Council / Committee Meetings – Thursday, May 6, 2021

By-laws

Bruce County Council:

• approved to govern the proceedings of the Council and Committees of Bruce County.
• approved restricting the weight of vehicles passing over County bridges.
• adopted Amendment Number C-2020-018 to the Bruce County Official Plan.
• authorized the execution of a Service Agreement between Bruce County and Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey to assist with their COVID-19 Housing Response.
• authorized the execution of a Service Agreement between Bruce County and Grey Bruce Food Box for the provision of food security to vulnerable residents.
• authorized the execution of a Service Agreement between Bruce County and Victim Services Bruce Grey Perth to assist with their COVID-19 Housing Response.
• authorized the execution of a Service Agreement Addendum between Bruce County and the Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce.
• authorized the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between Bruce County and Wellington County for the submission of a funding application for the development of a preliminary Electric Vehicle Charging Station Strategy.
• authorized the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between Bruce County and the Nuclear Innovation Institute.
• authorized the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between Bruce County, Bruce Power, and the Nuclear Innovation Institute with respect to the Clean Frontier Program.

Delegations

• Grey Bruce Public Health www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
  Grey Bruce Public Health discussed the successful rollout of vaccines and encouraged everyone to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by exercising the 3 W’s - wash your hands, watch your distance (6 feet), and wear your face covering correctly.
• Grey Bruce Children's Water Festival
  Coordinator Rhonda Shannon discussed 20 years of educating Grey Bruce Youth as Water Stewards and the 2021 virtual festival.

Appointments

• Gerry Glover, Mayor of Kincardine, took the Oath of Office and officially joins Bruce County Council.
• Steve Hammel, Mayor of Arran-Elderslie, is appointed to the Planning and Development Committee Chair for 2021.
• Gerry Glover, Mayor of Kincardine, is appointed to the Museum Committee Chair for 2021.
• Warden Janice Jackson, Mayor of South Bruce Peninsula, is appointed to the Grey Bruce Board of Health for 2021.
• Luke Charbonneau, Mayor of Saugeen Shores, is appointed to the Nuclear Innovation Institute Board of Directors and the Bruce Power Centre for Next Generation Nuclear Steering Committee for 2021.

Bruce County Housing Corporation Update

• The Bruce County Housing Corporation accepted the resignation of Director Anne Eadie and appointed Gerry Glover, Mayor of Kincardine, as Director of Bruce County Housing Corporation effective May 6, 2021. The members of Bruce County Council form the board of directors for Bruce County Housing Corporation.
• The Bruce County Housing Corporation authorized the sale of the property at 24 MacCaskill in Kincardine.
• In Q1 2021, current tenant arrears total $132,736.93, with 224 tenants owing. Former tenant arrears total $25,863.40, with 41 former tenants owing. In Q1, BCHC staff had issued 37 N4 notices for non-payment of rent and are making every effort to contact tenants directly instead of using N4 notices. Tenant Coordinators currently have payment plans in good standing with 61 current tenants.
• The mortgage for the 7432 Highway 6, Tobermory is coming due for renewal on June 1, 2021. This mortgage has 24 months remaining until full maturity. The approximate remaining amortization at June 1, 2021 is $115,568. The current interest rate is 3.938%. This mortgage has less than 60 months remaining until maturity and as such it could not be included in the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) tender package renewal through Ontario Competitive Financing Renewal Process. The cost of the mortgage is included in the 2021 approved budget based on the previous amortization principal and interest rates.

2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements

The Corporate Services Committee approved 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and that the 2020 Audit Report as presented by BDO & Company LLP be accepted and received for information. The independent auditor provided the opinion that the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the County as at December 31, 2020, and its consolidated results of operations, changes in net debt, and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards.

Emergency Management Generator at Museum Project

The Corporate Services Committee approved the Emergency Management Generator at Museum project budget be increased from $255,424 to $330,000, with the increase to be funded from the Tax Stabilization Reserve or the Safe Restart funding, if eligible. The Emergency Management Generator project is to provide an Alternate Emergency Operations Centre in the centre of the County at the County’s museum which does not currently have back-up power. As a side-benefit, the generator will provide power to the administration offices at the museum (old schoolhouse building) and the climate controls in the County archives in the same building.

Auditor Appointment for 2021 to 2024 Fiscal Years

The Corporate Services Committee approved the quote for audit services from BDO Canada LLP and approved that a by-law be prepared for Council consideration appointing BDO Canada LLP as the auditors for the County for fiscal years 2021 to 2024. BDO Canada LLP has been the County’s auditors for more than 25 years. The Purchasing Policy Section 8.3 c(xiii) sets out that the hiring of auditors is a permissible circumstance for which a bid solicitation process is not required.

2021 Budget for Vaccination Hub

The Corporate Services Committee approved that the 2021 Corporate Services budget be amended to add $35,000 for the Kincardine Vaccination Hub expenses to be paid by Safe Restart grant funds. Kincardine requested funds for the costs to set up the Vaccination Hub at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine, as funding would not be available from the GBHU. The current costs so far, which exclude labour costs, are approximately $16,880. It is anticipated that these costs will continue to increase as there are ongoing expenses associated with the Vaccination Hub and then costs to return the utilized space back to the pre-Vaccination Hub usage condition.

Transfer and Assignment Agreement for Clean Flow Health Care Mini

The Corporate Services Committee approved the Clean Flow Health Care Mini Transfer and Assignment to the Hanover and District Hospital. The County purchased a Clean Flow Health Care Mini machine from Clean Works Medical Inc. in April 2020 in anticipation of cleaning its own Personal Protective Equipment. Due to Health Canada and Provincial requirements, this initiative became too onerous for the County. The equipment was paid for through the Safe Restart grant.

Vacant Unit Rebates and Vacant Excess Discounts Cancelled

The Corporate Services Committee eliminated Vacant Unit Rebates and Vacant and Excess Land Subclass Property Tax discounts effective the 2022 taxation year. The Corporate Services Committee recommends that all local municipalities in Bruce County enact these changes by passing a local municipal by-law. Using 2020 assessment numbers, an additional $36,383 would be collected from those affected properties.

Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Grant Application Results

The Federal and Provincial governments announced two Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) grants in the Fall of 2020. $221,960 was approved for the Emergency Management Generator, while funding for Nurse Call System Upgrades and LTC Kitchen Monitor Systems were not approved. Long-Term Care homes will continue to be able to use other provincial sources of funding for the 2021-2022 year.

2021 Top-Up of Federal Gas Tax Funding

The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that it was within the Federal Government’s powers to impose nation-wide pricing standards specifically relating to a carbon tax. The Federal Government subsequently announced that there would be a 2021 Top-Up to the Federal Gas Tax grant to municipalities that approximately doubled the existing 2021 allocation. The Federal Gas Tax grant is managed in Ontario by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). Bruce County receives $2,027,222.63, while County-wide including lower-tier municipalities will receive $4,054,445.26. While this grant funding does increase funds available for eligible capital projects, the funds are associated with various taxes on carbon producing fuels.

Tax Stabilization Reserve 2020 Activity and 2021 Projection

Bruce County Council approved a number of recommendations impacting the General Fund Tax Stabilization Reserve (TSR) during 2020. The remaining balance in the reserve on December 31, 2020, prior to the transfer of the 2020 operational surplus, including the interest earned, was $720,544. The 2020 operational surplus of $2,937,817 was transferred to the TSR in 2020 according to County policy, after which the reserve totaled $3,658,361. During 2020, there were two initiatives approved for implementation mid-year via budget amendments that utilized the TSR. Costs associated with these initiatives totaled $85,000. Most of these unexpected expenditures were related to the funds required for the new Real Estate Clerk. The operational review of $30,000 was also cancelled and removed from the budget. At 2021 year-end the projected balance of the TSR is $839,761. Given the uncertainty surrounding the financial implications of COVID-19, and the number of historical in-year amendments, it is recommended that these funds are held in the reserve to manage unforeseen circumstances and expenditures.

Working Capital Reserve 2020 Activity and 2021 Projection

The following projects have been previously approved by Council and are currently being financed from the Working Capital Reserve with repayment arrangements.

• Purchase of 268 Berford Street (Peninsula Hub) $560,000
• Health Services (Long Term Care) Nurse Call System $359,000
• Administration Center, Park Street Renovations $150,000
• Transportation - Wiarton Depot $1,194,000
• Support the Bruce: Business Sustainability Fund $534,000
• Transportation-Road 23 Roundabout $600,000

At December 31, 2020 the Working Capital Reserve had a balance of $808,540 and a projected balance of $73,540 as of December 31, 2021. Budgeted approval in 2021 to fund the Bruce Sustainability Fund an additional $373,000 on a short-term basis and Transportation Road 23 Roundabout for $600,000 has drastically reduced this projected yearend balance. However, Transportation has deferred the Road 23 project to 2022 and therefore may not need the $600,000 in 2021. This change will increase the projected year-end balance to $673,540. The reserve will start to slowly replenish itself as future budgeted repayments are applied to the reserve

Ontario Cannabis Legalization Implementation Fund

The Ministry of Finance announced the final payment of $11,183, which will total $141,734 received by Bruce County in the Ontario Cannabis Legalization Implementation Fund (OCLIF). OCLIF was announced in 2018 as an initiative over two years to help municipalities with the implementation costs of recreational cannabis legalization.

Reserves and Reserve Fund Analysis 2020 Actual and 2021 Projection

Municipalities establish reserves according to the provisions of the Municipal Act. The establishment of certain reserve funds is instrumental in properly managing the finances of the corporation. Bruce County has established several reserves to assist with financial and cash management. The County year-end reserve balance was $33,511,839. This is an increase from the December 31, 2019 year-end balance of $27,499,828. Forecasted reserve balances as at December 31, 2021, based on the approved budget, totals $19,781,373. The forecast suggests the reserve balances will decrease $13,730,466 in 2021. Delays to projects due to COVID-19 or other factors may cause budget dollars to be carried forward to 2022 and result in higher than anticipated 2021 year-end reserve balances. These additional funds would be earmarked for specific projects and thus should not be factored into future funding decisions.

Executive Committee Update

• Gerry Glover, Mayor of Kincardine, joins the Downie Wenjack Fund (DWF) committee, which is developing a meaningful Legacy Space for Bruce County, in partnership with Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON).
• The Executive Committee approved that the Warden, CAO, Director of Library Services, and County Clerk will serve as the Evaluation Committee that will evaluate applications for the vacant Bruce County Public Library Board position that will represent the North (Northern Bruce Peninsula, South Bruce Peninsula). Applications will be accepted until 4:00 PM on May 14, 2021.
• The Executive Committee deferred a decision on Bruce County’s Cultural Action Plan (CAP) so to receive more information from staff at a future meeting. Bruce County is rich in cultural heritage resources. Past activities of Indigenous peoples, the Great Lakes maritime history, pioneers, and people who founded our towns, villages, and early industry all contribute to our cultural heritage. In preserving and promoting these resources, we preserve and promote our identity, support tourism, and sustain a strong sense of community. A CAP would affect not only County departments with a cultural portfolio, such as the Museum and Library, but align with and inform, existing and future corporate strategic initiatives such as the Bruce County Official Plan.

Westario OESP LEAP Program Agreement

The Human Services Committee approved the execution of a service agreement between Westario Power Inc. and Bruce County for the provision of the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). Bruce County is entitled to retain 15% of the funds received for the purpose of administering the program. Westario is required to flow a minimum of $2,000 or .12% of distribution revenue, whichever is greater. Once the funding is expended, no further applications are processed until further funding is received. Applicants that are unable to obtain LEAP funding once the funds have been expended may be eligible to receive assistance from the Housing Stability Fund.

Bruce County Housing Corporation Change of Office

The Human Services Committee approved the changing of the registered head office of the Bruce County Housing Corporation to be 30 Park St., Walkerton.

Gerry Glover Appointed as Director of Bruce County Housing Corporation

The Human Services Committee accepted the resignation of Director Anne Eadie and appointed Gerry Glover, Mayor of Kincardine, as Director of Bruce County Housing Corporation effective May 6, 2021. The members of Bruce County Council form the board of directors for Bruce County Housing Corporation.

Income and Support Services Update

In the Q1 of 2021, the Ontario Works caseload was an average of 410 per month. This represents a decrease of 23% compared to the same time in 2020, in part due to federal income supports that were put in place due to COVID-19. Bruce County has moved to a centralized and automated intake process for Ontario Works applicants. Client support and programming continued in Q1, with a range of virtual opportunities provided through community partners. Staff also delivered a virtual Peer Engagement Network (PEN) workshop series with select clients, which was an innovative approach that featured peer support and community partners sharing information about programs and services. An enhanced focus on client life stabilization will continue to take place.

Community Housing Registry Waitlist Update

There are currently 548 applicants on the Bruce County Community Housing Registry waitlist: 510 rent-geared-to-income (RGI), and 38 market rent applications. There are 159 families, 227 adults, and 162 senior applications on the waitlist. There have been 18 applicants housed between January 1, 2021 and March 31, 2021. The Canada Ontario Housing Benefit began in 2020. Staff have been successful in assisting forty-eight (48) residents apply for the program, these applicants are now receiving their benefit and have been removed from the waitlist. On April 1, 2020, Bruce County implemented a new regulation under the Housing Services Act, which is any household who refuses an offer of housing will be moved to the bottom of the waitlist. In 2020, staff provided notification of the upcoming regulatory change to every household on the waitlist. Staff also used this opportunity to update the waitlist, removing households that requested such or could not be reached based on the last contact information that the household provided.

Licensed Child Care and Early Years Update

The priority of Bruce County Children’s Services is ensuring the local delivery of licensed child care and early years services are accessible, affordable, inclusive, and high-quality.

• In Q1 2021, the total number of active child applications was 1154. Bruce County staff are co-leading a Bruce Grey Registered Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Recruitment and Retention Working Group that includes membership and support from local colleges, boards of education, workplace engagement services, and corporate communications, to develop and implement local ECE recruitment and retention strategies.
• For eligible families, child care fee subsidy support is available, with priority given to families with income levels lower than $40,000 per annum. In Q1 2021, the average monthly number of children served in Bruce County’s fee subsidy program was 205.
• The Special Needs Resource Program provides supports for the inclusion of children with special needs in licensed child care programs, camps, and authorized recreation programs at no additional cost to parents or guardians. In Q1 2021, 48 sites and classrooms were supported, 41 children were supported with short term consultation, and 57 children were supported with developmental screening and individual support plans.
• EarlyON Child and Family Centres provide virtual and free in-person programs to help strengthen adult/child relationships, support parent education, and foster healthy child development. All families with children from birth to six years of age are encouraged to participate. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual EarlyON programming was enhanced to provide increased virtual support to families across Bruce County.

Increasing Access to Affordable Housing

Bruce County’s Housing & Homelessness Plan Update recognizes the need to increase Bruce County’s affordable housing stock. Staff will collaborate with stakeholders, better understand the needs of Youth & Indigenous groups, increase housing support options, and develop a coordinated system with strong partnerships. In Phase 1 of a three phase process, Bruce County’s Planning and Economic Development and Human Services Departments are working together to create an affordable housing toolkit. The toolkit will promote and provide a smooth process for developers, landlords, builders and contractors, and homeowners to engage in the development of affordable housing, both new developments and retrofits.

Valve Removal at Gateway Haven

The Long Term Care Homes Committee of Management approved funding of approximately $20,000 to cover the costs associated with the removal of anti-scald valves servicing the resident’s bathrooms at Gateway Haven in Wiarton. The anti-scald valves in sinks and bathrooms regulates water pressure or temperatures and balances the pressure between cold and hot supplies to prevent scalding from overheated water. The Long-Term Care Building Reserve (Brucelea Haven and Gateway Haven), which has a current balance of $892,298, will be depleted by approximately $20,000 for this plumbing service work.

Long Term Care Homes In Full Compliance

Brucelea Haven (Walkerton) and Gateway Haven (Wiarton) Long Term Care Homes are in full compliance with the Long Term Care Homes Act and all associated regulations. The homes conduct regular audits and the Administrators and management teams have continued to monitor the Homes’ status. The County’s LTC pandemic response continues to be the priority focus for both homes. Almost 100% of all residents at both homes have received first and second vaccine doses. Approximately 85% of essential caregivers have been fully vaccinated. Efforts continue to increase staff vaccination rates in both homes, which are currently just slightly lower than 60% vaccinated. Homes leadership staff have met to explore activities to address vaccine hesitancy and as possible, strive to increase vaccination rates within both homes. Family and Residents Councils are active in both homes. These councils provide an opportunity for both family and residents to have direct discussions with each other and with homes staff. Resident engagement continues. There are 141 residents at Brucelea Haven, with a waitlist of 113, and there are 95 residents at Gateway Haven, with a waitlist of 96. Bruce County is pleased to announce the appointment of Megan Garland as the new Director of Long Term Care and Senior Services.

Museum & Cultural Centre Update

• The Museum Committee approved revisions to the Educational Programming, Exhibition, Integrated Mold and Pest, and Volunteer Program policies.
• The Museum Committee approved a budget adjustment to the original request from the Tax Stabilization Reserve (TSR) for the Log Home and Log Schoolhouse Rehabilitation project in the amount of $6,532.75.
• Museum Month: In May, this initiative provides an opportunity to showcase how museums connect Ontario, especially during these times of physical distancing. International Museum Day is celebrated on May 18.
• When the Earth Shakes: In June, the Museum will host a virtual exhibit opening for its summer exhibit When the Earth Shakes, in order to adhere to anticipated COVID-19 gathering sizes.
• Summer Art Show: In June, a virtual opening will be held for the Museum’s summer art show, featuring area artists Margot Foster and Gayle Slinger.
• Museum in a Box: The May “Spring into Action!” box was just released. The June box, “Dino-Time!”, will include fun info, tools, and crafts to do with fossils.
• Thank you Museum Volunteers: Museum volunteers were recognized for their dedication and commitment during Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 18-24).

Negotiations Continue for Ambulance Service Space in Sauble Beach

The Paramedic Services Committee approved the execution of a non-binding letter of intent confirming the County’s involvement in further negotiations with the Town of South Bruce Peninsula regarding the creation of a lease for a new ambulance service space. Paramedic Services has been providing ambulance coverage in Sauble Beach during the summer and early fall since June 2020, utilizing the County’s Emergency Management Trailer stationed at the Sauble Beach Fire Hall. There is enough call volume in this area to support an ambulance twelve hours per day, year-round. Having a permanent site in Sauble Beach at the Fire Hall would give the area more coverage. Negotiations are underway to explore renovations at the existing fire hall to include the possible addition of a permanent ambulance bay/garage.

This publication identifies highlights from recent Bruce County Council and Committee meetings. Bruce County’s Office of the CAO maintains complete agendas and minutes from all Council and Committee meetings, which can be reviewed at www.brucecounty.on.ca/government/agendas-and-minutes