MINUTES

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Monday, February 06, 2023 at 6:30 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

Corporation of The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal

Council Chambers, Spencerville Ontario

PRESENT:

• Mayor Tory Deschamps
• Deputy Mayor Stephen Dillabough
• Councillor Chris Ward
• Councillor Waddy Smail

REGRETS:

• Councillor Joe Martelle

STAFF:

• Dave Grant, CAO
• Rebecca Williams, Clerk
• Wendy VanKeulen, Community Development Coordinator
• Candise Newcombe, Deputy Clerk

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1.

Call to Order – Chair, Councillor Chris Ward

Councillor Ward called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m., thanked advisory members for their commitment to the Committee and noted the absence of Councillor Martelle. 

2.

Approval of Agenda

• Moved by: Councillor Smail
  Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Dillabough

  That the agenda be approved as presented.

  Carried

3.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest & the General Nature Thereof

None.

4.

Business Arising from Previous Committee Meeting Minutes (if any)

Committee inquired about receiving a report from the CBO regarding the work on Dundas Street, which was noted to have been included in a previous Committee of the Whole meeting. 

5.

Delegations and Presentations

a.

Ms. Katie Nolan, Executive Director of Grenville CFDC

Ms. Nolan provided a summary of the company's vision and mission, history, programs and services provided by Grenville CFDC, highlighting an upcoming community economic development workshop to be held in North Grenville on March 8. 

Committee discussed interest rates offered on loans, eligibility of agriculture businesses and CFDC's involvement with community organizations and the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.  

Members commented on the benefits of collaborating with the CFDC. 

6.

Action/Information/Discussion Items

a.

Live: Land Use Planning

1.

Application for Zoning Bylaw Amendment, 3106 County Rd 21 (Cleary)

Committee was provided with a brief summary and discussed the cost of rezoning, provincial "red tape" and severed lot sizes outlined within the Township's official plan. 

• Moved by: Mayor Deschamps
  Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Dillabough

  That Committee direct staff to proceed with scheduling a Public Meeting date for the zoning amendment application filed for lands at 3106 County Road 21.

  Carried

  Members clarified the minimum notice period of 21 days to notify residents prior to holding a public meeting. 

  
  

b.

Work: Economic Development

1.

Small Business and Trade Show 2023

Committee was provided a summary of the report and discussed including promotional items from the Port of Johnstown in the Township booth and the opportunity to promote the new aquatarium interactive display sponsored by the Port of Johnstown.

Members commended the Community Development Coordinator on the organization of the 2022 Small Business and Trade Show. 

2.

Community Improvement Plan Report 2022

Committee received a brief summary of the report and clarified the intent of the CIP program was to improve the main street area of the villages. Members confirmed that the remaining funds from the 2022 CIP budget would be allocated to the 2023 CIP budget.   

3.

2022 River Route Transit Report

Committee was provided with a summary of the report and discussed the merits of the project, value to the community, funding sources, estimated Township portion for 2023, ridership and financial commitments. 

A brief summary of the modernization funding and use to date was provided to the committee members. 

Members discussed additional ideas to promote ridership, including a focus on March Break and expanding hours of operation. 

Committee clarified the operating agreement with the City of Brockville for the continued contribution of bus and driver services for the project. 

• Moved by: Mayor Deschamps
  Seconded by: Councillor Smail

  That Committee recommends Council renew the River Route Transit Service Partnership Agreement for the upcoming period of April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 and that funding for the service come from modernization funding. 

  Carried

c.

Play: Recreation

1.

Legion Way Park Laneway - Winter Maintenance

Committee was provided a brief summary of the report and discussed past servicing practices, servicing accommodations for special events, effects of increased servicing on the operational budget, priority of snow removal services and the installation of additional signage to mitigate liability risk. 

7.

Inquiries/Notices of Motion

Deputy Mayor Dillabough requested the addition of a discussion item to the March Community Development meeting regarding the addition of a Community Improvement Plan for Johnstown. 

Mr. Dobbie requested clarity about the implications to municipalities with the passing of Bill 23. It was noted that a discussion item about Bill 23 would be added to the next meeting with additional information provided.  

8.

Question Period

The following questions/comments were raised:

• Recommended addition of a sidewalk along Sophia Street due to the location of the South Edwardsburgh Community Centre and recognizing accessibility needs.  

9.

Closed Session

None.

10.

Adjournment

• Moved by: Councillor Smail
  Seconded by: Mayor Deschamps

  That Committee does now adjourn at 7:53 p.m.

  Carried