Gravenhurst Council Highlights - Oct. 15, 2024
Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review update
Council received an update from consultants on the Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review exercise.
The update included an overview of preliminary options for new ward boundaries.
Consultants have proposed five preliminary options to stimulate public discussion about preferred ward boundary configurations for the town.
The purpose of the council composition and ward boundary review is to ensure that residents have equitable access to their elected representatives.
Earlier in the year, the town retained Watson and Associates Economists Ltd. to conduct the review.
Since then, an extensive online and in-person consultation process has taken place.
Consultants collected input from the public regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the current wards and what is needed going forward.
As well, consultants reviewed current population data and information about forecasted growth to understand how this will affect ward boundaries.
Consultants will bring forward final options for consideration by council before the end of the year.
Muskoka Bay Resort wants sign variance
Matthew Mackenzie, general manager of Muskoka Bay Resort, made a deputation to council.
He said the resort would like a variance to the town’s sign bylaw that would allow a large promotional sign to be placed on a property they own along Highway 11.
Town staff noted they have not received a formal application for the sign but said when that happens they will bring forward a report to council with a recommendation for consideration.
Committee and staff to investigate possibly hosting accessibility event
Council passed a resolution directing staff and Accessibility Advisory Committee members to look into hosting an accessibility event in 2025.
Councillor Penny Varney, council representative to the Accessibility Advisory Committee, moved the resolution and Councillor Sandy Cairns seconded it.
The accessibility event, if it goes ahead, would provide ways for the public to experience what it is like to be a person with a disability.
The committee, at its meeting in September, discussed working with staff to develop an accessibility event.
Such an event would help the committee meet one of its current work plan objectives of advocacy and education.
Integrity commissioner’s annual report
Council received integrity commissioner Suzanne Craig’s annual report for information.
The report covers from July 2023 to June 2024.
Code of Conduct complaint investigation findings
The town’s integrity commissioner, Suzanne Craig, has ruled that Councillor Jo Morphy violated council’s code of conduct earlier this year by disclosing confidential council information at an event in the community.
Council received an investigation report from Craig regarding a complaint against Councillor Morphy.
Morphy told council she has apologized for her actions, noting she did not “do this with any purpose. I made an error.”
The integrity commissioner launched an investigation into Morphy’s actions after receiving a complaint on July 10.
In her investigation report, the integrity commissioner recommended a reprimand for Councillor Morphy.
Additionally, the integrity commissioner recommended remedial education within 60 days for Councillor Morphy regarding the handling of confidential town information.
Council subsequently passed a resolution, moved by Councillor Randy Jorgensen and seconded by Councillor Erin Strength, approving the integrity commissioner’s recommendations.
Later, at the direction of the mayor, staff read an official statement of reprimand.
Council receives Housing Needs Assessment
Council members formally received the town’s Housing Needs Assessment report and agreed to continue addressing housing needs in the community.
The town began work on the Housing Needs Assessment earlier in the year with assistance from SHS Consulting, which compiled and reviewed relevant technical data.
Consultants also met with a variety of community members to gather their viewpoints about local housing needs.
The report identifies four needs and recommends a series of actions the town should focus on.
Staff and consultants provided council with an overview of the assessment.
New marquee coming for opera house
The Gravenhurst Opera House is getting a new marquee.
Council received for information a related report.
They also granted the marquee an exemption to the town’s sign bylaw.
The exemption is required because the marquee’s dimensions do not comply with the sign bylaw.
The current marquee – it also does not comply with the sign bylaw – is more than 20 years old and at the end of its lifespan.
Planning for the new marquee started a couple years ago.
The opera house, at 295 Muskoka Rd. S., was built in 1901.
The 305-seat space features a variety of entertainment each year.
Muskoka Steamship and Discovery Centre report
Council members received for information a report about the Muskoka Steamship and Discovery Centre.
They also instructed the director of infrastructure services and the treasurer to negotiate a new operating agreement for the centre, a new license agreement, and a new lease for the Steamship Ticket Office on town land at 185 Cherokee Lane.
Additionally, council directed that the new operating agreement provide for the terms set out in the report, including a new annual grant (option 1).
Wharf Sports Field report received, town to look at future of site
Council received for information the Wharf Sports Field Report.
They also authorized the relocation of the Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market and significant community events to Gull Lake Rotary Park.
And they agreed to allocate funds in the 2025 capital budget to look at repurposing the sports field as an outdoor recreation hub.
“Administration concludes that despite the farmers’ market and significant community events temporarily transitioning to Gull Lake Rotary Park from the Wharf Sports Field (this year), their respective ventures were a success and we acknowledge their desire to remain in this location,” director of infrastructure services Andrew Stacey said in his report. “Several recommendations contained within the Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan could be addressed should the Wharf Sports Field be repurposed to the benefit of the community including those businesses at the wharf.”
Council authorizes easement agreement with Rumble Excavating
Council members received the Picard Lane Unopened Road Allowance Report for information.
Additionally, they directed staff to enter into an easement agreement with Rumble Excavating Inc., to allow temporary use over an unopened portion of Picard Lane as a means of alternate access to 1076 Xavier St.
They noted that Rumble is responsible for all related costs and that the final agreement must be to the satisfaction of the town’s director of infrastructure services and the chief administrative officer.
Muskoka Watershed Council update
Councillor Peter Johnston provided his monthly Muskoka Watershed Council update.
He noted the recent Muskoka Summit on the Environment was a resounding success.
He said there was a terrific lineup of speakers at the event.
Watch the update for full details.
District of Muskoka Housing Task Force update
Councillor Christina Hunter provided an update on the Muskoka Housing Task Force.
She noted the task force is having its first Affordable/Attainable Housing Service Swap and Talk.
The event is Friday, Nov. 22, 8 a.m. to noon, at the Port Carling Community Centre.
According to the task force, “the event will feature an engaging keynote speaker, organizational ‘pitches’ about unique barriers or solutions, and opportunities for networking and learning more about challenges and opportunities related to affordable housing.”
The goal is to connect organizations facing barriers with organizations offering solutions to get more affordable housing projects off the ground.
Hunter asked council members to share details about the event with anyone interested.
Update from the mayor
Mayor Heidi Lorenz provided her monthly update.
The mayor noted the Sparrow Lake Women’s Institute is having its Salem Witches High Tea at the Blue Willow Tea Shop on Friday, Oct. 25. Sittings are at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
See the Sparrow Lake Women’s Institute Facebook page for details or contact Councillor Michelle Robinson.
As well, Mayor Lorenz highlighted the Trick or Truck event at the Severn Bridge Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
See the Severn Bridge Fairgrounds Facebook page for more details.
And she noted a curling bonspiel, a fundraiser for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Gravenhurst Curling Club.
See the curling club’s Facebook page for details.
On another note, the mayor said that on Aug. 29 the Muskoka Association of Roads Supervisors hosted a truck safety ‘roadeo’ at the Bracebridge public works yard.
The purpose was to showcase the expertise of the best municipal operators in Muskoka.
Representing Gravenhurst was Mike Church, public works lead hand, and Cody Henry, public works municipal operator 2, and Ryan Gutwein, public works municipal operator 2.
Team Gravenhurst placed third and while they did not have the opportunity to continue at the provincial level they won in our hearts, the mayor said.
Mayor Lorenz also recognized Melissa Halford, director of development services, who was featured in the OPPI’s (Ontario Professional Planners Institute) most recent Y Magazine.
Council Highlights
Council Highlights is prepared as an overview of the council meeting. For the official record, please refer to the agenda and minutes on the town website at www.gravenhurst.ca.
Watch the meeting:
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