Council / Committee Meetings – Thursday, October 21, 2021

Delegations

• New Official Plan www.planthebruce.ca 
  WSP Consultants Robert Rappolt and Gregory Bender discussed the scope of the new Official Plan and to provide an opportunity for the public to provide input on issues or matters that should be considered in the Official Plan. The Official Plan is a key document that establishes policies for the responsible management of growth and change within the County. It contemplates matters such as land use, housing, economic development, community improvement, transportation, and the protection of agricultural and natural heritage resources. It considers our unique, local needs and guides how we will work towards a vision for our future. The new Official Plan will have a 25-year planning horizon to the year 2046.

Farm Dwelling Severance on Concession 14 East in Brockton

After a public meeting, the Planning and Development Committee approved a change to the County Official Plan to allow a severance of 1.36 ha surplus farm dwelling lot from a 32.9 ha agricultural parcel at 364 Concession 14 East (Brant), in the Municipality of Brockton. An amendment to the County Official Plan is required to permit an additional severance from an original Crown surveyed lot and to allow the retained 31.54 ha parcel to be smaller than 40 ha. The proposed farm consolidation is strongly aligned with the Bruce County Guiding Principle on Agriculture. Farm consolidations support the agricultural sector by enabling farms to become more efficient and better integrated and encourage alternative methods of production such as implementation of agri-environmental measures and good agricultural practices.

Farm Lot Severance on Concession 10 in Huron-Kinloss

After a public meeting, the Planning and Development Committee approved a change to the County Official Plan to allow severance of a 39.24 ha farm lot from a 73.85 ha agricultural parcel at 2056 Concession 10 (Huron), in the Township of Huron-Kinloss. These two farm lots previously merged on title. An amendment to the County Official Plan is required to allow the retained 34.62 ha parcel to be smaller than 40 ha. The proposal is strongly aligned with the Agricultural Guiding Principle as the severed and retained lots are of an appropriate size and farming will continue the way it is currently occurring on these lands. There will be no loss of agricultural production resulting from this amendment to allow a proposed new agricultural lot.

Parcel Severance for Proposed Apartment Building in Kincardine

The Planning and Development Committee approved the severance of a parcel of approximately 3.4 acres from a 3.53 acre parcel on Mount Forest Avenue in the Municipality of Kincardine. The retained lands contain an existing single detached dwelling. The severed lands are currently vacant. A 78-unit 3-storey apartment building is proposed on the severed lands. On September 8, the Municipality of Kincardine approved a Zoning Bylaw Amendment for the severed lands to permit proposed apartment building. The proposal is strongly aligned with the Good Growth guiding principle. The parcel represents an orderly and efficient use of land and will facilitate a residential intensification opportunity. Similarly, the proposed consent is strongly aligned with the Homes guiding principle in that it will facilitate the development of 78 apartment units. The proposal is aligned with the Communities guiding principles by facilitating a residential development close to a number of community facilities.

Designation Change for Proposed Commercial Plaza in Port Elgin

The Planning and Development Committee approved an application to change the Residential designated portion at 1110 Goderich Street in Port Elgin to Highway Commercial. Plans include the development of a commercial plaza consisting of four single storey buildings, as well as a Seasonal Outdoor Sales Area. The front portion of the lands, fronting Goderich Street, is currently designated Highway Commercial while the back half is designated Residential. The amendment enlarges the entirety of the lands used for Highway Commercial uses. This proposal is strongly aligned with the Good Growth Principle as the location is appropriate for an infill Highway Commercial development. The complex will be accessed from Goderich St. and from Devonshire Road and adequate full municipal services exist to service the development. The site is within a built-up area of the Town and represents a logical and efficient use of land and infrastructure. The scale and function of the use is appropriate on this site. This proposal is also strongly aligned with the Business Principle as it will create opportunities for a diversity of businesses, jobs, and employers.

Designation Change for Proposed Business Park in Port Elgin

The Planning and Development Committee approved an application to redesignate a portion of the former Lamont Pit land within Port Elgin from the Extractive Industrial designation to the Employment Exception designation. Plans include the creation of a 14.5 hectare Business Park. The remainder of the 35.8 hectare property is to be developed as a sports field complex, with a significant portion of the lands remaining as environmentally protected lands. The proposal is strongly aligned with the County’s Good Growth guiding principle by utilizing a former pit within Port Elgin’s urban boundary. The proposal will address a recognized deficiency in the Town’s supply of employment lands. The proposal is also strongly aligned with the Business guiding principle by establishing a Business Park to better position the Town with future economic development opportunities resulting from shifting economic trends, including increasing opportunities associated with the knowledge-based economy.

Four Lots Created for Townhouse Dwellings in Southampton

The Planning and Development Committee approved an application to create four lots on a 969.75 m2 vacant parcel of land located along the south side of Saugeen Street in the Town of Southampton. The applicant is proposing to build four bungalow townhouse dwellings such that each of the units will be located on individual parcels. The proposal is strongly aligned with the Good Growth Principles as the proposed development represents infill within an established residential neighborhood where services exist to service the development. The proposal is strongly aligned with the Bruce County Guiding Principles on Homes as it will increase the supply of homes and will eventually create opportunities for homeownership. The development is also aligned with the Communities Principle as recreational and social/health services are a short distance away.

Bruce County Housing Corporation Renews Insurance Program

The Bruce County Housing Corporation approved the renewed November 1, 2021 to November 1, 2022 Insurance Program with McDonagh Insurance Brokers Ltd. in the amount of $282,424.00 plus applicable taxes. Also approved was that the Bruce County Housing Corporation will submit to Housing Services Corporation (HSC) the alternate coverage fee of $6,354.54 plus applicable taxes. On an annual basis, coverage pricing is requested from both the HSC provider and an alternate insurance company, McDonagh Insurance Brokers Ltd. The professional associations serving housing providers and those related to insurance delivery had forecasted shrinking capacity and higher deductibles. It is being observed that residential real estate properties such as apartment buildings are facing increased rates. This is widely occurring as property insurers look to right course after increasing weather-related losses compound an already higher risk. It was suggested that housing providers could expect increases of 20% to 30% even with good account standing and decreased deductibles.

Consortium Agreement for Employment Services Transformation

The Human Services Committee authorized County staff to proceed with the Provincial Call for Proposal (CFP) submission for Bruce County to be considered for the role of Employment Service System Manager (SSM) for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula economic region. A Consortium Agreement between the Bruce County, Grey County, Huron County, and the City of Stratford will also be signed. The Ontario government previously announced plans to transform the province’s employment services, with the goal of making these services more efficient, more streamlined, and outcomes focused. The vision of Employment Services Transformation (EST) is to build a locally responsive employment services system that effectively meets the needs of a diverse range of job seekers and employers in Ontario.

County Ordering Two New Ambulances for 2022

The Paramedic Services Committee approved that in advance of final 2022 operating budget approval, two ambulances, consistent with the vehicle replacement schedule, will be ordered. Bruce County will make a 30% down payment of approximately $90,000 + HST to secure the vehicles for delivery in 2022. The procurement of new ambulances by municipalities during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased purchase costs and in some cases, delays in delivery. The County’s current supplier, Demers Ambulances (Quebec) has indicated that to secure ambulances for 2022, orders need to be placed imminently and be accompanied by a 30% deposit.

Council Continues Review of 2022 Draft Budget

Bruce County Council continued to review the 2022-2026 draft corporate budget and forecast at their Corporate Services Committee meeting on October 21, 2021. The 2022 draft budget maintains core services and plans for the future with investment in affordable housing, transit, and growth. While proposed expenses in this draft budget increased slightly for 2022, revenues are expected to decrease significantly due to reductions in federal and provincial funding, creating a proposed 4.80% increase in tax rates. Council expressed a desire to find opportunities to fund infrastructure improvements and thanked staff for their work through this budget building process. Bruce County Council will continue to review the 2022 draft budget at the next Corporate Services Committee meeting in October. Discover more about the 2022-2026 draft corporate budget at www.brucecounty.on.ca.

Speed Limit By-law Updated to include Bruce Road 1 at Paisley

The Transportation and Environmental Services Committee approved the addition of speed zone reduction limits for Bruce Road 1 at Paisley within the recently approved new speed limits on the Bruce County Road System. To address speed concerns and to increase road safety, the County has initiated several traffic calming measures on roads under its jurisdiction. In addition to other implemented traffic calming measures, the County is intending to install additional speed reduction zones in areas where the current speed reductions are in increments of 30km/h or more (ex. 80km/h to 50km/h). 

Arran Township Shed Bridge (Invermay) Update

The Transportation and Environmental Services Committee approved that the Arran Township Shed Bridge (Invermay) will remain closed to all traffic and be scheduled for removal in the County’s Capital Bridge Program and Asset Management Plan. Since the bridge has been closed, Bruce County has not received any requests to reopen the bridge. Plans to improve the turnaround areas at the bridge are in place for motorists who proceed to the bridge in error. Improvements to signage is planned in order to provide early warning that the bridge is closed.

Teeswater River Bridge Project Update

The Transportation and Environmental Services Committee approved a Cost Share Agreement for the Teeswater River Bridge Replacement project (Paisley) with Arran-Elderslie that will be incorporated into the budget. The budget required for this project is $6,214,400 (2022), $3,801,500 (2023), and $464,100 (2024). Now that the County has received a written commitment from Arran-Elderslie that they will fund the municipal costs for the project, these budget numbers are now inclusive of Arran-Elderslie’s cost share component of $612,500 (2023). Total budget required going forward is $10,480,000. Roadwork, including storm sewer replacement and Arran-Elderslie’s water main work, will be carried out in 2023.

Durham and McNab Street (Walkerton) Pedestrian Crossing Update

The Transportation and Environmental Services Committee approved that $25,300 (plus any applicable taxes) will be transferred from the Operations Miscellaneous Pre-engineering budget to Capital Project TS 2022-005 Pedestrian Crossing & Intersection Improvement - BR4/McNab St budget to allow for a pedestrian crossing design to be prepared in 2021. The McNab Street and Durham Street (Bruce Road 4) Walkerton Intersection Traffic Study previously recommended the installation of a pedestrian crossing at this intersection to ensure public safety. The crossing will not conflict with the upcoming Durham St Bridge replacement.

Huron-Kinloss Golf Cart MTO Pilot Project

On September 7, 2021, the Township of Huron-Kinloss announced a new 10-year pilot project that will allow the use of golf carts on certain municipal roads. This pilot project will assess the viability of allowing golf carts to be used on roads in the municipality between April 1 to November 30. The County previously was advised by the Township of Huron-Kinloss that this pilot project was in the works. This led to a discussion regarding the inclusion of County roads within the Township’s boundary for the pilot project. The provincial regulation that supports the pilot project did not include roads under Bruce County jurisdiction, therefore, the County roads will not be part of the pilot project. The differentiation between a County and Municipal road may be difficult to make for a golf cart operator and they may not be aware that they are operating a golf cart illegally on a County road. The County is developing a plan for additional signs/markings on the County roads in the pilot project area to advise golf cart users that they are now on a County road. The County has advised the local OPP that the County roads where not part of the pilot project and golf carts should not be operated on County roads as per the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.

Vehicular Speeding Concerns Within the Communities of Arran-Elderslie

On September 13, 2021, Bruce County received a letter signed by Mayor Steve Hammel regarding speeding concerns on Bruce Roads 10 and 3, specifically through Chesley, Tara, and Paisley. Bruce County has addressed some of the speeding concerns and is continually working to review all concerns that are identified. With municipal staff, Bruce County will discuss studies that have been carried out to date, the effectiveness of measures put in place, and areas that require further investigation. Photo radar is being considered. Bruce County also has a bi-annual campaign of public safety announcements geared to encourage motorists to drive safely and obey speed limits.

Waste Management Technical Sub-Committee Update

The Waste Management Technical Sub Committee met on October 6, 2021. The committee discussed: County Organics Diversion Program, Update on Blue Box regulations, Update on Excess Soil Regulations, New County Waste Management Master Plan, Process for Diversion and Landfill Use Monitoring, 2022 Education Program, and Proposed County Environmental positions. No new issues or initiatives were raised. All ongoing issues were considered in the 2022 County Business Plan and budget but not all initiatives received a priority for implementation and funding in 2022. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for end of March 2022.

Capital Projects Status Report – October 2021

The 2021 capital budget for the Transportation and Environmental Services Department (TES) is $11,790,401. Approximatively $3,250,000 is expected to be carried forward from previous years capital budgets. The following lists provide a status update of the TES capital projects for 2021:

• Cold in Place Recycling BR 3 and BR 4 east of Walkerton ($2,313,336) – completed.
• Micro Surfacing BR 2, 9, 19 and 29, West Road ($1,176,699) – completed.
• Widening and Rehabilitation BR 6East Mildmay to Grey Road 10 ($150,000) 
• Cold in Place BR8, from BR 14 to Sauble Beach - Culvert replacements only, paving deferred to 2022 ($205,708) 
• Pulverize, pave, and safety improvement at intersection BR 8 and 13 ($31,100) 
• Replace Storm Sewer BR 15 Inverhuron ($35,000) 
• BR 25 Improvements and BR 33 Realignment/New Construction. Phase 3 - BR 25 Bruce St to Goderich St. - Roundabout deferred to Phase 4 ($5,433,843) 
• BR 25 Improvements and BR 33 Realignment/New Construction. Phase 4 - BR 33 - Ridge St to Hwy 21 ($710,000)
• BR 6 Teeswater Property settlement ($20,000) 
• New Signage BR 12 Formosa ($33,000) 
• KIPP Trail Kincardine, Financial Contribution ($70,000)
• Reconstruction BR 30 Chesley ($46,000) – completed.
• Rehabilitate and Reconstruct West Road ($150,000) 
• Luminaires BR 2 and BR 3 intersection ($35,000)
• Luminaires BR 8 and BR 14 intersection ($30,000) 
• Land Purchases at Hwy 9 and BR 1 ($54,000) 
• West Ridge Development Kincardine Phase 1 ($10,000) 
• Replace Durham St Bridge, BR 4, Walkerton ($50,000) 
• Replace Steffler Bridge, BR 12 North of Belmore ($742,979) 
• Replace Culvert BR 86 west of BR 7 ($230,500)
• Arran Township Shed Bridge, Invermay ($78,000) 
• Oswald Bridge Replacement ($25,000) – completed.
• Repair Blackwell Bridge BR 23 ($742,000) – completed.
• Construction New McCurdy Bridge ($12,000) – completed.
• Replace Superstructure Reid Bridge, BR 6, West of Teeswater ($1,290,000) – completed.
• Replace Teeswater River Bridge BR 3 Paisley ($340,000) 
• Repair Culvert BR 86 Lucknow east of Havelock St ($6,500) 
• Repair Saugeen River Bridge BR 4 West of Hanover, financial contribution only ($364,000)
• Resurface the Rail Trail between Walkerton and Mildmay ($100,000) – completed.

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