Town of Bracebridge Council Correspondence
TO: Mayor G. Smith and Members of Town Council J. Sisson, Chief Administrative Officer
COPY: Management Team Media
FROM: L. McDonald, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk
DATE: April 20, 2016
CIRCULATION:
Item # Description SECTION “A” – STAFF INFORMATION MEMOS: Memorandum from L. McDonald, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, dated April 20, 2016, A1 regarding Noise Exemption – Walk a Mile in Her Shoes – Sunday, May 29, 2016. Memorandum from W. Schmid, Director of Public Works, dated April 20, 2016, regarding A2 Temporary Road Closure – Rotary Fireworks – July 1, 2016 (July 2, 2016 Rain Date). Memorandum from L. McDonald, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, dated April 20, 2016, A3 regarding Noise Exemption – Rotary Fireworks – July 1, 2016 (July 2, 2016 Rain Date). Memorandum from L. McDonald, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, dated April 20, 2016, A4 regarding Municipal Elections Modernization Act (Bill 181). Memorandum from L. Hillman, Aquatic and Youth Manager, dated April 20, 2016, regarding A5 2016 Parks and Recreation Ontario Educational Forum and Trade Show. SECTION “B” – GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE: Correspondence from the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, dated April 4, B1 2016, regarding Environmental Compliance Approval. Correspondence from the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich, dated April 13, 2016, regarding B2 Strong Breeze Wind Project. Correspondence from Tara Mieske, Clerk/Planning Manager, Township of Frontenac, dated B3 April 13, 2016, regarding Independent Electrical System Operator Review of Request for Proposal Process for the Award of Renewable Energy Contracts. Correspondence from Amanda Gubbels, Clerk/Deputy Administrator, Township of Warwick, B4 dated April 14, 2016, regarding Physician Recruitment. Correspondence from Leslie Shean, received April 18, 2016, regarding request for fee to be B5 waived for an application for variance. Correspondence from Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour, dated April 19, 2016, regarding B6 Message from the Ministry of Labour. Email from Patrick Boyer, dated April 18, 2016, regarding Request for Delegation and B7 postponement of Science North trip. Correspondence regarding the Ontario Energy Board Notice to hold a hearing regarding B8 mechanisms to recover the costs of expanding natural gas service to Ontario communities that are currently not served. B9 Communication from Trillium Lakelands District School Board regarding Your Voice Matters.
Page 1. A1 rKl> TO: Mayor G. Smith and Members of Council FROM: L. McDonald, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk COPY: Department Heads DATE: April 20, 2016 SUBJECT: Noise Exemption -Walk a Mile in Her Shoes - Sunday, May 29, 2016 DELEGATED AUTHORITY NOTICE NOISE EXEMPTION Upon the authority granted to me under Motion 08-AF-144, I hereby grant Community YWCA of Muskoka an exemption to the Noise Control By-law to permit amplified sound at Bracebridge Memorial Park from 9:30 a. m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 29, 2016, for Walk a Mile in Her Shoes at Bracebridge Memorial Park. ~~orporate Services /Clerk A2 MEMORANDUM Director of Public Works BRACEBRIDGE me Near/ o( Muslwlrn TO: Mayor G. Smith and Members of Council FROM: W. Schmid, Director of Public Works COPY: Department Heads DATE: April 20, 1026 SUBJECT: Temporary Road Closure - Rotary Fireworks - July 1, 2016 (July 2, 2016 Rain Date) DELEGATED AUTHORITY NOTICE TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE Upon the authority granted to me under Motion 08-AF-126, and By-law 2008-069, I hereby authorize the temporary closure of Wharf Road, from Dill Street to Ontario Street, on July 1, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. - including the July 2, 2016 rain date, for the Rotary Fireworks. W. Sch - 1 - A3 fISJ> TO: Mayor G. Smith and Members of Counci l FRO M: L. McDonald, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk COPY: Department Heads DATE: April 20, 2016 SUBJECT: Noise Exemption - Rotary Fireworks - July 1, 2016 (July 2, 2016 Rain Date) DELEGATED AUTHORITY NOTICE NOISE EXEMPTION Upon the authority granted to me under Motion 08-AF- 144, I hereby grant the Rotary Club of Bracebridge an exemption to the Noise Control By-law on July 1, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 11 :30 p.m ., including the July 2, 2016 rain date, for the Rotary Fireworks. ~ Lori McDonald, Director of Corporate Services/ Clerk - 1 - A4 MEMORANDUM Director of Corporate Services/Clerk TO: Mayor G. Smith and Members of Town Council J. Sisson, Chief Administrative Officer FROM: L. McDonald, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk DATE: April 20, 2016 SUBJECT: Municipal Elections Modernization Act (Bill 181) On April 4, 2016, Bill 181, the Municipal Elections Modernization Act, 2016, received First Reading in the Ontario Legislature. A public review of the Municipal Elections Act took place between May 2015 and July 2015. Through this review, the province received more than 3,400 submissions from the public, municipal councils and staff from across the province. The Town participated in this review through feedback by the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), together with the submission of information through the Muskoka Clerks’ Post-Election Report (April 2015) and regular meetings with Ministry staff and the Muskoka Clerks. The proposed changes to the Municipal Elections Act would include (but not be limited to): Shortening the nomination period to May 1st of an election year to the fourth Friday in July. Candidates to submit 25 endorsement signatures (of eligible electors) along with their nomination form. A nominal increase to the candidate nomination filing fee. Ability for candidates to file forms electronically. Removing the candidate’s requirement to open a bank account if they do not raise or spend money. Removal of requirements for original signatures except for third-party registration, nomination forms, and proxies. Removal of requirements for using registered mail. Creation of a framework for third-party advertising. Providing municipalities with the option to limit or prohibit corporate and union donations. Providing candidates greater flexibility to accept contributions from more modern payment methods. Extending the Clerk’s authority for removing names from the voters’ list. Clarifying the rules for finalizing financial statements. Creating a voters’ list working group to identify long-term solutions for an improved voters’ list. Page 1. A4 MEMORANDUM Director of Corporate Services/Clerk Requiring policies regarding the use of municipal/school board resources during a campaign. Ability to establish policies setting out additional conditions for an automatic recount. Allowing municipalities to consider the use of ranked ballots. Earlier deadlines for ballot questions. Requiring Clerks to prepare a plan for the identification, removal, and prevention of barriers that affect voters and candidates with disabilities and make that plan available to the public before voting day. Updating compliance audit committee provisions. In accordance with Section 11. (1) of Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32, the clerk of a local municipality is responsible for conducting elections within that municipality. Accordingly, I will continue to monitor Bill 181 as it moves through the legislative process to determine what impacts, if any, the legislation will have on the Town’s election policies and procedures. Staff will provide updates to Council as necessary on any legislative changes enacted by the Province. Please contact me at extension 243 if I can provide any additional information or clarification. Lori McDonald, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk Page 2. A5 MEMORANDUM Recreation Department TO: Mayor G. Smith and Members of Town Council FROM: L.Hillman, Aquatic and Youth Manager DATE: April 20, 2016 SUBJECT: 2016 Parks and Recreation Ontario Educational Forum and Trade Show With Council’s support, I was able to participate in the 2016 Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) Educational Forum and Trade Show. PRO represents nearly 5,500 members in municipalities and not-for profit recreation and parks, health promotion, sport, public health, education, and related services. PRO’s members provide recreation and parks services and facilities to more than 85% of Ontario’s population in more than 150 municipalities across the province. This year, PRO celebrated 21 years of leadership in recreation in Ontario. The Educational Forum was held April 5 - 8, 2016 at Blue Mountain Resort. The Educational Forum is an annual event, designed to provide delegates with the opportunity to hear from experienced and knowledgeable speakers, network with colleagues to share information and best practices, and explore a range of current issues and trends affecting the recreation sector. Session Note on Session Tuesday Evening - It was an honour to represent the Town at this celebration as the Town of Opening Remarks and Bracebridge was one of the first organizations to become involved in HIGH HIGH FIVE 15th FIVE, the only quality standard for children’s programs, 15 years ago. Anniversary Celebration Wednesday - Planning and implementing recreation in smaller communities comes with its Recreation in Smaller own unique challenges. In this session delegates had an opportunity to Communities – An openly discuss challenges and hear how other communities have overcome Open Forum issues such as staff shortages, marketing practices, generating revenue Discussion on through advertising and sponsorship, and facility allocation policies. Successes Ashley Haynes, Sports and Events Coordinator, Town of Cobourg; Julia Snoek, Program Coordinator, Municipality of Port Hope Wednesday – Rural Recreation Association commissioned a report on the economic Economic Benefits of benefits of recreation for rural communities. The report covers areas such as Rural Recreation and infrastructure, human resources, programs and services as well as outdoor Leisure Services leisure. During the session presenters discussed how Rural Recreation Association members are using this information with elected officials, the business community and customers to advance awareness of the economic benefits of having recreation departments in rural Ontario. The report and associated power point are available for use by anyone championing recreation in Ontario. Moderator: Brenda Whitehead, Principal, keepingPACE Consulting; Panel Members: Rural Recreation Association of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Page 1. A5 MEMORANDUM Recreation Department Session Note on Session Wednesday (lunch) - Jeff Tobe challenged us to step outside our comfort zone and be more Keynote Address: creative than ever before. Like colouring outside the lines, he spoke about Colouring Outside the how this may feel awkward at first, but the results can be award winning. Lines: Creating a New Whether a program staff, an elected official or management, he encouraged Recreation and Parks everyone to take this opportunity to look at your work from a different Experience perspective. Jeff’s presentation was not just entertaining; as a former chair of a parks and recreation advisory board, he also knows about community needs and community development. ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Insider Magazine dubbed Certified Speaking Professional, Jeff Tobe “The Guru of Customer Experience”. He was selected as one of the top 15 speakers in North America by readers of Convention and Meetings Magazine. Tobe believes in the power of creativity to manage the change that is inevitable with innovation. He is the author of the wildly popular book, Coloring Outside the Lines and his newest book, ANTICIPATE: Knowing What Customers Need Before They Do, is becoming one of the hottest business books on the market today. Wednesday - Creating A theory based session introduced us to new perspectives on how to create, a Centre of Excellence nurture and maintain a dynamic and motivated team of leaders. We learned in Leadership Through how to identify our centre of excellent, engage staff through Powerful Powerful Participation Participation, improve succession planning, be an effective mentor and role model – and measure our successes. The presenter shared cost effective and easy to implement tools and strategies to empower team. Jennie Queen, Portfolio Manager – Aquatics, City of Ottawa Wednesday – Low Ontario’s Carbon Cap and Trade program will create financial opportunities Carbon Energy for Municipalities but it will mean transforming energy intense recreation Systems; Challenges centres into carbon warriors. Presenters shared how Middlesex Wellness and Opportunities they and Recreation Centre made changes to their facility to make it carbon present… neutral and how they plan to do the same for their new Fire Hall. Scott Mairs, Director, Community Services, Municipality of Middlesex Centre; Dr. Dan McGillvary, Executive Director, Centre for Urban Enegy, Ryerson University; Jim Fonger, Developer, Ameresco Canada Wednesday – This specialized Trade Show provided an opportunity to meet with the Recreation recreation software vendors and learn how their product will help in customer Registration Software service, marketing and data analysis. An excellent networking and resource Trade Show opportunity. Page 2. A5 MEMORANDUM Recreation Department Session Note on Session Thursday – Newmarket’s Town Council recently approved a “Recreation Playbook”, a Newmarket’s master plan providing strategic direction and guidance for the next 10 years. Recreation Playbook: Unlike most master planning processes, this was an internally led approach An Innovative and that focused on empowering staff at all levels in the department to truly Engaging Approach to connect and engage with the community. Strategies presented included Master Plan powerful branding, a digital campaign, social media, public information Development sessions, focus groups and a Citizen’s Jury demographically representative of the community. The entire process took over 18 months to complete with Newmarket’s entire department becoming involved in engaging the community. Colin Service, Director, Recreation & Culture, Town of Newmarket Thursday - Improving An informative session on renovating an aging facility, planning a new facility, Design: Maximizing and improving safety and quality. An emphasis was placed on the importance Comfort and Safety in of communicating effectively with your design team to ensure your priorities your Facility are incorporated into the project and how to decode the detailed design process so you can get the best results and avoid common problems. Philip O’Sullivan, Associate, and Jay S. Lim, Senior Associate, Perkins + Will Thursday – Trade More than 70 industry suppliers of parks and recreation products and services Show and Luncheon were present at the Trade Show and Luncheon. Thursday - Recreation The Town will be replacing our Recreation Management Software in 2017. Registration Software The roundtable discussion was an excellent way to learn about what worked Roundtable well, what was challenging and how best to transition to new software program. Darryl McWilliam, Manager Support Services, Town of Oakville Thursday – Moving A presentation on how public information differs from marketing – why we From PIO to Marketing should be focussing on marketing and what technology and tools are available to help maintain a relationship with existing customers while recruiting new ones to expand your loyal customer base. Stephen Nason, Senior Director, and Mike Tait, Senior Director, Dovercourt Recreation Association Thursday – Awards Annually Parks and Recreation Ontario recognizes the skills, talents, Ceremony and Gala creativity and ingenuity of individuals, groups and businesses that help create Banquet healthy people, vibrant communities and sustainable environments and celebrate these achievements at the Banquet. Page 3. A5 MEMORANDUM Recreation Department Session Note on Session Friday Keynote The keynote shared his research on how we receive information, how it Address – Stephen affects us and how it influences the choices we make in life. Stephen shared Carter, how he puts his knowledge and values to work, connecting with those who Founder/President of have the interest and ability to mobilize and empower others and how we QED Marketing Inc. could do the same. His belief is recreation is the true wellness system and by providing information in a manner that empowers and mobilizes others recreation will lead the charge to a healthier society. For your reference, PRO will be placing all of the presentations from the 2015 Forum on their website. www.proontario.org. Please contact me at (705) 645-1921 Ext. 225 if you would like any information regarding the conference. L. Hillman, Aquatic and Youth Manager Page 4. B1 ; ! t"~ > Mi~I~!fY,,,~f,U;i~:t!::nvironment and Cliihate Change µr. Ontario M'fn1!te~b W l.'.Environt1emoo.t.. et.de I' Action en ·">···· .•.•..••• matlerede cfiangemeht cl1mat1que ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE APPROVAL NUMBER 6247-A8KQM2 Issue Date: April 4, 2016 The District Municipality of Muskoka 70 Pine Street Bracebridge, Ontario PlL 1N3 Site Location: Taylor Road Part of Lots 3 and 4, Concession 2 Town of Bracebridge, District Municipality of Muskoka You have applied under section 20.2 ofPart II.I of the Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E. 19 (Environmental Protection Act) for approval of sanitary sewers to be constructed in the Town of Bracebridge, District Municipality ofMuskoka, on Taylor Road; all in accordance with the application from The District Municipality of Muskoka, dated March 10, 2016, including final plans and specifications prepared by The District Municipality of Muskoka. In accordance with Section 139 (~/the Environmental Protection Act, you may by written Notice served upon me and the Environmental Review Tribunal within 15 days after receipt of this Notice, require a hearing by the Tribunal. Section 142 ofthe Environmental Protection Act provides that the Notice requiring the hearing shall state: 1. The portions of the environmental compliance approval or each term or condition in the environmental compliance approval in respect of which the hearing is required, and; 2. The grounds on which you intend to rely at the hearing in relation to each portion appealed. The Notice should also include: 3. The name of the appellant; 4. The address of the appellant; 5. The enviromnental compliance approval number; 6. The date of the environmental compliance approval; 7. The name of the Director, and; Page 1 - NUMBER 6247-A8KQM2 B2 COUNCIL RESOLUTION @ Res: 2016- 01-/1 1 Wednesday April 13 \ 2016 Moved by: Seconded by: WHEREAS lnvenergy was awarded a contract for the Strong Breeze Wind Project despite the fact that the Council of the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich surveyed the community as to whether its citizens were in favour or opposed to having an IWT project, and 84% of respondents stated they were not in favour; AND WHEREAS lnvenergy was awarded a contract for the Strong Breeze Wind Project despite the lack of municipal support; AND WHEREAS lnvenergy was awarded a contract for the Strong Breeze Wind Project with support from six Ontario First Nations communities, none of which are local First Nation Bands, and some of which are 1,000 km away from Dutton Dunwich. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich requests: 1. That the "Municipal Support Resolution" becomes a mandatory requirement in the IESO process; 2. That any points for Aboriginal participation in a given power project be limited to the First Nation who has a comprehensive claim on the land where the project will be built; 3. That any announcement of the successful bidders includes an explanation of the points awarded to each bid. 4. AND THAT this resolution be forwarded to the Chair of the Board & President of IESO, the Minister of Energy, Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Jeff Yurek, AMO and all municipalities within the Province. ,4µp //Vvc,v(;;;Je.6 ( , Carried: I.Fleck J j D. McKillop j Mayor M. Hentz Defeated: B. Purcell J C. McWilliam - Mayor l_ Mayor B3 Township of orth Fro11tenac 6648 Road 506 P.O. Box 97, Plevna, Ontario KOH 2MO Tel: (613) 479-2231 or 1-800-234-3953, Fax: (613)479-2352 www.northfrontenac.ca April 13, 2016 All Municipalities Via Email Attention : All Municipalities within Ontario Dear Clerks: Re: Independent Electrical System Operator Review of Request for Proposal Process for the Award of Renewable Energy Contracts Please be advised the Council of the Corporation of the Township of North Frontenac passed the following Resolution at the March 18, 2016 Council Meeting: Moved by Councillor Good, Seconded by Councillor Inglis #155-16 WHEREAS the Independent Electrical System Operator has requested input on the RFP process used to award renewable energy contracts; AND WHEREAS the government indicated that new contracts would be directed to willing host communities with the Minister of Energy indicating on March 7 that it would be 'almost impossible' for a contract to be granted under the current process without municipal agreement; AND WHEREAS three of the five contracts announced on March 10 2016 did not have municipal support for the project; AND WHEREAS the current process does not meet the government's standards for openness and transparency because municipal Councils are asked to support power projects based on little or no detail and further, the recipient municipalities are unable to determine the basis on which individual contracts were awarded; AND WHEREAS the province has not demonstrated that renewable energy projects are of sufficient strategic importance in meeting Ontario's electricity generation requirements and/or carbon emission reduction targets to warrant the province taking action to override municipal decisions; B3 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Township of North Frontenac requests: 1. That the Municipal Support Resolution become a mandatory requirement in the IESO process; 2. That the rules be amended to require that the resolution related to this support must be considered in an open Council meeting held after the community engagement meeting organized by the proponent; 3. That full details of the project, including siting of project elements and site consideration reports, are required to be made available at the community engagement meeting and to the Council before the resolution is considered; 4. That the terms of any municipal agreement related to the project also need be discussed In open Council and that such agreements cannot contain terms that limit the municipality's ability to exercise Municipal Act powers relative to the project; 5. That the process includes the requirement for the municipality to provide comments on the project directly to the IESO; 6. That any points for Aboriginal participation in a given power project be limited to the First Nation who has a comprehensive claim on the land where the project will be built; 7. That any announcement of the successful bidders includes an explanation of the points awarded to each bid . AND THAT this Resolution be provided to the President of IESO; Minister of Energy; All Municipalities within the Province; Randy Hillier, MPP; and AMO. AND THAT the Mayor is authorized to do a press release. Carried Please provide the Resolution to your Council for consideration of the request for support. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours truly, /w.£L (Y} ~ /LL Tara Mieske Clerk/Planning Manager TM/bh B4 TOWNSHIP OF WARWICK “A Community in Action” 6332 Nauvoo Road, R.R. #8, Watford, ON N0M 2S0 Township Office: (519) 849-3926 / 1-877-849-3926 Works Department: (519) 849-3923 Watford Arena: (519) 876-2808 Fax: (519) 849-6136 Website: www.warwicktownship.ca E-mail: [email protected] April 14, 2016 Dear Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario VIA E-MAIL RE: Physician Recruitment Please be advised that at the regular Council meeting of April 11, 2016, Warwick Township Council approved the following resolution: WHEREAS Warwick Township Council supports and endorses the Municipality of Bluewater's resolution dated February 16, 2016; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Township of Warwick hereby requests that the Minister of Health and Long Term care reinstate incentives for physicians to practice in rural areas of Ontario, and that the minister return to the table with Ontario's doctors and work together through mediation-arbitration to reach a fair deal that protects the quality, patient-focused care Ontario families deserve; AND THAT copies of this resolution be sent to the Premier of Ontario, the federal and provincial Ministers of Health, the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons and all municipalities in Ontario. - Carried. . A copy of the resolution approved by the Municipality of Bluewater is enclosed for your reference. Kindest Regards, Amanda Gubbels Clerk/Deputy Administrator Township of Warwick B4 14 Mill Avenue PO Box 250 ZURICH ON N0M 2T0 519-236-4351 or 519-565-5212 Fax: 519-236-4329 www.municipalityofbluewater.ca February 19, 2016 Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario VIA – Email Dear Premier Wynne, Please be advised that the Council of the Municipality of Bluewater passed the following motion at their Council meeting on February 16, 2016: Moved by Councillor Zimmerman, seconded by Councillor Hill that: Whereas Ontario's growing and aging population is putting an increasing strain on our publicly-funded health care system; And Whereas since February 2015, the Ontario government has made an almost 7% unilateral cut to physician services expenditures which cover all the care doctors provide to patients – including cuts to programs which are specifically designed to act as incentives for physicians to practice in rural areas: And Whereas the decisions Ontario makes today will impact patients’ access to quality care in the years to come and these cuts will threaten access to the quality, patient-focused care Ontarians need and expect: And Whereas Ontario in experiencing a growing rural population as retirees move to the countryside; And Whereas many rural municipalities in Ontario have formed physician recruitment and retention committees and strategies to deal with the reality of physician retirements and shortages; And Whereas rural areas in Ontario are already at a distinct disadvantage in recruiting family physicians due to a number of factors; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Bluewater hereby requests that the Minister of Health and Long Term Care reinstate incentives for physicians to practice in rural areas of Ontario, and that the minister return to the table with Ontario’s doctors and work together through mediation-arbitration to reach a fair deal that protects the quality, patient-focused care Ontario families deserve; And Be It Further Resolved that copies of this resolution be sent to the Premier of Ontario, the federal and provincial Ministers of Health, the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons, and all municipalities in Ontario. Carried. B4 If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Kind Regards, Charlene Overholt Manager of Corporate Services/Clerk B5 B5 B6 John Sisson From: Minister of Labour (MOL) < [email protected] > Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2016 12:33 PM To: Minister of Labour (MOL) Subject: Letter from the Minister of Labour I Lettre du ministre du Travail Message from the Minister of Labour I am proud to write today to inform your municipality that Bill 163, the Supporting Ontario's First Responders Act, 2016, has passed third reading and received Royal Assent on April 6, 2016. Municipalities across Ontario play a vital role in the delivery of emergency services. Consequently, it is impmiant that municipalities are aware of this critical legislation to support Ontario's first responders. Over the last decade there has been an increased awareness of the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We know PTSD can be serious and debilitating, and that first responders are at least twice as likely as the general population to suffer from PTSD. The Premier asked me to bring forward a plan that addressed prevention of and resiliency to PTSD, and she also asked that we create legislation that makes PTSD a workplace presumption for first responders. First responders put their lives at risk each and every day to keep all of us safe, and it's important we provide our first responders the same unconditional support they provide to us when we need them. That's why I committed Ontario to becoming a leader in dealing with first-responder PTSD, and we know the solution lies with a comprehensive approach that includes both preventative and legislative measures. The Supporting Ontario's First Responders Act, 2016 is a key component of that comprehensive strategy. It will provide a presumption that PTSD diagnosed in first responders is work-related, allowing for faster access to WSIB benefits, resources and the timely treatment needed to heal and return to work safely. The specific groups covered under the PTSD presumption include: • Police, including First Nations constables, and chiefs of police • Firefighters (including part-time and volunteer firefighters), including those who are employed or who volunteer to provide fire protection services on a reserve, fire investigators, and fire chiefs • Paramedics and emergency medical attendants, and ambulance service managers • Workers involved in dispatching emergency services, including workers who play a role in the chain of communications which lead up to the dispatch for ambulance services, firefighters and police • Correctional officers/youth services workers (including managers) and workers who provide direct health care services in adult institutional corrections and secure youth justice facilities • Members of emergency response teams dispatched by a communications officer. The Supporting Ontario's First Responders Act, 2016 also amends the Ministry of Labour Act to allow the Minister of Labour to collect information about an employer's plans to prevent PTSD and authorizes the Minister to publish those plans. Collecting this information is intended to encourage the development of prevention plans and assess progress in the prevention of PTSD in these workplaces. It will also serve to highlight gaps and inform future prevention initiatives. 1 B6 I will formally direct certain employers to provide me with information on their workplace post-traumatic stress disorder prevention plans by April 23, 2017. This direction will be published in the Ontario Gazette, Volume 149, Issue 17, which will be available at www.ontario.ca/search/ontario-gazette. Additional information can also be found on the Ministry of Labour website at www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/ptsd.php. As your municipality is an employer or is responsible for employers of workers covered under the PTSD presumption, I am advising you of this direction and look forward to receiving information in a timely manner. You are able to determine an approach that reflects your local context, taking into consideration the ways that first responder services are delivered and supported locally. I would request that you forward this correspondence to any administrations that fall within your purview, so they are aware of the direction to submit information and are engaged in the process as appropriate. Information about prevention plans should be submitted in electronic Word format to [email protected]. When submission by this method is not possible, information can be mailed to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Att: PTSD Prevention Plan, 400 University Avenue, 14th Floor, Toronto, ON, M7 A 1T7. Resources to assist in the development of a prevention plan are available online as part of a free online toolkit (see the link below). Should you have any questions, please contact ministry staff at 416-325- 4575. These legislative amendments build on our previously announced PTSD prevention strategy, which includes: e The creation of a radio and digital campaign aimed at increasing awareness about PTSD among first responders, their families and communities and eliminating the stigma that too often prevents those in need from seeking help • An annual leadership summit to be hosted by the Minister of Labour to highlight best practices, recognize leaders, and monitor progress in preventing and addressing PTSD • A free online toolkit at www.firstrespondersfirst.ca with resources on PTSD tailored to meet the needs of employers and each of the first responder sectors • Grants for research that supports the prevention of PTSD. We started on the prevention initiatives in March 2016 with the launch of the public radio and digital awareness campaign, as well as the free online toolkit. Through the alignment of research, prevention and treatment efforts, Ontario will create a solid and coordinated set of resources to provide the support needed by the brave men and women who put their lives on the line in our time of greatest need. This is the beginning of a new way forward in preventing PTSD and providing support for our first responder community in Ontario. With your help, our government has put in place a strategy that will help protect our dedicated first responders who put themselves in harm's way to ensure our safety. These changes will positively impact many lives across the provmce, and will provide our 73,000 first responders and their families some peace of mind. Please accept my thanks for your support. Sincerely, [Original signed by] Kevin Flynn Minister of Labour 2 B7 from: Patrick Boyer [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, April 18, 2016 10:51 AM To: Lori McDonald Cc: Graydon Smith; 'Ashley Larose'; John Sisson; Randy Mattice; Kim Ball; Barb McMurray; 'Don Smith'; Mark Quemby; Archie Buie; 'Steven Clement'; Rick Maloney; Chris Wilson; Lori-Lynn Giaschi-Pacini Subject: Revising sequence of events for Bracebridge's OCTAGON OPTION Dear Lori We need to change up the plans. First, I'll postpone the April 28 visit to Science North until Council has opportunity to consider, with more detailed information than it has so far, whether it wants to consider the option of a state-of-the-art interpretive centre as a significant attraction to help revitalize the downtown core. To this end, I am, secondly, requesting the opportunity to appear before Council as a "delegation" to present the plan and business case directly, when I'll also be able to be questioned in a common forum. Two councillors have separately proposed that I do this. A regular council meeting in May would be good. Third, if and when Council is interested in exploring this option, following my presentation, I can reschedule the transportation to Sudbury, giving councillors and Town staff the opportunity to discuss any and all points with the exhibit creators themselves, directly. In such event, adequate time can then be allowed for enough people with busy schedules to book the time and attend. Getting appropriate interest and sufficient numbers will legally make the excursion a general meeting of council, as you've noted, so can be conducted as such. Councillor McMurray has withdrawn, Councillor Smith has not responded, no other councillors are available, and only Mayor Smith is confirmed-but for his first day back after an absence, other matters can reasonably be expected to intervene. The few available for April 28 does not warrant the trip, the effort by Ashley Larose and many others Science North, nor my expenditure of $1,582 for the Hammond's bus. My commitment to seeing the best for our Town remains unabated. But a recalibrated sequence of events will mean the The Octagon option gets appropriate consideration by our Town's decision-makers, in whose hands this matter entirely rests. Please advise about available dates for me to present to Council. I am copying this to others directly involved-including a number of leaders from the wider community who had committed to the day-trip-as the most effective way to say (i) the April 28 trip is cancelled, and (ii) to explain the reason-a proposed new sequence of events for the near-term, which may or may not culminate in making the intended site-visit several weeks from now. Thank you, Lori. With best wishes, As ever, Patrick Dr. J. Patrick Boyer, Q.C. 59 Kimberley Avenue Bracebridge ON PlL 2A3 Tel 705-645-2225 Email [email protected] B8 ONTARIO ENERGY BOARD NOTICE The Ontario Energy Board is holding a hearing to consider what mechanisms may be used to recover the costs of expanding natural gas service to Ontario communities that are currently not served. Learn more. Have your say. The Ontario Energy Board is commencing a hearing on its own motion to consider what mechanisms may be used to recover the costs of expanding natural gas service to Ontario communities that do not currently have access to natural gas. In July 2015, Union Gas Limited filed an application (EB-2015-0179) to expand natural gas service to certain rural and remote communities. That application included a proposal to have existing Union Gas Limited customers pay a portion of the costs to connect new customers. The Ontario Energy Board has determined that the requests made by Union Gas Limited in that application raise issues that may be common to any entity that wishes to provide natural gas service to communities that do not currently have access to natural gas service. The Ontario Energy Board will therefore address these issues through a generic proceeding. The Ontario Energy Board will put the hearing of Union Gas Limited's application (EB-2015-0179) on hold until the generic hearing is complete. In the generic proceeding, the Ontario Energy Board will consider possible alternative ratemaking frameworks to provide natural gas service to Ontario communities that do not currently have access to natural gas. The OEB plans to seek input from intervenors on exactly what the issues should be. However, broadly speaking the OEB intends to review the following issues: 1. Should the OEB implement new ratemaking mechanisms including changes to current economic tests to encourage utilities to expand natural gas distribution service to new communities? If so, what should these new mechanisms be? 2. Should the OEB consider imposing conditions or making other changes to Municipal Franchise Agreements and Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity to reduce barriers to natural gas expansion? 3. Does the OEB have the authority to require the ratepayers of one utility to subsidize the costs of another utility to expand into new communities? If so, under what circumstances (if any) would this be appropriate? To see the detailed draft issues list, please select the file number EB-2016·0004 on the OEB website: www.ontarioenergyboard.ca/notice THE ONTARIO ENERGY BOARD IS HOLDING A PUBLIC HEARING The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) will hold a public hearing to consider the kind of cost recovery mechanisms that may be appropriate fur rural and remote community expansion projects in Ontario. We will hear arguments from parties involved in the process and will decide what, if any, new mechanisms are appropriate. The OEB will adopt into the record of this proceeding, all evidence filed in EB-2015-0179 that is relevant to the issues to be determined for the generic hearing. The OEB will provide an opportunity for the filing of further evidence in subsequent procedural orders. The OEB will deem the intervenors in the EB-2015-0179 case to be intervenors in this generic hearing and grants to any such intervenors the same cost eligibility status as was granted in EB-2015-0179. The OEB is an independent and impartial public agency. We make decisions that serve the public interest. Our goal is to promote a financially viable and efficient energy sector that provides you with reliable energy services at a reasonable cost. BE INFORMED AND HAVE YOUR SAY You have the right to information regarding this application and to be involved in the process. • You can review this Notice and related documents on the OEB's website now. • You can sign up to observe the proceeding by receiving OEB documents related to the hearing. • You can file a letter with your comments which will be considered during the hearing. • You can become an active participant (called an intervenor). Apply by February 22, 2016 or the hearing will go ahead without you and you will not receive any further notice of the proceeding. • At the end of the process, you can review the OEB's decision and its reasons on our website. LEARN MORE Our file number for this case is EB-2016·0004. To learn more about this hearing, find instructions on how to file letters or become an intervenor, or to access any document related to this case (including the draft issues list), please select the file number EB-2016-0004 from the list on the OEB website at www.ontarioenergyboard.ca/notice. You can also phone our Consumer Relations Centre at 1·877-632·2727 with any questions. ORAL HEARING The OEB intends to proceed with an oral hearing for this case. PRIVACY If you write a letter of comment, your name and the content of your letter will be put on the public record and the OEB website. However, your personal telephone number, home address and email address will be removed. If you are a business, all your information will remain public. If you apply to become an inte,venor. all information will be public. This hearing will be held under sections 19 and 36 of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998. Ontario B8 EflWC Ea stern OntJrio Wardens' Caucus c/o County of Renfrew, 9 International Drive, Pembroke, ON K8A 6WS Pembroke, April 6, 2016 Kirsten Walli, Board Secretary Ontario Energy Board 2300 Yonge St. PO Box 2319 Toronto, Ontario M4P 1E4 Re: Ontario Energy Board Generic Proceeding EB-2016-004 Dear Ms. Walli, Regarding the Ontario Energy Board's Generic Proceeding EB-2016-004, the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus would like to provide the following submission as a letter of comment. As an organization representing the interests of municipal taxpayers in rural Eastern Ontario, the EOWC supports the initial application from Union Gas (EB-2015-0179) to expand natural gas service to rural and remote communities. Beyond that, however, the EOWC also supports any similar efforts from other entities, such as Enbridge Gas, that wish to provide natural gas services to rural and remote communities that do not currently have access to such services. The expansion of the infrastructure required to provide natural gas to rural communities that would otherwise not receive this service would allow for significant economic benefits for every sector: residential, commercial and industrial. Natural gas is the most reliable, efficient, and economical form of energy, but due to the dispersed nature of our population - coupled with our geography and geology - many areas remain underserviced or are simply not serviced at all. As the economic development of our region is a priority issue, the expansion of the natural gas network is of great importance to everyone who lives and does business in rural Eastern Ontario. If certain conditions were put into place, such as those being considered by the Ontario Energy Board, it may become financially feasible to extend natural gas to the EOWC region. The EOWC is an incorporated non-profit organization comprised of the elected Wardens of the 13 County Councils in rural Eastern Ontario, stretching from Northumberland in the west to the Quebec border in the east, with a combined population of 750,000. In closing, on behalf of the EOWC, I strongly encourage the Board to consider and approve any measures raised in the Generic Proceeding EB-2016-004 that may allow for the provision of natural gas in our region . Best regards, Peter Emon Chair, 2016, Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus B8 The Corporation of the Township of Date: April 12, 2016 pc,J-- 1 NORTH STORMONT Resolution No. {p Q "l RESOLUTION SECONDED BY: Deputy Mayor Bill McGimpsey Deputy Mayor Bill McGimpsey D Councillor Jim Wert Councillor Jim Wert D Councillor Franc;ois Landry D Councillor Franc;ois Landry Councillor Randy Douglas D Councillor Randy Douglas WHEREAS the OEB file EB-2015-0179 (dated July 23, 2015) application and pre-filed evidence from Union Gas Limited is seeking approval of its proposed Community Expansion Program with intent to support the expansion of infrastructure necessary to provide natural gas to communities that would otherwise not receive natural gas service (Rural areas); WHEREAS the Ontario Energy Board issued a Notice for Public Hearing EB-2016-004 (dated January 2016) regarding OEB's intent to review the following issues in May 2016: 1. Should the OEB implement new ratemaking mechanisms including changes to current economic tests to encourage utilities to expand natural gas distribution service to new communities? If so, what should these new mechanisms be? 2. Should the OEB consider imposing conditions or making other changes to Municipal Franchise Agreements and Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity to reduce barriers to natural gas ex pansion? 3. Does the OEB have the authority to require the ratepayers of one utility to subsidize the costs of another utility to expand into new communities? If so, under what circumstances (if any) would this be appropriate? WHEREAS the Eastern Ontario Warden's Caucus's letter of comment (dated April 6, 2016) regarding the Ontario Energy Board's Generic Proceeding EB-2016-004 with intent for the Warden Caucus to support the initial application from Union Gas (EB-2015-0179) and also similar entities that wish to ex pand natural gas service to rural and remote communities; WHEREAS the Township of North Stormont has signed a 20 year Franchise Agreement with Enbridge and has attempt many communications with them to have natural gas service in the~ pan f our Township without any responses or actions being taken by Enbridge; lcl'I~, 'E(' FOR AGAINST Recorded Vote: CARRIED: ~~Mayor Mayor D Di sclosed His/Her/Their interest D Vacated His/Her/Their Seat D Deferred B8 The Corporation of the Township of Date: April 12, 2016 ?oJ- 1 NORTH STORMONT Resolution No. {(Jo 9 RESOLUTION SECONDED BY: Deputy Mayor Bill McGimpsey Deputy Mayor Bill McGimpsey D Councillor Jim Wert Councillor Jim Wert D Councillor Fran<;ois Landry D Councillor Franc;ois Landry Councillor Randy Douglas D Councillor Randy Douglas WHEREAS the West part of the Township of North Stormont is being served by Union Gas and that the separation is even made on the West side of a road (serviced by Union Gas) versus the East side of the same road (unserved by Enbridge); WHEREAS the Township of North Stormont made representation with Union Gas to endeavor possible development of the natural gas services on the East side of the Township; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of Township of North Stormont that the OEB examine the proposal to expand natural gas services and make it available to all of Eastern Ontario rural areas such as the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry and the United Counties of Prescott-Russell as it is vital to our Economic Development and to Business expansion and retention as well as the increase of employability in our sector. AND BE IT ALSO REsotED THAT this resolution supports the letter of comment sent to the Ontario Energy Board by the Eastern Ontario Warden's Caucus. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this resolution be circulated to all municipal and regional councils in Ontario requesting that they endorse and support this resolution and communicate their support to the Premier, the OEB and the Ministers of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, Energy, and Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Passed by the Council of the Township of North Stormont on April 12, 2016 FOR AGAINST Recorded Vote: CARRIED: 1)=,;,~ Mayor Mayor Declaration of Conflict of interest: ------ D Disclosed His/Her/Their interest D Vacated His/Her/Their Seat D Deferred CAO/Clerk B9 Trillium Lakelands District School Board wants to hear from you! At Trillium Lakelands District School Board, we want to know what we're doing well and how we can continue to improve our schools. To do this we want to hear from you, our valued stakeholders. We’re using Thoughtexchange – an online stakeholder engagement tool – to help us better understand your thoughts and priorities at this time. * : / - - Share your thoughts from – Please know that your identity will remain private throughout this process, and your name will never be associated with your input. We greatly appreciate your time spent engaged in this process. Thank you for your support! ! Share this message on Facebook Share this message on Twitter *If you have any difficulty accessing the Your Voice Matters online tool, please contact your school or the TLDSB Communications Office at 1-888-526-5552 ext 22129. We will provide access to a computer at a school or TLDSB education centre.