Atikokan public meetings in 2023
44 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Council
The Special Council meeting includes discussions on renewing municipal insurance and approving year-end reserve transfers. Council will also consider three by-laws regarding janitorial service agreements for municipal offices, the medical clinic, and the public library.
- Renewal of 2024 insurance coverage with Westland Insurance Group Ltd.
- Approval of year-end transfers to and from municipal reserves
- By-Law No. 46-23: Janitorial services agreement with Jackie Johnson for the Municipal Office
- By-Law No. 47-23: Janitorial services agreement with Jackie Johnson for the Atikokan Medical Clinic
- By-Law No. 48-23: Janitorial services agreement with RAS Maintenance Services for the Atikokan Public Library
Regular Council
The Council is reviewing reports from various departments including Public Works and the Atikokan General Hospital Board. Key discussions involve infrastructure maintenance, waste management equipment, and municipal service agreements.
- Awarded Granular A Contract to BJ Halow & Sons Constructors LTD for $54,400.00
- Awarded Winter Sand Contract to Hacquoil Construction LTD for $15,000.00
- Approved By-Law 42-23 for a lease agreement with the Minister of Infrastructure
- Approved By-Law 44-23 for Mud Lake Culvert replacement with Bay City Contractors
- Approved hiring of three Public Works Labourers
Committee-of-the-Whole
The Committee-of-the-Whole is reviewing a $11,500 reduction in the 2024 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund. The Clerk's Department also provided updates on Council Chamber modernization and new website integration.
- Reduction of $11,500 in 2024 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund allocation
- Council Chamber retrofit including new wiring and audio equipment installation
- Implementation of iCompass Portal for livestreaming and agenda access
- Update on new Town website development with Shout Media
- Report on 15 recent municipal hires including lifeguards and crossing guards
Special Council
The Town is considering purchasing a new garbage truck for approximately $275,000 plus HST to replace a 2003 Freightliner. Council will also discuss operating a recycling depot at the landfill for a monthly payment of $1,899.97. Additionally, the agenda includes a discussion on By-Law 44-23 regarding a culvert agreement and a sewer lawsuit.
- Purchase of new garbage truck for approximately $275,000 plus HST
- Estimated $25,000 in repairs for current 2003 Freightliner garbage truck
- Potential $15,000 to $35,000 for a new overhead door at the Industrial Mall
- Agreement to operate recycling depot for $1,899.97 per month
- By-Law 44-23 regarding Bay City Contractors (Thunder Bay) Inc. Mud Lake Culvert
Special Council
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will present an overview of the municipal policing billing model to Council. The presentation covers integrated service delivery, annual expenditures, and how costs are allocated between base services and calls for service.
- Presentation on OPP Integrated Service Delivery and billing models
- Discussion of cost allocation for base services and calls for service
- Review of the 2024 OPP Municipal Cost Recovery model
Committee-of-the-Whole
The Committee-of-the-Whole is reviewing several administrative and public works reports. Key items include a lease renewal for court services at Town Hall, bids for sand and gravel production, and an amended automotive waste recycling agreement.
- Renewal of Town Hall lease with Infrastructure Ontario, increasing daily rent from $250 to $300
- Sand and Gravel RFQ bids including $54,400 for Granular A from BJ Halow & Son Constructors
- Amending agreement with Automotive Materials Stewardship Inc. to increase recycling payments to $1,275 per tonne
- Public Works update regarding 17 water breaks and the O’Brien water main project
- Proposed closure of the Transfer Station in late November
Regular Council
The Council is reviewing a new hiring policy and several infrastructure contracts, including paving and culvert projects. The meeting also includes reports from the Public Library Board and the Centennial Museum.
- Paving contract for Marks Street awarded to Pioneer Construction for $118,446.00 plus taxes
- Mud Lake project contract awarded to Bay City Contractors for $140,120.00 plus taxes
- By-Law No. 40-23 regarding a new Hiring Policy
- By-Law No. 42-23 regarding an agreement with the Minister of Infrastructure for Court Services
- By-Law No. 43-23 to appoint Atikokan Public Library Board members
Committee-of-the-Whole
The Committee-of-the-Whole is reviewing a proposed update to the Town's Hiring Policy to include the HR Administrator on hiring committees. The meeting also includes a finance department report covering budget variances, grant statuses, and projected debt.
- Proposed Hiring Policy update to include HR Administrator on all committees except CAO
- Proposed change to allow Fire Chief to maintain a complement of up to 30 firefighters without Council resolution
- Finance report noting a $250,000 projected overbudget status for Culvert capital expenditures
- Review of operational variances including $7,129.97 for building heat and $5,715.15 for sewage pump station materials
- Discussion of current grants including $4.99 million for ICIP Rural roads resurfacing
Regular Council
The Town Council passed a subdivision agreement and extension for the Lerome Lake Phase 2 development. The meeting also addressed upcoming paving contracts and a reduction in police record check revenue from the OPP.
- Approved By-Law #39-23 for Lerome Lake Phase 2 development with 1852118 Ontario Ltd.
- Passed resolution supporting a draft plan extension for Lerome Lake (File #59-T-159276)
- Approved By-Law #38-23 for an Electronic Meeting Participation Policy
- Reviewed $118,446.00 bid from Pioneer Construction for Marks Street and town-wide patch paving
- Reviewed $140,120.00 bid from Bay City Contractors for the Mud Lake Culvert
Committee-of-the-Whole
The Committee-of-the-Whole is reviewing several municipal updates, including a proposal for additional road patching and a new subdivision agreement for Lerome Lake. The meeting also addresses changes to provincial recycling collection and a request for funding to bring electricity to the Charleson Motocross building.
- Pioneer Construction awarded $118,446.00 for Marks St. paving
- Proposal for $100,000 in additional road patching work
- Lerome Lake Phase 2 agreement involving 15 new lots and $60,000 in parkland fees
- Recycling collection day changing from Tuesday to Monday effective October 1, 2023
- Request for $10,000 from reserves to provide electrical power to the Motocross building
Regular Council
The Town of Atikokan Council will consider a report regarding the Mud Lake culvert, which faces a funding shortfall for repairs. The meeting also includes discussions on the Lerome Lake subdivision agreement and an electronic meeting participation policy.
- Mud Lake Culvert repair bids: $290,127.50 (P.N.I. Contracting) and $140,120.00 (Bay City Contractors)
- By-Law No. 39-23: General Subdivision Agreement for Phase 2 Lerome Lake
- By-Law No. 38-23: Electronic Meeting Participation Policy
- Resolution to support additional extension to Draft Plan Approval File #59-T-159276 (Lerome Lake)
- Report on Motocross Club infrastructure request for reserve funds
Regular Council
The Council is reviewing a new salary administration policy for non-unionized staff and discussing public works items including closing the transfer station. Other business includes hiring a Public Works Foreman and reviewing provincial gas tax agreements.
- By-Law No. 37-23: Salary Administration for Non-Unionized Staff Policy
- Proposal to close the Transfer Station
- Proposal to continue Solid Waste and Recycling Collection
- Hiring of a Public Works Foreman
- By-Law No. 36-23: Agreement with Minister of Transportation regarding Provincial Gas Tax
Committee-of-the-Whole
The Committee-of-the-Whole is reviewing a report regarding a potential local ban on single-use plastics following federal regulations. The committee is also reviewing a draft policy to establish guidelines for council members participating in meetings electronically.
- Report on Ban on Single-Use Plastics
- Draft Electronic Meeting Participation Policy
- Financials for period ending August 31, 2023
- Canoe Launch Proposal
- Delegation from AMX Club President Andy Roehrig
Special Council
The Town is providing an update on its management of solid waste and recycling collection since taking over duties in January 2023. Staff are discussing potential staffing changes, the transition to producer-responsible recycling, and future plans for the Pipeline Landfill.
- Circular Materials contract valued at $77,578.14
- GFL contract currently under negotiations
- Proposal to swap one part-time attendant for one full-time attendant/operator
- Plan to close the transfer station and direct waste to the Pipeline Rd. landfill
- Transition to Ontario Recycle Transition (O. Reg. 391/21) effective October 1, 2023
Regular Council
The Council will review financial statements for the period ending July 31, 2023, and discuss lease agreements for airport hangars. The meeting also includes reports on administration, public works, and community services.
- Lease Agreement - Nicholas & Christopher VanDoorne
- Lease Agreement - Kevin Mason
- Lease Agreement - Atikokan Amateur Radio Club
- Financials for period ending July 31, 2023
- New Canoe/Boat Launch Area discussion
Special Council
The Atikokan Special Council meeting on August 1, 2023, is scheduled to address labour relations. The session includes an in-camera portion regarding non-union employee negotiations.
- In-camera discussion regarding labour relations or employee negotiations (Non-Union Agreement)
Regular Council
Council will review a proposed agreement with Northern911 to upgrade emergency communications. The meeting also includes a report on the estimated $70,000 to $90,000 cost for a new K-12 school crosswalk.
- By-Law No. 29-23: Agreement with Northern Communication Services Inc. (Northern911)
- K-12 Crosswalk: Estimated project cost of $70,000-$90,000
- Cemetery Fee Changes: Proposed 10% increase to fees and new non-resident fees
- Procedural By-Law Update: Notice to repeal and replace existing procedural by-laws
- Animal Control: Framework for keeping domestic fowl under discussion
Animal Control By-Law Committee
The Animal Control By-Law Ad-Hoc Committee will meet to review results from a survey. No other specific business or decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Review of survey results
Regular Council
The Council reviewed reports regarding the renewal of employee benefit contracts and the potential implementation of a Municipal Accommodation Tax. Discussions also included agreements for community services and the expansion of the Atikokan General Hospital rehab department.
- Proposed renewal of the Town's employee benefit contract
- Direction to develop a Municipal Accommodation Tax for early 2024 implementation
- Agreement with Rhonda Grynol for community gardening services
- Agreement with Victorian Order of Nurses for a senior slip and fall prevention program
- Proposed use of the Recreation & Wellness Centre multipurpose room by Atikokan General Hospital
Committee-of-the-Whole
The Committee-of-the-Whole will review a draft by-law to update how Council meetings are conducted. Key discussions include permitting electronic participation for members and implementing a rotating chair system for meetings.
- Draft Proceedings of Council By-Law review
- Delegation from Atikokan General Hospital regarding Rehab Department expansion
- Discussion on electronic participation and voting rights
- Proposal for a rotating chair system for Committee of the Whole meetings
- Review of Municipal Accommodation Tax letter from Tourism Atikokan
Regular Council
The Council will consider adopting new tax rates and ratios, as well as an agreement with the MNRF regarding the municipal airport. Discussions include a request to merge several properties on Partridge Avenue and Dorothy Street, and the appointment of a task force for the Centennial Canoe initiative.
- By-Law No. 20-23: Adopt Estimates & Tax Rates
- By-Law No. 21-23: Agreement with PDR Contracting Thunder Bay Ltd. for Mercury Ave. Culvert
- By-Law No. 22-23: Agreement with MNRF regarding the Airport
- Request to merge properties at 37-49 Partridge Avenue & Dorothy Street
- Appointment of Centennial Canoe Task Force members
Committee-of-the-Whole
The Committee-of-the-Whole will discuss renewing a lease with the MNRF for wildfire response infrastructure at the municipal airport. Council will also consider whether to hold public consultations regarding new animal control by-laws and the keeping of domestic fowl.
- Renewal of MNRF airport lease with annual rent increase to $12,484.80
- Proposal to repeal and replace Animal Control By-Laws 11-78 and 11-05
- Centennial Canoe Task Force request for a new resolution of support
- Discussion on O'Brien Street Project
- In-camera discussion regarding land disposition at 48 Starr Street
Regular Council
The Council and Committee-of-the-Whole discussed various municipal updates including repairs at the Little Falls Community Centre and a potential museum name change. Discussions also covered the 2023 budget, waste management transitions, and the Canada Summer Jobs grant application.
- Approved $13,000.00 for Kone to repair the Little Falls Community Centre stairlift
- Approved $21,329.03 to Tramin Ltd. for walk-in cooler repairs at Little Falls Community Centre
- Proposed rebranding the Atikokan Centennial Museum to the Museum of Atikokan
- Discussed Canada Summer Jobs Grant for 5 summer student positions
- Proclaimed April, May, and June as Honey Bee Appreciation Months
Committee-of-the-Whole
The Committee-of-the-Whole is reviewing a regional plan designed to address the root causes of crime and social disorder in the Rainy River District. The plan focuses on three priority areas: mental health, addictions/substance abuse, and housing/homelessness. The proposal was developed by the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board to serve ten local municipalities.
- Delegation regarding the Community Safety & Well-Being Plan by Julie Slack (NWHU) and Sgt. Jim Davis (OPP)
- Discussion of Mercury Avenue Culvert
- Discussion of Waste Management
- Discussion of Single Use Plastic Bags
- Review of 2023 Budget
Regular Council - CANCELLED
The scheduled meeting of the 40th Council for May 8, 2023, was cancelled. No business was conducted or decided.
Committee-of-the-Whole
The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board (RRDSSAB) presented its $31.20 million approved 2023 budget. The presentation covered service delivery for Ontario Works, Children's Services, Emergency Medical Services, and Community Housing.
- RRDSSAB 2023 total budget of $31.20 million
- Homelessness Prevention Program funding increased to $1.3 million
- Children's Services annual budget of $9.16 million
- Emergency Medical Services annual budget of $9.04 million
- Community Housing annual budget of $7.59 million
Regular Council
The Council is reviewing several departmental reports, including repairs for the Little Falls Recreation Centre and a new river monitoring agreement. The meeting also includes financial updates for the period ending March 31, 2023.
- Mercury Avenue Culvert Replacement contract awarded to PDR Contracting Ltd. for $2,314,873.16
- Proposed $13,000 repair for the Little Falls Recreation Centre stairlift
- Proposed $20,000 cooling system replacement at Little Falls Recreation Centre
- Agreement with Environment Canada to lease land for a river monitoring gauge for $500 per year
- Authorization to pay Eva Lake Mining $31,825.32 for 2022 winter sand
Atikokan Police Services Board
The Board will review the Detachment Commander's report for January through March 2023. Sgt. Jim Davis is scheduled to deliver a delegation regarding the Community Safety & Well-Being Plan.
- Delegation by Sgt. Jim Davis on Community Safety & Well-Being Plan
- Detachment Commander's Report for January - March 2023
Committee-of-the-Whole - CANCELLED
The scheduled meeting for the Town of Atikokan Committee-of-the-Whole was cancelled. The agenda included reports on financial statements, river monitoring, facility repairs, and a tax exemption request.
- Proposed agreement with Environment Canada for a river monitoring gauge lease at $500.00 per year
- Proposed $13,000.00 repair for the Little Falls Recreation Centre stairlift
- Proposed $20,000.00 cooling system installation at Little Falls Recreation Centre by Tramin
- Proclamation of Honey Bee Appreciation Months
- Correspondence regarding Non-Resident Speculation Tax exemptions for Ukrainian workers
Regular Council
The Atikokan Council will review a tender for the Mercury Avenue culvert and storm sewer replacement project. They will also discuss a request to approve the purchase of winter sand that exceeded previous budgets.
- Mercury Avenue Culvert Tender: recommendation to award PDR Contracting LTD $2,314,873.16
- Winter sand purchase resolution
- Amendment to Committee Structure
- Appointment of Library Board members via By-Law No. 14-23
- Atikokan General Hospital: $50,000 Ministry funding for rehab equipment
Committee-of-the-Whole
The Committee-of-the-Whole is reviewing a draft by-law to update how Council meetings are conducted. Additionally, staff provided clarification on policies regarding Councillor travel reimbursements and lost wage payments.
- Draft Proceedings of Council By-Law including electronic participation provisions
- Proposed changes to meeting schedules and agenda items
- Review of Council Travel Policy and per diem rates ($150/day or $75/half day)
- Discussion of lost wage reimbursement limits ($500/day)
- Review of Councillor absence penalties ($35 for Committee of the Whole; $40 for Council)
Regular Council
The Council reviewed several departmental reports and approved significant transfers from various reserves to the 2023 budget. Discussions included the 2023 budget status, council remuneration, and a new welcome sign design.
- Approved reserve transfers including $275,000 for Watermain and $150,000 for Storm
- Passed By-Law No. 11-23 for a lease agreement with the ANFC
- Passed By-Law No. 12-23 to amend Waste Management fees
- Passed By-Law No. 13-23 to amend the MacKenzie Ave zoning
- Selected the third design option for the AEDC welcome sign project
Committee-of-the-Whole
The Committee-of-the-Whole is reviewing three design options for a new community welcome sign funded by FedNor. The meeting also includes a report on the total remuneration and expenses paid to Council and the Police Services Board during 2022.
- Approval of a new community welcome sign design
- 2022 Council remuneration total of $77,378.32
- 2022 Police Services Board remuneration total of $3,606.38
- Quetico Newsletter advertising request
- In-camera discussion regarding labour relations and employee negotiations
Special Council
The Town of Atikokan Special Council is meeting to address finance matters. The primary item on the agenda is the 2023 Budget.
- 2023 Budget discussion
Regular Council
The Council will address several upcoming legislative and financial items, including a preliminary 2023 budget review and proposed waste management fee increases. Discussions will also cover a zoning amendment for MacKenzie Ave and a lease agreement for space at 123 Marks Street.
- Proposed amendment to Zoning By-Law #15-10 regarding MacKenzie Ave
- Proposed amendment to Waste Management of Fees By-Law No. 16-12
- Lease agreement for vacant space at 123 Marks Street with ANFC
- Atikokan Drinking Water System 2022 Annual Report acceptance
- 2023 Police Services Board budget of $21,458.37
Committee-of-the-Whole
The Committee-of-the-Whole is reviewing several administrative and financial reports. Key items include a proposal to transfer funds from reserves for 2023 capital projects and a lease request from the Atikokan Native Friendship Centre.
- Proposed reserve transfers for projects including $275,000 for hydrants and $150,000 for watermains
- Proposed one-year lease for vacant space at 123 Marks St. for the Atikokan Native Friendship Centre
- Presentation of the 2022 Atikokan Drinking Water System Annual Report
- Discussion of 2022 year-end financial statements and revenue/expense variances
- Review of potential waste management fee changes
Special Council
The Special Council meeting is scheduled to address the 2023 Budget. No other specific business items are listed on the agenda.
- 2023 Budget discussion
Regular Council
The Atikokan Council will consider three new by-laws regarding occupational health, workplace anti-violence, and incident reporting. The meeting also includes reports from various municipal committees and a discussion regarding a casual lifeguard position.
- By-Law No. 08-23: Occupational Health and Safety Policy
- By-Law No. 09-23: Workplace Anti-Violence, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy
- By-Law No. 10-23: Incident Reporting Policy
- Northwestern Health Unit 2022 Opioid Report
- In-Camera discussion regarding a Casual Lifeguard Position
Committee-of-the-Whole
The Committee-of-the-Whole is reviewing By-Law 11-78, which aims to regulate, restrict, or prohibit the keeping of certain animals within the Township. The meeting includes a delegation from Susan Bourne regarding this specific by-law.
- Delegation regarding By-Law 11-78 (Animal Keeping)
- Zoning Amendment Application for 301 Mackenzie Avenue West
- In-camera discussion regarding property acquisition at 123 Marks Street
- In-camera discussion regarding CAO goals and objectives
Special Council
The Special Council meeting includes discussions regarding labor agreements and employee negotiations. The Council will also address personal matters related to specific Public Works positions.
- Labour relations or employee negotiations - Labour Agreement
- Hiring for Public Works Sewer Truck Driver position
- Hiring for Public Works Permanent Labourer position
Regular Council
The Town Council is reviewing several financial and administrative matters, including an interim tax levy and temporary borrowing. Council also directed staff to begin a zoning amendment process to allow food production greenhouses at 301 MacKenzie Avenue West.
- Zoning amendment for greenhouses at 301 MacKenzie Avenue West
- By-Law No. 06-23 regarding an Interim Tax Levy
- By-Law No. 07-23 regarding Temporary Borrowing
- By-Law No. 05-23 to appoint Library Board members
- Dissolution of all late material fines at the Atikokan Public Library
Committee-of-the-Whole
The Committee-of-the-Whole is reviewing reports regarding the 2023 interim tax levy and a temporary borrowing by-law to manage municipal cash flow. The committee will also consider appointing members to the Atikokan Public Library Board.
- Approval of the 2023 Interim Tax Levy By-Law
- Authorization of a Temporary Borrowing By-Law with a $2,000,000.00 credit limit
- Appointment of Atikokan Public Library Board members via By-Law No. 05-23
- Orientation for Atikokan Centennial Museum Department
Regular Council
The Council will review proposed 2023 water and wastewater rates and a by-law to appoint members to the Atikokan Centennial Museum Board. Other items include an agreement for an after-school program and the transfer of Part III prosecutions to Fort Frances.
- By-Law No. 03-23: Establish Water & Sewage Service Rates
- By-Law No. 04-23: Agreement with Minister of Tourism, Culture & Sport for After School Program
- By-Law No. 01-23: Appoint Museum Board
- Transfer of Part III Prosecutions to the Town of Fort Frances
- By-Law No. 02-23: Designate 'Head' for MFIPPA
Committee-of-the-Whole
The Committee-of-the-Whole is reviewing the 2022 Post-Election Accessibility Report and discussing the delegation of the 'Head' role under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Other items include water/wastewater rates and appointments to the Centennial Museum Board.
- 2022 Post-Election Accessibility Report review
- 2023 Water/Wastewater Rates discussion
- After School Program Transfer Payment Agreement
- Appointment of members to the Atikokan Centennial Museum Board
- Transfer of Part III Prosecutions to the Town of Fort Frances