Municipal Council Notes
December 19, 2018
DELEGATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
Sioux Lookout Rotary Club, Ms. Susan Barclay, Past President, Mr. Kirk Drew, Past President - Presentation of Cheque for Cafetorium
Rotary Club of Sioux Lookout past presidents Susan Barclay and Kirk Drew presented the Municipality of Sioux Lookout with a cheque for $25,000 to help pay for the cafetorium in the new Sioux North High School building.
The cafetorium will be a space which can be utilized as either a cafeteria or an auditorium.
Municipal Clerk Brian MacKinnon informed at the meeting, “The cafetorium project has been underway for a couple of years and will be incorporated into the new high school, which is under construction.
“The Municipality, with its community partners, have committee to support that project. There has been some funding currently made available by one of the funding agencies we’d applied to. A number of community agencies also see the value in the cafetorium and also wish to support the project. The Sioux Lookout Rotary Club has led the charge in that effort to support this project.”
Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance thanked and acknowledged both the Sioux-Hudson Entertainment Series for their contribution of $7000, and Northern Lights Community Theatre for their contribution of $5000 to help pay for the new cafetorium.
Barclay and Drew said the Rotary Club of Sioux Lookout will be contributing more to help pay for the cafetorium, as their total commitment to the project is for $35,000.
Municipal Employee Recognition Awards
Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance presented 2018 Staff Recognition Awards during the meeting.
Employees recognized were:
Kelly Negus – Kelly is the Daycare Manager and has worked for the Municipality for 35 years
Donald Carson – Don is a Landfill Attendant for the Public Works department and has been with the Municipality for 30 years
Alan Howie - Alan has been with the Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years
Lawrence Gale - Lawrence is an Airport Operations Technician at the Airport and has worked for the Municipality for 15 years
Greg Olson – Greg has been with the Volunteer Fire Department for 15 years
James Haines – James has been with the Volunteer Fire Department in Hudson for 15 years
Charlene Brown - Charlene is a Recreation and Culture Evening Attendant and has worked for the Municipality for 15 years
Donald Fenelon - Don has been with the Volunteer Fire Department in Hudson for 15 years
Tracy Blanchard – Tracy is an Early Childhood Educator with the Daycare and she has worked for the Municipality for 10 years
Chris Favot – Chris is the Recreation and Culture Lead Hand and has worked for the Municipality for 10 years
Carly Collins – Carly is the Deputy Treasurer and has worked for the Municipality for 10 years
Peter Breton – Peter has been with the Volunteer Fire Department for 10 years
Kevin Elliott – Kevin is an Airport Operations Technician at the Airport and has worked for the Municipality for 10 years
Elsie Tobin – Elise Tobin is a caretaker and has worked for the municipality for 10 years
Adam Boissonneault - Adam is a Teacher 3 with the Daycare and he has worked for the Municipality for 10 years
Terry Baker – Terry has been with the Volunteer Fire Department for 10 years
REPORTS
Elgin Street Sweeper Rebuild
Council authorized the expenditure in the amount of $110,000, utilizing the Roads Equipment (Fleet) Reserve, to rebuild the 1995 Elgin street sweeper prior to the passing of the 2019 Capital Budget.
Update Signing Authorities/ Authorize Electronic Signatures
Council updated signing authorities and authorized electronic signatures.
The full report, Staff Report 7.2, can be viewed at http://ow.ly/PWnd30n9HS0.
Third Quarter Financial Report
Council received, as information, the Quarterly Financial Report –Third Quarter 2018 – as attached to the Treasurer’s Report dated December 19, 2018.
That report can be viewed at http://ow.ly/PWnd30n9HS0.
Cannabis Retail Outlets
Council voted to support the retail sales of recreational cannabis in the Municipality of Sioux Lookout.
Michelle Larose, Chief Administrative Officer, explained in her written report to council, “In a recent communication from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, the Government of Ontario has announced changes to the allocation of cannabis retail licensing. As a result of the severe shortage of supply across the country, the Ontario Government has announced that they will be taking steps to ensure that private cannabis retail stores open in phases. The first phase is to allow up to 25 licences so operators can open for business as of April, 2019. AGCO will be implementing a lottery system to determine who is eligible for the initial licences to legally operate a store in Ontario. All interested parties will be able to submit an expression of interest form online to AGCO from January 7th to 9th, 2019. The expressions of interest will be put into a lottery to determine the first 25 locations. The draw will be conducted on January 11, 2019, with the results posted on the AGCO's website within 24 hours.”
Her report went on to add, “Municipal governments have the one-time opportunity to opt out of allowing retail cannabis stores in their communities. The decision to opt out must be made by January 22, 2019. Unless a municipal government opts out as per Ontario Regulation 468/18 s. 22, they opt in to recreational cannabis retail sale by default.”
Her report further informed, “The risk of allowing retail sales of cannabis in Sioux Lookout are relatively low. If retail sales outlets are not permitted in the Municipality, it is very likely that they will be in surrounding areas. It would help combat the illegal market. The licencing of the retail outlets will ensure strict regulatory requirements under the AGCO.”
BY-LAWS
Committee of Adjustment; Secretary-Treasurer
Council authorized the passing of By-law No. 93-18, Being a By-law to Amend the Terms of Reference of the Committee of Adjustment and to rescind By-law No. 94-16, Being a By-law to appoint a Secretary-Treasurer for the Sioux Lookout Committee of Adjustment and Consent Granting Authority (Jody Brinkman, Manager of Development Services)
FedNor Airport Commercial/Retail Expansion Funding Agreement
Council authorized the passing of By-law No. 96-18, Being a By-law to Authorize the Mayor and the Clerk to Execute an Agreement between The Corporation of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout and Her Majesty The Queen in Right of Canada as Represented by the Minister of Industry (Project No. 851-511545 Airport Commercial/Retail Expansion).
The passing of this bylaw will allow the Municipality of Sioux Lookout to accept FedNor funding in the amount of $286,833 to undertake leasehold improvements to expand the retail infrastructure area at the expanded Sioux Lookout Airport terminal building.
Jackie Trenholm, Acting Deputy Clerk, shared in her written report to council, “During the expansion planning process several small commercial and retail business owners approached the Municipality to inquire whether they could locate at the newly renovated Airport. It was recommended by the consultants that airport retail business is growing and in fact is becoming a sector unto itself. With growing passenger volumes from isolated Far North communities who are visiting family, accessing medical services, doing business or passing through an untapped market, require essential goods and services that are not accessible in their own community or provisions for their immediate travel needs. The municipality is seeking an additional $674,901 for leasehold improvements to expand the retail infrastructure area from 273sq meters to 639sq meters including an 11m marketing wall.”
The Municipality has also applied for funding in the amount of $286,833 from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
The Municipality’s share of the project would be $101,235.
FedNor Sports Tourism Strategy Funding Agreement
Council authorized the passing of By-law No. 95-18, Being a By-law to Authorize the Mayor and the Clerk to Execute a Contribution Agreement between The Corporation of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout and Her Majesty The Queen in Right of Canada as Represented by the Minister of Industry Project No. 851-511547 Sports Tourism Strategy.
Trenholm outlined in her written report to council, “On December 20, 2017 Council authorized applications for funding to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and FedNor, each in an amount of $67,500, plus a total Municipal contribution of $15,000 (for both applications) to undertake the development of a Sports Tourism Strategy.”
She went on to inform, “On November 7, 2018, the Municipality received the Contribution Agreement for the Sports Tourism Strategy from the Director General of FedNor to execute.”
Council Remuneration for the 2018-2022 Term (By-law No. 86-18)
Council authorized the passing of By-law No. 86-18, Being a By-law to Set the Remuneration to be Paid to Members of Council, and to Rescind By-law No. 25-14.
Resolutions to be submitted for Consideration at the 2019 Kenora District Municipal Association (KDMA) Annual Meeting
Council directed staff to submit Resolutions as determined by Council at the December 19, 2018 Regular Council Meeting for consideration at the 2019 Kenora District Municipal Association (KDMA) Annual Meeting.
Resolutions put forward by Sioux Lookout Municipal Council for support will include: reunification of the OGRA/ROMA Conference – United Counties of Prescott and Russell – June 20, 2018, Kenora District Municipal Association - Internet Presence/Website Development – June 20, 2018, and AMO Stands with Canada and Ontario on NAFTA – July 18, 2018.
Zoning By-law Amendment No. A06-2018
Council received the Planning Consultant’s Report dated December 19th, 2018, and authorized the passing of By-law No. 97-18, Being a By-law to Amend the Municipality of Sioux Lookout Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 23-11 and By-law No. 85-18, as amended.
The passing of this bylaw will allow for the rezoning of a portion of the property located at 3 Sturgeon River Road, from the Highway Commercial (CH) Zone to the Highway Commercial Exception One (CH-1) Zone.
The zoning bylaw amendment was required to permit Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority (SLFNHA) to convert the property, previously operated as the Days Inn Hotel, to a hostel.
The hostel would be used to house visitors, on a temporary basis, attending medical appointments in the community.
Zoning By-law Amendment File No. A05-2018
Rockshore Holdings Inc. has requested a zoning bylaw amendment to rezone the
Property at 124 Queen Street from the Residential Type Two (R2) Zone to the Residential Type Two Exception (R2-7) Zone to permit an eight unit dwelling.
The property is located on the south-west corner of 8th Avenue and Queen Street.
Councillor Cal Southall declared interest on this matter as he is the president of Rockshore Holdings. His son, James, spoke at the meeting representing Rockshore Holdings.
Councillor Joyce Timpson also declared interest on this item as she is a neighbouring property owner.
Neither Councillor Southall, nor Councillor Timpson, participated in discussion on this item or took part in voting with regards to this item.
Jody Brinkman, Chief Building Official/ Development Services Manager, outlined in his written report to council, “The applicant is proposing to operate the building as affordable rental units. The proposed units each contain one bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom and a living area, and represent a “bachelor style” accommodation. The proposed building is 360 square metres (3,875 square feet) and each unit is 42 square metres (452 square feet) in size. The building will also contain a mechanical room… In accordance with the definitions of the Zoning By-law, Queen Street is considered the front lot line. However, the access will be provided by way of two driveways off of 8th Avenue. Parking spaces are provided on the south side of the proposed building, and amenity and snow storage areas are provided to the north and south of the proposed building. The applicant is proposing to maintain existing trees on the south-east corner of the subject property.”
James Southall said the idea behind the proposed building would be to create affordable housing geared towards young professionals.
Members of the public in attendance at the meeting, several of which live in the area, said the proposed eight-plex would not be in keeping with the character of the neighbourhood, which is made up of single-detached dwellings.
Members of the public expressed concern about potential increased traffic volume the building could bring, citing safety concerns with 8th Avenue being the road to Sacred Heart School and the Cedar Bay recreational lands.
Members of the public were also concerned the units would draw more transient occupants in an area predominantly occupied by families.
Council received the Planning Consultant’s Report dated December 19, 2018 and directed staff to prepare a Recommendation Report, considering the feedback received at the December 19, 2018 Statutory Public Meeting for presentation to Council at a subsequent Council Meeting.
OUTSIDE RESOLUTIONS / REQUESTS FOR ENDORSEMENT
AMCTO Responds to Announcement of the Better Local Government Act
The Council of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout voted to support the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario in requesting that the Provincial Government undertake consultation with municipalities prior to modifying legislation that effects municipal governments, and that this resolution be circulated to the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario and the Ontario Premier.
