BRACEBRIDGE Town of Bracebridge The HetJl t of r"fu... <;/.:okl! Council Correspondence
To: Council Members Chief Administrative Officer, J. Sisson
Copy: Chief Librarian, C. Rodney Director of Culture & Recreation, L. Broere Assistant Director of Development Services, D. Rahkola Director of Economic Development, C. Kelley Director of Public Works, W. Schmid Fire Chief, M. Medley Human Resources Assistant, S. Keast Treasurer, C. Wakefield
Media
From: Lori McDonald, Clerk
Date: October 10, 2012
CIRCULATION:
Item # Description SECTION "A" - STAFF INFORMATION MEMOS: Memo from L. Broere, Director of Culture and Recreation and T. Conley-Knight, Manager of A1 Programs, dated October 3,2012, regarding 2012 Bandshell Concert Series. Memo from W. Schmid, Director of Public Works, dated October 4,2012, regarding Temporary A2 Road Closure - Remembrance Day Parade - November 11, 2012. Memo from L. McDonald, Clerk, dated October 4, 2012, regarding Noise Exemption - A3 Remembrance Day Parade - November 11, 2012. Memo from J. Sisson, Chief Administrative Officer, dated October 10, 2012, regarding Council A4 Planning Session - October 2, 2012. SECTION "B" - GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE: Communication from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), dated October 2, B1 2012, regarding Municipalities are Counting on the Legislature to Get Arbitration Reform Right. Letter from J. W. Tiernay, Executive Director of the Ontario Good Roads Association, dated B2 October 3,2012, regarding nominations for the 2013-2014 Board of Directors. Communication from Ontario Good Roads Association, dated October 3, 2012 - The Weekly B3 Detour. Letter from Carole Fallon, President of the Family Council Committee of The Pines Long Term B4 Care Home, dated October 3, 2012, regarding sidewalks on Taylor Road. Email communication from Peter Bishop, dated October 3, 2012, regarding Welcome to B5 Braceburg. Communication from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), dated October 3, B6 2012, regarding Highlights of the September 2012 Board Meeting. Communication from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), dated October 4, 2012 B? - Watch File. rKIXl2r\ MEMORANDUM ~ BRACEBRIDGE The Nearl of,v'usko/r(]
TO: Mayor G. Smith and Members of Town Council
FROM: L. Broere, Director of Culture and Recreation and
T.Conley-Knight, Manager of Programs
DATE: October 3, 2012
SUBJECT: 2012 Bandshell Concert Series
The Town of Bracebridge Culture and Recreation Department hosted the Bandshell Concert Series for its 12th year in a row; the concerts took place on Thursday evenings throughout the summer months at Memorial Park on Manitoba Street.
The concerts have been coordinated for the past 9 years by the Culture and Recreation Department and previous to that the concerts were coordinated by community volunteers. Initially the concerts were offered to provide local youth with a positive way of using the park and a venue to showcase their talents. The series has evolved into a variety of family-friendly music that compliments the downtown core and draws mainly local and some visiting attendees.
There were a total of 14 concerts scheduled for 2012, three of which were cancelled due to inclement weather and one was rescheduled to coincide with another concert. The 2012 scheduled performers included:
• The River Street Stompers • FOG (Five Old Guys)
• Neil Hutchinson • Stone's Throw
• Salvation Army Youth and Senior Bands • Bracebridge Legion Pipes and Drums
• Jam Sandwich • Doug Barr Children's Show
Bracebridge Ministerial Clergy Band • Chai Setsaenmo
• Garry Wayne Country Classics • Atkinson and Bailey
• The Argues • The Old Tyme Gospel Band
The concert series had a total of just over 1000 attendees over the course of the summer, with 26 being the lowest attendance and 300+ being the highest. Once again this summer, the Santa's Village Trolley picked up residents at three local seniors residences and brought them to six of the concerts.
The Bandshell Concert Series needs the financial support of the Bracebridge BIA, individual downtown businesses and the Town of Bracebridge to offer this summer program. The BIA and local business fund the rack cards that promote the concerts which is a significant promotional component for this program. In exchange each business has their logo included on the rack card and department staff also provides recognition at the concert and distributes coupons from that business when supplied.
Donations are collected at the concerts; the performers for each evening receive the donations that are raised for that evening. Approximately $2000.00 in donations was collected during the summer of 2012; performers are always grateful for this recognition of their time and talent.
- 1 - rrs:J5 L. Broere, Director of Culture and Recreation T.Conley-Knight, Manager of Programs - 2 - rKIXI2r\ MEMORANDUM Director of Public Works ~ BRACEBRIDGE The He TO: Mayor G. Smith and Members of Council FROM: W. Schmid, Director of Public Works COPY: Department Heads DATE: October 4, 2012 SUBJECT: Temporary Road Closure - Remembrance Day Parade - November 11, 2012 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 James Street, from Chub Downey Lane to Ann Street, Ann Street, from James Street to Manitoba Street, and Kimberley Avenue from Ma ~ to}la / Street to Rene Caisse Lane on November 11, 2012, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for the Re ertnbd,nce Day Parade. I :' I 11 .. i J. - 1 - rTSJ> TO: Mayor G. Smith and Members of Council FROM: L. McDonald, Clerk COPY: Department Heads DATE: October 4, 2012 SUBJECT: Noise Exemption - Remembrance Day Parade - November 11,2012 DELEGATED AUTHORITY NOTICE NOISE EXEMPTION Upon the authority granted to me under Motion 08-AF-144, I hereby grant the Royal Canadian Legion an exemption to the Noise Control By-law on November 11, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m . for the Remembrance Day Parade. Lori McDonald, Clerk - 1 - rtSIXI2J\ MEMORANDUM ~ Chief Administrative Officer BRACEBRlDGE The {-fearl of'Muskoka TO: Mayor G. Smith and Members of Town Council FROM: J. Sisson, Chief Administrative Officer DATE: October 10,2012 SUBJECT: Council Planning Session - October 2,2012 On October 2, 2012, General Committee discussed priorities for 2013 that will guide the development of the Budget and Business Plan using the following two documents which were attached to a memo from the Chief Administrative Officer: APPENDIX "A" Draft List of Items (projects) for Inclusion in the 2013 Municipal Budget and Business Plan; and APPENDIX "B" Council Priority List (approved on October 21, 2011) highlighting items included in the 2012 Corporate and Departmental Business Plan; the linkage to Council's Priorities; and the items proposed for the 2013 Budget and Business Plan. Although no formal amendments were required to the Priority List, Committee Members highlighted several supplementary items of interest to members of Council, as follows: • Accessibility Plan Development; • Advocacy (greater role for the community); • Asset Management; • ATVs on Municipal Roadways; • Capital Roads and Bridges Project • Culture and Recreation (clarity for budget Priorities; and business planning - hold Special General Committee meeting); • Director of Development Services • Energy Management; Recruitment; • Entrance Drive Trail naming; • Local Government Reform; • Manitoba Street, Ecclestone Drive and Marketing for Economic Development; Mattamy Subdivision and Street Naming/Addressing issues; • Open Space, Parks & Trails Master Plan • Permanent Public Market; linkage with Active Transportation and Public Access to Waterfront (ORAs/OSRAs ); • PhysiCian Recruitment; • Public Transit; • Succession Planning; • Urban Tree Management; - 1 - I1SJ> • Volunteer Development; • Webcasting; • Well ness Centre. As discussed at General Committee, once ratified by Council on October 10, 2012, Appendix "A", and Appendix "B" will be used in developing the draft 2013 Municipal Budget and Business Plan for consideration by General Committee. Staff will also consider the supplementary items identified on October 2,2012 in development of the Budget and Business Plan document. Please contact me at (705) 645-5264 Ext. 229 if you have any question regarding this information. Staff looks forward to presenting a draft 2013 Municipal Budget and Business Plan that meets the priorities established by Council. ~h'!;/:::"~~dministrative Officer - 2 - TO THE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION OF THE CLERK AND COUNCIL October 2,2012 Municipalities are Counting on the legislature to Get Arbitration Reform Right For many years, AMO and its members have sought changes to interest arbitration that would improve accountability and transparency for municipal taxpayers, employees and employers alike. A long track record of evidence backs up AMO's view that Ontario's current system is unbalanced and unresponsive to legitimate taxpayer concerns. Better processes, such as timely and written reasons for decisions, and more clearly defined criteria for the arbitrator's consideration, are needed to ensure that arbitrated settlements are fair, balanced, transparent and accountable. It is particularly important that settlements are affordable and appropriate for individual communities. There is broad recognition across the Ontario Legislature that arbitration reform is needed. The government and the Official Opposition have both proposed changes to our current arbitration system. Municipalities finally have an opportunity to get the changes that we need, provided that we are consulted with. In particular, municipalities have an interest in making sure that appropriate criteria will guide an arbitrator's review of a municipality's ability to pay a given settlement. On September 28, AMO's Board directed staff to work with external legal counsel, Hicks Morley, and the Emergency Services Steering Committee (ESSe) develop any necessary changes to advance municipal interests and report back soon to the AMO Executive and Board with recommendations. In the meantime, AMO would encourage municipal councils to consider the Township of Scugog's recent resolution on this matter. Local councils are encouraged to either support it, or to use it as a basis for its own resolution. It is essential that broad support for arbitration reform is translated into prudent legislation. Through consultation with AMO, Ontario's municipalities will have an opportunity to make sure the legislation achieves its intended outcomes. We have important expertise to share, particularly around ability to pay criteria, and it is essential that the Ontario Legislature get this legislation right. Ontario communities cannot afford the consequences of getting it wrong. If your council does pass a similar resolution, please forward it to AMO so that we can share with all political parties at the Ontario Legislature. "Whereas, the is pleased that both the Liberal government and the PC party have kept the issue of interest arbitration reform at the forefront of major policy discussions; And Whereas, the ______supports the overall intention of interest arbitration reform; And Whereas, a preliminary review indicates that there appears to be room for improvement in both pieces of draft legislation before the legislature; And Whereas, the _____ trusts that through further consultation these issues can be resolved; And Whereas, the is aware that AMO and the Emergency Services Steering Committee are reviewing these issues and look forward to further discussion and input; Now Therefore, the requests that the legislature will work collectively in the best interest of Ontario municipalities and Ontario taxpayers on this important issue of interest arbitration reform./I AMO Contact: Monika Turner, Director of Policy, [email protected] or 416-971-9856 Ext. 318. PLEASE NOTE AMO Breaking News will be broadcast to the member municipality's council, administrator and clerk. Recipients of the AMO broadcasts 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 efficiency in the management of our various broadcast lists. DISCLAIMER These are final versions of AMO documents. AMO assumes no responsibility for any discrepancies that may have been transmitted with the electronic version. The printed versions of the documents stand as the official record. October 3, 2012 To the Head & Members of Council: Pursuant to Section 25 of the Constitution of the Ontario Good Roads Association, the Nominating Committee shall report to the Annual Conference its nominations for 12 directors. The following members of the Board will automatically serve on the 2013-2014 Board of Directors in the following capacity: President Joanne Vanderheyden, Mayor, Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc 1st Vice-President Tom Bateman, P. Eng., County Engineer, County of Essex Immediate Past President Alan Korell, P. Eng., Managing Director/City Engineer, City of North Bay Those nominated by the Nominating Committee shall be selected from OGRA' s municipal membership pursuant to the requirements for geographic representation contained in Section 11 of the Constitution, and so far as possible maintaining an equal balance between elected and appointed representatives. A full copy of the Constitution can be viewed on the OGRA web-site: http://www.ogra.org/Aboutlconstitution.asp The following incumbent Directors have put their name forward wishing to continue to represent their respective Zones: North (3 to be elected) Rick Champagne John MacEachern Councillor Mayor Municipality of East Ferris Township of Manitouwadge Southwest (1 to be elected) John Parsons Division Manager, Transportation & Roadside Operations City of London South Central (3 to be elected) Ken Lauppe, Duncan McKinlay Manager, Road Operations - East, Warden City of Brampton County of Grey Terry McKay, Deputy Mayor, Township of Chatsworth Southeast (3 to be elected) Craig Davidson Steve Desroches CAOlTreasurer Deputy Mayor Municipality of Hasting Highlands City of Ottawa Michelle Hendry, Director of Public Works, City of Kawartha Lakes Toronto (2 to be elected) Robert Burlie Mark Grimes Manager, Road Operations Councillor City of Toronto City of Toronto One vacancy exists in the Northern Zone. The Northern Zone consists of the municipalities in the Districts of Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin Island, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Timiskaming; municipalities in and including the District of Muskoka and the City of Greater Sudbury. The Southwest Zone consists of the municipalities in and including the Counties of Brant, Bruce, Elgin, Essex, Haldimand, Huron, Lambton, Middlesex, Norfolk, Oxford, and Perth, the municipality of Chatham-Kent, and municipalities in and including the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. The South Central Zone consists of the municipalities in and including the Counties of Dufferin, Grey, Simcoe, and Wellington, and municipalities in and including the Regional Municipalities of Durham, Halton, Niagara, Peel and York, and the City of Hamilton. The South East Zone consists of municipalities in and including the Counties of Frontenac, Haliburton, Hastings, Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Lennox and Addington, Northumberland, Peterborough, Prescott and Russell, Prince Edward, Renfrew, and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, and the Cities of Kawartha Lakes and Ottawa. Any member of Council or a permanent full time staff from an OGRA member municipality interested in being considered as a candidate for a position on the Board of Directors must complete the attached Nomination Consent form and submit it along with their resume to the attention of the Chair of the Nominating Committee by no later than November 2,2012. Fax your information to 289-291- 6477, e-mail to [email protected] or mail to OGRA, 1525 Cornwall Road, Unit 22, Oakville, Ontario L6J OB2 The Nominating Committee will meet in November to recommend a slate of Directors to the membership. The members of the Committee are: Chair: John Curley, Immediate Past President Members: Mark Grimes, OGRA Director J. Paul Johnson, Past President Duncan McKinlay, OGRA Director John Parsons, OGRA Director Any questions regarding the Nomination process or serving on the Board of Directors can be directed to the undersigned at [email protected]~ Yours truly, ~"~"'~'~".'"w .... ".'.' •• "_•• ~ (r+5 J. W. Tiernay, Executive Director c: John Curley, Chair, Nominating Committee Ontario Good Roads Association Board of Directors Nomination and Consent Form We hereby nominate the following to the Board of Directors of the Ontario Good Roads Association for the 2013/14 term of office: Name of Candidate Name: ------Position: ______ Municipality: ______-'-- ______ Moved by: ______ Seconded by: ______ (Candidates must be nominated by two eligible members of OGRA. A resolution of Council is acceptable but not mandatory) Candidate Consent The candidate nominated above must sign below indicating they consent to the Nomination and agree to let their name stand for office. I, ______hereby consent to the Nomination (Name of Candidate) to the Board of Directors of the Ontario Good Roads Association. Signature Date Submit completed form and candidates resume by fax or e-mail to the attention of John Curley, Chair, OGRA Nominating Committee Fax: 289-291-6477 E-mail: [email protected] The Weekly Detour Page 1 of2 The Weekly Detour You are viewing a feed that contains frequently updated content. When you subscribe to a feed, it is added to the Common Feed List. Updated information from the feed is automatically downloaded to your computer and can be viewed in Internet Explorer and other programs. Learn more about feeds. Subscribe to this feed Environmental assessment continues for proposed highway interchange north of Hamilton. Ontario October 3, 2012, 3:16:19 PM An environmental assessment is underway for a proposed provincial highway interchange construction project north of Hamilton, Ontario. IBI Group Inc. is working on the environmental assessment addendum and detail design for an interchange of Highways 5 and 6 in the community of Clappison's Corners. The level intersection of the highways is immediately west of the former village of Waterdown, now within the limits of the City of Hamilton. Montreal construction contracts a 'dosed shop' October 3, 2012, 3:16:19 PM A key construction industry businessman has admitted that a range of companies, including his own, colluded on public sector contracts in Montreal. Lino Zambito, a former vice-president of Infrabec Construction recently acknowledged before the Charbonneau Commission examining corruption in Quebec's construction industry that around 10 companies control bids for contracts in an arrangement in which each of the companies in question takes turns to win work under a system of rotation. Infrabec obtained at least $68.7 million in public works contracts from Montreal and Laval over a five-year period from 2006 to 2011. Proposal 6 designed to block construction of second Detroit-Windsor bridge October 3, 2012, 3:16:19 PM Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Detroit's Ambassador Bridge owner find themselves in the middle of a heated debate over the Nov. 6 ballot's Proposal 6. Proposal 6 would require a vote at the state level and in the affected municipality to approve construction of any "new international bridges or tunnels for motor vehicles." The initiative, spearheaded by Ambassador Bridge owner Matty Moroun and his Detroit International Bridge Co., is designed to block construction of the New International Trade Crossing, a second Detroit-Windsor bridge. Collaboration project success key, condudes industry panel October 3, 2012, 3:16:19 PM Collaboration was the key word as a panel of owners discussed the future of public and private assets with construction industry leaders at a recent forum hosted by the Canadian Construction Association (CCA). "You should really consider the needs of other key stakeholders because ultimately projects are extremely successful http://www.multibriefs.comlbriefs/ogra/ogra.xml 2012-10-03 The Weekly Detour Page2of2 . or dismal failures together/" said Brian Soutar, executive director of project services for Alberta Infrastructure, speaking at the Construction Industry Leaders Forum (CILF). firming completes acquisition of Bucyrus distribution business in western Canada October 3/ 2012, 3:16:19 PM Finning International Inc. announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition from Caterpillar of the former Bucyrus distribution and support business in its dealership territory across Western Canada. This represents the final stage in the company's phased acquisition and follows the successful completion of the transaction for Finning in South America and the U.K. on May 2. McGuinty, Ontario government pushes for innovative solutions October 3, 2012, 3:16:19 PM Ontario is asking the federal government to develop a national plan for public transit and increase overall infrastructure funding to boost productivity and create jobs. These recommendations are part of Ontario's submission to the federal government's long-term infrastructure plan. Ontario is calling for urgent investment in core economic infrastructure which includes transit. Windsor-Detroit tunnel improvements begin October 3, 2012, 3:16:19 PM The upgrading of the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Canadian Plaza has begun. Transport Canada has said the project will ease traffic congestion and improve operations. New integrated primary inspection lanes for trucks are part of the upgrade, as well new vehicle access lanes, new buildings for border services staff, and various parking and intersection reconfigurations. http://www.multibriefs.comlbriefs/ogl.alogra.xml 2012-10-03 THE PINES LONG TERM CARE HOME 98 Pine Street, Braceb ri dge, Ontario P1 L 1N5 Telephone: 705-645-4488 • Fax: 705-645-6857 October 3, 2012 Town of Bracebridge 1000 Taylor Court Bracebridge, ON P1 L 1 R6 Dear Sir or Madam: The Family Council Committee of The Pines Long-Term Care Home would like to express of our sincere appreciation to the Town of Bracebridge, on behalf of the residents and staff of The Pines. The installation of sidewalks on Taylor Road from Pine Street to Depot Drive, as requested in our petition to you, has enabled our residents to have access to the mall area during outings. Sincerely, Carole Fallon, President Family Council We all understand what 'burg' implies: A place that is backward and shows no indication of civic leadership. After three days in Manhattan and several stops on a cruise I was suddenly overwhelmed with sadness to return home and consider how our town has depreciated. Manhattan is clean and a clear sense of civic pride is evident with the parkettes and benches that allow one to rest on long walks. Unused spaces are looked after and used to enliven man's existence and not left to grow weeds. The several cities and towns we visited such as Gloucester ME. St. John NB. Halifax NS, Gaspe QC, Saguenay QC and Quebec City all showed civic pride to a certain degree. The private properties and the civic properties were maintained and were obviously objects of pride with grass, trees, parks with benches, and quality walkways. There was a general feeling of caring and pride. Braceburg has, on the other hand put good effort into Upper Braceburg with the quality work, benches and pride of Manitoba Street. In contrast, Lower Braceburg, aka the Holler, with its artery Wellington Street is a scruffy lower class mix of business and residence. The town can mix both well if someone, elected to such office gives a damn. Wellington is the prime artery of folks going to their cottages and most important for repeated visits, are the visitors. I can imagine someone who has stayed in the nice town of Port Carling, shutting their eyes as they leave our town and never revisiting. To be specific, have a boo at the front of the college with the dead sod and depression in the soil from curb to sidewalk. Look at the grass (sic) all along Wellington. Mowed twice a year and a damn mess of weeds the rest of the year. Look at the cruddy asphalt in front of the Coin Laundries and most disgusting the ugly earth machines up hard against the sidewalk at the rental joint. Look at the tragedy of the car rental lot with scruffy weeds asphalt and gravel. This whole block is a disaster of disgust in a place for people. Business and people space can be mutually beneficial. Move them back off the town right-of-way and plant trees, shrubs and grass. All along Wellington is a mess left by Bell and Lakeland. Loops of wire falling off the poles and messy wire guard, slack and twisty, ride down the poles to the ground. Bell is the key offender as old poles were not removed when new poles were installed. Half poles stick up their ugly selves with a wire or two still in place. Hey! Get back and finish your work, we don't want to look at such a mess. Council: a letter to the utilities is in order. There is not one bench for older folk to catch their breath and to rest on as they try to walk as ordered by their doctors. Old folk live in Lower Braceburg too and deserve healthful exercise and a little respect without having to drive up to Manitoba Street. Compliments are due to the shopping malls and to the Rotary Centre for keeping their spaces neat, and also to a couple of private properties. The west side of the street has few faults and it must be lack of leadership that allow the east side to continue in a decline. We mentioned many faraway places as being pleasant to live beside. But how about Huntsville and its improved people spaces? I give you Gravenhurst as a dramatic improvement with new roadways and the beauty of the bay. This town has boomed with new buildings and golf courses, all to make life a bit nicer in that town. It used to be Gravenhurst that took the verbal abuse but Braceburg has been left far behind. How do we correct these deficiencies? It need not take a lot of money to landscape the right of way on Wellington and force the businesses thereon to get with a program of improvements. It take, I suggest a rethink of the responsibility of Council and the councillor for Lower Braceburg. If the money sunk into the effective but unneeded rotary had been earmarked for Wellington Street, money would have been left over for your needs in your part of town. Let's plan out some improvements this fall with a comprehensive budget for work next spring. Let's get after the utilities this fall. It is not a financial burden for a town our size. Let's put the burg mentality behind us and bridge forward into a better place for people. TO THE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION OF THE CLERK AND COUNCIL October 3, 2012 AMO Report to Members Highlights of the September 2012 Board Meeting To keep members informed, AMO provides updates on important issues considered at regular AMO Board of Directors' meetings. Highlights of the September 28, 2012 Board meeting follow: Mayors Coalition for Affordable, Sustainable and Accountable Provincial Policing Gerry Marshall, Mayor, Town of Penetanguishene, provided an update on the work that the Mayors Coalition has been doing regarding Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) costing. Of concern to the Coalition are the rising cost of the OPP and the affordability of the service to municipalities. Board members noted that the rising cost of policing is endemic to own force services too and that OPP contract negotiations and arbitration decisions have a significant impact on costs. Questions were raised about potential impacts of several Coalition ideas, such as equalized billing for OPP services. The Board received the presentation. Arbitration Update AMO's Labour Expert Advisor, Craig Rix, Hicks Morley, and Joy Hulton, Regional Solicitor, York Region and Emergency Services Steering Committee (ESSe) member provided some observations about Bill 121, An Act to Deal with Arbitration in the Public Sector (short title: Ability to Pay Act, 2012). Bill 121 sets out in detail the PC platform as relates to the labour relations system. This Bill is awaiting 2nd reading and referral to Committee. At the same time, the Government is proposing to reintroduce its previously failed arbitration changes but through a draft omnibus bill, Protecting Public Services Act, that contains new compensation restraint measures and processes. In the spring, the Government lost its arbitration changes through opposition amendments to the Government's Budget Bill (Bill 55). The Board has directed staff to do further work including developing any necessary changes to advance municipal interests and report back with recommendations. (See AMO Breaking News, October 2 that contains a draft resolution.) Canada's Gas Tax Fund - AMO 2011 Annual Expenditure Report The Board approved AMO's 2011 Gas Tax Fund Annual Expenditure Report and Audit Statements for submission to Infrastructure Canada. Municipal governments continue to use the gas tax funds effectively to make progress on the sustainability objectives of the Agreement with the federal government and that also creates jobs. The report is available on the AMO website and on Gas Tax at Work. Follow Gas Tax on Twitter. Contact: Jay Paleja, Policy Advisor - Canada's Gas Tax Fund, email: [email protected]. Ext. 352. AMO Response to the Child Care Modernization Policy Framework The Province is seeking public input on a new proposed policy direction to guide child care delivery in Ontario. The Board approved AMO's approach to its response to the Ministry of Education's discussion paperL."Modernizing Child Care in Ontario: Sharing Conversations, Strengthening Partnerships, Working Together." Key to modernizing the system will be the continued need for the Province to stabilize the existing system from the impacts of the introduction offull day kindergarten. Contact: Michael Jacek, Senior Policy Advisor, email: [email protected]. Ext. 329. AMO Response to the Final Proposed Amendments to the Integrated Accessibility Regulation Governing the Design of Public Spaces The Province has released the final proposed amendments to the Integrated Accessibility Regulation (IAR) outlining Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment governing the design of public spaces. AMO has convened a municipal staff working group to inform AMO's submission to the proposed amendments. AMO will continue to emphasize that the objectives of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act need to be implemented in a manner that is affordable, efficient and sustainable for municipalities. Contact: Michael Jacek, Senior Policy Advisor, email: [email protected]. Ext. 329. Local Authority Services Update LAS, a subsidiary corporation of AMO, should be the preferred provider of competitively-priced and sustainable business services for Ontario municipalities. The LAS continues to market its services and products to municipalities so that they can "save money, make money, and build capacity". The Board was briefed on electricity and natural gas pricing for 2013; the much better rates of return that pooled investments are bringing to those in the One Investment program; the recently launched Energy Consulting Service that is providing seven staff on a regional basis across Ontario to assist municipalities in their energy conservation planning and consumption work such as data collection, audits, procurement assistance, policy development and more. Contact: Nancy Plumridge, President & Secretary Treasurer (LAS), email: [email protected]. Ext. 324. There's Got to be a Better Way: AMO is looking for practical ideas on how to improve provincial program delivery and create savings for the province and/or municipalities. We believe that There's Got to be a Better Way. You are encouraged to submit your ideas and thoughts before October 31, 12:00pm. However, AMO's Ideas Box is always open. AND A Reminder: Collaborate. Innovate. Discover: Counties, Regions and Single Tier (CRST) Symposium occurs October 25 & 26 in the Grand Central Lodge at the Blue Mountain Resort. Program Highlights (subject to change) include: • A Review of Homelessness Integration Initiatives - Nonie Brennan, CEO of the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness. • Arts Makes Cents - the business care for arts and festivals in your community. • With Respect to Old Age - Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics, Mount Sinai and the University Health Network Hospitals and Provincial Lead, Ontario Seniors Care Strategy. • Ontario's State of Repair - an update on end of operating agreements. • Diversity and Politics, Women, Culture and Your Communities - making local government a place for everyone. • Why Immigration Matters - Ontario's strategy for Ontario's future. • Social Assistance Review, Recommendations for Change - what the Commission's Report and government action may mean for Ontario's municipalities. • Ottawa and the Provinces - Paul Wells, Senior Columnist for Mac/eon's magazine. Register today! Don't miss out on the 2012 eRST Symposium. Registration is available online. DISCLAIMER This is the final version of AMO document. AMO assumes no responsibility for any discrepancies that may have been transmitted with the electronic version. The printed versions of the documents stand as the official record. AMO Watch File - October 4,2012 Page 1 of2 AMO Watch File not displaying correctly? View the online version I Send to a friend Add [email protected] to your safe list Association of Municipalities of Ontario Watch File October 4, 2012 In This Issue - Ontario Community Environment Fund (OCEF). - Ontario releases Expert Roundtable on Immigration Report. - Asset management funding through Municipal Infrastructure Strategy. - AMO releases 2011 Annual Report for Canada's Gas Tax Fund. - Federal government launches Invest in Canada - Community Initiative. - 2012 Counties, Regions & Single Tier Symposium goes from Innovation to Action. - Ontario West Municipal Conference registration now available. - Feed your need to learn and spark change at the 2012 Connections Energy Symposium. - Exploring the Ffnanciallnformation Return (FIR) forest. - Last chance to obtain CBC television equipment for community use. - Career opportunities with the Town of Peace River, Alberta. Provincial Matters Funding collected from environmental penalties is available to support watershed projects. For 2012, the OCEF has over $400,000 for local community projects in the watershed where the environmental violation occurred. Municipalities based in the identified watersheds are eligible to apply. Ontario received the final report from Ontario's Expert Roundtable on Immigration, which outlines 32 recommendations that will inform Ontario's first immigration strategy. AMO's representative at this table was Warden Steve Arnold from Lambton County, who will be also speaking on this topic at the Counties, Regions and Single Tiers Symposium in Blue Mountain October 25-26. The Minister of Infrastructure, Bob Chiarelli, announced the first phase of the Municipal Infrastructure Strategy, including $8.25 million for asset management by small, rural and Northern municipalities. To access this funding, municipalities must apply by October 22nd, 2012. Federal Matters Since 2005, over $2.1 billion from Canada's Gas Tax Fund has been invested in Ontario's municipalities. Details are in AMO's 2011 Gas Tax Annual Expenditure Report. To map gas tax investments in your community, visit Gas Tax at Work. The Invest in Canada - Community Initiative funding program will help communities across Canada attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment. Eye on AMO/LAS Events Ontario's social innovation leaders take you on a journey to uncover new ways to face the challenges the current municipal funding models for our most vulnerable residents. Learn from four of Ontario's innovation leaders on how your municipality can benefit from innovation to action at the 2012 Counties, Regions and Single Tier Symposium - Oct 25 & 26, Blue Mountain. Jim Bottomley, Futurist, opens the Ontario West Municipal Conference on November 16th. Speaking to "Rallying Regional Innovation (Clusters and Collaboration: Innovation for Regions, Communities & Government)," register today to hear from him and other speakers on the theme of Foundations for Local Governance. http://amo.informz.ca/AMO/archives/archive_244279 .html 2012-10-05 AMO Watch File - October 4,2012 Page 2 of2 A unique opportunity to learn and discuss with Ontario's energy leaders and thinkers. Join LAS at the 2012 Connections Energy Symposium as speakers engage on topics related to one of three concurrent tracks: People; Places; and Assets & Resources. Last year was a record sell out - don't miss out get your registration in today. Municipal Wire * The Municipal Finance Officers' Association of Ontario (MFOA) have teamed up with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) to offer a practical seminar on how you can optimise your financial information reporting data and unlock the analytical power of Financial Information Returns (FIR) and Municipal Performance Measurement Program (MPMP) data. Until October 9 communities have the opportunity to bid on CBC analog transmitters and towers. This equipment can be used to distribute television, radio services or wireless high speed internet within communities. Contact Catherine Edwards at the Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations at (819) 772-2862 for more information. Career Opportunities Labourers, Machine Operators, Lead Hands - Town of Peace River, Alberta. Please submit resumes to: Leanne Cottrell, Human Resources Coordinator, Town of Peace River, Box 6600 Peace River, Alberta T8S 1S4. Fax: (780) 624-4664, Email: [email protected]. AboutAMO 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! AMO Contacts AMO Watch File Team Conferences/Events Policy and Funding Programs LAS Local Authority Services Limited MEPCO Municipal Employer Pension Centre of Ontario OMKN Ontario Municipal Knowledge Network Media Inquiries Tel: 416.729.5425 Municipal Wire, Career/Employment and Council Resolution Distributions *Disclaimer: The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is unable to provide any warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of third-party submissions. Distribution of these items does not imply an endorsement of the views, information or services mentioned. Association of Municipalities of Ontario Please consider the environment ~£~ 200 University Ave. Suite 801 ,Toronto ON Canada M5H 3e6 before printing this. 1iJ"'l. To unsubscribe, please click here - I"""'· IPo'wew'edBy"',;';;,lnform L--._____ ",_,~~~.'#~. ~~, http://amo.informz.ca!AMO/archives/archive_244279 .html 2012-10-05