Council / Committee Meetings – Thursday, February 3, 2022

By-laws

Bruce County Council:

• approved the submission of an application to Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (OILC) for the Long-Term Financing of certain Bruce County Capital Work(s) and to authorize the entering into of a Rate Offer Letter Agreement pursuant to which the Municipality will issue debentures to OILC.
• approved a by-law to establish fees and charges for Bruce County.
• appointed a solicitor for Bruce County.

Delegations

• Grey Bruce Public Health www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
  Grey Bruce Public Health discussed third doses of the vaccines and the descending curve of the current wave. Everyone is encouraged to stay vigilant in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by avoiding crowds, washing hands, physical distancing, and wearing masks.
• Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (CSWBP)
  Tanya Roberts, Bruce Grey Community and Safety Well-Being Planning Coordinator, provided an update on the CSWBP, which has a goal to achieve the ideal state of a sustainable community where everyone is safe, has a sense of belonging, opportunities to participate, access to services and where individuals can meet their needs for education, health care, food, housing, income and social and cultural expression.
• Municipal Innovation Council
  Becky Smith from the Municipal Innovation Council (MIC) will provide an update to Council regarding the initiatives of the MIC. The MIC serves lower and upper-tier municipalities in Bruce County that are committed to sharing resources that improve efficiencies to build smarter, stronger more resilient communities. 

Notice of Motion

Bruce County Council referred a Notice of Motion to the Human Services Committee and will be discussed on February 17. The Notice of Motion points out that Bruce County is in a housing crisis and that the lack of affordable and attainable housing is impeding the attraction and retention of workers in the retail, hospitality, small scale manufacturing, agriculture, and health care sectors. The Notice of Motion asks County Council to direct staff to prepare a report exploring how to increase rental opportunities for low to moderate income families, how to attract new supportive housing options for seniors and households with a disability, and how to expand partnerships between the Bruce County Housing Corporation and the private and the not-for-profit sectors to offer broader access to below market rents in communities across the County in the short term. 

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 County’s LTC pandemic response continues to be the priority focus for both homes. Measures include daily rapid antigen tests for all entering the homes, pauses on general visitors and social outings, Resident cohorting on units, High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in shared spaces, stringent screening, and use of Return-to-Work Risk-Based Framework which provides options for staff who are high risk close contacts with someone who is COVID-19 positive or who are COVID-19 positive. The COVID-19 Immunization policy for Long Term Care homes has extended the deadline for staff to get their mandatory third doses of vaccines to March 14, 2022. 57% to 75% of staff have third doses. 71% to 75% of residents have fourth doses. 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. Small-group resident engagement continues. There are 139 residents at Brucelea Haven and 90 residents at Gateway Haven. Staffing challenges continue in both homes, due to the number of vacant lines, staff illness, and the number of staff off due to high-risk contacts. Approximately 15 County of Bruce employees have been redeployed to Long Term Care until February 14. Explore a mix of long term care career opportunities to fit your lifestyle at www.brucecounty.on.ca/jobs.

Occupational Accident & Indemnity Insurance

The Workplace Engagement Services Committee approved a renewal of insurance policies through Mercer Marsh Benefits effective January 1, 2022. The Committee also approved that the coverage underwritten by Chubb Insurance Company of Canada for Occupational Accident Insurance at a premium of $47,143.39 (PST included) and for Mercer Marsh excess indemnity insurance at a premium of $201,377.88 (PST included). The Committee also approved that the Health and Safety budget be amended to reflect the increased expenditure and the offset funded from the WSIB Reserve.

Support for Joint and Several Liability Changes

The Corporate Services Committee approved that Bruce County supports the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s recommendations in their “Towards a Reasonable Balance: Addressing growing municipal liability and insurance costs” submission to the Attorney General of Ontario. The Committee also approved that Bruce County call on the Attorney General of Ontario to work with municipal governments to put forward a plan of action to address “joint and several liability” before the end of the government’s current term so that municipalities can continue to offer high quality services to their communities.

Budget Amended for Corporate Services Vehicle Lease Buyout

The Corporate Services Committee approved that the 2022 budget be amended to pay up to $25,000 for the lease buyout of the Toyota Tundra truck utilized by the Peninsula Hub staff and repayment to the Working Capital Reserve of $25,000 for the prior year buyouts be delayed by a period of one year to fund the purchase. The red book value of the Toyota Tundra is estimated at $49,761 making the proposed purchase price a good value to the County.

2022 Property Tax Policy Review

The Corporate Services Committee approved the 2022 County-wide tax ratios and class discounts. Staff have been directed to prepare the necessary tax rates and ratio bylaw. The Committee also approved that the tax relief program for charities and other similar organizations be continued for the 2022 taxation year, that the tax relief program for low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities be continued for the 2022 taxation year, and that no Optional Property Classes are recommended.

2022 Property Assessment and Notional Tax Rate 

The Corporate Services Committee reviewed the 2022 Property Assessment and Notional Tax Rate report. A province-wide assessment update took place in 2016 for the 2017 to 2020 property tax years. The valuation date for the properties was January 1, 2016. A new province-wide assessment update took place in 2019 for the 2021 to 2024 property tax years however the implementation of this new update has been delayed by the Province. As a result, the property valuations effective January 1, 2016 will continue to be used for the 2022 property tax year. Any new properties that have been added to the property tax roll since the January 1, 2016 valuation date have been added with a valuation amount as if the property had existed on January 1, 2016.

2022 Education Property Tax Rates

The Corporate Services Committee reviewed the 2022 Education Property Tax Rates report. The 2022 residential education tax rates will remain at 0.153 per cent. This is the same as 2020 and 2021, as the property assessments for the 2022 taxation year remain unchanged from 2020. The 2022 business education tax rates will remain at 0.88% in 2022 after being reduced to 0.88% in 2021 in order to benefit business properties. The property assessment for businesses for the 2022 taxation year remains unchanged from 2020.

Walkerton Ambulance Station Lease Agreement Renewal

The Paramedic Services Committee authorized the execution of a lease agreement for the Walkerton Ambulance Station between Bruce County and DAC Checker Produce Ltd – Walkerton. This new lease will be for 10 years, commencing on March 1, 2022 and expiring on February 28, 2031. The lease is based on rent of $7.50 sq ft for the first 4 years and then $8.25/ sq ft for the remaining 6 years at 4800 sq ft. The first four years in the amount of $36,000.00 per year, at a monthly cost of $3000.00. The next six years in the amount of $39,600.00 per year, at $3,300 per month plus HST utilities are extra.

Memo of Thanks to Bruce County Paramedics

Bruce County Paramedic Services received a letter of thanks from Dr. Ian Arra (Grey Bruce Health Unit), recognizing their support at both the mass vaccination Hubs and community vaccine clinics. During a critical moment in the pandemic, when case counts were rising, these Hubs were an important component in rapidly increasing vaccine coverage and, in turn, increasing the protection from COVID-19 in residents of Grey-Bruce. These efforts along with the collective vaccine efforts, increased third dose coverage in a significantly short time. This feat would not have been possible without everyone’s dedication and the Bruce County Paramedics’ leadership in operating these the community clinics. 

2022 Child Care and EarlyON Child and Family Centres Allocation

The Human Services Committee approved a budget amendment to include additional Child Care and EarlyON Child and Family Centres funding, totaling $284,657 from the Ministry of Education and to expend it according to the requirements of the Ontario Child Care and EarlyON Child and Family Centres Service Management and Funding Guideline.

Canada Ontario Community Housing Initiative Repair Addendum

The Human Services Committee authorized the Housing Services Manager to execute a Canada Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) Repair Addendum between Bruce County Housing Corporation and Bruce County. On November 4, 2021, an agreement for $176,176 between Bruce County Housing Corporation (BCHC) and Bruce County was made for the installation of security cameras in BCHC buildings. Ministry staff contacted Bruce County staff to share a miscalculation of $39,367. Therefore, an addendum is being brought forward to increase the total funding for BCHC to $215,543. COCHI represents a re-investment of the federal funding that has been declining under the Canada-Ontario Social Housing Agreement. The objective of COCHI is to begin to stabilize the supply of community housing through repairs, renovations, and operating support.

Dorrell Young Christmas Program 2021 Results 

The Dorrell Young Christmas Program benefited from over $27,000 in generous donations in 2021, which directly supported 157 non-sponsored children and served 332 children in total. An evaluation of the program will provide insight into how staff can continue to modernize and digitize the program to mitigate risks and increase ongoing sustainability and positive impacts of the program. The Dorrell Young Christmas Program supports the strategic goal of promoting a high quality of life for all residents and engaging with the community. The program seeks to bring hope and promote inclusion for all children and families in Bruce County.

Q4 Bruce County Community Housing Registry Waitlist Update

The Bruce County Housing Registry waitlist for the period January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, identifies that there are currently 682 applicants on the waitlist: 645 rent-geared-to income (RGI), and 37 market rent applications. There are 199 families, 267 adults, and 216 senior applications on the waitlist. There have been 79 applicants housed between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. 20 applicants were housed in Q4. Staff work diligently to ensure units are offered in a timely manner. COVID-19 restrictions have increased the amount of time it takes to prepare units for occupancy.

Q4 2021 Licensed Child Care and Early Years Report

• Licensed Child Care: 1108 total active applications in Q4 2021, 217 children were placed on a waitlist for another program in Q4 2021, and 891 children were not placed in Q4 2021.
• Fee Subsidy: For eligible families, child care fee subsidy support is available with priority given to families with income levels lower than $40,000 per annum. 269 children used fee subsidy in Q4 2021.
• Special Needs Resource Program: 163 sites and/or children were supported in the Special Needs Resource Program in Q4 2021
• EarlyON Child & Family Centres: EarlyON featured 281 in-person experiences in 2021, serving 1,123 children. Virtual programming served 199 child participants and 165 adult participants in 165 registered sessions in 2021. Virtual also had a total Facebook post reach of 370,920 in 2021.

Q4 2021 – Income and Support Services Update

• Income Supports: The Ontario Works caseload for January 1, 2021, to November 30, 2021, was an average of 408 households per month.
• Social Assistance Renewal: Social Assistance Renewal continued to be a priority in Q4, consistent with provincial announcements to build a more responsive, efficient, and person-centered social assistance system. Implementation of the new provincial Centralized Intake model for client applications continued in Q4. Staff continued to support clients through a range of virtual methods, and in person supports started to take place. Referrals were made to learning and employment related activities offered through community partners and staff hosted a virtual session for clients, facilitated by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey Bruce.
• Employment Services Transformation: In November 2021, the inter-municipal Consortium consisting of Bruce County, Grey County, Huron County, and Stratford-Perth County submitted its application to become the Service System Manager of Employment Services for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula region, as previously reported to Council. The final stage of the competitive process will take place in early 2022 and the new Service System Manager will be in place by April 2022. More information can be found on the Employment Ontario Partners’ Gateway Employment Services Transformation webpage.  

Strategic Community Initiatives Fund – 2022 Call for Proposals

Bruce County Strategic Community Initiatives Fund (SCIF) granting process contributes to the advancement of human services goals and priorities. Investments are targeted to community-based initiatives and services that complement the core services of the Human Services Department. Bruce County recognizes that by investing in community-based initiatives it will advance both economic and social factors in the County. Additionally, the investment shows the County’s commitment to strengthening the community’s capacity to be responsive to changing needs and services to leverage additional funding sources. Interested organizations seeking funding for 2022 are requested to submit a proposal by March 3, 2022, to be considered for the available funding.

Canada Ontario Community Housing Initiative Repair Addendum

The Bruce County Housing Corporation (BCHC) authorized the Housing Facilities Manager to execute a Canada Ontario Community Housing Initiative Repair Addendum between BCHC and Bruce County. On November 4, 2021, an agreement for $176,176 was made between BCHC and Bruce County for the installation of security cameras in BCHC buildings. Ministry staff contacted Bruce County staff to share a miscalculation of $39,367. Therefore, this addendum increases the total funding for BCHC to $215,543. COCHI represents a re-investment of the federal funding that has been declining under the Canada-Ontario Social Housing Agreement. The objective of COCHI is to begin to stabilize the supply of community housing through repairs, renovations, and operating support.  

Funding Reallocation Report - Electrical Infrastructure Project

The Bruce County Housing Corporation (BCHC) approved that funds previously approved for Phase 2 of the Electrical Infrastructure Project be reallocated to offset the increase in tender pricing received for Phase 1 of the Electrical Infrastructure Project. The BCHC also approved that authority be granted to award the tender to the low compliant bidder, Yake Electric Ltd., in the amount of $115,500.00 plus HST. In 2021, the BCHC Board approved the expenditure of $60,000 in funding to complete phase 1 of the Electrical Infrastructure Project across half of the BCHC portfolio. Due to concerns of entering all housing units during the pandemic and ongoing lockdowns, the first phase of the project that was tendered in fall of 2021 had no bid submissions. As such, the initial funding of $60,000 for phase 1 of the project was carried over to 2022. Further, additional funding of $60,000 for phase 2 of the project was also approved in 2022 equaling a total project budget of $120,000.

2021 Q4 Arrears Report 

The 2021 Q4 Arrears Report highlighted that 220 current tenants owe a total of $115,976.05 for rent, maintenance, and utilities, as of December 31, 2021. This accounts for 3.8852% of total tenant charges as of December 31, 2021. Additionally, 41 former tenants owe $45,098.14. As December 31, 2021, BCHC staff had issued 92 N4 notices for non-payment of rent. The Tenant Coordinators currently have payment plans in good standing with 158 current tenants.

401 Cayley St., Walkerton – Building Evacuation

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, Bruce County Housing Corporation’s 3rd party fire monitoring station reported a fire alarm signal coming from 401 Cayley St., Walkerton. Brockton Fire Department informed BCHC staff that a fire started on the second floor common area. The fire was extinguished, the building was evacuated, and the tenants were mustered at the Sacred Heart Parish Church located at 220 Victoria St S, Walkerton. No tenant injuries were reported during the tenant evacuation and muster to Sacred Heart Parish Church. Emergency accommodations were organized at the Best Western Plus Hotel located at 10 Eastridge Rd., Walkerton for tenants who required emergency accommodation. The Fire Marshall was called-in to investigate the scene. Bruce County Housing Services continues to provide support to tenants pending the completion of required restoration to the units.

Museum Update:

• Re:Collections has been installed in the Bruce Gallery, featuring 21 pieces of work including cowbells, funeral shrouds, WWII infant gas masks, paintings, and maps. Works include a variety of media and forms including shadow boxes, flat to wall textiles, and three-dimensional pieces/sculptures, including a dress made from surgical masks, 12 feet in height. Re:Collections will be on display until April 2. 
• Museum Munchkins runs from February 10 to March 24 and is a six-session program of preschool fun. Caregivers and their little ones aged 4 and under are invited to the Museum for play and learning. We still plan to deliver all six sessions through the course of the season.
• Collection Deep Dives: This series of videos focused on showcasing interesting artifacts that are rarely on display. These included a Victorian cheese dish, a nutcracker in the likeness of Otto von Bismarck, and a brown sugar auger. www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcN4FOr0buk
• Really Retro Recipes: The main concept of this video series was to explore and showcase interesting vintage recipes from Canada’s past, including how to make orange cookies circa 1790, how to make a high-protein sandwich spread for soldiers, and how to make 1812 soldier bread. www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnUvK21KqrY
• MUSE-TALKS: On February 9, the MUSE-TALKS series will begin with a lecture on the science behind the atom and nuclear energy. A presenter will deliver the one-hour talk, which will be followed by a Q&A session. This program will be recorded and later used as virtual content.
• Family (Day) Zoology: Family Day 2022 will be all about animals, with Speaking of Wild Life Shows, Zoo-to-You demonstrations, a pet adoption clinic in conjunction with the SPCA, and a pet care seminar. This will be a ticketed, in-person event. 
• Upcoming Virtual Programs include a Museum Deep Dive which will center on the topics of “Wicked Weapons” and “Mysteriously Macomb”.
• The Museum is pursuing funding from Canada Cultural Spaces to upgrade the audio-visual equipment in the Museum’s theatre and third floor gallery space, Veterans Affairs Canada for a World War II Diorama Exhibit to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the war, Bruce County Legions for the WWII Diorama Exhibit, and Young Canada Works and Canada Summer Jobs to help subsidize student positions.

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