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April 8, 2003 Agenda
ORDERS OF THE DA Y FOR TUESDA Y. APRIL 8. 2003 - 1:00 P.M. SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING PAGE # ORDER 1 st Meeting Called to Order 2nd Adoption of Minutes - meeting of March 25, 2003 3rd Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof 4th Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations DELEGATIONS: 1 :00 P.M. - Presentation to O.P.P. Constable Dennis Harwood 5th Motion to Move Into "Committee Of The Whole Council" 6th Reports of Council, Outside Boards and Staff 2003 DRAFT BUDGET Discussion will continue on the 2003 Draft Budget (Please bring your copy of the draft budget from the March 25, 2003 Council Meeting) (See attached report (Page 2) from the Director of Financial Services) Council Correspondence - see attached: 1 ) Items for Consideration 2) Items for Information (Consent Agenda) OTHER BUSINESS 1) Statements/Inquiries by Members 2) Notice of Motion 3) Matters of Urgency 9th In-Camera Items (see separate agenda) 10th Recess 11th Motion to Rise and Report 12th Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee Of The Whole 44 13th Consideration of By-Laws 14th ADJOURNMENT 1-3 7th 4-8 9-43 8th "DRESS IS CASUAL" I LUNCH WILL NOT BE PROVIDED DRAFT MUZZLE lOADER HUNTING IN WilDLIFE MANAGEMENT UNIT (WMU) #92 A RESOLUTION FROM THE COUNTY OF ELGIN APRil 8TH, 2003 WHEREAS HUNTER PARTICIPATION IN WMU #92 HAS GROWN STEADILY SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF MUZZLE LOADER HUNTING IN 1978; AND, WHEREAS HUNTERS ARE REQUIRED TO SEEK PERMISSION TO HUNT ON PRIVATE LANDS; AND, WHEREAS ISSUES OF UNWARRANTED TRESPASSING ON PRIVATE LANDS HAS NOT BEEN PREVALENT IN MOST CASES; AND, WHEREAS THE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES IS CONSIDERING THE INTRODUCTION OF SHOTGUN HUNTING IN WMU'S #91 AND #92 AS A MEANS OF CONTROLLING DEER POPULATIONS IN THE AREA; AND, WHEREAS THE INTRODUCTION OF SHOTGUN HUNTING WILL INCREASE HUNTER PARTICIPATION AND THE LIKELIHOOD OF TRESPASSING ON PRIVATE LANDS; AND, WHEREAS CUTBACKS IN CONSERVATION OFFICER PERSONNEL HAVE OCCURRED MAKING ENFORCEMENT OF TRESPASSING AND HUNTING REGULATIONS MORE DIFFICULT AND ONERUS; AND, WHEREAS THE SHOTGUNS GENERALLY ALLOW THREE ROUNDS TO BE SHOT WITHOUT RELOADING AND MUZZLE LOADERS PERMIT A SINGLE SHOT; AND, WHEREAS THE USE OF SHOTGUNS MAY RESULT IN MORE WOUNDED DEER AND A GREATER LIKELIHOOD OF ACCIDENTS SINCE LESS SKILL IS REQUIRED TO SHOOT AS COMPARED TO A SINGLE SHOT MUZZLE LOADER; AND, WHEREAS IT IS WIDELY KNOWN THAT MORE AND MORE LANDOWNERS ARE PROHIBITING HUNTING ON THEIR LANDS; AND, WHEREAS THE INTRODUCTION OF SHOTGUN HUNTING WILL INCREASE HUNTER PARTICIPATION ON AN ALREADY DIMINISHING OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN PERMISSION TO HUNT ON PRIVATE LAND; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT ELGIN COUNTY COUNCIL HEREBY OBJECTS TO THE INTRODUCTION OF SHOTGUN HUNTING IN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT UNIT #92 AS IT WILL INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF WOUNDING DEER; IT WILL ESCALATE CONFLICT BETWEEN LANDOWNER AND HUNTER; IT WILL RAISE THE INCIDENCE OF HUNTING ACCIDENTS; IT WILL PUT GREATER DEMANDS ON CONSERVATION OFFICERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL WHO MUST ENFORCE TRESPASSING; AND, IT WILL UPSET A WELL-ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP AMONGST HUNTERS, LAND OWNERS AND NATURAL RESOURCES (DEER) IN ELGIN COUNTY; AND FURTHER, THATTHE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES CONSIDER INTRODUCING A JANUARY HUNTING SEASON FOR MUZZLE LOADERS OR ALLOW TWO TAGS PER HUNTER OR LENGTHEN THE CURRENT SEASONS AS A MEANS OF REDUCING THE DEER POPULATION IN THE AREA; AND, THA T COPIES OF THIS RESOLUTION BE SENT TO THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES, LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES, LOCAL M.P.P. AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS WHO MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE INTRODUCTION OF SHOTGUN HUNTING IN ELGIN COUNTY. REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF April 8th, 2003 Staff Reports - (ATTACHED) 2 Director of Financial Services - 2003 Proposed Budget Update Director Of Homes And Seniors Services - Volunteer Week 1 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Linda B. Veger, Director of Financial Services DATE: April 1, 2003 SUBJECT: 2003 Proposed Budget Update INTRODUCTION: The last meeting ran long and Council did not have enough time to review the 2003 proposed capital budget or finalize the operating budget. Therefore, a special meeting was set for April 8, 2003. Council reviewed the 2003 proposed budget line by line making an adjustment to grants significantly reducing the original request from $227,971 down to $143,250. The proposed levy is currently $15,264,299 or a 4.85% increase over 2002. With weighted assessment (utilized to calculate tax rates) increasing by 5%, the net impact to an average residential property valued at $117,000 is a decrease of $2.84 in taxes. DISCUSSION: A review of the highlights within the proposed budget: Interest charges and income - increase of .86% - the County is moving from a cash position to a borrowing position. The first term loans for the Elgin Manor project are now in place. Homes for Senior Services - 6.01% increase ($875,201) - Council was determined to apply resources that would directly impact the quality of care to the Homes residents. Other staffing changes were required to meet minimum Ministry standards. Throughout 2002 Council approved staffing increases with a 2003 annualized cost of approximately $549,000 plus $115,000 in benefits. Also, a request was made for additional staffing of $416,000 at the last meeting. As with all the departments, wages have increased along with the matching increase to benefits. Ambulance Services - 1.11 % increase - the proposed budget takes into consideration the upstaffing previously approved by Council offset, in part, by increased funding from the Province. Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF) - 4.79% decrease - increased funding from the Province. 2 Transfer to Capital - 2.00% decrease - decreased to offset the increase to the operating budget. The need for capital funds amounts to $6.97M while the transfer to capital is $5.68M. The County will experience a shortfall towards capital projects of $1.29M. This shortfall will be managed through efficiencies and the use of available reserves, as approved by Council. Senior Staff is concerned that the shortfall in capital funds will eventually lead to a deterioration of assets. A review of 2004 projects being considered shows a shortfall of at least $1 M. All things being equal and because of the decrease of $291,000 (2.0%) in the capital budget, the upcoming 2004 budget will require an increase of $291 ,000 to start at -0- increase. CONCLUSION: Assessment growth across the County is approximately .9%; assessment has increased by 8%; and weighted assessment has increased by 5%. The levy request will result in an approximate 'h% decrease to the residential tax rate compared to 2002. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report dated April 1, 2003 titled 2003 Proposed Budget Update be received and filed. Respectfully Submitted ~~~ Linda B. Veger Director of Financial Services ion Mark G. Chief Administrative Officer 3 CORRESPONDENCE - April 8, 2003 Items for Consideration 1. --DLé.f-,krZ.~~ Sandra Pupatello, MPP Windsor West, Deputy Leader and Health Critic, Ontario Liberal Party, requesting support that the Ernie Eves Government to provide funding and provincial standards for the West Nile Virus. (ATTACHED - deferred from March 25, 2003 Council) 2. Municipality of Central Elgin, requesting support for their resolution expressing opposition to the proposal to permit shotgun deer hunting in Wildlife Management Unit 92. (ATTACHED) 3. Wendy Cook, Legal Services Department, City of Brampton, with a resolution concerning the need to control and remediate the effects of the bark-boring "Emerald Ash Borer" insect. (ATTACHED) 4. Randy Millard, C.A.O.lClerk, Township of Malahide, with a resolution concerning the decision by the Premier and his government to present the Budget outside of Parliament. (ATTACHED) 5. David Aristone, Clerk, Township of Southwold, with a resolution concerning proposed changes to the deer hunt to include shotguns. Onto Liberal Caucus 3/21/2003 1:44 PAGE 2/2 RightFAX March 21, 2003 Re: Resurœnce of West Nile Dear Mayor, By now you have lik1:ly heard through your local Medical Officer of Health that there are serious concerns regarding the resurgence of the WestNiJe Virus as the mosquito egg-halching climate approaches. I have called on 1he provincial government to show leadership on this issue to properly protect On1ario from this disease. As we know, it is deadly and Southwestern On1ario is particularly at risk I am asking that your Council pass a resolution thet would support Mlat I have requested of the Ernie Eves government: I. One hundred percent funding of the implementation of regional plans to combat the West Nile Virus. 2. Bolster the $9 million announced last Fal~ which has not been released to any region, to adequately implement regional plans. 3. The province must provide a provincial standard, which must be met with regional plans. The spread of this disease will not be stopped by a patchwork of plans at different levels of protection. 4. Consult with nearby jurisdictions ilk1: Michigan and New York State to ensure appropriate protection of our citizens. Please forward your Council's resolution directly to the Premier and the Minister of Health. Various Regional Medical Officers of Health have already indicated that we are extremely late in our planning. Virus infected mosquitoes willlik1:ly be ha1ching in eight weeks. Your assistance on this matter is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, ~ Sandra Pupatello, MPP Windsor West Deputy Leader and Health Critic, Ontario Liberal Party cc. Assoclation of Municipalities of Ontario 5 ©rw'Iunfclpal WorW - Form 420 *' R~g. T.M. in Canada. Municipal World 1M. RESOLUTION ~+rã( ~{j¡"" Name of Organization I I Om. ~ . ~~..c),.d.'-I .Qi.J IMO~~~ Resolution Number I Seconded b~ /JJ..-t. IN'''IiE~Ié:'''s. 0""""'''';·\ VI",ð..e.rS+"""'cI- ~o..'" +h~.. ~ ÑG.~",,""'\ ~~'-"c.~ IS -t.. .r...~ -\ ........ 0. ~q:" f'. (" du." h. "'I\.I¡;" ." 'vJ; \ J.. \ , ç~ M..."....cs!2. ""~~ U..,1" '¡2. \~,",~I::"'~~~ -\-\o",~ I>,,-^"~ \ ..t t).~ M,""f': t,.; of C"l-~(.'...\ E\ \'" e r~~ rh, C!. C:>~I~'.~ +-c.. v' $<1..; d ~~~ :\ ( .. c:..~ of C~""^I. ~ \' o..,.d..~ó. ~ ~~ ,,^~,,~s\-r of "-\e-.lr.....r...\ ~"'UI>"",çc:..oo~.. 6 83/27/83 23:14:55 EST; ASSOCIATIon OF?-) 1 519 633 7661 CLERK-Elgin Co Page 8B5 MAR-27-03 THU 10: 13 PM 260 FAX NO. 416 971 6191 P. 04 Legal Services Department 2 WeJlÍDgton Street West, Brarnpton, Ontario L6Y 4R2 "fh~ CouncH I)flhc:: Corporation ofth~ City ufBramplon )1:'JSJi!;d the following rc:m1uliou at it..r;;. meeting of Mhleh 10, 20nl <:095200:1 Whc:rco.~ there has bl,,"Cll widcsl1TCiid d\'1cHnc of (l.~h trees. in the .'iou1hc."I.st section ofMicbìgan {Illlihuteù to 1hd bi1rk-boring im:(.\ct "Emera.ld ^¡.;h Borer", native to Chi1lê']; and, W]¡ore"~ tlÜs i¡¡$C(:! h;" now been dl$oovered by Arborlsls ÎlI Ibe Windsor arCh; hnd Wh~~rc;ts the WC'StèJ1l Onlí.iTÌooommul1Hics of Amhcr~!burg, Essex, Tccurnscn and l.aSi'lIlc are cIII' """I\y under qUJranlÎno (no a,h wood or dóbri, to leave tht area) by the Canadian 1'(lOd 1'''I1<'el;oll Agency (CFIA); and. \VtJCfeas Ihl":l'ð is no survival ratL: for ~.sh U"l'(:S this insect comes in contact w1.th; and, W1J¢1't'&s the CÎly of Wind!'!orovL'r the nL~t two to three years expcc'!;. to lose their emil-c popukttjOl'} of ash rree-s [0 this p~sl. a1 a rL.1ìlcclitll cost in CX.CC!o1S Df$4 minion; and, Wh¡;IC2:l.S Lh...:rc is m) knQwn (~ontrol or natural 1"l'sístance to this pest ia C~Htnda or lile United Slat~:-1: ruld Whore,,", the Canarlion Foorl I"peet;oll Agency is proposing to oreate a five to six ki1"melre "fire brt~Tkn H.-om Lake S! Clair to r .akc Eric in an «ltC'JnlH t() isolate and dr;o,stroy ¡he h1SOC1; aud, Where", .h"uJÙ Ihe " fire hro.,k" oolulion [¡¡ii, Ih. re~ pOlembl eXiSI$ for the Emc."l<1 ^,¡, Borc~' 1<,) ITITgm!c Lö otl'èr :H.'clions ofOnt.:uio, incll¡ding Rra01pton; and Whcro"s the ,,~h Iree populrll;on of Brmnploo i9 eSlimated 10 be between 15,000 an<120,000 ,md thc (.'ö~t 10 n.::mÖ\lc aml ~plaœ lJH~Sc trees i$ eslimaled (1[$10 mj]Jion; Thol'd",e Be [t Re,olved Ilwt the Cily of IhRmploo strongly urge. Heallh Canaela, Canaelion Food 1nspocHon Azcncy (CFTA). Nato",1 Resotrrocs Canada, Environment C,mhel", Public Works ~nd Cf(lv...·rn.lm'nl St· VÌt.'C~ Canuda.lh~ PI\.'mj~r ofOnt:'lrio, rhe Ont..11Ìo Mjnistl·y ofNilt\Ittll ResÙllrc:CS. a~d the Omarlo Ministry of tl,t Environmont, to 1uJ<c u lead 1'010 in Ule dovelopment of a COJYlflL"chcl'1l\ive s:trm.e£." to c:ontrct! and l'C"II\Cdiale the effeots of this P¡;sl ~nù lo provide the IJL"C'¡':I'S~IIY f~m(ling. f(11" lhis pl.lrpos~; and, 'I11crcforc ße It Rusohted thm fI copy Ibis r~SOh[ljon be forwank.-clln all Hramplnn area MPs, MPr., tho Ass"ciation of Municipalities Qf On¡¡U10, lhe l{rgion of Peel al1d .11 other Mtmicipalilics in the Province tor their cn.norsemcm; ami '[1'01 ¡he dcle!,,'3lio!1 ofMr. Garry Un",", Suporvi,or of Urù,m Forestry and Land,eape Con:-itruction, Community Services to 1JJe CO\JIlcil Meeting of M;¡l'ch 10,2003 ru: rÙ\1 ERA 1,0 ASH ßOHEJ{ (File RZO) be received. C'OI11Jt(,t; M.. Wendy Cü"ko, ! ,egi,lalivo CoordìnolOr r .egol Stl'vlce$DepjJ'lmeot Cityot'Bramptol1 phone (~05) 874-2103 Fax (905) 874-2119 Em:¡i1: ~'-:I.!!1 ,\y. ,~(I.)!1"f.!(~l:f.i tv :htó}J!!P!illll:!!1.c;,Q 7 ~ra...w"PfQ~~_U."". 'YQ",6M"""'1( ~......~ 1>~)I't"lfb:o,"~rMO>"~alllhc~..r"'''-'-'r~I..¡''t(o.a.rie~AMO)''11s ~.""_-'I {r>œrv..d~....._... Township of MALAHIDE 87 John Street South, Avlmer, Ontario N5H 2C3 T~leph0ne: (519) 773-5344 Fax: (519) 773-5334 Email: malahide@township.malahide.on.ca www.township.malahide.on.ca March 25, 2003 Hon. Ernie Eves, Premier of Ontario Legislative Building, Room 281, Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario M7A IAl Dear Sir: RE: Presentation of Budget outside of Parliament. Malahide Township Council met on March 20,2003, and passed the following Resolution unanimously: WHEREAS the Parliamentary procedure has been completely ignored by the Premier and his government by their decision to present the Budget outside of Parliament. AND WHEREAS. Premier Eves action shows complete disrespect and disregard for the sitting members of the legislature and the public in general. NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Malahide directs that a letter be sent to Premier Eves expressing its dissatisfaction with his decision and the contempt he has shown for the democratic procedure. THAT copies of this letter be forwarded to the County of Elgin; MPP Steve Peters; and ROMA. We look forward to hearing ITom you regarding the above Resolution. Yours very truly, TOWNSHIP OF MALAHIDE ¿;:?~ R. MILLARD, C.A.O./CLERK Copy - County of Elgin -V'" - MPP Steve Peters cROMA H:\dîana\diana's fI1es\Randy 2003\premier - budget march 25.\vpd RANDALL R. MILLARD C.A,Q./ClL'ík Emai[: c!erk(Ú:township"malahiJc.(m,ca 8 SUSAN E. WILSON TreaSUTèT Ema!!: tre;¡surer(¡! rowmhir.malahiJe,mca CORRESPONDENCE - April 8. 2003 Items for Information - (Consent Aaenda) 1. AMCTO Express - 1) Education Tax Rates, Tax Ratios and Municipal Levy Adjustments; 2) Provincial Budget Highlights - Municipal Implications (ATTACHED) 2. Steve Peters, M.P.P., Elgin-Middlesex-London, supporting Council's resolutions to: 1) Honourable Frank Klees, Minister of Transportation and the Honourable David Collenette, Minister of Transport, regarding halting the dismantling of the Canada Southern Railway (CASO) line between St. Thomas and Attercliffe; 2) Honourable James Flaherty, Minister of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation, and the Honourable Brad Clark, Minister of Labour, regarding the development of an active auto strategy for Canada. (ATTACHED) 3. ROMAlOGRA Combined Conference $mart Strategies for Municipal Services, thanking Council members for attending the 2003 Conference and advising information from the Conference is available. (ATTACHED) 4. Diana Player, Secretary 2003 Committee, Talbot Settlement Bi-Centennial Planning Committee, with information concerning plans for the 200th anniversary of the founding of Talbot Settlement. (ATTACHED) 5. Todd Sleeper, President, the NOAH Conservation Club and Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, with information regarding the 4th Annual Thames River Clean Up. (ATTACHED) 6. Ernie Hardeman, M.P.P. Oxford, with copy of correspondence to the Honourable Elizabeth Witmer, Minister of Education, concerning the request for a review of the existing jurisdiction of the Thames Valley District School Board and its ability to deliver education to students at rural and urban schools. (ATTACHED) 7. Thank you card from the Ronald K. McNeil family. (ATTACHED) 8. Municipal Finance Officers' Association of Ontario, Members Bulletin (ATTACHED) 9. Norma I. Bryant, Clerk, Municipality of West Elgin, requesting the County look at the intersection of Downie Line and Furnival Road on the next road tour. (ATTACHED) 10. Resolutions supporting the County of Elgin's resolution concerning the "School Work Transition Program": 1) Phyllis Ketchabaw, Clerk, Town of Aylmer 2) Dianne Wilson, Deputy Clerk, Municipality of Central Elgin (ATTACHED) 9 AMcro =r~~ AMC"-;O EXPRESS... ~im>:I_ ""........ March 28, 2003 EDUCATION TAX RATES, TAX RATIOS AND MUNICIPAL LEVY ADJUSTMENTS In a letter to all municipal CAO's, Treasurers and Clerk-Treasurers, dated March 25th 2003, the Ministry of Finance has announced the finalization and release of the following two regulations: · O. Reg 73/03 - prescribing threshold tax ratios for the purposes of the levy restriction; the method for calculating 2003 tax ratios for municipalities subject to the levy restriction, and; the method for applying levy adjustments under the 5% cap for commercial, industrial and multi- residential properties. · O.Reg 74/03 - prescribing the education tax rates for the residential and business property classes for 2003. Highlights of the Ministry letter include: · The uniform residential education tax rate has been lowered to 0.335 percent for 2003 to take into account the impacts of the 2003 reassessment. · To take into account the 2003 reassessment, the Province has reset the business education tax rates. Also, where assessment values in a property class have declined due to the reassessment, the Province has frozen the business education tax rates at 2002 levels. · Province will continue its policy of providing accelerated business education tax cuts to match municipal tax reductions. Reductions will continue to be addressed on a case-byccase basis. · 2003 Levy Restriction Threshold Ratios for the commercial, industrial and multi- residential property classes are being maintained at the same ratios that were applied in 2001 and 2002. · Methodology for calculating municipal tax changes for capped properties and the detenmination of tax ratios where municipalities were restricted from levying tax increases on multi-residential, commercial or industrial property classes in the prior year is continued from 2002. Additional provisions have been reintroduced to address issues arising in a reassessment year. · 2003 Regulations pertaining to municipal and education tax rates for rights-of-way have not yet been finalized. · Reminder that Province has extended the deadline from April 30th 2003 to May 30th 2003 for municipalities to pass by-laws making tax policy deCisions fpr 2003 with respect to tax ratios, upper-tier levies, graduated tax rates and the municipal tax reduction tool. · Reminder that deadline for municipalities to adopt optional property classes for the 2003 taxation year was extended from October 31st 2002 to May 30th 2003. Complete copies of O.Reg 73/03 and O.Reg 74/03 plus the Ministry's Explanatory Bulletin regarding O.Reg 73/03 have been posted in the Queen's Park section of the AMCTO website at www.amcto.com. Page 1of2 10 OMERS - RETURN TO FULL CONTRIBUTIONS IN 2004 In a letter dated March 27th 2003, Mr. Bill Rayburn, the Chair of the OMERS Board announced that the OMERS Pension Fund, like many other pension funds, has experienced short-term results that are considerably below previous results. Consequently, for 2002 the OMERS Fund rate of return on its investments amounted to -7.1%. OMERS has therefore advised that, as fiduciaries, they are "taking action to ensure that these short-term results do not diminish our ability to pay pensions in the future." One of the actions being taken by OMERS and announced in the March 2ih 2003 letter is a return to full contributions in January 2004. Contribution rates will be as follows: . Retirement Age 65 [Retirement Age 60 on to the YMPE 6.0% 7.3% Above YMPE 8.8% 9.8% LEXlsNEXIS (BUTTERWORTHS) ANNOUNCES Two NEW RELEASES AMCTO is pleased to continue its endorsement of the following new releases from LexisNexis (Butterworths ): Ontario Municipal Act. 2001 and Commentarv (2003 Edition) This new portable softcover edition (revised as of March 2003) features both the full text of the Municipal Act, 2001 and commentary describing the key changes in the new legislation. Written by John Mascarin and Christopher J. Williams, two experienced municipal lawyers, the commentary provides a detailed overview of the new Act, its organization and structure, and analyses how the new Act was developed, how it compares to the old Act and to municipal legislation In other jurisdictions, what the new statute seeks to do and how it will be implemented. Also included are two Tables of Concordance (old ActJnew Act and new ActJold Act) and a detailed Topical Index to the statute. AMCTO Member price for this publication is $54.00 plus GST (a 10% saving from the regular List Price). Conduct Handbook for Municipal Emplovees and Officials. 2nd Edition This guide for councillors, local boards, senior officials and their professional advisors provides breakthrough guidance on handlihg fraud, corruption, bribery, nepotism, conflict of interest, abuse of office, political activity, and more. Highlights include draft policies for you to adapt or use "as is"; identification of all ethics areas that must be monitored; demonstration, through discussions of recent court cases, of the consequences of incomplete wordings and inadequate enforcement; legislative changes affecting the operations of many municipalities and local boards; and how to address internet use in the workplace. Authored by M. Rick O'Connor, Peter-John Sidebottom and David G. White, this timely publication is available to AMCTO Members at a price of $59.00 plus GST (a 10% saving from the regular List Price). Page 2 of2 , 1 ... AMCTO liZD=AMCTO BUDGET EXPRESS... March 28, 2003 PROVINCIAL BUDGET HIGHLlGHTS- MUNICIPAL IMPLICATIONS With the release of the 2003-2004 Provincial Budget, Ontario's Minister of Finance, the Honourable Janet Ecker, set out the province's plans with respect to several issues of interest to municipal government. While full details on many of these issues will not be known for several weeks or months, the following highlights are noteworthy: Multi-Year Municipal FundinG During the pre-Budget consultations, requests were made by many municipal leaders for new funding from both the federal and provincial governments. In support of this request, the Minister has announced that provincial funding for municipalities will be increased by 18% as follows: ~ 2002-03 Plan -- $582 millior.. ~ 2003-04 Plan -- $649 million ~ 2004-05 -- $668 million ~ 2005-06 -- $688 million This multi-year funding approach will be subject to additional dialogue between municipalities and the provincial government and will be contingent on three key factors: ~ Economic growth; ~ The level of federal government support, and; ~ Results achieved through greater accountability. Minister Ecker committed the government to work with municipalities to incorporate accountability and performance measures into all funding and program decisions and to working with municipalities to make the case to the federal government for increased funding for Ontario's municipalities. Propertv Tax Measures - Response to Beaubien Report In response to feedback received with respect to the recommendations contained in Marcel Beaubien's report on property tax reform, the following measures will be implemented: ~ Upper tier and single tier municipalities permitted to reduce the municipal portion of the tax rate on the managed forests property class below 25% of the residential rate commencing with 2003 taxation year; ~ Eligibility criteria for the managed forest property class expanded to include natural areas within a managed forest area that cannot support tree growth, such as marshes or rock facings. This change would take effect for the 2004 taxation year; ~ Application deadline date for managed forest property class changed to July 3151 commencing with 2004 assessment roll with applications being accepted until December 3151 in situations where there are mitigating circumstances; ~ Application requirement for managed forests changed from annually to once every 10 years with appropriate monitoring put in place to ensure continued compliance with eligibility criteria during the intervening years; ~ Applications for inclusion in the farm property class accepted until December 3151 of the taxation year, commencing with 2003 taxation year, to address mitigating circumstances; ~ O.Reg 282/98 to be amended to clarify that licensed rooming houses are to be included in the residential property class and not the multi-residential property class. The government intends to continue receiving input with respect to the remaining recommendations from Mr. Beaubien's report. Page 1 of2 12 The province has also announced that Marcel Beaubien has been appointed to conduct a review regarding the implementation of assessment averaging in Ontario. This review will include an evaluation of the need for the three-year averaging provisions given the various other property tax mitigation tools that are available. In the interim, the province proposes to defer the 2005 implementation date for assessment averaging to a date to be determined by the Minister of Finance. An 18-month notice period is also proposed to allow municipalities and MPAC sufficient time to implement any required changes. Also, as part of its efforts to enhance the quality of assessment service delivery, an amendment will be proposed to the Assessment Act to allow the Minister of Finance to prescribe additional information that must be included on the assessment roll, so that municipalities and taxpayers have access to fuller and clearer information. Propertv Tax Relief for Seniors The province has proposed the introduction of a new Ontario Home Property Tax Relief Program for Seniors. Under this program, seniors who own or rent their homes will be eligible for the reimbursement of the full residential education property tax amount applicable to their principal residence, effective after July 1 st, 2003. This credit program will require seniors to complete an application form, which once approved, will result in a direct reimbursement to them. It is expected that this program will benefit approximately 945,000 senior homeowners and tenants at an annual cost to the province of $450 million per year. The government has also stated that the implementation of this Program will complete the government's 1999 commitment to reduce residential education property taxes by 20 percent. Other Hiahliahts »- The province has proposed to reintroduce a two-year transfer-tax exemption with respect to the transfer of electricity assets from a municipality or a municipally-owned electricity utility to another municipality or publicly owned electricity utility. This is intended to encourage further rationalization within the publiciy owned electricity distribution sector. »- To assist fire services in small and rural communities with the purchase of new emergency firefighting equipment needed to preserve public safety, the government has committed up to $40 million over five years. »- To develop and implement the province's previously announced West Nile Virus strategy, the province has committed $100 million over five years. »- The province has announced an expansion of its previous commitment to investing in safe drinking water. The provincial commitment has been increased from $500 million over 2 years to $750 million over 3 years. »- To expand transit services, the province has committed $3.25 billion over 1 0 years for the Provincial Transit Investment Plan to: »- Expand inter-regional transit in the Golden Horseshoe Region ($1.25 billion); »- Address GO Transit base capital needs ($1 billion): »- Implement a municipal transit renewal program ($750 million); »- Implement strategic expansion projects in urban areas outside the Golden Horseshoe Region ($250 million). »- Previously announced commitments have been reconfirmed for: »- OSTAR -- $460 million over five years for key infrastructure projects in Ontario's agriculture and rural areas, small towns and cities; »- SuperBuild -- $1 billion to maintain and expand Ontario's highway system (part of the previous $10 billion over 10 years); »- Millenium Partnerships -- $271 million over five years to support infrastructure renewal in eight major cities outside the GTA; »- OMEIFA -- $1 billion in start-up capital. Page2of2 1 3 Room 331 Main Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A4 MÆ ~ On-tario Constituency Office: 542 Talbot Street St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 1C4 Tel: (416) 325-7250 Fax: (416)325-7262 Email: steve_peters-mpp @ontla.ola.org STEVE PETERS, M.P.P. ELGIN - MiDDLESEX - LONDON Tel: {519) 631-0666 Fax: (519) 631-9478 . Toll Free: 1-800-265-7638 Ema.i.I:.. steve yeters-mpp-co : )@ontla.ola.org MAR ! 9 2003 March 14,2003 Honourable Frank Klees Minister of Transportation Ferguson Block, 3rd Floor 77 Wellesley Street West Toronto, ON M7 A IZ8 Honourable David Collenette Minister of Transport Room 104, East Block House of Commons Ottawa, ON KIA OA6 Dear Ministers: Please find enclosed a letter from the County of Elgin to Mr. Ross Snetsinger, Chairperson of Rail Ways to the Future. The County of Elgin is supporting a Rail Ways to the Future Committee of Transportation 2000 Ontario resolution that calls on the federal and provincial governments to put an immediate halt to the dismantling of the Canada Southern Railway (CASO) between St. Thomas and Attercliffe. The resolution also makes several recommendations aimed at the preservation and redevelopment of railways in Ontario. Ministers, we all know railways played an important part in the development ofthis province and country. There was a time when Canadians were in part defined by the counections railways provided between themselves and the rest of the country. I believe railways can yet again play an important role in the transportation future of both this province and the nation. I would appreciate your reviewing the resolution, responding to the County of Elgin and forwarding copies of your letters to my office. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Sincerely, ~~ Steve Peters, M.P.P. Elgin-Middlesex-London Cc: County of Elgin, 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5R 5VI Mr. Ross Snetsinger, Chairperson, Rail Ways to the Future 14 Room 331 Main Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A4 MÆ ~ Ontario Constituency Office: 542 Talbot Street SI, Thomas, Ontario N5P 1 C4 Tel: (416) 325-7250 Fax: (416)325-1262 Email: steve_peters-mpþ @ontla.ola.org STEVE PETERS, M.P.P. ELGIN - MIDDLESEX - LONDON Tel: (519) 631-0666 Fax:. (519) 631-9478 Toll Pree: 1-800-265-7638 Email: steveyeters-mpp-co @ontla.ola.org MAR 19 2003 March 14,2003 Honourable James Fla.1;¡erty Minister of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation Hearst Block, 8th Floor 900 Bay Street Toronto, ON M7A 2El Honourable Brad Clark Minister of Labour 14th Floor 400 University Avenue Toronto, ON M7 A 1 T7 Dear Ministers: Please find enclosed a letter rrom the County of Elgin regarding the importance öf sustaining our auto manufacturing industry. The County of Elgin supports a resolution by theSt. Thomas & District Labour Council that calls for the development of an active auto strategy for Canada, including policies to attract future auto investment and improve our automotive trade balances. It also calls on the federal and provincial governments to initiate a process of consultation among industry stakeholders to design and implement such a policy. Ministers, as you may know the auto manufacturing industry is one of the most important facets of my riding's economy along with the business of agriculture. I would appreciate your reviewing this resolution, responding to the County of Elgin and forwarding copies of your letters to my office. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Sincerely, c;~ \Ik: Steve Peters, M.P.P. Elgin-Middlesex-London Cc: County of Elgin, 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5R 5Vl 15 Please circulate to: John R. Wilson; Mark G. McDonald R OGRA M A Combined onferences Fairmont~ February 23-26, 2003 Sponsors for the 2003 ROMAlOGRA Combined Conferences: PLATINUM Ontario Realty Corporation Y£-~~1¡¡,!J.D...G! GOLD Ontario Provincial Police Association www.o:JCa.Qn.ca Union Gas Y.fI~:1mLº..rJs..~~G!-1t!! SILVER Astra International of Canada estra J n!ernetlo nal@yahoo.ca Cover.AII Building Systems },~~gQ~~~.@Jl,D:?.t G.D. Jewell Engineering garry@jeweleng.ca Miller Paving Limited Yf.~~Æill~rn..rQ!!e.~ Telus www.telus.com .;<>....;s~ú-¿."'""> j.,~~~ II'! .", 1~ ~;r. . ;( \t~!db~ ~~~~"".$r .t.~~¡ 2003 ROMAlOGRA Combined Conferences $mart Strategies for Municipal Services We'd like to thank you for attending the ROMAlOGRA Combined Conferences of 2003 and helping to make it another great success! If you would like any information from the conference, you can receive it in the following ways: Audio TSDe Order Form To order an audio version of anything from the conference, please download the form from the Conference section ofthe OGRA web site at WWW,Qora.ora. The following information is available for order on audio tape: · Opening and closing sessions · Plenary speakers · Workshops · Minister's Forum · Michael J. Smither Memorial Question Box OGRA Web Site To download conference information directly from the web site, please visit the Conference section at www.oqra.orq. Check back often, as new information is being added regularly. The following information is now available: Workshop Presentations: · Asset Management and Pavement Preservation: Strategies ofthe Future · Cash Management and Pooled Investment Options for Municipalities · Minimum Maintenance Standards - How to Make Them Work for You · Your Responsibility in Providing "Safe Drinking Water" to the Community · Availability of High Speed Internet in Rural Ontario · Rural Crime Task Force · Winter Maintenance - How to Manage Salt Usage · Nutrient Management, Bill 81 -A Whole New Field? · Update on RailwaylHighway Issues ...page 2 Rural Ontario Municipal Association . 1 6 Ontario Good Roads Association cIa 530 otto Road, Unit #2, Mississauga, ON l5T 215 Tel: (905) 795·2555 Fax: (905) 795-2660 Email: info@ogra.org MtJ. , 14/{¡) R OGRA M A Sponsors for the 2003 ROMAlOGRA Combined Conferences: PLATINUM Ontario Realty Corporation ~t".°lÇ,£J.D.:.ll~ GOLD Ontario Provincial Police Association WWW.ODca.on.G.3 Union Gas ~Jllú.c)-'l9..a13..:.GPJ!! SILVER Astra International of Canada sstra _I nterns!1 onsl@yshoo.os Cover-All Building Systems !w.Œ.£!1Y.<:!mJI,O-<:!J G.D. Jewell Engineering garry@jeweleng.ca Miller Paving Limited ~J!lill@¡g¡mm..m Telus \J'lww.t&lus.com F:1II¡ ~ ¡¡;;,;.:~¡.::,~ A'~Þ~'~ Þl<';~~ " '''" ~~!,i¡ ""~4t A~i/jf .........-.,¡.!..~~... Combined onferences FalrmontRQI'O'York Ho'2'. Toronto February 23-<0, 2003 2003 ROMAlOGRA Combined Conferences Smart Strategies for Municipal Services OGRA Web Site (continued) Conference Reporters (daily newsletter published every morning at Conference): . Coverage for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's events Plenary Speakers: . There are a limited number of speaker presentations available in hard copy or in electronic format on the web site. Check back often as more may become available. CD COpy If you are interested in receiving a CD containing copies of workshop presentations, please call Lauren Ryan-Forrest at 905-795-2555 or e- mail !.1¡\_I"IJ.êD@ºJlI:?,ºf.9 for details. Cost is $20 including shipping & handling. NOTE: If you would like something sent to you In hard copy, please e-mail your request to Lauren Ryan-Forrest at lauren~o~ra.org. 1 7 Rural Ontario Municipal Association . 0/0530 Otto Road, Unit #2, Mlsslssauga, ON L5T 2L5 Tel: (905) 795-2555 Fax: (905) 795-2660 Emall: Info@ogra.org Ontario Good Roads Association MlI.r !4/(¡3 MAR 28 2003 /803 wyal WeRemain 2003 Greetings nom the Talbot Settlement Bi-Centennial Planning Committee, Dear Sirs, This special 2003 Bi-Centennial planning committee is comprised of volunteer members from across Southwestern Ontario. We have been meeting for over three years to consider a variety of historic celebrations to honour the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Talbot Settlement, by Thomas Talbot in 1803. In the last few months, the Centennial Celebrations of 1903, have been one of the focuses of this committee's Bi-Centennial plans. The Centennial Cairn was erected in St. Thomas in May 1903, at the end of a week long celebration, that honoured the 100th Anniversary of the Talbot Settlement's founding and her people. The events brought people nom allover Southwestern Ontario, and especially nom the founding 6 counties, to St.Thomas to celebrate those 100 years of history. In that cairn are simple field stones nom each of the original 29 townships of the settlement, along with 29 engraved stone blocks, that bear the names of those townships. The Cairn stands nearly in the middle ofSt. Thomas' Pinafore Park. We have enclosed several photographs of the Cairn and its surroundings. Several suggestions have been made about this Cairn, for the 2003 Bi-Centennial celebrations. The most·lasting suggestion that this committee has encountered, is the creation of a garden and walkway around the Cairn, with a re-dedication ceremony in the summer of 2003. We are now very seriously working with several commnnity groups in St. Thomas and area, including St. Thomas' Communities in Bloom, on this proposal. We are planning a special re-dedication ceremony of July 20, 2003 at the Cairn, so we need to have the garden work and planting done in the late spring of2003. 18 The Talbot Settlement Society P. 0.. Box 20134 St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 4H4 1803 wyalWeRema;,; 2003 In addition, we have secured sponsors to assist in the planting of 29 commemorative trees, each one a native species to the township that it represents. These trees and a commemorative planting will be part of an comprehensive ceremony to be held on Sunday, July 20th, 2003 to re-dedicate this cairn. We are also trying to set a registration centre where everyone who plants a new tree this year, can register it as a Bi-Centennial tree. We are of course sure to reach at least 200 trees representative of those 200 years of history. If each of the six counties could also aim for that goal, we could leave a living legacy to the Talbot Settlement from 2003. At this time, we would encourage the "original townships" in the six founding counties of Middlesex, Elgin, Kent, Essex, Oxford and Norfolk to consider partnering with this special effort. The Centennial Cairn, although it sits in a park in St. Thomas, is in fact, a lasting symbol of the combined history of that vast settlement that stretched from the Detroit River to the Long Point area, referred to as "The TalbotSettlement" and we think, one of the most successful settlements in Upper Canada! To give you a better idea of the area covered by the Talbot Settlement, we have included a map from the book "Lake Erie Baron" by Fred Coyne HamiL The Bicentennial Committee see this rededication of the Talbot Settlement Cairn as a very important moment in the year's events. We would ask that you consider sending at least one or two reps from each your original townships, to this special ceremony. We understand that Municipal restructuring has changed the face of the 6 Counties and 29 townships, but we do encourage you to look around your communities and suggest someone who might be delighted to attend such an event, as your representative. J 9 The Talbot Settlement Society PO..Box 20134 St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 4H4 1803 Loyal WeR.,main 2003 Tills event will be open to the public and we plan on getting lots of infonnation out across Southwestern Ontario. The Cairn re-dedication is to be the centrepiece of an afternoon's activities in the park. Please plan on making this event, one of your "must see" events, as we know you won't want to miss out on tills special historic milestone. We will be forwarding more infonnation, and invitations as the date draws nearer. For more infonnation about the Talbot Bicentennial Celebrations, you can check out our web site at http://home.golden.net!~talbot2003 or contact our secretary at the following e-mail address dianna2@sympatico.ca We look forward to hearing from you about our events. Respectfully on behalf of the Bicentennial Committee, Diana Player, Secretary 2003 committee 11 Burrows Ave. St. Thomas, Ont.,N5P2N2 1-519-631-9194 ¿u The Talbot Settlement Society PO..Box 20134 St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 4H4 ~~'I :;' { "'j :::~1 ~ :i5' .:.1- ;,~,: ~ ".(. ;" 0 ,'" '\1- },i ,\ ,::\/' . '>.. '\..>' :..~;::.:. ''Ç'' ·t'·;'}:· .i ¡.../.............................r..,..........,. ;; ,;;....... <. "( " .... ~¿~ ~~:.~ 1~!;_ :~::. :~J ·:v: !! .. '. " ',;;;:¡r ».- c ...ç '\.~ ~ K £ L HUR0'N. \ r..·..·..~..·.. \. , .(.' \ ~ \ \ )/\f/' ,',.~,~.:..:;~~.~.~ . J..,ong·· t:oLrlt'"', ,.' 'tHE iÀ.'LBOl' SETTLEMENT ~ 10 0 10 20 1:.......--.... I MILES MILES LEGEND The 'talbor Roadsn_u... Nliddle Uoad.._............... I-ongwood. 'Road_._.... 4 'Ine Talbor 5ettlemenb.N .1 ~\~ <: o ~ ~~ V 1?elée J.. ~f; Ai N l.N ~~¡~~ì~'è.i;;~",,-;:xý~'~z~-"C .._....'.. ---~--_.~._.- ;.j'. '!; § Zoo was finally abolished, the house was converted into a tool house for Parks equipment and served till the recent building of the new facilities. All that remains of the Zoo is the group of swans and some other wildlife. The swans were secured from the Royal flocks through the enterprise of the late R. J. Dunsmore, Editor of the Times and later St. Thomas Post- master. While in England he heard of the Royal gifts of swans to the Owen Sound Parks Committee. He wrote to the Sovereign at Buekingham Palace requesting a similar gift to his own City. He promptly received a request from a Chamber- lain asking him to coMe to the Palace. There it was explained by this official that a grant asked for by a private citizen could not be considered but, if he would arrange for a formal request from the civic authorities, that a gift would undoubtedly be made. He at once communicated with the Mayor, the request was made and the swans arrived at St. Thomas. Some of the present flock may well be the descendants of that Royal flock on the old Thames that annually come into public notice at Swanupping. This is the annual census of the Royal flock that is made by anciently dressed folk. that perpetuate an old tradition. In 1903 the City and district celebrated the Centennial of the founding of the Talbot Settlement at Port Talbot on May 21St, 1803. The affair was a week long succession of celebrations. Each day was devoted to a particular facet of history. On Satur- day, May 231'd, the day was named Pioneer's Day. On this day a cairn was established at the Park. The principal stone in the cairn contains several items of interest sealed in a metal container. A copy of the official programme of the week, news- papers with their accompanying stories of the events that were being commemorated, current coins and the like. Its inscrip- tion was worded very simply, "Erected at the Centennial Celebration of the Talbot Settlement, 1903'" It was on this day that the name Pinafore Park became official and this fact was duly announced on this occasion by Mayor Maxwell. Each of the twenty-eight odd Townships that were settled through the work of Colonel Talbot contributed a stone to thiscair1} \Vith the T~\Vns~ip1}atI1e.inscrib7d thereon~1\.t..~~ppropr~~te pÒint llft~~l'rogr~~~eq!}...tÞ.is..d3,Y .~acl1'['ö~n'sn¡phad.f'Vq.rerr7' sèfl?tiy~s ;Pre.seflt :uld ~sthë 'I'Qwnsl1irna!)1ê-vå.r~alledJlie! tWcórÍ1en çárri~~~hes)oIle;~v~.1}§YCWëif:;'I'pwris.liiP. tQ iQ,e· moµnd i()f¿'¡û'tH'tliát1iáà~~~ri'erectéd; Aftet the Township stones had been' placed, Mayor Maxwell, Warden McKellar, ,:¡; "1 ¡;I: ::'" 227 ',-' 26 Judge Ermatinger and Jas. H. Coyne carried the official stone to the top of the cairn. As a small boy I had a position usually adopted by boys, seated on the grass in the front row and had a good view of the day's proceedings. Later the mound was con- creted in and a substantial concrete foundation was made for it. This small pyramid-shaped structure now stands unnoticed and forlorn in the centre of a grassed area and is used mostly by children to climb to its top and then slide down its rough stone slopes. It belies the officially expressed intention of its origina- tors. In the officially announced record it was stated, "This small monument will be an object of increasing interest to each succeeding generation who shall ask, 'What mean ye by these stones?'" The at1$Wer will be that they are a memorial of the passing, not of the Jordan, but of the first century of the Talbot Settlement, whose Townships these stones typify. Alas, these stones are now an almost unknown record. Can- not the cairn be marked by some appropriate planting that the Parks Staff does so well? It should be attention getting but of a relatively low type that will not obscure the names on the stones and title markers. Thus will appropriate attention be called to a romantic stage on the history of this part of Southern Ontario. The first bird sanctuary in the Park was in the small ravine that terminates near the first forks in the main road entrance. Latterly, the head of this unkempt part of the Park that has such attractive possibilities is marked by a large circular bed of begonias whose summer colours are watched in all of their attractive variations. At this point a small spring used to emerge to open air and its cool waters /lowed down the little ravine maintaining water in a pool below, where water was held back by a small dam. This pool was fenced and contained a collec- tion of waterfowl. The spring /lowed constantly through an iron pipe that had been driven into the water bearing soil. It was one visible outlet of a large area of water bearing sands that eXtend to the west and south to a point west of No. 4 Highway. This. area was then relatively unoccupied but now forms the Southdale area. This little spring was the occasion of an un- intended hoax that was unwillingly perpetrated by a local organization of railway employees. In the "Fifty Years Ago" column of the Times-Journal Editorial Page a short time ago (r963), it was recorded that this organization wished to present a drinking fountain to the Park and the offer was duly accepted. It was proposed that this little 228 27 wh.ere might we be? Without Thomas Talbot, ltjj¡hway 3 Is also referredtò a: UuiTmbot 'frail Route,vihtch j no small honour. 9. Thê vast Talbot Settlemen was based on ågriculture. It w, the small farm that sustained most of the settlers. Through that fahtìJ,ng base, Southwestm Ontario has becomeotie of the most productive agriciwtllråÍ areas in the world. 10. We cah proudly boast of our ownexplorers, pathfinder' poUticat rebels and outstandin: leaders. We can and should bra about our incredible legacy of poUtical, agricultural, indus- trial, manufacturing and multi cultural successes. ~'hose suc· cesses are our history. They aI" where we have come fi·om. The wlllinfiuence where we are going. And it does not matter whether you are EngUsh, Irish Welsh, French, First Nations 0: Scots, this Is our history,. Just as the settlers own descendants did in 1903, we should be proud to be a part of the Talbot Settlement BIcenten nial Celebrations. We hope you will join us throughout the year. Vox Pop provides readers with all opportullity to comment on toplcai sUbjects. DiaIUJ Player is secretary qfthe Talbot Settlement 2003 ß/œ, te/lllial CfJlnmittee. efJ'ol:'t'$~9~.ê~W~Ø:¡êfi1mbot S!'tU~.· ,me,it€'i$:et¢liøj,J;'à.êrqss 200 y~a*s. '..<ìr.·..·.:.h.'.f'tò"F,'<ì"I.'. '. '8'.'. j ur countty' " '. .~. 'j,y',~...!JJ!,þ 'r(Îads;:¡µoilgollt'busy highways an('fp.l1p~ city streets, the 7'alb()~ijAA!~~commemorated inbusinesséa, street ,name~ and inthenam!'sofourcòmm~~- ties; In other partsi>f tl}~Wq!'¡d, a man such as TalbotW()¡þ.j,J;hø honoured as the fOI,Ul!ÌiÌ1gfathi!r !I11dhewould be celebr~ted ev!'J,'Y¥!'<!l' in:\I ];'0l!1iµe'rs I)ay celebratlòn. . 7, Thé29town~hip~tl}at formed the Talbot Settlement stretched from Norfolk County to the St. Clair River, along the north shore ofLake Erie and north past the Thamea River. Thoae townahipa were all com- memorated in a Centennial Cairn at Pinafore Park during an incredible week·long Cènten. nial Cèlebration in 1903. The etched names on those 29 stones in the cåirÌ1.are now all that remain ofsomeofthòse town. ships, as municipal government has changed the face of many of them. B. From those simple conces- sion roads thesetì1ers \\(ere "forced" to construcHwhiCh, incidentally, were some of the best in North America), today Southwestern Ontario can boast some of the best and most direct routes from one city to another. boring. 4. The area now known as ,,'j Southwestern Ontario was att1j'e': verYJront of the fIght to mam:'" tain British interests in North America during @¡WaroflB12. In our storied past, We will find the early settlers.1oyal to the British Crown left their homes and families andrormeda "thin red line" that keJ¡'ttheAmerican raiders busy. By no means dij,J; those mnttia voluntoers'wiJ,l!!lI' the battles, but they certatnlY helped to see the end of the War of 1812. Maj.·Gen. Sir Isaac Brock, Shawnee Chief Tecum- seh, General Proctor, captains Ryersee, Bostwick, Burwell, Rapelje, Harris and many others saw major battle actions in the area history refers to as the Talbot Settlement.,. . 5. Yés, the T!!lbot Settlement is named after Col. Thomas Talbot and, no matter hp}\' YOllread your histoJ,'Y, no matter which side you take, there Is absolutely no denying what Talbot did. He helped open this region to set. tIers and, in doing so, created one of the best early settlements in Upper Canada, If not North America. in 50 years, Talbot helped settle more than 50,000 people across 29 townships in Southwestern Ontario. That in itself was no small feat. 6. The legacy left by those 8Y OIANA PLAYER There have been some ques- tions as to why people should celebrate the Talbot Set- tlement bicentennial in 2003. We would like to ofier 10 good rea- sons for these celebrations. 1. In a time when terrorism, the threat of war and a multi. tude of other negative stories abound In the daily news, it is beneficia] to foeus on something that is reireshing, non·threaten. ing and stimulating to the imagi- nation. II' II. "'....... 2. As Canadians and particu- Jarly as residents of Southwest- ern Ontario, we tend to acknowl· edge our history quietly and almost apologetically. Yet this region is filled with dramatic and fascinating stories of heroes, foes, battles and strug- gles for survival. 3. We tend to judge our region's history in terms of the Niagara frontier 01' Kingston or Toronto. We would lilw to sug- gest that area known as the Talbot Settlement has a legacy that matches thoSE) regions, story for story. Out of our his· tory eome some of the most delightful and intriguing t¡¡los and legends. Not all history is -"VOX¡"'~"·"'··'· ,;,.'i! 1~': II ",,~r', 'N (GXJ> , 1(~ ;~~oa --- -' , ,kl,ç((j)(j ,;6,ü_..<l. Rindlisbacher Print A Print by Renowned Canadian Marine Artist Peter Rindlisbacher featuring the Pearce Family landing in 1809 at Tryconnell, Upper Canada will be available as a limited edition of 1000, 10" x 15" prints. Pre-exhibition prints will sell for $25.00 each including GST. Post exhibition prints will sell for $35.00 each. The original painting will be unveiled during "Raids on the Talbot Settlement" re-enactment, May 24, 2003 at the Backus-Page House at Tryconnell. Be sure to order your commemorative print now! Do not send Cash Mail in this coupon For more information, call Nick Wells 786-3395 .---------------------------~ I . Please Pnnt I Name: I I Street: I City: I Postal Code: I Amt. Enclosed: Talbot Settlement Bi-Centennial Print Order Form Money Order I I I I I I I I Prov / State: Cheque I Please Mail to: The Talbot Settlement Society P.O. Box 20134 SI. Thomas, Ontario, N5P 4H4 ._--------------------------~ 29 1803 w)<alWeRe';'oin 2003 Take notice... THE BRITISH ARE COMING! MAY 24,25, 2003 To rescue, protect and defend the loyal inhabitants of the Talbot Settlement from advancing hostile troops. Corne and be part of a JlLIVING HISTORY" event as British Regulars and Militia meet their American adversaries in "THE RAIDS ON THE TALBOT SETTLEMENT" a re-enactment of what might have happened throughout the settlement in 1814. ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ~ÁÁÁÁÁÁ~ÁÁ~~ÁÁ~ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ~ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ~~ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ~ÁÅÅÁ~~~ Sat. May 24, 20æ, 11 a.m. @ Backus-Page House, Tyrconnell Sat. May 24, 2003 2:30 p.m. @ Old St. Thomas, Talbot Street West Sun. May 25, 2003, 11 a.m. @ Backus-Page House, Tyrconnell Sun. May 25, 2003, 2:30 p.m. @ Port Stanley, Little Beach ~ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ~~ÁÁÁ~~~~ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ~~~~~~~ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ~Á~~~~~ÁÁÁÁÁ~~~~~~~~~~Å~~~ÁÁ~~~ÅÁÁ~Á~*~ÁÁÁ This LIVING HISTORY EVENT is brought to you by the Talbot Settlement 2003 Bi-centennial Committee FOR MORE INFO CONTACT 519-631-9194 30 The Talbot Settlement Society P. 0.. Box 20134 St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 4H4 MAR 2L', 2003 N.OA.II. I~lf'.'- .,~!¡~.., L~~~!"'-- .~~-,-j 1'14'rn!U,.t;~.·~V¡!rm-m~ ;:nl>·NS¡;:2¡j;i·V:A'Tl'OIN 'C'litll!! UPPER THAMES RIVER ~ THE 4th ANNUAL THAMES RIVER CLEAN UP We would like to invite you to participate in The 4th Annual Thames River Clean Up. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever! All registered participants will be eligible to win a brand new kayak donated by Nova Craft Canoe! During the past three years, many environmentally concerned volunteers, landowners, clubs, organizations and municipalities have all pulled together during Earth Week to help clean up portions ofthe Thames River. Last year 1,300 volunteers were able to clean up 140 Ian of the Thames River and tributaries. This year, the Thames River Clean Up will happen on Saturday, May 3. We are hoping to expand our efforts to clean up 200 Ian with 2,000 volunteers. We are also offering secondary students a Certificate of Community Service hours toward their diploma. Thanks to the financial support given to us by our community partners, the Thames River Clean Up committee will provide all volunteers with garbage bags and work gloves. Also, the flrst 1,000 volunteers will receive complimentary earth bags. We hope that many of the volunteers will adopt a section of river and continue to care for it year round. If you want to get involved: . Register with Mary Sloan, Volunteer Coordinator, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority at (519) 451-2800 ex!. 277, sloanm@thamesriver.on.ca Please also complete the enclosed registration form., If you require additional copies of the registration form, please contact Mary Sloan or print a copy from the U1RCA website at www.thamesriver.on.ca If you would like to show your appreciation for our Canadian Heritage River and participate in our efforts to help make the Thames a cleaner and healthier waterway, come out and clean up your favourite part of the Thames River. For more information, please contact, Jeff Hill with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority at (519) 451-2800 ex!. 258, hillj@thamesriver.on.ca or Todd Sleeper at (519) 229-6926. Yours truly, '7cØc1 ~~ Todd Sleeper, President II rLrl"TftoMOTlur_ The NOAH Conservation Club ~J ~"'. ft, l!f /1;. The Thames, A Canadian Heritage River · ~!~!Ml ~AMI~ l1;~' ~ ~ OO~ ~~~t~m~ 'l~~J~~ Canada ~ ..- ~ . .,........ ~. :'....... ,. ,.. - . . ":...-. . .. . . .' . '. - NOVA CUFf UNIIE 31 Thames River Clean Up 2003 Volunteer Registration: Thank you for volunteering to participate in the "4th Annual Thames River Clean Up and Adopt a River" initiative. Your continued effort and support have helped to make this a very successful program. Volunteers can start cleaning up a new section of the Thames or join a group already organized in their area. Filling out the registration form below will enable us to: · ensure you receive gloves and garbage bags measure our success in terms of number of volunteers and distance cleaned up enter your name in the draw for the kayak · · Please Remember: · stay away from the water · do not attempt to clean up any sections with steep banks · wear protective clothing (i.e. safety boots, gloves) · do not attempt to remove heavy or dangerous items - (call us for help) · do not cross private property without permission :Please fill in your information below and submit the completed registration form to the community coordinator at your clean up site on the day of the event (if joining an organized clean up). If you are not joining an organized clean up and are planning your own clean up, please submit your registration form to Mary Sloan at the UTRCA, 1424 Clarke Rd., London, ON, N5V 5B9. For more information contact: Todd Sleeper, President, NOAH CC, (519) 229-6926 Mary Sloan, Volunteer Coordinator, UTRCA (519) 451-2800 Ext 277 sloanm@thamesriver.on.ca .---------------.----------------------------------.-----------------------------------------------------------.----------------- Thames River Clean up 2003 Registration and Ballot Name: Club/OrganizationlEmployer: Address: City: Postal Code: Telephone: Section of river/stream you anticipate cleaning up: Signature of Volunteer: Signature of Parent or Guardian (if under 18): 32 Sunoco Earth Day 2003 Sunday, April 27 , 11 :00 am - 3:00 pm Greenway Park, London What's Happening? ~ Tree Planting ~ Hayrides ~ Nature Crafts ~ Official Welcome - 11:45am ~ Wildlife Puppet Shows ~ Tree Clinics with Dr. Tree ~ Giant Caterpillar ~ Canadian Raptor Conservancy ~ Species at Risk Display For Information Contact: Jeff Hill at 451-2800 ext. 258 hilli@thamesriver.on.ca Location: Greenway Park is located off Springbank Drive between Wharncliffe Road and Wonderland Road. Watch for the Sunoco Earth Day Signs. Follow Greenside Drive to the event site. ".-;,:~;:.;:.:::::::-----:>.:-.. .--:/ )L~~~~~ò:o~~;Zß ¡ r,\ _'~~"~-Je'(S /.;::::;;!::3-~:;;/ . P'" II \~ ¡il!/ ">'~1 I í/ =~t/ Jß ¡1 "."y/' if (, 11 / /1 c._'":';:""'~~'·'"· ,;~ //& 1/ "'0 /,/,/& /f 1::: !Î .g íi c: /1.# ,\ II ,,\ ë'''''"\'' ~K~\, '(" <0 1%}~ Greenway \\ \,,'f". P k ..- M"-"''''' ''\\"..,~)~ ar .__/:O:''''r~-"'\.' .,:;><"1 '\~ ,\" p-p" @fi \~r\ C~<~~) /:~/<'yf i' \, l' I' N' "..7 ì\."0 i\ \\ \\ ~ ,.þ{/, ''\ {4ri¡- ~ L/' /'¡:-- GreenSid~ 1t, \\ \( ""ç~" Drive , \\ \\ ",y' Å~e ~ ,~, \~ )??' Q'" II \L/? ~'è-~'f- 4/.~Q) __//c::.ç1,,~ .4":::''' - .g;; N A Admission is free, courtesy of The Suncor Energy Foundation SUN COR ENERGY FOUNDATION UPPER THAMES RIVER EARTHDAr CANADA - 33 ~ Ontario LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY MAR 21 2003 ToronIo Office: Frost Bldg. South, 7th Roor 7 Queen's Park Cres. ToronIO, ON M7 A 1 Y7 Tel. (416) 325-5747 Fax (416) 325-5750 Constituency Office: 12 Pell1/SI. Woodstock, Onlario N4S3C2 Tel. (519) 537-5222 Fax (519) 537-3577 ERNIE HARDEMAN, M.P.P. Oxford March 20, 2003 John R. Wilson Warden County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5VI J ð^Þ-- Dear~n: In light of the ongoing concern regarding the composition of the Thames Valley District School Board and its ability to address the needs of rural schools, I have met with the Honourable Elizabeth Witmer, Minister of Education, to discuss this issue. Further to those discussions I have written to Minister Witmer requesting that she arrange for a review as requested by your Council and the County of Oxford. A copy of my letter is enclosed for your infonnation. mie Hardeman MPP Oxford Encl. 34 o ~ Ontario LEGISLAllVE ASSEMBLY -- ERNIE HARDEMAN, M.P.P. Oxford Toronto OffIce: Frost Bldg SOUth, 7th Aoot 7 Queen's Park úes. Toronto, ON M7A lY7 Tel. (416) 325·5747 Fax (416) 325·5750 ConstitUency Dffice: 12 PenySl Woodstock, Ontalio N4S 3C2 Tel. (519) 537-5222 Fax (519) 537-3577 March 20, 2003 Hon. Elizabeth Witmer Minister of Education 900 Bay Street Mowat Block, 22nd Floor Toronto, Ontario M7A IL2 -- - --- ------------------------- ---------- ------------------- -- -- ----- ----- Dear Minister Witmer: In follow up to our meeting and discussion, I am writing to you concerning the request for a review of the existing jurisdiction of the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB). As you are aware, two counties within the area governed by the TVDSB have expressed serious concerns regarding the Board's ability to address the differences inherent in the delivery of education to students at rural and urban schools. Please find enclosed a copy of a letter from the County of Oxford dated January 29,2003 indicating its support for a resolution of the County of Elgin requesting a review of the composition of the Tv uSB. It is noteà that the County of Oxford wrote to you on this matter on January 29, 2003. Minister, Elgin County's resolution cites many valid concerns. Recognizing that efforts have been made by the TVDSB to address these issues and that statistics provided by the Board appear to substantiate its position, I must point out that concern remains that students attending rural schools are being shortchanged. Because of this ongoing concern, I do support the request of the Counties of Oxford and Elgin and would ask that you consider appointing someone to review the composition of the 35 o "-- -- .- ...., .~-.,-~-".~_.-:.~ -,---. _._~ 'Y"" ___ ~_'. '" - '_..~-.".-'~'-~ ..-. --0< TVDSB to ensure that the Board is able to adequately address the unique needs of students in rural schools. Thank you for your consideration and for your response. z' . file Hardeman MPP Oxford Encl. cc. Dave Oliphant, Warden, County of Oxford John Wilson, Warden, County of Elgin 36 _ ,_, _u ._~. . , MFOA MUNICIPAL FINANCE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO ~~MFOA f";"" B'ra"··rt<l'·'·E'tÜI¿~~I·"·"'.¡'Í"1;'i~t\~ < _.~ .","i',f .:' i(\"r~ .. " ;!; .. ,.:"?' 3,{~;-:/: . .... '. ":-".;;;' ~'-:-'-;i 'To MFOA Members . . Marcho'27;i2003' "~ '-, ;;¡:~ ;.,:l:'_\)',&}L~:,;~ti~E'i ;i~~~ :.;. 2003 Provincial Budget 3 Pages 200:1 PROVINCIAL BUDGET OVERVIEW · Finance Minister Janet Ecker today delivered the 2003 Provincial Budget. This is the government's fifth balanced budget in succession, "and is able to address the needs in key sectors such as health care, schools, post secondary education and the environment". · Health Care spending is to increase $1.9 billion over the 2002-03 level of $26.2 billion to $28.1 billion in 2003-04. · $450 million residential education property tax credit to seniors. · $400 million increase to support long tenn care facilities. 20,000 new beds by 2004 and an additional 16,000 beds renovated to standard. · Direct transfers from the Province and education property tax revenues increased $1.7 billion in 2002-03 to $14.8 billion. That transfer is expected to be $15.3 billion in 2003-04. Education property tax growth is expected to be modest and accordingly these enhancements are to be funded primarily by direct transfers from the Province. MORE TAX CUTS · Proposed tax credit to reimburse seniors for the full cost of their residential education property tax. · Proþosal to lower provincial surtax income threshold to $75,000, eliminating that tax for 70,000 taxpayers and reducing the burden for those still subject to the surtax. · The completion of the 20% personal income tax cut will come into effect on January 1,2004. Bulletin - Provincial Budget - March 17, 2003 Municipal Finance Officers' Association of Ontario 512 King Street East, Suite 306, Toronto, ON, M5A IMI Phone: (416) 362-9001 Fax: (416) 362-9226 On the Web: http://www.mfoa.on.ca Page 1 of3 38 FISCAL OVERVIEW · The interim res¡¡lts for 2002-03 show a provincial surplus of $524 million. ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Economic Outlook at a Glance Real GDP Growth(%) 2001 1.5 2002 2003 2004 3.8 3.0 3.6 6,068 up to 6,280 up to 6,500 7.1 6.3 - 6.5 5.5-6.0 2.0 3.0 2.0 Employment (ODD's) 5,963 Unemployment Rate (%) 6.3 " CPllnflation (%) 3.1 Source: Ontario Budget 2003 p. 5, · Real disposable income projected to increase by 3.5 % this year and 4.5% in 2004. · An additionat t60,000 housing starts are expected over the next two years. MUNICIPAL HIGHLIGHTS Education Property Tax Credited Back to Seniors · Education property billed to seniors, either thro¡¡gh home ownership or as tenants, will be credited back to them on an application basis starting in respect of their property tax July I, 2003. · Provincial staff suggest that this program is a substitute for the second half of the 20% residential education tax cut, 10% of which was delivered in 1999 and 10% of which was to be delivered in 2004. · Municipalities will not receive that tax room on the residential taxation levy for 2004. Municipalities that had made taxation projections into the future based on that assumption will need to revisit those allocation plans. Additional $250 million to $750 million investment in Safe Drinking Water over next 3 years · That commitment includes $200 million to help municipalities meet tough new drinking water quality standards. Bulletin - Provincial Bndget - March 17, 2003 Municipal Finance Officers'· Association of Ontario 512 King Street East, Suite 306, Toronto, ON, M5A 1M I Phone: (416) 362-9001 Fax: (416) 362-9226 On the Web: http://www.mfoa.on.ca Page 2 of3 39 Assessment and Taxation Issues · The intention is to allow municipalities beginning in the 2003 tax year, to lower the managed forest tax ratio now set at 0.25%, similar to the recent amendments to the fann class ratio. · Marcel Beaubien has been appointed to review the implementation of the three year rolling average reassessment plan, that was to commence with the 2005 assessment cycle for 2006 taxation. This review would also consider the existing property tax mitigation tools. An amendment to the Assessment Act is proposed to defer the currently legislated implementation of the three year rolling average assessment plan. If the three year rolling average plan were to be continned, an 18 month notice period is to be proposed with respect to the implementation. · The Provincial government intends to open a dialogue with taxpayers, municipalities and MP AC to identify policies, procedures and standards that could be implemented to enhance the quality of assessment service delivery. An amendment to the Assessment Act is proposed in the interim, allowing the Minister of Finance to prescribe additional infonnation to be provided with the return of the assessment roll. · Licensed rooming houses, beginning in 2003, will be included in the residential property class as opposed to the multi-residential property class. · It would appear that a number of amendments with respect to property assessment and taxation are being considered contrary to repeated municipal requests concerning the retroactive application of such changes. Additional Municipal Highlights · An 18% increase in funding for municipalities by 2005"06 over 2002-03 levels representing an /1 additional $106 million over the tenn. ¡I · Continnation of: o $1 billion OMEIFA start up capital o $3.25 billion over ten years for the Provincial Transit Investment Plan o $1 billion through SuperBuild ihis year for the Province's highway system · A recognition that improved transit service in the GT A and beyond requires additional improvement. A Central Ontario Transit Authority will be created to accomplish this objective. The 2003 Budget is available on the internet at: http://www.gov.on.ca/FINlbud02e/mirror.htm For more information contact: Tom Bradbury Policy Advisor, MFOA 416-362-9001 x 222 Email: tom@mfoa.on.ca Bulletin - Provincial Budget- March 17, 2003 Municipal Finance Officers Association of Ontario 512 King Street East, Suite 306, Toronto, ON, M5A 1Ml Phone: (416) 362-9001 Fax: (416) 362-9226 On the Web: http://www.mfoa.on.ca Page 3 of3 40 (ITlp;~ ¿Ilf[unicipmit~ nf ;iIDlest ~Igin March 28th, 2003 MAR 8 ~ 2003 County of Elgin, 450 Sunset Drive, ST. THOMAS, Ontario N5R 5V1 Attn: Clayton Watters Dear Sir: RE: PETITION Concerns about the south-west corner of the intersection of Downie Line and Furnival Road have been brought to the attention of the Council of the Municipality of West Elgin. We request that County Council look at this intersection at the upcoming road tour and the County Engineer investigate parking restrictions at this intersection. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information. Yours truly, .~ ~ß~;rNX Norma I. Bryant, HonBA, AMCT Clerk 41 224] 3 Hoskins Une, Box 490, Rodney, Ontario NOL 2CO Tel: (5] 9) 785-0560 Fax: (5] 9) 785-0644 Apr. I. 2003 9:23AM TOWN OF AYLMER No.4717 p, 1 TOWN OF AYLMER 46 Talbot StJ:eet, West, Aylmer, Ontario N5H 1J7 Office: (519) 773-3164 Fax: (519) 765-1446 Admin;.tTatian: Wendell G1-aves - AdmlntBtralar . Phyllis Kelchabaw . Clerk April 1, 2003. Parkside Collegiate Institute, 241 Sunset Drive, ST, THOMAS, ON NSR 3C2 ATTENTION: Mr. Scott Howard Dear Sir: RE: School to Work Transition Program The Council of the Town of Aylmer, at its March 24th, 2003, Council Meeting, passed the following resolution: "That Aylmer Town Council endorse the resolution of the County of Elgin that supports the "School to Work Transition Program", and t:hat a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Thames Valley District School Board. MPP Steven Peters. Park.ide Collegiate Institute and Elgin County Council." We hope you are successful in your quest for grant funding for this very important program for the youth of our communities. Yours truly, I~~ ~~ cli1. PhylliJ Ketchabaw c.c. Thames Valley District School Board MPP Steven Peters Elgin County Council 42 The Corporation of the :Municipaatg of Centra[ C£[gin 450 Sunset Drive, 1 st Floor, SI. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 Ph.519·631-4860 Fax 519'631-4036 March 25th, 2003 Sandra J. Heffren Deputy Clerk County of Elgin 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas, Ontario N5R 5V1 MAR 27 2003 Dear Ms. Heffren: Re: School to Work Transition Program Please be advised that Council discussed the above referenced matter at their meeting of Monday, March 24th, 2003 and the following resolution was passed: THAT: Correspondence received from Sandra J. Heffren, Deputy Clerk, County of Elgin seeking Council's support for the "School to Work Transition Program" be endorsed. CARRIED. If you have any questions with respect to this information, please feel free to contact me at the municipal office. Yours truly, ~~ Dianne Wilson Deputy Clerk 43 COUNTY OF ELGIN By-Law No. 03-14 "BEING A BY-LAW TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE 2003 BUDGET OF THE CORPORATION OF THE COUNTY OF ELGIN AND TO ESTABLISH THE 2003 TAX RATIOS. AND TO ESTABLISH THE 2003 TAX RATES FOR THE COUNTY CONSTITUENT MUNICIPALITIES" WHEREAS Section 289 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, provides that the Council of each upper-tier municipality shall in each year prepare and adopt estimates of all sums required durin9 the year for the purposes of the upper-tier municipality; and WHEREAS Section 308(5) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, provides that the Council of an upper-tier municipality shall in each year establish the tax ratios for that year for the upper-tier municipality and its lower-tier municipalities; and WHEREAS Section 308(7) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, provides that the Council of each upper-tier municipality establish for each property class, a single tax ratio for the upper-tier municipality and its lower-tier municipalities; and, WHEREAS Section 308(15-18) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, provides that the Council of each upper-tier municipality may opt to have certain optional property classes apply within the County. NOW THEREFORE the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin enacts as follows: 1. . That the 2003 tax ratios for the County of Elgin set out on Schedule "A", attached hereto and forming part of this by-law, be approved and adopted by Council. 2. That the 2003 budget of the County of Elgin set out on Schedule "B", attached hereto and forming part of this by-law, which incorporates estimates for revenue and for expenditures be approved and adopted by Council. 3. That the 2003 tax rates for the assessment in each property class set out in Schedule "C", attached hereto and forming part of this by-law, be approved and adopted by Council. 4. That the large industrial class be chosen as an optional property class. READ a first and second time this 8th day of April 2003. READ a third time and finally passed this 8th day of April 2003. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. John R. Wilson, Warden. 44 NOTICE DATE: April 1, 2003 FROM: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING OF ELGIN COUNTY COUNCIL The ELGIN COUNTY COUNCIL will meet at the Administration Building, 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, on: TUESDAY, APRIL 8. 2003 AT 1 :00 P.M. M.G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. Administrative Services Department Administration Buildìng 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5R 5V1 Phone: (519) 631-1460 Ext. Fax: (519) 633-7661 County of Elgin Fax To: Fax: Phone: Re: Al'tflL. !? /03 / CoUJ.../C-/L- NOTIC¡¿ From: Date: Pages: cc: Administrative SelVices (~t/~ //t/S 2 ' PRESS SEE BELOW o Urgent X For Review o Please Comment o Please Reply o Please Recycle ·Comments: TO: Aylmer Express 773-.3147 London Free Press 667-4528 St. Thomas Times-Joumal A TTN: Scott Hilgendorff 631-5653 519-768-2221 The West Elgin Chronide ATTN: Keith Peever THE [NFORMATlON [N THIS FACSIMILE IS INTENDED FOR THE NAMED RECIPIENT ONLY. IT MAY CONTA[N INFORMATION THAT [S PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER APPUCABLE LAW. [F THE READER OF THIS MESSAGE IS NOT THE [NTENDED RECIPIENT. OR RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING THE MESSAGE TO THE INTENOED RECIPIENT, ANY DISSEMINATION, D[STRIBUTION OR COPYING OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS STR[CTLY PROH[BITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION [N ERROR, OR THERE ARE ANY PROBLEMS IN TRANSMISSION. PLEASE NOTIFY US BY TELEPHONE. Board Trustees . . to request review to determine if structure reflects . Issues rural more positive come. David Oliphant, warden of Oxford County council, said he is looking forward to meeting with trustees. "I think it is really refresh- ing to hear that they are willing to speak to the two councils," said Oliphant. "It's a step in the right direc- tion." , In the past, the board has only corresponded with municipalities through let- to things CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Trustees also agreed to send a letter to the Minister of Education requesting a third party review be done on all boards which amalga- mated in 1998, including Thames Valley. The purpose of the review is to determine whether the structure of the board reflects rural issues. However, the towards ters. "We need to do a better job of communicating with stakeholders such as county council," said Graham Hart, Oxford trustee who helped put forward the motion. In fact, Hart said he would like the' board to eventually hold public meetings whenever a rural issue pops up. "The concerns over rural frustration has highlighted the need for trustees to be closer to understanding what is going on in the local communities. Especially with the accommodation studies, we need to listen to community concerns. It also helps me as an Oxford trustee if London trustees hear it directly from the community rather than just me." Although Elgin County's request for a review of the board was rejected recently by the Minister of Education, Wilson said he is hoping she will take it more seriously once the board's request arrives. "I was disappointed ini- tially when the minister didn't intend to review the board, but maybe when she gets the request from Thames Valley for a review she will realize she should have considered it in the first place." move attention on rura. switch from what came out of their last board meeting in February. Trustees were presented with a resolution passed by both Elgin and Oxford county councils, which pro- posed the school board divide along rural and urban lines and also requested a review of the board. Rather than discuss ways to deal with rural concerns, trustees responded by "reconfirming their com- mitment to the existing board." John Wilson, Warden of Elgin County council who initiated the resolution, said he is happy the board is finally being co-operative. "It is nice they decided to go ahead with the meet- ings," said Wilson. "It is het- ter late than never. Sometimes when a group is so far removed from the local scene, they become less accountable. This is a good exercise in democracy at work." He added the trustees' move to set up meetings is the first step in creating equal representation within the board and the board's recent decision to keep Sweaburg Public School, a small rural school near Woodstock, open is a sign of board's focusing areas is a Public trustees take note of rural . Issues SCHOOL BOARD CHANGES ITS MIND, ACKNOWLEDGES RURAL CONCERNS By Deirdre Healey STAFF WRITER LONDON - The. Thames Valley District School Board showed a change of heart by deciding to sit down at the table with rural council mem- bers to discuss how rural and urban needs can coexist with- in the board. Trustees voted in favour of setting up meetings with Oxford and Elgin county councils to discuss rural con- cerns at Tuesday's board meeting. "I support the public sphere," said Peter Jaffe, London trustee. "I want to remove any of the uncertainty that parents have and I want them to know we are doing our very best." With rural communities feeling brushed aside by the board, Stewart Deller, Oxford trustee, said the meetings between trustees and COllUM cillors would help send "a message to the public." "We need the public tb know the board is working with concerns from both rural and urban areas and as a team, we can come up with a healthy balance." See "TRUSTEES" on page 2 \ IMPORT ANT NOTICE A tour of Terrace Lodge has been arranged for Council commencing at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 8th, 2003 (prior to the County Council meeting). The goal of the tour is to view first hand some of the items mentioned in the recent compliance audit and to review other matters of interest. Coffee and donuts will be served at 10:00 a.m., followed by a tour. Council will then be asked to return to the County Administration Building for a pizza lunch, just prior to the 1 :00 o'clock Council meeting. Please let Donna know if you cannot attend. We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday morning at Terrace Lodge. Mark . d, Chief Administrative Officer. cc Management Team