The Archipelago public meetings in 2023
33 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is reviewing two applications for relief from the Comprehensive Zoning By-law. One application concerns a garage expansion at 180 South Shore Road, while another involves a main dwelling ground floor area reduction at 311 Healey Lake Road.
- Teskey (180 South Shore Road): Permission to increase lot coverage by 55 m² for an attached garage and maintain a 4.0 m side yard encroachment
- Spehr (311 Healey Lake Road): Minor variance to reduce the minimum required ground floor area of a dwelling by 28.2 m²
- Election of Committee Chair and Acting Chair for 2024
Council Meeting
The Council will hold a public meeting regarding Zoning By-law Amendment Z04-23 for Island B494. The agenda also includes deputations from local organizations and the authorization of a municipal office closure for the Christmas holidays.
- Zoning By-law Amendment Z04-23 for 2540659 Ontario Limited (Island B494)
- Municipal office closure from December 25, 2023, to January 1, 2024
- PaBplex Community Initiative request for a staff liaison
- Parry Sound Library 2023 Annual Report and 2024 Budget deputation
- Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce deputation
Committee of the Whole
The Committee is reviewing several municipal items including a preliminary 2024 budget presentation and an organizational review. Discussions also cover local development initiatives in Pointe au Baril and various departmental updates.
- 2024 Preliminary Budget Presentation
- Pointe au Baril Housing Initiative: Phase 1 Discussion Paper
- Pointe au Baril Community Core Development Plan
- Bayfield Hwy 529A Plowing Agreement
- Organizational Review by Linton Consulting Services Inc.
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is reviewing a minor variance application regarding an accessory structure. The applicant seeks to allow a second storey and increase the maximum height by 1.9 m for a detached garage. The committee will also review minutes from the October 13, 2023 meeting.
- Variance for a two-storey detached garage (6.9 m height) under Application No. A13-23
- Approval of October 13, 2023, meeting minutes
Council Meeting
Council will consider a zoning by-law amendment for Aloka Investments Inc. at Island 1 A106. The meeting includes updates on West Parry Sound Emergency Medical Services and the West Parry Sound Recreation & Cultural Centre.
- Zoning By-law Amendment Z03-23 for Aloka Investments Inc. (Island 1 A106)
- West Parry Sound Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Advisory Committee update
- West Parry Sound Recreation & Cultural Centre project update
- Boyne River Group indemnification agreement by-law
- By-law A2108-23 regarding Island 106A zoning amendment
Committee of the Whole
The Committee will review several municipal updates including financial reports and planning progress. Discussions include a brand strategy project estimate and a proposal regarding pumped storage facility regulations.
- Communications & Brand Strategy Priority Project Estimate from Dan Banko, Banko Creative Studio
- Proposal to amend Ontario Regulation 53/05 regarding pumped storage facilities
- Q3 2023 Quarterly Financial Update
- ROMA Conference delegation requests deadline of November 20, 2023
- October 2023 Building Permit Summary
Planning Board
The Planning Board is meeting to approve the October 12, 2023, minutes and authorize a transfer payment agreement. This agreement with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is required to receive allocated funds for planning services.
- Authorization of Ontario Transfer Payment Agreement for $17,355 in funding
- Approval of October 12, 2023, meeting minutes
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is reviewing an application to exceed maximum lot coverage limits. The request involves constructing a detached garage on a 0.45 ha property.
- Williams (Application No. A10-23): Variance for 12.5 m² over the maximum allowable lot coverage to permit a 46.8 m² detached garage
Council Meeting
Council will consider a resolution requesting that Ontario proceed with MPAC property assessments. The agenda also includes by-laws for East Crane Lake Road Association indemnification and a shore road allowance in Cowper Bay. A deputation regarding Isabella Island is also scheduled.
- Resolution requesting Ontario update MPAC property assessments
- East Crane Lake Road Association indemnification by-law
- Shore road allowance closure and sale in Cowper Bay
- Deputation on Isabella Island environmental guardianship and safety
- Authorization for Reeve to attend Great Lakes/St. Lawrence events
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several local reports and administrative updates. This includes a request for a no-wake zone in Pointe au Baril and a report on a recent railroad fire incident. The committee will also consider amendments to the 2024 council meeting schedule.
- Request for an official No Wake zone in Pointe au Baril
- Report on the Pointe au Baril Railroad Fire Incident and railway tie disposal
- Recommendation report regarding commercial waste
- Recommendation report regarding road speed data
- Shore Road Allowance recommendation reports for Hurley, Vanderberg, and Munro properties
Planning Board
The Archipelago Area Planning Board is reviewing two consent applications. One application proposes creating a new residential lot at 200 Old Still River Road, while another involves a validation of title for 425 Highway 529.
- Consent Application B08-22: creation of one new 2.1 ha residential lot and one retained 1.8 ha residential lot at 200 Old Still River Road
- Validation of Title Application B04-23: property located at 425 Highway 529
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is considering an application to allow a detached garage on a 0.45 ha property. The request includes relief from maximum lot coverage and minimum side yard setback requirements.
- Williams Application No. A10-23: variance for 19.1 m² over maximum lot coverage
- Williams Application No. A10-23: relief of 4.5 m from the minimum side yard setback
- Construction of a 53.5 m² detached garage
Council Meeting
The Council will hold a public meeting to consider Zoning By-law Amendment Application Z02-23 regarding Island B369. The agenda also includes a closed session regarding a proposed land acquisition or disposition and an update from the Georgian Cliffs Memorial Park Cemetery Advisory Committee.
- Zoning By-law Amendment Application Z02-23 (MacDonald)
- Committee of Adjustment application review
- Closed meeting regarding proposed land acquisition or disposition
- September 2023 CAO Report on Council Directions
- Georgian Cliffs Memorial Park Cemetery Advisory Committee update
Water Access Task Force
The Water Access Task Force will review minutes from the August 17, 2023 meeting. The committee is scheduled to enter a closed session regarding proposed or pending land acquisitions or dispositions.
- Approval of August 17, 2023, meeting minutes
- Closed meeting regarding land acquisition or disposition
- Discussion of land acquisitions
Committee of the Whole
The committee will review several departmental updates including finance, clerk, and corporate services. Discussion items include a brand audit presentation, a request for support from the West Parry Sound Health Centre, and a funding request for the Maple Syrup Festival.
- Brand Discovery and Audit Presentation by Dan Banko
- Request for $1000.00 for Parry Sound District Maple Syrup Festival
- Pointe au Baril Lands Housing Initiative status update
- Council Recommendation Report for a Roll Off Truck purchase
- Building Permit Summary for August 2023
Georgian Cliffs Cemetery Advisory Committee
The Georgian Cliffs Memorial Park Cemetery Advisory Committee will review updates on municipal flag and proclamation policies. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding the purchase of cemetery lands and Remembrance Day applications.
- Update on the purchase of the cemetery lands
- Remembrance Day 2023 Applications
- Municipal Flag Policy update
- Proclamation Policy update
Council Meeting
The Township of The Archipelago Council will review a contract extension for solid waste and recycling haulage with Adams Bros. Construction Ltd. The agenda also includes a zoning amendment for Rock Pine Resort Cottages Ltd. and a presentation from the Muskoka Watershed Council.
- Contract extension for solid waste and recycling haulage with Adams Bros. Construction Ltd.
- By-law to close and sell part of a shore road allowance in Cowper (Cox)
- Zoning amendment to remove the 'H' symbol for Rock Pine Resort Cottages Ltd. in Harrison
- Presentation by the Muskoka Watershed Council
- Committee of Adjustment meeting regarding one application
Council approved a Corporate Climate Action Plan targeting a 30% GHG emissions reduction by 2030. The board also passed a resolution requesting the Province of Ontario establish a regulatory framework for digital rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
- Adopted Corporate Climate Action Plan (Carried)
- Supported Town of Fort Erie's resolution for provincial regulation of Airbnb and VRBO (Carried)
- Approved Noise Control By-law exemption for 5 Tamarack Drive on August 19, 2023 (Carried)
- Accepted 2022 Consolidated Financial Statements prepared by KPMG LLP (Carried)
- Passed By-law 2023-33 to extend solid waste and recycling haulage contract with Adams Bros. Construction Ltd. (Carried)
- Passed By-law 2023-34 to close and sell part of shore road allowance (COX) (Carried)
- Passed By-law A2106-23 to remove Holding 'H' Symbol for Rock Pine Resort Cottages Ltd. (Carried)
- Recognized the passing of employee Kevin Campbell (Carried)
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is considering an application to increase the floor area of a new sleeping cabin. The applicant seeks relief from zoning bylaws to allow a total floor area of 74 square metres at 48 Blackstone Lake Water.
- Minor variance for Crigger (Application No. A01-20) to increase sleeping cabin floor area by 34 square metres
The Committee of Adjustment denied a request to exceed the maximum floor area for a sleeping cabin. The applicant sought to build a 74 square metre cabin, which exceeds the zoning limit of 40 square metres.
- Minor Variance Application No. A01-20 for a 74 square metre sleeping cabin denied
Committee of the Whole
The Committee will consider a zoning amendment to remove a hold for Rock Pine Resort Cottages Ltd. Members will also discuss a resolution requesting provincial regulation for platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The agenda includes updates on the corporate climate action plan and waste haulage.
- Zoning By-law Amendment to remove hold (Z01-23) for Rock Pine Resort Cottages Ltd.
- Resolution regarding provincial regulation for digital platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO
- Review of 2023 Second Quarter Financial Report
- Discussion on the Corporate Climate Action Plan
- Recommendation report on solid waste and recycling haulage
The Committee reviewed the 2022 consolidated financial statements and a second-quarter financial report. Staff were directed to bring forward resolutions regarding the audit and a request for a provincial regulatory framework for digital platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The Committee also discussed potential new site alteration and tree preservation by-laws.
- Directed staff to bring forward a resolution for the 2022 audit to the August Council Meeting
- Directed staff to bring forward a resolution supporting the Town of Erie's request for a provincial Airbnb/VRBO regulatory framework to the August Council Meeting
- Directed staff to compile a report on problematic areas of draft Site Alteration and Tree Preservation By-laws after member review
- Directed staff to bring forward a By-law for solid waste and recycling haulage following an agreement with Adam Bros. Construction Ltd.
- Agreed to discuss a provincial study on asset management and governance once Terms of Reference are shared
- Requested staff to inquire with the Province about rebates for residents in 'out of scope' connectivity areas
Water Access Task Force
The Water Access Task Force will meet to approve previous minutes and discuss land acquisitions. The task force is scheduled to enter a closed meeting to deal with proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land.
- Approval of July 21, 2023, meeting minutes
- Discussion of land acquisitions in a closed meeting
The Water Access Task Force approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from July 21, 2023. The group entered a closed meeting to discuss land acquisitions before adjourning.
- Approved August 17, 2023 agenda (Carried)
- Approved July 21, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
- Moved into closed meeting at 3:16 p.m. to discuss land acquisitions (Carried)
- Moved out of closed meeting at 4:03 p.m. (Carried)
Planning Board
The Planning Board is considering a consent application from Aloka Investments Inc. to create one new residential water access lot. This request is a resubmission of an application originally approved in 2021 that subsequently lapsed. The proposal involves dividing the land into a 1.3 hectare lot and a retained 4.28 hectare lot.
- Consent Application B03-23: Creation of one new residential water access lot on Island 106A (Parcel 7600 PSNS)
Council Meeting
Council approved the expansion of the Site 9 Landfill and supported an application for a community FM radio station. Several shore road allowance closures were approved, and the township committed to purchasing 100 additional FoodCycler units for residents.
- Approved expansion of Site 9 Landfill for up to 40,000m3 with $35,000 pre-approved for 2024
- Supported Parry Sound Community Radio Association's CRTC application
- Approved purchase and distribution of 100 FoodCycler units (50 Maestro, 50 FC-30)
- Approved $1,000 to $2,000 in-kind support for Seniors Active Living Centre Program
- Adopted amended Public Art Policy
- Approved shore road allowance closures for Norma Walker, Jacqueline Ferkul, and Keri & Troy Michaud
- Approved $1,200 application fee refund for Dougal MacDonald (Z02-23)
- Declared August 5, 2023 Healey Lake Regatta a Municipally Significant Event
Water Access Task Force
The task force approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from June 15, 2023. The group entered a closed session to discuss the proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the open session.
- Approved July 21, 2023 agenda
- Approved June 15, 2023 meeting minutes
- Moved into closed meeting at 1:53 p.m. to discuss land acquisitions
- Moved out of closed meeting at 3:03 p.m.
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment denied an application for a zoning variance to build a sleeping cabin with a reduced front yard setback. The committee also appointed a Secretary-Treasurer.
- Denied Application No. A08-23 for a sleeping cabin variance at 1 B685 Island
- Appointed Cale Henderson as Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole reviewed several public works and administrative updates, directing staff to bring resolutions for landfill expansion, FoodCycler purchases, and a public art policy to the July Council meeting. They also agreed to support a funding application for a Senior Active Living Centre. A proposal for solar panels at the Municipal Office was deferred to August.
- Agreed to purchase 100 additional FoodCycler units (resolution to July Council)
- Directed staff to bring a by-law for $48,645 NOHFC grant for Pointe au Baril Community Centre (July Council)
- Deferred Municipal Office solar panel installation decision to August
- Directed staff to bring a resolution for the proposed Public Art Policy to July Council
- Directed staff to bring a resolution to expand Site 9 Landfill up to 40,000m3 (July Council)
- Directed staff to report on waste disposal fee options for residential dwellings on commercial properties
- Directed staff to bring a resolution supporting West Parry Sound District CSS funding request (July Council)
- Directed staff to bring a resolution for Shore Road Allowance SR04-23 to July Council
Council Meeting
Council authorized several community grants and approved the first phase of the Pointe au Baril Housing Initiative. The board also adopted a new municipal flag policy and approved a lease agreement for the Pointe au Baril Lighthouse. A request for a $2,625 refund regarding zoning amendments was defeated.
- Approved $49,808 plus HST for Phase 1 of Pointe au Baril Housing Initiative (Carried)
- Authorized community grants: The Ojibway Club ($33,452.30), Sans Souci and Copperhead Association ($9,981.52), and Healey Lake Property Owners Association & Tennis Club ($1,601.08) (Carried)
- Authorized community grant for Skerryvore Ratepayers Association ($242.82) (Carried)
- Adopted Municipal Flag Policy and approved ~$8,000 for a new flagpole at Pointe au Baril Community Centre (Carried)
- Denied $2,625 refund for Official Plan Amendment No. 68 and Zoning By-law Amendment No. Z02-20 (Defeated)
- Passed By-law 2023-24 for the Pointe au Baril Lighthouse Lease Agreement (Carried)
- Approved tax credit adjustments for landfill/transfer station properties: Total North $1,140.40 and Total South $1,119.86 (Carried)
- Deferred shore/concession road allowance application SR03-22-Norma Walker for one month
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee approved three applications for variances regarding building setbacks and height. One application for a sleeping cabin and deck was deferred due to a notice error. All approved works require building permits within two years.
- Approved Application No. A09-23 (Pomeroy) for a sleeping cabin side yard setback of 1.8m (Carried)
- Deferred Application No. A08-23 (Rees/Parker) due to Notice of Hearing error
- Approved Application No. A07-23 (Taylor) for a main dwelling height of 6.9m (Carried)
- Approved Application No. A03-23 (Smith) for a deck front yard setback of 2.44m (Carried)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole reviewed several administrative and planning items, directing staff to bring formal resolutions for community grants, a voter list agreement, and a flag policy to the June Council meeting. The committee also discussed a housing initiative for Pointe au Baril and a lighthouse lease agreement. No final votes on these items were taken during this session.
- Directed staff to bring four separate community grant resolutions to the June Council Meeting
- Directed staff to bring a by-law for Voter List Management Services (DataFix) to the June Council Meeting
- Directed staff to bring a resolution for the revised Municipal Flag Policy to the June Council Meeting
- Directed staff to bring a resolution approving the Pointe au Baril Housing Initiative project proposal to the June Council Meeting
- Directed staff to bring a resolution regarding the Pointe au Baril Lighthouse lease agreement to the June Council Meeting
- Directed staff to engage Banko Creative Studios for a press release regarding the GLSLCI AGM
- Directed staff to research thermal waste oxidation technology for waste management
- Approved motion to enter a closed meeting at 1:39 p.m. and exit at 2:44 p.m.
Water Access Task Force
The Water Access Task Force approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from April 20, 2023. The group entered a closed meeting to discuss the proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the open session.
- Approved June 15, 2023 agenda
- Approved April 20, 2023 meeting minutes
- Moved into closed meeting at 2:57 p.m. to discuss land acquisition or disposition
- Moved out of closed meeting at 3:42 p.m.
Special Meeting of Council
Council convened for a special meeting and moved into a closed session from 1:02 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. for the purpose of educating and training members. No other substantive decisions were recorded.
- Approved the June 14, 2023 Special Meeting agenda
- Moved into closed meeting for member education and training (Carried)
- Moved out of closed meeting at 3:40 p.m. (Carried)
Council Meeting
Council adopted the Township's 2022-2026 Strategic Plan and approved a $10,000 sponsorship for the 2023 State of the Bay Conference. The board also passed several resolutions regarding provincial planning policies and floating home standards. A shore road allowance purchase request was deferred for one month.
- Adopted Township of The Archipelago Strategic Plan 2022-2026 (Carried)
- Approved $10,000 sponsorship for 2023 State of the Bay Conference (Carried)
- Approved By-law 2023-18 to close and sell shore road allowance to Lamothe/Owen (Carried)
- Approved By-law 2023-19 for Indemnification Agreement with William and Jane Ross (Carried)
- Approved support for Parry Sound Family Health Team's EOI application (Carried)
- Directed staff to submit comments to ERO opposing specific rural and settlement policies in Provincial Planning Statement 2023 and Bill 97 (Carried)
- Supported resolution requesting Transport Canada apply Victoria Harbour standards to floating homes in Ontario (Carried)
- Deferred shore road allowance purchase mediation (SR03-22) for one month
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment approved two applications for residential variances on Mayne Island and in the Township of Cowper. Both approvals require building permits to be secured within two years.
- Approved Application A05-23 for Thomglen 3 Ltd. to relocate and reconstruct a non-complying dwelling to 53.5 m² (Carried)
- Approved Application A06-23 for Susan Matthew to construct a 17.84 m² sleeping cabin and deck with a 4.5 m front yard setback (Carried)
- Approved May 26, 2023 agenda (Carried)
- Approved April 21, 2023 minutes as amended (Carried)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee agreed to move the 2023 Deerhorn Conference to avoid a conflict with National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Members also directed staff to bring several resolutions and by-laws to the May Council Meeting regarding floating accommodations, indemnification agreements, and the Code of Conduct.
- Rescheduled 2023 Deerhorn Conference to October 21, 2023
- Directed staff to bring a resolution supporting Georgian Bay Township's floating accommodations resolution to May Council Meeting
- Directed staff to bring an indemnification agreement by-law for Bump Rock Road Association to May Council Meeting
- Directed staff to submit comments to the Province regarding Provincial Planning Statement 2023 and Bill 97
- Directed staff to bring a resolution for the GLSLCI Annual General Meeting to May Council Meeting
- Directed staff to submit an AMO delegation meeting request prior to June 9, 2023
- Directed staff to bring a by-law to adopt the revised Code of Conduct to the May Meeting
- Agreed that Township facilities can be used for Ward Councillors' one-on-one meetings with associations