Council / Committee Meetings – Thursday, December 2, 2021

Explore highlights from Bruce County's Council & Committee Meetings. These meetings are held on Thursdays, twice monthly, beginning at 9:30 AM, unless otherwise posted. Meetings are video livestreamed and complete agendas and minutes are available for public review.

2022 Warden’s Election

At the Thursday, December 2, 2021 Council Meeting, Bruce County Council re-elected Janice Jackson, Mayor of South Bruce Peninsula, as Bruce County’s Warden for the 2022 term. This is Mayor Janice Jackson’s second term as County Warden, having served in the role in 2021 as well. Jackson was elected to municipal council in South Bruce Peninsula in 2010 and was then elected as Mayor in 2014 and 2018. The position of Warden is achieved through a vote of peers on County Council, which is comprised of eight locally elected municipal leaders who manage the affairs of our shared community and resources. The Warden chairs Council meetings, represents Bruce County at official functions, acts as an official spokesperson, and much more. Mayor Janice Jackson is Bruce County’s second female Warden. Tessie Greig from Lion’s Head was elected as Bruce County’s first female warden in 1965.

Committee Chair Appointments for 2022

  • Executive, Corporate Services, Workplace Engagement Services, and Information Technology Services - Warden Jackson
  • Homes (Long Term Care) - Councillor Peabody
  • Paramedic Services - Councillor Twolan
  • Human Services and Bruce County Housing Corporation - Councillor Buckle
  • Museum - Councillor Glover
  • Planning and Development - Councillor Hammell
  • Transportation & Environmental Services - Councillor McIver
  • Library Board - Councillors Buckle, Charbonneau, and Hammell
  • Grey Bruce Board of Health - Warden Jackson and Councillors Peabody and Charbonneau
  • Nuclear Innovation Institute and Bruce Power Centre for Next Generation Nuclear Steering Committee - Councillor Charbonneau
  • Green Ribbon Panel - Councillor Twolan
  • Accessibility Advisory Committee - Warden Jackson and Councillor Buckle
  • Community Alcohol and Drug Strategy - Councillors Hammell and Peabody
  • Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) - Warden Jackson and Councillor Charbonneau

By-laws

Bruce County Council:

  • authorized the execution of a Funding Agreement between Her Majesty the Queen in right of Ontario as represented by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Bruce County and Bruce County Housing Corporation for the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI).
  • authorized the execution of a Funding Agreement between Her Majesty the Queen in right of Ontario as represented by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Bruce County and Formosa Seniors Non-Profit Housing Corporation for the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI).
  • authorized the execution of a lease between Bruce County and Grey Bruce Health Services for the Wiarton Ambulance Station.
  • authorized the execution of a Primary Public Safety Answering Point agreement between Bruce County and the Owen Sound Police Services Board.
  • authorized the execution of an Early Years Centre Lease Agreement between the Bluewater District School Board and Bruce County for Early Years Centre space in the Chesley District Community School.
  • authorized the execution of an agreement between Bruce County and each of the Eight Lower Tier Municipalities for the provision of 9-1-1 Services.
  • authorized the execution of an Early Years Centre Lease Agreement between the Bluewater District School Board and Bruce County for Early Years Centre space in the Peninsula Shores District School.
  • authorized the execution of an Early Years Centre Lease Agreement between the Bluewater District School Board and Bruce County for Early Years Centre space in the Paisley Central School.
  • authorized the execution of an Early Years Centre Lease Agreement between the Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board and Bruce County for Early Years Centre space.
  • adopted Amendment Number C-2021-013 to the County of Bruce Official Plan.
  • adopted Amendment Number C-2021-019 to the County of Bruce Official Plan.
  • authorized the execution of a five-year agreement between Bruce County and each member organization of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.
  • approved the submission of an Application to Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (“OILC”) for the Long-Term Financing of Certain Capital Work(S) of Bruce County and to authorize the entering into of a Rate Offer Letter Agreement pursuant to which the Municipality will issue Debentures to OILC.

Delegations

  • Grey Bruce Public Health 
    Grey Bruce Public Health discussed COVID-19 transmission risk at gatherings, the rollout of booster shots for 50+, vaccine appointments for ages 5 to 11 are available, and no outbreaks in organized sports. Omicron variant research is still underway and information will be available in 2 weeks. Everyone is encouraged to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by avoiding crowds and exercising the 3 W’s - wash your hands, watch your distance (6 feet), and wear your face covering correctly.
  • Canadian Federation of University Women Southport (CFUW)
    Ms. Pat Sanagan, Chair of Communications, CFUW discussed the December 6 National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
    Bruce County Council approved that the flags would be lowered to half mast on December 6 for National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
  • Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation
    Sara Besik, Manager of Medical Imaging, Grey Bruce Health Services and Tracy Murray, Executive Director, Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation discussed the upcoming campaign and request for financial support to bring a CT scanner to Saugeen Shores
  • OPG's Western Waste Management Facility Update 
    Fred Kuntz, Senior Manager Corporate Relations & Projects provided a Facility Update and discussed strategic initiatives towards building a better tomorrow.

2022 Market Rent Increase – Community Housing Units

The Bruce County Housing Corporation (BCHC) approved that the rent for the BCHC Community Housing units be increased by the Ontario 2022 Rent Increase Guideline of 1.2%, as indicated in the Bruce County Housing Corporation’s Market Rent Increase April 1, 2022. The BCHC also approved that average market rent increases will be applied to select units 539 Ivings Drive in Port Elgin. The BCHC also approved that rent-geared-to-income assistance be provided immediately for all tenants that qualify for rent-geared-to-income assistance that may currently be paying the market rent but due to the increase in the market rent would now qualify for rent-geared-to-income assistance. The increase in market rents will provide additional revenue of approximately $99,610 for the housing corporation.

Corporate Facilities Review

The Corporate Services Committee approved a corporate-wide Facilities Review at a cost of approximately $118,000 to be paid from $80,000 of projected operating cost savings in the CAO’s department, as well as redirecting $15,000 from the Tax Stabilization Reserve (TSR) and $23,000 from the Strategic Plan reserve from existing 2021 projects. The CAO’s 2021 Business Plan includes the initiation of a Corporate Facilities Resource Plan. Earlier in 2021, savings from the 2020 budget were identified to fund the creation of a Facilities Project Manager role to lead the development of the plan and to support several facilities focused capital projects. This role was filled in June of 2021 and work has commenced. 

County Development Charges Update

The Corporate Services Committee reviewed the Development Charges background study and supplemental information provided by staff. Council considered feedback received from many stakeholders including some local municipalities that expressed concerns with the impact of adding additional charges for development, especially where local development charges already currently exist. Council resolved to not pursue County Development Charges for Bruce County at this time. The concept behind collecting Development Charges is that the new growth to the community would generally pay for the costs associated with this new growth, as opposed to having to rely only on general municipal tax levies.

Municipal Property Assessment Corporation Update

As part of the Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: Build Ontario, the government announced the continued postponement of the province-wide assessment update. This means that property taxes for the 2022 and 2023 taxation years will continue to be based on the January 1, 2016 property valuation date. Any new additions to the property tax roll since 2016 will continue to be added. These new additions will be given an estimated assessed value using a January 1, 2016 valuation and not the current market value. Property assessments will remain the same as they were for the 2021 tax year, unless there have been changes to the property. M.P.A.C. had previously announced that they were holding the total levy province-wide to a 0% increase. The levy is split out provincially on the basis of local tax base as a percentage of the provincial whole. If the County’s tax base grew less than the provincial average, then the M.P.A.C. levy may be smaller than last year. 

2020 Annual Investment Report

Bruce County’s funds are invested as according to Ontario regulations and according to the County’s Investment Policy. The County’s 5 investments have their maturity dates centered around only two maturity dates, being January 10, 2023 and January 10/February 16, 2024. These investments through CIBC are custom-designed for Bruce County and are not available to the public. The Adjusted Annual Rate of Return for 2020 is 3.28%. The Bruce County Housing Corporation is restricted by regulation as to how it may invest its funds. Encasa Financial Inc. is a registered Investment Fund Manager specifically created to administer the Social Housing Investment Program. The program enables affordable housing providers to effectively invest their capital reserves and operating dollars. The Burce County Housing Corporation investment portfolio has 100% of its funds invested in the Encasa Canadian Short-Term Bond Fund. 

Annual Borrowing By-law 

Bruce County regularly approves an annual temporary borrowing by-law that permits the County to obtain and utilize a temporary borrowing (overdraft) facility from their bank. The amount in the 2021 by-law was $7,500,000 and it is proposed to maintain this amount. The County anticipates using more of the overdraft in coming years as bridge financing until sufficient capital levies have been collected. The gradual repayment of the funds borrowed from the Working Capital Reserve and eventual increase in the reserve will begin to ameliorate the usage of the overdraft. The usage will be monitored and reviewed on an annual basis. The standard overdraft charge is 21%, however the County has a special negotiated rate. The County’s overdraft rate is currently set at Prime minus 0.75% with an effective rate of 1.75% as of November 2, 2021.

2021 Q3 Business Plan Update

The Executive Committee received the 2021 Q3 Business Plan Updates from each County service area/ department. As part of the annual operating budget, all County service departments provide an overview of their activities and priorities through a quarterly business plan review and update process. Some highlights of strategic efforts include finding creative ways to engage with the public, eliminating our own red tape, exploring alternate options to improve efficiency and services, and stimulating and rewarding innovation and economic development.

National Child Care Strategy

The Human Service Committee affirmed its commitment to ensure a system of high quality, inclusive, accessible, and affordable early years, and childcare services for all families. The Committee calls upon the Federal and Provincial governments to work together to establish a bilateral agreement for a National Child Care Framework and encourages the provincial government to work in partnership with Consolidated Municipal Service Managers to implement a framework across Ontario. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted childcare as an essential service necessary to maintain emergency and health systems and support economic activity and families in Bruce County struggle with accessing childcare. Early childhood educators are necessary to ensuring high quality early years and childcare services and there is a critical shortage of professionally compensated, qualified early childhood educators within Bruce County and across the province. Access to high quality early years and childcare services supports positive economic and wellbeing outcomes for children, families, and communities. 

Homelessness Response Update

Bruce County is the designated Service System Manager responsible for housing and homelessness in the region. Staff work to ensure services are planned, coordinated, and person-centered. This includes, integrated long term planning, growing, and developing community partnerships, and developing new and innovative approaches to business and service delivery. Currently, Bruce County has service agreements with the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce (YMCA), Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce (CMHA), and M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre to provide housing support and emergency services to homeless individuals. Additionally, 211 is funded by Human Service as an integral part of the system, as a method of referral and access to housing response services. Residents who need emergency shelter are provided overnight motel stays until they can find more permanent solutions. Households faced with homelessness, can be referred to any point in our homelessness response system to seek the Emergency Shelter Program and referral to the By-Name List: 

  • To any Bruce County Human Services office in person at any of our hub locations in Kincardine, Port Elgin, Wiarton, or Walkerton between the hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday, or by telephone at 1-800-265-3005. 
  • YMCA Housing Services: phone 519-371-9230 ext. 5 or email housing@osgb.ymca.ca, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. 
  • Safe ‘N Sound: After-hours phone is 519-470-2222, Monday to Friday, 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
  • After 10:00 PM, anyone in need of immediate sheltering should call 2-1-1. 

Museum Collections Deaccession

The Museum Committee approved that the listed items in December 2021 Collections deaccession list be approved for deaccession from the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre’s collection. Collections continues to evaluate items within the collection. The December 2021 deaccession list contains items that were found during collections projects and routine work. Many items are incomplete objects, which were either smaller elements that have become detached from an object which cannot be discovered or is a larger object missing smaller elements. Other items listed are collection redundancies and were discovered to not have Bruce County provenance or are in poor condition.

Exciting Museum Collection Highlights

The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre created an outdoor display for a Potash Kettle that has been in the collection since 1966. Potash kettles represent an early stage of European settlement in Bruce County and were used as part of the land clearing process. Potash contains potassium, a key ingredient in fertilizer. Potash could be boiled down further to create lye, which when mixed with lard and other ingredients would make soap. In mid-November, the Museum received a Bushman’s Sled that dates from the 1870s and features a removable box and seat, allowing to be both a stone boat as well as a sleigh. Stone boats were flat low vehicles used by early settlers to remove stones from fields as well as haul logs when clearing the land. Upon arrival from the Huron County Museum & Historic Gaol, the sled was placed on rollers and moved into the permanent gallery space.

Museum Updates

  • Socially distanced Santa Visits in December have already sold out. Santa will visit the Museum every Saturday in December to once again receive children’s letters by clothesline.
  • The 2021 Summer Visitors Survey revealed that 76% of respondents were repeat visitors, 67% of respondents enjoyed the exhibits, while 62% of respondents also enjoyed the hands-on interactive experiences the most during their visit, 98% of people were satisfied with COVID-19 precautions that the BCM&CC took, 100% of respondents were satisfied with the overall cleanliness of the facility, 88% of respondents were satisfied with staff members knowledge, and 100% of respondents thought staff members are friendly and helpful.
  • Throughout the month of February 2022, BCM&CC will host a Bruce County Historical Curling exhibition, complimenting Saugeen Shores hosting of the 2022 Ontario Tankard curling event.
  • Enjoy an exciting upcoming exhibit called Re:Collections, from January 15 to April 2, featuring works by Connections Fibre Artists.
  • Light up the Holidays – On December 16, the Museum will host an evening event featuring its historic log buildings lit up for the season. Visitors can have their photograph taken by a professional photographer, enjoy performances by the Celtic Dance Academy of Canada, take part in crafts, enjoy mulled wine, apple cider and hot chocolate. Santa will also be making a special appearance.
  • The annual holiday membership drive is now underway, running from November 12 to December 23. Anyone who renews or purchases a membership during this time will be entered into a draw to win a $250 Shop Local Bruce County Prize Pack, which includes gift certificates from stores from Mildmay to Wiarton.

Clinical Connect Portal for Long Term Care Homes 

The Long Term Care Homes Committee of Management approved that the Director of Long Term Care and Senior Services be delegated the authority to sign the Clinical Connect Participation Agreement with Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation and any subsequent agreements related to Clinical Connect. The Clinical Connect is a secure, web-based portal that provides real-time access to digital health records including dispensed medications, laboratory results, hospital visits, Local Health Integration Networks’ (LHIN) Home and Community Care Services, mental health care information, and diagnostic imaging reports and images. 

County 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. Both homes are providing all unvaccinated staff/visitors with 3 Rapid Antigen tests per week and are supporting other County departments such as Paramedics and Children Services with testing as well. The Ontario Government extended the vaccination mandate first-dose deadline for staff to December 13. 7 unvaccinated staff have been placed on unpaid leave. Both homes have held their annual flu clinic for residents and offered clinics for staff throughout November. 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, including church services, special luncheons, breakfast club, popular entertainers, karaoke, and holiday charity efforts. There are 137 residents at Brucelea Haven, with a waitlist of 148, and there are 94 residents at Gateway Haven, with a waitlist of 147. Recruitment of new staff continues to be a challenge and approved recruitment programs (signing bonus and referral bonus) have been implemented. The County is currently recruiting an Administrator for Brucelea Haven.

Paramedic Station Build Project in Saugeen Shores 

The Paramedic Services new station build for Saugeen Shores was a major initiative in the Paramedic Services Business Plan for 2020. Due to the complexity of the project, it had been deferred to 2021 and 2022. The objective of the project is to provide a hub for not only Paramedic Services, but also County Staff. This facility will have meeting room spaces, hub gymnasium, and hoteling stations for County Staff during inclement weather and power outages, as it will be fully generator supported. Additional parking spaces have been added to this site to alleviate parking issues at Library Headquarters. It will have additional offices for future growth and a paramedic simulator lab for paramedic staff training. This proposed facility will serve as the headquarters for Paramedic Services in the County. The net expenditure is expected to be $7,185,281. Paramedic Services is planning to occupy the building in late Q4 of 2022.

Staff Entitlement Payout 2021

The Workplace Engagement Services Committee approved the authorization of a 2021 year-end entitlement payout for staff that are exceeding allowable vacation carry-over and the authorization of a maximum of two week vacation carry over into 2022 for staff in UNIFOR Local 2458 Long Term Care. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to put additional pressures on staffing resources, especially within the County’s Long Term Care services, where both homes struggled with the recruitment of nursing staff. This created limitations on the granting and taking of vacation by staff. The County vacation policy allows non-union staff to carry over two weeks of unused vacation credits into the next calendar year. In addition, all negotiated County union contracts, with the exception of the current UNIFOR Long Term Care collective agreement, allow for a similar two-week vacation carry over.

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