Algonquin Highlands public meetings in 2021

Special Meeting

The Township of Algonquin Highlands is holding a special electronic council meeting to discuss potential office closures and staff working remotely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The agenda also includes a confirming by-law to ratify the meeting's actions. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19 restrictions.

• Discussion re: potential office closures and staff working remotely due to COVID-19
• By-law 2021-149 confirming the proceedings of the special meeting

Special Meeting

This is a special meeting of the Township of Algonquin Highlands. The agenda text provided contains only portal navigation elements and no actual agenda items, so the meeting's purpose is not stated in the supplied material.

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will hold an electronic meeting on December 10, 2021, to consider five minor variance applications. These applications seek relief from zoning by-law provisions, including increases to cottage sizes, reductions in setbacks from water and property lines, and changes in land use. The committee will also approve the minutes from the October 29, 2021 meeting.

• AH-MV-023/21 (Zimmerman): Increase tourist cottage size from 66 sq m to 78 sq m and reduce interior side yard setback from 10m to 7m at 1074 Nordic Inn Road, Sherborne.
• AH-MV-028/21 (Kontos): Minor variance for property on Little Hawk Lake, Stanhope.
• AH-MV-029/21 (Bennett): Minor variance for property on Maple Lake, Stanhope.
• AH-MV-030/21 (Mole): Minor variance for property on Maple Lake, Stanhope.
• AH-MV-031/21 (Kinsman Cottages Inc.): Minor variance for property on Boshkung Lake, Stanhope.

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Regular Council meeting on December 9, 2021, includes decisions on several by-laws, including the 2022 Fees and Charges By-law, multiple shore road allowance closures, and agreements for photocopier services and parking lot plowing. Council will also hear a delegation on the septic re-inspection program and receive various departmental reports.

• 2021-145 Fees and Charges 2022 by-law
• 2021-146 Agreement with Sharp Electronics of Canada for photocopier
• 2021-147 Agreement with Thomas Contracting for Big East Parking Lot plowing
• Multiple shore road allowance closures (e.g., Maple Lake, Boshkung Lake, Lower Fletcher Lake)
• Septic Re-Inspection Program 2020-2021 reporting delegation

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Council is meeting to consider several items, including proposed fee changes for administration, cemetery, public works, and parks services, a contract for a new photocopier, and multiple shore road allowance closures. The agenda also includes routine monthly reports from various departments and a closed session for litigation matters.

• Proposed fee changes for administration, cemetery, public works, parks, recreation and trail fees
• Report TT-022-21: Replacement of Administration Office Photocopier (agreement with Sharp Electronics)
• Four proposed shore road allowance closures (Clark, Smith, Tantalo, Clark) at Beech, Halls, and Kabakwa Lakes
• Site plan application for Dimensions Health Maple Lake Inc. (Part Lot 28, Concession 5, Stanhope)
• Proposed Rogers telecommunications tower on County Road 8 (Sherborne, Site C4384)

Special Meeting

The Township of Algonquin Highlands is holding a special council meeting to receive departmental reports on 2021 project status and 2022 recommendations ahead of budget preparation. The reports cover administration, planning, building, parks/recreation/trails, fire services, and public works. No final decisions are being made; the reports are for information and discussion.

• Planning: complete Zoning By-law update, Oxtongue Lake Community Centre lot merger, participate in Short Term Rental Review with County
• Building: hire new building official and bylaw enforcement officer, purchase new vehicle (possibly hybrid/electric), complete septic re-inspection program (~900 properties)
• Parks/Recreation/Trails: resurface Elvin Johnson Park parking lot and Stanhope Tennis Court, install bear-proof waste receptacles at Hawk Valley parks, replace Raven Lake landing docks
• Fire: update Fire Master Plan, replace extrication equipment (~35 years old), purchase six sets of bunker gear, consider Search and Rescue team
• Public Works: slurry seal program on Buckslide Rd, North Shore Rd, Nordic Inn Rd, Town Lot Rd; single surface treatment on Russell Landing Rd, Oliver Rd, McPhale Rd

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Council will meet electronically to consider routine administrative items, including adoption of previous minutes, hall rental fees, a forest management plan, and housekeeping amendments to the delegation of authority by-law. A delegation from the Climate Change Coordinator will discuss the Community Climate Action Plan and proposed user fees for electric vehicle charging stations. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions expected beyond standard approvals.

• Delegation on Community Climate Action Plan and EV charging station user fees
• Report PRT 022-2021 on hall rentals
• Report PRT 022-2021 on forest management plan
• Report TT-019-21 on Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund allocation for 2022
• By-law 2021-125 on delegation of authority

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will hold an electronic meeting to decide four minor variance applications. Staff recommend approval for all four, which seek relief from zoning by-law provisions for property changes near lakes. The meeting also includes approval of the September 24, 2021 minutes.

• AH-MV-023/21 (Zimmerman): Convert dwelling to tourist cottage, increase max cottage size from 66 to 78 sq m and reduce side yard setback from 10m to 7m at 1074 Nordic Inn Road, Dorset.
• AH-MV-024/21 (Luther Holdings Inc.): Minor variance at Beech Lake, Stanhope.
• AH-MV-025/21 (Quigg): Minor variance at Big Hawk Lake, Stanhope.
• AH-MV-026/21 (Beckman): Minor variance at Kawagama Lake, Sherborne.

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Regular Council meeting on October 21, 2021, will consider a comprehensive zoning by-law update, several proposed shore road allowance closures, and various operational reports. The council will also hear a delegation regarding private winter maintenance of Bear Lake Road and consider by-laws related to road closures and an ICIP grant agreement amendment.

• Report PL-117-21: Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update
• Proposed shore road allowance closures at Kushog Lake, Kawagama Lake (2), Boshkung Lake, and Halls Lake
• Request to purchase portion of Halls Lake Road Allowance by Sandy Lane Resort
• By-law 2021-120: Execute Amended Transfer Payment Agreement - ICIP Covid19 Stream
• Report PW-042-21: Green Burials and Winter Burials

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Regular Council meeting on October 7, 2021, will consider several planning items, including two zoning by-law amendments, a proposed Rogers telecommunications tower, and numerous shore road allowance closures. Council will also review agreements for hazardous waste collection and winter road maintenance, and discuss the 2022 budget schedule. The meeting will be held electronically due to COVID-19, with public observation via live webcast.

• Zoning by-law amendments for Spanic (AH-ZBA-007/21) and Heise (AH-ZBA-008/21) in Stanhope
• Proposed Rogers telecommunications tower on County Road 8, Sherborne (Site C4384)
• Hazardous and Special Products Collection Services Agreement amendment (PW-039-21)
• Winter Maintenance Agreement with Haliburton County (PW-040-21)
• 15 proposed shore road allowance closures on Halls, Maple, Boshkung, Little Hawk, Kawagama, Kushog, and Big Hawk Lakes

Special Meeting

This is a special electronic council meeting of the Township of Algonquin Highlands. The agenda is largely procedural: it includes a closed session to discuss advice subject to solicitor-client privilege, and a confirmatory by-law to ratify the meeting's actions. No substantive decisions or public items are listed on the agenda.

• Closed session under section 239(f) of the Municipal Act for solicitor-client privileged advice
• By-law 2021-107 to confirm and ratify council proceedings from the September 27, 2021 special meeting
• Meeting held electronically due to COVID-19, viewable via live webcast

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to consider three minor variance applications seeking relief from zoning by-law provisions for waterfront properties. The applications involve a boat port projection on Kawagama Lake, and two other properties on Kushog Lake and in Stanhope. Staff recommend approval for the Kawagama Lake application, and no objections have been received for any of the three.

• AH-MV-020/21 (O'Mara): Increase boat port projection into Kawagama Lake from 8m to 11.19m for a 504 sq ft boat port at 1114 McComb Point Drive.
• AH-MV-021/21 (Hill): Minor variance on Kushog Lake, Part of Lot 2, Concession 4, Stanhope.
• AH-MV-022/21 (Smallwood): Minor variance on Part of Lot 29, Concession 4, Stanhope.
• Meeting to be held electronically due to COVID-19; public can observe via live webcast.

Special Meeting

Council is holding a special meeting to discuss strategic priorities for the Haliburton-Stanhope Airport, based on a staff report. The discussion will cover economic development, revenue streams, marketing, infrastructure challenges, and the airport's long-term vision. No decisions are being made; the report is for information and discussion.

• Discussion of Airport Business Park development, including access road cost estimated at $100,000
• Review of airport infrastructure needs: Hangar D, terminal accessibility by 2025, hangar drainage
• Consideration of updating the 2014 Land Use and Development Plan
• Potential re-establishment of an Airport Committee
• Discussion of revenue opportunities: leases, fees, fuel

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Regular Council meeting on September 16, 2021, will consider routine reports and by-laws, including agreements for traffic control and automotive materials stewardship, several proposed shore road allowance closings, and draft HR policies on bereavement and court leave. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major public hearings or contentious items listed.

• By-law 2021-98: Agreement with Automotive Materials Stewardship Inc. (AMS)
• By-law 2021-101: Agreement with People Ready for traffic control at Oxtongue Lake fall colour road closures
• Five proposed shore road allowance closings (Burnett, 2697507 Ontario Inc., Corbett, Virtue, Quigg) on Big Hawk, Maple, and Kawagama Lakes
• Draft Bereavement Leave Policy (CAO-014-21) and Court Leave Policy (CAO-016-21)
• Revised 2021 Employee Salary Grid (CAO-015-21)

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Regular Council meeting on September 2, 2021, will consider several items, including a delegation on council compensation and pay equity, public works reports on intersection signage and heavy truck traffic, and multiple proposed shore road allowance closures. Council will also hold a closed session for employee pay equity, a zoning compliance matter, and legal advice. Several by-laws are scheduled for adoption, including one to prohibit heavy trucks and two to close and convey shore road allowances.

• By-law 2021-94 to prohibit heavy trucks
• By-law 2021-95 to stop-up, close and convey shore road allowance (McMullen) – Big Hawk Lake
• By-law 2021-96 to stop-up, close and convey shore road allowance (Harrison) – Kawagama Lake
• Public Works reports on North Shore Road and St. Peters Road intersection signage and heavy truck traffic
• Tax write-offs report TT-014-2021

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to consider two minor variance applications seeking reduced setbacks from the high water mark for construction on Buckslides and Kushog Lake. Staff recommend approval for both, with conditions including surveyor confirmation and silt fencing. The agenda also includes approval of the August 6, 2021 minutes.

• AH-MV-018/21 (Frastacky): reduce high water mark setback from 30m to 24.38m for a 1,012 sq ft garage with 485 sq ft sleeping cabin at 1262 Buckslide Road
• AH-MV-017/21 (Dauphinais): reduce high water mark setback on Kushog Lake (details in staff report)
• Public hearing via electronic meeting; registration required by Aug 25, 2021
• No objections received for either application

Special Meeting

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Special Council Meeting on August 26, 2021, will continue reviewing the draft Comprehensive Zoning By-law update, incorporating changes discussed at previous meetings. Council will discuss specific provisions such as accessory dwellings, boathouse regulations, backyard hens, and home occupations, and will decide on items like dock length limits and whether to differentiate home offices. The update is not yet final and will proceed to public review after this discussion.

• Proposed limit on accessory dwelling size to 75% of primary dwelling or 1,500 sq ft
• Discussion on prohibiting wet-slip boathouses, requiring Official Plan amendment
• Proposed 20% maximum dock projection on narrow waterbodies
• Allow apiary and cannabis production on hobby farms
• Home occupation rules may vary based on private road access

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Regular Council meeting on August 12, 2021, will consider three zoning by-law amendment applications, several proposed road allowance closings, and various reports. Council will also vote on by-laws related to shore road allowance closings, an e-signature policy, a COVID-19 resilience infrastructure agreement, a waste collection service agreement, and a purchasing policy. The meeting will be held electronically due to COVID-19, with public observation via webcast.

• Zoning By-law Amendment Applications AH-ZBA-004/21 (McClintock), AH-ZBA-005/21 and AH-ZBA-006/21 (Stanhope)
• Proposed shore road allowance closings at Halls Lake, Kawagama Lake, Kushog Lake, Oxtongue Lake, and Big Hawk Lake
• By-law 2021-89: Transfer Payment Agreement - COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream - Local Improvement Intake
• By-law 2021-90: Agreement with ReCollect Systems Inc. - Waste Wizard
• By-law 2021-91: Adopt a Purchasing Policy

Committee of Adjustment

The Algonquin Highlands Committee of Adjustment will hold an electronic meeting on August 6, 2021, to consider three minor variance applications seeking relief from zoning by-law setback and lot coverage rules for shoreline properties on Kawagama and Kushog Lakes. The committee will also vote on approving the minutes from its June 25, 2021 meeting. Staff recommend approval for all three applications, subject to conditions.

• AH-MV-011/21 (Child): 925 sq ft addition at 1115 Bemaba Road, Kawagama Lake; seeks to reduce high water mark setback from 22.86 m to 20.7 m
• AH-MV-014/21 (Cantelon): 2481 Kawagama Lake Road, Kawagama Lake
• AH-MV-016/21 (Haid): 1016 Noah's Lane, Kushog Lake
• Approval of June 25, 2021 meeting minutes
• Meeting held electronically due to COVID-19; public may watch via webcast

Special Meeting

Council is reviewing the latest draft of the comprehensive Zoning By-law update, including proposed changes to dwelling definitions and new provisions for accessory apartments and accessory dwellings. The update is not yet final; Council is providing comments before the formal public process begins. The meeting also includes a confirmatory by-law and adjournment.

• Proposed changes to permit up to two accessory apartments and one accessory dwelling in Rural, Hamlet Residential, and Rural Residential zones, but not shoreline residential zones
• New definition for Backyard Hens and revised definitions for Boarding House, Cannabis Production Facility, and Hobby Farm
• Proposed increase in setback for decks, balconies, steps, or patios from 4.5 m to 12 m from the high water mark
• Garages and carports must be at least 30 m from the high water mark
• By-law 2021-81 Confirmatory By-law

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Regular Council meeting on July 15, 2021 will consider a zoning by-law amendment application, hear a delegation on electric vehicle charging stations and corporate greenhouse gas inventory, and review various reports including monthly activity reports and a mould remediation update. The agenda also includes numerous proposed shore road allowance closings and severances, as well as by-laws for adoption, including one to establish and regulate the fire department.

• Zoning By-law Amendment Application – Gordon AH-ZBA-003/21, Part of Lot 27, Concession 4, Township of Stanhope
• Delegation by Korey McKay on Electric Vehicle Charging Station and Corporate Greenhouse Gas Inventory Update
• Dorset Recreation Centre Mould Remediation
• Stanhope Airport Drainage Improvements Tender Results
• By-law 2021-78 to authorize agreement with IVY for installation of dual port charging station at 1123 North Shore Road

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to decide on three minor variance applications for properties on Kawagama, Kushog, and Halls Lakes. The applications seek relief from zoning by-law requirements for setbacks and lot coverage to allow construction or additions. The meeting will be held electronically due to COVID-19.

• AH-MV-007/21 - Lee - 1056 Albert Lane, Kawagama Lake: reduce high water mark setback from 15m to 13.21m and increase lot coverage from 15% to 18.6% for a 1342 sq ft addition
• AH-MV-012/21 - Leonard - 1008 Abigail Trail, Kushog Lake: increase accessory structure lot coverage from 5% to 6% for a 1465 sq ft detached garage
• AH-MV-013/21 - Clark - 1037 Glenverdean Lane, Halls Lake: details not provided in agenda excerpt
• Meeting held electronically due to COVID-19; public can observe via live webcast

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Regular Council meeting on June 17, 2021, will consider several administrative and planning items. Key decisions include approving a road naming by-law for Pine Needle Trail, adopting internet/telephone voting for the 2022 municipal election, and amending the 2021 tax rates. The council will also review monthly activity reports from various departments and discuss a FoodCycler trial program.

• By-law 2021-56: Road Naming - Pine Needle Trail
• By-law 2021-57: 2022 Election Voting Method - Internet/Telephone
• By-law 2021-62: Authorize 2021 Tax Rates
• Report PW-024-21: FoodCycler Trial Program Details
• Report TT-009-21: 2021 Tax Rate – Schedule 'A' Amendment

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will consider two minor variance applications: one from The Realstar J.A.M. Corp. to extend a boat port projection into Kawagama Lake, and another from Bowman for a variance on Wren Lake. The meeting will also approve the minutes from the April 30, 2021 meeting. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items listed.

• AH-MV-008/21: The Realstar J.A.M. Corp., 1016 Quarter Lane, Kawagama Lake – request to increase boat port projection into water from 8m to 15.9m (variance of 7.9m) for a 433 sq ft boat port
• AH-MV-010/21: Bowman, 1054 Pineau Lane, Wren Lake – minor variance application (details not provided in agenda excerpt)
• Approval of April 30, 2021 meeting minutes

Special Meeting

Council is reviewing draft revisions to the Township's comprehensive zoning by-law (03-22), which would be adopted as a new by-law in 2021. The revisions include new definitions, updated shoreline setbacks, and new provisions for backyard hens, garden suites, and hobby farms. The mapping schedules, including Environmental Protection Zones, are still under review.

• New setback of 12 m from high water mark for decks, balconies, steps, patios, gazebos, utility sheds, and saunas
• New limit of 15 m for dock projection from high water mark
• New limit of 8 m for in-water boathouse length
• New requirement for septic system leaching beds to be 30 m from high water mark (15 m for enhanced systems)
• New provisions for backyard hens, garden suites, and hobby farms

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Regular Council will meet electronically on May 20, 2021. Council will hear a delegation on the 2020 draft financial statements, consider a proposed plan of subdivision by Building Arts Developments Inc., and vote on by-laws including a subdivision agreement and an amending agreement with Diligent Canada Inc. for trackers.

• Delegation by Pahapill and Associates re: 2020 Draft Financial Statements
• Report PL-031-21: Proposed Plan of Subdivision – Building Arts Developments Inc.
• By-law 2021-52: Subdivision Agreement with Building Arts Development Inc.
• By-law 2021-53: Amending Agreement with Diligent Canada Inc. for Conflict of Interest and By-law Tracker
• Shore Road Allowance Closing Applications ORSA-016-21 (Boshkung Lake) and ORSA-017-21 (Stanhope)

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Regular Council meeting on May 6, 2021, will consider a range of items including a site plan application, two consent applications, a zoning by-law update, and several contracts. Council will also discuss an amended fee schedule for the Dorset Tower during COVID-19, a fuel card lock system, and a library accessibility lift. The meeting will be held electronically due to the pandemic.

• Site Plan Application Cleroux (Report PL-001-21)
• Application for Consent – Rowland (PL-026-21) and Silvertown (PL-027-21)
• Zoning By-law Update (PL-029-21)
• Amended Fee Schedule - Dorset Tower During COVID-19 Pandemic
• By-laws: Electronic Signature Policy, Wifi Agreements with Robinsons Landing Inc and Michael Hinbest, Fuel Card Lock System with Camco Canada Inc

Committee of Adjustment

The Algonquin Highlands Committee of Adjustment will meet electronically on April 30, 2021, to consider six minor variance applications for waterfront properties on Boshkung, Kawagama, Kushog, Halls, and Beech Lakes. The agenda also includes approval of the February 26, 2021 meeting minutes. The meeting is open to the public via live webcast.

• AH-MV-001/21 - Kan and Purves - 1096 Sonora Drive, Boshkung Lake: reduce rear lot line setback from 12m to 7.95m and high water mark setback from 30m to 28m for new dwelling and garage
• AH-MV-002/21 - Abel - 1047 Pathfinder Trail, Kawagama Lake
• AH-MV-003/21 - Kinsman's Cottages Inc. - 16243 Hwy 35, Boshkung Lake
• AH-MV-004/21 - Cekrezi - 1096 Kanawa Lane, Kushog Lake
• AH-MV-005/21 - Withers, Kam, Scott, Scott, Scott-Gibson and Love - 1055 Carey Circle, Halls Lake

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Council will hold a regular meeting to decide on zoning by-law amendments for two properties, approve various contracts and policies, and receive updates from external boards. The meeting will be held electronically due to COVID-19, with public observation via webcast.

• Zoning amendment for Leslie property (AH-ZBA-004/20) to reduce water setback from 30m to 20m for a 2,400 sq ft dwelling on Lake of Bays
• Zoning amendment for Rotari property (AH-ZBA-002/21) in Sherborne Township
• Blue Box recycling program service agreement with Waste Connections Canada (By-law 2021-40)
• Fire service grant payment agreement (By-law 2021-41)
• Tax rates for 2021 (By-law 2021-34)

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Regular Council meeting on April 1, 2021, will consider several by-laws, including those for 2021 salaries and wages, council remuneration, and amendments to waste management agreements. Council will also discuss electric vehicle charging stations, a contract extension with Buckham Transport, and a shore road allowance closure on Maple Lake. The meeting will be held electronically due to COVID-19, with public observation via live webcast.

• By-law 2021-27: 2021 Salaries and Wages
• By-law 2021-28: Council Remuneration
• By-law 2021-29: Amending agreements with Minden Hills, Dysart et al, and Highlands East for Waste Wizard mobile app
• By-law 2021-30: Extension agreement with Buckham Transport for household hazardous waste collection
• Shore Road Allowance Closure - Concession 5, Lot 29, Stanhope, Maple Lake (Randall)

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Regular Council meeting on March 18, 2021, will consider adopting the 2021 budget and fees by-laws, approving a septic re-inspection program update, and entering into Waste Wizard partnership agreements. Council will also receive reports on waste disposal site monitoring, a Highway 35 detour, and a fire services compressor purchase.

• By-law 2021-23 to adopt 2021 expenditures and revenues
• By-law 2021-22 Fees and Charges amendments
• Septic re-inspection program hybrid option (assigned Zone C, voluntary Zone D for Kawagama Lake)
• Waste Wizard mobile app partnership agreements (Recollect Systems Inc. and Dysart et al)
• Single source purchase of compressor fill station for fire services

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Regular Council meeting on March 4, 2021, will consider a zoning by-law amendment for properties in Sherborne, discuss COVID-19 related fees for the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower and campsite refunds, review a surface treatment tender, and potentially pass a by-law to authorize an agreement with Miller Paving for surface treatment supply and delivery. The meeting will be held electronically due to COVID-19.

• Zoning By-law Amendment Application – Pun (AH-ZBA-001/21) for Part of Lots 11 and 12, Concession A, Sherborne
• Report PRT-003-21: COVID-19 Fees By-Law Considerations – Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower Fees, Campsite Refunds
• Report PW-007-21: Surface Treatment Tender
• By-law 2021-20: Authorize Agreement with Miller Paving for Supply and Delivery of Surface Treatment
• Shore Road Allowance Closing – Concession 2, Lots 10 and 11, Stanhope, Hinden Lake (Sanderson)

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to decide on a minor variance application (AH-MV-028/20) by Webb for a property at 1047 Wolf Circle on Kawagama Lake. The applicant seeks to reduce the required setback from the high water mark from 30 metres to 23.16 metres to build a 1,680 sq ft one-storey dwelling. Staff recommend approval with conditions, and no objections have been received. The meeting will be held electronically due to COVID-19.

• Minor variance AH-MV-028/20: reduce shoreline setback from 30m to 23.16m for a 1,680 sq ft dwelling at 1047 Wolf Circle, Kawagama Lake
• Public hearing for the variance application
• Approval of January 29, 2021 meeting minutes
• Previous application (AH-MV-021/20) for a larger dwelling was refused in September 2020

Special Meeting

Council is reviewing the first draft of the 2021 budget, which proposes a 4.19% increase in the municipal levy ($229,965) and a 3% tax rate increase. The draft includes new spending for a communications coordinator, seasonal staff, waste management, and park improvements. Council will discuss and potentially revise the budget before adoption.

• 2021 budget levy increase of $229,965 (4.19%) and tax rate increase of 3%
• New Communications Coordinator contract position ($30,000)
• Seasonal operators for Public Works and Maintenance ($60,000)
• Waste division increases of approximately $80,000 for landfill projects and haulage
• Elvin Johnson Park improvements ($6,000) and Oxtongue Lake Community Centre greenspace upgrades ($7,600)

Special Meeting

Council is reviewing the first draft of the 2021 budget, which proposes a 4.19% increase in the municipal levy (about $229,965) and a 3% tax rate increase. The draft includes new spending for a Communications Coordinator, seasonal staff, and waste management, offset by surplus funds from 2020. Council will also review a summary of the 2020 surplus.

• 2021 budget draft: levy up 4.19% ($229,965), tax rate up 3%
• New Communications Coordinator contract position ($30,000)
• Seasonal operators for Public Works and Maintenance ($60,000)
• Waste division increases (~$80,000) for landfill projects and haulage
• 2020 surplus summary (Report TT-005-21)

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Regular Council meeting on February 18, 2021, will be held electronically due to COVID-19. Council will hold public meetings for two zoning by-law amendments in the Geographic Township of McClintock, hear delegations on funding and a video surveillance system, and consider routine reports and several shore road allowance closing applications.

• Public meeting: Zoning By-law Amendment AH-ZBA-005/20, Part of Lot 25, Concession 2, McClintock (2697507 Ontario Inc.) to rezone from Rural to Shoreline Residential Two
• Public meeting: Zoning By-law Amendment AH-ZBA-006/20, Parts of Lots 24 and 25, Concession 2, McClintock, 15865 Kawagama W.A.O. – Lower Fletcher Bay (Eckler)
• Delegation: Dan Manley, Haliburton Highlands Art Centre Foundation, request for funding support
• Delegation: Mike March, County Director of IT, video surveillance system for Administration Office
• By-law 2021-15: Bang The Table community engagement tool agreement

Regular Council

At this regular meeting, Council will review reports on household organic waste diversion, a plan of subdivision for the Kennisis River area, and several shore road allowance closings. They will also consider appointing Michael French as Fire Chief, renewing the benefit plan, and entering closed session to discuss operations manager recruitment.

• Report PW-004-21 on Household Organic Waste Diversion
• Application for Plan of Subdivision – Kennisis River (Greg Bishop Surveying and Consulting Ltd.)
• Shore Road Allowance Closing Applications at Boshkung Lake, Kawagama Lake, and Concession 2, Lot 25
• Appointment of Fire Chief - Michael French (By-law 2021-11)
• Closed session for Operations Manager Recruitment

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will consider a minor variance application (AH-MV-024/20) from Barbara Hill to reduce the required setback from the high water mark from 15 metres to 14.6 metres for a 320 sq ft addition to an existing dwelling at 2096 Kushog Lake Road. Staff recommend refusal, citing that the variance is not minor and lacks justification. The meeting will be held electronically due to COVID-19.

• AH-MV-024/20 – Hill – 2096 Kushog Lake Road: variance to reduce high water mark setback from 15m to 14.6m for a 320 sq ft addition
• AH-MV-027/20 – Withers-Scott – 1055 Carey Circle, Halls Lake: new business item
• Approval of minutes from October 23 and December 11, 2020 meetings
• Staff recommendation to refuse the Hill variance for six reasons including non-minor nature and lack of justification

Regular Council

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Regular Council meeting on January 21, 2021, will consider routine reports and several by-laws, including borrowing, interim tax levy, and appointments. Council will also discuss proposed shore road allowance closures and right-of-way applications, and hold a closed session for employee performance review and potential land acquisition in Dorset.

• By-law 2021-01 Borrowing By-law; 2021-02 Interim Tax Levy; 2021-03 Appoint Deputy Treasurer
• Proposed shore road allowance closures at Little Hawk Lake, Halls Lake, Tock Lake, Big Hawk Lake, Boshkung Lake
• Report PW-002-21 Increased Office Space Design Plan
• Report TT-002-21 Appointment of Treasurer - Approval of Tax Extension Agreements
• News Release - Sale of Frost Centre Property