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
  • Dan Buttineau, Director of Community Services
  • Ron Jenkins, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief
  • Val Stevens, Director, Library Services/CEO
  • Mamata Baykar, Deputy Clerk
  • Carolyn Lance, Council Services Coordinator
  • Alan Drozd, Manager of Planning Policy
  • Anne Winstanley, Supervisor, Communications
  • Janet Porter, Manager of Development Planning
  • Karyn Stone, Manager, Economic Development & Tourism
  • Michael Vos, Director of Operations and Infrastructure
  • Mike Hutchinson, Manager of Municipal Law Enforcement
  • Tanya Thompson, Communications Manager
  • Tim McClatchie, Manager of Facilities
  • Michael Bigioni, Director of Legislative Services, Town Solicitor
  • Michael Rozario, Deputy Fire Chief
  • Denis Beaulieu, Director of Development Services
Others Present:

  • Cheyenne Mcanuff, Records and Information Coordinator

    Olga Lawton, Manager, Corporate Strategy and Transformation

    Brittany Dobrindt, Planner I

    Tim Gallagher, Development Engineering Technologist

    Stefan Hordatt, Manager, Capital Projects, Strategic Initiatives

    Lorianne Zwicker, Deputy Fire Chief

    Lisa Andersen,Manager, Human Resources

1.
CALL TO ORDER- MOMENT OF MEDITATION

 

“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.”

2.
ROLL CALL

 

As noted above

3.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

 
  • February 15th is 'Canadian Ag Day' in recognition of Canadian agriculture and local farmers who provide our food
  • Saturday, February 11th, Snofest event was held at The ROC facility, well attended, appreciation expressed to staff and volunteers for all their hard work
  • Saturday, February 25th, PAR Annual Family Spaghetti Dinner at 6:00pm, $12/person, $20/couple, $5/child, funds raised for community events
  • Janet Porter introduced Brittany Dobrindt, Planner I, who joined the Development team on May 31, 2022

4.
INTRODUCTION OF ADDENDUM ITEM(S)

 
  • Item No. 11.1.e, Report No. SI-2023-0004 entitled 'Green and Inclusive Community Building Grant Program'
  • Item No. 17.1.a, Closed Session, Section 239(2)(c)

5.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2023-0087
    Moved ByCouncillor Biggerstaff
    Seconded ByCouncillor Dale

    That the February15, 2023 Council agenda, with the following addendum items, be adopted;

    • Item No. 11.1.e, Report No. SI-2023-0004 entitled 'Green and Inclusive Community Building Grant Program'
    • Item No. 17.1.a, Closed Session, Section 239(2)(c)


    Carried

6.
DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF

 

None

7.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES (None)

 

8.
SPEAKERS AND DELEGATIONS

 

1.
Tony Snider and Joyce Pangborn, Lake Simcoe Gardeners, inviting Council to join the club in celebrating its 50th Anniversary on February 27th

 

Tony Snider, 75 Lake Drive North, Keswick, current President of Lake Simcoe Gardeners provided a brief history of the society, indicating its 50th anniversary this year and requested Council members show their support and highlight the society's existence, its local programs, initiatives and contributions by becoming members as Council did in 1973, the society's inception.

Joyce Pangborn, 3 Oakmeadow Blvd, Keswick, noted that the society includes four of its original members, the society will be collecting for the local animal shelter and Shades of Hope Wildlife Sanctuary during its next meeting to be held on February 27th, 7pm at Keswick United Church.

  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2023-0088
    Moved ByCouncillor Biggerstaff
    Seconded ByCouncillor Neeson

    That Council receive the delegation provided by Tony Snider and Joyce Pangborn inviting Council to become members of the Lake Simcoe Gardeners, formerly the Lake Simcoe South Shore Horticultural Society, in celebration of its 50th Anniversary and refer it to Council through the CAO's office to participate in celebratory events throughout its 50th year.



    Carried

9.
PETITIONS

 

10.
PUBLIC MEETINGS (None)

 

11.
REPORTS

 

1.
Adoption Of Reports Not Requiring Separate Discussion

 
  • Moved ByCouncillor Genge
    Seconded ByCouncillor Fellini

    That the following reports be adopted;



a.
Assumption of Public Works and Services within the Christina Homes Subdivision

This item has attachments. 
1.Christina Homes Assumption Report.pdf
2.Attachment 1.pdf
3.Attachment 2.pdf

Plan of Subdivision 19T-95084, Parts 1-25, Reference Plan 65R-34543, Registered Plan 65M-4453 and Block 84, Registered Plan 65M-4268


Phase 1, Part of Lot 18, Concession 9 (NG), Registered Plan 65M-4268


Report No. DS-2023-0012

  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2023-0089

    1.    That Council receive Report No. DS-2023-0012 prepared by the Development Engineering Division, Development Services 
    Department, dated February 15, 2023 respecting subdivision 
    assumption of public works and services within the Christina Homes Subdivision, Plan of Subdivision 19T-95084, Parts 1 To 25, Reference Plan 65R-34543, Registered Plan 65M-4453 And Block 84, Registered Plan 65M-4268.

    2.    That Council enact a by-law to assume public works and services within the Christina Homes Subdivision.

    3.    That Schedule "A" to By-law 94-60 (PWO-2) be amended to 
    assume various roads within the Christina Homes Subdivision 
    on Registered Plan 65M-4453.



e.
Green and Inclusive Community Building Grant Program

This item has attachments. 
1.Green and Inclusive Community Building Grant Program.pdf

Report No. SI-2023-0004

  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2023-0090
    1. That Staff Report SI-2023-0004 regarding the Green and Inclusive Community Building Grant Program, dated February 15, 2023, be received;

       

    2. That Council direct staff to prepare and submit an application for funding in the amount deemed appropriate by the Chief Administrative Officer, in consultation with the energy audit consultant; and

       

    3. That Council approve a budget for the Sutton Arena Retrofit project up to $1,175,000, with up to $940,000 (80% of the project budget) to be paid by the grant program and up to $235,000 (20% of the project budget) to be funded by the Town through the facilities repair and replacement reserve, subject to grant approval.


    Carried

b.
Pigeons in Residential Areas

This item has attachments. 
1.Pigeons on Residential Lots.pdf
2.Combined Attachment Final.pdf

Report No. DS-2023-0011

  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2023-0091
    Moved ByCouncillor Dale
    Seconded ByCouncillor Fellini
    1. That Council receive Report No. DS-2023-0011 prepared by the Planning Policy Division, Development Services Department dated February 15, 2023 on Pigeons in Residential Areas.

       

    2. That Council authorize a public consultation process concerning the permissibility of Pigeons in Residential Areas as set out in Report No. DS-2023-0011.

       

    3. That Staff be directed to report on the results of the public consultation process and provide updated options and recommendations concerning the possible permissibility of Pigeons in Residential Areas.


    Carried

c.
Town of Georgina and Town of East Gwillimbury Joint Fire Services Assessment - Final Report

This item has attachments. 
1.Joint Fire Services Assessment(1).pdf
2.Attachment 1 - ESCI Final Report(1).pdf
3.Attachment 2 - Mercury Fire Fleet Review(1).pdf
4.Attachment 3 - Refreshed Fire Master Plan - Georgina(1).pdf

Report No. GFRS-2023-0001

Chief Jenkins provided a brief history of the Joint Fire and Emergency Services Assessment.

Chris Truty of Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI), Consultant, provided a powerpoint presentation to explain the project, directions and options considered and recommendations.

  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2023-0092
    Moved ByCouncillor Neeson
    Seconded ByCouncillor Genge

    1.That Staff Report GFRS-2023-0001 regarding the Joint Fire Services Assessment for Georgina Fire and Rescue Service and East Gwillimbury Emergency and Community Safety Services dated February 15, 2023, be received;

    2.That the ESCI Consultant final report entitled “Innovation and Modernization of the Fire Service for the Town of Georgina and the Town of East Gwillimbury”, dated January 27, 2023, be received;

    3.That Council endorse the further exploration of the fire services modernization in the Town of Georgina and the Town of East Gwillimbury, with a particular focus on Strategy 2 – Modernized Standalone Departments with Shared Services as identified in the report prepared by ESCI;

    4.That the Mercury consultant final report entitled “Towns of East Gwillimbury and Georgina - Study for Fire Fleet Services Alternatives”, dated January 18, 2023, be received;

    5.That Council approve staff to review the concept found within the consultant report from Mercury, related to transition of the East Gwillimbury fire fleet maintenance to Georgina’s fleet division, and report back on progress in Q3, 2023;

    6.That the fire chiefs for Georgina and East Gwillimbury, with the support of the CAOs, will further investigate shared service opportunities as identified within the ESCI report; and

    7.That the refreshed Georgina Fire Master Plan be received.



    Carried

12.
DISPOSITIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, AND GENERAL INFORMATION ITEMS

 

1.
Dispositions/Proclamations

 

a.
Hessel Pape, environmental proposal for consideration

This item has attachments. 
1.Disposition, H. Pape, Environmental Proposal.pdf
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2023-0093
    Moved ByCouncillor Genge
    Seconded ByRegional Councillor Davison

    That Town Council receive the correspondence from Hessel Pape requesting Town staff implement an annual tree-planting program along with a budget to purchase and plant said trees on its public lands, provide direction and supervision for this annual project with periodic reports to Council and encourage all property owners to plant one tree per year on their land, and refer the correspondence to the Georgina Environmental Advisory Committee and the CAO's office for consideration and to determine ways in which to promote the Town's existing tree-planting program along with its dedicated budget and staff to the public, as well as encourage residents to plan trees on their own properties.



    Carried

b.
Terry Fox organization requesting a flag-raising, proclamation and participation in the annual Terry Fox Run

This item has attachments. 
1.Disposition; Terry Fox Run and Flag-raising.pdf
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2023-0094
    Moved ByCouncillor Dale
    Seconded ByCouncillor Fellini

    That Council proclaim Friday, July 28th as Terry Fox Day throughout the Town of Georgina and fly the Terry Fox flag on this date in honour of everyone who has fought, is fighting or has survived cancer, assist with social media advertising, arrange a team to participate in the 43rd Annual Georgina Terry Fox Run to be held on September 17th and refer the requests to the CAO's office and the appropriate staff to make the necessary arrangements.



    Carried

2.
General Information Items

 

a.
Information Items

This item has attachments. 
1.General Information Listing, February 15, 2023.pdf
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2023-0095
    Moved ByCouncillor Biggerstaff
    Seconded ByCouncillor Neeson

    That the General Information items of the February 15, 2023 Council agenda be received.



    Carried

b.
Briefing Notes (None)

 

13.
MOTIONS/ NOTICES OF MOTION

 

1.
Notice of Motion introduced by Councillor Neeson on February 1, 2023

 

Councillor Neeson advised that the goal is to request the Federal government to continue to be a partner but more importantly, to release the criteria, the details and funding through the 2023 budget and create the desired impact.

Mayor Quirk suggested a Lake Simcoe Symposium/Forum be arranged later this year involving the Federal Government, the LSRCA, the Region, the Province and The Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation and other interested parties.

  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2023-0096
    Moved ByCouncillor Neeson
    Seconded ByRegional Councillor Davison

    WHEREAS Lake Simcoe is one of Ontario's largest watersheds, home to First Nations since time immemorial, and situated in the growing Greater Toronto Area communities of Simcoe County, York Region, Durham Region, and the cities of Barrie and Orillia; 
     
    WHEREAS the watershed faces threats due to eutrophication, largely from phosphorus runoff and other contaminants into the lake and its tributaries; 
     
    WHEREAS the lake is a significant source of drinking water, as well as being integral for local recreation, tourism, agriculture and other key economic drivers; 
     
    WHEREAS the previous Conservative federal government funded a "Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Fund" of $65 million over 10 years between 2007-2017, but that fund has not been renewed by the current government; 
     
    WHEREAS during the 2019 federal election, the Hon. Chrystia Freeland MP committed $40 million over 5 years towards Lake Simcoe; 
     
    WHEREAS during the 2021 federal election, the Liberal Party of Canada committed to "Implement a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan, including an historic investment of $1 billion over 10 years. This plan will provide essential funding to protect and restore large lakes and river systems, starting with the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River System, Lake Simcoe..."; 
     
    WHEREAS the Conservative Party of Canada also committed to re-funding the Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Fund in the 2019 and 2021 general elections with an investment of $30 million over five years; 
     
    WHEREAS further to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change's mandate letter, which directs the Minister to "...establish a Canada Water Agency and implement a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan, including a historic investment to provide funding to protect and restore large lakes and river systems, starting with the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River System, Lake Simcoe..."; 
     

    WHEREAS the 2022 federal budget included a new "Freshwater Action Fund" with a one-year commitment of $19.6 million to help watersheds across the country, including Lake Simcoe, but any details and next steps are still to be announced;  
     
    NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Town of Georgina: 
     
    1. Supports federal funding for Lake Simcoe that represents a significant percentage of the overall Freshwater Action Plan Fund, with funding and details beginning in the 2023 that would honour Minister Freeland's commitment to Lake Simcoe of $40 million over 5 years; 
     
    2. Asks that such federal funding be used to undertake: 
     
    a. Shoreline mitigation and restoration, including in the tributaries of the Holland River, Maskinonge River, Black River, Pefferlaw River and the Holland Marsh;
     
    b. The assistance of the federal government to achieve up to or more than 40 percent high quality natural cover;
     
    c.  Projects to ameliorate contaminated sites in the watershed such as the Thane Smelter Site in the Town of Georgina;
     
    d. Upgrades to help retrofit and improve the environmental efficiency of municipal infrastructure such as wastewater and stormwater facilities;
     
    e. Purchasing and conservation of more natural heritage sites such as forests and wetlands under the auspices of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA); and 
     
    3. That a copy of this resolution, along with a letter from the Mayor, be sent to the federal Minister of Finance; the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change; the President of the Treasury Board; the Members of Parliament for York-Simcoe, Newmarket-Aurora, Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte, Barrie-Innisfil, Simcoe North, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, and Durham; and to all Lake Simcoe-region municipalities and the LSRCA, with a request for their endorsement."


    VotersYEANAYAbstainConflict
    Results0000


    Carried Unanimously

    Councillor Dale read the following Notice of Motion that will be included on the March 1st Council Agenda for consideration;

    WHEREAS a Final Summary Report regarding a proposed Aerodrome to be known as the Baldwin East Aerodrome, which is intended to be located at 7818 Old Homestead Road and 7486 Old Homestead Road in the Town of Georgina (the "Aerodrome") was submitted to the Minister of Transport on March 29, 2022, and was updated on May 30, 2022 in response to comments received by the Proponent from Transport Canada;

    AND WHEREAS the 30 day period provided for in the Canadian Aviation Regulations for the review of the Final Summary Report has expired, so that the Proponent is able to proceed with its plans to develop the Aerodrome;

    AND WHEREAS the above-mentioned properties are environmentally sensitive and their development as an aerodrome in accordance with the Final Summary Report would not be permitted by Town of Georgina bylaws or Provincial legislation;

    AND WHEREAS on December 15, 2021, Town of Georgina Council expressed its opposition to the Aerodrome based on a number of land use planning and environmental concerns;

    AND WHEREAS Section 4.32 of the Aeronautics Act enables the Minister of Transport to make an order prohibiting the development or expansion of a given aerodrome or any change to the operation of a given aerodrome, if, in the Minister's opinion, the proposed development, expansion or change is likely to adversely affect aviation safety or is not in the public interest;

    AND WHEREAS many Town of Georgina residents, businesses and organizations have made their opposition to the Aerodrome clear; 

    NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Town of Georgina staff be directed to prepare and provide submissions to the Minister of Transport requesting that he exercise his powers under Section 4.32 of the Aeronautics Act to prohibit the development of the Aerodrome, and to request whatever support may be available for this purpose from other governmental authorities, including, without limitation, The Regional Municipality of York, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, and the Federal and Provincial governments.


14.
REGIONAL BUSINESS

 
  • will reconvene next week with potential adoption of the Regional Budget
  • February 23rd at 1:00pm, meeting regarding Bill 23 and impacts

15.
OTHER BUSINESS

 
  • Tastes of Georgina program has returned from February 20th to March 5th in support of local restaurants; a number of restaurants participate in this program to encourage residents to dine-in or take-out.  Participating restaurants will be advertised on the Town's website, social media channels, and signage will appear at each participating restaurant location.

16.
BY-LAWS

 
  • Moved ByCouncillor Genge
    Seconded ByRegional Councillor Davison

    That the following bylaws be adopted;



17.
CLOSED SESSION

 
  • Moved ByCouncillor Biggerstaff
    Seconded ByCouncillor Fellini

    That Council convene into Closed Session at 10:38am, observe a ten minute recess, then resume closed session discussions to deal with the following matter, then report out at 2:00pm;

    1. 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 Neeson

    That Council reconvene into Open Session at 2:00pm and report on matter(s) discussed in Closed Session.



    Carried

    Mayor Quirk advised that the closed session was completed at 11:40am, at which time Council observed a recess.


  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2023-0097
    Moved ByCouncillor Fellini
    Seconded ByCouncillor Neeson

    In regard to Closed Session Item No. 17.1.a 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, in relation to Jackson's Point;

    1. That Council receive the staff update and staff be directed to proceed as directed with respect to investigating the acquisition of property in Jackson's Point.


    Carried

11.
REPORTS

  

1.
Adoption Of Reports Not Requiring Separate Discussion

  

d.
Corporate Strategic Plan Workshop   (2:00pm to 4:30pm)

This item has attachments. 
1.Council Workshop Agenda for February 15, 2023.pdf

Shawn Nastke introduced Olga Lawton, Manager of Strategy and Transformation, who has been overseeing the strategic plan process.

Moved by Regional Councillor Davison

Seconded by Councillor Dale

That Council waive the Rules of Procedure to allow attendees to address the meeting without going through the Presiding Officer, Section 5.1(b)

Carried.

Stacey Hushion, Project Manager of StrategyCorp, proceeded to provide a brief review the agenda topics that included achievements of 2019-2023 Corporate Strategic Plan, overview of the process to date, overview of Georgina's strategic landscape, review and validation of Georgina's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, review and refinement of draft strategic framework of pillars and goals.  

Mayor Quirk provided opening remarks, welcoming the Senior Leadership and Project Team, together with the consultants.

Olga Lawton shared some achievements from the 2019-2023 strategic plan and the progress of the plan to date, noting that it had four priority areas; Grow our economy, Promote a high quality of life, Engage and Build our community partnerships, Deliver exceptional service; 36 of 39 initiatives have been completed.

Rajesh Sankat and Stacy Hushion facilitated the first of two workshops on the development of Georgina's next strategic plan.

Moved by Councillor Genge

Seconded by Councillor Fellini

That the Council Members recess at 3:50 to 4:00pm

Carried.

The Meeting reconvened at 4:00pm

Regional Councillor Davison left the meeting at this time.

Stacey Hushion provided an introduction of the draft strategic framework, intended to generate and spur discussion and gather input; Council reviewed and discussed the draft goals listed under the following pillars; i) ensuring balanced growth, ii) diversifying our local economy, iii) creating a vibrant community for all, and iv) delivering service excellence.

  • Corporate Values; foundational elements, they guide conduct, activities and operations of the organization
  • Guiding Principles for consideration for the Strategic Plan
  • RESOLUTION NO. C-2023-0098
    Moved ByCouncillor Biggerstaff
    Seconded ByCouncillor Neeson

    That Council receive the presentation and Corporate Strategic Plan Workshop.



    Carried

18.
CONFIRMING BY-LAW

 
  • Moved ByCouncillor Dale
    Seconded ByCouncillor Fellini

    That the following bylaw be adopted;



19.
MOTION TO ADJOURN

 
  • Moved ByCouncillor Genge
    Seconded ByCouncillor Biggerstaff

    That the meeting adjourn at 4:38pm



    Carried
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