Council Meeting Highlights – March 17th, 21st and 28th 2023

March 31, 2023
Town News
  • The Town provided a $7,000 Tourism Advisory Panel grant for the 2023 First Peoples’ Performing Arts Festival.
  • Mayor Beddows proclaimed April 7th be recognized as “Green Shirt Day” and that the month of April be observed as “Be a Donor Month” in the Town of Gananoque.
  • Therese Conway was appointed to the Municipal Heritage Advisory Panel. 
  • Chad Haffie, Marilyn Thivierge and Ronnie Thompson were selected as the recipients of the 2022 Champions of Gananoque. Their names will be etched on the plaque located at the entrance of the Lou Jeffries Arena.
  • Mayor Beddows advised that three (3) Public Meetings are scheduled to take place during the next Council Meeting held on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 6:00 PM:
    • 1.1. Public Meeting – Proposed Class III Development – Tennant’s Welding Ltd. – 200 James A. Brennan Road
    • 1.2. Public Meeting – Proposed Class III Development – Thousand Islands Foundation – 690 Charles Street
    • 1.3. Public Meeting – Proposed Class III Development – Brown’s Hospitality – 399 King Street East Notice of Class III Development Brown Hospitality – 399 King Street East 
  • Tom Dailey appeared before Council and presented concerns with his utility bill at 341 Garden Street. Council directed Staff to prepare a report regarding Mr. Dailey’s Utility Billing. 
  • Jackie Baird, Mohammed Nasar, and Andrew Paul, from Eastern Ontario Power (EOP), a FortisOntario Inc. Company gave a presentation on the overview of past and future planned upgrades in the community.
  • Council received a staff report regarding Floating Accommodations (e.g. house boats etc.) and Camping on Water Over Public Lands Proposal, from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) regarding their proposed amendments under the Public Lands Act. This amendment will eliminate any camping on water within 300m of the Town’s shorelines. The Marina and Water lot Leases are excluded, as they are already subject to an agreement authorizing use.
  • The Traffic and Parking By-law was amended to accommodate Bay Road re-opening. Amendments will include: 
    • Schedule I Parking Prohibited – amend to prohibit parking on Bay Road from Clarence Street to King Street West on both sides of road (parking permitted within bump-out on west side of Bay Road – 4-5 spaces via Honk Mobile only)
    • Schedule III Maximum Parking Limit – amend to identify parking time details
    • Schedule XI One-Way Roadways – amend to include from Clarence Street to King Street West
    • Schedule XII Increased and Decreased Speeds Limits – adding 40 km/hour maximum
    • Schedule XVIII Parking on Public Property – amend to provide additional parking at 121 Main Street with limitations.
  • The Mobile Canteen By-law was discussed.  Staff are directed to bring back recommendations.  
  • Council approved the design for the Arthur Street reconstruction.  The Tender will be issued shortly.
  • An Emergency Purchase Procurement Disclosure was received for the repair to the Loader.
  • A By-law was passed to receive $25,000 for a Safe and Accessible Community Project under the New Horizon for Seniors Program through the Ministry of Employment and Social Development.
  • Council received the monthly Capital Matters Pending update.
  • The Treasurer provided the 2022 Council Remuneration and Reimbursement for Expenses Report
  • The Town signed a transfer payment agreement to receive $620,000 from the Solicitor General to support the Next Generation 9-1-1 system.
  • The Town awarded the NG 9-1-1 contract to Owen Sound Police Services in the amount of $493,155.51 to implement the Next Generation 9-1-1 Services.