– OPP Inspector Andrew Ferguson updated Council on the 1st half of 2016. In comparison to the same period last year, violent and property crimes are down while traffic related charges were up significantly. There was only 1 fatality (snowmobile).
– the Interim Control By-law to review cottage size on Six Mile Lake (SML) was unanimously approved. Council would like staff to work with the lake residents to reassess the limit for gross floor area (GFA) by next Spring. The present GFA limit is 275 m2.
– Council retracted an earlier decision to not approve a GFA (325 m2) for a cottage on SML and approved a recommendation of 300 m2. It is up to the proponent to accept or reject the recommendation.
– a By-law was passed to accept a minimum of $50K from the Province under the Ont. Community Infrastructure Fund. Funds may be used for
critical storm water sewer repairs in MacTier which could reach $2.2M.
– our Fire Department will sign a mutual agreement with Severn Township for ice and water recues since we have a fire boat. The fire fighters will also see a small raise next year to encourage recruitment and catch up to other Municipalities.
– approx. $130K will be spent on a sealant for the MacTier Arena roof after a structural engineering study.
– Staff will assess the option of recording Committee of Adjustment (COA) meetings. COA members unanimously rejected the idea but Council would like some legal input. If approved it would probably not occur until the new term (2018).
– Staff is reviewing the discretionary powers of the Chief Building Official when replacing existing septic systems and holding tanks. Any changes would require an amended By-law and a public hearing.
– Council had a healthy debate on By-law enforcement compliance. We reaffirmed that the level of staff and Council compliance negotiations were acceptable while balancing the financial implications.
– a half day was spent on 2017 budget discussions. Council rejected staff increases for a By-law enforcement officer and an additional septic inspector. Septic inspections are way up this year and can be completed every 7 years.
– boat launches at Go Home Lake, Stewart Lake and Honey Harbour will see improvements over the next year. Parking spaces will be increased at Wawautosa Landing (SML) and a parking assessment will be done for Port Severn Park.
– staff were requested to try and keep the Township portion of the 2017 tax increase (25% of overall taxes) to under 3.0%.

Enjoy the Fall colours

Paul M. Wiancko
Six Mile Lake
Township of Georgian Bay
705-730-9133
paul.wiancko@gmail.com