Georgian Bay public meetings in 2024
34 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Council
This is a special Council meeting of the Township of Georgian Bay. The agenda includes a closed session to discuss litigation or potential litigation involving OBD Developments Inc., followed by the adoption of a confirming by-law for the meeting's proceedings. No other substantive decisions or discussions are listed.
- Closed session regarding OBD Developments Inc. litigation or potential litigation
- By-law 2024-110 to confirm proceedings of the Special Council meeting
Committee of Adjustment
The Township of Georgian Bay Committee of Adjustment is meeting to hold public hearings on one consent application and seven minor variance applications, each seeking relief from the Zoning By-law 2014-75. The committee will also adopt the minutes from its November 8, 2024 meeting. Public comments can be submitted in advance by email.
- Consent Application B24-09 (57 Port Severn Road N - Bressette)
- Minor Variance A24-44 (829 Lone Pine Road - Lawley)
- Minor Variance A24-51 (84 Valley Road - Breckenridge)
- Minor Variance A24-52 (2237 Harrison Trail - Graden)
- Minor Variance A24-53 (20356 Georgian Bay Shore - Chudleigh)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several staff reports, including a proposal to purchase Save Station emergency kits, an amendment to the Dark-Sky By-law, a year-end report on short-term rentals, and a review of the solid waste consultant's terms of reference. The committee will consider options for the Save Station program, which provides emergency medical equipment at public parks, and may direct staff on how to proceed.
- Save Station emergency kit purchase options: $3,300 for outdoor unit, $3,600 for alarm/ventilation/heated unit, $5,000 for solar power, $2,800 for AED, $200 for naloxone kit
- Dark-Sky By-law AMPS Amendment (report 2024-242)
- Short Term Rental Year End Report (report 2024-244)
- Solid Waste Consultant Terms of Reference Review (verbal discussion)
Planning Council
The Planning Council is meeting to conduct public hearings for two zoning by-law amendment applications (Z23-13 at 65 Dayeo Drive and Z24-17 at 206 Wild Rice Trail) and to review staff reports on four other applications (Z24-13, Z24-12, Z24-16, and a blasting permit). The agenda also includes a presentation on donated historical planning resources and a confirming by-law. No final decisions are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion and public input.
- Public meeting for Z23-13 (65 Dayeo Drive) - revised proposal to conserve most lands, prohibit severances, and add holding provision for site plan control
- Public meeting for Z24-17 (206 Wild Rice Trail) - zoning by-law amendment
- Staff report on Z24-13 (182 Wild Rice Trail) - zoning by-law amendment
- Staff report on Z24-12 (2 Island 2170) - zoning by-law amendment
- Blasting permit application 24-04 (849 Harrison Trail)
Council
Council is meeting to decide on the 2025 budget, a fees and charges by-law, and a paid parking proposal for Six Mile Lake and Go Home Lake. It will also review staff reports on water quality program RFP results, maintenance of a private road (Iroquois Road), and committee appointments. Several items, including a closed session on litigation and personnel matters, are also on the agenda.
- 2025 Budget (Financial/IT Services Department Report 2024-252)
- By-law 2024-000 - Fees and Charges
- Paid Parking at Six Mile Lake and Go Home Lake (Operations Department Report 2024-243)
- Water Quality Program RFP Results (Development Services Department Report 2024-245)
- Township Maintenance of Private Road (Iroquois Road) (Operations Department Report 2024-253)
Special Council (Training)
This is a special council meeting dedicated to training, not regular business. Council will receive training from consultant Rick O'Connor on council-staff partnerships and municipal culture, and will consider a by-law to confirm the meeting's proceedings. The agenda lists strategic directions but no specific decisions or proposals are detailed.
- Training by Rick O'Connor on Council-Staff Partnerships and Critical Selections
- Training on Municipal Culture - Current and Future State
- By-law 2024-103 to confirm proceedings of the December 4, 2024 Special Council meeting
Special Council (Training)
This is a special council meeting dedicated to training, not regular business. Council will receive training from consultant Rick O'Connor on procedure, policy, change limitations, and communication etiquette. The only formal action is a by-law to confirm the proceedings of this meeting.
- Training by Rick O'Connor on procedure, policy, change limitations, and communication etiquette
- By-law 2024-102 to confirm the December 3, 2024 special council meeting
- Strategic directions listed: environmental protection, fiscal responsibilities, streamlining planning, customer experience, district relations, Indigenous engagement
Special Council (Budget)
Georgian Bay's Special Council (Budget) meeting on November 26, 2024, is set to consider and vote on the 2025 proposed budget. The consolidated budget includes a 10.60% municipal tax levy increase, which would add $202.89 annually to a home assessed at the MPAC average of $453,000. Council will vote on separate resolutions for the base budget, council-directed items, service enhancements, and the capital budget.
- 2025 proposed tax levy increase of 10.60%, adding $202.89/year on average assessment
- Base budget with 3.09% tax levy increase ($361,807) including compensation/pay equity review
- Service enhancements totaling $393,947 net tax impact, including 4 new staff positions
- Capital budget of $6.6M, including $35,000 for Regatta Beach multi-use surface and $75,000 for Honey Harbour Public Launch Ramp
- Council-directed items include $45,000 for waste large item pickup and $222,950 revenue optimization/fee review
MacTier Arena Advisory Committee
The MacTier Arena Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss new business items, including a free trial of the Catch Corner facility booking app, proposed public skating season passes, and soliciting advertising and sponsorships for the arena. The committee will also adopt the minutes from the October 15, 2024 meeting. One member has declared a conflict of interest on the booking app item.
- Catch Corner app free trial for facility bookings, with potential monthly fee
- Public skating season passes proposed at $15 for kids and $25 for adults
- Soliciting advertising and sponsorships, including updating outdated Timbr Mart sign to Muskoka Lumber
- Adoption of October 15, 2024 minutes
- Member Richard Baumgartner declared pecuniary interest for item 10(a)
Special Council (Municipal Grants)
This special Council meeting is dedicated to hearing presentations from organizations requesting 2025 municipal grants, including the Georgian Bay Public Library, Severn Sound Environmental Association, and several community groups. Council will also receive a staff report on 2025 Municipal Grant Allocations and consider a confirming by-law. The meeting is primarily for information gathering and discussion, with decisions expected to follow.
- Georgian Bay Public Library requests ~$55,000 operating increase for 2025
- SSEA 2025 budget: Township share $110,139 (core $97,225, SSS $12,914+HST)
- Presentations from Georgian Bay Biosphere, SEGBAY Chamber, Go Home Lake Cottagers, MacTier Housing, Legion, Historical Society, Railroad Heritage, Georgian Bay Forever, Georgian Bay Association
- Staff report on 2025 Municipal Grant Allocations (Report 2024-234)
- Confirming by-law 2024-XXX for November 19, 2024 Council
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will hold public hearings on five minor variance applications, each seeking relief from zoning by-law requirements for properties at Heron Point Road, Big Rock Road, Carson Way, Island 2660, and Birch Acres Drive. The committee will also adopt minutes from its October 11, 2024 meeting. Public comments can be submitted in advance by email.
- Minor Variance A24-37 (34 Heron Point Road - Pearson)
- Minor Variance A24-43 (219 Big Rock Road - Ventin)
- Minor Variance A24-49 (142 Carson Way - Armstrong)
- Minor Variance A24-50 (2 Island 2660 - Davis)
- Minor Variance A24-48 (310 Birch Acres Drive - Crosby)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will hear a drinking water source protection update from the Severn Sound Environmental Association, then discuss two new business items: creating terms of reference for hiring a solid waste consultant, and potentially amending By-law 1991-105 to allow exemptions to firearm discharge restrictions. Both items are discussions, not final decisions. The meeting is open for public viewing via YouTube and comments can be sent in advance by email.
- Drinking Water Source Protection Update presentation by Melissa Carruthers, Manager Source Water Protection, Severn Sound Environmental Association
- Discussion on Terms of Reference for hiring a solid waste consultant, following Resolution C-2024-337 from October 18, 2024
- Discussion on amending By-law 1991-105 to allow exemptions for firearm discharge on private properties, subject to Council approval
Planning Council
The Planning Council will consider closing and conveying a portion of Lakeview Crescent road allowance to the Stuarts for $10,312 plus HST, and hold public meetings for three zoning by-law amendments. The road allowance item was deferred from October 8, 2024, due to a neighbour objection.
- Road allowance closure R24-04: Part of Lakeview Crescent, Plan M468, Part 1, Plan 35R-27538, purchase price $10,312 plus HST
- Zoning By-law Amendment Z24-12: 2 Island 2170 (Clarke & Carney)
- Zoning By-law Amendment Z24-13: 182 Wild Rice Trail (Thompson)
- Zoning By-law Amendment Z24-16: 4 Clerks Road (Lashbrook)
- Confirming by-law for the meeting
Council
Council is meeting to consider the 2025 proposed budget, hear a deputation on 2024 water sampling and testing results in Honey Harbour, and discuss several new business items including support for a sewer charge appeal and resolutions on provincial matters. The agenda also includes routine approvals of minutes and reports.
- 2025 Proposed Budget presented by Financial/IT Services Department (Report 2024-226)
- Water Sampling and Testing 2024 Results deputation by Eastern Georgian Bay Protective Society (Thomas W. Bain)
- Support for Port Severn Campers Association's sewer charge appeal to District of Muskoka
- Request for Quotation: Waste Depot at GHL
- Resolutions supporting AMCTO recommendations on Municipal Elections Act, OPP funding, and assessment cycle
Sustainable Communities Advisory Group
The Sustainable Communities Advisory Group is meeting to discuss two staff reports: applying for a Green Municipal Fund grant to study a Community Efficiency Financing Program, and a proposal from Georgian Bay Forever to install Filtrol microplastics filters. The group will also adopt minutes from its August 26, 2024 meeting.
- Recommendation to apply for up to $175,000 (90% of eligible costs) from FCM for a feasibility study for a Community Efficiency Financing Program
- Potential $500,000 in trust for resident home energy upgrade loans
- Discussion of Georgian Bay Forever's Filtrol Microplastics Filter proposal
- Adoption of August 26, 2024 minutes
Special Council (Waste Management)
This special Council meeting focuses on waste management discussions and includes a motion to reconsider a temporary use by-law for rock crushing at the Oak Bay 'Summerside' property. The by-law, previously enacted, permits rock crushing for two years with dust control measures. Council will also consider a confirming by-law for the meeting's decisions.
- Waste management discussion
- Motion to reconsider P-2024-092 (ZBA Z22-12 Temporary Use - Rock Crushing, Oak Bay)
- By-law 2024-000: Temporary use zoning for rock crushing at 'Summerside', Part of Lot 31, Concession 2, Former Township of Baxter, allowing crushing 7 am-5 pm Mon-Fri for 2 years
- By-law 2024-000: Confirming Council October 18, 2024
MacTier Arena Advisory Committee
The MacTier Arena Advisory Committee will meet to discuss proposed outdoor exercise equipment for Mrs. C. Park, with a draft 2025 capital budget allocation of $35,000 to $75,000. The committee will also review minutes from July 29, 2024, and receive updates on resolution tracking and a partnership subcommittee. No final decisions are expected; the meeting is primarily for discussion and input.
- Discussion of exercise equipment for Mrs. C. Park, with draft 2025 capital budget funds of $35,000 to $75,000
- Adoption of July 29, 2024 minutes
- Update on resolution tracking sheet
- Update on Partnership with Associations Subcommittee
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will hold public hearings on six minor variance applications, each seeking relief from the Township's Zoning By-law 2014-75 for properties at 41 Port Severn Road N, 638 Haskett's Drive, 309 High Street, 7002 Go Home Lake Shore, 386 Corrievale Road, and 544 Kingswood Road. The committee will also adopt the minutes from its September 13, 2024 meeting. Staff reports recommend approval for each variance application.
- A24-41 (41 Port Severn Road N): accessory building setback reduced to 1.5m from rear lot line and right-of-way, vs. required 4m
- A24-45 (638 Haskett's Drive): minor variance application
- A24-46 (309 High Street): minor variance application
- A24-47 (7002 Go Home Lake Shore): minor variance application
- A23-50 (386 Corrievale Road) and A24-35 (544 Kingswood Road): minor variance files
Planning Council
The Township of Georgian Bay Planning Council is meeting to hold public meetings and make decisions on several planning applications, including zoning by-law amendments, shore road allowance closures, and a temporary use by-law for rock crushing. The agenda includes both public hearings and staff reports on various property-specific amendments and a site alteration repair order.
- Public meeting for shore road allowance closure R24-06 (D.E.C.K. Properties Corp.) and R24-04 (Rob and Tracey Stuart)
- Zoning by-law amendment Z24-09 for 34032 Georgian Bay Shore (Osler & Beveridge)
- Zoning by-law amendment Z24-11 for floating accommodations (Township-wide)
- Official Plan and Zoning amendments for 117 Port Severn Road North and 144 Six Mile Channel Road
- By-law 2024-000 for temporary use - rock crushing (Oak Bay)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to receive a delegation from the OPP Detachment Commander presenting the 2023-2025 Detachment Action Plan. The agenda also includes standard procedural items such as land acknowledgement, declarations of interest, and adjournment.
- Delegation: 2023-2025 Detachment Action Plan by Inspector Todd Pittman, Detachment Commander, Southern Georgian Bay Detachment OPP
Council
Council is receiving the final report on the Revenue Optimization and Fees Review, which proposes 40 fee adjustments and six longer-term revenue opportunities. If implemented in the 2025 budget, the recommendations could increase revenue by $289,075. The meeting also includes routine approvals of minutes, a 2025 meeting schedule, and a snow plow blade purchase.
- Revenue Optimization and Fees Review final report with 40 fee recommendations and potential $289,075 revenue increase
- Proposed 2% Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) as a longer-term opportunity
- 2025 Meeting Schedule for Council
- John Deere tractor snow plow blade purchase (Operations Department)
- Revised winter hours at South Gibson Rd/Rd 33 Waste Depot
Special Council
The Township of Georgian Bay's Special Council meeting on September 17, 2024, will consider a staff recommendation to accept the 2024/2025 municipal insurance renewal with BFL Canada at a premium of $470,633 (plus taxes), an increase of $20,610 over last year. The meeting also includes a closed session for market analysis recommendations and human resources matters related to labour relations or employee negotiations. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with a confirming by-law and adjournment.
- Insurance renewal with BFL Canada for $470,633 (plus taxes), one-year term starting September 30, 2024
- Premium increase of $20,610 over last year
- Staff to solicit tenders for 2025-2026 insurance services
- Closed session: Market Analysis Recommendations and Human Resources Department 2024-200 (labour relations or employee negotiations)
- By-law 2024-088 to confirm the Special Council meeting
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will hold public hearings on four minor variance applications, including requests for a taller detached garage at 452 Bayview Road and a variance at 16 Redwing Lane. Two applications (A24-37 and A23-50) are deferred, and one (A24-39) has been withdrawn. The committee will also adopt minutes from the August 16, 2024 meeting.
- Minor Variance A24-40 (452 Bayview Road): request to increase detached garage height to 5.5 m (by-law max 4.5 m)
- Minor Variance A24-42 (16 Redwing Lane): public hearing
- Minor Variance A24-36 (7088 Severn River Shore): public hearing
- Minor Variance A24-38 (4 Island 560 Georgian Bay): public hearing
- Applications A24-37 (34 Heron Point Road) and A23-50 (386 Corrievale Road) deferred
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is receiving a presentation from The Loomex Group on the 2024 Community Risk Assessment for Georgian Bay, which identifies and scores local fire and emergency risks. The assessment covers geographic, building, demographic, hazard, and other profiles, and includes risk treatment plans. No decisions are being made; the item is for information and discussion.
- Presentation of 2024 Community Risk Assessment by The Loomex Group
- Risk treatment plans for residential, industrial, commercial, and seasonal fires
- Plans for severe weather, island emergencies, wildland fires, and road/rail emergencies
- Fire loss statistics from 2018 to 2023 included in the assessment
Planning Council
The Georgian Bay Planning Council is meeting to consider several planning matters, including a zoning amendment for a dock with a gazebo, a housekeeping update to the comprehensive zoning by-law, a temporary zoning amendment, and road naming by-laws. The council will also discuss a new business item about keeping community associations whole.
- Zoning By-law Amendment Z24-10 for 7910 Go Home Lake Shore to permit a 4.87m wide dock with a 12.97 sq m gazebo
- Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2014-75 housekeeping update
- Temporary Zoning By-law Amendment Z22-12 for OBD Developments Inc. (Part of Lots 30 and 31, Concession 2, Baxter)
- Road naming by-laws for Marina Village Drive, Country Trail, Trailside Way, Waterside Lane, and Summerside Road
- New business: Keeping Community Associations Whole (Graziano)
Council
Georgian Bay Council is meeting to consider staff reports on a proposed water quality monitoring program review, an upgrade to the electronic document records management system, and a municipal grant request from Georgian Bay Forever. Council will also consider by-laws to prohibit swimming and fishing at public docks and to amend the administrative monetary penalty system, along with routine consent agenda items and a closed session for legal matters.
- Water Quality Program RFP deputation by Greg Mason, Generations Effect
- Proposed Water Quality Monitoring Program Review (Administration Dept. 2024-190)
- Upgrade Electronic Document Records Management System (EDRMS) (Clerks Dept. 2024-184)
- Municipal Grant Request - Georgian Bay Forever (Financial/IT Services 2024-189)
- Public Docks By-law - No Swimming or Fishing Prohibition (By-law 2024-XXX)
Sustainable Communities Advisory Group
The Sustainable Communities Advisory Group will consider recommending Council approve a partnership with Georgian Bay Forever to install seven fishing-line disposal containers, sponsor a $500 Georgian Bay Green Leader Award, and receive a report on a Repair Café at the Honey Bee Festival. They will also discuss a proposed cohort for Community Energy Financing and adopt the June 24, 2024 minutes.
- Recommend Council approve partnership with Georgian Bay Forever for 7 critical catch fishing-line containers at locations including Parks Canada Lock 45, Six Mile Lake Public Launch, and Honey Harbour Church Bay
- Recommend Council sponsor the Georgian Bay Green Leader Award at $500 for the Southeast Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Awards
- Receive report on Repair Café at the Honey Bee Festival, with possible locations at Church Bay old library or church basement
- Discuss proposed cohort for Community Energy Financing (addendum)
- Adopt minutes of June 24, 2024 meeting
Property Standards Appeal Committee
The Property Standards Appeal Committee will hear an appeal by property owner William Tobey against Order #PS2024-010, which requires cleanup and repairs at 2548 Honey Harbour Road. The committee may confirm, modify, or quash the order. The owner's appeal letter raises Indigenous rights and cultural concerns.
- Appeal of Order #PS2024-010 for 2548 Honey Harbour Road
- Violations include dilapidated foundation, overgrown grass, damaged roof
- Owner William Tobey requests dismissal, citing Indigenous rights and cultural practices
- Committee options: confirm with extension, modify, or quash the order
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will hold public hearings on one consent application and two minor variance applications. The consent application seeks to re-approve a lapsed boundary adjustment for 7 Joseph Street. The minor variance applications request relief from zoning by-law requirements for properties on O'Hara Point Road and Duffys Lane.
- Consent Application B24-04 (7 Joseph Street - Cooper): boundary adjustment to merge 0.046 ha with 13 Joseph Street
- Minor Variance Application A24-31 (306 O'Hara Point Road - Faucher)
- Minor Variance Application A24-34 (610 Duffys Lane - Coutts)
- Adoption of July 12, 2024 minutes
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and potentially approve an Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy for employees and volunteers, and to direct staff to prepare a separate policy for Council members. They will also consider a by-law prohibiting fishing and swimming at public docks, and discuss process improvements, support for aging residents, and hiring in-house legal counsel.
- Approve Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy for employees and volunteers
- Direct staff to prepare an IT Use Policy for Members of Council
- Public Docks By-law - No fishing or Swimming Prohibition
- Process Improvements (Cooper)
- Supporting Our Aging Residents (Graziano)
Planning Council
The Planning Council is meeting to consider several planning applications, including a shore road allowance closure, zoning by-law amendments, a blasting permit, and a fee waiver request. One application has been postponed. The council will also discuss a zoning amendment for floating accommodations.
- Application to close Shore Road Allowance R24-03 at 168 Stewart Lake Road (Lourenco) for $7,133.43 plus HST
- Zoning By-law Amendment Z23-13 at 65 Dayeo Drive (Bice)
- Zoning By-law Amendment Z24-10 at 7910 Go Home Lake Shore (Robinson)
- Blasting Permit Application 24-03 at 880 Hungry Bay Road (Devitt)
- Zoning By-law Amendment Z24-11 for Floating Accommodations (Township of Georgian Bay)
Council
Council is receiving an interim report from StrategyCorp on optimizing revenue and fees, including cost recovery analysis and benchmarking against nearby municipalities. The report identifies over 65 short-term fee updates, 45 fees for detailed cost analysis, and longer-term opportunities like online payments and a parking strategy. Council will also hear presentations on watershed management, lake water quality, and 2023 audited financial statements.
- Interim findings from StrategyCorp revenue optimization and fees review
- 2023 draft financial statements and audit findings presented by Pahapill and Associates
- Staff report on audited year-end results as at December 31, 2023
- Staff report on 2025 budget preparation
- By-laws to appoint Deputy Clerk and Deputy Treasurer
MacTier Arena Advisory Committee
The MacTier Arena Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss new business including a District of Muskoka funding request, a roller skating event, a program coordinator position and arena equipment for the 2025 budget, a mobile sign, Highway 400 digital sign advertising, and fundraising for a tennis/pickleball court at Mrs. C Park. The committee will also adopt minutes from the May 27, 2024 meeting and review a resolution tracking sheet.
- District of Muskoka Funding Request
- Roller Skating Event
- Program Coordinator Position - 2025 Budget
- Arena Equipment - 2025 Budget
- Tennis/Pickleball Court at Mrs. C Park Fundraising
Special Council
This special council meeting includes a closed session to discuss litigation involving Oak Bay Developments Inc., OBM Marina Inc., and OBG Golf Inc. appeals to the Ontario Land Tribunal, as well as a verbal staff report on waste management. The only open-session action is a confirming by-law for the meeting's proceedings.
- Closed session: Oak Bay appeals to Ontario Land Tribunal (litigation/solicitor-client privilege)
- Verbal staff report: Waste Management Discussion
- By-law 2024-072: Confirming Special Council July 19, 2024