Council Update:

• A draft Dark Sky By-law to control outdoor lighting has been referred to an advisory group for further consideration and refinement.
• Construction on the boat launch at the Port Severn Park should begin in mid-July.
• The audit of the Township 2014 Financial Statement was approved. No problems were reported.
• In order to retain our present and future Chief Administration Officer a new salary grid was approved. This is a very expensive position to fill and we need to keep competitive with local municipalities.
• The Township will shortly be launching a new website that is less wordy and more interactive (www.gbtownship.ca).
• Our Strategic Plan, that guides both staff and council initiatives over the next 4 years, will be updated. This will involve discussions with all cottage assoc., local organizations and residents in the 3 Hamlets.
• New colourful Hwy 400 exit signs (with the Township logo) will be installed southbound and northbound to note Port Severn/Honey Harbour and MacTier.
• In a tie vote, a request to fly the Pride Flag for the week of July 20th was defeated. Debate centered around the issue of flying any non-traditional flags. This issue may be reconsidered at our May Council meeting.
• Our legal representatives will be informed to not bill the Township for any advice that is not requested by senior staff or all of Council. Some Councillors and members of the public have directly requested information from our lawyers on ongoing township issues.
• The Township and District Clerk Offices have provided a debriefing on the issue of vote’s list accuracy from the 2014 election. Plans are being considered for internet voting in 2018.
• While a By-law to control the use of fireworks was defeated, the fire permit By-law was updated to ban the use of flying lanterns (paper balloons sent aloft using a burning candle – not a good idea in Muskoka).
• The Planning Department was requested to use more discretion in supporting oversized cottages on smaller lots. Some requests are coming to the Committee of Adjustment for multiple variances to accommodate these structures or expansions.

Here is the link to the April 2015 edition of the Townships e-news: April 2015 e-news Final.pdf
Paul M. Wiancko
Six Mile Lake
Township of Georgian Bay
705-730-9133
paul.wiancko@gmail.com