Brockville public meetings in 2021
21 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is considering minor variance application A16/21, which would allow a boathouse at 22 Smith Island to be built 5.48 metres tall instead of the 4.0 metres permitted under Zoning By-law 050-2014. Staff recommend deferring the decision at the applicant's request so they can continue discussions with the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA), which has recommended denial over flood and erosion hazard concerns. The committee is also set to defer approval of minutes from its 27 October 2021 meeting.
- Minor variance A16/21: boathouse height increase from 4.0 m to 5.48 m at 22 Smith Island (applicant Peter Wedekamm, agent D.C. Snelling Limited)
- CRCA recommends denial, citing flood plain and erosion hazard policies; a permit would not be issued
- Staff report SR2021-230 recommends deferral at the applicant's request
- Committee also to defer approval of minutes from the 27 October 2021 meeting
- Public hearing notice published in the Recorder & Times on 18 November 2021; no public comments received
Council
Brockville City Council meets December 14, 2021 to consider committee recommendations and by-laws, including a temporary borrowing by-law of up to $6,000,000 for 2022 operations, 2022 user fees, and water and wastewater rates. Council will also receive an Official Plan presentation and consider appointments to boards and committees. Several items are on consent agendas, meaning they are considered routine and may be passed in one motion unless a councillor requests they be separated.
- Temporary Borrowing Bylaw authorizing up to $6,000,000 for 2022 working capital
- Reynolds Park Redevelopment capital budget: $39,100 from Fiscal Policy and $279,150 from Canada Community Build Fund
- Proposed 2022 Building Fee Changes, with a mandatory public meeting to be held
- Municipal Access Agreement with 3M Canada Company for fibre optic cable on municipal right-of-way
- By-laws to remove lots on Webster Crescent from Part Lot Control and remove 'H1' Holding Symbol at 1909 Parkedale Avenue East
Finance & Administration Committee
The Finance & Administration Committee is reviewing four staff reports at its December 8, 2021 virtual meeting. Members will consider a temporary borrowing bylaw of up to $6,000,000 for 2022, a $320,000 Reynolds Park redevelopment capital budget, $10,000 in equity, diversity and inclusion training, and a process to recruit a new City Manager. Most items are recommendations to Council; no final decisions are recorded in the agenda.
- Temporary Borrowing Bylaw SR2021-223: authorize the Mayor and City Treasurer to borrow up to $6,000,000 for 2022 current operations
- Reynolds Park Redevelopment SR2021-221: $320,000 capital budget funded by $39,100 Fiscal Policy and $279,150 Canada Community Build Fund
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Training SR2021-225: estimated $10,000 cost, with $2,700 from council expense budget and $7,300 from Fiscal Policy Reserve
- Recruitment of City Manager SR2021-226: issue a Request for Proposal to executive search firms, estimated under $35,000 funded from Fiscal Policy Reserve
- Selection Review Committee of the Mayor and two Councillors proposed for the City Manager recruitment
Economic Development, Recreation & Tourism Committee
Brockville's Economic Development, Recreation & Tourism Committee meets to receive the 2021 Tourism Annual Report from the Aquatarium and a staff report on the 2021 Brockville Harbour Survey. The committee will also consider a motion to transfer proceeds from sales of "The Story of Brockville" book to the Museum Board Reserve Fund. Most remaining agenda items are procedural, including consent agenda, media question period, and adjournment.
- Tourism Annual Report presentation by Thomas Harder, Aquatarium Executive Director
- SR2021-220: 2021 Brockville Harbour Survey received for information
- SR2021-224: Motion to transfer "The Story of Brockville" book sale funds to Museum Board Reserve Fund
- Tourism contracts with Aquatarium valued at $225,000 (marketing) and $111,000 (information services)
- Committee to adjourn until next regular meeting January 4, 2022
Planning and Operations Committee
Brockville's Planning and Operations Committee is reviewing a proposed 4.4% increase to building permit fees, tied to the Ontario September-to-September CPI, to take effect April 1, 2022. Staff report that 2020 permit revenue of $173,254 fell $128,985 short of the $302,239 cost of delivering building code services, a gap covered by the tax levy. The committee will also consider a Municipal Access Agreement with 3M Canada for fibre optic cable on municipal right-of-way. Both items are recommendations to Council; no final decisions are made at this meeting.
- Proposed 4.4% building permit fee increase effective April 1, 2022 (SR2021-218)
- 2020 building permit revenue $173,254 vs. $302,239 in direct and indirect costs, a $128,985 shortfall
- Five-year (2016-2020) taxpayer subsidy of $507,802 for building services
- Municipal Access Agreement with 3M Canada for fibre optic cable on municipal right-of-way (SR2021-222)
- Mandatory public meeting required before building permit fee changes
Planning and Operations Committee - Public Meeting
The Planning and Operations Committee is receiving a staff report on a proposed 477-unit residential subdivision on 20.3 hectares at Centennial Road and Windsor Drive, along with an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment requested by Juliada Holdings Inc. The report recommends the applications be received as information and that a future report be prepared for consideration; no decision is being made at this meeting. The proposal would remove a "Significant Woodlands" overlay and rezone the lands to residential and open space categories. City departments, the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, and members of the public submitted comments, including a CRCA recommendation to defer the subdivision application until its concerns are addressed.
- Proposed 477 dwelling units: 99 single detached, 164 semi-detached, 134 townhouse, 80 apartment on 20.3 hectares (50.3 acres)
- Requested Official Plan Amendment to remove the "Significant Woodlands" overlay from the subject lands
- Requested rezoning from H1-R1, H1-C1 and OS zones to R2A, R3A, R4A, R6 and OS zones
- CRCA recommends deferral of the subdivision application pending resolution of stormwater and species-at-risk concerns, including Butternut trees and a possible Overall Benefit Permit
- Public comments opposed the plan, citing traffic on Windsor Drive and Duke Street and the proposed density; one comment proposed stopping Elizabeth Drive at Lot 35 and making a walkway to Duke Street
Council (Special and Budget)
Brockville Council holds a special meeting to fill two vacant councillor seats by appointing from 18 applicants, then reviews the 2022 City Departments Operating Budget. Council will vote on a motion to approve, in principle, a net total levy of $22,680,762, a 3.75% increase for City Departments. The budget approval is in principle only, pending review of other 2022 budget aspects.
- Appointment of two councillors from 18 applicants to fill vacancies for the remainder of the 2018-2022 term
- 2022 City Operating budget proposed at a net total levy of $22,680,762
- Tax levy increase of $818,888 or 3.75% for City Departments, representing 2.2% on the overall 2021 levy of $36,837,119
- Proposed decrease of $300,000 to Fiscal Policy Reserve contribution (to $500,000) and $100,000 to Arena Reserve (to $400,000)
- Estimated tax impact: $48 on an average residential property assessed at $250,000; $187 on a commercial property assessed at $500,000
Arena Advisory Committee
The Brockville Arena Advisory Committee meets to approve minutes from November 4 and discuss the scope of work for expanding dressing rooms at the Memorial Centre. The November 4 minutes show the committee also discussed fire alarm upgrades, solar panel displacement, and a design criteria document for a proposed additional ice pad and indoor track. No decisions on new spending or contracts are scheduled for this meeting.
- Approval of November 4, 2021 meeting minutes
- Discussion of scope of work for dressing room expansion
- Prior meeting covered fire alarm re-do, solar panel displacement, and dressing room expansion as separate projects from the double ice pad
- Design criteria document proposes one additional ice surface, indoor walking track, and multi-purpose room at Memorial Centre
- City staff requested committee direction on scope of work for an RFP
Airport Commission
The Brockville 1000 Islands Regional Tackaberry Airport Commission meets to review progress on the runway approach, fuel system, line painting, and hangar matters, and to take up new business including airport budget, website, tourism promotion, and two incidents involving damaged runway approach lights and improper taxiway use. The only formal decision on the agenda is adopting the October 28 minutes and adjourning to December 16, 2021.
- Approval of minutes from the October 28 meeting
- Runway approach progress and tree clearing tied to an Instrument Approach Procedure with Nav Canada and Octant Aviation
- Fuel dispensing system: precision seal test passed, pumps next to be replaced
- New business: airport budget, airport website, and promoting the airport from a tourism perspective
- Airport incidents: runway approach lights damaged and improper use of taxiway and gate
CANCELLED - Committee of Adjustment
The City of Brockville Committee of Adjustment was scheduled to meet on November 24, 2021, but the public meeting item was cancelled because the applicant withdrew the application. The only substantive item listed, Minor Variance File A15/21 at 125 Stewart Boulevard, was withdrawn. The remaining agenda consists of procedural items: approval of minutes and adjournment.
- Minor Variance File A15/21 at 125 Stewart Boulevard was withdrawn by the applicant, cancelling the public meeting
- Committee of Adjustment handles minor variances, non-conforming use changes, and consent applications under the Planning Act
- Minor variance decisions become final 20 days after the decision if no appeals are lodged
- Remaining agenda items are procedural: approval of minutes and adjournment
Council (Special) 24 Nov 2021
Brockville City Council meets in a special virtual session on November 24, 2021, to hear presentations from residents who applied to fill two vacant councillor seats. Council will also move into a closed session under the Municipal Act to consider a personal matter about an identifiable individual. No bylaws, correspondence, or minutes are on the agenda.
- Applicant presentations for two vacant Office of Councillor seats, with 18 named applicants including Philip Deery, Priti Luhadia, David Beatty, and Tonya Martin
- Closed session under Municipal Act, 2001, Section 239 Sub. 2 (b) on personal matters about an identifiable individual
- Council to rise from closed session without reporting
- No bylaws, correspondence, petitions, or confirmatory bylaw on the agenda
- Next regular meeting scheduled for November 30, 2021
Council
Brockville Council is meeting to consider the 2022 capital budget for city departments, totalling $6,640,329, along with routine committee reports and two by-laws. The agenda also includes a proclamation for Salvation Army Week and an appointment to the Brockville Public Library Board. A staff report on the 2021 Council vacancy is deferred to a special meeting on November 24, 2021.
- 2022 Capital Budget - City Departments totalling $6,640,329, funded by tax rate ($872,829), reserves ($1,535,500), Canada Community Build Fund ($3,101,850), debt ($985,000), and grants/donations ($145,150)
- By-law 100-2021 to appoint Sandra MacDonald as Interim City Manager
- By-law 101-2021 to amend winter parking restrictions by-law 119-89
- Proclamation of Salvation Army Week December 19-25, 2021, and Giving of Hope flag at Tunnel Bay December 20-27, 2021
- Appointment of Councillor Wren to Brockville Public Library Board
Finance & Administration Committee
Brockville's Finance & Administration Committee meets Nov. 16, 2021 to review staff reports on 2022 budget expense exclusions, the November 2021 capital variance, a cross-boundary transit pilot update, and three fire service procurement reports. The committee will also consider a motion from Councillor Wales on equity and inclusion training for Council, committee members, and senior staff. Most items are receive-for-information or procedural; one report authorizes purchase of replacement SCBA fill station bottles.
- SR2021-210: 2022 budget excludes $4,633,902 amortization, $195,690 post-employment benefits, and $35,000 landfill closure costs, totaling $4,864,591
- SR2021-214: 2021 November Capital Variance Report shows tax-levy surplus of $58,627 and debt-funded surplus of $199,317
- SR2021-212: authorizes Interim City Manager and Fire Chief to buy replacement SCBA fill station bottles
- SR2021-215: Cross Boundary Transit Pilot (River Route) update received for information
- Councillor Wales motion: staff to report in December 2021 on equity and inclusion training, to be completed by March 31, 2022
Council
Brockville Council will consider approving the 2022 Capital Budget for City Departments totaling $6,689,129, funded by tax rate, reserves, Canada Community Build Fund, debt, and grants. Council will also decide on a dock replacement project at Tunnel Bay and Ernie Fox Quay, to be funded by debenture, and receive a report on a 2021 Council vacancy. Several committee recommendations and by-laws are also on the agenda.
- 2022 Capital Budget for City Departments: $6,689,129, funded by Tax Rate $935,829, Reserves/Reserve Funds $1,510,500, Canada Community Build Fund $3,112,650, Debt $985,000, Grants/Donations/Other $145,150
- Dock Replacement Project – Tunnel Bay and Ernie Fox Quay: staff directed to proceed with tendering; docks to be funded by debenture
- Land Clearing at Brockville Airport: $27,475.20 to Capital Land Clearing Ltd., funded by existing Operations Department surpluses
- Reynolds Park Redevelopment Concept: Council approves concept and directs staff to prepare capital project business cases
- By-law 097-2021: transfer of 5.0 acres of City-owned land on Western Industrial Park to Enbridge Gas Inc
Council (Special Closed)
Brockville City Council is holding a special closed meeting on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at 4:30 pm, closed to the public under the Municipal Act, 2001, Section 239 Sub. 2 (c), to consider a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board. The public agenda contains no other substantive business: there are no by-laws, no unfinished business, and no emergency business. Council will also consider a confirmatory by-law (095-2021) and adjourn until its next regular meeting on November 9, 2021. The specific land, location, and any dollar amounts are not stated in the agenda.
- Closed session under Municipal Act, 2001, Section 239 Sub. 2 (c) to consider a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land
- By-laws: Nil
- Unfinished business: Nil
- Emergency business: Nil
- Confirmatory By-law Number 095-2021 to confirm the November 4, 2021 proceedings
Arena Advisory Committee
The Arena Advisory Committee meets at the Brockville Memorial Centre to approve prior minutes and continue reviewing the Arena Design Elements Document for a proposed expansion. At its October 19, 2021 meeting the committee endorsed amended arena expansion feasibility option criteria, including more and larger dressing rooms, a hydro upgrade, and added exits and storage. The design document outlines a second ice surface, an indoor walking track, and a multi-purpose room as a supplement to the Memorial Centre. No contracts, fee changes, or final decisions are on this agenda.
- Review of Arena Design Elements Document (business arising from minutes)
- October 19, 2021 committee endorsed amended arena expansion feasibility option criteria
- Design calls for one additional ice surface (200' x 85') to replace the Centennial Youth Arena
- Design includes a suspended indoor walking track with three 1 m lanes and a multi-purpose room
- Design notes a hydro upgrade is required to service the fire system and compressors
Economic Development, Recreation & Tourism Committee
Brockville's Economic Development, Recreation & Tourism Committee meets Nov. 2, 2021 to hear a delegation on an accessible kayak launch and receive staff reports on the Brockville Arts Centre, local economic development, Reynolds Park redevelopment, and dock replacements at Tunnel Bay and Ernie Fox Quay. The Reynolds Park and dock reports ask Council to approve a redevelopment concept and to proceed with tendering replacement docks funded by debenture. The Arts Centre and economic development reports are for information only.
- Delegation proposes an accessible kayak launch at St. Lawrence Park; estimated cost can be upwards of $75,000
- SR2021-203 Reynolds Park Redevelopment Concept asks Council to approve the concept and direct staff to prepare capital business cases
- SR2021-207 Dock Replacement Project for Tunnel Bay and Ernie Fox Quay asks Council to direct tendering and fund docks by debenture
- SR2021-206 Brockville Arts Centre Update and 2022 Program received for information; BAC continuing at 50% capacity until at least start of 2022
- SR2021-197 Local Economic Development Initiatives Update received for information
Planning and Operations Committee
The Planning and Operations Committee is reviewing three staff reports: possible city-owned sites for tiny homes after the Strowger Blvd and Hubbell Street proposal stalled, new winter parking restrictions on Abbott Street and Kyle Court, and $27,475.20 in land clearing at the Brockville 1000 Islands Regional Tackaberry Airport. The committee is also considering a request that Ontario address "renovictions." Most items are recommendations for Council to decide later.
- SR2021-205: Five alternative city-owned sites identified for tiny homes, including Dana Street Park, Dana Street at Laurier, Kensington Parkway, and Broadway Ave at Donaldson Ave
- SR2021-208: Proposed winter parking bans on Abbott Street from Maple Street to Perth Street and both sides of Kyle Court, November 1 to March 31
- SR2021-204: $27,475.20 contract to Capital Land Clearing Ltd. for tree removal at Brockville 1000 Islands Regional Tackaberry Airport, funded from Operations Department surpluses
- New business: request that Brockville support Sarnia's call for Ontario action on "renovictions"
- Consent agenda and December 7, 2021 next meeting set
Airport Commission
The Brockville 1000 Islands Regional Tackaberry Airport Commission meets virtually on October 28, 2021. The agenda is largely procedural: chair's remarks, disclosure of interest, and approval of the September 30, 2021 minutes. Under business arising, the Commission is set to discuss its own liability, a City Staff update on initiatives, and a review of the Airport Contract. No new business items are listed.
- Approval of minutes from the September 30, 2021 meeting
- Discussion of the Commission's liability
- City Staff update on initiatives
- Review of the Airport Contract
- Next regular meeting scheduled for November 25 at 9:00 a.m.
Committee of Adjustment
Brockville's Committee of Adjustment meets Oct. 27, 2021 to hear three applications for severances and minor variances: splitting 58-60 King Street West from 2-4 Court House Avenue, and severing rear portions of 250 and 254 Perth Street to create a new building lot on Schofield Avenue. Staff recommend approval of all three, saying the requests are consistent with the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from Sept. 22, 2021.
- Severance and minor variance at 2-4 Court House Avenue / 56 King Street W and 58-60 King Street West (A14/21, B07/21): lot area reduced from 500.0 m² to about 288.0 m² and frontage from 12.0 m to about 7.5 m
- 250 Perth Street (A12/21, B08/21): rear-yard severance; lot area for a single detached dwelling reduced from 360.0 m² to about 230.0 m², and duplex lot area from 540.0 m² to about 492.0 m²
- 254 Perth Street (A13/21, B09/21): lot area for a single detached dwelling reduced from 360.0 m² to about 234.0 m²; approvals for the Perth Street applications are contingent on each other
- Public comment received supporting the King Street severance; a phone call raised concern the new Schofield Avenue lot could stay vacant or become a parking lot, which staff note is not permitted in the R3 zone
- Minutes of the Sept. 22, 2021 Committee of Adjustment meeting up for adoption
Council
Brockville City Council meets October 26, 2021, with a closed session at 4:30 pm to discuss personal matters and negotiation positions. In open session, Council will consider declaring two councillor seats vacant, appointing a Planning and Operation Committee chairperson, and approving the 2022 Water and Wastewater Operating Budgets. Several staff reports on parking, transit buses, and traffic signals are on the consent agenda for information.
- 2022 Water Operating Budget with net expenses of $3,869,509
- 2022 Wastewater Operating Budget with net expenses of $5,338,196
- Declare two Office of Councillor positions vacant (SR2021-196)
- Appoint Councillor Wales as Planning and Operation Committee Chairperson
- Review of Downtown Parking including possible angle parking on Water Street at Centeen and Reynolds parks