Office. The Office mandate is to enhance our collaborative work with patients, families and staff to continuously improve the experience for our patients and their families. "We are dedicated to connecting and working with our patients and their families and their loved ones," says Paul Collins, President and CEO. "We have recruited Nancy Lawrence, our new Executive Office Coordinator, as a dedicated resource to help drive this work forward and to provide day-to-day support to the Executive Team and Board of Directors. Critical to her role is listening to the experiences of our patients and families and, working with them on any improvements that will make the STEGH experience better. " "One of our first priorities is to form a Patient Experience Council," explains Collins. The Patient Experience Council (PEC) is a partnership of community members and hospital personnel whose purpose is to improve patient care experiences at STEGH. The council will serve in an advisory capacity and make recommendations on matters influencing the experience of patients and families. "More information will be posted on our hospital website in the coming days about our Patient Experience Council," says Lawrence. "This is a great opportunity for us to more fully engage our community and learn from our patients and families." Lawrence comes to STEGH with close to 20 years experience in healthcare including roles in communications and public relations, patient relations and most recently patient experience where she had accountability to manage patient and family feedback and advance patient and family centered care principles and behaviours at a large, acute care teaching hospital. Delivering An Excellent Patient Care 6-pe7wnee t.Thomas Elgin General Hospital 189 Elm Street, P 519.631.2030 St. Thomas, ON F 519.631.1825 Canada N5R 5C4 TTY 519.631.7789 www.stegh.on.ca "Through the Patient Experience Office, we will not only coordinate the Patient Experience Council, we will also focus our hospital resources to facilitate the investigation and resolution of patient, family and visitor issues, concerns, suggestions and complaints," says Lawrence. "It is equally important to receive compliments from patients and families so that we can acknowledge our staff when they meet patients' care expectations and provide an excellent patient care experience. " "STEGH has always solicited patient feedback. However, over the last year we have really stepped up our approach using brief surveys that our patients/families complete at discharge. Updated survey results are reported to all staff every week and are posted publicly throughout the hospital," explains Collins. "Our Patient Experience Office and our Patient Experience Council are important new ways we will be listening to and partnering with our patients and families to help us achieve our vision." The Patient Experience Office can be reached by calling 519-631-2030, ext. 7284 or by email at patientexperience@stegh.on.ca . -30- For more information contact: Cathy Fox, Communications and Public Relations Specialist St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital 519 - 631-2030 Ext. 2191, cfox@stegh.on.ca www.stegh.on.ca Delivering An Excellent Patient Care Ex- perience 450 Sunset Drive, 1st Floor, St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 P:519.631.4860 F:519.631.4036 November 13th, 2013 Susan McConnell Administrative Services Coordinator County of Elgin -4q 450 Sunset DriveiA St. Thomas, ON a . , i a eifttk S EI Ej N5R 5V1 Dear Ms. McConnell: Re: Terms of Reference — Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Please note that your correspondence dated October 24th, 2013 respecting the above noted was considered by Council on Tuesday, November 12th, 2013, and the following resolution was passed: THAT: The Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Central Elgin approve the County of Elgin updated Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference dated October 1St 2013. Please feel free to contact me at the municipal office should you have any questions respecting this matter. Yours truly, Dianne Wilson Deputy Cleric From: AMO Communications <communicate@amo.on.ca> Date: November 7, 2013 at 5:04:13 PM_ EST To: "mmcdonald(a_�elgin-county.on.ca" <mmcdonald@elgin-county.on.ca> Subject: AMO Breaking News - Fall Economic Statement Highlights TO THE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION OF THE CLERK AND COUNCIL November 7, 2013 2013 Fall Economic Statement Highlights Today the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Charles Sousa, delivered the Fall Economic Statement. Prior to its tabling, AMO was provided with a pre -briefing of key municipal issues. The Statement reconfirmed elements of the spring budget and set out several new reviews. The provincial government is forecasting a deficit of $11.7 billion for the 2013-14 fiscal year. This is a slight improvement over the previous forecast of a $13.3 billion deficit. Other highlights are below: The Province will conduct three new reviews: 1. Education Property Tax Since 1998, the growth in education property revenues has remained stable. The government will explore options to protect this revenue base. Depending on how the government "avoid[s] further erosion of the support that property taxes provide to Ontario's elementary and secondary schools"; municipal "property tax room" could be affected. For the last 15 years, the Province has offset reassessment impacts by resetting education tax rates. This has, according to Don Drummond's report, "been positive for municipalities, as it has offset the impact of municipal tax increases on taxpayers and reduce[d] pressure on municipalities to limit tax increases". In addition, the government will also review options towards establishing a uniform Business Education Tax rate across the province. While variances have narrowed considerably, the Province will explore Drummond recommendations related to increasing some low Business Education Tax rates while continuing to reduce high rates. 2. Provincial Land Tax Review For many years, northern municipalities have been concerned with issues of tax equity, specifically related to the levying of Provincial Land Tax (PLT). PLT is the property tax levied in the unincorporated areas of the north. The Province sets the tax rate which has not been adjusted in decades. The government will undertake a review in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders including municipalities. Rates for 2014 will be kept at 2013 rates while this review is underway. Tax rates in unincorporated areas outside of municipal boundaries have been much lower for several decades. In fact, 90% of residential properties pay less than $325. This has encouraged development in unincorporated areas while increasing demands for municipal service without offsetting tax revenue. 172 3. Municipal Licensing of Towing The government's intention to develop a province -wide system to oversee the towing industry to combat insurance fraud was also included. Municipalities currently have the authority to license tow trucks. The following initiatives were re -confirmed: 1. Permanent Municipal Infrastructure Fund The Statement confirms that details regarding the promised permanent fund will be released in the 2014 Budget. AMO continues to meet with the Ministry of Infrastructure on infrastructure matters. 2. Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund The Fund's phase -down to $500 million by 2016 is reconfirmed. It is expected 2014 municipal allocations will be announced very shortly, reflecting a $25 million reduction notwithstanding our advice. 3. Services to Seniors Recommendations from Dr. Samir Sinha's report, "Living Longer, Living Well," will continue to be implemented and will include, "increasing investment in home and community care services to better meet patients' needs and moving care out of the much more costly hospital setting". While AMO is supportive in principle of programs such as community paramedicine, the delivery or expansion of such programs must be accompanied by appropriate provincial funding and not be funded from property taxes. 4. Provincial Infrastructure Plan The government will legislate that the Province develop rolling 10 year infrastructure investment plans to promote the development of long-term strategic investments. A new Trillium Trust will be established to fund future long-term infrastructure investments. Initially, it will be funded from the proceeds of government asset sales which will allow funds from those sales to be transparent and available for further infrastructure projects. AMO Contact: Matthew Wilson, Senior Advisor, mwilson _amo.on.ca, 416-971-9856 ext. 323 173 l . . Year \ u \\ . .\ \ / \ . _ v 2 > , ( r 26, 203 3 + 174 —Maintain Service levels Low to Moa-eigate -- Reserves - —Levy -nc-ease of A% on o -as - - � - - - - - - - - th-ough -- - -_� - -- = - -= -_= ora and Ontar- - - - � - - - -� (OMDC)- 175 Yoo�. i 2013 budgeted for: 176 Vn, Total • •' 11 Total• aboveStaff Efficiencies • 11 111 Target 20 1 028 Net effect is a potential tax rate of ' 177 V Bayham Trial hours contained in new base contract 189 0.7% Shoreline Erosion Study (75) 0.0% Broadband Initiative - (25) 0.0% Council Development 5 0.0% Yoo�. 178 �Vn, . New Ambulance Provider Legal/Arbitration (100) 150 -0.3% Social Services net of OMPF (56) - -0.2% Insurance Premiums (80) -0.3% Yoo�. 179 �Vn, . -nsurance cost fficwease necess-tates a need for a RuD APO 4 180 41' "All k" Homes Efficiencies 300 (25) 1.1% Engineering Projects 230 0.1% 2013 Budget Performance 843 0.3% Other Depart. Efficiencies 120 (20) 0.5% Total Staff Driven 420 y Efficiency Target 400 - 1.5% Staff Efficiency to Target 20 15028 0.5% 181 �� . lax Rate including Risks & Opportunities (26) 50 4.2% 182 �� . W-th dsks the. potent a tax nciolemse -s -2%- 0-9..=:% h-gher than the A% target —2=011 O -an Dasea on aA% mc -eases thmoougn W 2020, but in 2013 taxes increased to 4.8% +1.0%special hospital levy. Is a second year of taxes in excess of 4% palatable? Yoo�. 183 —As an afternat-ve to h-gher taxes, Counm coma AM\ 184 —Discretionary Capital Spending: Note- a s-gn-f-cant port -on of costs for botn - - --- be - - - - -- - = for - - - = - caD t - ma ntenance Yoo�. 185 -n - cost -ncreases -n O- the _ - - the 2014 Wan- - --staff to n= -est est - gate - -_ uease- Yoo�. 186 —Staff investigates alternatives to maintain a 4% tax -ncwease —Present detailed plans for the alternatives to Counc n January that ma nta n the tax ncuease at 4% ana seek Counuffs a-mect-on —Presentation of 2013 Operating Budget in D mo-Uaiy - e 187 Yoo�. i COUNTY OF ELGIN By -Law No. 13-25 "BEING A BY-LAW TO AUTHORIZE THE WARDEN AND THE TREASURER TO BORROW UP TO THE SUM OF FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLARS" WHEREAS pursuant to Section 407 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, as amended, the Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin deems it necessary to borrow up to the sum of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00) to meet, until the taxes are collected, the current expenditures of the Corporation for the year; and WHEREAS the total of amounts previously borrowed under Section 407, that have not been repaid are nil; and WHEREAS the amount of the estimated revenues of the Corporation as set out in the estimates adopted for the current year and not yet collected (or, if the same have not yet been adopted, the amount of the estimated revenues of the Corporation as set forth in the estimates adopted for the next preceding year) is Fifty -Five Million, One Hundred and Six Thousand, and Four Hundred and Sixty -Nine Dollars. BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED by the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin: 1. THAT the Warden and the Treasurer or the Deputy Treasurer of the Corporation are hereby authorized on behalf of the Corporation to borrow from time to time, by way of promissory note, from the Bank of Montreal, a sum or sums not exceeding in the aggregate Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00) to meet, until the taxes are collected, the current expenditures of the Corporation for the year, including the amounts required for the purposes mentioned in subsection (1) of the said Section 407, and to give, on behalf of the Corporation, to the Bank a promissory note or notes, sealed with the corporate seal and signed by them for the moneys so borrowed with interest at a rate not exceeding Prime per centum per annum, which may be paid in advance or otherwise. 2. THAT all sums borrowed from the said Bank, for any or all of the purposes mentioned in the said Section 407, shall, with interest thereon, be a charge upon the whole of the revenues of the Corporation for the current year and for all subsequent years, as and when such revenues are received. 3. THAT the Treasurer or the Deputy Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to apply in payment of all sums borrowed pursuant to the authority of this By -Law, as well as all the other sums borrowed in this year and any previous years, from the said Bank for any or all of the purposes mentioned in the said Section 407, together with interest thereon, all of the moneys hereafter collected or received on account or realized in respect of the taxes levied for the current year and preceding years and all of the moneys collected or received from any other source, which may lawfully be applied for such purpose. 4. THAT this by-law takes effect and comes into force on January 1, 2014. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 26TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2013. Mark G. McDonald, Cameron McWilliam, Chief Administrative Officer. Warden. 188 CLOSED MEETING AGENDA November 26, 2013 Staff Reports: 1) Chief Administrative Officer— Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board— Mediation #2 and the Wastewater Treatment Plant Failure (Elgin Manor) 1) Director of Community and Cultural Services — Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees — Library Non -Union Staffing Plan Chief Administrative Officer's Annual Performance Evaluation 189 lllllll1r /V000, �cy ADDENDUM FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 - 9:00 A.M. 1. Additional correspondence from the Ministry of Finance to be included as an attachment to the Director of Financial Service's Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) Report. 2. Correspondence Item for Consideration from Mayor Cameron McWilliam expressing concern to Thames Valley District School Board regarding reorganization of school boundaries in the western end of Elgin County. WEE Ministry of Finance Office of the Minister 7"' Floor Frost Building South 7 Queen's Park Cr Toronto ON M7A 1Y7 Tel (416) 325-0400 Fax (416) 325-0374 www.fin.gov.on.ca November 14, 2013 Dear Head of Council: Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Office of the Minister 17th Floor 777 Bay Street Toronto, ON M5G 2E5 Tel (416) 585-7000 Fax (416) 585-6470 www.mah.gov.on.ca nu�rvr s¢ecue�;wrt We are writing to announce the release of the redesigned Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) and program allocations for 2014. In 2014, the province will provide a total of $550 million in unconditional funding through the OMPF to 388 municipalities across the province. This funding, combined with the municipal benefit resulting from the provincial uploads, will total more than $2 billion in 2014. This is over three times the level of funding provided in 2004. As you know, 2013 was a transition year for the OMPF. The transition year provided us with the opportunity to consult with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and other municipal representatives on how best to redesign the program to support municipal needs. We also received valuable input from a number of municipalities across the province. These consultations helped to shape the redesign of the program. With respect to the redesign of the program, municipal representatives emphasized that the OMPF should: ® continue to support municipalities with limited property assessment; ® continue to recognize the challenges of northern and rural municipalities, while better targeting funding to those municipalities with more challenging fiscal circumstances; and ® include support to assist municipalities as they transition to the redesigned program. We are pleased to announce that the 2014 OMPF will continue to provide support to municipalities through the Assessment Equalization, Northern Communities, and Rural Communities grants. In addition, a new Northern and Rural Fiscal Circumstances Grant is being introduced to better target funding to northern and rural municipalities with more challenging fiscal circumstances. The $550 million OMPF for 2014 also includes a significant amount of transitional assistance which is intended to provide stability and support to local governments as they transition to the redesigned program. More specifically, the transitional assistance provided through the 2014 OMPF will ensure that municipalities receive a guaranteed level of support based on their 2013 OMPF allocation. ./cont'd 191 -2 - Municipalities in the north will receive at least 90 per cent of their 2013 OMPF allocation, while municipalities in other regions of the province will receive at least 85 per cent. These minimum levels of support will be enhanced up to 100 per cent for eligible municipalities with more challenging fiscal circumstances. The Ministry of Finance's (MOF) Provincial -Local Finance Division will be providing your municipal Treasurers and Clerk -Treasurers with further details on the 2014 OMPF. This information and other supporting materials will be posted in both English and French on the MOF website: http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/ompf/2014/ http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/fr/budget/ompf/2014/ The review of the OMPF and the phase -down of the program to $500 million by 2016 was announced in 2012, and was also part of the 2008 Provincial -Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review (PMFSDR) agreement with municipalities. As part of the next phase of the program review, over the coming months, we will continue to consult with our municipal partners on refining the OMPF as well as to consider whether the grant should include other objectives beyond those announced as part of the 2014 program. We are also pleased to reaffirm our commitment to the upload of municipal costs in accordance with the timetable agreed to through the PMFSDR. In 2014, we will continue the phased upload of Ontario Works (OW) benefit costs and court security and prisoner transportation costs. This builds on our previous uploads of Ontario Drug Benefits (ODB) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). As a result of the uploads, municipalities will benefit from more than $1.5 billion in reduced costs in 2014 alone. Combined with the OMPF, this is the equivalent of over 12 per cent of municipal property tax revenue in the province. It is important to acknowledge that in two-tier systems, the removal of these costs off the property tax base benefits all local taxpayers including those residing in lower -tier municipalities. Despite the adjustments to the OMPF, the combined benefit of the provincial uploads and support provided through the OMPF will continue to increase, with the provincial uploads more than offsetting the reduction to the program. Our government has a very strong record of supporting and working with municipalities. Together with other provincial initiatives, we will provide municipalities with ongoing support of approximately $3.5 billion in 2014 — an increase of more than 200 per cent from the level provided in 2003. ./cont' d 192 -3 - In addition to this ongoing support, the province has made significant investments in municipal infrastructure. Since 2003, we have provided municipalities with approximately $13 billion in infrastructure funding. In August 2012, the province launched the Municipal Infrastructure Strategy. As part of the strategy, we have provided $9 million to help municipalities prepare asset management plans, and nearly $90 million for critical projects through the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative. As a continuation of the strategy, we are providing $100 million through the Small, Rural and Northern Municipal Infrastructure Fund. We have consulted with our municipal partners on the design of the fund and a potential permanent program for consideration in the 2014 Budget. We look forward to continuing to build on our partnership with municipalities as we move forward to address our shared challenges. Sincerely, Information Copy Original Signed By Charles Sousa Minister Ministry of Finance Information Copy Original Signed By Linda Jeffrey Minister Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 193 Bonnie Williams Supervisor -Corporate Services Thames Valley District School Board 1250 Dundas Street London, Ontario N6A 5LI Dear Ms. Williams: Re: French Immersion Accommodation Plan We, the members of the Council of Dutton/Dunwich, would like to express our concern regarding the news that the Thames Valley District School Board is proposing through its French Immersion Accommodation Plan. Specifically, we have learned that the TVDS13 is planning to reorganize school boundaries as it relates to students in the western end of Elgin County, who attend French immersion at the overcrowded Pierre Elliot Trudeau Public School in St. Thomas. We understand there are approximately 40-45 students at present, which would be affected by this change and would be bussed to Strathroy in another County. This would mean that students would be travelling at least 70 minutes one way. But it also means more erosion to the services in the County. These services are integral to attracting and keeping people in the County of Elgin. As you know, the County of Elgin has been hit very hard by losing many large employers such as Ford, Sterling, Timken, Lear and Schulman Industries to name a few. All of this has resulted in a significantly higher unemployment rate than the Provincial average. In addition, the trend toward urbanization has added to this difficulty to make it even more challenging to attract families to our rural communities. We are sure you are aware of what this does to a smaller rural community. We must speak out about this as we feel it has a more far reaching and profound effect than it would if the TVDS13 decided to switch a French immersion program from one side of London to, another. 194 * a Wun=PaCity of Duttonl(Dunwkh BOX 329, 199 Currie Road, DUITON, Ontario NoL iJo MAYOR Telephone: (519) 762-2204 Fax No, (519) 76z-2278 COT.TNCILLORS Cameron McWilliam Chief Administrative Officer Tan Fleck 2874o Celtic Line, R. K # 1 Laurie Spence Bannerman 272 Miller Road Box 542 Dutton, NOL IJO Dutton, NOL lJo Donald 11. Page DEPUTY MAYOR 7949 Coyne Road R. R. # i )3o6 Purcell Wallacetown, NOL 2MO 1,58 Shackleton Street it Dutton, NoL iJ0 Dan McKillop 29094 Silver Clay Line, R.R. # 3 Dutton, Nor, 00 21 November 2013 Bonnie Williams Supervisor -Corporate Services Thames Valley District School Board 1250 Dundas Street London, Ontario N6A 5LI Dear Ms. Williams: Re: French Immersion Accommodation Plan We, the members of the Council of Dutton/Dunwich, would like to express our concern regarding the news that the Thames Valley District School Board is proposing through its French Immersion Accommodation Plan. Specifically, we have learned that the TVDS13 is planning to reorganize school boundaries as it relates to students in the western end of Elgin County, who attend French immersion at the overcrowded Pierre Elliot Trudeau Public School in St. Thomas. We understand there are approximately 40-45 students at present, which would be affected by this change and would be bussed to Strathroy in another County. This would mean that students would be travelling at least 70 minutes one way. But it also means more erosion to the services in the County. These services are integral to attracting and keeping people in the County of Elgin. As you know, the County of Elgin has been hit very hard by losing many large employers such as Ford, Sterling, Timken, Lear and Schulman Industries to name a few. All of this has resulted in a significantly higher unemployment rate than the Provincial average. In addition, the trend toward urbanization has added to this difficulty to make it even more challenging to attract families to our rural communities. We are sure you are aware of what this does to a smaller rural community. We must speak out about this as we feel it has a more far reaching and profound effect than it would if the TVDS13 decided to switch a French immersion program from one side of London to, another. 194 Council would like you to look at other viable options, such as adding French Immersion to the Dunwich Dutton Public School, which is not fully utilized and is located at the centre of West Elgin and Southwold. This would be an efficient solution. With some creative student number realigning we contend that this school, which is already scheduled for renovation and renewal shortly, could have an even further injection of new life and vitality if French immersion students were added to it. And it would keep the students in Elgin County and with a reasonable driving time via bus to and from school. We ask that you look for solutions to the problem that you are facing with one that benefits our County, Sincerely, Cameron McWilliam, Mayor c.c. Hon. Joe Preston c.c. Hon. Jeff Yurek c.c. Mr. Kevin Bushell Executive Officer, Facility Services & Capital Planning Organizational Support Services Thames Valley District School Board c.c. Mark McDonald, CAO, County of Elgin 195