AGENDA CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE
January 13, 2021 Immediately following the Community Services Committee Meeting VIA ZOOM Public may only attend virtually. Please contact [email protected] for connectivity details.
Councillor Brian Campbell, Chair Page
1. CALL TO ORDER (Please silence all electronic devices)
2. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Suggested Motion by Councillor Doug Black Seconded by Councillor Barrie Crampton: "THAT, the minutes of the Corporate Services Committee held on December 2, 2020 be approved as circulated."
4. ADDITIONS AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Suggested Motion by Councillor Peter McLaren Seconded by Councillor Ray Scissons: "THAT, the agenda be approved as amended to include item 10i) Report #CAO-01-2021 Smiths Falls Payment Plan Request."
5. DELEGATIONS (10 MINUTES)
6. QUESTIONS OF THE DELEGATION FROM COUNCIL
7. PRESENTATIONS
8. COMMUNICATIONS
4 - 5 i) Northumberland County - Resolution No 2020-12-16- 420 - Small Business Property Tax
Page 1 of 25 Page
6 - 17 ii) Regional Municipality of Peel - Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics
18 - 19 iii) Region of Peel - Veterans Property Tax Exemption
20 iv) Township of Huron-Kinloss - Resolution - Property Tax Exemptions for Veterans Clubs
Suggested Motion by Councillor Sean Redmond Seconded by Councillor Bill Dobson: "THAT, the communications for the January Corporate Services Committee meeting be received as information."
9. CONSENT REPORTS
10. DISCUSSION REPORTS
21 - 25 i) Report #CAO-01-2021 Smiths Falls Payment Plan Request Kurt Greaves, Chief Administrative Officer
Suggested Motion by Councillor Sean Redmond Seconded by Councillor John Fenik: “THAT, County Council approve the payment plan with the Town of Smiths outlined in the attached report;
AND THAT, County Council approve waiving the Accounts Receivable policy;
AND THAT, interest on the balance be charged at 2% compounded annually.”
11. DEFERRED REPORTS
12. VERBAL REPORTS
i) Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus Update Warden, Christa Lowry
Suggested Motion by Councillor Richard Kidd Seconded by Councillor John Fenik: "THAT, the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus Update be received as information."
ii) Chief Administrative Officer Update CAO, Kurt Greaves
Page 2 of 25 Page
Suggested Motion by Councillor Ed McPherson Seconded by Councillor John Hall: "THAT, the Chief Administrative Officer Update be received as information."
iii) AMO Rural Caucus Update Warden, Christa Lowry
Suggested Motion by Councillor Sharon Mousseau Seconded by Councillor Doug Black: "THAT, the AMO Rural Caucus Update be received as information."
iv) ROMA Update Warden, Christa Lowry
Suggested Motion by Councillor Ray Scissons Seconded by Councillor Peter McKenna: "THAT, the ROMA Update be received as information."
13. CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS
14. NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
15. ADJOURNMENT
Page 3 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #8i)
Northumberland County - Resolution No 2020-12-16-420 - Small Business Pr...Page 4 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #8i)
Northumberland County - Resolution No 2020-12-16-420 - Small Business Pr...Page 5 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #8ii)
REPORT Meeting Date: 2020-11-12 Regional Council
REPORT TITLE: Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics – A Call to Action
FROM: Nancy Polsinelli, Commissioner of Health Services
RECOMMENDATION
That the Region of Peel advocate to the federal and provincial governments to implement the necessary legislative and policy changes to eliminate external violence against paramedics;
And further, that the Regional Chair write a letter to the federal Minister of Justice, on behalf of Regional Council, to request amendments to the Criminal Code that provide protections for paramedics;
And further, that a copy of the report from the Commissioner of Health, titled “Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics – A Call to Action”, be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, Solicitor General, Minister of Health, Peel-area MPs and MPPs, as well as Ontario’s single and upper-tier municipalities responsible for land ambulance, for endorsement and advocacy support.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS Paramedic Services is advancing a multi-pronged approach to create awareness and support system-level changes that can reduce external violence against paramedics. This approach includes collaborating with local partners, improving incidence reporting, addressing an organizational culture that normalizes violence as “part of the job” and a public awareness campaign. With Council support, Paramedic Services is advocating for legislative and policy changes to reduce external violence against paramedics. The primary focus for this advocacy will be amendments to the Criminal Code that would strengthen protections for paramedics who are subject to external violence.
DISCUSSION
1. Background
The report titled “Violence Prevention in Paramedic Services”, presented at the November 14, 2019 Regional Council meeting reported on Paramedic Services progress in implementing the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Group’s Psychological Health and Safety Standard (Standard). This national Standard addresses workplace risk factors that impact mental health including critical incident response management, suicide awareness and prevention, providing mental health and wellness resources and prevention of violence
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in the workplace. The report to Council specifically discussed work being done to address external violence against paramedics.
At that meeting, Council endorsed staff’s recommendation for a public awareness campaign to advance efforts to address the organizational culture that normalizes external workplace violence. In addition, staff were directed to improve the method for reporting incidents of threats, intimidation, sexual harassment and physical and sexual assaults experienced by paramedics, and report on results of the staff collaboration and impact of the Psychological Health and Safety Program. As a final measure, Council also directed staff to pursue advocacy for legislative and policy changes addressing external violence against paramedics. (Council Resolution 2019-1043)
The COVID-19 pandemic and added pressures on individuals and communities has increased the potential for violence directed at paramedics in their interactions with the public. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic additional measures have been implemented to support Paramedic Services’ staff during these extraordinary times. Examples of measures to date include peer support teams, the Quarantine Support Unit, and regular webinars for paramedics to engage directly with leadership. Paramedic Services is also developing a COVID-19 mental health strategy.
2. Progress on Public Awareness and Prevention Strategy
Paramedics Services has worked internally and at the local level to implement practical measures to reduce violence against paramedics and plans to support these actions through raising public awareness to this violence. Paramedic Services is leveraging all available internal and Regional supports to advance a multi-pronged approach to create awareness on the issue of external violence against paramedics and to support system level changes.
a) Addressing a Culture that Normalizes External Workplace Violence
Staff have developed a Violence Position Statement and External Workplace Violence policy to inform paramedics and the public that the service is taking a zero-tolerance approach towards violence against staff. Appendix I provides a copy of the Violence Position Statement. Appendix II provides a copy of the External Violence Policy.
The policy helps manage the risk of physical and psychological harm that may occur when paramedics are subjected to violence from the public. The policy will be rolled-out across Paramedic Services in a way that allows employees to ask questions and to engage in discussion.
b) Local Collaboration
Paramedic Services is working with Peel Regional Police and the Ministry of Health operated Mississauga Central Ambulance Communication Centre (CACC) to support a structured, collaborative approach to problem-solving operational issues and ongoing assessment of the status of violence prevention efforts.
Priorities for this collaboration include action plans to raise awareness of operational issues that impact paramedic safety, training for paramedics in situational awareness and de-escalation, improving emergent response communications between police and
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paramedics, and an improved system for flagging those addresses identified for heightened risk.
c) Public Awareness Campaign
The public awareness campaign will aim to change the public perception that violence is a normal part of a paramedic’s job and will underscore that violence against paramedics is unacceptable. The communication strategy will include the use of social media, digital advertising, as well as posters, and signage in ambulances (already in place), Region of Peel mobile signs, outreach to community groups. In addition, registered letters from Paramedic Services may be sent to individuals who have harassed paramedics while on the job. Appendix III provides a copy of signage in Peel Paramedics’ ambulances.
d) Incident Reporting
Paramedic Services and Human Resources staff continue to improve the process for paramedics to report violent incidents. A staff assessment of the process to report workplace incidents of violence and harassment has been completed and has identified several opportunities for improvement. Almost complete, Peel’s new reporting processes will be among the first in Canada and will leverage existing reporting tools that enable paramedics to easily report incidents of violence, allowing for ongoing monitoring and tracking, and possible mitigation of violence in the future.
Over the past months the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed new service and community pressures on paramedics, underscoring the urgency for Paramedic Services to move ahead with all of the above measures.
3. Advocacy for Legislative and Policy Changes
Further to direction from the November 14, 2019 meeting of Regional Council (Resolution 2019-1043), Paramedic Services sees opportunities for the Region to advocate federally and provincially for legislative and policy changes that can reduce external violence against paramedics. Regional advocacy will focus on the following two areas.
a) Criminal Code Amendments
While advocacy is in early stages, Regional staff will focus on enforcement measures through amendments to the Criminal Code so that violence against on-duty paramedics is treated as an indictable criminal offence, consistent with sentencing for acts of violence against peace officers. This approach has been supported by national paramedic leadership and in a recent bill.
Staff has already reached out to a member of Parliament regarding Bill C-211 that proposes such amendments to the Criminal Code. The Bill underscores the physical and psychological impact of these assaults, and that health professionals including paramedics “deserve to feel protected and valued by the justice system”. With Council support Regional staff will continue to identify opportunities to leverage existing advocacy and to engage sector partners and both the federal and provincial governments on the importance of amendments to the Criminal Code.
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Regional Municipality of Peel - Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics Page 8 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #8ii) Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics – A Call to Action
b) Sector-Wide Reporting and Training
An assessment of current local, provincial and federal policy raises additional opportunities to engage the provincial government and paramedic services provincially to advance the following: 1. Standardize sector-wide organizational practices and processes for reporting violence, and share these practices with other paramedic services in order to increase consistency and compliance with reporting of violence against paramedics; and, 2. Ensure paramedics are provided with supportive tools and training that may mitigate external violence, so that paramedics have stronger means to prevent violence in their work environment (e.g. standardized and consistent curriculum and on-the-job violence prevention training to ensure supports for paramedics across the workforce). These advocacy opportunities will all leverage partnerships with Members of Parliament, municipal and paramedic services leadership at the federal and provincial levels (e.g. Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Association of Municipalities Ontario, Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs) and paramedic organizations.
With the support of Regional Council and the Government Relations Committee, Paramedic Services will continue with internal and external approaches to improve working conditions for paramedics.
APPENDICES
Appendix I - Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics – Violence Position Statement Appendix II - Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics - External Violence Policy Appendix III - Peel Paramedics Ambulance Signage
For further information regarding this report, please contact Peter Dundas, Director and Chief, Ext. 3921, [email protected].
Authored By: Faith Bisram, Manager Culture and Engagement and Cullen Perry, Analyst Research and Policy.
Reviewed and/or approved in workflow by:
Department Commissioner and Division Director.
Final approval is by the Chief Administrative Officer.
J. Baker, Chief Administrative Officer
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Regional Municipality of Peel - Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics Page 9 of 25 Appendix I Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics - A Call to Action AGENDA ITEM #8ii) Zero Tolerance for Violence
from the Public
Paramedics should not tolerate violence while at work. Peel Regional Paramedic Services has zero tolerance for our paramedics being subjected to violence from the public, and any incident of violence happening to one of our employees is unacceptable.
If you are a victim of violence: Contact police and exit the scene if you can Report the incident to your supervisor as soon as possible and let them know if you need them to attend the scene Ensure the incident is documented. Your supervisor will support you with this Document the address to be flagged if appropriate. This is crucial to keep you and your colleagues safer in the future Ask for support if you need it, even after the fact. Being subjected to violence can be emotionally impactful and the effects can be cumulative. You deserve care What you can expect of your supervisor: When alerted of a violent incident and that their presence is required, supervisors will attend the scene, stand up for paramedics and set boundaries with perpetrators of violence If not already done so, supervisors will contact police and advocate for their timely arrival. If appropriate, they will also advocate for charges to be laid They will ensure that you receive emotional support and medical care if required They will support you in completing necessary documentation
As an employer we are committed to providing paramedics with a workplace that is safe, to preventing violence and to supporting paramedics following all violent incidents. No one should ever be subjected to violence while at work.
October 2019 To be reviewed annually Regional Municipality of Peel - Eliminating Violence19.1-5 Against Paramedics Page 10 of 25 Appendix II Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics - A Call to Action AGENDA ITEM #8ii) PEEL REGIONAL PARAMEDIC SERVICES
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
Section: HEALTH & SAFETY SOP No: HS – 19
Total pages: 3 ZERO TOLERANCE FOR Subject: Authority: Chief, Paramedic Services VIOLENCE FROM THE PUBLIC Date Revised: Date Issued: JANUARY 2020
A. POLICY STATEMENT
Peel Regional Paramedic Services has zero tolerance for our paramedics being subjected to violence from the public. This supports the Value Statement from the Region of Peel: “We care and support everyone’s well being and success.”
B. RISK STATEMENT
This policy manages the risk of physical and psychological harm that may occur when paramedics are subjected to violence from the public while at work.
C. RESPONSIBILITIES Distinguish between Must/Shall/Will Paramedics must:
Be aware of the factors that may contribute to a paramedic being put at risk of violence from a member of the public. These include, but are not limited to:
o The member of the public has a previous history of violence
o The member of the public is exhibiting behaviours that could lead to violence, i.e. confusion, agitation, paranoia, intoxication, disruptive behaviour
o The member of the public is being verbally assaultive and engaging in intimidating behaviour as these behaviours can very quickly escalate to physical assault.
Remove themselves from the scene and retreat to a safe area if it is safe to do so. See: HS-14: Scene Safety (includes staging).
Notify police
Ask for support if needed, even after the fact.
Report the incident to their supervisor as soon as possible.
Ensure the incident is documented.
Peel Regional Paramedic Services, a Division of Health Services Page 1 of 3 Regional Municipality of Peel - Eliminating Violence19.1-6 Against Paramedics Page 11 of 25 Appendix II Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics - A Call to Action AGENDA ITEM #8ii) PEEL REGIONAL PARAMEDIC SERVICES
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
Section: HEALTH & SAFETY SOP No: HS – 19
Total pages: 3 ZERO TOLERANCE FOR Subject: Authority: Chief, Paramedic Services VIOLENCE FROM THE PUBLIC Date Revised: Date Issued: JANUARY 2020
Document the address to be flagged if appropriate to ensure that themselves and other paramedics are kept safer in the future.
Superintendents must:
When alerted that a paramedic has suffered a violent incident from the public, meet with paramedic if requested to do so.
Set boundaries with perpetrators of violence.
Contact police and advocate for their timely arrival if paramedic has not already done so.
Ensure that paramedics receive emotional support and if required, medical aid.
Support paramedics to complete necessary documentation.
D. SOURCE DOCUMENTS
Homewood Health and EFAP resources o 1-800-663-1142 (toll-free) o homeweb.ca
Related Policies:
This policy should be interpreted as consistent with PRPS policies including but not limited to the following: o HS-14: Scene Safety (includes staging) o HS-15: Critical Incident Stress o HS-16: Flagging of Addresses o OPS-06: Emotionally Disturbed and Aggressive Patients
Relevant Regional Policies: o Respectful Workplace policy Peel Regional Paramedic Services, a Division of Health Services Page 2 of 3 Regional Municipality of Peel - Eliminating Violence19.1-7 Against Paramedics Page 12 of 25 Appendix II Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics - A Call to Action AGENDA ITEM #8ii) PEEL REGIONAL PARAMEDIC SERVICES
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
Section: HEALTH & SAFETY SOP No: HS – 19
Total pages: 3 ZERO TOLERANCE FOR Subject: Authority: Chief, Paramedic Services VIOLENCE FROM THE PUBLIC Date Revised: Date Issued: JANUARY 2020
o Violence in the Workplace policy o Employee Reporting Program policy o Whistleblower Protection policy
Relevant Legislation: o The Criminal Code of Canada, section 264.1 (1). Assaults o The Criminal Code of Canada, section 34.1. Self Defence o BLS Standards, 2016. Pg. 48 o Occupational Health and Safety Act
E. DEFINITIONS
Peel Regional Paramedic Services describes violence using the following definitions:
a. Verbal Assault – Abusive or hateful language, yelling, screaming with intent of offending or frightening paramedic
b. Intimidation- Purposely threatening, following, using gestures to purposely offend or frighten paramedic
c. Physical Assault- Physical attack, attempt to attack; punching, kicking, using a weapon with intent of causing bodily harm
d. Sexual Harassment- Sexual propositioning or unwelcome sexual attention from a perpetrator. Humiliation or offensive jokes and remarks with sexual overtones, suggestive looks or physical gestures
e. Sexual Assault- Indecent assault. Brushing, touching, or grabbing of genitals or breast area
Peel Regional Paramedic Services, a Division of Health Services Page 3 of 3 Regional Municipality of Peel - Eliminating Violence19.1-8 Against Paramedics Page 13 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #8ii) Appendix III Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics - A Call to Action
PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN – POSTING IN AMBULANCES
19.1-9 Regional Municipality of Peel - Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics Page 14 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #8ii) Region of Peel
APPROVED AT REGIONAL COUNCIL November 12, 2020
19. ITEMS RELATED TO HEALTH
19.1 Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics – A Call to Action Resolution Number 2020-919 Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Dasko That the Region of Peel advocate to the federal and provincial governments to implement the necessary legislative and policy changes to eliminate external violence against paramedics; And further, that the Regional Chair write a letter to the federal Minister of Justice, on behalf of Regional Council, to request amendments to the Criminal Code that provide protections for paramedics; And further, that a copy of the report from the Commissioner of Health Services, titled “Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics – A Call to Action”, be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, Solicitor General, Minister of Health, Peel-area MPs and MPPs, as well as Ontario’s single and upper-tier municipalities responsible for land ambulance, for endorsement and advocacy support. Carried
Regional Municipality of Peel - Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics Page 15 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #8ii)
The Honourable David Lametti Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada [email protected]
December 4, 2020
Dear Minister Lametti,
The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the vital importance of our frontline heroes in safeguarding public health and safety, including paramedics. However, I am writing to bring to your attention longstanding incidence of
violence against paramedics perpetrated by patients and bystanders. Abuses include verbal abuse, harassment, threats, intimidation and physical assaults on a regular basis.
As with all Canadian workers, paramedics have the right to carry out their work duties free of harassment and violence.
To this end, Region of Peel Council passed the attached resolution, and accompanying report on November 12, 2020, entitled “Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics – A Call to Action”, calling for amendments to the Criminal Code that provide protections for paramedics. Such amendments would ensure that acts and threats of violence against on-duty paramedics are treated as an indictable criminal offence, consistent with sentencing for acts of violence against peace officers.
The consequences of chronic exposure to workplace violence are significant, including long-term physical, psychological and emotional harm. Because the problem is so pervasive and is often perpetrated by people for whom criminal prosecution is unlikely, there is a perception of tacit institutional acceptance of violence as a normal, unpreventable part of paramedic work.
Operating one of the largest paramedic services in Ontario, the Region of Peel has taken a proactive approach in advancing prevention of paramedic violence. Regional Council is supportive of the following additional local measures:
• Collaboration between Human Resources and Paramedic Services to address the organizational culture that normalizes external workplace violence • Improvements to the method of reporting all incidents of threats and intimidation, assault, sexual harassment experienced by Peel Paramedics
Regional Municipality of Peel - Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics Page 16 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #8ii)
• Ongoing progress implementing the Canadian Standards Association Group’s Psychological Health and Safety Standard • Working with Peel Regional Police and the Mississauga Central Ambulance Communication Centre to support a structured, collaborative approach to problem-solving operational issues and ongoing assessment of the status of violence prevention efforts • A zero-tolerance public awareness campaign to address external violence against paramedics Our vision for Peel is a Community for Life and paramedics, and the vital service they provide, play an important role in the realization of this plan. Efforts to support them are making a difference, but there is more work to do. Amendments to the Federal Criminal Code will help to protect our paramedics
and will also convey the value that Canadians place on paramedics’ health and
safety.
We look forward to ongoing collaboration between our respective levels of
government to ensure the continuation of this positive momentum to eliminate external violence against paramedics. I would welcome an opportunity to discuss with you and your office on how we can work together to implement the necessary changes to address this very important issue.
Kindest personal regards,
Nando Iannicca Regional Chair & Chief Executive Officer Region of Peel
CC: Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario Hon. Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General Hon. Christine Elliott, Minister of Health Peel MPs and MPPs Single and upper-tier municipalities responsible for land ambulance
Attached: Resolution 2020-919 Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics – A Call to Action, November 12, 2020
Regional Municipality of Peel - Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics Page 17 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #8iii)
November 26, 2020
The Honourable Rod Phillips Minister of Finance 95 Grosvenor St. Toronto, ON M7A 1Y8
Dear Minister Phillips:
Re: Motion Regarding Property Tax Exemptions for Veteran Clubs
Each year on November 11th we pause to remember the heroic efforts of
Canadians who fought in wars and military conflicts and served in peacekeeping missions around the world to defend our freedoms and secure our peace and prosperity. One way that the Province and Ontario municipalities have recognized veterans and veteran groups is by exempting their properties from property taxation.
In late 2018, your government introduced a change to the Assessment Act that exempted Royal Canadian Legion Ontario branches from property taxes effective January 1, 2019. Veterans clubs however were not included under this exemption. While veterans’ clubs in Peel are already exempt from Regional and local property taxes, they still pay the education portion of property taxes.
To address this gap, your government has proposed in the 2020 budget bill (Bill 229) to amend the Assessment Act that would provide a full property tax exemption to veterans’ clubs retroactive to January 1, 2019. The Region of Peel thanks you for introducing this change in recognition of our veterans.
At its November 12, 2020 meeting, Peel Regional Council approved the attached resolution regarding this exemption and look forward to this change coming into effect as soon as possible after Bill 229 is passed. This would ensure that veteran clubs benefit from the exemption in a timely way.
I thank your government for moving quickly to address this gap and for your support of veterans.
Kindest personal regards,
Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair and CEO
CC: Peel-area MPPs Ontario Municipalities Stephen Van Ofwegen, Commissioner of Finance and CFO
Region of Peel - Veterans Property Tax Exemption Page 18 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #8iii)
Resolution Number 2020-939
Whereas each year on November 11, Canadians pause to remember the heroic efforts of Canadian veterans who fought in wars and military conflicts, and served in peacekeeping missions around the world to defend our freedoms and democracy so that we can live in peace and prosperity;
And whereas, it is important to appreciate and recognize the achievements and sacrifices of those armed forces veterans who served Canada in times of
war, military conflict and peace;
And whereas, Section 6.1 of the Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A31 as
amended, Regional Council may exempt from Regional taxation land that is used and occupied as a memorial home, clubhouse or athletic grounds by persons who served in the armed forces of His or Her Majesty or an ally of His or Her Majesty in any war;
And whereas, through By-Law Number 62-2017 Regional Council has provided an exemption from Regional taxation to Royal Canadian Legions and the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Clubs that have qualified properties used and occupied as a memorial home, clubhouse or athletic grounds;
And whereas, local municipal councils in Peel have provided a similar exemption for local property taxes;
And whereas, Royal Canadian Legion branches in Ontario are exempt from all property taxation, including the education portion of property taxes, under Section 3 (1) paragraph 15.1 of the Assessment Act, and that a municipal by- law is not required to provide such an exemption; And whereas, the 2020 Ontario Budget provides for amendments to the Assessment Act to apply the existing property tax exemption for Ontario branches of the Royal Canadian Legion, for 2019 and subsequent tax years, to Ontario units of the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the Regional Chair write to the Minister of Finance, on behalf of Regional Council, to request that upon passage of the 2020 Ontario Budget, the amendment to the Assessment Act be implemented as soon as possible;
And further, that copies of this resolution be sent to Peel-area Members of Provincial Parliament as well as to all Ontario municipalities for consideration and action.
Region of Peel - Veterans Property Tax Exemption Page 19 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #8iv) The Corporation of the Township of Huron-Kinloss P.O. Box 130 Phone: (519) 395-3735 21 Queen St. Fax: (519) 395-4107 Ripley, Ontario N0G2R0 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.huronkinloss.com
Lisa Thompson, MPP January 6, 2021 Unit 2, 807 Queen Street Kincardine, ON N2Z 2Y2 [email protected]
Dear Lisa Thompson,
Please be advised the Council of the Township of Huron-Kinloss at its regular meeting held on December 21, 2020 passed the following resolution;
Re: Copy of Resolution #788
Property Tax Exemptions for Veteran Clubs
Resolution No.: 788 Moved by: Jeff Elliott Seconded by: Jim Hanna
THAT the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council support the Region of Peel in their support for Property Tax Exemptions for Veteran Clubs and the proposed amendment to the 2020 budget bill (Bill 229) to amend the Assessment Act that would provide a full property tax exemption to veterans’ clubs retroactive to January 1, 2019 AND FURTHER directs staff to forward a copy of this resolution to local members of Parliament and all Ontario Municipalities.
Carried
Sincerely,
Kelly Lush Deputy Clerk
c.c Ontario Municipalities
Township of Huron-Kinloss - Resolution - Property Tax Exemptions for Vet... Page 20 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #10i) THE COUNTY OF LANARK
CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE January 13, 2021
Report # CAO-01-2021 of the Chief Administrative Officer
Smiths Falls Payment Plan Request
1. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
“THAT, County Council approve the payment plan with the Town of Smiths outlined in the attached report;
AND THAT, County Council approve waiving the Accounts Receivable policy;
AND THAT, interest on the balance be charged at 2% compounded annually.”
2. PURPOSE
To seek Council approval to allow Smiths Falls to payback their share of two capital projects over 5 years.
3. BACKGROUND
Smiths Falls and Lanark County cost share on several services.
4. DISCUSSION
Lanark County and the separated Town of Smiths Falls have shared service agreements for Long Term Care, Ambulance and Social Services. The County performs the services and bills Smiths Falls budgeted on an annual basis and invoices monthly Appendix A.
The 2021 County budget had Smiths Falls share of costs rise ~17% or $340,000. Lanark County uses reserves to smooth the increase to County taxpayers. Town staff have requested that two large capital items be billed over five years to help smooth the Town’s level increase.
These two projects outlined in Appendix B are the $2 million HVAC replacement at Lanark Lodge and the $1.5 million 2021 expenditure for the Social Housing build in Carleton Place.
Report #CAO-01-2021 Smiths Falls Payment Plan Request Kurt Greaves, Chie...Page 21 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #10i)
The total cost to Smiths Falls for these two projects is $285,250.
Smiths Falls has requested the balance be billed as $57,050 each year for the next 5 years.
The concern is that both Lanark Lodge and Social Housing stock are aging, and redevelopment plans for both are being considered. These could require large capital investments from Lanark County and Smiths Falls.
Lanark County’s accounts receivable policy is net 30 with interest of 1.25% monthly simple interest (15% per annum).
5. ANALYSIS AND OPTIONS
Option A Ask for full payment in the current year and charge interest per the accounts receivable policy on any overdue amounts.
Option B Approve the request and charge 2% annual interest.
The staff recommendation is B.
6. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Accounts receivable from Smiths Falls of $285,520.
7. LOCAL MUNICIPAL IMPACT
None.
8. CONCLUSIONS
The Town of Smiths Falls and Lanark County have a long history of co-operation.
9. ATTACHMENTS
Appendix A Smiths Falls Share Costs of 2021 Lanark County Budget
Appendix B 2021 Smiths Falls Request for 5 year Payback
Report #CAO-01-2021 Smiths Falls Payment Plan Request Kurt Greaves, Chie...Page 22 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #10i) Recommended By: Approved for Manager Approval By: Kurt Greaves Chief Administrative Kurt Greaves Officer Chief Administrative Officer
Report #CAO-01-2021 Smiths Falls Payment Plan Request Kurt Greaves, Chie...Page 23 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #10i)
Appendix A
2021 Smiths Falls - Shared Costs Budget
% 2021 Requested Cost Shared 2020 2021 / 2020 Expenditures Calculation based on 2019 Actual Budget Change 2021 Budget Budget
Lanark Lodge Weighted Assessment (2020 - 8.15%)$ 382,618 $ 400,000 $ 145,000 $ 545,000 36.3% Ambulance Weighted Assessment (2020 - 8.15%)$ 449,206 $ 490,000 $ 19,750 $ 509,750 4.0% Social Housing Weighted Assessment (2020 - 8.15%)$ 509,438 $ 447,000 $ 137,000 $ 584,000 30.6% Ontario Works OW Caseload$ 635,466 $ 529,694 $ - $ 529,694 0.0% Youth Centres OW Caseload x SF Youth Centre $ 16,228 $ 15,000 $ - $ 15,000 0.0% Childcare Childcare Caseload $ 77,064 $ 129,872 $ 38,670 $ 168,542 29.8%
$ 2,070,020 $ 2,011,566 $ 340,420 $ 2,351,986 16.9%
Other
Lanark Transportation Association Payment is made directly by Lanark County $84,600 and the Town of Smiths Falls $8,466
Report #CAO-01-2021 Smiths Falls Payment Plan Request Kurt Greaves, Chie...Page 24 of 25 AGENDA ITEM #10i)
Appendix B
2021 Smiths Falls - Shared Costs Budget - Request for 5 year Payback
Smiths Falls portion of Capital Capital Project Details that Projects Cost Shared Smiths Falls has requested 5 year payback to Requested 10 Expenditures Calculation based on County ye ar payback
Lanark Lodge Weighted Assessment (2020 - 8.15%) $2 Million HVAC System$ 163,000
Social Housing Weighted Assessment (2020 - 8.15%)$ 122,250 $1.5 Million to complete New Social Housing Development Project
Total amount requested for 5 year payback $ 285,250
Report #CAO-01-2021 Smiths Falls Payment Plan Request Kurt Greaves, Chie...Page 25 of 25