Council Meeting
Previews & Highlights
Previews and highlights of upcoming and recent City Council and General Committee meetings, posted weekly on Fridays and Tuesdays.
General Committee and City Council meetings air and stream live on
Rogers Television. Formal channels to communicate with City Council include Circulation List and Deputations.
HIGHLIGHTS: General Committee and Council
7 p.m. Monday, May 13, 2019
Check out the full agenda at barrie.legistar.com.
General Committee
Public Meeting
Proposed new Development Charge Bylaw pursuant to Section 12 of the Development Charges Act, 1997 - The City of Barrie (May 13, 2019)(File: F21)
A Public Meeting was held to present and obtain input on a proposed new Development Charges Bylaw.
Development charges are designed to recover the capital costs associated with residential and non-residential (commercial, industrial, institutional) growth within a municipality. These capital costs are in addition to what would normally be constructed as part of a subdivision - such as internal roads, sewers, watermains, sidewalks, streetlights, etc.
New projects in the entire city have been identified and their costs updated through Barrie's Master Plans for roads, active transportation, water supply and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and stormwater control.
The capital costs for the growth of these services to 2041 is more than $2.2 billion. It's anticipated that Barrie Councillors will review a staff report on new development charges at the May 27 General Committee meeting, and that it will come to City Council June 17, 2019.
Barrie City Council
Committee Reports, Motions
Surplussing of City owned properties for the creation of affordable housing - 65 Vespra St. and 70 and 72 Victoria St. (Ward 2)
Council gave final approval to a motion that 65 Vespra St. and 70 and 72 Victoria St.be declared surplus to the City's needs, and that environmental studies and related work necessary to determine their development potential cost no more than $100,000, with funding from the Council Strategic Priorities Account.
City staff will develop terms for a public tender process seeking bid submissions from social or non-profit housing providers. This nearly 1.5-acre site was bought by the City to help support a new Fire Station 1, which was eventually built on the former Barrie (Dunlop) Arena.
There are known environmental issues at 65 Vespra and 70,72 Victoria St. resulting from historical uses of the former fire hall site at 65 Vespra St., and from migration of contamination on other nearby properties. Barrie's Affordable Housing Strategy recommends the development of affordable housing be a priority when considering the sale or acquisition of land by the City.
Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendment application - MDM Developments Inc. - 233, 237, 241 and 245 Dunlop St. W. (Ward 2)
City Council gave final approval to a motion redesignating and rezoning property to permit the development of an eight storey, mixed-use building with 93 residential units and ground-floor commercial space on the south side of Dunlop Street West, east of Boys Street, and south and west of Frances Street South.
This development will include private balconies and rooftop terraces, with exterior surface parking at the rear of the site. Environmentally protected land on the site's southern portion will be dedicated to the City and form part of Audrey Milligan Park. This motion will give MDM breaks on the minimum front yard setback, the minimum landscape buffer strip, paving on the front yard setback, maximum lot coverage and minimum commercial parking spaces.
The City has received written and oral submissions expressing concerns that include the building's height and density, insufficient parking, tree preservation and removal, traffic congestion and safety on Dunlop Street West, the environmental impacts on Bunker's Creek, Milligan's Pond and local wildlife, and shadowing on adjacent land uses.
Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) (All Wards)
Council gave final approval to a motion that Transit and Parking Strategy Development staff be given delegated authority to submit all capital projects deemed appropriate from the Transit Asset Management Plan, including the Allandale Hub, as well as projects from the City's annual capital plan, which are relevant for investing in ICIP to maximize potential Federal and Provincial funding.
Barrie has been allocated funding from these two government levels to invest toward project costs of $58.5 million, projects to be substantially complete by March 31, 2027. Expenditures could also include replacement and rehabilitation of Barrie Transit vehicles, expanding the transit garage and a downtown mini-hub.
The purpose of this ICIP public transit funding is to build new urban transit networks and service extensions that will transform the way Canadians live, move and work. This funding will pay for the construction, expansion and improvement of public transit networks.
Invitation to MPPs to attend City Council to provide Provincial updates
A motion to invite Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin and Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downey to attend a City Council meeting before the summer recess (July, August), to provide an update on Provincial matters, was given final approval by Council.
Investigation - Implementing no parking/stopping restrictions on the east side of Girdwood Drive between Clute Crescent and Coughlin Road
Barrie City Council gave final approval to a motion that Roads, Parks and Fleet Department staff investigate no parking/stopping restrictions on Girdwood Drive's east side, between Clute Crescent and Coughlin Road, and report back to General Committee.
Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) enforcement activities
Council gave final approval to a motion that correspondence be sent to the Ministry of the Solicitor General, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs requesting the Province adopt a provincial service delivery model for animal cruelty enforcement based on other provincial models or a hybrid of them. Municipalities would be given a minimum of six months to determine local regulations and hire additional staff.
Connected Core Pilot Program
A motion that the City provide $10,000 in funding, from the Council Strategic Priorities Reserve, to support the Connected Core Pilot Program, was given final approval by Barrie Council. The program involves hiring an individual preferably with lived experience of opioids, addiction and/or homelessness, to assist marginalized individuals connected with relevant, existing organizations in the community that provide services such as housing and/or mental health support.
It also aims to assist businesses by providing them with the tools and education to help better understand and interact with the marginalized population.This pilot program seeks to improve the local business climate, reduce calls to emergency services and assist individual in need. It will run from July 1, 2019 until Dec. 31, 2019.
The program is to be funded by four proposed partners - the City of Barrie, Barrie Police Service, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre and Downtown Barrie BIA.
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) - Nomination to the Board of Directors
Council gave final approval to a motion that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities be advised that Barrie City Council endorses Mayor Jeff Lehman to stand for election on FCM's Board of Directors for the period starting in June, 2019, and that the City assume all costs for his attendance at meetings and annual conferences during his appointment.
FCM has been the national voice of municipal governments since 1901 and has more than 2,000 members of all sizes, from Canadian cities and rural communities to northern municipalities, along with 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations. FCM represents more than 90% of all Canadians, from coast to coast, with municipal leaders meeting annually to set FCM policy on key issues.
Invitation to Sheba Shrine Club
Barrie Council gave final approval to a motion that Ron Greer, president of Sheba Shrine Club, be invited to attend the June 3, 2019 City Council meeting to make a presentation about the Shrine Parade, to be held in Barrie on June 15, 2019.
Special Event Policy exemption - Barrie Native Friendship Centre Pow Wow (Ward 4)
Council gave final approval to a motion that Barrie Native Friendship Centre (BNFC) be exempted from two sections of the City's Special Event Policy, concerning full closure of municipal property and charging a general admission fee, for the June 1-2, 2019 Pow Wow.
BNFC wants to fence its Pow Wow site at Sunnidale Park with a short snow-fence barrier for the safety and security of vendors, and charge $5 admission, excepting children 5 and younger and adults 55 and older.
The Pow Wow will feature traditional Indigenous dancing, drumming, singing and vendors. A sacred fire will be lit and maintained by a fire-keeper, and a feast will be held for all of the dancers, drummers and volunteers. The BNFC Pow Wow will be held in conjunction with Celebrate Barrie, which takes place on Saturday, June 1.
Infrastructure Master Plans (All Wards)
Final approval was given by City Council for six Infrastructure Master Plans relating to Barrie's growth from 2019-2041. The Master Plans relate to water supply, water storage and distribution, wastewater treatment, wastewater collection, drainage and transportation. When solutions outlined in the Master Plans are implemented, they will result in complete, connected communities where residents will continue to enjoy delivery of safe, clean drinking water to their homes and businesses, the collection and treatment of wastewater and stormwater for protection of the environment, and a transportation network that provides walking, cycling, busing and driving choices as people move around Barrie.
The Transportation Master Plan portion of the motion states that City staff will report back on strategies and funding mechanisms to advance the active transportation portion of the modal share targets in the Transportation Master Plan, including the possibility of allocating a larger share of annual gas tax funding for active transportation annually.
Active transportation is any form of human-powered movement, such as walking, cycling, wheeling, in-line skating, skateboarding and ice skating. It also involves combining transportation such as walking or cycling with public transit.
Following the 2009 Barrie-Innisfil Boundary Adjustment Act, the City undertook a number of studies to develop a strategy for managing growth. These plans are updated on a five-year basis. The 2017 Provincial Growth Plan permits Barrie to plan for a population of 253,000 people and 129,000 jobs by 2041.
Proposed use of Poyntz Street (closed) for vehicular access and City waterlot for floating dock - 185-205 Dunlop St. E. (Ward 2)
Council gave final approval to a motion that the closed portion of Poyntz Street road allowance, south of Dunlop Street East, be declared surplus for the purpose of an easement so that Northern Lights Enterprise Inc. can provide vehicular access to the proposed development of 185-205 Dunlop St. E.
As part of this motion, property owner Northern Lights would lease two City waterlots for the annual installation, removal and maintenance of floating docks, accessible for public use, for a five-year term. This is the former Lakeview Dairy site, where Northern Lights is proposing an 11 storey, mixed-use building with ground -floor commercial and residential uses above.
Transit Asset Management Plan and Financial Strategy (All Wards)
Barrie Council gave final approval to a motion that the Transit Asset Management Plan and Financial Strategy be approved in principle as a guiding document until 2041, with capital and service-level requests being approved through the City's annual Business Plan.
The Transit Asset Management Plan would also help with applications for Federal and Provincial infrastructure funding, and 10-year capital plans. Ontario municipalities are required to prepare and adopt a strategic Asset Management Policy by July 1, 2019.
Installation of Rainbow Crosswalk
A motion that Roads, Parks and Fleet Department staff install a Rainbow Crosswalk, across Simcoe Street at Meridian Place in downtown Barrie, was given final approval by City Council.
Its $7,000 cost will be funded by private donations in accordance with the City's Charitable Donation Policy, and installation is to be complete before Aug. 1, 2019.
The motion also says that $7,000 from Barrie's Community Benefits Reserve be committed to LGBTQ2+ initiatives, including but not limited to Pride celebrations and anti-bullying programs, and the city's director of creative economy be delegated authority to allocate those funds accordingly.
Rainbows are a symbol of the LGBTQ2+ community, and rainbow crosswalks have become a way for Canadian municipalities to show their support and acceptance.
LGBTQ2+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning) and two-spirited.
Direct Motions
Investment opportunities at Lake Simcoe Regional Airport (LSRA)
Council gave final approval to a motion that, in response to investment opportunities at LSRA and their associated timelines and key infrastructure requirements, City staff report back with a financing model - after consulting with other LSRA shareholders, contemplating cost sharing that dilutes the City's shares in LSRA and appropriate funding sources, including financial support from other government levels.
LSRA has been approached with several investment inquiries seeking land to expand and/or relocate businesses to the airport, specifically in its Northeast Commercial Area. Staff say these opportunities represent significant, quality employment and investment that would benefit the entire area.
This could involve expanding LSRA's runway to 7,000 feet in length (from 6,000 ft.) and 150 ft. in width (from 100 ft.). Water and sewer services could also be involved.
LSRA's Strategic Plan has been endorsed in principle by Barrie Council. The plan's first phase is to develop infrastructure to enhance corporate aviation at LSRA and its maintenance, repairs and operations business. It carries an estimated $27.5-million cost.
The airport is owned by Barrie, Oro-Medonte Township and the County of Simcoe, and is located on Oro-Medonte's 7th Line North.
Ontario Health Team in Barrie
Council gave final approval to a motion that the City of Barrie participate as a partner organization, and eventually a member of the governance committee, that includes membership from the Family Health Team, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), the Town of Innisfil, the County of Simcoe and other community partners, in support of an application for an Ontario Health Team in Barrie.
The Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute documents associated with the application for an Ontario Health Team in Barrie in a form acceptable to the City's Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The Ministry of Health and Long-term Care says Ontario Health Teams will provide a new way of organizing and delivering services in local communities; health-care providers - hospitals, doctors, home and community care providers, for example - are to work as one co-ordinated team.