Owen Sound public meetings in 2023

Council Meeting - Regular

The council will review a recommendation to amend the zoning by-law regarding short-term rentals. The agenda also includes updates to the 2024-2028 multi-year capital plan and several contract awards. Additionally, council will consider a motion to revisit the recent increase in garbage bag tag fees.

• Zoning By-law Amendment No. 51 for short-term rentals
• Multi-Year Capital Plan (2024-2028) update
• Contract award for new 911 Dispatch Centre construction
• Contract award for Tom Thomson Art Gallery upgrades
• Motion to reconsider the $3.50 garbage bag tag fee

Committee - Operations

The committee is reviewing updates to streetlight policy and winter storm emergency response plans. Members will also discuss 2024 hazardous waste charge rates and potential green bin service expansions. A review of the leaf and yard waste compost site business plan is also on the agenda.

• Streetlight Policy report (OP-23-051)
• 2024 Household Hazardous Waste Charge Rate adjustment (OP-23-050)
• Curb-Side Waste Management RFP and green bin expansion (OP-23-045)
• Leaf and Yard Waste Compost Site process review (OP-23-043)
• Winter Storm Emergency Response Plan amendments (OP-23-052)

Committee - Community Services

The committee will review several staff reports including a heritage conservation strategy and an update on the Harrison Park Master Plan. Discussions also include a proposed update to the city's fence by-law and tree inventory.

• Heritage Conservation Strategy and Listed Heritage Properties presentation
• Harrison Park Master Plan public input update
• Update to Fence By-law
• Tree Inventory Update
• Bayshore and JMRRC utility usage update

Committee - Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment is reviewing one minor variance application. The agenda also includes the confirmation of minutes from the November 21, 2023 meeting. No correspondence items were presented for consideration or information.

• Minor variance application A11-2023 for 1541 9th Avenue East
• Confirmation of minutes from November 21, 2023

Committee - Corporate Services

The Corporate Services Committee will review the 2024 Interim Tax Levy By-Law. The agenda also includes reports on the 2024 municipal insurance renewal and an update on employee benefits.

• 2024 Interim Tax Levy By-Law (CR-23-102)
• Municipal Insurance Renewal 2024 (CR-23-119)
• Employee Benefit Overview and Update (CR-23-118)

Council Meeting - Regular

The City Council is reviewing a zoning by-law amendment regarding short-term rentals. Staff are also presenting a request to withdraw a draft plan of subdivision for 3195 East Bayshore Road.

• Zoning By-law Amendment No. 51 regarding short-term rentals
• Withdrawal of Draft Plan of Subdivision Approval 42T-16501 at 3195 East Bayshore Road
• Agreement of Purchase and Sale for the Courthouse and Jail - Royal Rose Court
• Climate Resilient Coastal Communities Grant partnership with Grey Sauble Conservation Authority
• Award of RFP-23-029 for a non-profit corporation to administer Municipal Accommodation Tax

Council Meeting - Special

The City Council is reviewing the 2024 Draft Budget through a Committee of the Whole session. Discussion includes capital spending, staffing levels, and several proposed adjustments to municipal service levels.

• Presentation of the 2024 Draft Budget
• Proposed garbage bag tag price increase
• Recycling budget reallocation to future Source Separated Organics Program
• Operating grant request for Grey Bruce Hospice
• Grey Sauble Conservation Authority Levy

Committee - Strategic Planning Ad Hoc

The Strategic Planning Ad Hoc Committee will elect a Chair and Vice Chair. Staff will also present an update on the 2021 to 2023 Strategic Plan and introduce the long-term strategic plan.

• Election of Committee Chair and Vice Chair
• Presentation on Committee Introduction from the City Clerk
• Report CM-23-019 regarding the 2021 to 2023 Strategic Plan Refresh
• Report CM-23-020 regarding the Long-Term Strategic Plan introduction

Committee - Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will review two minor variance applications. These include a proposal involving a pylon sign at 1660 20th Avenue East and a project at 1592 7th Avenue East.

• Minor Variance application A09-2023 for 1660 20th Avenue East
• Minor Variance application A10-2023 for 1592 7th Avenue East

Council Meeting - Regular

The City Council is reviewing a report regarding rental caps and principal residence requirements for short-term rentals. The agenda also includes several proposed by-laws concerning strategic planning, service assumptions, traffic adjustments, and lease assignments.

• Report CR-23-097: Rental Cap and Principal Residence Requirements for STRs
• By-law 2023-121: Strategic Planning Ad Hoc Committee establishment
• By-law 2023-122: Agreement with Andpet Realty Limited for East Court Residences Subdivision
• By-law 2023-123: Amendments to Traffic By-law 2009-075 regarding stop signs and speed rates
• By-law 2023-124: Lease assignment for Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre concession

Committee - Operations

The Operations Committee will review presentations regarding the 9th Avenue East and Alpha Street reconstruction projects. The meeting also includes a status update on an emergency sanitary sewer repair at 17th Street East.

• 9th Avenue East Reconstruction Project presentation
• Alpha Street Reconstruction preferred alternative presentation
• Status update on 17th Street East sanitary sewer emergency repair
• Waste management information for the River District
• Correspondence regarding 7th Avenue East traffic concerns

Committee - Community Services

The committee will review several staff reports regarding community programs, tourism, and arena operations. Discussion includes proposed provincial changes to the Ontario Heritage Act and updates on local development.

• 2024 Volunteer Awards report
• Summer Events Wrap Up report
• Home and Cottage Expo 2024 updated agreement
• Jr. B Lacrosse Dressing Room 7 upgrades at Bayshore
• Proposed changes to the Ontario Heritage Act (Bill 139)

Committee - Community Development, Tourism and Culture

The committee will review the 2023 year-end wrap-up report for tourism. Members will also hear a presentation on Grey County's Economic Development, Tourism and Culture Master Plan and information regarding the launch of the Southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition.

• 2023 Year End Wrap-up Report for Tourism
• Grey County Economic Development, Tourism and Culture Master Plan presentation
• Launch of the Southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition
• 2024 Committee Vacancies information

Committee - Corporate Services

The committee will review several financial updates, including the 2024 levy budget guidelines and 2022 audited financials. Discussions also include asset retirement obligations and a proposed update to the business licensing by-law.

• 2024 Levy Budget Guidelines (Report CR-23-101)
• 2022 Audited Financials (Report CR-23-103)
• 2023 T2 Financial Update (Report CR-23-083)
• Asset Retirement Obligations (Report CR-23-099)
• Update to Business Licensing By-law (Report CR-23-086)

Board - River District

The River District Board of Management is reviewing the 2024 Draft River District Budget and the 2023 Action Plan Report Card. The meeting also includes a presentation on garbage management in the district and an update on the 2022 Year-End Audit.

• Review of the 2024 Draft River District Budget (Report CS-23-106)
• Presentation on managing garbage in the River District
• Deputation regarding the 2022 Year-End Audit from BDO Canada LLP
• Update on the 2023 River District Action Plan Report Card (Report CS-23-115)
• Business licence approval for Shanny's Kitchen Inc. at 948 2nd Avenue East

Council Meeting - Regular

Owen Sound City Council will review several by-law amendments during its November 6 meeting. Proposed changes include introducing an affordable transit fare and adopting a neighbourhood traffic calming policy. The council will also consider updates to electronic bill payment services.

• Amendment to Fees and Charges By-law to include an affordable transit fare
• Adoption of Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Policy PRT001
• Second amending agreement with Paymentus Corporation for electronic bill payments
• Lottery licence for Sydenham Sportsmen's Association
• Business licence approval for Shanny's Kitchen Inc. at 948 2nd Avenue East

Committee - Tom Thomson Art Gallery Advisory

The committee will review staff updates and receive verbal reports from several specialized teams. Discussion includes updates on the gallery's operations, fundraising, art collection, and expansion planning.

• Staff Report AG-23-011 regarding November Updates
• Verbal report from the Fundraising Team
• Verbal report from the Art Collection Team
• Verbal report from the Expansion Planning Team
• Committee Vacancies and Recruitment information

Council Meeting - Regular

The City Council will review several staff reports including official plan and zoning amendments for 1235 and 1259 3rd Avenue East. The agenda also includes discussions on lighting in the River District, funding applications, and procurement of a bucket truck.

• Official Plan Amendment (OPA 13) and Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA 49) for 1235 and 1259 3rd Avenue East
• Appeal of Council's Approval of Zoning By-law Amendment No. 50
• Lighting of Shade Sails in the River District (Report CS-23-112)
• Connecting Link Funding Applications - Intake 9 (Report OP-23-044)
• Non-Standard Procurement for Parks and Open Space Bucket Truck (Report CR-23-093)

Committee - Operations

The Operations Committee will review reports regarding the East Court Residences subdivision, including service assumptions for 14th Street East and traffic bylaw amendments. The meeting also includes presentations on cigarette butt recycling results and transit dashboard insights.

• Assumption of operational services for 14th Street East
• Traffic Bylaw Amendment for East Court Residences Subdivision
• Cigarette Butt Recycling Pilot Project Results
• Transit Dashboard Insight report
• Cross Connection Control Program progress report

Committee - Community Services

The Community Services Committee is reviewing several staff reports regarding local infrastructure and planning. Discussions include capital renewal for Duncan McLellan Park and a technical report on zoning by-law housekeeping amendments.

• Duncan McLellan Park Capital Renewal (2024-2026)
• ZBA 51 Technical Report - STR Housekeeping Amendment
• CIP Application for 263 10th St E (Barry's Construction and Insulation Ltd)
• September 2023 Development Update

Council Meeting - Special

The City Council is convening a special meeting for a closed session. Discussion items include labor relations, municipal property on 2nd Avenue East, and service provisions to neighboring municipalities.

• Negotiations regarding municipal property on 2nd Avenue East
• Labor relations and training matters
• Municipal service negotiations with neighbouring municipalities
• City development negotiations
• By-law No. 2023-099 to confirm meeting proceedings

Council Meeting - Regular

The council is reviewing updates to the 2024-2028 Multi-Year Capital Plan. The agenda includes contract awards for wastewater treatment equipment and water treatment plant filter upgrades. Additionally, council will consider roof replacements and a municipal property sale.

• Update to the 2024-2028 Multi-Year Capital Plan
• Contract award for mechanical fine screenings removal equipment at the wastewater treatment plant
• Contract award for water treatment plant filter upgrades
• Roof replacement contracts for McQuay Tannery and Owen Sound Police Service Building
• Sale of a portion of 7th Avenue West road allowance

Committee - Accessibility Advisory

The committee will review a verbal report from Chair Farrell regarding the future of the accessibility advisory body. The agenda also includes information regarding mobility transit and cooling/warming centre guidelines.

• Verbal Report: Future of the Accessibility Advisory Committee
• Mobility Transit Dashboard for month ending August 31, 2023
• Cooling and Warming Centre Guidelines

Committee - Operations

The Operations Committee will discuss reports on using hydrogen in city vehicles and winter maintenance for non-linear assets. The agenda also includes deputations regarding transit fare reductions and traffic concerns on 7th Avenue East.

• Report on the use of hydrogen in city vehicles
• Deputation regarding transit fare reductions
• Deputation regarding 7th Avenue East traffic concerns
• Update on car counts at the leaf and yard waste site
• Report on winter maintenance of non-linear assets

Committee - Community Services

The committee will review several staff reports including a short-term rental by-law update and Weaver's Creek boardwalk next steps. Discussion includes a CIP application for 245 11th St W and an update to the Owen Sound Agricultural Society lease agreement.

• Zoning By-law Housekeeping Update - Short Term Rental By-law
• Weaver's Creek Boardwalk Update and Next Steps
• Update to the 2020 Lease Agreement with Owen Sound Agricultural Society
• CIP Application - 245 11th St W (British Methodist Episcopal Church)
• Deputation from Robert Hope regarding Greenwood Cemetery Natural Burials Location

Committee - Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment will review a minor variance application for the property at 1151 3rd Avenue West. The committee will also confirm the minutes from the July 18, 2023 meeting.

• Minor Variance Application A08-2023 for 1151 3rd Avenue West

Committee - Corporate Services

The Corporate Services Committee will discuss a draft by-law regarding short-term rentals and an update to the Development Charges By-law. The agenda also includes a presentation on MPAC data sharing and reports on human resources metrics.

• Draft Short Term Rentals (STRs) by-law
• Development Charges By-law update
• MPAC Data Sharing and Service Agreement (DSSA)
• Summary of delegated authority purchases between $50,000 and $249,999
• Human Resources metrics for recruitment and turnover

Board - River District

The River District Board of Management will discuss additional street lighting enhancements and a mid-year financial update. The agenda also includes reports on a board vacancy and community development activities.

• Report on additional street lighting enhancements (CS-23-093)
• 2023 mid-year financial update (CR-23-076)
• Report regarding a Board of Management vacancy (CR-23-074)
• Review of 2023 mid-year community development activities (CS-23-088)
• Business license approvals for All My Relations, My Woodshop, and Fuego Wood Fired Pizza

Council Meeting - Regular

The Owen Sound City Council is reviewing several planning and land-use matters. Key discussions include official plan and zoning amendments for properties on 3rd Avenue East and 20th Street East, as well as a cost-sharing agreement regarding leaf and yard waste.

• Official Plan Amendment (OPA) No. 13 and Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA) No. 49 for 1235 and 1259 3rd Avenue East
• Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA) No. 50 for 1580 20th Street East (Wakeford)
• Leaf and Yard Waste Compost Site residential usage agreement with the Municipality of Meaford
• Lease renewal with Transport Canada for West Harbour Pedestrian Bridge C9907106
• Motion regarding Strong Mayor Powers

City Council approved a request for staff to provide a report on public safety concerns on 29th Street West, including surveillance and community grants. A public meeting was held regarding the adaptive reuse of the historic courthouse and jail, with a recommendation report expected in late September or October.

• Adopted minutes of the Special and Regular Council meetings from July 24, 2023 (Carried)
• Waived notice provision to address time-sensitive public safety matters on 29th Street West (Carried by 2/3 vote)
• Directed staff to provide a report on 29th Street West public safety concerns, including surveillance cameras, right-of-way surveillance, and community grant opportunities (Carried)

Committee - Community Development, Tourism and Culture

The committee will review staff reports regarding ridesharing in Owen Sound and a September update for tourism and culture. Additionally, the meeting includes a verbal report from Grey County and an update on the Municipal Accommodation Tax.

• Report on Ridesharing in Owen Sound (CM-23-015)
• Tourism and Culture September Update (AG-23-010)
• Verbal Report from the Director of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture of Grey County
• Update II regarding Municipal Accommodation Tax (CS-23-089)

The committee recommended that City Council authorize an agreement with the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) to collect the Municipal Accommodation Tax. It also recommended further research into ridesharing services and received updates on tourism and regional economic development.

• Recommended City Council direct staff to execute an agreement with ORHMA for Municipal Accommodation Tax collection (Carried)
• Recommended City Council direct staff to conduct further research and engage stakeholders on ridesharing services (Carried)
• Recommended City Council direct staff to continue working with Grey County to identify a ridesharing service provider (Carried)
• Recommended City Council receive the Tourism and Culture September Update report for information (Carried)
• Recommended City Council receive the Grey County Director of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture verbal report for information (Carried)
• Approved minutes from the June 9, 2023 meeting (Carried)

Committee - Tom Thomson Art Gallery Advisory

The committee will review a staff report providing a September update for the gallery. This includes reviewing a focus group report and 2023 statistical information. Sub-committees will also provide verbal reports on fundraising, art collection, and expansion planning.

• Staff Report AG-23-009 (September Update)
• 30 - 50 Focus Group Report TTAG
• 2023 Statistical Information Slides
• Verbal report from Fundraising Team
• Verbal report from Expansion Planning Team

The Committee recommended that City Council reconsider a previous resolution regarding the 2024 operating budget to ensure the Advisory Committee receives budget drafts as part of the standard council deliberation process. The Committee also received updates on gallery attendance, accessibility renovations, and focus group data.

• Recommended City Council reconsider Item No. 1 of Resolution No. AG-230705-003 regarding the 2024 operating budget (Carried 2/3)
• Recommended City Council direct staff to provide the 2024 operating budget draft to the Advisory Committee as part of council budget deliberations (Carried)
• Approved minutes from the July 5, 2023 meeting (Carried)
• Recommended City Council receive Staff Report AG-23-009 on Programming and Operations for information (Carried)
• Recommended City Council receive the Art Collection Team verbal report for information (Carried)

Committee - Accessibility Advisory

The Accessibility Advisory Committee approved the May 23, 2023, meeting minutes. The committee recommended that City Council receive a mobility transit dashboard and a memo on heat impacts for information purposes. Members requested a review of heating and cooling centre policies for the September meeting.

• Approved minutes of the May 23, 2023 meeting (Carried)
• Recommended Council receive Mobility Transit Dashboard for information (Carried)
• Recommended Council receive memo on heat impact on specific populations for information (Carried)

Council Meeting - Special

City Council approved an amended budget for the Downtown River Precinct Phase 2 project and allocated funds for the rehabilitation of the Kiwanis Sk8 and Bike Park. Council also directed staff to report on the Kenny Drain Stormwater Management System in 2024.

• Approved $2,010,000 amended budget for Downtown River Precinct Phase 2 (S-230724-003)
• Directed staff to include a second column at both entranceways in the Downtown River Precinct tender (S-230724-003)
• Directed staff to provide a 2024 report to the Operations Committee on the Kenny Drain Stormwater Management System (S-230724-004)
• Approved $75,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund for Kiwanis Sk8 and Bike Park rehabilitation in 2023 (S-230724-005)
• Received correspondence regarding Downtown River Precinct Phase 2 for information (S-230724-002)

Council Meeting - Regular

Council held a statutory public meeting regarding a zoning by-law amendment for a rock-climbing bouldering gym at 1580 20th Street East. A recommendation report and enacting by-law are scheduled for presentation on September 11, 2023. Council also adopted minutes from four previous meetings.

• Adopted minutes from June 12, July 10, and July 17, 2023 meetings
• Moved into Committee of the Whole to consider public meetings and reports

Committee - Operations

The Committee recommended that City Council approve the Climate Action Strategy and Climate Mitigation Plan. It also recommended updates to the Traffic By-law regarding school zones and the adoption of a new Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Policy.

• Recommended approval of the Climate Action Strategy and Climate Mitigation Plan (Carried)
• Recommended authorizing signatures for the Drinking Water Quality Management System Commitment and Endorsement (Carried)
• Recommended authorizing signatures for the Wastewater Quality Management System Commitment and Endorsement (Carried)
• Recommended amending Traffic By-law No. 2009-075 to add school zones and update schedules (Carried)
• Recommended approval of Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Policy No. PRT001 (Carried)
• Recommended executing amending agreements for Guelph Owen Sound Transportation bus stops (Carried)
• Approved minutes from the May 18, 2023 meeting (Carried)
• Received the July 2023 Transit Dashboard for information (Carried)

Committee - Community Services

The Community Services Committee recommended several updates to the Building By-law and the Municipal Heritage Register to comply with provincial legislation. The committee also recommended authorizing an agreement with the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority for non-mandatory services.

• Recommended repeal of Building By-law No. 2007-102 and adoption of a revised version (Carried)
• Recommended exploring Green Demolition Permits in 2024 Work Plans (Carried)
• Recommended authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute an agreement with Grey Sauble Conservation Authority for Category 3 services (Carried)
• Recommended updating the City’s Heritage Register and website by January 1, 2025 (Carried)
• Recommended notifying owners of listed properties on the Heritage Register (Carried)
• Recommended developing a strategy for conserving heritage buildings and landscapes by end of 2023 (Carried)
• Recommended endorsing staff comments on the draft 2023 Provincial Policy Statement natural heritage policies (Carried)
• Approved minutes from the June 21, 2023 meeting (Carried)

Committee - Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment approved three consent applications for lot additions, lot creation, and an access easement. One approval included an additional condition to ensure an access easement is located on the property line.

• Approved lot addition for 2250 8th Street East (B01-2023)
• Approved lot creation for 1025 8th Street East (B05-2023)
• Approved access easement for 2125 16th Street East (B06-2023)
• Approved May 16, 2023 meeting minutes

Council Meeting - Special

City Council approved a service review action plan containing 53 administrative actions intended to provide approximately $2 million in savings. Council modified several specific actions and requested additional reports on civil marriage services and the creation of an Operational Review Team for oversight.

• Approved Service Review Priority Opportunity Action Plan with Council amendments (Carried)
• Removed action 1.A.5 from the Action Plan (Carried)
• Removed action 3.A.1 from the Action Plan (Carried)
• Amended action 1.C.1 to require new positions be presented to Council for approval (Carried)
• Amended action 3.B.5 to include the Assessment Review Board (Carried)
• Directed staff to report on civil marriage services revenue and administration of short-term rentals (Carried)
• Directed staff to report on an Operational Review Team for plan oversight (Carried)
• Passed By-law No. 2023-086 to confirm proceedings of the special meeting (Carried)

Committee - Corporate Services

The Corporate Services Committee recommended that City Council implement a short-term rental (STR) licensing program with a maximum occupancy of 8 people. The recommendation includes a requirement for staff to include a maximum night allowance in a September report. The committee also received a fire and emergency services operations update.

• Approved recommendation for STR licensing program with 8-person occupancy limit and a future maximum night allowance (Carried)
• Denied recommendation for STR licensing program with 6-person occupancy limit (Defeated)
• Approved recommendation for City Council to receive the Fire and Emergency Services Operations Update for information (Carried)
• Approved minutes from the May 11, 2023 meeting (Carried)

Board - River District

The Board approved the minutes from the May 10, 2023 meeting. Members received reports on police patrols, board finances, and the use of the River District logo, and heard presentations on homeless outreach and shelter programs.

• Approved minutes of the May 10, 2023 meeting (Carried)
• Received Police Update verbal report for information (Carried)
• Received Board Finances verbal report for information (Carried)
• Received Use of the River District Logo verbal report for information (Carried)

Council Meeting - Regular

City Council passed three by-laws, including an amending agreement with the County of Grey regarding tiered emergency response. The meeting also included updates on the Ukrainian Village at the Rice House and the OPEN Team cultural partnership.

• Adopted June 26, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
• Received Consent Agenda items 11.a and 11.b (Carried)
• Approved recommendations from June 21, 2023 Community Services Committee meeting (Carried)
• Passed By-law No. 2023-083 to confirm July 10, 2023 proceedings (Carried)
• Passed By-law No. 2023-084 authorizing emergency response agreement with County of Grey (Carried)
• Passed By-law No. 2023-085 updating Emergency Management Program and Response Plan (Carried)

Committee - Tom Thomson Art Gallery Advisory

The Tom Thomson Art Gallery Advisory Committee recommended that City Council require staff to provide a draft 2024 operating budget and fundraising projections. The committee also received updates on accessibility renovations, the 2024 calendar campaign, and a forthcoming collection policy.

• Approved minutes of May 12, 2022 meeting
• Recommended City Council receive Staff Report AG-23-008 for information
• Recommended City Council direct staff to provide draft 2024 operating budget to the committee prior to council deliberations
• Recommended City Council direct staff to provide a 2024 fundraising projection report at the start of 2024
• Recommended City Council direct staff to provide three update reports on the 2024 budget and fundraising projections during the year
• Recommended City Council receive the Fundraising Team verbal report for information
• Recommended City Council receive the Art Collection Team verbal report for information
• Recommended City Council receive the Expansion Planning Team verbal report for information

Council Meeting - Regular

City Council approved a zoning by-law amendment for commercial development at 2125 16th Street East, though it rejected a proposed change to the planting strip requirement. Council also authorized a one-year trial for sidewalk merchandise displays in the River District.

• Approved Zoning By-law Amendment No. 48 for 2125 16th Street East, maintaining the planting strip requirement
• Denied a motion to approve Zoning By-law Amendment No. 48 as originally proposed in Staff Report CS-23-076
• Approved a one-year trial for sidewalk merchandise displays in the River District and waived the $50 approval fee
• Approved the Consent Agenda items 11.a through 11.e
• Approved recommendations from the Accessibility Advisory Committee (May 23, 2023)
• Approved recommendations from the Community Development, Tourism and Culture Advisory Committee (June 9, 2023)
• Adopted minutes from three previous meetings held May 29, June 2, and June 12, 2023

Committee - Community Services

The Community Services Committee recommended the allocation of Hockey Day in Canada surplus funds to benefit children's access to hockey. The committee also recommended processing 2022 heritage property tax refunds for eligible properties.

• Approved minutes from May 17, 2023 (Carried)
• Recommended transferring $20,217.33 in Hockey Day surplus to the Owen Sound Hockey Day Fund (Carried)
• Recommended hanging signed Ron MacLean jersey in Bayshore Community Centre (Carried)
• Recommended displaying Herb Carnegie custom CCM Tack skates in the Sports Hall of Fame (Carried)
• Recommended processing 2022 Heritage Property Tax Relief Program refunds for properties in Schedule 'A' (Carried)
• Recommended requesting County of Grey authorize a 20% refund of upper-tier taxes for eligible heritage properties (Carried)
• Recommended City Council receive development updates and provincial policy correspondence for information (Carried)

Council Meeting - Regular

City Council officially re-named Kelso Beach Park to Kelso Beach at Nawash Park to recognize the site of the ancient Nawash settlement. The meeting also included a public hearing for a proposed grocery store development and the presentation of annual volunteer awards.

• Approved the official re-naming of Kelso Beach Park to Kelso Beach at Nawash Park
• Adopted minutes from May 8, May 29, and June 2, 2023 meetings
• Held public meeting for Zoning By-law Amendment No. 48 (2125 16th Street East); recommendation report scheduled for June 26, 2023

Committee - Community Development, Tourism and Culture

The Committee recommended that City Council proceed with a legal review and implementation of a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) by-law. They also proposed issuing an RFP to select a tourism entity to administer 50% of the resulting funds. Other reports on community development, tourism, and culture were received for information.

• Recommended City Council direct solicitor to review draft MAT By-law (Carried)
• Recommended a Municipal Accommodation Tax By-law be brought forward for approval (Carried)
• Recommended issuing an RFP to select a tourism entity to administer 50% of MAT funds (Carried)
• Approved minutes from February 10, 2023 meeting (Carried)
• Received Community Development June Update report for information (Carried)
• Received 2022 Tourism Year-End Report for information (Carried)
• Received Tourism and Culture June Update report for information (Carried)
• Received verbal report from Grey County Director of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture for information (Carried)

Council Meeting - Special

City Council held a special meeting to tour the Water Treatment Plant, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Police Station. Council also received a presentation on civilian governance of police services. No direction was provided to staff during the closed session.

• Approved motion to move into closed session for facility tours and police governance presentation (5-1)
• Passed By-law No. 2023-066 to confirm the proceedings of the June 2, 2023 special meeting

Council Meeting - Regular

Council conducted a statutory public meeting to discuss a proposed update to the Development Charges By-law and a background study. No vote was taken; staff will return with a recommendation report on July 24, with the earliest by-law approval expected in September.

• Adopted minutes from April 17, April 19, and May 8 meetings (Carried)
• Moved into Committee of the Whole to consider public meetings and reports (Carried)

Committee - Accessibility Advisory

The Accessibility Advisory Committee recommended that City Council include specific rest stop requirements for the Alpha Street Reconstruction project. The committee also requested a review of transit fares to include affordable options and received updates on transit services.

• Approved minutes of the May 23, 2023 meeting
• Recommended City Council direct staff to include at least two rest stops on Alpha Street Hill, maximum 100 meters apart in level graded areas with hard surfaced areas for mobility devices
• Recommended City Council receive the Mobility Transit Dashboard and Transit Data Collection report for information
• Recommended City Council direct staff to bring a report to the Operations Committee for a review of transit fares, including an affordable transit fare option