Council / Committee Meetings – Thursday, November 4, 2021

By-laws

Bruce County Council:

• authorized the execution of a Lease Agreement between Bruce County and Home and Community Support Services of Grey/Bruce.
• adopted Amendment Number C-2021-022 to the County of Bruce Official Plan.
• adopted Amendment Number C-2021-016 to the County of Bruce Official Plan.
• authorized speed limits on the Bruce County Road System and in construction zones.
• authorized the execution of an Inter-municipal Service “Consortium” Agreement between Bruce County, Grey County, Huron County, and the City of Stratford for an Integrated Employment Service System.
• authorized the execution of the Teeswater River Bridge Replacement cost-sharing agreement between Bruce County and the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie.

Delegations

• Grey Bruce Public Health www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
  Grey Bruce Public Health discussed COVID-19 transmission risk at gatherings, the rollout of third doses for identified demographics, vaccine approval for ages 5 to 11 being expected soon, and third doses for the general public possibly in January. GBHU continues to recommend vaccine policies, but not vaccine mandates for Grey Bruce, suggesting a measured approach. 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.
• Saugeen Hospice Inc. 
  Mr. Carl Kuhnke, Chair, and Mr. Ken Brown, Co-Vice Chair, update on the recent formation of the Saugeen Hospice Inc.

2022 Warden’s Election

The 2022 Warden’s Election will take place on Thursday, December 2, 2021. At the November 4 Council Meeting, Warden Janice Jackson expressed interest in returning as Warden for 2022. At the meeting, on behalf of staff and residents, CAO Datars Bere thanked the Warden and Council for their leadership over the past year.

Changes to Museum’s Research Policy

The Museum Committee approved a number of revisions to the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre’s research policy. This policy is one of 10 standards for community museums to represent the minimum requirements for the operation of a good community museum and are necessary to qualify for the Canadian Museum Operating Grant (CMOG). The revisions relate to procedures for Outside Researchers, Internal Research Staff, the Research Room, and Publication and Copyright.

Amazing Collections at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre

Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre recently installed the travelling exhibition Tapestry of Voices, created by the Canadian Language Museum. It features information regarding the diversity of languages spoken in Canada, as well as the history of language in Canada from First Nations languages, to the designation of having two official languages. This exhibit is supplemented with information regarding the languages spoken within Bruce County and artefacts from the Archives representing several languages found in the County including Ojibway, Gaelic, German and French. The loan of the North West Mounted Police tunic, known as the Norfolk jacket, has been renewed with the Canadian Museum of History. Stories & Artefacts Collections staff continue to research and write stories for the Stories & Artefacts section of the Museum’s website. Through the early fall months collections staff undertook a reorganization project of the trophies/plaques and basketry sections within storage. Approximately 150 objects were rehoused.

Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command – 9th Annual Military Service Recognition Book

The Executive Committee approved a request from the Royal Canadian Legion, Ontario Command, to sponsor a full page advertisement in Volume IV of the Military Service Recognition Book, at a cost of $1,675.00, including HST. This sponsorship will be considered annually during budget deliberations. This unique remembrance publication recognizes and honours our Province’s Veterans and helps fulfill the Legion’s role as the “Keepers of Remembrance”. Proceeds raised from the annual appeal are also used to support Veterans Transition Programs to help modern day Veterans that suffer from PTSD and other challenges.

Proposed Delegations for 2022 ROMA Conference

The Executive Committee approved the submission of the proposed Delegations for the 2022 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference. The Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference is scheduled for January 23 to 25, 2022, as a virtual event. In addition to attending keynote addresses and participating in conference sessions, there is an opportunity for municipal delegations with Provincial ministers and ministry staff. Bruce County plans to discuss Community Safety and Well-Being plans, the critical shortage of childcare workers in the childcare sector, and land use planning issues related to employment land conversions and settlement area expansion.

Accelerated High Speed Internet Program

After a closed session discussion, the Executive Committee supported the concerns raised by the Western Ontario Wardens Caucus regarding the Advanced High Speed Internet Program (AHSIP) and approved the Warden to send a letter to the Minister of Infrastructure with copies to Premier Ford, Minister Lisa Thompson, and MPP Bill Walker regarding the program.

Bruce County Housing Corporation Updates

The Bruce County Housing Corporation:

• approved the write-off of $19,051.56 for bad debt for the year ending December 31, 2020.
• approved the execution of the Canada Ontario Community Housing Initiative, Project Funding Agreement between Bruce County and the Bruce County Housing Corporation. $176,176 has been allocated to Bruce County Housing Corporation to make necessary repairs to the buildings.
• approved the sale of the property at 24 Inverlyn Crescent South in the Municipality of Kincardine for $515,000. Net proceeds will go towards the cost of the new build on Gary St. in Kincardine.
• received the 2021 Q3 Arrears Report , which showed that 250 tenants were owing $115,992.98 in arrears, and 44 former tenants were owing $45,543.14 in arrears, as of September 30, 2021.

Primary Public Safety Answering Point and 9-1-1 Services

The Corporate Services Committee approved an agreement with the Owen Sound Police Services for the provision of Primary Public Safety Answering Point (P.P.S.A.P.) services for the initial term of January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. P.P.S.A.P.’s receive all 9-1-1 calls and determine which emergency response service is required (fire, police, or ambulance). The P.P.S.A.P. would then transfer the 9-1-1 call to the appropriate Secondary P.S.A.P. (S.P.S.A.P.) for dispatch of the required emergency response services. The Corporate Services Committee also approved an agreement between Bruce County and each of the eight local municipalities related to the operation of the 9-1-1 system. In order to have an effective 9-1-1 Service, both the County and the local municipalities play key roles including proper street addressing, creating a Master Street Address Guide, and delineating fire service polygons.

Borrowing for Exterior Insulated Finishing System at Long Term Care Homes

On May 7, 2020, the Corporate Services Committee authorized the Treasurer to apply for a loan through Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (OILC) with a 20-year amortization and for an amount of up to $2,000,000 for the exterior insulated finishing system (E.I.F.S.) for the long-term care homes. A borrowing by-law will be brought to Council for approval on December 2, 2021 with a debenture by-law anticipated for February 3, 2022. The final amount to be borrowed is $1,687,665.36.

Third Quarter 2021 Financial Statement Review

The Third Quarter 2021 Financial Statement Review identifies emerging areas of concern which will be monitored closely to ensure mitigating steps are proactively taken where possible. Forecasts are calculated based on previous spending patterns in comparison to the current year’s spending to date and budget, incorporating known events which may alter the spending pattern. Currently the forecast is projecting a yearend surplus of $583,758. The third quarter projection suggests that the corporation will be able to absorb the unbudgeted cost within the existing budget but the capacity to transfer specific annual surpluses, such as Winter Controls, to department specific reserves as done in previous years may be limited as a result. There is currently $812,214 in surpluses that would be recommended for transfer to reserves, which will need to be prioritized. The current spending reflects ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

Development Charges Public Meeting Recap

The Development Charges (D.C.) Public Meeting was held on October 28, 2021 and comments were received from members of the Public, staff from the local municipalities, and from Council. Some of the issues raised include, but are not limited to:

• Consideration for exemptions for certain properties that have experienced delays in approvals due to appeals to Tribunals and other reasons,
• Consideration for exemptions for industrial and commercial development either County-wide or for specified areas,
• Clarification of the exemptions for development on farm properties and consideration for expanding the exemption from bona fide farm purposes to also include certain commercial and industrial purposes,
• Consideration of Transit D.C.s beyond funding certain transit studies that are already included
• Consulting with the local municipalities on the procedures for the collecting of the D.C.s. 

These issues will take some time for review and many would have to be reflected in the proposed D.C. by-law wording. Staff will be deferring the presentation of the proposed D.C. by-law from the scheduled date of December 2, 2021 to a later date once the review is completed and proposed amendments are prepared. This deferral will allow Council and staff to further reflect on the proposal and receive additional feedback from the public.

Lease Agreement Renewal for Wiarton Ambulance Station

The Paramedic Services Committee approved a lease agreement for the Wiarton Ambulance Station between Bruce County and Grey Bruce Health Services - Wiarton. The current lease agreement for the Wiarton Paramedic Station located at 369 Mary St, Wiarton expired on March 31, 2021. This new lease will be for two years commencing on January 1, 2022 and expiring on January 1, 2024 with an option to extend the initial term of this agreement for one additional term of one year. The lease is based on rent of $7.50 sq ft for 2645 sq ft in the amount of $19,837.50, which is equivalent to a monthly cost of $1653.13. In addition to the rent, an additional three dollars ($3.00) per square foot will be charged for the County’s share of utilities and services for a monthly charge of $661.25. The total full monthly charge for all lease requirements is $2314.38 plus HST. This new proposed rental month results in an annual increase of $6,413, which has been included in the 2022 and subsequent budget projections.

Canada Ontario Community Housing Initiative - Project Funding

The Human Services Committee approved a Project Funding Agreement between Bruce County and Bruce County Housing Corporation for the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative’s (COCHI) repair component and a Project Funding Agreement between Bruce County and Formosa Non-Profit Senior’s Accommodation for the COCHI’s repair component. The portion of the COCHI funds that has been allocated to assist the non-profit housing providers to make necessary repairs to the buildings is $176,176 for Bruce County Housing Corporation (BCHC) and $16,988 for Formosa Non-Profit. The guidelines for COCHI set out parameters to protect affordability for households in social housing, to support the repair and renewal of existing social housing supply, and to expand the supply of community housing over time.

EarlyON Child and Family Centre Lease Agreements

The Human Services Committee approved three-year Lease Agreement renewals for EarlyON Child and Family Centre program space. EarlyON Child and Family Centres work closely with local school boards and other community partners to maximize opportunities for families to access programs and supports that improve outcomes for children and provide a seamless transition from the early years to school entry. Bruce County leases spaces for EarlyON Child and Family Centre programs at Paisley Centre School (Paisley), Chesley District Community School (Chesley), Peninsula Shores District School (Wiarton), St. Anthony’s Catholic School (Kincardine), St. Joseph’s Catholic School (Port Elgin), Sacred Heart Catholic School (Teeswater), and Sacred Heart Catholic School (Mildmay).

Q3 2021 Licensed Child Care and Early Years Report

• The priority of Bruce County Children’s Services, a division of the Human Services department, is to ensure the local delivery of licensed child care and early years services is accessible, affordable, inclusive, and high-quality. In an effort to better track, monitor, and respond to local system pressures, Bruce County uses OneList, an online child care registration system, to help families locate and apply for licensed child care. As of Q3 of 2021, there were 1,149 active applications, 245 children placed on the waitlist for another program, and 904 children not placed. 
• For eligible families, child care fee subsidy support is available through Bruce County Children’s Services, with priority given to families with income levels lower than $40,000 per annum. 216 children’s families participated in fee subsidy in 2021. 
• The Special Needs Resource Program provides supports for the inclusion of children with special needs in licensed child care programs, camps, and authorized recreation programs at no additional cost to parents or guardians. In Q3 of 2021, 48 sites and classrooms were supported (Level 1), while 111 children were supported with Level 2 and 3 programming. 
• EarlyON Child and Family Centres provide virtual and free in-person programs to help strengthen adult/child relationships, support parent education, and foster healthy child development. All families with children from birth to six years of age are encouraged to participate. In Q3 of 2021, 122 in-person programs were offered with 448 child visits, 25 virtual sessions offered with 45 child participants, and 120 families participating in EarlyON To Go programs.

Q3 Bruce County Community Housing Registry Waitlist Update

There are currently 634 applicants on the Bruce County Housing Registry waitlist, including 602 rent-geared-to-income (RGI), and 32 market rent applications. There are 190 families, 247 adults, and 197 senior applications on the waitlist. There have been 59 applicants housed between January 1, 2021 and September 30, 2021. 24 applicants were housed in Q3.

Q3 2021 Income and Support Services Update

• The Ontario Works caseload between January 1, 2021 and September 30, 2021 was an average of 404 cases per month. This represents a 19% decrease compared to Q3 2020. The Ontario Works caseload decrease will be in part due to federal income supports that were put in place due to COVID-19.
• The Employment Services Transformation initiative is in early stages and the municipal service managers in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula (SBP) catchment area have been working together, as previously reported, with the goal of becoming the Service System Manager (SSM) for the catchment area that includes Bruce County, Grey County, Huron County, and the City of Stratford. The SBP Consortium has passed the first stage in the two-stage competitive selection process and is preparing its application for the second Call for Proposal (CFP) stage of the competition.

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 has mandated vaccination policies for all long term care homes and staff must adhere to mandatory vaccination by November 15. 13 unvaccinated staff will be placed on unpaid leave. Over 83% of all residents at both homes have received third vaccine doses. Both homes have held their annual flu clinic for residents and continue to offer 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 bus outings, breakfast club, popular entertainers, and a Halloween parade. There are 137 residents at Brucelea Haven, with a waitlist of 148, and there are 94 residents at Gateway Haven, with a waitlist of 143. 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.

Response from the Ministry of Transportation on Bruce Road 3 and Highway 9 Intersection 

At the Transportation & Environmental Services Committee meeting held on September 16, 2021, staff were directed to address a letter to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) requesting that the Ministry consider expediting work to be done at the Bruce Road 3 and Highway 9 intersection and provide an insight of solutions being considered for safety improvements. The MTO’s Manager of Operations responded stating that the design and environmental assessment for the rehabilitation of this section of Highway 9 commenced in 2021. An intersection study is included in the design. A preferred alternative has not been identified but a roundabout or traffic lights will be considered.

2022 Non-Union COLA Approved

The Workplace Engagement Services Committee approved a 1.75% non-union salary grid increase effective January 1, 2022. A salary increase of 1.75% for 2022 aligns with collective agreements and can reasonably be expected to maintain the County of Bruce’s competitive position while maintaining compression issues. The salary adjustment for the Non-Union group is reviewed annually and group benefits adjustments are reviewed every two years. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Canada is 4.4% (3.5% excluding gasoline) and the CPI for Ontario is 4.4% (represents the period from September 2020 to September 2021). This would indicate that in September of 2021 consumers were paying 4.4% higher for the same goods and services compared to September 2020. In 2020 the annual average of inflation was 0.7% and 2021 annual average to date is 2.95%. 

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