THE CORPORATION OF THE

TOWN OF GEORGINA

Council Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
-
Location:
Town of Georgina Civic Centre
26557 Civic Centre Rd.
Keswick, ON
Members of Council Present:
  • Mayor Margaret Quirk
  • Regional Councillor Davison
  • Councillor Biggerstaff
  • Councillor Fellini
  • Councillor Neeson
  • Councillor Genge
  • Councillor Dale
Staff Present:
  • Ryan Cronsberry, CAO
  • Denis Beaulieu, Director of Development Services
  • Steve Lee-Young, Director of Community Services
  • Michael Bigioni, Director of Legislative Services, Town Solicitor
  • Ron Jenkins, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief
  • Rob Wheater, Deputy CAO/Treasurer
  • Shawn Nastke, Director, Strategic Initiatives
  • Michael Vos, Director of Operations and Infrastructure
  • Rachel Dillabough, Town Clerk
  • Mamata Baykar, Deputy Clerk
  • Carolyn Lance, Council Services Coordinator
  • Cheyenne McAnuff, Records and Information Coordinator
  • Alan Drozd, Manager of Planning Policy
  • Anne Winstanley, Supervisor, Communications
  • Karyn Stone, Manager, Economic Development & Tourism
  • Stirling Munro, Manager of Procurement
  • Tanya Thompson, Communications Manager
Others Present:
  • Lorianne Zwicker, Deputy Fire Chief

    Katelyn Moore, Multimedia Communications Specialist

    Cristina Liu, Marketing and Promotions Coordinator

    Melissa Moss, Graphic Designer

    Tanya Mina, Communications Manager

     


“The Town of Georgina recognizes and acknowledges that we are on lands originally used and occupied by the First Peoples of the Williams Treaties First Nations and other Indigenous Peoples, and on behalf of Mayor and Council, we would like to thank them for sharing this land.  We would also like to acknowledge the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation as our close neighbour and friend, one with which we strive to build a cooperative and respectful relationship.


We also recognize the unique relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this territory.  They are the water protectors and environmental stewards of these lands and we join them in these responsibilities.”

  • Mayor Quirk requested thoughts go to people impacted by the loss of a family member or friend by suicide

As noted above

Jennifer Yapa, Animal Shelter Supervisor, introduced Holly from Grassroots Canine, a dog trainer who volunteers at the shelter, and Snow, an approximately 2-year-old female husky looking for her forever home.

  • Appreciation expressed to Bill Trainor for organizing Lighthouse Concert held last weekend in support of Hospice
  • Saturday, April 13th, Elaine and Debbie's Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, 6:00pm at the Sutton Legion in support of Georgina Food Pantry
  • Saturday, April 20th, Georgina Centre for Arts and Culture, Live and Silent Art Auction at the Link, $75 tickets, GCAC.ca for additional information
  • April is Autism Awareness Month
  • Item No. 11.1.h, Report No. DS-2024-0005, Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendment applications
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0099
    Moved ByCouncillor Neeson
    Seconded ByCouncillor Fellini

    That the April 10, 2024 Council agenda, with the following addendum item, be adopted;

    • Item No. 11.1.h, Report No. DS-2024-0005, Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendment applications


    Carried

Councillor Genge declared an interest in Item 12.2.b(b), Economic, Culture and Community Betterment Grants, as it pertains to the Georgina Centre for Arts and Culture 'Live and Silent Auction' event because her son is an employee of the Centre.

  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0100
    Moved ByCouncillor Dale
    Seconded ByCouncillor Neeson

    That the following sets of minutes be adopted with amendments as noted:



Page 12;

-Councillor Genge clarified that her name is to be removed from the bylaw as a Council representative as her son works at the Centre, she is still a member on the board.

-add wording 'Councillor Genge indicated she will be voting against the following motion as she feels the Georgina Appeals Committee should be comprised of residents, not Council Members'

Chuck Thibeault, Central Counties Tourism, provided a presentation regarding the importance of the visitor economy on the vibrancy of Georgina, indicating that embracing tourism helps communities retain and grow current businesses, attracts new residents and new businesses.

Michael Garvey, 195 Cameron Crescent, advised that Cameron Crescent is a quiet street with little traffic and he wants it to stay that way.

Jim Hougham, 223 Cameron Crescent stated he is concerned with the number of vehicles that will be travelling along Cameron Crescent resulting based on the proposed number of units in the development, noting that the developer had originally agreed to a cul-de-sac to mitigate traffic generated by the development.  The 2023 Keswick Secondary Plan indicates six stories maximum which should be adhered to.

Kelly Wood, 220 Cameron Crescent, believes the proposed building height should be reduced to the maximum six stories permitted in the Keswick Secondary Plan and is opposed to the amount of traffic that will be generated by the development as well as a the noise associated with a 390-vehicle open parking garage in close proximity to Cameron Crescent.

Mayor Quirk moved forward Addendum Report DS-2024-19, Item No. 11.1.h for discussion.

  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0101
    Moved ByCouncillor Fellini
    Seconded ByCouncillor Genge

    That Council receive the presentation provided by Chuck Thibeault of Central Counties Tourism regarding the importance of the visitor economy on the vibrancy of Georgina.



    Carried
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0102
    Moved ByCouncillor Fellini
    Seconded ByCouncillor Biggerstaff

    That Council receive the delegations provided by residents concerning Addendum Item No. 11.1.h, Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendment applications, 2833367 Ontario Ltd., 232 Cameron Crescent, Keswick.



    Carried

11.

 

1.
Adoption Of Reports Not Requiring Separate Discussion

  

2833367 ONTARIO LTD.


Lots 1 to 15, Block A and Doreda Drive, Plan 447 and Lot 5 and Part Lots 6 and 8, Plan 170, 232 Cameron Crescent, Keswick, File Nos 02.207 and 03.1180


AGENT:  Cortel Group (c/o Elena Teryohin)


Report No. DS-2024-0019

Kevin Bechard of IPA Consulting for Cortel Group and Michael Barton, Planner, requested Council approve Recommendation 2 of the report, approving the requested Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendment applications based on (i) determination of development density, (ii) current and historic proposals on the site, (iii) Official Plan consistency dealing with the Keswick Secondary Plan and (iv) urban design matters

Moved by Councillor Fellini

Seconded by Councillor Biggerstaff

RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0102

That Council receive the delegations provided by Kevin Bechard and Michael Barton concerning Report No. DS-2024-0019.

Carried

Alan Drozd reviewed the process with the application;

  • wide variety of concerns with original application included environmental protection, traffic, height, massing, urban design, impact on neighbourhoods and compatibility
  • staff recommend refusal of the application as no significant changes have been made in the application; current variety of concerns include physical massing and height of the building, impact on adjacent neighbourhoods, impact on the ground of the development, creation of a safe and constructive environment, traffic, lack of cul-de-sac, lack of adequate allocation

Denis Beaulieu;

  • original development contemplated two buildings connected by a one-storey podium while the revised proposal connects the two buildings into one larger building, adding a tower, expanding the footprint on the south side through above-grade parking, expanding upon original building envelope and shifting the development closer to Cameron Crescent, thereby creating other concerns
  • the number of dwelling units exceeds existing policy framework in existing Keswick Secondary Plan, staff are not prepared to approve the proposal in this form due to issues highlighted in report and unable to resolve to date
  • reviewed the Ontario Land Tribunal process if decision is appealed

Moved by Regional Councillor Davison

Seconded by Councillor Biggerstaff

That Council waive the Rules of Procedure to permit Jim Hougham to address Council

Carried

Jim Hougham inquired if the Chippewas of Georgina Island were included in this application, inquired what the measurement radius is for automatic notification and suggested staff investigate the number of communities similar in size to Georgina that have permitted construction of 20-storey buildings; he found none and found no cities with developments approaching 14 stories in height, let alone 20 stories.

Denis Beaulieu;

  • original notice of public meeting was distributed to all statutory land owners within 120 metres of the boundary of the subject property; notices of decision will be circulated to anyone who has requested to be notified
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0103
    Moved ByCouncillor Genge
    Seconded ByCouncillor Fellini
    1. That Council receive Report No. DS-2024-0019, prepared by the Development Planning Division, Development Services Department dated April 10, 2024, respecting Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications submitted by Innovative Planning Solutions on behalf of 2833367 Ontario Ltd., for the property municipally addressed as 232 Cameron Crescent, Keswick and legally described as Lots 1 to 15, Block A and Doreda Drive, Plan 447, and Lot 5 and Part of Lots 6 and 8, Plan 170;
    2. That Council refuse the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications as submitted by Innovative Planning Solutions on behalf of 2833367 Ontario Ltd., which seek approval to facilitate the construction of a mixed use, high density development comprised of an apartment building with a height of up to 20 storeys and 380 dwelling units, and a commercial building with a height of 2 storeys and 808 square metres of gross floor area; and,
    3. That in the event of an appeal(s) to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), Council direct the Town’s Solicitor, staff and/or consultants to appear at the OLT in support of Council’s position concerning the subject applications.

    VotersYEANAYAbstainConflict
    Mayor QuirkX
    Regional Councillor DavisonX
    Councillor FelliniX
    Councillor NeesonX
    Councillor GengeX
    Councillor BiggerstaffX
    Councillor DaleX
    Results7000


    Carried Unanimously (7 to 0)
  • Moved ByRegional Councillor Davison
    Seconded ByCouncillor Neeson

    That the Council meeting recess at 10:30am



    Carried

    The Council Members reconvened at 10:45am


  • Moved ByCouncillor Fellini
    Seconded ByCouncillor Dale

    That the following motions be adopted;



Report No. SI-2024-0006

  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0104
    1. That Council receive Report No. SI-2024-0006 prepared by the Economic Development and Tourism Division, Strategic Initiatives Department dated April 10, 2024, respecting the 2024 budget and the maximum levy for individual properties within the Sutton Business Improvement Area (BIA).
    2. That the by-law to increase the maximum levy from $500 to $750 for individual properties within the Sutton Business Improvement Area be adopted by Council.
    3. That the by-law to levy a charge and provide for the collection of a supplemental tax levy for properties within the Sutton Business Improvement Area be adopted by Council.


Report No. DCAO-2024-0004

  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0105
    1. That Council receive Report No. DCAO-2024-0004 prepared by the Financial Controllership and Reporting Division, Office of the Deputy CAO dated April 10, 2024 respecting the Investments – Annual Report.


Report No. DCAO-2024-0003

  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0106
    1. That Council receive Report No. DCAO-2024-0003 prepared by the Financial Strategy and Planning Division, Office of the Deputy CAO dated April 10, 2024 regarding the Statement of Development Charges and Special Accounts Collected for the 2023 Fiscal Year pursuant to the Development Charges Act, 1997 and the Planning Act, 2015 for information purposes.

       



Report No. CSD-2024-0005

  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0107
    1. That Council receive Report No. CSD-2024-0005, prepared by the Community Services Department regarding Georgina Bee City Designation. 
    2. That Council authorize staff to complete the online Bee City Canada Application for Georgina to be designated a Bee City. 
    3. That Council adopt a By-Law to complete the Bee City Canada Application for the Town of Georgina. 

       



    Carried

Report No. LS-2024-0010

  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0108
    Moved ByCouncillor Neeson
    Seconded ByCouncillor Dale
    1. That Council receive Report No. LS-2024-0010 prepared by the Municipal Law Enforcement Division, Legislative Services dated April 10th, 2024 respecting the appointment of Hearing Officers for the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS).

    2. That Council authorize staff to enter into an agreement with the Town of Newmarket to facilitate and conduct AMPS adjudication reviews pursuant to the Town of Georgina’s AMPS By-law No. 2022-0052 (REG-1), as amended.

    3. That Council appoint the Hearing Officers listed in this report, in compliance with the Town of Georgina Policy for the Appointment of Screening and Hearing Officers and Town of Georgina Screening and Hearing Officer By-law No. 2022-0053 (AD-1).


    Carried

Report No. SI-2024-0004

Cristina Liu, Economic Development and Tourism Division, provided a review of the Georgina Tourism and Wayfinding Strategy.

Council requests;

  • research logo signage on lighthouse
  • consider a component to include names of certain businesses on signage who would benefit from more exposure
  • consider signage on Hwy 48 directing traffic into downtown Sutton
  • marquee signs at destination waterfront parks to identify locations of restaurants, attractions, events
  • consider canoe drop at Adeline Park
  • consider icon for fishing at Adeline Park
  • consider installation of QRL codes in signage for messaging opportunities
  • converse with Province regarding Hwy 404 and 401 signage to identify East Gwillimbury and Georgina
  • include Pefferlaw Pump Track and Skatepark on signage
  • include North Gwillimbury Park as a destination park
  • staff to assist businesses to ensure they are included in Google searches
  • showcase Pefferlaw businesses
  • potential to expand wi-fi services to offer free wi-fi at beaches, Pefferlaw Pump Track and Skatepark
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0109
    Moved ByCouncillor Dale
    Seconded ByCouncillor Biggerstaff
    1. That Council receive Report No. SI-2024-0004 prepared by the Economic Development and Tourism Division, Strategic Initiatives Department dated April 10, 2024, respecting the proposed Georgina Tourism and Wayfinding Strategy.
    2. That Council endorse Attachment 1 of Report No. SI-2024-0004 as the Town’s Tourism and Wayfinding Strategy.


    Carried

Report No. SI-2024-0007

  • 'newspaper' as defined under the Legislation Act is circulation of at least weekly or less 
  • ensure printed notifications are available at locations throughout the Town; the policy has the flexibility to include additional printed forms/notifications
  • the proposed policy meets the legal requirement and provides flexibility; notices are distributed in alternate methods if possible
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0110
    Moved ByRegional Councillor Davison
    Seconded ByCouncillor Neeson

    1.    That Council receive Report No. SI-2024-0007 prepared by the Communications Division dated April 10, 2024 respecting communications highlights of 2023 and the 2023-2026 Communications Plan.

    2.    That Council approve the policy titled "Public Notice Policy."

    3.    That the Communications Division continues to provide updates on the Communications Plan on an annual basis.


    VotersYEANAYAbstainConflict
    Mayor QuirkX
    Regional Councillor DavisonX
    Councillor FelliniX
    Councillor NeesonX
    Councillor GengeX
    Councillor BiggerstaffX
    Councillor DaleX
    Results6100


    Carried (6 to 1)

General Information items (iv) and (vii) were requested to be removed for separate discussion; (iv) City of Brantford requesting the Federal Government to exclude home heading from federal carbon tax to reduce energy costs, and (vii) Town of Richmond Hill requesting the Federal Government work with municipalities to maintain the Canada Community-Building Fund as a source of long-term funding for local infrastructure priorities

  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0111
    Moved ByCouncillor Genge
    Seconded ByRegional Councillor Davison

    That Council receive correspondence from the City of Brantford and direct staff to provide draft correspondence directed to the Federal Government indicating support of item (a) that the Federal Government exclude home heating from the federal carbon tax to reduce the burden on citizens, and item (b) reinstate home energy retrofit rebate and grant programs, and amend item (c) to reflect York Region, and noting that 'home heating' includes oil, natural gas and propane.



    Carried
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0112
    Moved ByCouncillor Genge
    Seconded ByRegional Councillor Davison

    That Council receive correspondence from the Town of Richmond Hill regarding its position respecting federal infrastructure funding to support growth, and refer it to the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer to provide draft correspondence directed to the Federal Government containing Georgina statistics and impacts regarding the Canada Community-Building Fund, for Council's consideration.



    Carried
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0113
    Moved ByCouncillor Neeson
    Seconded ByCouncillor Fellini

    That Council receive the balance of General Information Items for the April 10, 2024 Council agenda.



    Carried
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0114
    Moved ByCouncillor Dale
    Seconded ByCouncillor Genge

    That Council received the staff 2024 Construction Update briefing note setting out the methods of communication of upcoming construction projects, their locations and potential impacts prior to commencement.



    Carried
  • Councillor Genge declared an interest in Item 12.2.b(b), Economic, Culture and Community Betterment Grants, as it pertains to the Georgina Centre for Arts and Culture 'Live and Silent Auction' event because her son is an employee of the Centre.  Councillor Genge did not participate in any discussion or vote on Item 12.2.b(b).

    RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0115
    Moved ByCouncillor Fellini
    Seconded ByRegional Councillor Davison

    That Council receive the staff briefing note advising of the approval of the following grants provided through the Economic, Culture and Community Betterment Grant process, Intake 1;

    • $750, Gardeners Association's Seedy Saturday event on March 23, 2024
    • $1,700, Forrest Jones Entertainment for the Jason McCoy Music event at Stephen Leacock Theater, March 28, 2024
    • $2,000, York Region Food Network for the Georgina Affordable Fresh Food Market, April 3 to December 18, 2024
    • $3,500, Pefferlaw Area Residents  for the Easter event, PAR Picnic and Tree Lighting event, March to December, 2024
    • $2,700, Discover Georgina Show at the Ice Palace, April 20- 21, 2024
    • $5,000, Endurance Events for the Georgina Spring Fling and Georgina Marathon events, March 5 and September 8, 2024, respectively
    • $3,000, York Region School Board, Boys A/AA OFSAA Field Lacrosse Festival, June 2-4, 2024
    • $2,000, Free Spirit Fest, June 22, 2024
    • $1,500, Connors Music for Music in the Streets at Pioneer Village, June 22, 2024
    • $3,500, Georgina Military Museum for Military Day, June 22, 2024
    • $1,100, Georgina Historical Society, Harvestfest at Pioneer Village, September 21, 2024
    • $3,000, Georgina Studio Tour, September 28-29, 2024
    • $2,500, Naturally Enchanted for the Georgina Mystic Fair at the Link, October 18, 2024


    Carried
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0116
    Moved ByCouncillor Fellini
    Seconded ByRegional Councillor Davison

    That Council receive the staff briefing note advising of the approval of the following grant provided through the Economic, Culture and Community Betterment Grant process, Intake 1;

    • $2,000, Georgina Centre for Arts and Culture for the Live and Silent Auction event, April 20, 2024


    Carried
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0117
    Moved ByCouncillor Dale
    Seconded ByCouncillor Neeson

    That Council receive the staff briefing note regarding the Parks Repair and Remediation Program, indicating the need for an agreement to be entered into between the Town of Georgina and the York Catholic District School Board at it relates to the ownership and maintenance of the Highcastle Park playground equipment and its replacement in 2025 in the amount of $125,000 under Capital Project No. 24-CI-CS-03.



    Carried
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0118
    Moved ByCouncillor Neeson
    Seconded ByRegional Councillor Davison

    That Council receive the staff briefing note providing a 2024 Grant Funding Update regarding items purchased with the Community Emergency Management Preparedness Grant of $49,824.00 and the Community Safety Skills Development for GFRS of $439,373.00.



    Carried
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0119
    Moved ByRegional Councillor Davison
    Seconded ByCouncillor Biggerstaff

    That Council receive the staff briefing note providing the progress to-date and expected next steps of the Joint Fire Fleet Review, in alignment with East Gwillimbury.



    Carried
  • VentureLab results, provided services to the Region
  • York Region 2024-2027 Child Care and Early Year Service System Plan
  • Development Activity Summary for nine York Region municipalities
  • Regional Planning staff report concerning the Provincial budget and impacts
  • toured newly acquired 80 hectare/200 acre property on Old Shiloh Rd, to be an addition to York Region Forest, public access areas, public tree-planting to follow, buildings to be removed, suggested the Region contact our staff to obtain historical information
  • Moved ByCouncillor Biggerstaff
    Seconded ByCouncillor Fellini

    That Council convene into Closed Session at 12:40pm to deal with the following matters:

    1. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, Section 239(2)(b), MA; Volunteer Award of Merit Nominees
    2. A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board, Section 239(2)(c), MA; Jackson's Point


    Carried
  • Moved ByCouncillor Biggerstaff
    Seconded ByCouncillor Dale

    That Council Members reconvene at 2:18pm and report on matters discussed in Closed Session.



    Carried
  • Councillor Genge declared a conflict on 17.1.a in the Community Team/Group Award Category; Councillor Genge was not present during that discussion.

    RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0120
    Moved ByCouncillor Fellini
    Seconded ByCouncillor Neeson

    In regard to Closed Session Item 17.1.a under Section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act being personal matters about an identifiable individual including municipal or local board employees, regarding the Volunteer Award of Merit Nominees;

    1. That staff be directed to proceed accordingly.


    Carried
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2024-0121
    Moved ByCouncillor Biggerstaff
    Seconded ByCouncillor Genge

    In regard to Closed Session Item 17.1.b under Section 239(2)(c) of the Municipal Act being a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board, regarding Jackson’s Point;

    1. That Council receive the update from staff and that staff be directed to proceed accordingly.


    Carried
  • Moved ByRegional Councillor Davison
    Seconded ByCouncillor Dale

    That the following bylaw be adopted;



  • Moved ByCouncillor Fellini
    Seconded ByCouncillor Biggerstaff

    That the meeting adjourn at 2:20pm



    Carried