p. 1 1. Correspondence from the Nottawasaga Foundation dated

TOWNSHIP OF ESSA
CONSENT AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8,2015
A -ITEMS RECEIVED AS INFORMATION
p. 1
1. Correspondence from the Nottawasaga Foundation dated March 2, 2015, re : Request for
Sponsorship of the 2015 Golf Tournament, Dinner and Auction Fundraiser Event.
p. 2
2. Email received from AMO Communications dated March27, 2015, re: AMO Poli cy
Update - Ministry of Education Releases New Process for School Closures.
p. 4
3. Email from RJ Burnside & Associates Ltd . dated April 1, 2015, re : Portion of Hydro Quarry
lands, County Road 90, Essa Township Hydro Quarry Lands, Ministry of Infrastructure,
Severance, Disposition with ESA to Non-Conservation Body, Essa 634-5011 .
p. 7
4. Correspondence from Randy Pettapiece, MPP Perth-Wellington , dated April 1, 2015, re :
Attorney General Refuses to Re-Open Joint and Several Liability.
p. 8
5. Correspondence from Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford , re: Request for Support of BillHousing Services Corporation Accountability Act.
p. 11
6. Correspondence from the County of Simcoe, re : Public Information Session on April 20,
2015 regarding the County of Simcoe Official Plan.
p. 12
7. Highlights of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) Board of Directors
Meeting held March 27, 2015.
p. 15
8. Media Release from the County of Simcoe dated March 27, 2015, re : Local Festivals
Named Among Ontario's Best.
p. 16
9. Media Release from Jim Wilson , MPP Simcoe-Grey, re : Wilson Hopeful Government Will
Follow Through With Promise to Fund Matthews House Hospice.
p. 17
10. Correspondence from Safe Wind Energy for All Residents (SWEAR), re: Request for
Financial Support for Charter Challenge of Ontario's Wind Turbine Approval Process.
p. 19
11 . Correspondence from the Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command, re: Request for
Sponsoring an Advertisement in "Military Service Recognition Book" .
. B -ITEMS RECEIVED AND REFERRED TO SERVICE AREA FOR ACTION
None to be presented.
C -ITEMS RECEIVED AND REFERRED TO SERVICE AREA FOR REVIEW AND REPORT
TO COUNCIL
None to be presented.
...
f
~
_~-.-.-., h~
---..---_
-Nottawasaga l~oundatiOl;1
TOWNSHIP OF ESSA
MAR 17 2015
'"'- -"'"--=--.... -.-._ - ..--~--.----.. -~----- -.
March 2, 2015
Townsh ip of Essa
Greg Murphy, CAO
5786 Simcoe Road #21
Utopia, ON LOM lTD
Dear Greg,
2015 marks th e Nottawasaga Foundation's 23rd anni ve rsary. We th ank you for you r continued support and
would not ha ve made it th is far without you. I would like t o invit e you to partici pa te in thi s year's Golf
Tournament, Dinner and Auction Fundraiser eve nt. We will be holding the tournament a month early this
year, on Friday, June 26, 2015 .
last yea r, you helped us to rai se ove r $450,000.00, bringing the total amount over the last 22 years to more th an
4.6 million dollars! This in credi ble accom pl ishment enab le s Th e Notta wasaga Fo undation to continue to support
many wo rth whi le ca uses in our area . We continue t he support of local groups and charities such as Stevenson
Memorial Hospital, Matthews Hou se Hospice and three Loca l Food banks as well as many other groups and
individuals.
We need your help and kindly ask you to conside r one ofthe following spo nsorship leve ls:
• PLATINUM Hole Sponsor: $5,000.00 - Package includes you r Corporate Logo displayed on Individua l Signage
at two high-traffic loca tion s. Also includ es your choice of:
a) Eight 18-Hole Open Golf ti cket s (including cart, dinner & auction)
or b) Eight Ladi es 9-Hole Golf tic kets (including cart, massage, dinner & auction)
or c) Twelve dinner & auction tickets
• DOUBLE GOLD Hole Sponsor: $2,500.00 ~ Package in cludes yo ur Corpora l e Logo di splayed on Indi vi dual
Signage at two of th e 45 hol es and also includ es your choice of:
a) Four 18-Hole Open Golf ti cket s (including cart, dinner & auction)
or b) Four La dies 9-Hole Golf tickets (including ca rt, massage, dinn er & auction)
or c) Eight dinner & auction t ickets
I encourage you to fill out the enclosed response form and help us celebra te our 23
truly does make a difference.
fd
Sincerely,
c{fI.
Supporting:
Alliston, Tottenham & Angus Food Banks'
South Simcoe Arts Council • Simcoe
County Museum • Alliston Legion
Memorial Cenotaph • The Learning Centre
Breakfast Program • Multiple Sclerosis
Society • Conservation Ontario • Angus
Tornado Relief Fund' Canadian Deafblind
Association • Memorial Cenotaphs for
Beeton & Tottenham
Lou Biffis, Pr es id ent
\
.. .and the list continues to grow!
Anniversary. Your support
Lisa Lehr
Subject:
FW: AMO Policy Update - Ministry of Education Releases New Process for School Closures
From: AMO Communications [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: March 27, 2015 5:09 PM
To: Greg Murphy
Subject: AMO Policy Update - Ministry of Education Releases New Process for School Closures
March 27, 2015
Ministry of Education Releases New Process for School Closures
The Ministry of Education has revised the Pupil Accommodation Review Guidelines (PARG) that governs the local School Board
process to consider school closures. In addition, the Ministry has released a new Community and Planning and Partnerships Guide line
(CPPG) wh ich outlines how School Boards are to work with municipal governments and other community partners to fi ll
underutilized space in schools.
The CPPG mandates that School Boards, prior to initiating a Pupil Accommodation Review, must reach out to municipalities and
other community partners to obtain planning related information and to explore potential pattnership opportun ities for underutilized
space. Only after completion of a capital planning process can a School Board initiate a review to consider whether a school should be
consolidated or closed. This is a positive development.
There are a number of significant changes to the newly revised PARG including:
•
•
•
a new obligation of School Boards to formally consult with municipal governments;
a shift away 1T0m considering the impact of school closures to community well-being and the local economy toward a more
exclusive focus on student achievement; and,
a reduction in the minimum duration and number of public meetings requ ired for the Pupil Accommodation Review process.
AMO raised many iss ues and provided practical suggestions about the gu idelines before they we re finalized by the Min istry, not all of
wh ich are refl ected in the final version. It is positive to see a municipal ro le formall y incorporated into the process through a new
obligation of School Boards to notity and consult with municipalities. However, AMO is di sappointed that School Board s wi ll not be
mandated to invite interested municipalities to sit as members on the Accommodation Review Committees (ARCs).
There are other significant concerns with the new guid elines. Of primary concern is a new shift away from cons idering the impact of
school closures to community well-being and the local economy toward a more exclusive focus on student ach ievement. All the value
considerations are valid and should be considered in a holistic manner. Ifnot, there may be a di sconnect between School Board
decisions and local municipal planning priorities that seek to create strong communities and strong local econom ies. The municipal
sector is also concerned that the new changes will serve to reduce public engagement in the Pupil Accommodation Review process
rather than enhance it.
It is important to note that the new guidelines only set out minimum standards for School Boards to fo llow. The guidelines are
flexible . Boards may choose to exceed the provincial standards if community voices express the need. Municipal ities are encouraged
to review the guidelines and make representations to School Board Trustees on what the local stand ards should be in their commun ity.
On a related matter, AMO welcomes the recent appointment of Karen Pitre as the Premier's Special Advisor on Co mmunity Hubs. It
is hoped that this appointment and creation of an advisory group will accelerate the development of a province-wide policy. An
avenue with great potential are approaches that grow school s into community hubs by integrating local programs and services, such as
libraries and community centres within existing school inlTastructure, where it may be practical and cost efficient for municipal
governments. Space may also be well utilized by non-profit organizations. The community hub model is an opportunity that could
work well in some parts of Ontario and may serve to avert unnecessary school closures in many cases.
~Iease
see the Ministry of Education website to view the new guidelines.
Please see AMO's letter dated December 18th, 2014 provid ing feedback on the proposed guidelines.
AMO Contact: Michael Jacek, Senior Advisor, [email protected], 4 16.97 1.9856ex!. 329.
PLEASE NOTE: AMO Breaking News w ill be broadcast to the member municipality's council, adm inistrator, and clerk. Recipients of
the AMO broadca sts are free to redistribute the AMO broadcasts to other municipal staff as required. We have decided to not add
other staff to these broadcast lists in order to ensure accuracy and effi ciency in the management of our various broadcast lists.
DISCLAIMER: Any documents attached are final versions. AMO assumes no responsibi lity for any discrepancies t hat may have been
transmitted with this electronic version. Th e printed versions of the documents stand as the official record.
OPT-OUT: If you wish to opt-out of these ema il communications from AMO please click here.
A .... ~roo,,""of
Municipalities Ontario
'32
From: Deanna De Forest [mailto:Deanna.DeForest@rjburnside .com]
Sent: April-01-1S 11:16 AM
To: Colleen Healey; Bev Mansbridge
Cc: Scruton, Julie; Predusca, Julia (10); Myslicki, Lisa (10)
Subject: Fw: Portion of Hydro Quarry Lands, County Road 90, Essa Township Hydro Quarry lands,
Ministry of Infrastructure, severance, disposition with ESA to Non-Conservation Body, Essa 634-5011
Hello Ms Healey,
Infrastructure Ontario (formerly the Ontario Realty Corporation) is proposing a disposition and severance
of land in the Township of Essa , Part Lots 31 and 32. concession 8. The site is approximately 1.527 acres
(0 .618 hectares) and located southwest of the intersection of Pine Grove Road and County Road 90. on
the south side of County Road 90. This letter is to notify you of the proposed approach to fulfill the
Ministry of Infrastructure (MOl) Public Work Class Environmental Assessment (EA) responsibilities for the
severance, disposition with ESA to Non-Conservation Body. If you have any comments or questions on
this approach, please contact me via return email. Under the MOl Class EA process. interested agencies
and parties have 30 days to provide comment.
Proposed Undertaking
The proposed undertaking is the disposition and severance of a portion of the larger property known as
the Hydro Quarry located on the south side of County Road 90. The proposed disposition and severance
will be solely located in the immediate area of County Road 90 . Please see the attached aerial
photograph .
MOl Class EA Process
The MOl Class EA process identifies severance as a Category A. Both easement and disposition are
Category B undertakings; however. disposition with an Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) to a nonconservation body is identified as a Category C undertaking. The Category C process involves much
more intense study and more public consultation than the Category B process. In accordance wi th the
MOl Class EA undertakings cannot be separated and are assessed based on the highest categorization .
Near the beginning of the Category C process, the MOl Class EA document states "if the decision can be
made that all environmental effects have been addressed , the reviewer can identify that the assessment
is in fact a Category B."
Background
As part of the Class EA process for the proposed undertaking , RJ Burnside consulted with the Ministry of
Natural Resources and Forestry (M NRF), Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) and the
Township of Essa on behalf of 10. , The results of issues raised and proposed mitigation measures are
outlined in the following table.
MNRF
Regulated Habitat of Hine's
Emerald . Habitats of
threatened , rare, vulnerable and
endangered species identified
by MNRF are considered ESAs
according to the MOl Class EA
~
The disposition of land does not negatively impact the
habitat of Hines Emerald through infilling,
sedimentation, drainage, etc. or limiUimpair infiltration
of water into groundwater by creating an impervious
surface , as such , the disposition of land will not
damage or destroy habitat for this species.
Any future development or alteration of the Site is
subject to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and
should not negatively impact the habitat of Hines
Emerald through infilling , sedimentation , drainage,
etc. or limiUi mpair infiltration of water into groundwater
by creating an impervious surface within the regulated
habitat of Hine's Emerald .
Potential habitat of Endangered Species - N/A -Butternut not observed at the Site. Site does
Butternut and Snapping Turtle
not provide habitat for Snapping Turtle due to lack
of wa ter.
N/A
NVCA
Township
of Essa
The disposition of land does not negatively impact
The Township has not incorporated any
groundwater recharge or discharge areas or limit/impair infiltration of water into
groundwater, as such ; the disposition of land will
into its Official Plan and defers to local
Conservation Authority (NVCA).
not impact Significant Groundwater Recharge
areas.
NVCA interactive mapping identifies the
Site to be located within a Significant
Groundwater Recharge location.
Areas of Significant Groundwater
Recharge identified in official plans are
considered ESAs according to the MOl
Class EA.
Discussion
Both the presence of Regulated Habitat for Hine's Emerald and the presence of groundwater recharge
area are an ESA according to the MOl Class EA Parent Document.
Ownership of the Site does not pose a risk to the ESAs ; but any subsequent alteration, development, or
construction could negatively impact the ESAs identified at the Site.
Any future development or site alteration would be subject to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and the
guidance from the NVCA which acts as an advisory and commenting agency when dealing with the
Planning Act as well as providing comments and advice to member municipalities and MOE.
The potential impact to regulated habitat of Hine's Emerald and groundwater recharge areas as a result
of the land ownership is negligible as regulatory controls are currently in place whether the land is within
public or private ownership. The potential environmental effects due to the proposed disposition and
severance of land are minor given the regulatory controls that are imposed on any fut ure development.
As a result a Category C EA is not required The effects and mitigation measures are well understood and,
therefore, according to the MOl Class EA Parent Documen t, a Category B EA is appropriate.
10 proposes to complete the EA for the undertaking, including disposition of the property with an
Environmentally Significant Area to a Non-Conservation Body, by completing Step C1 of the Category C
EA process which requires the completion of a Category B EA.
Conclusion
Based on review, the disposition and severance of land would not result in any environmental effects to
the ESA and therefore the appropriate assessment level is Category B. This is based on the following :
1.
Change in ownership of the property unto itself does not pose risk to the ESA
2.
There are measures in place to provide the MNRF and NVCA with appropriate influence over
future development or construction of the lands.
Proposed Path Ahead
10 proposes to complete the Environmental Assessment for the proposed undertaking as Step C 1 of the
Category C EA process by completing a Category B EA. This is an appropriate and reasonable approach
to effectively evaluate and mitigate environmental effects for the proposed undertaking.
If you have any comments or questions on this approach, please contact the undersigned. Under the
MOl Class EA process, interested agencies and parties have 30 days to provide comment. Please
advise if you wish to comment but cannot do so within the allotted time.
Deanna De Forest
RJ . Burnside & Associates Limited
128 Wellington Street West, Suite 30 I
Barrie, Ontario L4N 8J6
[email protected]
Office: 705-797-2047
Direct Line: 705-797-4357
www.rjburnside.com
[JEnTH- WELL INGTON
rii
RANDY PETTAPIECE, MPP
;~;
N E WS
R E L E AS E
ti!
;,~
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2015
Attorney General refuses to reopen jOint and several liability
(Q ueen's Park) - Ontario's Attorney General today refused to take another look at joint and several liability
and its effect on municipal insurance rates. In response to a question today from Perth-Wellington MPP
Randy Petta piece , Attorney General Madeleine Meilleur claimed the current system is "the fairest way" of
dealing with a shortfall in damages.
"After considering the feedback we received from all stakeholders - from all stakeholders - Ontario has
decided not to move forward with changes to the rules of joint and severalliabiity at this time ," Meilleur
stated.
Government documents, however, disprove Meilleur'S statement. According to documents Petta piece
received through a Freedom of Information request, the government's consultation was limited to four legal
associations: The Ontario Bar Association, The Advocates' Society, The Ontario Trial Lawyers Association ,
and The County and District Law Presidents' Association.
Pettapiece blasted the government: "I've seen the Attorney General's files . They show you sought advice
from trial lawyers. They show that you sought no advice from insurers, or municipalities, or taxpayers,"
Petta piece charged.
Seemingly caught off guard , Meilleur accused Petta piece of wanting to put the disabled on welfare.
"If your son has an accident, and he's totally disabled, you know, I will not be able to look into his eyes and
say ... we changed the rules and now you have to rely on welfare for your benefits ," said Meilleur.
Following his question, Petta piece was blunt "For her to say something like that is ridiculous and insulting. I
think she was upset for being caught not telling the whole truth about who she consulted."
In February 2014, Pettapiece introduced a private member's motion calling on the government to reform the
joint and several liability model. His motion won statements of support from the Associ ation of Municipalities
of Ontario (AMO), the Insurance Bureau of Canada, insurance brokers, and over 21 0 municipalities across
Ontario.
The motion passed with strong support from all parties in the legislature. However, at the August 2014 AMO
conference, the government announced it would not move forward despite years of promises.
On February 19, 2015, Petta piece introduced a new motion calling on the government to reform the joint
and severalliabiltty model. He received very positive feedback on the new motion from munici pal leaders at
the recent Ontario Good Roads Association/Rural Ontario Munk:ipal Association combined conference .
- 30Video of Question: http.//pettapiece.ca/?p=3166
,
Ministry of the Attorney General' s FOI Response: http.//pettapiece.cal?p=3170
Randy Petta piece, MPP
I
416-325-3400
I
www.pettapiece.ca
AS
Ontario
LECt$lAnVE ASSEMBLY
ERNIE HARDEMAN, M.P.P.
Oxford
Mayor Terry Dowdall
Township of Essa
5786 County Rd 21
Utopia, ON LOM lTD
Queen's Park Office:
Constituency Office:
Room 41 3, legislative Bldg.
12 Perry Street
Toronto, Ontario
'Woodstock, Ontario
M7A1AB
N453(2
Tel. (416) 325·1239
Fax (416) 325·1259
Tel. (519) 537·5222
Fax (519) 537·3577
Dear Mayor Dowdall,
I understand the fiscal challenges that municipalities are facing and that your ta x dollars have to be used
effectively. That's one of the reasons I was so disappointed to learn that some socia l housing providers
are being forced to pay more than they should for services.
As you know, provincial legislation makes it mandatory for affordable housing providers to purchase gas
and insurance through the Housing Services Corporation (HSC). A number of municipalities have found
that they are paying more for gas than if they were to purchase it through other sources. As well, many
providers are paying HSC an opt out fe e (2.5% of the premium) in order to be al lowed to purchase less
expensive insurance that provides equal or better coverage.
I believe that affordable housing providers should be all owed to purchase these items at the best
possib le price - whether it is directly, jointly with the municipality, through Local Authority Services, or
through HSC. I also have concerns about recent spending at the HSC, including frequent internationa l
travel and money transferred to subsidiaries and other for-profit companies .
To save municipalities money and ensure affordab le housing dollars are used effectively I recently
int roduced the Housing Services Corporation Accountability Act. If passed, this Act wi ll :
• Save affordable housing providers money on natural gas and insurance by removing the
mandatory requ irement to purchase them through the Housing Service Corporation;
• Restore accountability by requiring HSC to report salaries over $100,000 as municipalities and
government agencies do; and
• Give the Provincial Auditor the authority to audit the HSC without requiring a Minister's request.
I ask for your support for this bill to ensure that affordable housing dollars can provide the maximum
benefit to help those who need it most. In case it is helpful I have enc losed a sam ple resolution of
support.
If you have any questions regarding the Housing Services Corporation Accountability Act, or if I can be of
assistance on a
matter please contact me at [email protected].
Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford
PC Critic for Municipal Affairs and Housing
Housing Services Corporation Accountability Act, 2015
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Bill amends th e Housing Services Ac/, 2011 in the follo win g ways:
1.
Section 150 is amended to permit the Auditor General to audit the accounts of
the Housing Services Corporation and of each of its subsidaries,
2, Section 151 is amended so that me mbers of the Hou si ng Services Corporati on
such as service managers and local housing corporations are not requi red to
parti cipate in any of the Corporation's programs or activities,
The Bill also amends the Public Sec/or Salary Disclosure Act, 1996 to specify that the
Housing Servi ces Corporation and each of its subsidiaries are employers for the purposes
of the Act.
An Act to amend the Housing Services Act, 2011 and the
Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, 1996
Her Majesty, by and with the advice and co nsent of the Legislati ve Assembly of the
Prov ince of Ontario, enacts as follows:
HOUSING SERVICES ACT, 2011
1. (1) Section 150 of the Housing Services Act, 2011 is amended by adding the
following subsections:
Auditor General
(2) The Auditor General appo inted under the Auditor General Ac/ may audit the
accou nts of the Corporation and of each of its subsidiaries,
Access to records and information
(3) When the Auditor General co ndu cts an audit under subsection (2), the
Corpo rati on and its subsidiaries shall give the Auditor General and empl oyees of the
Auditor General access to all records and other information required to co nduct the audit.
q
Sample resolution for Municipal Council
WH E REAS soc ial hou sing providers in Ontario are currently required to purchase natural gas
and in surance through the Housing Services Corporation (HSC) or pay a fee to purchase
elsewhere; and
WHEREAS social housing providers sho uld have the right to obtain natural gas and insurance at
the lowest cost to prov ide va lue to those in need of affordable housin g and all tax payers; and
WHEREAS the HSC should be subj ec t the same level of accountability and overs ight as
government agenci es;
THEREFOR E BE IT resolved that the Council of (name of muni cipali ty) supports the HOllsing
Se rvices CO/poration Accollntability Act introduced by Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman which
would remove the mandatory requirement for social housing providers to purchase gas and
in surance thro ugh the HSC, require HSC to report salari es over $ 100,000, and give the
Provincial Auditor General the authority to audit HSC.
\D
County of Simcoe
Planning
1110 Highway 26,
Midhurst, Ontario LOL 1XO
Main Line (705) 726-9300
Toll Free 1-866-893-9300
Fax (705) 727-4276
simcoe.ca
PLANNING
~(=-:~:-o_.,.,'
Public Information Session
County of Simcoe Official Plan
The County of Simcoe will be hosting two Public Information Sessions on the status of
the County Official Plan that was adopted in 2013 by County Council. The Official Plan
is currently under appeal at the Ontario Municipal Board ,
The Public Information Sessions will take place on April 20, 2015 at the County of
Simcoe Museum , 1151 Highway 26 , Minesing Ontario ,
Session 1
2 p,m, to 4 :00 p.m.
Presentation at 2:30 p.m , followed by Q & A
Session 2
6 p.m . to 8:00 p.m.
Presentation at 6:30 p.m. followed by Q & A
Note: Both sessions will be identical in the information provided.
The Public Information Sessions will outline the history of the development of the
Official Plan , including key milestones and the role that the public, agencies and
province have with the development of the Official Plan. The sessions will outline what
sections of the Official Plan have been approved by the Ontario Municipal Board and
what the timelines are for the consideration of the remaining sections . The sessions
will outline the roles and responsibilities of the County, the Province and public at the
Ontario Municipal Board when an Official Plan is appealed.
The first half hour of each session will include an informal open house session
featuring display boards outlining the Official Plan approval process and what
information and considerations go into the development of an Official Plan. County
staff will be available to answer questions.
Please note that the purpose of this meeting is to provide information on the status and
approval process of the County Official Plan, which is under appeal at the Ontario
Municipal Board . Residents should be advised that the County of Simcoe has no
jurisdiction to reconsider matters that are before the Ontario Municipal Board .
PLD-003-C01
\\
HIGHLIGHTS
of the NVCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS
No. 03-15 - March 27, 2015
NVCA 2015 Budget Approved
The board of directors approved the authority's 2015 budget at $4,877,242. The 2015
budget is $267,044 higher than 2014. Of that increase, $61,000 came from a 3%
increase in the municipal levy . The levy accounts for 42% of the approved budget; the
remainder comes from government grants, uses fees, donations and interest income.
The budget is available on the NVCA website under About -7Plans, Annual Reports &
Financials.
2015-2018 NVCA Business Plan Approved
Business Plan to put goals from Strategic Plan into Operation
Following on the board 's approval of the Strategic Plan Initiatives at their last meeting,
staff presented a business plan outlining how these initiatives will be implemented over
the next three years.
Internal program leads, costs to implement, action items and implementation periods
are set for each of the 39 strategic initiatives coming out of the Strategic Plan.
The board approved the business plan, requiring staff to formally report on status of
plan on an annual basis.
Both the strategic plan and the business plan are available on the NVCA website under
About -7Plans, Annual Reports & Financials.
Helping hand for the Tiffin Forest
Tha nks to Toronto's Maurice Cody Child Care for
the ge nerous do nation of $ 1,774 .25 to support
restorati on at the Tiffin Co nservatio n Area!
Chil dre n from Maurice Cody come to Tiffi n eve ry
yea r in the spri ng. When they heard about the
da mage from last year's tornado, they held a
da nce-a -thon to ra ise money to help replan t trees
lost during the storm .
NVCA Board Meeting Hi ghlights No, 03 - 15 - March 27,
201~
1 of 3
Utopia Grist Mill Restoration Plan
The board of directors heard from Susan Antler, chair of the Friends of the Utopia Grist
Mill & Park, a non-profit group dedicated to the preservation and enhancem ent of the
Utopia Conservation Area and the historic Bell's Gristmill which is loca ted at the site.
Starting in 2007, the Friends assumed financial and stewardship responsibility for the
Utopia Conservation Area under an agreement with the NVCA. Among their activities to
date, they have established and maintained walking trails , installed fencing, and ho sted
a number of we ll-received community events. In addition to raising annual operating
funds, the Friends ha ve garnered $150,000 for the restoration of the gristmill.
Ms. Antler presented the Friends ' business plan and the plans for Phase I of the gristmill
restoration. Members of the board approved the plan and commended the Friends for
their efforts to date.
In brief
During th is meeting, the board also approved:
o
The appointment of Nathan Cutler as an officer for the NVCA as per th e
Conservation Authorities Act.
o
The purchase of trees for the NVCA's tree planting program up to a cost of
$160,000. More than 213,000 trees will be planted by NVCA's forestry program
this year.
o
A policy governing social media use by NVCA staff.
o
A change to the way the board receives information on NVCA media coverage and
outreach activities.
For more information
D. Gayle Wood, CAO, [email protected], 705-424-1479 ext. 225
For the full meeting agenda including documents and reports, visit the NVCA website at
nvca .on .ca/a boutlboardofdi rectors.
NVCA Board Meeting Highlights No. 03-15 - March 27, 2015 ,~
2 of 3
Future meetings & events
Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival,
Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12,
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Tiffin Centre for
Conservation, Utopia
Evening of Thanks Awards
Celebration Thursday, April 16, S:OO 6:30 p.m., Tiffin Centre for Conservation,
Utopia - RSVP requested
NVCA Board of Directors Meeting,
Friday, April 24, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.,
Tiffin Centre for Conservation, Utopia
Arbour Day Tree Sale, Saturday, May
9,8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p,m. at the Tiffin
Centre for Conservation, Utopia and 9: 00
a.m. to 12 :00 p.m. at the Nordic Centre,
Wasaga Beach (CO-hosted by the
Ganaraska Hiking Club of Wasaga Beach)
There are numerous volunteer tree
planting events happening across th e
wate rshed this spring. Please visit
nvca .on.ca and look under About
~Careers & Volunteers for a full listing .
NVCA Source Protection Authority
Meeting (NVSPA), Frida y, April 24,
11 :00 a.m. - 12 :00 p.m., Tiffin Centre for
Conservation, Utopia
NVCA Board Meeting Hig hlights No. 03-15 - March 27, 20\'1
3 of 3
SIMCOEA*\
For thr Glrolrr Good
,
TOUl115M
Release
County of Simcoe, Office of the Warden and CAO
II 10 Highway 16 , Midhurst, Ontario LOL I XO
p•
simcoe.ca
UPDATED FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local festivals named among Ontario's best
MidhurstiMarch 27, 2015 - The County of Simcoe knows how to host a party.
Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO), an educational , marketing , and advocacy services organization ,
recently announced its 2015 top festivals and events in Ontario, placing seven County of Simcoe and
area events in the top 100.
Among the seven award recipients was the International Plowing Match, held in Ivy in September 2014.
The five-day event received a Level of Distinction from the FEO , an award earmarked for the most
renowned and respected celebrations in the province, drawing both international and domestic visitors.
"When it comes to talent and entrepreneurial spirit, our residents are second to none," said W arden
Gerry Marshall. "These events provide a tremendous showcase of our region to the entire world. Our
Council has made it a priority to foster partnerships with our residents, municipalities, and businesses
that support festivals and events that drive tourism visits and business throughout our region ."
As part of the FEO's celebration of the 2014 event season, the organization named the Town of
Collingwood as one of two winners of the Municipality of the Year (population less than 50,000). This
award recognizes municipalities that have worked to create an atmosphere beneficial to the success of
festivals and events. Collingwood was also recognized for its Elvis Festival advertising campaign .
The FEO also announced its Achievement Award winners. Clearview Township's Small Halls Festiva l
was named Best New Festival or Event in the $100 ,000-$500,000 category .
County of Simcoe and Area Events in Top 100
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•
•
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Carrot Fest (Bradford)
International Plowing Match (Ivy)
Alliston Potato Festival (Alliston)
Barrie Automotive Flea Market
(Oro-Medonte)
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•
•
Collingwood Elvis Festival (Collingwood)
First Light at Saint-Marie
among the Hurons (Tay Township)
Barrie Winterfest (Barrie)
According to the FEO, the festivals and events industry in Ontario generates an estimated $2.3 billion
annually, creates/sustains approximately 50 ,000 full-year-equivalentjobs, and fosters approximately $1
billion dollars in taxes at all levels of government.
The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipal~ies and provides crucial public
services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated
cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca .
- 30 Allan Greenwood
Director, Corporate Communications
705-726-9300 ext. 1230
705,794-9301 (mobile)
Allan [email protected]
Joe Mercer
Communications Co-ordinator
705-726,9300 ext. 1035
705,790,9559 (mobile)
[email protected]
'iIMCOE GI'lE'!'
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JIM WILSON, MPP ~
NEWS RELEASE
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Wilson Hopeful Government Will Follow Through With
Promise to Fund Matthews House Hospice
Today in the Ontario Legislature, Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson asked the
Health Minister when the government will follow through with their campaign
commitment to fund 20 new hospices, including Matthews House Hospice in
Alliston .
Hospice Georgian Triangle in Collingwood is one of 37 hospices that are
already receiving funding from the province.
"During the election campaign your government committed to fund 20 new
hospices. You reaffirmed that commitment in last year's budget," said Wilson .
"When are you going to take some pressure off our local hospitals and
properly fund hospice care?"
In general, hospice facilities receive $90,000 per bed/per year in funding to
assist in operational costs. Matthews House Hospice is one of four hospices
currently operating without any funding from the province . Wilson believes
investments in hospice care will save the province money and went on to
mention how the Auditor General's 2014 report confirmed this finding .
"The Auditor General points out that hospice care is much cheaper than
hospital care ," said Wilson . "As an example, in the first six months of last year,
Matthews House in my riding cared for 64 people at a cost of $254,000, all of
that money raised by the community. Comparable care in hospital would have
cost $608,000 ."
"Minister, I know your hearts in the right place , but there are people dying
unnecessarily where they don't want to die .. . Will you do the right thing and
live up to your commitments," questioned Wilson .
The Minister of Health praised Wilson for his support of the issue and
acknowledged the government will follow through with their previous
commitment to fund 20 new hospices. Wilson remains hopeful that Matthews
House will be funded as part of this commitment.
Wilson first raised this issue in the Ontario Legislature 46 months ago. He is
committed to seeing it through .
,.,
A'o
Dear Council Members:
We are aware that municipal and county counci ls across the province are now in the process of budget
discussions and, ultimately, finalization ofa budget for the 2015 year. It is with this in mind that we
are writing to ask you to consider making a commitment to financially support the Charter
C hallenge of Ontario's wind turbine approval process. The Charter Challenge could be the best
approach to protect your residents and minimize your own need for legal action .
Here is a brief synopsis of the Charter Challenge to date:
Superior Comt - 2013: Justice Grace of the Superior Court ruled that Charter and constitutional
challenges of the province's wind turbine approval process should be heard at the Environmental
Review Tribunal (ERT) level. In hi s Decision, he also stated the following: "I am acutely aware that
some may conclude that this ruling forecloses judicial involvement in the dispute. With respect, it does
not do so. The statutory process is in its early stages. A right to appeal to Divisional Court on a
question of law is expressly given".
Environmental Review Tribunal Hearings - 2013-2014: As directed, the ERT process was fo llowed.
In each of the three hearings (DixonlRyan-St. Columban, Drennan-K2 Wind & Kroeplin-Armow), the
ERT took the position that it lacked the jurisdiction to rule on whether or not the Ministry of the
Environment Director's decision to issue a Renewable Energy Approval (REA) met the constitutional
requirements of section 7 of the Charter.
Divisional Court - 2014: The next logical step was to go back to Justice Grace's decision and appeal to
Divisional Court. The appeal was dismissed. The panel of judges at Divisional Court found that the
ERT did not err in the way in which it dealt with the Appellants' (families ' ) claims even though Justice
Grace of the Superior court was assured by government lawyers in Goderich that the ERT had the right
and jurisdiction to hear constitutional and Charter issues. The Appellants (families) were seeking to
change the test of how a renewable energy project is approved from "must prove serious harm to
human health" to "a project should not be approved where there is a reasonable prospect of
serious harm to human health" . This issue was not specifically addressed by the Divisional Court
in its decision .
Ontario Court of Appeal - 2015: The families have now filed a Notice of Motion for Leave to
Appeal to the Ontario Court of Appeal. Falconers LLP is preparing a factum setting out the reasons
for appeal and will be submitting it to the Ontario Court of Appeal by March 10,20 15. The Ontario
Court of Appeal wi ll review the factum and decide whether or not to hear the appeal. If it's a yes, the
appeal can move forward. The court has set no timeline for providing a decision on the leave to
appeal request. The County of Lambton and fourteen community groups intervened in support of the
case, bringing their record of issues that were relevant to municipalities and communities. The County
of Lambton has already confirmed that they wiII be intervening at the Ontario Court of Appeal
level if leave is granted and the Charter Challenge proceeds.
There are some very legitimate reasons for your counci l to consider this request. They are as follows:
l. Two very important acknowledgements have been made by the court system in Ontario as
this challenge has progressed. In September of 2014, Justice L.c. Leitch of the Ontario
Superior Court of Justice acknowledged that "there is a serious issue to be tried , or in other
words, that the appeal is neither vexatious nor frivolous". In early March of this year the three
Divisional Court judges who heard the appeal in November of 20 14 released their costs
decision. The cost awards were dramatically reduced from what the wind companies requested
and, in their decision, the three judges stated that "although the appellants obviously had a
private interest in the litigation, their appeals contained a strong public interest component
raising, as they did, the constitutionality of part of the legislative regime governing the
\1
construction and operation of wind farms in this province. Any award of costs must reflect
that strong public interest component".
2. You have the right and the responsibility to protect the best interests of your residents and
ratepayers.
3. This is indeed public interest litigation. It is not fair or reasonable to expect a few to fight for
and fund something that stands to benefit so many. We can and must help each other.
4. A good deal of time, effort and money has gone into getting this case to this point. A
significant record has been created. For anyone to start from scratch would be very costly and,
essentially, a duplication of effort with no real advantage.
The economics and science of industrial wind turbines is unsettled and evolving. The Ch311er
Challenge is, of course, part of a much broader ongoing discussion across the province on the
industrial wind turbine front. Other concerns related to industrial wind turbine developments, shared
by councils and citizens alike, include:
the overall economics of the provincial wind energy development regime.
- increased hydro rates for municipal, business and residential customers.
- property values (lower property values leading to lower property assessments, a lower tax
base and higher mill rates).
impacts on animal health, tourism, source water protection, wildlife habitats and migratory
routes.
- the drain on local extractive resources.
the loss of longstanding municipal rights and authority; the loss of local democracy; the loss
of prime agricultural land for food production; the loss of future development potential
within wind developments and the loss of trust among family members, friends and
neighbours in our communities.
The following links may be of interest to you as well:
http ://www.owensoundsuntimes.coml2 01 5/0 Il20/anti -wi nd -farm -gron p-seeks-lea ve-to-appeal- inchal1er-fight
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/n ews/ n ati on aI/a nta rio-fa mil ies-fight -m ass ive-I ega 1- b iII-fro m -wi n d-fa rmcompanies/articie23238169/
http://www.therecord.com/news-story/5466259-court-slashes-340-000-le gal-bill-for-wind-farm-foes-tomanageable-67 -000/
www.falconers.ca and www.halt-safe.ca
The more we can work together on all wind turbine related matters, the better it will be for all of us.
To support the Charter Challenge, please make your cheque payable to
SWEAR c/o Dave Hemingway, R.R.#2 Bayfield, Ontario NOM IGO. All
contributions go directly to the Charter Challenge. Thank you.
Dave Hemingway, President - email [email protected]
Anita Frayne, Secretary/Treasurer
Gerry Ryan, Rob Tetu & Tom Melady (HEAT)
Kevin McKee & Deb Morris (HALT
All On Behalf of SWEAR (Safe Wind Energy for All Residents)
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Legion
www.on.legion.ca
The Royal Canadian Legion
Ontario Command
"Military Service Recognition Book"
Dear SirlMadam:
Thank you for your interest in The Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command, representing Ontario's
Veterans. Please accept this written request for your support, as per our recent telephone conversation.
The Royal Canad ian Legion Ontario Command is very pro ud to be printing 17,500 copies of our second
annual " Military Service Recognition Book", scheduled for release by September 2015 . Thi s book will
assist us in identify ing and recognizing many of our Veterans within the Province of Ontario and to serve as
a reminder for generations to come, while at the same time assist us in our job as the " Keepers of
Remembrance".
We would like to have your organization's support for this Remembrance project by sponsoring an
advertisement space in our " Military Service Recognition Book." Proceeds raised from this important
project will cover the cost of printing and distributing this unique publication. Additional proceeds received
through this program will assist and support many Legion initiatives and to ass ist our over 400 branches to
remain a viable partner in their communities. The Legion is recognized as Canada's largest Veteran
Organization and we are an integral part of the communities we serve. This project ensures the Legion 's
continued success in prov iding these very worthwhile services.
Please find enclosed a rate sheet for your review. Whatever you are able to contribute to this worthwhile
endeavor wou ld be greatly appreciated. For further information please contact Ontario Command
Campaign Office toll free at 1-855-241-6967.
Thank you for your consideration and/or support.
Sincerely,
g~
Bruce Julian
President
Q\\
Legion
www.on.legion .ca
The Royal Canadian Legion
Ontario Command
"Military Service Recognition Book"
Advertising Prices
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Ad Size
Full Colour Outside Back Cover
Cost
HST
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Inside Front/Back Cover (Full Colour)
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2-Page Spread (Full Colour)
$2,823.01
Full Page (Full Colour)
$1,411.50 + $183.50
Full Page
% Page (Full Colour)
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1/10 Pa e Full Colour
1/10 Page (Business Card)
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CP \(}.c ~'" -
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All typesetting and layout charges are included in the above prices.
A complimentary copy of this year' s publication will be received by all advertisers
purchasing space of 1110 page and up, along with a Certificate of Appreciation from
Ontario Command.
PLEASE MAKE CHEQUE PA YAS LE TO:
The Royal Canadian Legion
Ontario Command
(RCLON)
(Campaign Office)
POBox 8055, Station T CSC
Ottawa, ON KIG 3H6
Visa/Mastercard Accepted
adcopy can be email edto:[email protected]
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