Zorra public meetings in 2021

Regular Council

Zorra Township Council is meeting to decide on a zone change application, recreation rates and fees, a pavilion proposal, a dust suppressant tender, and several by-laws including the 2022 wage by-law. They will also hear delegations on Oxford County planning policies and a four-day work week presentation, and discuss a proposed municipal centre project.

• Zone change application ZN 5-21-13 (Forbes) for lands at 642960 Road 64, from agricultural to rural residential
• Recreation rates and fees annual review (Memorandum 2021-216)
• Embro Community Pavilion proposal (Memorandum 2021-215)
• 2022-2024 Dust Suppressant Tender results and recommendation (Memorandum 2021-214)
• By-laws: 82-21 (zone change), 83-21 (Beachville Museum Agreement), 84-21 (2022 Wage), 85-21 (Animal Control), 86-21 (Amend Fees By-law 11-09)

Regular Council

Council will hold a public meeting for a zone change application (ZN 5-21-12) by Tom and Carol Rutledge for lands at 255207 25th Line & 743179 Road 74, and will consider several by-laws including zoning amendments, parking changes, and appointments. Staff reports cover fire, recreation, building, public works, and corporate services, including a pay administration policy and a construction update for the Zorra Maintenance Building. The meeting also includes a delegation from SCOR EDC and a closed session for personal matters.

• Public hearing for zone change ZN 5-21-12 (Hossack-Rutledge) at northwest corner of Road 74 and 25th Line
• By-law 79-21 to amend zoning for ZN5-21-12
• By-law 76-21 to amend Parking By-law 48-20
• By-law 80-21 to appoint Diane Larder as Director of Finance and Treasurer
• Report 2021-199 on pay administration policy implementation

Zorra Splash Committee

The Zorra Splash Committee is meeting to review a design brief for the Embro splash pad, which will be built in Memorial Park. The committee previously discussed a Scottish theme and raised over $196,000 for the project. Staff plan to issue a request for proposals in early December.

• Review of Memorandum 2021-172 and design brief for Embro Splash Pad
• Splash pad to be located at Memorial Park, 118 St Andrew St, Embro
• Target splash pad size: minimum 2500 sq ft including spray zone
• Design to include areas for ages 2-5 and 6-12, with Scottish heritage elements
• Fundraising total as of Oct 28, 2021: $196,659.90

Zorra Recreation Advisory Committee

The Zorra Recreation Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially recommend 2022 rental rate increases for ice, halls, parks, and pools, as well as updates on the Recreation Arts & Culture Master Plan and cultural mapping. The agenda includes a draft rental rate schedule with specific fee changes, and reports from recreation department and subcommittees.

• 2022 Rental Rate Review: draft rates include ice rental increases (e.g., prime rate $142 to $180), hall rental increases (e.g., large hall full day $218 to $250), and pool fee increases (e.g., family season pass $120 to $150)
• Recreation Arts & Culture Master Plan Update: staff priorities for 2022 include cultural mapping, park design behind Thamesford District Recreation Centre, Embro Splash Pad construction, youth inclusion strategy, and community partnership strategy
• Cultural Mapping Update: taskforce from ZRAC to begin fall 2021
• Community Memberships: report to be brought to ZRAC in November
• 2022 Committee Goals: review and set goals for next year

Regular Council

At this regular meeting, Council will hold a public meeting for a zone change application (ZN 5-21-09) for a property at 377113 Line 37, and will consider removing the holding provision for the Thames Springs West development in Thamesford (ZN 5-21-15). Staff reports cover drainage petitions, a construction update on the Zorra Maintenance Facility, and correspondence from the Ontario Land Tribunal. The agenda is otherwise routine, with no delegations or closed session items.

• Public meeting for zone change ZN 5-21-09 (Olivia Nurse and Adam Baer) at 377113 Line 37
• Zone change by-law 73-21 to remove holding provision for Thames Springs West (Mimadala Holdings Inc.)
• Memorandum 2021-164 on Quinn Drain and Branches petition
• Memorandum 2021-184 on J B Murray Drain and Chas Matheson Drain petition
• Construction progress report on Zorra Maintenance Facility (Memorandum 2021-187)

Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee

The Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee is meeting to discuss fundraising for the proposed multi-use courts in Thamesford. They will review a fundraising presentation and a report on forming a fundraising subcommittee, but no decision on the subcommittee is required at this meeting. The committee cannot begin fundraising until Council approves the project proposal.

• Fundraising presentation by Alycia Wettlaufer, Legislative Coordinator/Deputy Clerk
• Report 2021-165 on fundraising subcommittee preliminary discussion
• Review of ZMCC project outline and to-do list
• Next meeting scheduled for December 14, 2021

Regular Council

This regular Council meeting includes a public hearing for a zone change application, a report on awarding a drain tender, and discussion of vaccination requirements for attending meetings. Council will also consider several by-laws, including the zone change and a deputy treasurer appointment, and receive updates on the Zorra Municipal Centre project and other departmental activities.

• Public hearing for Zone Change ZN 5-21-11 (Greiden Farms Ltd.) at 237032 23rd Line
• Awarding drain tender for Kellum Drain Improvement 2021 (by-law 50-21)
• Vaccination requirements for attending Council/Committee meetings
• Appointment of Kelly Hall as Deputy Treasurer (by-law 69-21)
• Zone Change ZN 5-21-08 Kingwood (by-law 71-21)

Zorra Splash Committee

The Zorra Splash Committee is meeting virtually to discuss the next steps for the Embro splash pad project. The committee will receive a fundraising update and a staff memorandum regarding the procurement and design of the splash pad, with construction targeted for spring 2022. The meeting will also include adoption of the previous meeting's minutes and a public question period.

• Fundraising goal of $250,000 reached; Township committed $75,000 and community donated $190,634.40 as of October 21, 2021
• Memorandum 2021-172 from Director of Recreation & Facilities regarding Embro Splash Pad Procurement and Design
• Staff plan to release RFP in December 2021, award contract by January 2022
• Committee to discuss design preferences, site amenities, and in-kind donations for procurement document
• Minutes from August 26, 2021 meeting to be adopted

Zorra Community Policing Committee

The Zorra Community Policing Committee is meeting to review a draft by-law that would regulate excessive surveillance cameras, discuss a proposed Community Watch Program, and receive a report on a potential joint police services board. The meeting also includes updates on ATV/off-road vehicle complaints and a public sign campaign.

Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee

The Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee will review a council resolution endorsing its proposal for four outdoor courts at the Thamesford District Recreation Centre, with a 30% township / 70% fundraising funding model. The committee will also discuss the project outline and a staff report on the proposal. The project is estimated at $350,500 and is slated for the 2024 capital budget.

• Council resolution 15-10-2021 endorses multi-use courts proposal with 30% township / 70% fundraising funding model
• Project cost estimate: $350,500
• Proposal includes four 60x120 ft courts: one basketball/ball hockey, one tennis, one tennis/pickleball, one double pickleball
• Staff report 2021-162 on Thamesford Multi-Use Courts proposal
• Next meeting scheduled for November 9, 2021

Regular Council

Zorra's Regular Council meeting on October 6, 2021 includes public meetings for a minor variance application and a drainage court of revision, plus delegations on a cemetery driveway and a multi-use courts project proposal. Staff reports cover monthly departmental updates, a construction progress report on the Zorra Maintenance Facility, and a by-law to authorize internet and telephone voting for the 2022 election. Council will also consider an Enbridge franchise agreement by-law and correspondence about air filtration at A.J. Baker Public School.

• Minor Variance Application A09-21 by Dusan and Ankica Dragas for 375750 37th Line
• Kellum Drain Court of Revision at 11:00 a.m.
• Zorra Multi-Use Courts Committee project proposal delegation
• By-law 62-21 to authorize internet and telephone voting for 2022 election
• Memorandum on storm water system operations and financing options

Zorra Recreation Advisory Committee

The Zorra Recreation Advisory Committee will hear a delegation from the Zorra Caledonian Society proposing a $189,000 outdoor pavilion at the Embro Zorra Community Centre, with costs to be shared by project partners, grants, and the Township. The committee will also review a staff report on centralizing community memberships, which recommends against Township involvement at this time. Updates will be provided on the Multi-Use Courts, Splash Pad, Community Gardens, and COVID-19 protocols.

• Delegation by Helen Dowd on proposed EZCC pavilion, estimated at $189,000
• Memorandum 2021-155 on centralizing community memberships
• Zorra Multi-Use Courts Committee update (July 13 and Aug 10 minutes)
• Zorra Splash Committee update (June 24 minutes)
• Community Gardens report and proposal for fall 2021

Zorra Splash Committee

This meeting of the Zorra Splash Committee was cancelled. The agenda is purely procedural and no decisions or discussions are scheduled. The next regular meeting is set for October 28, 2021.

• Meeting cancelled
• Next meeting: October 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at Embro-Zorra Community Centre

Regular Council

The Township of Zorra Regular Council meeting on September 15, 2021 includes public meetings for a zone change, an official plan amendment, draft plan of subdivision, and another zone change, as well as delegations on agricultural policies and land use compatibility. Council will also discuss COVID-19 vaccination policies, a pay equity study, and a draft public nuisance by-law.

• Public meeting for zone change ZN5-21-05 (Hartman/Usher) at 415729 41st Line
• Public meeting for Official Plan Amendment OP 21-13-5, Draft Plan of Subdivision SB 21-08-5, and Zone Change ZN 5-21-08 (Kingwood Riverside Towns Limited) at 12 Middleton Street, 131 and 159 Brock Street
• Delegation from Oxford County on Phase 1 Agricultural Policies Official Plan Review
• Delegation from Oxford Coalition for Social Justice on Land Use Compatibility Guideline
• Discussion of Oxford County COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Policy and resident correspondence

Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee

The Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee will review the second draft of its proposal for outdoor multi-use courts at the Thamesford District Recreation Centre, including a project budget estimate. The committee will also hold vice-chair nominations. The proposal is not yet approved by Council and is being prepared for consideration in the 2022-2026 capital budget.

• Review of Multi-use Courts Proposal - Second Draft
• Review of ZMCC Project Budget Estimate (base project estimate $274,500; with all optional items $435,500)
• Vice-chair nominations
• Discussion of funding options: Option 1 (30% Township/70% committee) vs. Option 2 (different split for racquet vs. basketball courts)

Regular Council

Zorra Council meets to decide on two planning applications (a minor variance and a zone change), consider drainage reports, hear an Enbridge Gas franchise presentation, and vote on several by-laws including a noise by-law amendment and land sale. The agenda also includes routine monthly departmental reports and various information items.

• Minor Variance A08-21 for 235700 23rd Line (Robert Reid Stevenson)
• Zone Change ZN5-21-06 for 414239 41st Line (Gordon G. Howe)
• Kellum Drain Improvement 2021 provisional by-law (50-21)
• Enbridge Gas franchise agreement delegation
• By-law 51-21 to amend Noise By-law 69-12

Zorra Splash Committee

This agenda for the Zorra Splash Committee meeting on 2021-08-26 contains no substantive items—only website navigation text and a login prompt. There are no decisions, discussions, or action items listed.

Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee

The Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee is meeting to discuss and decide on key aspects of a proposed multi-use court project in Thamesford. The agenda includes a discussion on indoor versus outdoor courts, a consultant discussion, and a first draft of the multi-use courts proposal. The committee will also review a materials comparison (asphalt vs concrete) and a council resolution regarding a washroom at the TDRC.

• Discussion on indoor vs outdoor courts, including a dome option with estimated costs of $696,000 for a 4-court dome
• Consultant discussion for the multi-use courts project
• Review of first draft of Multi-use Courts Proposal
• Court materials comparison: asphalt vs concrete, with asphalt base cost estimates totaling $335,000 for 3 courts and $104,500 for 1 court
• Zorra Council resolution 08-10-2021 regarding TDRC washroom

Regular Council

Zorra Council will hold a public meeting for a zone change application at 126 Commissioner Street, consider several by-laws including stop sign amendments and subdivision assumption, and receive reports on fire, recreation, building, and public works. They will also discuss a public engagement strategy for the proposed Zorra Municipal Centre and a demolition at 149 Brock Street.

• Zone change application ZN 5-21-03 for 126 Commissioner Street, Embro
• By-law 45-21 to amend stop sign by-law 62-12
• By-law 46-21 for assumption of Phase 2 Highland Heights Subdivision
• Tender award for new pumper/rescue for Uniondale Station
• Public engagement strategy for proposed Zorra Municipal Centre

Special Council

The Township of Zorra's Special Council meeting on July 21, 2021, will consider a staff report on options for a new or renovated municipal office, including renovating the existing building, renovating the Technical Services Building, or a greenfield build. The report also discusses a potential application to the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for up to $750,000, with a submission deadline of July 23, 2021. Council will also adopt a confirmatory by-law for the meeting's proceedings.

• Staff report 2021-123 on municipal office renovation/new construction options
• Discussion of CCRF grant application up to $750,000, deadline July 23, 2021
• Cost comparison: Technical Services Building net cost -$365,000; Renovation A +$490,000; Renovation B $660,000; Greenfield $1,300,000
• Existing Municipal Office built 1967 (3,210 sq. ft.) and 1987 (2,916 sq. ft.), with accessibility and functional deficiencies
• Confirmatory By-law 47-21

Zorra Community Policing Committee

The July 20, 2021 meeting of the Zorra Community Policing Committee was cancelled because there was no quorum. The agenda included updates on ATV/ORV misuse, a Community Watch Program, and discussion of a second full-time officer for Zorra Township.

• Meeting cancelled – no quorum
• ATV/ORV misuse update – public comments received
• Community Watch Program info session update – ten residents volunteered
• Discussion on cost of a second full-time officer for Zorra Township
• CAO report and Council resolution regarding a Joint Police Services Board

Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee

The Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee is meeting to discuss the outdoor ice rink project, including a budget quote for refrigeration and concrete work, and to review research on court materials and bathroom/changeroom facilities. The committee will also consider a resignation from member Jim Gillespie. The meeting is open to the public virtually.

• Budget quote from Berg Chilling Systems: $275,155 for ice rink floor and concrete, $440,693 for refrigeration scope
• Discussion of outdoor ice rink feasibility, including use of Thamesford District Recreation Center's refrigeration unit
• Research on multi-sport court surfaces by members Julie Riley and Jeff Ruston
• Research on bathroom/changeroom facilities by members Katie Davies and Ashley Heron
• Notice of resignation from committee member Jim Gillespie

Regular Council

The Township of Zorra Regular Council meeting on July 7, 2021 includes staff reports, by-laws, and several notices of motion. Key items include a motion to oppose the Southwest Landfill proposal, a motion to address frequent accidents at Zorra Road 64 and County Road 45, and a motion supporting the County of Oxford negotiating conservation authority funding agreements. Council will also consider appointing a new Fire Chief, appointing an auditor, and amending the Boulevard By-law.

• Notice of motion to not support Walker Environmental Group's Southwest Landfill proposal
• Notice of motion to direct staff to work with Oxford County on a report about accidents at Zorra Road 64 and County Road 45
• By-law 40-21 to appoint Deanna Kirwin as Fire Chief
• By-law 41-21 to appoint Scrimgeour & Company as Municipal Auditor
• By-law 43-21 to amend the Boulevard By-law

Zorra Splash Committee

The Zorra Splash Committee is meeting to discuss fundraising updates and splash pad planning. The agenda includes a fundraising update and a discussion on splash pad planning and next steps. The committee is working to fund and plan a splash pad in Embro.

• Fundraising update includes Drive-In Fireworks on July 2, ice cream truck fundraiser, Cinnabon fundraiser, Elmira chicken fundraiser, and Miedema Meats summer box ($35, $5 per box to splash pad)
• Splash Pad Planning & Next Steps discussion
• Minutes from May 27, 2021 meeting to be adopted

Zorra Recreation Advisory Committee

The Zorra Recreation Advisory Committee will hear a delegation from Angela Langlois and Christina Shelly proposing a centralized Community Membership program with online registration and payment for community organizations. The committee will also review responses from community groups about their needs and discuss the resignation of committee member Joanne Flemming.

• Delegation by Angela Langlois and Christina Shelly on centralizing Community Memberships
• Community Groups Round Table with questionnaire responses from groups like Thamesford Guides, Harrington Area Community Association, Oxford County Library, and 4-H
• Resignation of committee member Joanne Flemming
• Mayor's Monarch Pledge discussion
• Recreation Department Report for May 2021

Regular Council

The Township of Zorra Regular Council meeting on June 16, 2021, will hold public meetings for two minor variance applications and a zone change application, receive a presentation on 2020 audited financial statements, and hear road safety concerns for Oxford Road 119. Council will also consider several by-laws, including closing a road allowance and approving a subdivision agreement for Thames Springs West Phase 1.

• Minor Variance A06-21 by Ethan Wells for 643379 Road 64 (north side of Road 64, between 25th and 27th Line)
• Minor Variance A07-21 by John Langlois for lands on east side of Elgin Street, south of John Street, Embro
• Zone Change ZN 5-21-04 for 113 George Street, Thamesford (south-east corner of George and Brock Streets)
• By-law 35-21 to close a road allowance (Part of Herrick Street, Plan 75, Beachville) and By-law 36-21 to transfer it to Richard Robert Philips and Sheri Lea Phillips
• By-law 37-21 to authorize subdivision agreement with Mimadala Holdings Inc. for Thames Springs West Subdivision Phase 1

Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee

The Zorra Multi-Use Court Committee is meeting to discuss and decide on the next steps for proposed multi-use courts in Thamesford, including the type and number of courts, and whether to include an outdoor ice rink. They will review a needs assessment report, survey results, and correspondence about a similar rink in Tillsonburg. The committee previously recommended proceeding with courts in Thamesford only.

• Discussion of outdoor ice rink options, including a refrigerated pad costing $700,000-$750,000 (Tillsonburg example)
• Review of Multi-Use Courts Needs Assessment Report (2020-145) and survey results
• Consideration of court types: 1 tennis court, 1 tennis court with 2 pickleball courts, 2 ball hockey/basketball courts, 1 dedicated pickleball court
• Update on pickleball class from Chair Andrew Goodwin
• Project outline for ZMCC as a standing agenda item

Regular Council

The Township of Zorra Council will hold public meetings for a minor variance and two zone change applications, and will consider several by-laws including road closures and land sales. The agenda also includes updates from the Beachville District Museum and various departmental reports.

• Minor Variance A04-21 for 963647 Road 96, Harrington
• Zone Change ZN 5-21-02 for 455259/455251 45th Line
• Zone Change ZN 5-21-03 on Commissioner Street East, Embro
• By-law 29-21 to close a road allowance between Concession 11 and 12
• By-law 32-21 to authorize sale of land at 113 George St to Michael Andrew Nowacki

Zorra Splash Committee

The Zorra Splash Committee is meeting to discuss updates on grants, fundraising efforts, and the next steps for the Embro splash pad project. The committee will review recent donations and plan future fundraising activities. The meeting is a regular business meeting with no public hearings or major decisions scheduled.

• Grants update and discussion
• Fundraising update: $105,613.81 raised from community, $75,000 committed by Township, $250,000 goal
• Splash Pad planning and next steps discussion
• Donation from Zorra Highland Park Public School to Embro splash pad
• Upcoming fundraisers: Cinnabon (June), Little Caesars kit (July), Elmira Chicken (July)