To:
Lord Mayor Eke,
I just wanted to send this email to confirm that our office received your letter regarding Primary Education services in Niagara-on-the-Lake. We would be more than willing to attend any meetings regarding this issue if you would like and please do keep us in the loop regarding the issue. Thank you once again for contacting us regarding this issue.
Sincerely,
Ryan Donnelly Constituency Assistant to Wayne Gates, Member of Provincial Parliament, Niagara Falls Niagara Falls: (905) 357-0681 / Fax: 905-357-9456 Fort Erie: (905) 871-8868 / Fax: 905-871-4717 Niagara-on-the-Lake: (289) 241-2238 [email protected]
Serving the constituents of Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie
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September 12, 2014
Via Email Only - [email protected]
Lord Mayor David Eke Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake 1593 Four Mile Creek Road P.O. Box 100 Virgil, ON L0S 1T0
Your Worship:
Re: Community Engagement - Official Plan Review
The Niagara Foundation is a non-profit corporation which was founded over 50 years ago to promote the history, traditions, and culture of the Niagara area, and preservation of heritage in our Town.
The Official Plan Review by the Town is an important opportunity for the Town to engage our community in setting goals for the future. The Niagara Foundation responds, in this memorandum, to both the Heritage, Arts and Culture section of the review and the Built Environment section of the review.
Heritage
The May 2014 background document to the heritage review prepared by the Town notes “there are many mandated provincial policies and new approaches to Heritage Planning Ontario that have not been incorporated into the Town’s planning documents. We very much appreciate the thoughtful review by the staff of the various legislative and regulatory tools available for the Town to ensure maintenance and enhancement of the cultural landscape and heritage of Niagara-on-the Lake.
We support the numerous observations by staff of the inadequate commitment to, or absence of, commitment to such matters as policies in the Official Plan pertaining to cultural heritage landscapes, estate lot preservation, and development of property standards to meet the needs of heritage as legislation permits. We request that the Town complete its by-law development for estate lot preservation.
The key to this part of the Official Plan exercise will be for the Town to incorporate and implement section 2.6.3 of the Provincial Policy Statement which is quoted below:
“2.6.3. Development and Site Alteration may be permitted on adjacent lands to protect heritage property where the proposed development and site alteration has been evaluated and has been demonstrated that the heritage attributes of the protected heritage property will be conserved. Mitigative measures and/or alternative development approaches may be required in order to conserve the heritage attributes
2
of the protected heritage property affected by the adjacent development site alteration.”
We strongly urge Town council and staff to adopt the boundaries of the national heritage district designation of the old town in the Official Plan as a heritage conservation district (“HCD”), thereby expanding the Queen-Picton HCD, and require for all HCDs (hopefully both Queenston and the old town), in the Town that:
1. Heritage impact statements for any construction, alteration, demolition or addition to all buildings within the HCD, areas of heritage character, heritage view corridors, protected heritage properties, and buildings nearby or adjacent to heritage properties. Requiring such a statement is supported by the Ontario Heritage Act, Ontario Regulation 9/06, section 2(d) of the Planning Act, section 2.6 of the Provincial Policy Statement.1
2. Developing a heritage overlay for heritage conservation districts and protective heritage properties that would trigger the requirement of a heritage impact statement. This would be applied to buildings nearby and/or adjacent to heritage properties to ensure complimentary urban design and land uses on neighbouring properties and within HCDs.
3. The use of a heritage overlay would impose a layer of heritage protection provisions on top of provisions specific to any site land use or building designation. This would ensure all heritage properties, regardless of their land use, are protected. Including provisions associated with HCDs, protected heritage properties, and “heritage adjacent” properties that would fall on the overlay would be provided in a schedule of the zoning by-law for straightforward referencing. Any development application for lands within the overlay area would be required to include a heritage impact statement outlining how heritage zoning provisions have been met.2
4. Where practical, conventional site plan control provisions should be used for the purpose of protecting view corridors of key heritage buildings and structures. The use of form based zoning could help to ensure consistent streetscapes (ie. through the use of build- to-lines), and angular planes that maintain view corridors of important heritage buildings, structures and sites. The use of form based zoning would ensure that development nearby or adjacent to heritage properties/sites does not encroach on the visibility, function, and esthetic appeal of the properties/sites.
5. The Town should develop a heritage design guide manual. Heritage Impact Statements included in development applications could explain not only how heritage-related zoning provisions are satisfied, but also measures to meet guidelines set out in the manual such as compatible building heights and roof lines. A guideline manual would help to educate developers on heritage protection and encourage them to take actions to protect heritage. Developers should be encouraged to demonstrate consideration of the guidelines and to integrate ways in which the development applications are consistent with the guidelines.3
6. Included with the HCD districts should be specific measures:
3
a. To maintain and preserve trees; b. To maintain and preserve current roadways along with soft verge (ie. no curbs and gutters).
Built Environment
We believe that the measures outlined above in our discussion above regarding heritage will go a long way to maintain the authenticity and health of our living community.
The staff review in the Build Environment summary indicates that the Town could prepare a recreation master plan to assist in identifying existing parkland and recreational trails, as well as proposed locations for new recreational facilities and appropriate landscape and park design. The authors note the lack of the greenfield site for a new elementary school, given the changing demographics in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The elimination of public meeting spaces whether for schools or parks reduces our common sense of community.
The former lawn bowling lands at 292 Regent Street are a prime opportunity for maintaining public heritage lands in the public realm. The loss of this public space to private residential development is unnecessary and impoverishes our sense of community. Many communities (both locally and internationally), are rightfully proud of the public squares and parks located within their urban boundaries. We urge Niagara-on-the-Lake to ensure the maintenance of our public spaces.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Howe, President & Acting Treasurer Niagara Foundation
Paul Shepherd, Past President Niagara Foundation
Brad Nixon, Vice-President Niagara Foundation cc: Via Email Only: Maria Bau-Coote, Councillor/Deputy Lord Mayor - [email protected] Jim Collard, Councillor [email protected] Dennis Dick, Councillor [email protected] Terry Flynn, Councillor [email protected] Andrea Kaiser, Councillor [email protected] Jamie King, Councillor [email protected] Martin Mazza, Councillor [email protected] Gary Zalepa Jr., Councillor [email protected] Leah Wallace, Heritage Planner [email protected] John Henricks, Director of Community & Development Services - [email protected]
4
1 A Heritage Impact Assessment (“HIA”) is a study to evaluate the impact which the proposed development or site alteration will have on the cultural heritage resources and to recommend an overall approach to the conservation of the resource. This analysis, which must be prepared by a qualified heritage conservation professional, is based on a thorough understanding the significance and heritage attributes of the cultural heritage resource and identifies any impact the proposed development or site alteration will have on the resource, consider mitigation options and recommend a conservation strategy that best conservice the resource within the context of the proposed development or alteration to the cultural landscape.
2 Also see Ottawa’s Heritage Overlay: http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/bylaw/a_z/zoning/parts/pt_02/index_en-06.html
http://www.communityheritageontario.ca/WhatistheConservationContextAbackgroundpri meronlegislationandbestpractice.swf
3 See for instance Halifax Manual: http://www.halifax.ca/capitaldistrict/documents/DHLUBandDesignManual.pdf
AMO Watch File - September 25, 2014 Page 1 of 2
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September 25, 2014
In This Issue - Online elections results administration page a success! - Financial help for remediation in wake of environmental violations. - Six storey wood frame construction. - Prepare for term ahead with AMO's Municipal Councillor Education Program. - LAS 2014-15 natural gas rate announced. - Save on municipal fuel purchases too! - Career opportunities with Vaughan, Windsor, OPS, Tillsonburg and Burlington.
AMO Matters Clerks and Returning officers have been emailed instructions on entering information concerning acclamations, candidates, voting methods and other information prior to the election. Over 100 municipalities have already uploaded their election information. If you have any questions about the use of the application, please contact Snezana Vukelic.
Provincial Matters The Ontario Community Environment Fund supports environmental improvement projects in a watershed where a violation occurred. Applications accepted until November 5, 2014.
As of January 1, 2015, changes to the Ontario Building Code will allow for the construction of wood framed buildings up to six storeys. Requirements are also included to ensure that these buildings meet enhanced fire safety standards.
Eye on AMO/LAS Events AMO's Municipal Councillor Education Program provides both online and in-class training for municipal council and staff. In-class trainings include Heads of Council, Councillor Training 101, Personal Responsibilities, and the Meetings Series. Discover our online portal and upcoming courses including Land Use Planning and Cover Your Assets.
LAS LAS has set its price for the 2014-15 Natural Gas season. From November 1, 2014 to October 31, 2015 members of the LAS Natural Gas Procurement Program will pay 16.9 cents/m3. This is 9% less than current Enbridge rates and 15-25% lower than current Union Gas rates, depending on your region.
Many members benefit from the LAS Natural Gas and Electricity Procurement Programs. However, few are aware of a third LAS Procurement Program. With the LAS Fuel Procurement Program, municipalities can save on diesel, gasoline and heating oil purchases. Learn how and get started with your FREE Fuel Analysis.
Careers Director of Environmental Services - City of Vaughan. To explore this opportunity further, please email Margaret Campbell in Odgers Berndtson’s Toronto office at [email protected] or Michael Henry at [email protected], or submit your resume and related information online.
Executive Director of Parks – City of Windsor. Details on this position can be found by visiting
file:///C:/Users/hdowd/AppData/Local/Temp/notes1607CC/~web6782.htm 2014-09-25 AMO Watch File - September 25, 2014 Page 2 of 2
“Employment Opportunities” on the City of Windsor website , or calling 519.255.6515 for an automated job line. Resumes are to be received by 4:30 p.m., Monday, October 6, 2014.
Senior Audit Manager - Ontario Public Service . Location: Toronto. Please apply online , by October 3, 2014, by entering Job ID 69379 in the Job ID search field and following the instructions to submit your application.
Team Leader (two permanent) - Ontario Public Service . Location: Toronto. Please apply online , by October 3, 2014, by entering Job ID 68734 in the Job ID search field and following the instructions to submit your application.
Director of Operations - Town of Tillsonburg . Please submit your resume, clearly marked with posting number HR 30.14, by 4:30 pm, Friday, October 10, 2014 to: Human Resources, Town of Tillsonburg. Fax: 519.842.9431. Email: [email protected] .
Business Continuity & Emergency Planning Coordinator - City of Burlington . Job No.: CS 140-14. Posting Closing Date: October 3, 2014. Please note that applications are only accepted online (click on “View Jobs ”). For assistance, please contact Human Resources at 905.335.7602.
About AMO AMO is a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario's 444 municipal governments. AMO supports strong and effective municipal government in Ontario and promotes the value of municipal government as a vital and essential component of Ontario's and Canada's political system. Follow @AMOPolicy on Twitter!
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AMO Policy Update - Double Hatter Firefighter AMO Communications to: [email protected] 2014-09-18 01:12 PM Hide Details From: AMO Communications
September 18, 2014
Double Hatter Firefighter Issue in the Media
Issue: Professional firefighters as volunteer firefighters during their free time.
Yesterday, this issue was profiled in a front page Globe and Mail story about a firefighter who is taking on the union’s actions as relates to ‘double hatting’. ‘Double hatting’ is forbidden by the International Association of Fire Fighters and its Ontario union, The Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association. Over the years, union charges have been brought against individuals who are double hatters and as a result, generally stop their involvement as a volunteer. Double hatters want to protect family, friends and the community where they live and are an important backbone of fire services within smaller municipalities and its loss proves challenging. Many double hatters were volunteer fire fighters before becoming salaried professionals.
Tom Hunse, a Toronto professional fire fighter for 22 years and a 26 year volunteer with Innisfil Fire Services and his union, is demanding that since he has not stopped his volunteer work that he be fired from his Toronto job. Mr. Hunse is taking a principled stand – that how he uses his free time is his to determine. Yesterday’s Globe and Mail and other major news outlets are now covering his story. The public’s reaction is that Hunse and other double hatters should be able to use their skills and knowledge in their free time in his own community without repercussion. An arbitration hearing is set for later this year that would deal with his permanent employment status with the City since he is no longer a member in good standing and only Association members in good standing are able to be members of the full-time bargaining unit.
Mr. Hunse has filed a Duty for Fair Representation Application with the Ontario Labour Relations Board against the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association. The "duty of fair representation" provisions of the Labour Relations Act stipulate that a trade union shall not act in a manner that is arbitrary, discriminatory or in bad faith in representing employees.
AMO has requested intervener status as this matter affects many municipal governments and the double hatters that work. This is a matter of fairness and personal liberty as fire fighters should be able to use their free time as they wish to without reprisal or interference. These volunteers should be supported, not pressured for wanting to protect their neighbours in their home communities. The union does not object to full time firefighters working other jobs which many do.
What is the solution to this threat? A simple change to provincial law would prevent this type of union interference. To our knowledge, every Canadian province has such protection, except for Ontario and Newfoundland. It is time for Ontario to give our volunteer firefighters the same freedom and protection that other employees in Ontario enjoy, as well as those fire fighters everywhere else in the nation.
Attached is a draft council resolution your council may wish to pass that asks the Ontario government to provide this protection to double hatter firefighters who want to serve their home communities in their spare time.
As mentioned, double hatters are worried about being threatened with job loss and municipal governments have been watching this matter closely. If you feel your municipality is vulnerable, please let us know.
Link to the Globe and Mail article (http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/union-turns-up-the-heat-on-firefighters-who- volunteer-on-days-off/article20635456/?service=mobile).
Contact: Monika Turner, Director of Policy, [email protected] 1-877-426-6527 ext. 318
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______
Draft Council Resolution to Support Double Hatters’ rights
WHEREAS the training and certification of professional firefighters is established and mandated by the Province of Ontario under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 ;
AND WHEREAS it is the responsibility of municipalities to establish fire departments and appoint fire chiefs to provide fire protection services as they determine may be necessary in accordance with their needs and circumstances;
AND WHEREAS many Ontario municipalities rely on both full time and volunteer firefighters in order to provide fire protection;
AND WHEREAS the International Association of Fire Fighters ("IAFF") Constitution prohibits full time firefighters from volunteering as firefighters in another municipal jurisdiction (i.e. "Double Hatting");
AND WHEREAS the IAFF’s stance on Double Hatting is specifically prohibited by legislation in almost all provinces in Canada and much of the United States;
AND WHEREAS a volunteer firefighter in the Innisfil Fire and Rescue Service is challenging the IAFF ban on Double Hatting and their expulsions from that union because of his desire to continue volunteering while being employed as a full-time firefighter in another jurisdiction;
AND WHEREAS the right of individuals to use their free time in service of their community is a fundamental right in a free, open and democratic society.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of ______requests that the Province of Ontario amend the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 with respect to salaried firefighters who also work as volunteer firefighters, such that if a person is denied membership in an association of firefighters, is expelled or disciplined by the association or engages in reasonable dissent within the association in connection with this kind of dual role, the association is not permitted to require the employer to refuse to employ the person as a salaried firefighter, terminate his or her employment as a salaried firefighter or refuse to assign the person to fire protection services.
This resolution should be sent to the following:
• Hon. Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario • Hon. Madeline Meilleur, Attorney General • Hon. Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour • Hon. Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services • Hon. Ted McMeekin, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
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