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The Agenda for The Blue Mountains Special Meeting of Council on September 23, 2019 is available.
Please note the start time is 8:30 a.m.
For additional information, please visit the Council Calendar.
The County of Grey and the Town of The Blue Mountains are seeking input on a development application that would create a total of 31 single detached residential units on Block 38, Registered Plan 16M-24.
Public Meeting: October 7, 2019 at 5:00pm
Location: Town Hall, Council Chambers
The applicants are seeking approval to refine the zoned hazard area on the property, to allow them to build a single detached house. The current zoning is Residential (R1-1) and Hazard (H). The area of Hazard (H) is through the centre of the lot and impacts the ability to build a house.
Public Meeting: October 7, 2019 at 5:00pm
Location: Town Hall, Council Chambers
The Agenda for The Blue Mountians, Special Meeting of Council on September 16, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. is available.
The Revised Agenda for The Blue Mountains, Committee of The Whole Meeting on September 16, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. is available.
Please note the changes include the Revised Agenda, the attachment to B.9.2 Alternative Landfille Hours, CSOPS.19.073 Staff Report and the following Correspondence at B.15.
B.15.1 Doreen and Sydney Chamberlain, Resident Re: Proposed Bed & Breakfast - 116 Campbell Crescent
B.15.2 Graeme Duncan, Resident Re: Proposed Bed & Breakfast - 116 Campbell Crescent
B.15.3 Jill Duncan, Resident Re: Proposed Bed & Breakfast - 116 Campbell Crescent
B.15.4 Judy and Jim Hanna, Resident Re: Application for Re-zonng - 160 Grand Cypress Lane
B.15.5 Brian Nelson, Resident Re: Report PDS.19.75 Zoning By-law Amendment - Short Term Accommodation Uses
For additional information, please visit the Council Calendar.
The Agenda for the Special Committee of the Whole Meeting on September 17, 2019 is available.
Please noted the start time of 8:45 a.m.
For further information, please visit the Council Calendar.
The Agenda for The Blue Mountains, Committee of the Whole Meeting on September 16, 2019 is available.
Please note the start time is 11:30 a.m.
For additional information, please visit the Council Calendar.
What is being proposed?
The Town is considering revisions to its existing Regulating Sewer Discharge By-Law 2013-37 to address the regulatory framework for high strength and industrial wastewater users.
Updating the By-Law and incorporating both sanitary and storm sewer discharge criteria, the By-Law, if passed, will allow the Town to take a proactive and fiscally responsible initiative to safeguard the Town’s infrastructure, public health, property and the environment, now and into the future. The proposed draft Regulating Sewer Discharge By-Law regulates all users: residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional and addresses extraneous flows from users discharging to the sewers.
Staff report CSPW.19.039 Regulating Sewer Discharge By-law 2013-37 Update provides additional information regarding the proposed changes.
Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Town of The Blue Mountains, at its regularly scheduled Council Meeting on November 13, 2019, will consider the adoption of a new Regulating Sewer Discharge By-Law and repeal the existing Regulating Sewer Discharge By-law 2013-37.
The Seniors Network Blue Mountains will host its third Seniors Information and Active Living Fair on Wednesday, September 11.
The fair will run from 10 am to 2 pm at the Beaver Valley Community Centre at 58 Alfred Street West in Thornbury, and admission is free.
If you are a senior or caregiver in the area this is a great way to connect with many available resources including: caregiving; housing options and supports; safety; health and pharmaceutical information; meal-related options; and others. There will be more than 40 exhibitors, healthy snacks, door prizes, and an opportunity to 'Meet the 'Mayor'.
Sponsors include CARP, Town of the Blue Mountains, Balmoral Place Retirement Community, and Blue Mountain Audiology.
About the Seniors Network Blue Mountains
The network aims to provide information and raise issues of interest to seniors in the Blue Mountains area. The network was formed in 2014. It includes representatives of the Town of the Blue Mountains (Community Services) the Blue Mountains Public Library, Beaver Valley Outreach, Errinrung Long Term Care Home & Retirement Community, the Grey Bruce Health Unit, and several individuals.
For more information, contact info@seniorsnetworkinblue.org
A REVISED AGENDA for The Blue Mountains, Council Meeting on September 9, 2019 is available.
Please note the addition to the agenda is at E.5 Toronto Transporation Club Foundation - "Golf Ball Drop" Lottery Event
Additions to the agenda are correspondence at D.36 Toronto Transportation Club Foundation, D.37 Sarah-Jane Laws, Resident Re: Preliminary Property Options for Attainable Housing and D.38 Michaelen O'Malley, Resident Re: Preliminary Property Options for Attainable Housing.
For additional information, please visit the Council Calendar.
Please be advised that the Boyer Tennis Courts, located at 101 Crossan Court in Craigleith, will be out of service as of Monday September 9, 2019. The closure is to accommodate resurfacing work being conducted on the existing tennis courts.
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise residents who are supplied with Municipal Water that the annual flushing of fire hydrants and watermains is currently underway.
This is a routine maintenance procedure carried out in the Spring and Fall to ensure proper fire hydrant operation and water quality throughout the water distribution system. Lower water pressure due to hydrant flushing may be experienced in some areas.
Minor water discolouration may occur periodically and can be rectified by letting faucets run until clear.
For more information please contact:
Water and Wastewater Inquiries
(519) 599-3131 ext. 284
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public that the mobile rideshare application, Uber is now available within the Town of The Blue Mountains.
Yesterday, the Town received confirmation from senior representatives at Uber that the technical error within the software has been fixed.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to Town staff for their persistence in working with Uber to address the need and to correct the issue” explained Chief Administrative Officer, Shawn Everitt. “The availability of transportation is a key economic development priority for the Town and Uber will help to address the need within the community.”
Residents are reminded that since Uber has not been available within the Town of The Blue Mountains, it will take time for drivers to become regularly available. If you are interested in registering as a driver, please visit: www.uber.com/ca/en/drive
For more information or to download the Uber app, please visit the app store on your phone and search for “UBER”.
For more information, please contact:
Shawn Everitt
Chief Administrative Officer
(519) 599-3131 ext. 234
Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public that the Thornbury Pier is now closed for the season. Barrier fencing has been installed across the pier access to ensure public safety.
The closure of the pier is due to the above-average water levels and high winds that the region has been experiencing. In addition, crews will be conducting regular maintenance to the Thornbury Pier to ensure it is ready for next season.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
For more information, please contact:
Community Services Department
(519) 599-3131 ext. 281
The Agenda for the September 9, 2019 Council Meeting is available.
For additional meeting details, please visit the Council Calendar.
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public that a contractor will be completing a comprehensive Leak Detection Survey to pinpoint leaks on water transmission, distribution and service pipelines throughout the Town starting September 4, 2019 and continuing until September 30, 2019.
Residents are advised that there may be temporary lane restrictions while the work is being completed. No significant impact to traffic is anticipated.
The Leak Detection Survey is used to identify any leaks and defects in the Water System. This data is then used to assist the Water department in fixing watermain and service leaks to eliminate water loss.
For more information, please contact:
The Town of The Blue Mountains is excited to announce the launch of Your View, the Town’s new online public engagement platform. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to join the conversation by visiting https://yourview.thebluemountains.ca.
Your View, will give residents greater access to share feedback and opinions on Town projects and initiatives, as well as the opportunity to participate in community discussions, surveys, polls and fun projects such as photo contests.
Andres Paara, Chair of the Community Communications Advisory Committee, explained that “Providing the public with methods by which they can have direct input and provide opinions to important matters & initiatives within our community is a key part of the mandate of the Community Communications Advisory Committee. We believe that this new online public engagement platform will greatly assist in accomplishing this".
All responses submitted through the online engagement platform will be reviewed by members of Council and staff. The goal of the platform is to create an open and positive online environment for idea sharing and collaboration.
“The launch of Your View is a big step forward in how the Town engages and communicates online with residents” explained Chief Administration Officer, Shawn Everitt. “The addition of this new online engagement platform allows residents and stakeholders to share feedback and participate in a discussion from the comfort of their own home.”
To participate, users are required to register for an account. Registration is a fast and easy process that can be completed in under two minutes.
Learn more and share your view by visiting: https://yourview.thebluemountains.ca
For more information, please contact:
Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282
The precautionary boil water advisory issued for the area of: Innsbrook Lane, Dolomite Court, Salzburg Place & Sleepy Hollow Road (111 to 135) has been lifted.
The Town has received two sets of consecutive bacteriological results which indicate 0 presence of E.Coli and 0 presence of Total Coliform.
Please run your taps for 5 minutes after which time normal water usage and consumption may resume.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.
For more information contact:
Water and Wastewater Services
519-599-3131 ext 284
The purpose of the application is to permit the creation of lots with reduced lot frontages and to construct single detached dwellings on the subject lands with reduced side yard setbacks.
The effect of the application is to provide the following relief from the R1-1-32-h6 zone:
The subject lands are located within draft plan of subdivision 42T-94004.
The purpose of this application is to permit the construction of a two-storey multi-use facility partially within the Open Space Exception zone applied to the lands.
The effect of this application is to provide the following relief from the Open Space Exception (OS-48) zone:
The proposed development is also subject to site plan control and will require site plan approval prior to construction.
The Town of The Blue Mountains is excited to announce the launch of new online services including online permit submissions, inspection requests, by-law enforcement complaint submission, and department-specific service requests and compliments.
The Towns online service system allows residents and stakeholders to access various Town services 24/7 from their computer or smartphone, and from the comfort of their own home.
Available online services include:
“The addition of new online services is a great example of the Towns commitment to continued customer service improvements” explained Chief Administration Officer Shawn Everitt. “We are hopeful that residents will find the Service Request System extremely useful as they can submit a service request directly to a Town department with the ability to include information, pictures and documents as appropriate. We look forward to hearing feedback on their initiative”
To use the system, please register for a free account and verify your email address. Once verified, users will have immediate access to the online services.
To access the online service, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/online-services.cfm
The purpose of this applicaiton is to consider a request to construct a single detached dwelling on the subject lands. The effect of this application is to amend Section 4.14 of the Zoning By-law so as to permit development on a lot which does not have frontage on an open and year-round maintained public street. If approved, the proposed site-specific amendment would permit Building Permits to be issued for the lands. The legal description of the subject lands is Lot 2, Plan 807.
Public Meeting: September 16, 2019 at 5:00pm
Location: Town Hall, Council Chambers
In a partnership between the Thornbury Harbour and the Thornbury Yacht Club, 106 life jackets were collected in support of the Operation Life Jacket (OLI) initiative.
The OLI program was developed by the Canadian Ranger Foundation and the Canadian Safe Boating Council to improve boating safety in First Nation communities in Northern Canada. In Northern Canada, the supply and availability of life jackets are limited and can cost in excess of $100 each.
To support the initiative, a public call for life jacket donations was led by representatives from the Thornbury Yacht Club. Many different varieties of life jackets were donated, including brand-new lifejackets with the tags still attached. In addition, dog and racing inflatable life jackets were also donated from the community.
The Town and the Thornbury Yacht Club would like to extend a special thank you to Gyles Sails & Marine for their support and promotion of this initiative.
Thank you to everyone who donated life jackets to the Operation Life Jacket project and showing your strong community support.
For more information, please contact:
Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
519-599-3131 ext. 282
Update - 11:30am on August 30, 2019
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to provide an update to the public regarding the watermain break and Pre-cautionary Boil Water Advisory.
The precautionary boil water advisory issued for the area of: Innsbrook Lane, Dolomite Court, Salzburg Place & Sleepy Hollow Road (111 to 135) has been lifted as of August 30, 2019.
The Town has received two sets of consecutive bacteriological results which indicate 0 presence of E.Coli and 0 presence of Total Coliform.
Please run your taps for 5 minutes after which time normal water usage and consumption may resume.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.
Update- 4:00pm on August 27, 2019
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to provide an update to the public regarding the watermain break. Earlier this afternoon, crews successfully repaired the break and completed the required procedures to flush the system. The free chlorine remained at an acceptable level at all times.
The Town has issued a precautionary boil water advisory to the impacted area as indicated on the map above. The precautionary boil water advisory is only applicable to the impacted properties as identified on the map. The precautionary boil water advisory will be lifted when the appropriate testing has been completed. In addition, residents within the impacted areas have received hand-delivered notices of the precautionary boil water advisory.
Town officials has been in regular contact with both the Grey Bruce Health Unit and the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks, throughout the day regarding the corrective actions.
Original Notice Posted
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public of a watermain break on Sleepy Hollow Road between Grey Road 19 and Kitzbuhl Crescent.
Town crews are on-site and are working to repair the issue. As a result, the Town has closed the impacted portion of Sleepy Hollow Road. In addition, homes within the area will experience very low water pressure.
Both the Health Unit and the Ministry of the Environment have been notified of the watermain break.
Further updates will be posted to the Town website when available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
For more information, please contact:
Operations Department
(519) 599-3131 ext. 284
Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282
The property owners would like to establish a primary residential use on the property, but retain the ability for limited commercial uses. The lands are currently zoned General Commercial Exception (C2-87-h). The Exception 87 allows for the commercial uses of the C2 zone, with the exception of a restaurant use, and does not permit a residential use. The Holding (-h) symbol requires a parking management plan prior to establishing a new commercial use. Note: the property was rezoned to the C2-87-h in 2017 from the Institutional (I) and Residential (R2) zones.
This application requests to change the zoning category from the General Commercial (C2-87) zone to the Bruce Street Marsh Street Corridor (BMC) zone, to be consistent with the adjacent properties. The proposed zoning would allow the conversion of the building to a 327 sq m residence, with an 81.4 sq metre retail store (or similar uses, in accordance with the BMC zone). The proposed zone would also have site-specific exceptions to recognize existing setbacks of the building on the site. No other development is proposed.
Public Meeting: September 16, 2019 at 5:00pm
Location: Town Hall, Council Chambers
The purpose of this application is to rezone the property from Residential (R3) to Residential Exception (R1-x), as a condition of the severance of two lots – one containing the Residential Dwelling, and a second lot containing the garage (to be demolished). The R1 category permits single detached dwellings and accessory uses. Note that these lands are an area still zoned under the Town of Thornbury Zoning By-law 10-77. The proposed Exception is to align the zoning category with provisions that match the new Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2018-65, not yet in effect for this property. The retained land will continue to be zoned Development (D), but is to be subject of a future plan of subdivision application and rezoning.
The property is also subject to severance application files B12-2019 and B13-2019, which were recently conditionally approved.
Public Meeting: September 16, 2019 at 5:00pm
Location: Town Hall, Council Chambers
For Curbside Collection, place batteries in battery bag (or clear resealable bag) and place on top of your blue box on your day of collection, from September 3, 2019 to September 27, 2019.
For Condos, place batteries in battery bag (or clear resealable bag) and place inside the designated pail in central waste area, from September 3, 2019 to September 27, 2019.
For more information visit our Waste Resource App:
TBM Waste Resource www.thebluemountains.ca/solid-waste.cfm
The Town of The Blue Mountains is excited to announce the launch of new branded t-shirts and hats that are available for sale at various retail locations throughout the community.
All items are available for $20.00 with the proceeds going to support the Community Grants and Donations Program.
The t-shirts and hats are available at the following locations. Additional locations will be added and updated as available.
For more information regarding the Community Grants and Donations Program, please visit: https://www.thebluemountains.ca/grants-donations-program.cfm
For more information, please contact:
Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public that a contractor will be conducting surface maintenance and treatment on specific Town roads starting August 22, 2019, and continuing until the end of the month.
Click to view a map of the roads scheduled for work: 2019 Surface Treatment Map
During this time, there may be minor traffic delays and temporary lane restrictions. The work is being completed as part of the Towns regular road maintenance schedule.
Tuesday, August 27th
Residents and visitors are encouraged to avoid parking on Harbour Street early in the morning on Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 while crews are completing road surface work. Thank you for your understanding.
For more information, please contact:
Operations Department
(519) 599-3131 ext. 276
Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282
The Agenda for the Special Meeting of Council on August 26, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. is available.
The Agenda for the Committee of the Whole Meeting on August 26, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. is available
For adidtional information, please visit the Council Calendar.
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public that a contractor will be removing biosolids from the Thornbury Wastewater Treatment Plant starting August 19, 2019 and continuing until September 20, 2019.
Residents are advised that there may be a slight odour as a result of transporting the biosolids. The removal of biosolids is being conducted as regular maintenance for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
For more information, please contact:
Operations Department
(519) 599-3131 ext. 284
Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282
Please be advised that effective immediately, the fee for Civic Addressing (which includes number assignment, required notifications, approved green blade signs, posts, fasteners and installation services) will be $250.00 (HST included) per building permit application.
This fee is assessed and collected with other permit fees and charges prior to building permit issuance. This new fee was approved by Council when the 2019 Fees & Charge By-law was passed.
The fee for replacement green blade signs has also changed to $41.80 ($37.00 plus $4.80 HST)
For more information please contact:
Allison Kershaw, Water and Wastewater Services Manager
32 Mill Street, Box 310
Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0
Email: managerwww@thebluemountains.ca
519-599-3131 ext 226
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public that through a department restructuring process the Infrastructure and Public Works Department has been renamed as the Operations Department.
Human resource and departmental changes have also been implemented within the Operations Department and Fire and Enforcement Services Department.
This notice has been provided to the public to foster transparency and organizational continuity during this transition period.
For more information, please contact:
Shawn Everitt
Chief Administrative Officer
(519) 599-3131 ext. 234
The Agenda for the August 14, 2019 Council Compensation Review Committee meeting has been revised to include:
For additional meeting details, visit the Council Calendar.
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public that a contractor will be completing CCTV inspections and condition assessments of Sanitary and Storm Sewers throughout the Town starting August 12, 2019 and continuing until October 31, 2019.
Residents are advised that there may be temporary lane restrictions while the work is being completed. No significant impact to traffic is anticipated.
The CCTV inspections are used to identify any defects or issues with the Sanitary and Storm Sewers and assess their overall condition. This data is then used to assist with asset management and capital project planning.
For more information, please contact:
Operations Department
(519) 599-3131 ext. 276
Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282
The Town of The Blue Mountains, on behalf of the Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation (“BMAHC”), has issued a Request for Information (“RFI”) from potential partners on attainable housing development. This RFI will be the first step in assessing opportunities for partnership in the development of attainable housing in The Town of The Blue Mountains (“TBM”).
“We are extremely excited to go to market with this RFI and determine the level of interest from both private sector, non-profit builders, and the local community” said BMAHC Chair Rob Sampson. “This is the first step to achieve our goal of building attainable rental and ownership housing in our community.”
The RFI will help BMAHC understand the level of market interest in the opportunity to partner in the development of attainable housing in TBM, any impediments or issues that need to be addressed prior to considering any next steps, a vision for the development of attainable housing in TBM that will meet BMAHC’s goals and objectives, and any conditions that may cause a builder to not respond to a potential future Request for Proposal. It will also help gather community input on potential attainable housing sites.
The lack of attainable housing is a significant issue in the Town of The Blue Mountains. Over 23 per cent of TBM’s population spends more than 30 per cent of their income on housing, which is a general market determinant of housing affordability. Housing attainability issues have had a negative impact on the local economy, with many businesses finding it challenging to fill job vacancies.
A recent survey funded by the Government of Ontario titled, “Creating Attainable Housing in South Georgian Bay”, found that housing is becoming increasingly out of reach for the local workforce. Sixty per cent of respondents indicated they would live in the area permanently if housing were affordable. Local workers, families, and seniors want to live in the area, but are increasingly unable to do so due to housing prices.
Since its creation in 2014, BMAHC has created two programs, a down payment assistance program and a grants program for secondary suites. BMAHC is now taking action to expand its reach to help develop attainable housing stock in the municipality.
BMAHC will continue engaging the public and council as they go through this process to ensure that its plans and any proposed developments are guided by local input.
Public engagement opportunities will be posted to the Attainable Housing Corporation’s website (http://thebluemountainshousing.ca) and advertised within the local media.
About The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation was established as a not-for-profit in January 2014 to augment the supply of healthy and sustainable ownership housing units that are affordable to a larger portion of the population. Its goal is to support the creation of more attainable housing opportunities for those living in the vibrant, diverse community of The Blue Mountains.
Media inquiries:
Rob Sampson
Chair, Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation
519-599-3131 ext. 408
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to provide details regarding the Request-for-Information (RFI) that has been issued by The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation (BMAHC). The RFI is a substantial step forward within the mandate of the BMAHC to help develop attainable housing stock in the municipality.
In consultation with StrategyCorp and Town staff, the BMAHC developed the RFI to assess the appetite for partnerships in the development of attainable housing within The Town of The Blue Mountains. The goal of the RFI is to assist the BMAHC in recognizing the opportunities and challenges of building attainable housing stock in the municipality through the lens and understanding of the development community.
The information gathered through the process will help the BMAHC develop a formal Request-for-Proposal (RFP) in which a proponent may be selected to lead and build attainable housing within the municipality. It is important to emphasize that further Council approvals, public consultation and planning and development approvals will be required prior to the final approval of a property for the development of attainable housing.
Residents are encouraged and invited to share feedback and input during the Request-for-Information process. Public feedback and input regarding the development of attainable housing with the Town of The Blue Mountains is valuable and important within working to address the attainable housing issues within the Town of The Blue Mountains.
How can residents provide feedback/input?
As part of the RFI process, the BMAHC has issued an online survey to gain insight and feedback from the public. Results from the survey will be considered by the BMAHC within the development of the RFP.
To access the survey, please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HTM78QM
Documents
The following documents have been included to provide additional information:
For more information, please contact:
Shawn Everitt
Chief Administration Officer
519-599-3131 ext. 234
Rob Sampson
Chair, Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation
519-599-3131 ext. 408
This Public Notice is being considered at the Committee of Adjustment Meeting on August 21, 2019 at 4:00pm
This Public Meeting Notice will be considered at the Committee of Adjustment Meeting on August 21, 2019 at 4:00pm
This Public Notice is being considered at the Committee of Adjustment meeting on August 21, 2019 at 4:00pm
This Public Notice is being considered at the Committee of Adjustment meeting on August 21, 2019 at 4:00pm
This Public Notice is being considered at the Committee of Adjustment meeting on August 21, 2019 at 4:00pm
This Public Notice is being considered at the Committee of Adjustment Meeting on August 21, 2019 at 4:00pm
This Public Notice is being considered at the Committee of Adjustment Meeting on August 21, 2019 at 4:00pm
This Public Notice is being considered at the Committee of Adjustment Meeting on August 21, 2019 at 4:00pm.
Please be advised that the email server for the Town of The Blue Mountains has been restored. Council members, Town staff, and Library staff are now able to receive and send emails. We sincerely thank all residents, visitors, and business partners for their patience as we have been dealing with the email outage. Many thanks to our dedicated IT staff who have been working tirelessly to solve the issues and build systems that avoid this problem in the future. Over the coming days, Town staff will be diligently addressing any email backlog that may exist. However, please understand that responses may be delayed. Mail containing time-sensitive information that was sent to the Town between Monday July 22, 2019 and Thursday July 25, 2019 is recommended to be resent to ensure timely responses.
For more information, please contact:
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to provide an update regarding the progress that is being made by The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation to help develop attainable housing stock in the municipality.
Earlier this year, the Attainable Housing Corporation retained StrategyCorp, an Ontario-based strategy firm, to support the corporation in building the in-house capacity to develop more attainable housing and to lead a procurement process for housing developments. Through working with StrategyCorp, Town staff and members of the Attainable Housing Corporation reviewed opportunities and assets that could be utilized towards the development of attainable housing in the Town. Within the process, numerous parcels of property were identified as potential sites for attainable housing. The list of potential properties was paired down after considering criteria to ensure that the shortlisted property options meet the needs of future attainable housing residents.
Staff Report PDS.19.94 Overview
On Monday, July 29th, 2019 staff report PDS.19.94, titled “Preliminary Property Options for Attainable Housing” will be presented by staff to Committee of the Whole for consideration. The following information has been included to provide a brief overview of the report.
If staff report PDS.19.94, titled “Preliminary Property Options for Attainable Housing” is approved by the Committee of the Whole on Monday, July 29th, 2019 it will be presented to Council for approval on Thursday, August 1, 2019.
There will be an opportunity for input and feedback from residents during the public comment period at both the Committee of the Whole meeting, and at the Council meeting.
To view the staff report, please visit: https://thebluemountains.ca/document_viewer.cfm?event_doc=2222
For more information, please contact:
Shawn Everitt
Chief Administration Officer
519-599-3131 ext. 234
Rob Sampson
Chair, Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation
519-599-3131 ext. 408
The Town of The Blue Mountains has received a Complete Application for Zoning By-law Amendment in accordance with the Planning Act and the Town of The Blue Mountains Official Plan.
Public Meeting: August 26, 2019 at 5:00pm, Town Hall, Council Chambers
Please be advised that while the Town email service is still unavailable, significant progress has been made by our IT professionals in rebuilding the email system. Thank you to everyone for their patience and adaptability. Please continue to monitor the Town website for updates on Friday July 26, 2019.
How to Contact the Town
To contact the Town during regular business hours, please call Town Hall at: 519-599-3131.
To ensure continued communication, the following generic email addresses can be used to contact Town staff:
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Blue Mountains Public Library |
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Please check the Town website for updates: www.thebluemountains.ca
A notice will be posted to the Town website when service is restored. Thank you for your patience and understanding
Emergency / After Hour Contact Information
In the event of a life-threating emergency, dial 9-1-1.
For bylaw enforcement, water, wastewater and roads related after-hour emergencies, please call:
For more information, please contact:
Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
519-599-3131 ext. 282
Please be advised that ash tree removal will be taking place along the Georgian Trail, from Grey Road 21 to Old Lakeshore Road, starting September 9 through to September 30, 2019. The trail will remain open while this work is being performed.
The Town of The Blue Mountains has received a Complete Application for Zoning By-law Amendment in accordance with the Planning Act and the Town of The Blue Mountains Official Plan.
Public Meeting: August 26, 2019 at 5:00pm, Town Hall, Council Chambers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
On behalf of the Council Compensation Review Committee, The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to provide an update regarding the ongoing work of the committee.
The Council Compensation Review Committee is an advisory committee of Council for the purposes of reviewing relevant municipal models and recommending a compensation package for elected officials that is fair and reasonable to both Council and the citizens of the Town of The Blue Mountains. The committee will present a report to Council outlining a proposed elected official compensation package by Fall 2019.
Prior to preparing the report outlining recommendations and initiating the Public Meeting process, the committee has extended an open invitation for members of the public to share feedback and input at the August 14, 2019 Council Compensation Review Committee meeting which will be held at 10:00am, Town Hall, Council Chambers. Please note: this opportunity for input is not part of the Statutory Public Meeting process but may assist in informing the initial report to Council.
If you are interested in submitting comments but are unable to attend the August 14, 2019 meeting, you may submit a letter of correspondence to the committee for review. To be reviewed at the August 14, 2019 meeting correspondence must be received by the Town by August 6, 2019. In addition, there will be further opportunities to provide comment during the Statutory Public Meeting process. Details regarding the Statutory Public Meeting process will be posted to the Town website when available.
The draft minutes of the June 26th, 2019 Council Compensation Review Committee meeting will be considered at the July 24, 2019 meeting. These minutes will provide an overview of key work the committee has undertaken in its compensation review. Once approved, members of the public may wish to comment on the following key items:
To view the approved minutes following the July 24, 2019 meeting, or for additional information regarding the Council Compensation Review Committee, visit the Committee webpage.
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For more information, please contact: Shawn Everitt Chief Administration Officer (519) 599-3131 ext. 324 |
For media inquiries, please contact: Tim Hendry Communications and Economic Development (519) 599-3131 ext. 282
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TAKE NOTICE that the Council of The Corporation of the Town of The Blue Mountains passed Borrowing By-law No. 2019-31 on the 15th day of July 2019, pursuant to the Tile Drainage Act, RSO 1990.
AND TAKE NOTICE that any person or organization may appeal by making an application or action to quash the By-law in a court of competent jurisdiction within four weeks after the By-law is passed, being no later than Monday, August 12th 2019.
The Borrowing By-law that was passed is a By-law to raise money to aid in the construction of drainage works under the Tile Drainage Act, RSO 1990. The Tile Drainage Act provides for ten-year term loans from the Province to individuals though their local municipalities. Through this program, property owners can access loan funding through their local municipality for the installation of tile drainage systems on their agricultural land.
At the time of the passing of the By-law, the maximum available to each individual farmer in one year is $50,000 and this limit is set by the Province of Ontario. The aforementioned By-law sets a limit of $500,000 total for any Tile Drainage Loans through the Corporation of the Town of The Blue Mountains. This By-law updates the current Borrowing By-law, 1989-81 of the former Township of Collingwood, however, no changes have been made to the borrowing limit.
Copies of the complete Borrowing By-law are available for examination during regular business hours (weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) in the offices of the municipality located at 32 Mill Street Thornbury, ON and on the website at www.thebluemountains.ca. For further information, please contact the Clerk’s Office.
Monday, August 26, 2019
Public Meeting at 5:00 p.m.
Town Hall, Council Chambers, 32 Mill Street, Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0
Notice is hereby given that Council of The Corporation of the Town of The Blue Mountains, at its regularly scheduled Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, August 26, 2019, will be holding a Public Meeting to receive comments on the proposed changes to the Procedural By-law. The Procedural By-law sets out the rules and regulations for the proceedings of Council, Committees and Local Boards.
Staff Report “FAF.19.120 Draft Procedural By-law for Council Consideration before Proceeding to Public Meeting”provides additional information regarding the proposed changes and proposed timelines. Copy of the Staff Report is also available through the Town’s website, www.thebluemountains.ca
The REVISED AGENDA for the Special Meeting of Council on July 16, 2019 is available.
Please note the start time is 7:00 p.m.
The revision includes the addition of an agenda item at D. and the addition of a By-law at E.1 as related to an amendment to The Blue Mountains Zoning By-law.
For details, please visit the Council Calendar.
The REVISED AGENDA for The Blue Mountains, Council Meeting on July 15, 2019 is available.
Please note the start time is 5:30 p.m.
The revised Agenda includes the addition of documentation at D.1.Deputation: Shawn McKinlay, President Royal Canadian Legion Branch 281 Beavery Valley Re: Cenotaph Construction Update - 229 Bruce Street Park Development and the addition of a Closed Session agenda item at K.
For additional details, visit the Council Calendar.
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation is considering the adoption of a Purchasing Policy for use by the Corporation which will outline the guiding principles of public procurement and the approach that the BMAHC will take when procuring goods and services “purchasing”. The detailed purchasing procedures, once approved, shall be consulted prior to proceeding with any procurement.
Date of Public Meeting: August 1, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. during the regular Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation Board of Director Meeting.
At the regularly scheduled May 21, 2019 Attainable Housing Corporation meeting, the Board of Directors for the Attainable Housing Corporation directed that the draft Attainable Housing Corporation Purchasing Policy be posted to the Attainable Housing Corporation website to receive comments from members of the public and Town staff utilizing the Town’s Public Meeting process.
The draft Purchasing Policy for The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation can be accessed through the Attainable Housing Corporation website.
Regular meeting dates for The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation are posted to the Attainable Housing Corporation website, along with the links to meeting materials, as applicable.
Attainable Housing Corporation website: http://thebluemountainshousing.ca/.
The Agenda is available for the Special Meeting of Council on Tuesday, July 16, 2019.
Please note the start time is 7:00 p.m.
For additional informaton, please visit the Council Calendar.
A REVISED AGENDA is available for the Special Meeting of Council on Friday, July 12, 2019.
Please note the start time has been revised to 8:00 a.m.
For additional details, visit the Council Calendar.
The Agenda is available for the Special Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, July 15, 2019.
Please note the start time is 11:00 a.m.
For additonal information, please visit the Council Calendar.
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to provide an update regarding the status of Deputy Mayor Odette Bartnicki.
The Deputy Mayor met with Mayor Soever and the Chief Administrative Officer Shawn Everitt today and advised that she intends to continue as Deputy Mayor.
For more information, please contact:
The Agenda for the July 3, 2019 Committee of the Whole meeting has been revised to include the following:
For additional meeting details, visit the Council Calendar.
This Public Notice is being considered at the Committee of Adjustment Meeting on July 17, 2019
The Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, July 18, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. has been rescheduled to Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.
Meeting location: Town Hall, Council Chambers
For additional event details, visit the Council Calendar.
This Public Notice is being considered at the Committee of Adjustment meeting on July 17, 2019
This Public Notice is being considered at the Committee of Adjustment Meeting on July 17, 2019
This Public Notice is being considered at the Committee of Adjustment Meeting on July 17, 2019
South Georgian Bay today announced that it has received a grant from the Ontario government to fund a Digital Service Squad to help main street small businesses improve their online capabilities.
As part of Digital Main Street, South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) received a $65,000 grant from the Ontario government to establish a Digital Service Squad to help small businesses in the downtown areas of Collingwood, Meaford, Stayner, The Blue Mountains and Wasaga Beach, to enhance their use of digital tools and techniques to better promote and sell online. The Squad will consist of a trained specialist who will visit and assist BIA-area downtown businesses at no cost to help them set up a Google Business Profile, conduct a digital-readiness assessment and apply for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant. The Squad will start visiting businesses before the end of May 2019
A joint program funded by Government of Ontario and delivered by the Ontario BIA Association, Digital Main Street helps improve how small businesses use digital tools and techniques to become more successful. Today’s digital economy is vital to small businesses, and DMS will help them adopt new digital technologies from e-commerce and social media to back-office systems such as payroll and inventory.
“Our government is committed to helping small businesses improve their competitiveness, create jobs and attract investment,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “That’s why I’m so pleased that the community of South Georgian Bay will benefit from the expertise of a Digital Service Squad to help small businesses embrace digital technology. Our investment in the Digital Main Street program will help to ensure that Ontario is open for business and open for jobs. “
“It’s extremely important for our government to invest in enhancing the digital capabilities of small businesses in South Georgian Bay,” said Bill Walker MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. “We’re providing them with the tools and training to take advantage of new digital opportunities that will help these businesses to expand.”
Digital Main Street offers two types of grants:
“South Georgian Bay SBEC clearly understands the power of Digital Main Street to help keep their multiple downtown cores vibrant and strong,” said Kay Matthews, Executive Director of the Ontario BIA Association. “Our small main street businesses are a critical contributor to Ontario’s economic, social and cultural health, and it’s vital that we work together to ensure their success. Digital Main Street will help the main street small businesses of South Georgian Bay compete in an increasingly digital world.”
Businesses within the participating municipalities will be introduced to the Digital Service Squad over the coming weeks. The Digital Service Squad will be administered by the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre and will be supported by the regions BIA’s, Chambers, Business Associations and Economic Development offices.
For further information contact the office of the South Georgian Bay SBEC at sbec@collingwood.ca
Members of the public are invited to join Town Council, staff and distinguished guests for the presentation of the ‘Best of The Best’ award for the Best Tasting Drinking Water in North America! Water samples and delicious cake will be provided.
Event Information:
For more information, please contact:
Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282
A REVISED AGENDA for The Blue Mountains, Council Meeting on June 24, 2019 is available.
Please note the meeting start time is 7:00 p.m.
The revisions include the Revised Agenda, a Deputation at Agenda Item B.3 and a Closed Session at Agenda Item J.
For additional information, visit the Council Calendar.
Please be advised that the property at 229 Bruce Street South in Thornbury is currently being developed and the existing Thornbury-Clarksburg Cenotaph at Jack Acres Park will be relocated to this site.
The property development will include walkways, flag poles, cenotaph and vegetation plantings.
Work is expected to be completed later this summer or early fall and in advance of the November 11 Remembrance Day Services.
At the Council meeting on June 3rd, 2019 a Notice of Motion was put forward by Deputy Mayor Odette Bartnicki and approved unanimously by Council. Since the meeting, there has been a lot of discussion and inquiries received by members of Council and staff regarding clarification and further information related to the motion regarding single-use plastics.
The motion unanimously approved by Council at the June 3rd, 2019 meeting consisted of the following three parts:
“Council supports the protection of the environment of the Town of The Blue Mountains through the reduction and future elimination of single-use plastic bags, straws, stir sticks and water bottles, and encourages all businesses, community members and visitors to avoid the use of these products whenever possible. Council recognizes and appreciates the efforts of all stakeholders towards measures that support the sustainability of the natural environment in the Town of The Blue Mountains.”
To help provide clarification, the following FAQ’s and answers have been provided:
The Notice of Motion was brought forward by Deputy Mayor Odette Bartnicki to address the issue of single-use plastics which is of particular significance in the Town of The Blue Mountains as a major tourism destination.
Other municipalities and cities across Canada, including tourist destinations such as Bayfield, Ontario, Vancouver, BC and world-class resorts such as Whistler Blackcomb have already started to consider this issue.
Council has referred any further consideration of single-use plastics to the Sustainability Committee.
A voluntary ban is a request from the Town to all stakeholders including the business community, residents and visitors to consider opportunities for the reduction of single-use plastic wherever possible. This resolution does not mean that the Town is prescriptively banning the use of single-use plastics. In addition, this statement does not require local businesses to eliminate single-use plastics from their operations, however it encourages local businesses to continue their commitment to sustainable environmental initiatives.
The Sustainability Committee is an advisory committee of Council with a mandate to support sustainability and further sustainable initiatives on a community and regional level.
The motion passed by Council gave direction to the Sustainability Committee regarding two specific items.
1) Report back by August 26th, 2019 to Council with recommendations on the following items:
2) That staff work with the Sustainability Committee and all stakeholders, including the business community, residents and visitors through a public consultation process to develop a plan for inclusion in the 2020 Budget to reduce and/or eliminate single use plastics effective July 1st, 2020.
“That Council directs staff to work with the Sustainability Committee and all stakeholders through a public consultation process, to develop a plan for inclusion in the 2020 Budget to reduce and/or eliminate single-use plastics effective July 1st, 2020”
This means that the Sustainability Committee and staff are directed to engage with stakeholders including the business community, residents and visitors to receive feedback and develop a plan that will be included within the 2020 budget with the target of reducing and/or eliminate the use of single-use plastics, with initial implementation of the plan effective July 1st, 2020.
The target date of July 1st, 2020 does not indicate that all efforts to reduce and/or eliminate single-use plastics will be in effect at that time. The plan will be implemented as of that date, but individual actions will be phased in as determined through stakeholder consultation.
Since the June 3rd, 2019 Council meeting, there have been announcements by both the Provincial and Federal Governments regarding a reduction and/or ban of single-use plastics.
Through the government consultation process, Council will work to ensure that The Town of the Blue Mountains policies can be coordinated with the plans put forward by other levels of government, and that maximum use can be made of funding opportunities which may arise.
The Town will engage in a public media program that encourages all residents and taxpayers to reduce their use of single-use plastics wherever they can. The Town encourages all residents and taxpayers to participate in the consultation and planning to be completed.
For more information, please contact:
Alar Soever
Mayor
(519) 599-3131 ext. 400
Tim Hendry
Communications & Economic Development Coordinator
(519) 599-3131 ext. 282
Grey County's 2019 Rural Guide is now available. The guide includes information regarding the following:
The Blue Mountains Community Watch
Crime Stoppers - Grey Bruce or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
For more community news please visit the following local news outlet links.
For information please visit our Public Engagement page.
Visit our Public Notices page for an up to date list of Town public notices and public information centres.
