Simcoe County public meetings in 2021
31 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
POSTPONED - Bursary Committee
This meeting was postponed. The Bursary Committee was scheduled to receive a status report on the County of Simcoe Bursary Program and provide direction on proposed eligibility and participation changes for 2022. Proposed changes include expanding eligibility to students at post-secondary institutions across Canada and allowing part-time students, as well as limiting awards to applicants from participating municipalities.
- Review of Bursary Program Terms of Reference
- Discussion of eligibility expansion to Canadian post-secondary institutions
- Discussion of eligibility for part-time students
- Proposal to award bursaries only to applicants from participating municipalities
- 2021 program: 262 applications, 167 eligible, 20 bursaries awarded
Special Council Meeting - Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR)
This special council meeting is dedicated to the Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR), with presentations from consultants on growth management, agricultural system mapping, natural heritage system mapping, and climate change strategy. Council will receive these presentations and then consider a confirmation by-law to ratify the meeting's proceedings. The agenda is largely procedural, with the substantive content being the consultant reports.
- Presentation on Growth Management by Stefan Krzeczunowicz from Hemson Consulting
- Presentation on Provincial Agricultural System Mapping by Nick McDonald (Meridian Planning) and Dave Hodgson (DBH Soils Services Inc.)
- Presentation on Provincial Natural Heritage System Mapping by Nick McDonald and Sal Spitale (North South Environmental)
- Presentation on Climate Change Strategy by Dr. Laura Taylor (Laura Taylor Designs)
- Bill No. 63 - By-law to Confirm Proceedings of the Council meeting
Regional Government Review - Service Delivery Task Force
The Regional Government Review Service Delivery Task Force is meeting to receive a presentation on opportunities and options for land use planning service delivery, based on a final report by StrategyCorp. The task force will provide direction on land use planning. The agenda also includes an update on the overall service delivery review via a Gantt chart.
- Presentation on Land Use Planning Service Delivery Review by StrategyCorp's Aidan Grove-White
- Land Use Planning Services Review Final Report (September 2021) received for information
- Gantt chart showing status of service delivery reviews for fire, library, legal, transit, water/wastewater, and other services
- Recommendation to receive the opportunities and options presentation and provide direction on land use planning
Lake Simcoe Regional Airport Board
The Lake Simcoe Regional Airport Board is meeting to receive an update on airport activities, including progress toward Transport Canada certification, a plan of subdivision for airport lands, and completed infrastructure projects. The board will also discuss a confidential matter regarding a proposed land acquisition or disposition.
- Update on Transport Canada certification, noting LSRA is the only non-certified airport in the Southern Ontario Airport Network
- Plan of Subdivision to allow land leases over 21 years and direct property taxes to hangar owners
- Runway widening project completed at $6.1 million, under the $6.6 million budget, with a $1.5 million provincial grant
- Procurement of Snow Wolf SB-520 airfield snow blower for approximately $615,000
- Procurement of Aebi Schmidt MB runway sweeper attachment for $105,000
Joint Council and Committee of the Whole
Simcoe County Council is meeting to consider a wide range of items, including approving new development charges, transferring a road from Oro-Medonte, and adopting an emergency management plan. They will also vote on several by-laws, including one for digital signatures and one for a mutual assistance agreement with Muskoka. The agenda includes many routine reports and updates, but also several significant decisions.
- Bill No. 54: By-law to establish new Development Charges, repealing By-law No. 6555
- CCW 2021-371: Transfer of 7th Line Oro-Medonte (12.6 km) from Township to County
- CCW 2021-373: Approve $187,745 from contingency to supplement $2.175M ICIP funding for LTC home HVAC/roofing
- CCW 2021-369: Speed limit changes on County Roads 93, 21, 53, 46, and 6
- CCW 2021-378: Adopt new Paramedic Services response time performance targets
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee is meeting to receive two informational updates: one on the progress of the National Housing Council and Federal Housing Advocate, and another on enhanced capacity for homeless shelter services over the winter. No decisions or votes are scheduled; the agenda is largely procedural, with the main items being received as information.
- Update on National Housing Council and Federal Housing Advocate (AHA 2021-331)
- Memo on Homeless Shelter Services Update (CCW 2021-366) - winter capacity
- Review of Committee Terms of Reference
- Approval of agenda and disclosure of pecuniary interests
Committee of the Whole
Simcoe County's Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss and recommend items for County Council, including the 2022 draft budget, a new development charge by-law, and allocations from the Social and Community Investment Fund. The committee will also consider a mutual assistance agreement with the District of Muskoka and several planning and consent items.
- 2022 Draft County of Simcoe Budget (CCW 2021-346) recommended to Council for adoption on Nov 23, 2021
- County of Simcoe Development Charge By-law (CCW 2021-359) to establish development charges
- 2022 Social and Community Investment Fund allocations: 16 projects totaling $1,199,000
- Mutual Assistance Agreement between District of Muskoka and County of Simcoe (CCW 2021-368)
- Endorsement of amendments to South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Protection Plan (Oro-Medonte chapters)
Regional Government Review - Service Delivery Task Force
The Regional Government Review - Service Delivery Task Force is meeting to receive KPMG's final report on the Simcoe County Library System Service Delivery Review. The report analyzes the current library service model, which KPMG describes as high-cost compared to similar counties, and presents three options for future service delivery. The task force will provide direction on library services based on the report's findings.
- KPMG report: current library system costs $16.4 million annually, with $15.1 million from tax levy
- Three options presented: Modified Status Quo, Library Consolidation, Multiple Union Boards
- Current system has 108 board members, 144 staff, 124 volunteers across 28 branches
- Library services review is part of broader Regional Government Review with multiple service reviews ongoing
- Task force to provide direction on library services after receiving report
Council
Simcoe County Council is meeting to approve recommendations from several committee reports, including a waste management workshop that detailed the rollout of new curbside waste carts, and reports on performance management, human services, and corporate services. The council will also consider reports on development charges, regional government review, and a striking committee, and will enact a by-law to amend the consolidated traffic by-law.
- Approval of waste cart exchange plan, including expedited exchanges, additional staff, and contract amendments with Rehrig
- Approval of recommendations from the Public Meeting regarding Development Charges report
- Approval of recommendations from the Regional Government Review Taskforce report
- Approval of recommendations from the Striking Committee report
- Enactment of Bill No. 51 to amend Consolidated Traffic By-law No. 6609
Economic Development Sub-Committee
The Economic Development Sub-Committee will receive updates on workforce development, attraction, and retention initiatives, including the Work in Simcoe County job portal and a virtual job fair. It will also consider approving a 2021 Economic Development Funding Program application from the Township of Essa and receive a tourism business and stakeholder support update. The committee may authorize the Warden and County Clerk to execute a Rural Economic Development (RED) funding program contract for 2022-2023, pending OMAFRA confirmation.
- Workforce development, attraction and retention initiatives update (EDS 2021-352)
- Authorization to execute RED funding program contract for 2022-2023
- 2021 Economic Development Funding Program application from Township of Essa (EDS 2021-360)
- Tourism Simcoe County business and stakeholder support update (EDS 2021-356)
Special Budget Meeting - Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is receiving a presentation on the 2022 draft County of Simcoe budget. No decisions are expected at this meeting; the draft will be referred to the November 9, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting for review and recommendations to the November 23, 2021 County Council meeting. The budget includes COVID-19 impacts, capital projects, and departmental summaries.
- 2022 draft budget with operating revenues of $520.1M and expenses of $505.9M
- COVID-19 impacts totaling over $7.4M
- Capital program includes three affordable housing developments in Orillia, Barrie, and Bradford West Gwillimbury
- Major road construction projects on CR4, CR21, CR22, and CR93
- Implementation of new automated waste collection system
Special Council - Waste Management Workshop
Simcoe County Council is holding a special workshop to decide on waste management policies, primarily whether to allow residents to exchange their curbside waste carts for different sizes. The agenda presents three options: expedited exchanges, waiting for more data, or no exchanges, with detailed rules on fees, cart sizes, and additional carts. Council will also consider a letter from Oro-Medonte regarding the automated cart collection system and other procedural items.
- Option A: Expedited cart exchanges starting mid-January 2022, with $50 fee after July 2022
- Option B: Wait for evidence-based decision, reaffirming existing direction
- Option C: No cart exchanges
- Proposed rules: no larger carts, 360 L recycling cart exchangeable for 240 L, no additional garbage carts, $50 per additional recycling/organic cart
- Bear-resistant carts to be obtained on a case-by-case basis
Committee of the Whole
Simcoe County's Committee of the Whole is reviewing and approving routine operational reports, including the 2021 forecast, long-term care funding, and a transit petition referral. The agenda also includes appeals to the Ontario Land Tribunal and a request to approve a New Tecumseth Official Plan Amendment.
- Approve 2021 Forecast Report (CCW 2021-322)
- Allocate up to $71K from Homes Contingency Reserve for long-term care stabilization
- Refer Port McNicoll LINX bus stop petition to Transportation Master Plan working group
- Maintain 80 km/h speed limit on County Road 45 in Rathburn
- Approve Official Plan Amendment No. 1 to Town of New Tecumseth Official Plan
Council
This is a largely procedural meeting where Council will approve the agenda, consent agenda, minutes, and committee reports from October 12, 2021. It will also consider recommendations from the Performance Management, Human Services, and Corporate Services committees, as well as the Economic Development Sub-Committee. A confirmatory by-law (Bill No. 49) will be enacted to formalize the meeting's proceedings.
- Approval of Committee of the Whole reports (Performance Management, Human Services, Corporate Services) from Oct. 12
- Approval of Economic Development Sub-Committee report from Oct. 12
- Enactment of Bill No. 49, a by-law to confirm proceedings of the Oct. 26 Council meeting
- Receipt of Council Communications and Proclamations for Oct. 12-25, 2021
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is considering several items, including three requests to exempt properties from the Forest Conservation By-law to allow woodland removal, an update on the Sustainable Operations Program, and a presentation on Georgian College's economic impact. The committee will also receive reports on child care worker appreciation, a bee mural project, and the 2022 meeting schedule. A closed session is scheduled for a confidential litigation update.
- Exemption to remove 11.0 hectares (27.3 acres) of woodlands at 8284 4th Line, Township of Essa
- Exemption to remove 1.8 hectares (4.4 acres) of woodlands at 1908 Concession Road 10, Township of Ramara
- Exemption to remove 3.5 hectares (8.7 acres) of woodlands at 15990 County Road 27 and 161 Concession 2 East, Township of Tiny
- Sustainable Operations Program Fall 2021 update, including submission of PCP Milestone 1 baseline inventory to FCM
- Georgian College economic impact presentation: $1.7 billion income added, 22,752 jobs supported
Audit and Finance Committee
The Audit and Finance Committee is meeting to approve the 2021 audit engagement letter from Baker Tilly KDN LLP, the audit committee planning letter, the 2021 audit plan, and the draft 2022 work plan and meeting schedule. These are routine procedural items for the annual financial audit.
- Approve 2021 Audit Engagement Letter from Baker Tilly KDN LLP
- Receive 2021 Audit & Finance Committee Planning Letter
- Approve 2021 Audit Plan
- Approve draft 2022 Work Plan for Audit and Finance Committee
- Approve 2022 Meeting Schedule for Audit and Finance Committee
Regional Government Review - Service Delivery Task Force
The Regional Government Review – Service Delivery Task Force is meeting to receive consultant reports on Library Services (by KPMG) and Land Use Planning (by StrategyCorp Inc.), and to provide direction on both. The agenda also includes a status update on the overall service delivery review process, covering fire, water/wastewater, transit, and other services. Most items are for information or discussion, with no final decisions expected at this meeting.
- Receive KPMG Library Services Review presentation and provide direction
- Receive StrategyCorp Land Use Planning Services Review presentation and provide direction
- Update on Service Delivery Review processes (RGR 2021-330)
- Gantt chart shows fire and water/wastewater reviews pending preliminary reports in October 2021
- Approximately $600k remaining from provincial modernization funding for studies
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing routine operational reports and several consent items, including updates on paramedic services, archives, and library operations. Key decisions include approving an Official Plan Amendment for Clearview and authorizing a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Transportation for interchange improvements at Highway 11 and County Road 93. The committee will also consider a woodland removal exemption in Ramara and enter closed session for land and litigation matters.
- Approve Official Plan Amendment No. 22 to the Township of Clearview Official Plan
- Authorize MOU with MTO for expanded bridge interchange at Highway 11 and County Road 93 in Crown Hill
- Grant exemption to remove 3.6 hectares (8.9 acres) of woodlands at 2907 Line 5, Township of Ramara
- Receive paramedic services updates on 2021 Ministry of Health funding and cardiac arrest response strategy
- Receive letters from Township of Ramara on photo radar in school zones and waste collection carts
Council
Simcoe County Council is meeting to approve the agenda, adopt minutes, and consider reports from the Committee of the Whole. Key actions include enacting three by-laws: amending the consolidated traffic by-law, authorizing an agreement for the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative, and authorizing agreements for Social Services Relief Phase 4 funds. The meeting also includes receiving communications and proclamations, including National Seniors Day.
- Bill No. 43: amend Consolidated Traffic By-law No. 6609
- Bill No. 44: authorize agreement for Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI)
- Bill No. 45: authorize agreements for Social Services Relief Phase 4 Funds
- Proclamation of National Seniors Day on October 1, 2021
Council
This is a largely procedural meeting of Simcoe County Council. The main substantive item is a by-law to appoint staff of K9ine Security as Municipal Law Enforcement Officers. Council will also adopt minutes, receive communications, and approve a confirmatory by-law.
- Bill No. 40: By-law to appoint K9ine Security staff as Municipal Law Enforcement Officers
- Proclamation of September 30, 2021 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Adoption of minutes from August 10, 2021 Joint Council and Committee of the Whole
- Approval of Economic Development Sub-Committee report from August 10, 2021
- Bill No. 42: Confirmatory by-law for proceedings of this meeting
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to receive consent items and reports, including a 2021 homeless enumeration scheduled for November 17-23, 2021, and to provide direction on several engineering and solid waste matters. The agenda also includes closed-session items on litigation and confidential negotiations. Most items are routine approvals or updates, with no major policy decisions expected.
- 2021 Homeless Enumeration scheduled for November 17-23, 2021, with $20,000 from CHPI funding
- Speed limit on County Road 16 at Fesserton to remain at 80 km/h
- Endorsement of correspondence on MTO's Greater Golden Horseshoe Transportation Plan
- Direction on cart size exchanges for waste collection prior to user survey results
- Closed session for litigation and confidential negotiations
Joint Council and Committee of the Whole
Simcoe County Council is meeting to consider a range of staff reports and recommendations, including the 2021 Long Term Financial Plan, a 2022 Development Charge Background Study, and several planning approvals. The agenda also includes consent items on human services, corporate services, and a closed session for land and labour matters.
- 2021 Long Term Financial Plan (CCW 2021-216) for approval
- 2022 Development Charge Background Study (CCW 2021-236) received
- Forest Conservation By-law 6894 exemption for 1.6 ha at 7712 County Road 56, Essa
- Approval of Official Plan amendments for Beeton, Tiny, and Wasaga Beach
- Consent for SMDHU line of credit up to $5,000,000 from TD Commercial Bank
Economic Development Sub-Committee
The Economic Development Sub-Committee is reviewing reports from municipalities on how they spent 2019 economic development funds, with some incomplete or unspent allocations potentially affecting 2021 funding. They are also considering 2021 funding applications and receiving updates on tourism initiatives, including an agritourism toolkit and the Cycle Simcoe program.
- 2019 funding report backs: some municipalities (e.g., Essa, Springwater) did not spend funds; adjustments to 2021 allocations proposed
- 2021 Economic Development Funding Program applications to be considered
- Tourism Simcoe County Agritourism Toolkit to be received
- Cycle Simcoe update presentation by Brendan Matheson
- News release on $2.8M provincial investment in Barrie-area businesses (Tempo Plastics, Matsu Manufacturing, Volatus Flight Systems)
Governance Committee
The Governance Committee will consider and likely approve the Terms of Reference for two committees: the Bursary Committee, which awards bursaries to local graduates, and the Forest Appeal Committee, which hears appeals related to tree harvesting permits. The committee will also receive correspondence with the provincial ministry about the head of council governance structure, and will hold a closed session for a confidential verbal update on personal matters.
- Approve Bursary Committee Terms of Reference (GOV 2021-175)
- Approve Forest Appeal Committee Terms of Reference (GOV 2021-245)
- Receive correspondence with Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding head of council governance structure
- Closed session for confidential verbal update under Municipal Act Section 239(2)(b)
Joint Council and Committee of the Whole
Simcoe County Council is meeting to approve recommendations from Committee of the Whole reports, including converting a $2.7 million construction loan for the Building Hope Project into a long-term loan, approving 2022 high-level budget assumptions, and endorsing 2021 strategic initiatives. The agenda also includes several consent items, a closed session for land, labour, and litigation matters, and routine procedural items.
- Building Hope Project mortgage: convert $2,700,000 interest-free construction loan to $2,714,980 long-term loan, extend maturity to Oct 31, 2021
- 2022 High Level Budget Assumptions to be incorporated into draft 2022 budget
- 2021 Strategic Initiatives approved for circulation
- Temporary closure of County Road 45 at Sucker Creek Culvert for 20 weeks in Ramara
- Rail Safety Improvement Program funding agreement with Transport Canada
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee is meeting to receive an update on local planning initiatives related to affordable housing, including presentations from the City of Barrie, Town of Innisfil, and County of Simcoe. The agenda includes discussion of Official Plan updates, third dwelling units, Community Improvement Plans, and Minister's Zoning Orders. The committee will also approve its agenda and terms of reference.
- Barrie's Community Improvement Plan awarded $1,777,780 in 2020 for affordable housing grants
- Innisfil passed zoning amendment allowing accessory third dwelling units on June 2, 2021
- Five local official plans updated and approved by County Council, pending appeals
- Minister's Zoning Orders issued for Innisfil, Oro-Medonte, Springwater, and New Tecumseth
- Committee to receive presentations from Barrie, Innisfil, and County staff
Simcoe County Housing Corporation Board
The Simcoe County Housing Corporation Board will receive the 2020 Fourth Quarter Report, which summarizes the corporation's operations, finances, and capital projects during the pandemic. The report notes a $275,969 operational deficit and a $197,313 capital deficit, partly due to COVID-19 cleaning costs and an emergency repair. It also highlights increased tenant arrears and the sale of 13 scattered units in Barrie for about $5.8 million.
- 2020 Fourth Quarter Report received
- Operational deficit of $275,969 and capital deficit of $197,313
- Tenant arrears rose to 35.7% as of Dec 31, 2020, up from 22.3% in 2019
- 13 scattered units in Barrie sold for approximately $5.8 million
- 40 buildings received new roofing systems
Special Council Meeting (Public Meeting) - County of Simcoe Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR)
Simcoe County Council is holding a special public meeting as part of its Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR), which will update the county's official plan to conform with provincial growth targets. The meeting includes a presentation from consultants and numerous verbal and written submissions from the public, developers, and local groups. The county must plan for a population of 555,000 and 198,000 jobs by 2051, with a conformity deadline of July 1, 2022.
- Correspondence from Minister Steve Clark regarding changes to A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe
- Presentation by Hemson Consulting on the Municipal Comprehensive Review
- Verbal submissions from 12 speakers, including Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition, Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition, and developers on behalf of properties in Innisfil, Oro-Medonte, and Stayner
- 42 written submissions, including from developers on behalf of properties in Alliston, Bradford, Essa, and Innisfil, and from local groups like AWARE Simcoe and the Town of Wasaga Beach
- County must plan for 555,000 population and 198,000 jobs by 2051
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will consider several staff recommendations, including increasing funding for secondary suites and rent subsidies, receiving a 10-year paramedic services review, and approving an official plan amendment for the Township of Severn. The agenda also includes routine consent items, correspondence, and a closed session for land and labour matters.
- Increase in-year funding by $150,000 for Secondary Suites Program and $200,000 for Municipal Rent Subsidy Program
- Approve 2021 211 Service Agreement with Community Connection for $37,500
- Receive Paramedic Services 10 Year Comprehensive Demand and Resourcing Review and update Strategic Facility Plan
- Approve Official Plan Amendment No. 10 to the Township of Severn Official Plan
- Fund $68k replacement of Hot Water System Equipment at Simcoe and Sunset Villages from Reserve Funds
Audit and Finance Committee
The Audit and Finance Committee is meeting to review and approve the County of Simcoe's 2020 draft audited financial statements, the 2020 investment report, and the audit committee reporting letter. They will also receive the statement of development charge reserve funds for fiscal year 2020, which is required to be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The meeting includes a presentation by the external auditor, Baker Tilly KDN LLP.
- Approval of 2020 draft audited financial statements for the County of Simcoe
- Receipt of 2020 Investment Report showing $6.3M in investments with $731K income earned
- Statement of Development Charge Reserve Funds for fiscal year 2020, with closing balance of $2,386,062
- Audit Committee Reporting Letter from Baker Tilly KDN LLP
- 2021 Audit and Finance Committee workplan review
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee is reviewing four items, including a proposal to increase Housing First allocations in Simcoe County Housing Corporation new builds from 5% to 10% of units, pending Council budget approval. They will also receive reports on short-term rentals' effects on affordable housing, the Housing Our Future 2020 Annual Report, and a By-Name List update. The annual report is recommended for approval and submission to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
- Increase Housing First allocations in new builds from 5% to 10% of units, in principle and pending Council budget approval
- Receive report on effects of short-term rentals on affordable housing, including research and regulatory examples
- Approve and submit Housing Our Future: 2020 Annual Report to MMAH and disseminate to public
- Receive By-Name List Update 2021